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28 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 covers 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.

Reform of the UNSC Veto and Permanent Membership

Why in News?

The United Kingdom has supported the France–Mexico initiative on voluntary restraint of the UN Security Council (UNSC) veto in cases of mass atrocities, joining France among the permanent members backing the initiative. The initiative was launched in 2015 and calls for voluntary restraint in situations involving genocide, crimes against humanity and large-scale war crimes.
The initiative is a political commitment rather than a legally binding amendment to the UN Charter and does not abolish the existing veto power.

Existing Framework of UNSC Membership and Voting

1. Permanent Membership

Under Article 23 of the UN Charter, the UNSC has five permanent members (P5): China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States
The Council currently consists of 15 members in total.

2. Non-Permanent Membership

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) elects 10 non-permanent members.
They serve two-year terms and are not immediately eligible for re-election.
Their selection is guided by equitable geographical distribution.

3. Mandate of the UNSC

Article 24 gives the UNSC primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
Under Article 25, UN members agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the Charter.

Veto Power

1. Article 27

Every UNSC member has one vote.
Procedural matters require at least nine affirmative votes and are not subject to the P5 veto.
For substantive matters, adoption requires at least nine affirmative votes, including the concurring votes of the permanent members.
Therefore, a negative vote by any P5 member can block a substantive draft resolution.

2. Abstention by a Party to a Dispute

Article 27(3) provides that, in decisions under Chapter VI and Article 52(3), a party to a dispute is required to abstain from voting.
The provision has generated debate regarding its application in cases involving permanent members.

Mechanisms for Addressing Veto-Related Deadlock

1. Uniting for Peace Resolution

UNGA Resolution 377 A (V), 1950, commonly known as “Uniting for Peace,” provides a mechanism for the General Assembly to consider the matter when the Security Council fails to act because of a lack of unanimity among its permanent members.
The General Assembly may make recommendations concerning collective measures, including, in appropriate circumstances, the use of armed force.

2. Resolution 76/262

Adopted in 2022, the Liechtenstein initiative requires the UNGA President to convene a debate following a UNSC veto.
The debate is to take place within 10 working days of the veto.
The member that exercised the veto is invited to address the General Assembly first.
However, the mechanism provides political scrutiny rather than a procedure for overturning the veto.

France–Mexico Initiative on Veto Restraint

France and Mexico launched their initiative in 2015.
It calls upon the P5 to voluntarily and collectively suspend the use of the veto when mass atrocities involving Genocide, Crimes against humanity, or Large-scale war crimes are occurring.
The proposal does not require amendment of the UN Charter because it seeks a voluntary political commitment by the permanent members.
The initiative is distinct from proposals seeking the abolition of the veto or a formal restructuring of permanent membership.

Why UNSC Reform is Debated

1. Representation and Membership

The Council's membership was expanded from 11 to 15 in 1965, but the five permanent seats remained unchanged.
Since then, UN membership has expanded substantially, raising questions about the Council's representativeness.

2. Regional Representation

Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean currently have no permanent representation on the Council.
Reform proposals therefore include expanding both the permanent and non-permanent categories.

3. Veto and Sovereign Equality

Article 2(1) of the UN Charter establishes the principle of the sovereign equality of UN members.
The special voting power of the P5 creates an institutional distinction that remains a central issue in debates over Council reform.

4. Council Deadlock

Vetoes can prevent substantive resolutions from being adopted even when they have broad support among other Council members.
This has generated recurring debates over the Council's ability to respond effectively to major international crises.

5. Accountability and Transparency

Resolution 76/262 increases political scrutiny of veto use through mandatory General Assembly debates.
However, the General Assembly debate does not itself cancel or suspend the legal effect of a UNSC veto.

6. India and UNSC Reform

India has long advocated reform and expansion of the UNSC, including greater representation of developing countries.
India is also a major contributor to UN peacekeeping operations and has sought a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council.
The UK has publicly supported permanent seats for India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, alongside permanent African representation.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

Why in News?

The Opposition has announced plans to move a motion in Parliament seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The proposal relates to allegations concerning the functioning of the Election Commission; these are allegations made by the Opposition and do not themselves establish the grounds for constitutional removal.
The issue has brought renewed attention to the constitutional safeguards governing the independence and removal of the CEC.

Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for the superintendence, direction and control of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections under Article 324.
The ECI currently comprises the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
The CEC is part of the Commission's collective decision-making structure. The 2023 Act provides that the Commission's business is, as far as possible, conducted unanimously, with differences decided by majority.

Appointment of the CEC

1. Constitutional and Statutory Framework

Article 324 of the Constitution provides the framework for the Election Commission.
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 provides the statutory framework governing their appointment, service conditions and removal.

2. Selection Committee

The President appoints the CEC and Election Commissioners on the recommendation of a three-member Selection Committee comprising:
- Prime Minister – Chairperson
- Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha – Member
- A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister – Member

Eligibility and Tenure

Under the 2023 Act, candidates are drawn from persons who have held the position of Secretary to the Government of India or an equivalent position, and who possess knowledge and experience in the management and conduct of elections.
The CEC and ECs hold office for six years or until attaining 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
They are not eligible for reappointment.

Constitutional Protection for Removal of the CEC

1. Article 324(5)

Article 324(5) provides that the CEC cannot be removed except in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
Section 11(2) of the 2023 Act retains this constitutional standard.

2. Grounds for Removal

Under Article 124(4), applicable to the CEC through Article 324(5), removal is possible only on the ground of Proved misbehaviour, or Incapacity.
The allegation must therefore be established through the prescribed parliamentary and inquiry process; political disagreement or criticism by itself does not constitute a constitutional ground for removal.

3. Protection for Other Election Commissioners

Other Election Commissioners and Regional Commissioners have a different statutory protection.
Under Article 324(5) and Section 11(3) of the 2023 Act, they cannot be removed except on the recommendation of the CEC.

Procedure for Removal of the CEC

The procedure broadly follows the framework applicable to the removal of a Supreme Court judge.

1. Initiation of Motion

A removal motion can be initiated in either House of Parliament.
The notice must be signed by at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha, or 50 members of the Rajya Sabha.

2. Admission of the Motion

The notice is submitted to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as applicable.
The presiding officer may admit or refuse the motion.

3. Inquiry Committee

If the motion is admitted, an inquiry committee is constituted to investigate the allegations.
The committee examines the evidence and determines whether misbehaviour or incapacity has been established.
Under the Judges (Inquiry) Act framework, the committee comprises: A Supreme Court judge, A Chief Justice of a High Court, A distinguished jurist.

4. Parliamentary Consideration

If the inquiry committee finds the CEC guilty of proved misbehaviour or incapacity, the removal motion is taken up by Parliament.
The motion must be passed by both Houses of Parliament.

5. Special Majority

The motion requires a special majority in each House, consisting of a majority of the total membership of that House, and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
This is an important distinction from simply requiring two-thirds of members present and voting.

6. Presidential Order

Once both Houses adopt the address in the prescribed manner, it is presented to the President.
The President then issues the order for removal.

Why Does the CEC Have Strong Removal Protection?

1. Institutional Independence

The high threshold protects the CEC from arbitrary removal by the executive or temporary political majorities.
It is intended to safeguard the independence of the institution responsible for conducting elections.

2. Balance Between Independence and Accountability

The constitutional framework does not make the CEC immune from removal.
Instead, it establishes a rigorous procedure requiring proved misbehaviour or incapacity and approval by both Houses of Parliament.

3. Protection of Electoral Credibility

Since the Election Commission oversees the electoral process, security of tenure is intended to allow the CEC to discharge constitutional responsibilities without fear of politically motivated removal.

Political Party Finance in India

Why in News?

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) highlighted a 223% increase in the declared income of Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) in FY 2022–23. ADR also reported that more than 73% of RUPPs did not have their audit or contribution reports publicly available for the year.
The findings have renewed debate over transparency, disclosure requirements and regulatory oversight of political-party finances.

Sources of Political Funding

1. Direct Contributions

Political parties can receive voluntary contributions from individuals and eligible companies, subject to the restrictions and disclosure requirements prescribed by law.
Section 29B of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 permits political parties to accept contributions from individuals and companies other than Government companies, subject to applicable legal conditions.

2. Electoral Trusts

Electoral Trusts collect eligible contributions from donors and distribute them to political parties.
Under the applicable framework, approved electoral trusts are required to distribute at least 95% of their contributions to registered political parties.

3. Other Party Receipts

Political parties may also receive income through Membership fees and subscriptions, Party levies, Sale of coupons and publications, Sale of assets, Bank interest and investments, Other legitimate receipts.

4. Indirect Public Support

Recognised political parties receive certain forms of indirect state support, including free copies of electoral rolls and allocated broadcast time on public broadcasting platforms.
India does not have a comprehensive system of direct public funding of political parties.

Legal and Institutional Framework

1. Registration and Tax Exemption

Section 29A of the RPA, 1951 provides the framework for registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Section 13A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 provides tax exemption to eligible political parties on specified income, including voluntary contributions, subject to prescribed conditions.

2. Political Contributions

Section 29B of the RPA, 1951 governs the acceptance of contributions by political parties.
Contributions from Government companies are prohibited under the provision.

3. Disclosure of Contributions

Section 29C requires political parties to report contributions exceeding ₹20,000 received from persons or companies, subject to the statutory framework.
The disclosure mechanism is therefore not a requirement to publicly identify every individual donor regardless of the amount.

4. Corporate Contributions

Political contributions by companies are governed by Section 182 of the Companies Act, 2013, along with the applicable provisions of the RPA.
The Supreme Court's 2024 electoral-bonds judgment struck down the removal of the earlier limit on corporate political contributions and held that unlimited corporate funding was arbitrary and unconstitutional.

5. Foreign Contributions

Political parties are subject to restrictions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA).
The legal position concerning foreign-source contributions has undergone changes through statutory amendments and judicial scrutiny.

Major Structural and Regulatory Challenges

1. Growth of RUPPs

ADR's 2025 analysis covered 2,764 RUPPs, of which only 739 had relevant financial reports available for its analysis.
More than 73% did not have audit or contribution reports publicly available for FY 2022–23.
Concerns have consequently been raised about the possibility of some registered parties being used primarily for financial or tax-related purposes rather than meaningful electoral participation. Such allegations require case-specific verification.

2. Limited Deregistration Powers

The ECI has powers to register political parties under Section 29A of the RPA.
The scope of its power to deregister a political party has been constrained by judicial interpretation, creating difficulties in dealing with inactive or persistently non-compliant parties.

3. Campaign Expenditure Asymmetry

Election expenditure limits apply to individual candidates, while there is no comparable statutory ceiling on the aggregate expenditure of political parties during elections.
This creates a distinction between regulation of candidate expenditure and party-level campaign expenditure.

4. Small-Value Cash Contributions

The existing disclosure framework does not require identification of every donor for contributions below the ₹20,000 reporting threshold.
ADR has consequently identified a portion of political-party income as originating from sources whose individual donors cannot be identified from the available contribution reports.

5. Audit Oversight

Political parties submit audited financial statements to the ECI.
Audits are conducted by auditors appointed by the parties, leading to continuing debate over whether greater independent or institutional oversight is necessary.

6. RTI and Political Parties

The issue of whether political parties fall within the definition of “public authority” under Section 2(h) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 has remained contested despite earlier decisions of the Central Information Commission.

Landmark Supreme Court Judgments

1. Common Cause v. Union of India (1996)

The Supreme Court examined the relationship between candidate expenditure and expenditure incurred by political parties.
The judgment addressed attempts to treat expenditure incurred in connection with a candidate's election as general party expenditure for avoiding applicable disclosure and expenditure requirements.

2. Indian National Congress v. Institute of Social Welfare (2002)

The Supreme Court examined the ECI's powers concerning the registration and deregistration of political parties.
The judgment restricted the ECI's general power to deregister parties under Section 29A, while recognising limited exceptional circumstances for intervention.

3. Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India (2024)

The Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bond Scheme and related statutory amendments.
It held that information concerning political funding and contributors falls within the voters' right to information under Article 19(1)(a).
The Court also invalidated the amendment removing the earlier statutory restriction on unlimited corporate political contributions, finding it arbitrary and violative of Article 14.

Reform Priorities

1. Introduce Party-Level Spending Limits

Consider establishing statutory ceilings on aggregate political-party election expenditure.
Such limits could be designed in relation to the number of constituencies contested and existing candidate expenditure limits.

2. Strengthen Independent Audits

Consider a system of independent auditors or an institutional audit mechanism for political parties to improve financial scrutiny and consistency.

3. Improve Traceability of Contributions

Strengthen digital and banking-channel traceability of political contributions.
Reconsider the existing framework for small-value anonymous or non-identifiable contributions while balancing legitimate small-donor participation.

4. Strengthen Internal Party Democracy

Consider legislative provisions relating to Periodic internal elections, Transparent organisational structures, Candidate-selection procedures, Greater financial accountability.

5. Consider State Funding

The Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998) supported the principle of state funding of elections, recommending that it initially be implemented in a phased manner and primarily through in-kind support.

6. Clarify RTI Applicability

Provide greater legislative clarity regarding the obligations of political parties under the RTI Act to strengthen public access to relevant financial information.

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Why in News?

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised its growth projection for India’s economy in 2026–27 to 7%, up from its earlier estimate of 6.6% released in July, according to the Asian Development Outlook.
The revision reflects the institution’s assessment of India’s economic growth prospects amid changing regional and global conditions.

About Asian Development Bank

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a multilateral development bank that supports economic and social development across Asia and the Pacific.
Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.
It provides development assistance through Loans, Grants, Technical assistance, Equity investments

Origin

The ADB was established in December 1966 with 31 founding members.
Its establishment followed a 1963 resolution of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE).
The institution was created to support economic development and regional cooperation in Asia and the Pacific.

Objectives and Strategy

1. Strategy 2030

Adopted in 2018, Strategy 2030 provides the ADB's long-term strategic framework.
It seeks to build a region that is Prosperous, Inclusive, Resilient, Sustainable
The ADB also continues to support efforts aimed at eradicating extreme poverty.

2. Membership

The ADB has 69 members.
Membership is divided into 50 regional members & 19 non-regional members, primarily from Europe and North America.

3. Shareholding Structure

The largest shareholders by subscribed capital include:

Country	Share of Subscribed Capital
Japan	15.6%
United States	15.6%
China	6.4%
India	6.3%
Australia	5.8%

Japan and the United States are therefore the two largest shareholders of the institution.

Governance Structure

1. Board of Governors

The Board of Governors is the highest policy-making body of the ADB.
Each member country is represented by one Governor.

2. Board of Directors

The Governors elect the 12-member Board of Directors.
The Board oversees the institution's operations and policy implementation.

3. President

The ADB President is elected by the Board of Governors.
The President serves a five-year term.

4. Charter Reform

The ADB implemented its first Charter amendment in March 2026.

OneSCD Global Partnership

Why in News?

India co-hosted the launch of the OneSCD Global Partnership at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
OneSCD has been launched as the first global coordination mechanism dedicated to sickle cell disease.

OneSCD Global Partnership

OneSCD is a multistakeholder global partnership aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of SCD.
It seeks to address disparities in SCD outcomes by promoting coordinated international action.

Key Objectives

Reduce global inequalities in SCD diagnosis, Access to treatment, Patient care, Survival outcomes
Strengthen coordination among governments, international organisations, healthcare institutions and civil-society stakeholders.
Support countries in integrating SCD into national health programmes and plans.
Mobilise financial and technical resources for country-led SCD interventions.
Promote mutual accountability among partners while keeping implementation country-led.

1. Launch Partners

The partnership was launched with participation from Nigeria, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), World Coalition on Sickle Cell Disease, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (India)

2. Priority Areas for SCD Care

Newborn screening for early identification, Improved access to essential medicines, Availability of safe and adequate blood supplies, Development and strengthening of patient registries, Integration of these interventions into national health systems.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited haemoglobin disorders caused by genetic mutations affecting the beta-globin (HBB) gene.
The mutation can result in the production of abnormal haemoglobin S (HbS).
Under certain conditions, red blood cells become rigid and sickle-shaped, affecting their ability to move through blood vessels normally.

1. Inheritance

SCD follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.
A person generally develops SCD when they inherit an abnormal haemoglobin gene from both parents.
Inheriting a sickle-cell gene from only one parent generally results in sickle cell trait, in which the individual is typically an asymptomatic carrier.

2. Global Burden

More than 7 million people worldwide live with SCD.
More than three-fourths of the global SCD population is estimated to live in sub-Saharan Africa.
The unequal distribution of diagnostic facilities, medicines, blood services and specialist care contributes to disparities in outcomes.

India's National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

India launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in 2023.
The Mission aims to eliminate SCD as a public-health problem in India by 2047.
It focuses on screening individuals in the 0–40-year age group, particularly in areas and communities with a higher prevalence of the disease.
Approach combines early detection, counselling, treatment, disease monitoring and preventive interventions.

National Film Awards

Why in News?

The 72nd National Film Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in Indian cinema for 2024, have been announced.
The awards will be presented by the President of India on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar (formerly Kevadia), Gujarat.
The ceremony marks a significant departure from tradition as it is being held outside New Delhi for the first time in 72 years.
India's media and entertainment industry has emerged as the world's fifth-largest, supported by an estimated 2–2.5 million digital creators and a 40–60% cost advantage in animation and VFX services.

About the National Film Awards

The National Film Awards (NFA) are among India's most prestigious honours for cinematic excellence.
They showcase the country's linguistic, cultural and regional diversity by recognising both major commercial productions and independent films on a common national platform.
Instituted: 1954
Frequency: Annual
Administered by: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
The National Film Awards are organised into three principal sections, along with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema.

Section	Description	Categories	Medals	Cash Prize
Feature Film	Full-length films	26, including special mentions	Swarna Kamal, Rajat Kamal	₹3 lakh and ₹2 lakh
Non-Feature Film	Documentaries, short films, animation and other films	16, including special mentions	Swarna Kamal, Rajat Kamal	₹3 lakh and ₹2 lakh
Best Writing on Cinema	Best book and best film critic	2	Swarna Kamal	₹1 lakh
Dadasaheb Phalke Award	Highest honour in Indian cinema	1	Swarna Kamal and shawl	₹10 lakh for the 72nd NFA

Language Representation

The Best Feature Film category provides recognition across the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Films made in languages not included in the Eighth Schedule can receive separate recognition under the relevant provisions.
In the 72nd National Film Awards, films such as Dholi (Garhwali) and IMBU (Tulu) were recognised under this framework.

Selection Process

1. Entries

Entries are invited annually for films that received certification during the preceding calendar year.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting constitutes separate juries for the three principal award sections.
These juries consist of distinguished personalities associated with cinema and related fields.

2. Feature Film Evaluation

The Feature Film section follows a two-tier evaluation system, introduced from the 57th National Film Awards onwards.
First stage: Five regional panels evaluate the submitted films and shortlist entries.
Second stage: A central jury examines the shortlisted films and selects the final winners.

3. Dadasaheb Phalke Award

No regular film entries are invited for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
A specially constituted committee of eminent personalities from the film industry recommends the recipient.

4. Eligibility of Films

Films must have been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the relevant award year.
Films are required to carry English subtitles.
A feature film must have a running time of more than 72 minutes.
Dubbed, remade or re-edited versions of films that have already been submitted are not eligible under the applicable rules.

Highlights of the 72nd National Film Awards

The 72nd edition recognised cinematic works across several Indian languages, including Marathi, Santhali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Tulu, Garhwali
Santhali received recognition for the first time in the Non-Feature Film Section, with Angen.

Category	Winner	Film / Language
Best Feature Film	Article 370 – Aditya Suhas Jambhale	Hindi
Best Actress in a Leading Role	Yami Gautam	Article 370
Best Actor in a Leading Role	Mammootty	Bramayugam – Malayalam
Best Actor in a Leading Role	Kartik Aaryan	Chandu Champion – Hindi
Best Direction	Rajkumar Periasamy	Amaran – Tamil
Best Actor in a Supporting Role	Sanjay Mishra	Bhakshak – Hindi
Best Actress in a Supporting Role	Sachana Namidass and Ropashree Varkady	Maharaja – Tamil and Mithya – Kannada
Best Debut Film of a Director	Randeep Hooda	Swatantrya Veer Savarkar – Hindi
Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment	Kalki 2898 AD	Telugu
Best Children's Film	35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu	Telugu
Best Non-Feature Film	Bhangaar	Marathi and English
Best Documentary	Ram-Nami	Hindi

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest national honour in Indian cinema.
It has been conferred since 1969.
The award commemorates Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (1870–1944), popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke and regarded as the Father of Indian Cinema.
He directed Raja Harishchandra, widely recognised as India's first full-length feature film.

2024 Award

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 was conferred on Anant Nag for his contribution to Kannada and Hindi cinema.
He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2025.

Award Year	Recipient
2023	Mohanlal
2022	Mithun Chakraborty
2021	Waheeda Rehman

Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)

Why in News?

India and Uruguay co-chaired the India-CELAC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting highlighted the growing importance of India-CELAC cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, pharmaceuticals, energy and critical minerals.

About CELAC

The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is an intergovernmental forum that promotes Political dialogue, Regional coordination, Economic and social integration, Cooperation among Latin American and Caribbean countries

1. Membership

CELAC comprises 33 sovereign states of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Cuba is a member.
United States and Canada are not members.

2. Origin

2010: CELAC was established at the Unity Summit in Mexico.
2011: It was formally constituted through the Declaration of Caracas in Venezuela.

3. Institutional Structure

No permanent secretariat
No permanent headquarters
Consensus-based decision-making
Its presidency rotates among member states for a one-year term.
Uruguay has held the Pro Tempore Presidency since March 2026.

4. Zone of Peace

At the Havana Summit in 2014, CELAC declared Latin America and the Caribbean a “Zone of Peace.”
The declaration emphasised the peaceful settlement of disputes and rejection of the use or threat of force in international relations.

India-CELAC Relations

1. Early Institutional Engagement

India was among the early countries to establish a formal dialogue mechanism with CELAC.
The first India-CELAC Troika Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in New Delhi in 2012.

2. Economic Cooperation

India-CELAC trade reached around $50 billion in 2025–26.
The economic relationship reflects complementary strengths:
- India: Technology, pharmaceuticals and related industrial capabilities.
- CELAC countries: Critical minerals, energy resources and agricultural commodities.

3. Trade Negotiations

India is pursuing deeper economic integration with individual CELAC economies and regional groupings through:

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Chile.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Peru.
An expanded Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with MERCOSUR.

4. Critical Minerals Cooperation

Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) has acquired exploration interests in Argentina.
These blocks form part of the Lithium Triangle, comprising Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.
The Argentine projects represent India’s first lithium exploration and mining initiative by a government company.

Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY)

Why in News?

Elderline, a key component of the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY), has received more than 29 lakh calls since its launch.
Of these, around 8.67 lakh cases involved interventions such as guidance, emotional support and field-level rescue assistance.

About AVYAY

Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
It aims to promote the health, shelter, welfare and financial security of senior citizens, particularly elderly persons requiring greater social and institutional support.
The scheme was revamped and renamed from the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC) in April 2021.
Its broader objective is to improve the overall quality of life of senior citizens in need.

Target Beneficiaries

The scheme primarily focuses on indigent or destitute senior citizens.
Special attention is given to senior citizens belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category or having a monthly income of up to ₹15,000, as applicable to individual components.

Key Components of AVYAY

1. Elderline – 14567

Elderline (14567) is a national toll-free helpline for senior citizens.
It provides Information and guidance, Legal assistance, Emotional counselling, Field-level intervention and rescue support.
The service operates through State Connect Centres across 32 States and Union Territories.

2. Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC)

Provides grants-in-aid to NGOs and voluntary organisations for providing institutional and healthcare services to senior citizens.
Supported facilities include Senior Citizen Homes/Old Age Homes, Continuous Care Homes, Mobile Medicare Units, Physiotherapy Units
The programme particularly seeks to address service gaps in underserved districts.

3. Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)

A camp-based initiative for providing eligible senior citizens with assisted-living devices free of cost.
It targets eligible BPL senior citizens suffering from age-related physical infirmities.
Devices may include Hearing aids, Wheelchairs, Other appropriate assistive devices.

4. Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE)

SAGE promotes India's emerging “Silver Economy”, which refers to economic activities and products designed to meet the needs of the ageing population.
It supports innovative start-ups in the elder-care sector.
Equity support can be provided up to ₹1 crore or 49% of the total equity, subject to applicable conditions.

5. State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC)

Provides grants-in-aid to States and Union Territories for senior-citizen welfare initiatives.
Activities may include Awareness generation, Mass cataract surgeries, State-specific programmes for senior citizens.

6. PM-SPECIAL

PM-SPECIAL focuses on developing a professional geriatric caregiver workforce.
It is implemented through the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD).
The initiative seeks to address shortages of trained caregivers in institutional eldercare.

Ayurveda Promotion in India

Why in News?

India observed the 11th Ayurveda Day on 23 September 2026 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, with the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.”
The occasion highlighted the growing institutional, regulatory and research ecosystem supporting Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems in India.

Ayurveda Day

Ayurveda Day was first observed in 2016 on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras).
It was subsequently fixed as 23 September through a Gazette notification to coincide with the autumnal equinox.

Status of Ayurveda in India

1. Public Usage

Ayurveda recorded the highest usage among AYUSH systems in 2022–23.
Its reported usage was Rural population: 40.5% and Urban population: 45.5%

2. Institutional Expansion

The Union Budget 2026–27 announced the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda.
The expansion is aimed at strengthening Ayurvedic education, Clinical healthcare services, Research and evidence generation

3. Insurance Coverage

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) requires insurers to offer insurance products or add-ons covering Ayurveda.
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) became the first AYUSH institution to be empanelled with all 32 general insurers for cashless treatment.

4. Quality Regulation

The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 regulates the manufacture of Ayurvedic drugs.
The Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022 regulate foods prepared on the basis of classical Ayurvedic texts.

5. Global Recognition

The World Health Organization (WHO) includes Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani codes in the Traditional Medicine Module 2 of ICD-11.
Jamnagar, Gujarat, hosts the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, strengthening India's role in the global promotion and development of traditional medicine systems.

Government Schemes and Initiatives for Ayurveda Promotion

1. National AYUSH Mission (NAM)

Supports the expansion of AYUSH healthcare infrastructure, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, AYUSH hospitals, Educational institutions, Drug-quality systems
Promotes the integration of AYUSH services into the public healthcare system.

2. AYURGYAN Scheme

Supports capacity building and research in the AYUSH sector.
Seeks to generate scientific evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of AYUSH therapies.

3. AYURSWASTHYA Yojana

Supports public-health interventions and establishment of Centres of Excellence.
Aims to strengthen specialised AYUSH healthcare, research and institutional capabilities.

4. AOGUSY

Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) focuses on Upgrading drug-testing laboratories, Improving manufacturing standards, Strengthening pharmacovigilance., Enhancing regulatory capacity, Improving the quality and safety of AYUSH medicines.

5. Studentship Programme for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK)

Provides support for short-term research projects undertaken by undergraduate Ayurveda students.
Implemented through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS).
Aims to develop research aptitude and scientific interest among Ayurveda students.

6. Medicinal Plants Scheme

Supports Conservation of medicinal plants, Establishment of herbal gardens, Research and development, Supply-chain development
The scheme seeks to ensure the availability of medicinal raw materials for the AYUSH sector.

One-Liners

Sports – UCI Road World Championships: The UCI Management Committee awarded Pune the hosting rights for the 2032 UCI Road World Championships, making it the first time India will host the premier global cycling championship.
- First organised in 1921, the championship is the UCI’s flagship annual road-cycling event, where national teams compete for the iconic rainbow jerseys.
- India will become the fourth Asian host after Japan (1990), Qatar (2016), and the UAE (Abu Dhabi, 2028).
Skills – WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is a biennial international skills competition organised by WorldSkills International and hosted in Shanghai, China.
- It is regarded as the world’s largest international skills competition, covering 64 vocational and technical skill categories.
- India participated with its largest-ever contingent of 70 competitors across 63 skills.

Exercise Varuna: INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, to participate in the 24th edition of Exercise VARUNA, the bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and French Navy.
Tarang Shakti 2026: Indian Air Force’s second multinational air exercise is scheduled to be conducted at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, with participation from seven countries — Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the UAE and the USA.

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