16 September 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)
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New Development Bank (NDB)
Why in News?
The New Development Bank (NDB), one of the major institutions established under the BRICS framework, was recently in the news.
About New Development Bank
The New Development Bank (NDB), initially known as the BRICS Development Bank, is a multilateral development institution established by the five founding BRICS countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
1. Objective
- The NDB seeks to mobilise financial resources for infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs).
- It finances projects that are aligned with Development priorities of its member countries, Sustainable Development Goals, Commitments under the Paris Agreement.
2. Origin and Evolution
- The proposal for establishing a BRICS development bank was discussed at the 4th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in 2012.
- The Agreement establishing the NDB was signed at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2014.
- The Bank commenced operations in 2015.
3. Expanded Membership
- The NDB has expanded its membership to include countries such as Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Uzbekistan
4. Presidency
- The presidency follows a rotational arrangement among the founding members.
- K.V. Kamath of India served as the inaugural President of the NDB from 2015 to 2020.
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Voting Structure |
Founding members have equal voting rights; no single country has veto power |
|
Headquarters |
Shanghai, China |
|
Regional Offices |
Johannesburg, São Paulo, Ahmedabad and Moscow |
|
Initial Authorised Capital |
US$100 billion |
|
Initial Subscribed Capital |
US$50 billion |
|
Membership |
Open to UN members and expanded beyond the five founding countries |
General Strategy 2022–2026
- Local Currency Financing: Provide 30% of the total volume of approved financing in the local currencies of member countries.
- Climate-Focused Financing: Allocate 40% of total approvals to projects supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation, including energy transition, during 2022–2026.
- Gender Representation: Increase the representation of women to 40% of professional and managerial staff by 2026.
Language Debate in the Constituent Assembly
Why in News?
- On 14 September 1949, after prolonged deliberations, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Munshi–Ayyangar Formula on the language question.
- The date is subsequently commemorated as Hindi Diwas.
Language Debate in the Constituent Assembly
- At the time of Independence, India was a linguistically diverse country, with most people speaking one of several major regional languages.
- Hindi was the most widely spoken language, while English, inherited from the colonial administration, had a very limited speaker base.
Major Positions
1. Pro-Hindi Faction
- Advocated making Hindi the national language.
- Argued that linguistic uniformity was important for strengthening national unity.
- Favoured adoption of the language decision through a simple majority vote.
2. Non-Hindi Faction
- Opposed the idea that national integration required linguistic uniformity.
- Expressed concerns about imposing a majoritarian decision on linguistic minorities.
3. Moderate Congress Leaders
- Leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad emphasised the continued relevance of English in law and administration.
4. Munshi–Ayyangar Formula
- The formula was named after K. M. Munshi and N. Gopalaswamy Ayyangar, who were members of the seven-member Drafting Committee of the Constitution.
Key Features
- Provided for a 15-year transitional period, during which the use of Hindi by the Union could gradually expand.
- The Constitution also recognised 14 other languages for official purposes through the Eighth Schedule at that time.
- State governments were permitted to adopt one or more regional languages or English for their internal official work.
- English continued to serve as the language of inter-State communication during the transition.
- Subsequently, the Official Languages Act, 1963 provided for the continued use of English alongside Hindi for official purposes.
Constitutional Provisions on Language
Part XVII of the Constitution contains provisions relating to the official language of the Union and States, language of the judiciary, and inter-governmental communication.
1. Article 343 – Official Language of the Union
- The official language of the Union is Hindi in Devanagari script.
- The Constitution provides for the use of the international form of Indian numerals.
2. Article 344 – Commission and Committee of Parliament
- The President is required to constitute a Commission after five years from the commencement of the Constitution, and subsequently after ten years, to make recommendations concerning the progressive use of Hindi and related language matters.
3. Article 345 – Official Language of a State
- The State Legislature may adopt One or more languages in use in the State; or Hindi as the official language or languages of the State.
4. Article 348 – Language of Courts and Legal Texts
- Proceedings in the Supreme Court and High Courts are conducted in English, subject to constitutional provisions.
- The Governor, with the previous consent of the President, may authorise the use of Hindi or another language in proceedings of a High Court.
5. Article 350A – Mother-Tongue Instruction
- Every State and local authority should endeavour to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage for children belonging to linguistic minority groups.
6. Article 350B – Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities
- Provides for the appointment of a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities by the President.
7. Article 351 – Development of Hindi
- Places a duty on the Union to promote the spread and development of Hindi.
- It seeks to develop Hindi as a medium capable of expressing the composite culture of India.
Evolution of Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Strategy in India
Why in News?
- India’s terrorism environment has undergone a significant transformation—from large, structured cross-border terrorist networks to decentralised, technology-enabled and difficult-to-trace threats.
- This evolution has contributed to a shift in India’s counter-terrorism approach from primarily defensive and reactive measures towards prevention, disruption and proactive deterrence.
Changing Nature of Terrorism
1. Organisational Fragmentation
- Terrorist networks increasingly operate through Small cells, Sleeper modules, Hybrid operatives
- Such structures minimise visible command chains, making recruitment, coordination and attack planning more difficult for security agencies to detect.
2. Digital Radicalisation
- Social media and encrypted communication platforms have become important channels for radicalisation and mobilisation.
- The period between initial radicalisation and potential attack activity has reportedly shortened considerably—from more than a year in 2005 to weeks by 2026.
3. Proxy Rebranding
- Organisations such as the TRF and PAFF can obscure their links with parent organisations.
- Such proxy structures may attempt to present cross-border terrorism as an indigenous or locally driven resistance movement.
4. Technology as a Force Multiplier
- Terrorist capabilities have been enhanced through Drones for surveillance and delivery, Encrypted communications for coordination, Cyber tools for operational activities, Crypto-assets for financing.
- These technologies can support activities ranging from reconnaissance and financing to coordination and execution of attacks.
5. Convergence with Organised Crime
- Terrorist networks are increasingly exploiting links with organised criminal networks.
- Such relationships can provide access to financial resources, logistics and other operational capabilities beyond conventional militant structures.
6. Increasing Focus on Soft Targets
- Terrorist attacks increasingly focus on civilians, tourists, migrants and off-duty security personnel.
- Targeting such groups can generate wider public fear and political impact, extending beyond the immediate physical casualties.
Evolution of India’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy
1. Reactive Restraint: 1990s–2008
- India relied largely on Domestic security measures, Intelligence and law-enforcement mechanisms, Diplomatic efforts
- Direct military retaliation across the border was generally avoided.
2. Institutional Architecture: 2008–2014
- The 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks highlighted the need for stronger permanent counter-terrorism mechanisms.
- India subsequently strengthened Dedicated counter-terror institutions, Intelligence coordination, Integrated information-sharing mechanisms
- This represented a move from ad hoc crisis management towards a standing institutional framework.
3. Preventive Disruption: 2014–Present
- Greater intelligence coordination has increasingly focused on early identification of threats.
- The emphasis has consequently expanded from responding after an attack to detecting and disrupting emerging terrorist networks and activities.
4. Cross-Border Retaliation: 2016–2019
- The Uri surgical strikes and the Balakot air strike demonstrated India's use of targeted military action against terrorist infrastructure across the border.
- These operations marked a shift towards more proactive cross-border responses.
5. Punitive Deterrence: 2025–Present
- Operation Sindoor further linked terrorist proxies with their alleged state sponsors in India's counter-terror narrative.
- It also reflected India's stated position that nuclear deterrence should not be used to prevent conventional responses to terrorism.
6. Strategic Codification: 2026–Present
- PRAHAAR represents a move towards formally codifying an intelligence-led, whole-of-government counter-terrorism framework.
- Its approach centres on Prevention, Coordinated response, Counter-radicalisation, Societal resilience
Major Government Initiatives
1. PRAHAAR
- Described as India’s first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy.
- Adopts a whole-of-government approach covering Prevention, Response, Counter-radicalisation, Resilience
2. New Multi-Agency Centre
- Seeks to strengthen the integration of intelligence agencies through a secure national platform.
- Incorporates AI-enabled analytical capabilities and district-level connectivity for more coordinated intelligence sharing.
3. National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)
- Connects authorised agencies with relevant government databases.
- Aims to facilitate Real-time intelligence access, Detection of terrorist networks, Faster investigations
4. NIA Amendment Act, 2019
- Expanded the National Investigation Agency's jurisdiction beyond India in specified terrorism-related cases.
- Its expanded framework also covers offences such as cyberterrorism.
5. UAPA Amendment Act, 2019
- Enabled the government to designate individuals as terrorists, in addition to the existing mechanism concerning terrorist organisations.
- This broadened the legal framework for action against terrorism.
6. Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Cell
- Coordinates India's policy response to terror financing.
- Its responsibilities include issues related to Asset freezing, Terror-financing prevention, Engagement with the Financial Action Task Force, Cooperation with other international mechanisms
Recommendations of the Standing Committee on External Affairs, 2024
1. Strengthening Action against Terror Financing
- Establish a permanent No Money for Terror (NMFT) Secretariat in India.
- The objective is to institutionalise international coordination against terrorist financing.
2. Monitoring BRICS Counter-Terrorism Commitments
- Establish an implementation-monitoring mechanism for the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan.
- This would help track implementation and align outcomes with India's stated security priorities.
3. Strengthening UN Counter-Terrorism Coordination
- Advance India's eight-point action plan aimed at improving UN counter-terrorism coordination and Capacity-building among member states
4. Enhancing Cyber Resilience
- Establish domestic Internet root servers to strengthen the ability to contain cyber-terrorism and malware threats at ISP gateways.
5. Strengthening International Cyber Cooperation
- Accelerate CERT-In agreements with foreign counterparts.
- Such cooperation would facilitate coordinated responses to cross-border cyber threats.
South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN)
Why in News?
- Member countries of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) adopted the Kathmandu Declaration at the network’s first General Assembly, held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
- The declaration seeks to strengthen regional cooperation against illegal wildlife trade and trafficking.
About SAWEN
- The South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) is a regional intergovernmental body supporting wildlife law enforcement.
- It was formally established in Bhutan in 2011.
- Its primary objective is to strengthen regional cooperation to combat illegal wildlife trafficking across South Asia.
- Member Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
- The permanent Secretariat of SAWEN is located in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Institutional Structure
- General Assembly – Apex decision-making body.
- Executive Committee – Provides executive-level coordination.
- Secretariat – Handles the network’s administrative and operational functions and is headed by the Secretary General.
Kathmandu Declaration
The Kathmandu Declaration reinforces regional cooperation against wildlife trafficking through the following measures:
1. Wildlife Trafficking as Organised Crime
- The declaration recognises illegal wildlife trade as a serious form of transnational organised crime.
- It reiterates the region’s commitment to strengthening collective action against such activities.
2. Intelligence-Led Enforcement
- Emphasis is placed on dismantling criminal syndicates involved in wildlife trafficking through Intelligence-driven operations, Anti-money laundering measures and Financial investigations to trace illicit revenues generated through wildlife crime.
3. SAWEN Implementation Plan 2026–2030
- Member countries adopted the SAWEN Implementation Plan 2026–2030.
- The plan aims to translate political commitments into coordinated, operational-level wildlife law-enforcement measures.
4. SAWEN Day
- January 30 has been designated as SAWEN Day.
- The day commemorates the network’s foundation and aims to promote awareness of regional biodiversity conservation.
BRICS Photovoltaic Industry Action Plan
Why in News?
- The 18th BRICS Summit (2026) in New Delhi welcomed the Photovoltaic Industry Action Plan adopted by the BRICS Industry Ministers in Jaipur in August 2026.
- The plan seeks to deepen industrial cooperation in the photovoltaic (PV) sector among BRICS countries.
BRICS Photovoltaic Industry Action Plan
1. Objective
- The Action Plan aims to strengthen cooperation across the photovoltaic industry through the BRICS Photovoltaic Industry Working Group.
- The Working Group functions under the Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) and is one of its seven specialised working groups.
2. Knowledge-Sharing Portals
- Each BRICS member is encouraged to establish a national photovoltaic knowledge portal.
- These portals would facilitate the sharing of PV-related policies, Industry developments, Best practices.
3. Priority Areas
- The Action Plan identifies three major areas of cooperation Technology Cooperation, Financing, Capacity Building
Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR)
- PartNIR was established in 2018 to strengthen BRICS cooperation in areas associated with the new industrial revolution.
- Its broad areas include Industrialisation, Digitalisation, Innovation, Inclusiveness, Investment
Photovoltaic Industry in India
1. What is the Photovoltaic Industry?
- The photovoltaic industry covers manufacturing activities across the solar PV value chain.
- This includes Polysilicon, Ingots, Wafers, Solar cells, Solar modules
2. Expansion of Manufacturing Capacity
- India’s solar PV module manufacturing capacity expanded substantially from 2.3 GW in 2014 to approximately 172 GW by March 2026.
3. Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM)
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) maintains the ALMM framework to identify solar PV products eligible for specified projects.
- The framework includes List-I: Solar PV modules, List-II: Solar PV cells, List-III: Solar ingots and wafers, applicable from June 2028
4. Supply Chain Challenge
- India has significantly expanded its solar module and cell manufacturing capabilities.
- However, domestic wafer manufacturing remains limited, resulting in substantial dependence on imports for this segment of the solar PV value chain.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
- The ₹24,000-crore PLI Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules seeks to strengthen domestic solar manufacturing.
- Incentives are linked to factors such as Module sales, Manufacturing efficiency, Domestic value addition
Open Market Operations (OMO)
Why in News?
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced Open Market Operation (OMO) sale auctions worth ₹1 lakh crore.
- The RBI also announced auctions of 91-day, 182-day and 364-day Treasury Bills.
What are Open Market Operations?
- Open Market Operations (OMOs) are monetary market operations conducted by the RBI involving the purchase or sale of Government Securities (G-Secs) in the market.
- Their primary objective is to manage rupee liquidity in the financial system.
How do OMOs Affect Liquidity?
1. When there is excess liquidity:
- RBI sells G-Secs in the market.
- Banks and other market participants pay the RBI for these securities.
- This absorbs/sucks out rupee liquidity from the financial system.
2. When liquidity is tight:
- RBI purchases G-Secs from the market.
- It pays money to market participants in exchange for the securities.
- This injects/releases liquidity into the financial system.
|
RBI Action |
Market Condition |
Impact on Liquidity |
|
Sale of G-Secs |
Excess liquidity |
Liquidity absorption |
|
Purchase of G-Secs |
Tight liquidity |
Liquidity injection |
Government Securities (G-Secs)
1. What are G-Secs?
- A Government Security is a tradable financial instrument issued by the Central Government or State Governments.
- It represents an acknowledgement of the Government’s debt obligation.
2. Types of G-Secs
a. Short-Term Securities
- Known as Treasury Bills (T-Bills).
- Have an original maturity of less than one year.
- The Central Government issues Treasury Bills.
b. Long-Term Securities
- Generally known as Government Bonds or Dated Government Securities.
- Have an original maturity of one year or more.
c. Issuance by Governments
- Central Government: Issues both Treasury Bills and Bonds/Dated Government Securities
- State Governments: Issue only bonds or dated securities.These are known as State Development Loans (SDLs).
d. Why are G-Secs Considered Risk-Free?
- G-Secs carry practically no risk of default, making them widely regarded as risk-free gilt-edged instruments.
India Becomes the 4th Largest Forex Reserve Holder
Why in News?
- India has overtaken Russia to become the world’s fourth-largest holder of foreign exchange reserves.
- According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s forex reserves stood at $785.71 billion.
|
Rank |
Country |
Forex Reserves |
|
1 |
China |
$3.85 trillion |
|
2 |
Japan |
$1.21 trillion |
|
3 |
Switzerland |
$1.09 trillion |
|
4 |
India |
$785.71 billion |
What are Foreign Exchange Reserves?
- Foreign exchange reserves are external assets held or controlled by a country’s monetary authority.
- They are primarily maintained to meet international payment obligations and manage vulnerabilities arising from the external sector.
India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves
- India’s forex reserves are managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- They broadly consist of Foreign Currency Assets, Gold, Special Drawing Rights, Reserve Position in the IMF
Why are High Forex Reserves Important for India?
1. Protection Against External Shocks
- Adequate reserves provide a financial buffer against global economic and financial volatility.
- They help India deal with pressures arising from Sudden capital outflows and External financing requirements.
2. Currency Stability
- The RBI can utilise foreign exchange reserves to manage excessive volatility in the Indian rupee.
- This becomes particularly relevant during periods of heightened pressure in foreign exchange markets.
3. Import Security
- India depends significantly on imports of essential commodities and goods such as Crude oil, Machinery, Electronics
- A strong reserve position enhances confidence in India’s ability to meet external payment obligations.
India–MERCOSUR Signs First Additional Protocol to PTA
Why in News?
- India and MERCOSUR have signed the First Additional Protocol to the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
- The protocol facilitates the acceptance of electronic Certificates of Origin (e-COs), supporting a transition towards paperless trade.
Key Concepts
1. Certificate of Origin (CO)
- A Certificate of Origin is a trade document that certifies the country in which a product was produced.
- It helps customs authorities determine whether goods comply with Applicable customs requirements, Preferential tariff conditions, Relevant trade restrictions or sanctions.
2. Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA)
- A PTA is a trade arrangement under which participating countries provide preferential tariff treatment on a specified list of products.
- Unlike a free trade agreement, a PTA generally reduces tariffs and customs duties on selected products rather than eliminating them comprehensively.
India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement
- The India–MERCOSUR PTA was signed on 25 January 2004.
- It came into force on 1 June 2009.
- The agreement provides preferential tariff concessions on 450 tariff lines by India and 452 tariff lines by MERCOSUR
First Additional Protocol: Key Provisions
1. Amendment to Rules of Origin
- The First Additional Protocol amends Article 16 of Annex III, which deals with Rules of Origin under the PTA.
2. Legal Recognition of Electronic Certificates
- Certificates of Origin issued in electronic format will have the same legal validity as certificates issued in paper form.
- Electronic Certificates of Origin will be electronically signed in accordance with the respective domestic legislation of the participating parties.
Significance
- Support the shift towards paperless trade documentation.
- Reduce transaction costs associated with Certificates of Origin.
- Shorten and simplify processing procedures.
- Improve the efficiency of preferential trade under the existing India–MERCOSUR PTA.
Copper Prices Hit a Record High
Why in News?
- Copper prices have recently reached record-high levels, drawing attention to the metal’s importance in the global economy.
- Copper is often referred to as “Dr. Copper” because movements in its price are widely regarded as an indicator of global economic activity.
About Copper
- Copper is a soft, reddish-brown chemical element with Symbol: Cu and Atomic Number: 29
- It is particularly valued for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
Key Properties
- High Conductivity: Efficiently conducts electricity and heat, making it essential for electrical and industrial applications.
- Malleability: Can be bent, stretched and formed into thin wires or sheets without easily breaking.
- Distinctive Colour: Unlike many metals that are generally grey or white, copper has a characteristic reddish-brown appearance.
- Patina Formation: Prolonged exposure to air and moisture can produce a green outer coating, known as a patina.
Major Applications
- Copper is widely used in Electrical wiring, Plumbing and Alloy production, including Brass and Bronze, Coins, Art and decorative applications
- Chile is the largest producer of copper globally.
- Major copper-producing states include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand
Ramanathaswamy Temple
Why in News?
During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed visiting leaders at Bharat Mandapam against a backdrop showcasing the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple of Rameswaram.
About Ramanathaswamy Temple
- The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a prominent Shaivite pilgrimage centre dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- It is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and the southernmost Jyotirlinga and one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
- The temple is situated on Pamban Island, off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu.
- It is located in Rameswaram.
Historical Evolution
- The temple has deep roots in the early Shaivite tradition and received patronage during the Pandya period.
- Its large-scale architectural development took place over subsequent centuries.
- Major additions and expansions, particularly its grand corridors and monumental gopurams, were undertaken under Nayak rulers and Sethupathi rulers of Ramanathapuram
- These architectural developments largely span the period between the 15th and 18th centuries.
- Its extensive corridor complex is recognised as the longest temple corridor in India and the world.
Sir M. Visvesvaraya
Why in News?
India observed National Engineers’ Day on 15 September 2026, commemorating the 165th birth anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya.
About Sir M. Visvesvaraya
- Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was born on 15 September 1861 in Karnataka.
- He was a distinguished Civil Engineer, Economist, Statesman, Administrator
- He is widely known as the “Father of Modern Indian Engineering.”
Role as Dewan of Mysore
- Visvesvaraya served as the 19th Dewan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918.
- During his tenure, he promoted institutional and industrial reforms.
- His contribution to the development of Mysore earned him the title “Father of Modern Mysore.”
Major Contributions
1. Krishna Raja Sagara Dam
- He played a key role in constructing the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam across the Cauvery River.
2. Flood-Control Measures in Hyderabad
- Following the devastating 1908 Musi River floods, he contributed to the development of flood-control reservoirs in Hyderabad.
3. Automatic Weir Floodgates
- Visvesvaraya designed and patented automatic weir floodgates.
- These gates were first installed at the Khadakwasla Reservoir near Pune in 1903.
- The technology enabled the reservoir to raise its storage level to the maximum permissible limit without damaging the dam.
4. Publications
- Planned Economy for India, Reconstructing India
5. Honours and Recognition
- He received a knighthood from King George V in 1915.
- In 1955, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
Operation Deep Manifest
Why in News?
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized more than 362 metric tonnes (MT) of Pakistan-origin dry dates under Operation Deep Manifest.
About Operation Deep Manifest
- Operation Deep Manifest is a targeted enforcement campaign undertaken by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
- It focuses on detecting and intercepting the movement of contraband or prohibited goods of Pakistani origin being smuggled into India through third-country routes.
- The operation seeks to strengthen enforcement against attempts to circumvent trade restrictions through indirect routing.
About Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
The DRI is the apex anti-smuggling agency functioning under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and Ministry of Finance
1. Functions of DRI
- Smuggling of contraband goods
- Drug trafficking
- Illicit international trade in wildlife and environmentally sensitive items
- Commercial frauds associated with international trade
- Evasion of Customs duties
2. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
- CBIC is the apex national body responsible for administering Indirect taxes, Customs, Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Thirukkural
Why in News?
- Ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Russian President Vladimir Putin a Russian translation of the Thirukkural.
- The gesture highlighted the cultural and literary significance of one of the foundational works of Tamil literature.
About Thirukkural
- Thirukkural, also known as the Kural, Tamil Marai (Tamil Veda) and the “Divine Book”, is a foundational Tamil work dealing primarily with ethics and human values.
- It is attributed to the renowned Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar.
- The text is generally associated with the post-Sangam period, although its exact date remains debated, with estimates ranging from approximately 300 BCE to 500 CE.
1. Structure of the Thirukkural
- The work comprises 1,330 couplets, known as Kurals.
- These are organised into 133 chapters and 10 couplets in each chapter
- Each couplet contains seven words (cirs): Four in the first line and Three in the second line.
2. Three Major Divisions
- Aram – Virtue: Deals with individual ethics, moral conduct and virtuous living.
- Porul – Polity: Addresses governance, statecraft, justice and social organisation.
- Inbam – Love: Explores love and human relationships.
Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar 2025–26
Why in News?
- The Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar 2025–26 was presented on Hindi Diwas (14 September) during the 6th All India Official Language Conference.
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) secured the First Prize among Ministries/Departments having more than 300 personnel.
- The Department of Financial Services (DFS) received the First Prize among organisations with fewer than 300 personnel.
About Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar
- The Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar is the highest award for the implementation of official language policy.
- It is conferred annually on Hindi Diwas by the Department of Official Language, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Eligible Institutions: Central Government Ministries and Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Nationalised Banks, Autonomous Bodies, Boards, In-house Hindi magazines
- Basis of Selection: The award is based on annual reports assessing an institution’s compliance with Official Languages Act, 1963 and Official Language Rules, 1976
Paraguay
Why in News?
India and Paraguay commemorated the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
About Paraguay
- Paraguay is a landlocked country located in south-central South America.
- Capital: Asunción
- Geographical Boundaries – Argentina: South and west, Brazil: East, Bolivia: North
- The Chaco Boreal covers approximately two-thirds of Paraguay.
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