Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for September 18, 2026.
This comprehensive compilation covers all important events across national politics,
international relations, science & technology, economy, sports, and more.
Sourced from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and other reputed media.
Perfect for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 exam preparation.

📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்

🏛️ National Politics & Government

1. PM Vishwakarma Completes Three Years of Implementation In September 2026, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme launched by the…

Government of India ( GoI ) in 2023 completed three years of implementation, achieving the milestone of 30 lakh registrations.

Key points:

• Event Details Ministry: The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises ( MSME ) will celebrate the Third Anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme on 17th September 2026 at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, Kolkata, West Bengal ( WB ).
• Objective: The purpose of the scheme is to provide end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 identified trades.
• Implementation: The scheme is being jointly implemented by the: India Merchandise And Services Exports Rise 15.5% to USD 399.27 Bn in April-August 2026: MoC&I In September 2026, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry ( MoC&I ) reported that India’s combined Merchandise and Services exports reached an estimated USD 399.27 billion ( Bn ) in the first five months of Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27, April-August 2026), reflecting a growth of 15.5%.
• Trade Data of April-August 2026: Exports: Merchandise exports during April-August 2026-27 were USD 215.91 Bn as compared to USD 183.21 Bn during April-August 2025-26.
• Imports: The total imports during April-August 2026-27 is estimated at USD 459.65 Bn registering a growth of 18.01%.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. Six States Sign Agreement for

Kishau Multipurpose Project In September 2026, the Chief Ministers (CMs) of Uttar Pradesh (UP), Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh (HP), Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana signed the Kishau Multipurpose Project agreement in New Delhi, Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs (MHA) and Minister of Cooperation and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.

Key points:

• Background: Based on the 1994 Upper Yamuna Basin Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), consensus was reached on June 16, 2026, and the agreement was signed on September 15, 2026.
• Kishau Corporation Limited, a HP–Uttarakhand joint venture, will implement the project, subject to Union Cabinet approval.
• National Project: Declared a National Project, with 90% of the financial burden borne by the Centre and 10% by the six participating states.
• Kishau Dam: A 232.6-metre-high concrete gravity dam will be built on the Tons River along the Uttarakhand–Himachal Pradesh border, with 1,562 MCM storage capacity.
• The agreement aims to advance the long-pending project and support the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. GoI Reconstitutes CBFC with 18 Members For Three Years

In September 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ( MIB ) reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with 18 members for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, with immediate effect.

Key points:

• About Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC): Members: The panel will function under the leadership of Shashi Shekhar Vempati, Chairperson, CBFC.
• Framework: The reconstitution of the CBFC was carried out by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
• Significance: The reconstituted Board will enhance the film certification process through efficient functioning, diverse representation, stronger regulatory mechanisms, and improved engagement with the entertainment industry.
• About CBFC: Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, CBFC is a statutory body under the MIB responsible for examining films and granting certification for public exhibition in India as per prescribed guidelines.
• The previous Board was formally reconstituted in August 2017.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. Union MoS Jitin Prasada Inaugurates NIELIT–Infineon CoE on Semiconductor Manufacturing in Gujarat

In September 2026, National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology ( NIELIT ) under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with Infineon Technologies, inaugurated the NIELIT–Infineon Centre of Excellence ( CoE ) on Semiconductor Manufacturing at NIELIT Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Key points:

• About NIELIT–Infineon CoE:.
• Objective: The CoE will strengthen capabilities in Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging ( ATMP ), Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test ( OSAT ), and semiconductor workforce development.
• Training: The Centre of Excellence (CoE) will establish a functional backend semiconductor manufacturing training line using industry-grade equipment provided by Infineon Technologies.
• Skill Development: The facility will offer students, faculty, researchers and working professionals practical exposure to semiconductor manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Equipment: Infineon Technologies provided 8 semiconductor manufacturing equipment units, including 2 ASM AD838 Die/Glue Bonders, 2 SHINKAWA UTC1000 Wire Bonders, 2 BESI FICO Moulding Machines, and 2 BESI FICO Trim-and-Form Machines to support semiconductor Die & Wire bonding, Moulding, Trimming, electrical interconnection, package protection, and lead-forming processes.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

5. Drone & Anti-Drone MoU:

Under the second MoU, the CISF and IIIT Kanpur will establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at MPRTC Behror, Rajasthan under a five-year framework.

Key points:

• It will focus on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations, drone and counter-drone systems, drone forensics and cybersecurity of unmanned systems, with joint research on rogue-drone analysis, Radio Frequency (RF) and micro-Doppler detection, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) and high-altitude operations, supported by simulators, forensic labs and technical infrastructure.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

6. MeitY Grants In-Principle Approval for AI

CoE in Bhubaneswar, Odisha In September 2026, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ( MeitY ) granted in-principle approval for the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence ( AI CoE) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, following a recommendation by the Government of Odisha, to create a national-level hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation, startup incubation, and solution deployment.

Key points:

• The initiative will be implemented by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) under MeitY, with Blue Cloud Softech Solutions as the industry partner, contributing Rs. 4 crore.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

7. Overview of Odisha AI

Objective: The AI CoE aims to promote applied AI innovation, support startup incubation, enable responsible AI deployment, and strengthen India’s AI ecosystem under the IndiaAI Mission.

Key points:

• Focus Areas: The centre will focus on high-impact sectors such as healthcare, governance, disaster management, education, industrial applications, coastal and marine economy, along with priority areas like oceanography, coastal fisheries, tidal energy, and women and child development.
• Infrastructure: The centre will utilise 10,000 sq.
• (Square feet) of built-up space to create an AI compute and innovation ecosystem supporting startups, capacity building, and research deployment.
• Support: Blue Cloud Softech Solutions will provide industry leadership, mentorship, engineering resources, and access to its platforms such as BluHealth and Blura SAGA to support AI startups and scale solutions from proof-of-concept to large-scale deployment.
• About STPI: It was established in 1991 and headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi is a Science and Technology (S&T) autonomous society under the MeitY that promotes Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES), innovation, and emerging technologies, and is headed by Director General (DG) Arvind Kumar.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

8. Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena Declares

Kumik as First Heritage Village During Zanskar Festival 2026 The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, declared Kumik village in Ladakh as the first Heritage Village during the 11th Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026 held in Zanskar Valley on 15-16 September 2026, recognising its Buddhist manuscripts, traditional architecture, and cultural practices.

Key points:

• About Kumik Heritage Village Declaration: Location: Kumik is located in Zanskar region of Kargil district in Ladakh, a remote high-altitude cold desert area known for Tibetan Buddhist traditions, monasteries, and manuscript preservation.
• Heritage: Kumik preserves traditional mud architecture, sacred spaces, agricultural practices, and community customs along with rare Kanjur manuscripts, forming an integral part of Tibetan Buddhist literary heritage.
• Concept: The Heritage Village concept focuses on “living heritage,” where cultural practices, traditions, and knowledge systems continue to function actively rather than being limited to preserved monuments or static heritage structures.
• The recognition aims to promote heritage tourism by attracting visitors to traditional settlements while preserving living traditions under the “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” visio.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

🌍 International Affairs

9. WEF’s Global Gender Gap Index 2026: India Retained 131st rank; Iceland Topped the Index for 17th Consecutive Year

In September 2026, the World Economic Forum (WEF) released the 20th edition of its annual report titled “Global Gender Gap Report 2026 ”.

Key points:

• As per the index, India retained 131st spot out of 145 countries, witnessing a marginal increase in its overall score i.
• to 0.645.
• About WEF’s Global Gender Gap Index:.
• Background: The Global Gender Gap Report has been released annually by the WEF since 2006.
• The report provides consistent measures of the present state of gender parity, as well as the long-term evolution of global efforts to close the gender gap.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

🔬 Science & Technology

10. NASA Discovers Massive ‘

McGetchin ’ Crater from 2024 Moon Impact In September 2026, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientists confirmed discovery of the McGetchin crater on the Moon, formed by an asteroid/comet impact in May 2024, using Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) imagery, making it the largest known impact crater formed in recent times in the solar system.

Key points:

• About McGetchin Crater: Formation: The crater formed in May 2024 when an asteroid or comet fragment, estimated to be as large as a multi-storey building, struck the Moon’s surface without prior detection.
• Dimensions: It measures approximately 728 feet (222 meter, m) in diameter and 141 feet (43 m) in depth, making it larger than the Roman Colosseum and three times bigger than previously recorded craters.
• Features: The impact created a 7 kilometer ( km)-wide cold spot due to loosened regolith and ejected debris over 100 km, indicating higher-than-expected material dispersion angles.
• Frequency: Such large-scale impact events are rare, occurring roughly once every 132 years, making this a statistically rare scientific observation.
• The crater is named in honor of the late Thomas McGetchin, former Director of the Houston, United States of America (USA)-based Lunar and Planetary Institute.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

💰 Economy & Banking

11. Bharat Forge–Pratt & Whitney Canada Collaboration for DRDO HALE UAV

In September 2026, Bharat Forge Limited( BFL) and Pratt & Whitney Canada, a business of United States of America(USA)-based RTX, announced a collaboration to evaluate the integration of advanced turboprop engines into the High-Altitude, Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programme being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Key points:

• About DRDO HALE UAV: HALE-UAV: These are designed for high-altitude, long-duration surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
• They are deployed for surveillance, intelligence gathering and reconnaissance missions across land and maritime domains.
• Integration: Pratt & Whitney Canada will evaluate engine compatibility, while Bharat Forge will lead engine-airframe integration.
• Significance: The collaboration strengthens India’s indigenous aerospace and defence manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• About DRDO: Established in 1958, headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi, functions under the Ministry of Defence(MoD) and is headed by Rajesh Kumar Singh.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

🏆 Awards & Honours

12. Veteran Actor Padma Bhushan Anant Nag Conferred with Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024

In September 2026, the Government of India ( GoI ) announced that veteran actor, Padma Bhushan Anant Nag will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024, following the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.

Key points:

• About Anant Nag: Profile: Anant Nag (born Anant Nagarkatte) is considered one of the most influential actors of Kannada cinema, recognised for his versatility and contributions to both mainstream and parallel cinema through a career spanning over five decades in Indian cinema.
• Padma Bhushan: In 2025, Anant Nag was conferred with Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award of India from the Government of India ( GoI ) in the field of Art for his contributions to Indian cinema.
• Awards and Recognitions: He received several honours, including 5 Filmfare Awards, 5 Karnataka State Best Actor Awards, Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award, Karnataka State Lifetime Achievement Award, and an Honorary Doctorate from Bangalore University (North), Karnataka.
• The award will be presented during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on 22 September 2026 at Kevadia (Ekta Nagar), Gujarat.
• He became the second Kannada cinema artist to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, after Rajkumar (1995).

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Awards & Honours. Frequently asked in TNPSC prelims.

13. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Awards & Honours. Frequently asked in TNPSC prelims.

14. IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani

Elected t o ICA Global Board f or 2026-2030 Term In September 2026, Dileep Sanghani, chairman of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), one of India’s leading cooperative fertiliser organisations, was elected as an At-Large Director to the Global Board of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) for the 2026-2030 term.

Key points:

• Sanghani was among the 15 At-Large Directors elected from 24 candidates during the ICA General Assembly 2026, held on 15 September 2026 at the Panama Convention Centre in Panama City, Panama.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Awards & Honours. Frequently asked in TNPSC prelims.

15. ICA’s 2026 General Assembly:

Election: The ICA General Assembly elected 15 At-Large Directors from 24 candidates for the 2026–2030 mandate.

Key points:

• The election saw 116 voters representing 193 ICA members from 66 countries.
• President: Dr.
• Ariel Guarco of Argentina was re-elected unopposed as President of ICA for the 2026–2030 term.
• Composition: The ICA Global Board comprises 30 members, including the President, 4 Regional Vice-Presidents, one representative from each of ICA’s 8 sectoral organisations, President of the Youth Committee, President of the Gender Equality Committee and 15 At-Large Directors.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Awards & Honours. Frequently asked in TNPSC prelims.

16. IPS Officer Sanjukta Parashar Appointed as First Woman IG of CRPF

CoBRA Unit In September 2026, senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sanjukta Parashar took charge as the Inspector General (IG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Commando Battalion for Resolute Action ( CoBRA ) unit, becoming the first woman officer to lead the elite jungle warfare force.

Key points:

• About Sanjukta Parashar Profile: Sanjukta Parashar is a 2006-batch IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, popularly known as the “Iron Lady of Assam ” for her frontline counter-insurgency operations.
• Past Experience: She has served as a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), led the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) wing of Assam Police, and handled field policing, anti-militancy operations, and national security investigations.
• Award: For her outstanding contributions to policing and tactical administration, Sanjukta Parashar was awarded the Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Training on 21 April 2022 by Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) during the 13th NIA Day in New Delhi, Delhi.
• About CoBRA: The CoBRA, raised in 2008–09, is a specialised 10-battalion CRPF unit trained for guerrilla warfare, long-range patrols, and operations against Left-Wing Extremism and insurgency.
• She took charge as IG of the 10-battalion CoBRA sector headquarters in New Delhi, Delhi, succeeding Danesh Rana, a 1996-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territories) cadre.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Awards & Honours. Frequently asked in TNPSC prelims.

🌿 Environment & Geography

17. Two New Frog Species ‘

Ingerana aizawl ’ & ‘Duttaphrynus phawngpui’ discovered in Mizoram In September 2026, a group of researchers from Mizoram discovered a new stream-dwelling frog species named “ Ingerana aizawl ” along the Hratdawng Stream on the Mizoram University campus in Aizawl, Mizoram.

Key points:

• It was named after ‘Aizawl’ the capital city of Mizoram.
• About Ingerana aizawl Key Finding: Researchers confirmed that the Mizoram frog population, long identified as Ingerana borealis for nearly 20 years, is genetically and morphologically distinct, leading to its recognition as a new species, Ingerana aizawl.
• Key Features: The new frog species is small and stout, distinguished by mainly wrinkled dorsal skin, a distinct circular tympanum with elevated central protrusion and strongly developed supratympanic fold.
• Habitat: The Aizawl frog species lives along small forest streams and calls at night, with each call consisting of a rhythmic series of 12 short notes.
• Publishing: The findings of the discovery of new frog species was published in the international scientific journal “ Zootaxa ”.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Environment & Ecology (GS Paper 3). Conservation and geography.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

18. International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South 2026 – September 16

The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the South annually on September 16 to highlight the role of STI in promoting economic growth and sustainable development, particularly across the Global South.

Key points:

• Background: Origin: In September 2023, during the Summit on Science, Technology and Innovation held in Havana, Cuba, leaders of the Group of 77 (G77) and China agreed to designate September 16 as the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South.
• UNGA Recognition: On January 9, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/78/259, officially proclaiming September 16 of every year as the International Day of STI for the South.
• Significance: The resolution highlights the use of scientific and technological advancements to support sustainable development, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• First Observance: The day was observed for the first time on September 16, 2024.
• September 16, 2026, marks the 3rd observance of the International Day of STI for the South.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

19. International Day for Interventional Cardiology 2026 – September 16

The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for Interventional Cardiology is observed annually across the globe on 16th September to raise global awareness about Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and the importance of interventional cardiology procedures in their treatment.

Key points:

• Background: Resolution: On 2 September 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/76/302 declaring 16 September annually as the International Day for Interventional Cardiology and inviting the World Health Organization (WHO) to support its implementation.
• First Observance: The first International Day for Interventional Cardiology was observed on 16 September 2023.
• Significance: The date commemorates the first coronary angioplasty performed in 1977 by Dr.
• Andreas Roland Grüntzig at University Hospital Zürich, marking a milestone in cardiac treatment.
• 16th September 2026 marks the 4th International Day for Interventional Cardiology.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

📝 Practice Questions (MCQs)

Test your knowledge with these questions based on today’s current affairs. Each question has one correct answer — click to reveal it after you decide.

Q1. In which year did the following take place? — “131st rank; Iceland Topped the Index for 17th Consecutive Year In September _____, the World Economic Forum (WEF) released the 20th edition of its…”

(a) 2032
(b) 2018
(c) 2026
(d) 2022

Q2. Under which current-affairs category does this news item best fall? — “Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena Declares”

(a) General Knowledge
(b) National Politics & Government
(c) Awards & Honours
(d) Science & Technology

Q3. Under which current-affairs category does this news item best fall? — “WEF’s Global Gender Gap Index 2026: India Retained 131st rank; Iceland Topped the Index for 17th Consecutive Year”

(a) Environment & Geography
(b) Awards & Honours
(c) International Affairs
(d) Economy & Banking

Q4. Under which current-affairs category does this news item best fall? — “Union MoS Jitin Prasada Inaugurates NIELIT–Infineon CoE on Semiconductor Manufacturing in Gujarat”

(a) National Politics & Government
(b) Awards & Honours
(c) Environment & Geography
(d) General Knowledge

Q5. Under which current-affairs category does this news item best fall? — “PM Vishwakarma Completes Three Years of Implementation In September 2026, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme launched by the”

(a) International Affairs
(b) Science & Technology
(c) General Knowledge
(d) National Politics & Government