Daily Current Affairs — 23 September 2026
· 18 min read · TS Police Hub (Anvil Edtech)
The 81st UN General Assembly & the first 'Partners for Multilateralism' summit; Russia's Duma election; Amit Shah's 'Drug-Free India by 2029' target and the Supreme Court on Vande Mataram; Moody's lifts India's FY27 growth to 7% and DGFT's state export ranks (AP 7th, Telangana slips); Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 and DRDO's 30-kW anti-drone laser; KL University's Agentic AI campus and the ISRO–ESA extension; India 2nd in AI talent (CBRE) and Singapore Airlines tops Skytrax; the 72nd National Film Awards; India's first Asian Games gold (women's cricket) and the India–Japan 'Sport 75' T20I; National Ayurveda Day; plus an AP & Telangana focus.
1. International
81st UN General Assembly Session
Why in news: The high-level General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) is under way at UN Headquarters in New York (22–26 & 28 September 2026). India is represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- President of the session: Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh (its National Security Adviser / Foreign Affairs Adviser) is the President of UNGA-81 — a one-year term. The theme is 'Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all'.
First 'Partners for Multilateralism' (P4M) Summit
Why in news: The first-ever 'Partners for Multilateralism' (P4M) summit was held in New York on 21 September 2026, on the sidelines of UNGA. India was a co-sponsor.
- Co-sponsors & message: Co-sponsors: India, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Kenya and the European Union. EAM Jaishankar called for 'reformed multilateralism' to tackle a '4F crisis' — Fuel, Food, Fertiliser and Finance.
Russia's State Duma Election
Why in news: In Russia's State Duma election (held 18–20 September 2026), President Vladimir Putin's party, United Russia, won a big majority — around 355 of 450 seats. It is the first parliamentary election since the Ukraine war began.
2. National & Polity
'Drug-Free India by 2029' Target
Why in news: Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a target to make India drug-free by 2029, at the 3rd National Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Conference in New Delhi.
Supreme Court on Vande Mataram
Why in news: The Supreme Court observed that there should be no criminal consequence for a person who does not sing all the stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' for genuine religious/conscientious reasons.
- The case: It arose from a petition by Carnatic musician T.M. Krishna challenging the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026 (which amends the parent 1971 Act). The Court linked it to freedom of religion (Article 25) and the 1986 Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala verdict.
3. Economy
Moody's Raises India's FY27 Growth to 7%
Why in news: The global rating agency Moody's raised India's real GDP growth forecast for FY 2026-27 to about 7% (up from 6%), keeping a stable outlook, while flagging risks from higher energy prices.
DGFT State-wise Export Rankings (2025-26)
Why in news: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) released state-wise merchandise-export figures for 2025-26. Gujarat is No. 1 (about Rs 9.77 lakh crore).
- The Telugu states: Andhra Pradesh is 7th (Rs 1.77 lakh crore, ~4.57% of India's exports). Telangana slipped to around 8th (Rs 1.23 lakh crore, ~3.18% share) — a fall of about 24% from the previous year. India's total state exports were about Rs 39.04 lakh crore.
4. Defence & Security
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026
Why in news: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will hold the 2nd edition of its multinational air exercise 'Tarang Shakti 2026' at Air Force Station Jodhpur (Rajasthan) from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
- Participants: Seven foreign air forces take part — Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the UAE and the USA — with 32 more countries as observers. The US 5th-generation F-35 stealth fighter is set to make its India-exercise debut. The first edition was held in August 2024.
DRDO's 30-kW Anti-Drone Laser Weapon
Why in news: The DRDO has developed a 30-kilowatt (kW) laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) to counter drones — it can disable drones, swarms and their sensors at a range of about 5 km.
5. Science & Technology
KL University: India's First 'Agentic AI' Campus
Why in news: KL Deemed to be University at Vaddeswaram (Andhra Pradesh) launched what it calls India's first 'Agentic AI' campus, in partnership with HCL GUVI AI Labs.
ISRO–ESA Cooperation Extended to 2032
Why in news: ISRO and the European Space Agency (ESA) extended their cooperation agreement by five years, up to 8 January 2032, adding space weather and human & robotic exploration.
6. Reports & Rankings
India — World's 2nd-Largest AI Talent Market (CBRE)
Why in news: A CBRE report ranked India the world's 2nd-largest market for AI talent, after the USA. India has about 3.75 lakh AI professionals (the USA about 4.06 lakh).
Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026
Why in news: Singapore Airlines was named the World's Best Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026 (its 6th such title), with Qatar Airways 2nd and Cathay Pacific 3rd.
7. Awards & Cinema
72nd National Film Awards Presented
Why in news: President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards (for 2024 films) on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Narmada district, Gujarat — the first time the ceremony was held outside New Delhi.
- Key winners: Best Feature Film: 'Article 370' (Hindi). Best Actor (shared): Mammootty ('Bramayugam', Malayalam) & Kartik Aaryan ('Chandu Champion', Hindi). Best Actress: Yami Gautam ('Article 370'). Best Direction: Rajkumar Periasamy ('Amaran', Tamil). Best Popular Film: 'Kalki 2898 AD' (Telugu, Nag Ashwin). Best Telugu Film: 'Committee Kurrollu'.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: The Dadasaheb Phalke Award (for 2024) went to veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag.
V.K. Saraswat — INAE Lifetime Contribution Award
Why in news: Eminent scientist Dr V.K. Saraswat (former DRDO Director-General and a NITI Aayog member) was selected for the INAE 'Lifetime Contribution Award in Engineering 2026'.
8. Sports
India's First Asian Games 2026 Gold — Women's Cricket
Why in news: India won its first GOLD medal of the Asian Games 2026 (Aichi-Nagoya, Japan) in women's cricket — the team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, beat Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final.
- The final: India made 216/3 (a record Asian Games women's total; Smriti Mandhana 79) and bowled Sri Lanka out for 69. Sri Lanka took silver and Pakistan the bronze (beating Bangladesh).
India–Japan 'Sport 75' T20I
Why in news: India's men's team beat Japan by 2 runs in a rain-shortened (5 overs a side) T20I at the Sano International Cricket Ground, Japan — the first-ever cricket fixture between the two countries.
9. Important Days
National Ayurveda Day — 23 September
Why in news: National Ayurveda Day 2026 — the 11th edition — is observed on 23 September, with Nagpur (Maharashtra) as the host city. The theme is 'Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow'.
10. AP & Telangana Focus
Andhra Pradesh Launches 'Safe Stay' App
Why in news: Andhra Pradesh DGP Harish Kumar Gupta launched the police department's 'Safe Stay' app at Guntur on 22 September 2026.
- What it does: Through the app, details of people staying in PGs and hostels are made available to police in real time, improving their safety. The DGP also launched an AI-based Central Drone Monitoring Portal to watch live feeds from police drones across the state on one dashboard.
Practice questions with answers
The 81st UN General Assembly session (2026) is being presided over by the President of the Assembly from which country?
- Germany
- Bangladesh
- India
- Portugal
Answer: (B) Bangladesh
Explanation: Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh is the President of the 81st UNGA session (a one-year term). The theme is 'Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all'. (Germany's Annalena Baerbock presided over the 80th session.) UN HQ: New York; SG: António Guterres.
Moody's recently raised India's real GDP growth forecast for FY 2026-27 to about:
- 5%
- 6%
- 7%
- 8%
Answer: (C) 7%
Explanation: Moody's raised the forecast to about 7% (from 6%), keeping a stable outlook while flagging energy-price risks. Moody's is headquartered in New York; the 'Big Three' rating agencies are Moody's, S&P Global and Fitch.
In the DGFT state-wise merchandise export rankings for 2025-26, which state was No. 1, and where did Andhra Pradesh rank?
- Maharashtra No. 1; AP 5th
- Gujarat No. 1; AP 7th
- Tamil Nadu No. 1; AP 3rd
- Gujarat No. 1; AP 10th
Answer: (B) Gujarat No. 1; AP 7th
Explanation: Gujarat topped (about Rs 9.77 lakh crore); Andhra Pradesh was 7th (Rs 1.77 lakh crore, ~4.57% of India's exports), while Telangana slipped to around 8th (Rs 1.23 lakh crore). The DGFT is under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (Piyush Goyal).
Exercise 'Tarang Shakti 2026', the Indian Air Force's multinational air exercise, is being held at:
- Ambala, Haryana
- Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Sulur, Tamil Nadu
- Visakhapatnam, AP
Answer: (B) Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Explanation: The 2nd edition of Tarang Shakti (26 Sept–12 Oct 2026) is at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Seven foreign air forces take part (Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, UAE, USA); the US F-35 makes its India-exercise debut. The first edition was in August 2024.
The 30-kilowatt laser-based Directed Energy Weapon to counter drones was developed by:
- ISRO
- HAL
- DRDO
- BEL
Answer: (C) DRDO
Explanation: The DRDO developed the 30-kW laser weapon (range ~5 km), demonstrated at NOAR, Kurnool (AP) in April 2025. India joins the USA, China, Israel and Russia in having such weapons. DRDO (est. 1958) works under the Ministry of Defence.
India won its FIRST GOLD medal of the Asian Games 2026 in which sport?
- Shooting
- Women's cricket
- Kabaddi
- Hockey
Answer: (B) Women's cricket
Explanation: India's first gold came in women's cricket — Harmanpreet Kaur's team beat Sri Lanka by 147 runs (India 216/3, Smriti Mandhana 79; Sri Lanka 69 all out). Sri Lanka took silver, Pakistan bronze. The Games are at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (20th edition).
National Ayurveda Day (2026, the 11th edition) is observed on 23 September. Its theme this year is:
- Ayurveda for One Health
- Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow
- Ayurveda Every Day
- Ayurveda for the Poor
Answer: (B) Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow
Explanation: The 2026 theme is 'Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow'; host city Nagpur. First observed in 2016, the day is now fixed on 23 September (from 2025). It is led by the Ministry of AYUSH (formed 2014). AYUSH = Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
Singapore Airlines was named the World's Best Airline for 2026 by which body?
- IATA
- Skytrax
- ICAO
- DGCA
Answer: (B) Skytrax
Explanation: Skytrax (a UK-based airline rating consultancy) named Singapore Airlines the World's Best Airline 2026 (its 6th title), with Qatar Airways 2nd and Cathay Pacific 3rd. In a separate CBRE report, India was ranked the world's 2nd-largest AI-talent market (after the USA).
With reference to the 72nd National Film Awards (presented September 2026), consider the following statements:
- They were presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat — the first time outside New Delhi.
- 'Article 370' won Best Feature Film.
- The Dadasaheb Phalke Award went to Anant Nag.
- 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 72nd National Film Awards (for 2024 films) were presented by President Murmu at Ekta Nagar (Statue of Unity), Gujarat — the first ceremony outside Delhi. 'Article 370' won Best Feature Film, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2024) went to Kannada actor Anant Nag.
The Supreme Court observed that not singing all stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' for genuine religious reasons should have no criminal consequence. Who is the current Chief Justice of India?
- Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
- Justice B.R. Gavai
- Justice Surya Kant
- Justice Sanjiv Khanna
Answer: (C) Justice Surya Kant
Explanation: Justice Surya Kant is the 53rd Chief Justice of India (sworn in November 2025, succeeding B.R. Gavai). The petition (by T.M. Krishna) challenged the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026; the Court cited Article 25 and the 1986 Bijoe Emmanuel case. 'Vande Mataram' was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
తెలుగులో సారాంశం (Telugu summary)
డైలీ కరెంట్ అఫైర్స్ — 23 సెప్టెంబర్ 2026
81వ ఐరాస సర్వసభ్య సమావేశం & తొలి 'పార్టనర్స్ ఫర్ మల్టీలేటరలిజం' సదస్సు; రష్యా డూమా ఎన్నికలు; అమిత్ షా '2029 నాటికి మాదకద్రవ్య రహిత భారత్' లక్ష్యం, వందేమాతరంపై సుప్రీంకోర్టు; భారత FY27 వృద్ధిని 7%కి మూడీస్ పెంపు, DGFT రాష్ట్రాల ఎగుమతి ర్యాంకులు (ఏపీ 7వ, తెలంగాణ తగ్గుదల); తరంగ శక్తి 2026 విన్యాసం, DRDO 30-kW డ్రోన్ నిరోధక లేజర్; KL యూనివర్సిటీ ఏజెంటిక్ AI క్యాంపస్, ఇస్రో–ESA పొడిగింపు; AI ప్రతిభలో భారత్ 2వ (CBRE), స్కైట్రాక్స్లో సింగపూర్ ఎయిర్లైన్స్; 72వ జాతీయ చలనచిత్ర అవార్డులు; ఆసియా క్రీడల్లో భారత తొలి స్వర్ణం (మహిళల క్రికెట్), భారత్–జపాన్ 'స్పోర్ట్ 75' T20I; జాతీయ ఆయుర్వేద దినం; ఏపీ & తెలంగాణ ఫోకస్.
పూర్తి తెలుగు పాఠం కోసం పేజీలో భాష మార్చండి (English / తెలుగు).