Current Affairs - September 11, 2026 Current Affairs

Assam signed Memorandums of Understanding with six organisations to integrate Artificial Intelligence and technology into its school education system. The partnerships were signed between Samagra Shiksha Assam and various organisations to develop a learner-centric education ecosystem. IIT Madras and Bodhan AI are jointly implementing a programme to build AI proficiency among 1 lakh teachers of Grades 6 to 12, with completion targeted for May 2027. Google is also collaborating to provide AI-powered educational tools and digital skills training. Other initiatives focus on AI-enabled assessment and personalised learning in foundational literacy and numeracy.

Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh is the location of the new Day-Care Cancer Facility inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on September 8, 2026. The facility was established at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Medical College with technical support from the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai, under the Department of Atomic Energy. Future plans include commissioning a radiotherapy facility with a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) within two to three years. Cancer registries will also be established to map local cancer data. Medical and nursing personnel have received specialised oncology training to strengthen cancer care services in the region.

September 11 is observed as National Forest Martyrs Day in India to honour forest personnel who have sacrificed their lives while protecting forests and wildlife. The day also commemorates the historic Khejarli sacrifice of 1730, when members of the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan resisted the felling of Khejri trees. The protest was led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi, and more than 360 people lost their lives during the event. National Forest Martyrs Day highlights the importance of community participation and personal sacrifice in environmental conservation and reminds people of the risks faced by forest guards and officers in protecting natural resources.

Stanzin Tsangyang became the first woman officer from Kargil district to be commissioned into the Indian Army. She also holds the distinction of being the first officer from Zanskar district of Ladakh to join the Army. Born in the Zanskar valley, she pursued her education away from home and studied Mechanical Engineering at Tezpur University in Assam. Her involvement with the National Cadet Corps during college helped guide her toward a military career. She was commissioned at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai on September 5, 2026, marking a historic achievement for her family and community.

Bhagwat Prasad Makwana was appointed as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment on September 6, 2026. He previously served as the Chairman of the Uttarakhand Safai Karamchari Commission. The new appointments, including the Vice-Chairperson and three members, are effective until March 31, 2028. The NCSK focuses on the socio-economic welfare of Safai Karamcharis and works toward the elimination of manual scavenging. Established in 1994 under the NCSK Act, 1993, the commission became a non-statutory body in 2004 after the original Act lapsed.

New Delhi will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026. The summit is scheduled to take place from September 12 to 13, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam. India is hosting the BRICS Summit for the fourth time, having previously hosted the event in 2012, 2016 and 2021. The theme for the 2026 summit is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The summit reflects the expanding scope of BRICS, which has evolved from its original BRIC grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China to a broader platform addressing economic cooperation, global governance, development, technology, climate action and other Global South priorities.

The United States is participating with India in Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, the 22nd edition of the bilateral military exercise. The exercise commenced on September 9, 2026, and is being conducted in a two-theatre format across Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Indian and US troops are training in diverse operational environments, including desert and high-altitude terrain. The exercise covers precision and long-range firing, mountain warfare, air mobility, command-post operations, live-fire exercises, and counter-drone training. Indian forces are deploying systems such as Pinaka, K9 Vajra, and M777, while the US Army is fielding HIMARS and AH-64E Apache helicopters.

Bandhan Bank launched its first credit card portfolio in collaboration with Mastercard on September 9, 2026, marking its entry into the credit card segment as a universal bank. The portfolio includes four card variants—Sparks, Ignite, Flare, and Lumina—designed for different customer segments and spending preferences. The cards offer benefits such as rewards, international lounge access, golf privileges, concierge services, fuel surcharge waivers, EMI cashback, and EazyDiner rewards. The portfolio was developed with a digital-first application and servicing approach. The launch was led by Partha Pratim Sengupta, the bank’s Managing Director and CEO.

Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana received approval for Strategic Investment Plans worth ₹735.70 crore under the PM-SETU scheme to upgrade Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters. The Bhiwadi Cluster in Rajasthan received ₹241 crore, the Medchal Cluster in Telangana received ₹254.30 crore, and the Meerut Cluster in Uttar Pradesh received ₹240.40 crore. These investments aim to modernise government ITIs through an industry-led approach, improve infrastructure, introduce new long-term and short-term courses, and provide training in emerging technologies. Rajasthan also became the first state to execute a Shareholders' Agreement under the PM-SETU framework.