Daily Current Affairs — 13 September 2026
· 13 min read · TS Police Hub (Anvil Edtech)
Today's digest covers International Relations, International Geopolitics & Energy, Polity & Governance, Infrastructure & Economy, Science & Technology (Health), Agriculture & Biotechnology, Environment & Biodiversity, Defence, an Andhra Pradesh Focus and a Telangana Focus, followed by 8 practice questions.
1. International Relations
18th BRICS Summit Concludes — New Delhi Declaration
Why in news: The 18th BRICS Summit concluded on 13 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under India's 2026 chairship, on the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability' (its four pillars).
The 11 BRICS members unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration. Related documents adopted earlier in 2026 include the 'Chennai Declaration' at the 14th BRICS Science, Technology & Innovation Ministers' meeting in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) on 21 August 2026, and the 'Indore Declaration' on agriculture in June 2026.
Key thrusts of the New Delhi Declaration
- Against unilateral action: Opposition to unilateral wars and unilateral actions by any nation.
- Dialogue & diplomacy: Priority to dialogue and diplomacy to settle international disputes.
- Local-currency trade: Encouragement of trade in national/local currencies among members.
- Governance reform: Reform of global-governance institutions, e.g. the UN Security Council.
- Deeper cooperation: Stronger economic and strategic cooperation among the members.
India–Russia: USD 100 Billion Trade Target by 2030
Why in news: On the BRICS sidelines, the Prime Minister and the Russian President held bilateral talks and set a target to raise annual bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.
Current bilateral trade (FY2025-26) is about USD 60 billion: India's imports from Russia are about USD 55.36 billion and exports about USD 4.49 billion, leaving a trade deficit of about USD 50.87 billion. Cooperation areas include critical minerals, civil nuclear, fertilizer security and labour mobility. Russia offered advanced engines (Izdeliye/AL-177S) for India's Sukhoi-30 MKI fleet.
Static facts to remember
- Strategic Partnership: India–Russia have had a 'Strategic Partnership' since 2000, upgraded to a 'Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership' in 2010.
- Largest defence supplier: Russia is India's largest defence supplier (S-400, AK-203 rifles, Sukhoi-30 MKI).
- Commerce Minister: India's Commerce & Industry Minister is Piyush Goyal.
2. International — Geopolitics & Energy
Belgium to Build World's First Artificial Energy Island
Why in news: Belgium is building the world's first artificial energy island — the 'Princess Elizabeth Island' — in the North Sea, about 45 km off the Belgian coast.
- What it is: An about 5-hectare offshore energy hub that links offshore wind farms to the mainland electricity grid.
- Developer: Developed with the transmission system operator Elia Transmission Belgium.
- Belgium basics: Capital Brussels — HQ of both NATO and the European Union; currency Euro; located in western Europe.
3. Polity & Governance
Special Provision Proposed for Ladakh under Article 371
Why in news: Following a 9 September 2026 meeting, the Ministry of Home Affairs proposed a new special constitutional provision for the Union Territory of Ladakh under Article 371 (referred to as a new 'Chapter K').
It envisages a directly elected UT-level governing body plus safeguards for land, culture, language, forests, environment and matters linked to Article 240 (which lets the President make regulations for certain UTs). Ladakh became a UT without a legislature after the abrogation of Article 370; the J&K Reorganisation took effect on 31 October 2019 and Ladakh's HQ is Leh. The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have pressed for full statehood and Sixth-Schedule tribal protections.
Article 371 special provisions
- 371A / 371B / 371C: 371A — Nagaland; 371B — Assam; 371C — Manipur.
- 371D / 371F / 371G: 371D — Andhra Pradesh & Telangana; 371F — Sikkim; 371G — Mizoram.
- 371H / 371I / 371J: 371H — Arunachal Pradesh; 371I — Goa; 371J — Karnataka.
4. Infrastructure & Economy
Southern Railway Achieves 100% Broad-Gauge Electrification
Why in news: Southern Railway completed 100% electrification of its broad-gauge network (about 5,068 route km).
- Zones electrified: As of September 2026, 16 of Indian Railways' 19 zones have achieved 100% electrification (the 19-zone count includes the Kolkata Metro; Konkan Railway is separate).
- First zone: The first zone to reach 100% broad-gauge electrification was West Central Railway (31 March 2021).
- Constitutional list: Railways is in the Union List (Seventh Schedule, Article 246).
- Railway Minister: Union Railway Minister is Ashwini Vaishnaw (also Electronics & IT).
5. Science & Technology — Health
India Crosses 80 Lakh HPV Vaccine Doses
Why in news: India has administered over 80 lakh (8 million) HPV vaccine doses, according to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Minister J.P. Nadda).
- Campaign launch: The National HPV Vaccination Campaign was launched in February 2026 from Ajmer, Rajasthan.
- Vaccine used: Gardasil, a quadrivalent vaccine protecting against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18; HPV causes cervical cancer.
- Who gets it: A single free dose is given to 14-year-old girls with parental consent (voluntary).
- Tracking & top state: The U-WIN digital platform tracks vaccination; Uttar Pradesh has administered the most doses (over 22 lakh girls).
6. Agriculture & Biotechnology
Uttarakhand's First IVF Badri Calf Born
Why in news: Uttarakhand's first test-tube (OPU-IVF) Badri female calf was born on 11 September 2026.
It was produced by scientists of the ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) with GB Pant University of Agriculture (Uttarakhand) using OPU (Ovum Pick-Up) + IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation): ova from selected Badri cows were collected (ultrasound-guided), fertilised in the lab with Badri-bull semen, and the embryos transferred into Sahiwal surrogate cows.
- About Badri: Badri is an indigenous hill cattle breed and Uttarakhand's state animal; the conservation IVF project began in 2023.
- About NDRI: NDRI — founded 1923, HQ Karnal (Haryana), under ICAR.
- About ICAR: ICAR — founded 1929, HQ New Delhi.
7. Environment & Biodiversity
Five Orangutans Found in Odisha
Why in news: Five orangutans were found in Balasore district, Odisha — a species not native to India (native to Indonesia), likely trafficked/smuggled.
'Orangutan' means 'man of the forest' in Malay; they are tree-dwelling great apes of the tropical rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Their diet is mainly fruits, plus leaves and bark.
Three species & IUCN status
- Bornean orangutan: IUCN status: Endangered.
- Sumatran orangutan: IUCN status: Critically Endangered.
- Tapanuli orangutan: IUCN status: Critically Endangered.
8. Defence
Colombo Security Conclave Table-Top Exercise at Visakhapatnam
Why in news: A Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) table-top exercise concluded at Visakhapatnam (Eastern Naval Command) during 10–12 September 2026.
- Type of exercise: A table-top exercise is a simulation/discussion drill (not a live-fire exercise).
- Participants: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Mauritius.
- IONS link: The 9th Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) was held at Visakhapatnam in February 2026; IONS was launched by the Indian Navy in 2008.
9. Andhra Pradesh Focus
AP's 'Trishul' Strategy to Curb Crime
Why in news: The Andhra Pradesh government announced a 'Trishul' (trident = three) strategy at the Collectors' Conference with three targets — Zero Drugs, Zero Crimes Against Women and Zero Road Accidents.
- Committees: State-level committee under the Chief Secretary and DGP; district-level committee under the Collector and SP.
- De-addiction centres: De-addiction centres in Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Amaravati.
- Policing measures: A 'One Court, One Constable' idea; police to reach a crime scene within 30 minutes.
- Conviction target: Goal to raise the conviction rate from about 47% to above 80%.
10. Telangana Focus
Telangana Bans Analog (Artificial) Paneer
Why in news: The Telangana government imposed a one-year ban on non-dairy artificial/'analog' paneer on public-health grounds, effective 10 September 2026.
Analog paneer is made from vegetable oils/fats to mimic milk paneer. The order was made by the State Commissioner of Food Safety under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Kerala and Maharashtra have similar bans.
- About FSSAI: FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) — established 2008 under the FSS Act 2006, HQ New Delhi, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
- FSSAI Chairperson: The FSSAI Chairperson is Punya Salila Srivastava.
Practice questions with answers
With reference to the 18th BRICS Summit (2026), consider the following statements:
- It concluded at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under India's 2026 chairship.
- The 11 members unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration.
- The Declaration encouraged trade among members in national/local currencies.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three are correct. The 18th BRICS Summit concluded on 13 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under India's 2026 chairship; the 11 members unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration, whose thrusts included trade in national/local currencies, dialogue and diplomacy, and reform of institutions such as the UN Security Council.
The India–Russia trade target announced on the BRICS sidelines in September 2026 was to raise annual bilateral trade to:
- USD 50 billion by 2027
- USD 100 billion by 2030
- USD 200 billion by 2030
- USD 100 billion by 2025
Answer: (B) USD 100 billion by 2030
Explanation: The target is USD 100 billion by 2030. Current (FY2025-26) bilateral trade is about USD 60 billion, with India's imports from Russia (~USD 55.36 bn) far exceeding exports (~USD 4.49 bn), leaving a trade deficit of about USD 50.87 billion. India–Russia have had a 'Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership' since 2010.
The world's first artificial energy island, 'Princess Elizabeth Island', is being built by which country?
- The Netherlands
- Denmark
- Belgium
- Norway
Answer: (C) Belgium
Explanation: Belgium is building the island in the North Sea, about 45 km off its coast, as an offshore energy hub (about 5 hectares) linking offshore wind farms to the mainland grid, with the operator Elia Transmission Belgium. Belgium's capital Brussels is HQ of both NATO and the European Union.
Match the Article 371 provision with its associated state:
| List I | List II |
|---|
| A. Article 371A | 1. Sikkim |
| B. Article 371D | 2. Nagaland |
| C. Article 371F | 3. Karnataka |
| D. Article 371J | 4. Andhra Pradesh & Telangana |
- A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
- A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
- A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
Answer: (A) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
Explanation: Article 371A applies to Nagaland, 371D to Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, 371F to Sikkim, and 371J to Karnataka. Hence A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3. The Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed a new special provision under Article 371 (a 'Chapter K') for the UT of Ladakh.
Southern Railway was in the news in September 2026 for achieving which milestone?
- India's first bullet-train corridor
- 100% broad-gauge electrification
- India's first hydrogen train
- Longest railway platform
Answer: (B) 100% broad-gauge electrification
Explanation: Southern Railway completed 100% electrification of its broad-gauge network (about 5,068 route km). As of September 2026, 16 of Indian Railways' 19 zones have achieved 100% electrification; the first zone to do so was West Central Railway (31 March 2021).
With reference to the Gardasil HPV vaccine used in India's national campaign, consider the following statements:
- It is a quadrivalent vaccine protecting against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.
- HPV is a cause of cervical cancer.
- A single free dose is given to 14-year-old girls with parental consent.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three are correct. Gardasil is a quadrivalent vaccine covering HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18; HPV causes cervical cancer; a single free dose is given to 14-year-old girls with parental consent (voluntary). India has crossed 80 lakh doses, tracked via the U-WIN platform, with Uttar Pradesh administering the most.
Consider the following Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The five orangutans found in Balasore, Odisha, were most likely trafficked into India.
Reason (R): Orangutans are not native to India; they are tree-dwelling great apes of the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.
- Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- A is true, but R is false
- A is false, but R is true
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Both are true and R correctly explains A. Since orangutans are native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra (Indonesia/Malaysia) and not to India, finding five of them in Odisha points to trafficking. The three species — Bornean (Endangered), Sumatran and Tapanuli (both Critically Endangered) — are all threatened.
Under which Act did the Telangana State Commissioner of Food Safety impose the one-year ban on analog (artificial) paneer?
- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- The Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954
- The Essential Commodities Act, 1955
Answer: (A) The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Explanation: The ban (effective 10 September 2026) was ordered under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Under this Act, FSSAI (established 2008, HQ New Delhi, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Chairperson Punya Salila Srivastava) is the apex food regulator. Kerala and Maharashtra have similar bans.
తెలుగులో సారాంశం (Telugu summary)
డైలీ కరెంట్ అఫైర్స్ — 13 సెప్టెంబర్ 2026
నేటి డైజెస్ట్లో అంతర్జాతీయ సంబంధాలు, అంతర్జాతీయ భౌగోళిక రాజకీయాలు & ఇంధనం, రాజ్యాంగం & పాలన, మౌలిక సదుపాయాలు & ఆర్థిక వ్యవస్థ, సైన్స్ & టెక్నాలజీ (ఆరోగ్యం), వ్యవసాయం & బయోటెక్నాలజీ, పర్యావరణం & జీవవైవిధ్యం, రక్షణ, ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ ప్రత్యేకం మరియు తెలంగాణ ప్రత్యేకం విభాగాలు, తర్వాత 8 ప్రాక్టీస్ ప్రశ్నలు ఉన్నాయి.
పూర్తి తెలుగు పాఠం కోసం పేజీలో భాష మార్చండి (English / తెలుగు).