Today’s Current Affairs – 22 September 2026

 

Current Affairs for Competitive Exams | India, Assam & World

 Title: Today Current Affairs 22 September 2026 for Competitive Exams – India, Assam & World

 Description: Read the latest current affairs of 22 September 2026 for ADRE, APSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, CTET, CUET PG and UGC NET. Includes important national, international, Assam, economy, defence, science, sports and government updates.

Introduction

Today’s current affairs for 22 September 2026 cover important developments in India, Assam and the international arena. The topics include the India International Water Week 2026, 72nd National Film Awards, National Formulary of India 2026, Anti-Narcotics Task Force Conference, Nomadic Elephant military exercise, defence procurement, Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 and World Rhino Day. These facts are particularly useful for ADRE, APSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, CTET, CUET PG, UGC NET and other competitive examinations.

1. 9th India International Water Week 2026

The 9th India International Water Week (IIWW-2026) begins in New Delhi on 22 September 2026 and will continue up to 26 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.

The theme of IIWW-2026 is “Climate Resilient Water Management.” The Ministry of Jal Shakti is organising the event with participation from international stakeholders. The programme focuses on water security, climate resilience, sustainable water management and international cooperation. 

Exam Points:

Event: 9th India International Water Week

Year: 2026

Theme: Climate Resilient Water Management

Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti

2. 72nd National Film Awards

The 72nd National Film Awards are being presented on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat.

The awards recognise achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2024. The National Film Awards were instituted in 1954 and are administered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 is being conferred on veteran actor Anant Nag for his contribution to Indian cinema. 

Important Award Facts:

National Film Awards: Instituted in 1954

72nd edition: 2026

Awards year: 2024

Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024: Anant Nag

Venue: Ekta Nagar, Gujarat

3. 7th National Formulary of India 2026

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the 7th Edition of the National Formulary of India (NFI) 2026.

The NFI is designed to promote the rational and safe use of medicines and provide guidance to healthcare professionals.

The 2026 edition contains 34 chapters, 20 appendices and 653 drugs, including 42 fixed-dose combinations and 30 immunologicals. 

The launch also included the ADR-PvPI 2.0 mobile application for iOS and initiatives related to pharmacovigilance and medical-device safety.

Exam Points:

NFI: National Formulary of India

7th Edition: 2026

Published by: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)

Focus: Rational and safe use of medicines

2026 edition: 653 drugs

4. Third National Conference of Heads of ANTF

The 3rd National Conference of Heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs) of States and Union Territories is being held in New Delhi on 22 September 2026.

The conference is organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and focuses on strengthening India's fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.

The theme is “United Resolve, Shared Responsibility.” Discussions include synthetic drugs, darknet and cryptocurrency investigations, drug cartels, illicit cultivation and demand reduction. 

The conference is linked to the Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026–2029.

Exam Points:

Organiser: Narcotics Control Bureau

Participants: ANTF heads from 36 States/UTs

Theme: United Resolve, Shared Responsibility

Vision Document: Narcotics Control 2026–2029

5. Swachhata Hi Seva 2026

The Swachhata Hi Seva Fortnight 2026 is being observed from 17 September to 2 October 2026.

Government departments and organisations are undertaking cleanliness and awareness activities as part of the nationwide campaign. The Ministry of Textiles has also undertaken activities under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026. 

Exam Point:

Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 → 17 September–2 October 2026

6. India–Mongolia Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026

The 18th edition of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT began on 21 September 2026 at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

It is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces. The 2026 exercise is scheduled from 21 September to 3 October 2026.

The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a UN mandate. Training also includes drone and counter-drone operations, cyber security, cordon-and-search operations and special heliborne operations. 

Exam Points:

Exercise: NOMADIC ELEPHANT

Edition: 18th

Countries: India and Mongolia

Venue: Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand

Duration: 21 September–3 October 2026

7. ₹586 Crore Defence Contract for T-72 and T-90 Tanks

The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹586 crore contract with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited for the procurement of Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for India's T-72 and T-90 tanks.

The contract was signed on 21 September 2026 in New Delhi. The procurement is aimed at strengthening the operational readiness and reliability of the Army's mechanised formations. 

Exam Points:

Amount: ₹586 crore

Equipment: Auxiliary Power Units

Tanks: T-72 and T-90

Ministry: Ministry of Defence

Company: Accurate Industrial Controls Pvt. Ltd.

8. India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is scheduled to enter into force on 20 October 2026.

The agreement is an important development in bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries. The Government of India announced the development through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 

Exam Point:

India–New Zealand FTA → 20 October 2026: scheduled date for entry into force.

9. Index of Eight Core Industries – August 2026

The Index of Core Industries (ICI) grew by 4.8% year-on-year in August 2026, according to provisional estimates.

The eight core industries include:

1. Coal

2. Crude Oil

3. Natural Gas

4. Refinery Products

5. Fertilizers

6. Steel

7. Cement

8. Electricity

Among the major sectors, cement recorded 12.5% growth, electricity 11.6%, iron ore 5.5%, steel 3.4% and refinery products 2.6% in August 2026. 

The cumulative growth of the Index of Core Industries during April–August 2026 was 4.3%.

Exam Point:

ICI growth in August 2026 → 4.8%

10. 11th Ayurveda Day 2026

India is observing the 11th Ayurveda Day in 2026.

The Ministry of AYUSH is promoting Ayurveda through scientific research, education, evidence-based practices, standards and wider integration with healthcare systems. PIB describes Ayurveda as a traditional Indian system with roots extending back thousands of years. 

Exam Points:

Event: Ayurveda Day

2026: 11th Ayurveda Day

Ministry: Ministry of AYUSH

Focus: Ayurveda, research, standards and evidence-based healthcare

11. Vice-President Highlights Indian Tea Industry

The Vice-President of India has called for modernising the tea industry, strengthening research and building Indian tea brands for global markets.

Tea is an important agricultural and export commodity for India, with major tea-producing regions including Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The issue is particularly significant for Assam because of the state's long-standing importance in India's tea sector. 

Exam Point:

Major tea-producing state associated with this development → Assam

12. National Pharmacovigilance Week 2026

The 6th National Pharmacovigilance Week is being observed from 17 to 23 September 2026.

The theme is “Promoting Rational Use of Medicines through Pharmacovigilance: A Step Towards Safer Healthcare.”

The programme aims to improve monitoring and reporting of adverse drug reactions and strengthen medicine safety. 

Exam Point:

National Pharmacovigilance Week 2026 → 17–23 September

13. 81st United Nations General Assembly

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is taking place in New York in September 2026. The general debate begins on 22 September 2026, bringing together representatives of UN member states. 

The UNGA remains the principal deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations.

Exam Point:

2026 → 81st Session of UN General Assembly

14. Assam – World Rhino Day 2026

22 September is observed as World Rhino Day.

Assam remains particularly important for rhinoceros conservation because it contains a major share of the world's greater one-horned rhinoceros population, especially in Kaziranga National Park and other protected areas.

On World Rhino Day 2026, Assam highlighted its rhinoceros conservation efforts and reported zero rhino-poaching cases during the previous year. 

Exam Points:

World Rhino Day: 22 September

Important Assam rhino habitat: Kaziranga National Park

Species: Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros

15. Assam Government Holiday – Karam Puja

According to the Government of Assam's 2026 holiday notification, 22 September 2026 is listed as a holiday for Karam Puja. 

Exam Point:

Karam Puja holiday in Assam → 22 September 2026

Important One-Liners for Competitive Exams

1. India International Water Week 2026 – 9th edition.

2. IIWW 2026 theme – Climate Resilient Water Management.

3. IIWW 2026 venue – Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

4. 72nd National Film Awards – 2026.

5. Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 – Anant Nag.

6. National Film Awards instituted – 1954.

7. National Formulary of India 2026 – 7th edition.

8. NFI 2026 contains – 653 drugs.

9. NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026 – India–Mongolia.

10. NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026 venue – Pithoragarh.

11. T-72/T-90 APU contract – ₹586 crore.

12. India–New Zealand FTA entry into force – 20 October 2026.

13. ICI growth in August 2026 – 4.8%.

14. 11th Ayurveda Day – 2026.

15. National Pharmacovigilance Week 2026 – 17–23 September.

16. World Rhino Day – 22 September.

17. 3rd National ANTF Conference – New Delhi.

18. ANTF Conference theme – United Resolve, Shared Responsibility.

19. 81st UN General Assembly – 2026.

20. Karam Puja holiday in Assam – 22 September 2026.

Sources

Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India

Ministry of Jal Shakti

Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Ministry of Home Affairs / Narcotics Control Bureau

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Ministry of AYUSH

Government of Assam

United Nations