Daily Current Affairs - 21-09-2026

Sports News

Elavenil Valarivan Leads India to Two Silver Medals in Shooting at the Asian Games

Indian shooters opened the nation’s medal account at the Asian Games with two silver medals on the opening day of the shooting competition in Nagoya. In the 10m air rifle team event, the Indian trio of Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar, and Vidarsa K. Vinod secured the silver medal. In the qualifying round, Vidarsa scored 630.4, Sonam scored 634.1, and Elavenil scored 630.4. In the individual 10m air rifle event, Elavenil Valarivan won the silver medal with a total score of 252.4 points over 24 shots. She finished 0.6 points behind host Japan’s Hinata Tanichi, who won gold, while Korea’s reigning Olympic champion Ban Hyojin finished third. Sonam Maskar qualified for the top-eight final and finished sixth after scoring 9.9 on her 15th shot. Vidarsa K. Vinod, who began shooting in 2018 as an NCC cadet in college and specializes primarily in the 50m 3P event, finished 12th in the individual 10m air rifle qualification. China’s Wang Zefei recorded a new Games and Asian qualifying record with a total score of 636.8.

Quimcy Dsouza Misses Bronze as India Faces Double Setback in Teqball

India’s Quimcy Dsouza lost both her bronze-medal matches in teqball at the Asian Games in Nagoya. In the women’s singles, Quimcy lost to Japan’s Yuina Sakamoto by 11-12, 11-12. In the mixed doubles, the Quimcy Dsouza-Mohamed Anas Beg pair lost to Vietnam’s Hoang Minh Tan Nguyen and Gia Ngh Trinh by 9-12, 6-12.

Smriti Mandhana Becomes Highest Run-Getter in Women’s T20I History

Indian opening batter Smriti Mandhana became the leading run-scorer in women’s T20 Internationals during the Asian Games semifinal against Bangladesh at Nisshin on Sunday. The left-handed batter scored 37 runs off 19 balls to achieve this record. She surpassed New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, who held the previous record of 4,758 runs. Smriti Mandhana now has a total aggregate of 4,788 runs from 178 matches.

Suchika Tariyal Assured of Bronze Medal in Traditional MMA 60kg Event

Suchika Tariyal assured India of another medal at the Asian Games, defeating Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 to enter the semifinals of the women’s Traditional Mixed Martial Arts 60kg event on Sunday. The semifinals at the Nagoya City Inae Sports Centre on Monday will give Suchika a chance to turn her bronze into a gold.

Environment News

NHAI and Forest Department Efforts Add 25 Hectares of Mangroves to Pichavaram

A new patch of mangroves spanning 25 hectares has sprung up along the coast at Pichavaram in Cuddalore district through the joint efforts of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Forest Department at a cost of ₹1.97 crore. The plantation was undertaken to compensate for 15 square metres of mangroves destroyed in Marakkanam during the widening of the East Coast Road and the Mamallapuram to Puducherry National Highway NH-332A. Although the Detailed Project Report (DPR) originally estimated an impact on 21.283 hectares across three locations, GPS mapping by Anna University's Institute of Remote Sensing confirmed that mangroves were affected at only one location, the Marakkanam Estuary. In the Marakkanam Estuary, 39,620 mangroves across 11.32 hectares were initially projected to be affected. Through design modifications, including retaining existing bridges, limiting approach works on the ground, and field surveys counting standing Avicennia marina and Rhizophora species, the actual physical impact was reduced to just over a hundred trees across 0.15 hectares. Over 75,000 saplings of Rhizophora apiculata were grown in Forest Department nurseries and planted using a modified fish-bone plantation pattern. As suitable lands were unavailable within Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts, the Forest Department identified three patches in Cuddalore district's Pichavaram region for afforestation: Vandalmunai, MGR Thittu, and Kottumunai. Plantation activities generated employment opportunities for tribal communities, deploying around 150 tribal men and women workers and creating a total of 18,135 man-days of employment.

Retired Madras High Court Judge Relinquishes Honorarium for Seemai Karuvelam Eradication

Retired Madras High Court judge V. Bharathidasan has relinquished an honorarium of ₹3 lakh per month, offered by the Tamil Nadu government, for supervising the court-initiated Sezhumai Karuvoolam operation, aimed at eradicating the exotic and invasive species seemai karuvelam (Prosopis juliflora) from the State and replacing it with native species. A Division Bench of Justices N. Sathish Kumar and K. Rajasekar was informed that the retired judge had decided to work without receiving any honorarium or personal benefit, though the State government had already accorded sanction for ₹72 lakh towards the payment of monthly honorarium at the rate of ₹3 lakh each to him and retired judge A. Selvam, with effect from March 18, 2026. The court had appointed the two retired judges to monitor the Sezhumai Karuvoolam operation in the northern and southern districts of the State on the basis of suggestions given by amici curiae T. Mohan, Chevanan Mohan, M. Santhanaraman, and Rahul Balaji, who had been assisting the court in addressing environmental issues in almost all districts of the State. In his latest status report before the Bench, Revenue Secretary K.S. Palanisamy said Mr. Bharathidasan had written to Environment Secretary Kakarla Usha on September 11, expressing his decision to relinquish the honorarium offered by the government and discharge the responsibility entrusted upon him by the court without claiming any remuneration or personal benefit. The report stated that the judge commissioner had requested the government to utilise the honorarium earmarked for him for the removal and eradication of Prosopis juliflora, restoration of affected lands, or any other activity directly connected with the implementation of the programme, with further action to be taken as per the directions of the court. Regarding the High Court's earlier direction to release ₹185 crore at the rate of ₹5 crore per district from the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) funds maintained by 37 out of 38 districts, except The Nilgiris, for the Sezhumai Karuvoolam operation, the Revenue Secretary said there was a delay in releasing the funds due to constraints under Rule 13 of the Tamil Nadu DMFT Funds Rules, 2025. The court was informed that Rule 13 permits the release of DMFT Funds only for specific purposes and hence steps were being taken to provide the funds either from the DMFT or any other source. Mr. Palanisamy further informed the Bench that a dedicated WhatsApp group comprising the Personal Assistants (general) to all the Collectors had been formed to ensure effective coordination in eradicating seemai karuvelam.

Personalities, Awards and Events

Indian and Japanese Air Force Chiefs Fly in Tejas Fighter Aircraft

During the joint exercise ‘Veer Guardian’, the Chiefs of the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force flew in Tejas fighter aircraft at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The India-Japan joint air exercise named ‘Veer Guardian’ commenced on September 9 at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. As part of the two-week-long exercise, Indian Air Force Chief A.P. Singh and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief Takehiro Morita flew separately in Tejas fighter aircraft on Sunday. Both Chiefs flew in individual Tejas aircraft and participated in a 20 to 25-minute flypast drill. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flew solo in a Tejas fighter jet, while Japanese Air Chief Takehiro Morita flew in a Tejas trainer aircraft accompanied by an Indian Air Force pilot. Commenting on this, A.P. Singh stated that Takehiro Morita’s decision to fly in the Tejas aircraft is a clear example of his trust in the indigenous aircraft manufactured in India.

National News

Defence Equipment Production and Exports Increase Over the Last 10 Years

Meerut, Sep 20: Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said that India’s defence equipment production and exports have increased significantly over the last 10 years. The Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran aerobatic show was held for the first time in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, over two days. Sanjay Seth witnessed the event on its second day, Sunday. He said that India now produces and exports defence equipment to numerous countries, while efforts are being made to manufacture defence equipment required by India domestically and achieve self-reliance in production, thereby reducing dependence on defence imports. The Suryakiran team has performed aerobatic shows with 30 aircraft at 800 locations around the world, and its aerial feats serve as an inspiration to the youth. India has set a target to achieve self-reliance by the time it celebrates its 100th Independence Day, with youth having a key role in achieving this goal. In the Suryakiran aerobatic show, 9 Hawk-class aircraft participated and performed aerobatic feats for about 30 minutes. Flying at a height of 100 feet, the aircraft formed various shapes and released tricolour smoke resembling the national flag. Over 1 lakh people witnessed the aerobatic show.

Tamil Nadu News

Steps to Extend Visiting Hours at Porunai Museum

Steps will be taken to extend the visiting hours at the Porunai Museum, Tirunelveli, by an additional one hour, stated Minister for School Education, Archaeology, Information and Publicity Rajmohan at the Indus Valley Day celebration held in Tirunelveli. The celebration was jointly organized by the State Department of Archaeology and the Roja Muthiah Research Library at the Porunai Museum. During the event, Minister Rajmohan released four publications: the research journal Thol Thadam, the 10th anniversary special edition of the book Dravida Adithalam of Indus Valley Culture, the research book Kondhagai (Keeladi) Scientific Study, and a reprint of the Fort St. George book. District Collector Anand Mohan requested that the museum’s visiting hours be extended by one hour from 8 PM and that funds generated through entry fees be allocated for maintenance works. Proposal approval and necessary steps will be taken in consultation with the Chief Minister. Plans are also underway to create model artifact sales counters and bookstalls within the museum premises. The Minister stated that history is a key part of society and that stone was humanity’s first artistic medium, gradually developing into paintings, bas-relief sculptures, statues and scripts. He noted that characteristics of ancient humans can still be observed in children today and that traditional items such as Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai can help teach self-respect and scientific principles. In scientific excavation, even a small potsherd provides great joy to researchers, as its colour and inscriptions help reveal the age and culture of ancient human civilization. The function was presided over by District Collector Anand Mohan, while Department of Archaeology Director Jeyaseelan delivered the welcome address. Roja Muthiah Research Library Director Sundar Ganesan, Advisor Balakrishnan, Prof. K. Rajan, Associate Director of Archaeology Sathis Kumar, MLAs R.S. Murugan (Tirunelveli), Reddiyarpatti V. Narayanan (Nanguneri) and M. Christopher (Radhapuram), along with state officials, attended the event.

‘Ilakkiya Veethi’ Iniyavan Dedicated His Life to Tamil Literary Development

Writer Sivasankari praised the late ‘Ilakkiya Veethi’ Iniyavan for dedicating his entire life to the growth and development of Tamil literature. The 50th-year inauguration ceremony of the organization ‘Ilakkiya Veethi’ was held on Sunday at the Anna Centenary Library, Kotturpuram, Chennai. Dinamani Editor K. Vaidyanathan presided over the function and released the Golden Jubilee souvenir book (Ponvizha Nool). The first copy of the book was received by writer Sivasankari. She said that the late ‘Ilakkiya Veethi’ Iniyavan sowed the seed for the wonderful idea of ‘Ilakkiya Veethi’ and nurtured it into a banyan tree. Even now, like an invisible main root (Aaniver), he continues to guide and sustain the organization. He identified several artists, including Kalaignar Dasavathani Ramaiya, and helped them gain due recognition in Tamil society. He expanded ‘Ilakkiya Veethi’ not only across Tamil Nadu, but also to other Indian states and foreign countries. During times when there was insufficient funding to organize programmes, he sold crops grown on his personal land and even sold his land to conduct literary programmes, driven by his passion for Tamil. He was an extremely simple person who claimed nothing for himself and dedicated his life to Tamil literary growth. Amuthasurabi Editor Tiruppur Krishnan, Sekkizhar Research Centre Secretary Sivalayam J. Mohan, ‘Ilakkiya Veethi’ Executive President Malarmagan, ‘Ilakkiya Veethi’ Iniyavan’s daughter and trustee Vasuki Badri Narayanan, son-in-law Badri Narayanan, granddaughter P. Yazhini, Joint Secretary Thurai. Lakshmipathi, and others attended the event.

Study in Korea Education Fair Held for the First Time in Chennai

The ‘Study in Korea Education Fair 2026’ was held for the first time in Chennai on Sunday at The Leela Palace Hotel. The fair was organised jointly by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea, the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) and the Korean Consulate General in Chennai. Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan inaugurated and inspected the education fair. A total of 34 representatives from 12 Korean universities participated in the exhibition. The fair had previously been held in Delhi and was conducted in Chennai for the first time. Following the fair, an interactive session between representatives of Tamil Nadu and Korean higher education institutions, along with the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen educational cooperation, was scheduled. Regarding the Anna University student’s death, Minister P. Viswanathan clarified that the student did not die due to dengue. He expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and instructed university authorities, registrars and department heads to conduct medical camps and clean the entire campus immediately to ensure health and safety. Regarding the Private Universities Bill, the Minister stated that government universities would not be privatised through the bill. He said that parents need not worry about misinformation spreading on social media and stated that it is the government’s duty to protect students and create a quality, new educational model. Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Chennai Sun Hae-ran, NIIED Education Inspector Yun Kyung-nam and other officials attended the event.

Tamil Scholar P. Aruliyar Selected for Parivendhar Painthamizh Achiever’s Award

Thambaram, Sep. 20: Tamil scholar P. Aruliyar has been selected for the Parivendhar Painthamizh Achiever’s Award, conferred by the Tamil Peraayam (Tamil Academy) of SRM University, Kattankulathur, said Vice-Chancellor C. Muthuthamizh Selvan. The SRM University Tamil Peraayam presents awards worth over ₹20 lakh annually across 12 categories to Tamil scholars, writers, notable Tamil magazines, and associations. This year, for the Puthumizh Pitha Creative Literature Award, Va. Kira, author of Kumari, was selected; for the Bharathiyar Poetry category, poet Seeru Ramasamy, author of Pugar Pettiyin Meethu Paduthurangum Punai, was selected; for the Azha. Valliappa Mudhuvai Literature Award, Ko. Ma. Ilango, author of Suzhal Kaatraaga Vandha Siruvan, was selected; and for the G.U. Pope Translation Award, Sitharthan, author of Koyilgal Samooga Vazhvil Maiyangal, was selected. For the APJ Abdul Kalam Science Tamil and Technology Award, Professor Ilakkuvanar (Mylasamy), author of Seyarkai Nunnarivu (Artificial Intelligence), was selected; for the Parimadhar Kalaignar Tamil Scholar Award, Sudhakar Nalliyappan, author of Neelamalai Tholliyal, and Karmadevi Ramanathan were selected. For the Chief Scholar Kalaignar Social Justice Award, Raman, author of Koyil Nuzhaivu Porattam, was selected; for the Swadesamitran Tamil Magazine Award, Kalaimagal editor Komalapuram Sankara Subramanian was selected; and for the Sol Kaappiyam Tamil Sangam Award, Kallai Tamil Sangam and Kalaignar Se. Varadarajan were selected. Recipients of the first 7 awards will each receive ₹1,00,000 as prize money, while the publishers of those books will receive ₹20,000. Due to insufficient nominations, the Muthuthandavar Tamil Isai Award and the Arunachala Kaviraayar Award were not given this year. The magazine and Tamil Sangam award carries a prize of ₹50,000. Tamil scholar P. Aruliyar, who is receiving the Parivendhar Painthamizh Achiever’s Award, will be given ₹3,00,000. At the event to be held at SRM University on September 30, Legislative Assembly Speaker M. Appavu will attend as chief guest and honour the awardees by presenting the awards. At the event, Tamil Peraayam Chairman/Professor Karu. Nagarajan, Secretary Pa. Jayaganesh, and Media Department Director T. Sengar were present.

Science and Technology News

Cybersecurity Vigilance Needed in Semiconductor Sector: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Focus: ‘Chips’ for Cars, TVs and Electronics — New Delhi, Sep 20: Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said that global powers may view India’s rise in the semiconductor sector as a threat; therefore, the industry should remain vigilant against possible cyberattacks and network attacks from those opposed to the country’s growth. The Union Cabinet recently approved the SemiCon 2.0 scheme with a fund allocation of ₹1.27 lakh crore to support domestic semiconductor design, equipment and raw material manufacturing, advanced-level packaging, research and development, and skill-building. Following this, investment commitments worth ₹1 lakh crore have reportedly been received in India. Under the first phase of the SemiCon scheme, approval was granted for a total of 12 semiconductor manufacturing plants, of which three have started production. Several important announcements were made at the SemiCon India-2026 conference, held in Delhi for three days from September 17, and at an ASSOCHAM event. The announcements included investments planned over the next 10 years and new units by companies in the semiconductor ecosystem, including references to raw material and packaging units in Gujarat and other locations. Speaking to a leading news agency at the event, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that several countries regard India as a strong competitor in the semiconductor field and that vigilance is needed regarding cyber and network security threats to the sector as India’s growth in this area continues.