Punjab, Haryana farmers receive India's first soil-carbon payments
Punjab and Haryana became the first Indian states to disburse soil-carbon payments to farmers. More than 2,500 smallholders were covered, with over ₹2.9 crore released for adopting regenerative practices. The initial payments were made at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana. These transfers are part of the Aadi farmer carbon programme, launched by Grow Indigo in 2019 with technical guidance from ICAR. The scheme creates carbon credits based on verified improvements in farming methods and rewards farmers with an additional income stream. Officials say the approach links field-level practices with climate benefits, encouraging soil health and long-term productivity across northern India.
Punjab and Haryana first to receive soil-carbon payments in India.
Over 2,500 smallholder farmers covered; ₹2.9 crore disbursed.
Payments issued at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.
Part of the Aadi farmer carbon programme by Grow Indigo with ICAR guidance.
Scheme ties verified farming improvements to carbon credits and income.
World Ozone Day 2026 observed with Kigali Amendment milestone
World Ozone Day 2026 was observed on 16 September with the theme Global action for a cooler planet. The day marks the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in cooling. Officials stressed international cooperation, sustainable cooling and energy efficiency as key goals. The observance highlighted safer technologies and practices to protect the ozone layer while supporting climate goals. Countries reviewed progress on ozone protection and discussed steps to accelerate transitions to environmentally safer alternatives.
Observed on 16 September 2026; theme Global action for a cooler planet.
Commemorates the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
Marks 10th anniversary of Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol.
Kigali Amendment aims to phase down HFCs in cooling.
Emphasizes cooperation, sustainable cooling and safer technology.
Bharat Vann green initiative launched in Delhi
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the 'Bharat Vann' green initiative at Lodhi Colony Park in central New Delhi. The project focuses on urban ecological restoration and increasing Delhi’s green cover. It aims to create a dense urban forest using indigenous plant species suited to Delhi’s environment. The initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). Officials say the effort will improve air quality, provide shade and create habitats for urban wildlife. The project forms part of broader government work to expand green spaces in Indian cities and promote sustainable living through community involvement. The event was described as a model for other states.
Inaugurated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Lodhi Colony Park.
Focus on urban ecological restoration and green cover in Delhi.
Aims to create a dense urban forest with indigenous species.
Collaboration with New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
Intended to improve air quality and urban biodiversity.
FICCI hosts AI and technology in mining conference
FICCI hosted its third Conference on Digitalisation, AI, Automation and Technology Integration in Mining & Metals on 17–18 September 2026 at FICCI Federation House, New Delhi. The event brought policymakers, industry leaders, technology firms, startups and researchers to discuss the role of artificial intelligence, automation, Internet of Things, digital twins and analytics in India’s mining sector. Dr. Jitendra Singh was announced as the chief guest for the inaugural session. KPMG in India served as knowledge partner. Participants explored policy frameworks, investment needs and skills development to help the sector improve productivity, safety and sustainability. The conference underscored India’s push to harness technology for resource extraction and processing.
Held 17–18 September 2026 at FICCI Federation House, New Delhi.
Theme: AI, automation, IoT, digital twins in mining and metals.
Dr. Jitendra Singh was chief guest for the inaugural session.
KPMG in India served as knowledge partner.
Discussed policy, investment, and skills for productivity, safety and sustainability.
On 17 September 2026, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) launched Custom System-on-Chip (SoC) Design Services for automotive manufacturers and semiconductor companies. The end-to-end engineering service helps design, verify, implement and validate customized chips for next‑generation software‑defined vehicles. The initiative aligns with rising demand for specialised computing in cars, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric mobility, connectivity and centralized computing architectures. TCS says its service will assist original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to reduce development time and costs while improving performance. The move signals India’s growing role in global semiconductor and automotive technology ecosystems.Industry experts say the offering could attract foreign partners and spur local talent in chip design.
Launched on 17 September 2026 by TCS.
Targets automotive OEMs and semiconductor companies.
End-to-end design, verification, implementation and validation.
Focus on ADAS, electric mobility and centralized computing.
Possible attraction of foreign partners and growth of local talent.
James Rodríguez retires from international football
Colombian football star James Rodríguez announced his retirement from international football in September 2026, ending a 15-year national team career. Rodríguez made his senior debut for Colombia in 2011 and rose to global fame at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he scored six goals and earned the tournament's Golden Boot. He represented Colombia at three World Cups and leaves the national team with 131 international appearances. FIFA records mark him as Colombia's all-time leader in international assists and World Cup goals. His retirement marks the end of an era for Colombian football as the country continues to rebuild its attack with new talents.
Retired from international football in September 2026.
Made senior debut for Colombia in 2011; rose to fame at 2014 World Cup.
Scored six goals in the 2014 World Cup and won Golden Boot.
131 international appearances for Colombia.
FIFA records him as Colombia's all-time assists leader and World Cup goals.
Abhishek Sharma sets fastest Indian T20I century
On 17 September 2026, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma scored the fastest T20I century by an Indian and one of the quickest in international cricket. He reached 100 in 34 balls against Afghanistan at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, finishing on 108 off 34. The innings broke Rohit Sharma’s Indian record of a 35-ball hundred set in 2017 against Sri Lanka. Sharma’s rapid hundred helped India post a strong total and showcased his attacking stroke play. The performance added to his rising reputation in white-ball cricket and highlighted the depth of India’s batting lineup. Commentators noted the speed of his transition from promising talent to match-winner.
Date: 17 September 2026; venue Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
Sharma scored 108 off 34; 34-ball hundred.
Shortest Indian T20I hundred; surpasses Rohit Sharma's 35-ball record.
Against Afghanistan; part of a big total for India.
Mark of Sharma's rapid rise in white-ball cricket.
Commemorative stamp released for Sant Maluk Das Ji
On 15 September 2026 Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia released a commemorative postage stamp to honour Sant Maluk Das Ji, a Bhakti-era poet-saint and philosopher. The Department of Posts issued the stamp during a Sant Samagam held in his memory. The initiative seeks to celebrate his teachings on devotion, knowledge, compassion, service and public welfare. Sant Maluk Das Ji lived from 1574 to 1682 and remains an important figure in India’s devotional traditions. The stamp project highlights efforts to preserve regional spiritual heritage through philately and official recognition. The event underscored the continued relevance of Bhakti-era ideas for modern public life.
Stamp released on 15 September 2026 by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Honours Sant Maluk Das Ji, Bhakti-era poet-saint and philosopher.
Issued during a Sant Samagam in his memory.
Celebrates teachings on devotion, knowledge, compassion, service and public welfare.
Sant Maluk Das Ji lived 1574–1682; notable figure in devotional tradition.
India ranked 131st among 145 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index 2026, with an overall gender-parity score of 64.5 percent. The report is published by the World Economic Forum and measures gaps between women and men in economic participation, education, health and political empowerment. The top three positions were held by Iceland, Finland and Norway. The index notes modest progress in some areas but persistent challenges in others. Observers say improvements in female labor force participation and political representation are needed to close the gap further. The Indian government has launched schemes to boost skills, safety and entrepreneurship for women.
India ranked 131/145 in Global Gender Gap Index 2026.
Overall gender-parity score: 64.5 percent.
Report published by World Economic Forum.
Top rankings: Iceland, Finland, Norway.
Highlights include economic participation, education, health, empowerment.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book A Century of Service – The RSS in 100 Acts of Seva at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on 15 September 2026. The work is authored by Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, former Governor of Telangana and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. The Vice President's Secretariat describes the volume as a documentary record of 100 examples of service linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during its hundred-year history. The book captures civic, social and charitable activities associated with the organization, offering readers a guided look at volunteer work in public life. The event highlighted ongoing interest in RSS-linked community service.
Book released at Uprashtrapati Bhavan on 15 September 2026.
Authored by Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan.
Titled A Century of Service – The RSS in 100 Acts of Seva.
Documents 100 examples of RSS service over a century.
Vice President's Secretariat notes significance of RSS-era volunteer work.