Daily Current Affairs — 25 September 2026
· 19 min read · TS Police Hub (Anvil Edtech)
India at the 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers' Meeting and the 23rd ASEAN–India consultation in Manila; the BRICS tax chiefs meet in New Delhi; a Presidential order lets Lieutenant Governors join the Inter-State Council; Telangana sets up TG-TMARS for traffic and road-rail safety and Microsoft opens its Hyderabad cloud region; Exercise Varuna, ReSAREX-26 and INS Sudarshini's Lokayan-26; IIT Delhi's micro-GPU and NIT Srinagar's observatory; a leafless 'ghost' orchid in Arunachal and the IEA's Electrification report; an FAO honour for a Mizoram farmer and Mizoram's Pluck and Pay festival; Pune gets the 2032 UCI Road Worlds; persons in news and 25 September days.
1. International
India at the 14th EAS Economic Ministers' Meeting and 23rd ASEAN–India Consultation
Why in news: India took part in the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) Economic Ministers' Meeting on 21 September 2026 and the 23rd ASEAN Economic Ministers–India Consultation on 22 September 2026, both held in Manila, Philippines. India's delegation was led by Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce.
- What was discussed: Ministers reviewed progress on the review of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) and aimed to conclude it on time; India wants the upgraded pact to be balanced, simpler to use and trade-facilitative. India–ASEAN trade was about USD 128.38 billion in 2025-26 — roughly 10.55% of India's total trade.
- Who hosts in 2026: The Philippines is the ASEAN Chair for 2026 (theme: 'Navigating Our Future, Together'). The 48th ASEAN Summit was held at Cebu on 8 May 2026; the next East Asia Summit leaders' meeting is also due under the Philippine chair.
BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting, New Delhi
Why in news: The BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting was held in New Delhi on 23 September 2026 as the closing event of the tax track under India's BRICS chairship. It was inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
- Outcomes: Tax administrations of 10 countries took part (Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, UAE). They set up two new India-led working groups (International Taxation & Transfer Pricing; Revenue Statistics), launched a BRICS Tax Cross-Learning Lab and adopted the BRICS Tax Progress Report 2026. China will chair the tax track in 2027.
2. Polity & Governance
Inter-State Council (Amendment) Order, 2026
Why in news: President Droupadi Murmu issued the Inter-State Council (Amendment) Order, 2026 under Article 263, amending the Inter-State Council Order of 1990. The Ministry of Home Affairs notified it on 9 September 2026.
- What changes: When an elected government is suspended, the Governor or Lieutenant Governor is invited to Council meetings instead: the State's Governor during President's Rule (Article 356 — this was already allowed); the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi when an order under Article 239AB is in force; and — newly added — the Lieutenant Governors of Puducherry (Section 51, Government of Union Territories Act, 1963) and Jammu & Kashmir (Section 73, J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019) in similar situations.
3. Telangana Focus
TG-TMARS: Telangana's New Traffic, Road and Rail Safety Bureau
Why in news: The Telangana government set up the Telangana Traffic Management, Road and Rail Safety Bureau (TG-TMARS) through G.O.Ms. No. 135; Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju announced it on 24 September 2026. It aims to tackle rising traffic congestion and road accidents.
- How it works: A specialised bureau of the Telangana State Police, working under the State Road Safety Council chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Headquarters: Hyderabad. It is headed by a Director of Additional DGP or IGP rank and has two wings — Traffic Management, and Road & Rail Safety — each under a Joint Director.
- Traffic Management Fund: 40% of traffic-fine collections will go into a dedicated Traffic Management Fund. The bureau's work covers highway patrolling (number-plate cameras, speed detection), crash investigation, e-challans and rail/metro travel safety across Telangana's 32,000+ km road network.
Microsoft Opens 'India South Central' Cloud Region in Hyderabad
Why in news: Telangana IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu inaugurated Microsoft's 'India South Central' cloud (datacentre) region in Hyderabad on 24 September 2026. At the event he announced that Telangana aims for 5 GW of data-centre capacity by 2029.
- Key facts: It is Microsoft's 4th cloud region in India (the others: Central India–Pune, South India–Chennai, West India–Mumbai), with 3 availability zones. It uses closed-loop, air-cooled chillers for 'effectively zero water' cooling. It is part of Microsoft's USD 20.5 billion India investment commitment (USD 3 billion announced in 2025 + USD 17.5 billion for 2026–2029). The state's 5 GW target is linked to about USD 30 billion of expected investment.
4. Defence & Security
Exercise Varuna 2026 — INS Trishul Arrives at Toulon
Why in news: The Indian Navy's guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived at Toulon naval base, France, on 22 September 2026 for the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna — the bilateral naval exercise between India and France.
- About Varuna: India–France naval cooperation drills began in 1983 and were named 'Varuna' in 2001. The exercise has a harbour phase (briefings, cross-deck visits) followed by a sea phase (air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surface drills, replenishment at sea). Hosting alternates between the two countries. INS Trishul is a Talwar-class frigate.
ReSAREX-26: Coast Guard Search-and-Rescue Drill off Mumbai
Why in news: The Indian Coast Guard (Regional HQ West) conducted ReSAREX-26 — a Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise — off the Mumbai coast on 24 September 2026, with Coast Guard ship Samrat as the command platform.
- What they practised: Using offshore patrol vessels, interceptor boats, air-cushion vehicles and Chetak and ALH Mk-III helicopters, teams practised firefighting on a ship, evacuating casualties by helicopter rescue basket, and man-overboard rescues — testing coordination with the Maharashtra government, ports, Customs, CISF and fisheries agencies.
INS Sudarshini's Lokayan-26 Voyage Reaches Alexandria
Why in news: The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini reached Alexandria, Egypt, on 23 September 2026 — her second call there — during the 'Lokayan-26' ocean voyage.
- The voyage: Flagged off from Kochi on 20 January 2026, Lokayan-26 is a ~10-month voyage of about 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 18 ports in 13 countries. Highlights include a Suez Canal transit, her first Atlantic crossing (reaching Antigua in May 2026) and calls at US ports; more than 200 Navy and Coast Guard cadets trained on board.
5. Science & Technology
IIT Delhi Builds an Indigenous Micro-GPU
Why in news: Researchers of IIT Delhi's Department of Electrical Engineering announced (24 September 2026) the first working, indigenously designed micro-GPU (micro Graphics Processing Unit) from an Indian university.
- What it is: Built by M.Tech students Nammi Akash and M. Ravi Teja under Prof. Jayadeva and Prof. Kaushik Saha, it is a custom floating-point graphics engine currently running on an FPGA (a reprogrammable chip) — the next steps are an 8–16 core design and then a 65 nm silicon chip. It targets low-cost displays: industrial controls, e-rickshaw dashboards, navigation screens for small fishing boats and educational e-book readers — helping reduce imports.
NIT Srinagar — First NIT with a Campus Observatory
Why in news: NIT Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) inaugurated the NIT Srinagar Observatory for Astronomy and Astrophysics (NSOAA) on 22 September 2026, becoming the first NIT in India with a dedicated campus-based astronomical observatory.
- The telescope: Its main instrument is a 14-inch Celestron C14 EdgeHD telescope on a computerised mount, with cameras and filters for planetary and deep-sky observation — for student training, research and public outreach.
6. Environment & Energy
Gastrodia keyiensis — a Leafless 'Ghost Flower' Orchid in Arunachal
Why in news: Scientists described a new, rare leafless orchid, Gastrodia keyiensis, from a gorge of the Keyi river in Keyi Panyor district, Arunachal Pradesh (published in the journal Phytotaxa, September 2026). Locally it is called 'Oram Opuh' — 'Ghost Flower' — in the Nyishi dialect.
- How it survives: It has no leaves and no chlorophyll, so it cannot photosynthesise. It is mycoheterotrophic — it takes nutrients from fungi in the soil — and spends most of its life hidden underground in leaf litter, appearing only to flower. Only five flowering plants were found, so it is very rare.
IEA's 'Electrification' Special Report
Why in news: The International Energy Agency (IEA) released a special report, 'Electrification', on 22 September 2026, during UN General Assembly week.
- Headline findings: Using technologies that are already cost-competitive, electricity's share of the world's final energy use could rise from about 23% today to about 33% by 2035. That could cut fuel-importing countries' energy import bills by more than USD 400 billion, reduce global oil use by about 18 million barrels a day and lower emissions from transport, buildings and industry by about 40% by 2035.
7. Agriculture & Rural Development
FAO '100 Women Heroes' — Mizoram's Strawberry Farmer ZT Lalrithangi
Why in news: ZT Lalrithangi, a strawberry farmer from Sangau village in Lawngtlai district, Mizoram, has been named among the UN Food and Agriculture Organization's '100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development' — part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
- Her story: She began strawberry farming in 2024, now farms about 2 hectares and makes value-added products such as strawberry wine, dried strawberries and candy. Chosen from over 600 nominations from 131 countries, she is one of only two Indians selected and the first Mizo to be honoured. The award will be presented at the World Food Forum at FAO headquarters in Rome, 12–16 October 2026.
Mizoram's First 'Pluck and Pay' Festival
Why in news: Mizoram held its first 'Pluck and Pay Festival' from 23 to 25 September 2026 at Tualte and Chawngtlai villages in Khawzawl district, organised by the state Tourism Department to promote farm-based rural tourism and raise farmers' incomes.
- The idea: 'Pluck' — visitors walk into farms and orchards and pick fruit and vegetables themselves; 'Pay' — they pay the farmer directly, so the money reaches growers without middlemen. The festival also offered ziplining, traditional Mizo games and evening concerts.
8. Sports
Pune to Host the 2032 UCI Road World Championships
Why in news: Pune (Maharashtra) will host the 2032 UCI Road World Championships — the first time India hosts cycling's top road-racing event. The UCI Management Committee's decision was announced at the 195th UCI Congress in Montréal, Canada, on 23 September 2026.
9. Persons in News
Harsh Sanghani Re-elected ICA Youth Committee President
Why in news: India's Harsh Sanghani was re-elected unopposed as President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Youth Committee for a second term (2026–2030) at the ICA's General Assembly in Panama City, Panama, on 13 September 2026. He also keeps his seat as Youth Representative on the ICA Global Board.
Obituary: Soorya Krishnamoorthy
Why in news: Soorya Krishnamoorthy — theatre director, cultural organiser and former ISRO scientist from Kerala — passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on 23 September 2026.
- Known for: He founded the Soorya Stage and Film Society in 1977 and its annual Soorya Festival in Thiruvananthapuram — a cultural festival running for more than 100 days, among the longest-running in the world. A former Chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, he received the National Award for stagecraft and direction (1996) and the Kerala Prabha award (2023).
10. Important Days
Antyodaya Diwas — 25 September
Why in news: Antyodaya Diwas is observed on 25 September, the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (born 25 September 1916 at Nagla Chandrabhan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh). 2026 marks his 110th birth anniversary.
World Pharmacists Day — 25 September
Why in news: World Pharmacists Day is observed on 25 September by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). The 2026 theme is 'Empowering pharmacists for healthier futures'.
Practice questions with answers
The 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers' Meeting and the 23rd ASEAN–India economic ministers' consultation (September 2026) were held in:
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Manila, Philippines
- Singapore
Answer: (C) Manila, Philippines
Explanation: Both meetings were held in Manila (21 and 22 September 2026) because the Philippines is the ASEAN Chair for 2026. India's delegation was led by Commerce Additional Secretary Nitin Kumar Yadav; the ministers reviewed the AITIGA (ASEAN–India goods trade pact) review.
With reference to ASEAN and the East Asia Summit (EAS), consider the following statements:
- ASEAN now has 11 members; Timor-Leste is the newest.
- The East Asia Summit has 18 members, and India joined it in 2015.
- 2026 is the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong on both counts: the EAS now has 19 members (11 ASEAN + India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, USA), and India has been a member since the EAS began in 2005 — it is a founding member.
The Inter-State Council was set up in 1990 on the recommendation of which commission, and under which Article of the Constitution?
- Punchhi Commission — Article 356
- Sarkaria Commission — Article 263
- Rajamannar Committee — Article 280
- Sarkaria Commission — Article 239AB
Answer: (B) Sarkaria Commission — Article 263
Explanation: The Inter-State Council was constituted on 28 May 1990 under Article 263 on the Sarkaria Commission's recommendation; the Prime Minister chairs it. The new Inter-State Council (Amendment) Order, 2026 lets the Lieutenant Governors of Delhi, Puducherry and J&K attend when the elected government there is suspended — just as a Governor already could during President's Rule (Article 356).
Telangana's new 'TG-TMARS' bureau is related to:
- Mineral and sand mining regulation
- Anti-narcotics enforcement
- Tourism promotion
- Traffic management and road & rail safety
Answer: (D) Traffic management and road & rail safety
Explanation: TG-TMARS is the Telangana Traffic Management, Road and Rail Safety Bureau (G.O.Ms. No. 135, announced 24 September 2026). A police bureau headquartered in Hyderabad, it is headed by an Additional DGP/IGP-rank Director, works under the State Road Safety Council chaired by the Chief Minister, and gets 40% of traffic-fine collections through a Traffic Management Fund.
Telangana has set a target of how much data-centre capacity by 2029?
- 1 GW
- 2.5 GW
- 5 GW
- 10 GW
Answer: (C) 5 GW
Explanation: IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu announced the 5 GW-by-2029 target while inaugurating Microsoft's 'India South Central' cloud region in Hyderabad (24 September 2026) — Microsoft's 4th cloud region in India, with near-zero-water cooling.
Match the exercise/voyage with its description:
| List I | List II |
|---|
| A. Varuna | 1. Coast Guard search-and-rescue drill off Mumbai |
| B. ReSAREX-26 | 2. IAF multinational air exercise |
| C. Lokayan-26 | 3. India–France naval exercise |
| D. Tarang Shakti | 4. INS Sudarshini's ocean training voyage |
- A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
- A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
- A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
Answer: (A) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
Explanation: Varuna is the India–France naval exercise (24th edition; INS Trishul at Toulon). ReSAREX-26 is the Coast Guard's regional search-and-rescue exercise off Mumbai. Lokayan-26 is INS Sudarshini's 10-month voyage (reached Alexandria on 23 September). Tarang Shakti is the Indian Air Force's multinational air exercise. Hence A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2.
Consider the Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The newly described orchid Gastrodia keyiensis from Arunachal Pradesh can survive without leaves.
Reason (R): It is mycoheterotrophic — it obtains its nutrients from fungi in the soil instead of making food by photosynthesis.
- Both A and R are true, and R explains A
- Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
- A is true, R is false
- A is false, R is true
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R explains A
Explanation: Both are true and R explains A: without leaves or chlorophyll the plant cannot photosynthesise, so it survives by drawing nutrients from soil fungi (mycoheterotrophy). Found in Keyi Panyor district, it is locally called 'Oram Opuh' — 'Ghost Flower'.
Which city will host the 2032 UCI Road World Championships in cycling — the first time the event comes to India?
- Ahmedabad
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Pune
Answer: (D) Pune
Explanation: Pune (Maharashtra) won the 2032 edition, announced at the 195th UCI Congress in Montréal, Canada, on 23 September 2026. UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) is headquartered in Aigle, Switzerland.
ZT Lalrithangi, named among FAO's '100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems', is a farmer from which state?
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Mizoram
- Sikkim
Answer: (C) Mizoram
Explanation: She is a strawberry farmer from Sangau village, Lawngtlai district, Mizoram — one of only two Indians chosen from 600+ nominations across 131 countries, and the first Mizo so honoured. Mizoram also held its first 'Pluck and Pay' farm-tourism festival (23–25 September 2026, Khawzawl district).
Antyodaya Diwas is observed on 25 September to mark the birth anniversary of:
- Syama Prasad Mookerjee
- Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya
- Ram Manohar Lohia
- Jayaprakash Narayan
Answer: (B) Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya
Explanation: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was born on 25 September 1916 (2026 is his 110th birth anniversary). He propounded 'Integral Humanism'; 'Antyodaya' means uplift of the poorest. The day was declared in 2014. 25 September is also World Pharmacists Day (FIP) — 2026 theme 'Empowering pharmacists for healthier futures'.
తెలుగులో సారాంశం (Telugu summary)
డైలీ కరెంట్ అఫైర్స్ — 25 సెప్టెంబర్ 2026
మనీలాలో 14వ తూర్పు ఆసియా సదస్సు ఆర్థిక మంత్రుల సమావేశం, 23వ ఆసియాన్–భారత్ సంప్రదింపుల్లో భారత్; న్యూఢిల్లీలో బ్రిక్స్ పన్ను అధిపతుల సమావేశం; అంతర్రాష్ట్ర మండలిలో లెఫ్టినెంట్ గవర్నర్లకు అవకాశం; ట్రాఫిక్, రోడ్డు–రైలు భద్రత కోసం తెలంగాణ TG-TMARS, హైదరాబాద్లో మైక్రోసాఫ్ట్ క్లౌడ్ రీజియన్; వరుణ విన్యాసం, ReSAREX-26, INS సుదర్శిని లోకయాన్-26; IIT ఢిల్లీ మైక్రో-GPU, NIT శ్రీనగర్ అబ్జర్వేటరీ; అరుణాచల్లో ఆకులు లేని 'ఘోస్ట్' ఆర్కిడ్, IEA ఎలక్ట్రిఫికేషన్ నివేదిక; మిజోరం రైతుకు FAO గౌరవం, మిజోరం 'ప్లక్ అండ్ పే' ఉత్సవం; 2032 UCI రోడ్ వరల్డ్స్కు పుణె; వార్తల్లో వ్యక్తులు, సెప్టెంబర్ 25 దినోత్సవాలు.
పూర్తి తెలుగు పాఠం కోసం పేజీలో భాష మార్చండి (English / తెలుగు).