In Current Affairs for 16 September 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 16 September 2026
World Ozone Day 2026
World Ozone Day is observed every year on 16 September to raise awareness about the importance of the ozone layer and the need to protect it from harmful human activities.
The ozone layer acts as a natural shield by absorbing a significant portion of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thereby helping protect life and ecosystems on Earth.
Theme of World Ozone Day 2026
The theme for World Ozone Day 2026 is:
“Global Action for a Cooler Planet – Celebrating 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.”
The 2026 observance is particularly significant as it marks 10 years of the Kigali Amendment, which focuses on reducing the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and promoting more sustainable cooling solutions.
Vienna Convention
The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was adopted in 1985 and entered into force in 1988.
It established an international framework for cooperation in areas such as:
- Scientific research
- Monitoring of the ozone layer
- Exchange of information
- Assessment of human activities affecting the ozone layer
Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed on 15 September 1987.
Its objective is to control and progressively phase out substances responsible for ozone depletion. The protocol covers around 100 man-made chemicals that can damage the ozone layer.
Kigali Amendment
The Kigali Amendment was adopted in 2016 and entered into force in 2019. It brought hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol’s control.
HFCs do not directly deplete the ozone layer, but many of them have a high global warming potential. Their phasedown therefore connects ozone protection with global efforts to address climate change.
Key Facts
- World Ozone Day: 16 September
- 2026 Theme: “Global Action for a Cooler Planet – Celebrating 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol”
- Vienna Convention: 1985
- Montreal Protocol: 15 September 1987
- Kigali Amendment: 2016
- Kigali Amendment in force: 2019
- Major focus: Ozone protection and sustainable cooling
Vasundhara Doraswamy to Receive Excellence Award 2026
Renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer and researcher Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy has been selected for the Padmabhushan Guru Dr Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award 2026.
The award will be presented by the Nataraj Music & Dance Academy (NMDA) during the Vysakhi Nrithyotsav Indian Dance Festival, scheduled to be held in Visakhapatnam on 26–27 September 2026.
Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy, who is based in Mysuru, has spent more than five decades performing, researching and teaching Bharatanatyam. She has also contributed to the evolution and presentation of Indian classical dance through her choreography.
Some of her acclaimed solo productions include:
- Panchali
- Ganga Lahari
- Sama Veda
Her contributions to Indian classical dance have been recognised through several honours, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Shantala Award. She has also received Honorary Citizenship of Louisville, Kentucky.
About Nataraj Music & Dance Academy
The Nataraj Music & Dance Academy (NMDA) was founded by B. R. Vikram Kumar (Vikram Goud Bathina).
The organisation is ISO 9001:2015 certified and is associated with the International Dance Council, UNESCO.
Key Facts
- Award: Padmabhushan Guru Dr Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award 2026
- Recipient: Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy
- Field: Bharatanatyam
- Festival: Vysakhi Nrithyotsav Indian Dance Festival
- Venue: Visakhapatnam
- Dates: 26–27 September 2026
- Known works: Panchali, Ganga Lahari, Sama Veda
- Organisation presenting award: Nataraj Music & Dance Academy
Department of Financial Services Wins First Rajbhasha Kirti Prize
The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has secured the First Prize under the Rajbhasha Kirti Awards for 2025–26 for its efforts in implementing and promoting Official Language Hindi.
The department received the award in the category of ministries and departments having fewer than 300 personnel.
The award was presented during the 6th All India Official Language Conference and Hindi Diwas celebrations, organised by the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs.
The two-day event was scheduled for 14–15 September 2026 at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
Contribution of DFS
The Department of Financial Services was recognised for its efforts to increase the use of Hindi in official work and for introducing innovative approaches to the application of the language.
The Rajbhasha Kirti Awards are presented by the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs, to recognise outstanding contributions towards the implementation and promotion of Hindi in official functioning.
Key Facts
- Award: Rajbhasha Kirti Award
- Year: 2025–26
- Recipient: Department of Financial Services
- Prize: First Prize
- Category: Ministries/departments with fewer than 300 personnel
- Organiser: Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs
- Conference: 6th All India Official Language Conference
- Venue: CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
- Dates: 14–15 September 2026
Odisha Gets ₹3,406 Crore Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Facility
Odisha has received approval for its second semiconductor unit, a major silicon carbide (SiC) device manufacturing facility proposed by SiCSem Private Limited.
The project, approved on 15 September 2026, involves an estimated investment of ₹3,406.25 crore.
Location of the Facility
The semiconductor facility will be established at IDCO Infovalley-II in Arisol Mouza, under Jatni tehsil of Khordha district, within the Falta Special Economic Zone.
The project will cover approximately 21.889 acres.
Production Capacity
The facility is designed to manufacture advanced SiC semiconductor devices, including:
- SiC diodes
- SiC MOSFETs
Its proposed annual production capacity is:
- 4.8 million SiC diodes
- 91.2 million SiC MOSFETs
Importance of Silicon Carbide
Silicon carbide is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material that can perform efficiently under high-voltage and high-temperature conditions.
SiC-based devices have applications in several sectors, including:
- Electric vehicles
- Renewable energy systems
- Railways
- Defence electronics
Their ability to operate at higher temperatures and voltages makes them useful for advanced power-electronics applications.
Investment and Employment
The project was approved at the 217th meeting of the Unit Approval Committee on 29 August 2026.
It is expected to generate approximately 1,270 direct employment opportunities.
The proposed funding structure includes:
- Central capital subsidy: ₹700 crore
- Odisha government subsidy: ₹350 crore
- Promoter contribution: ₹1,956.25 crore
Key Facts
- Company: SiCSem Private Limited
- Project: Silicon carbide semiconductor device facility
- Investment: ₹3,406.25 crore
- Location: IDCO Infovalley-II, Khordha, Odisha
- Area: 21.889 acres
- SiC diode capacity: 4.8 million annually
- SiC MOSFET capacity: 91.2 million annually
- Expected direct jobs: About 1,270
- Central subsidy: ₹700 crore
- State subsidy: ₹350 crore
Kumik Declared Ladakh’s First Heritage Village
Kumik village in Zanskar has been declared Ladakh’s first designated Heritage Village on 15 September 2026.
The declaration was made by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena during the launch of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026.
Cultural Significance of Kumik
A Heritage Village is a settlement recognised for its distinctive cultural, architectural, religious and traditional importance. Such recognition supports the preservation of places where traditional lifestyles, built heritage and indigenous knowledge systems remain significant.
Kumik is known for its:
- Traditional mud houses
- Sacred spaces
- Agricultural practices
- Buddhist traditions
- Manuscripts and textual heritage
The village contains Kanjur manuscripts and other Tibetan Buddhist materials. Kanjur refers to a canonical collection of Buddhist scriptures in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Zanskar’s Heritage
The Zanskar region has historically served as an important centre of faith and learning in the western Himalayas.
Its cultural landscape includes Buddhist monasteries, manuscripts and oral traditions. The region’s high-altitude environment and strong Tibetan Buddhist cultural influence have contributed to the preservation of distinctive local traditions.
Heritage Tourism
The Heritage Village designation is also linked with the development of heritage tourism, which focuses on cultural sites, traditional settlements and historic practices.
Such tourism can highlight and support the conservation of:
- Traditional architecture
- Local crafts
- Religious practices
- Cultural rituals
- Manuscripts
- Traditional knowledge systems
Key Facts
- Village: Kumik
- Region: Zanskar, Ladakh
- Status: Ladakh’s first designated Heritage Village
- Date of declaration: 15 September 2026
- Declared by: Vinai Kumar Saxena
- Occasion: Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026
- Important heritage: Mud houses, Buddhist traditions and Kanjur manuscripts
- Related concept: Heritage tourism
Review Questions
Q1. World Ozone Day is observed every year on:
A. 14 September
B. 15 September
C. 16 September
D. 17 September
Answer: C. 16 September
Explanation: World Ozone Day is observed on 16 September to spread awareness about the importance of protecting the ozone layer.
Q2. What is the theme of World Ozone Day 2026?
A. Ozone for a Sustainable Future
B. Global Action for a Cooler Planet – Celebrating 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol
C. Montreal Protocol: Protecting Our Atmosphere
D. Save Ozone, Save Earth
Answer: B. Global Action for a Cooler Planet – Celebrating 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol
Explanation: The 2026 theme highlights the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment and global efforts towards sustainable cooling.
Q3. The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was signed in:
A. 1983
B. 1985
C. 1987
D. 1990
Answer: B. 1985
Explanation: The Vienna Convention was adopted in 1985 and entered into force in 1988.
Q4. Who will receive the Padmabhushan Guru Dr Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award 2026?
A. Mallika Sarabhai
B. Sonal Mansingh
C. Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy
D. Alarmel Valli
Answer: C. Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy
Explanation: Renowned Bharatanatyam performer, choreographer and researcher Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy has been selected for the award.
Q5. The First Prize under the Rajbhasha Kirti Awards for 2025–26 was awarded to:
A. Department of Financial Services
B. Ministry of Culture
C. Ministry of Education
D. Department of Revenue
Answer: A. Department of Financial Services
Explanation: The Department of Financial Services (DFS) received the First Prize in the category of ministries/departments with fewer than 300 personnel.
Q6. The silicon carbide semiconductor facility approved in Odisha involves an investment of approximately:
A. ₹1,406.25 crore
B. ₹2,406.25 crore
C. ₹3,406.25 crore
D. ₹4,306.25 crore
Answer: C. ₹3,406.25 crore
Explanation: The SiCSem Private Limited facility has a proposed investment of ₹3,406.25 crore.
Q7. Which of the following is a major application area of silicon carbide semiconductor devices?
A. Electric vehicles
B. Traditional textiles
C. Food processing
D. Tourism management
Answer: A. Electric vehicles
Explanation: Silicon carbide is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material used in areas such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, railways and defence electronics.
Q8. Kumik village, recently declared Ladakh’s first designated Heritage Village, is located in:
A. Nubra
B. Zanskar
C. Leh
D. Kargil
Answer: B. Zanskar
Explanation: Kumik village is located in the Zanskar region of Ladakh and is known for its traditional architecture, Buddhist heritage and cultural traditions.
Q9. Who declared Kumik as Ladakh’s first designated Heritage Village?
A. Manoj Sinha
B. Vinai Kumar Saxena
C. Radha Krishna Mathur
D. B. D. Mishra
Answer: B. Vinai Kumar Saxena
Explanation: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena made the declaration on 15 September 2026 during the Ladakh Zanskar Festival.
Q10. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol primarily addresses the phasedown of:
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Sulphur dioxide
C. Hydrofluorocarbons
D. Nitrogen
Answer: C. Hydrofluorocarbons
Explanation: The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016 and effective from 2019, brought HFCs under the Montreal Protocol’s control because of their high global warming potential.
