Current Affairs - September 19, 2026 Current Affairs

Luke Lindberg has been appointed as the next Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). A 37-year-old American agriculture official, Lindberg serves as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the US Department of Agriculture. He will succeed Cindy McCain, who served as WFP Executive Director from April 2023 to May 2026. Before joining the USDA, Lindberg established South Dakota Trade and held senior positions at the US Export-Import Bank. His appointment comes at a time when the WFP faces significant funding challenges while millions of people worldwide continue to experience severe food shortages.

Japan is hosting the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, 2026. The opening ceremony is scheduled at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on September 19. The ceremony’s theme is “Harmonic Heart Beat,” reflecting the idea of unity and harmony among athletes from across Asia. The official mascot of the Games is HONOHON, while the official slogan is “Imagine One Asia.” India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony are Manu Bhaker in shooting and Pawan Sehrawat in kabaddi. The event marks another major international sporting occasion hosted by Japan.

Tamil Nadu will launch the one-gram gold ring scheme, known as the Thaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, for eligible newborns delivered in government hospitals. The scheme is scheduled to be inaugurated on September 28, 2026, and has been made retroactive from June 22, 2026. Under the scheme, eligible babies will receive a one-gram, 22-carat gold ring with a unique serial number. The first batch of 1.28 lakh rings has been procured for distribution. The state government has made an annual provision of ₹755.83 crore to support the scheme, which draws inspiration from the Tamil tradition of Thaimaaman Seer.

100% is the maximum tariff that the US President may impose on countries that purchase Russian crude oil or natural gas or assist in evading sanctions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The law expands US powers to impose sanctions and tariffs related to Russia’s energy and defence sectors. Countries such as India and China could potentially come under these powers because they are major purchasers of Russian crude oil. However, the legislation does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on them, as the President has discretion over how the authority is used.

New Delhi hosted the NGT International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics,” inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 19, 2026. The two-day conference was organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) at Vigyan Bhawan. Judges, environmentalists, government officials, and judicial representatives from 17 countries are participating in the event. Key areas of discussion include climate change and resilience, circular economy, biodiversity and ecosystem services, sustainable energy solutions, environmental justice, and climate governance. The conference aims to promote international cooperation and exchange of judicial, scientific, and governance perspectives for stronger environmental protection and effective environmental policies.

India was ranked No. 1 for business climate among 41 markets in the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India’s Global Business Climate Survey 2026. The survey examines how Swedish companies perceive business conditions in key markets outside Sweden. India also recorded among the highest growth expectations and remained one of the leading investment destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. Along with Vietnam, India was identified among the most optimistic markets in APAC. The survey highlighted strong business sentiment toward India despite global economic uncertainties and regional challenges affecting investment and business perceptions.

Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar won the men’s trap gold medal at the ISSF Junior World Cup Shotgun 2026 in Porpetto, Italy. The 15-year-old Indian shooter fired at 27 of 30 targets in the eight-shooter final to secure the gold medal. He finished one target ahead of Italy’s Francesco Tanfoglio. Yugan had qualified sixth for the final with a score of 114/125 and entered the medal round through a shoot-off. His victory marked India’s first medal in the junior ISSF World Cup Shotgun held in Porpetto. The achievement highlights his strong performance at the international junior level.

QDENGA is India’s first approved dengue vaccine and is also known as TAK-003. Developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, it is a live attenuated tetravalent vaccine designed to provide protection against the four dengue virus types: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) granted marketing authorisation for QDENGA in July 2026 for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. The vaccine received WHO prequalification in 2024 and is administered in two doses given three months apart. It is expected to enter India’s private market by mid-2027, subject to regulatory and commercial procedures.

Karnataka has granted Tulu the status of a second additional administrative language in the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. The decision was announced following a state Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru on September 18, 2026. Tulu is mainly spoken in these two Karnataka districts and also in Kerala’s Kasaragod district. The language is a Dravidian language with a distinct linguistic and cultural identity. The Karnataka government also approved a new tourism policy for coastal and Malnad areas and the Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy 2026–31, aimed at promoting investment, education, fisheries, marine biotechnology and the blue economy.

Warren Buffett stepped down as the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway after serving in the position for more than five decades. He became chairman in 1970 and had been associated with the company since 1965. Following his resignation, Buffett became chairman emeritus while continuing as a member of the board of directors. His son, Howard Buffett, was appointed as the new chairman under the company’s succession plan, while Greg Abel continues as CEO. During Buffett’s leadership, Berkshire Hathaway developed from a textile company into a diversified global conglomerate with major investments across various industries.