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One Liners 23-09-2026
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History, Art and Culture
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Chandni Chowk’s Town Hall
Chandni Chowk’s Town Hall to be developed as ‘Global Heritage Centre’
- The Delhi Town Hall in Chandni Chowk is a historic 160-year-old Victorian-era landmark that originally served as the Lawrence Institute and later as the headquarters for Delhi's municipal corporation.
- History and Architecture
- Construction – Built between 1860 and 1863 as the Lawrence Institute, which housed a library, a museum, and a reading room.
- Civic Seat – Purchased by the Delhi municipality in 1866 and used as the headquarters of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) until 2010.
- Design – A two-storey, Grade-I heritage building featuring yellow-painted brick, stone, and carved white stone trim, surrounded by Mughal-influenced gardens.
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ANGH Wins TIFF Platform Prize 2026
Historic Achievement
- ‘ANGH’, directed by Naga filmmaker Theja Rio, has won the prestigious Platform Prize 2026 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
- It is a significant milestone for Naga cinema, Northeast India and Indian regional cinema on the global stage.
TIFF Platform Programme
- ANGH was among 12 films selected for the 2026 Platform programme.
- The Platform is TIFF’s only competitive section and focuses on films showcasing bold directorial vision and distinctive storytelling.
Oscar Pathway
- From 2026, winning the TIFF Platform Prize provides a direct pathway to eligibility for consideration for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film for a non-English-language film.
- Thus, ANGH’s victory opens an important potential route towards the Oscars.
Representation of Naga & Tribal Culture
- Theja Rio highlighted the significance of the award as ANGH represents:
- An Indigenous region
- A tribal language
- The people and stories of Northeast India
- He dedicated the award to the people back home and described the achievement as “just the beginning.
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Environment
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World Rhino Day 2026
World Rhino Day 2026 was observed globally on September 22, 2026.
- Theme for 2026 – “Keep the Five Alive” to raise awareness for the protection and survival of the five remaining rhinoceros species.
- The Five Remaining Rhino Species
- The global population stands at fewer than 27,000 rhinos in the wild.
- African Species
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- White Rhino – Found primarily in southern and eastern Africa; population numbers approximately 15,752 (Near Threatened).
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- Black Rhino – Distributed across eastern and southern Africa; population numbers around 6,788 (Critically Endangered).
- Asian Species
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- Greater One-Horned (Indian) Rhino – Found in India and Nepal, with a population near 4,075 (Vulnerable), bolstered by strong conservation wins in Assam and other reserves.
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- Javan Rhino – Restricted to Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia, with an extremely vulnerable population of about 50 individuals (Critically Endangered).
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- Sumatran Rhino – Found in Indonesia, numbering roughly 34 to 47 individuals (Critically Endangered).
- Key Conservation Challenges & Focus Areas
- Poaching – Driven by the illegal black market demand for rhino horns used in traditional ornaments and unverified medicines.
- Habitat Loss – Encroachment, human-wildlife conflict, and forest fragmentation threaten isolated Asian and African populations.
- Positive Milestones – Regions like Assam in India highlighted major strides, noting strong anti-poaching frameworks and robust local conservation efforts supporting nearly 80% of the world's greater one-horned rhino population.
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India International Water Week (IIWW)
The 9th edition of the India International Water Week (IIWW) is a major global conference held from September 22 to 26, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
- Organized by – The Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- Significance – The event brings together international water leaders, policymakers, scientists, and young professionals to address critical water security and sustainability challenges.
- Focuses on adapting to climate change pressures on water supplies.
- Explores advanced digital tools and smart systems for equitable resource distribution.
- Highlights fair water governance and risk management strategies
- Core Theme – The official theme for the 9th edition is "Climate-Resilient Water Management."
- Key Events
- Global Participation – Features delegations from around 150 countries, with Germany and the Netherlands serving as key partner countries.
- Concurrent Programs – Includes the Second International WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Conference from September 22 to 24.
- Specialized Forums – Hosts Ministerial plenaries, youth and start-up forums, and industry-specific discussions.
- Technology Exhibition – Features a large-scale exhibition displaying modern water technologies, conservation strategies, and infrastructure innovations.
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Security
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India’s first indigenous long-range One-Way Attack (OWA) drone
India’s first indigenous long-range One-Way Attack (OWA) drone is named KAL, developed by the Noida-based defense company IG Defence.
- Key Details and Specifications
- Test Location – Successfully flight-tested at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
- Strike Range – Stated maximum range of up to 1,000 km.
- Endurance – Remains airborne for 7 to 8 hours.
- Payload Capacity – Can carry explosives or payload up to 50 kg.
- Operating Altitude – Capable of operating at altitudes up to 5,000 meters above mean sea level.
- Launch Mechanism – Deployed via a vehicle-mounted launch platform.
- Navigation – Combines satellite-based navigation (Multi-band GNSS) with an Inertial Navigation System (INS) for autonomous flight.
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Science
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ONGC Strikes Natural Gas in Mahanadi Deepwater Basin
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has discovered natural gas in a deepwater exploratory well in the Mahanadi offshore basin, about 43 km off the Konark coast of Odisha.
- Samudra Manthan Initiative – The well was drilled under the government’s Samudra Manthan initiative, aimed at expanding exploration and production in India’s offshore hydrocarbon resources.
- The discovery is being seen as a boost to domestic hydrocarbon production and energy security.
- Potential for Early Monetisation – Its proximity to the Odisha coast could facilitate early monetisation, subject to:
- Further appraisal
- Commercial evaluation
- Assessment of the size and viability of the discovery
- Shared-Facility Development
- The discovery may be developed along with other nearby finds through shared facilities.
- This framework has been enabled by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2025.
- Strategic Significance – Strengthens ONGC’s deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration programme.
- Helps expand India’s indigenous hydrocarbon resource base.
- Supports the broader objective of energy security and reduced dependence on imported hydrocarbons.
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Health
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International Snakebite Awareness Day
International Snakebite Awareness Day was observed on September 19, 2026, to highlight snakebite envenoming as a critical global public health crisis and a neglected tropical disease.
- Key Facts & Global Impact
- Annual Burden – The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes each year.
- Envenomings & Deaths – These bites result in roughly 2 million envenomings and over 100,000 deaths annually, heavily impacting rural communities, agricultural workers, and children in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- Long-term Disabilities – Many survivors suffer permanent physical impairments (amputations, tissue damage), neurological consequences, or psychological trauma like PTSD.
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Sowa Rigpa
First meeting held to advance development of Sowa-Rigpa Pharmacopoeias.
- Sowa Rigpa – It means "science of healing" or "knowledge of healing" and translates poetically to the "nourishment of awareness" in the Bhoti language.
- It is also widely known as Traditional Tibetan Medicine or the Amchi system of medicine.
- Core Meaning and Overview
- Etymology – Derived from the Bhoti words Sowa (healing/nourishment) and Rigpa (science/knowledge/awareness).
- Nature – One of the oldest surviving and well-documented traditional medical systems in the world, with a history spanning over 2,000 years.
- Practitioners – Known traditionally as Amchis.
- Key Concepts and Principles
- Foundational Text – Based primarily on the Gyud-Zi (The Four Tantras), which integrates medical wisdom from Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and Buddhist philosophy.
- Philosophy – Combines physical health care with Buddhist principles like altruism, karma, and overcoming ignorance as the root cause of suffering.
- Diagnosis & Treatment – Relies on techniques like pulse and urine analysis, lifestyle and diet modifications, herbal-mineral medicines, and external therapies.
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Miscellaneous
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WorldSkills Competition
India is sending 70 skilled competitors to the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, scheduled from 22–27 September 2026.
- The team will compete in 63 of 64 skill categories.
- About WorldSkills Competition
- The WorldSkills Competition is an international event for young professionals and trainees, covering trades and technologies across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, information technology, and services.
- New Skill Categories
- India will make its debut in 11 skill categories, including:
- Dental Prosthetics
- Digital Interactive Media Design
- Intelligent Security Technology
- Landscape Gardening
- Optoelectronic Technology
- Retail Sales
- Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Industrial Mechanics
- Software Testing
- Heavy Vehicle Technology
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Representation and Support – The contingent represents 16 states, with Karnataka, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu having the largest representation.
- The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) are leading India’s participation and preparations.
- Send-Off Ceremony – A send-off ceremony was held in New Delhi on 15 September 2026.
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11th Ayurveda Day
The 11th Ayurveda Day is observed on September 23, 2026, focusing on evidence-based practices, innovation, and holistic health.
- Theme – “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”
- National Venue – Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Organized By – Ministry of Ayush, Government of India
- Highlights and Participation
- Mass Engagement – Millions of citizens registered and pledged support through the official Ayurveda Day portal.
- Activities – Nationwide wellness camps, public outreach programs, and educational seminars.
- Core Focus – Promoting preventive healthcare and integrating traditional knowledge with modern science
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