1. HAL Hands Over Indigenous Aircraft and Helicopters

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over two LCA Tejas FOC Twin Seater Trainers and three HTT-40 Basic Trainers to the Indian Air Force on 18 September 2026 in Bengaluru.

HAL also handed over four Dhruv Next Generation helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited. The event highlighted India's growing indigenous aerospace capabilities and the push towards self-reliance in defence and civil aviation.

The LCA Twin Seater Trainers were the final two aircraft under the FOC contract. The HTT-40 is an indigenously designed and developed basic trainer aircraft intended to meet the primary training requirements of the defence forces.

2. PM Vishwakarma Completes Three Years

PM Vishwakarma completed three years of implementation. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises marked the anniversary at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium, Kolkata.

According to the government, 30 lakh beneficiaries have been registered under the scheme and around 24.50 lakh have received basic skill training.

The scheme focuses on strengthening the skills, livelihoods and entrepreneurial capabilities of traditional artisans and craftspeople.

3. 25th Meeting of SCO Trade Ministers

The 25th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Ministers responsible for Economic and Foreign Trade Activities was held in Tajikistan.

The meeting is important from the perspective of India's participation in the SCO and regional economic and trade cooperation.

4. World Patient Safety Day 2026

The Union Health Ministry commemorated World Patient Safety Day 2026 at the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW).

The programme focused on safe care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), highlighting the importance of patient safety and quality healthcare.

5. New Railway Line between Mukutban and Gadchandur

Indian Railways approved approximately ₹493 crore for a 38.21 km new railway line between Mukutban (Adilabad) and Gadchandur.

The project forms part of efforts to strengthen rail connectivity and transport infrastructure.

6. Chouk–Karjat Railway Section Doubling

Indian Railways also approved approximately ₹497 crore for doubling the Chouk–Karjat railway section in Maharashtra.

Railway line doubling increases route capacity and can improve operational efficiency and connectivity.

7. Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar

The Ministry of Earth Sciences highlighted the progress of the Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar initiative for clean coasts and safe seas.

The campaign has developed into a wider government-and-society effort involving coastal cleanliness, environmental awareness and public participation.

8. 17th Kathakali Festival

The 17th Kathakali Festival was inaugurated at the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai. The event is relevant to current affairs related to Indian art, culture and classical performance traditions.

Important Facts for Exams

• HAL handover: 2 LCA Tejas FOC Twin Seater Trainers and 3 HTT-40 Basic Trainers to the IAF

• Dhruv NG helicopters: 4 handed over to Pawan Hans Limited

• HAL event venue: Bengaluru, Karnataka

• PM Vishwakarma: Completed three years

• Registered under PM Vishwakarma: 30 lakh

• Basic skill training: Around 24.50 lakh

• SCO meeting: 25th meeting of Ministers responsible for Economic and Foreign Trade Activities

• SCO meeting host country: Tajikistan

• World Patient Safety Day 2026 focus: Safe NCD Care

• Mukutban–Gadchandur line: 38.21 km; approximately ₹493 crore

• Chouk–Karjat doubling: Approximately ₹497 crore

• Kathakali Festival: 17th edition at Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai

Summary

The major exam-relevant developments of 18 September 2026 included HAL's delivery of indigenous aircraft and helicopters, three years of PM Vishwakarma, the 25th SCO trade ministers meeting, World Patient Safety Day activities, major railway infrastructure approvals and initiatives related to coastal protection and Indian culture.