Daily Current Affairs 21 September 2026: National, Sports & GK
# Daily Current Affairs – 21 September 2026
These current affairs are designed for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, State PSC, Police, Defence and other competitive examinations.
## 1. India Wins Silver in Men's 10m Air Rifle Team Event
Indian shooters Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil, Himanshu Dhillon and Parth Rakesh Mane won silver in the men's 10-metre air rifle team event at the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games 2026.
Key facts:
- Event: Men's 10m Air Rifle Team
- Medal: Silver
- Indian shooters: Rudrankksh Patil, Himanshu Dhillon and Parth Mane
- Host: Aichi–Nagoya, Japan
## 2. Seventh National Formulary of India Launched
Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel launched the 7th edition of the National Formulary of India (NFI) 2026 and announced approval of a new Biovigilance Programme of India.
Key facts:
- Publication: National Formulary of India
- Edition: Seventh
- Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Focus: Rational use of medicines and patient safety
## 3. India and Mongolia Begin Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026
The 18th edition of the India–Mongolia joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant commenced at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The exercise involves personnel from both armies and focuses on improving interoperability and capabilities for counter-insurgency operations.
Key facts:
- Exercise: Nomadic Elephant 2026
- Countries: India and Mongolia
- Venue: Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
- Edition: 18th
## 4. Defence Ministry Signs ₹586 Crore Contract for Tank Auxiliary Power Units
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹586 crore contract with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited for indigenously developed Auxiliary Power Units for the Indian Army's T-72 and T-90 tanks.
Key facts:
- Contract value: ₹586 crore
- Equipment: Auxiliary Power Units (APUs)
- Platforms: T-72 and T-90 tanks
- Purpose: Supply auxiliary electrical power to tank systems
## 5. CSIR Launches Science and Innovation Quiz
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Youth Affairs launched the CSIR SciQuiz on the MY Bharat portal. The initiative runs from 20 to 26 September 2026 and aims to engage young people with science and innovation.
Key facts:
- Organisation: CSIR
- Quiz: CSIR SciQuiz
- Platform: MY Bharat portal
- Dates: 20–26 September 2026
## 6. India's Core Industries Grow by 4.8%
The provisional Index of Core Industries (ICI) recorded growth of 4.8% in August 2026, according to the current-affairs briefing for 21 September.
Exam note:
The Index of Core Industries tracks the performance of eight core sectors: coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity.
## 7. Solar Energy Corporation of India Marks 15 Years
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) celebrated its 15th Foundation Day, highlighting its role in India's renewable energy transition and discussions around green hydrogen and distributed energy.
Key facts:
- Organisation: Solar Energy Corporation of India
- Abbreviation: SECI
- Sector: Renewable energy
- Topics: Green hydrogen and distributed energy
## 8. Critical Minerals Recycling and Circular Economy
A national seminar focused on strengthening India's critical-minerals recycling ecosystem. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the importance of recovering minerals from secondary sources to support clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence requirements.
Key facts:
- Theme: Critical minerals recycling
- Related concept: Circular economy
- Importance: Resource security and sustainable manufacturing
## 9. Telecom Manufacturing Zone in Gwalior
An investors' meeting was convened in Bengaluru for the proposed Telecom Manufacturing Zone in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Earlier investor meetings reportedly secured investment commitments of ₹5,500 crore.
Key facts:
- State: Madhya Pradesh
- City: Gwalior
- Sector: Telecommunications manufacturing
- Investment commitments reported: ₹5,500 crore
## 10. Cheetah Gaurav Dies at Kuno National Park
A ten-year-old Namibian cheetah named Gaurav died during treatment at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on 21 September 2026.
Key facts:
- Animal: Cheetah
- Name: Gaurav
- Origin: Namibia
- Location: Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh
## Practice MCQs
Q1. The Nomadic Elephant military exercise is conducted between which countries?
A. India and Nepal
B. India and Mongolia
C. India and Sri Lanka
D. India and Thailand
Answer: B. India and Mongolia
Q2. The 7th National Formulary of India was launched by which Union Minister of State?
A. Anupriya Patel
B. Prataprao Jadhav
C. Arjun Ram Meghwal
D. Jitendra Singh
Answer: A. Anupriya Patel
Q3. Which Indian shooters won silver in the men's 10m air rifle team event at the 2026 Asian Games?
A. Rudrankksh Patil, Himanshu Dhillon and Parth Mane
B. Neeraj Chopra, Kishore Jena and Avinash Sable
C. Manu Bhaker, Elavenil Valarivan and Sonam Maskar
D. Swapnil Kusale, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Sandeep Singh
Answer: A. Rudrankksh Patil, Himanshu Dhillon and Parth Mane
Q4. The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹586 crore contract for APUs for which tanks?
A. Arjun and T-55
B. T-72 and T-90
C. K9 Vajra and M777
D. BMP-2 and Pinaka
Answer: B. T-72 and T-90
Q5. CSIR SciQuiz was launched on which portal?
A. DigiLocker
B. MY Bharat
C. GeM
D. e-Shram
Answer: B. MY Bharat
Q6. How many sectors are included in India's Index of Core Industries?
A. Six
B. Seven
C. Eight
D. Ten
Answer: C. Eight
Q7. SECI is associated with which sector?
A. Renewable energy
B. Railways
C. Space exploration
D. Banking
Answer: A. Renewable energy
Q8. Kuno National Park is located in which state?
A. Rajasthan
B. Gujarat
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Maharashtra
Answer: C. Madhya Pradesh
## Quick Revision
- Asian Games 2026 men's 10m air rifle team: India won silver.
- National Formulary of India: Seventh edition launched.
- Nomadic Elephant 2026: India–Mongolia; Pithoragarh.
- Tank APUs: ₹586 crore contract for T-72 and T-90.
- CSIR SciQuiz: MY Bharat portal; 20–26 September.
- Index of Core Industries: Eight sectors; reported August growth 4.8%.
- SECI: Renewable energy.
- Gwalior Telecom Manufacturing Zone: Madhya Pradesh.
- Cheetah Gaurav: Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
Editorial note: This is an exam-preparation summary. Verify changing figures and event details against official releases before examinations.
These current affairs are designed for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, State PSC, Police, Defence and other competitive examinations.
## 1. India Wins Silver in Men's 10m Air Rifle Team Event
Indian shooters Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil, Himanshu Dhillon and Parth Rakesh Mane won silver in the men's 10-metre air rifle team event at the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games 2026.
Key facts:
- Event: Men's 10m Air Rifle Team
- Medal: Silver
- Indian shooters: Rudrankksh Patil, Himanshu Dhillon and Parth Mane
- Host: Aichi–Nagoya, Japan
## 2. Seventh National Formulary of India Launched
Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel launched the 7th edition of the National Formulary of India (NFI) 2026 and announced approval of a new Biovigilance Programme of India.
Key facts:
- Publication: National Formulary of India
- Edition: Seventh
- Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Focus: Rational use of medicines and patient safety
## 3. India and Mongolia Begin Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026
The 18th edition of the India–Mongolia joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant commenced at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The exercise involves personnel from both armies and focuses on improving interoperability and capabilities for counter-insurgency operations.
Key facts:
- Exercise: Nomadic Elephant 2026
- Countries: India and Mongolia
- Venue: Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
- Edition: 18th
## 4. Defence Ministry Signs ₹586 Crore Contract for Tank Auxiliary Power Units
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹586 crore contract with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited for indigenously developed Auxiliary Power Units for the Indian Army's T-72 and T-90 tanks.
Key facts:
- Contract value: ₹586 crore
- Equipment: Auxiliary Power Units (APUs)
- Platforms: T-72 and T-90 tanks
- Purpose: Supply auxiliary electrical power to tank systems
## 5. CSIR Launches Science and Innovation Quiz
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Youth Affairs launched the CSIR SciQuiz on the MY Bharat portal. The initiative runs from 20 to 26 September 2026 and aims to engage young people with science and innovation.
Key facts:
- Organisation: CSIR
- Quiz: CSIR SciQuiz
- Platform: MY Bharat portal
- Dates: 20–26 September 2026
## 6. India's Core Industries Grow by 4.8%
The provisional Index of Core Industries (ICI) recorded growth of 4.8% in August 2026, according to the current-affairs briefing for 21 September.
Exam note:
The Index of Core Industries tracks the performance of eight core sectors: coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity.
## 7. Solar Energy Corporation of India Marks 15 Years
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) celebrated its 15th Foundation Day, highlighting its role in India's renewable energy transition and discussions around green hydrogen and distributed energy.
Key facts:
- Organisation: Solar Energy Corporation of India
- Abbreviation: SECI
- Sector: Renewable energy
- Topics: Green hydrogen and distributed energy
## 8. Critical Minerals Recycling and Circular Economy
A national seminar focused on strengthening India's critical-minerals recycling ecosystem. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the importance of recovering minerals from secondary sources to support clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence requirements.
Key facts:
- Theme: Critical minerals recycling
- Related concept: Circular economy
- Importance: Resource security and sustainable manufacturing
## 9. Telecom Manufacturing Zone in Gwalior
An investors' meeting was convened in Bengaluru for the proposed Telecom Manufacturing Zone in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Earlier investor meetings reportedly secured investment commitments of ₹5,500 crore.
Key facts:
- State: Madhya Pradesh
- City: Gwalior
- Sector: Telecommunications manufacturing
- Investment commitments reported: ₹5,500 crore
## 10. Cheetah Gaurav Dies at Kuno National Park
A ten-year-old Namibian cheetah named Gaurav died during treatment at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on 21 September 2026.
Key facts:
- Animal: Cheetah
- Name: Gaurav
- Origin: Namibia
- Location: Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh
## Practice MCQs
Q1. The Nomadic Elephant military exercise is conducted between which countries?
A. India and Nepal
B. India and Mongolia
C. India and Sri Lanka
D. India and Thailand
Answer: B. India and Mongolia
Q2. The 7th National Formulary of India was launched by which Union Minister of State?
A. Anupriya Patel
B. Prataprao Jadhav
C. Arjun Ram Meghwal
D. Jitendra Singh
Answer: A. Anupriya Patel
Q3. Which Indian shooters won silver in the men's 10m air rifle team event at the 2026 Asian Games?
A. Rudrankksh Patil, Himanshu Dhillon and Parth Mane
B. Neeraj Chopra, Kishore Jena and Avinash Sable
C. Manu Bhaker, Elavenil Valarivan and Sonam Maskar
D. Swapnil Kusale, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Sandeep Singh
Answer: A. Rudrankksh Patil, Himanshu Dhillon and Parth Mane
Q4. The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹586 crore contract for APUs for which tanks?
A. Arjun and T-55
B. T-72 and T-90
C. K9 Vajra and M777
D. BMP-2 and Pinaka
Answer: B. T-72 and T-90
Q5. CSIR SciQuiz was launched on which portal?
A. DigiLocker
B. MY Bharat
C. GeM
D. e-Shram
Answer: B. MY Bharat
Q6. How many sectors are included in India's Index of Core Industries?
A. Six
B. Seven
C. Eight
D. Ten
Answer: C. Eight
Q7. SECI is associated with which sector?
A. Renewable energy
B. Railways
C. Space exploration
D. Banking
Answer: A. Renewable energy
Q8. Kuno National Park is located in which state?
A. Rajasthan
B. Gujarat
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Maharashtra
Answer: C. Madhya Pradesh
## Quick Revision
- Asian Games 2026 men's 10m air rifle team: India won silver.
- National Formulary of India: Seventh edition launched.
- Nomadic Elephant 2026: India–Mongolia; Pithoragarh.
- Tank APUs: ₹586 crore contract for T-72 and T-90.
- CSIR SciQuiz: MY Bharat portal; 20–26 September.
- Index of Core Industries: Eight sectors; reported August growth 4.8%.
- SECI: Renewable energy.
- Gwalior Telecom Manufacturing Zone: Madhya Pradesh.
- Cheetah Gaurav: Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
Editorial note: This is an exam-preparation summary. Verify changing figures and event details against official releases before examinations.