Current Affairs - September 5, 2026 Current Affairs

New Delhi launched the revised Delhi Solar Energy Policy on September 2, 2026, under which eligible households can receive 3 kW rooftop solar systems at zero upfront cost. The initiative aims to cover 2.30 lakh households and add 500 MW of rooftop solar capacity by March 2027. Eligible domestic consumers must have an average monthly electricity consumption of up to 400 units during FY 2025–26. The scheme combines central support of ₹78,000 under PM Surya Ghar with an equal state subsidy and an additional top-up. It also provides free operation and maintenance for the first five years.

Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb assumed charge as the Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM) of the Indian Air Force on September 1, 2026. He succeeded Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, who retired after 39 years of service. Commissioned into the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical Branch) in 1988, Sanjeeb has extensive technical experience in the IAF. He played a key role in the induction of the IL-78 Flight Refueller Aircraft and pioneered the induction and operationalisation of the AWACS fleet. He has also served in several senior positions at Air Headquarters and received the AVSM and VSM for distinguished service.

Tata Elxsi is responsible for avionics, flight control systems, software integration, validation, and certification for the Shunya eVTOL aircraft. Tata Elxsi and Bengaluru-based startup Sarla Aviation signed an MoU on September 2, 2026, to co-develop Shunya, a six-seater plus pilot electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The aircraft is designed for regional air travel, with an operational range exceeding 300 kilometres and runway-independent operation. Sarla Aviation will lead the platform’s design, development, and type certification, while Tata Elxsi will contribute its expertise in aerospace engineering, software, and technology integration.

Tripura’s NPOP-certified ethnic rice was exported to Austria and the Netherlands with the support of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on September 2, 2026. The shipment consisted of 18 metric tonnes of specialty rice varieties, including Aromatic Kali Khasa, Aromatic Harinarayan, Biron, and Maimi Hanga rice. The initiative is expected to help local farmers and producers achieve up to 40% higher price realisation compared with the domestic market. The export was supported by the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency and NABARD, helping connect Farmer Producer Companies with international markets.

InsuranceDekho became the operating brand following its merger with RenewBuy on September 3, 2026, creating India’s largest AI-enabled insurance distribution platform based on Point of Sale Person (PoSP) premium. The combined business has a total premium book exceeding ₹6,600 crore and has issued more than 2 crore insurance policies since inception. Ankit Agrawal was appointed CEO of the merged entity. The platform offers more than 750 insurance products from 52 insurers across motor, health, life, travel, and commercial segments. It also plans to use AI-powered advisory, automated partner onboarding, and real-time plan recommendation tools.

Punjab launched the ‘Pehchaan’ portal on September 2, 2026, to enable the digital identification of unidentified and unclaimed bodies kept in government mortuaries. It became the first state in India to introduce a dedicated digital portal for this purpose. The system requires detailed records, including facial photographs, permanent marks, and physical descriptions, to be uploaded within 48 hours of postmortem. Built on the NIC-developed MedLEaPR software, the portal is integrated with CCTNS to cross-match missing-person records. It operates across all 23 districts and 346 government hospitals in Punjab, helping police and forensic agencies identify deceased persons more efficiently.

Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually in India on September 5 to honour the contribution of teachers to education, mentoring, and nation-building. The date marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned philosopher, scholar, teacher, and former President of India. The tradition began in 1962 when Radhakrishnan suggested that his birthday should instead be observed as Teachers’ Day. In 2026, the occasion will also feature the National Teachers’ Awards, with 48 distinguished school teachers expected to receive recognition. India’s Teachers’ Day should not be confused with World Teachers’ Day, which is observed internationally on October 5.

IIT Madras partnered with UNESCO MGIEP on September 1, 2026, to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) and immersive learning tools for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). The initiative aims to transform existing curricula into gamified and immersive experiences using Extended Reality (XR). IIT Madras contributes expertise in AI, XR, and immersive technologies through its Experiential Technology Innovation Centre (XTIC), while UNESCO MGIEP provides expertise in SEL, learner-centred education, and AI ethics. The project also focuses on open-source AI tools and low-cost, low-bandwidth models to improve accessibility and bridge the digital divide in education.

Bengaluru will host the 16th edition of Aero India from February 8 to 12, 2027, at Air Force Station, Yelahanka. Aero India is a biennial international air show and aviation exhibition recognised as Asia’s largest air show and a major global platform for the aerospace and defence industries. The event is organised by the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence. It aims to showcase aerospace and defence capabilities, promote investments and technology exchanges, encourage defence exports, and support India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The event also provides opportunities for Indian MSMEs and start-ups to participate in global aerospace and defence supply chains.

Shah Rukh Khan was appointed as the brand ambassador for Vodafone Idea (Vi) on September 3, 2026, as part of the company’s new rebranding initiative. The campaign marked the transition of the official logo from “V!” to “Vi” and introduced the new brand campaign titled “Vi badal raha hai... tayaar rahiye”. Vodafone Idea Limited was formed through the merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular and operates as a joint venture between the Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group. The company is headquartered in Mumbai and Gandhinagar and is one of India’s major telecommunications service providers.