UN appoints Luke Lindberg to head World Food Programme
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu announced the appointment of Luke Lindberg as executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP). Lindberg, a United States agriculture official, currently serves as undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He is 37 years old and will replace Cindy McCain, who led the Rome-based agency. Lindberg’s nomination reportedly came at a time when WFP faces funding shortfalls that threaten hunger relief for millions. The United States has long been the largest donor to WFP, and this marks the first American to head the agency since the early 1990s. Lindberg had been nominated by President Donald Trump.
Luke Lindberg named executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP).
Lindberg is undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the USDA.
He will replace Cindy McCain as head of WFP.
WFP faces funding shortfalls affecting hunger relief for millions.
The United States has historically been the largest donor to WFP.
Lindberg’s nomination reportedly originated from a Trump administration nomination.
Vice President to inaugurate India International Water Week on 22 September 2026
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the ninth India International Water Week (IIWW-2026) in New Delhi on 22 September 2026. The five-day event, organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, will run through 26 September and focus on Climate Resilient Water Management. An international exhibition on water technologies and the Second International WASH Conference (22–24 September) are also planned as part of IIWW-2026. The programme aims to advance inclusive water governance, resource optimization, and financing for water infrastructure. Partner countries include the Netherlands and Germany, with involvement from multiple central ministries and states.
IIWW-2026 inaugurated on 22 September 2026 by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.
Organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti; collaboration with other ministries.
Participating partner countries include Netherlands and Germany.
India to host 9th India International Water Week in New Delhi, 22–26 September 2026
The Ministry of Jal Shakti announced the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW-2026) from 22–26 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event emphasizes Climate Resilient Water Management, with a four-day conference and exhibition from 22–25 September and a study tour on 26 September. The programme will host ten major forums, including ministerial plenaries and water leaders’ sessions, and will feature an international exhibition spotlighting new technologies. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation will host the second International WASH Conference (22–24 September). This illustrates India’s ongoing climate and water security initiatives on the global stage.
IIWW-2026 to be held 22–26 September 2026 in New Delhi.
Theme: Climate Resilient Water Management.
Conference and exhibition run 22–25 Sept; field study on 26 Sept.
Ten major forums planned; includes ministerial and practitioner sessions.
IIWW coincides with International WASH Conference (22–24 Sept).
India tops global business climate rankings in Swedish Chamber survey 2026
India has been ranked first in business climate among more than 40 global markets in the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India’s Business Climate Survey 2026. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal shared the finding, noting that India’s stability, growth, and ease of doing business stand out amid global volatility. The survey tracks perceptions of Swedish companies operating abroad and provides benchmarks for future investments. The result signals improving confidence in India’s policy environment, regulatory regime, and market access. Analysts say such rankings can influence foreign direct investment and manufacturing decisions in the near term.
Swedish Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Business Climate Survey ranks India first.
India praised for stability, growth, and ease of doing business.
Minister Piyush Goyal highlights positive implications for FDI.
The survey reflects Swedish company perspectives on global markets.
May influence investment decisions and manufacturing in India.
Assam initiates Northeast’s largest power project in Dhubri district
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for a 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant at Chapar, Dhubri district. The project, developed by Adani Power Limited, involves an estimated investment of ₹48,000 crore and marks the largest power project in India's Northeast. Four generating units of 800 MW each will be installed, using high-efficiency ultra-supercritical technology. Commissioning is planned in phases from December 2030. The ADANI Group’s broader plan in Assam includes pumped storage facilities and significant job creation, underscoring a major shift in regional energy infrastructure and investment policy.
3,200 MW ultra-supercritical power plant approved at Chapar, Dhubri.
Developed by Adani Power Limited; investment ₹48,000 crore.
Four 800 MW units; phased commissioning from December 2030.
Part of a broader ₹63,000 crore Assam energy strategy by Adani Group.
Expected large job creation during construction and after commissioning.
QDENGA dengue vaccine to reach India’s private market by 2027
QDENGA, India’s first approved dengue vaccine, is expected to enter India’s private market in the first half of 2027. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories will promote and distribute the vaccine under a new agreement with Takeda, the Japanese drugmaker. CDSCO granted marketing authorisation in July 2026. The vaccine targets individuals aged 4 to 60 years. Though not immediately available, regulatory processes and import clearances will determine the timing of availability. Dengue vaccination is seen as a critical tool for reducing disease burden in densely populated regions at high vector activity.
QDENGA approved by CDSCO in July 2026; private market entry planned for H1 2027.
Dr. Reddy’s to market and distribute under Takeda agreement.
Suitable for ages 4–60 years.
Regulatory processes determine actual rollout timeline.
Potential public health impact in dengue-endemic regions.
AIFF launches inaugural U15 Women’s Youth League in 2026
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the inaugural AIFF U15 Women’s Youth League, slated to begin on 15 October 2026 at the Sporting Planet Sports Complex in Belagavi, Karnataka. Sixteen teams will participate, divided into four groups. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals and a final on 31 October 2026. Teams include SESA Football Academy, HOPS FC, Roots FC, Krida Prabodhini Pune and others, with Belgaum United Football Academy as hosts. This league follows the AIFF’s U17 Women’s Youth League launched earlier in the year and expands pathways for women’s youth football in India.
AIFF announces inaugural U15 Women’s Youth League.
Kick-off on 15 October 2026 in Belagavi, Karnataka.
16 teams divided into four groups; top two advance to knockouts.
Final scheduled for 31 October 2026.
Teams include 16 named academies and clubs; Belgaum United hosts.
Suchika Tariyal bags India’s first MMA medal at Asian Games 2026
Suchika Tariyal earned India’s first medal in Mixed Martial Arts at the 2026 Asian Games, taking bronze in the women’s -60 kg category. The 36-year-old fighter faced Singapore’s Teo Hui Hoon in the semi-final, taking the bout into overtime before the judges ruled against her. Tariyal’s performance marks a milestone for Indian MMA on a continental stage. Despite the setback, her achievement signals growing interest and investment in combat sports among Indian athletes. India aims to convert this success into future medals across disciplines at major multi-sport events.
Suchika Tariyal wins India’s first MMA medal at Asian Games 2026.
Bronze in women’s -60 kg category; lost to Teo Hui Hoon in semi-final.
Event showcases rising MMA interest in India.
Overtime contest; judges awarded bronze to Tariyal.
Indicative of broader growth in Indian combat sports.
SLINEX-26: India-Sri Lanka naval exercise underway in Visakhapatnam
The 13th Sri Lanka-India bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, is being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 September 2026. Indian Navy ships INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti participate alongside SLNS Sindurala from Sri Lanka. The harbour phase included an opening ceremony onboard INS Kavaratti, cross-deck visits, and cultural activities, with the sea phase to follow to build operational interoperability. SLINEX-26 reinforces MAHASAGAR, India’s maritime vision, and strengthens bilateral friendship and security cooperation with Sri Lanka. The exercise underscores continued coordination in anti-submarine warfare, maritime security, and disaster response between the two nations.
SLINEX-26 runs 17–21 September 2026 at Visakhapatnam.
Indian Navy: INS Kavaratti, INS Jyoti; Sri Lanka Navy: SLNS Sindurala.
Harbour phase included opening ceremony and visits; sea phase ongoing.
Part of MAHASAGAR initiative; reinforces India-Sri Lanka maritime partnership.
Demonstrates interoperability and coordinated security efforts.
International Day of Peace 2026 observed with theme Invest in Peace
The International Day of Peace 2026 is commemorated on 21 September with the theme 'Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.' The United Nations highlights everyday architects of peace—local actors building stability through dialogue and inclusive action. This year’s observance emphasizes trust-building, nonviolence, and cooperation within communities as essential steps toward sustainable peace. Nations, civil society, and individuals are urged to contribute to peaceful coexistence at local, national, and global levels. The day aligns with broader UN initiatives on human rights, development, and conflict prevention.
International Day of Peace observed on 21 September 2026.
Theme: Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.
Focus on everyday architects of peace at the community level.
UN emphasizes dialogue, nonviolence, and inclusion.
Linked to wider UN goals on human rights and development.
Angh wins Platform Prize at TIFF, signaling Oscar journey for Nagaland film
Angh, directed by Nagaland filmmaker Theja Rio, won the Platform Prize 2026 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This prize provides a pathway to consideration for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The Platform programme highlights bold directorial vision and distinctive storytelling in non-English-language cinema. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated Theja Rio and the team, calling the win a historic moment for Naga cinema on the global stage. The director dedicated the award to the people of Nagaland and emphasized this as a stepping-stone for future projects.
Angh wins TIFF Platform Prize 2026; directed by Theja Rio.
Prize offers direct path to Oscar consideration for Best International Feature Film.
Jury praised bold storytelling and regional cinema voice.
Nagaland Chief Minister congratulates the team; recognition for India’s northeast cinema.
A milestone for Naga filmmakers on the global stage.