Daily Current Affairs 24 September 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams
This article covers the complete Daily Current Affairs of 24 September 2026, including the Inter-State Council Order amendment, rollout of KAVACH 4.0 on South Central Railway, the next phase of UDAN, the BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting, and India's major Asian Games achievements. It also covers economy, science, environment, defence and important appointments with exam-ready one-liners, quick-fact cards and FAQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, RRB, Defence and State PSC exams.
Introduction to Current Affairs 24 September 2026
The Current Affairs of 24 September 2026 feature important developments in governance, infrastructure, taxation, rail safety, space technology, economy and sports. Major headlines include the Inter-State Council Order amendment, commissioning of KAVACH 4.0, the next phase of UDAN, the BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting and India's medal-winning performances at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
This exam-focused round-up combines the day's important developments with relevant static facts for quick revision. Aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Insurance, Defence and State PSC examinations can regularly follow the daily current affairs section for structured updates.
National Current Affairs
Inter-State Council Order Amended for Representation During Central Rule
Why in News: President Droupadi Murmu amended the Inter-State Council Order, 1990 in September 2026, creating provisions for Governors and Lieutenant Governors to be invited to council meetings when specified constitutional or statutory provisions for central rule are in operation.
Quick Facts
- Constitutional basis of the Inter-State Council: Article 263.
- The Inter-State Council was constituted through a Presidential Order in 1990.
- A Governor may be invited when a proclamation under Article 356 is in force.
- For Delhi, the relevant constitutional provision is Article 239AB.
- The Council was established following recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission.
Key Highlights
- The amendment provides representation for states undergoing President's Rule through their Governors.
- Special provisions also cover the Lieutenant Governors of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu & Kashmir under their applicable laws.
- The change is intended to maintain representation in the federal consultation mechanism when an elected state government cannot participate normally.
- The Inter-State Council discusses subjects of common interest between the Union and states.
Government Dissolves Digital Communications Commission After 37 Years
Why in News: The Government of India dissolved the Digital Communications Commission (DCC) in September 2026 after nearly 37 years of functioning as the apex inter-departmental decision-making body of the Department of Telecommunications.
Quick Facts
- Originally established as the Telecom Commission in 1989.
- Renamed Digital Communications Commission in 2018.
- Functioned under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.
- Handled major telecom policy, administrative and financial matters.
- TRAI was established in 1997 under the TRAI Act.
Key Highlights
- The DCC earlier examined major matters involving spectrum policy and TRAI recommendations.
- Its final meeting in September 2026 dealt with decisions concerning satellite-communication spectrum.
- The dissolution marks a major change in the institutional architecture of India's telecommunications administration.
- The commission had served as a policy-clearing mechanism before matters requiring higher government approval.
Next Phase of UDAN Advances with Challenge Mode and State MoUs
Why in News: On 22 September 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation advanced the next phase of UDAN by signing MoUs with 21 States and Union Territories and launching a Challenge Mode mechanism for aerodrome development.
Quick Facts
- UDAN stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.
- The regional connectivity programme was launched in 2016.
- Implementing aviation agency: Airports Authority of India (AAI).
- The next phase targets 120 new destinations and around 4 crore passengers over the coming decade.
- UDAN supports connectivity to underserved and unserved regions.
Key Highlights
- A dedicated Challenge Mode Portal enables states and UTs to nominate airstrips and helipads for development or upgradation.
- The government also initiated a new route-bidding process for airlines.
- The framework emphasizes affordability, sustainable operations and stronger regional connectivity.
- Regional aviation is expected to support tourism, trade, employment and access to remote areas.
TRAI Expands Voice and SMS-Only Recharge Options
Why in News: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026 on 22 September 2026, requiring telecom operators to provide more recharge options focused on voice and SMS services.
Quick Facts
- TRAI was established in 1997 under the TRAI Act.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- TRAI regulates telecommunications services and protects consumer interests.
- The measure particularly benefits subscribers who do not require bundled mobile-data services.
Key Highlights
- Telecom service providers must make exclusive voice and SMS-oriented recharge options available.
- The regulation aims to provide greater consumer choice and reduce compulsory dependence on data-inclusive plans.
- The development is important for elderly, feature-phone and low-data-usage subscribers.
International Current Affairs
BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting Held in New Delhi
Why in News: The BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting 2026 was held in New Delhi on 23 September 2026 under India's BRICS Chairship, with discussions focused on international taxation, transfer pricing and emerging global tax challenges.
Quick Facts
- Venue: New Delhi, India.
- The meeting involved tax administrations from 10 BRICS countries.
- Participants included Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the UAE.
- The meeting was inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Key Highlights
- India called for stronger coordination among BRICS economies in shaping international tax rules.
- Proposals included cooperation on international taxation, transfer pricing and revenue statistics.
- The meeting focused on improving the collective participation of emerging economies in global tax negotiations.
- Technology-driven economic activity and new tax challenges formed an important part of the discussions.
India, France and UAE Review Trilateral Cooperation
Why in News: India, France and the United Arab Emirates held a trilateral ministerial meeting in New York on 22 September 2026 on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, reviewing cooperation in AI, space, energy, culture and heritage.
Quick Facts
- India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- France was represented by Jean-Noël Barrot.
- The UAE was represented by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
- Meeting venue: New York, United States.
Key Highlights
- The three countries reviewed ongoing cooperation in artificial intelligence and space.
- Energy, culture and heritage were also part of the trilateral agenda.
- The ministers exchanged views on developments in West Asia.
- The format reflects growing issue-based cooperation among India, France and the UAE.
Economy & Banking
MSME Credit Guarantee for TReDS Invoice Financing Becomes Operational
Why in News: On 22 September 2026, a credit-guarantee mechanism for MSME invoice financing through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) became operational, improving access to working capital for micro and small enterprises.
Quick Facts
- Guarantee mechanism implemented through CGTMSE.
- CGTMSE was jointly established by the Ministry of MSME and SIDBI.
- TReDS facilitates electronic discounting of MSME trade receivables.
- M1xchange became the first TReDS platform to operationalise the guarantee mechanism.
- The measure was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.
Key Highlights
- MSMEs can obtain funds against invoices approved by their buyers instead of waiting for final payment.
- Participating financiers can obtain risk protection through the guarantee system.
- The mechanism is designed to improve liquidity and working-capital availability.
- The digital process calculates guarantee fees and creates the required cover documentation.
PhonePe Secures In-Principle UAE Payment Licences
Why in News: On 23 September 2026, PhonePe received in-principle approval for two payment licences from the Central Bank of the UAE, marking a step towards the company's first international-market operations.
Quick Facts
- Licences: Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes and Stored Value Facilities.
- PhonePe was established in 2015 and is headquartered in Bengaluru.
- CEO: Sameer Nigam.
- Aani is a UAE instant-payment system, while Jaywan is the country's domestic card scheme.
Key Highlights
- PhonePe plans to support wallets, gift cards and electronic merchant-payment acceptance in the UAE.
- The company intends to integrate with Aani and Jaywan.
- PhonePe already facilitates UPI payments for Indian travellers at selected UAE merchant terminals.
- The licences broaden the international reach of India's digital-payments ecosystem.
S&P Global Raises India's FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 7%
Why in News: S&P Global Ratings raised its forecast for India's economic growth in FY27 to 7.0% in its Asia-Pacific economic outlook released in September 2026.
Quick Facts
- Revised FY27 GDP growth forecast: 7.0%.
- The projection formed part of S&P Global's Asia-Pacific outlook.
- GDP growth forecasts are closely watched for their implications for investment, revenue and monetary policy.
Key Highlights
- The upward revision reflected stronger expectations regarding India's economic momentum.
- Growth projections from international rating agencies are frequently important for competitive-exam economy sections.
- Students should distinguish between forecasts issued by rating agencies, multilateral institutions and Indian government agencies.
Government Schemes
Ayushman Bharat Completes Eight Years
Why in News: Ayushman Bharat completed eight years on 23 September 2026, highlighting the expansion of publicly funded health assurance and primary-healthcare services across India.
Quick Facts
- Ayushman Bharat was launched in September 2018.
- PM-JAY provides annual health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh for eligible beneficiary families.
- More than 60 crore beneficiaries were reported to have access to health assurance coverage.
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs form the primary-healthcare pillar of Ayushman Bharat.
Key Highlights
- The programme combines financial protection for hospitalisation with strengthened primary healthcare.
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have expanded preventive, promotive and community-level health services.
- The scheme is described as one of the world's largest government-funded health-assurance programmes.
Reports & Indices
WMO Report Highlights Fourth Consecutive Year of Global Glacier Mass Loss
Why in News: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its State of Global Water Resources 2025 report, highlighting continued stress in the global water cycle and a fourth consecutive year of global glacier mass loss.
Quick Facts
- Report: State of Global Water Resources 2025.
- Publisher: World Meteorological Organization.
- WMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations concerned with weather, climate and water.
- The report monitors rivers, reservoirs, groundwater, glaciers and other components of the hydrological cycle.
Key Highlights
- Glacier losses continued for the fourth successive year.
- The report underlines the effects of climate variability and long-term warming on freshwater availability.
- Changes in the water cycle can increase risks from floods, droughts and water scarcity.
- The findings strengthen the case for improved water monitoring and climate adaptation.
India Tops Global Business Climate Survey 2026 Among 41 Markets
Why in News: India ranked at the top of the Global Business Climate Survey 2026 among 41 markets, according to a survey associated with Swedish business organisations.
Quick Facts
- Markets covered: 41.
- India emerged as the leading market in the survey's business-climate assessment.
- The survey captures perceptions of companies regarding operating conditions and business prospects.
Key Highlights
- The result reflects positive business sentiment among surveyed firms operating in India.
- Such surveys are perception-based and should be distinguished from official macroeconomic indicators.
- The ranking is relevant for questions involving investment climate and international business confidence.
Science & Technology
KAVACH 4.0 Commissioned on South Central Railway
Why in News: Indian Railways commissioned KAVACH Version 4.0 on the Malkajgiri-Kamareddi section of South Central Railway on 23 September 2026, covering approximately 108 route kilometres.
Quick Facts
- KAVACH is India's indigenous Automatic Train Protection system.
- Section: Malkajgiri-Kamareddi, Hyderabad Division.
- Coverage: 108 route kilometres.
- The section was upgraded from KAVACH Version 3.2 to Version 4.0.
Key Highlights
- KAVACH can assist in controlling train speed and applying brakes automatically when required.
- Version 4.0 offers improved train-location accuracy and better signal information in complex yards.
- It supports station-to-station communication through Optical Fibre Cable.
- It can integrate directly with Electronic Interlocking systems.
ISRO Advanced Radar Research Facility Planned in Assam
Why in News: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for an advanced radar research facility of ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Chandrapur in Assam on 21 September 2026.
Quick Facts
- Facility: ISTRAC Advanced Radar Research Facility.
- Location: Chandrapur, Kamrup Metropolitan district, Assam.
- Programme: NETRA - Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis.
- Land allocated: around 200 bighas, approximately 70 acres.
- The first planned installation is a cloud-research radar.
Key Highlights
- The facility will strengthen India's Space Situational Awareness capabilities.
- It will support tracking and analysis of satellites and other objects in space.
- Improved tracking is important for protecting operational spacecraft from collision and debris risks.
- The first radar is expected to become operational in 2027.
NIT Srinagar Establishes Campus-Based Astronomical Observatory
Why in News: NIT Srinagar inaugurated its Observatory for Astronomy and Astrophysics on 22 September 2026, becoming the first NIT in India with a dedicated campus-based astronomical observatory.
Quick Facts
- Facility: NIT Srinagar Observatory for Astronomy and Astrophysics.
- Main telescope: 14-inch Celestron C14 EdgeHD Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.
- Scientific support provided in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
- NIT Srinagar was founded in 1960.
Key Highlights
- The observatory will support observational astronomy and astrophysics research.
- Facilities include advanced planetary and deep-sky imaging equipment.
- It will also be used for student training and astronomy outreach.
- The project expands access to practical astronomy within a technical-institute campus.
Environment
India Hosts World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar
Why in News: The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 15-18 September 2026, making India the first South Asian country to host the forum.
Quick Facts
- Venue: Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar.
- Theme: Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity.
- Partners included CPCB, MoEFCC, Government of Gujarat and Finland's innovation fund Sitra.
- A circular economy emphasises reuse, repair, recycling and efficient use of materials.
Key Highlights
- The forum brought together governments, businesses, researchers and innovators to discuss circular-economy solutions.
- Publications on treated-sewage reuse and India's circular-economy and Extended Producer Responsibility initiatives were released.
- The event highlighted the transition from linear consumption models towards resource efficiency and reduced waste.
Defence
IAF to Host Second Edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti
Why in News: The Indian Air Force is scheduled to conduct the second edition of multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti from 26 September to 12 October 2026 at Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Quick Facts
- Tarang Shakti is India's major multinational air exercise.
- Second edition venue: Jodhpur Air Force Station, Rajasthan.
- The inaugural multinational edition was conducted in 2024.
- The IAF was established on 8 October 1932.
- IAF motto: Nabha Sparsham Deeptam.
Key Highlights
- The exercise focuses on interoperability, tactical coordination and sharing operational practices.
- Participating forces are expected to conduct complex aerial missions and joint manoeuvres.
- Foreign aircraft will operate alongside Indian frontline and indigenous platforms.
- The exercise follows the India-Japan Veer Guardian 2026 air-combat exercise.
Sports
India Wins Women's Cricket Gold at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games
Why in News: India defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs on 23 September 2026 to win the women's cricket gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, securing a second successive Asian Games gold in women's cricket.
Quick Facts
- India scored 216/3 in 20 overs.
- Smriti Mandhana scored 79 runs from 45 balls.
- Richa Ghosh scored 49 from 22 balls.
- Sri Lanka won silver and Pakistan secured bronze.
- India also won women's cricket gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Key Highlights
- India dismissed Sri Lanka inside 16 overs in the final.
- Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets.
- Shafali Verma, Sree Charani and Shreyanka Patil took two wickets each.
- The result continued India's strong record in women's cricket at the Asian Games.
Jay Meena Wins India's First Asian Games Soft Tennis Medal
Why in News: Indian player Jay Meena won a bronze medal in men's singles soft tennis at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, securing India's first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis.
Quick Facts
- Event: Men's singles soft tennis.
- Medal: Bronze.
- Jay Meena is from Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.
- He defeated the Philippines' Sherwin Nuguit in the quarter-final.
- Soft tennis uses soft rubber balls and is governed internationally by the International Soft Tennis Federation.
Key Highlights
- Meena reached the semi-finals to guarantee India its historic first medal in the sport.
- He lost the semi-final to Japan's Takuya Kurosaka.
- The result created a new Asian Games milestone for Indian soft tennis.
Important Days
11th Ayurveda Day Observed on September 23
Why in News: India observed the 11th Ayurveda Day on 23 September 2026 with the theme "Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow", focusing on wider integration of traditional medicine with healthcare and research.
Quick Facts
- Theme 2026: Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.
- Ministry responsible: Ministry of Ayush.
- WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre is located in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
- Important Ayurveda texts include the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
Key Highlights
- Union Budget 2026-27 allocated Rs 4,408 crore to the Ministry of Ayush.
- Thousands of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs provide traditional-medicine services.
- Ayurveda terminology has been incorporated into the WHO ICD-11 framework for standardised coding.
- The observance highlighted research, digital health services and global recognition of traditional medicine.
International Day of Sign Languages 2026
Why in News: The International Day of Sign Languages was observed globally on 23 September 2026 with the theme "Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights".
Quick Facts
- Observed annually on 23 September.
- First official observance: 2018.
- The UN General Assembly proclaimed the day through Resolution A/RES/72/161.
- World Federation of the Deaf was established on 23 September 1951.
Key Highlights
- The 2026 observance coincided with the 75th anniversary of the World Federation of the Deaf.
- It also marked 20 years since adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- The day promotes linguistic identity, accessibility and human rights of deaf people worldwide.
Current Affairs One-Liners
Quick Revision
- Inter-State Council amendment → Article 263 → Governors/LGs can be invited during specified forms of central rule.
- President's Rule in states → Article 356 → relevant to the amended Inter-State Council representation provision.
- Digital Communications Commission → dissolved after nearly 37 years → originally formed as Telecom Commission in 1989.
- Next phase of UDAN → MoUs with 21 States/UTs → Challenge Mode launched on 22 September 2026.
- UDAN expansion target → 120 new destinations → aims to serve around 4 crore additional passengers.
- KAVACH 4.0 → South Central Railway → commissioned over 108 route km on Malkajgiri-Kamareddi section.
- BRICS tax authorities meeting → New Delhi → held under India's BRICS Chairship on 23 September 2026.
- BRICS tax meeting participants → 10 tax administrations → discussions covered international taxation and transfer pricing.
- India-France-UAE trilateral → New York → reviewed AI, space, energy, culture and heritage cooperation.
- Global South cooperation call → S. Jaishankar → highlighted supply chains, food, energy, AI and development finance.
- Ayushman Bharat → completed 8 years → launched in September 2018.
- Ayushman Bharat health cover → up to Rs 5 lakh annually → more than 60 crore beneficiaries reported.
- TReDS credit guarantee → CGTMSE → supports MSME invoice financing and working-capital access.
- First TReDS platform using guarantee mechanism → M1xchange → mechanism operationalised in September 2026.
- PhonePe UAE expansion → two in-principle payment licences → plans integration with Aani and Jaywan.
- RNFI Money → RBI cross-border payment authorisation → supports forex, remittance and trade-payment services.
- S&P Global India FY27 growth forecast → 7.0% → revised in Asia-Pacific economic outlook.
- Global Business Climate Survey 2026 → India ranked first → survey covered 41 markets.
- World Circular Economy Forum 2026 → Gandhinagar → India became the first South Asian host.
- WCEF 2026 theme → Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity → held 15-18 September.
- WMO global water report → glacier mass loss continued → fourth consecutive year of global loss.
- ISRO advanced radar facility → Chandrapur, Assam → established under the NETRA programme.
- NIT Srinagar astronomy observatory → first campus-based astronomical observatory among NITs → includes 14-inch Celestron telescope.
- Premier Energies → 7 GW N-type TOPCon facility → total solar-cell manufacturing capacity rises to 10.6 GW.
- IIT-BHU-University of Michigan MoU → electric mobility → covers EV research, academic exchange and materials innovation.
- ISRO-ESA cooperation → human and robotic exploration added → cooperative agreement extended for five years.
- Tarang Shakti 2026 → Jodhpur → second edition scheduled from 26 September-12 October 2026.
- MDL-NSHIP Andhra Pradesh MoU → Dugarajapatnam → cooperation for proposed greenfield shipyard development.
- Additional IBBI Chairperson → Jayanti Prasad → additional charge valid until 20 November 2026 or successor appointment.
- Maharashtra UCC committee → Justice RC Chavan resigned → panel is headed by Justice Ranjana Desai.
- ICA Youth Committee President → Harsh Sanghani → re-elected for a second term.
- Women's Asian Games cricket gold → India beat Sri Lanka by 147 runs → India's second successive gold.
- India's first Asian Games soft-tennis medal → Jay Meena → bronze in men's singles.
- Women's 49 kg weightlifting → Mirabai Chanu → won silver at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
- Asian Games skeet → India won team bronze medals → women's team included Raiza Dhillon, Parinaaz Dhaliwal and Maheshwari Chauhan.
- Indian rowing finalists → Satnam Singh, Salman Khan and Balraj Panwar → qualified for finals at Asian Games 2026.
- Mark Wood → retired from international cricket → England fast bowler ended an 11-year international career.
- 11th Ayurveda Day → 23 September 2026 → theme: Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.
- International Day of Sign Languages → 23 September → 2026 theme: Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights.
- Starbucks India GCC → Chennai → planned Global Capability Centre expected to create around 800 jobs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What change was made to the Inter-State Council Order in September 2026?
Where was KAVACH 4.0 commissioned in September 2026?
What was launched under the next phase of UDAN in September 2026?
Where was the BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting 2026 held?
What is the purpose of the MSME credit-guarantee mechanism for TReDS?
Which payment systems does PhonePe plan to support in the UAE?
Who won India's first Asian Games medal in soft tennis?
What was the theme of Ayurveda Day 2026?
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