Daily Current Affairs: 26 September 2026

The Election Commission extended SIR deadlines, while the Supreme Court ordered action against illegal structures in Meerut and EAM Jaishankar addressed terrorism at the UN.

Intro

This daily digest covers major legal, political, economic, scientific, defence, sports and international developments from 26 September 2026.

The stories are arranged for quick revision, with an exam-focused note under each development.

India

1. Election Commission Extends SIR Deadlines in Delhi and Maharashtra

Subject: Polity and Governance

What Happened

The Election Commission of India held a full-Commission meeting at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and attended by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The Commission extended the deadlines connected with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. In Delhi, the deadline for filing claims and objections was extended to 30 October 2026, while disposal of notices and claims and objections was extended to 30 November 2026. In Maharashtra, the corresponding deadlines were extended to 12 October and 10 November 2026.

Key Facts

• Electors who received an SIR notice, or their representatives, may attend hearings before election officials online.
• Booth Level Officers will collect documents from homes of voters flagged as unmapped or having logical discrepancies.
• The Commission ordered a review of the ECINET digital system, with new IT modules and portals to be examined by a committee before approval by the full Commission.
• The Commission stated that major SIR decisions were taken collectively and unanimously.

Exam Angle

This development can be used to revise the composition of the Election Commission, consisting of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners, and the principle of collective decision-making. It may also support questions on SIR, including claims, objections and their disposal.

2. Supreme Court Orders Sealing and Demolition Action Against Illegal Structures in Meerut

Subject: Judiciary

What Happened

The Supreme Court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to seal over 16,000 properties in Meerut and take action to demolish unauthorised structures. The directions were issued in a contempt petition concerning non-compliance with earlier orders relating to illegal construction. The bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan said it was shocked and disturbed by the development of hundreds of illegal residential colonies at Uldepur on the outskirts of Meerut after considering a status report submitted by P. Guruprasad, Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Awas Evam Vikas Parishad.

Key Facts

• Sixteen inspection teams in Zone-A identified 16,726 structures as illegal or unauthorised.
• The Court directed that occupants should first be asked to vacate and the premises should be sealed, followed by demolition action.
• A judicial commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia was constituted to inquire into the nature of the land at Uldepur.
• The commission will also examine whether the colonies were established in collusion with officials of the Meerut Development Authority and identify those responsible.

Exam Angle

The case illustrates judicial supervision of urban planning enforcement and the use of contempt proceedings to secure compliance with earlier court directions. It may also be relevant for questions on judicial commissions and accountability in development administration.

3. PIB Fact Check Calls Reports on West Bengal Anti-Goonda Bill Misleading

Subject: Polity and Federalism

What Happened

PIB Fact Check stated on 26 September that reports claiming that the President had returned the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026 were misleading. According to the PIB Fact Check position, the Bill remains under examination with the Union Home Ministry. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had also rejected the reports as fake and said that the Bill had not reached the President and remained with the Home Ministry.

Key Facts

• The West Bengal Assembly passed the Bill in June 2026.
• The Bill expands the state’s powers to deal with organised crime, extortion, illegal mining, cybercrime and public disorder.
• Reports published on 25 September claimed that the Bill had been returned for reconsideration because of a possible overlap with a central anti-narcotics law.
• Both the Centre’s PIB Fact Check and the state government disputed those reports.

Exam Angle

This development can support questions on the process through which a State Bill is considered at the Union level and the Centre-state dimension of legislation dealing with criminal and preventive measures. It also highlights the role of PIB Fact Check in addressing reports described as misleading.

4. Maharashtra Declares Drought in 265 Talukas, Announces 12-Point Relief

Subject: Environment and Disaster Management

What Happened

The Maharashtra government declared drought in 265 of the state’s 358 talukas following deficient rainfall during the 2026 Kharif season. The declaration was made through a Government Resolution issued by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. It was based on a report from the Commissioner of Agriculture and made under Trigger-1 of the Drought Management Code, 2016.

Key Facts

• The 12-point relief package includes a full waiver of land revenue for affected farmers.
• Existing agricultural loans are to be restructured, while recovery of agriculture-related bank loans is stayed.
• District Collectors were directed to immediately begin panchnamas, or field assessments, of crop losses.
• The affected talukas cover divisions including Konkan, Nashik, Pune and Nagpur.

Exam Angle

The development is relevant to state-level disaster management and trigger-based drought declarations. Questions may focus on the Drought Management Code, 2016, and relief measures such as revenue waivers, crop-loss assessment and loan restructuring.

5. Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 Begins at Jodhpur

Subject: Defence and Security

What Happened

The Indian Air Force’s multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti began at Jodhpur on 26 September. Five air bases along the western frontier have been activated to simulate a realistic operational scenario, with participating forces divided into two teams operating from separate bases. The exercise will continue from 26 September to 11 October and is the second edition after its inaugural edition in 2024.

Key Facts

• The US F-35 fighter is making its debut in an exercise on Indian soil.
• Other aircraft include the Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, F-16, air-to-air refuellers and transport aircraft.
• The IAF said operational lessons from Operation Sindoor would be applied during the exercise.
• The exercise covers counter-air, air defence, reconnaissance, airlift and air-to-air refuelling missions.

Exam Angle

Tarang Shakti is relevant for questions on India’s multinational defence exercises and their objectives. Key concepts include interoperability, mutual learning and the sharing of operational procedures among participating forces.

6. CSIR Marks 85th Foundation Day, Launches Science Magazines in Five Languages

Subject: Science and Technology

What Happened

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research marked its 85th Foundation Day on 26 September. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh launched five popular science magazines in Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali and Assamese. The magazines are published by the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research.

Key Facts

• The launch was attended by Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
• Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, also attended the event.
• CSIR was established on 26 September 1942.
• The initiative seeks to make credible scientific knowledge accessible in regional languages and highlight regional scientific achievements.

Exam Angle

This development can be used to revise CSIR’s establishment year and its institutional connection with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. It also highlights the role of science communication and multilingual access to scientific knowledge.

7. India Sweep Kabaddi Golds at Asian Games 2026

Subject: Sports

What Happened

At the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, both Indian kabaddi teams defeated Iran in their respective finals on 26 September. The men’s team won 40-34, while the women’s team won 37-34. Both Indian teams retained their titles. India won seven medals on the day, comprising two gold, three silver and two bronze medals, making it the country’s biggest single-day medal haul of the Games.

Key Facts

• India’s medal tally after Day 7 stood at 30: four gold, 12 silver and 14 bronze.
• The men’s kabaddi team trailed 18-17 at half-time before recovering after the break.
• Other medals came in athletics, shooting and squash.
• The 2026 Asian Games are being held from 19 September to 4 October in Aichi and Nagoya.

Exam Angle

The development is relevant for questions on the host country and locations of the 2026 Asian Games, India’s performance in Asian Games kabaddi and the dates of the multi-sport event.

8. Banks Open on Sunday Ahead of UFBU’s Three-Day Strike

Subject: Economy and Banking

What Happened

Banks confirmed on 26 September that branches would open on Sunday, 27 September, ahead of a three-day nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions from 28 to 30 September. SBI and HDFC Bank advised customers accordingly. The Ministry of Finance directed public sector banks and regional rural banks to function normally on Sunday, while the Reserve Bank of India approved the opening of branches, offices, ATM-linked branches and currency chests.

Key Facts

• 26 September was a fourth Saturday and therefore a regular bank holiday.
• The UFBU’s main demand is a five-day banking week.
• The UFBU represents officers and employees of banks.
• The union had questioned the clarity of instructions on whether 27 September would count as a working day.

Exam Angle

The story is relevant to the roles of the RBI and Ministry of Finance in banking operations. It may also support questions on UFBU and the demand for a five-day banking week.

International

9. Jaishankar at UNGA: India Will Exercise Right to Defend Against Terrorism

Subject: International Relations

What Happened

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered India’s national statement during the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 26 September. He said India’s right to defend itself against terrorism will be exercised and stated that friendship and goodwill cannot co-exist with terrorism. He also called for no dilution in the zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.

Key Facts

• Jaishankar spoke a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the Kashmir issue at the Assembly.
• Jaishankar said that a country had misrepresented facts to the Assembly the previous day without naming Pakistan.
• He said the perpetrator of terrorism must mend its ways.
• The statement formed part of the UN High-Level Week of UNGA81.

Exam Angle

The development is relevant to the General Debate of the UN General Assembly and India’s stated position on terrorism and self-defence. It may also support questions on India’s representation during the annual UNGA debate.

10. Iran Offers US Seven-Day Plan to Reopen Strait of Hormuz; France Drafts UN Resolution

Subject: West Asia and Global Affairs

What Happened

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at the UN that Tehran had conveyed to the United States, through Qatar, a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Under the proposed timeline, the clock would begin once the United States accepts the plan, the strait would reopen on day six and talks would take place on day seven. On 26 September, Araghchi said Iran was still waiting for mediators to convey the official US position.

Key Facts

• A UN diplomat said France was drafting a Security Council resolution supporting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
• The plan is also linked to the resumption of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
• Qatar is acting as mediator between Iran and the United States.
• The proposal was discussed by Araghchi in New York.

Exam Angle

The development is relevant to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping and energy. It may also support questions on diplomatic mediation and the role of the UN Security Council in matters concerning freedom of navigation.

Quick Revision Points

• The ECI extended Delhi’s SIR claims and objections deadline to 30 October 2026 and Maharashtra’s to 12 October 2026.
• The Supreme Court noted 16,726 illegal or unauthorised structures in Meerut’s Zone-A and constituted a commission headed by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia.
• Maharashtra declared drought in 265 of 358 talukas under Trigger-1 of the Drought Management Code, 2016.
• Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is being held from 26 September to 11 October at Jodhpur, with the US F-35 making its debut in an exercise on Indian soil.
• CSIR was established on 26 September 1942 and marked its 85th Foundation Day in 2026.
• India won both Asian Games 2026 kabaddi gold medals, defeating Iran 40-34 in the men’s final and 37-34 in the women’s final.
• The 2026 Asian Games are being held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October.
• At UNGA81, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India will exercise its right to defend itself against terrorism.

Closing

These developments cover major legal, governance, security, economic, scientific, sporting and international affairs from 26 September 2026.

For exam revision, focus on the institutions, dates, figures, legal concepts and international developments identified above.