Weekly Current Affairs (September 2026 – Week 3) – Exam Revision Notes
1) International Current Affairs
Houthis Expand Control Along Yemen’s Red Sea Coast
The Houthis (officially known as Ansar Allah) have made major territorial gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast in September 2026, strengthening their position around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Reports indicate they captured areas including Mocha and Dhubab and reached Perim (Mayyun) Island, located in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
| Key Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Houthi Origin | Emerged among the Zaydi Shia community of northern Yemen; named after Hussein al-Houthi; rebellion began in 2004 |
| Key Events | Captured Sana’a in 2014 → Saudi-led coalition intervened March 2015 → UN-brokered truce began April 2022 → renewed conflict 2026 |
| Bab el-Mandeb Strait | Connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea; ships travelling Asia–Europe via Suez Canal pass through it; handles roughly 12–15% of global trade |
Eritrea–Ethiopia Tensions Rise
Eritrea accused neighbouring Ethiopia of destabilising the Horn of Africa on 12 September 2026. Eritrea became independent from Ethiopia in 1993, after which Ethiopia became a landlocked country. The two countries fought a major border war from 1998 to 2000, formally ending with the Algiers Agreement of 2000. In 2018, Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki signed a Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship. Abiy Ahmed received the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize partly for achieving peace with Eritrea.
India and MERCOSUR Expand Preferential Trade Agreement
India and MERCOSUR launched negotiations to expand their existing Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) on 14 September 2026 (Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal). Also signed: First Additional Protocol enabling acceptance of electronic Certificates of Origin (e-CoO).
India–Pakistan Naval Collision in Arabian Sea
An Indian Navy warship and PNS Hunain were involved in a collision in the North Arabian Sea on 15 September 2026. India described the Pakistani vessel’s conduct as contrary to Article 10 of the India–Pakistan Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements, 1991. The same provision had featured in a 2011 incident involving PNS Babur and INS Godavari.
Pakistan–China Boundary Joint Commission
India rejected the newly operationalised Pakistan–China Boundary Joint Commission after its inaugural meeting in Islamabad on 16 September 2026. The issue is linked to the China–Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 2 March 1963, under which Pakistan transferred approximately 5,180 sq. km in the Shaksgam Valley to China. India has never recognised this agreement and describes the transfer as illegal and invalid.
2) National Current Affairs
Mysuru to Host India’s First L’Étape by Tour de France
Mysuru, Karnataka will host India’s first L’Étape by Tour de France cycling event on 4 October 2026. Part of the official amateur cycling series associated with the Tour de France. NEB Sports organised it in association with Karnataka Tourism.
Varuna Elevated Corridor – Varanasi
The Varuna Elevated Corridor is a ₹10,998 crore urban transport project in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh; approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2026; total length: 43.218 km; connects NH-31 with the Varanasi Ring Road along the Varuna River; developed by NHAI under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Hyderabad Liberation Day
Hyderabad Liberation Day is observed on 17 September to commemorate the integration of the erstwhile Hyderabad State with the Indian Union in 1948 following Operation Polo. VP C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the 2026 celebrations at Parade Ground, Secunderabad, Telangana.
3) Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs
AP Launches ‘Trishul’ Strategy
AP CM N. Chandrababu Naidu directed police and district administrations to implement the “Trishul” three-pronged strategy, targeting: zero drugs, zero tolerance towards atrocities against women, and zero road accidents. State-level and district-level Trishul committees to be formed. Additional initiatives: De-addiction Centres of Excellence at Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Amaravati; and a “One Court–One Constable” system to monitor pending court cases.
Project Vasudha – APSSDC
The Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) facilitated overseas nursing employment in Germany under Project Vasudha, implemented with OMCAP and Skill Bee Pvt. Ltd. First batch: three nurses from Aditya Nursing College, Kakinada; underwent German language training in Rajahmahendravaram. Project Vasudha is a GoAP initiative launched in 2025 to equip youth with foreign-language skills and international employability.
AP Ranks First in India in Patient Safety Standards
Andhra Pradesh secured the first position in India in patient safety standards, scoring 86 out of 100 in the national evaluation highlighted during World Patient Safety Day 2026 celebrations (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NHM and NHSRC). Rankings: AP (86) > Madhya Pradesh (84.5) > Gujarat (83.5) > DNH & DD (83) > Tamil Nadu (82).
4) Polity & Governance
Uniform Civil Code – Article 44
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated in September 2026 that the government intends to implement UCCs in all NDA-ruled States before the 2029 Lok Sabha election. Uttarakhand already implemented its UCC from 27 January 2025.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| What is UCC | A common set of civil laws governing marriage, divorce, succession and inheritance, irrespective of religion |
| Constitutional Basis | Article 44, located in Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP); not directly enforceable by courts |
| Supporter Arguments | Promotes uniformity and gender equality in marriage, divorce, maintenance and inheritance |
| Opponent Arguments | Concerns about religious freedom (Article 25) and cultural diversity (Article 29) |
| 21st Law Commission (2018) | Favoured addressing discriminatory provisions within individual personal laws rather than immediately introducing a UCC |
| Uttarakhand UCC | Governs marriage, divorce, succession and live-in relationships; does not apply to members of Scheduled Tribes whose customary rights are constitutionally protected; operational from 27 January 2025 |
5) Economy
Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026
The Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026 comes into force from 1 October 2026 (President’s assent: 13 August 2026). Replaces the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891. Recognises records maintained in physical, electronic, digital, virtual and cloud-based formats, including at backup and disaster-recovery locations. Certified copies can be used as evidence; certificates may use manual, digital or electronic signatures.
New Development Bank
The New Development Bank (NDB) came into focus during the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Established by the original five BRICS countries; began operations in 2015. HQ: Shanghai, China. Currently headed by former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.
New UPI Framework
Under the new UPI framework clarified by the Ministry of Finance, all person-to-person (P2P) transactions remain completely free irrespective of amount. For person-to-merchant (P2M) payments:
| Category | MDR / Charge |
|---|---|
| P2P transactions (all amounts) | Free — no charge |
| P2M up to ₹2,000 | Zero MDR |
| Small merchants (P2PM, up to ₹1 lakh/month via UPI QR) | Zero MDR |
| P2M above ₹2,000 (general) | 0.4% MDR |
| Transactions ≥₹75,000 | MDR capped at ₹300 per transaction |
| Essential sectors (railways, telecom, insurance, fuel, agri inputs) — above ₹2,000 | Flat ₹5 per transaction |
| Capital markets (MF, securities, stockbrokers) | 0.02% MDR, capped at ₹300 |
EPFO Wage Ceiling Raised
The Union Cabinet raised the wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month. Effective: 17 September 2026. Estimated additional employees covered: more than 51 lakh.
6) Science & Technology
Melanoma – mRNA Cancer Vaccine
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer arising from melanocytes. Treatment was transformed by immune-checkpoint inhibitors. James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo received the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering immune checkpoints CTLA-4 and PD-1 respectively — blocking these “brakes” enables T cells to attack cancer cells. In August 2026, Moderna and Merck announced positive Phase III results from the INTerpath-001 trial of intismeran autogene, an investigational personalised mRNA-based cancer therapy.
7) Environment
South West Monsoon 2026
Andhra Pradesh recorded a 42% rainfall deficit during the Southwest Monsoon 2026 (as of 16 September) — jointly the third-highest deficit in the country. AP received only 255.3 mm against the normal 442.3 mm (1 June–16 September). AP had the highest rainfall deficit among Southern Peninsula States/UTs.
| Rank | State/UT | Deficit |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (Highest) | Meghalaya | 59% |
| 2nd | Manipur | 43% |
| 3rd (Joint) | Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh | 42% |
| 5th (Joint) | Punjab and Puducherry | ~40% |
8) Defence
Colombo Security Conclave Table Top Exercise 2026
A three-day Table Top Exercise (TTX) under the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was conducted from 9–11 September 2026 at the Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Origin | Traced to a 2011 trilateral maritime-security arrangement (India, Sri Lanka, Maldives); revived and developed into CSC in 2020 |
| Mauritius joined | 2022 (as full member) |
| Bangladesh and Seychelles | Inducted as full members at the 7th NSA-level meeting in New Delhi, November 2025 |
| Current Members (6) | India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh and Seychelles |
9) Schemes
Aadi Farmer Carbon Programme
India disbursed its first-ever soil carbon payments to farmers — more than ₹2.9 crore to 2,550 farmers in Punjab and Haryana through DBT. First payments released at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana on 17 September 2026.
Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana
PMKKKY was launched on 17 September 2015 to ensure communities and areas affected by mining receive a share of benefits. Implemented through District Mineral Foundations (DMFs).
10) Awards & Honours
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024
Veteran actor Anant Nag has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 — India’s highest honour in cinema. Award to be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 September 1948, Karnataka |
| Film Debut | Kannada: Sankalpa | Hindi: Ankur |
| Career | 300+ films across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Marathi | TV: Malgudi Days |
| Other Honours | Padma Bhushan 2025 |
11) Ranks & Reports
Global Gender Gap Index 2026
India retained the 131st position out of 145 economies in the Global Gender Gap Index 2026 (WEF, released 16 September 2026). India closed 64.5% of its gender gap. Globally, 69.2% of the gender gap has been closed; full parity estimated ~120 years away. The 2026 report marks the 20th edition of the index.
| Rank | Country | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Iceland | 93% gender parity |
| 2nd | Finland | |
| 3rd | Norway | |
| 79th | Bangladesh | Best-performing South Asian country |
| 131st | India | 64.5% gap closed |
| 143rd | Pakistan | |
| 145th (Last) | Chad |
India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025
NITI Aayog launched the second edition of the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025 on 16 September 2026. Developed with WRI India. Assesses all 28 States and 8 UTs during January–December 2025 through 16 indicators under 3 themes.
| Theme | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Transport Electrification Progress | 50% |
| Charging Infrastructure Readiness | 30% |
| EV Research and Innovation Status | 20% |
12) Committees & Conferences
Dryland Congress 2026
The Dryland Congress 2026 (second edition) was held from 10–12 September 2026 at NASC, New Delhi. Jointly organised by ICAR and ICRISAT. Theme: “Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South–South Cooperation.” Proposed outcome: Delhi Declaration on Dryland (3D). Key facts: drylands cover ~45% of the world’s land surface and are home to more than 2 billion people. Marked 50 years of ICAR–ICRISAT partnership. ICRISAT HQ: Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana.
18th BRICS Summit 2026
The 18th BRICS Summit was held on 12–13 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under India’s Chairship. Theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” (BRICS). India’s fourth Chairship after 2012, 2016 and 2021. Also marks 20 years of BRICS cooperation since its formal establishment in 2006. Adopted: BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026.
| Key Outcome | Detail |
|---|---|
| Global Governance | Called for reforms in the UN and UNSC to increase representation of developing countries |
| Pahalgam Attack | Strongly condemned the 22 April 2025 terrorist attack in J&K (26 killed); called for zero tolerance towards terrorism and cross-border terror financing |
| Economic Cooperation | Faster and cheaper cross-border payment systems | Trade and investment in local currencies |
| New India Proposals | BRICS Risk Lab at GIFT City (insurance/reinsurance) | BRICS Incubator Network | BRICS Startup Innovation Fund | NIMHANS (Bengaluru) to coordinate BRICS network for mental health | BRICS Urban Mobility Hub |
| Next Chair | China — BRICS Chairship 2027; 19th BRICS Summit in China |
World Circular Economy Forum 2026
WCEF 2026 held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat (15–16 September 2026). Theme: “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity.” First WCEF hosted in South Asia. Global initiative of Finland and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. First WCEF: Helsinki, Finland, 2017. WCEF 2027 baton handed over to Columbia University, United States.
13) Person in News
Acharya Vinoba Bhave – 131st Birth Anniversary
Acharya Vinoba Bhave was born on 11 September 1895 in Maharashtra. Full name: Vinayak Narahari Bhave. Close disciple of Mahatma Gandhi; selected by Gandhi as the first Individual Satyagrahi in 1940 (Jawaharlal Nehru was the second).
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Bhoodan Movement | Launched at Pochampally, present-day Telangana, on 18 April 1951; landowners persuaded to voluntarily donate land to landless people; first major donation: 100 acres by Vedre Ramachandra Reddy |
| Associated Movements | Bhoodan, Gramdan and Sarvodaya |
| Famous Call | “Jai Jagat” — signifies welfare and unity of humanity beyond national boundaries |
| Ramon Magsaysay Award | 1958 |
| Bharat Ratna | 1983 (posthumous) |
| Died | 15 November 1982 |
14) Important Days
World Ozone Day – 16 September
World Ozone Day (International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer) is observed every year on 16 September, commemorating the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on 16 September 1987.
World Patient Safety Day – 17 September
World Patient Safety Day is observed every year on 17 September; an official global public health day of the WHO. 2026 theme: “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases.”
15) Sports
Joe Root Breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s Record
England captain Joe Root became the batter with the most half-centuries in Test cricket, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s record during the third Test against Pakistan. Root now has 69 Test fifties, surpassing Tendulkar’s previous record of 68.
India Wins Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026
The Indian women’s cricket team won the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, defeating defending champions Sri Lanka in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE. India’s record eighth title. Player of the Match: Shafali Verma.
Abhishek Sharma – Fastest T20I Century
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma scored a century in just 30 balls against Afghanistan in the 3rd T20I at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on 17 September 2026. Became the fastest T20I century by an Indian and the fastest T20I hundred against a Test-playing nation.
16) Miscellaneous
Operation Deep Manifest
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized more than 362 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin dry dates under ‘Operation Deep Manifest’. The operation targets illegal imports of Pakistan-origin goods routed through third countries to conceal their actual origin, circumventing India’s prohibition on imports from Pakistan.
Nuakhai and Samvatsari
Nuakhai is an important agrarian and harvest festival of Western Odisha, especially associated with the Sambalpur region. “Nuakhai” broadly means “eating the new crop.” The first produce of the new harvest is traditionally offered to the presiding deity before being consumed by families.
Samvatsari is an important Jain religious observance centred on repentance, forgiveness and self-purification; observed mainly by followers of the Shvetambara Jain tradition; marks the final day of the eight-day Paryushan festival.
SPROUT (Climate-Resilient Crops)
| Acronym | Full Form | Purpose / Ministry |
|---|---|---|
| SPROUT | SpeedSeed Phenotyping and Resource Optimization for Unified Trait Analysis | Facility for climate-resilient crop development at BRIC-NIPGR (BRIC-National Institute of Plant Genome Research), New Delhi; inaugurated 15 September 2026 |
| TAPAS | Training for Augmenting Productivity and Services | Online learning management platform of the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| SHREYAS | Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme | Supports educational opportunities for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) |
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | One-Line Summary |
|---|---|
| AP – ‘Trishul’ Strategy | AP CM Chandrababu Naidu launched the three-pronged “Trishul” strategy targeting zero drugs, zero tolerance towards atrocities against women, and zero road accidents; State-level and district-level Trishul committees to monitor implementation; additional: De-addiction Centres of Excellence at Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Amaravati, and “One Court–One Constable” system to monitor pending court cases. |
| AP – Patient Safety Rank 1st in India | Andhra Pradesh secured 1st rank in India in patient safety standards, scoring 86 out of 100 in the national evaluation highlighted during World Patient Safety Day 2026 (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NHM, NHSRC); ranks: AP (86) > MP (84.5) > Gujarat (83.5) > DNH & DD (83) > Tamil Nadu (82). |
| Uniform Civil Code – Article 44 | UCC = common civil laws for marriage, divorce, succession and inheritance irrespective of religion; constitutional basis: Article 44 in Part IV (DPSP), not directly enforceable; supporters cite uniformity and gender equality (Articles 14, 15); critics cite religious freedom (Article 25) and cultural rights (Article 29); 21st Law Commission (2018) favoured reform within personal laws rather than a UCC; Uttarakhand UCC operational from 27 January 2025 (does not apply to Scheduled Tribes); Amit Shah stated government intends to implement UCCs in all NDA States before 2029 Lok Sabha election. |
| EPFO Wage Ceiling – ₹25,000 | Union Cabinet raised EPFO mandatory coverage wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month, effective 17 September 2026; expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory EPFO coverage; contribution structure: employee contributes 12% of EPF wages to EPF; employer’s 8.33% goes to EPS, remaining 3.67% to EPF; employees do not directly contribute to EPS. |
| South West Monsoon 2026 | AP recorded a 42% rainfall deficit during SW Monsoon 2026 as of 16 September — jointly third-highest in India; received 255.3 mm against normal 442.3 mm; AP had the highest deficit among Southern Peninsula States/UTs; Meghalaya was worst (59%), followed by Manipur (43%); IMD classification: Deficient = 20%–59% below normal; Large Deficient = 60%–99% below normal. |
| Colombo Security Conclave | CSC TTX held 9–11 September 2026 at Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam; CSC originated as a 2011 trilateral arrangement (India, Sri Lanka, Maldives), revived as CSC in 2020; Mauritius joined as full member in 2022; Bangladesh and Seychelles inducted as full members at the 7th NSA-level meeting, New Delhi, November 2025; current members (6): India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh and Seychelles. |
| Aadi Farmer Carbon Programme | India’s first-ever soil carbon payments to farmers — more than ₹2.9 crore disbursed to 2,550 farmers in Punjab and Haryana via DBT, first released at PAU Ludhiana on 17 September 2026; Aadi programme launched by Grow Indigo (2019) with ICAR guidance; practices: Direct Seeded Rice, reduced tillage, crop-residue management; credits under Verra VM0042 methodology; covers 2 million+ acres, 1 lakh+ farmers across 7 States; farmers received ~₹3,000–₹15,000 per farmer. |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 – Anant Nag | Veteran actor Anant Nag selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024: This award carries Swarna Kamal, a shawl and ₹10 lakh. |
| Global Gender Gap Index 2026 – India 131st | India retained 131st rank (of 145) in the Global Gender Gap Index 2026 (WEF, 16 September 2026, 20th edition); India closed 64.5% of its gender gap; globally 69.2% closed; full parity ~120 years away; index measures Economic Participation, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment; Iceland 1st (93%), Finland 2nd, Norway 3rd; Chad 145th (last) |
| India Electric Mobility Index 2025 | NITI Aayog launched IEMI 2025 (2nd edition) on 16 September 2026, developed with WRI India; assesses all 28 States and 8 UTs through 16 indicators under 3 themes: Transport Electrification Progress (50%), Charging Infrastructure Readiness (30%), EV Research and Innovation (20%); Delhi topped with 84, Maharashtra 2nd (78), Karnataka 3rd (73); Karnataka: highest Charging Infrastructure Readiness score (97); Andhra Pradesh: score 52, 9th overall. |
| World Circular Economy Forum 2026 | WCEF 2026 held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat (15–16 September 2026); first WCEF in South Asia; theme “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity”. |
| Joe Root – Most Test Fifties | England captain Joe Root broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most half-centuries in Test cricket during the third Test against Pakistan; Root now has 69 Test fifties, surpassing Tendulkar’s previous record of 68. |
| India Wins Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 | India won the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, defeating defending champions Sri Lanka in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE; India’s record 8th title; Player of the Match: Shafali Verma. |
| Abhishek Sharma – Fastest T20I Century | Indian opener Abhishek Sharma scored a century in 30 balls against Afghanistan in the 3rd T20I at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on 17 September 2026; fastest T20I century by an Indian and the fastest T20I hundred by any batter against a Test-playing nation. |
| SPROUT | TAPAS | SHREYAS | SPROUT (SpeedSeed Phenotyping and Resource Optimization for Unified Trait Analysis) | TAPAS (Training for Augmenting Productivity and Services) | SHREYAS (Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme) |
