18 September Current Affairs
1. PM Vishwakarma Scheme Completes Three Years
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme completed three years of implementation in September 2026. The scheme was launched on 17 September 2023 to provide end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople working in 18 identified trades.
According to the Ministry of MSME, around 30 lakh beneficiaries have registered under the scheme. Around 24.50 lakh beneficiaries received Basic Skill Training, while 18.15 lakh modern toolkits were delivered through India Post.
About 6.18 lakh beneficiaries received concessional loans of up to ₹1 lakh at an interest rate of 5%, with total loans amounting to around ₹5,297 crore.
Exam Point: PM Vishwakarma was launched on 17 September 2023.
2. India’s Exports Rise to $399.27 Billion
India’s combined merchandise and services exports during April–August 2026-27 were estimated at US$399.27 billion, registering growth of 15.55% compared with the same period of 2025-26.
Merchandise exports during the period stood at around US$215.91 billion, while total imports were estimated at US$459.65 billion.
In August 2026 alone, India’s combined exports were estimated at US$82.68 billion, while imports stood at US$92.09 billion.
Exam Point: April–August 2026-27 combined exports = US$399.27 billion.
3. RBI Announces ₹2.25 Lakh Crore VRRR Auction
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a three-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility.
The notified amount was ₹2,25,000 crore. The auction was scheduled for 18 September 2026, with reversal scheduled for 21 September 2026.
The operation was undertaken after reviewing the prevailing and evolving liquidity conditions in the banking system.
Exam Point: VRRR = Variable Rate Reverse Repo.
4. IRDAI Proposes Public Insurance Registry
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released a consultation paper on the proposed Public Insurance Registry (PIR).
The proposed registry is envisioned as a population-scale, interoperable and non-exclusionary Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for India’s insurance sector.
The PIR aims to improve transparency, accessibility, interoperability and efficiency in the insurance ecosystem while reducing information gaps and improving consumer trust.
Exam Point: PIR = Public Insurance Registry.
5. Bank of Baroda Launches AI-Powered bob World 2.0
Bank of Baroda launched bob World 2.0, an AI-powered mobile banking application designed to provide personalised and secure digital banking services.
The application includes features such as voice-enabled payments and navigation, Personal Financial Management (PFM), hyper-personalisation and multi-layered security.
The initiative aims to make digital banking more intelligent and convenient for customers.
Exam Point: bob World 2.0 was launched by Bank of Baroda.
6. CISF and IIT Kanpur Sign MoUs
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) signed two MoUs with IIT Kanpur to strengthen capabilities related to cybersecurity and anti-drone technology.
The cooperation focuses on specialised training, technological capability development and strengthening institutional expertise in emerging security technologies.
Exam Point: CISF partnered with IIT Kanpur.
7. NIELIT–Infineon Semiconductor Manufacturing Centre of Excellence
Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada inaugurated the NIELIT–Infineon Centre of Excellence on Semiconductor Manufacturing in Gujarat.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening semiconductor-related skills, training and technological capabilities in India.
It is part of India's broader efforts to develop a strong domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
Exam Point: Centre of Excellence = NIELIT + Infineon.
8. AI Centre of Excellence Approved for Bhubaneswar
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology gave in-principle approval for an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The initiative is being taken under the IndiaAI Mission, with STPI playing a role in the implementation framework.
The centre is expected to support AI innovation, research, skills and technology development.
Exam Point: AI CoE = Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
9. BHEL–Titagarh Rail JV for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
BHEL and Titagarh Rail Systems signed a joint venture agreement for the maintenance of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains.
The arrangement includes maintenance support for 80 Vande Bharat Sleeper train sets with a long-term maintenance period of 35 years.
Exam Point: BHEL + Titagarh Rail = Vande Bharat Sleeper maintenance.
10. Bharat Forge–Pratt & Whitney Canada Collaboration
Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada entered into a collaboration related to the integration of an engine for a DRDO High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
The partnership represents cooperation between Indian industry and an international aerospace company in the area of advanced aerospace and defence technology.
Exam Point: HALE = High Altitude Long Endurance.
11. India Ranked 131st in Global Gender Gap Index 2026
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Global Gender Gap Report 2026.
India retained the 131st position out of 145 countries, with a gender parity score of 64.5%. Iceland remained at the top of the index.
Exam Point: India’s Global Gender Gap Index 2026 rank = 131st.
12. CBFC Reconstituted with 18 Members
The Government of India reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with 18 members for a three-year term.
The reconstituted board includes personalities from different fields of cinema and public life.
Exam Point: CBFC = Central Board of Film Certification.
13. Anant Nag Selected for Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
The award will be presented during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony scheduled to be held at Kevadia, Gujarat, on 22 September 2026.
Exam Point: Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 = Anant Nag.
14. Dileep Sanghani Elected to ICA Global Board
IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani was elected as an At-Large Director on the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Board for the 2026–2030 term.
The development strengthens India’s representation in the global cooperative movement.
Exam Point: ICA = International Cooperative Alliance.
15. World Bamboo Day
World Bamboo Day is observed every year on 18 September to highlight the importance of bamboo and promote awareness regarding its economic, environmental and social potential.
Bamboo is widely used in construction, handicrafts, furniture, food products, paper and various sustainable applications.
Exam Point: World Bamboo Day = 18 September.
Quick Revision One-Liners
PM Vishwakarma was launched on — 17 September 2023
PM Vishwakarma registered beneficiaries — 30 lakh
PM Vishwakarma basic training beneficiaries — 24.50 lakh
PM Vishwakarma toolkits delivered — 18.15 lakh
PM Vishwakarma concessional loans — 6.18 lakh
April–August 2026-27 exports — US$399.27 billion
RBI VRRR auction amount — ₹2.25 lakh crore
Proposed insurance digital infrastructure — Public Insurance Registry
AI-powered Bank of Baroda app — bob World 2.0
CISF signed MoUs with — IIT Kanpur
Semiconductor CoE — NIELIT–Infineon
AI CoE approved for — Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Vande Bharat Sleeper JV — BHEL + Titagarh Rail Systems
HALE UAV collaboration — Bharat Forge + Pratt & Whitney Canada
India’s Global Gender Gap 2026 rank — 131st
CBFC reconstituted with — 18 members
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 — Anant Nag
ICA Global Board term — 2026–2030
World Bamboo Day — 18 September
Bank of Baroda headquarters — Vadodara, Gujarat
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme completed three years of implementation in September 2026. The scheme was launched on 17 September 2023 to provide end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople working in 18 identified trades.
According to the Ministry of MSME, around 30 lakh beneficiaries have registered under the scheme. Around 24.50 lakh beneficiaries received Basic Skill Training, while 18.15 lakh modern toolkits were delivered through India Post.
About 6.18 lakh beneficiaries received concessional loans of up to ₹1 lakh at an interest rate of 5%, with total loans amounting to around ₹5,297 crore.
Exam Point: PM Vishwakarma was launched on 17 September 2023.
2. India’s Exports Rise to $399.27 Billion
India’s combined merchandise and services exports during April–August 2026-27 were estimated at US$399.27 billion, registering growth of 15.55% compared with the same period of 2025-26.
Merchandise exports during the period stood at around US$215.91 billion, while total imports were estimated at US$459.65 billion.
In August 2026 alone, India’s combined exports were estimated at US$82.68 billion, while imports stood at US$92.09 billion.
Exam Point: April–August 2026-27 combined exports = US$399.27 billion.
3. RBI Announces ₹2.25 Lakh Crore VRRR Auction
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a three-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility.
The notified amount was ₹2,25,000 crore. The auction was scheduled for 18 September 2026, with reversal scheduled for 21 September 2026.
The operation was undertaken after reviewing the prevailing and evolving liquidity conditions in the banking system.
Exam Point: VRRR = Variable Rate Reverse Repo.
4. IRDAI Proposes Public Insurance Registry
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released a consultation paper on the proposed Public Insurance Registry (PIR).
The proposed registry is envisioned as a population-scale, interoperable and non-exclusionary Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for India’s insurance sector.
The PIR aims to improve transparency, accessibility, interoperability and efficiency in the insurance ecosystem while reducing information gaps and improving consumer trust.
Exam Point: PIR = Public Insurance Registry.
5. Bank of Baroda Launches AI-Powered bob World 2.0
Bank of Baroda launched bob World 2.0, an AI-powered mobile banking application designed to provide personalised and secure digital banking services.
The application includes features such as voice-enabled payments and navigation, Personal Financial Management (PFM), hyper-personalisation and multi-layered security.
The initiative aims to make digital banking more intelligent and convenient for customers.
Exam Point: bob World 2.0 was launched by Bank of Baroda.
6. CISF and IIT Kanpur Sign MoUs
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) signed two MoUs with IIT Kanpur to strengthen capabilities related to cybersecurity and anti-drone technology.
The cooperation focuses on specialised training, technological capability development and strengthening institutional expertise in emerging security technologies.
Exam Point: CISF partnered with IIT Kanpur.
7. NIELIT–Infineon Semiconductor Manufacturing Centre of Excellence
Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada inaugurated the NIELIT–Infineon Centre of Excellence on Semiconductor Manufacturing in Gujarat.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening semiconductor-related skills, training and technological capabilities in India.
It is part of India's broader efforts to develop a strong domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
Exam Point: Centre of Excellence = NIELIT + Infineon.
8. AI Centre of Excellence Approved for Bhubaneswar
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology gave in-principle approval for an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The initiative is being taken under the IndiaAI Mission, with STPI playing a role in the implementation framework.
The centre is expected to support AI innovation, research, skills and technology development.
Exam Point: AI CoE = Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
9. BHEL–Titagarh Rail JV for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
BHEL and Titagarh Rail Systems signed a joint venture agreement for the maintenance of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains.
The arrangement includes maintenance support for 80 Vande Bharat Sleeper train sets with a long-term maintenance period of 35 years.
Exam Point: BHEL + Titagarh Rail = Vande Bharat Sleeper maintenance.
10. Bharat Forge–Pratt & Whitney Canada Collaboration
Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada entered into a collaboration related to the integration of an engine for a DRDO High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
The partnership represents cooperation between Indian industry and an international aerospace company in the area of advanced aerospace and defence technology.
Exam Point: HALE = High Altitude Long Endurance.
11. India Ranked 131st in Global Gender Gap Index 2026
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Global Gender Gap Report 2026.
India retained the 131st position out of 145 countries, with a gender parity score of 64.5%. Iceland remained at the top of the index.
Exam Point: India’s Global Gender Gap Index 2026 rank = 131st.
12. CBFC Reconstituted with 18 Members
The Government of India reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with 18 members for a three-year term.
The reconstituted board includes personalities from different fields of cinema and public life.
Exam Point: CBFC = Central Board of Film Certification.
13. Anant Nag Selected for Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
The award will be presented during the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony scheduled to be held at Kevadia, Gujarat, on 22 September 2026.
Exam Point: Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 = Anant Nag.
14. Dileep Sanghani Elected to ICA Global Board
IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani was elected as an At-Large Director on the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Board for the 2026–2030 term.
The development strengthens India’s representation in the global cooperative movement.
Exam Point: ICA = International Cooperative Alliance.
15. World Bamboo Day
World Bamboo Day is observed every year on 18 September to highlight the importance of bamboo and promote awareness regarding its economic, environmental and social potential.
Bamboo is widely used in construction, handicrafts, furniture, food products, paper and various sustainable applications.
Exam Point: World Bamboo Day = 18 September.
Quick Revision One-Liners
PM Vishwakarma was launched on — 17 September 2023
PM Vishwakarma registered beneficiaries — 30 lakh
PM Vishwakarma basic training beneficiaries — 24.50 lakh
PM Vishwakarma toolkits delivered — 18.15 lakh
PM Vishwakarma concessional loans — 6.18 lakh
April–August 2026-27 exports — US$399.27 billion
RBI VRRR auction amount — ₹2.25 lakh crore
Proposed insurance digital infrastructure — Public Insurance Registry
AI-powered Bank of Baroda app — bob World 2.0
CISF signed MoUs with — IIT Kanpur
Semiconductor CoE — NIELIT–Infineon
AI CoE approved for — Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Vande Bharat Sleeper JV — BHEL + Titagarh Rail Systems
HALE UAV collaboration — Bharat Forge + Pratt & Whitney Canada
India’s Global Gender Gap 2026 rank — 131st
CBFC reconstituted with — 18 members
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 — Anant Nag
ICA Global Board term — 2026–2030
World Bamboo Day — 18 September
Bank of Baroda headquarters — Vadodara, Gujarat