24 September 2026
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said on 24 September 2026 that Russian armed forces had carried out repeated attacks across Ukraine using ballistic and cruise missiles, drones and guided aerial bombs. Between 1 and 24 September, the Mission recorded at least 200 civilians killed and 1,234 injured, figures expected to rise as verification continues. In the latest strike on Thursday, a vegetable sorting facility on a farm in Stara Hnylytsia, Kharkiv region, was hit, killing seven civilians and injuring 12. Kyiv saw civilian casualties on 16 of the first 24 days of September, the highest monthly frequency since the full-scale invasion began. Mission head Danielle Bell cited hits on shopping centres, pharmacies, food warehouses and fuel stations.
Civilians killed, 1–24 September:
at least 200
Injured:
1,234
Days with civilian casualties in Kyiv:
16 of the first 24
Why it matters for exams: The war in Ukraine and the UN's human-rights monitoring of civilian harm are recurring world-affairs topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
HRMMU UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine — A mission of the UN human rights office that documents civilian harm and rights violations in Ukraine.
Guided aerial bomb — A bomb dropped from aircraft and steered to its target, often from long range.
24 September 2026
Haiti's Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé addressed a special UN meeting on the future of security in Haiti on 24 September 2026. Speakers expressed broad support for extending the mandate of the UN Security Council-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF), which aims to neutralise armed gangs, protect infrastructure and open access for aid. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, said the force has only 1,083 personnel on the ground instead of the 5,500 authorised. Around 6.4 million people in Haiti require humanitarian assistance and almost 1.5 million have been displaced; gangs control large parts of Port-au-Prince. The Prime Minister said Haiti is recruiting more police and soldiers and that two specialised judicial units are fighting impunity and financial crime.
GSF personnel on the ground:
1,083
Authorised strength:
5,500
People needing aid:
around 6.4 million
Displaced:
almost 1.5 million
Why it matters for exams: Haiti's crisis and the Security Council-backed Gang Suppression Force are a live case study in UN-authorised security missions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
GSF Gang Suppression Force — A Security Council-backed force in Haiti meant to neutralise armed gangs and secure key infrastructure.
SRSG Special Representative of the Secretary-General — The senior UN official who leads the UN's presence in a country or crisis.
24 September 2026
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the general debate of the UN General Assembly's 81st session on Thursday, 24 September 2026, by pre-recorded video after his delegation was, for the second consecutive year, denied US visas. He warned that Israeli policies threaten the existence of the Palestinian people and urged the world not to allow "another Nakba". He called for the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, opposed the E1 Settlement Plan and sought implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 on halting settlement activity. He said legislative elections will be held on 28 November, followed by renewal of the Palestinian National Council and presidential elections. He thanked the 160 states that have recognised the State of Palestine and called for full UN membership, and demanded the release of more than $6 billion in Palestinian funds withheld by Israel.
Legislative elections:
28 November
States recognising Palestine:
160
Resolution cited on settlements:
UNSC resolution 2334
Withheld funds:
more than $6 billion
Why it matters for exams: Palestinian statehood, recognition count, UNSC resolution 2334 and the Nakba are recurring world-affairs questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Nakba — Arabic for 'catastrophe'; the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
E1 Settlement Plan — An Israeli settlement plan east of Jerusalem that would separate East Jerusalem from the West Bank.
Resolution 2334 UN Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) — A resolution stating that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory have no legal validity.
24 September 2026
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced on 24 September 2026 that it has signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. The agreement is with the start-up Zero mK India Private Limited, Alwar, Rajasthan, for indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator for Quantum Applications. It is the first high-value agreement under the Rs 500 crore corpus approved by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh for deep-tech and cutting-edge projects. Dilution refrigerators are cryogenic systems that reach temperatures in the millikelvin range, needed to run and test several quantum computing platforms. The project aligns with the National Quantum Mission and is monitored by the Director, Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL).
Start-up:
Zero mK India Private Limited, Alwar
Target temperature:
20 mK
Deep-tech corpus:
Rs 500 crore
Why it matters for exams: Links defence R&D funding, start-ups and the National Quantum Mission — a common area for science and technology questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
TDF Technology Development Fund — A Ministry of Defence scheme run by DRDO that funds industry, especially MSMEs and start-ups, to develop defence technologies.
mK millikelvin — One-thousandth of a kelvin; 20 mK is just above absolute zero.
Dilution refrigerator — A cryogenic device that uses helium isotopes to cool samples to millikelvin temperatures.
SSPL Solid State Physics Laboratory — A DRDO laboratory in Delhi working on semiconductor and quantum materials.
24 September 2026
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) executed agreements on 24 September 2026 to acquire a 23 per cent equity stake in Conoship International Holding BV of the Netherlands.
The deal comprises a Share Purchase Agreement and a Shareholders' and Cooperation Agreement.
The stake costs 2.3 million euros; CSL put the expense at Rs 25.10 crore.
The acquisition is meant to help CSL enter the European green coastal and short-sea shipping market.
The two firms will jointly explore alternative fuels for short-sea vessels, coastal shipping and inland waterways.
The transaction has DIPAM clearance, followed board approval in January 2026, and is expected to be completed within two months.
Stake acquired:
23 per cent
Price:
2.3 million euros
Expense stated by CSL:
Rs 25.10 crore
Target company:
Conoship International Holding BV
Why it matters for exams: Kochi-based CSL is India's largest public sector shipyard; its overseas acquisitions link to the maritime and green-shipping agenda.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
CSL Cochin Shipyard Limited — A public sector shipbuilder headquartered in Kochi.
DIPAM Department of Investment and Public Asset Management — Union finance ministry department that manages government equity in public sector companies.
Short-sea shipping — Movement of cargo by sea over short distances along coasts, without crossing oceans.
22 September 2026
Denmark, Greenland and the United States signed an Arctic security agreement on 22 September 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
It was signed by US President Donald J. Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
The agreement gives the United States permanent basing rights and lets it modernise and expand the Pituffik Space Base, with new bases at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig.
The accord has no end date; if Greenland becomes independent it stays bound by the agreement while remaining in NATO.
Countries outside NATO may not set up military installations in Greenland without the unanimous approval of all three parties.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the deal was reached with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Signed on:
22 September 2026
Venue:
United Nations Headquarters, New York City
Existing US base in Greenland:
Pituffik Space Base
Why it matters for exams: Arctic geopolitics and the status of Greenland within the Kingdom of Denmark are standard international-relations questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization — A military alliance of North American and European states founded in 1949.
22 September 2026
The Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self Defense Force concluded the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur after a 14-day run. The IAF fielded Su-30 MKI, Rafale and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fighters, while the JASDF flew F-2A aircraft. The exercise featured within-visual-range combat and coordinated multi-aircraft missions, alongside subject matter expert exchanges, operational discussions, mission planning conferences, engineering interactions, maintenance practice and aerospace safety briefings. JASDF Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita and IAF Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh both flew the Tejas during the exercise, which the IAF said was aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two air forces.
Location:
Air Force Station Jodhpur
Duration:
14 days
Indian aircraft:
Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA Tejas
Japanese aircraft:
F-2A
Why it matters for exams: Veer Guardian is India's first bilateral air exercise with Japan and its host base, aircraft and outcomes are a fresh defence-diplomacy fact set.
Kerala PSCUPSC
22 September 2026
The Indian Navy ship INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France on 22 September 2026 to take part in the 24th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise Varuna between India and France. The exercise involved professional engagements in harbour and at sea, including cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting engagements between the two navies. The Ministry of Defence said the visit underscores the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and France and reflects the expanding scope of maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Exercise edition:
24th
Host port:
Toulon, France
Indian ship:
INS Trishul
Why it matters for exams: Exercise Varuna is a long-running India-France bilateral naval exercise and its editions and host ports are a recurring defence-diplomacy question.
Kerala PSCUPSC
22 September 2026
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) concluded their joint air exercise, Veer Guardian 2026, at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The exercise ran for 14 days and involved the IAF's Su-30 MKI, Rafale and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, alongside the JASDF's F-2A fighters. Activities included within-visual-range and coordinated multi-aircraft missions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, mission planning conferences and engineering interactions. On Distinguished Visitor's Day, JASDF Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita and IAF Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh visited the station and flew the Tejas aircraft. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two air forces.
Duration:
14 days
Venue:
Air Force Station Jodhpur
Participating countries:
India, Japan
Why it matters for exams: Tests awareness of India's bilateral defence exercises and platforms involved, relevant to India-Japan strategic ties and indigenous defence equipment.
Kerala PSCUPSC
21 September 2026
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on 21 September 2026 condemned continued Houthi cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia, including an attempt to target Riyadh.
Since early September Houthi forces have pushed along Yemen's Red Sea coast and seized territory near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Saudi Arabia has responded with hundreds of air strikes.
Nearly 130,000 people have been displaced in the past few weeks, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM); the figure was 118,086 on 18 September.
Ta'iz hosts the most displaced people (73,494), followed by Lahj (33,828).
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg was in Muscat for talks with Omani officials and Houthi representatives.
Displaced in recent weeks:
nearly 130,000
Ta'iz:
73,494
UN Special Envoy for Yemen:
Hans Grundberg
Why it matters for exams: The Yemen conflict, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Red Sea shipping are frequent geography and international affairs questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
IOM International Organization for Migration — The UN-related agency that works on migration and tracks displacement.
Houthis — An armed movement that controls much of northern Yemen, including Sanaa.
21 September 2026
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine updated the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 21 September 2026.
Commission chair Erik Møse said Russian strikes on energy infrastructure are leaving civilians more exposed as winter approaches; the commission will report fully to the General Assembly in October.
It is also examining weapons training made compulsory from age 14 in occupied areas.
Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova presented her report 'Nowhere is safe', drawing on nearly 400 documented cases of Russian repression of critics abroad.
She said between 650,000 and 900,000 people have left Russia since 2022 and that Russia files more INTERPOL red notices than any other country.
Report:
Nowhere is safe
Documented cases:
nearly 400
People who left Russia since 2022:
650,000 to 900,000
Why it matters for exams: UN human rights mechanisms such as commissions of inquiry and special rapporteurs, and INTERPOL notices, are asked in international relations papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Special Rapporteur — An independent expert appointed by the Human Rights Council to report on a country or theme.
Red notice — An INTERPOL request to police worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition.
21 September 2026
Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 20 Sep 2026, the Navy announced on 21 September.
They are there for the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA).
The JCA brings together maritime forces of ASEAN Member States and eight Plus countries to improve interoperability.
The Navy linked the deployment to the Act East Policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR.
It also builds on the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership established in August 2025.
Ships:
Sahyadri and Kulish
Port:
Subic Bay, Philippines
Arrival:
20 Sep 2026
Why it matters for exams: ADMM-Plus, the Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR and India-Philippines ties are frequent international relations and defence questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
ADMM-Plus ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus — A forum of the ten ASEAN defence ministers and eight partner countries including India.
JCA Joint Cooperation Activity — A combined activity of ADMM-Plus forces to build maritime cooperation.
21 September 2026
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited on 21 September 2026 to procure Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for T-72 and T-90 tanks.
The contract is worth Rs 586 crore and was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The APU is an alternate source of electric power for the tank's fire control system, firing circuit, gun stabilisation system and other ancillaries.
The units are indigenously developed through industry-led research and development under the Make-II category.
The ministry said the induction will strengthen the operational readiness of the Indian Army's Mechanised Formations.
Contract value:
Rs 586 crore
Tanks:
T-72 and T-90
Category:
Make-II
Why it matters for exams: Defence indigenisation, the Make-II procurement route and India's main battle tanks are regular defence and security questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
APU Auxiliary Power Unit — A unit that powers a tank's electrical systems without running the main engine.
Make-II — A defence procurement category for industry-funded development of equipment for the armed forces.
21 September 2026
The 18th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant began on 21 September 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, and will continue till 3 October 2026. The platoon-level exercise is being conducted with 45 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces. Its objective is to enhance the joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate. Training includes cordon and search operations, room intervention drills, special heliborne operations, cyber security training, and the employment of drones and counter-drone systems.
Exercise edition:
18th
Location:
Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
Personnel each side:
45
Duration:
21 September – 3 October 2026
Why it matters for exams: Nomadic Elephant is India's key bilateral army exercise with Mongolia and its UN-mandate counter-insurgency focus is a common exam point.
Kerala PSCUPSC
19 September 2026
Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan flagged off a beach-cleaning drive organised by the Indian Coast Guard on 19 September 2026.
The drive marked International Coastal Cleanup Day.
It was held near the Gandhi Statue on Beach Road.
Home Minister A. Namassivayam, Chief Secretary Sharat Chauhan, Indian Coast Guard District Commander S. S. Dasila, Secretary Smitha, college students and volunteers took part.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor visited an exhibition showcasing photographs of various activities of the Indian Coast Guard.
Organised by:
Indian Coast Guard
Flagged off by:
Lt Governor K. Kailashnathan
Venue:
Near the Gandhi Statue, Beach Road
Occasion:
International Coastal Cleanup Day
Why it matters for exams: International observances such as International Coastal Cleanup Day and the Coast Guard's role in coastal protection are common current-affairs and environment topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
19 September 2026
NATO held its Military Committee Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 18-19 September 2026.
Thirty-two Allied Chiefs of Defence attended, together with the two Strategic Commanders, General Alexus G. Grynkewich and Admiral Pierre Vandier.
The conference was chaired by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, and hosted by General Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard, Chief of Defence of Denmark.
The Chiefs of Defence reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Allied readiness in multi-domain operations and support for Ukraine.
General Carsten Breuer, Chief of Defence of Germany, was elected the next Chair of the NATO Military Committee, taking office in summer 2027 for a three-year term.
The Military Committee is NATO's senior military authority and advises the Alliance's political leadership.
Venue:
Copenhagen, Denmark
Dates:
18-19 September 2026
Allied Chiefs of Defence attending:
32
Chair of the Military Committee:
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone
Next Chair elected:
General Carsten Breuer, from summer 2027
Why it matters for exams: Denmark hosting NATO's senior military forum, the attendance figure of 32 Allies and the name of the incoming Chair are the kind of precise facts asked in international-relations and defence questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
SACEUR Supreme Allied Commander Europe — NATO's top operational commander in Europe, one of the Alliance's two Strategic Commanders.
SACT Supreme Allied Commander Transformation — The NATO commander responsible for adapting the Alliance's forces and capabilities.