Daily Current Affairs & GK – 15 September 2026
Daily Current Affairs and GK – 15 September 2026: Important national, international, economy and banking, science and technology, sports and culture, awards and recognition, important days and static GK for UPSC, SSC, IBPS, Banking, RRB, NTPC, State PSC and other competitive examinations.
National
1. India-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 begins
The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 commenced at Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
Around 600 personnel from each side are participating. The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability between the Indian and US armies, particularly for operations in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain. Drones, autonomous systems and contemporary weapon technologies are also part of the training.
2. DRDO launches new industry-support measures under VIMARSH
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled new policy initiatives at the VIMARSH DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet in New Delhi.
The measures are intended to reduce technical and financial entry barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech startups, including support through direct funding, incubation and access to DRDO testing facilities. Nine technology-transfer licensing agreements were also handed over to 13 manufacturing partners.
3. SiCSem to establish silicon-carbide semiconductor unit in Odisha
The Falta Special Economic Zone Unit Approval Committee approved SiCSem Private Limited's proposal for a semiconductor manufacturing facility at IDCO Infovalley-II in Khordha district, Odisha.
The company plans to invest ₹3,406 crore in the project, which will manufacture silicon-carbide semiconductor devices, including SiC diodes and SiC MOSFETs. The project is expected to create about 1,270 jobs and generate around ₹7,043 crore in export turnover.
4. India sends largest-ever contingent to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
India's largest-ever 70-member skilled youth contingent was flagged off for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, scheduled in Shanghai from 22–27 September 2026.
Team India will participate in 63 skill categories and will make its debut in 11 new-age skill areas, including Unmanned Aerial Systems, Intelligent Security Technology, Software Testing, Aircraft Maintenance and Digital Interactive Media Design.
5. Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 best practices reviewed
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation conducted the 12th District Collectors' Peyjal Samvad to review implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
Six districts showcased practices relating to water-source sustainability, behaviour change, grievance redressal and convergence of government programmes.
6. Pension Sakhis initiative launched for rural pension awareness
The Department of Rural Development and PFRDA entered into an MoU to establish a community-based Pension Sakhis mechanism across rural India.
The initiative will use the women-led DAY-NRLM network, including SHGs and trained community resource persons, to spread pension awareness, improve financial literacy and assist rural households with pension enrolment.
7. VNIT Nagpur holds 24th convocation
The Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur held its 24th convocation on 15 September, with emphasis on innovation, research and nation-building.
International
1. Middle East conflict continues to affect global oil supplies
International energy markets remained under pressure on 15 September as attacks affecting Middle Eastern energy infrastructure disrupted supplies.
Physical oil cargo prices in Europe moved above $130 per barrel, while Brent crude approached $110 per barrel, amid concerns over disruptions involving Saudi Arabia and regional shipping routes.
2. India-Vietnam cooperation expands in defence and technology
India and Vietnam discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in defence production, trade, supply chains, air connectivity, nuclear energy and space.
The discussions took place during the 19th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting and reflected efforts to deepen the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Economy and Banking
1. India's total exports rise 25.41% in August
India's combined merchandise and services exports in August 2026 were estimated at US$82.68 billion, registering a 25.41% year-on-year increase.
Imports were estimated at US$92.09 billion, up 18.75%. The combined trade deficit therefore stood at approximately US$9.41 billion.
For April–August 2026–27, total exports were estimated at US$399.27 billion, representing growth of 15.55% over the corresponding period of the previous year.
2. Merchandise exports rise sharply
August 2026 merchandise exports were estimated at US$43.81 billion, compared with US$34.74 billion in August 2025.
Important export categories showing growth included:
Engineering goods: 24.86%
Organic and inorganic chemicals: 16.38%
Cotton yarn, fabrics and made-ups: 13.79%
Electronic-goods exports also recorded strong growth during the month.
3. UPI remains free for most transactions
The Finance Ministry clarified that the new UPI framework will not affect person-to-person transactions, which remain completely free.
Merchant payments up to ₹2,000 and transactions covered by the zero-MDR framework for small merchants will also remain free. The government stated that approximately 96% of P2M transactions will remain unaffected.
The framework operates under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
4. PLFS August 2026: overall labour force participation rises
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) August 2026 bulletin, the overall Labour Force Participation Rate for persons aged 15 years and above increased to 55.6%, from 55.4% in July.
Other key indicators were:
Overall WPR: 52.8%
Overall unemployment rate: 5.0%
Rural unemployment rate: 4.1%
Female LFPR: 34.8%
The survey uses the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach for monthly estimates.
5. India strengthens pension inclusion through Pension Sakhis
The DoRD-PFRDA partnership is designed to take pension awareness and retirement planning to rural households through women-led self-help-group networks.
The initiative links financial inclusion with long-term social-security planning.
6. Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals expanded in Gujarat
Railways inaugurated, dedicated or laid the foundation for five Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals in Gujarat.
A salt-loaded freight train was also flagged off from Shivlakha GCT to Mithapur, supporting rail-based movement of salt and regional logistics.
Science and Technology
1. Indigenous SPROUT facility inaugurated for climate-resilient crops
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the SPROUT facility at the BRIC-National Institute of Plant Genome Research in New Delhi.
SPROUT stands for SpeedSeed Phenotyping and Resource Optimization for Unified Trait Analysis. It is designed to support crop research under different environmental conditions and accelerate the evaluation of plant traits.
The associated SpeedSeed technology can reduce the chickpea generation cycle to around 40 days, shortening crop-breeding timelines.
2. SARAL AI used to popularise scientific research
The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) is using SARAL AI, an initiative of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, to convert research published in its journals into more accessible video content.
The initiative aims to broaden public access to scientific research and improve science communication through emerging technologies.
3. India's fusion research advances with new gyrotron system
An 82.6 GHz, 400-kW gyrotron has been integrated with India's SST-1 tokamak at the Institute for Plasma Research in Gujarat.
The gyrotron provides high-frequency microwave energy for plasma heating and supports research into sustained, high-temperature plasma for controlled nuclear fusion.
4. Hanle Dark Sky Reserve promotes astronomy
The fourth Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Star Party was held from 7–12 September 2026 at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh.
The event brought together professional and amateur astrophotographers and highlighted the scientific and observational value of preserving dark skies.
Sports and Culture
1. India defeats Afghanistan in second T20I
India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second T20 International at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
Afghanistan scored 159/8, while India reached 163/3 in 14.5 overs.
Awards and Recognition
Rajbhasha Kirti Awards 2025–26
The Rajbhasha Kirti Awards were presented during the 6th All India Official Language Conference and Hindi Diwas programme held in Navi Mumbai.
The Department of Financial Services received the First Prize among ministries/departments having fewer than 300 personnel, recognising its implementation and innovative use of Hindi in official work.
The conference was organised by the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Days Observed
1.National Engineers' Day – 15 September
India observes National Engineers' Day on 15 September to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, one of India's most prominent engineers and statesmen.
Important Facts:
Born: 15 September 1861
Birthplace: Muddenahalli, Karnataka
Bharat Ratna: 1955
National Engineers' Day: 15 September
2.International Day of Democracy – 15 September
The United Nations International Day of Democracy is observed every year on 15 September to highlight the importance of democratic principles, participation, human rights and the rule of law.
3.Samvatsari
Samvatsari, an important Jain observance, was marked on 15 September 2026. The occasion is associated with forgiveness, compassion and seeking reconciliation, traditionally expressed through “Micchami Dukkadam.”
4.Saratchandra Chattopadhyay's 150th birth anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Bengali literary figure Saratchandra Chattopadhyay on his 150th birth anniversary.
His works have been translated into Indian and foreign languages and are noted for their portrayal of 19th-century Indian society, particularly rural Bengal.
Static GK for Exam Preparations
Sir M. Visvesvaraya
Full name: Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya
Born: 15 September 1861
Birthplace: Muddenahalli, Karnataka
Profession: Engineer and statesman
Bharat Ratna: 1955
Engineers' Day in India: 15 September
UPI
Full form: Unified Payments Interface
Developed by: NPCI
Regulatory framework: Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
Person-to-person transactions remain free under the September 2026 framework.
Merchant payments up to ₹2,000 remain free under the applicable framework.
PLFS
Full form: Periodic Labour Force Survey
Conducted by: National Statistical Office (NSO), MoSPI
Key indicators: LFPR, WPR and Unemployment Rate
Monthly estimates use the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.
Silicon Carbide Semiconductor
Chemical formula: SiC
Type: Wide-bandgap semiconductor
Applications: Power electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy and high-temperature systems
New Indian manufacturing unit: Khordha, Odisha
Investor: SiCSem Private Limited
Yudh Abhyas
Participants: India and United States
2026 edition: 22nd
Venues: Auli, Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan
Focus: Interoperability and joint military operations.
SST-1
Full form: Steady State Superconducting Tokamak-1
Location: Institute for Plasma Research, Gujarat
Field: Nuclear fusion research
New gyrotron: 82.6 GHz, 400 kW
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