Current Affairs - Places

Sabarmati was the location where India’s first LNG-powered train was flagged off on September 27, 2026. The train operates using an LNG-diesel dual-fuel system, allowing LNG to replace up to 40% of diesel consumption. Two Driving Power Cars, each with a power capacity of 1,400 HP, were converted for this technology. The train underwent field trials covering more than 2,000 kilometres before its introduction. The initiative aims to reduce diesel consumption and fuel costs while supporting cleaner railway operations through the use of alternative fuel technology.

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, hosted the 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting and the 23rd ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation on September 24, 2026. The Indian delegation was led by Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce. Discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation and reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to address trade asymmetries and improve business facilitation. India’s bilateral trade with ASEAN reached USD 128.38 billion in 2025–26, accounting for 10.55% of India’s global trade. The meetings also covered regional energy infrastructure, industrial clusters, and opportunities for trade and services.

Chandni Chowk is associated with the historic Town Hall complex that is planned to be redeveloped as a Global Heritage Centre. The Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have signed an MoU to conserve the Grade-I heritage property while adapting it for museums, cultural activities and tourism. The complex includes the historic Town Hall, Press Building and an adjacent park covering about 12,180 square metres. The Town Hall was constructed between 1860 and 1866 in the Shahjahanabad-Chandni Chowk area and served as the Municipal Corporation’s headquarters for more than five decades.

New Delhi approved the Grassroots Training Support Assistance component under the Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana to support young athletes training at Delhi government sports centres and stadiums. Under this initiative, eligible athletes in the Under-14, Under-17, Under-19, and Under-21 categories will receive ₹2,000 per month. The assistance is limited to 25% of regularly enrolled trainees at each sports facility. Up to 100 athletes can benefit at standard sports centres, while larger stadiums can cover up to 150 athletes. The broader scheme also provides financial support for coaching, equipment, nutrition, and competition expenses.

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.