Daily Current Affairs & GK – 8 September 2026
Here is the Daily Current Affairs and GK for 8 September 2026, prepared for UPSC, SSC, IBPS, Banking, RRB, NTPC, State PSC and other competitive examinations. These updates focus on important national and international developments, economy and banking, appointments, science and technology, sports and culture, awards and recognition, important days and static GK.
National
1. ₹35,000 crore development projects launched in Vadodara
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid foundation stones for development projects worth more than ₹35,000 crore in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The projects cover railways, highways, housing, water supply and other infrastructure. The programme also marked completion of more than 2,800 km of the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs). The Prime Minister highlighted the role of DFCs in improving freight movement and reducing logistics time and costs.
2. Dedicated Freight Corridor crosses major milestone
The completed DFC network now covers more than 2,800 km. According to the government, more than 430 freight trains operate daily on the Eastern and Western corridors.
The corridors allow freight trains to operate separately from passenger services and have reduced the time taken to transport goods over several routes.
3. Free online coaching for competitive examinations announced
The Prime Minister reiterated the government's plan to provide free online coaching for students preparing for competitive examinations, with the objective of reducing the financial burden of coaching on students and families.
The announcement was made during the Vadodara programme as part of a broader focus on youth skills and employability.
4. Vinai Kumar Saxena given additional charge of Jammu & Kashmir
President Droupadi Murmu appointed Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, to discharge the functions of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir in addition to his existing responsibilities, during the absence on leave of Manoj Sinha.
5. 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026
The government highlighted the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah, which began in September 2026 with special emphasis on Anganwadi Centres, dietary diversity, protein-rich nutrition, early childhood development and community ownership.
The 2026 theme is “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari.” The campaign also marks 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).
6. PM-SETU approves ₹735.70 crore for ITI transformation
The fifth National Steering Committee meeting of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) approved Strategic Investment Plans worth ₹735.70 crore.
The latest approval takes cumulative PM-SETU investment to approximately ₹2,171 crore across nine ITI clusters. The programme aims to modernise Industrial Training Institutes and strengthen industry-led vocational training.
International
1. India-Morocco first Joint Defence Committee meeting
The inaugural India-Morocco Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting was held in New Delhi on 8 September.
The two sides discussed training and education, peacekeeping operations, military exercises, medical cooperation, cyber defence and defence industries. They also agreed to explore co-production, joint ventures, technology collaboration, maintenance and sustainment.
The meeting comes as India-Morocco bilateral relations approach their 70th anniversary in 2027.
2. India-Japan forest cooperation
The 7th India-Japan Joint Working Group on Forests was held in Bengaluru.
Discussions covered Trees Outside Forests, forest genetics and Forest Stack, including forest inventory, geospatial technologies, monitoring and conservation. The two countries endorsed a 2027–2031 roadmap under their 2015 Memorandum of Cooperation on forests.
3. India and Japan strengthen air-defence cooperation
The Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force announced Exercise Veer Guardian-2026, scheduled at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 9–22 September 2026.
The Indian side is participating with LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale, while Japan is participating with its F-2A fighter aircraft. The exercise focuses on advanced air operations, mission planning, aerospace safety and professional exchanges.
4. Indian Navy Chief to visit Australia and New Zealand
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan is scheduled to visit Australia and New Zealand from 9 September 2026.
The visit aims to strengthen bilateral naval cooperation, particularly maritime security and regional cooperation with the Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy.
Economy and Banking
1. Global Fintech Fest 2026 begins in Mumbai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 7th Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026 in Mumbai.
The event is being held from 8–11 September 2026. Its theme is:
“Potential to Impact: Agentic AI, Tokenisation, Quantum – Trusted, Connected, Global Systems for Inclusive Finance.”
The discussions focus on digital public infrastructure, UPI, AI, tokenisation, quantum technologies, financial inclusion, cybersecurity and consumer protection.
2. UPI records more than 24 billion transactions in August
At the Global Fintech Fest, the Prime Minister highlighted that UPI processed more than 24 billion transactions in August 2026.
UPI was also reported to be live in 11 countries. Discussions at the festival emphasised expanding UPI's international footprint and integrating payment systems with partner countries.
3. RBI likely intervenes as rupee weakens
The Indian rupee fell to around ₹94.68 per US dollar on 8 September amid rising crude-oil prices and geopolitical concerns.
Reuters reported that state-run banks were seen selling dollars around the ₹94.70 level, likely acting on behalf of the Reserve Bank of India. Brent crude was around $97.5 per barrel during the session.
4. Financial Fraud Risk Indicator prevents over ₹5,000 crore of suspected fraud
The Department of Telecommunications' Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) has helped prevent suspected cyber-fraud transactions worth more than ₹5,000 crore since its launch on 22 May 2025.
The amount prevented had reached ₹5,043.73 crore by August 2026, according to the government. The system operates through the Digital Intelligence Platform and helps financial institutions identify high-risk mobile numbers linked to suspected fraud.
5. DFC completion supports logistics efficiency
The completion of more than 2,800 km of Dedicated Freight Corridors represents a major infrastructure development for India's freight and logistics sector.
The government highlighted faster freight movement, lower transportation time and better connectivity between production centres, ports and markets.
Appointments
1. Vinai Kumar Saxena given additional charge of J&K
Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, was given additional charge of the office of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir during the leave of Manoj Sinha.
2. Judges appointed to Chhattisgarh and Gauhati High Courts
The President appointed Santosh Sharma, Sushma Sawant and Sudhir Kumar as Judges of the Chhattisgarh High Court.
Nchumbemo Mozhui and Helen Dawngliani were appointed as Additional Judges of the Gauhati High Court. The appointments were made in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
Science and Technology
1. NIXI and APNIC sign partnership agreement
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) signed an MoU during APNIC 62 in Mumbai.
The agreement focuses on internet development, technical capacity building, community outreach and routing security. APNIC 62 is being hosted in India from 8–10 September 2026, marking the return of the event to India after 14 years.
2. STPI Electropreneur Summit 2026
The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) organised the Electropreneur Summit 2026 at IIIT-Delhi.
An Open Challenge Programme was launched to identify and support innovative startups working in Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM).
3. IAF Dronathon 2026 announced
The Indian Air Force announced Dronathon-2026, scheduled at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer from 14–16 September.
The event will showcase unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS technologies, including surveillance, reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies and electronic warfare.
4. PM-SETU and future-ready skills
PM-SETU's latest ₹735.70-crore approval is intended to support modern, industry-led ITIs and strengthen training in future-oriented skills needed by industry.
Sports and Culture
1. 503-member Indian contingent receives Asian Games send-off
The Indian contingent for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan received an official send-off in New Delhi.
The contingent comprises 503 athletes and support personnel, and the official jersey was unveiled by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, IOA President P. T. Usha and other officials.
2. Bangladesh qualify for Women's Asia Cup semi-final against India
Bangladesh defeated the United Arab Emirates by 34 runs in Dubai and secured the fourth semi-final spot in the Women's Asia Cup 2026.
Bangladesh will face India in the semi-final, while Sri Lanka will meet Pakistan in the other semi-final. Rabeya Khan recorded figures of 3/14 for Bangladesh.
3. Global Chess League 2026
The Global Chess League 2026 continued in Bengaluru.
On 8 September, FYERS American Gambits defeated PBG Alaskan Knights, while Triveni Continental Kings defeated Alpine APL Pipers. The league is a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDE and features teams combining established players and young prodigies.
4. Dr Bhupen Hazarika's birth centenary
8 September 2026 marked the 100th birth anniversary of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, legendary Assamese singer, composer, lyricist and filmmaker.
He was known for taking the cultural voice of Assam and Northeast India to audiences across the country.
Awards and Recognition
1. 72nd National Film Awards ceremony announced
The government announced that the 72nd National Film Awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat.
The National Film Awards were instituted in 1954 and recognise excellence in Indian cinema across feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema.
2. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Puraskar 2026
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes, under Chairman Kishor Makwana, was selected for the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Puraskar 2026. The award was scheduled to be presented during the 16th Sansad Ratna Awards 2026 in Delhi.
Days Observed
1. International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day is observed every year on 8 September.
UNESCO proclaimed the day in 1966 to highlight the importance of literacy for individuals, communities and societies. Literacy is closely connected with education, employment, empowerment and sustainable development.
2. International Day to Protect Education from Attack
The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is observed on 9 September, established by UN General Assembly Resolution 74/275.
It calls attention to attacks on schools, students and teachers during armed conflicts. Since the date falls on 9 September, it is included here as the immediately following important observance rather than as an event occurring on 8 September.
3. World Physiotherapy Day
World Physiotherapy Day is observed globally on 8 September. The day raises awareness about physiotherapy's contribution to mobility, rehabilitation, prevention and quality of life.
Static GK for Exam Preparations
Dedicated Freight Corridor
Full form: Dedicated Freight Corridor
Major corridors: Eastern DFC and Western DFC
Current milestone: More than 2,800 km completed
Purpose: Dedicated freight transportation
Main benefits: Faster cargo movement, lower logistics time and improved railway capacity
Global Fintech Fest
Abbreviation: GFF
2026 edition: 7th
Venue: Mumbai
Dates: 8–11 September 2026
Theme: Potential to Impact: Agentic AI, Tokenisation, Quantum – Trusted, Connected, Global Systems for Inclusive Finance
UPI
Full form: Unified Payments Interface
Developed by: NPCI
Introduced: 2016
Global expansion: Live in 11 countries as highlighted at GFF 2026
August 2026 transactions: 24 billion+
Financial Fraud Risk Indicator
Abbreviation: FRI
Ministry: Ministry of Communications
Implementing department: Department of Telecommunications
Launch date: 22 May 2025
Suspected fraud prevented by August 2026: ₹5,043.73 crore
PM-SETU
Full form: Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs
Focus: Modernisation of ITIs and industry-led vocational training
Latest SIP approvals: ₹735.70 crore
Cumulative investment: About ₹2,171 crore
International Literacy Day
Date: 8 September
UNESCO proclamation: 1966
Purpose: Promote literacy and awareness of its importance
India-Japan Exercise Veer Guardian
Participants: Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force
2026 venue: Jodhpur
Indian aircraft: Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale
Japanese aircraft: F-2A
Dates: 9–22 September 2026
Dr Bhupen Hazarika
Born: 8 September 1926
Birthplace: Sadiya, Assam
Fields: Music, singing, composition, lyrics and filmmaking
Major honour: Bharat Ratna, awarded posthumously in 2019
2026: Birth centenary
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