India Co-hosts Inaugural Partners for Multilateralism Summit at UN
India co-hosted the inaugural Partners for Multilateralism (P4M) Summit at the United Nations in New York in September 2026. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired the event, organized on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The summit focused on strengthening global cooperation, reforming international decision-making systems, addressing the four Fs crisis of fuel, food, fertiliser, and finance, and improving collaboration in emerging technologies and global supply chains. The gathering signalled New Delhi’s push to broaden strategic partnerships and bolster collective action on global challenges. Outcomes are expected to influence discussions within multilateral institutions and regional groupings.
Summit held on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly session.
Jaishankar co-chaired the event representing India.
Key themes include reform, 4Fs, and tech-supply chain collaboration.
India aims to strengthen global partnerships through P4M.
Black Robin Named New Zealand’s 2026 Bird of the Year
New Zealand’s critically endangered Black Robin (Karure) has been named the country’s 2026 Bird of the Year after receiving more than 25,000 votes in a public competition. The species, found only on the remote Chatham Islands, beat other finalists including the kākāpō and the New Zealand falcon. The award highlights conservation efforts and community involvement in protecting native wildlife. Advocates say the recognition helps raise awareness, funding, and public support for ongoing biodiversity programmes. The Black Robin’s revival from near extinction is cited as an inspiring environmental success story for habitat preservation and species recovery.
Bird of the Year 2026 awarded to the Black Robin (Karure).
Starbucks to Establish Global Capability Centre in Tamil Nadu
Starbucks Coffee, the US-based company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tamil Nadu Government to establish a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Chennai. The centre is expected to create employment for around 800 technology professionals and to bolster the company’s technology operations in India. The agreement was signed in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Guidance, the state government’s investment promotion agency. The project highlights Tamil Nadu’s growing status as a technology hub and supports the government’s drive to attract foreign direct investment and high-quality jobs. Starbucks says the GCC will accelerate digital initiatives and drive innovation.
MOU signed to establish a GCC in Chennai.
Projected employment for about 800 technology professionals.
Significant boost to Tamil Nadu’s technology ecosystem.
Centre aims to advance digital initiatives for Starbucks.
ONGC Discovers Natural Gas in Mahanadi Basin
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has discovered natural gas in the deep waters of the Mahanadi Basin off India’s east coast. The discovery was made at the MDW-28 (MN-DW18-1-H-D) exploration well, located about 43 kilometres from Konark in Odisha. The well is the first drilled under ONGC’s ongoing deepwater exploration campaign in the basin. The discovery could contribute to energy security and gas supply in eastern India, subject to appraisal and development planning. ONGC will undertake further testing to determine commercial viability, while considering environmental safeguards and coastal impacts, before any development decisions.
Discovery at MDW-28 deepwater well, 43 km from Konark, Odisha.
First deepwater well in ONGC’s Mahanadi Basin campaign.
Potential impact on regional energy supply pending appraisal.
Environmental and coastal considerations will guide next steps.
Smriti Mandhana Becomes Highest Run-Scorer in Women’s T20I
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has become the highest run-scorer in Women’s T20 International cricket. She achieved the milestone during the Asian Games 2026 semifinal against Bangladesh, surpassing New Zealand’s Suzie Bates. Mandhana reached 4,788 career T20I runs, marking another significant achievement in her international career. The record underscores her longevity and consistency across formats and adds to India’s success at major events. Mandhana’s performance has boosted confidence in India’s batting lineup and highlighted the strength of women’s cricket in the country, with analysts noting her impact on future international tournaments.
Mandhana surpasses Suzie Bates to become top scorer.
Milestone achieved during 2026 Asian Games semifinal vs Bangladesh.
Career T20I runs: 4,788.
Significant boost for India’s women’s cricket profile.
Savita Punia Becomes India Women’s Hockey’s Most-Capped Player
Indian hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia has become the most-capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey. She surpassed Vandana Katariya’s record of 320 senior international appearances during India’s Pool B match against Indonesia at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Punia’s milestone underscores her longevity, leadership, and impact for the national team. Her experience is widely seen as a stabilising factor for India’s defense as the team competes in a tough pool and aims to advance to knockout rounds. Officials say her fitness and composure continue to set the standard for goalkeeping in Indian women’s hockey.
Punia surpassed Vandana Katariya’s 320 caps.
Achieved during 2026 Asian Games Pool B match vs Indonesia.
HAL Delivers Indigenous HTT-40 Trainer Aircraft 'Ankur' to IAF
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has begun delivering the indigenously developed HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, officially named Ankur, to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under a contract to supply 70 trainers, three aircraft have been handed over as the initial batch. The HTT-40 is designed for basic pilot training and is equipped with modern avionics, a pressurized cabin, and advanced safety systems. Officials say the induction will help replace older trainer fleets and strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This milestone demonstrates growing domestic aerospace capacity and aligns with the government’s push for greater indigenisation of defence equipment, while enhancing the IAF’s training infrastructure.
HAL delivered the first three of 70 HTT-40 Ankur trainers to the IAF.
HTT-40 is an indigenously developed basic trainer aircraft with modern avionics.
Induction aims to replace older trainer fleets and boost self-reliance.
The milestone showcases increased domestic aerospace capacity.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 to Be Held in Jodhpur
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, a biennial multinational air-combat exercise, from 26 September to 12 October in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The first edition was held in 2024 and marked India’s debut as a major international air exercise. More than 40 countries are expected to participate, with several others sending observers and delegates, making it one of India’s largest multinational air engagements. Tarang Shakti aims to enhance interoperability, air superiority, and joint operational capabilities among participating nations, providing a platform for advanced training and cooperation in air combat and tactical operations.
Second edition scheduled from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
Located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan; multinational participation over 40 countries.
Builds interoperability and joint air-combat capabilities.
Follow-up to India’s 2024 inaugural Tarang Shakti exercise.
India observed the 11th Ayurveda Day on 23 September 2026, celebrating the country’s traditional healthcare system and its growing link with modern medicine. The theme for Ayurveda Day 2026 was Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow. The observance featured government-led campaigns, public-health activities, and educational programmes to promote safe and effective Ayurvedic practices. Health experts stressed standardisation, quality control, and continued research to support safe consumer use of Ayurveda products. The event underlined a broader governmental push to integrate traditional systems with contemporary healthcare, aiming to enhance wellness, preventive care, and accessible treatments for citizens.
Ayurveda Day celebrated on 23 September 2026.
Theme: Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.
Emphasis on standardisation and quality control in Ayurveda products.
Supports integration of traditional and modern healthcare.
The 17th Kathakali Festival was held in September 2026 at the Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. Conducted by the Kalakshetra Foundation under the Ministry of Culture, the festival featured the theme Kadha Rasa Sangama – Confluence of the Essence of Stories. The opening performance was Mandodari, presented by Sadanam Academy and based on the Ramayana. The event showcased distinguished Kathakali performances, music, and storytelling, drawing participants from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. Organisers described the festival as a platform for traditional arts to reach diverse audiences while encouraging contemporary interpretations of classical narratives.