UPSC Current Affairs for 2026-09-16

Use this daily collection to understand why each development matters, then verify time-sensitive facts through the linked sources before adding them to notes.

• AI cooperation: On Artificial Intelligence at a crossroadsScience and Technology · BRICS Summit proposed an AI open source community to counter US dominance, while PM Modi warned against weaponisation of technology.
• Key allies TDP, Shiv Sena back Amit Shah's statement on UCC in all NDA-ruled StatesPolity · Home Minister Amit Shah announced UCC implementation in all NDA-ruled states before 2029, prompting key allies TDP and Shiv Sena to back the move while JD(U) gave a guarded response.
• Asian Games 2026: J&K govt. allows Mir Bilquis to travel after SC intervention; to coach Indian kayaking, canoeing teamPolity · Supreme Court intervention led J&K government to grant NOC to Bilquis Mir to coach Indian kayaking and canoeing team for Asian Games 2026.
• Rural jobs scheme shows modest uptick in August, but trails 2025 MGNREGA levelsEconomy · VB-GRAM G, the new rural employment scheme, shows modest uptick in August but trails MGNREGA levels year-on-year.
• War on Iran cost U.S. more than $38 billion: Congressional Budget OfficeInternational Relations · CBO estimates U.S. war on Iran cost over $38 billion through August 1, with ongoing monthly costs up to $3 billion.
• Gates Foundation warns AI could widen inequality as foundation pledges $1B to expand accessScience and Technology · Gates Foundation pledges $1 billion to expand AI access, warning AI could widen inequality.
• August retail inflation raises chances of RBI rate hike in October, say economistsEconomy · August 2026 CPI inflation hit a 20-month high of 4.8%, prompting economists to expect an RBI rate hike in October.
• Expect EU to sign FTA and India-Canada negotiations to be completed by year-end, govt saysEconomy · India expects to sign the EU FTA and complete Canada FTA negotiations by end of 2026, with a U.S. bilateral meeting planned during the G20 trade ministers' meeting.
• Building consensus: On the 18th BRICS Summit, the New Delhi DeclarationInternational Relations · The 18th BRICS Summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration, emphasizing reformed multilateralism and intra-BRICS cooperation.
• A rising graph: On the doping culture in Indian sportsSociety · 13 doping positives ahead of Commonwealth and Asian Games have embarrassed India, leading to athlete withdrawals.