1. Science and Technology
ISRO Successfully Launches EOS-05 Earth Observation Satellite
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite on September 4, 2026. Lifted off at 2:55 am from the Sriharikota spaceport using the GSLV-F17 rocket, this spacecraft marks India’s first-ever imaging satellite placed in a geo-orbit. The satellite was seamlessly positioned into its intended sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit about 18 minutes after launch, marking ISRO's successful return to major missions following a seven-month break.
2. Disasters and Environment
Disastrous Floods in Nepal Cause Widespread Devastation
A severe flooding crisis in Nepal has resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,250 lives, with the toll steadily rising. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that approximately 4,000 individuals, including 583 foreign nationals and 83 security personnel, remain missing. Rescue operations have successfully evacuated around 12,000 people. In neighboring India, the Bihar state government issued health warnings against consuming unfamiliar fish species washed down by the floodwaters due to recent illness reports among locals.
3. Economy
Significant Drop in India’s Russian Crude Oil Imports
India witnessed a considerable decline in its Russian crude oil imports, which dropped to 26% of total intake in August 2026. This reduction is largely attributed to tightening supplies from Russia and a simultaneous increase in aggressive purchasing by Chinese refiners. Furthermore, scheduled maintenance shutdowns at various Indian refineries contributed significantly to this steep decline in inbound crude shipments over the past month.
4. Sports
Smriti Mandhana Becomes Leading Run-Scorer in Women's International Cricket
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has surpassed former captain Mithali Raj to become the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. This monumental achievement cements Mandhana's position at the top of the batting charts globally and highlights a major statistical milestone in the history of Indian women's cricket.
5. Law and Judiciary
Supreme Court Curbs Bar Council of India’s Power Over Law Students
The Supreme Court of India ruled that the Bar Council of India (BCI) does not possess the jurisdiction or power to initiate disciplinary or punitive action against law students. The ruling clarified that the BCI’s disciplinary authority under the Advocates Act of 1961 is strictly limited to registered advocates. The decision stems from a petition filed by NALSAR graduates challenging a BCI attempt to halt professional enrolments over a dispute regarding a chief guest invitation.
6. Regional News (Assam)
Fresh Waves of Floods Affect Over 25,000 People in Assam
Assam is reeling under a renewed spell of flooding that has impacted approximately 25,083 people across 155 villages in seven districts, including Goalpara, Sivasagar, and Cachar. The floods have submerged around 6,477 hectares of agricultural crop area, raising severe livelihood concerns. The Dhansiri and Katakhal rivers continue to flow above danger levels, prompting the establishment of 13 relief camps. The latest wave also claimed a life in West Karbi Anglong, pushing the state's total flood-related death toll for the year to 108.
7. International Relations
Belgium Assures India of Zero Defence Ties with Pakistan
During bilateral talks in New Delhi on September 3, 2026, Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken assured Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that Belgium will not engage in defense cooperation or offer technological assistance to Pakistan. The formal assurance followed specific concerns raised by India regarding the potential transfer of Belgian defense expertise or sensitive technology to the neighboring nation.
8. Regional Politics (Assam)
Assam Congress Formally Severs Alliance with Raijor Dal
The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) officially ended its political alliance with the Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal on September 3, 2026. The decision, executed under the directive of APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, cited repeated violations of alliance norms and principles by the regional party. Congress leadership accused the Raijor Dal of engaging in malicious propaganda and derogatory remarks against its leaders, making the continuation of the alliance untenable ahead of future electoral strategies.
9. Sports and Diplomacy
PM Modi Presents Historic Chess Scoresheet to Uzbekistan President
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev a piece of chess history during a recent diplomatic engagement. The gift was the original handwritten scoresheet from Javokhir Sindarov’s 2025 FIDE World Cup final victory in Goa. The memento was presented in a specially crafted leatherette cover featuring a photograph of the young Uzbek chess prodigy draped in his national flag.
10. Law and Society
Delhi High Court Directs Formulation of SOP for Arresting Transgender Persons
On September 2, 2026, the Delhi High Court ordered the central government and the Delhi Police to take immediate steps to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regarding the arrest and detention of transgender individuals. The directive aims to bridge policy gaps and ensure that law enforcement procedures strictly align with the fundamental rights, safety, and dignity of transgender persons during police interventions.
11. Economy and Employment
Survey Highlights Gig Work Evolving into Full-Time Employment in India
A nationwide survey conducted by the non-governmental organization Janpahal revealed that platform-based gig work has rapidly transitioned into long-term employment for many Indians. The data showed that 57% of surveyed gig workers log more than 49 hours a week, while 23% exceed 70 hours. Furthermore, over 72% of these workers have stayed with their respective platforms for more than a year, with 18.4% remaining reliant on gig work for over five years.
12. Global Health
Democratic Republic of Congo Battles Record-Breaking Ebola Outbreak
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently facing its largest Ebola outbreak on record, with cases crossing the 5,000 mark and fatalities exceeding 2,000. Spreading almost three times faster than previous epidemics, the outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo virus strain, which currently lacks globally approved treatments or vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) has allocated 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine to the country, including 20,000 doses specifically for late-stage clinical trials to test its efficacy against this strain.
13. Education Policy
NCERT Textbooks for Classes 10 to 12 Undergo Urgent Revision
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that the revision of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks for classes 10 to 12 is currently being executed in a "mission mode". The announcement, made during the council’s 66th Foundation Day, underscores a massive ongoing administrative push to update the national curriculum framework for higher secondary education to align with new pedagogical standards.
14. Regional Administration (Assam)
Assam Government Initiates Key District-Level Bureaucratic Reshuffle
The Assam government implemented a significant administrative reshuffle on September 3, 2026, altering key district commissioner posts. IAS officer Aranyak Saikia, formerly serving in Karbi Anglong, was appointed as the new District Commissioner of Nagaon, replacing Debashish Sharma following the acceptance of his voluntary retirement. Simultaneously, IAS officer Kriti Chachra was transferred from the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs to take over as the new District Commissioner of Karbi Anglong.
15. International Security
US Issues Middle East Travel Advisory Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions
The United States government issued a high-level travel advisory for its citizens residing in or traveling to Middle Eastern nations, specifically highlighting the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Stemming from rapidly escalating geopolitical tensions with Iran, the advisory strongly urges Americans to reconsider their travel plans and remain prepared for unexpected airspace closures, flight cancellations, and significant travel disruptions in the region.
3-4 September 2026 Top News for APSC | Most Important Updates, Schemes & Reports You Must Know