Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for September 29, 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. DDU-GKY Marks 12 Years of Rural Skill Development and Employment Support

On 25 September 2026, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) completed 12 years of implementation.

Key points:

• About Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY):.
• Objective: The DDU-GKY launched on 25 September 2014 is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) that provides placement-linked skill training for rural youth from poor households.
• Target Age: It focuses on rural youth aged between 15 and 35 years.
• Revised framework: The Government of India (GoI) notified the upgraded DDU-GKY 2.0 Guidelines in May 2025, strengthening the framework around training, placements, employment sustainability and post-placement support.
• Duration: The minimum placement duration has been extended from three months to six months, covering wage, self-employment and gig employment.

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

2. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda Inaugurated Arogya Manthan 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan

In September 2026, Union Minister Jagat Prakash (J. P.) Nadda, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) inaugurated Arogya Manthan 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi (Delhi) to commemorate 8 years of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and 5 years of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

Key points:

• About Arogya Manthan 2026: Organised by: The day-long event was organised by the National Health Authority (NHA), which brought together government officials, healthcare providers, insurers, and other stakeholders to review India’s health assurance and digital health ecosystem and deliberate on priorities for its next phase.
• Key Initiatives Launched: The event witnessed the launch of a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s digital health and health assurance infrastructure.
• These include: National Healthcare Providers Registry (NHPR) Mobile App; NHCX Implementation Guide for Payers; Guidebook for a Model Digital Health Facility; Secure Data Environment (SDE) app and framework for Auto-Adjudication of Claims under AB PM-JAY.
• Top Performers under AB PM-JAY: In terms of highest card saturation among ASHA, Anganwadi Worker (AWW) and Anganwadi Helper (AWH) beneficiaries, Andhra Pradesh (AP), Sikkim and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) topped in the large State, small State and Union Territory categories, respectively, under AB PM-JAY.
• Claim settlement for inter-State portability: Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Gujarat were recognised as the top-performing States in this category.

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

3. Union Minister Amit Shah Flags Off India’s First LNG-Powered Train from Sabarmati, Gujarat

In September 2026, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), flagged off India’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered train from Sabarmati Railway Station in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Key points:

• About India’s First LNG-Powered Train: Technology: The train operates as a diesel-LNG dual-fuel Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU), using both diesel and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which helps reduce diesel consumption by up to 40% and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Development Projects: The other projects inaugurated are inauguration of WAG-12 Locomotive, installation of the Kavach train protection system for Rs.48 crore, Kavach-related work on the Ahmedabad–Palanpur and Ahmedabad–Samakhiali sections.
• During the event, he also inaugurated railway development projects worth Rs. 1,472 crore and the Wide Gauge, Alternating Current, Goods (WAG-12) Maintenance Shed for railway locomotive engines worth Rs. 700 crore in the presence of Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister (CM), Gujarat.

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

4. India’s First Port-Based E-Methanol Plant Worth Rs 2,300 Crore to Come Up at Kandla, Gujarat

In September 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), along with Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, CM of Assam, officially laid the foundation stone for India’s first port-based e-methanol production facility at Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gandhidham, Kutch district, Gujarat.

Key points:

• Key Details of the Facility: Production Capacity: The proposed facility will use renewable power, water and biogenic Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) to produce e-methanol.
• It will have a total production capacity of 150 tonnes per day(TPD).
• Cost Efficiency: The plant will produce green methanol at around USD 750 per tonne, compared to a global rate of USD 1,300 per tonne.
• Leading Agencies: The project is a joint initiative of DPA and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd (APCL), based in Namrup, Assam.
• Implementation: The project will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 2,300 crore, in scalable modules in two phases.

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

5. Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Launched IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund-I in Bengaluru

In September 2026, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF), launched the ‘Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Unicorn Frontier Fund-I”, an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), during the the 7th edition of ‘IITMAA Sangam’, the annual conference of the IIT Madras Alumni Association, organized in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Key points:

• About IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund-I: Spearheaded by: The newly launched AIF is a joint initiative of Unicorn India Ventures (UIV) and Indian Institute of Technology Madras IIT-M (Chennai, Tamil Nadu, TN), IITM Research Park (IITMRP).
• Funds Raised: Following approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the fund raised Rs 450 crore in its first close against a total target of Rs 1,000 crore, expected by December 2026.
• Initial Investment: The fund has already deployed around Rs 55 crore in 4 deep-tech startups: Hathor, Quanstra, Triolt Energy, and Carbelim.
• She also released the book “Cashless Nation: How UPI Changed Everything”, authored by Santanu Paul and B. Sambamurthy.
• It will provide Rs 5–20 crore in financial assistance to early-stage startups.

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

6. CJI Surya Kant Inaugurates India’s First Victim Rights Centre in Patna, Bihar

In September 2026, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant inaugurated India’s first Victim Rights Centre (VRC) at the Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA) premises in Patna, Bihar to provide integrated legal assistance on rights, medical, psychological, and social assistance through a single-window system for victims.

Key points:

• About Victim Rights Centre (VRC): Features: The centre offers a single-window support mechanism, maintains case records to prevent repeated victim statements, ensures accountability through defined timelines, and tracks cases until relief is delivered and outcomes are verified.
• Beneficiaries: The initiative supports vulnerable individuals, including elderly victims, survivors of sexual offences, witnesses in sensitive cases, and children and dependents of prisoners serving sentences in Bihar.
• Other Initiatives: During the event, CJI Justice Surya Kant also flagged off 9 Multi-Utility Vehicles (MUVs), Transgender Helpline under the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Access to Resources (SITARA) Scheme, Executive Lounge and Waiting Hall at the new Patna High Court(HC) building, and released a publication on the Victim Rights Centre.

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

7. Union MoS Dr Jitendra Singh Launches Five Regional Language Science Magazines on CSIR’s 85th Foundation Day

On September 26 2026, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge (IC)) Dr.

Key points:

• Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), launched five new popular science magazines in Indian regional languages, published by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), on the occasion of the 85th Foundation Day of the CSIR, in New Delhi, Delhi.
• About Five Regional Science Magazines: Magazine Titles: The magazines have been launched in five Indian languages: Bigyan Lahar (Assamese), (Editor: Dr.
• Paramananda Barman; Associate Editor: Dr.
• Bornali Sharma), Bigyan Brittanto (Bengali), Edited by Dr.
• Uttam Kumar Jana, Vidnyan Kshitij (Marathi), Edited by Mukesh Ambadas Pund, Ariviyal Arikkaiyalar (Tamil), (Editor: Dr.

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

8. TRAI Launches Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) Platform

In September 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) launched the Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) Platform, an integrated system for viewing and comparing connectivity ratings of properties, enabling end-to-end rating as per the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 (amended in May 2026) and the Rating Manual in June 2026.

Key points:

• Key Features of DCR Platform: Access: Provides a public interface where users can search rated properties by name, location or certificate ID (Identification), and verify digitally signed certificates using QR (Quick Response) codes, ensuring authenticity and easy access to information.
• Integration: It Integrates Property Managers (PMs), Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) and consumers on a single platform.
• End-to-End Workflow: The platform supports the complete digital rating process, covering registration, application, assessment, certification and publication of ratings.
• Comparison: Consumers can view and compare the digital connectivity ratings of properties, improving transparency and helping users make informed decisions based on connectivity infrastructure.
• About TRAI: Established in 1997 with headquarters in New Delhi, Delhi the TRAI is currently chaired by Anil Kumar Lahoti.

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

9. MoMA Signed MoUs with IISc, IIMB and IIT Madras to Strengthen Innovation and Skill Development

In September 2026, the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent academic, research and innovation institutions in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to enhance implementation, monitoring, infrastructure quality, and innovation ecosystems.

Key points:

• Objective: The initiative aims to strengthen transparency, evidence-based decision-making, entrepreneurship, innovation, skilling, and sustainable livelihoods for minority communities through institutional partnerships.
• Monitoring: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), Bengaluru, Karnataka, will conduct third-party monitoring of Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) training across the South zone, covering delivery, attendance, certification, placement, and stakeholder participation.
• Assessment: Centre for Urbanization, Buildings & Environment (CUBE), Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) will assess Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) projects on infrastructure quality, functionality, accessibility, utilisation, maintenance, and sustainability.
• Innovation: Two Tripartite MoUs by the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) with the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Karnataka, and IIMB Innovations (NSRCEL) will promote startups, incubation, skilling, research, and enterprise growth under the Prime Minister Minority Venture Fund (PM-MVF).
• Collaborations include Centre for Urbanization, Buildings & Environment (CUBE), Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras); Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru; Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB); and IIMB Innovations Nadathur S. Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL).

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

10. Govt Appoints Dinesh Pant & Girija Subramanian as IRDAI Members

In September 2026, In September 2026, Dinesh Pant, former Managing Director (MD) of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), and Girija Subramanian, former Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of The New India Assurance Company Limited (NIACL), assumed charge as Whole-Time Members (WTMs) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Key points:

• Background: Both appointees have extensive experience in public sector insurance institutions, contributing to policy design, operations and governance.
• Pant Role: He was appointed Whole-Time Member (Actuary) of IRDAI.
• Prior to joining IRDAI, he served as MD of LIC and ceased to hold the position with effect from the close of 24 September 2026, following voluntary retirement.
• Subramanian Role: She has been appointed as Whole-Time Member (Distribution) of IRDAI.
• She previously served as CMD of NIACL and retired from the public-sector general insurer in July 2026.
• About IRDAI: Established in 1999, the IRDAI is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, and is currently chaired by Ajay Seth.

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

🌍 International Affairs

11. Indian Navy Participates in 24th Edition of Exercise VARUNA in France

On 22 September 2026, Indian Navy (IN) warship Indian Naval Ship(INS) Trishul arrived at Toulon, France to participate in the 24th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise VARUNA with the French Navy.

Key points:

• About Exercise VARUNA: Overview: VARUNA is a bilateral maritime exercise conducted between the IN and the French Navy.
• It is conducted alternately off the coasts of India and France.
• Host: The 24th edition of the exercise is hosted by France at the Toulon Naval Base, a major base of the French Navy located on the Mediterranean coast.
• Activities: The exercise includes both harbour and sea phase engagements such as cross-deck visits, operational interactions, coordinated drills and sporting activities to enhance professional exchange.
• Phases: Bilateral maritime exercise between the IN and the French Navy involving harbour and sea phase activities to enhance interoperability, coordination and professional exchange.

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

🏏 Sports

12. 46th Chess Olympiad 2026: India Wins Silver in Open & Bronze in Women’s Section; Retains Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy

In September 2026, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) organised the 46th Chess Olympiad, an international team chess event, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from 15 to 27 September 2026.

Key points:

• About 46th Chess Olympiad 2026: Overview: The 46th Chess Olympiad 2026 featured Open and Women’s team events with global participation, serving as a major international tournament hosting teams from over 200 nations across both categories.
• India secured silver in the Open section and bronze in the Women’s section, while retaining the Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy for the best combined performance for the third consecutive time.
• Uzbekistan won gold, and Germany won bronze in the Open category, while China secured gold, and Kazakhstan secured silver in the Women’s category.
• Open Team: The All India Chess Federation (AICF) Open team, led by Grandmaster (GM) Srinath Narayanan, featured Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa (Board 1, bronze), Arjun Erigaisi (Board 2), Nihal Sarin (Board 3), Dommaraju Gukesh (Board 4, silver), and reserve Vidit Gujrathi.
• Women Team: The women’s team, captained by GM Swayams Mishra, included Koneru Humpy (Board 1, bronze), R Vaishali (Board 2), Divya Deshmukh (Board 3, silver), International Master (IM) Vantika Agrawal (Board 4, bronze), and reserve IM Savitha Shri B (gold).

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.

13. India to Host 4th Junior & 11th Senior Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2027 in Goa

In September 2026, the Indian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) announced that India will host the 4th Junior & 11th Senior Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2027 at Manohar Parrikar Stadium, Goa, from 19 to 23 April 2027.

Key points:

• About the Championship: Aim: It aims to promote sporting excellence and cultural exchange, and will be conducted as per PERSILAT rules, including anti-doping and safeguarding norms.
• Participation: Top Junior and Senior Pencak Silat athletes from across Asia will compete, providing a major international platform that brings together athletes, coaches, officials, and federations, while promoting sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and cooperation.
• Opportunity: The event will promote Pencak Silat in India and offer Indian athletes a chance to compete against top Asian players on home soil.
• About IPSF: Established in 2012 by Mr.
• Mohammad Iqbal, is headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi, and is headed by its President Kishor Prakash Yewale.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.

🏆 Awards & Honours

14. Indian scientists Roxy Mathew Koll and Neelima Satyam Among AGU 2026 Awardees

In September 2026, Indian scientists Roxy Mathew Koll and Neelima Satyam were among the 43 American Geophysical Union (AGU 2026) awardees, recognising excellence and leadership in research, education, and innovation in advanced earth and space sciences.

Key points:

• About Indian Winners & Their Contribution: Roxy Mathew Koll: Koll who currently works as a climate scientist at the Pune-based (Maharashtra) Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
• Neelima Satyam: Neelima is a professor at Indian Institute of Technology-Indore (IIT-Indore) in Madhya Pradesh (MP).
• The awards will be officially presented at the AGU’s annual meeting scheduled in December 2026 in San Francisco in the United States of America (USA).
• Category/Award: He has been named as the winner of AGU’s Pavel S. Molohanov Climate Communications Prize, presented annually to a scientist for climate science communication, particularly for research related to climate change. He will receive a monetary prize of USD 250,000; an engraved award; and recognition.
• Category/Award: She has been selected for the AGU’s Devendra Lal Memorial Medal, presented annually to an early-or mid-career scientist for their exemplary research in Earth and/or space sciences. She will receive an engraved medal and lifetime AGU membership.

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

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

15. World Maritime Day 2026 – September 24

The United Nations (UN) observes World Maritime Day (WMD) annually on the last Thursday of September to highlight the importance of maritime transport and recognise the maritime sector’s contribution to global trade and sustainable development.

Key points:

• Background: Origin: World Maritime Day was first observed on 17 March 1978, marking the entry into force of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention in 1958.
• Observance: Since 1978, it has been celebrated annually on the last Thursday of September to emphasise maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
• Organizer: The IMO, a UN-specialized agency, leads the annual observance of WMD.
• World Maritime Day 2026 is observed on 24 September 2026.
• WMD 2025 was observed on 25 September 2025 and WMD 2024 on 26 September 2024.

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

16. World Pharmacists Day 2026 – September 25

World Pharmacists Day (WPD) is observed globally on 25 September to recognise pharmacists’ vital role in healthcare and community well-being.

Key points:

• Background: Origin: WPD was proposed in 2009 by the Turkish Pharmacists Association (TPA) during the FIP Congress in Istanbul, Türkiye.
• First Observance: The proposal was unanimously accepted, and the first WPD was observed on 25 September 2010 to promote awareness of pharmacists’ role in healthcare.
• Week: FIP also observed World Pharmacy Week from 19–25 September 2026, recognising the wider pharmacy workforce, including pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacy technicians.
• The day also marks the anniversary of the founding of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the global body for pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and pharmaceutical education, and a partner of the World Health Organization (WHO).
• 2026 Theme: “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures”.

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

17. Antyodaya Diwas 2026 – September 25

Antyodaya Diwas is observed annually on 25 September across India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, former President of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) and a noted philosopher.

Key points:

• Background: Declaration: On 25 September 2014, coinciding with the 98th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the Government of India (GoI) declared 25 September to be observed annually as Antyodaya Diwas.
• First Observance: The first Antyodaya Diwas was observed on 25 September 2014.
• Reform: On the first Antyodaya Diwas, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) relaunched Aajeevika Skills as the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), which had been introduced in April 2013.
• 25 September 2026 marks his 110th birth anniversary.
• In 2016, NRLM was renamed Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

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

18. World Tourism Day 2026 – September 27

World Tourism Day (WTD) is observed annually across the globe on September 27 to raise awareness about tourism’s social, cultural, political, and economic significance.

Key points:

• Background: Establishment: The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), headquartered in Madrid, Spain, instituted World Tourism Day (WTD) in 1980, with the first official observance held on 27 September 1980.
• Commemoration: The date commemorates the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes on 27 September 1970, marking a key milestone in global tourism governance.
• 2026 Event: World Tourism Day 2026 was officially hosted by El Salvador for the first time, with major events held in San Salvador and Surf City, featuring an interactive, demonstration-led approach that replaced traditional policy panels with practical digital applications and immersive cultural experiences.
• 2026 Theme: “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”.
• Ministry of Tourism (MoT) organised World Tourism Day celebration at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Delhi, where Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MoT launched key initiatives, including the National Digital Tourism Stack (NDTS) to enhance discoverability and accessibility.

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