Daily Current Affairs 18 September 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams
This article covers the Daily Current Affairs of 18 September 2026, including three years of PM Vishwakarma with 30 lakh registrations, India's exports reaching USD 399.27 billion during April-August FY27, the six-state Kishau Multipurpose Project agreement, India's Semicon 2.0 expansion, and India's 131st rank in the Global Gender Gap Index 2026. It also includes defence, science, appointments, awards and important-day updates with exam-ready one-liners, quick-fact cards and FAQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Insurance, Defence and State PSC exams.
Introduction to Current Affairs 18 September 2026
The Current Affairs of 18 September 2026 feature several high-value developments for competitive examinations, led by the third anniversary of PM Vishwakarma, strong growth in India's merchandise and services exports, the agreement among six states for the Kishau Multipurpose Project, expansion of the semiconductor ecosystem through Semicon 2.0, and India's performance in the Global Gender Gap Index 2026. Defence, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and institutional developments also make today's coverage particularly relevant.
These updates are useful for questions from Economy, Government Schemes, Reports, Science and Technology, Defence, Appointments and Static GK. Aspirants can regularly revise similar exam-focused developments through the daily current affairs section and connect headline facts with their underlying institutions, schemes and concepts.
Government Schemes
PM Vishwakarma Completes Three Years with 30 Lakh Registrations
Why in News: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2023, completed three years of implementation in September 2026 and achieved the milestone of 30 lakh registrations. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises marked its third anniversary on 17 September 2026 in Kolkata.
Quick Facts
- Scheme: PM Vishwakarma, launched in 2023.
- Target group: Traditional artisans and craftspeople working in 18 identified trades.
- Registrations: 30 lakh by the third anniversary.
- Implementing bodies include the Ministries of MSME and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and the Department of Financial Services.
Key Highlights
- The third-anniversary event was organised at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata, West Bengal.
- The scheme provides end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople.
- Its multi-ministry implementation links traditional skills with financial inclusion, training and enterprise development.
- The 30 lakh-registration mark represents a major implementation milestone for the scheme.
National Current Affairs
Six States Sign Agreement for Kishau Multipurpose Project
Why in News: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana signed an agreement on 15 September 2026 to advance the Kishau Multipurpose Project. The project envisages a major dam on the Tons River and is intended to strengthen water availability while supporting efforts associated with the Yamuna river system.
Quick Facts
- Participating states: Six — Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana.
- River: Tons River on the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border.
- Proposed dam height: 232.6 metres.
- Storage capacity: 1,562 MCM.
- Implementing entity: Kishau Corporation Limited, a Himachal Pradesh-Uttarakhand joint venture.
Key Highlights
- The project is based on the Upper Yamuna Basin arrangements dating to 1994.
- Consensus among participating states was reached on 16 June 2026.
- As a National Project, the Centre is to bear 90% of the financial burden and participating states 10%.
- Implementation remains subject to Union Cabinet approval.
CBFC Reconstituted with 18 Members for Three Years
Why in News: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with 18 members for a period of three years or until further orders. The reconstituted board will function under Chairperson Shashi Shekhar Vempati.
Quick Facts
- CBFC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Chairperson: Shashi Shekhar Vempati.
- Reconstituted strength: 18 members.
- Tenure: Three years or until further orders.
Key Highlights
- The reconstitution was carried out under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
- Members include film personalities such as Preity Zinta, Suniel Shetty, Pankaj Tripathi, Pallavi Joshi and Prosenjit Chatterjee.
- Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej is also part of the board.
- The previous board had been formally reconstituted in August 2017.
Economy & Banking
India's Combined Exports Rise 15.5% to USD 399.27 Billion
Why in News: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported that India's combined merchandise and services exports during April-August of FY 2026-27 were estimated at USD 399.27 billion, representing growth of 15.5% over the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
Quick Facts
- Combined exports, April-August FY27: USD 399.27 billion.
- Growth in combined exports: 15.5%.
- Merchandise exports: USD 215.91 billion, against USD 183.21 billion a year earlier.
- Total imports during April-August: USD 459.65 billion, up 18.01%.
Key Highlights
- India's merchandise and services exports for August 2026 were estimated at USD 82.68 billion.
- August exports recorded growth of 25.41%.
- Combined imports for August were estimated at USD 92.09 billion.
- August imports increased by 18.75%, making trade data important for questions on India's external sector.
GIFT City Climbs to 37th in Global Financial Centres Index
Why in News: GIFT City improved by nine positions to rank 37th globally in the Global Financial Centres Index 40 (GFCI 40). It had ranked 46th in the preceding edition and also improved its position in the global fintech ranking.
Quick Facts
- GFCI 40 global rank of GIFT City: 37th.
- Previous rank: 46th.
- Improvement: Nine places.
- Fintech rank: 26th globally, up from 29th.
- GFCI 40 evaluates 115 financial centres.
Key Highlights
- GIFT City is among the top 15 financial centres in the Asia-Pacific region according to the source.
- The index considers factors such as business environment, human capital, infrastructure and financial-sector development.
- Reputation and survey-based assessments are also incorporated in the ranking methodology.
- The improvement reinforces GIFT City's growing position in international financial services and fintech.
Science & Technology
India Announces USD 13.5 Billion Semiconductor Mission Phase-II
Why in News: At SEMICON India 2026, the government announced the transition to Semicon 2.0, with Phase-II funding for the India Semiconductor Mission stated at USD 13.5 billion, compared with about USD 8 billion in the first phase.
Quick Facts
- Phase-II funding: USD 13.5 billion.
- Phase-I funding: approximately USD 8 billion.
- SEMICON India 2026: 17-19 September 2026, New Delhi.
- Semiconductor projects approved so far: 12, according to the supplied source.
Key Highlights
- Semicon 2.0 broadens the focus to design, manufacturing, packaging, equipment, materials, R&D and talent development.
- It seeks to strengthen domestic semiconductor supply chains and technological capabilities.
- Priority areas include fabless companies, compound semiconductors and silicon photonics.
- The programme also connects semiconductor development with infrastructure requirements for artificial intelligence.
NIELIT and Infineon Open Semiconductor Manufacturing Centre of Excellence
Why in News: NIELIT, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and Infineon Technologies inaugurated a Centre of Excellence on Semiconductor Manufacturing at NIELIT Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The facility was inaugurated virtually by Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada.
Quick Facts
- Location: NIELIT Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
- Focus: Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) and Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT).
- Infineon supplied eight semiconductor manufacturing equipment units.
- NIELIT functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Key Highlights
- The centre will establish a functional backend semiconductor manufacturing training line.
- Students, faculty, researchers and professionals will receive practical exposure to industry-grade equipment.
- Training covers processes such as die and wire bonding, moulding, trimming and package protection.
- The facility complements India's broader effort to create a skilled semiconductor workforce.
MeitY Gives In-Principle Approval to AI Centre of Excellence in Odisha
Why in News: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology granted in-principle approval for an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is planned as a national-level hub for AI innovation, startup incubation and deployment under the broader IndiaAI Mission ecosystem.
Quick Facts
- Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Implementing organisation: Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).
- Industry partner: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions.
- Industry contribution: Rs 4 crore.
- Proposed built-up space: 10,000 sq. ft.
Key Highlights
- The centre will support applied AI research, startup incubation and responsible deployment.
- Focus areas include healthcare, governance, disaster management, education and industrial applications.
- Coastal economy applications include oceanography, fisheries and tidal-energy related use cases.
- STPI was established in 1991 and functions as an autonomous society under MeitY.
Reports & Indices
India Retains 131st Rank in Global Gender Gap Index 2026
Why in News: The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the 20th edition of the Global Gender Gap Report. India retained the 131st position out of 145 countries, with an overall gender-parity score of 0.645, while Iceland remained at the top.
Quick Facts
- India's rank: 131st out of 145 countries.
- India's score: 0.645, or 64.5% gender parity.
- Rank 1: Iceland, score 0.930.
- Second: Finland; Third: Norway.
- WEF has published the Global Gender Gap Report annually since 2006.
Key Highlights
- Iceland topped the index for the 17th consecutive year.
- The index measures Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.
- Globally, 69.2% of the gender gap has been closed according to the 2026 report.
- The report estimates that global gender parity would take about 120 years at the current pace of progress.
Defence
CISF and IIT Kanpur Sign MoUs on Cybersecurity and Anti-Drone Capabilities
Why in News: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) signed two MoUs with IIT Kanpur to strengthen cybersecurity and drone/counter-drone capabilities used for protecting critical and strategic infrastructure.
Quick Facts
- Number of MoUs: Two.
- Cybersecurity training: Six-week residential programme.
- Participants: 40 CISF personnel per batch.
- Cybersecurity framework duration: Three years.
- Drone/anti-drone Centre of Excellence planned at MPRTC Behror, Rajasthan.
Key Highlights
- C3iHub will train CISF personnel in critical information infrastructure security, digital forensics and incident response.
- Training also covers AI/ML risks, deepfakes, IoT, cloud systems and Operational Technology.
- The second MoU provides a five-year framework for UAV and counter-UAV capability development.
- Research areas include rogue-drone analysis, RF detection, micro-Doppler detection and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
HAL to Deliver Tejas Trainers, HTT-40 Aircraft and Dhruv NG Helicopters
Why in News: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) scheduled the handover of LCA Tejas FOC twin-seater trainers and the first batch of HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force on 18 September 2026, along with Dhruv NG helicopters for Pawan Hans.
Quick Facts
- Event location: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- LCA Tejas twin-seater trainers: Two.
- HTT-40: First batch of basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
- Dhruv NG helicopters for Pawan Hans: Four.
Key Highlights
- The handover covers both military and civilian aviation platforms.
- Tejas twin-seaters and HTT-40 aircraft support Indian Air Force training requirements.
- Dhruv NG helicopters are intended for civilian operator Pawan Hans.
- The event highlights India's expanding indigenous aerospace manufacturing capability.
Current Affairs One-Liners
Quick Revision
- PM Vishwakarma third anniversary → 30 lakh registrations → supports artisans and craftspeople across 18 identified trades.
- India's April-August FY27 combined exports → USD 399.27 billion → increased by 15.5%.
- Kishau Multipurpose Project → agreement among six states → proposed 232.6-metre dam on Tons River.
- CBFC reconstituted → 18 members for three years → chaired by Shashi Shekhar Vempati.
- NIELIT-Infineon CoE → Ahmedabad, Gujarat → focuses on ATMP, OSAT and semiconductor workforce training.
- CISF-IIT Kanpur partnership → two MoUs → cybersecurity training and drone/counter-drone capability development.
- Odisha AI CoE → Bhubaneswar → STPI to implement with Rs 4 crore industry contribution.
- BHEL-Titagarh Rail JV → 50:50 venture → maintenance of 80 Vande Bharat Sleeper trainsets for 35 years.
- Global Gender Gap Index 2026 → India 131st → Iceland topped for the 17th consecutive year.
- Global gender parity closed → 69.2% → WEF estimates 120 years to full parity at current pace.
- Bharat Forge-Pratt & Whitney Canada → DRDO HALE UAV programme → collaboration to evaluate advanced turboprop engine integration.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 → Anant Nag → 56th recipient and second Kannada cinema artist to receive it.
- Anant Nag award presentation → 22 September 2026 → 72nd National Film Awards ceremony at Kevadia, Gujarat.
- IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani → elected ICA Global Board At-Large Director → term 2026-2030.
- ICA President → Ariel Guarco → re-elected unopposed for the 2026-2030 term.
- CRPF CoBRA IG → Sanjukta Parashar → first woman officer to lead the elite CoBRA sector.
- NASA's McGetchin crater → formed in May 2024 lunar impact → approximately 222 metres in diameter.
- McGetchin crater observation → NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter → described as the largest known recent impact crater of its kind.
- New frog species in Mizoram → Ingerana aizawl → identified from the Mizoram University area in Aizawl.
- Second new amphibian species → Duttaphrynus phawngpui → discovered in Phawngpui National Park.
- CONCOR-APEDA MoU → signed 17 September 2026 → aims to strengthen agricultural export cold-chain logistics.
- New NLC India CMD → Prasanna Kumar Acharya → assumed charge on 17 September 2026.
- NLC India 2030 roadmap → over 20 GW power capacity → over 100 MTPA mining capacity target.
- HAL handover → Tejas trainers and HTT-40 to IAF → four Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans.
- GIFT City GFCI 40 ranking → 37th globally → improved by nine positions from 46th.
- GIFT City fintech ranking → 26th → improved from 29th position.
- Semicon 2.0 → Phase-II funding of USD 13.5 billion → expands focus across design, manufacturing and R&D.
- World Patient Safety Day 2026 → 17 September → focus on safe care for noncommunicable diseases.
- World Patient Safety Day slogan → “Safe care for life!” → WHO-led global patient-safety campaign.
- International Day of STI for the South → 16 September → third observance held in 2026.
- International Day for Interventional Cardiology → 16 September → commemorates the first coronary angioplasty performed in 1977.
- Ladakh's first Heritage Village → Kumik → declared during the 11th Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many registrations has PM Vishwakarma achieved after three years of implementation?
What were India's combined exports during April-August FY 2026-27?
Which states are involved in the Kishau Multipurpose Project agreement?
What is the funding announced for Phase-II of the India Semiconductor Mission under Semicon 2.0?
What was India's rank in the Global Gender Gap Index 2026?
What are the two areas covered by the CISF-IIT Kanpur MoUs?
What was GIFT City's rank in the Global Financial Centres Index 40?
Who became the first woman Inspector General of the CRPF CoBRA unit?
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