September 21, 2026: India and Canada have agreed to fast-track negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the next round of talks scheduled to begin on October 5. On the defence front, the Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹586 crore contract for Auxiliary Power Units for T-72 and T-90 tanks, while new national initiatives and policy measures were announced across infrastructure, telecommunications and social welfare.
Top India Headlines
- India, Canada Agree to Fast-Track CEPA Negotiations; Next Round on October 5
India and Canada have agreed to fast-track negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The next round of talks will begin on October 5, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal saying the next 90 days could be significant for bilateral relations. - Defence Ministry Signs ₹586 Crore Contract for T-72 and T-90 Tank APUs
The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹586 crore contract with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited in New Delhi for Auxiliary Power Units for T-72 and T-90 tanks. The contract was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. - MoSPI Releases Methodology for New National Accounts Series
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released Sources and Methods for Compilation of National Accounts Statistics, detailing the methodology behind the new National Accounts series with 2022-23 as the base year. - India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant Begins in Pithoragarh
The 18th India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise, Nomadic Elephant, began at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, on September 21. The annual platoon-level exercise will continue until October 3. - NHAI Issues New Guidelines for High-Speed Access-Controlled National Highways
The National Highways Authority of India has released new guidelines for planning and designing high-speed access-controlled national highways. The guidelines will apply to upcoming four-lane and six-lane greenfield and brownfield high-speed corridors. - Samriddh Gram Initiative Enters Next Phase With Focus on Rural Digital Connectivity
Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani reviewed the next phase of the Samriddh Gram initiative with the Department of Telecommunications, startups and service partners. The initiative builds on BharatNet’s expansion of fibre connectivity to villages. - Over 8.53 Lakh Senior Citizens Benefit Under Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
More than 8.53 lakh senior citizens have benefited from over 46 lakh assistive devices under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana between financial years 2017-18 and 2025-26. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said the scheme promotes mobility and independent living among senior citizens. - 11th Ayurveda Day to Be Celebrated on September 23
The 11th Ayurveda Day will be observed on September 23 under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”. The Ministry of Ayush said more than 9,700 activities have been reported across 30 States and Union Territories as part of nationwide participation. - PM Mementos e-Auction 2026 Highlights Gujarat’s Cultural Heritage
The eighth edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026 is showcasing a collection of mementos representing Gujarat’s cultural identity, traditions and contributions to modern India. - PM Modi Completes 25 Years in Public Service
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is completing 25 years in public service, with the government highlighting the role of digital public infrastructure and its focus on “Jan Seva Se Desh Seva” and governance reforms.
