Current Affairs of 5 September 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 5 September 2026

Vajiram and Ravi provide Current Affairs of 5 September 2026 for UPSC aspirants. We cover all relevant news and important events crucial for the exam, helping you stay updated and well prepared.

Dalit Buddhist Movement, Significance, Limitations, Impact

September 5, 2026
Dalit Buddhist Movement

Dalit Buddhist Movement was a major anti-caste movement in modern India that sought social equality, dignity and freedom from caste-based discrimination through the adoption and reinterpretation of Buddhism.

What is the Dalit Buddhist Movement?

Dalit Buddhist Movement was an anti-caste movement led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, in which conversion to Buddhism became a means of rejecting caste-based inequality and asserting dignity, equality and a new social identity.

Dalit Buddhist Movement Causes

The Dalit Buddhist Movement emerged from the deep-rooted caste system and the continued practice of untouchability, which denied Dalits equality, dignity and social freedom. These conditions created the need to challenge the existing social order and search for an alternative based on equality. The major causes were:

  • Caste-based hierarchy: The hereditary caste system placed Dalits at the bottom of the social order. This created the basic demand for a social system based on equality rather than birth.
  • Practice of untouchability: Restrictions on access to temples, public places and other aspects of social life subjected Dalits to humiliation and exclusion. This created a strong desire to break away from the social order that sustained such practices.
  • Denial of human dignity: Continuous discrimination treated Dalits as socially inferior and affected their self-respect. The search for dignity therefore became an important motivation for seeking a new social identity through conversion.
  • Caste-based religious justification: Ambedkar believed that caste was supported by certain religious texts and practices. This led him to question whether equality could be achieved without moving away from the religious framework that he believed sustained caste.
  • Failure of internal reform: Efforts to secure equal rights within Hindu society did not bring the fundamental destruction of caste that Ambedkar sought. This strengthened the argument that a more radical alternative was necessary.
  • Need to escape the stigma of untouchability: Being identified as “untouchable” carried a deep social stigma. Conversion provided a means of rejecting this imposed identity and developing a new identity based on equality and self-respect.
  • Search for an egalitarian religion: The continuing experience of caste discrimination created a need for a religious framework that recognised equal human worth. This encouraged Ambedkar and his followers to look beyond Hinduism for an alternative.
  • Appeal of Buddhism: In Ambedkar’s interpretation, Buddhism emphasised prajna (understanding), karuna (compassion) and samata (equality). These principles made Buddhism an attractive alternative for those seeking a more egalitarian social order.
  • Demand for social liberation: The movement was not driven by religious conversion alone but by the desire for social, economic and religious freedom. This transformed conversion into a broader movement for Dalit emancipation.

Role of Ambedkar in the Dalit Buddhist Movement

Ambedkar provided the ideological, organisational and mass leadership that transformed the search for religious freedom into a wider movement against caste.

  • By the 1930s, Ambedkar increasingly argued that caste could not be destroyed through reform alone. The Yeola Declaration of 1935, where he stated that he would not die a Hindu, marked a decisive move towards conversion and a new religious identity based on equality.
  • Ambedkar studied Buddhism along with other religious traditions and concluded that Buddhism offered a suitable basis for equality, reason, morality and social justice. He gave Buddhist teachings a modern interpretation centred on liberty, equality and fraternity, later associated with Navayana.
  • In 1955, Ambedkar established the Bharatiya Bauddha Mahasabha to organise and promote the Buddhist movement. He also prepared The Buddha and His Dhamma to present his interpretation of Buddhism in an accessible form.
  • On 14 October 1956, Ambedkar converted to Buddhism at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, along with a large number of followers. He first accepted the Three Refuges and Five Precepts and then administered them to his followers, followed by the 22 Vows. The conversion gave the anti-caste struggle a new collective religious identity.
  • Ambedkar reinterpreted Buddhism as a path of social emancipation, giving greater emphasis to equality, liberty, fraternity, reason and social justice. This distinct interpretation came to be known as Navayana or the “New Vehicle”.

Navayana or “New Vehicle” Buddhism

Navayana, meaning the “New Vehicle”, was Ambedkar’s reinterpretation of Buddhism as a path of social emancipation and equality.

  • Ambedkar rejected the idea of religion as a system of rigid rules and rituals and emphasised Dhamma as a moral way of life.
  • He gave central importance to prajna (reason/understanding), karuna (compassion) and samata (equality).
  • He connected Buddhist principles with the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity, making Buddhism relevant to the struggle against caste.

Navayana therefore became more than a religious identity. It provided an ethical and social framework for challenging caste and achieving collective emancipation.

Dalit Buddhist Movement after Ambedkar

Ambedkar died on 6 December 1956, only a few weeks after his conversion. His sudden death affected the organisational development of the movement. After Ambedkar’s death in 1956, the movement lost the leadership that had given it a clear ideological and organisational direction. 

  • After Ambedkar’s death, the movement continued mainly in Maharashtra and later gained a foothold in parts of Uttar Pradesh
  • The movement gradually became linked with wider Dalit assertion. Organisations such as the Dalit Panthers and the Bahujan Samaj Party drew upon Ambedkarite ideas, while leaders such as Kanshi Ram also used the possibility of conversion as a means of challenging caste-based social structures. 

By the late twentieth century, therefore, the movement had survived less as a single organised conversion campaign and more as an important source of Dalit identity, political consciousness and anti-caste mobilisation. However, its influence remained uneven and did not produce the broad social transformation that Ambedkar had envisaged.

Dalit Buddhist Movement Significance

The Dalit Buddhist Movement was significant because it took the struggle against caste beyond demands for reform and gave it a new religious, social and political direction. Its importance can be seen in the following ways:

  • Break from caste-based social order: Conversion gave Dalits a way to distance themselves from a social order that treated them as untouchable and to adopt a religious identity centred on equality and dignity.
  • From reform to social liberation: Ambedkar moved from trying to secure equality within Hindu society to questioning the social order itself. Conversion therefore became a means of seeking social, economic and religious freedom.
  • A new form of Buddhism: Ambedkar reinterpreted Buddhism through the ideas of prajna (reason), karuna (compassion) and equality, giving it a strong focus on social justice and human emancipation.
  • Strengthened Dalit assertion: The movement gave many Dalits a stronger sense of collective identity and political consciousness. It helped bring questions of caste, dignity and equal rights more firmly into public and political debate.
  • Revival of Buddhism: The Nagpur conversion of 1956 gave a major impetus to the revival of Buddhism in modern India, particularly in Maharashtra and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Influence on later Dalit movements: The new identity and political consciousness created by the movement influenced subsequent forms of Dalit mobilisation and strengthened demands for social and political empowerment.

Dalit Buddhist Movement Limitations 

The movement brought a new sense of identity and assertion, but its reach and long-term social impact remained limited.

  • Limited social reach: It remained concentrated mainly among sections of Dalits in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Caste did not disappear: Conversion changed religious identity, but caste-based divisions and discrimination continued.
  • Limited economic impact: It improved social and political consciousness more than the material conditions of the wider Dalit population.
  • Weak organisational consolidation: Ambedkar’s death soon after the 1956 conversion affected the movement’s further organisation and expansion.
  • No pan-Indian mobilisation: The movement did not develop into a sustained, nationwide force among all Dalit communities.
  • Uneven impact: Its strongest gains were in identity, self-respect and political consciousness, rather than in wider social and economic transformation.

Dalit Buddhist Movement in India FAQs

Q1: What is the Dalit Buddhist Movement?

Ans: The Dalit Buddhist Movement was an anti-caste movement that used conversion to Buddhism as a means of challenging caste inequality and asserting equality, dignity and a new social identity.

Q2: Who started the Dalit Buddhist Movement in India?

Ans: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar gave the Dalit Buddhist Movement its ideological and organisational leadership and led the historic mass conversion to Buddhism in 1956

Q3: When did Ambedkar convert to Buddhism?

Ans: Ambedkar converted to Buddhism on 14 October 1956 at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, along with a large number of followers.

Q4: What is Navayana Buddhism?

Ans: Navayana, meaning the “New Vehicle”, is Ambedkar’s reinterpretation of Buddhism as a framework for social equality and emancipation from caste, emphasising reason, morality, compassion, liberty, equality and fraternity.

Q5: What was the significance of the Dalit Buddhist Movement?

Ans: The movement gave the anti-caste struggle a new religious and social identity, strengthened Dalit assertion and political consciousness, and contributed to the revival of Buddhism, particularly in Maharashtra and parts of Uttar Pradesh.

Payments Council of India (PCI), Chairman, Members, Initiatives

September 5, 2026
Payments Council of India (PCI)

The Payments Council of India works with the government and regulators to address industry challenges and support the growth, innovation and wider adoption of digital payments in India.

What is the Payments Council of India?

The Payments Council of India (PCI) is an industry body that represents non-banking companies working in India’s digital payments sector. It works with the government and regulators to address issues affecting the growth of digital payments.

  • Payments Council of India (PCI) was formed in 2013 under the aegis of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
  • It was set up to give non-banking payment companies a common platform to raise industry-related issues and suggest solutions.
  • PCI works with 140+ members, representing more than 90% of the industry, according to its website.
  • Its work covers different parts of digital payments such as digital wallets, merchant payments, payment networks, UPI, remittances and payment technology.
  • It works with institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Ministry of Finance and other government bodies on issues related to the payments sector.
  • Its broader objective is to support the growth of digital payments, financial inclusion and a less-cash economy.

What does the Payments Council of India do?

Payments Council of India (PCI) mainly works as a representative body for the payments industry.

  • Raises industry issues by bringing problems faced by payment companies to the attention of policymakers and regulators.
  • Provides policy inputs on rules and regulations affecting digital payments.
  • Brings industry players together to discuss common challenges and possible solutions.
  • Works with regulators and government bodies on issues related to payment systems and digital transactions.
  • Supports the growth of digital payments by encouraging innovation and wider adoption.
  • Promotes financial inclusion by supporting payment services that can reach more people and businesses.

Payments Council of India Members 

PCI membership is open to non-banking organisations involved in the payments and settlement system or operating in the payments sector.

Its members can include prepaid payment issuers, merchant aggregators and acquirers, payment processors, card networks, payment service providers, domestic and international money transfer facilitators, Point of Sale (PoS) service providers, payment solution providers and business correspondents.

Payments Council of India Committees

The digital payments sector includes many different types of businesses. Payments Council of India (PCI) has therefore created eight committees to focus on specific areas.

  • Prepaid Payment Issuers deals with prepaid cards, wallets and other prepaid payment instruments.
  • Merchant Aggregators and Acquirers focuses on services that help merchants accept and process digital payments.
  • Payments Bank deals with issues related to the payments bank sector.
  • International Remittance and Trade focuses on cross-border money transfers and remittance services.
  • Bharat Bill Payments Operating Units (BBPOUs) deals with the bill payment ecosystem under the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS).
  • Payments Network focuses on companies involved in payment transaction processing and payment networks.
  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI) focuses on issues related to businesses and entities operating on the UPI platform.
  • Payment Technology Enablers deals with companies providing technology and platforms to banks and non-bank payment companies.

Payments Council of India Key Initiatives

PCI has also undertaken initiatives aimed at improving the digital payment experience.

One notable example is Project Pratima, under which the industry developed standardized icons for common digital payment actions such as sending money, scanning a QR code, checking balance and viewing transaction history. The objective is to make payment interfaces more familiar and easier for users to understand.

PCI has also participated in policy discussions on QR-code interoperability, digital KYC, payment aggregators, recurring transactions and card-on-file tokenisation, providing industry feedback to regulators.

Payments Council of India Significance

India has rapidly moved towards digital payments through platforms such as UPI, mobile wallets, cards and QR-based payments. In this growing ecosystem, PCI is important because:

  • It gives payment companies a common platform to raise their concerns.
  • It helps policymakers understand the practical challenges faced by the industry.
  • It provides industry feedback while new payment-related policies and regulations are being discussed.
  • It supports innovation and wider use of digital payments.
  • Its work contributes to broader goals of financial inclusion and a less-cash economy.

Payments Council of India (PCI) FAQs

Q1: What is the Payments Council of India?

Ans: The Payments Council of India is an industry body representing non-banking companies working in India’s digital payments sector.

Q2: When was the Payments Council of India formed?

Ans: The Payments Council of India was formed in 2013 under the aegis of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).

Q3: Who can become a member of the Payments Council of India?

Ans: Non-banking organisations involved in the payments sector, such as payment processors, merchant aggregators, prepaid payment issuers and payment technology providers, can become members.

Q4: How many committees does the Payments Council of India have?

Ans: The Payments Council of India has eight committees covering areas such as prepaid payments, merchant payments, remittances, UPI, payment networks and payment technology.

Q5: What is Project Pratima of the Payments Council of India?

Ans: Project Pratima is an initiative to develop standardised icons for common digital payment actions, making payment interfaces easier and more familiar for users.

Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 2026, Objectives, Significance

September 5, 2026
Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has launched Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0, a week-long nationwide campaign aimed at promoting cleaner beaches, reducing marine pollution, and ensuring safer oceans. The campaign focuses on strengthening public participation and raising awareness about the need to protect India’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

What is Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 2026?

Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar, meaning “Clean Coast, Safe Sea,” is a nationwide initiative focused on cleaning India's coastal areas and addressing the problem of marine litter.

The campaign brings together government institutions, local communities and citizens to remove waste from beaches and coastal locations. Importantly, the 2026 campaign also uses citizen participation to record and categorise marine litter, creating useful information for marine-litter monitoring.

The 2026 campaign will run from 13 September to 19 September 2026, with the campaign culminating in large-scale beach cleanup activities.

Who Organises Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar?

The campaign is organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and coordinated by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Chennai.

NCCR is an attached office of the Ministry of Earth Sciences and works on scientific and technical issues related to India's coastal areas, including coastal water quality, marine biodiversity, litter, coastal ecosystems and coastal hazards.

At individual locations, a lead coordinating institution conducts the cleanup activities, while institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences provide technical coordination.

Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 2026 Objectives

Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 2026 campaign aims to promote cleaner coasts, safer seas, marine litter reduction, and active citizen participation in protecting India's coastal and marine environment.

  • Reduce Marine Litter: Remove plastic waste and other marine litter from beaches and coastal areas.
  • Promote Coastal Cleanliness: Encourage people to maintain clean and healthy beaches.
  • Create Public Awareness: Spread awareness about the harmful impact of marine pollution on ecosystems and human activities.
  • Encourage Citizen Participation: Involve students, volunteers, NGOs, coastal communities, and citizens in coastal conservation.
  • Monitor Marine Litter: Collect and categorise marine litter data to support scientific monitoring and management.
  • Promote Responsible Waste Management: Encourage proper disposal and reduction of waste entering coastal and marine environments.
  • Protect Marine Ecosystems: Support the conservation of marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.
  • Build Environmental Responsibility: Develop a sense of collective responsibility for ocean and coastal protection.

Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 2026 and Marine Litter

Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 2026 focuses on reducing marine litter and keeping India's beaches and coastal areas clean. Marine litter, especially plastic waste, can harm marine animals, coastal ecosystems and human livelihoods. The campaign encourages citizens, students, NGOs and coastal communities to participate in beach clean-up activities. It also promotes the collection and categorisation of marine litter data for better monitoring and management.

Significance of Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar

Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar is significant for promoting cleaner coasts, reducing marine pollution, protecting marine ecosystems, and encouraging public participation in coastal conservation.

  • Reduces Marine Pollution: Helps remove plastic and other waste from beaches and coastal areas.
  • Protects Marine Ecosystems: Supports the protection of marine biodiversity and coastal habitats.
  • Promotes Clean Beaches: Encourages coastal cleanliness and responsible waste disposal.
  • Creates Public Awareness: Spreads awareness about the impact of marine litter and plastic pollution.
  • Encourages Citizen Participation: Involves students, volunteers, NGOs and coastal communities in conservation activities.
  • Supports Marine Litter Monitoring: Collection and categorisation of litter helps generate useful data for monitoring marine pollution.
  • Supports Coastal Livelihoods: Cleaner coastal environments benefit fisheries, tourism and coastal communities.
  • Promotes Sustainable Development: Encourages responsible use and protection of marine and coastal resources.

Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 2026?

Ans: Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 2026 is a nationwide coastal cleanup campaign organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and coordinated by NCCR to address marine litter and promote cleaner and safer coastal areas.

Q2: When will Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 2026 be conducted?

Ans: The campaign will be conducted from 13 September to 19 September 2026.

Q3: Who coordinates Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar?

Ans: The campaign is coordinated by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Chennai, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Q4: What is the main objective of Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar?

Ans: Its major objective is to promote coastal cleanliness, reduce marine litter and encourage public participation in protecting coastal and marine environments.

Q5: What is Sagar Prahari?

Ans: Sagar Prahari is the official mobile application of the Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar campaign. It allows volunteers to register, record collected marine litter, photograph and categorise it, and submit cleanup information.

Rani Ki Vav, Location, Architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Site

September 5, 2026
Rani Ki Vav

Rani Ki Vav, also called the Queen’s Stepwell, is a historic stepwell at Patan in Gujarat. It stands on the banks of the Saraswati River. It was built in the 11th century CE as a memorial to a king. It combines water management, religious symbolism and detailed stone carving. Rani Ki Vav is also an important example of the Maru-Gurjara architectural tradition.

Rani Ki Vav

Rani Ki Vav is a major subterranean water structure that shows the high level of stepwell construction achieved in medieval Gujarat.

  • Location: Rani Ki Vav is located at Patan, Gujarat, on the banks of the Saraswati River. It is oriented along an east-west axis and forms a major historic monument of the region.
  • Construction: Construction is attributed to Udayamati, the queen of the 11th century Chaulukya king Bhima I. It was initially created as a memorial for the king.
  • Period: Rani Ki Vav belongs to the 11th century CE. The stepwell represents the mature stage of the traditional Indian practice of creating underground water sources and storage structures.
  • Purpose: The structure served both religious and functional purposes. It was designed as an inverted temple that emphasised the sanctity of water while providing access to groundwater.
  • Structure: Rani Ki Vav contains a stepped corridor, four pavilions, a tank and a deep well. The pavilions increase in storeys towards the western end of the structure.

Rani Ki Vav History

Rani Ki Vav passed through centuries of environmental and historical changes before its excavation and restoration in modern times.

  • Chaulukya Period: Rani Ki Vav was constructed during the rule of the Chaulukya dynasty. A 1304 text, Prabandha-Chintamani by Jain monk Merutunga, records Udayamati’s construction of the stepwell at Shripattana, the historic name associated with Patan.
  • Construction Date: Merutunga’s account states that the stepwell was commissioned in 1063 and completed after 20 years. Another architectural interpretation places its construction around 1032 based on similarities with the Vimalavasahi temple at Mount Abu.
  • Flooding and Silt: The Saraswati River later flooded the structure and caused extensive silting. Geo tectonic changes in the 13th century altered the riverbed and eventually stopped Rani Ki Vav from functioning as a water well.
  • Rediscovery: Henry Cousens and James Burgess recorded the buried structure in the 1890s. Only the well shaft and a few pillars were visible because most of the stepwell remained underground.
  • Excavation: Excavations conducted under the Baroda State in the 1940s revealed Rani Ki Vav. 
  • Restoration: The Archaeological Survey of India undertook major excavation and restoration between 1981 and 1987.

Rani Ki Vav Architecture and Structures

Rani Ki Vav is renowned for combining functional water architecture with elaborate sculpture and the distinctive Maru-Gurjara style.

  • Dimensions: The stepwell is approximately 65 metres long, 20 metres wide and 28 metres deep. Its western well shaft is 10 metres in diameter and reaches a depth of 30 metres.
  • Seven Levels: The structure is divided into seven levels of stairs. These levels descend towards the underground water space and contain richly carved architectural and sculptural elements.
  • Deepest Level: The fourth level is the deepest part of the stepped structure. It leads to a rectangular tank measuring 9.5 metres by 9.4 metres at a depth of 23 metres.
  • Pavilions and Pillars: Four multi storeyed pavilions are arranged along the stepped corridor. Rani Ki Vav contains 212 pillars, along with decorated walls, beams, brackets and columns.
  • Sculptural Wealth: More than 500 principal sculptures and over 1,000 minor sculptures decorate the stepwell. They present religious, mythological and secular imagery, including references to literary traditions.
  • Deities: Sculptures include Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Kubera, Lakulisha, Bhairava, Surya, Indra, Hayagriva, Lakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati, Chamunda, Durga and the Saptamatrikas.
  • Vishnu Imagery: Vishnu receives particular prominence through representations such as Sheshashayi Vishnu, Vishwarupa Vishnu and the Dashavatara. These sculptures form an important part of the religious imagery of the monument.
  • Decorative Motifs: The carvings include Apsaras, animals, birds, plants, Kalpavriksha, kirtimukhas and makaras. Geometric lattice patterns and designs resembling local Patola textile traditions also appear in the decoration.

Rani Ki Vav UNESCO World Heritage Site

Rani Ki Vav received international heritage recognition because of its exceptional combination of water architecture, craftsmanship, religious imagery and structural design.

  • UNESCO Inscription: Rani Ki Vav was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on 22 June 2014. It is recognised for its Outstanding Universal Value as an exceptional subterranean stepwell.
  • UNESCO Criteria: The monument satisfies Criterion (i) for outstanding artistic and creative achievement and Criterion (iv) as an exceptional example of a subterranean water resource and storage structure.
  • Integrity: Most major architectural components survive, although some pavilion storeys are missing. Silting after the 13th century flooding helped preserve the monument and many sculptures for more than seven centuries.
  • Authenticity: Rani Ki Vav retains strong authenticity in its materials, design, workmanship and substance. Limited reconstruction was undertaken where structural support was necessary, with reconstructed portions kept visually distinguishable.
  • Protection: Rani Ki Vav is a Monument of National Importance protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Act of 1958, as amended in 2010. The Archaeological Survey of India manages the property.
  • Protected Zone: A 100 metre non development zone surrounds the architectural structure. Its buffer zone is incorporated into the Second Revised Development Plan to control unsuitable development around the heritage property.

Rani Ki Vav Significance

Rani Ki Vav represents the intersection of water management, religious thought, architecture and artistic expression in medieval India.

  • Water Architecture: Stepwells developed as distinctive subterranean water systems across the Indian subcontinent. Rani Ki Vav represents an advanced stage of this architectural tradition, combining practical water access with monumental design.
  • Cultural Value: The monument presents a large visual world of gods, goddesses, celestial beings, people, animals, birds and plants. Its sculptures preserve important aspects of religious and secular artistic traditions.
  • Architectural Importance: Its seven levels, pavilions, tank, well shaft and extensive carvings demonstrate the architectural and craftsmanship achievements associated with the Maru-Gurjara tradition.
  • National Recognition: Rani Ki Vav was declared a Monument of National Importance and was named India’s “Cleanest Iconic Place” at the 2016 Indian Sanitation Conference.
  • Rani Ki Vav on Note Currency: Since July 2018, Rani Ki Vav has been depicted on the reverse of the ₹100 banknote of the New Series, giving the monument wider national recognition.

Rani Ki Vav FAQs

Q1: Where is Rani Ki Vav located?

Ans: Rani Ki Vav is located in Patan, Gujarat, on the banks of the Saraswati River. It is one of India’s finest historic stepwells.

Q2: Who built Rani Ki Vav?

Ans: Rani Ki Vav was commissioned by Queen Udayamati in the 11th century CE as a memorial to her husband, Chaulukya king Bhima I.

Q3: Why is Rani Ki Vav Famous?

Ans: Rani Ki Vav is famous as it is an inverted temple with seven levels of stairs, four pavilions, a tank, a deep well and more than 500 principal sculptures.

Q4: When did Rani Ki Vav become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Ans: Rani Ki Vav was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 22 June 2014 for its exceptional artistic, architectural and technological value.

Q5: Which architectural style is used in Rani Ki Vav?

Ans: Rani Ki Vav is a notable example of the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, known for detailed stone carvings, ornate pillars and elaborate sculptural decoration.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Architecture, UNESCO Heritage Site

September 5, 2026
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was formerly called Victoria Terminus. It is a historic railway station in Mumbai, Maharashtra and a major landmark of India’s railway heritage. It was designed by F. W. Stevens and constructed between 1878 and 1887. The building covers 2.85 hectares and represents a distinctive fusion of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and Indian architectural traditions. UNESCO inscribed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus as a World Heritage Site in 2004 for its architectural and cultural value.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is located in southern Mumbai near the Arabian Sea and serves suburban and long distance railway operations.

  • Official Name: Its present official name is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). It was formerly known as Victoria Terminus (VT) and later Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST).
  • Location: The terminus is situated in Mumbai, Maharashtra, in the western part of India. It occupies a strategic position within Mumbai’s historic commercial and transport core.
  • Architect: British architect F. W. Stevens designed the building after an initial concept associated with Axel Haig. Stevens developed an elaborate Italian Gothic architectural design.
  • Construction Period: Construction began in 1878 and continued for 10 years. The building was completed in 1887 during the 50th anniversary period of Queen Victoria’s reign.
  • Original Purpose: The structure was planned as the headquarters of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway. It replaced the earlier Bori Bunder railway station.
  • Cost: The construction cost was approximately Rs. 16.14 lakh. The station was considered one of the largest buildings erected in Asia during its period.
  • Railway Role: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus functions as a major terminal for suburban and long distance trains. The headquarters of Central Railway are also located within the complex.
  • Station Code: The mainline station uses the code CSMT, while the suburban railway code is ST. The older abbreviations VT and CST also remain commonly used.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus History

The history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus reflects Mumbai’s transformation into an important railway, commercial and maritime centre during the colonial period.

  • Bori Bunder Station: The terminus replaced the Bori Bunder railway station. Bori Bunder served the Great Indian Peninsula Railway and was connected with Mumbai’s growing port and trading activities.
  • Victoria Terminus: The new station was named Victoria Terminus in 1887. The name commemorated Queen Victoria, who was then Empress of India.
  • Renaming in 1996: In March 1996, Victoria Terminus was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The new name honoured Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th century Maratha ruler.
  • Renaming in 2017: The station was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in July 2017. The change added the honorific Maharaj to the existing name.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Recognition: UNESCO inscribed the terminus on the World Heritage List in 2004. The recognition highlighted its architectural excellence and cultural interchange.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Architecture

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus architectural design combines Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival elements with Indian traditions, creating a distinctive style associated with historic Mumbai.

  • Architectural Style: The building follows High Victorian Gothic architecture adapted to Indian conditions. Italian Gothic influences appear alongside forms inspired by traditional Indian palace architecture.
  • Building Plan: The structure has a C shaped plan arranged symmetrically around an east-west axis. Its unusual ground plan contributes to its distinctive architectural character.
  • Central Dome: A prominent octagonal ribbed masonry dome crowns the building. It carries a 16 foot - 6 inch high female figure representing Progress with a flaming torch and wheel.
  • Decorative Features: The façade contains stone carvings, pointed arches, turrets, gargoyles, floral designs, animal figures, human reliefs, stained glass and decorated rose windows.
  • Materials: Local yellow Malad stone forms much of the building. Italian marble, polished granite and white limestone were also used in selected architectural elements.
  • Structural Innovation: The central dome used dovetailed ribs and was constructed without conventional centering. This demonstrated advanced structural techniques for the late 19th century.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus UNESCO World Heritage Site

UNESCO recognises Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus for its outstanding architectural value and its representation of cultural interaction in colonial India.

  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
  • The site demonstrates an important exchange between Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and Indian traditional architectural forms.
  • It represents an outstanding example of late 19th century railway architecture. Its design combines Gothic Revival features, Indian elements and advanced structural solutions.
  • The heritage property covers 2.85 hectares. A protected buffer zone of 90.21 hectares surrounds the property to control harmful development pressures.
  • Maharashtra declared the building a Heritage Grade I structure on 21 April 1997. Its protection operates under Mumbai’s heritage regulations and railway administration.
  • The Ministry of Railways holds the legal rights over the property. The Divisional Railway Manager, Mumbai Division of Central Railway, oversees its management and maintenance.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Significance

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus remains significant for its historical, architectural, cultural and transport value, linking Mumbai’s railway development with its urban heritage.

  • Cultural Fusion: The terminus demonstrates how British architects and Indian craftsmen combined different architectural traditions. This created a distinctive architectural expression unique to Mumbai.
  • Railway Heritage: It is among the finest functional railway station buildings of the world. Its continued railway use connects its heritage value with modern urban transport.
  • Mumbai Symbol: The building became a symbol of Mumbai’s emergence as a major mercantile port. It represented the city’s growing economic importance during the late 19th century.
  • Public Access: The heritage building has been open for public viewing on working days since December 2012. A heritage gully was inaugurated near platform 18 in April 2018.
  • National Importance: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus combines railway technology, architectural innovation and Indian craftsmanship. Its UNESCO status makes it an important landmark of India’s built heritage.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus FAQs

Q1: What is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus?

Ans: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a historic railway station in Mumbai, Maharashtra, known for its Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status.

Q2: Who designed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus?

Ans: British architect F. W. Stevens designed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, incorporating Victorian Gothic Revival elements with traditional Indian architectural features.

Q3: When was Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus built?

Ans: Construction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus began in 1878 and was completed in 1887, taking 10 years to finish.

Q4: When did Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Ans: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 for its outstanding architectural and cultural value.

Q5: What was Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus formerly called?

Ans: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was formerly called Victoria Terminus. It was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996 and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in 2017.

Astra AI Model

September 5, 2026
Astra AI Model

Astra AI Model Latest News

Recently, OpenAI has released its newest frontier artificial intelligence (AI) model GPT-6 Astra. 

About Astra AI Model

  • It is a new frontier artificial intelligence (AI) model released by OpenAI.
  • Functions of Astra AI Model
    • It is a model built for end-to-end work, rather than only answering prompts.
    • It is closer to more autonomous AI agents than models.
    • It can operate computers and browsers, fill online forms, update customer records, organise calendars, conduct web research, draft material inside documents and email, analyse scientific data, generate plots, build websites, install and test software, and troubleshoot problems visible on a screen.
    • It has a 1.05-million-token context window and supports a maximum output of 128,000 tokens.
  • It is the first OpenAI model classified at the critical level for cybersecurity under its Preparedness Framework.
  • It is better at retaining the original objective of a task when a user changes instructions midway.

Source: IE

Astra AI Model FAQs

Q1: What is Astra AI Model?

Ans: It is a new frontier artificial intelligence (AI) model released by OpenAI.

Q2: What is unique about Astra AI Model?

Ans: It is the first OpenAI model classified at the critical level for cybersecurity under its Preparedness Framework.

Rudra Raptors Exercise

September 5, 2026
Rudra Raptors Exercise

Rudra Raptors Exercise Latest News

The Indian Army's Konark Corps recently conducted the 'Rudra Raptors' exercise in Jaisalmer.

About Rudra Raptors Exercise

  • It is a high-intensity joint military exercise conducted by the Konark Corps of the Indian Army.
  • It was conducted in the forward areas of the desert sector in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. 
  • Theme: “One team, one purpose, absolute battlefield dominance”
  • The exercise witnessed joint integrated training and active participation from the elite helicopters of ‘Thar Raptors’ such as AH-64E Apaches, and tanks of the ‘Black Mace’ Brigade. 
  • Black Mace Brigade is the Rudra all-arms formation under Konark Corps, which the Army validated during Exercise Akhand Prahar in 2025 as a combined-arms unit grouping armour, mechanised infantry, artillery, air defence, and support elements under one headquarters. 
  • The exercise was aimed at establishing seamless synergy between aerial and ground combat capabilities, as well as validating integrated battle strategies for realistic battlefield conditions. 
  • During the joint training, attack helicopters and tanks executed operational activities in tandem to demonstrate coordinated actions between aerial and ground military assets.

News: ETVB

Rudra Raptors Exercise FAQs

Q1: What is the Rudra Raptors Exercise?

Ans: It is a high-intensity joint military exercise conducted by the Konark Corps of the Indian Army.

Q2: Where was the Rudra Raptors Exercise conducted?

Ans: It was conducted in the forward areas of the desert sector in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Q3: What was the theme of the Rudra Raptors Exercise?

Ans: “One team, one purpose, absolute battlefield dominance.”

Q4: What is the primary objective of the Rudra Raptors Exercise?

Ans: To establish seamless synergy between aerial and ground combat capabilities and validate integrated battle strategies under realistic battlefield conditions.

Alexander Disease

September 5, 2026
Alexander Disease

Alexander Disease Latest News

Ionis Pharmaceuticals recently said it would price its newly approved therapy to treat Alexander disease at $285,000 per dose, a day after the U.S. FDA cleared the injectable ​drug, making it the first approved treatment for the genetic ​disorder in adults and children.

About Alexander Disease

  • It is a rare genetic disorder that progressively damages the nervous system. 
  • It is a type of leukodystrophy, a group of conditions that affect the white matter of the brain. 
  • These diseases damage the myelin sheath, which surrounds and protects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and speeds transmission of messages between cells. 
  • In Alexander disease, the myelin insulating the nerve fibers in the brain deteriorates over time, and abnormal clumps of protein, called Rosenthal fibers, accumulate in the brain. 
  • This causes the nervous system to stop working properly. 

Alexander Disease Cause

  • Most cases of Alexander disease are caused by a mutation in the GFAP gene, which directs the body’s production of a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). 
  • At normal levels, GFAP supports the brain’s white matter (the myelin sheath). 
  • The mutation of this gene in Alexander disease causes this protein to accumulate. 
  • Instead of helping maintain the brain’s white matter, the extra GFAP does the opposite, killing other cells and damaging the myelin.
  • In most cases, the gene mutation associated with Alexander disease is not inherited from a parent. 
  • It is simply a random mutation and is new in the person who develops the syndrome.
  • In some cases, Alexander disease is inherited from a similarly affected parent. 

Alexander Disease Symptoms

  • Most cases of Alexander disease begin before age 2 and are described as the infantile form. 
    • Signs and symptoms of the infantile form typically include an enlarged brain and head size (megalencephaly), seizures, stiffness in the arms and/or legs (spasticity), intellectual disability, and developmental delay. 
  • Less frequently, onset occurs later in childhood (the juvenile form) or in adulthood. 
    • Common problems in juvenile and adult forms of Alexander disease include speech abnormalities, swallowing difficulties, seizures, and poor coordination (ataxia). 
  • Rarely, a neonatal form of Alexander disease occurs within the first month of life and is associated with severe intellectual disability and developmental delay, a buildup of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus), and seizures. 

Alexander Disease Treatment

  • There is no complete cure for Alexander disease, but the U.S. FDA recently approved Zanvastro (zilganersen), which is the first disease-modifying therapy that directly targets the underlying protein buildup driving the condition.
  • The disease is often fatal.

News: REUT

Alexander Disease FAQs

Q1: What is Alexander disease?

Ans: Alexander disease is a rare genetic disorder that progressively damages the nervous system.

Q2: What type of disorder is Alexander disease?

Ans: It is a type of leukodystrophy, a group of conditions that affect the white matter of the brain.

Q3: What part of the nervous system is primarily affected by Alexander disease?

Ans: It primarily affects the white matter of the brain and progressively damages the nervous system.

Q4: Which gene is most commonly associated with Alexander disease?

Ans: The GFAP gene.

Q5: Is Alexander disease usually inherited from a parent?

Ans: No. In most cases, the associated GFAP mutation is a new, random mutation that develops in the affected person.

Sukhna Lake

September 5, 2026
Sukhna Lake

Sukhna Lake Latest News

The MSME Development and Facilitation Office (DFO), Ludhiana, and the Chandigarh tourism department recently launched a three-day pilot market access initiative at Sukhna Lake.

About Sukhna Lake

  • It is an artificial lake located in the city of Chandigarh at the foothills of the Shivalik hills. 
  • It came into existence in 1958 when the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream originating from the Shivalik Hills, was dammed. 
  • Initially spanning 230 hectares, the lake’s area diminished to approximately 154 hectares by 2007 due to siltation, leading to the creation of the Sukhna Lake Reserve Forest. 
  • Over time, the water level dropped from 5 meters in 1958 to 2 meters by 2004, exacerbated by significant soil erosion from the 4,200-hectare catchment area.
  • The water flowing into the lake is heavily loaded with silt. Due to higher run-off, there is an accelerated pace of erosion in the catchment areas, resulting in the higher rate of sedimentation in the reservoir of Sukhna Lake and streambeds.  
  • The lake is fringed by a golf course to the south, and the famous Nek Chand Rock Garden of Chandigarh to its west.
  • The lake is declared a National  Wetland by the Government of India.
  • During winter, Sukhna Lake transforms into a haven for diverse migratory birds such as Siberian ducks, storks, and cranes, hosting around 30 resident and migratory species.
  • The lake is also a part of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Sukhna Lake has the longest channel for rowing and yachting events in Asia.

News: HT

Sukhna Lake FAQs

Q1: Where is Sukhna Lake located?

Ans: It is located in Chandigarh.

Q2: At the foothills of which hills is Sukhna Lake located?

Ans: It is located at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills.

Q3: When did Sukhna Lake come into existence?

Ans: It came into existence in 1958 when the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream originating from the Shivalik Hills, was dammed.

Q4: What major environmental problem has contributed to the decline of Sukhna Lake?

Ans: Significant soil erosion in its catchment area has contributed to the decline.

Q5: Which famous garden is located to the west of Sukhna Lake?

Ans: The Nek Chand Rock Garden is located to its west.

New Species of Pistol Shrimp

September 5, 2026
New Species of Pistol Shrimp

New Species of Pistol Shrimp Latest News

Researchers at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) recently discovered two new species of pistol shrimp named Alpheus vembanadi and Alpheus hari in the Kochi backwaters.

About Alpheus vembanadi and Alpheus hari

  • They are two new species of pistol shrimp.
  • They were discovered in the Kochi backwaters of Kerala. The specimens were collected from gillnets, a traditional fishing method used in the backwaters. 
  • The first species, Alpheus vembanadi, has been named after the Vembanad backwaters.  
    • It is found in the Kochi backwaters throughout the year and can survive in waters with salinity levels of up to 31 parts per thousand (ppt). 
  • The second species, Alpheus hari, was named in honour of Dr. M. Harikrishnan, Senior Professor at CUSAT’s School of Industrial Fisheries. 
    • The species has a notable ability to tolerate changes in salinity. 
    • Researchers found it in waters with very low salinity, while laboratory studies showed that it can also survive in freshwater. 

Key Facts about Pistol Shrimp

  • Pistol shrimp, also known as snapping shrimp, are a crustacean in the family Alpheidae.  
  • There are hundreds of species found all over the world, but most species are found in reefs and seagrass beds in temperate and tropical regions. 
  • They have one small claw called a pincer and a much larger claw-like snapper. 
  • Some shrimps have snappers that are bigger than half its body.  
  • The snapper is the shrimp’s weapon for killing or stunning prey. 
  • However, they don’t grab or choke prey the way a crab does. Instead, the snapper has a complex mechanism that gives it much more power. 
  • By rapidly snapping the snapper shut, the shrimp creates a cavitation bubble that collapses with a loud snapping sound. 
  • This snap can stun or even kill small prey, which the shrimp then consumes. 

News: ETVB

New Species of Pistol Shrimp FAQs

Q1: What are Alpheus vembanadi and Alpheus hari?

Ans: They are two newly discovered species of pistol shrimp.

Q2: Where were Alpheus vembanadi and Alpheus hari discovered?

Ans: They were discovered in the Kochi backwaters of Kerala.

Q3: What is a notable characteristic of Alpheus hari?

Ans: It has a notable ability to tolerate changes in salinity.

Q4: What are pistol shrimp also known as?

Ans: Pistol shrimp are also known as snapping shrimp.

Q5: How many major claws do pistol shrimp have?

Ans: They have one small claw called a pincer and one much larger claw-like snapper.

EOS-05 – India’s “Eye in the Sky”

September 5, 2026
EOS-05

EOS-05 Latest News

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the 2,367-kg EOS-05, an advanced Earth Observation Satellite (EOS), aboard GSLV Mk II-F17 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. 
  • The mission is significant because EOS-05 is India’s first dedicated imaging satellite placed in a geosynchronous orbit, enabling near-continuous observation of the Indian landmass.
  • The success also provided a major boost to the GSLV programme, following the failure of the EOS-03 mission in 2021 and subsequent setbacks involving PSLV missions.

A New Capability in Earth Observation

  • “Eye in the Sky”:
    • EOS-05 has been positioned in a high-altitude orbit of around 36,000 km, above the South Asian landmass, at an inclination of about 19.28° to the equator.
    • Geosynchronous orbit means the satellite's orbital period matches Earth's rotation, allowing it to return to the same position relative to Earth at regular intervals. 
    • A geostationary orbit is a special case of geosynchronous orbit—circular, equatorial and appearing stationary over one point on Earth. 
    • EOS-05's inclined orbit is therefore more precisely described as geosynchronous rather than strictly geostationary.
    • Unlike conventional Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Earth-observation satellites, which periodically pass over the same region, EOS-05 can maintain an almost-continuous watch over the Indian region.
  • Advanced imaging:
    • The satellite carries multi-spectral and hyper-spectral imaging capabilities, allowing -
      • Weather and cloud monitoring.
      • Rapid assessment of cyclones, floods and cloudbursts.
      • Agricultural and crop assessments.
      • Earth-resource monitoring.
      • Near-real-time imagery for strategic applications.
    • It can capture selected field images approximately every five minutes and cover the entire country in around 30 minutes.
    • Its assured mission life is seven years, with the possibility of operational longevity beyond this period.

Strategic Significance

    • EOS-05 has been described as a “strategic satellite” and an “Eye in the Sky”. 
    • Its high-altitude imaging capability can strengthen India's ability to continuously monitor its territory and surrounding areas.
  • Its applications include:
    • Border surveillance: Continuous observation can supplement existing terrestrial and space-based surveillance systems.
    • Disaster management: Rapid imagery can improve early warning, damage assessment and post-disaster response.
    • Agriculture: Frequent observations can support crop monitoring, agricultural assessment and planning.
    • Weather monitoring: Persistent observation is particularly valuable for tracking rapidly evolving weather systems.
  • Thus, EOS-05 represents a shift from periodic Earth observation towards persistent, high-frequency space-based monitoring.
  • The satellite's multi-spectral and hyperspectral capabilities also expand the range of information that can be extracted from imagery compared with conventional optical observation.

Boost to GSLV Mk II

  • The mission is particularly important for the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk II, whose developmental history was affected by problems associated with its indigenous cryogenic upper stage.
  • GSLV Mk II has consequently earned the informal nickname “Naughty Boy” because of its earlier reliability issues. 
  • Of its 13 Mk II missions, 11 have reportedly been successful, including the latest GSLV-F17 mission.
  • The cryogenic upper stage performed successfully during EOS-05, reaching an apogee of approximately 31,026 km, higher than initially expected. This could potentially increase the satellite's operational life by several years.
  • EOS-05 was also the heaviest satellite launched by GSLV into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) or sub-GTO trajectory, demonstrating improved launch-vehicle capability.

Growing Role of the Private Space Sector

  • The mission also highlights India's evolving space-sector ecosystem, with increasing participation by domestic industries.
  • Hundreds of Indian industries contributed components, raw materials, propulsion systems and structural assemblies for the mission. 
  • Ananth Technologies Pvt. Ltd., for instance, supplied critical avionics, electronics and spacecraft subsystems, including 28 packages for the launch vehicle.
  • The government is increasingly encouraging private participation in satellite and launch-vehicle manufacturing while enabling ISRO to concentrate on deep-space exploration, advanced research and strategic missions such as Gaganyaan.
  • IN-SPACe is facilitating private participation through measures including technology transfer, access to space data and infrastructure, and financial incentives.

Conclusion

  • The EOS-05 mission illustrates the convergence of space technology, national security, disaster management, agriculture, climate monitoring and private-sector participation.
  • For India, the larger objective is to build an integrated space ecosystem in which ISRO increasingly focuses on frontier science and complex missions, while private industry expands manufacturing, launch services and downstream applications.

Source: IE | ToI

EOS-05 FAQs

Q1: What is the strategic significance of EOS-05?

Ans: It enables near-continuous observation of the Indian landmass, strengthening border surveillance, weather monitoring, etc.

Q2: How does EOS-05 differ from conventional Low Earth Orbit Earth-observation satellites?

Ans: Unlike LEO satellites that periodically revisit locations, EOS-05’s geosynchronous orbit enables persistent, high-frequency monitoring.

Q3: What is the significance of the successful GSLV Mk II-F17 mission?

Ans: The mission strengthens confidence in GSLV Mk II and its indigenous cryogenic upper stage.

Q4: How can hyperspectral and multispectral imaging contribute to India’s developmental objectives?

Ans: These technologies provide richer information for crop assessment, weather monitoring, disaster response, etc.

Q5: How is increasing private-sector participation transforming India’s space sector?

Ans: Greater industry participation in manufacturing, components and launch infrastructure allows ISRO to focus on advanced research.

Stegodyphus sarasinorum

September 5, 2026
Stegodyphus sarasinorum

Stegodyphus sarasinorum Latest News

A team of Indian researchers has produced the first comprehensive molecular and functional profile of the venom gland of Stegodyphus sarasinorum. 

About Stegodyphus sarasinorum

  • It is a colonial spider species.
  • It is also called an Indian cooperative spider or an Indian social spider. 
  • Distribution: It is found across the Indian subcontinent.
  • Habitat: It inhabits the semi-arid areas of the central and southern states.
  • Characteristics
    • It lives in permanent colonies, constructs communal silk nests and captures prey cooperatively.
    • The colony composition of S. sarasinorum is dominated by females. 
    • It is among only a small number of permanently social spider species known worldwide.
    • They hunt and feed communally, and live in cooperatively built nests of silk and other matter.  These nocturnal spiders feed together.
    • Sexual dimorphism is observed among S. sarasinorum where males are smaller than females and darker in colour. 

Source: TH

Stegodyphus sarasinorum FAQs

Q1: What is Stegodyphus sarasinorum?

Ans: It is a colonial spider species.

Q2: Where do we find Stegodyphus sarasinorum?

Ans: It is found across the Indian subcontinent.

Seychelles

September 5, 2026
Seychelles

Seychelles Latest News

Recently, the Vice President of India met the parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Seychelles at Parliament House, New Delhi. 

About Seychelles

  • Location: It is an archipelagic island country located in the western Indian Ocean.
  • It is located to the northeast of Madagascar and east of mainland Africa. 
  • Other major islands near Seychelles include Comoros and Mauritius to the south, and Maldives to the east.
  • It consists of an archipelago of 115 islands (only 8 are permanently inhabited).
  • Capital City: Victoria.

Geographical Features of Seychelles

  • Climate: The climate is tropical oceanic, with little temperature variation during the year.
  • It is composed of two main island groups: the Mahé group which are mountainous granitic islands and a second group are coralline islands. 
    • Mahe Group is volcanic with a narrow coastal strip and rocky, hilly interior; others are relatively flat coral atolls, or elevated reefs; sits atop the submarine Mascarene Plateau.
  • Highest Point: The highest point in Seychelles is Morne Seychellois.

Source: PIB

Seychelles FAQs

Q1: What is the capital of Seychelles?

Ans: Victoria city

Q2: Where is Seychelles located?

Ans: It is an archipelagic island country located in the western Indian Ocean.

Agentic AI Skilling Program

September 5, 2026
Agentic AI Skilling Program

Agentic AI Skilling Program Latest News

Recently, the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) and Intel India have launched two Agentic AI skilling programmes. 

About Agentic AI Skilling Program

  • It is aimed at expanding access to industry-aligned Agentic AI learning opportunities and contributing to the development of a future-ready AI talent ecosystem in the country.
  • It was launched by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with Intel India.
  • Under the initiative, two programmes have been introduced
  • Agentic AI for Everyone
    • It introduces learners to workflow automation, AI agents and multi-agent systems, with a focus on improving productivity, enabling business transformation and supporting intelligent decision-making.
    • The programme provides hands-on exposure to designing and governing AI-powered workflows and agentic systems using no-code platforms.
  • Engineering Agentic AI Systems
    • It focuses on designing, building and deploying AI-powered agentic systems.
    • Learners will gain practical exposure to no-code/low-code platforms and code-based frameworks, covering areas including agent architecture, tool integration, orchestration, memory and deployment to develop scalable and production-ready solutions.

What is Agentic AI?

  • It is an advanced form of artificial intelligence focused on autonomous decision-making and action. 
  • It consists of AI agents—machine learning models that mimic human decision-making to solve problems in real time.
  • Unlike traditional AI, which primarily responds to commands or analyzes data, agentic AI can set goals, plan, and execute tasks with minimal human intervention.
  • “Agentic” indicates agency — the ability of these systems to act independently, but in a goal-driven manner.
  • At its core, this technology is built on several key components:
    • Perception: Agentic AI starts by gathering information from its surroundings and different sources, such as sensors, databases, and user interfaces. 
    • Reasoning: Using a large language model (LLM), agentic AI analyzes the gathered data to understand the context, identify relevant information, and formulate potential solutions. 
    • Planning: The AI then uses the information it gathered to develop a plan. This involves setting goals, breaking them down into smaller steps, and figuring out the best way to achieve them.
    • Action: Based on its plan, the AI takes action. This could involve performing tasks, making decisions, or interacting with other systems.
    • Reflection: After taking action, the AI learns from the results. It evaluates whether its actions were successful and uses this feedback to adjust its plans and actions in the future.

Source: PIB

Agentic AI Skilling Program FAQs

Q1: Who launched the Agentic AI Skilling Program?

Ans: It was launched by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with Intel India.

Q2: What is the aim of Agentic AI Skilling Program?

Ans: It is aimed at expanding access to industry-aligned Agentic AI learning opportunities.

Gollala Gudi Temple

September 5, 2026
Gollala Gudi Temple

Gollala Gudi Temple Latest News

The Archaeological Survey of India recently notified Gollala Gudi Temple at Palampet in the Mulugu district of Telangana as a monument of national importance. 

About Gollala Gudi Temple

  • It is an ancient temple located at Palampet in the Mulugu district of Telangana.
  • It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.  
  • The Kakatiya-era temple is located near the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple (Kakatiya Rudreshwara) and is renowned for its exquisite carvings and architectural heritage.  
    • The Kakatiya dynasty was a Telugu dynasty that ruled most of the eastern Deccan region in present-day India between the 12th and 14th centuries. 
    • Its territory spanned present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, parts of eastern Karnataka, northern Tamil Nadu, and southern Odisha. 

Gollala Gudi Temple Architecture

  • Built during the height of the Kakatiya dynasty, Gollala Gudi exemplifies the engineering and stone craftsmanship typical of the Deccan era. 
  • Like Ramappa, it was raised without binding mortar, using precisely interlocked dry masonry. 
  • It is a "Trikutalaya" (shrine with three sanctums), comprising a mandapa (pillared hall) facing east and three garbhagrihas (sanctum sanctorums), with the central sanctum housing a Shiva lingam.
  • Its parapet is adorned with sculptures, while the entablature and doorways feature rows of carved hamsas with “jali” (latticework) — among the temple’s distinctive features.
  • Two detached shrines stand in front, intricately carved and adorned with figures of “dvarapalas” (door guardians), with antechambers decorated by fine cornices and screens .
  • The main temple has a portico leading to a central hall with three shrines and antechambers to the north, south, and west. 
  • Its walls carry niches with images of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Mahishasuramardini—an epithet of the goddess Durga meaning “slayer of the demon Mahishasura.”

News: NOA

Gollala Gudi Temple FAQs

Q1: Where is Gollala Gudi Temple located?

Ans: It is located at Palampet in the Mulugu district of Telangana.

Q2: Which dynasty is associated with Gollala Gudi Temple?

Ans: The Kakatiya dynasty.

Q3: Near which UNESCO-listed temple is Gollala Gudi Temple located?

Ans: It is located near the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple, also known as the Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple.

Q4: What type of architectural structure is Gollala Gudi Temple?

Ans: It is a Trikutalaya, or a temple with three sanctums.

Folk Arts of Puducherry 2026, Name List, Dance, Craft, Music

September 5, 2026
Folk Arts of Puducherry 2026,

Puducherry is a Union Territory on India’s southeastern coast with an area of 492 sq km and four districts. It was formed on 1 July 1963. Its cultural identity reflects Tamil traditions, French colonial influence and neighbouring regional traditions. Folk Arts of Puducherry 2026 include traditional dance, music, crafts, architecture, textiles, painting and handmade products. These forms reflect the region’s diverse social structure and long cultural history.

Folk Arts of Puducherry 2026

The Folk Arts of Puducherry represent a distinctive cultural blend shaped by Tamil heritage, French influence, local communities, religious traditions and craft practices. Tamil remains widely spoken, while French, English, Telugu and Malayalam are also used. The territory has more than 350 temples, which contribute to its religious and artistic traditions. Traditional crafts include terracotta, woodcraft, pottery, leatherwork, metalcraft, handmade paper, batik, embroidery and seashell work. Its architecture also combines French and Tamil features.

Famous Folk Arts of Puducherry 2026 List

The major famous Folk Arts of Puducherry 2026 include performing arts, traditional crafts, architectural styles, painting, weaving and decorative handicrafts.

Folk Dance of Puducherry 2026

The famous Folk Dance of Puducherry reflects Tamil cultural heritage, community celebrations, religious occasions and diverse performing traditions preserved through generations.

  • Garadi Dance: The Irular Tribe of Puducherry performs Garadi during festivals and community events. It uses energetic movements, circular formations, colourful attire, drums and flutes.
  • Traditional Dance Performances: Puducherry’s cultural programmes feature forms such as Yakshgana, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Chau and Mohininattam, reflecting wider Indian performing traditions.
  • Chidambaram Natyanjali Festival: Celebrated during Shivaratri, this Dance Festival of Puducherry was initiated by Kapila Vatsayan and Nagaswamy in 1981 and attracts performers from different parts of India.

Folk Music of Puducherry 2026

Music traditions in Puducherry combine Carnatic heritage with community performances, cultural programmes and institutions that support musical learning and preservation.

  • Carnatic Music: Carnatic music forms an important part of Puducherry’s cultural life and is preserved through regular performances and cultural programmes.
  • Bhairavi Music Circle: Bhairavi organises monthly Carnatic vocal and instrumental programmes and has around 205 members. It also provides training in music, dance, art and sculpture.

Traditional Crafts of Puducherry 2026

Traditional Crafts of Puducherry include clay, wood, shell, stone, leather and other materials, reflecting local skills, creativity and cultural continuity.

  • Terracotta: Terracotta is a traditional craft of Puducherry. Artisans create dolls and decorative objects from locally available clay using established craft techniques.
  • Puducherry Bommai: Puducherry Bommai are well known dolls made using materials including unglazed earthenware, papier mache, plaster and other traditional materials.
  • Woodcraft: Wooden toys, serving mats, furniture and decorative objects form part of Puducherry’s traditional craft production.
  • Seashell Craft: Seashells are used to produce decorative articles, jewellery, wall hangings and household décor, particularly reflecting the territory’s coastal setting.
  • Coconut Shell Craft: Coconut shells are shaped into decorative and useful articles, forming part of the traditional craft range found in Puducherry.
  • Stone Carving: Stone craft and carving represent another traditional craft activity found in the region, including craft settlements around places such as Villianur.
  • Leather Craft: Leather products developed strongly around Auroville, where villagers received training and later established small craft units.
  • Ceramic Pottery: Ceramic pottery is among Puducherry’s established crafts. Auroville also contributed to glazed ceramic pottery and contemporary craft production.

Weaving and Textiles Art of Puducherry 2026

Weaving and Textile Crafts & Folk Art of Puducherry showcase traditional skills through korai mats, carpets, batik, block printing, embroidery and handmade fabric decoration techniques.

  • Kora Mat Weaving: Kora mats are woven from korai grass. The Irular community traditionally practises this craft, producing durable mats with practical and decorative value.
  • Hand Woven Carpets: Hand woven carpets form part of Puducherry’s traditional handicraft products and reflect the territory’s continuing weaving traditions.
  • Batik and Block Printing: Batik and block printing developed within Puducherry’s craft tradition, combining textile work with decorative patterns and handmade production.
  • Embroidery and Crochet: Hand embroidery and crochet stitching are practised as craft activities. They are also used for producing decorative articles and handmade products.

Painting and Paper Crafts of Puducherry 2026

Folk Arts of Puducherry and visual crafts include handmade paper, marbling, screen painting and papier mache work, combining traditional craftsmanship with distinctive decorative techniques.

  • Handmade Paper: Handmade paper became an important craft after the development of craft activities associated with Sri Aurobindo Ashram and later Auroville.
  • Marbling: Marbling is practised on paper and fabrics. It forms part of Puducherry’s distinctive decorative craft traditions introduced through its evolving handicraft culture.
  • Screen Painting: Screen painting is among the traditional decorative activities practised by local artisans and forms part of Puducherry’s broader visual craft heritage.
  • Papier Mache Dolls: Papier mache is used for making dolls and decorative objects. The craft forms part of the territory’s long standing doll making tradition.

Architecture of Puducherry 2026

The Architecture of Puducherry presents French, Tamil and Franco-Tamil styles, creating distinctive buildings that reflect colonial history and regional cultural traditions.

  • French Architecture: French quarters feature tall arched windows and doors, high ceilings, street facing houses, wooden or light metal window shades and relatively embellished interiors.
  • Tamil Architecture: Tamil houses commonly feature thalvarams, thinnais, wooden supports, vertical columns, pillars and ornamented parapets that reflect regional architectural traditions.
  • Franco-Tamil Architecture: Some buildings combine French and Tamil elements. This architectural fusion is a distinctive expression of Puducherry’s colonial history and local cultural traditions.

Decorative and Lifestyle Crafts of Puducherry 2026

Decorative Crafts and Folk Arts of Puducherry include candles, incense, aromatic products and cane furniture, combining traditional workmanship with practical, artistic and cultural uses.

  • Candle and Incense Making: Candle and incense production forms part of Puducherry’s craft sector. These products also connect with the territory’s spiritual and religious cultural practices.
  • Aromatic Products: Perfumes and other aromatic products are associated with Puducherry’s craft tradition and reflect the influence of its evolving artisanal culture.
  • Cane Furniture: Cane furniture is among the traditional handmade products associated with Puducherry’s handicraft sector and combines utility with local craftsmanship.

Folk Arts of Puducherry Significance

The Folk Arts of Puducherry preserve its Tamil roots while showing French, coastal, religious and contemporary influences through living community practices.

  • Cultural Fusion: Puducherry’s arts combine Tamil traditions with French influences. This fusion is especially visible in architecture, crafts, lifestyle, textiles and cultural activities.
  • Community Heritage: Traditional crafts such as kora mat weaving, terracotta, woodcraft, pottery and doll making help preserve skills transmitted through generations.
  • Religious Connection: Temples, festivals, music and dance remain closely connected. More than 350 temples in and around Puducherry contribute to its strong religious cultural environment.
  • Auroville Contribution: Auroville encouraged contemporary and eco conscious crafts. Villagers trained in leatherwork, ceramics, terracotta, embroidery, weaving and woodcraft later developed independent village craft units.
  • Cultural Diversity: Puducherry’s Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, French and English linguistic influences reflect its cosmopolitan character. Its folk arts similarly represent interaction among diverse cultural traditions.
  • Art and Craft Village: Located in Murungapakkam, the Art and Craft Village has 24 artisan stalls and supports traditional crafts like pottery, leatherwork, woodcraft and coconut shell products.

Folk Arts of Puducherry FAQs

Q1: What are the major Folk Arts of Puducherry?

Ans: Major Folk Arts of Puducherry include Garadi dance, Carnatic music, terracotta, Puducherry Bommai, kora mat weaving, pottery, woodcraft, seashell craft and traditional architecture.

Q2: What is the famous traditional Folk Dance of Puducherry?

Ans: Garadi is a traditional folk dance associated with the Irular community of Puducherry and is performed during festivals and community events.

Q3: What is Puducherry Bommai in Puducherry?

Ans: Puducherry Bommai refers to traditional dolls made using materials such as terracotta, papier mache, plaster and other traditional materials.

Q4: What are the main crafts and Folk Arts of Puducherry?

Ans: The main crafts include terracotta, pottery, woodcraft, leatherwork, seashell craft, coconut shell craft, stone carving, handmade paper, embroidery and kora mat weaving.

Q5: How does French culture influence the Folk Arts of Puducherry?

Ans: French influence is mainly visible in Puducherry’s architecture, lifestyle, cuisine and craft traditions, creating a distinctive blend with Tamil cultural heritage.

Xenotransplantation, Meaning, Pig Kidney Transplant to Human

September 5, 2026
Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation is the use of living animal cells, tissues, or organs in humans. It is being studied as a response to the shortage of human donor organs. Recent pig kidney research has strengthened its role as a possible bridge for patients with end stage kidney disease. Genetically modified pigs are central to this approach because their organs can be altered to improve compatibility with the human body.

Pig Xenotransplantation Latest News 2026

Research published in The Lancet on September 3, 2026, reported an important development in Pig Kidney Transplantation and its possible use before a human donor organ becomes available.

  • Tim Andrews is a US Patient with Kidney Failure. He received a genetically edited pig kidney in 2025 at age 66. In 2026, he received a deceased donor human kidney after remaining dialysis free for 271 days.
  • Andrews represents the longest dialysis free survival reported after porcine kidney Xenotransplantation in a living human. His case is also the first documented transition from a pig kidney to a human kidney.
  • The genetically edited pig kidney began functioning immediately. An early episode of T cell mediated rejection was controlled with treatment.
  • After about six months, immunosuppression was reduced because of infection. The pig kidney later developed microvascular injury and inflammation that progressed to organ failure.
  • Andrews subsequently received a deceased donor human kidney. The human kidney showed immediate graft function and follow up found no evidence of sensitization.

What is Xenotransplantation?

The Meaning of Xenotransplantation is transferring living biological material between a non human animal and a human. It includes organs, tissues and cells. It can also cover human material that has had direct contact with living animal cells, tissues or organs outside the body.

  • FDA definition: The US Food and Drug Administration defines Xenotransplantation as transplantation, implantation or infusion of live non human animal cells, tissues or organs into humans, including certain human materials exposed to animal biological material ex vivo.
  • Purpose: The principal objective is to overcome the shortage of human donor organs. Genetically modified animal organs may provide another source for patients who cannot receive human organs quickly.

What is Transplantation?

Transplantation involves moving an organ, tissue or cells to restore or support function. The source and genetic relationship between donor and recipient determine the major transplantation categories as highlighted below:

  • Autotransplantation: Autotransplantation moves tissue from one part of a person's body to another part of the same body. Skin grafting is a common example.
  • Allotransplantation: Allotransplantation occurs between two genetically different people of the same species. Most human organ transplants fall under this category.
  • Isograft: An isograft is performed between genetically identical individuals, such as identical twins. Genetic similarity generally reduces immune compatibility problems.
  • Xenotransplantation: Xenotransplantation involves biological material from a different species. Pig to human organ transplantation is a major area of current research.

What is the Need for Xenotransplantation?

The shortage of suitable human organs remains a major barrier to transplantation. Xenotransplantation could provide additional organs for patients who otherwise face prolonged waiting periods.

  • Kidney shortage: Nearly 90,000 people in the United States are waiting for a kidney transplant. More than 3,000 people die annually while waiting for a kidney.
  • Bridge therapy: Xenotransplantation could temporarily support patients with organ failure until a suitable human donor becomes available. This approach could reduce dependence on prolonged dialysis.
  • Potential supply: Genetically modified pigs could provide a controlled and scalable source of organs. This may help address the limited availability of human donor organs.

Xenotransplantation in India

India has explored Xenotransplantation since 1997, but growing research and organ shortages highlight the need for clear laws, ethical safeguards and dedicated regulation.

  • Liver Requirement in India: India requires around 25,000-30,000 liver transplants annually. Only about 1,500 patients receive them, showing the large gap between demand and available transplantation.
  • Organ Shortage: India’s organ donation rate is about 0.86 per million population. Studies estimate that only 2-3 per cent of transplant demand is currently met, creating a strong need for alternative organ sources.
  • First Xenotransplantation in India: In January 1997, Dhaniram Baruah performed a pig to human heart transplant in Sonapur, Assam. Patient Purno Saikia died after seven days from acute organ rejection.
  • Legal controversy: The 1997 procedure lacked prior approval and ethical oversight. Baruah was arrested under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act 1994 and spent 40 days in jail before receiving bail.
  • Regulatory position: India has no dedicated Xenotransplantation law. The ICMR 2007 ethical guidelines discussed Xenotransplantation but permitted only animal to animal experimental transplantation, while the 2017 updated guidelines omitted specific references to it.
  • Drug-Law Regulation: The New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules 2019 classify xenografts intended for use as drugs as “New Drugs”. A proposed October 2025 amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945, sought to bring xenografts within licensing and regulatory provisions.
  • Need for Dedicated Framework: Future regulation needs to address human safety, infection surveillance, donor animal selection, informed consent and animal welfare. It should also coordinate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and CCSEA requirements with transplantation standards.

Why are Pigs Used for Xenotransplantation?

Pigs are considered suitable animal donors for Xenotransplantation because their organs have important similarities with human organs. Their established farming systems also support controlled production and research.

  • Biological similarity: Pig anatomy and physiology have similarities with humans. These characteristics make pig organs suitable candidates for research into human transplantation.
  • Established medical use: Pig heart valves have been used in human valve replacement procedures for more than 50 years. This provides considerable experience with porcine biological materials.
  • Availability: Pigs are widely farmed and can be bred under controlled conditions. This creates a potentially scalable source of organs compared with limited human donation.
  • Organ size: Different pig breeds provide variations in body and organ size. This allows researchers to consider organ dimensions when matching organs with human recipients.

Xenotransplantation History

The development of Xenotransplantation has progressed from early animal experiments to genetically engineered organs. Advances in surgery, immunosuppression, cloning and gene editing have gradually improved its prospects.

  • Early experiments: Between the 17th and 20th centuries, animal blood was transfused into humans for different medical conditions. Animal skin graft experiments were also attempted during the 19th century.
  • Pig Corneal: In 1838, a pig cornea was used in an early corneal Xenotransplantation attempt. It preceded the development of modern human to human corneal transplantation.
  • Chimpanzee kidneys: In 1963-1964, Reemtsma transplanted chimpanzee kidneys into 13 patients. One recipient survived for almost nine months and returned to work before dying suddenly.
  • Chimpanzee heart: In 1964, Hardy performed an attempted chimpanzee to human heart transplant. The patient survived for only about two hours.
  • Chimpanzee Liver: Starzl performed the first chimpanzee to human liver transplantation in 1966. In 1992, a baboon liver transplant achieved 70 days of patient survival.
  • Pig heart: In January 2022, a genetically modified pig heart was transplanted into a 57 year old patient. The patient died about two months later, but the procedure demonstrated the potential of modified pig organs.
  • Genetically Modified Pig Kidney: In 2024, Massachusetts General Hospital performed the world's first genetically engineered pig kidney transplant in a living human. That patient survived 52 days before dying from cardiac causes unrelated to the transplant.
  • Pig Liver: In 2025, researchers from the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, transplanted a gene edited pig liver into a brain dead human recipient. The liver produced bile and albumin and maintained stable blood flow for 10 days without observed rejection under immunosuppression.
  • Indian case: In 1997, a surgeon in Assam performed a pig heart to human transplant. The patient died one week later and the case resulted in legal repercussions.

Xenotransplantation Procedure and Methodology

The procedure fo Xenotransplantation combines organ selection, genetic modification, transplantation and prolonged monitoring. Pig organs are prepared to reduce rejection and improve their ability to function inside a human recipient.

  • Organ selection: Researchers select an animal organ according to its size, function and suitability for the intended recipient. Pig kidneys are among the leading organs under investigation.
  • Gene editing: Selected pigs can undergo genetic changes that remove or modify genes responsible for strong human immune reactions. Human genes may also be inserted to improve compatibility.
  • CRISPR Cas9: CRISPR Cas9 uses guide RNA to direct the Cas9 enzyme toward a selected DNA sequence. Cas9 cuts the DNA, allowing targeted genetic changes during cellular repair.
  • Transplantation: The genetically modified organ is surgically connected to the recipient's blood vessels and relevant anatomical structures. Doctors then assess immediate blood flow and organ function.
  • Immunosuppression: Medicines are used to control the recipient's immune response. Careful adjustment is required because excessive immunosuppression can increase infection risks.
  • Post transplant monitoring: Patients are monitored for rejection, organ performance, antibody formation and potential pig to human pathogen transmission. Long term observation is essential because complications can develop later.

Xenotransplantation Challenges

Xenotransplantation faces major medical, public health and ethical challenges. Long term safety remains uncertain because animal organs interact with the human immune system in complex ways.

  • Immune rejection: The human immune system can recognise animal tissues as foreign. Genetic modification and immunosuppressive treatment are therefore required to improve graft survival.
  • Zoonotic diseases: Animal to human transplantation may transmit known or unknown pathogens, including viruses that could remain undetected for years. Continuous donor animal screening and long term recipient monitoring are therefore essential.
  • Retroviruses: Animal retroviruses may remain latent after transmission. Their ability to cause disease years later creates an important long term public health concern.
  • Long term survival: The ability of a pig organ to function for many years inside a human remains uncertain. The 271 day survival of Andrews was an important advance, but it does not establish lifelong durability.
  • Ethical concerns: Xenotransplantation raises questions about animal welfare and the permanent genetic modification of animals. These concerns remain important alongside medical considerations.
  • Cost and infrastructure: Xenotransplantation requires specialised facilities, genetic engineering, transplantation expertise and long term monitoring. These requirements may limit access in countries with weaker healthcare infrastructure.

Xenotransplantation Significance

Xenotransplantation could change organ transplantation by providing an additional source of organs. Recent pig kidney research shows growing potential, while also highlighting the need for stronger evidence on safety and long term survival.

  • Reducing organ shortage: A reliable supply of genetically modified pig organs could reduce dependence on scarce human donors. This could shorten waiting periods for patients with severe organ failure.
  • Broader applications: Research is examining animal derived cells, tissues and organs for conditions including diabetes, liver failure and neurodegenerative disorders. Human biological material is often limited for these applications.
  • Scientific advancement: Xenotransplantation combines transplantation medicine with genetic engineering and infection surveillance. Its development is also improving understanding of rejection, graft injury and organ compatibility.
  • Future potential: The long term objective is a dependable supply of suitable organs from carefully controlled genetically modified pigs. Current evidence supports continued research, but widespread clinical use still requires stronger safety and durability data.

Xenotransplantation FAQs

Q1: What is Xenotransplantation?

Ans: Xenotransplantation is the transplantation of living cells, tissues, or organs from a non human animal into a human recipient.

Q2: Why are pigs used for Xenotransplantation?

Ans: Pigs are widely used because their organs have similarities with humans, different breeds provide suitable organ sizes and controlled breeding can support organ availability.

Q3: What is the latest development in Xenotransplantation?

Ans: In 2026, Tim Andrews became the first reported patient to receive a human kidney after living dialysis free for 271 days with a genetically edited pig kidney.

Q4: What was India’s first Xenotransplantation case?

Ans: In January 1997, Dhaniram Baruah performed a pig to human heart transplant on Purno Saikia in Assam. The patient died after seven days from acute organ rejection.

Q5: What are the major challenges of Xenotransplantation?

Ans: Major challenges include organ rejection, cross species infections, long term organ survival, animal welfare, ethical concerns, genetic modification and regulatory gaps.

Folk Arts of Goa, Traditional Art Forms, Culture & Heritage

September 5, 2026
Folk Arts of Goa

Folk Arts of Goa reflect the cultural diversity and historical evolution of Goa, combining indigenous Konkan traditions with influences introduced during Portuguese colonial rule. From intricate murals and wooden paintings to traditional textiles and ceramic tiles, these art forms represent the region’s religious beliefs, social life, craftsmanship and connection with nature.

Major Folk Arts of Goa

Goa has several distinctive traditional art forms, each reflecting a different aspect of its cultural heritage. The major folk art traditions include Kaavi art, Chitari art, Azulejos, Kunbi weaving and Sgraffito.

1. Kaavi Art

Kaavi Art is a traditional mural technique associated with the Konkan region, particularly Goa and neighbouring areas. It is characterised by intricate designs created by scraping or carving patterns into a prepared surface containing red mud and natural red oxide.

The artwork commonly depicts deities, floral patterns, geometric designs and scenes from everyday life. Kaavi murals can be seen on the walls of traditional homes, temples and other heritage structures.

Key features of Kaavi Art:

  • Uses natural red oxide to create its distinctive reddish appearance.
  • Involves scratching or carving designs into a prepared plaster surface.
  • Features deities, flora, geometric patterns and everyday scenes.
  • Represents the indigenous artistic traditions of the Konkan region.
  • Has been traditionally used to decorate religious and heritage structures.

2. Chitari Art

Chitari Art is a traditional hand-painting practice associated with the Chitari community of Goa. The craft has a history of around 300 years and is particularly known for its application on wooden objects used during religious and cultural occasions.

Traditional Chitari artists decorate objects such as temple chariots, ceremonial stools known as paath, and festive items. One of the most recognisable elements of this art is the twin-parrot motif, along with the use of bright natural colours.

Key features of Chitari Art:

  • A traditional craft with a history of around 300 years.
  • Practised by the Chitari community.
  • Commonly seen on wooden objects and ceremonial items.
  • Uses vivid colours derived traditionally from natural sources.
  • The twin-parrot motif is an important characteristic.
  • Closely connected with Goan religious and festive traditions.

Also Read:- Tribes of Goa

3. Azulejos

Azulejos are decorative hand-painted ceramic tiles associated with the Portuguese cultural influence in Goa. These tiles became an important feature of Goan architecture and can be found decorating heritage homes, churches and institutional buildings.

They are especially recognised for their blue-and-white colour combinations, geometric patterns and pictorial compositions. Azulejos demonstrate how Portuguese artistic traditions became integrated into Goa's architectural landscape.

Key features of Azulejos:

  • Made from ceramic tiles.
  • Strongly influenced by Portuguese artistic traditions.
  • Often feature blue-and-white designs.
  • Include geometric, floral and pictorial patterns.
  • Commonly found on heritage buildings and institutional walls.
  • Represent the colonial influence on Goan art and architecture.

4. Kunbi Weaving

Kunbi Weaving is an indigenous textile tradition associated with the Kunbi community of Goa. The tradition produces comfortable and durable cotton fabrics that historically suited the region's climate and lifestyle.

Traditional Kunbi textiles are recognised for their checkered and striped patterns and have traditionally used natural dyes. The fabrics are lightweight, making them suitable for everyday wear in Goa's warm and humid climate.

Key features of Kunbi Weaving:

  • Associated with the Kunbi community.
  • Represents an indigenous Goan textile tradition.
  • Uses cotton to produce lightweight fabrics.
  • Known for checks and stripes.
  • Traditionally used natural dyes.
  • Combines practicality, durability and distinctive design.

Also Read:- Folk Dances of Goa

5. Sgraffito

Sgraffito is a decorative mural technique that involves scratching designs into layers of plaster. It shares similarities with Kaavi art because both techniques involve creating designs by working into a prepared surface.

However, Sgraffito in Goa is particularly associated with historical Christian architecture and church facades. Its presence reflects the interaction between local artistic techniques and the religious and architectural traditions that developed during the Portuguese period.

Key features of Sgraffito:

  • Uses a plaster-scratching technique.
  • Similar in method to Kaavi art.
  • Frequently associated with Christian motifs in Goa.
  • Found on some historical churches and architectural surfaces.
  • Reflects the interaction between local craftsmanship and Portuguese-era influences.

Folk Arts of Goa Importance

Folk Arts of Goa are important for several reasons:

  • Preservation of heritage: It keeps traditional artistic practices alive across generations.
  • Cultural identity: These forms represent the distinctive cultural identity of Goa.
  • Architectural heritage: Kaavi, Azulejos and Sgraffito contribute to the visual character of Goan heritage buildings.
  • Community traditions: Chitari art and Kunbi weaving are closely connected with traditional communities.
  • Historical evidence: These art forms reflect the interaction between indigenous Konkan culture and Portuguese influence.
  • Craftsmanship: They showcase the skills of local artisans and traditional knowledge of materials and techniques.
  • Tourism: Traditional art and crafts contribute to Goa's cultural tourism and provide visitors with insight into its heritage.

Folk Arts of Goa FAQs

Q1: What are the major folk arts of Goa?

Ans: The major folk art and craft traditions of Goa include Kaavi art, Chitari art, Azulejos, Kunbi weaving and Sgraffito. These traditions reflect both indigenous Goan culture and Portuguese influences.

Q2: What is Kaavi Art in Goa?

Ans: Kaavi art is a traditional mural and etching technique associated with Goa and the Konkan region. It uses a reddish pigment derived from laterite soil, which is etched into lime-plastered surfaces to create intricate designs.

Q3: What is Chitari Art?

Ans: Chitari art is a traditional Goan wooden art form associated with the Chitari artisan community. It is known for vibrant colours, detailed designs and decorated wooden objects used in religious and cultural traditions.

Q4: What are Azulejos in Goa?

Ans: Azulejos are hand-painted ceramic tiles introduced to Goa through Portuguese influence. They are commonly decorated with blue-and-white, floral, religious or pictorial designs and can be seen on old homes, churches and other heritage buildings.

Q5: What is Kunbi weaving?

Ans: Kunbi weaving is a traditional textile practice associated with the Kunbi community of Goa. The Kunbi sari is particularly recognised for its distinctive checked patterns, coloured borders and handloom tradition.

UN Votes to Adopt New World Map, Equal Earth Projection Explained

September 5, 2026
UN Votes to Adopt New World Map

The United Nations has voted to support a new world map that aims to show the actual size of continents more accurately, especially Africa. This move focuses on the limitations of the traditional Mercator projection, which makes areas near the poles look much larger while making regions near the Equator appear relatively smaller. The new approach promotes map projections such as Equal Earth, which provide a more balanced representation of the world’s land areas. 

UN Votes to Adopt New World Map

  • The United Nations General Assembly has voted in favour of a new world map that presents the size of continents more accurately, especially the African region. 
  • The resolution, known as “Correct the Map,” was sponsored by Togo and supported by members of the African Union (AU). It received 164 votes in favour, while the United States was the only country to vote against it and six countries abstained.
  • This UN resolution is non-binding, which means countries are not legally required to stop using the traditional map. 
  • However, it is expected to encourage schools, institutions, governments and digital platforms to adopt more accurate map projections.

Why Did the UN Propose a New World Map?

  • The major reason behind this proposal, is the distortion created by the Mercator map, which has been widely used since the 16th century. 
  • While the map is useful for navigation, it does not show the actual size of land areas accurately.
  • The Mercator projection, created by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569, makes regions closer to the poles appear much larger than they actually are. 
  • As a result, Africa appears much smaller in comparison with countries and regions in the northern hemisphere.
  • A well-known example to quote is Greenland, which appears almost similar in size to Africa on the Mercator map. Whereas in reality, Africa is around 14 times larger than Greenland.
  • Supporters of the “Correct the Map” campaign argue that this visual distortion has influenced how people understand Africa’s size, resources, population and economic potential. They believe that maps can shape perceptions of the importance of different regions.
  • African countries have also linked the issue to the legacy of colonialism. They argue that changing the map can help address long-standing geographical and educational perceptions and present Africa more fairly.

Key Changes in the New World Map

  • The UN-backed resolution promotes the use of the Equal Earth projection, which was developed in 2018 by an international team of cartographers. It is designed to show the relative size of continents more accurately.
  • In February, the African Union’s 54 member states adopted the Equal Earth projection and stated that it provides a better representation of the actual size of continents, particularly Africa.
  • Unlike the Mercator projection, the Equal Earth map does not greatly enlarge areas near the poles. This makes the relative size of Africa and other equatorial regions easier to understand.
  • The change does not mean that the Mercator projection will immediately disappear. The UN resolution is not legally enforceable and the Mercator map can continue to be used where it is suitable, particularly for maritime and aerial navigation.
  • Different map projections have different purposes because it is impossible to represent the curved surface of the Earth perfectly on a flat map. 
  • Therefore, the new approach focuses on using more suitable projections for education, public information and other purposes.

Significance of the UN’s New World Map

  • The decision could lead to changes in school textbooks, educational materials, government documents, media and digital mapping platforms. Togo has also indicated plans to encourage wider adoption of the Equal Earth projection.
  • The move is seen by supporters as an effort to provide a more accurate geographical representation of the world and correct the long-standing visual underrepresentation of Africa.
  • The campaign also highlights the idea that maps are not simply geographical tools. They can influence how people perceive the importance, size and position of different countries and continents.
  • France supported the resolution and announced that it would move away from the Mercator projection in favour of map representations that are more suitable for particular purposes and closer to actual surface areas. France plans to use the Eckert IV projection, which is similar to the Equal Earth approach in its focus on accurate area representation.
  • The United States opposed the resolution, arguing that the General Assembly should focus on major international issues rather than what it considered a map-related project.
  • For African countries and campaign groups, the decision represents more than a change in cartography. It is also part of a wider effort to challenge outdated perceptions of Africa and ensure that the continent's geographical, economic and geopolitical importance is represented more accurately.

UN Votes to Adopt New World Map FAQs

Q1: What is the new world map proposed by the UN?

Ans: The new world map promotes projections that represent the actual size of continents more accurately, particularly Africa, instead of relying mainly on the distorted Mercator projection.

Q2: Why did the UN vote for a new world map?

Ans: The UN supported the proposal to address the size distortion caused by the Mercator projection and encourage more accurate geographical representation.

Q3: What is the “Correct the Map” resolution?

Ans: The “Correct the Map” resolution is a UN initiative sponsored by Togo and supported by African Union members to promote more accurate world map projections.

Q4: What is the Mercator projection?

Ans: The Mercator projection is a world map projection created by Gerardus Mercator in 1569. It is useful for navigation but makes areas near the poles appear much larger than their actual size.

Q5: How much larger is Africa than Greenland?

Ans: Africa is around 14 times larger than Greenland, although the Mercator projection makes them appear relatively similar in size.

Geosynchronous Orbit, Meaning, Height, Satellite, Applications

September 5, 2026
Geosynchronous Orbit

Geosynchronous Orbit is an Earth centered orbit in which a satellite completes one revolution in the same period as Earth’s rotation. Its orbital period is 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds, equal to one sidereal day. The orbit has a semi major axis of about height of 42,164 km from the centre of Earth. 

Depending on its inclination and eccentricity, a satellite may appear to move across the sky while returning to the same position daily. Geosynchronous Orbit is important for communication, remote sensing and other satellite services.

What is a Geosynchronous Orbit?

Geosynchronous Orbit is a prograde, high Earth orbit that matches Earth’s rotational period. It is also known as the Clarke Orbit, after Arthur C. Clarke, who popularised its use for global communication. A circular geosynchronous orbit has an altitude of about 35,786 km above Earth’s surface. 

Geosynchronous Orbit Features

The general features and important examples of the Geosynchronous Orbit are given below.

  • Orbital Period: A satellite in Geosynchronous Orbit completes one revolution in 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds, matching one sidereal day.
  • Geostationary Orbit: A geostationary orbit is a special type of geosynchronous orbit with zero eccentricity and zero inclination, keeping the satellite fixed above the equator.
  • Tundra Orbit: A Tundra orbit is an eccentric geosynchronous orbit with an inclination of 63.4°, allowing prolonged coverage over high latitude regions.
  • Satellite Movement: A geosynchronous satellite can appear to move north-south or east-west. Its ground track can form a figure eight pattern because of inclination and eccentricity.
  • History: Herman Potočnik described the concept in 1929. Arthur C. Clarke popularised it in 1945 through his paper on extraterrestrial communication relays.
  • First Functional Geosynchronous Satellite: Syncom 2, successfully placed in geosynchronous orbit in 1963, demonstrated practical satellite communication and relayed television transmissions.
  • Applications: These orbits support communications, weather monitoring, remote sensing and broadcasting. Geostationary satellites allow fixed ground antennas to maintain continuous communication with the same satellite.

Geosynchronous Orbit FAQs

Q1: What is a Geosynchronous Orbit?

Ans: A Geosynchronous Orbit is an Earth centered orbit where a satellite takes one sidereal day, or 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds, to complete one revolution.

Q2: What is the Height of a Geosynchronous Orbit?

Ans: A circular Geosynchronous Orbit has an altitude of about 35,786 km above Earth’s surface and a semi major axis of approximately 42,164 km.

Q3: What is the difference between Geosynchronous and Geostationary Orbit?

Ans: Geostationary Orbit is a special type of Geosynchronous Orbit with zero eccentricity and zero inclination, keeping the satellite apparently fixed above the equator.

Q4: Why is Geosynchronous Orbit important?

Ans: Geosynchronous Orbit supports communication, broadcasting, weather monitoring and remote sensing because satellites return to the same position in the sky every sidereal day.

Q5: Why is Geosynchronous Orbit called the Clarke Orbit?

Ans: Geosynchronous Orbit is called the Clarke Orbit because Arthur C. Clarke popularised its use for global communication through his 1945 paper on extraterrestrial communication relays.

Thol Lake, Location, Sanctuary, Ramsar Site, Biodiversity

September 5, 2026
Thol Lake

Thol Lake is a freshwater artificial wetland near Thol village in Kadi taluka of Mehsana district, Gujarat. It was constructed in 1912 during the Gaekwad regime as an irrigation tank for farmers. The lake covers a water spread of 699 hectares and has a storage capacity of 84 million cubic metres. It was declared a bird sanctuary in 1988 subsequently a Ramsar Site in 2021. Thol Lake is also an important wetland on the Central Asian Flyway.

Thol Lake

Thol Lake combines irrigation history, wetland ecology and bird conservation in the semi arid landscape of North Gujarat.

  • Location: Thol Lake lies near Thol village, about 40 km northwest of Ahmedabad.
  • Origin: The lake was built in 1912 by the Gaekwad regime to provide irrigation water to farmers. This also established user rights over the lake water.
  • Physical Features: The lake is shallow and has a 5.62 km shoreline. Its water spread covers 699 hectares, while its storage capacity is 84 million cubic metres.
  • Catchment: Thol Lake drains a catchment area of 15,500 hectares. Its command area is about 1,450 hectares, supporting the original irrigation purpose of the reservoir.
  • Climate: The region has winter, summer and monsoon seasons. Annual rainfall averages 600 mm, while recorded temperatures range from 8°C to 43°C.
  • Management: The Forest and Irrigation departments of the Government of Gujarat jointly operate and manage Thol Lake and its water resources.
  • Protection Status: Thol Lake was notified as a bird sanctuary in November 1988 under Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. It has also been proposed as an Eco Sensitive Zone under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
  • Ramsar Recognition: In August 2021, Thol and Wadhwana in Gujarat were recognised as Ramsar Sites along with Sultanpur and Bhindawas in Haryana.

Thol Lake Biodiversity

Thol Lake supports diverse aquatic, marshland and dry region vegetation along with resident and migratory bird populations.

  • Bird Diversity: Greater flamingo, Sarus crane, great white pelican, mallard, geese and several waders are prominent species. Thousands of flamingos have been recorded at the wetland.
  • Threatened Species: Vulnerable species include Dalmatian pelican, greater spotted eagle, Sarus crane and Indian skimmer. White rumped vulture and Indian vulture are critically endangered.
  • Other Fauna: The surrounding landscape supports bluebull, golden jackal and blackbuck, adding terrestrial diversity to the wetland ecosystem.
  • Vegetation: Peripheral and wetland vegetation includes Acacia nilotica, A. leucoploea, Zizyphus, Azadirachta indica, Ficus, Salvadora, Prosopis chilensis and Capparis species.
  • Habitat: Open water is the dominant habitat, with cropland, fallow land, scrubland and marshy vegetation occurring around the lake.

Thol Lake Significance

Thol Lake is important for irrigation, wetland conservation, migratory birds and ecological protection in Gujarat's semi arid landscape.

  • Irrigation Value: Thol Lake was originally created to provide irrigation facilities to farmers. Its command area of about 1,450 hectares reflects its agricultural importance.
  • Migratory Route: The wetland lies on the Central Asian Flyway. It provides feeding, nesting and wintering habitat for numerous migratory waterbirds.
  • Conservation Value: The sanctuary protects important bird populations, including Sarus cranes, flamingos and threatened species. Its Ramsar status strengthens its importance as a wetland of international significance.
  • Environmental Role: The lake's open water, marshes, scrubland and surrounding agricultural areas create varied habitats. These habitats support both aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity.
  • Regional Importance: Thol Lake is one of the important wetland ecosystems of North Gujarat. Its conservation links water management, agriculture, biodiversity protection and sustainable wetland use.

Thol Lake FAQs

Q1: Where is Thol Lake located?

Ans: Thol Lake is located near Thol village in Kadi taluka of Mehsana district, Gujarat. It is about 40 km northwest of Ahmedabad.

Q2: Why is Thol Lake important?

Ans: Thol Lake is important for wetland conservation, migratory birds and irrigation. It lies on the Central Asian Flyway and supports many resident and wintering waterbirds.

Q3: When was Thol Lake constructed?

Ans: Thol Lake was constructed in 1912 during the Gaekwad regime. It was originally developed as an irrigation tank to provide water to farmers.

Q4: When was Thol Lake declared a bird sanctuary?

Ans: Thol Lake was declared a bird sanctuary in November 1988 under Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

Q5: When did Thol Lake become a Ramsar Site?

Ans: Thol Lake was recognised as a Ramsar Site in August 2021. It was among four Indian wetlands recognised during that period.

Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole, Formation, Movement, Significance

September 5, 2026
Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has detected a giant 10-sided pattern of clouds and winds around Saturn’s south pole, known as the Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole. Scientists have identified it as a large atmospheric wave that is still evolving.

The discovery was led by Agustín Sánchez-Lavega of the University of the Basque Country, and the findings were published in Science Advances.

What is the Decagon on Saturn’s South?

The decagon is a large, 10-sided wave in Saturn’s atmosphere near its south pole. It is not a solid structure or a shape on the planet’s surface.

Saturn’s atmosphere has very strong winds that flow around its poles. In some places, these winds can form large waves. Under certain conditions, these waves can develop into unusual shapes. The newly observed southern wave has taken on a roughly 10-sided shape.

  • The decagon is located around 63° south latitude, close to Saturn’s south pole.
  • It is embedded in a powerful jet stream, where winds can reach about 400 km/h.
  • Hubble observed the decagon at different heights in Saturn’s atmosphere, helping scientists study how the wave extends through its cloud layers.
  • The feature was already visible in Hubble images from 2023 and became clearer and more pronounced in observations made in 2024 and 2025.

Saturn has a similar but much older atmospheric feature at its north pole. Known as the northern hexagon, it is a six-sided pattern formed by a fast-moving jet stream around the north pole. Scientists have observed this hexagonal pattern for more than 40 years.

The newly observed southern decagon is different because it appears to be more recent and still changing, while the northern hexagon has remained remarkably stable for decades.

What Makes Saturn’s Decagon Unique?

The unusual part of the discovery is not just that the southern wave has 10 sides. Scientists are particularly interested in how the shape moves and changes.

  • The 10 corners of the decagon, called vertices, move back and forth in an oscillating pattern that repeats roughly every 32 days. This type of movement has not been observed in Saturn’s northern hexagon.
  • Although the surrounding jet stream can reach about 400 km/h, the decagon itself moves at about 10 km/h relative to Saturn’s rotation.
  • The 10 sides are not equally clear. Some vertices are weaker than others, suggesting that the structure may still be developing and could be less stable than the northern hexagon.
  • Observations using different wavelengths of light show changes at different heights in Saturn’s atmosphere, helping scientists study the structure of the wave.

The feature was also tracked with the help of amateur astronomers, whose ground-based observations helped scientists follow changes in its shape and movement.

Significance of Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole

The decagon is important because it allows scientists to study a large atmospheric feature while it is still evolving.

  • Studying the decagon can improve our understanding of jet streams, winds and atmospheric waves on giant planets.
  • Comparing the southern decagon with the long-lived northern hexagon may help explain why Saturn’s two poles develop different atmospheric patterns.
  • The observations can be used to test computer models that try to explain how such unusual polygon-shaped waves form.
  • Continued observations will show whether the decagon eventually becomes a stable feature like the northern hexagon or continues to change.

The discovery therefore provides a new opportunity to understand the dynamic atmosphere of Saturn, one of the Solar System’s giant planets.

Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole FAQs

Q1: What is the Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole?

Ans: The Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole is a large, 10-sided atmospheric wave located near Saturn’s south pole.

Q2: Where is the Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole located?

Ans: The Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole is located around 63° south latitude and is embedded in a powerful jet stream.

Q3: How is the Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole different from Saturn’s northern hexagon?

Ans: The Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole has 10 sides and appears to be a recent, evolving feature, while the northern hexagon is a six-sided atmospheric pattern that has remained visible for more than 40 years.

Q4: When was the Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole observed?

Ans: Hubble observations confirm that the Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole was already present in 2023 and became more prominent in later observations.

Q5: Why is the Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole important?

Ans: The Decagon on Saturn’s South Pole gives scientists a rare opportunity to study how a large atmospheric wave forms and changes, helping them better understand Saturn’s powerful winds and jet streams.

Food and Agriculture Organization

September 5, 2026
Food and Agriculture Organization

Food and Agriculture Organization Latest News

Recently, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization said that world ​food prices rose in August to their highest since late 2022, as adverse weather and ‌war disruption in the Black Sea heightened concern over supply of staples.

About Food and Agriculture Organization

  • It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
  • It is the oldest permanent specialized agency of the UN, established in October 1945.
  • Mandate: To improve nutrition, increase agricultural productivity, raise the standard of living in rural populations, and contribute to global economic growth.
  • Functions
    • The FAO coordinates the efforts of governments and technical agencies in programs for developing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and land and water resources.
    • It leads international efforts to fight hunger.
    • It is both a forum for negotiating agreements between developing and developed countries and a source of technical knowledge and information to aid development.
  • Members: It currently has 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union. (India is a founding member of FAO)
  • Funding: FAO receives its funding from its member countries.
  • Reports published by the FAO: The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO), The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO), The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI).
  • Headquarters: Rome, Italy

Source: DTE

Food and Agriculture Organization FAQs

Q1: Where is Food and Agriculture Organization headquarter located?

Ans: Rome, Italy

Q2: Which reports are released by the Food and Agriculture Organization?

Ans: The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO), The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA), The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets

Operation Chakra VI, CBI’s Fight Against Cybercrime

September 5, 2026
Operation Chakra

Operation Chakra is a series of nationwide operations led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to identify and dismantle organised and transnational cybercrime networks. It focuses on cyber-enabled financial frauds, digital arrest scams, mule bank accounts, fake call centres and other forms of online crime.

The operation is important for understanding cybersecurity, internal security, financial crimes, international cooperation and law enforcement.

Why in News?

In September 2026, the CBI intensified Operation Chakra-VI against digital arrest fraud networks. The agency conducted searches at 89 locations across 20 states in three cases and arrested three accused involved in receiving, layering and dispersing money obtained through cyber fraud. The three cases involved alleged fraud of ₹42.36 crore.

Operation Chakra-VI

Operation Chakra-VI has focused particularly on digital arrest scams and the financial infrastructure supporting cyber fraud.

In June 2026, the CBI deployed 60 special teams and conducted coordinated searches across 16 states. Investigators found networks involving shell companies and mule bank accounts, which were allegedly used to launder proceeds of cybercrime.

In September 2026, the operation was expanded further, with searches at 89 locations across 20 states in three digital-arrest cases.

What is a Digital Arrest Scam?

A digital arrest scam is a type of cyber fraud in which criminals pretend to be police officers or government officials. They falsely accuse victims of being involved in a crime and threaten them with arrest. The victim is kept on a video or phone call and pressured to transfer money. There is no legal concept of “digital arrest” in India. 

International Cooperation Under Operation Chakra

Operation Chakra involves cooperation with international law-enforcement agencies to investigate and disrupt cybercrime networks operating across national borders.

  • INTERPOL: Facilitates international coordination and information sharing.
  • Foreign agencies: The CBI works with agencies of other countries in transnational cybercrime cases.
  • Information sharing: Helps exchange intelligence about cybercriminals, fraud networks and financial transactions.
  • Joint investigations: Supports coordinated action against cybercrime networks operating in multiple countries.
  • Tracing funds: International cooperation helps track and recover money transferred across borders.
  • Extradition and legal assistance: Helps bring accused persons located abroad within the reach of Indian law.

Why is Operation Chakra Important?

Operation Chakra is important because it helps India tackle organised cybercrime, financial fraud and cross-border criminal networks.

  • Combats cybercrime: Targets organised cyber fraud and online criminal networks.
  • Tracks illegal money: Helps trace money transferred through mule accounts and shell companies.
  • Targets digital arrest scams: Takes action against fraudsters who impersonate government officials.
  • Strengthens cybersecurity: Improves India's ability to respond to emerging cyber threats.
  • Promotes international cooperation: Helps investigate transnational cybercrime with foreign agencies.
  • Protects the digital economy: Builds public trust in digital payments and online services.
  • Strengthens law enforcement: Improves coordination and use of digital forensics and financial intelligence.

Challenges in Tackling Cybercrime

Tackling cybercrime is challenging because criminals use rapidly changing technologies, operate across borders and often hide their identities and financial trails.

  • Cross-border nature: Cybercriminals can operate from different countries, making investigation difficult.
  • Anonymity: Fake identities, encrypted platforms and VPNs can hide criminals.
  • Rapid technological change: New technologies create new forms of cybercrime quickly.
  • Complex money trails: Criminals use mule accounts, shell companies and cryptocurrencies to move illegal funds.
  • Digital evidence: Collecting, preserving and analysing digital evidence can be complex.
  • Limited cyber expertise: Law-enforcement agencies need more trained cybersecurity and forensic professionals.
  • Low public awareness: Lack of awareness makes people more vulnerable to online scams.
  • International jurisdiction: Different laws and procedures can delay cross-border investigations.

Way Forward

India needs a coordinated, technology-driven and internationally connected approach to strengthen cybersecurity and effectively tackle cybercrime.

  • Strengthen cyber forensics: Upgrade cyber labs and improve digital evidence analysis.
  • Enhance law-enforcement capacity: Train police and investigators in cybersecurity and digital forensics.
  • Improve inter-agency coordination: Strengthen cooperation among the CBI, state police, banks and cybercrime agencies.
  • Track financial fraud: Develop better systems to quickly identify and block mule accounts and suspicious transactions.
  • Strengthen international cooperation: Increase information sharing and joint investigations with foreign agencies.
  • Create public awareness: Educate citizens about digital arrest scams, phishing and online financial fraud.
  • Improve cyber infrastructure: Adopt advanced technologies such as AI and data analytics to detect cyber threats.
  • Ensure faster response: Strengthen mechanisms for the early reporting, investigation and recovery of cybercrime losses.

Operation Chakra FAQs

Q1: What is Operation Chakra?

Ans: Operation Chakra is a CBI-led operation to identify and dismantle organised cybercrime and cyber-enabled financial fraud networks.

Q2: Which agency conducts Operation Chakra?

Ans: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducts Operation Chakra in coordination with other Indian and international agencies.

Q3: What is the main objective of Operation Chakra?

Ans: Its main objective is to disrupt cybercrime networks, trace illegal financial transactions and take action against cyber fraudsters.

Q4: What is a digital arrest scam?

Ans: A digital arrest scam involves criminals impersonating police or government officials and threatening victims with arrest to extort money.

Q5: Does digital arrest have any legal validity in India?

Ans: No. There is no legal provision that allows a person to be placed under “digital arrest” through a phone or video call.

Manipur Census and NRC: Understanding the Census, Citizenship and Delimitation Tangle

September 5, 2026
Manipur Census

Manipur Census Latest News

  • The Union government has deferred the 2027 Census in Manipur, following demands that a National Register of Citizens (NRC) be conducted first. While Meitei and Naga groups support this demand, Kuki-Zo groups strongly oppose it. 
  • Understanding this dispute requires unpacking three interlinked issues: citizenship, displacement, and political representation.

Why Is the Census Being Opposed? 

  • Citizenship and demographic change: Civil society groups in both the valley and Naga-dominated hill districts allege that migration from Myanmar has altered Manipur's population composition. 
    • They want an exercise to distinguish citizens from illegal immigrants before population is recorded.
  • Displacement from ethnic conflict: More than three years after violence began in May 2023, thousands remain displaced. Meitei groups argue a Census conducted now would capture displacement patterns rather than the state's real population.
    • Hence, the Meitei Alliance wants Census delayed until displaced people return home.
  • Political representation: Census figures feed into delimitation, and Manipur hasn't had fresh delimitation since the 1970s. This gap means new figures could significantly alter Assembly seat equations.

Is the NRC Demand New?

  • In June 2022, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and the United Naga Council (UNC) jointly demanded an NRC and State Population Commission.
  • The Manipur Assembly adopted a resolution seeking both on August 5, 2022, reaffirmed on March 1, 2024.
  • The resolution cited hill district population growth of 153.3% (1971-2001) and 250.9% (2001-2011), compared to 94.8% and 125.4% in the valley — though these figures alone don't prove illegal immigration.
  • The then government set up the Manipur State Population Commission in February 2023 to identify "illegal immigrants".

The Myanmar Factor

  • The 2021 military coup in Myanmar triggered fighting in Chin State, driving thousands into India — many with ethnic ties to Manipur's Kuki-Zomi population. 
  • The state government linked this influx to new settlements, poppy cultivation and encroachment. 
  • Kuki organisations disputed this, saying legitimate Indian citizens were being wrongly conflated with recent arrivals. 
  • In February 2024, the Centre scrapped the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar over security and demographic concerns.
  • Various groups of Manipur have explicitly tied the demand to Census and delimitation, declaring: "NRC first: No Census, No Delimitation Before Implementation of NRC in Manipur," demanding NRC with 1951 as base year. 

What Do Kuki-Zo Groups Say?

  • The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) holds the opposite position, calling a pre-Census NRC "premature and unjustified." Its arguments:
    • NRC is a national exercise — no state or community can unilaterally initiate a separate NRC.
    • Allegations against the Kuki-Zo community are largely unsubstantiated and should be tested against credible Census data, not the reverse.
    • Since Kuki, Zomi and Chin communities straddle the India-Myanmar border, an NRC using an old documentary cut-off could wrongly implicate families that have lived in Manipur for generations.
    • KZC supports delimitation, but only based on verified demographic data.

Why Delimitation Is the Real Stakes

  • Manipur has 60 Assembly seats: 40 in the valley (Meitei-dominated) and 20 in the hills (Naga and Kuki-Zomi).
  • The current map dates to 1973 delimitation, based on the 1971 Census.
  • Manipur was excluded from the 2002-2008 national delimitation exercise (along with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland) due to security concerns and disputes over 2001 Census credibility.
  • The 2001 Census showed some hill subdivisions growing over 100% between 1991-2001, fuelling controversy.
  • Fear in valley political circles: fresh delimitation could shift the 40:20 split toward 35:25 or even 30:30, reducing the valley's political advantage.

Can Manipur Have Its Own NRC?

  • A nationwide NRC is typically expected to follow updating of the National Population Register (NPR) — but NPR hasn't been notified for the 2027 Census.
  • However, there's no legal bar on a state-specific NRC: under Section 14A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, the Centre holds power to maintain the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC), with no requirement for simultaneous nationwide rollout.
  • Ultimately, this remains a political decision.

Alternative Tools Being Used

  • Instead of (or alongside) NRC, the Centre has other mechanisms:
    • A High-Level Committee on Demographic Change (announced May 2026) to study illegal immigration-driven demographic shifts;
    • Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls — already excluded around 7% of voters in Manipur at the draft stage;
    • Tighter border management, biometric registration of migrants, and identification/deportation of illegal foreigners

Conclusion

  • The Manipur Census deferral reveals how deeply citizenship, ethnic conflict displacement, and electoral representation are intertwined in the state's politics. 
  • While Meitei and Naga groups see NRC as essential to establishing an accurate demographic baseline, Kuki-Zo groups view it as a premature exercise that risks disenfranchising genuine citizens. 
  • Resolving this standoff will require careful sequencing of NRC, Census, and delimitation — sequencing has now become the field of political contest.

Source: IE

Manipur Census FAQ

Q1: Why has the Manipur Census been deferred?

Ans: The Manipur Census has been deferred amid demands from Meitei and Naga groups for an NRC to identify citizens before population enumeration.

Q2: How is the Manipur Census connected with the NRC?

Ans: The Manipur Census is linked to the NRC because supporters want citizenship verification first to establish what they consider an accurate demographic baseline.

Q3: Why does delimitation matter in the Manipur Census debate?

Ans: The Manipur Census matters for delimitation because new population figures could alter Assembly seat distribution between valley and hill constituencies.

Q4: What do Kuki-Zo groups say about the Manipur Census?

Ans: Kuki-Zo groups consider the Manipur Census deferral for an NRC premature, arguing that an old documentary cutoff could wrongly implicate genuine citizens.

Q5: Can Manipur have a separate NRC before the Census?

Ans: The Manipur Census could potentially precede a state-specific NRC because Section 14A of the Citizenship Act empowers the Centre to maintain citizen registers.

Nepal Seeks Climate Compensation from Major Emitters After Glacial Disaster

September 5, 2026
Climate Compensation

Climate Compensation Latest News

  • Following a catastrophic glacial collapse and flash flood on August 26 that killed over 1,200 people, Nepal has launched a diplomatic demand for climate compensation from the world's three biggest emitters, the United States, China and India.

The Disaster and Nepal's Response

  • Nepal's Foreign Minister declared on September 1 that the country was "paying the ultimate price for a global crisis we did not create."
  • What makes Nepal's response significant is not the scale of the tragedy alone but the shift in approach. Instead of issuing the customary appeals for humanitarian aid, Kathmandu launched a diplomatic offensive demanding direct climate compensation.
  • By moving foreign policy from seeking charity to enforcing legal liability, Nepal has turned a national disaster into a global test of climate justice, forcing the international community to confront the limits of adaptation.

The Third Pole Paradox

  • The injustice Nepal represents is stark in numerical terms.
  • Nepal contributes a negligible 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions and generates almost all its electricity from renewable hydropower. Yet its geography places it at the epicentre of global warming.
  • The Hindu Kush Himalayas, often called the "Third Pole", are warming at nearly twice the global average, melting glaciers at ten times their historical norms.

How Distant Warming Reaches the Himalayas

  • This accelerated melt does not occur in isolation. It is driven by global teleconnections: warming in the North Eurasian Arctic disrupts planetary waves and the stratospheric polar vortex, which in turn destabilises the South Asian monsoon.
  • The August 26 disaster, triggered by a massive glacial collapse on the Nepal-China border, demonstrated how extreme events in the cryosphere can cascade down into densely populated valleys.
  • The major powers treated Nepal's crisis as a localised weather event manageable through temporary relief. But the Himalayan ecosystem depends on a delicate climatic balance now failing under the weight of Northern Hemisphere pollution.

Economic Devastation

  • Nepal's development strategy rested heavily on hydropower. The country had planned to harness its 43,000 MW of commercially viable capacity to become a regional energy exporter, and had only recently achieved net-exporter status.
  • The August floods reversed this in a matter of days:
    • Approximately 10% of installed capacity was crippled
    • Older surface-level plants such as Devighat were wiped out
    • Under-construction projects were completely buried in mud
    • Nepal was forced to halt exports and import power to survive the winter
  • Rebuilding will require climate-resilient, underground engineering, driving up future project costs by 10% to 12%.
  • Total damages are estimated between $4 billion and $7 billion, roughly a tenth of Nepal's entire GDP.

The Climate Finance Trap

  • Nepal's demand also exposes the inadequacy of existing global climate finance architecture.
  • At COP27 in 2022, vulnerable nations successfully fought to establish the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), which was operationalised at COP28 a year later.
  • In practice, however, the mechanism is handicapped by slow-moving bureaucracy. For a country in ruins, waiting months for a standard UN review is a luxury it cannot afford.
  • By bypassing normal channels and launching an out-of-cycle demand on September 1, just six days after the disaster, Nepal has forced the fund's board to decide whether it can respond to a real-time emergency or remains merely a paper-pushing exercise.
  • The Scale Mismatch
    • The entire global fund holds a mere $700 million in pledges.
    • Under pilot phase rules, individual grants are capped between $5 million and $20 million.
    • A $20 million payout against a $7 billion catastrophe exposes the system's inability to provide meaningful compensation.
    • There is a further concern. With the fund temporarily hosted by the World Bank, debt-saddled developing nations fear that "compensation" may eventually morph into crippling loans.

Why This Matters Beyond Nepal

  • Nepal's diplomatic gambit has already altered the landscape, regardless of its immediate outcome.
  • Even if Kathmandu does not extract a multi-billion-dollar cheque, its stance has exposed the profound inadequacies of global climate diplomacy. 
  • The gap between the scale of climate damage and the scale of available compensation is now impossible to ignore.
  • More significantly, Nepal has shifted the framework from charity to liability, setting a disruptive precedent for the entire Global South that heavy emitters will find increasingly difficult to dismiss.

Implications for India

  • This incident carries particular consequences for Indian climate diplomacy.
  • India has long argued for differentiated responsibility based on historical emissions and per-capita metrics. 
  • Nepal's application of that principle within South Asia creates an uncomfortable position, one where India finds itself on the receiving end of an argument it has advanced globally.
  • At the same time, India faces genuine Himalayan climate risk itself. Glacier retreat threatens river systems supporting hundreds of millions across northern India, making the region's ecological stability a shared rather than purely bilateral concern.

Source: TH

Climate Compensation FAQs

Q1: What share of global emissions does Nepal contribute?

Ans: Nepal contributes about 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions and generates almost all its electricity from hydropower.

Q2: Why are the Hindu Kush Himalayas called the Third Pole?

Ans: Because they hold the largest concentration of ice outside the polar regions, and they are warming at nearly twice the global average.

Q3: What are the estimated damages from the August 26 disaster?

Ans: Between $4 billion and $7 billion, roughly a tenth of Nepal's entire GDP.

Q4: What is the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage?

Ans: Established at COP27 in 2022 and operationalised at COP28, it is meant to compensate vulnerable nations for climate-related losses, but currently holds only $700 million in pledges.

Q5: What is the equity paradox concerning India?

Ans: India has invoked "common but differentiated responsibilities" against developed nations, and Nepal is now applying the same logic regionally to India as South Asia's largest emitter.

Article 142 in Focus: The CJP Case and the Supreme Court’s Extraordinary Powers

September 5, 2026
Article 142

Article 142 Latest News

  • The Supreme Court recently used its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash FIRs filed against participants in nationwide exam protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). 
  • This decision has renewed debate over a provision that gives the Court unusually wide powers — one that legal scholars have argued about since the Constitution was adopted.

What Happened in the CJP Case?

  • A bench led by CJI Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, closed cases linked to the July protests over the NEET-UG 2026 exam leak. 
  • The Centre told the Court it had "consciously decided" not to pursue these cases, and the Court also ordered compensation — within three months — for families of students who died by suicide over the leak.
  • Nearly all FIRs from the protests were quashed, except those involving about 2,873 individuals with "serious and grave criminal antecedents." 
  • As part of the same hearing, CJP was asked to publicly commit to calling off a protest march planned for September 5. 
  • In effect, the Court became the platform through which the government fulfilled a demand CJP had made back in July.

About Article 142

  • Article 142 allows the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary for "doing complete justice" in a case before it. 
  • Unusually for a constitutional provision, it does not define what "complete justice" means, or lay down when it can be used — leaving this entirely to the Court's discretion.
  • Its roots go back to Section 210 of the Government of India Act, 1935, and further still, to the colonial-era practice of deciding cases based on "justice, equity and good conscience" when no written law applied. 
  • It appeared in the Draft Constitution as Article 118 and was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on May 27, 1949 — without any real debate. 
  • Essentially, its true scope was left for the Court to shape over the following decades, case by case.

How Has the Court Used This Power Before?

  • Because it is so open-ended, Article 142 has become one of the Supreme Court's most frequently used tools. Some notable examples:
    • Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1989): Used to secure a $470 million settlement from Union Carbide, and to quash criminal cases against the company.
    • Ayodhya Title Dispute: Applied to resolve the case on "preponderance of probability," awarding five acres of land to the Muslim side.
    • A G Perarivalan's release (2022): Ordered release of a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.
  • The Court has also used it to grant divorces where a marriage has "irretrievably broken down," and in various public interest cases
  • An empirical study by IIM Ahmedabad researchers, examining all cases from 1950 to 2023 referencing "Article 142" or "complete justice," found 1,579 references and 791 direct invocations — mostly in civil matters.

Has the Court Tried to Limit Its Own Power?

  • The Supreme Court is often called one of the most powerful constitutional courts in the world, largely because of how it uses Article 142. 
  • This power becomes even more significant in a "polyvocal" court, where 38 judges typically sit in small benches of two.
    • A "polyvocal" court is a supreme court that speaks through multiple small, independent benches rather than a single unified voice, leading to different or overlapping interpretations of the law.
    • The term is most famously used to describe the Supreme Court of India.
  • The Court has occasionally tried to set boundaries on itself:
    • Prem Chand Garg v State of Uttar Pradesh (1962): Held that Article 142 orders must still respect fundamental rights and existing law.
    • Supreme Court Bar Association v Union of India (1998): Held that Article 142 can fill gaps left by a statute, but cannot override an existing statutory scheme.
  • However, the Court has often departed from its own cautionary rulings.

Why Does the CJP Order Raise Concerns?

  • Normally, an FIR is examined individually — under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita — to check whether an offence is genuinely made out, or whether the case is clearly malicious.
  • In the CJP order, however, thousands of FIRs from multiple states were grouped together and quashed without individual scrutiny, as part of a negotiated deal between the government and a protest group. 
  • Legal scholars argued that criminal law provisions cannot be overridden through such a blanket judicial decree — since this bypasses the normal legal process, rather than simply filling a gap in it.

A Recurring Source of Controversy

  • This isn't the first time Article 142 has drawn sharp criticism:
    • When the Court last year used the same provision to treat long-pending Tamil Nadu Bills as automatically assented to, the then Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar described it as a "nuclear missile" against democratic institutions.
    • Former Attorney General K K Venugopal wrote in 2017 that while the provision had done "tremendous good" for disadvantaged sections, it needed proper checks and balances.
    • After the Sabarimala judgment, he went further, calling Article 142 a "Kamdhenu from which unlimited powers flowed" (referring to the mythical wish-granting cow).
    • He suggested that only five-judge Constitution Benches should be allowed to invoke it — to prevent its use resting on the interpretation of a single small bench

Conclusion

  • Article 142 remains one of the Supreme Court's most powerful yet controversial tools — enabling it to deliver justice beyond the limits of ordinary law, but also raising concerns about judicial overreach when used to bypass established legal procedures. 
  • The CJP case highlights this tension sharply, reviving long-standing calls for clearer limits on how and when this extraordinary power should be exercised.

Source: IE | TH

Article 142 FAQs

Q1: What is Article 142 of the Supreme Court?

Ans: Article 142 Supreme Court powers allow the Court to pass orders necessary for doing complete justice in cases before it.

Q2: Why is Article 142 Supreme Court power considered extraordinary?

Ans: Article 142 Supreme Court power is extraordinary because the provision does not precisely define complete justice, leaving substantial discretion to the Court.

Q3: How was Article 142 used in the CJP case?

Ans: In the CJP case, Article 142 Supreme Court powers were used to quash most protest-related FIRs while excluding individuals with serious criminal antecedents.

Q4: What are the concerns surrounding Article 142 Supreme Court powers?

Ans: Concerns about Article 142 Supreme Court powers arise when broad orders potentially bypass established legal procedures instead of merely filling statutory gaps.

Q5: Has the Supreme Court imposed limits on Article 142?

Ans: Yes, Article 142 Supreme Court jurisprudence has recognised limits, including respecting fundamental rights and avoiding conflict with existing statutory schemes.

18th BRICS Summit 2026, Date, Venue, Theme & Host Country

September 5, 2026
18th BRICS Summit 2026

18th BRICS Summit 2026 will be hosted by India in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026. The summit will bring together leaders of BRICS member countries to discuss global economic cooperation, development, climate action, technology, energy transition and issues concerning the Global South. India assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2026.

18th BRICS Summit 2026 Overview

18th BRICS Summit 2026 is the culmination of India’s year-long BRICS Chairship, bringing leaders together to strengthen cooperation and discuss shared global and regional challenges.

18th BRICS Summit 2026 Overview

Particulars

Details

Summit

18th BRICS Summit

Year

2026

Dates

September 12-13, 2026

Host Country

India

Venue

Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Chair

India

Theme

“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”

Major Focus

Global South, climate action, digital public infrastructure, green finance, energy transition and multilateral cooperation

18th BRICS Summit 2026 Venue

The 18th BRICS Summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Bharat Mandapam is a major international convention and exhibition centre located at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It has hosted several major national and international events and provides facilities for large-scale diplomatic and multilateral meetings.

18th BRICS Summit 2026 Theme

The theme of the 18th BRICS Summit is: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. The theme highlights the need for BRICS countries to work together to address global challenges while promoting sustainable development and technological innovation.

The four key ideas in the theme are:

  • Resilience: Strengthening countries' ability to deal with economic, environmental and geopolitical challenges.
  • Innovation: Promoting new technologies, research and digital solutions for development.
  • Cooperation: Increasing collaboration among BRICS countries in different sectors.
  • Sustainability: Supporting environmentally sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

India as BRICS Chair in 2026

India assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, 2026, placing it at the centre of the grouping's agenda for the year. India's chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with a focus on people-centric development and stronger cooperation among BRICS countries.

Also Read:- India-EU FTA 2026

18th BRICS Summit 2026 Agenda

18th BRICS Summit 2026 will focus on strengthening cooperation among member countries while addressing major global economic, technological and environmental challenges. India’s agenda places particular emphasis on Global South priorities, innovation, digital cooperation, climate action and sustainable development.

  • Global South: Strengthening the voice and priorities of developing countries in global governance.
  • Climate Action: Promoting climate resilience, clean energy and sustainable development.
  • Green Finance: Encouraging greater green and climate finance for sustainable projects.
  • Digital Public Infrastructure: Expanding cooperation in DPI, digital payments and inclusive digital services.
  • Innovation and Technology: Promoting AI, startups, scientific research and inclusive innovation.
  • Energy Transition: Supporting clean energy and sustainable energy systems.
  • Resilient Supply Chains: Building reliable and diversified global supply chains through greater BRICS cooperation.
  • Multilateral Reforms: Pushing for more representative and inclusive global institutions.
  • Financial Cooperation: Exploring greater use of local currencies and cross-border digital payments among BRICS countries.

18th BRICS Summit 2026 Significance

18th BRICS Summit 2026 is significant as India’s chairship provides an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among emerging economies and highlight the priorities of the Global South. The summit also focuses on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability in addressing major global challenges.

  • Global South: Strengthens the collective voice of developing and emerging economies in global decision-making.
  • Global Governance Reforms: Supports efforts to make multilateral institutions more representative and inclusive.
  • Climate Action: Promotes cooperation on climate change, sustainable development and green growth.
  • Digital Cooperation: Encourages collaboration in digital public infrastructure, technology and digital inclusion.
  • Economic Cooperation: Provides opportunities to enhance trade, investment and financial cooperation among BRICS members.
  • Energy Transition: Encourages cooperation on clean energy, energy security and sustainable energy systems.
  • Innovation: Places greater emphasis on technology, research and innovation-led development.
  • India's Global Role: Strengthens India's role in shaping discussions on global development and international cooperation.
  • 25-Year Milestone: The summit comes in 2026, 25 years after the BRIC concept was coined in 2001, highlighting the evolution of the grouping.

Also Read:- India's Q1 GDP Growth: 7.8%

About BRICS

BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies that aims to promote cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, finance, sustainable development, technology and global governance. The term BRIC was coined in 2001 to refer to Brazil, Russia, India and China, while South Africa joined the grouping in 2010, leading to the name BRICS.

  • BRIC Concept: Coined in 2001 by economist Jim O’Neill.
  • Founding Members: Brazil, Russia, India and China.
  • South Africa: Joined in 2010, turning BRIC into BRICS.
  • Nature: A platform for economic, political and development cooperation among member countries.
  • Major Focus: Trade, investment, finance, technology, climate change and sustainable development.
  • Global South: BRICS seeks to strengthen the voice and representation of developing countries in global affairs.
  • New Development Bank: Established by BRICS to support infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
  • Global Governance: The grouping supports reforms to make international institutions more representative and inclusive.

18th BRICS Summit 2026 FAQs

Q1: Which country will host the 2026 BRICS Summit?

Ans: India will host the 18th BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026. The summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam.

Q2: What is the theme of the 18th BRICS Summit 2026?

Ans: The theme of the 18th BRICS Summit 2026 is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” It reflects India's focus on people-centric development and stronger cooperation among BRICS countries.

Q3: Who will host the BRICS Summit in 2027?

Ans: Brazil is expected to host the BRICS Summit in 2027, following India's 2026 chairship.

Q4: Who will host the 19th BRICS Summit?

Ans: The 19th BRICS Summit will be hosted by Brazil in 2027, as the BRICS chairship rotates among member countries.

Q5: Which country is the president of BRICS in 2026?

Ans: India holds the BRICS Chairship/Presidency in 2026. India assumed the chairship on January 1, 2026, succeeding Brazil.

Fintech Convergence Council (FCC), Role, Need, Major Areas

September 5, 2026
Fintech Convergence Council (FCC)

The Fintech Convergence Council (FCC) is an industry platform that represents India’s fintech sector and facilitates engagement with policymakers and regulators. It focuses on policy advocacy, regulatory dialogue and the development of technology-enabled financial services.

What is the Fintech Convergence Council?

The Fintech Convergence Council (FCC) was established in 2017 as a dedicated fintech committee under the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). 

  • The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a non-profit industry association established in 2004 that represents businesses in India’s internet, mobile and digital sectors. It works with the government, regulators and industry stakeholders to support the growth of the digital economy.

Fintech Convergence Council (FCC) brings together fintech companies from different segments to address common industry issues and engage with relevant institutions.

Fintech Convergence Council Role

The Fintech Convergence Council primarily acts as a bridge between the fintech industry and public institutions.

  • Policy advocacy: Communicates industry recommendations and concerns during policy and regulatory discussions.
  • Regulatory dialogue: Enables fintech stakeholders to seek greater clarity on evolving regulatory requirements.
  • Knowledge sharing: Facilitates sector-specific discussions, knowledge sessions and exchange of best practices.
  • Industry collaboration: Encourages cooperation among different fintech segments and other financial-sector stakeholders.

Fintech Convergence Council Need 

The Fintech Convergence Council (FCC) is needed to address the growing complexity of the fintech sector and strengthen coordination between industry and policymakers.

  • Rapid innovation: New fintech products and business models require continuous policy and regulatory discussion.
  • Regulatory challenges: Fintech operates across multiple financial segments, creating the need for greater regulatory coordination.
  • Industry representation: Fintech companies need a common platform to communicate sector-specific concerns and provide policy inputs.
  • Consumer protection: Industry–regulator dialogue can help address concerns related to transparency, data security and responsible financial services.
  • Financial inclusion: Greater collaboration can support the wider reach of technology-enabled financial services.

Major Areas Covered by the Fintech Convergence Council

The Fintech Convergence Council has specialised committees covering major segments of the fintech ecosystem.

  • Digital Lending: Covers issues related to technology-enabled lending and digital credit.
  • WealthTech: Focuses on technology-driven investment and wealth-management services.
  • InsurTech: Deals with technology and innovation in insurance services.
  • Digital Financial Service Providers: Addresses issues affecting technology-based financial service providers.
  • RegTech: Focuses on the use of technology for regulatory compliance.
  • AgrifinTech: Examines technology-enabled financial services related to agriculture.
  • Bureaus: Covers issues related to credit information and credit-reporting systems.

Fintech Convergence Council Significance 

The Fintech Convergence Council helps create a structured channel for cooperation between the fintech industry and public institutions.

  • Better policymaking: Industry inputs can help policymakers understand the practical impact of fintech regulations.
  • Responsible innovation: Dialogue can help balance technological innovation with consumer protection, data security and financial stability.
  • Financial inclusion: Greater use of technology can expand access to formal financial services.
  • Ecosystem development: Coordination among fintech companies, regulators and other stakeholders can support a more organised fintech ecosystem.

Fintech Convergence Council (FCC) FAQs

Q1: What is the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC)?

Ans: The Fintech Convergence Council is an industry platform under IAMAI that represents fintech companies and facilitates policy and regulatory dialogue.

Q2: When was the Fintech Convergence Council established?

Ans: The Fintech Convergence Council was established in 2017 as a dedicated fintech committee under IAMAI.

Q3: What is the main objective of the Fintech Convergence Council?

Ans: Fintech Convergence Council aims to support the growth of fintech and promote wider access to technology-enabled financial services in India.

Q4: Is the Fintech Convergence Council a financial regulator?

Ans: No. FCC is an industry platform and does not have statutory powers to make or enforce financial regulations.

Q5: Which areas does the Fintech Convergence Council cover?

Ans: Its specialised areas include Digital Lending, WealthTech, InsurTech, Digital Financial Service Providers, RegTech, AgrifinTech and Bureaus.

National Teachers’ Awards 2026, 48 Teachers, List, Importance

September 5, 2026
National Teachers' Awards 2026

National Teachers' Awards 2026 will be conferred by President Droupadi Murmu on 5 September 2026 (Teachers' Day) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This year, 48 outstanding school teachers from across India have been selected for their exceptional contribution to education, innovation in teaching, and positive impact on students' lives. The awards are presented annually by the Ministry of Education to recognise teachers who have significantly improved the quality of school education.

National Teachers' Awards 2026

The key highlights related to the National Teachers’ Awards 2026 have been tabulated below.

National Teachers' Awards 2026 Key Highlights

Particular

Details

Award Name

National Teachers' Awards 2026

Award Presented By

President Droupadi Murmu

Date of Ceremony

5 September 2026 (Teachers' Day)

Venue

Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi

Organised By

Ministry of Education

Total Awardees

48 School Teachers

Male Awardees

26

Female Awardees

22

Representation

27 States, 7 Union Territories, 6 Central Government organisations

Award Purpose

To honour outstanding teachers for excellence in education

Selection Process

District → State/Organisation → National Level

List of 48 Teachers Selected for National Teachers' Awards 2026

The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education has selected 48 school teachers for the National Teachers' Awards 2026. The awardees represent States, Union Territories and Central Government organisations across India.

List of 48 Teachers Selected for National Teachers' Awards 2026

S. No.

Name of Teacher

State/UT/Organisation

School Name & Address

1

Shri J Prakash Rao

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

PM SHRI GMSSS Mayabunder, Pokadera

2

Shri Rajesh Kouluri

Andhra Pradesh

MPPS Chinamallupeta, Chinamallupeta

3

Ms. Yaku Tame

Arunachal Pradesh

Government Secondary School, G-Sector Naharlagun, Papum Pare District, Arunachal Pradesh, Ward No. 16 IMC

4

Shri Rajesh Bordoloi

Assam

Adarsha Tribal Higher Secondary School, Jorhat, Kalbari

5

Ms. Khushboo Kumari

Bihar

Urdu Primary School Bidaydih, Bidaydih

6

Ms. Pushpa Prasad

Bihar

Middle School Kuchaikote Kanya, Kuchaikote

7

Ms. Radha Rajesh

CISCE

New Horizon Public School, Indiranagar

8

Ms. Sangeeta Yadav

CBSE

St. Joseph's Convent Sr. Sec. School, Ward No. 8, Idgah Hills

9

Shri Ravi Jaiswal

Chandigarh

Govt. Model High School Maloya Colony, Chandigarh, Maloya Colony

10

Ms. Sunita Yadav

Chhattisgarh

Govt. M.S. Khichari, Khichari

11

Ms. Patel Purnima Mohanlal

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

GHS Dalwada, Dalwada

12

Ms. Suman Goel

Delhi

GSKV Pooth Kalan, Pooth Kalan

13

Md. Zafar Alam

Eklavya Model Residential Schools, Ministry of Tribal Affairs

EMRS Karanjia, Binuria (Tato)

14

Shri Mahadev Hanamant Shinde

Goa

Gujarati Samaj-Special School, Aquem

15

Shri Nitinkumar Mahendrakumar Pathak

Gujarat

Rangpur Primary School, Rangpur

16

Shri Anil Kaushik

Haryana

GMSSSS Sanghi, Rohtak, Sanghi

17

Ms. Manjari V Mahajan

Himachal Pradesh

Government Senior Secondary School, Bhaleth, Bhaleth

18

Mohd. Ayaz Raina

Jammu & Kashmir

HSS Dalhori, Dalhori

19

Ms. Munmun Bhattacharjee

Jharkhand

MS Barmasia, Barmasia

20

Ms. Rathnakumari S

Karnataka

Government Higher Primary School Samatagaru, Honnebailu

21

Ms. Amutha J

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan

PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 Madurai, Madurai

22

Dr. Manisha Khetrapal

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan

PM SHRI KV NFR Rangiya, Rangia

23

Shri Sunil Kumar KP

Kerala

GHSS Irikkur, Irikkur

24

Shri Mohd Mustafa Kumal

Ladakh

Govt. Middle School Zgangjing, Sankoo, Kanoor

25

Dr. Archana Shukla

Madhya Pradesh

Govt. Mahatma Gandhi Sandipani Hr. Sec. School, BHEL Bhopal, BHEL Bhopal

26

Shri Shailendra Pratap Singh

Madhya Pradesh

Government Middle School Kanjwar, Village Kanjwar, Post Pondi Jodouri, Block Majhauli, District Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh

27

Dr. Kavita Narsingrao Gitte

Maharashtra

Sane Guruji Niwasi Vidyalaya Kaij, Sane Guruji Niwasi Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Kaij-Dharur Road, Kaij

28

Ms. Kunda Jayawant Bachhav

Maharashtra

NMC School No. 18, Anandwalli, Nashik, Maharashtra

29

Shri Wanglembam Gobin Singh

Manipur

Laikon Upper Primary School, Kongba Makha Nandeibam Leikai

30

Ms. Lalnunmawii

Mizoram

Government Electric Veng High School, Electric Veng

31

Shri R Ronald Meru

Nagaland

GHSS Sechu Zubza, Sechu

32

Shri Vaibhav Vasantrao Kulkarni

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti

PM SHRI School Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Latur, 12 No. Pati, Near Manjara Sugar Factory, Barshi Road

33

Shri Padaraj Umakanta Nayak

Odisha

Government High School Alipingal, Alipingal

34

Shri Ganesan S

Puducherry

Seenuvasan Government High School, Mettupalayam

35

Shri Dinesh Kumar

Punjab

Govt. Victoria Girls Senior Secondary School, Patiala

36

Dr. Divyendu Sen

Rajasthan

Mahatma Gandhi Government School Pachpahar, Pachpahar

37

Dr. Vartika Gulati

Rajasthan

GGUPS Tumli Ka Bas, Chaksu, Jaipur, Post Jagat Shiromani Pura

38

Shri Shivprasad Arvind Tingare

Sainik Schools under Ministry of Defence

Sainik School Satara, Satara

39

Ms. Sushma Tamang

Sikkim

PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School Dikling, Dikling

40

Shri Thanga Raj M

Tamil Nadu

Panchayat Union Primary School Puliyampatti, Puliyampatti

41

Ms. Bhavani Bompelly

Telangana

MPPS Girls Gandhari, Gandhari

42

Shri Ranjan Debnath

Tripura

PM SHRI Sabroom Girls HS School, Sabroom

43

Dr. Renu Tripathi

Uttar Pradesh

Govt. Balika Inter College Vijay Nagar, Ghaziabad, Ward No. 14 (Municipal Area)

44

Dr. Iftkhar Khan

Uttar Pradesh

Government Inter College Ballia, Jagdishpur, Ballia

45

Ms. Shalini Kushwaha

Uttar Pradesh

Composite School Rasoolabad, Koilaha

46

Shri Gabar Singh

Uttarakhand

Govt. UPS Musyakhand, Maira

47

Shri Palash Chowdhury

West Bengal

Sri Ramkrishna Sarada Vidyapith Primary School, Ward No. 30

48

Shri Santanu Patra

West Bengal

Govt. Model School, Nayagram Block, Baranigui

What is the National Teachers' Award?

The National Teachers' Award is one of India's most prestigious honours for school teachers. It recognises teachers who have shown innovation, dedication, leadership, and excellence in improving the learning experience of students.

The award was instituted in 1958 and is presented every year on Teachers' Day (5 September) to celebrate the contribution of teachers towards nation-building. The awards are administered by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.

About National Teachers' Awards 2026

The National Teachers' Awards 2026 will recognise 48 outstanding school teachers from across India, with President Droupadi Murmu scheduled to confer the awards at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 5 September 2026, during the national Teachers' Day celebrations.

  • 48 school teachers have been selected through a three-stage selection process at the District, State/Organisation and National levels.
  • The awardees represent 27 States, 7 Union Territories and 6 Central Government organisations, reflecting the geographical and institutional diversity of India's school education system.
  • Of the 48 awardees, 26 are male and 22 are female teachers.
  • The awards recognise teachers for their outstanding contribution to school education, innovative teaching practices and efforts that enrich students' learning and overall development.
  • The selection process included online self-nominations, followed by evaluation at different levels and assessment by an Independent National Jury.
  • Short documentaries highlighting the exemplary work of each awardee will also be showcased during the award ceremony.
  • The 2026 awardees include teachers from government schools, PM SHRI schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, Sainik Schools and other recognised institutions.
  • Sushma Tamang, a Post Graduate Teacher of Chemistry at PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Dikling, Sikkim, has been selected for the National Teachers' Award 2026. Her selection has been recognised as an achievement for Sikkim's education sector.
  • The National Teachers' Awards 2026 ceremony will be broadcast live on Doordarshan and the Ministry of Education's SWAYAM PRABHA channels, besides being streamed through the Ministry's digital platforms.

Also Read:- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Selection Process for National Teachers' Awards 2026

The National Teachers' Awards 2026 selection process follows a structured, merit-based system involving District/Regional, State/Organisation and National-level evaluation, with the final names selected by an Independent National Jury.

  • Online Self-Nomination: Teachers submit their applications and supporting portfolios through the official National Teachers' Awards portal.
  • District/Regional Level: The District/Regional Selection Committee scrutinises applications, verifies the submitted information and shortlists eligible teachers.
  • State/Organisation Level: The State Selection Committee or Organisation Selection Committee reviews the shortlisted candidates and forwards the best nominations to the national level.
  • Independent National Jury: The shortlisted candidates are assessed by an Independent National Jury, including through Virtual Conference (VC) interaction.
  • Performance-Based Assessment: Teachers are evaluated on parameters such as innovative teaching practices, improvement in learning outcomes, use of teaching-learning materials, experiential learning, co-curricular activities and community participation.
  • Final Selection: The Independent National Jury finalises the names of the awardees, followed by approval by the Union Education Minister.

Why Are the National Teachers' Awards Important?

National Teachers' Awards recognise and celebrate teachers who make an exceptional contribution to school education, student development and innovative teaching, while motivating educators across India to adopt better teaching practices.

  • Recognises teaching excellence: Honours teachers who demonstrate exceptional dedication, commitment and academic leadership.
  • Promotes innovative teaching: Encourages the use of creative, experiential and technology-enabled teaching methods in classrooms.
  • Improves learning outcomes: Highlights teachers who have made a measurable difference in students' academic performance and overall development.
  • Encourages inclusive education: Recognises efforts to create inclusive and equitable learning environments for students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Motivates teachers: National recognition boosts teacher morale and encourages educators to continuously improve their practices.
  • Shares best practices: The innovative approaches of award-winning teachers can inspire and be adopted by other schools and educators.
  • Supports education reforms: The awards complement the objectives of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly its focus on holistic, learner-centric and quality education.

National Teachers' Awards 2026 FAQs

Q1: What are the National Teachers' Awards 2026?

Ans: The National Teachers' Awards 2026 recognise outstanding school teachers for their excellence, innovation, dedication and contribution to improving the quality of school education.

Q2: When will the National Teachers' Awards 2026 be presented?

Ans: The awards will be presented on 5 September 2026, on the occasion of Teachers' Day, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Q3: Who will confer the National Teachers' Awards 2026?

Ans: President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Teachers' Awards 2026 on the selected teachers.

Q4: How many teachers have been selected for the National Teachers' Awards 2026?

Ans: A total of 48 school teachers have been selected for the National Teachers' Awards 2026.

Q5: How are the 48 teachers represented?

Ans: The selected teachers come from 27 States, 7 Union Territories and 6 Central Government organisations. Among them, 26 are male and 22 are female teachers.

Engineers’ Day 2026, Date, Significance, History

September 5, 2026
Engineers’ Day 2026

Engineers’ Day 2026 is observed in India to recognise the contribution of engineers to the country’s development and honour the legacy of Sir M. Visvesvaraya. It highlights the role of engineering in infrastructure development, technology, industrialisation and public welfare.

When is Engineers’ Day 2026 Celebrated?

Engineers’ Day 2026 will be celebrated in India on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.

  • The date marks the birth anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, who was born on 15 September 1861 at Muddenahalli in present-day Karnataka.
  • India has observed Engineers’ Day since 1968 in his honour.

Why is Engineers’ Day Celebrated?

Engineers’ Day 2026 highlights the important role of engineering in India's economic and technological development.

  • It recognises the contribution of engineers to infrastructure, industry, technology and public welfare.
  • It promotes innovation, scientific thinking and technical problem-solving.
  • It highlights the importance of engineering in addressing challenges related to sustainability, energy, water and emerging technologies.

About Sir M. Visvesvaraya

Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861-1962) was a renowned civil engineer, administrator and statesman who played an important role in India’s infrastructure and industrial development. He began his career in the Bombay Public Works Department in 1884 and later served as the Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918, where he promoted industrialisation, technical education and economic development.

Sir M. Visvesvaraya Contributions 

His contributions covered water management, irrigation, flood control, industrialisation and economic development.

  • He developed and patented automatic water-control floodgates, first installed at Khadakvasla Reservoir in 1903.
  • He played a major role in the development of the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam across the Cauvery River.
  • After the 1908 Musi floods, he provided technical advice for improving flood protection in Hyderabad.
  • As Diwan of Mysore, he promoted industries such as the Mysore Iron and Steel Works at Bhadravati and the Mysore Soap Factory.
  • Through his writings, including Reconstructing India and Planned Economy for India, he advocated industrialisation, technical education and planned development.

In recognition of his contribution to nation-building, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955.

Engineers’ Day 2026 FAQs

Q1: When will Engineers’ Day 2026 be celebrated in India?

Ans: Engineers’ Day 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.

Q2: Why is Engineers’ Day celebrated in India?

Ans: Engineers’ Day is celebrated to recognise the contribution of engineers to infrastructure, technology, industry and public welfare.

Q3: Who was Sir M. Visvesvaraya?

Ans: Sir M. Visvesvaraya was a renowned civil engineer, administrator and statesman who contributed to India’s infrastructure, water management and industrial development.

Q4: What were the major contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya?

Ans: His major contributions included automatic floodgates, the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, flood-control measures in Hyderabad, industrial development in Mysore and advocacy of planned economic development.

Q5: When did Sir M. Visvesvaraya receive the Bharat Ratna?

Ans: Sir M. Visvesvaraya was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to engineering, nation-building and public service.

Mother Teresa Death Anniversary 2026, History, Legacy & Awards

September 5, 2026
Mother Teresa Death Anniversary 2026

Mother Teresa Death Anniversary 2026 will be observed on 5 September 2026, marking the 29th anniversary of her death. The day is also observed as the International Day of Charity, designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to promote charitable action and voluntary service.

Who Was Mother Teresa?

Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun and social worker who spent most of her life in India, especially in Kolkata, working with poor and vulnerable people. She became known for caring for people who were sick, homeless, abandoned or living in extreme poverty.

  • She was born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu on 26 August 1910 in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire and now in North Macedonia, into an Albanian Catholic family.
  • At the age of 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto, a Catholic religious congregation that ran schools for girls.
  • She came to India in 1929 and began teaching at a convent school in Calcutta.
  • While continuing her work as a teacher and nun, she took her final religious vows in 1937 and adopted the name Teresa.

Also Read:- Mother Teresa (1910-1997), Biography

Mother Teresa Contribution

Mother Teresa later moved from teaching to directly working with Kolkata’s poorest people, which became the central focus of her life’s work.

  • In 1948, she left the Loreto convent and began working directly in the poor neighbourhoods of Kolkata.
  • She cared for people who were sick, dying, homeless or abandoned, particularly those who had little access to care and support.
  • To organise this work on a larger scale, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata in 1950.
  • In 1952, she established Nirmal Hriday, a home in Kolkata for terminally ill and destitute people, where they could receive care and die with dignity.
  • From 1957, the Missionaries of Charity also ran mobile leprosy clinics and a Leprosy Fund to provide treatment and support to people affected by leprosy.
  • The organisation began expanding outside India from 1965 and later established homes, schools, hospices and clinics in more than 100 countries.

Major Awards and Recognition

Mother Teresa received several important national and international awards for her humanitarian work.

  • Padma Shri (1962): Awarded by the Government of India for her service to society.
  • Nobel Peace Prize (1979): Awarded for her humanitarian work, particularly among the poor and suffering.
  • Bharat Ratna (1980): India’s highest civilian award, recognising her contribution to humanitarian service.
  • She also received several other international awards and honours during her lifetime.

Mother Teresa Death and Canonisation

Mother Teresa died in Kolkata on 5 September 1997, at the age of 87. After her death, the Catholic Church began the process of recognising her as a saint.

  • In 1999, the Vatican began the official process of examining her life and work for sainthood.
  • In 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified her, giving her the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Beatification was the step that came before declaring her a saint.
  • In 2016, Pope Francis declared her a saint and gave her the title Saint Teresa of Calcutta. This followed the Church’s recognition of two miracles associated with her.
  • Her feast day is observed on 5 September, the same day as her death anniversary.

Also Read:- Mother Teresa Birth Anniversary 2026

Mother Teresa Legacy and International Day of Charity

Mother Teresa’s work left a lasting legacy in the field of charitable and voluntary service, particularly through her focus on people living in poverty, illness and social exclusion.

  • The United Nations General Assembly declared 5 September as the International Day of Charity in 2012.
  • The date was chosen to coincide with Mother Teresa’s death anniversary.
  • The day promotes charitable action, solidarity and voluntary service and encourages individuals, institutions and civil society organisations to help disadvantaged people.
  • Her legacy is therefore linked not only to the Missionaries of Charity, but also to a UN-recognised international observance focused on charity and humanitarian action.

FAQs on Mother Teresa Death Anniversary 2026

Q1: When is Mother Teresa Death Anniversary 2026 observed?

Ans: Mother Teresa Death Anniversary 2026 will be observed on 5 September 2026, marking 29 years since her death.

Q2: Who was Mother Teresa?

Ans: Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun and social worker who worked among poor and vulnerable people in Kolkata and founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950.

Q3: What were the major contributions of Mother Teresa?

Ans: She established the Missionaries of Charity, Nirmal Hriday and leprosy-care initiatives to support people who were poor, sick, dying, homeless or abandoned.

Q4: What major awards did Mother Teresa receive?

Ans: She received the Padma Shri (1962), Nobel Peace Prize (1979) and Bharat Ratna (1980).

Q5: What is the connection between Mother Teresa Death Anniversary 2026 and the International Day of Charity?

Ans: The International Day of Charity is observed on 5 September, Mother Teresa’s death anniversary. The UN General Assembly established it in 2012 through Resolution A/RES/67/105.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Early Life, Career, Political Leadership

September 5, 2026
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975) was a renowned Indian philosopher, scholar, and statesman. He became the First Vice President of India and later went on to serve as the Second President of India. Known for his deep commitment to education and learning, his contributions earned him immense respect, and his birthday, September 5, is observed across India as Teacher’s Day in his honor.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Early Life

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, then part of the Madras Presidency (now in Tamil Nadu), into a Niyogi Brahmin family of Tamil background. His father worked as a revenue official in a modest position, and Radhakrishnan spent his early years in the spiritually significant towns of Tiruttani and Tirupati. A gifted student, he earned scholarships throughout his academic journey.

He studied at K.V. High School in Tiruttani, the Hermannsburg Evangelical Lutheran Mission School in Tirupati, and later at the Government High Secondary School in Walajapet. Pursuing higher education, he joined Voorhees College before moving on to Madras Christian College, where he completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy by 1906. This strong academic foundation, coupled with exposure to culture and ethics during his formative years, shaped his future contributions to philosophy and education.

Also Read:- Teachers' Day 2026

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Career

Though widely celebrated as a philosopher in India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan also earned a lasting reputation on the global stage. He began his academic journey in 1909 as a lecturer in philosophy at Madras Presidency College and later went on to teach at Maharaja’s College, Mysore, and the University of Calcutta.

His writings, particularly The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore and The Reign of Religion in Contemporary Philosophy, established him as a serious thinker and earned him recognition well beyond India. Representing the University of Calcutta at international forums, he delivered the prestigious Hibbert Lectures at Oxford, which were later published as An Idealist View of Life. 

His leadership roles as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University eventually led to his appointment as the Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford, where he built intellectual bridges between Indian thought and Western philosophy. Even today, his books and lectures remain an invaluable source of insight and inspiration for scholars, teachers, and students across the world.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Political Leadership

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan entered politics after establishing himself as a renowned academic and philosopher. Between 1946 and 1952, he represented India as a delegate to UNESCO and also served as the country’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1949 to 1952. His political rise continued when he was elected the first Vice-President of India in 1952, a position he held for two consecutive terms until 1962. He then became the nation’s second President, serving from 1962 to 1967.

Though not directly involved with the Congress party or the freedom movement, Radhakrishnan was admired as a statesman who combined wisdom, moral authority, and a deep respect for India’s cultural and philosophical heritage. His presidency was noted for his emphasis on education, global understanding, and the promotion of peace. To honor his contribution to learning, his birthday, September 5, is celebrated nationwide as Teacher’s Day.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Major Achievements

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s contributions were recognized both in India and abroad with numerous honors. In 1931, he was knighted by King George V for his distinguished work in education. He later received India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1954.

That same year, Mexico awarded him the Order of the Aztec Eagle, while Germany honored him with the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts. His global reputation as a scholar also earned him a place as an Honorary Fellow of the British Academy in 1938, followed by membership in the United Kingdom’s prestigious Order of Merit in 1963.

In the literary and philosophical world, he became the first recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 1968 and had earlier been honored with the German Book Trade Peace Prize in 1961.

In 1975, the year of his passing, he was awarded the Templeton Prize for his lifelong efforts in promoting nonviolence and universal love. Remarkably, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize 27 times, 16 times in Literature and 11 times for Peace though he never received it. In India, his birthday on September 5 continues to be observed as Teacher’s Day, a tribute to his dedication to education and to the role of teachers in shaping society.

Also Read:- National Teachers' Awards 2026

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Legacy

The Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Legacy lies in the breadth of his contributions as a philosopher, teacher, and statesman. He bridged Indian and Western thought through his work in comparative philosophy, promoted religious harmony, and emphasized the transformative power of ethical education. 

As India’s first Vice President and second President, he upheld democratic values and represented the country with dignity and cultural depth on the global stage. His lifelong commitment to learning is immortalized through Teacher’s Day, celebrated every year on his birthday as a tribute to educators. 

Even today, his writings and ideas inspire leaders, scholars, and students, reminding us of the importance of wisdom, compassion, and education in shaping society. Dr. Radhakrishnan not only strengthened India’s intellectual and diplomatic foundations but also left behind a timeless vision of knowledge as the path to peace and human progress.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Teachers Day

In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 5th September, the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan renowned educator, philosopher, and the second President of India. Widely admired for his profound scholarship in philosophy and unwavering dedication to education, Dr. Radhakrishnan taught at prestigious institutions such as the University of Mysore, Calcutta University, and Oxford University.

When he assumed the office of President in 1962, his students and friends proposed celebrating his birthday. Dr. Radhakrishnan, however, suggested that the day be dedicated to honoring teachers instead, recognizing their invaluable role in shaping society. Since then, September 5 has been observed as Teachers’ Day across the nation.

He famously said, “Teachers should be the best minds in the country.” For him, teaching was not just a profession but a noble calling, and he often described teachers as the true nation-builders and architects of the future.

Even today, his legacy continues to inspire both educators and students, reminding us of the transformative power of education. Teachers’ Day celebrations are marked with heartfelt tributes, activities, and expressions of gratitude, reflecting the respect and admiration students hold for their teachers.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan FAQs

Q1: Why is Radhakrishnan's birthday celebrated as Teacher's Day?

Ans: Dr. Radhakrishnan wished his birthday be marked to honor teachers, highlighting their role in shaping society, so 5th September became Teacher’s Day.

Q2: What is Dr. Radhakrishnan famous for?

Ans: He was a philosopher, scholar, India’s second President, and respected teacher, best known for his work in philosophy and promoting education worldwide.

Q3: Why did we celebrate Teacher's Day?

Ans: We celebrate Teacher’s Day to honor educators’ contributions, inspired by Dr. Radhakrishnan’s belief that teachers build the nation’s moral and intellectual foundation.

Q4: Which teacher day is 2025?

Ans: In 2025, Teacher’s Day in India will be celebrated on Friday, 5th September, marking Dr. Radhakrishnan’s birth anniversary.

Q5: When was the first Teachers Day celebrated in India?

Ans: The first Teacher’s Day in India was celebrated on 5th September 1962, after Dr. Radhakrishnan became President.

Global Fintech Fest 2026, Dates, Venue, Theme, Key Technologies

September 5, 2026
Global Fintech Fest 2026

Global Fintech Fest 2026 (GFF 2026) will take place from 8-11 September 2026 in Mumbai at Jio World Centre | Trident BKC, bringing together fintech leaders, policymakers, regulators and financial institutions from more than 80 countries.

What is Global Fintech Fest? 

Global Fintech Fest (GFF) is the world’s largest annual gathering dedicated to fintech and the wider financial services ecosystem.

  • It brings together policymakers, regulators, central bankers, financial institutions, technology leaders, fintech entrepreneurs, investors, academics and thought leaders from across the world.
  • It provides a platform for policy dialogue, innovation, cross-border partnerships and collaboration at the intersection of finance, technology and public policy.
  • GFF was launched in 2020 as a virtual platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, later evolved into a hybrid event, and became a fully physical event in Mumbai in 2023.Since then, the event has grown in scale, international participation and institutional engagement.

Global Fintech Fest 2026

Global Fintech Fest 2026 will bring together the global fintech and financial services community in Mumbai.

  • Date & Venue : Global Fintech Fest 2026 will be held from 8-11 September 2026 at Jio World Centre | Trident BKC, Mumbai, India.
  • Participants: The event will bring together participants from more than 80 countries.
  • Aim: Global Fintech Fest 2026 aims to contribute to financial systems capable of delivering meaningful economic and societal impact. It will provide a platform for discussions on digital finance, innovation, policy and collaboration.
  • Organisers: It is organised by the Payments Council of India (PCI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Fintech Convergence Council (FCC).

Together, these institutions organise GFF as a global platform for collaboration across the fintech, payments and financial services ecosystem.

Global Fintech Fest Vision and Purpose 

Global Fintech Fest brings global stakeholders together to shape the future of digital finance.

  • It promotes collaboration over competition, policy dialogue over fragmentation and innovation with responsibility.
  • It connects global perspectives with real-world implementation.
  • It aims to ensure that financial innovation and emerging technologies contribute to financial inclusion, systemic resilience and sustainable economic growth.
  • It seeks to support financial systems that are responsible, resilient, inclusive, trusted and interconnected.

Also Read:- 18th BRICS Summit 2026

Global Fintech Fest 2026 Government and Regulatory Support

Global Fintech Fest 2026 is supported by key government departments and financial regulators.

Key Technologies at Global Fintech Fest 2026

The 2026 edition gives particular importance to emerging technologies that could shape the next generation of financial services.The key technologies highlighted at GFF 2026 include:

  • Agentic AI: AI systems that can plan and carry out a series of tasks with a degree of autonomy to achieve a defined objective. In financial services, it can support financial workflows, customer services, fraud detection and risk monitoring.
  • Tokenisation: The process of creating a digital representation of an asset or ownership right through a digital token. It can make assets more programmable, divisible and transferable through digital systems and can be applied across financial markets.
  • Quantum Technology: Technology based on principles of quantum mechanics, with applications in computing, communication and sensing. In finance, it could support complex calculations, optimisation and financial modelling, while also creating new cybersecurity challenges.

Global Fintech Fest 2026 Opportunities 

GFF 2026 provides platforms for innovation, investment, market access and collaboration.

  • Product launches and demonstrations of next-generation financial products and platforms.
  • Hackathons and innovation challenges to address real-world problems.
  • Investment pitch sessions connecting startups with global investors.
  • Market access programmes supporting cross-border partnerships.
  • Reports covering policy insights, technology and global finance.
  • Networking opportunities for leaders, regulators, investors and innovators.
  • Global Fintech Awards recognising excellence, innovation, leadership and impact.
  • Plenaries and keynotes on trusted and inclusive financial systems.
  • Thematic tracks covering four fintech pillars.
  • Startup Showcase featuring high-potential fintech and deep-tech startups.

Global Fintech Fest 2026 Significance for India

India’s growing fintech and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem strengthens its position in the global financial landscape. India’s large-scale platforms for digital payments, digital identity, consent frameworks and governance offer practical lessons on building financial systems that are inclusive, trusted and resilient at population scale.

Global Fintech Fest 2026 provides India an opportunity to share its DPI experience, learn from international best practices and deepen engagement with developed and emerging economies, including the Global South.

Global Fintech Fest 2026 FAQs

Q1: When and where will Global Fintech Fest 2026 be held?

Ans: Global Fintech Fest 2026 will be held from 8-11 September 2026 at Jio World Centre | Trident BKC, Mumbai.

Q2: What is Global Fintech Fest?

Ans: Global Fintech Fest is the world’s largest annual gathering dedicated to fintech and the wider financial services ecosystem.

Q3: Who organises Global Fintech Fest?

Ans: Global Fintech Fest is organised by the Payments Council of India (PCI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Fintech Convergence Council (FCC).

Q4: Which emerging technologies are highlighted at Global Fintech Fest 2026?

Ans: Global Fintech Fest 2026 highlights Agentic AI, Tokenisation and Quantum Technology as emerging technologies shaping the next generation of financial services.

Q5: What is the significance of India at Global Fintech Fest 2026?

Ans: India’s fintech and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem gives it an important role in global finance, with GFF providing a platform to share India’s DPI experience and engage with developed and emerging economies, including the Global South.

Daily Editorial Analysis 5 September 2026

September 5, 2026
Daily-Editorial-Analysis

The Gulf is Calling and New Delhi Must Listen 

Context

  • For decades, India approached West Asia through strategic caution, economic pragmatism and diplomatic balancing.
  • The region was primarily a source of crude oil, employment and remittances, while New Delhi maintained relations with competing powers such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel and the UAE.
  • This policy of multi-alignment allowed India to maximise economic benefits without becoming involved in regional conflicts, however, West Asia’s geopolitical environment is changing rapidly.
  • The changing American role, emerging regional security arrangements and growing threats to trade routes require India to reconsider its traditional approach. Economic influence alone can no longer guarantee strategic relevance.

What Worked Until Now

  • India’s policy was based on maintaining friendly relations with all major regional powers without becoming excessively dependent on any one of them.
  • This enabled cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Israel and the UAE despite their rivalries.
  • West Asia offered enormous economic opportunities because of its oil and gas resources, accumulated capital, strategic geography and demand for foreign labour.
  • Millions of Indians working in the Gulf strengthened people-to-people ties, while remittances contributed significantly to India’s economy.
  • This approach also benefited from the United States acting as the principal security guarantor of the region.
  • American military power helped protect maritime routes and maintain regional stability, allowing India to concentrate largely on commerce and diplomacy.
  • That foundation is now weakening. As Washington adopts a more selective approach to global commitments, West Asian countries are seeking alternative and dependable security partners.

A Changing Regional Security Architecture

  • The emergence of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan demonstrates the changing regional security environment.
  • Such arrangements can combine Gulf financial strength, Turkish defence technology and Pakistani military expertise, creating new strategic configurations close to India’s western maritime neighbourhood.
  • West Asian countries increasingly expect partners to provide tangible security capabilities rather than diplomatic assurances.
  • This weakens the strategic value of maintaining distance from regional security arrangements.
  • For India, the development is significant because the region is vital to its energy security, trade routes, diaspora and maritime interests. New Delhi must therefore reconsider whether traditional multi-alignment remains sufficient.

Why Economic Ties Alone Are Insufficient

  • Economic relationships cannot protect infrastructure from drones, asymmetric warfare, terrorism and maritime disruption.
  • Ports, energy facilities and logistics corridors can remain vulnerable despite massive technological investment.
  • The Gulf’s economic model also depends heavily on foreign companies and expatriate workers.
  • Prolonged insecurity can damage investor confidence, encourage capital flight and reduce the attractiveness of the region.
  • Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Aden and Bab-el-Mandab can affect energy supplies and global trade.
  • For India, instability directly threatens commercial interests and the welfare of its large Gulf diaspora.

The Strategic Gap Facing India

  • India’s dependence on transactional diplomacy is becoming a weakness.
  • High-level visits, investment agreements, energy contracts and diaspora diplomacy remain valuable but cannot replace naval protection, intelligence cooperation and strategic deterrence.
  • Regional powers increasingly seek defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism capabilities and maritime security. If India remains hesitant, other powers will fill the strategic vacuum.

The Hard Moves India Must Make

  • India should evolve from a beneficiary of regional stability into an active contributor to security.
  • It should expand maritime cooperation across the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Somali waters and Bab-el-Mandab.
  • This requires joint naval patrols, logistics access, maritime surveillance and information-sharing networks with friendly regional states.
  • India should also use its expanding defence manufacturing ecosystem to offer West Asian countries alternatives in military technology.
  • Joint production, military exercises, defence research and technology partnerships should complement arms sales.
  • Flexible minilateral security partnerships with the UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia can create a strategic deterrence network without forcing India into rigid military alliances.
  • Greater intelligence and counter-terrorism cooperation would further strengthen regional security.

Balancing Ambition with Strategic Autonomy

  • India must increase its security role without becoming entangled in West Asian conflicts.
  • Strategic engagement should therefore focus on maritime security, deterrence, intelligence and protection of economic interests, rather than permanent military intervention.
  • Such an approach would preserve strategic autonomy while giving India greater influence over developments that directly affect its national interests.

Conclusion

  • India’s traditional West Asia policy succeeded because it matched the geopolitical conditions of its time.
  • However, the changing American role, emerging security partnerships and growing threats to critical infrastructure have made passive diplomacy increasingly inadequate.
  • India needs a new balance between economic engagement and security responsibility.
  • Stronger naval capabilities, defence partnerships, intelligence networks and flexible minilateral arrangements can help protect its energy supplies, trade routes and diaspora.
  • The objective should not be unnecessary military intervention but the creation of sufficient strategic capacity to safeguard Indian interests.
  • India must evolve from being merely an economic partner to becoming an active and credible security stakeholder in West Asia.

The Gulf is Calling and New Delhi Must Listen FAQs

Q1. Why was India’s traditional policy towards West Asia successful?
Ans. India maintained balanced relations while benefiting from oil, trade, labour opportunities and remittances.

Q2. Why is India’s traditional multi-alignment becoming inadequate?
Ans. The changing regional security environment requires stronger security partnerships, not merely economic engagement.

Q3. What does the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signify?
Ans. It signifies the emergence of a new regional security architecture involving alternative strategic partners.

Q4. What should India do to protect its interests in West Asia?
Ans. India should strengthen naval cooperation, defence partnerships, intelligence sharing and maritime security.

Q5. How can India preserve its strategic autonomy?
Ans. India can preserve strategic autonomy through flexible minilateral partnerships without entering rigid military alliances.

Source: The Hindu

A BIT of a Reset, with a Wider Debate 

Context

  • India is reportedly revising its 2015 Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), a framework adopted after a series of disputes involving foreign investors.
  • The revision is significant because BITs must reconcile two competing objectives: protecting foreign investment and preserving the State’s right to regulate in the public interest.
  • India’s 2015 model strongly prioritised regulatory autonomy, but its limited success in concluding new BITs suggests that the framework may have moved too far in one direction.

Background: Why India Adopted the 2015 Model BIT

  • India’s investment treaty policy underwent a major reassessment after foreign investors initiated several claims against India for alleged treaty violations.
  • The resulting review produced two major policy decisions: India began terminating older BITs and adopted the 2015 Model BIT as the foundation for negotiating new agreements.
  • The 2015 model reflected India’s desire to protect its policy space and regulatory sovereignty.
  • It narrowed the scope of investor protections and imposed several procedural and substantive conditions before investors could pursue international claims.
  • While these safeguards were intended to prevent frivolous or excessive litigation against the government, they also generated uncertainty among foreign investors.

A Model Out of Balance

  • A successful BIT should establish a reasonable equilibrium between investment protection and the State’s right to regulate.
  • India’s 2015 model, however, has arguably tilted too heavily towards regulatory autonomy.
  • India has concluded only a limited number of BITs based on the model over the past decade.
  • This suggests that potential investment partners have found its provisions insufficiently attractive.
  • Concerns over regulatory uncertainty, weak governance mechanisms and delays in the judicial system further increase the risks faced by foreign investors.
  • Consequently, India now needs to move the pendulum towards the centre. The revised model should provide stronger and clearer protections for investors while preserving legitimate governmental authority to regulate areas such as public health, environment, taxation, labour and national security.

The Democratic Deficit in Treaty-Making

  • The second and often neglected dimension is the process through which the Model BIT is revised.
  • International economic treaties can significantly influence citizens, businesses, public finances and governmental policymaking.
  • Therefore, those affected by such agreements should have meaningful opportunities to participate in their formulation.
  • This raises the issue of a democratic deficit. The term describes situations where important decisions are largely shaped by executive authorities, bureaucracies and technical experts without sufficient parliamentary or public scrutiny.
  • A lack of transparency can weaken public confidence and exclude perspectives from academics, economists, lawyers, industry, civil society and other stakeholders.
  • Since investment treaties can constrain future governments and influence domestic regulation, they should not be treated as purely technical or bureaucratic instruments.

International Practices and India’s Experience

  • The United Kingdom and Australia, for instance, require negotiated treaties to be presented before Parliament before ratification, enabling legislative scrutiny.
  • Norway conducted public consultations on its updated model BIT, while Colombia also released its model for public discussion.
  • India itself followed a consultative approach in 2015 by circulating the draft Model BIT for public comments.
  • The Law Commission of India subsequently constituted an expert group and examined the draft, making several recommendations in its 260th Report.
  • Although India eventually adopted a revised model in December 2015, some of these recommendations were not incorporated.
  • The 2015 experience demonstrates that consultation is possible, but the forthcoming revision should make it more comprehensive, transparent and consequential.

A Meaningful Consultative Process

  • First, the government should establish an independent core group consisting of experts in international investment law, economics and foreign investment.
  • Academics, researchers, lawyers and specialists from think tanks could provide an external sounding board.
  • Second, wider consultations should involve industry associations, arbitrators, law firms and civil society organisations.
  • Their practical experience can identify problems that may not be visible within government.
  • Third, a draft Model BIT should be placed in the public domain for widespread consultation, allowing citizens and stakeholders to submit detailed comments.
  • Fourth, the draft should be presented before Parliament and relevant parliamentary committees for discussion and scrutiny. This would strengthen legislative oversight and democratic legitimacy.

Conclusion

  • India’s revision of its Model BIT is an opportunity to correct the imbalance in its investment treaty framework.
  • A modern treaty should simultaneously provide credible investment protection, regulatory certainty and adequate policy space for the State.
  • Yet a sound treaty is not determined only by its legal provisions; its legitimacy also depends on the process through which it is created.
  • A transparent consultation involving experts, industry, civil society, the public and Parliament would strengthen both the quality and legitimacy of the revised Model BIT.
  • By combining balanced investment protection with meaningful democratic oversight, India can build a treaty framework that is more attractive to investors, more accountable to citizens and more resilient in the long term.

A BIT of a Reset, with a Wider Debate FAQs

Q1. What is a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)?
Ans. A BIT is an agreement that establishes rules for protecting investments between two countries.

Q2. Why is India revising its 2015 Model BIT?
Ans. India is revising it because the 2015 model has provided limited success in concluding new investment treaties.

Q3. What is the main weakness of the 2015 Model BIT?
Ans. The model places greater emphasis on the State’s regulatory powers than on investor protection.

Q4. What does democratic deficit mean in treaty-making?
Ans. A democratic deficit occurs when treaty-making lacks adequate parliamentary and public participation.

Q5. How can India improve the BIT revision process?
Ans. India can improve it through expert consultation, public participation and stronger parliamentary scrutiny.

Source: The Hindu

Daily Editorial Analysis 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is editorial analysis?

Ans: Editorial analysis is the critical examination and interpretation of newspaper editorials to extract key insights, arguments, and perspectives relevant to UPSC preparation.

Q2: What is an editorial analyst?

Ans: An editorial analyst is someone who studies and breaks down editorials to highlight their relevance, structure, and usefulness for competitive exams like the UPSC.

Q3: What is an editorial for UPSC?

Ans: For UPSC, an editorial refers to opinion-based articles in reputed newspapers that provide analysis on current affairs, governance, policy, and socio-economic issues.

Q4: What are the sources of UPSC Editorial Analysis?

Ans: Key sources include editorials from The Hindu and Indian Express.

Q5: Can Editorial Analysis help in Mains Answer Writing?

Ans: Yes, editorial analysis enhances content quality, analytical depth, and structure in Mains answer writing.

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