Daily Current Affairs & GK – 22 September 2026
Daily Current Affairs and GK – 22 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. 72nd National Film Awards presented at Ekta Nagar
President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, on 22 September 2026. The awards recognise achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2024.
Veteran actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
Important winners included Article 370 for Best Feature Film, Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan as joint Best Actors, Yami Gautam as Best Actress, Rajkumar Periasamy for Best Direction for Amaran, and Kalki 2898 AD as Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
2. 3rd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force Heads begins
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 3rd National Conference of Heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTF) in New Delhi.
Heads of ANTFs from 36 States and Union Territories are participating. The two-day conference is being organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under the theme “United Resolve, Shared Responsibility.”
3. 9th India International Water Week begins
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The five-day event is being held from 22–26 September 2026 under the theme “Climate Resilient Water Management.” The event brings together governments, international organisations, researchers, industry, innovators and other stakeholders to discuss water security and climate-resilient water management.
4. Next phase of UDAN launched with 21 State/UT agreements
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu launched the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation signed 21 MoUs with States and Union Territories to expand regional air connectivity. The Modified UDAN framework targets 120 new destinations and 4 crore additional passengers over the next ten years.
A Challenge Mode for Aerodrome Development was also launched to encourage development of aviation infrastructure in underserved regions.
5. India celebrates World Rhino Day
World Rhino Day was observed on 22 September. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's conservation efforts and the importance of protecting the rhinoceros and its habitat.
The National Zoological Park also marked the occasion with an Eco-Club teachers' orientation programme focused on school-level conservation awareness.
6. National Single Window System completes five years
The National Single Window System (NSWS) completed five years on 22 September 2026.
Launched on 22 September 2021, the platform is implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It enables investors to identify, apply for and track business approvals through a common digital interface.
As of September 2026, NSWS had onboarded more than 5.69 lakh business entities and provided access to more than 327 Central approvals and 3,452 State approvals across 34 States and Union Territories.
International
1. 81st United Nations General Assembly general debate begins
The general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) opened in New York on 22 September 2026.
The general debate is being held from 22–26 September and 28 September 2026. The theme of the 81st session is:
“Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
2. UN Secretary-General calls for stronger global cooperation on AI and climate
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at the opening of the General Assembly debate, called for greater international cooperation on climate action, artificial intelligence safeguards, human rights, accountability and peace.
The 2026 General Assembly is also addressing major international issues including conflicts, climate change, AI governance and sustainable development.
3. EAM Jaishankar holds bilateral meetings in New York
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with counterparts from France, Ecuador, Slovakia and Switzerland on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
The meetings covered bilateral relations and areas of mutual cooperation.
4. Britain agrees to limited military support for Saudi Arabia
Britain agreed to provide limited military support to Saudi Arabia to help counter attacks from Iran-backed Houthi forces.
The development came amid continuing security concerns in the Middle East and around important maritime and energy routes.
Economy and Banking
1. 7th OPEC–India Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi
The 7th High-Level Meeting of the OPEC–India Energy Dialogue was held in New Delhi.
The meeting was co-chaired by Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais.
Discussions focused on oil-market stability, energy security, investment in the oil industry and short-, medium- and long-term energy outlooks. The two sides agreed to continue deeper cooperation, with the next high-level meeting to be held in Vienna, Austria.
2. RBI receives bids worth more than US$143.5 billion through special forex swap facility
The Reserve Bank of India received bids worth more than US$143.5 billion through a special foreign-exchange swap facility.
The facility is part of the RBI's liquidity and foreign-exchange management operations.
3. UPI MDR clarification issued for consumers and small merchants
The government clarified that the revised UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework will not make digital payments more expensive for small merchants.
Person-to-person transactions continue to remain free, while the applicable zero-MDR framework for small-value merchant transactions continues to protect small merchants.
4. National Single Window System strengthens ease of doing business
The NSWS provides a single digital gateway for identifying and applying for Central and State approvals. It currently integrates more than 327 Central approvals and 3,452 State approvals.
The platform's Know Your Approvals, Common Registration Form, Applicant Dashboard and Document Repository are designed to reduce duplication and compliance burden.
5. OPEC–India dialogue focuses on long-term energy security
The OPEC–India meeting highlighted the importance of sustained producer-consumer dialogue, investment in the oil sector and predictable energy markets.
The OPEC–India Energy Dialogue was launched in New Delhi in 2015.
Science and Technology
1. ASML begins operations in India
Dutch semiconductor-equipment company ASML began operations in India with an initial team of engineering graduates.
The company's expansion is closely linked to India's growing semiconductor ecosystem and the Tata Electronics semiconductor fabrication project at Dholera, Gujarat. ASML is a major supplier of advanced lithography technology used in semiconductor manufacturing.
2. India-EU cooperation discussed in science and technology
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh held discussions with a European Parliament delegation covering the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, science and technology and emerging technologies.
The discussions highlighted opportunities for deeper cooperation in advanced technology and innovation.
3. 9th Molecular Virology Meeting held in India
The 9th Molecular Virology Meeting brought together India's virology research community to discuss advances in molecular virology, scientific translation and preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.
The meeting highlighted the role of research cooperation in strengthening India's preparedness for future health challenges.
4. TRAI publishes mobile network quality assessment for NH-27
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) published results of an Independent Drive Test covering the Gandhidham–Santhalpur section of National Highway 27 in Gujarat.
The 149.1-km test assessed mobile-network parameters including coverage, call-drop rate, call-setup success rate, download and upload speeds, latency and other quality-of-service indicators across telecom operators.
Sports and Culture
1. India wins women's cricket gold at Asian Games
India won the women's cricket gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, defeating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final.
India scored 216/3 in 20 overs. Smriti Mandhana scored 79 off 45 balls, while Sri Lanka were restricted to a much lower total as India's bowlers dominated the chase.
This was India's second Asian Games gold medal in women's cricket.
2. India wins men's badminton quarter-final against Japan
India defeated Japan 3–0 in the men's badminton team quarter-final at the Asian Games, assuring India of a medal in the event.
The result was one of India's notable team performances on 22 September.
3. India defeats Sri Lanka 16–1 in men's hockey
India recorded a comprehensive 16–1 victory over Sri Lanka in the men's hockey pool stage at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The match was played at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.
4. India defeats Japan in rain-hit T20I in Nagoya
India defeated Japan by two runs in a rain-affected T20I in Nagoya.
The match was part of India's cricket engagement during the Asian Games period.
Awards and Recognition
1. Anant Nag receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran actor Anant Nag was formally conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 by President Droupadi Murmu at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony.
The award is India's highest honour for lifetime contribution to cinema. Anant Nag's career spans more than five decades and includes work in Kannada and several other Indian-language film industries.
2. Major winners at the 72nd National Film Awards
Important award winners include:
Best Feature Film: Article 370
Best Actor: Mammootty – Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan – Chandu Champion
Best Actress: Yami Gautam – Article 370
Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy – Amaran
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD
Best Non-Feature Film: Bhangaar
Best Documentary: Ram-Nami
Best Debut Film of a Director: Randeep Hooda – Swatantrya Veer Savarkar
Days Observed
World Rhino Day – 22 September
World Rhino Day is observed every year on 22 September to raise awareness about rhinoceros conservation, habitat protection and the threat posed by illegal wildlife trade.
India is home to the greater one-horned rhinoceros, mainly found in Assam and West Bengal.
International Day of Peace – 21 September
The International Day of Peace was observed the previous day, on 21 September, with the 2026 theme “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
It is included here as an important September revision point for examinations.
Static GK for Exam Preparations
National Film Awards
Instituted: 1954
Organised by: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
72nd edition: 2026
Films considered: 2024-certified films
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024: Anant Nag
Venue of 72nd ceremony: Ekta Nagar, Gujarat
National Single Window System
Full form: National Single Window System
Implemented by: DPIIT
Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Launched: 22 September 2021
Central approvals available: 327+
State approvals available: 3,452
States/UTs integrated: 34
Business entities onboarded: 5.69 lakh+
OPEC
Full form: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
OPEC–India Energy Dialogue launched: 2015
7th High-Level Meeting: New Delhi
Key topics: Oil-market stability, energy security and investment.
UDAN
Full form: Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik
Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
Purpose: Regional air connectivity
New phase target: 120 new destinations
Passenger target over ten years: 4 crore additional passengers
22 September 2026: 21 MoUs signed with States/UTs.
Asian Games 2026
Edition: 20th Asian Games
Host region: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
Dates: 19 September–4 October 2026
Women's cricket gold: India
Women's cricket final opponent: Sri Lanka
India's win margin: 147 runs
World Rhino Day
Date: 22 September
Focus: Rhinoceros conservation
Major Indian species: Greater one-horned rhinoceros
Major Indian habitat: Kaziranga National Park, Assam
TRAI
Full form: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Established: 1997
Main role: Regulation of telecommunications and protection of telecom consumers.
22 September 2026: Published mobile-network quality assessment for NH-27, Gandhidham–Santhalpur.
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