Minds of Aspirantspowered by Cortex Desk
Minds of Aspirantspowered by Cortex Desk

21 to 27 September 2026

GS1 · History, geography and society

  1. Monday 21 September · Environment & Disaster Management

    IMD forecasts well-marked Bay of Bengal low-pressure system to intensify into depression and deep depression within 48 hours

    The system over the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, raising risks of heavy rainfall, flooding and disruption along eastern coastal regions.

    • The India Meteorological Department forecast the 21 September 2026 well-marked low-pressure area to become a depression and then deep depression within 48 hours. ([mausam.imd.gov.in](https://mausam.imd.gov.in/Forecast/marquee_data/Press%20Release%2021-09-2026.pdf))
    • The system moved west-northwestwards from the east-central Bay and was expected near the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast around 23 September 2026. ([mausam.imd.gov.in](https://mausam.imd.gov.in/backend/assets/cyclone_pdf/Tropical_Weather_Outlook_based_on_0300_UTC_of_21_09_2026.pdf))
    • The associated cyclonic circulation extended up to 7.6 kilometres above mean sea level on 21 September 2026. ([mausam.imd.gov.in](https://mausam.imd.gov.in/Forecast/marquee_data/Press%20Release%2021-09-2026.pdf))

    GS-IGS-III

  2. Sunday 27 September · Environment/Infrastructure

    Environment panel recommends clearance for Arunachal Pradesh’s 1,605-MW Upper Subansiri hydropower project despite major forest-diversion concerns

    The proposed project could strengthen power generation and flood moderation but would require diversion of 2,733 hectares of forest land and felling of about 1.35 lakh trees.

    • Upper Subansiri is a proposed 1,605-megawatt hydropower project near Menga, about 20 kilometres from Daporijo, Arunachal Pradesh. ([indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arunachals-upper-subansiri-project-gets-green-nod-recommendation-1-35-lakh-trees-at-risk-10893789/lite/))
    • The project requires approximately 2,733 hectares of forest diversion and may involve felling 1,35,733 trees, according to 2026 appraisal minutes. ([indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arunachals-upper-subansiri-project-gets-green-nod-recommendation-1-35-lakh-trees-at-risk-10893789/lite/))
    • The Subansiri River is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra and hosts multiple proposed projects in a cascade. ([indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arunachals-upper-subansiri-project-gets-green-nod-recommendation-1-35-lakh-trees-at-risk-10893789/lite/))

    GS-IGS-III

GS2 · Polity, governance and international relations

  1. Monday 21 September · International Relations and Security

    India rejects Pakistan’s account after INS Kolkata–PNS Hunain collision, citing violation of maritime norms

    The MEA rejected Islamabad’s allegations and said a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre by PNS Hunain caused the collision in the western Arabian Sea.

    • INS Kolkata is an Indian Navy destroyer; PNS Hunain is a Pakistani naval vessel involved in the September 15, 2026 collision.
    • The collision occurred in the western or northern Arabian Sea, reportedly about 120 nautical miles from the Gulf of Oman.
    • Article 10 of the India–Pakistan agreement of April 1991 prescribes a three-nautical-mile separation between naval units at sea.

    GS-IIGS-III

  2. Monday 21 September · International Relations and Economy

    Maldives fully repays India-backed USD 150 million Treasury-bill facility after final USD 50 million tranche

    The Maldives cleared the final instalment of an SBI-subscribed 2019 facility, highlighting India’s neighbourhood financial support and the Maldives’ external-debt pressures.

    • The Maldives settled the final United States dollar 50 million tranche of the 2019 facility on September 17, 2026.
    • The facility totalled United States dollar 150 million and was subscribed by the State Bank of India in 2019.
    • Earlier repayments were United States dollar 50 million in January 2024 and United States dollar 50 million on May 11, 2024.

    GS-IIGS-III

  3. Monday 21 September · Economy & International Relations

    India’s exports to core BRICS economies rise 34% to USD 19.9 billion during April–August

    Exports to Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa are growing much faster than exports to the expanded BRICS grouping, strengthening the bloc’s role in India’s trade diversification strategy.

    • BRICS exports to Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa reached USD 19.9 billion during April–August 2026. ([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/indias-exports-to-core-brics-surge-34-as-trade-ties-get-stronger/4343410/lite/))
    • India’s exports to China rose 39% to USD 9.6 billion during April–August 2026. ([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/indias-exports-to-core-brics-surge-34-as-trade-ties-get-stronger/4343410/lite/))
    • India’s exports to South Africa rose 58% to USD 4.82 billion during April–August 2026. ([financialexpress.com](https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/indias-exports-to-core-brics-surge-34-as-trade-ties-get-stronger/4343410/lite/))

    GS-IIGS-III

  4. Tuesday 22 September · International Relations and Economy

    India–New Zealand FTA ratified; agreement to enter into force on October 20, 2026

    The newly ratified trade pact will provide duty-free access in New Zealand for 100% of India’s exports from the first day of implementation.

    • The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement was signed at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 27 April 2026.
    • The agreement enters into force on 20 October 2026 after New Zealand Parliament passed legislation on 16 September 2026.
    • New Zealand will make 100% of Indian export categories duty-free from the first day of implementation.

    GS-IIGS-III

  5. Tuesday 22 September · Science and Technology

    NPCIL begins fuel loading at RAPP-8, advancing India’s indigenous 700 MWe nuclear programme

    Initial fuel loading at Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Unit 8 marks the start of commissioning of India’s fourth indigenous 700 MWe pressurised heavy water reactor.

    • RAPP-8 is located at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan and is a 700 MWe pressurised heavy water reactor.
    • Initial fuel loading at RAPP-8 began on September 19, 2026, after Atomic Energy Regulatory Board permission.
    • First Approach to Criticality is the next major milestone after fuel loading, before power generation.

    GS-IIGS-III

  6. Tuesday 22 September · Society

    India launches 7th National Formulary of India 2026 and approves biovigilance programme for transplant-related adverse events

    The Health Ministry unveiled updated medicine-safety guidance, a medical-device adverse-event framework and expanded surveillance of adverse events linked to organ and tissue transplantation.

    • National Formulary of India 2026 contains 34 chapters, 20 appendices and 653 drugs, including 42 fixed-dose combinations and 30 immunologicals. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2312930&lang=1&reg=3))
    • The National Formulary of India has been published periodically by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission since 2009. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2312930&lang=1&reg=3))
    • Pharmacovigilance Programme of India began nationwide in July 2010; coordination shifted from AIIMS to IPC in April 2011. ([ipc.gov.in](https://ipc.gov.in/PvPI/about.html?utm_source=openai))

    GS-IIGS-III

  7. Tuesday 22 September · Environment

    9th India International Water Week begins with focus on climate-resilient water management and global cooperation

    India opened the five-day India International Water Week 2026 in New Delhi to promote integrated, technology-enabled and climate-resilient water governance.

    • The 9th India International Water Week 2026 is scheduled for 22–26 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
    • The official theme of India International Water Week 2026 is “Climate Resilient Water Management.”
    • The Netherlands and Germany are participating as partner countries in India International Water Week 2026.

    GS-IIGS-III

  8. Wednesday 23 September · Polity

    Supreme Court to examine whether refusal to sing Vande Mataram can attract criminal penalties

    The Court held that the government may prescribe the National Song’s format but indicated that conscientious objectors cannot face penal action, invoking constitutional freedoms and the Bijoe Emmanuel precedent.

    • The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act was enacted in 1971 to protect specified national symbols and public ceremonies.
    • Section 3 of the 1971 Act punishes intentional prevention or disturbance of an assembly engaged in singing the National Anthem.
    • The 2026 amendment extended Section 3 protection to the National Song, according to the pending Supreme Court challenge.

    GS-IIGS-IV

  9. Wednesday 23 September · Economy

    Mines Ministry to launch incentive scheme for domestic lithium and nickel processing

    India plans a new incentive scheme and four critical-mineral processing parks to build an integrated value chain and reduce dependence on imported processed lithium and nickel.

    • National Critical Mineral Mission was approved on 29 January 2025 with ₹16,300 crore outlay, including ₹2,600 crore budgetary support.
    • The National Critical Mineral Mission runs up to financial year 2030-31 and covers exploration, mining, processing and recycling.
    • Four Critical Mineral Processing Parks are being supported in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha.

    GS-IIGS-III

  10. Wednesday 23 September · Polity

    Supreme Court delivers split verdict on challenge to 2023 law governing appointment of CEC and Election Commissioners

    The matter has been placed before the Chief Justice of India after a two-judge Bench differed on whether it should go to a five-judge Constitution Bench.

    • Article 324 vests superintendence, direction and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, President and Vice-President in the Election Commission.
    • The 2023 Act was enacted on December 28, 2023 as Act No. 49 of 2023.
    • The current selection committee comprises the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

    GS-IIGS-IV

  11. Wednesday 23 September · Economy and Infrastructure

    Next phase of UDAN launched with 21 Centre–State MoUs and Challenge Mode for aerodrome development

    The Civil Aviation Ministry has moved the regional-connectivity scheme into implementation, targeting 120 new destinations and four crore additional passengers over the next decade.

    • UDAN means Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik and was launched in 2016 for regional air connectivity.
    • The next UDAN phase covers 2026–2036 and targets 120 new destinations and four crore additional passengers.
    • Twenty-one MoUs were signed with States and Union Territories on 22 September 2026.

    GS-IIGS-III

  12. Thursday 24 September · International Relations and Economy

    India-led BRICS tax track establishes new working groups on international taxation and revenue statistics

    BRICS tax authorities adopted the 2026 Tax Progress Report and created India-led platforms to coordinate on international taxation, transfer pricing and revenue data.

    • BRICS tax authorities meeting in New Delhi on 23 September 2026 involved ten member tax administrations, including India and China.
    • India-led working groups were created on International Taxation and Transfer Pricing, and on Revenue Statistics.
    • The BRICS Tax Progress Report 2026 records the outcomes of India’s chairship of the tax cooperation track.

    GS-IIGS-III

  13. Thursday 24 September · Polity

    Supreme Court mandates prior judicial approval for re-arrest after an unconstitutional arrest

    The Court ruled that violation of Article 22 safeguards makes an arrest unconstitutional and prevents investigating agencies from independently re-arresting the accused.

    • Article 22(1) requires communication of arrest grounds; Article 22(2) requires production before a Magistrate within 24 hours.
    • The Supreme Court delivered Jaskaran Jeet Singh Deol v. State of Punjab through Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Atul S. Chandurkar.
    • Release after an unconstitutional arrest is release from illegal detention, not ordinary bail granted on conditions.

    GS-IIGS-IV

  14. Thursday 24 September · International Relations

    At UNGA 81, Jaishankar calls for stronger Global South solidarity and greater decision-making space

    India urged developing countries to act collectively to address global crises and correct their limited representation in international decision-making institutions.

    • The first Voice of Global South Summit was hosted virtually by India on 12–13 January 2023 under the theme Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose.
    • The first Voice of Global South Summit involved 125 countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and Oceania.
    • The United Nations Security Council has five permanent members and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly.

    GS-II

  15. Friday 25 September · Economy / Science & Technology

    Power Ministry sends draft National Electricity Policy 2026 to Cabinet; domestic smart-meter chips targeted by mid-2028

    The proposed policy addresses grid stability, renewable-energy integration, transmission expansion and power-sector financial viability, alongside efforts to reduce imported chip dependence in smart meters.

    • The first National Electricity Policy was notified in February 2005 under the Electricity Act, 2003. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2216661&lang=1&reg=1&utm_source=openai))
    • The draft National Electricity Policy 2026 was released for stakeholder consultation in January 2026. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2216661&lang=1&reg=1&utm_source=openai))
    • The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme sanctioned 20.33 crore smart meters; 5.73 crore were installed under it. ([indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com/article/india/domestic-chip-mandate-for-smart-meters-by-mid-2028-power-secretary-pankaj-agarwal-10892821/lite/))

    GS-IIGS-III

  16. Friday 25 September · International Relations / Defence

    INS Trishul reaches Toulon for the 24th India-France bilateral naval exercise Varuna

    The deployment strengthens India-France maritime interoperability through harbour and sea engagements, cross-deck visits and operational interactions.

    • INS Trishul arrived at Toulon on 22 September 2026 for the 24th edition of Varuna. Source: PIB, 2026.
    • Varuna is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and French Navy, begun in 2001.
    • The 2024 Varuna edition was held in the Mediterranean Sea from 2 to 4 September.

    GS-IIGS-III

  17. Friday 25 September · Polity and Governance

    President returns West Bengal’s Anti-Goonda Bill for reconsideration over overlap with central narcotics law

    The President returned the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026 after the Centre flagged overlap with the PITNDPS Act’s preventive-detention framework.

    • The PITNDPS Act, 1988 is a central law providing detention to prevent illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
    • Article 200 deals with Governor’s assent to State Bills, including reservation of certain Bills for Presidential consideration.
    • Under Article 201, the President may return a non-Money Bill to the State Legislature for reconsideration.

    GS-II

  18. Saturday 26 September · Economy

    CGTMSE guarantee cover goes live on TReDS to ease MSME working-capital constraints

    The MSME Ministry has operationalised credit-guarantee support on TReDS, aiming to reduce delayed payments and improve invoice-based financing for micro and small enterprises.

    • TReDS is an RBI-regulated electronic platform for financing MSME trade receivables and became operational in 2017.
    • CGTMSE guarantee cover on TReDS is available through M1xchange, RXIL and DTX (KredX), according to the Ministry of MSME.
    • The new facility requires both buyer and seller to be Micro or Small Enterprises, not merely any MSME combination.

    GS-IIGS-III

  19. Sunday 27 September · Polity

    ECI orders legal-compliance review of voter-roll software and local verification of flagged electors

    The Election Commission has constituted a review panel, including an independent technology expert, amid controversy over voter-list changes and the Special Intensive Revision process.

    • Article 324(1) places preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections under the superintendence, direction and control of the ECI.
    • The Representation of the People Act, 1950 provides the statutory framework for electoral-roll preparation and revision.
    • The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 prescribe procedures for preparing, revising and publishing electoral rolls.

    GS-II

  20. Sunday 27 September · Polity/Internal Security

    Centre extends AFSPA for six months in Manipur, Nagaland and parts of Arunachal Pradesh from October 1

    The extension keeps the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in force amid continuing security concerns in the Northeast, with limited exclusions in Manipur.

    • The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was enacted in 1958 and is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    • Under Section 3, the Central Government or State Governor may declare an area a disturbed area.
    • Section 4 allows specified armed-forces personnel to use special powers in a disturbed area.

    GS-IIGS-III

GS3 · Economy, environment, science and security

  1. Thursday 24 September · Science and Technology; Defence

    MoD signs Rs 810.79-crore contract with BDL for 160 indigenous Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons

    The Defence Ministry contracted Bharat Dynamics Limited to supply DRDO-designed precision glide weapons for the Indian Air Force under the Buy (Indian–IDDM) category.

    • The September 23, 2026 contract covers 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2313942&lang=1&reg=3))
    • The contract value is Rs 810.79 crore and falls under Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured). ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2313942&lang=1&reg=3))
    • Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb for long stand-off attacks. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2313942&lang=1&reg=3))

    GS-IIIGS-IV

  2. Friday 25 September · Economy

    Government cuts basic customs duty on crude edible oils to curb food inflation

    The Centre reduced import duties on crude sunflower, soybean and palm oils while retaining a 19.25% crude–refined duty differential.

    • Notification No. 31/2026-Customs was issued on 23 September 2026 and became effective from 24 September 2026.
    • Basic Customs Duty on crude sunflower oil was reduced from 10% to nil under the September 2026 notification.
    • Basic Customs Duty on crude soybean oil and crude palm oil was reduced from 10% to 5%.

    GS-III

  3. Saturday 26 September · Economy

    SEBI approves new settlement framework, overhauls portfolio-manager rules and widens FPI access to commodity derivatives

    SEBI’s September 24 board decisions seek to simplify securities regulation, strengthen investor protection and deepen foreign participation in Indian markets.

    • SEBI approved the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2026, replacing the 2020 framework.
    • The Portfolio Managers Route for Investing in Mutual Fund Units permits direct mutual-fund and specialised investment-fund investments.
    • The minimum investment for the new portfolio-manager mutual-fund route is ₹25 lakh, according to the reported board decision.

    GS-IIIGS-IV

  4. Saturday 26 September · Science & Technology

    DRDO signs first high-value TDF start-up agreement to develop indigenous 20-millikelvin dilution refrigerator for quantum applications

    The project aims to build critical ultra-low-temperature infrastructure domestically, supporting India’s National Quantum Mission and strategic-technology ecosystem.

    • DRDO signed the agreement with Zero mK India Private Limited, an Alwar, Rajasthan-based start-up, on September 24, 2026.
    • The project targets an indigenous dilution refrigerator capable of reaching approximately 20 millikelvin for quantum applications.
    • The agreement is the first high-value project under the additional ₹500-crore Technology Development Fund corpus for advanced technologies.

    GS-III

  5. Saturday 26 September · Environment

    Sixth national tiger-reserve evaluation cycle begins with solid-waste management added as a separate criterion

    The Environment Ministry and NTCA launched the sixth Management Effectiveness Evaluation cycle covering all 58 tiger reserves, with new emphasis on waste management, human–wildlife coexistence and field-based outcomes.

    • MEE-TR 2026 covers all 58 tiger reserves and is organised by NTCA with the Wildlife Institute of India.
    • India’s MEE cycles were completed in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 before the sixth cycle.
    • The six MEE elements are Context, Planning, Inputs, Processes, Outputs and Outcomes.

    GS-III

  6. Sunday 27 September · Environment and Science & Technology

    Foundation stone laid for India’s first port-based e-methanol plant at Kandla

    A ₹2,300-crore facility at Deendayal Port Authority will produce renewable-power-based e-methanol for cleaner shipping on the Asia–Europe trade corridor.

    • The Kandla facility is being established at Deendayal Port Authority in Kutch district, Gujarat, on India’s western coast.
    • The planned plant capacity is 150 tonnes per day, implemented in phases of 50 and 100 tonnes per day.
    • The project is a joint venture between Deendayal Port Authority and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd.

    GS-III

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