In Current Affairs for 19 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 19 September 2026
International Red Panda Day 2026
International Red Panda Day is observed every year to spread awareness about the conservation of the red panda, an endangered mammal whose natural habitat is facing increasing threats. In 2026, the day is observed on September 19, which falls on the third Saturday of September.
The observance was established by the Red Panda Network, an organisation working for the protection of wild red pandas and their habitats, particularly in the Eastern Himalayan region.
The red panda, scientifically known as Ailurus fulgens, is classified as an Endangered species on the IUCN Red List. According to the information in the source material, fewer than 10,000 red pandas are believed to remain in the wild, although estimates may vary.
The natural range of the red panda extends across parts of Nepal, Bhutan, India, Myanmar and China. Within India, the species is found mainly in Sikkim, the hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh.
Sikkim is particularly significant for red panda conservation because the red panda is the state animal of Sikkim.
Key Facts
- Day: International Red Panda Day
- 2026 Date: September 19
- Observed: Third Saturday of September
- Created by: Red Panda Network
- Scientific name: Ailurus fulgens
- IUCN status: Endangered
- Major Indian habitats: Sikkim, Darjeeling hills and Arunachal Pradesh
- State animal: Sikkim
QDENGA – India’s First Approved Dengue Vaccine
India is set to receive its first approved dengue vaccine, QDENGA, which is expected to be introduced in the country’s private sector during the first six months of 2027.
QDENGA was developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda. The vaccine received marketing authorisation from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in July 2026 for individuals between 4 and 60 years of age.
QDENGA is also known as TAK-003. It is a live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine, meaning that it is designed to provide protection against the four dengue virus types: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4.
The vaccine received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification in 2024. According to the source material, QDENGA is administered in two doses with a three-month interval between them.
An important feature of the approved indication is that dengue infection testing is not required before vaccination.
Although CDSCO has licensed QDENGA for individuals aged 4–60 years, this does not mean that everyone within this age group will automatically receive the vaccine. Initially, it will be available through the private sector, and its price had not been disclosed in the source material. Healthcare professionals will determine whether vaccination is appropriate for an individual.
Dengue is primarily transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can cause symptoms such as fever and body pain and, in severe cases, can develop into severe dengue.
Vaccination is expected to complement other preventive measures, including mosquito control, elimination of mosquito breeding sites and protection against mosquito bites.
Key Facts
- Vaccine: QDENGA
- Other name: TAK-003
- Developer: Takeda, Japan
- Indian approval: July 2026
- Regulator: CDSCO
- Approved age group: 4–60 years
- Type: Live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine
- Targets: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4
- WHO prequalification: 2024
- Dosage: Two doses, three months apart
- Expected private-sector availability in India: First six months of 2027
Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar Wins Gold at ISSF Junior World Cup Shotgun 2026
Indian shooter Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar won the gold medal in the men’s trap event at the ISSF Junior World Cup Shotgun 2026 held in Porpetto, Italy, on September 18, 2026.
The 15-year-old Indian shooter produced a strong performance in the eight-shooter final. He successfully hit 27 of 30 targets to secure the gold medal.
Yugan had qualified for the final in sixth position with a score of 114/125. He secured his place in the medal round through a shoot-off.
In the final, he converted his opportunity into a gold-medal performance by hitting 27 targets out of 30. Italy’s Francesco Tanfoglio finished just one target behind him.
Yugan’s achievement was particularly significant for India as it marked the country’s first medal in the junior ISSF World Cup Shotgun held in Porpetto.
In the women’s trap event, India’s Sabeera Haris was the only Indian shooter to reach the final. The junior Asian champion qualified sixth with a score of 108/125, also progressing through a shoot-off. She finished sixth in the medal round after hitting 9 of 15 targets.
Key Facts
- Shooter: Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar
- Age: 15 years
- Event: Men’s Trap
- Competition: ISSF Junior World Cup Shotgun 2026
- Venue: Porpetto, Italy
- Date: September 18, 2026
- Gold-medal final score: 27/30 targets
- Qualification score: 114/125
- Significance: India’s first medal at the junior ISSF World Cup Shotgun in Porpetto
- Women’s trap: Sabeera Haris finished sixth
Luke Lindberg Appointed New World Food Programme Chief
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has selected Luke J. Lindberg as its next Executive Director.
Lindberg, an American agriculture official, will lead the UN organisation responsible for providing food assistance in situations involving conflict, disasters and humanitarian crises.
He will succeed Cindy McCain, who served as WFP Executive Director from April 2023 to May 2026.
The World Food Programme is a United Nations organisation that provides food assistance to vulnerable populations around the world. According to the source material, it is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and a major provider of school meals.
The WFP was established in 1961 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy. Its core mission includes combating global hunger, saving lives during emergencies and helping communities develop greater resilience.
In recognition of its humanitarian work, the WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger and its contribution to improving conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas.
Key Facts
- New WFP Executive Director: Luke J. Lindberg
- Organisation: United Nations World Food Programme
- Previous Executive Director: Cindy McCain
- WFP founded: 1961
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Major role: Food assistance during conflicts, disasters and humanitarian crises
- Nobel Peace Prize: 2020
India Ranked No. 1 in Swedish Business Climate Survey 2026
India has emerged as the top-ranked country among 41 global markets in the 2026 Global Business Climate Survey conducted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India (SCCI).
The ranking was highlighted by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on September 18, 2026. The survey reflects how Swedish companies assess business conditions in important markets outside Sweden.
The survey evaluates perceptions of the economic and business environment across major export markets. It also provides an indication of how Swedish companies view future business prospects and investment opportunities in different economies.
India’s position in the survey reflects positive business sentiment among Swedish companies towards the Indian market. The source notes that India is viewed as a market offering significant growth and investment opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Asia-Pacific region emerged as the most optimistic region in the survey. India and Vietnam were among the markets recording particularly positive business sentiment.
At the same time, perceptions varied across regions. The survey indicated comparatively lower optimism in the Middle East and Africa, while perceptions of Europe and the Americas were somewhat positive compared with 2025.
Key Facts
- Survey: Global Business Climate Survey 2026
- Conducted by: Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India (SCCI)
- Markets covered: 41
- India’s position: 1st
- Highlighted by: Piyush Goyal
- Date mentioned: September 18, 2026
- Most optimistic region: Asia-Pacific
- Other optimistic market mentioned: Vietnam
- Focus: Business conditions and perceptions of Swedish companies
1965 War Hero and Vir Chakra Awardee Alfred Tyrone Cooke Dies
Former Indian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke, a recipient of the Vir Chakra, died on September 18, 2026, at Base Hospital, New Delhi. He was 87 years old.
Cooke was remembered for his role in an aerial engagement during the 1965 India-Pakistan War. During the conflict, he participated in an air battle over Kalaikunda in West Bengal, where he flew a Hawker Hunter aircraft against Pakistani Sabre jets.
During the Kalaikunda air battle, Cooke engaged six Pakistani Sabre jets that were attacking the airfield. According to the source material, he shot down one aircraft and damaged another.
For his courage and tactical skill during aerial combat, Alfred Tyrone Cooke was awarded the Vir Chakra on September 7, 1965.
The Vir Chakra is India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, following the Param Vir Chakra and the Maha Vir Chakra.
Cooke served with No. 14 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, popularly known as the “Bulls.” He retired from the Indian Air Force in 1968 and subsequently settled in Australia.
Despite living abroad after retirement, Cooke maintained his association with his former squadron. In 2016, he donated his Vir Chakra medal to No. 14 Squadron.
Key Facts
- Name: Alfred Tyrone Cooke
- Rank: Flight Lieutenant
- Force: Indian Air Force
- Gallantry award: Vir Chakra
- Award date: September 7, 1965
- War: 1965 India-Pakistan War
- Major air battle: Kalaikunda, West Bengal
- Aircraft flown: Hawker Hunter
- Squadron: No. 14 Squadron, IAF (“Bulls”)
- Date of death: September 18, 2026
- Age: 87 years
- Retired: 1968
- Vir Chakra donated to No. 14 Squadron: 2016
Review Questions
1. International Red Panda Day 2026 was observed on which date?
A. September 17
B. September 18
C. September 19
D. September 20
Answer: C. September 19
2. The red panda is scientifically known as:
A. Panthera pardus
B. Ailurus fulgens
C. Ursus arctos
D. Vulpes vulpes
Answer: B. Ailurus fulgens
3. QDENGA, India’s first approved dengue vaccine, is also known by which name?
A. TAK-001
B. TAK-002
C. TAK-003
D. TAK-004
Answer: C. TAK-003
4. QDENGA is designed to protect against how many dengue virus types?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Five
Answer: C. Four
5. Who won the gold medal in the men’s trap event at the ISSF Junior World Cup Shotgun 2026 in Porpetto, Italy?
A. Francesco Tanfoglio
B. Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar
C. Sabeera Haris
D. Manu Bhaker
Answer: B. Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar
6. Who has been selected as the next Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP)?
A. Cindy McCain
B. Luke J. Lindberg
C. António Guterres
D. David Beasley
Answer: B. Luke J. Lindberg
7. How many global markets were covered in the 2026 Global Business Climate Survey conducted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India?
A. 31
B. 35
C. 41
D. 51
Answer: C. 41
8. Which country ranked first in the 2026 Global Business Climate Survey?
A. Sweden
B. India
C. Vietnam
D. Germany
Answer: B. India
9. Alfred Tyrone Cooke, who died on September 18, 2026, was a recipient of which Indian gallantry award?
A. Param Vir Chakra
B. Maha Vir Chakra
C. Kirti Chakra
D. Vir Chakra
Answer: D. Vir Chakra
10. Alfred Tyrone Cooke served in which Indian Air Force squadron?
A. No. 1 Squadron
B. No. 14 Squadron
C. No. 17 Squadron
D. No. 28 Squadron
Answer: B. No. 14 Squadron
