Minerva Public School Wins Junior Boys Title at 65th Subroto Cup 2026
Minerva Public School, Mohali, defeated MIC EMHSS, Kerala, 3–2 to win the Junior Boys (U-17) title at the 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament 2026. The tournament concluded at Dr. BR Ambedkar Stadium.
Key facts
The 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament 2026 concluded at Dr. BR Ambedkar Stadium.
Minerva Public School CISCE, Mohali, defeated MIC EMHSS, Kerala, by 3–2 in the Junior Boys (U-17) final.
Chetan Tiwari, Punshiba Meitei and Md Azam Khan scored for Minerva Public School.
The Junior Boys category featured 83 matches across five venues in Delhi.
The winners received Rs 5 lakh, while the runners-up received Rs 3 lakh.
Saint Patrick's High School, Gumla, won the Junior Girls (U-17) category.
Manik Para Vivekanand Vidyapeeth, Jhargram, won the Sub-Junior Boys (U-15) category.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh presented the trophy, with former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina as Guest of Honour.
Exam relevance: Useful for sports and current affairs sections in UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways and state government examinations, especially questions on tournament winners, categories, venues and prize money.
India International Water Week 2026 Focuses on Climate Resilience and Water Finance
The third day of the 9th India International Water Week 2026 discussed climate-risk assessment, early-warning systems, glacial-lake monitoring, water-use efficiency, private capital and resilient water infrastructure. India and the Netherlands also signed two tripartite MoUs involving Indian and Dutch institutions.
Key facts
The event was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
A tripartite MoU was signed among the Central Water Commission, Kalpasar Department of the Government of Gujarat and Deltares, Netherlands, for technical support.
A second tripartite MoU among the same Indian institutions and TU Delft, Netherlands, focused on capacity building and training.
The forums discussed smart metering, water-use efficiency, climate-risk assessment and climate-resilient dam infrastructure.
Thematic sessions covered early-warning systems, glacial lake outburst monitoring, erratic precipitation and data-driven governance.
Startups, MSMEs and academia presented problem-driven water solutions through the Start-Up Forum.
Jal Jeevan Mission was reported to have provided tap-water connections to about 81.5% of rural households.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on water governance, Jal Jeevan Mission, climate adaptation, disaster early-warning systems, glacial lake outburst floods, India-Netherlands cooperation and public-private financing in the water sector.
11th Ayurveda Day 2026: Ayush Institutions Conduct Nationwide Outreach Activities
Ayush institutions across India organised awareness programmes, health camps, yoga sessions, academic events, medicinal plant drives and community outreach activities for the 11th Ayurveda Day 2026 under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.”
Key facts
The 11th Ayurveda Day 2026 was observed through activities conducted by Ayush institutions across the country.
Programmes included health camps, yoga sessions, awareness lectures, webinars, competitions, plantation drives and medicinal plant exhibitions.
RRAP-CARI, Mumbai, organised an Ayurveda Walkathon at Kharghar with more than 200 participants.
RARI, Itanagar, distributed 134 medicinal plant saplings between September 9 and 23.
NEIAH, Shillong, conducted health camps, student outreach, academic lectures, food festivals and plantation activities.
The Ayurveda Treatment Centre at Safdarjung Hospital organised a lecture for 164 first-year MBBS students and faculty members.
The activities focused on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, disease prevention, scientific research and evidence-based healthcare.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Ayurveda Day, the Ministry of Ayush, traditional systems of medicine, public health outreach and government-supported wellness initiatives.
Legislative Department Hosts Expert Lecture on Swachhata Se Samriddhi
The Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, organised an expert lecture on “Swachhata se Samriddhi” during the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026. The session focused on cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene, behavioural change and sustainable development.
Key facts
The lecture was organised by the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice.
It was held on 24 September 2026 at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi.
The programme was conducted as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026.
The campaign is being observed from 17 September to 2 October 2026.
Ms. Kulvinder Kour and Mrs. Archana delivered the expert lecture.
The speakers linked cleanliness with health, productivity, dignity and sustainable development.
The session encouraged responsible and sustainable cleanliness practices in workplaces and daily life.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Legislative Department, Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026, sanitation awareness and sustainable development.
SAIL reports record FY 2025–26 performance and expands value-added steel production
At its 54th Annual General Meeting, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) highlighted record production and revenue, growth in value-added steel, reduced borrowings and major supplies for national infrastructure and defence. The company also outlined plans to expand crude steel capacity to about 35 million tonnes per annum by FY 2030–31.
Key facts
SAIL held its 54th AGM on 24 September 2026 in hybrid mode at CSOI, New Delhi.
SAIL produced 10.7 million tonnes of value-added steel in FY 2025–26, accounting for 56% of total saleable steel.
The company introduced 28 new products for the infrastructure, automotive, energy and manufacturing sectors.
SAIL reported revenue exceeding ₹1,09,000 crore, an 8% increase over the previous year.
Borrowings declined by more than ₹5,000 crore, while PBT and PAT improved by 44% and 50.5%, respectively.
SAIL dispatched the first consignment of indigenously developed Vande Bharat wheels and supplied steel for five Indian Navy ships.
SAIL generated 5.61 million units of green power from a 4 MW floating solar plant at IISCO Steel Plant.
The company aims to expand crude steel capacity to about 35 MTPA by FY 2030–31.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on public sector undertakings, the steel industry, corporate financial performance, defence manufacturing support, renewable energy and India’s industrial capacity expansion.
India’s Expanding Global Economic Engagement and Global Value Chain Integration
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s growing engagement with the global economy, trade negotiations with multiple regions, and efforts to strengthen participation in global value and supply chains. He also discussed semiconductor demand, artificial intelligence, startups and private-sector space activities.
Key facts
Piyush Goyal addressed the Leadership Dialogue at the 13th PAFI Annual Forum 2026 in New Delhi.
He said India is negotiating with the world as a $4 trillion economy and has an economy of around $20 trillion on a purchasing power parity basis.
India is expected to grow into a $30 trillion economy, according to the Minister.
India is engaged in trade negotiations with Canada, Chile, Peru, SACU, Mexico, Maldives, Eurasia, Central Asia, Russia, GCC and Israel.
India’s semiconductor consumption demand is expected to exceed $150 billion annually over the next five years.
India has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with more than 120 unicorns.
The Minister highlighted the need to build capabilities in large language models and agentic models.
India was described as the third country to have a rocket launched into space by the private sector.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India’s trade negotiations, global value chains, purchasing power parity, semiconductor demand, artificial intelligence, Startup India and private-sector participation in space.
Government adopts a holistic approach to address emerging national security threats
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh stated that national security extends beyond protecting geographical borders and includes economic, energy, cyber, technological and information security. He highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen defence preparedness, strategic autonomy, indigenous defence production and diplomatic partnerships.
Key facts
Rajnath Singh described an exclusive focus on geographical borders as the ‘Perimeter Fallacy’.
Emerging threats include drones, cyber-attacks, lone-wolf attacks and disinformation campaigns.
The defence budget increased from approximately Rs 2.50 lakh crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 7.85 lakh crore in FY 2026-27.
Defence production reached an all-time high of approximately Rs 1.80 lakh crore, according to the address.
Defence R&D allocation increased from approximately Rs 13,700 crore in FY 2014-15 to over Rs 29,000 crore.
Twenty-five percent of the defence R&D budget has been opened to industry, start-ups and academia.
More than 5,500 items have been included in over 10 Positive Indigenisation Lists.
India is developing capabilities in drones, artificial intelligence, cyber security, electronic warfare, space and quantum technology.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India’s defence policy, national security, defence indigenisation, defence budgeting, emerging technologies, strategic autonomy and public-private participation in defence research.
National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Kishor Makwana conducted a spot inquiry at IIT Bombay regarding the death of Scheduled Caste student Sahil Wakode. The Commission reviewed the reported examination incident, institutional procedures, evidence preservation and the ongoing Mumbai Police Crime Branch investigation.
Key facts
NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana conducted the inquiry at IIT Bombay.
The matter concerns the death of Sahil Wakode, a Scheduled Caste student pursuing second-year B.Tech. studies.
Wakode was studying in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering.
The Commission examined allegations of caste-based discrimination and harassment made by the family.
The reported examination incident occurred during a mid-semester examination on 18 September 2026.
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the matter.
The NCSC directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage, electronic evidence, official communications and examination records.
The Commission sought a detailed Action Taken/Investigation Report from the authorities.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, constitutional and statutory safeguards for Scheduled Castes, protection against discrimination, institutional grievance redressal and investigative oversight.
Youth Safety & Smart Mobility Expedition 2026 Flagged Off in New Delhi
MoS for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra flagged off the Youth Safety & Smart Mobility Expedition 2026. Organised by PHDCCI and JK Tyre, the electric-vehicle expedition aims to promote road safety, responsible driving and smart mobility among young people.
Key facts
The expedition was flagged off from Transport Bhawan, New Delhi.
It is being organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and JK Tyre.
A convoy of around 50–60 electric vehicles will travel approximately 500 kilometres from New Delhi to Chandigarh.
The expedition focuses on road safety, traffic discipline, responsible driving and electric mobility.
Participants are encouraged to act as road safety ambassadors during the journey.
The Minister highlighted PM-RAHAT efforts to provide timely assistance to accident victims during the golden hour.
Sadak Suraksha Mitra is a Ministry initiative aimed at sensitising youth and encouraging support for road accident victims.
The expedition is linked to the promotion of alternative fuels and India's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on road safety initiatives, electric mobility, alternative fuels, PM-RAHAT, youth-focused government programmes and India's net-zero emissions target.
Seema Wins Bronze Medal in Women’s 10,000m at Asian Games
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Seema for winning the bronze medal in the women’s 10,000m event at the Asian Games. He praised her endurance, discipline and hard work.
Key facts
Seema won a bronze medal in the women’s 10,000m event.
The medal was won at the Asian Games.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Seema on her achievement.
The Prime Minister described her performance as determined.
He said the performance brought India a medal in this event after many years.
The achievement was associated with endurance, discipline and years of hard work.
Exam relevance: Useful for sports current affairs and questions on India’s performance at the Asian Games.
INS Sudarshini Arrives at Alexandria During Lokayan 26
Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at Alexandria, Egypt, on 23 September 2026 during its 10-month Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition. The port call aims to promote professional interaction and maritime cooperation between India and Egypt.
Key facts
INS Sudarshini arrived at Alexandria, Egypt, on 23 September 2026.
The visit was part of the Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.
The expedition commenced from Kochi on 20 January 2026.
The ship is scheduled to cover approximately 22,000 nautical miles across 18 ports in 13 countries.
INS Sudarshini is a three-masted barque and Indian Navy sail training ship.
The port call includes courtesy calls, cross-deck visits and professional interactions with the Egyptian Navy.
The expedition includes maritime training, outreach and strengthening of India’s ties with partner nations.
Exam relevance: Important for Defence and International Relations sections, especially India-Egypt maritime cooperation, Indian Navy training expeditions, naval diplomacy and the MAHASAGAR vision.
India Participates in ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation and East Asia Summit Meeting
India participated in the 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting and the 23rd ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation in Manila, Philippines. Discussions focused on regional economic developments, energy security, industrial clusters and the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement.
Key facts
The Indian delegation was led by Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Nitin Kumar Yadav.
The meetings were held in Manila, Philippines.
The ASEAN-India consultation focused on reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
The AITIGA review aims to improve trade flows and address existing trade asymmetries.
India-ASEAN bilateral trade reached USD 128.38 billion in 2025–26.
ASEAN accounted for 10.55% of India’s total global trade in 2025–26.
The ASEAN-India Business Forum 2026 was held on 23 September 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India-ASEAN relations, regional economic groupings, trade agreements, international trade and the Department of Commerce.
NBCFDC Provides Concessional Loans for Entrepreneurship and Education among Backward Classes
The National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides concessional financial assistance to eligible members of notified Other Backward Classes through State Channelizing Agencies and banks.
Key facts
Applicants with annual family income up to ₹5 lakh may seek assistance, subject to applicable eligibility conditions.
Under the Individual Loan Scheme, assistance can cover up to 85% of project cost, with a maximum loan of ₹25 lakh per beneficiary.
Individual loans up to ₹1.25 lakh carry a 7% annual beneficiary interest rate; loans above ₹1.25 lakh and up to ₹25 lakh carry an 8% rate.
Education loans of up to ₹25 lakh are available at an 8% annual beneficiary interest rate, with repayment of up to 10 years including the moratorium period.
The Group Loan Scheme provides up to ₹25 lakh per self-help group, subject to a limit of ₹1.25 lakh per beneficiary.
Group loans can cover up to 90% of project cost at a 7% annual beneficiary interest rate, and at least 60% of group members must belong to Backward Classes.
NBCFDC was incorporated on January 13, 1992, and promotes skill development, self-employment and economic activities.
A 1% annual timely payment rebate is provided under the published finance pattern and is shared equally between the channel partner and beneficiary.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government corporations, welfare measures for Other Backward Classes, concessional credit, self-help groups, education loans and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
FSSAI Proposes Amendment to Restrict Use of ‘Paneer’ Label
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed an amendment to restrict the use of the term “Paneer” to products made from milk-derived constituents. The draft aims to prevent misleading labelling and help consumers understand the nature and composition of food products.
Key facts
FSSAI proposed the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026.
The draft seeks to cover paneer made from constituents not derived from milk.
Products registered under the ‘Analogue in Dairy Context’ category would have to discontinue using “Paneer” in their nomenclature, labelling and marketing.
The amendment proposes changes under Regulation 2.1.1 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
FSSAI invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public.
The draft will be considered after 60 days from the public availability of the relevant Official Gazette copies.
The proposal has the previous approval of the Central Government under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on FSSAI, food safety regulation, consumer protection, delegated legislation and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
DRDO Signs First High-Value TDF Agreement for Indigenous 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator
The Defence Research and Development Organisation has signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement under the Technology Development Fund scheme with Zero mK India Private Limited for developing an indigenous 20 mK dilution refrigerator for quantum applications.
Key facts
DRDO signed the agreement under the Technology Development Fund scheme.
The industry partner is Zero mK India Private Limited, Alwar, Rajasthan.
The project aims to develop an indigenous 20 mK dilution refrigerator.
Dilution refrigerators provide ultra-low temperatures required for quantum computing platforms and related technologies.
This is the first high-value agreement under the Rs 500 crore TDF corpus approved for deep-tech and cutting-edge projects.
The project supports the objectives of the National Quantum Mission and promotes self-reliance in quantum technology.
The project is being monitored and supported by the Solid State Physics Laboratory.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on DRDO, the Technology Development Fund, the National Quantum Mission, quantum technology, advanced cryogenics and defence-industry collaboration.
Prime Minister Congratulates Indian Men’s Badminton Team on Asian Games Bronze
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the men’s badminton team for winning a bronze medal at the Asian Games and praised its passion, hard work and team spirit.
Key facts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the men’s badminton team.
The team won a bronze medal at the Asian Games.
The Prime Minister credited the team’s passion and hard work.
He said the entire team displayed great spirit throughout the competition.
The Prime Minister extended best wishes to the team for its upcoming events.
The message was shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on X.
Exam relevance: Relevant for sports current affairs and questions on national achievements and government statements.
Parinaaz Dhaliwal and Anantjeet Singh Naruka Win India’s First Asian Games Medal in Skeet Mixed Team Event
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Parinaaz Dhaliwal and Anantjeet Singh Naruka for winning the bronze medal in the Skeet Mixed Team event at the Asian Games. The achievement was described as India’s first-ever medal in this event at the Asian Games.
Key facts
Parinaaz Dhaliwal and Anantjeet Singh Naruka won the bronze medal in the Skeet Mixed Team event.
The event was held at the Asian Games.
This was described as India’s first-ever medal in the Skeet Mixed Team event at the Asian Games.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both athletes through a post shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on X.
Exam relevance: Useful for sports current affairs and questions on India’s first-ever achievement in the Asian Games Skeet Mixed Team event.
Indo-Africa Roundtable on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Held in New Delhi
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti convened an Indo-Africa Roundtable during the Second India International WASH Conference at the 9th India International Water Week 2026. Representatives from 22 African countries and international organisations discussed cooperation in water, sanitation and hygiene, with emphasis on community participation, digital governance, water-quality monitoring and climate-resilient services.
Key facts
The roundtable was organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
It was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, during the 9th India International Water Week 2026.
Ambassadors and representatives from 22 African countries participated.
India highlighted the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin as key examples of rural water and sanitation initiatives.
Rural tap-water coverage increased from 32.4 million households in 2019 to over 159.4 million households, according to the source.
More than 2.48 million women have been trained to use Field Testing Kits for water-quality surveillance.
The Sujalam Bharat initiative was presented as a digital public infrastructure for rural water governance.
Discussions focused on digital technologies, geospatial tools, community institutions, water-quality surveillance and climate resilience.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin, Sustainable Development Goal 6, India-Africa cooperation and rural water governance.
Swachhta Udyami Yojana Supports Livelihood of Waste Picker in Andhra Pradesh
Assistance under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana component of the NAMASTE scheme helped waste picker Chevuri Anjaneyulu of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, increase his monthly income and improve his family’s financial security.
Key facts
Chevuri Anjaneyulu is a waste picker from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
He is a 25-year-old member of the Scheduled Tribe community.
He and three other members received support for a group project on 19 June 2023.
The assistance was provided under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana component of the NAMASTE scheme.
The total project cost was Rs 35 lakh, including a Rs 17.5 lakh loan and a Rs 17.5 lakh upfront capital subsidy.
The support was provided through the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation.
The scheme helped him earn approximately Rs 10,000 more per month.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the NAMASTE scheme, livelihood support for waste pickers, capital subsidy and institutional assistance through the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation.
Kerala Cultural Artefacts Featured in PM Mementos e-Auction 2026
The 8th PM Mementos e-Auction 2026 features 32 mementos representing Kerala’s art, craftsmanship, maritime traditions, performing arts and social heritage. The auction is scheduled to remain live until 2 October 2026.
Key facts
A total of 32 mementos from Kerala are included in the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026.
Featured items include a Nettoor Petti, miniature Chundan Vallam and miniature Beypore Uru.
The Beypore Uru model was handcrafted by the National Skill Training Institute, Calicut.
Kathakali and Theyyam traditions are represented through artefacts and sculptures.
A Kerala mural painting was created by artists at the Institute of Mural Painting, Guruvayur Devaswom.
The collection includes a commemorative artwork marking 100 years of the Vaikom Satyagraha.
The auction is the 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction and is live until 2 October 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Kerala’s cultural heritage, traditional art forms, maritime traditions, government-linked cultural initiatives and the PM Mementos e-Auction.
