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Daily DigestArchive
Current Affairs — Saturday, 26 September 2026
36 items
Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu CM Vijay raises health insurance coverage from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh
— CM C. Joseph Vijay has enhanced the state's health insurance scheme coverage fivefold, a major expansion of the Dravidian Model-era Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme; relevant for state welfare policy questions. - Tamil Nadu Govt to extend Free Breakfast Scheme to Middle School Students
— The TVK government plans to extend the flagship free breakfast programme (originally launched under the previous DMK government) to middle school students, expanding its beneficiary base. - Tamil Nadu Minister affirms two-language policy unchanged
— The TVK government stated it will continue the long-held two-language (Tamil and English) policy, amid pressure from MDMK's Vaiko who urged CM Vijay to reject the PM SHRI three-language scheme citing Hindi imposition concerns. - DVAC searches premises linked to DMK's Tiruvannamalai MP C.N. Annadurai
— The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption conducted searches at premises linked to sitting MP C.N. Annadurai, signalling continued anti-corruption actions in Tamil Nadu. - Stalin hits back at CM Vijay, accuses him of surrendering to BJP
— Former CM and DMK president M.K. Stalin questioned CM Vijay's claim of TVK being a "pure force," alleging he fielded MLAs bought from NDA for byelections; relevant to TN political dynamics. - CM Vijay accuses DMK of covering up POCSO Act case against Veeramani
— At a Madurantakam byelection campaign, CM Vijay alleged the case was registered during DMK rule but suppressed; highlights ongoing byelection political contestation in Tamil Nadu.
India — National
- AFSPA extended in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh
— The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has been extended in designated disturbed areas of the three northeastern states; frequently tested in GS Paper II (polity, internal security). - Supreme Court relaxes bail condition for Delhi riots accused Meeran Haider
— The bench reduced mandatory police station appearances from twice weekly to once weekly for the 2020 Delhi riots accused who is about to be married; relevant to SC jurisdiction and bail jurisprudence. - Congress stages nationwide protests seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal
— Congress leaders including UP state chief Ajay Rai were detained during a march; legislators displayed banners in Jammu & Kashmir Assembly; highlights controversy around the Election Commission's composition. - Omar Abdullah tables statehood resolution in J&K Assembly
— The resolution demanding restoration of J&K's statehood triggered a BJP uproar; significant for constitutional status of J&K post-Article 370 abrogation (GS Paper II). - Odisha Pedestrian Safety Rules, 2026 proposes mandatory pedestrian paths
— The rules prescribe action against road-owning agencies, contractors, or consultants if faulty design leads to pedestrian death, disability, or grievous injury; relevant to road safety policy and urban governance. - Indian Railways approves ₹4,178 crore projects in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh
— The Cabinet-approved multitracking projects aim to decongest railway lines across these two states; also includes eight multitracking projects approved nationally. - Cabinet approves eight multitracking projects to decongest railway lines
— These infrastructure expansion projects are part of the broader modernisation of Indian Railways under the Ministry of Railways.
Economy & Finance
- India-EU FTA to be signed on December 16
— The Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union is scheduled to be signed during PM Modi's December visits, alongside Canada and U.S. FTA negotiations; a landmark trade policy development (GS Paper III). - Indian OMCs incur ₹530 crore daily losses on retail fuels
— ICRA reports Oil Marketing Companies are losing ₹8/litre on petrol, ₹9/litre on diesel, and ₹300 on LPG cylinders; relevant to petroleum pricing policy and the role of OMCs. - SEBI recognises Blue Bonds as sustainable finance instruments
— SEBI has formally included blue bonds under sustainable finance, unlocking ocean-based investment avenues for India's blue economy; relevant to financial regulation and ESG investing. - Government and banks to decide UPI subsidy post-MDR introduction
— The Finance Ministry will consult banks and merchants to ensure Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions is not passed on to end users; key for digital payments policy (GS Paper III). - Inflation rises in August; eyes on RBI's October MPC meeting
— Rising retail inflation figures are expected to influence the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee decision in October 2026 regarding the repo rate. - Economy records 6.7% industrial production growth in July (FY27)
— Strong IIP data signals robust start to FY2026–27, with manufacturing output a key driver; relevant for economic survey-type questions.
Science & Technology
- Google to test AI chip in space via Project Suncatcher
— Project Suncatcher will evaluate hardware survival, cooling systems, and satellite interconnectivity for Google's AI chips in a space environment; relevant to space technology and AI policy. - Bats first originated in Europe 65 million years ago: Scientists
— New paleontological research traces bat origins to Europe; scientists suggest bat longevity and disease resistance could inspire human health innovations. - Tesla begins Semi electric truck deliveries
— First unveiled in 2017 with production delayed from 2019, Tesla has now commenced delivery of its Semi electric trucks; relevant to EV technology developments.
Environment
- State of India's Environment 2026 Report highlights rising climate risks, wildlife conflicts, and pollution monitoring gaps
— The CSE-DTE report flags increasing climate vulnerabilities, human-wildlife conflict, and inadequate pollution monitoring infrastructure across India; key for environment GS topics. - Odisha's 2026 monsoon on track to be wettest since 2000
— As of September 25, Odisha has received 29% excess rainfall this monsoon season, raising flood-risk concerns and agricultural impact considerations. - Forest department rescues tiger cub in Odisha village without tranquilizer or net
— Demonstrates wildlife management and human-animal conflict resolution capacity; relevant to wildlife protection and forest department operations.
Sports
- Sawan Barwal wins silver in Men's Marathon at Asian Games 2026
— Indian long-distance runner Sawan Barwal secured silver in the marathon final at Asian Games 2026; Kartik Karkera also participated in the event. - Gulveer Singh wins silver in 10,000m; Baranica makes history at Asian Games 2026
— Gulveer won silver in the 10,000m in 28:29.38s, improving on his bronze at Asian Games 2022; Baranica achieved a historic milestone (specific event to be confirmed); Manpreet won bronze. - Indian shooter Sonam Maskar wins silver in Women's 10m Air Rifle Team event
— At Asian Games 2026, Sonam Maskar expressed gratitude for public support after the team secured a silver medal in the shooting competition. - UEFA Nations League: Zinedine Zidane wins debut match as France coach
— Kylian Mbappé scored but suffered a knee injury, with Zidane indicating he may have to return home; relevant to international sports news.
Appointments & Awards
- Justice M. Fathima Beevi, first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India, passes away
— Justice Fathima Beevi made history as the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of India; her passing marks the end of a pioneering era; highly exam-probable. - Padma Vibhushan announced for Justice K.T. Thomas
— The former Supreme Court judge, known for his independent judgments, has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian honours. - Padma award for Justice J.S. Khehar
— Former Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar, whose decisions frequently contradicted government positions, has been recognised with a Padma award. - Justice Manikumar appointed as new SHRC Chairman
— Justice Manikumar has been named Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission; relevant to appointments in quasi-judicial bodies.
International
- Trump and Xi conclude summit with tea and tour of U.S. archives
— Chinese President Xi confirmed two more meetings with President Trump this year — at the APEC summit in China and the G20 summit in Miami; significant for India's strategic environment. - UN Security Council condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
— The UNSC resolution stressed upholding international law and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea; relevant to India's energy security and West Asia policy. - Sri Lanka raises Supreme Court judges' retirement age from 65 to 67 years
— A controversial constitutional amendment was adopted raising the retirement age of Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65 as well; relevant to India's neighbourhood policy and judicial comparisons.
- Quick Revision:
- 🔴 Justice M. Fathima Beevi — First woman judge of the Supreme Court of India — passed away on 26 September 2026 (highly exam-probable "first" fact)
- 🔴 India-EU FTA scheduled to be signed on 16 December 2026; Indian OMCs incurring ₹530 crore daily losses (₹8/litre petrol, ₹9/litre diesel, ₹300/LPG cylinder) per ICRA
- 🔴 Tamil Nadu CM Vijay raised health insurance coverage from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh; AFSPA extended in Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh