Daily Current Affairs 22 September 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams
This article covers the complete Daily Current Affairs of 22 September 2026, including the 13th India-Sri Lanka maritime exercise SLINEX-26, the government's ₹23,731-crore GOBARdhan scheme, India's first farm-level soil carbon payments, Moody's 7% FY27 GDP growth forecast, and the launch of India's Biovigilance Programme and National Formulary of India 2026. It also includes exam-ready one-liners, quick-fact cards and FAQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC exams.
Introduction to Current Affairs 22 September 2026
The Current Affairs of 22 September 2026 feature important developments across defence, health, economy, agriculture, science and international relations. Major exam-relevant stories include the 13th SLINEX-26 maritime exercise, operationalisation of the national GOBARdhan framework for compressed biogas, India's first farm-level soil carbon payments, the Biovigilance Programme of India and Moody's revised growth outlook for India.
These updates are especially useful for questions on government schemes, defence exercises, institutions, banking, appointments and international affairs. Aspirants can regularly follow the daily current affairs section for structured exam preparation and quick revision of important national and international developments.
National Current Affairs
India Launches Biovigilance Programme to Strengthen Patient Safety
Why in News: The Government of India approved the Biovigilance Programme of India, under which the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) will lead reporting, assessment and monitoring of adverse events associated with organ and tissue transplantation and related biological products.
Quick Facts
- Lead institution: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission.
- Focus: Safety monitoring related to organ and tissue transplantation.
- India has around 1,150 ADR Reporting Centres under its pharmacovigilance network.
- IPC coordinates the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India.
- The programme complements pharmacovigilance and materiovigilance systems.
Key Highlights
- The programme expands India's patient-safety monitoring beyond conventional medicines.
- It covers adverse events affecting both organ donors and transplant recipients.
- Monitoring will strengthen the reporting and prevention of risks related to biological products used in transplantation.
- The initiative creates a broader safety framework covering medicines, medical devices and transplant procedures.
7th National Formulary of India 2026 Released
Why in News: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the 7th edition of the National Formulary of India (NFI) 2026, a reference document designed to promote the rational, safe and effective use of medicines by healthcare professionals.
Quick Facts
- Edition: 7th; Year: 2026.
- Publisher: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission.
- Contains 34 chapters and 20 appendices.
- Covers 653 drugs, including 42 fixed-dose combinations and 30 immunologicals.
- NFI has been published periodically by IPC since 2009.
Key Highlights
- Drug monographs are aligned with the National List of Essential Medicines and National Health Programmes.
- NFI provides guidance on appropriate selection, prescribing and use of medicines.
- The formulary is also available digitally for easier access by health professionals.
- It includes links to immunisation schedules, Jan Aushadhi and safe disposal guidance for pharmaceutical products.
India Begins First Farm-Level Soil Carbon Payments
Why in News: India initiated its first farm-level soil carbon payments at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, with 2,550 farmers from Punjab and Haryana set to receive more than Rs 2.9 crore for verified regenerative farming practices.
Quick Facts
- Programme: Aadi farmer carbon programme.
- Launched by Grow Indigo in 2019 with technical guidance from ICAR.
- Initial issuance covered around 30,000 acres.
- Generated more than 50,000 verified carbon credits.
- Participating states: Punjab and Haryana.
Key Highlights
- Farmers adopted practices such as direct-seeded rice, reduced tillage and crop-residue management.
- Payments are linked to verified carbon credits rather than merely the area of land enrolled.
- Individual payments were approximately Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000.
- ICAR-IARI supported scientific measurement and verification of the carbon benefits.
APEDA Partners with InD Events Dubai for Gulfood 2027
Why in News: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) signed an MoU with InD Events Dubai, organiser of Gulfood, to expand global market opportunities for Indian agricultural and processed-food exporters.
Quick Facts
- APEDA was established in 1986 under the APEDA Act, 1985.
- Administrative ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- India will participate as Official Partner Country at Gulfood 2027.
Key Highlights
- The agreement seeks to connect Indian food exporters with international buyers.
- It will support MSMEs, Farmer Producer Organisations and startups.
- Special focus will be given to women-led and SC/ST-led export enterprises.
- India had also partnered with Gulfood in 2026.
International Current Affairs
S. Jaishankar's Bhutan Visit Strengthens Energy and Development Cooperation
Why in News: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Bhutan from 16-18 September 2026 and reviewed bilateral cooperation in energy, connectivity, healthcare, financial technology and development projects.
Quick Facts
- Bhutan capital: Thimphu.
- King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
- Prime Minister: Tshering Tobgay.
- India extended a concessional Line of Credit of Rs 4,000 crore.
- Punatsangchhu-II capacity: 1,020 MW.
Key Highlights
- Five development initiatives covering healthcare, agriculture, connectivity, clean mobility and energy were launched.
- Both sides reviewed their Joint Vision on Energy Partnership.
- Cooperation includes the Punatsangchhu-I and Punatsangchhu-II hydropower projects.
- UPI-linked financial integration and education cooperation were also discussed.
Indo-Russia Technology Hub Signs Four Agreements at INNOPROM India 2026
Why in News: The Indo-Russia Innopraktika Technology Hub signed four strategic agreements during INNOPROM India 2026 in New Delhi, covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, electronics and investment.
Quick Facts
- Event: INNOPROM India 2026.
- Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Dates: 9-11 September 2026.
- Agreements covered AI, cybersecurity, investment, interactive technology and healthcare.
Key Highlights
- An India-Russia Centre of Excellence in AI and cybersecurity is planned with Russian partners.
- RDIF and Indian partners will explore investment in AI, machine learning and medical technology.
- NexTouch plans a joint venture in India for interactive technologies and local manufacturing.
- SberMedAI will explore AI applications in diagnostics and clinical decision support.
Economy & Banking
Moody's Raises India's FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 7%
Why in News: Moody's Ratings raised India's real GDP growth forecast for FY 2026-27 to 7% from 6%, while retaining India's sovereign rating at Baa3 with a stable outlook.
Quick Facts
- FY27 GDP growth forecast: 7%.
- Previous forecast: 6%.
- India's sovereign rating: Baa3 with stable outlook.
- Q1 FY27 growth cited by the source: 7.8%.
- FY27 inflation projection: 4.8%.
Key Highlights
- Moody's cited India's resilience to external economic and geopolitical shocks.
- Growth momentum was supported by strong domestic economic activity.
- Higher crude-oil and food prices remain potential inflation risks.
- El Niño-related disruptions were identified as an additional risk to consumption and growth.
India Launches Demat 2.0 Pilot for Tokenised Corporate Bonds
Why in News: India's regulated securities market launched a pilot framework for tokenised corporate bonds under SEBI's Demat 2.0 initiative, with corporate bond issuances by REC Limited and Larsen & Toubro totalling Rs 1,000 crore.
Quick Facts
- Total value highlighted: Rs 1,000 crore.
- Issuers: REC Limited and Larsen & Toubro.
- Technology: Distributed Ledger Technology.
- Framework: SEBI-regulated Demat 2.0 pilot.
- Formal launch: 10 September 2026.
Key Highlights
- The pilot explores digital representation of conventional corporate bond securities.
- It is designed to improve transparency and settlement efficiency while remaining within regulated market infrastructure.
- DLT can support traceability of ownership and transactional records.
- The initiative represents an important experiment in applying tokenisation to India's securities market.
novio and Indian Overseas Bank Launch Co-Branded RuPay Credit Card
Why in News: Consumer-credit platform novio partnered with Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) to launch a co-branded RuPay credit card aimed at expanding formal credit access among UPI-active and first-time credit users.
Quick Facts
- Variants: RuPay Select and RuPay Platinum.
- Launch platform: Global Fintech Fest 2026, Mumbai.
- IOB established: 1937.
- IOB headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Tagline: “Good People to Grow With.”
Key Highlights
- The card supports instant digital onboarding.
- A fixed-deposit-backed facility can help customers with limited credit history access formal credit.
- The RuPay card can be linked with UPI for credit-based UPI transactions.
- The partnership combines IOB's banking network with novio's digital onboarding and rewards platform.
Government Schemes
Government Operationalises Rs 23,731-Crore GOBARdhan CBG Framework
Why in News: The government operationalised the GOBARdhan National Circular Bioenergy Scheme, approved with a total outlay of Rs 23,731 crore, to accelerate compressed biogas production through assured offtake, stable pricing and capital assistance.
Quick Facts
- Total outlay: Rs 23,731 crore.
- Administered CBG price: Rs 2,110 per MMBTU, about Rs 105 per kg.
- CBG obligation: 3% in FY27, 4% in FY28 and 5% from FY29 onwards.
- Minimum stable-pricing horizon: 10 years.
- Eligible greenfield projects can receive assistance of up to Rs 2 crore per TPD of installed capacity.
Key Highlights
- The framework provides assured CBG offtake through City Gas Distribution entities.
- It converts organic and agricultural waste into clean transport and domestic fuel.
- The scheme is designed to improve project bankability and attract private investment.
- It supports waste-to-wealth, rural income, energy security and reduced fossil-fuel dependence.
Madhya Pradesh Launches Free Rural Property Registration Scheme
Why in News: Madhya Pradesh launched the Swamitva Adhikar Abhilekh Nispadan Evam Panjiyan Yojana 2026, becoming the first state to provide free registration of rural residential properties under the initiative.
Quick Facts
- State: Madhya Pradesh.
- Properties targeted: around 50 lakh.
- Coverage: 55 districts.
- Rights records prepared: about 68.47 lakh across 41,568 villages.
- Implementation drive: 17 September to 17 October 2026.
Key Highlights
- Eligible rural households will receive formal ownership documentation without stamp duty and registration charges.
- The scheme aims to strengthen legal property rights and access to institutional finance.
- Patwaris will conduct door-to-door verification and documentation.
- Special camps are being organised at village and panchayat levels.
Science & Technology
IIIT-Bangalore and Taipei Computer Association Sign Technology Cooperation LOI
Why in News: IIIT-Bangalore and the Taipei Computer Association signed a Letter of Intent at Electronica India 2026 to explore collaboration in artificial intelligence, electronics, smart manufacturing, smart cities and cybersecurity.
Quick Facts
- Event: Electronica India 2026.
- Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- IIIT-Bangalore established: 1998.
- Focus areas: AI, electronics, ICT, smart manufacturing and cybersecurity.
Key Highlights
- The LOI lays the groundwork for a future broader cooperation agreement.
- Proposed activities include policy dialogues, conferences, business matchmaking and delegation exchanges.
- Taiwan contributes strengths in semiconductors, electronics and hardware manufacturing.
- Karnataka contributes software engineering, research and technology-innovation capabilities.
Environment
New Tiger Cat Species Leopardus tilcayo Identified in Bolivia
Why in News: Scientists identified a new wild-cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forest, described as the first newly recognised living feline species in more than a century.
Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Leopardus tilcayo.
- Location: Yungas cloud forest, Bolivia.
- Research published: 17 September 2026 in Current Biology.
- Approximate body length: 46 cm.
- Approximate weight: 1.4 kg.
Key Highlights
- The species belongs to South America's tiger-cat group.
- Genetic evidence was central to recognising it as a distinct species.
- Researchers estimated divergence from related tiger cats around 1.4 million years ago.
- The discovery highlights the biodiversity importance of Andean cloud-forest ecosystems.
Defence
13th India-Sri Lanka Maritime Exercise SLINEX-26 Held in Visakhapatnam
Why in News: The 13th edition of the bilateral Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-26) was conducted at Visakhapatnam from 17-21 September 2026 to strengthen maritime interoperability and cooperation.
Quick Facts
- SLINEX conceptualised in 2005.
- Venue: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
- Indian ships: INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti.
- Sri Lankan ship: SLNS Sindurala.
- Conducted in Harbour and Sea phases.
Key Highlights
- INS Kavaratti is an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette.
- INS Jyoti serves as a fleet tanker.
- The Sea Phase focused on operational synergy and interoperability.
- The exercise aligns with India's MAHASAGAR maritime vision for a secure and inclusive regional environment.
HAL Hands Over Tejas Trainers, HTT-40 Aircraft and Dhruv NG Helicopters
Why in News: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over two LCA Tejas FOC twin-seat trainers, three HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force and four Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans.
Quick Facts
- Tejas FOC twin-seat trainers handed over: 2.
- HTT-40 basic trainers handed over: 3.
- Dhruv NG helicopters handed over: 4.
- HTT-40 procurement contract covers 70 aircraft.
- Handover venue: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Key Highlights
- The Tejas twin-seater supports fighter-pilot training and operational conversion.
- The handover marked the beginning of HTT-40 deliveries under the major IAF procurement contract.
- HTT-40 supports basic flying, navigation, aerobatics and night-flying training.
- Dhruv NG is an indigenous civil helicopter designed for operations including offshore roles.
India's Indigenous Long-Range OWA Drone KAL Tested at Pokhran
Why in News: The indigenous long-range One-Way Attack drone KAL, developed by IG Defence, successfully completed flight testing at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
Quick Facts
- Developer: IG Defence.
- Range: up to 1,000 km.
- Endurance: approximately 7-8 hours.
- Payload capacity: around 50 kg.
- Operating altitude: up to 5,000 metres.
Key Highlights
- Trials validated the airframe, propulsion, avionics, navigation and mission systems.
- The drone uses a combination of GNSS and inertial navigation.
- It is designed for long-range precision-strike and air-defence-suppression missions.
- The test strengthens India's indigenous unmanned aerial-system development capabilities.
Current Affairs One-Liners
Quick Revision
- SLINEX-26 → 13th edition → India and Sri Lanka conducted the maritime exercise at Visakhapatnam from 17-21 September.
- GOBARdhan → Rs 23,731 crore → National CBG scheme provides assured offtake, stable pricing and capital support.
- Biovigilance Programme → IPC → Monitors adverse events associated with organ and tissue transplantation.
- NFI 2026 → 7th edition → Contains 34 chapters, 20 appendices and 653 drugs.
- Soil Carbon Payments → 2,550 farmers → Punjab and Haryana farmers to receive over Rs 2.9 crore.
- APEDA-Gulfood → InD Events Dubai → India to participate as partner country at Gulfood 2027.
- IIIT-Bangalore → Taipei Computer Association → LOI covers AI, electronics, smart manufacturing and cybersecurity.
- Jaishankar Bhutan Visit → Rs 4,000 crore → India extended concessional credit for Bhutan's energy projects.
- UN General Assembly → S. Jaishankar → To lead India's delegation to the 81st UNGA in New York.
- Russian Parliamentary Election → United Russia → Official results reported 57.83% party-list vote and 355 of 450 Duma seats.
- novio-IOB Card → RuPay Select and Platinum → Co-branded credit card supports UPI-linked payments and digital onboarding.
- Moody's India Forecast → 7% → FY27 real GDP growth forecast raised from 6%.
- Demat 2.0 → Tokenised corporate bonds → REC and L&T issuances highlighted a Rs 1,000-crore regulated pilot.
- SEBI → Kamlesh Chandra Varshney → Reappointed as Whole-Time Member until age 65 or further orders.
- Core Industries → August 2026 data → India's eight core-sector output figures were released for economic monitoring.
- IRITH → Four agreements → INNOPROM India partnerships cover AI, cybersecurity, healthcare technology and investment.
- Gondhal → Oscars 2027 → Marathi film directed by Santosh Davakhar selected as India's official international-feature submission.
- Angen → 72nd National Film Awards → Santhali film by Ravi Raj Murmu won Best Debut Film of a Director.
- HAL Handover → Tejas, HTT-40 and Dhruv NG → Aircraft and helicopters delivered to IAF and Pawan Hans.
- KAL Drone → 1,000-km range → Indigenous long-range one-way attack drone tested at Pokhran.
- INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish → Subic Bay → Indian naval ships reached the Philippines during overseas deployment.
- Leopardus tilcayo → Bolivia → Newly identified tiger-cat species reported from the Yungas cloud forest.
- Asian Wushu Championships → India → Country will host the senior continental championship for the first time in 2028.
- Himanshu Dhillon → Asian Games → Won men's 10m air-rifle silver with 252.4 points.
- Rudrankksh Patil → Asian Games → Won bronze in men's 10m air rifle with 230.9 points.
- Men's 10m Air Rifle Team → India → Rudrankksh Patil, Himanshu Dhillon and Parth Mane secured silver.
- Women's 10m Air Rifle → India → Team won silver, while Elavenil Valarivan also earned individual silver.
- Suchika Tariyal → MMA → Indian athlete secured a historic international bronze medal.
- Savita Punia → Hockey → Became India's most-capped women's hockey player.
- Asian Games Kabaddi → India → Men's team beat Japan 49-24 and women's team defeated Bangladesh 42-21.
- Indian Super League → Karan Yadav → Appointed the league's first Chief Executive Officer.
- Anti-Narcotics Task Forces → 3rd National Conference → Heads of state and central anti-narcotics bodies met for coordination.
- Ayurveda Day → 23 September 2026 → Nationwide awareness campaign launched ahead of the 11th observance.
- World Bamboo Day → 18 September → Promotes bamboo's environmental, cultural and economic importance.
- World Water Monitoring Day → 18 September → Encourages public participation in monitoring water quality.
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