In Current Affairs for 18 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 18 September 2026
World Bamboo Day 2026
World Bamboo Day is observed annually on September 18 to highlight the growing importance of bamboo as a renewable and sustainable resource. The day focuses attention on the environmental, economic and livelihood benefits associated with bamboo.
World Bamboo Day was established in 2009 by the World Bamboo Organization (WBO). The international observance aims to increase awareness about bamboo and encourage its responsible use for the benefit of people and the environment.
Theme of World Bamboo Day 2026
The theme for World Bamboo Day 2026 is:
“Bamboo for a Regenerative Future: A Global Call to Grow, Build and Prosper with Nature.”
The theme highlights bamboo’s potential to support a more sustainable and regenerative future.
Importance of Bamboo
Bamboo is much more than a traditional plant or construction material. It supports livelihoods across several regions, particularly in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs and industries use bamboo for a wide range of purposes, including:
- Construction materials
- Furniture
- Engineered products
- Textiles
- Paper
- Food products
- Energy
Because bamboo is renewable and versatile, it has become increasingly relevant to discussions surrounding sustainable development and environmentally responsible production.
Key Facts
- World Bamboo Day: September 18
- Established: 2009
- Organisation: World Bamboo Organization
- 2026 Theme: “Bamboo for a Regenerative Future: A Global Call to Grow, Build and Prosper with Nature”
- Major uses: Construction, furniture, textiles, paper, food and energy
International Equal Pay Day 2026
International Equal Pay Day is observed every year on September 18 to promote awareness about the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value.
The observance draws attention to continuing gender-based inequalities in wages and the global effort to ensure that women and men receive equal pay for work of equal value.
Global Pay Gap
According to the PPT, women globally continue to earn less than men, with the global gender pay gap estimated at approximately 20%.
The issue is part of the broader challenge of achieving gender equality in employment and economic participation.
ILO Equal Remuneration Convention
An important international instrument related to equal pay is the ILO Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100).
The convention establishes the principle of equal remuneration for women and men for work of equal value and is recognised as one of the ILO Fundamental Conventions.
Equal Pay International Coalition
The Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) brings together governments, employers, employees and other organisations working to advance equal pay.
EPIC is led by three major international organisations:
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- UN Women
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
The coalition seeks to promote coordinated action at the global, regional and national levels to help achieve equal pay.
Key Facts
- International Equal Pay Day: September 18
- Major issue: Gender pay inequality
- ILO Convention: Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)
- Coalition: Equal Pay International Coalition
- EPIC leadership: ILO, UN Women and OECD
Abhishek Sharma Hits India’s Fastest T20I Century
Indian batter Abhishek Sharma created a new record for India by scoring the fastest T20I century by an Indian men’s player.
He achieved the feat against Afghanistan on September 17, 2026, in the third T20I in New Delhi.
Abhishek Sharma completed his century in just 30 balls, surpassing the previous Indian record held by Rohit Sharma.
Previous Indian Record
Rohit Sharma had scored a T20I century in 35 balls against Sri Lanka at Indore in 2017.
Abhishek’s 30-ball century therefore improved the Indian record by five deliveries.
Fastest T20I Centuries by Indian Men
According to the PPT:
| Player | Balls |
|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 30 |
| Rohit Sharma | 35 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 37 |
| Sanju Samson | 40 |
| Tilak Varma | 41 |
| Ishan Kishan | 42 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 45 |
| KL Rahul | 46 |
Abhishek Sharma also occupied the top position in the list of fastest T20I centuries among players from Full Member nations, with his 30-ball century.
Key Facts
- Player: Abhishek Sharma
- Record: Fastest T20I century by an Indian man
- Balls: 30
- Opponent: Afghanistan
- Venue: New Delhi
- Previous Indian record: Rohit Sharma – 35 balls
- Rohit’s record: Against Sri Lanka, Indore, 2017
Tavengwa Mukuhlani Appointed ICC Deputy Chairperson
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, as its new Deputy Chairperson.
Mukuhlani will hold the position until November 2027. He represents Zimbabwe Cricket on the ICC Board and succeeds Imran Khwaja, who resigned from the ICC Board.
Significance of the Appointment
The appointment comes ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia.
The 2027 tournament will mark the return of the Cricket World Cup to the African continent after 24 years.
Mukuhlani’s experience in Zimbabwean cricket administration and his understanding of African cricket are expected to be relevant to discussions surrounding the tournament and the development of cricket in the region.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah congratulated Mukuhlani and highlighted his experience in cricket administration and knowledge of the global game.
The appointment is also significant for Zimbabwe because Mukuhlani becomes the first person from Zimbabwe to be appointed ICC Deputy Chairperson.
Key Facts
- New ICC Deputy Chairperson: Tavengwa Mukuhlani
- Country: Zimbabwe
- Previous role: Chairman, Zimbabwe Cricket
- Term: Until November 2027
- Predecessor: Imran Khwaja
- ICC Chairman: Jay Shah
- 2027 World Cup hosts: Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia
- Significance: Cricket World Cup returns to Africa after 24 years
India Names Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor as Asian Games Flag-Bearers
India has selected Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor as its flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya.
The selection brings together representatives from two different sporting disciplines—shooting and athletics.
Manu Bhaker
Shooter Manu Bhaker has established herself as one of India’s prominent international athletes.
According to the PPT, she won two Olympic medals at the Paris Games and became the first Indian athlete after independence to win two Olympic medals in the same Olympic edition.
Her selection as a flag-bearer reflects her achievements in international shooting.
Tajinderpal Singh Toor
Tajinderpal Singh Toor, one of India’s leading shot put athletes, will serve as the second flag-bearer.
The decision was subsequently announced by the Athletics Federation of India.
Key Facts
- Event: 2026 Asian Games
- Host city: Nagoya, Japan
- India’s flag-bearers: Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor
- Manu Bhaker’s sport: Shooting
- Tajinderpal Singh Toor’s sport: Shot put / Athletics
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Leaders Sign Self-Determination Memorandum
Political leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland signed a memorandum in Cardiff calling for greater self-determination and constitutional change.
The document was signed by John Swinney, Rhun ap Iorwerth and Michelle O’Neill. The leaders said that the people of their respective nations should have the right to determine their constitutional futures.
Who Signed the Memorandum?
The signatories identified in the PPT were:
- John Swinney – Scottish First Minister and SNP leader
- Rhun ap Iorwerth – Welsh First Minister and Plaid Cymru leader
- Michelle O’Neill – Northern Ireland First Minister and Sinn Féin vice-president
The leaders met in Cardiff and signed the memorandum in their capacities as party leaders rather than representatives of their respective governments.
What Does the Memorandum Seek?
The memorandum argues that the political landscape across the United Kingdom is changing and calls on the British Government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change.
The three political movements have related but distinct constitutional objectives. The SNP supports Scottish independence, Plaid Cymru advocates Welsh independence, while Sinn Féin supports Irish reunification. Their approaches and timelines are not identical.
The development followed Plaid Cymru’s victory in the May 2026 Senedd elections, after which pro-independence parties led all three devolved administrations for the first time, according to the PPT and contemporary reporting.
Key Facts
- Meeting location: Cardiff, Wales
- Scottish leader: John Swinney
- Welsh leader: Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Northern Ireland leader: Michelle O’Neill
- Main issue: Self-determination and constitutional change
- Political parties: SNP, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin
Marathi Thriller ‘Gondhal’ Selected as India’s Official Entry for Oscars 2027
The Marathi thriller Gondhal, directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards.
The selection was announced by the Film Federation of India on September 18, 2026.
About the Film
Gondhal is a Marathi-language thriller set against the backdrop of the traditional Gondhal folk performance of Maharashtra.
The film combines elements of relationships, betrayal, deception and thriller storytelling.
A total of 33 films were considered for India’s official entry.
The submissions included:
- 14 Hindi films
- 4 Marathi films
- 4 Telugu films
- 4 Gujarati films
- 3 Tamil films
- 1 Malayalam film
- 1 Nagamese film
- 1 silent film
99th Academy Awards
The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
India’s selected film will be considered in the Best International Feature Film category.
Key Facts
- Indian entry: Gondhal
- Language: Marathi
- Director: Santosh Davakhar
- Selected by: Film Federation of India
- Films considered: 33
- 99th Academy Awards: March 14, 2027
- Venue: Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles
- Category: Best International Feature Film
India Ranks 131st in Global Gender Gap Index 2026
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Global Gender Gap Index 2026 on September 16, 2026.
India ranked 131st among 145 countries, with its position remaining unchanged compared with the previous edition.
What Does the Index Measure?
The Global Gender Gap Index measures gender parity across four major dimensions:
- Economic Participation and Opportunity
- Educational Attainment
- Health and Survival
- Political Empowerment
The index evaluates the extent to which gender gaps have been closed across these areas.
India’s Overall Score
India recorded an overall gender parity score of 64.5% in 2026.
The PPT states that the global average was 69.2%.
Although India’s overall score improved slightly compared with the previous edition, its ranking remained at 131st.
India’s Performance Across Dimensions
Educational Attainment was India’s strongest dimension, with a gender parity score of 96.6%.
In the Political Empowerment subindex, India recorded 24.5% gender equality and ranked 67th globally.
Meanwhile, Economic Participation and Opportunity remained India’s weakest dimension, with a parity score of 41.2%.
Key Facts
- Index: Global Gender Gap Index 2026
- Publisher: World Economic Forum
- Released: September 16, 2026
- India’s rank: 131st
- Countries ranked: 145
- India’s score: 64.5%
- Global average: 69.2%
- Strongest dimension: Educational Attainment – 96.6%
- Weakest dimension: Economic Participation and Opportunity – 41.2%
- Political Empowerment: 24.5%; global rank 67th
Review Questions
1. World Bamboo Day is observed annually on which date?
A. September 16
B. September 17
C. September 18
D. September 19
Answer: C. September 18
2. What is the theme of World Bamboo Day 2026?
A. Bamboo for Sustainable Development
B. Bamboo for a Regenerative Future: A Global Call to Grow, Build and Prosper with Nature
C. Bamboo and Climate Action
D. Green Bamboo for a Green Planet
Answer: B. Bamboo for a Regenerative Future: A Global Call to Grow, Build and Prosper with Nature
3. Who established World Bamboo Day in 2009?
A. UNESCO
B. United Nations Environment Programme
C. World Bamboo Organization
D. Food and Agriculture Organization
Answer: C. World Bamboo Organization
4. International Equal Pay Day is observed on:
A. September 15
B. September 16
C. September 18
D. September 20
Answer: C. September 18
5. Who holds the record for India’s fastest T20I century according to the PPT?
A. Rohit Sharma
B. Suryakumar Yadav
C. Sanju Samson
D. Abhishek Sharma
Answer: D. Abhishek Sharma
6. In how many balls did Abhishek Sharma score his record T20I century?
A. 30 balls
B. 33 balls
C. 35 balls
D. 37 balls
Answer: A. 30 balls
7. Who was appointed as the ICC Deputy Chairperson until November 2027?
A. Imran Khwaja
B. Tavengwa Mukuhlani
C. Jay Shah
D. Sanjay Manjrekar
Answer: B. Tavengwa Mukuhlani
8. Who were selected as India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games?
A. Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra
B. Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor
C. PV Sindhu and Tajinderpal Singh Toor
D. Manu Bhaker and Abhinav Bindra
Answer: B. Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor
9. Which Marathi film was selected as India’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards?
A. Gondhal
B. Taiwan Travelogue
C. The Silent Forest
D. Island of Memories
Answer: A. Gondhal
10. What was India’s rank in the Global Gender Gap Index 2026?
A. 121st
B. 126th
C. 131st
D. 136th
Answer: C. 131st
