Updates on 7 September 2026
All of September 2026 →R Sarath: Celebrated Malayalam Filmmaker Passes Away at 65
Renowned Malayalam filmmaker and screenwriter R Sarath died on 7 September 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was acclaimed for his debut film 'Sayahnam' (2000), which won seven Kerala State Film Awards and the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film. Sarath had a diverse career involving filmmaking, documentary work, and research on Kerala's traditional murals, including discovering rare Raja Ravi Varma paintings. His Indo-Chinese co-produced film 'The Desire' won the Best Narrative Feature Film at the Geneva International Film Festival in 2011. He retired as Deputy Director from the Kerala government's Information and Public Relations Department in 2021, leaving a significant legacy in Malayalam cinema and cultural heritage.
Indian Army sets up AASHVAST lab for drone security: New step to safeguard military drones
The Indian Army has established a laboratory named AASHVAST to analyze and validate military drones for software vulnerabilities and security threats. This lab performs comprehensive checks on drone firmware and electronics to detect unauthorized components, hidden access tools, and vulnerabilities, enhancing defence system reliability and security.
Tamil Nadu Launches Third Phase of Underwater Archaeological Exploration off Poompuhar Coast
On 6 September 2026, the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) initiated the third phase of underwater archaeological exploration off the coast of Poompuhar, the ancient Sangam-era port city located in Mayiladuthurai district. Conducted in collaboration with the Indian Maritime University, the project focuses on mapping and excavating submerged remains spanning about 250 square kilometres, at depths from 2 to 60 metres. The 20-day survey uses advanced marine survey equipment including side-scan sonar, echosounders, and sub-bottom profilers. This phase follows previous preliminary and diving explorations begun in 2025, supported by a government allocation of ₹7 crore for land and underwater archaeology in Tamil Nadu.
India Men's U20 Football Team Qualifies for AFC U20 Asian Cup After 20 Years
The Indian men's U20 football team qualified for the AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament for the first time since 2006, ending a 20-year absence. They secured qualification with a 3-0 win over Bangladesh on September 6, 2026, at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. India finished second in Group B of the qualifiers with six points from three matches, following wins against Syria and Bangladesh and a loss to Uzbekistan. The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027, to be held from March 24 to April 10, 2027, features top under-20 Asian national teams, serving also as a qualifier for the FIFA U20 World Cup 2027.