Category: National and International Current Affairs

Article 22(1) Safeguards Against Unconstitutional Arrest

Polity

News – 

• In Jaskaran Jeet Singh Deol v. State of Punjab (2026), the Supreme Court strengthened the safeguards under Article 22(1) and set out conditions for re-arrest.

Jaskaran Jeet Singh Deol v. State of Punjab (2026) 

• Supreme Court: Strengthened safeguards under Article 22(1) regarding arrest and re-arrest.
• Article 22(1):
  • An arrested person must be informed of the grounds of arrest.
  • Has the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of their choice.
• Re-arrest: The Court laid down safeguards/conditions to prevent arbitrary or repeated re-arrest after release.
• Significance: Reinforces personal liberty, due process and constitutional protection against arbitrary arrest.

Visegrád Group (V4)

International

News – 

• Visegrád Group (V4) backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council at the first V4-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly.

Visegrád Group (V4) 

• V4: Informal intergovernmental grouping of 4 Central European countries for political, economic, cultural and security cooperation.
• Origin: Founded in 1991 as the Visegrád Triangle by Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland through the Visegrád Declaration in Hungary.
• Members: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.
• Objectives:
  • Support post-communist democratic transition.
  • Facilitate members’ integration into the EU and NATO.
• Institutional structure:
  • No permanent secretariat.
  • Rotating annual presidency; Slovakia holds the presidency for 2026–27.
  • The International Visegrad Fund, based in Bratislava, is its only formal institution; it supports cultural, educational and research projects.
• V4+: Dialogue with non-member partners such as Japan.
• India–V4: India and V4 agreed to hold annual Foreign Ministers’ meetings and an annual Business Forum.

Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026

Polity

News – 

• Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026, became India’s first state law recognising women as farmers irrespective of land ownership.

Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026.

• Significance: Maharashtra became the first Indian state to legally recognise women as farmers irrespective of land ownership.
• Objective: Address gender-based barriers faced by women in agriculture and strengthen their access to rights, schemes and support systems.
• International Context: 2026 has been declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the UN General Assembly.
• Focus: Recognition of women’s contribution across agrifood systems and addressing barriers to their participation and empowerment.

Outer Space Treaty

Science & technology

News – 

• The US confirmed deploying on-orbit “space control weapons” to protect its satellites from China and Russia, prompting backlash over the limitations of the Outer Space Treaty.

Outer Space Treaty (OST), 1967

• Foundational treaty governing peaceful use of outer space; 115 countries, including India, have ratified it.
• Non-appropriation: No national sovereignty/ownership over outer space or celestial bodies.
• Peaceful use: Bans WMDs/nuclear weapons in orbit and military activities on the Moon/celestial bodies.
• Responsibility & liability: States are responsible for national space activities, including private entities, and liable for damage caused by their space objects.
• Astronauts: Considered “envoys of mankind” and entitled to assistance.
• Gap: Limited regulation of conventional weapons, ASATs, jamming and space debris.
• India: Indian Space Policy 2023 + IN-SPACe; joined Artemis Accords (2023); not party to Moon Agreement (1979).

India International Water Week

Polity

News – 

• Vice-President inaugurated the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026 at New Delhi.

India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026 

• 9th IIWW 2026: Held in New Delhi; inaugurated by the Vice-President.
• Organiser: Ministry of Jal Shakti with Central/State governments, international organisations, industry and private sector.
• Theme: “Climate Resilient Water Management.”
• Origin: Conceptualised in 2012 as India Water Week to address global water challenges and promote sustainable solutions.

ADMM-Plus

International

News-

• Indian Naval Ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish reached Subic Bay, Philippines, to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA).

ADMM-Plus 

• ADMM-Plus: ASEAN + 8 Dialogue Partners platform for regional security and defence cooperation.
• Plus Countries: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, USA.
• Purpose: Promote peace, stability, defence cooperation and interoperability.
• JCA: Brings ASEAN + Plus maritime forces together for harbour and sea-phase activities, enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding.
• India: INS Sahyadri & INS Kulish participated in the JCA at Subic Bay, Philippines.
• Annual meeting: Held annually since 2017.

Additional Information – ASEAN

• Full form: Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
• Established: 1967, Bangkok Declaration.
• Founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand.
• Members: 11 — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste.
• Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Objectives:
  • Regional peace, stability and security.
  • Promote economic integration and trade.
  • Social, cultural and political cooperation.
  • Maintain ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific.
• Key frameworks: ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), ADMM-Plus.
• India–ASEAN: India became a sectoral dialogue partner (1992) and summit-level partner (2002); Strategic Partnership (2012) and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2022).
• Importance for India: Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific engagement, trade, connectivity, maritime security and regional stability.

Rozgar Mela

Economy

Context

• The 20th edition of the National Rozgar Mela distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to newly inducted youth in government departments and organisations.

National Rozgar Mela 

• Launched: 2022 by the Government of India.

• Objective: Accelerate recruitment to government posts, fill vacancies and promote youth empowerment & employment.

• 20th edition: Distributed 51,000+ appointment letters to newly recruited government employees.

• Coverage: Ministries, Departments and government organisations.

Rozgar Mela

• Meaning: Employment event connecting employers and job seekers for direct recruitment.

• NSDC role: Organises Rozgar Melas with Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs).

• Eligibility: Generally 18–35 years; includes 8th/10th/12th pass, ITI/Diploma holders, graduates and NSQF-certified candidates.

• Other services:

  Career counselling, Kaushal Melas, MUDRA loan facilitation & skill exhibitions.

Vande Mataram and the Right to Conscience

Polity

Vande Mataram & National Song

• Composer: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee; composed in Sanskrit.

• First published: Bangadarshan, 7 November 1875; later included in Anandamath (1882).

• First sung: Rabindranath Tagore, at the 1896 INC session, Calcutta.

• Swadeshi Movement: Became a major symbol of anti-colonial resistance in 1905.

• National Song: On 24 January 1950, its first two stanzas were adopted as India’s National Song.

Constitutional & Legal Status

• The Constituent Assembly accorded Vande Mataram the status of National Song, with equal honour to the National Anthem, but their legal treatment is not identical.

• Article 51A(a): Explicitly requires respect for the National Flag and National Anthem; it does not specifically mention Vande Mataram.

• Articles 19(1)(a) & 25: Relevant where compulsory participation conflicts with freedom of expression, conscience or religious belief.

• Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986): SC held that respectful non-participation in the National Anthem, based on genuine religious belief, is protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 25.

Recent Legal Development

• Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2026: Seeks to criminalise intentionally preventing the singing of the National Song or disturbing an assembly engaged in singing it.

World Rhino Day

Species in News

In News

• World Rhino Day is celebrated globally on September 22 every year to raise awareness on the conservation of rhinoceros species.

World Rhino Day

• Date: 22 September every year.

• Origin: Proposed by WWF-South Africa (2010); observed internationally since 2011.

• Coordinator: International Rhino Foundation (IRF).

• 2026 Theme: “Keep the Five Alive”.

• Global population: ~26,700 rhinos across 5 species; 4 remain threatened.

Indian Rhino

• Species: Greater One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis).

• IUCN: Vulnerable | Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule I.

• India: Only one of the five rhino species occurs in India.

• Assam: Major population in Kaziranga, Manas, Pobitora & Orang; ~3,260 rhinos.

• Kaziranga: National Park (1974) | Tiger Reserve (2006) | UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985).

Conservation Initiatives

• Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (2005): Targeted 3,000 rhinos across at least 7 protected areas in Assam.

• IRV 2.0 (2021): Aims to conserve

  4,500–5,000 rhinos across protected areas by 2030.

National Single Window System

Polity

In News

• Recently, the National Single Window System completed 5 Years.

National Single Window System (NSWS)

• Launched: 2021
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Implemented by: DPIIT
• Purpose: Single digital platform for investors to identify, apply for and track approvals.
• Objective: Improve Ease of Doing Business and facilitate a seamless investment ecosystem.
• Coverage: Approvals from Central Ministries, State Governments & regulatory authorities.
• Key features:
  • Know Your Approvals
  • Common Registration Form
  • Applicant Dashboard
  • Document Repository
  • E-Communication Module
• Significance: Reduces duplication, compliance burden and approval time through online processing, one-time submission and real-time tracking.

India’s First Blue Bond Set For Launch

Economy

Context

• Sagarmala Finance Corporation plans to raise ₹6 billion through India’s first blue bond. 

India’s First Blue Bond 

• Issuer: Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd. (SFCL).
• Plan: Raise ₹600 crore (₹6 billion) through India’s first blue bond.
• Blue Bond: Debt instrument used to finance ocean/marine-related sustainable projects.
• Purpose: Support port infrastructure, maritime development and ocean sustainability.
• Significance: Promotes sustainable financing of India’s blue economy.

12 Years of Make in India

Government Schemes

Context

• Recently, the Make in India completed its 12 years

About – 

• Launched: 25 September 2014 by the Government of India.
• Nodal Ministry: DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Objective: Promote manufacturing, investment, innovation and job creation in India.
• Key focus: Ease of Doing Business, FDI promotion, infrastructure, skill development and technology adoption.
• Four pillars: New Processes, New Infrastructure, New Sectors, New Mindset.
• Make in India 2.0: Focuses on 27 sectors, including electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, textiles, renewable energy and defence manufacturing.
• Significance: Seeks to make India a global manufacturing hub and integrate Indian industry with global value chains.

Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner

Polity

Context

• The Opposition is going to move a motion in Parliament seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner. 

Removal of Chief Election Commissioner 

• Article 324: Provides for the Election Commission of India (ECI) and its constitutional framework.

• Removal of CEC: Can be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge — ensuring institutional independence.

• Other Election Commissioners/Regional Commissioners: Removed by the President only on the recommendation of the CEC.

Removal Process

1. 1. Removal motion can be introduced in either House of Parliament.

• Prior support required:

1. • Lok Sabha: ≥ 100 MPs

   • Rajya Sabha: ≥ 50 MPs

2. The inquiry committee investigates the allegations after admission of the motion.

3. If charges are proved, both Houses must pass the motion by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

4. After approval by both Houses, the President issues the removal order.

Key Point: No CEC has so far been successfully removed by Parliament.

Project Suncatcher

Science & Technology

Context

• Google has announced Project Suncatcher, to test whether AI computing infrastructure can be deployed in space, beginning with an orbital test of Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs).

Project Suncatcher

• Initiative: Google’s project to develop space-based AI computing infrastructure.
• Concept: Deploy TPUs (AI processors) on satellites in LEO.
• Partner: Planet for prototype satellite development.
• Connectivity: Free-Space Optical (FSO) links using laser beams for high-bandwidth data transfer.
• Vision: Satellite constellation functioning as distributed AI computing infrastructure.
• Significance: Could enable AI processing in space, reducing dependence on terrestrial data centres.

Mizoram Woman Farmer to Receive FAO Award

Miscellaneous

News- 

• Z T Lalrithangi: Farmer from Mizoram, recognised by FAO for her contribution to strawberry cultivation and rural development.
• Recognition: Among 100 women from 131 countries, selected from 600+ nominations; 2 women from India were selected.
• Occasion: Part of the International Year of Women Farmers 2026.

FAO

• Established: 1945; UN specialised agency working to end hunger and improve food and agriculture.
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
• Members: 194 — 193 countries + European Union.

Biovigilance Programme of India

Polity

In News

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved the Biovigilance Programme of India.

Biovigilance Programme of India (BvPI)

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana 2.0

Government Schemes

In News

• The Government is creating a more responsive, technology-driven, and outcome-oriented skilling ecosystem through DDU-GKY 2.0.

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 

• Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
• Launched: 2014, under National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
• Objective: Provide placement-linked skill training and promote sustainable employment among rural youth.
• Target: Rural youth aged 15–35 years, particularly from disadvantaged sections.
• Social inclusion targets: SC/ST – 50%; Women – 33%; PwDs – 5%.
• Sectors: Agriculture, healthcare, textiles, green jobs, aerospace & aviation, beauty & wellness, etc.
• Budget 2026–27: ₹750 crore.

DDU-GKY 2.0 – Special Programmes

Gaza Board of Peace

International Relations

Context

• The US-backed Board of Peace has proposed a six-month, $2.45-billion recovery programme for Gaza, covering projects related to infrastructure, housing, healthcare, economic revival, digital services and security.

Board of Peace (BoP)

• Established: 2026 as an international organisation under the Gaza transitional framework. Its Charter was formally launched at Davos on 22 January 2026.
• Chairman: Donald J. Trump, President of the United States.
• Context: Created as part of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, with focus on Gaza’s transitional governance, reconstruction, humanitarian assistance and economic recovery.
• Key functions:
  • Transitional governance in Gaza
  • Reconstruction and economic recovery
  • Coordination of humanitarian assistance and public services
  • Supporting the transition towards Palestinian governance
  • Oversight of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) framework.
• Founding members: Include countries such as the US, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and UAE, among others.

Additional Information – Gaza Strip 

• Location: Eastern Mediterranean; part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).
• Borders: Israel (N/E), Egypt (S), Mediterranean Sea (W).
• Area: ~365 sq km; population ~2.1 million.
• Major cities: Gaza City, Khan Younis, Rafah.
• Governance: Hamas has exercised de facto control since 2007.
• Significance: Central to the Israel–Palestine conflict; major humanitarian crisis.
• Key issues: Displacement, food/water insecurity, healthcare and infrastructure damage.

India Rejects OIC Group’s Remarks on Kashmir

International

Context

• India rejected references to Jammu & Kashmir in the OIC Contact Group’s Joint Communiqué .

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 

• Established: 25 September 1969, at Rabat, Morocco, following the Al-Aqsa Mosque fire.
• Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Membership: 57 states across four continents; second-largest intergovernmental organisation after the UN.
• Earlier name: Organisation of the Islamic Conference; renamed Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 2011.
• Objective: Promote Islamic solidarity and cooperation and safeguard the interests of member states, including political, economic, social, cultural and scientific cooperation.
• India & OIC: India is not a member of the OIC. India has participated as a guest in some OIC-related meetings.

Siang Upper Multipurpose Project

Infrastructure

Context

• The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved an Empowered High-Level Committee to guide and coordinate the pre-feasibility survey for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).

Siang Upper Multipurpose Project 

• Location: Arunachal Pradesh.
• Capacity: 11,000 MW.
• Status: Declared a National Project in 2008 by the Union Government.
• River: Siang, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra.

Additional Information- Brahmaputra River

• The Brahmaputra is a major transboundary river in Asia. 
• It originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier near Lake Manasarovar (Mapam Yumco) in Tibet.
• It is known variably as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet (its longest upper stretch), Siang or Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh, Brahmaputra in Assam & Jamuna in Bangladesh.
• It flows east through Tibet’s plateau, enters India via Arunachal Pradesh, widens in Assam’s plains, and merges with the Ganges in Bangladesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal.

Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW)

Defence

Context

• The Defence Ministry has signed a contract of over 810 crore rupees with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW).

Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) 

• Type: Air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb.
• Purpose: Designed to destroy enemy airfields and related infrastructure from a stand-off range.
• Developer: DRDO.
• Indigenous content: About 60%.
• Launch platforms: SEPECAT Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30MKI aircraft.
• Project: Approved in 2013; flight-tested during 2016–2021.
• IAF induction: 2021.
• Delivery: Scheduled during 2027–28 and 2028–29.

India-New Zealand FTA

International

Context

• India-New Zealand FTA will come into force on 20th October 2026.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• Definition: An agreement between two or more countries to facilitate trade by reducing barriers.

Key features:

• Reduce/eliminate customs duties on goods.
• Liberalise trade in services.
• Provide investment protection.
• Establish safeguards for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

Objective: Promote trade, investment and economic integration among member countries.

Additional information – India–New Zealand 

• Negotiations: Launched in March 2025 and concluded in December 2025.
• Key feature: New Zealand agreed to provide duty-free access to Indian exports across 100% of tariff lines.
• India’s offer: Tariff concessions on around 70% of tariff lines, covering nearly 95% of bilateral trade.
• Sensitive sectors: India has protected dairy and selected agricultural products from tariff concessions.
• Services: New Zealand offered access across 118 services sectors/sub-sectors.
• Mobility: Provision for 5,000 employment-entry visas for Indian professionals and 1,000 Working Holiday Visas annually.
• Investment: New Zealand committed to facilitate US$20 billion investment in India over 15 years.
• Significance: Boosts opportunities for Indian textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, leather, footwear, agriculture and MSMEs.

Kasturirangan Committee Report on Conservation of the Western Ghats

Environment

Context

• Karnataka has convened an Assembly session to discuss the proposed implementation of the Kasturirangan Committee recommendations on the Western Ghats.

Committees related to Western Ghats

Sanjay Kumar Committee:

• Objective – It is formed to review state objections on Ecologically sensitive zones demarcations and validate proposed exclusions.
• Significance- It seeks to finalize the ESA status for villages, restricting activities harmful to biodiversity.

Madhav Gadgil Committee (2011):

• • Objective – to propose protection measures for the Western Ghats.

• It recommended designating the entire Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive. 

• It proposed the creation of a dedicated ecological authority to regulate development.
• The Report suggested rigorous conservation, but its recommendations were not fully adopted.

Kasturirangan Committee (2012):

• • It is formed as a follow-up to the Gadgil Committee to provide a more moderate approach.

• It recommended demarcating 37% of theWestern Ghats as eco sensitive zones.

• It emphasizes a balance between conservation and developmental needs, allowing limited activity in specific areas.

Western Ghats

• • Forests – The region of Western Ghats has moist deciduous forests and rainforests.
  • Endemism – The region shows high species diversity as well as high levels of endemism.

• Nearly 77% of the amphibians and 62% of the reptile species found here are found nowhere else.

Kathakali Festival

Art and Culture

News

• The 17th Kathakali Festival was organised by the Kalakshetra Foundation under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Kathakali 

• Origin: Kerala; evolved around the 17th century.
• Meaning: Malayalam Katha (story) + Kali (play).
• Features: Combines dance, drama, music, elaborate costumes & make-up, using facial expressions, hand gestures and eye movements.
• Literature: Based on Attakatha; themes mainly drawn from Indian epics.
• Music: Sopana/Abhinaya Sangeetham tradition.
• Instruments: Chenda, Maddalam, Chengila & Ilathalam.
• Singers: Ponnani and Shinkidi.
• Traditionally performed overnight; now often presented in shorter formats.
• Traditionally male-dominated, but women also participate.

Kalakshetra Foundation

• Founded: 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale.
• Promotes preservation and transmission of Indian classical arts and traditional crafts, particularly Bharatanatyam, music and dance.

Hyderabad Liberation Day

Polity

News 

• The Union government notified 17 September as Hyderabad Liberation Day in 2024 to commemorate Hyderabad’s liberation from the Nizam’s rule in 1948.

About

• Date: 17 September; the Union Government officially notified it as Hyderabad Liberation Day in 2024.
• Context: After Independence, Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan sought an independent Hyderabad and signed a Standstill Agreement with India on 29 November 1947.
• Razakars: A volunteer force of Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen, led by Qasim Razvi, which opposed Hyderabad’s accession to India.
• Trigger: Failed negotiations, Razakar violence and incursions into Indian territory contributed to India’s decision to intervene.
• Operation Polo: India launched the military operation on 13 September 1948, officially described as a “Police Action.”
• Liberation: The Nizam announced a ceasefire on 17 September; Hyderabad State Forces formally surrendered on 18 September 1948.

CITES

Environment