Talk to a Counsellor +91 76659-44999

19 September 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exam.

Misuse of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 299

Why in News?

Concerns regarding the potential misuse of Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 have renewed discussion on how to balance the protection of religious sentiments with the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and expression.

About BNS Section 299

1. Legal Provision

Section 299, under Chapter XVI of the BNS, criminalises deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage the religious feelings of any class of Indian citizens by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.

2. Intent Requirement

Mere offence or hurt sentiments do not automatically establish criminal liability.
The act must involve a deliberate and malicious intention to outrage religious feelings.

3. Scope of Protection

Section 299 protects the religious feelings of any class of Indian citizens.
In contrast, Section 302 addresses the deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of an individual.

4. Forms of Expression Covered

Insults or attempted insults may be communicated through Spoken or written words, Signs or visible representations, Electronic means or other forms of communication

5. Punishment

Imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.

6. Nature of Offence

Cognisable and non-bailable; triable by a Magistrate of the First Class.

7. Prior Government Sanction

Under Section 217 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, a court cannot take cognisance of an offence under Section 299 without prior sanction from the Central or State Government.

Concerns Regarding Potential Misuse

1. Punishment Through the Legal Process

Cognisable and non-bailable proceedings may expose individuals to arrest, bail-related expenses, repeated court appearances and reputational damage before guilt is established.

2. Risk of a “Heckler’s Veto”

Organised groups may use complaints to pressure authorities into initiating proceedings against controversial or unpopular expression.
This can create a risk that subjective perceptions of religious offence are used to restrict lawful speech.

3. Timing of Government Sanction

The sanction requirement applies before a court takes cognisance.
It does not, by itself, prevent police investigation from commencing before that stage, potentially leaving room for scrutiny of context and intent to occur later.

4. Chilling Effect on Freedom of Expression

The prospect of criminal proceedings may discourage writers, artists, academics and publishers from engaging with sensitive or contentious subjects.
This may encourage self-censorship even where expression is lawful.

5. Multiple Proceedings Across Jurisdictions

Similar complaints concerning the same expression may result in investigations and court appearances in different jurisdictions.
Such proceedings can increase legal costs and impose repeated burdens on the accused.

Judicial Safeguards Against Misuse

1. Ramji Lal Modi v. State of Uttar Pradesh (1957)

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the predecessor provision, Section 295A of the IPC.
The provision was understood to target aggravated forms of religious insult involving deliberate and malicious intent to outrage religious feelings.

2. Mahendra Singh Dhoni v. Yerraguntla Shyamsundar (2017)

The Supreme Court emphasised the need for judicial scrutiny of the essential ingredients of an alleged offence.
A Magistrate must assess whether the complaint discloses the required elements before proceeding to issue summons.

3. Priya Prakash Varrier Case (2018)

The Supreme Court quashed proceedings concerning allegations that a song hurt religious sentiments.
The case reinforced that alleged offence to religious feelings, by itself, is insufficient without the requisite deliberate and malicious intention.

4. Amish Devgan v. Union of India (2020)

The Supreme Court addressed the problem of multiple FIRs arising from the same incident or transaction.
It held that such FIRs should ordinarily be consolidated, with the first FIR forming the basis of a single investigation, rather than allowing parallel proceedings.

5. Imran Pratapgadhi v. State of Gujarat (2025)

The Supreme Court stressed that police must examine the meaning and context of the words alleged to constitute an offence.
It highlighted the importance of protecting freedom of speech and expression while applying criminal law.
Where Section 173(3) of the BNSS applies, the Court stated that a preliminary inquiry should ordinarily be conducted in speech-related cases to assess whether a prima facie case exists.
The judgment clarified that examining the meaning of the alleged words to determine whether they disclose an offence is distinct from conducting a preliminary inquiry.

Constitutional Perspective

Article 19(1)(a): Guarantees citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression.
Article 19(2): Permits reasonable restrictions on this freedom on specified grounds, including public order and other constitutionally recognised interests.
Restrictions must remain within constitutional limits; the existence of a complaint or public objection does not, on its own, establish that an offence has occurred.

Pakistan–China Boundary Joint Commission

Why in News?

India rejected the newly operationalised Pakistan–China Boundary Joint Commission, stating that it has no legal basis to make arrangements concerning territories that India considers to be under illegal occupation.

India reiterated that it does not recognise the 1963 China–Pakistan Boundary Agreement and opposes any bilateral arrangements affecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The rejection followed the commission’s inaugural meeting in Islamabad, where the two countries discussed border management, joint surveys, trade and people-to-people connectivity.

Pakistan–China Boundary Joint Commission

1. Background

The commission has its origins in the 2013 Agreement on the Boundary Management System (BMS) between Pakistan and China.
Article 45 of the agreement provides for the establishment of a commission to oversee implementation of the BMS.
Its areas of cooperation include:
- Border management and joint boundary surveys
- Connectivity and movement through the Khunjerab crossing
- Trade flows and people-to-people exchanges
- Connectivity associated with the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

2. India’s Position

India maintains that Pakistan cannot enter into agreements concerning territories that India regards as part of its sovereign territory but under Pakistani occupation.
India has consistently rejected the 1963 boundary agreement and considers it illegal and invalid.
New Delhi has stated that arrangements between Pakistan and China concerning these territories do not affect India’s sovereignty claims.

China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

CPEC is a major infrastructure and connectivity project linking Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang region with Gwadar Port in Pakistan.
It forms part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The corridor includes transport and other infrastructure intended to improve connectivity between China and Pakistan.

Why Does India Oppose CPEC?

A portion of CPEC passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
India objects to infrastructure development and connectivity arrangements in this region without its consent, citing concerns relating to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China–Pakistan Boundary Agreement, 1963

1. Historical Background

Pakistan and China signed a boundary agreement in 1963, following the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
The agreement sought to define their boundary in the region adjoining Pakistan-administered territories and China’s Xinjiang region.

2. Key Provisions and Territorial Implications

a. Shaksgam Valley (Trans-Karakoram Tract)

Pakistan agreed to transfer the Shaksgam Valley to China.
The territory forms part of the broader Hunza-Gilgit region administered by Pakistan and lies north of the Siachen Glacier.

b. Article 6

The agreement provided that, after the settlement of the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India, China and Pakistan would reopen negotiations.
The objective was to conclude a formal boundary treaty to replace the existing agreement.

3. India’s Objection

India has consistently rejected the 1963 agreement, maintaining that Pakistan had no authority to transfer territory that India claims as part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.
India does not recognise the agreement as legally valid.

Historical and Geographical Context

1. Treaty of Amritsar, 1846

The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was established under the Treaty of Amritsar (1846) between the British East India Company and Dogra ruler Maharaja Gulab Singh.
The historical territories associated with the princely state included Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and areas now administered by Pakistan or China, which remain central to regional territorial disputes.

2. Aksai Chin

India claims Aksai Chin as part of Ladakh, within the Union Territory of Ladakh.
China also claims the region and constructed a strategic highway through it during the 1950s, connecting Xinjiang and Tibet.
The competing claims over Aksai Chin form part of the wider India–China boundary dispute.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Why in News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on 13 September 2026 that the NDA-ruled States would work towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

About the Uniform Civil Code

1. Meaning

A UCC envisages a common statutory framework governing personal civil matters—such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption—irrespective of religious affiliation.

2. Constitutional Provision

Article 44 directs the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout India.
It is a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) and is non-justiciable under Article 37.

3. Legislative Competence

Entry 5 of the Concurrent List (Seventh Schedule) covers marriage, divorce, infants and minors, adoption, wills, intestacy and succession, among other matters.
Both Parliament and State Legislatures can legislate on subjects within this entry, subject to constitutional provisions governing legislative conflicts.

4. Existing Secular Framework

The Special Marriage Act, 1954 enables civil marriages outside the framework of religious personal-law ceremonies.

State-Level Experiences

Goa: Retains a family-law framework derived from the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, subject to exceptions and specific provisions.
Uttarakhand: Its UCC came into force in January 2025, establishing common rules for several personal-law matters, with specified exemptions.

Potential Benefits of a UCC

1. Gender Justice

Common legal standards could help address discriminatory provisions in personal laws.
Uniform protections relating to marriage, maintenance and inheritance may strengthen equality within family relationships.

2. Equal Citizenship

A common framework could reduce differences in civil rights and obligations arising from religion-specific personal laws.

3. Legal Clarity

Standardised provisions may simplify the interpretation and application of family law.
This could reduce uncertainty arising from overlapping or differing legal regimes.

4. Improved Legal Documentation

Common registration and documentation requirements could support the enforcement of rights relating to marriage, maintenance, custody and succession.

5. Simplification of Legal Reform

A common framework may facilitate coordinated reform of family-law provisions rather than requiring separate amendments across multiple personal-law systems.

6. Civic Fraternity

Supporters argue that common civil standards could reinforce equal citizenship and the constitutional ideal of fraternity.

Concerns and Challenges

1. Balancing Fundamental Rights

Article 25(1) protects freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to constitutional limitations.
Article 25(2) permits regulation of secular activities associated with religious practice and laws for social welfare and reform.
A UCC must therefore be designed with due regard to religious freedom, equality and the State’s reform powers.

2. Cultural and Community Autonomy

Personal laws and customary practices may form part of the cultural identity of communities.
Critics caution that blanket standardisation could displace customary practices, including those that are not discriminatory.
Article 29 protects the interests of sections of citizens with a distinct language, script or culture.

3. Tribal and Customary Protections

Certain communities enjoy constitutionally recognised protections for customary practices and self-governance.
The application of a uniform framework raises questions about how such protections should be reconciled with common family-law standards.

4. Federal Considerations

Since family-law matters fall within the Concurrent List, both Parliament and States have legislative roles.
Differing State-level laws could create variations in the legal framework and raise questions about coordination and consistency.

5. Substantive Equality and Neutrality

A law may be formally uniform without necessarily producing equitable outcomes for all communities.
Critics stress the importance of ensuring that a common framework is not based disproportionately on the customs or practices of one community.

Recommendations of the 21st Law Commission (2018)

The 21st Law Commission, in its 2018 consultation paper on Reform of Family Law, favoured reforming discriminatory practices within personal laws rather than treating a UCC as necessary or desirable at that stage.

Key Recommendations

Reform of Personal Laws: Review and codify personal laws to remove discriminatory provisions while retaining meaningful diversity.
Marriageable Age: Recommended a common minimum marriage age of 18 years for all, eliminating gender-based differences.
Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage: Recommended recognising irretrievable breakdown as a ground for divorce across communities.
Women’s Property Rights: Recommended reforms to address gender discrimination in inheritance, including changes relating to coparcenary rights and the Hindu Undivided Family framework.
Marriage Registration: Supported compulsory registration of marriages to strengthen legal proof and facilitate enforcement of civil rights.
Special Marriage Act: Recommended removing the 30-day public notice requirement to reduce the scope for interference in inter-caste and inter-faith marriages.

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme

Why in News?

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) commemorated the 10th anniversary of India’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme.
The CBIC Chairman outlined five strategic pillars to strengthen the programme and align it with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047: Technology-Driven Facilitation, Radical Inclusivity for MSMEs, Seamless Inter-Agency Coordination, Expanded Global Leadership, Inter-Vertical Synergy across Indirect Taxes

About the AEO Programme

1. Nature

A voluntary trade-facilitation and supply-chain security programme implemented by the CBIC, under the Ministry of Finance.

2. International Framework

Operates in accordance with the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards.

3. Primary Objective

Strengthen the security of international supply chains.
Facilitate faster movement of legitimate, low-risk cargo.
Simplify customs procedures for reliable and compliant businesses.

Operational Mechanism

The programme certifies businesses based on their compliance and security standards.
Assessment broadly considers Financial solvency, Compliance with customs and other applicable legal requirements, Record of regulatory compliance, Internal security procedures and supply-chain safeguards
Certified entities receive facilitation measures, including Preferential customs treatment, Reduced frequency of inspections, Faster cargo clearance, Deferred payment of customs duty, where applicable

Certification Categories

The Indian AEO framework provides three principal certification tiers for eligible businesses, along with a separate category for logistics operators.

Category	Broad classification
AEO-T1	Entry-level certification
AEO-T2	Higher level of compliance and security validation
AEO-T3	Highest tier within the principal business certification framework
AEO-LO	Separate category for logistics operators

Sectoral Expansion

The programme has expanded its reach to sectors with significant employment and export potential.
Particular emphasis has been placed on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) & Gems and Jewellery sector
Greater inclusion of smaller businesses can help extend customs facilitation benefits across a wider range of exporters and supply-chain participants.

Significance of the AEO Programme

1. Faster Customs Clearance

Risk-based facilitation enables compliant businesses to move cargo through customs more efficiently.
Reduced inspections can help lower delays and transaction costs.

2. Supply-Chain Security

Security standards and compliance checks strengthen the reliability of international supply chains.
The programme seeks to facilitate trade while maintaining appropriate customs controls.

3. Support for Export Competitiveness

Faster and more predictable clearance can improve the efficiency of Indian exporters.
Lower procedural delays may support their participation in global markets.

4. MSME Integration

Extending certification and facilitation to MSMEs can help smaller businesses participate more effectively in international trade.

5. International Trade Commitments

The programme supports India’s commitments under Article 7.7 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which concerns trade facilitation measures for authorised operators.

Key Achievements

5,967 entities have been certified under the programme, according to the supplied source.
India has entered into Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) with major trading partners, including United States, South Korea, Taiwan
MRAs allow participating customs administrations to recognise specified elements of one another’s AEO programmes, facilitating customs procedures for eligible operators and exports.

Five Strategic Pillars for the Future

Pillar	Broad focus
Technology-Driven Facilitation	Greater use of technology to simplify and accelerate customs processes
Radical Inclusivity for MSMEs	Expanding access to AEO benefits for smaller businesses
Seamless Inter-Agency Coordination	Improving coordination among agencies involved in trade and border procedures
Expanded Global Leadership	Strengthening India’s international engagement in customs facilitation
Inter-Vertical Synergy across Indirect Taxes	Improving coordination across indirect-tax administration

Related Concepts

1. World Customs Organization (WCO)

An independent intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
Develops international customs standards and supports cooperation among customs administrations.
Its work includes the Harmonized System (HS) for classifying traded goods, customs modernisation, supply-chain security, trade facilitation

2. SAFE Framework of Standards

Adopted by the WCO in 2005.
Aims to secure and facilitate global trade through stronger cooperation between customs administrations and businesses.
Promotes Customs-to-Customs cooperation and Customs-to-Business cooperation
The AEO concept is a key element of the framework, encouraging secure and compliant businesses to participate in international supply chains.

Doppler Weather Radar (DWR)

Why in News?

The Union Minister for Earth Sciences inaugurated India’s 51st Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) in Odisha under Mission Mausam, strengthening the country’s weather-observation and forecasting infrastructure.

What is a Doppler Weather Radar?

A Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) is an advanced radar system used to monitor atmospheric conditions and precipitation.
It uses the Doppler effect to determine Location of precipitation, Intensity of precipitation, Movement and velocity of precipitation, Wind characteristics in the atmosphere

How Does a Doppler Weather Radar Work?

1. Transmission of Radar Pulses

The radar antenna sends short pulses of radio or microwave energy into the atmosphere.

2. Interaction with Atmospheric Targets

The transmitted energy encounters atmospheric particles such as Raindrops, Snowflakes, Hail
These particles scatter the electromagnetic energy in different directions.
A small portion of the scattered energy returns to the radar as an echo.

3. Determining Distance and Precipitation Intensity

Time taken by the pulse to return helps determine the distance of the precipitation target from the radar.
The strength of the returned signal provides information about the amount and intensity of precipitation.

4. Measuring Velocity through Doppler Shift

The frequency or phase of the returned signal is compared with that of the transmitted signal.
A change in frequency or phase indicates the relative movement of the target.
This Doppler shift enables the radar to estimate the speed and direction of movement of precipitation towards or away from the radar.

Mission Mausam

1. About

Launched: 2024
Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
Vision: To make India “Weather Ready” and “Climate Smart” while strengthening capabilities in line with global standards.

2. Major Objectives

Mission Mausam seeks to improve India's capacity in Weather and climate observation, Numerical modelling, Weather forecasting, Early-warning systems

3. Strengthening the Observation Network

A major focus is the expansion and modernisation of India's meteorological observation infrastructure through the deployment of Doppler Weather Radars, Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Other advanced atmospheric observation instruments

Significance of DWRs

Improved severe-weather monitoring: Helps detect and track intense rainfall and other precipitation systems.
Better forecasting: Provides real-time information on precipitation and atmospheric movement.
Disaster preparedness: Strengthens early-warning capabilities for weather-related hazards.
Higher-resolution observations: Enables more detailed monitoring of local and regional weather conditions.

Global Gender Gap Index 2026

Why in News?

India has retained the 131st position among 145 economies in the Global Gender Gap Index 2026, recording a gender parity score of 64.5%.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the 20th edition of the Global Gender Gap Report, which tracks progress towards gender parity across economies.

About the Global Gender Gap Index

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has published the index annually since 2006.
It measures the relative gaps between women and men across key socioeconomic and political dimensions.
The index focuses on gender parity, rather than the absolute level of development or resources available in an economy.
The index uses female-to-male ratios across 14 indicators.
The overall score ranges from 0 to 1: 0 → Complete disparity and 1 → Full gender parity
An economy must have data for at least 12 of the 14 indicators to be included in the index.

Subindex	Weight
Economic Participation and Opportunity	25%
Educational Attainment	25%
Health and Survival	25%
Political Empowerment	25%

Key Findings: Global Gender Gap Report 2026

1. Global Gender Parity

69.2% of the global gender gap has been closed.
At the current rate of progress, full gender parity is estimated to remain 120 years away.

2. Leading Economies

Iceland retained the 1st position, achieving 93% gender parity.
It was followed by Finland and Norway
Iceland remains the only economy to have crossed the 90% parity threshold.

3. Other Notable Rankings

Namibia ranked 4th globally, becoming the highest-ranked economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Chad, Iran and Pakistan occupied the bottom three positions.

India’s Performance

India recorded an overall gender parity score of 64.5%, placing it 131st among 145 economies.

1. Economic Participation and Opportunity

India achieved 41.2% parity in this subindex.
Professional and technical workers: 49.9% parity
Labour-force participation: 44.1% parity

2. Educational Attainment

India recorded 96.6% parity.
Secondary enrolment: Full parity
Tertiary enrolment: Full parity

3. Health and Survival

India achieved 95.6% parity.

4. Political Empowerment

India recorded 24.5% parity.
India ranked 67th on this subindex.

E.V. Ramasamy Periyar

Why in News?

Tamil Nadu observed the 147th birth anniversary of E.V. Ramasamy Periyar, whose birth anniversary is commemorated annually as Social Justice Day.

Who was E.V. Ramasamy Periyar?

Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy, popularly known as Periyar, was a prominent social reformer and rationalist associated with the development of the Dravidian Movement.
Born: 1879, Erode, Tamil Nadu.
He challenged the caste hierarchy, brahminical social dominance, untouchability and social discrimination, patriarchal practices
The honorific “Periyar”, meaning “Respected One” or “Elder”, was conferred on him in 1938 by the Tamil Nadu Women’s Conference.

Political Journey and Vaikom Satyagraha

1. Association with the Indian National Congress

Periyar initially worked within the Indian National Congress.
He participated in and led the Vaikom Satyagraha (1924–25) in Travancore.
The movement sought to secure access to roads surrounding the Vaikom temple for oppressed castes.

2. Exit from Congress

Periyar left the Congress in 1925.
A major point of disagreement was the Congress's rejection of his demand for proportional communal representation.

Self-Respect Movement

1. Launched: 1925

Periyar established the Self-Respect Movement after leaving the Congress.
Its central objective was to challenge the prevailing caste hierarchy and promote a society based on Social equality, Human dignity, Rationalism, A distinct Dravidian social identity

2. Major Social Reform Ideas

Opposed caste-based discrimination and social hierarchy.
Questioned religious and social practices that perpetuated inequality.
Promoted Self-Respect Marriages, which could be conducted without Brahmin priests or conventional patriarchal rituals.

Social Reform and Legacy

1. Gender Emancipation

Periyar advocated several reforms concerning women's rights, including Opposition to child marriage, Support for widow remarriage, Greater rights and dignity for women, Promotion of Self-Respect Marriages as an alternative to orthodox marriage rituals

2. Reorganisation of the Justice Party

In 1944, Periyar transformed the Justice Party into the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK).
The DK functioned primarily as a social reform organisation rather than an electoral political party.
It sought to challenge caste discrimination and eradicate untouchability.

3. Linguistic Nationalism

Periyar strongly opposed the imposition of Hindi in regional educational institutions during the late 1930s.
The resulting anti-Hindi mobilisation contributed to the growth of Tamil linguistic and cultural consciousness.

4. Literary and Publishing Activities

Publication	Significance
Kudi Arasu	Launched in 1925; associated with the Self-Respect Movement
Revolt	English weekly launched in 1928
Puratchi	Publication associated with his reformist ideas
Pagutharivu	Promoted rationalist thought
Viduthalai	Used as a platform for social and ideological mobilisation

Hyderabad Liberation Day

Why in News?

The Union Government notified 17 September as Hyderabad Liberation Day in 2024 to commemorate the integration of Hyderabad with the Indian Union following the end of the Nizam’s rule in 1948.

Background: Hyderabad After Independence

At the time of Independence, Hyderabad was the largest princely state in British India.
The seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, sought to maintain Hyderabad as an independent state rather than accede to India.
India and Hyderabad signed a one-year Standstill Agreement on 29 November 1947 to maintain existing administrative arrangements while negotiations continued.

1. Breakdown of Negotiations

Negotiations over Hyderabad’s political future failed to produce an agreement.
Growing violence by the Razakars against those opposing the Nizam's position further aggravated the situation.
Incursions from Hyderabad into Indian territory also contributed to the deterioration of relations.

2. Who were the Razakars?

The Razakars were a volunteer militia associated with the Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen.
They were led by Qasim Razvi.
The organisation opposed the accession of Hyderabad to India.

Operation Polo

1. India’s Military Action

India launched Operation Polo on 13 September 1948.
The action was officially described as a “Police Action”.
Its objective was to bring Hyderabad into the Indian Union following the failure of negotiations and the worsening security situation.

2. End of the Nizam’s Rule

The Nizam announced a ceasefire on 17 September 1948.
The Hyderabad State Forces formally surrendered on 18 September 1948.
This brought Hyderabad's independent status to an end and facilitated its integration into India.

Constitutional Status After Integration

In 1950, Hyderabad became a Part B State under the Constitution.
Mir Osman Ali Khan, the former Nizam, was appointed its Rajpramukh.
A Rajpramukh served as the constitutional head of a Part B State under the original constitutional arrangement.

Reorganisation of Hyderabad State

The territorial configuration of Hyderabad changed significantly following the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.

Telugu-speaking region: Merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh.
Marathi-speaking regions: Joined Bombay State.
Kannada-speaking regions: Joined Mysore State.

Thus, the former Hyderabad State was dissolved and its territories redistributed largely on linguistic lines.

Indigenous GaN Technology for Next-Generation Radars

Why in News?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed indigenous Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology for use in India's next-generation radars and electronic warfare systems.
The technology is expected to strengthen India's capabilities in high-power, high-frequency defence electronics while reducing dependence on external sources.

Key Features of the Technology

DRDO has developed GaN-on-Silicon Carbide (SiC) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) and High Electron-Mobility Transistors (HEMTs).
These devices can operate at frequencies extending up to the X-band.
The technology is particularly suited for applications requiring High power, High frequency, Greater thermal stability, Compact and efficient electronic systems

Defence Applications

1. Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radars

GaN-based MMICs can be integrated into AESA radar systems.
AESA radars use electronic beam steering rather than mechanically rotating the antenna.
This enables Rapid beam movement, Faster detection and tracking of multiple targets, High-power radar operation

2. Electronic Warfare

GaN MMICs can also be used in electronic warfare jammers.
Their high-power and high-frequency characteristics support the generation of powerful signals for electronic warfare applications.

About Gallium Nitride (GaN)

Gallium Nitride is a wide-bandgap semiconductor.
It is well suited for electronic systems operating with high-frequency and high-power signals.
GaN combines strong electrical properties with high thermal performance, making it useful for defence electronics exposed to demanding operating conditions.

1. Advantages over Conventional Silicon

Higher energy efficiency
Higher breakdown voltage
Better performance at high frequencies
Greater tolerance to high temperatures
Potential for smaller, lighter and more reliable electronic payloads

2. Civilian Applications of GaN

5G and 6G communication networks
Electric-vehicle power systems
Renewable-energy grids
High-frequency and high-power electronic systems

Key Technical Terms

1. Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC)

A compact integrated circuit designed to process microwave and radio-frequency (RF) signals.
GaN-on-SiC MMICs offer high-power and high-frequency performance.

2. High Electron-Mobility Transistor (HEMT)

A specialised field-effect transistor designed for high-frequency and low-noise applications.
It uses a junction between different semiconductor materials to create a high-mobility two-dimensional electron layer, allowing rapid electron movement.

3. X-Band

Frequency range: 8–12 GHz.
Used in applications such as military fire-control radars and precision targeting systems.

4. Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)

A radar architecture in which the beam is steered electronically rather than by physically rotating the antenna.
Enables rapid detection, tracking and engagement of multiple targets.

Strategic Significance

Defence self-reliance: Strengthens indigenous production of critical semiconductor-based defence components.
Reduced external dependence: Helps limit vulnerabilities arising from export controls and supply-chain disruptions.
Advanced radar capability: Supports the development of high-performance AESA radar systems.
Electronic warfare capability: Enables indigenous high-power components for sophisticated jamming systems.
Platform integration: GaN's combination of efficiency, power and compactness is relevant to airborne, naval and space platforms.
The capability places India among a limited group of countries—reported as seven—with this sensitive technology.

Amendments to Drugs Rules, 1945

Why in News?

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945 to strengthen regulatory oversight over Schedule H, H1 and X drugs.
The proposed changes seek to curb the unauthorised sale of prescription medicines and reduce their misuse and inappropriate access.

Key Objective of the Proposed Amendment

Strengthen monitoring of medicines that require medical supervision.
Prevent the sale of prescription drugs without valid prescriptions.
Improve accountability in the supply and dispensing of controlled prescription medicines.
Address concerns related to misuse and inappropriate access to such drugs.

Schedule H, H1 and X Drugs

The Drugs Rules classify certain medicines under different schedules based on the level of regulatory control required.

Schedule	Key Features
Schedule H	Prescription medicines that generally cannot be sold without a prescription issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner.
Schedule H1	Specified prescription medicines subject to additional regulatory controls and record-keeping requirements, particularly in view bof concerns such as misuse and antimicrobial resistance.
Schedule X	Medicines subject to stricter regulatory controls, including special prescription and requirements relating to their storage and maintenance of records.

Comparative Understanding

1. Schedule H

Covers medicines requiring a medical prescription.
Their sale is ordinarily restricted to cases where a valid prescription is provided.

2. Schedule H1

Represents an additional level of control over specified medicines.
Requires record maintenance to facilitate monitoring of their sale and use.
Controls are particularly relevant to medicines associated with concerns such as antimicrobial resistance and misuse.

3. Schedule X

Represents a category subject to more stringent controls.
Involves enhanced requirements concerning Prescription, Storage, Record maintenance

Significance

Rational medicine use: Helps ensure prescription medicines are used under appropriate medical supervision.
Curbing misuse: Strengthens safeguards against unauthorised access and inappropriate consumption.
Antimicrobial resistance: Additional monitoring of relevant medicines can support efforts to promote responsible antimicrobial use.
Regulatory accountability: Better documentation and oversight can improve traceability across the medicine supply chain.

All Set with 19 September Current Affairs? Let’s Quiz!

Essential for Exams: The Current Affairs of 19 September 2026 cover topics that are often asked in competitive exams.
Boosts Your Knowledge: Helps you stay informed about the latest events and updates.
Improves Accuracy: Daily practice with Current Affairs of 19 September 2026 improves your speed and accuracy in exams.
Quick Revision: Acts as a daily revision tool for upcoming exams.
Saves Time: You don’t need to search multiple sources; everything is here in one place!
Helps in Interviews: Being updated with Current Affairs of 19 September 2026 gives you confidence for personal interviews and group discussions.

Why is 19 September 2026 Current Affairs Important for You?

Read Properly: Go through the 19 September 2026 Current Affairs to stay updated.
Make Notes: Summarize key points and important updates in your own words.
Link with Syllabus: Identify topics relevant to your exam and connect them with your syllabus.
Practice Daily Quizzes: Test your knowledge by taking daily quizzes based on 19 September 2026 Current Affairs.
Revise Often: Review the updates multiple times to boost your recall and confidence.
Discuss with Peers: Join discussions and share insights to deepen your understanding.

Get Daily Updates and Stay Ahead!

Law Prep Tutorial is committed to giving you the best daily current affairs updates to help you excel in various exams. Our platform is trusted by thousands of toppers for timely, accurate, and concise updates that matter most for your exams. Explore our dedicated sections below:

• CLAT Current Affairs

• Judiciary Current Affairs

• CLAT Current Affairs Quiz

• Judiciary Current Affairs Quiz

• Monthly Current Affairs for CLAT