UPSC Daily Current Affairs | One Liners 02-09-2026

One Liners 02-09-2026

International Relations and Issues

G20 FMCBG Meeting

Two‑day G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting under US presidency, held in Asheville.

• India’s Role – Focus on needs of emerging economies, sustainable growth, trade and investment.
• Agenda – Global economic growth, financial stability, rising debt, reforms to international financial system.
• Issues – Russia’s participation sparked disagreements; US raised concern over China’s trade surplus.
• Significance – Highlights India’s growing influence in shaping global economic policies; Leaders’ Summit scheduled in Miami.

Dialogue Partner’ Status – GCAP 6^th Gen Jet

India joins UK‑Japan‑Italy Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as “Dialogue Partner.”

• India is not a buyer/developer; access to discussions on sixth‑generation fighter aircraft known as “TEMPEST”.
• Benefit – Insight into advanced combat‑air technologies while developing India’s own AMCA (5th‑gen).
• Programme – GCAP funded with USD6.1 Billion; aircraft targeted for 2034 entry into service.
• Context – India also exploring France‑led Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
• Future – Positions India in global sixth‑generation fighter ecosystem, enhancing strategic aviation capabilities.

SCO Summit 2026 – Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

26^th SCO Summit held Aug 31–Sep 1, 2026 at Yrys Ordo, Bishkek under Kyrgyz chairmanship.

• Theme – “25 Years of the SCO: Together Towards Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity.”
• Participants – Leaders of 10 member states: India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus.
• Agenda – Regional security, counter terrorism, organised crime, cyber threats, trade, transport connectivity, energy security, sustainable development and finance.
• Highlights – Draft Bishkek Declaration, SCO Energy Consortium proposal, SCO Development Bank discussions.
• Special Note – Coincides with SCO’s 25th anniversary and opening of 6th World Nomad Games attended by PM Narendra Modi.
• Significance – Strengthens Eurasian cooperation, multilateral engagement and people‑to‑people ties.

Economy

Veligonda Irrigation Project

Andhra Pradesh CM inaugurates first phase of Veligonda Project, dedicates it to the nation.

• Scope – Diverts Krishna River water from Srisailam Reservoir to Nallamala Sagar via gravity and canal network.
• Phase I – Twin tunnels (18.8 km) and feeder canal (21.8 km) built.
• Benefits – Drinking water to every household; irrigation for acres; 4 lakh people to benefit.
• Relief – 10.70 TMC water storage; addresses drought in Markapuram region.
• Future – Second phase to be completed by 2028; Markapuram included in Rs.1‑lakh‑crore Global Horticulture Hub project.

UPI Payment in Uzbekistan

NPCI International partners with Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre to enable UPI payments.

• Feature – Indian travellers can scan UZQR codes for instant merchant payments across retail, hospitality and services.
• Approval – Cleared by RBI and Central Bank of Uzbekistan; HUMO designated as authorised partner.
• HUMO – One of Uzbekistan’s national payment systems and card networks.

• Benefit – Direct person-to-merchant (P2M) payments from Indian bank accounts; avoids forex markup and reduces reliance on cards/cash.
• Global Footprint – UPI now accepted in 10 countries including Singapore, UAE, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Greece.

Chennai Rain Futures Contract – NCDEX

NCDEX launches rainfall‑based weather derivatives futures contract for Chennai.

• Purpose – Allows market participants to hedge financial risks linked to Northeast monsoon.
• Feature – Rainfall index used as benchmark; supports risk management for agriculture and allied sectors.
• Significance – First of its kind contract; strengthens weather‑linked financial instruments in India.
• Impact – Provides protection against monsoon variability, aiding farmers, traders and businesses dependent on rainfall.

Science

National Conference on Quantum Biotechnology

National Conference on Quantum Biotechnology held at IIT Bombay, hosted by QMet Tech Foundation.

• Focus – Translating quantum science into diagnostics, biomedical imaging, drug discovery and precision medicine under National Quantum Mission.
• Platform – Interdisciplinary sessions on quantum for biology, biosensors lab‑to‑industry, innovation in biosensing.
• Participants – Researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, startups, students; DST, DBT and IIT Bombay experts.
• Significance – Reinforces India’s collaborative quantum ecosystem, positioning quantum‑enabled life sciences as priority frontier.

Turkey – 71st Artemis Accords Signatory

Türkiye officially joins US‑led Artemis Accords, becoming the 71^st country.

• Framework – Promotes safe, transparent and peaceful exploration of Moon, Mars and deep space; based on 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
• Commitments – Sharing scientific data, astronaut assistance, interoperability, preservation of historic sites.
• Ambitions – Türkiye developing first lunar mission AYAP‑1; hosting International Astronautical Congress in Antalya.
• Milestones – First astronaut Alper Gezeravcı (ISS, 2024); Tuva Atasever (Virgin Galactic 07).
• Regional Context – Seventh West Asian nation to sign, joining UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Israel.
• Significance – Strengthens global coalition for Artemis programme, supporting long‑term Moon presence and future Mars missions.