26 September 2026
The Philippine weather agency PAGASA said in its 11 a.m. bulletin on 26 September 2026 that Severe Tropical Storm Queenie, international name Surigae, was nearing typhoon strength over the Philippine Sea. It was about 575 km east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kph and gusts of up to 135 kph, moving west-northwestward at 10 kph. No tropical cyclone wind signal was in effect, and PAGASA said Queenie was unlikely to directly affect land areas. Waves of up to 2 meters were expected over the seaboards of Isabela, northern Batanes and eastern Davao Oriental. PAGASA said Queenie would likely intensify into a typhoon on 26 September and was expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility between the afternoon and evening of 27 September.
Local name / international name:
Queenie / Surigae
Maximum sustained winds:
110 kph
Gusts:
Up to 135 kph
Position (11 a.m. bulletin):
About 575 km east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes
Wind signal:
None raised
Why it matters for exams: Explains how tropical cyclones carry both a local Philippine name and an international name, and what the Philippine Area of Responsibility is.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
PAGASA Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration — The national weather and climate agency of the Philippines.
PAR Philippine Area of Responsibility — The sea and air area within which PAGASA monitors tropical cyclones and gives them local names.
26 September 2026
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone of India's first port-based e-methanol plant at Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, on 26 September 2026. The 150-tonne-per-day plant will use renewable power, water and biogenic CO2 to make e-methanol for ships on the Asia-Europe trade corridor. The Rs 2,300 crore project is a joint initiative of Deendayal Port Authority and Namrup-based Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd, with capital shared 76:24. Phase I adds 50 tonnes per day for ₹1,200 crore by January 2027, and Phase II adds 100 tonnes per day for ₹1,100 crore by March 2027. The release puts the expected production cost at US$750 per tonne against a global rate of US$1,300 per tonne. The project is expected to create more than 3,500 direct and indirect jobs.
Capacity:
150-tonne-per-day
Total investment:
₹2,300 crore
DPA : APCL capital ratio:
76:24
Jobs:
more than 3,500
Why it matters for exams: Green shipping fuels, Deendayal (Kandla) Port and India's Net Zero 2070 target are standard economy and environment topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
e-methanol electro-methanol — Methanol made from green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide using renewable electricity.
DPA Deendayal Port Authority — The major port authority at Kandla in Gujarat's Kutch district.
26 September 2026
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) declared a red alert in all coastal districts of Kerala. High waves of 1.0 to 1.5 metres and a strong swell surge (kallakkadal) were likely until 2.30 am on 28 September. Sea water could enter low-lying coastal areas. The India Meteorological Department said fishermen must not go to sea. Special caution was sought on listed stretches, such as Kappil to Pozhiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram and Kunjathur to Kottakkunnu in Kasaragod. Alerts were also issued for the Kanyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli coasts of Tamil Nadu and for Lakshadweep. People were told to avoid beach trips and sea recreation.
Alert level:
Red
Wave height:
1.0 to 1.5 metres
Valid until:
2.30 am, 28 September
Issued by:
INCOIS
Why it matters for exams: Kallakkadal, INCOIS and coastal hazard warnings are asked in geography and disaster-management papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Kallakkadal Swell surge — Sudden sea swelling and flooding on calm days, caused by swells from distant storms in the southern Indian Ocean.
INCOIS Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services — The Earth Sciences Ministry institution in Hyderabad that issues ocean-state and tsunami warnings.
26 September 2026
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced that Delhi will begin enforcing rules against vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate from 1 October 2026.
The announcement was made while inaugurating an Automated Testing Station at Burari.
The Burari station can test 40,000 heavy motor vehicles and 60,000 light motor vehicles a year.
Another Automated Testing Station at Tehkhand, inaugurated on 3 September, has a capacity of about 72,000 vehicles a year.
Cameras are to be installed at all PUC centres that issue certificates, and the monitoring of these centres is to be strengthened through technology.
Transport Minister Pankaj Singh was present at the inauguration.
Drive begins:
1 October
Burari station capacity:
40,000 heavy and 60,000 light motor vehicles a year
Tehkhand station capacity:
about 72,000 vehicles a year
Why it matters for exams: Automated testing stations and the PUC regime are concrete examples of technology used in emission control, often asked with figures.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
In plain words
ATS Automated Testing Station — A testing centre where a vehicle's fitness is checked by machines with little manual involvement.
25 September 2026
The Kerala government issued an order decentralising the distribution of flood relief to the taluk level.
Until now, distribution had been handled through the district collectorates, where the large number of applications delayed verification and approval.
Under the new system, government funds go to the District Collectors and the Tahsildars transfer the money directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts.
C-DIT has been asked to change the software to suit the new distribution method.
The relief covers Rs 300 per day for a week for flood-hit families and Rs 10,000 for cleaning damaged houses, shops, industrial units and homestays.
Asianet Newsable reported that the taluk-level model follows the one used during the 2018-19 floods.
Distributing officer:
Tahsildars
Daily assistance:
Rs 300 per day for a week
Cleaning assistance:
Rs 10,000
Software changes:
C-DIT
Why it matters for exams: Disaster-relief administration and the roles of the collector and tahsildar are core topics in Kerala PSC and UPSC governance papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Tahsildar — The revenue officer in charge of a taluk.
C-DIT Centre for Development of Imaging Technology — A Kerala government agency that develops software and digital services for departments.
DBT Direct Benefit Transfer — Payment of government benefits straight into the beneficiary's bank account.
25 September 2026
Water security was a major theme on Friday, 25 September 2026, the fourth day of the UN General Assembly's high-level general debate.
Egypt's Prime Minister Moustafa Kamal Madbouly described the Nile as his country's lifeline.
He said water security was "an existential issue that is not open to compromise".
He said shared water resources should promote cooperation rather than conflict, and rejected unilateral action and "fait accompli policies".
Kazakhstan proposed creating an international water organization under UN auspices.
It also called for a Member State-led process to strengthen global water governance.
Egypt's speaker:
Prime Minister Moustafa Kamal Madbouly
Kazakhstan's proposal:
international water organization under UN auspices
Debate day:
fourth day
Why it matters for exams: Transboundary rivers such as the Nile and proposals for new UN bodies are standard topics in international relations and geography papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
UNGA United Nations General Assembly — Main deliberative organ of the UN; its 81st session opened in September 2026.
25 September 2026
An alert from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), reported by the UN on 25 September 2026, warned of worsening food security in Sudan.
El Niño threatens to bring 30 to 40 per cent less rainfall than usual.
Farmers, pastoralists and fishing communities in regions largely reclaimed by Government forces from the RSF are at risk.
FAO's support includes vaccinating livestock and giving goats to displaced women-headed households.
An FAO drought-resistant seed project turned an initial $17 million outlay into sorghum crops worth more than $500 million.
FAO needs $193 million for Sudan this year and is only 23 per cent funded.
Expected rainfall shortfall:
30 to 40 per cent
FAO requirement for Sudan this year:
$193 million
Share funded:
23 per cent
Seed project outlay / sorghum value:
$17 million / more than $500 million
Why it matters for exams: Links El Niño, a recurring climate phenomenon in geography papers, with the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the role of FAO.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — UN agency on food and agriculture; headquartered in Rome.
RSF Rapid Support Forces — Paramilitary force fighting Sudan's army since April 2023.
25 September 2026
Tuvalu's Prime Minister Feleti Teo addressed the UN General Assembly on Friday, 25 September 2026. "For Tuvalu, sea-level rise is not a future threat, it is a present reality," he said. He said Tuvalu had reclaimed 15.3 hectares of elevated, flood-free land on the capital island of Funafuti, with another 10 hectares being reclaimed. Tuvalu has only around 26 square kilometres of land. He welcomed the UN Political Declaration on Sea-Level Rise, which recognises the continuity of statehood and the permanence of maritime zones under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. He called for an orderly, fair and just transition away from fossil fuels.
Land reclaimed on Funafuti:
15.3 hectares
Tuvalu's land area:
around 26 square kilometres
Ocean area:
some 750,000 square kilometres
Why it matters for exams: Small island States, sea-level rise and UNCLOS maritime zones are frequent environment and geography questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea — The 1982 treaty that sets out maritime zones and rights over the oceans.
25 September 2026
The 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026 concluded at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 25 September 2026. It was held from September 22–25 under the theme "Climate Resilient Water Management". Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil chaired the valedictory ceremony. He listed three takeaways: people's participation in water conservation, taking science and technology to the ground, and stronger international and institutional cooperation. He said the next phase of the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, must ensure adequate, regular, safe and sustainable drinking water services.
Edition:
9th
Dates:
September 22–25
Theme:
Climate Resilient Water Management
Venue:
Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Why it matters for exams: The India International Water Week, its theme and the Jal Jeevan Mission are regularly asked under water resources and schemes.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
JJM Jal Jeevan Mission — The Union scheme launched in 2019 to provide household tap water connections in rural India.
25 September 2026
The Kerala government issued an order decentralising the full responsibility for distributing flood relief to the taluk level. Until now the distribution was centred on the district collectorates. A large number of applications had delayed scrutiny and sanction. Under the new system, government funds will be transferred directly to District Collectors. Taluk tahsildars will then credit the amount to beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). C-DIT has been directed to change the software to suit the new method.
Disbursing level:
Taluk (tahsildars)
Mode of payment:
DBT
Software change assigned to:
C-DIT
Release number:
PNX 3980/2026
Why it matters for exams: Disaster relief administration and the use of DBT in welfare delivery are standard governance topics.
Kerala PSC
In plain words
DBT Direct Benefit Transfer — Payment of government benefits straight into the beneficiary's bank account.
C-DIT Centre for Development of Imaging Technology — A Kerala government technology institution that builds software and digital services for departments.
Tahsildar — The revenue officer in charge of a taluk.
25 September 2026
On 25 September 2026, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its weather advisory 'Heavy to Very Heavy Rain in Thailand No.9 (225/2026)'.
It said an active low-pressure cell over the East would move to the Central region including Bangkok during 25–27 September 2026, along a monsoon trough across upper Thailand.
The southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf was strengthening.
It warned of flash floods, overflows and landslides, especially along waterways near foothills and lowlands.
Waves in the upper Gulf and upper Andaman Sea were forecast at 2–3 metres, and small boats there were told to stay ashore until 27 September.
Advisory:
No.9 (225/2026)
Period:
25 – 27 September 2026
Wave height (upper Gulf, upper Andaman):
2–3 metres
Why it matters for exams: Monsoon troughs, low-pressure systems and the southwest monsoon are core physical-geography concepts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Monsoon trough Monsoon trough — An elongated low-pressure zone that brings heavy monsoon rain where it lies.
TMD Thai Meteorological Department — Thailand's national weather service.
25 September 2026
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the Inception Workshop for the 6th Cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves (MEE-TR) in New Delhi.
It is organised by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
The 6th cycle will cover all 58 Tiger Reserves in the country.
The Minister said India has demarcated over 85,000 sq km for tiger conservation.
MEE began in India in 2006; earlier cycles were held in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
'Solid Waste Management' is a new separate evaluation criterion in MEE-TR 2026, and the Technical Manual of MEE 2026 was released.
Tiger Reserves covered:
58
Area for tiger conservation:
over 85,000 sq km
MEE started:
2006
Why it matters for exams: Tiger reserve counts, NTCA and MEE cycles are frequently asked environment facts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
NTCA National Tiger Conservation Authority — Statutory body under the Environment Ministry that oversees Project Tiger.
MEE Management Effectiveness Evaluation — An assessment of how well a protected area is managed, adapted from the IUCN-WCPA framework.
25 September 2026
This item follows the Government of Kerala's sustainable tourism note, last updated on 25 September 2026, which sets out budget and hundred-day-plan announcements. In the first phase, Green Marshals are to be deployed at Fort Kochi, Munnar, Kovalam and Alappuzha for cleanliness, environmental protection and visitor safety. Brand Wayanad is to be launched to develop the district as a sustainable hill-station destination, along with a 'Why Not Wayanad?' campaign. The Muziris Global Heritage Tourism Project is to be expanded with live and heritage museums and boat tours on traditional waterways, and the reconstruction of the damaged roof of the Mala Synagogue is to be completed. Among the budget announcements, Rs 325.36 crore is to be earmarked for the tourism sector and tourism is to be declared an industry.
Tourism allocation:
₹325.36 crore
Green Marshal sites:
Fort Kochi, Munnar, Kovalam, Alappuzha
Why it matters for exams: Budget allocations, Muziris and heritage tourism projects are staple Kerala PSC topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Muziris Ancient port near Kodungallur — An ancient spice-trade port on the Malabar coast, now the focus of a heritage tourism project.
25 September 2026
The Odisha Pavilion won the Best Award in the 'State Category' at the 9th Bharat International Water Week, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 25 September 2026. The recognition covers Odisha's work in climate-resilient water management, irrigation infrastructure and grassroots participation through Water Panchayats. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi thanked the State Water Resources Department officers, engineers, employees and farmers.
Event:
9th Bharat International Water Week
Venue:
Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Award:
Best Award, State Category
Why it matters for exams: Awards and venues at national events are routine state-affairs recall.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
25 September 2026
Kerala has submitted a proposal to the Centre asking that the final notification fix the state's Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) at 8,590.69 sq km, fully excluding habitations, farmland and plantations.
Environment Minister Sunny Joseph announced this at a press conference in the PR Chamber of the Secretariat, saying the suggestions were handed over as part of filing amendments to the draft notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in the wake of the Kasturirangan report.
The 2013 Kasturirangan report had brought 13,108 sq km across 123 villages of Kerala within the ESA limit.
Following the Oommen V. Oommen Committee report the extent was restricted to 9,993.7 sq km, of which 9107 sq km is forest land and 886.7 sq km non-forest area; this position continued from the notification of 10 March 2014 to the notification of 27 July 2026.
A central expert committee led by Dr Sanjay Kumar was brought to Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala's demands were explained in the presence of the Chief Minister and Ministers.
A unanimous resolution on the subject will be passed in the coming session of the Legislative Assembly, and the revised ESA plan and map will be published on the state Environment Department website.
ESA extent sought:
8,590.69 sq km
Kasturirangan report (2013):
13,108 sq km in 123 villages
Extent after Oommen V. Oommen Committee:
9,993.7 sq km
Why it matters for exams: ESA extent figures and the Kasturirangan and Oommen V. Oommen reports are standing favourites in Kerala PSC and UPSC environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
24 September 2026
Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar handed a cheque for one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund on 24 September 2026.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary visited him at 7 Circular Road, Patna, and briefed him on flood relief and rescue work; MLC Lalan Saraf also gave a month's salary.
As of September 22, about 49.72 lakh people were affected across 15 districts, 88 blocks and 576 Gram Panchayats.
Seven relief camps were housing 8,948 people and 50 community kitchens were running.
The Kosi was above the danger mark at Baltara and Kursela, and the Ganga had crossed it at Kahalgaon.
Cumulative rainfall from June 1 to September 21 was 658.2 mm, 28% below normal.
People affected (as of 22 September):
49.72 lakh
Districts affected:
15
People in relief camps:
8,948
Rainfall, June 1 to September 21:
658.2 mm, 28% below normal
Why it matters for exams: Bihar's flood-prone rivers, gauge stations such as Kahalgaon and Kursela, and the scale of displacement are frequent geography and disaster-management questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
SDRF State Disaster Response Force — State force for disaster rescue and relief.
24 September 2026
On 24 September 2026, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow opened the side event "Delivering the Sendai Framework: An ASEAN Approach to Inclusive Disaster and Climate Resilience" at UN Headquarters, New York.
The event was co-organized by Thailand, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Japan and the Philippines.
He highlighted the "One ASEAN, One Response" concept for joint disaster management among ASEAN nations.
The Foreign Ministers of the Philippines and Australia spoke, along with high-level representatives from India, Japan and UN-Habitat.
The event was aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
It highlighted Thailand's role as ASEAN Coordinator for Sustainable Development Cooperation.
Framework period:
2015–2030
Co-organizers:
Thailand, UNDRR, Japan, Philippines
Why it matters for exams: The Sendai Framework (2015–2030) and ASEAN's 'One ASEAN, One Response' are core disaster-management topics in UPSC and PSC papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
UNDRR United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction — The UN office that coordinates disaster risk reduction and oversees the Sendai Framework.
Sendai Framework Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 — Global agreement adopted in Sendai, Japan, to reduce disaster risk and losses.
24 September 2026
The UN General Assembly adopted a declaration on sea-level rise by acclamation on 24 September 2026, at the high-level segment of its 81st session.
It is the first common UN declaration on sea-level rise.
Island nations such as Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands would not automatically lose statehood if their territory is submerged, and maritime zones set under UNCLOS remain stable.
Around 770 million people live less than five metres above the high-tide line.
At the end of 2025, global mean sea level was around 11 cm higher than in January 1993, according to WMO.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, Chair of AOSIS, said only strong climate action can stop sea-level rise.
People below 5 m above high tide:
around 770 million
Rise since January 1993:
around 11 cm
Adoption:
by acclamation
Why it matters for exams: Sea-level rise, statehood of island nations, UNCLOS and AOSIS are core climate and international-law topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea — The 1982 treaty that defines maritime zones such as territorial seas and EEZs.
AOSIS Alliance of Small Island States — A coalition of small island and low-lying coastal states in climate negotiations.
24 September 2026
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh formally launched the commercial use of bio-based biodegradable plastic based on Polylactic Acid (PLA).
The initiative is being taken forward by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) under the BioE3 framework.
A ₹75 crore grant from BIRAC, under the Department of Biotechnology, supports a 100 TPA pilot-scale R&D facility for PLA and co-polymers.
The facility will be set up at BCML's manufacturing complex at Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh.
The Minister said India's bioeconomy has grown from about US$10 billion in 2014 to nearly US$195 billion.
The venture converts renewable sugar-based feedstock into PLA and bioplastics.
BIRAC grant:
₹75 crore
Pilot capacity:
100 TPA
Bioeconomy:
US$195 billion
Why it matters for exams: BioE3 policy, bioplastics and the bioeconomy figures are frequent science and environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
PLA Polylactic Acid — A bio-based, biodegradable plastic made from renewable feedstock such as sugar.
BioE3 Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment — The Government's policy framework to grow biomanufacturing.
BIRAC Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council — A public-sector enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology that funds biotech innovation.
24 September 2026
Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil and Netherlands Vice Minister Jaap Slootmaker chaired a bilateral meeting on the Strategic Partnership on Water at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026.
Two tripartite MoUs were signed between the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Kalpasar Department of the Government of Gujarat, and the Dutch institutions Deltares and TU Delft.
The Kalpasar Project envisages a freshwater reservoir using runoff from the Sabarmati, Mahi and Dhadhar rivers, supplemented by water from the Narmada.
A Letter of Intent for technical cooperation had been signed on 16 May 2026, after the Prime Minister's visit to the Netherlands.
The Afsluitdijk in the Netherlands was cited as a useful parallel.
MoUs signed:
Two Tripartite Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)
Dutch partners:
Deltares and TU Delft
Letter of Intent:
16 May 2026
Why it matters for exams: Kalpasar, the Gulf of Khambhat and India-Netherlands water ties are typical bilateral and geography questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
CWC Central Water Commission — India's apex technical body for water resources under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Afsluitdijk Afsluitdijk — A closure dam in the Netherlands, nearly 100 years old, now being renewed.