27th World Knowledge Forum in Seoul discusses AI and co‑intelligence
The 27th World Knowledge Forum (WKF) was held in Seoul, South Korea, in September 2026 at Jangchung Arena and The Shilla Seoul. Organised by Maekyung Media Group, the forum explored artificial intelligence, co‑intelligence, and global economic transformation. Under the theme The Promethean Moment: Architecting the Co-Intelligence Order, participants debated policy frameworks for responsible AI, digital skills, and cross‑border collaboration. Delegates from multiple countries examined how technology could reshape markets, governance, and employment. The discussions are expected to influence policymakers and business leaders, including those in India seeking inclusive growth through technology‑led governance and innovation.
Event: 27th World Knowledge Forum in Seoul, September 2026.
Theme focuses on AI, co‑intelligence, and economic transformation.
Participants debated policy for responsible innovation and cross‑border collaboration.
Implications for India’s technology policy and digital inclusion strategies.
Hosted by Maekyung Media Group at major venues in Seoul.
Belgium to build world’s first artificial energy island
Belgium announced plans to develop the world’s first artificial energy island, Princess Elisabeth Island, in the North Sea. The offshore installation will function as an electricity hub, collecting power from nearby offshore wind farms and transmitting it to the Belgian mainland. Developed by Elia, Belgium’s transmission system operator, the island will also support cross‑border connections with the United Kingdom and Denmark. The project aims to enhance energy security and grid integration for renewable generation while supporting future expansion and regional energy cooperation with neighbouring countries.
First of its kind artificial energy island in the North Sea.
Island will collect wind power and transmit to Belgium; cross‑border links planned.
Developed by Elia, Belgium’s grid operator.
Seeks to improve energy security and renewable integration.
Part of broader European offshore wind strategy.
India–Japan forestry talks held in Bengaluru
The 7th Meeting of the India–Japan Joint Working Group on Cooperation in the Forestry Sector took place in Bengaluru, Karnataka, in September 2026. Officials from both countries discussed Trees Outside Forests, forest genetics, and forest stack policy. The Indian delegation was led by Ramesh Kumar Pandey; the Japanese delegation was headed by Shimizu Kotaro. Participants underscored sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and joint research initiatives for climate resilience. The talks reinforced bilateral cooperation in forest-related areas and laid groundwork for follow‑up projects, including knowledge‑exchange programs and joint field demonstrations.
7th India–Japan forestry JWG meeting held in Bengaluru, Sept 2026.
Topics: Trees Outside Forests, forest genetics, and forest stack policy.
Indian lead: Ramesh Kumar Pandey; Japanese lead: Shimizu Kotaro.
Emphasis on biodiversity, climate resilience, and joint research.
Agreed to follow up with exchanges and demonstrations.
Anak Krakatau erupts; ash plume disrupts travel
Mount Anak Krakatau, among Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted violently in September 2026. The eruption sent ash plumes reaching up to 50,000 feet, prompting travel disruptions across Indonesia and prompting aviation advisories. The volcano lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra and remains under close observation by Indonesian authorities. Scientists warned of possible secondary eruptions and urged caution for air travel in affected corridors. The incident underscores ongoing volcanic activity in the region and the importance of disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and effective communication with international aviation communities.
Bandhan Bank launches Mastercard‑powered credit card portfolio
Bandhan Bank Limited launched a credit card portfolio in partnership with Mastercard in September 2026. The four variants — Sparks, Ignite, Flare, and Lumina — target different customer segments. Cards operate on the Mastercard network and offer benefits in travel, dining, shopping, entertainment, and international spending via digital‑first features. The portfolio aims to widen access to credit, improve onboarding experiences, and promote secure digital payments. Bandhan Bank executives stated the collaboration would strengthen its payments ecosystem and broaden financial inclusion across rural and semi‑urban India, aligning with national digitisation goals.
Bandhan Bank partners with Mastercard to launch four cards: Sparks, Ignite, Flare, Lumina.
Features include travel, dining, shopping, entertainment, and international use.
Emphasis on digital onboarding and secure payments.
Aims to expand credit access and financial inclusion in rural India.
Part of broader push toward a cashless economy.
Gandhinagar construction site accident updates
A major construction site accident occurred in Kudasan, near Gandhinagar, early on 9 September 2026. Authorities reported 15 workers were rescued and 12 were hospitalised; conditions were initially non‑critical. Rescue operations were ongoing, with teams assessing structural integrity and safety protocols. Investigations were launched to determine cause and to review compliance with labour and safety regulations. The incident has drawn attention to construction safety standards in Gujarat and across India, with calls for strengthened oversight and rapid medical assistance for workers in danger. Local officials urged calm while continuing emergency response measures.
Incident location: Kudasan, near Gandhinagar.
15 workers rescued; 12 hospitalised; no initial reports of critical injuries.
Rescue operations and safety reviews under way.
Investigation launched into cause and compliance with safety norms.
Raises concerns about construction site safety standards in India.
Sheetal Devi wins first World Archery Para Series title in women's compound
Indian para archer Sheetal Devi won her first individual title on the World Archery Para Series circuit in the women’s compound event during September 2026. The 19-year-old defeated Kazakhstan’s Aizada Seidan in a thrilling shoot-off after the final ended in a 144–144 tie. Devi had posted a qualification score of 698, surpassing her own Asian record and strengthening her position among India’s leading para archers. The victory marks a historic milestone for Indian para-sport on the international stage and highlights the effectiveness of national training pipelines for differently-abled athletes. Devi thanked her coaches, family, and the national federation for the breakthrough.
Sheetal Devi, 19, wins her first World Archery Para Series title in women’s compound.
Final ends 144–144; Devi claims the shoot-off to seal victory.
Qualifying score of 698 sets an Asian-record benchmark.
Victory underscores India’s rising profile in para archery.
Coaches, family, and national federation acknowledged for support.
UN map spurts Arunachal, Aksai Chin dispute refocus
On 9 September 2026, India raised objections to a United Nations map that depicted Arunachal Pradesh as an independent state near Assam and showed disputed Aksai Chin boundaries. The government asserted that the map misrepresents territorial sovereignty and urged correction. The issue emerged as BRICS conversations looked toward regional security and border clarity. Indian officials emphasised adherence to constitutional map standards and diplomatic channels to address misrepresentations. The episode added to ongoing debates about cartographic accuracy in international forums and India's broader stance on territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
UN map reportedly showing Arunachal Pradesh as independent; Aksai Chin boundary noted.
India demanded correction and asserted territorial sovereignty.
Linked to broader discussions around BRICS and regional borders.
Stance reinforces constitutional map standards and diplomacy.
Highlights cartographic sensitivities in international forums.
India–Morocco Joint Defence Committee holds first meeting
India and Morocco conducted the first meeting of the India–Morocco Joint Defence Committee (JDC) in New Delhi in September 2026. The dialogue established a formal framework for defence cooperation under the Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2025. Delegations discussed defence industry collaboration, training, and information‑sharing to strengthen bilateral military and strategic relations. The meeting aligns with India’s broader strategy to diversify defence partnerships and bolster regional security ties in the Indo‑Pacific and North Africa. Officials noted ongoing exercises, reciprocal visits, and potential co‑production initiatives as part of future cooperation.
First meeting of the India–Morocco JDC held in New Delhi, Sept 2026.
Cooperation framework under 2025 Defence Cooperation MOU.
India hosted the Global Dryland Congress 2026 from 10 to 12 September 2026 at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi. The three-day event was jointly organised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). Scientists, policymakers, farmer representatives, and development experts from Asia, Africa, and the Americas gathered to discuss sustainable solutions for dryland agriculture and climate challenges. Officials outlined research priorities, policy recommendations, and capacity-building measures to improve water use, soil health, and crop resilience in arid regions. The congress highlighted India’s role as a regional hub for agricultural innovation and climate adaptation.
Event dates: 10–12 September 2026, New Delhi.
Organisers: ICAR and ICRISAT. Participants from multiple continents.
Focus: sustainable dryland farming, water use, soil health, climate resilience.
Outcomes expected in policy guidance and research priorities.
India positioned as a regional centre for agri-innovation and adaptation.
Uttarakhand launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana, announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in September 2026. The scheme provides free online coaching facilities to students preparing for competitive examinations, leveraging digital learning platforms to broaden educational access and support youth career development across the state. Officials highlighted scalable delivery, monitoring, and partnerships with educational providers to ensure quality coaching. The program complements existing skill development initiatives and aims to empower youth through expanded opportunities in higher education and public‑sector exams.
Scheme announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Sept 2026.
Provides free online coaching for competitive exams via digital platforms.
Aims to increase educational access and youth career opportunities.
Includes monitoring and partnerships for quality coaching.
Part of Uttarakhand’s broader focus on skill development.
PM Modi–Putin bilateral talks ahead of BRICS summit
Ahead of the BRICS summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin were reported to hold bilateral discussions in New Delhi around 9–10 September 2026. Officials indicated talks would cover strategic ties, energy cooperation, and regional security issues. The engagement occurred as BRICS leaders prepared for multilateral meetings and potential announcements on trade, defence collaboration, and technology partnerships. The meeting was framed within India’s broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships and advance common goals on global governance and economic development.
Bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Putin in New Delhi (Sept 9–10, 2026).
Vice President releases Bhupen Hazarika biography in Assam
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Songs at Gauhati University, Assam, in September 2026. The book surveys the life and enduring contributions of the Assamese singer, composer, and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika. The ceremony also laid a foundation stone for infrastructure projects valued at ₹110 crore. The event celebrated Hazarika’s influence on regional and national culture and showcased ongoing investment in cultural infrastructure in Assam. Attendees included literary figures, artists, and government representatives, who highlighted the cross‑regional impact of Hazarika’s repertoire and public works linked to the occasion.
Book release by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan at Gauhati University.
Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Songs documents his life.
Foundation stone for ₹110 crore infrastructure projects announced.
Event underscored Hazarika’s cultural influence across Assam and India.
Dignitaries from government and arts communities attended.