Daily Current Affairs 25 September 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams
This Daily Current Affairs 25 September 2026 article covers major exam-relevant developments including eight years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, India-New Zealand FTA implementation, KAVACH 4.0 commissioning, the ₹810.79 crore SAT-SAAW defence deal, Tarang Shakti 2026 and Fitch Ratings raising India's FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.9%. It also includes sports, schemes, banking, awards and important days with exam-ready one-liners, quick-fact cards and FAQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC exams. Pasted text (2)
Introduction to Current Affairs 25 September 2026
The Current Affairs of 25 September 2026 cover major developments across National Affairs, Economy, Government Schemes, Defence, Sports and International Affairs. Key exam topics include eight years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, the commissioning of KAVACH 4.0, the India-New Zealand FTA, the IAF's Tarang Shakti 2026 exercise and the procurement of 160 SAT-SAAW systems for the Indian Air Force.
Other important updates include Fitch Ratings' revised India growth forecast, the DURGA e-auto scheme, Bharat Taxi, Pune's selection for the 2032 UCI Road World Championships and India's Asian Games achievements. Aspirants can follow our daily current affairs coverage for regular exam-oriented revision.
National Current Affairs
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Completes Eight Years
Why in News: On 23 September 2026, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) completed eight years of implementation, with more than 60 crore beneficiaries covered under the government-funded health assurance programme.
Quick Facts
- AB PM-JAY was launched on 23 September 2018 from Ranchi, Jharkhand.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Implementing Agency: National Health Authority (NHA).
- Health cover: Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
- More than 60 crore people have access to the scheme.
Key Highlights
- More than 48.54 crore Ayushman cards have been generated.
- Around 13 crore beneficiaries have availed cashless treatment.
- The empanelled network comprises around 38,000 hospitals.
- Coverage has been extended to senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income.
- The scheme supports the broader objective of Universal Health Coverage.
Indian Railways Commissions KAVACH 4.0 on South Central Railway
Why in News: Indian Railways commissioned KAVACH Version 4.0 on 23 September 2026 over the Malkajgiri-Kamareddi section of South Central Railway, marking the first operational deployment of KAVACH 4.0 in India.
Quick Facts
- Deployment length: 108 route kilometres.
- Section: Malkajgiri-Kamareddi, Hyderabad Division.
- KAVACH is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.
- Developed by: Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) with Indian industry.
- South Central Railway headquarters: Secunderabad.
Key Highlights
- The deployment involved migration from KAVACH Version 3.2 to Version 4.0.
- Version 3.2 was already deployed over approximately 1,465 km on South Central Railway.
- KAVACH assists loco pilots in maintaining prescribed speed limits.
- It can automatically apply brakes when necessary and is designed to prevent Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD).
- The system enhances operational safety during adverse weather and low-visibility conditions.
Third National Conference of ANTF Heads Held in New Delhi
Why in News: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 3rd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Heads in New Delhi on 22 September 2026, with representatives from 36 States and Union Territories.
Quick Facts
- Organiser: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Venue: New Delhi.
- Conference duration: 22-23 September 2026.
- Focus: Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026-2029.
- Participants included ANTF heads from 36 States and UTs.
Key Highlights
- The conference focused on dismantling drug networks and strengthening intelligence, investigation and prosecution mechanisms.
- A revamped NCB website and anti-narcotics awareness television commercials were launched.
- Foundation stones were laid for NCB zonal complexes in Lucknow and Dehradun.
- The conference discussed synthetic drugs, clandestine laboratories, darknet activity and cryptocurrency-linked investigations.
- The stated government roadmap targets intensified anti-narcotics action through 2029.
BIS Certification Made Mandatory for Smartphone Screen Protectors
Why in News: The Government of India has mandated Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for smartphone screen protectors from 1 April 2027, bringing the product under the compulsory registration framework.
Quick Facts
- Effective date: 1 April 2027.
- Applicable Indian Standard: IS 19348:2025.
- Regulatory Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- BIS was established on 1 April 1987.
- BIS headquarters: New Delhi.
Key Highlights
- The standard covers thickness, dimensions, strength, light transmission and visual defects.
- Compliant screen protectors will carry the BIS Standard Mark.
- Manufacturers and importers have a transition period until 31 March 2027.
- Screen protectors become the 66th product category under the compulsory registration framework.
International Current Affairs
India-New Zealand FTA to Enter into Force on 20 October 2026
Why in News: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will enter into force on 20 October 2026 after completion of domestic ratification processes.
Quick Facts
- FTA implementation date: 20 October 2026.
- Agreement signed: 27 April 2026.
- Signing venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Indian signatory: Piyush Goyal.
- New Zealand signatory: Todd McClay.
Key Highlights
- 100% of India's exports to New Zealand are to receive duty-free access from implementation.
- Beneficiary sectors include textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, engineering goods and processed food.
- Gems and jewellery are also among the identified beneficiary sectors.
- Indian manufacturers will receive duty-free access to inputs including wooden logs, coking coal and metal scrap.
BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting Held in New Delhi
Why in News: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting in New Delhi on 23 September 2026, marking the conclusion of India's BRICS tax-cooperation chairship.
Quick Facts
- Venue: New Delhi.
- Participation: Tax authorities from 10 BRICS countries.
- India's direct-tax administration is handled by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
- CBDT functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
Key Highlights
- The BRICS Tax Progress Report 2026 was formally adopted.
- Two working groups were established on international taxation and transfer pricing, and revenue statistics.
- The BRICS Tax Cross-Learning Lab was launched.
- The BRICS Young Tax Professionals Capacity Building Programme was institutionalised as an annual initiative.
- China was welcomed as the incoming chair of the 2027 BRICS tax-cooperation track.
Economy & Banking
Fitch Raises India's FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.9%
Why in News: Fitch Ratings raised India's GDP growth forecast for Financial Year 2026-27 by 50 basis points, from 6.4% to 6.9%, in its Global Economic Outlook - September 2026.
Quick Facts
- Revised FY27 forecast: 6.9%.
- Previous forecast: 6.4%.
- Revision: 50 basis points.
- India's Q1 FY27 GDP growth cited by Fitch: 7.8% year-on-year.
- Report: Global Economic Outlook - September 2026.
Key Highlights
- The revision reflects stronger-than-expected growth, investment and domestic demand.
- Fitch expects momentum to moderate during the second half of FY27.
- Factors cited include manufacturing and services moderation, rainfall conditions and inflationary pressures.
- Headline inflation is projected by Fitch to reach 5.5% by December 2026.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Renamed ICICI Life Insurance
Why in News: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited officially changed its name to ICICI Life Insurance Limited with effect from 22 September 2026 after approval from the Registrar of Companies.
Quick Facts
- New name: ICICI Life Insurance Limited.
- Effective date: 22 September 2026.
- Approval: Registrar of Companies, Central Processing Centre.
- Insurance regulator: IRDAI.
Key Highlights
- The change comes amid restructuring of Prudential plc's Indian insurance interests.
- Prudential is proposed to be reclassified from promoter to investor in ICICI Life Insurance.
- The company's Memorandum and Articles of Association were amended following the name change.
- Related regulatory compliances, including those involving IRDAI, are to follow.
TBX Launches B2B Bill Payments Through Bharat Connect
Why in News: TBX, formerly TransBnk, launched Business-to-Business bill payments on its TrustHub platform through Bharat Connect for Business, integrating corporate invoice discovery, payments and transaction tracking.
Quick Facts
- Platform: TrustHub.
- Network: Bharat Connect for Business.
- Network operator: NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited.
- Sponsor Operating Unit: IDFC FIRST Bank.
- TBX was formerly known as TransBnk.
Key Highlights
- TrustHub operates as a Participating Agent Institution in the Bharat Connect ecosystem.
- Businesses can discover invoices, make payments and track transaction status on a unified platform.
- The service targets sectors handling recurring and high-volume supplier payments.
- Bharat Connect provides an interoperable digital payment network for bills and business invoices.
Government Schemes
Delhi Approves DURGA Scheme for 1,300 Pink E-Autos
Why in News: The Delhi Cabinet approved the DURGA e-auto scheme on 23 September 2026, providing 1,300 pink electric autos for women and transgender persons to promote self-employment and cleaner last-mile transportation.
Quick Facts
- DURGA: Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green E-Auto.
- Total e-autos: 1,300.
- Women beneficiaries: 1,170.
- Transgender beneficiaries: 130.
- Vehicle lock-in period: 3 years.
Key Highlights
- Eligible beneficiaries must generally be aged 20-40 years.
- Applicants require relevant LMV licence and PSV credentials.
- Family income for 2025-26 must not exceed ₹5 lakh.
- Applications are to be processed through a dedicated online system.
- The initiative combines self-employment with electric mobility.
Uttar Pradesh Launches Bharat Taxi and Krishak Samriddhi Yojana
Why in News: Uttar Pradesh launched Bharat Taxi services in major cities alongside the Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana, combining a cooperative mobility model with lower-interest agricultural credit for small and marginal farmers.
Quick Facts
- Bharat Taxi follows a zero-commission cooperative model.
- Services were launched in major Uttar Pradesh cities including Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur and Prayagraj.
- Krishak Samriddhi Yojana targets around 5 lakh small and marginal farmers.
- Loans are linked to Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Gramya Vikas Bank.
Key Highlights
- Bharat Taxi's operating principle is "Driver is the Owner".
- The platform is designed to allow drivers to participate without conventional ride-commission deductions.
- Under Krishak Samriddhi Yojana, the stated loan interest rate was reduced from 11% to 6%.
- The launch also included cooperative-sector digital initiatives and mobile applications.
Science & Technology
Andhra Pradesh Police Launches AI-Based Drone Monitoring Portal and SafeStay App
Why in News: Andhra Pradesh Police launched the Centralised Drone Monitoring Portal (CDMP) and SafeStay app on 22 September 2026 to strengthen technology-driven surveillance and digital policing.
Quick Facts
- Launched by Andhra Pradesh DGP Harish Kumar Gupta.
- CDMP integrates live drone feeds on a central dashboard.
- Technology: Artificial Intelligence and advanced analytics.
- SafeStay links accommodation establishments with the police system.
Key Highlights
- CDMP provides role-based access to officers for monitoring drone operations.
- SafeStay collects real-time occupancy information from hotels and paying-guest accommodation.
- The technology is intended to support women's safety, drug control and traffic management.
- The initiative connects digital monitoring systems with field-level policing operations.
Defence
MoD Signs ₹810.79 Crore SAT-SAAW Contract with BDL
Why in News: On 23 September 2026, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹810.79 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW) for the Indian Air Force.
Quick Facts
- Systems ordered: 160 SAT-SAAW.
- Contract value: ₹810.79 crore.
- Procurement category: Buy (Indian-IDDM).
- Developer: DRDO.
- Indigenous content: Approximately 60%.
Key Highlights
- SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide weapon.
- It is designed to neutralise enemy airfields from long stand-off ranges.
- Launch platforms include Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30 MKI aircraft.
- Delivery is scheduled across 2027-28 and 2028-29.
- The procurement supports indigenous precision-strike capability and defence self-reliance.
Tarang Shakti 2026 to Begin in Jodhpur
Why in News: The second edition of the Indian Air Force's multinational exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is scheduled from 26 September to 12 October 2026 at Jodhpur and adjoining air bases in Rajasthan.
Quick Facts
- Host: Indian Air Force.
- Main venue: Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- Foreign countries participating with air assets: 8.
- Observer countries: 32.
- Participating nations include Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, UAE and USA.
Key Highlights
- The exercise provides training in multinational joint combat operations.
- Mission areas include counter-air and air-defence operations.
- It also covers reconnaissance, airlift and air-to-air refuelling.
- The exercise is intended to enhance interoperability among participating air forces.
India-US Yudh Abhyas 2026
Why in News: The 22nd edition of the India-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 is being conducted at Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan with personnel from both countries.
Quick Facts
- Countries: India and United States.
- Edition: 22nd.
- Locations: Auli, Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan.
- Personnel: Around 600 from each side.
Key Highlights
- The exercise focuses on joint military capability and interoperability.
- Training includes mountainous and semi-mountainous operational scenarios.
- Drones and autonomous systems form part of the technology focus.
- Participants also exchange expertise on contemporary weapons and multi-domain warfare.
Awards & Honours
M3M Hurun India Rich List 2026 Released
Why in News: The M3M Hurun India Rich List 2026 placed Gautam Adani and family at the top with estimated wealth of ₹9.23 lakh crore, followed by Mukesh Ambani and family.
Quick Facts
- Edition: 15th.
- Wealth snapshot date: 24 August 2026.
- Gautam Adani & family: ₹9.23 lakh crore.
- Mukesh Ambani & family: ₹8.63 lakh crore.
- L.N. Mittal & family: ₹3.39 lakh crore.
Key Highlights
- Mumbai led the city-wise count with 465 individuals.
- New Delhi followed with 236 and Bengaluru with 129.
- Shah Rukh Khan and family led the entertainers and cricketers group at ₹10,000 crore.
- Artificial Intelligence emerged as a new sector represented by 19 individuals.
Sports
Pune to Host UCI Road World Championships 2032
Why in News: The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) selected Pune, Maharashtra, to host the 2032 UCI Road World Championships, making it the first time India will host the UCI Road World Championships.
Quick Facts
- Host city: Pune, Maharashtra.
- Year: 2032.
- Governing body: Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
- Decision announced at the 195th UCI Congress in Montréal, Canada.
- UCI headquarters: Aigle, Switzerland.
Key Highlights
- Pune's bid was led jointly by the Maharashtra government and Cycling Federation of India.
- Pune reached the final bidding round against Groningen/Drenthe in the Netherlands.
- The championships feature road races, individual time trials and other categories.
- UCI allocated multiple world championships for the 2027-2034 period at its 2026 Congress.
Jay Meena Wins India's First Asian Games Soft Tennis Medal
Why in News: Indian player Jay Meena won bronze in men's singles Soft Tennis at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, securing the first-ever Asian Games medal for India in Soft Tennis.
Quick Facts
- Player: Jay Meena.
- Sport: Soft Tennis.
- Event: Men's Singles.
- Medal: Bronze.
- Games: Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.
Key Highlights
- Meena defeated the Philippines' Sherwin Nuguit in the quarter-final.
- The quarter-final victory guaranteed India a medal.
- He lost the semifinal to Japan's Takuya Kurosaka.
- The bronze created a new Asian Games milestone for Indian Soft Tennis.
India Wins Men's Skeet Team Bronze at Asian Games
Why in News: India's men's skeet team of Anantjeet Singh Naruka, Mairaj Ahmad Khan and Bhavtegh Singh Gill won bronze at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 after defeating Kazakhstan in a shoot-off.
Quick Facts
- Event: Men's Skeet Team.
- Medal: Bronze.
- India and Kazakhstan finished level on 346 points.
- India secured bronze through a shoot-off.
Key Highlights
- The Indian trio matched Kazakhstan's qualification score.
- The medal was decided through a shoot-off for third place.
- Anantjeet Singh Naruka also qualified for the men's individual skeet final.
India Defeats England in 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad
Why in News: India's Open team defeated England 2.5-1.5 in Round 7 of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Quick Facts
- Event: 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad.
- Venue: Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
- Round: 7.
- Score: India 2.5-1.5 England.
Key Highlights
- R Praggnanandhaa defeated Nikita Vitiugov.
- D Gukesh defeated Daniel Fernandez.
- Arjun Erigaisi drew with Michael Adams.
- Nihal Sarin lost to Luke McShane.
Important Days
International Red Panda Day 2026 - September 19
Why in News: International Red Panda Day was observed on 19 September 2026 to raise awareness about red panda conservation and the threats facing the species and its Himalayan habitat.
Quick Facts
- Observed annually on the third Saturday of September.
- Red panda scientific name: Ailurus fulgens.
- Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation.
- India's red panda range includes parts of the Eastern Himalayas.
Key Highlights
- The observance promotes conservation awareness and habitat protection.
- Red pandas are associated with temperate forests of the Eastern Himalayas and adjoining regions.
World Alzheimer's Day 2026 - September 21
Why in News: World Alzheimer's Day was observed on 21 September 2026 to promote awareness about Alzheimer's disease, dementia, early diagnosis and support for affected people and caregivers.
Quick Facts
- Observed annually: 21 September.
- Focus: Alzheimer's disease and dementia awareness.
- September is also observed internationally as World Alzheimer's Month.
Key Highlights
- The observance aims to reduce stigma surrounding dementia.
- It promotes awareness about symptoms, diagnosis, care and support systems.
International Day of Peace 2026 - September 21
Why in News: The International Day of Peace was observed globally on 21 September 2026 to promote peace, non-violence and peaceful resolution of conflict.
Quick Facts
- Date: 21 September.
- Established by the United Nations General Assembly.
- Common symbol: Dove carrying an olive branch.
- Also known as World Peace Day.
Key Highlights
- The day promotes non-violence and peaceful coexistence.
- The dove and olive branch symbolise peace and freedom.
Current Affairs One-Liners
Quick Revision
- AB PM-JAY anniversary → 8 years → over 60 crore beneficiaries covered.
- PM-JAY annual health cover → ₹5 lakh per family → secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
- KAVACH 4.0 → first operational deployment → 108 route km on Malkajgiri-Kamareddi section.
- India-New Zealand FTA → effective 20 October 2026 → 100% Indian exports to get duty-free access.
- Third ANTF Conference → New Delhi → organised by Narcotics Control Bureau.
- Smartphone screen protectors → BIS certification mandatory from 1 April 2027 → standard IS 19348:2025.
- SAT-SAAW contract → ₹810.79 crore → BDL to supply 160 systems to IAF.
- SAT-SAAW developer → DRDO → approximately 60% indigenous content.
- Tarang Shakti 2026 → Jodhpur → second edition begins 26 September 2026.
- Tarang Shakti participants → 8 countries with air assets → 32 nations as observers.
- Yudh Abhyas 2026 → 22nd edition → India-US joint military exercise.
- Fitch FY27 India GDP forecast → 6.9% → raised from 6.4%.
- ICICI Prudential Life → ICICI Life Insurance Limited → name effective 22 September 2026.
- TBX TrustHub → Bharat Connect for Business → B2B invoice and payment integration.
- BRICS tax meeting → New Delhi → BRICS Tax Progress Report 2026 adopted.
- DURGA scheme → 1,300 pink e-autos → 1,170 for women and 130 for transgender persons.
- Bharat Taxi in Uttar Pradesh → zero-commission model → based on "Driver is the Owner" principle.
- Krishak Samriddhi Yojana → loan interest reduced from 11% to 6% → targets small and marginal farmers.
- Andhra Pradesh CDMP → AI-based drone monitoring → launched alongside SafeStay app.
- Hurun India Rich List 2026 → Gautam Adani & family → ₹9.23 lakh crore.
- Hurun entertainers group → Shah Rukh Khan & family → ₹10,000 crore.
- 2032 UCI Road Worlds → Pune → India to host event for first time.
- India's first Asian Games Soft Tennis medal → Jay Meena → men's singles bronze.
- Asian Games men's skeet → India won bronze → defeated Kazakhstan after both scored 346.
- Chess Olympiad Open section → India beat England 2.5-1.5 → Round 7 at Samarkand.
- India women's Chess Olympiad team → defeated Germany → 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad.
- Veteran Malayalam actress → Savithri Sreedharan → noted theatre and film personality passed away.
- Italian football legend → Sandro Mazzola → former Inter Milan captain died aged 83.
- International Red Panda Day 2026 → 19 September → promotes red panda conservation.
- World Alzheimer's Day → 21 September → raises dementia and Alzheimer's awareness.
- International Day of Peace → 21 September → represented by dove with olive branch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many years did Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY complete in September 2026?
When will the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement enter into force?
Where was KAVACH Version 4.0 first commissioned?
What is the value of the SAT-SAAW contract signed by the Ministry of Defence?
What is Fitch Ratings' GDP growth forecast for India for FY27?
What is the DURGA e-auto scheme?
Which Indian city will host the 2032 UCI Road World Championships?
Who won India's first Asian Games medal in Soft Tennis?
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