Daily Current Affairs 23 September 2026

Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has launched the Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development in New Delhi, marking the implementation of the modified regional connectivity scheme, Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN).

The challenge-based selection approach aims to reduce the construction period of airports to 18 months from the current average of 3 years.

To facilitate infrastructure development, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have signed 21 MoUs with participating states and Union Territories. The Modified UDAN initiative has a target outlay of ₹30,000 crore over the next decade to develop 100 new airports. It aims to provide connectivity to 120 new destinations.

The Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Amendment Act, 2026 will come into force on October 1, 2026. It strengthens Section 13(3) of the RBD Act, 1969.

Under the act, reporting births or deaths after 1 year but within 2 years requires approval from the District Magistrate (DM), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or an authorized Executive Magistrate, subject to verification and fee. For registrations delayed by more than 2 years, an order from the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) is mandatory to ensure judicial scrutiny.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has released a commemorative postage stamp issued by the Department of Posts (DoP) to honor Sant Malukdas. The release took place during the “Sant Samagam”, a gathering organized in memory of the saint.

PhonePe has received in-principle approval from the Central Bank of the UAE for two operating licenses, marking the first international expansion of the company.

The licenses include Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) and Stored Value Facilities (SVF).

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has signed two MoUs with the IIT Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Under the first MoU, the IHUB NTIHAC Foundation (C3iHub) will conduct a 6-week residential Cybersecurity Training Programme for 40 personnel of the CISF per batch under a 3-year non-commercial framework.

The second MoU involves the establishment of a CoE focused on drone and anti-drone technologies at the Multi-Purpose Recruitment and Training Centre (MPRTC) in Behror, Rajasthan. The CoE will operate under a 5-year framework.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed an MoU with Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL) to establish a simplified and time-bound framework for granting approvals to facilitate the crossing of National Highways, canals, and pipelines across Gujarat.

According to the 40th edition of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 40) released by Z/Yen Partners, in collaboration with the China Development Institute (CDI), the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is ranked 37th globally.

New York is ranked top among the global financial centres, followed by London, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

According to the 20th edition of the “Global Gender Gap Report 2026” released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India is ranked 131st out of 145 evaluated nations with a score of 0.645.

Iceland is ranked top for the 17th consecutive year with a score of 0.93, followed by Finland and Norway.

Typhoon Dujuan has hit the eastern part of Japan, resulting in record-breaking precipitation and violent winds. The weather event has triggered severe flooding and landslides across the affected regions.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh has unveiled several policy initiatives at the ‘VIMARSH 2026’ DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet held in New Delhi under the theme ‘Varta se Vikas’.

During the event, 9 Licensing Agreements for ToT (LAToTs) were handed over to 13 manufacturing partners. DRDO also signed a contract with the Quality Council of India (QCI) for the implementation of the ‘System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating’ (SAMAR) version 2.0.

A group of scientists led by Dr Meena Mishara has developed indigenous Gallium Nitride (GaN) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) technology for high-frequency defence applications, was unveiled.

The bilateral air exercise “Veer Guardian 2026” between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) has concluded at the Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations. Su-30 MKI, Rafale, and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas of the IAF and F-2A fighter aircraft of the JASDF participated in the exercise.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) has signed an MoU with the Maharashtra government to develop a Greenfield Shipbuilding Industrial Cluster in the Raigad district.

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath, has approved 23 development proposals focusing on industrial growth and employment.

Key approvals include the establishment of an ethanol plant in Mathura and the “UP Toy Manufacturing Promotion Policy 2025” to incentivize specialized manufacturing. The measures also cover various infrastructure projects and welfare reforms to strengthen the socio-economic framework of the state.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented the eighth edition of the “businessline Changemaker Awards” in New Delhi. Purnima Devi Barman, known as the “Stork Sister”, was named the “Changemaker of the Year” for her work in the conservation of Greater Adjutant Stork and women empowerment.

The “Iconic Changemaker” award was given to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for modernising border infrastructure and Dr. MR Rajagopal for community-based palliative care.

Other winners include ARMAAN for “Digital Transformation” (healthcare via mobile technology), Gourmet Popcornica for “Financial Transformation” (agro-processing), and “Project Sambandh” for “Social Transformation” (aiding bereaved military families).