Shantanu Moitra selected for National Lata Mangeshkar Samman 2026.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Madhya Pradesh selected music composer Shantanu Moitra for the National Lata Mangeshkar Samman 2026 on September 28.

Key Highlights:
1.  The honour carries Rs.5 lakh and a citation for excellence in music direction.
2.  It is presented at Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium in Indore on her birth anniversary.
3.  The award alternates yearly between music direction and playback singing.
4.  Moitra composed music for 3 Idiots, 12th Fail, Piku and Parineeta.
5.  He won the 2014 National Film Award for Naa Bangaaru Talli background score.

Additional Information:
1.  Madhya Pradesh established the honour in 1984.
2.  It recognises outstanding contribution to light music.

Punjab notifies 8% Dearness Allowance hike.

Dated: 28 September 2026

The Punjab Government notified an 8% increase in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief for employees and pensioners on September 24, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  The rate rose from 42% to 50%.
2.  The increase applies from September 1, 2026 and is payable with September salary.
3.  About 8 lakh employees and pensioners benefit.
4.  Family pensioners are covered through Dearness Relief.
5.  The Finance Department issued the notification after talks with employee unions.

Additional Information:
1.  Punjab’s current Chief Minister is Bhagwant Singh Mann.
2.  Chandigarh is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.

NASA selects PRIMA as first Probe Explorers mission.

Dated: 28 September 2026

NASA selected the PRIMA telescope as the first mission in its new Probe Explorers class on September 23, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  PRIMA means Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics.
2.  Launch is targeted for 2033 with a five-year science mission.
3.  The project cost is capped at $1.2 billion excluding launch expenses.
4.  A 1.8-metre telescope will observe far-infrared light.
5.  It will study planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, water origins and heavy elements.

Additional Information:
1.  NASA was established in 1958 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
2.  The James Webb telescope launched in 2021 and observes mainly infrared wavelengths.

Maruti Suzuki commissions first green hydrogen plant at Manesar.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Maruti Suzuki India commissioned its first 300 kW green-hydrogen plant at Manesar, Haryana, on September 25, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  The pilot electrolyser reduces fossil-fuel use in manufacturing.
2.  It uses surplus solar power generated during holidays.
3.  Produced hydrogen is blended with natural gas as process fuel.
4.  Rs.61 crore was approved for four compressed-biogas projects.
5.  The company plans Rs.925 crore green-energy investment by FY31.

Additional Information:
1.  Maruti Suzuki India was established in 1981 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
2.  The National Green Hydrogen Mission targets 5 million tonnes annual output by 2030.

IRDAI proposes lower Expense of Management limits for insurers.

Dated: 28 September 2026

IRDAI released a consultation paper on September 23, 2026, proposing a five-year glide path to reduce insurers’ Expense of Management limits.

Key Highlights:
1.  Life-insurance EoM would fall to 15% by FY29 and 12.5% by FY32.
2.  General-insurance EoM would fall to 25% by FY29 and 20% by FY32.
3.  General-insurance calculation would use domestic Gross Direct Premium Income.
4.  LIC and SBI Life already meet the FY29 life-insurance target.
5.  The proposal adds commission caps, unbundling rules and stronger cost audits.

Additional Information:
1.  IRDAI was formed under the IRDA Act 1999 and is headquartered in Hyderabad.
2.  Stakeholder feedback was invited until October 25, 2026.

Pune to host 2032 UCI Road World Championships.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Pune was announced as host of the 2032 UCI Road World Championships on September 24, 2026, making India a first-time host.

Key Highlights:
1.  The UCI Congress in Montreal finalised the decision.
2.  Pune defeated Groningen-Drenthe in the final bidding round.
3.  Maharashtra Government and Cycling Federation of India submitted the joint bid.
4.  Balewadi Stadium and Pune University circuit are proposed venues.
5.  The championship awards rainbow jerseys to leading road cyclists.

Additional Information:
1.  Cycling Federation of India is the national governing body.
2.  Union Cycliste Internationale governs world competitive cycling.

ICICI Prudential Life shareholders approve ICICI Life Insurance name.

Dated: 28 September 2026

ICICI Prudential Life shareholders approved changing the company’s name to ICICI Life Insurance Limited on September 19, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  The postal-ballot resolution received 99.9994% approval.
2.  Shareholder participation covered 91.21% of outstanding shares.
3.  Prudential Plc will reduce its stake from 22% to below 10%.
4.  Prudential will be reclassified from promoter to investor.
5.  Registrar of Companies and Corporate Affairs Ministry approvals are required.

Additional Information:
1.  ICICI Prudential Life began operations in 2001.
2.  It became the first private life insurer listed on NSE and BSE in 2016.

INS Trishul joins 24th India-France exercise VARUNA.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Indian Navy frigate INS Trishul reached Toulon, France, on September 22, 2026, for the 24th bilateral maritime exercise VARUNA.

Key Highlights:
1.  Harbour and sea phases include cross-deck visits and operational interactions.
2.  Passage exercises will improve India-France naval interoperability.
3.  Before Toulon, the ship visited Alexandria from September 14-17.
4.  It exercised with Egyptian ship ENS Bernees and was escorted by ENS Al Qadeer.
5.  Crew honoured 19 Indian soldiers at Alexandria’s Chatby War Memorial.

Additional Information:
1.  VARUNA began in 1993 and received its present name in 2001.
2.  INS Trishul is a Talwar-class frigate commissioned in 2003.

ZT Lalrithangi named among FAO's 100 Women Heroes.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Mizoram strawberry farmer ZT Lalrithangi was selected among FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems on September 23, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  She was one of 100 women selected worldwide for International Year of Women Farmers 2026.
2.  Only two Indian women were chosen from 600 nominations across 131 countries.
3.  The award will be presented at the October 12-16 World Food Forum in Rome.
4.  She is the first Mizo person to receive this recognition.
5.  Her two-hectare farm produces strawberries and value-added wine, candy and dried fruit.

Additional Information:
1.  FAO was established on October 16, 1945 and is headquartered in Rome.
2.  Mizoram became India’s 23rd state on February 20, 1987.

West Bengal mandates GeM for all government procurement.

Dated: 28 September 2026

West Bengal mandated Government e-Marketplace use for procurement of all goods and services on September 24, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  The Finance Department issued the direction for every administrative entity.
2.  All state departments and subordinate offices are covered.
3.  Organisations under state administrative control must also use GeM.
4.  The order seeks transparency, efficiency and savings in public expenditure.
5.  Departments were directed to begin immediate portal onboarding.

Additional Information:
1.  GeM was launched in August 2016 by the Commerce and Industry Ministry.
2.  The New Delhi portal provides common-use goods and services to government buyers.

Microsoft opens Hyderabad cloud region as Telangana targets 5 GW.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Microsoft launched its India South Central cloud region in Hyderabad on September 24, 2026, while Telangana announced a 5 GW data-centre target by 2029.

Key Highlights:
1.  The target could attract $30 billion in AI and digital-infrastructure investment.
2.  Microsoft’s facility is its fourth Indian cloud region and largest domestic hyperscale footprint.
3.  Telangana has 300 MW operating capacity and 2 GW under development.
4.  The region supports AI-scale computing, dense GPUs and near-zero-water cooling.
5.  A 600-hour Data Center Academy was launched with IIT Hyderabad and YISU.

Additional Information:
1.  Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
2.  Telangana was formed on June 2, 2014 with Hyderabad as capital.

Adani Group announces Rs.1 lakh crore West Bengal investment.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Adani Group announced a Rs.1 lakh crore West Bengal investment roadmap through 2035 on September 24, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  Investment covers ports, logistics, power, roads, green cement and hyperscale data centres.
2.  Adani Arogya Mandir in New Town will be a 2,000-bed hospital and medical college.
3.  The healthcare project costs more than Rs.4,000 crore on 51.75 acres.
4.  It is expected to create 10,000 healthcare jobs.
5.  Heritage plans cover Writers’ Building, Durga Puja and Kumartuli Ghat.

Additional Information:
1.  Adani Group was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Ahmedabad.
2.  Writers’ Building was established in Kolkata in 1777.

DDU-GKY 2.0 marks 12th anniversary.

Dated: 28 September 2026

The Rural Development Ministry highlighted DDU-GKY 2.0 progress on its 12th anniversary on September 25, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  Union Budget 2026-27 allocated Rs.750 crore, with 10% for northeastern states.
2.  The scheme trains rural youth aged 15-35, extended to 45 for vulnerable groups.
3.  Coverage mandates 50% SC-ST, 33% women and 5% persons with disabilities.
4.  Training lasts at least 576 hours, including 396 domain and 180 non-domain hours.
5.  Placement duration rose to six months and one-year retention earns Rs.5,000.

Additional Information:
1.  DDU-GKY launched on September 25, 2014 under National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
2.  It provides placement-linked training across 36 sectors and over 800 job roles.

Delhi launches PM Surya Ghar portal with Rs.1.56 lakh subsidy.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the PM Surya Ghar portal on September 22, 2026, offering combined rooftop-solar subsidy up to Rs.1.56 lakh.

Key Highlights:
1.  The Centre and Delhi each contribute Rs.78,000 for systems up to 3 kW.
2.  Households using up to 400 monthly units can install without upfront payment.
3.  Users consuming up to 200 units receive an additional incentive tied to saved electricity.
4.  Housing-society common-area subsidy rose from Rs.2,000 to Rs.11,000 per kW.
5.  Registrations are processed first-come, first-served through one integrated platform.

Additional Information:
1.  PM Surya Ghar launched nationally in February 2024.
2.  Delhi Solar Policy targets 4,500 MW installed solar capacity by 2027.

UK launches No III Space Effects Squadron.

Dated: 28 September 2026

The United Kingdom launched No III Space Effects Squadron on September 23, 2026, to protect satellite infrastructure and counter hostile activity in orbit.

Key Highlights:
1.  The Royal Air Force unit protects warning, communication and navigation satellites.
2.  It conducts electronic warfare to disrupt hostile space operations.
3.  Specialists support offensive and defensive space missions.
4.  It complements No I Space Operations and No II Space Warning Squadrons.
5.  The UK ruled out destructive anti-satellite missile testing.

Additional Information:
1.  UK Space Command was established in 2021 at RAF High Wycombe.
2.  UN COPUOS was established in 1959 for peaceful space use.

Mizoram launches first Pluck and Pay Festival.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Mizoram held its first Pluck and Pay Festival in Khawzawl district from September 23-25, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  The event took place in Tualte and Chawngtlai villages.
2.  Tourism Department and district administration jointly organised it.
3.  Visitors harvested farm produce themselves and paid growers directly.
4.  Mizoram tourist arrivals rose from 427,302 in 2024 to 841,322 in 2025.
5.  The initiative combines agriculture, local income and experiential tourism.

Additional Information:
1.  Mizoram became India’s 23rd state on February 20, 1987.
2.  Chapchar Kut is a major harvest festival and Cheraw the traditional bamboo dance.

India participates in EAS and ASEAN-India economic meetings in Manila.

Dated: 28 September 2026

India attended the 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers Meeting and 23rd ASEAN-India consultation in Manila on September 24, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  Additional Commerce Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav led the Indian delegation.
2.  India-ASEAN trade reached $128.38 billion in 2025-26.
3.  ASEAN accounted for 10.55% of India’s global trade.
4.  Ministers prioritised review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement.
5.  The ASEAN-India Business Forum was held on September 23.

Additional Information:
1.  ASEAN was established in 1967 and is headquartered in Jakarta.
2.  AITIGA entered into force on January 1, 2010.

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Jayanti observed on September 25.

Dated: 28 September 2026

India observed philosopher and social leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary on September 25, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  He promoted Integral Humanism as a social-political philosophy.
2.  His Antyodaya principle prioritised the last person in society.
3.  He served as Bharatiya Jana Sangh General Secretary from 1951-1968.
4.  He became Jana Sangh President in December 1967.
5.  He started Rashtra Dharma and pioneered Panchajanya and Swadesh.

Additional Information:
1.  Upadhyaya was born on September 25, 1916.
2.  Mughalsarai Junction was renamed Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction.

Make in India completes 12 years.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Make in India completed 12 years on September 25, 2026, marking manufacturing and services growth across 27 sectors.

Key Highlights:
1.  Manufacturing GVA grew at 10.88% CAGR during 2022-23 to 2025-26.
2.  Electronics output increased sevenfold to Rs.13.11 lakh crore in 2025-26.
3.  India became the world’s second-largest mobile-phone manufacturer.
4.  Defence production reached Rs.1.78 lakh crore in FY26.
5.  Crude steel output rose to 170 million tonnes in 2025-26.

Additional Information:
1.  Make in India launched on September 25, 2014.
2.  Make in India 2.0 covers 15 manufacturing and 12 service sectors.

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan passes away at 56.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Veteran Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan died at age 56 in Mumbai on September 24, 2026, after battling lung cancer.

Key Highlights:
1.  He entered films with Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai in 1980.
2.  He was known for comedy and character roles.
3.  Notable films included Welcome, Gadar and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke.
4.  He acted with Amitabh Bachchan in Kaalia and Main Azaad Hoon.
5.  His career covered several decades of Hindi cinema.

Additional Information:
1.  FWICE represents film and television workers from Mumbai.
2.  The federation is the parent body of several entertainment craft unions.

DRDO signs first high-value TDF quantum project with Zero mK.

Dated: 28 September 2026

DRDO signed its first high-value deep-tech TDF agreement with Zero mK India on September 24, 2026, to develop a 20 mK dilution refrigerator.

Key Highlights:
1.  The Alwar start-up will indigenously build the system for quantum applications.
2.  It is the first major project under a Rs.500 crore deep-tech corpus.
3.  The refrigerator creates ultra-low millikelvin temperatures for quantum computers.
4.  The project reduces dependence on imported cryogenic infrastructure.
5.  Solid State Physics Laboratory will mentor and monitor development.

Additional Information:
1.  DRDO was established in 1958 under the Defence Ministry.
2.  Technology Development Fund supports MSMEs and start-ups in defence and aerospace.

Youth Safety and Smart Mobility Expedition 2026 flagged off.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Minister of State Harsh Malhotra flagged off the Youth Safety and Smart Mobility Expedition from New Delhi on September 24, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  PHDCCI and JK Tyre jointly organised the campaign.
2.  A convoy of 50-60 electric vehicles covers about 500 km to Chandigarh.
3.  It promotes road discipline, electric mobility and shared responsibility.
4.  Participants become road-safety ambassadors and Raah-Veers.
5.  PM-RAHAT supports accident treatment during the Golden Hour.

Additional Information:
1.  The Road Transport Ministry administers the Motor Vehicles Act 1988.
2.  PHDCCI was established in 1905 and is headquartered in New Delhi.

India and Netherlands sign MoUs for Kalpasar water project.

Dated: 28 September 2026

India and the Netherlands signed two tripartite MoUs in New Delhi on September 24, 2026, for technical cooperation on Gujarat’s Kalpasar Project.

Key Highlights:
1.  The agreements involve CWC, Gujarat’s Kalpasar Department, Deltares and TU Delft.
2.  They were signed during the 9th India International Water Week.
3.  The project creates a sea-based freshwater reservoir using Sabarmati, Mahi and Dhadhar runoff.
4.  Narmada water will supplement the reservoir.
5.  Cooperation covers modelling, coastal infrastructure, dykes, pumps and climate resilience.

Additional Information:
1.  Kalpasar is planned in the Gulf of Khambhat behind a 30 km dam.
2.  Central Water Commission was established in 1945 under the Jal Shakti Ministry.

4th UP International Trade Show inaugurated in Greater Noida.

Dated: 28 September 2026

Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the 4th UP International Trade Show in Greater Noida on September 25, 2026.

Key Highlights:
1.  The event ran September 25-29 at India Expo Centre and Mart.
2.  Its theme was Ultimate Sourcing Begins Here.
3.  More than 550 international buyers from 85 countries participated.
4.  Over 2,400 exhibitors and 300 women representatives joined.
5.  Expected attendance was 1.5 lakh business buyers and 4.5 lakh general visitors.

Additional Information:
1.  One District One Cuisine debuted alongside ODOP.
2.  Uttar Pradesh launched One District One Product in January 2018.