In Current Affairs for 21 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 21 September 2026
World Alzheimer’s Day 2026
World Alzheimer’s Day 2026 is being observed on 21 September as part of World Alzheimer’s Month. The day aims to increase awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and to highlight the importance of recognising the condition and understanding its impact.
The theme for World Alzheimer’s Day 2026 is “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters.” The theme highlights the importance of awareness and early knowledge of dementia-related conditions.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder and is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a broad term used for conditions associated with difficulties in memory, reasoning, thinking and behaviour.
According to the information provided in the source, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that Alzheimer’s disease may account for around 60–70% of dementia cases worldwide.
Dementia is not considered a normal or inevitable part of ageing, although old age is the greatest known risk factor for the condition.
Common Symptoms
Some symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia include:
- Memory problems that affect daily life
- Difficulty with decision-making and problem-solving
- Misplacing items and being unable to retrace one’s steps
- Confusion about time and place
- Difficulty with words and conversations
- Problems completing familiar tasks
- Changes in mood
Key Facts
- Date: 21 September 2026
- Observance: World Alzheimer’s Day
- Month: World Alzheimer’s Month
- 2026 Theme: “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters”
- Nature of Alzheimer’s: Progressive neurological disorder
- Major risk factor: Old age
For AFCAT: Remember the date, theme, WHO-related statistic and major symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
International Day of Peace 2026
The International Day of Peace 2026 is being observed on 21 September with an emphasis on promoting peace, non-violence and cooperation among societies. The theme for 2026 is “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
The day provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of peaceful cooperation and efforts that contribute to stability within communities and societies.
Theme of 2026
The 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” focuses on the importance of sustained efforts towards peace and cooperation.
The United Nations describes people who work at the local level to promote peace as “everyday architects of peace.” Their activities may include encouraging communication, assisting others, promoting cooperation and helping create stable community environments.
History
The International Day of Peace was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981.
In 2001, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution declaring 21 September as a day dedicated to non-violence and ceasefire.
Peace Bell
One of the most recognised observances associated with the International Day of Peace is the ringing of the Peace Bell at the United Nations Headquarters in New York by the UN Secretary-General.
The Peace Bell was donated to the United Nations by the United Nations Association of Japan. It symbolises the global aspiration for peace.
Key Facts
- Date: 21 September
- 2026 Theme: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”
- Declared by: United Nations General Assembly
- Year declared: 1981
- 21 September designated for non-violence and ceasefire: 2001
- Important symbol: UN Peace Bell
- Peace Bell location: UN Headquarters, New York
For AFCAT: Remember 21 September – International Day of Peace – 1981 – UN General Assembly – 2001 – non-violence and ceasefire.
Savita Punia Becomes India’s Most-Capped Women’s Hockey Player
Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia has achieved a major milestone by becoming the most-capped Indian women’s hockey player, surpassing the previous record held by Vandana Katariya.
Savita reached 321 international appearances during India’s Pool B match against Indonesia at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.
Breaking the Record
Savita had equalled Vandana Katariya’s previous record of 320 international caps on 20 September 2026, when India defeated Uzbekistan 19–0 in its opening Asian Games match.
She subsequently appeared in the match against Indonesia, taking her international appearances to 321 and establishing a new record for Indian women’s hockey.
Recognition from Hockey India
Following the achievement, Hockey India congratulated Savita Punia and announced a ₹10 lakh reward for breaking the record.
Savita made her senior international debut in 2009 and has since become one of the most experienced players in the Indian women’s hockey team.
Major International Competitions
During her career, Savita has represented India in several major international competitions, including:
- Three Olympic Games
- Two Asian Games
- Commonwealth Games
- Asian Champions Trophy
- FIH Hockey Pro League
Her record reflects her long association with Indian international hockey.
Key Facts
- Player: Savita Punia
- Sport: Hockey
- Position: Goalkeeper
- International caps: 321
- Previous record holder: Vandana Katariya
- Previous record: 320 caps
- Senior international debut: 2009
- Reward from Hockey India: ₹10 lakh
- Major event: Asian Games 2026
For AFCAT: Remember Savita Punia – 321 international matches – most-capped Indian women’s hockey player – Vandana Katariya – 320 previous record.
Gwalior to Get Asia’s First Telecom Manufacturing Zone
Gwalior is set to emerge as an important telecom manufacturing centre with the proposed development of the country’s first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ).
The project is expected to involve an estimated investment of ₹5,500 crore and is projected to generate more than 18,000 direct employment opportunities.
Proposed Telecom Manufacturing Zone
The proposed zone is expected to bring together around 24–25 telecom manufacturers. These companies are proposed to manufacture a range of telecom equipment and devices.
The first phase of the project is planned across approximately 170 acres.
According to the information provided, around 90 acres will be located in SADA, while more than 70 acres will be situated in the IT Park.
Investment and Employment
The project involves an estimated investment of ₹5,500 crore and is expected to create more than 18,000 direct jobs.
A common testing laboratory is also proposed as part of the development, with an estimated investment of ₹500 crore.
Key Facts
- Location: Gwalior
- Project: Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ)
- Estimated investment: ₹5,500 crore
- Expected direct employment: 18,000+
- First-phase area: Approximately 170 acres
- Proposed manufacturing units: 24–25
- Companies applying: 24
- Common testing laboratory investment: ₹500 crore
For AFCAT: Remember the key figures — Gwalior, ₹5,500 crore, 18,000+ jobs, 170 acres and 24–25 proposed units.
Amit Shah to Inaugurate National ANTF Conference
Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah is scheduled to inaugurate the 3rd National Conference of the Heads of States and Union Territories’ Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in New Delhi on 22 September 2026.
The conference is being organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and will bring together ANTF heads from all 36 States and Union Territories, along with representatives from various government departments.
Focus of the Conference
The conference will provide a platform to discuss issues related to anti-drug efforts and coordination among different agencies and governments.
During the event, Amit Shah is also scheduled to perform the foundation stone laying ceremony for new NCB Zone Complexes in Lucknow and Dehradun.
The programme will also include the felicitation of the best-performing ANTF among the States and Union Territories.
Strategic Pillars
The conference focuses on several important areas related to combating narcotics:
- Enforcement, Intelligence and Operations – Drug law enforcement.
- Precursors and Synthetic Drugs Control – Monitoring precursor chemicals and controlling synthetic drugs.
- Demand and Harm Reduction – Measures related to reducing demand and harm associated with drugs.
- Capacity Building and Coordination – Strengthening institutional capabilities and coordination.
Key Facts
- Event: 3rd National Conference of Heads of States and UTs’ ANTF
- Date: 22 September 2026
- Venue: New Delhi
- Organiser: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
- Chief guest/inaugurator: Amit Shah
- Participation: ANTF heads from all 36 States and Union Territories
- New NCB Zone Complexes: Lucknow and Dehradun
- Key areas: Enforcement, intelligence, synthetic drugs, harm reduction, capacity building and coordination
For AFCAT: Remember the combination Amit Shah – 3rd National ANTF Conference – NCB – New Delhi – 22 September 2026 – 36 States/UTs.
Review Questions
1. World Alzheimer’s Day 2026 was observed on which date?
A. September 18
B. September 19
C. September 21
D. September 22
Answer: C. September 21
2. What was the theme of World Alzheimer’s Day 2026?
A. Dementia Awareness for All
B. The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters
C. Building a Dementia-Free World
D. Together Against Alzheimer’s
Answer: B. The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters
3. The International Day of Peace is observed annually on:
A. September 15
B. September 18
C. September 21
D. September 24
Answer: C. September 21
4. In which year was the International Day of Peace declared by the United Nations General Assembly?
A. 1975
B. 1981
C. 1990
D. 2001
Answer: B. 1981
5. Savita Punia became the most-capped Indian women’s hockey player after reaching how many international appearances?
A. 300
B. 315
C. 320
D. 321
Answer: D. 321
6. Who previously held the record for the most international appearances in Indian women’s hockey before Savita Punia?
A. Rani Rampal
B. Vandana Katariya
C. Deep Grace Ekka
D. Salima Tete
Answer: B. Vandana Katariya
7. The proposed Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) is being developed in which city?
A. Indore
B. Bhopal
C. Gwalior
D. Jabalpur
Answer: C. Gwalior
8. What is the estimated investment for the proposed Telecom Manufacturing Zone in Gwalior?
A. ₹2,500 crore
B. ₹3,500 crore
C. ₹5,000 crore
D. ₹5,500 crore
Answer: D. ₹5,500 crore
9. Which organisation is organising the 3rd National Conference of the Heads of States and Union Territories’ Anti-Narcotics Task Force?
A. Central Bureau of Investigation
B. Narcotics Control Bureau
C. National Investigation Agency
D. Enforcement Directorate
Answer: B. Narcotics Control Bureau
10. The 3rd National Conference of the Heads of States and Union Territories’ ANTF is scheduled to be held in:
A. Mumbai
B. Lucknow
C. Hyderabad
D. New Delhi
Answer: D. New Delhi
