Current Affairs 24 September 2026 covers important national and international developments relevant to UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, State PCS and other competitive examinations. Today’s major updates include the next phase of the UDAN Scheme, amendments to the Inter-State Council Order, the World Circular Economy Forum 2026, a new ISRO radar facility in Assam, the dissolution of the Digital Communications Commission, India’s solar manufacturing expansion, the global water resources report, economic growth forecasts, defence developments and important appointments.
National Current Affairs 24 September 2026
Next Phase of UDAN Launched With 22 States
The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the next phase of the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) Scheme in September 2026. The ministry signed Memoranda of Understanding with 22 States and Union Territories to strengthen regional air connectivity and aviation infrastructure.
A Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development was also launched. States and UTs can use the portal to nominate airstrips and helipads for development or upgradation.
The ministry also released the scheme document for the next phase of UDAN route bidding. Airlines will participate in competitive bidding for identified routes.
Exam Facts:
- Scheme: UDAN
- Full form: Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik
- Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
- States/UTs covered through MoUs: 22
Inter-State Council Order Amended
President Droupadi Murmu amended the Inter-State Council Order, 1990 through the Inter-State Council (Amendment) Order, 2026.
The amendment provides for the participation of Governors or Lieutenant Governors in specified Inter-State Council meetings when constitutional provisions relating to President’s Rule are in force.
The amendment was notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 9 September 2026 under Article 263 of the Constitution.
World Circular Economy Forum 2026 Held in Gujarat
The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 was held from 15 to 18 September 2026 at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
India became the first South Asian country to host the WCEF. The forum was held under the theme “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity.”
The event was organised by the Central Pollution Control Board in collaboration with Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Gujarat government.
ISRO to Establish Advanced Radar Facility in Assam
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for an advanced radar research facility of ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network at Chandrapur in Kamrup Metropolitan district.
The facility is being established under ISRO’s NETRA programme, which focuses on space situational awareness and monitoring space objects.
The first radar at the site will be a cloud-research radar, expected to become operational by February 2027. The Assam government has provided around 200 bighas, or approximately 70 acres, of land for the facility.
IIT-BHU Signs MoU With University of Michigan
The Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) signed an MoU with the University of Michigan to strengthen research collaboration in electric mobility.
The partnership focuses on electric vehicles, sustainable mobility, joint research projects, faculty collaboration and student engagement. A dedicated Materials Research Team is also planned to support research in EV-related materials.
Digital Communications Commission Dissolved
The Government of India dissolved the Digital Communications Commission (DCC) after nearly 37 years of functioning.
The Department of Telecommunications issued the resolution on 19 September 2026, which came into effect after publication in the Gazette of India on 21 September.
The body was originally established as the Telecom Commission in April 1989 and was renamed the Digital Communications Commission in October 2018.
NIT Srinagar Gets Astronomical Observatory
NIT Srinagar became the first National Institute of Technology in India to establish a dedicated campus-based astronomical observatory.
The NIT Srinagar Observatory for Astronomy and Astrophysics (NSOAA) was inaugurated on 22 September 2026.
The observatory has a 14-inch Celestron C14 EdgeHD telescope and was developed with scientific guidance from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru.
Premier Energies Expands Solar Cell Capacity
Premier Energies commissioned a 7 GW N-type TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility at Naidupeta in Andhra Pradesh.
The expansion increased the company’s total solar cell manufacturing capacity from 3.6 GW to 10.6 GW, making it the largest solar cell manufacturing capacity in India according to the reported development.
The facility covers 101 acres and was developed with a capital expenditure of approximately ₹3,293 crore.
Greenfield Shipyard Planned in Andhra Pradesh
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) signed an MoU with National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park–Andhra Pradesh (NSHIP-AP) for the development of a greenfield shipyard at Dugarajapatnam.
The proposed project has an estimated shipyard investment of ₹15,000 crore and an initial shipyard capacity of 1.2 million Gross Tonnes per year.
The shipyard is expected to manufacture tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, LNG carriers and specialised vessels.
International Current Affairs
WMO Reports Continued Global Glacier Loss
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its State of Global Water Resources 2025 report.
According to the report, 2025 marked the fourth consecutive year of net glacier mass loss across every major glaciated region. Global glacier mass loss during 2025 was estimated at approximately 408 ± 132 gigatonnes.
The report highlights increasing pressure on freshwater resources and growing changes in the global water cycle.
India Leads Global Business Climate Survey
India was ranked first among 41 markets in the Global Business Climate Survey 2026, conducted by Business Sweden and its partner organisations.
The survey reflects the views of Swedish companies operating across different markets. Ireland and Vietnam followed India in the reported rankings.
Economy and Business Current Affairs
S&P Raises India’s FY27 Growth Forecast
S&P Global Ratings raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2026–27 to 7.0%, up from its earlier estimate of 6.6%.
The revision was attributed to factors including industrial activity, domestic consumption, goods exports and government investment.
S&P projected GDP growth of 7.2% for FY28, followed by 7.0% in FY29 and 6.8% in FY30.
Mastercard Exits Pine Labs
Mastercard sold its entire 4.31% stake in Pine Labs through block deals for approximately ₹933 crore.
The transaction involved institutional investors, including ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund, Edelweiss Mutual Fund, Franklin Templeton, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.
J&K Bank to Sell Stake in PNB MetLife
Jammu & Kashmir Bank signed an escrow agreement to sell its 0.5% stake in PNB MetLife India Insurance for approximately ₹120.10 crore.
Following the transaction, J&K Bank’s stake is expected to decline from 3.03% to approximately 2.53%.
Appointments and Important Personalities
Harsh Sanghani Re-elected ICA Youth Committee President
Indian cooperative leader Harsh Mukeshbhai Sanghani was re-elected unopposed as President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Youth Committee for the 2026–2030 term.
He also serves as the Youth Representative on the ICA Global Board. Sanghani had become the first person of Indian origin to hold the position in 2025.
Defence and Security Current Affairs
DRDO’s SAT-SAAW Contract
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth more than ₹810 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW) for the Indian Air Force.
SAT-SAAW is an indigenously designed air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It can be launched from aircraft including Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30MKI.
Sports Current Affairs
Mark Wood Retires From International Cricket
England fast bowler Mark Wood announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 36, ending an 11-year international career.
He represented England in Tests, ODIs and T20Is and was part of England’s 2019 Cricket World Cup-winning team and 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad.
State Current Affairs
Starbucks to Establish First India GCC in Chennai
Starbucks signed an MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish its first Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India in Chennai.
The centre is expected to create around 800 technology jobs in its first phase and will support Starbucks’ global business and technology operations.
Important Obituary
Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke Passes Away
Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke (Retd.), a Vir Chakra awardee and decorated Indian Air Force fighter pilot, passed away at the age of 87.
During the 1965 India–Pakistan War, he shot down a Pakistani F-86 Sabre while flying a Hawker Hunter from Kalaikunda Air Force Station in West Bengal. He received the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award.
Books and Authors
Hirav Shah Launches “SAARATHI”
Business strategist and author Hirav Shah launched his business novel “SAARATHI” in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The book focuses on business decision-making, strategy, financial discipline and balancing professional growth with personal responsibilities.
Current Affairs 24 September 2026 MCQs
1. Which scheme entered its next phase with MoUs signed with 22 States and UTs?
A. PM Gati Shakti
B. UDAN
C. Bharatmala
D. Sagarmala
Answer: B. UDAN
2. Under which Article was the Inter-State Council (Amendment) Order, 2026 issued?
A. Article 263
B. 280 Article
C. 356 Article
D. Article 370
Answer: A. Article 263
3. Where was the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 held?
A. New Delhi
B. Bengaluru
C. Gandhinagar
D. Hyderabad
Answer: C. Gandhinagar
4. The advanced ISRO radar facility in Assam is being established under which programme?
A. Gaganyaan
B. NETRA
C. Chandrayaan
D. NavIC
Answer: B. NETRA
5. Which institution signed an electric mobility research MoU with the University of Michigan?
A. IIT Delhi
B. IIT Bombay
C. IIT-BHU
D. IIT Madras
Answer: C. IIT-BHU
6. Which commission was dissolved by the Government of India in September 2026?
A. Telecom Regulatory Commission
B. Digital Communications Commission
C. National Digital Authority
D. Communications Advisory Commission
Answer: B. Digital Communications Commission
7. Which NIT became the first in India to establish a dedicated campus-based astronomical observatory?
A. NIT Trichy
B. Warangal NIT
C. Srinagar NIT
D. NIT Surathkal
Answer: C. NIT Srinagar
8. Premier Energies commissioned a 7 GW solar cell facility using which technology?
A. PERC
B. TOPCon
C. Thin Film
D. HJT only
Answer: B. TOPCon
9. What was India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast raised to by S&P Global Ratings?
A. 6.4%
B. 6.6%
C. 6.8%
D. 7.0%
Answer: D. 7.0%
10. Mark Wood is associated with which sport?
A. Football
B. Cricket
C. Hockey
D. Tennis
Answer: B. Cricket
11. Starbucks announced its first India Global Capability Centre in which city?
A. Bengaluru
B. Hyderabad
C. Chennai
D. Pune
Answer: C. Chennai
12. SAT-SAAW was developed by which organisation?
A. DRDO
B. ISRO
C. HAL
D. BEL
Answer: A. DRDO
Quick Revision: 24 September 2026
| Topic | Important Fact |
|---|---|
| UDAN | MoUs with 22 States/UTs |
| Inter-State Council | Amendment under Article 263 |
| WCEF 2026 | Gandhinagar, Gujarat |
| ISRO Radar Facility | Chandrapur, Assam |
| IIT-BHU MoU | University of Michigan |
| DCC | Dissolved after nearly 37 years |
| NIT Observatory | NIT Srinagar |
| Solar Facility | Premier Energies, 7 GW |
| WMO Report | Fourth consecutive year of glacier loss |
| Business Climate Survey | India ranked first among 41 markets |
| FY27 GDP Forecast | 7.0% by S&P Global Ratings |
| ICA Youth Committee | Harsh Sanghani re-elected |
| SAT-SAAW | Developed by DRDO |
| Mark Wood | Retired from international cricket |
| Starbucks GCC | Chennai |
| Vir Chakra Awardee | Alfred Tyrone Cooke |
Why Current Affairs Matter for Competitive Exams?
Daily current affairs are an important part of preparation for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence and State Government examinations. Questions can come directly from national schemes, government decisions, economic reports, international organisations, defence developments, appointments, sports and important personalities.
For effective preparation, aspirants should revise important facts regularly and practise MCQs alongside daily news. The developments covered in Current Affairs 24 September 2026 provide useful revision points across multiple examination categories.
Also Read Previous Current Affairs: Current Affairs 23 September 2026
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