Current Affairs - September 12, 2026 Current Affairs

Punjab rescued 39 children during a state-wide anti-begging drive conducted under Project Jeevanjyot. The Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development carried out 82 special rescue operations across the state, covering 195 identified hotspots. Of the rescued children, 27 were reunited with their parents after document verification, while 12 were placed in Child Care Institutions for protection and rehabilitation. The rescued children were presented before Child Welfare Committees for further rehabilitation measures. The drive was overseen by Social Security Minister Dr Baljit Kaur. In the first phase of Project Jeevanjyot, 367 children had been rescued.

The Reserve Bank of India permitted ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Ltd to acquire an aggregate stake of up to 9.95% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in each of the four banks. The institutions covered by the approval are Kotak Mahindra Bank, CSB Bank, DCB Bank, and AU Small Finance Bank. The acquisition must be completed within one year from the date of the RBI approval letters; otherwise, the approval will lapse. RBI approval is required for acquiring a major shareholding of 5% or more in a banking company under Section 12B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

GalaxEye, a Bengaluru-based space technology startup, became the first Indian startup to receive a US patent for its OptoSAR satellite imaging technology. The technology synchronises optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors to capture spatially and temporally matched Earth observation data. It combines visual spectral information from optical sensors with SAR’s ability to operate during both day and night and in various weather conditions. GalaxEye plans to develop a constellation of 30 satellites over five years, with applications in national security, agriculture, infrastructure, maritime intelligence, and disaster management. Its first satellite, Mission Drishti, was launched on May 3, 2026.

Uttar Pradesh increased the monthly honorarium of Anganwadi workers and helpers to improve their financial security. The honorarium for Anganwadi workers was raised from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000, while helpers will receive ₹6,000 instead of ₹4,000. The state also introduced a cashless health insurance scheme providing coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually for workers, helpers, and their families. In addition, 1.28 lakh smartphones are being distributed to digitise Anganwadi centres and support real-time monitoring. The government also increased the saree allowance and is developing structured buildings for more than 70,000 Anganwadi centres.

DRDO launched the SHIELD programme to develop specialised evaluation systems for high-power microwave (HPM) technology aimed at countering drones. The programme is being implemented under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, which supports Indian industries, including MSMEs and start-ups, in developing indigenous defence technologies. SHIELD focuses on soft-kill capabilities that can disable unmanned aircraft by disrupting their electronic circuits, communications, sensors, and navigation systems. DRDO, established in 1958 and headquartered in New Delhi, functions under the Ministry of Defence and plays a key role in strengthening India’s defence research and technological self-reliance.

The 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 was launched in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The inauguration took place at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre under the theme “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari”. The nationwide campaign focuses on dietary diversity and adequate protein intake and is observed from September 9 to October 8, 2026. It aims to cover 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres, 7.5 crore children, and 1.10 crore pregnant and lactating women. The campaign also includes upgrading Anganwadi Centres into Saksham Anganwadis and strengthening digital monitoring of nutrition outcomes.

Jindal Stainless signed a technical assistance agreement with Japan’s JFE Steel Corporation to improve the production of ferritic stainless steel grades. The collaboration focuses on enhancing product quality and process efficiency. Ferritic stainless steel is known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and cost efficiency, making it useful across several industries. The steel grades covered under the agreement have applications in automobiles, railway coaches, industrial machinery, construction, and kitchen equipment. Jindal Stainless is headquartered in New Delhi and is one of India’s largest stainless steel manufacturers. Its Managing Director is Abhyuday Jindal.

Karim Maredia was selected to receive the Borlaug CAST Communication Award for his contributions to global agricultural science. Born in a small village in Gujarat, India, Maredia is an agricultural scientist with expertise in international development and technology transfer. His work includes developing programmes that improve biosafety and agricultural productivity in developing nations. The award recognises professionals who demonstrate excellence in communicating agricultural, environmental, or food science issues. It is presented by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), established in 1972 and headquartered in Ames, Iowa, USA. The award is named after renowned agricultural scientist Norman Borlaug.

Seoul, South Korea, hosted the 27th World Knowledge Forum, which commenced on September 8, 2026. The three-day event was held at The Shilla Seoul and Jangchung Arena under the theme “The Promethean Moment: Architecting the Co-Intelligence Order.” The forum focused on the global integration of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on civilisation. Organised by the Maekyung Media Group, the event explored five major pillars: Power, Capital, Intelligence, Planet, and Humanity. Discussions also highlighted the concept of Co-Intelligence, in which AI enhances human potential while operating within values, ethical norms, and respect for human dignity.