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29 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.

Voting as a Fundamental Right

Why in News?

Recent disagreements within the Election Commission of India (ECI) over electoral-roll management, including issues surrounding the ECINet system and the exclusion of 97 eligible voters in Goa, have renewed the debate over the legal status and constitutional protection of the right to vote.
The issue raises a broader question: Should the right to vote itself be elevated to the status of a Fundamental Right under Part III of the Constitution?

Current Constitutional and Legal Status of Voting

1. Right to Vote: Statutory Right

In Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006) and earlier decisions, the Supreme Court has treated the right to elect as a statutory right, regulated by election legislation.
This position has been reiterated in subsequent judicial decisions, including Jyoti Basu v. Debi Ghosal.
Therefore, the right to vote is not presently a Fundamental Right under Part III.

2. Constitutional Foundation: Article 326

Article 326 provides for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of adult suffrage.
It entitles an Indian citizen aged 18 years or above to be registered as a voter, subject to constitutionally and statutorily permitted disqualifications.
The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988 reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years.

3. Electoral Equality: Article 325

Article 325 provides for one general electoral roll for every territorial constituency.
It prohibits exclusion from an electoral roll, or claims for inclusion in a special electoral roll, solely on grounds of Religion, Race, Caste, Sex

4. Election Commission: Article 324

Article 324 vests the ECI with the superintendence, direction and control of elections and electoral rolls for Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.

5. Restrictions on Voting

Section 62(5), Representation of the People Act, 1951 restricts voting by persons confined in prison or in police custody, subject to the statutory exception for persons under preventive detention.

6. Freedom of Electoral Choice

The Supreme Court's jurisprudence distinguishes the right to vote from the freedom of voting.
In the PUCL v. Union of India line of cases, the Court recognised the voter's ability to express a choice, including through NOTA, as connected with freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a).
Thus, while the right to vote itself is not a Fundamental Right, aspects of the voter's expressive freedom receive Fundamental Rights protection.

Arguments for and against Making Voting a Fundamental Right

Arguments in Favour	Arguments Against / Concerns
Stronger constitutional protection: Fundamental-right status could provide a higher level of protection against arbitrary exclusion of eligible voters.	Existing constitutional framework: Article 326 already constitutionally anchors adult suffrage, while Parliament regulates the electoral process through election laws.
Protection against arbitrary exclusions: Constitutional scrutiny could strengthen safeguards against wrongful deletion or denial of registration.	Election administration requires statutory regulation: Electoral rolls necessarily require procedures for registration, verification, correction and deletion.
Greater judicial protection: A Fundamental Right violation could potentially invoke Article 32, subject to constitutional limitations governing election disputes.	Article 329(b) remains relevant: Constitutionalising the right would not automatically remove the bar on judicial interference in elections except through the prescribed electoral-law mechanisms.
Due-process safeguards: Restrictions and documentary requirements could be tested against Fundamental Rights standards, including proportionality where applicable.	Administrative efficiency: Excessively rigid procedures for challenging every deletion could complicate periodic removal of duplicate, deceased or shifted electors.
International perspective: Article 25 of the ICCPR protects citizens' right and opportunity to participate in public affairs and to vote through periodic elections, subject to reasonable restrictions.	Problem may be institutional rather than constitutional: Errors in electoral rolls can arise from field verification, software architecture and administrative processes; changing constitutional status alone may not resolve these issues.
Democratic participation: Fundamental-right recognition could reinforce the constitutional importance of meaningful electoral participation.	Existing statutory remedies: Election law already provides mechanisms for correction and appeals relating to electoral-roll decisions.
Consistency with expressive freedom: The constitutional protection given to electoral expression raises a doctrinal question about the comparatively weaker status of the underlying voting right.	Emergency implications: If incorporated into Part III, its relationship with Article 359 and suspension of enforcement of Fundamental Rights during a National Emergency would require careful constitutional design.

Electoral-Roll Technology and Due Process

The debate has gained practical significance from the Goa electoral-roll episode, where 97 voters reportedly found eligible by Electoral Registration Officers were not restored to the final roll because the ECINet system lacked a rollback facility.
The ECI has subsequently stated that field officials retain role-based access corresponding to their statutory powers and has proposed an expert review of the platform's compliance with electoral laws and rules.
This illustrates an important distinction between:
- The constitutional/legal entitlement to electoral registration, and
- The technological and administrative systems through which that entitlement is implemented.

Key Recommendations on Electoral and Voting Reforms

1. National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002)

Recommended consideration of adding a duty to vote to the Fundamental Duties under Article 51A.
The approach focuses on promoting active democratic participation, rather than converting voting into a Fundamental Right.

2. Law Commission – 255th Report (2015)

The Law Commission proposed strengthening the independence of the ECI through:

Equal constitutional protection from removal for all Election Commissioners.
A consultative appointment mechanism involving the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India
It also recommended a permanent and independent ECI Secretariat.

3. Overseas Voting Reforms

Proposals considered in 2015 included E-postal ballots and proxy voting
These sought to facilitate participation by overseas Indian electors without requiring physical travel to India.

4. Remote Voting for Domestic Migrants

In 2022, the ECI developed a prototype Multi-Constituency Remote Electronic Voting Machine.
The proposed system was designed to allow domestic migrants to vote from remote polling stations without travelling back to their home constituencies.

5. High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections (2024)

The Committee recommended A single electoral roll, A common Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), Use across elections to the Lok Sabha, State Legislatures, Municipalities and Panchayats.
Implementation would require constitutional and institutional changes to harmonise the roles of the ECI and State Election Commissions.

Key Constitutional Provisions

Provision / Case	Significance
Article 324	ECI's superintendence, direction and control over elections and electoral rolls
Article 325	One general electoral roll; prohibits discrimination on specified grounds
Article 326	Adult suffrage; voting eligibility from 18 years, subject to disqualifications
Article 19(1)(a)	Freedom of expression; relevant to the expressive dimension of electoral choice
Article 32	Constitutional remedy for enforcement of Fundamental Rights
Article 329(b)	Restricts judicial interference in electoral matters except through prescribed election petitions
Section 62(5), RPA 1951	Statutory restrictions on voting by persons in prison/police custody, subject to exception
Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006)	Right to elect treated as a statutory right
PUCL v. Union of India	Recognised the expressive dimension of a voter's electoral choice/NOTA
61st Constitutional Amendment, 1988	Voting age reduced from 21 to 18

Global Cooling Pledge

Why in News?

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) convened the first Global Cooling Pledge Assembly in Singapore to advance implementation of the commitments under the Global Cooling Pledge.
The initiative focuses on improving the efficiency and sustainability of cooling systems while addressing their contribution to climate change.

About the Global Cooling Pledge

The Global Cooling Pledge is the world’s first collective, non-binding commitment focused on sustainable cooling.
It was launched by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at COP28 in 2023.
The initiative seeks to reduce the climate impact of rapidly increasing demand for cooling, particularly air-conditioning and refrigeration.

Key Targets

Reduce cooling-related emissions by at least 68% by 2050.
Increase the global average efficiency of newly sold air conditioners by 50% by 2030, compared with 2022 levels.

Participation

More than 70 countries have joined the Pledge.
India has not joined the Global Cooling Pledge.
Instead, India follows its own India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP), 2019.

India Cooling Action Plan

The ICAP seeks to reduce cooling demand by 20–25% by 2037–38.
It adopts a comprehensive approach covering Space cooling, Refrigeration, Transport air-conditioning, Cold-chain infrastructure, Building design and energy efficiency

Governance

The Intergovernmental Committee on Cooling, established at COP30 in 2025, serves as the governing body of the Global Cooling Pledge.
The UNEP-led Cool Coalition functions as its Secretariat.

Cool Coalition

The Cool Coalition is a UNEP-led global multi-stakeholder network.
It brings together Governments, Cities, Businesses, Civil society
Its objective is to accelerate the transition towards sustainable and energy-efficient cooling.

Key Outcomes of the Global Cooling Pledge Assembly 2026

1. Cool Leaders Awards

The inaugural Cool Leaders awards recognised contributions to sustainable cooling:

Singapore: Passive cooling.
UAE: District cooling.
Dong Mingzhu: Chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances, recognised for ultra-efficient cooling technologies.

2. Nature for Cooling Challenge

Brazil, Cambodia and Côte d’Ivoire joined the UNEP-led Nature for Cooling Challenge.
The initiative is supported by a Global Environment Facility (GEF) grant.
It promotes nature-based solutions to combat urban and extreme heat.
Such measures have the potential to reduce peak temperatures by up to 5°C in suitable contexts.

3. Global Roadmap on Heat Resilience

Work began on the first Global Roadmap on Heat Resilience for a Warming World.
The proposed roadmap seeks to bring together Climate adaptation, Heat resilience, Mitigation
It is intended to provide a flexible framework for countries and other stakeholders facing increasing heat risks.

4. Manufacturing Platform

A new Cool Coalition platform for manufacturers was launched.
It will encourage voluntary commitments relating to Energy-efficient cooling equipment, Refrigerants with low global warming potential, and sustainable cooling technologies

Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP)

Why in News?

The Ministry of Finance launched the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) in May 2026 to strengthen India's domestic maritime insurance capacity.
The initiative seeks to reduce dependence on foreign insurers, reinsurers and international Protection & Indemnity (P&I) clubs, particularly during periods of heightened geopolitical and maritime risks.
BMIP is India's first domestic maritime insurance pool.

About Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool

BMIP provides maritime insurance through a consortium of domestic insurers.
The pool is supported by a sovereign guarantee from the Government of India, providing additional financial capacity to meet large or catastrophic maritime claims.
General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) acts as the Pool Administrator and manages its day-to-day operations.

Key Features

1. Sovereign Guarantee

The Government has provided a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore (approximately US$1.4 billion).
The guarantee provides financial backing for the pool in the event of exceptionally large losses.

2. Underwriting Capacity

BMIP has an underwriting capacity of approximately ₹13,906.5 crore (US$1.5 billion).
This enhances India's ability to provide insurance cover for large-value maritime risks through domestic capacity.

3. Risk Coverage

The pool provides coverage for major categories of maritime risks, including:

Hull & Machinery: Physical damage to ships and their machinery.
Cargo: Loss or damage to goods transported by sea.
Protection & Indemnity (P&I): Third-party liabilities arising from the operation of vessels.
War Risk: Risks arising from war and related geopolitical events.

4. Eligible Vessels and Cargo

Coverage is available to Indian-flagged vessels, Vessels owned, managed or controlled by Indian entities, and cargo vessels originating from or destined for India.

5. Duration

The pool has an initial duration of 10 years.
Its tenure can be extended up to 15 years.

How the Pool Operates

1. Joint Policy Issuance

Policies are issued by domestic insurers that are members of the pool.
Member insurers collectively use their committed underwriting capacity to provide coverage.

2. Collective Reinsurance

Risks covered under the policies are collectively reinsured by the pool members.
Each member assumes a proportion of the risk corresponding to the underwriting capacity it has committed to the pool.

Claims Management

1. Claims up to US$100 Million

Claims up to US$100 million are met through accumulated pool reserves and Reinsurance recoveries

2. Larger Claims

For claims exceeding this level, the sovereign guarantee is activated only after the pool's reserves have been completely exhausted.
This creates a layered mechanism combining pool resources, reinsurance and sovereign backing.

Significance

Strengthens domestic capacity: Reduces India's dependence on overseas maritime insurance markets.
Enhances strategic resilience: Provides insurance support during geopolitical disruptions and heightened war risks.
Supports Indian shipping: Improves access to domestic insurance for Indian vessels and India-linked cargo.
Retains premiums within India: Greater domestic underwriting capacity can help retain a larger share of maritime insurance business within the Indian financial system.
Improves risk absorption: The combination of domestic insurers, pooled capacity, reinsurance and sovereign backing enables coverage of high-value maritime risks.

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958

Why in News?

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) for another six months from 1 October 2026 in designated disturbed areas of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
AFSPA continues to be applied selectively across parts of the Northeast, with the extent of disturbed-area declarations periodically reviewed by the government.

Background of AFSPA

1. Colonial Origin

AFSPA traces its origins to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Ordinance, 1942, introduced by the British colonial government during the Quit India Movement.
The ordinance provided extraordinary powers to the armed forces to deal with the movement.

2. Post-Independence Development

Following the emergence of Naga insurgency in the former Assam region, Parliament enacted the Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Act, 1958, subsequently known as AFSPA.
The legislation was designed to provide special powers to the armed forces in areas officially declared as “disturbed.”

Key Provisions of AFSPA

1. Declaration of a Disturbed Area — Section 3

An area may be declared “disturbed” when the situation is considered sufficiently serious to require the use of armed forces in aid of civil power.
The power to make such a declaration can be exercised by the Governor of a State, the Administrator of a Union Territory, the Central Government

2. Special Powers — Section 4

Once AFSPA is in force in a disturbed area, specified armed-forces personnel are empowered to:

Use force, including lethal force in specified circumstances, to maintain public order.
Arrest persons without a warrant under the conditions specified by the Act.
Search premises without a warrant under specified circumstances.
Destroy or seize certain arms or fortified positions used by armed groups.

3. Legal Protection — Section 6

Section 6 provides that no prosecution, suit or other legal proceeding can be instituted against a person acting under AFSPA without prior sanction of the Central Government.
This provision is intended to protect personnel from litigation arising from actions undertaken in the exercise of statutory powers.
However, the protection does not amount to an absolute immunity from judicial scrutiny. The Supreme Court has examined allegations involving security-force operations in AFSPA areas.

Key Supreme Court Judgments

1. Naga People's Movement for Human Rights v. Union of India (1997)

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of AFSPA.
At the same time, it laid down safeguards governing the exercise of powers under the Act.
The judgment required:
- Periodic review of disturbed-area declarations.
- Compliance with operational guidelines.
- Responsible and proportionate exercise of statutory powers.

**2. Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association (EEVFAM) v. Union of India (2016)**

The Supreme Court examined allegations of extra-judicial executions in Manipur involving police and security forces.
The Court made clear that allegations of unlawful killings in AFSPA areas cannot be insulated from judicial scrutiny merely because AFSPA is in operation.
The Court emphasised the need to establish the truth through appropriate investigation rather than treating statutory protection as an absolute bar to inquiry.

Major Committee Recommendations

1. Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy Committee — 2005

Recommended repealing AFSPA.
Suggested incorporating appropriate provisions dealing with insurgency and security challenges into the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).
Emphasised the need to address concerns regarding human rights and alienation.

2. Second Administrative Reforms Commission — 2007

Recommended repeal of AFSPA.
Emphasised that replacing the Act could contribute to greater democratic integration and public confidence in affected regions.

3. Justice Santosh Hegde Commission — 2013

Examined allegations of fake encounters in Manipur.
Rejected the notion of blanket protection for personnel from accountability.
Recommended stronger institutional mechanisms and independent investigation into alleged extra-judicial killings.

Arguments Supporting AFSPA

Provides security forces with legal powers suited to insurgency and armed-conflict situations.
Enables rapid action where conventional policing may be inadequate.
Supports operations against armed insurgent groups in difficult terrain.

Concerns Regarding AFSPA

Extensive powers of arrest, search and use of force raise concerns regarding civil liberties and human rights.
Section 6's prior-sanction requirement has been criticised as potentially creating an accountability gap.
Prolonged application can contribute to perceptions of exceptional or militarised governance.
Allegations of unlawful encounters and excessive use of force have generated demands for stronger accountability mechanisms.

Subsea Cable Sabotage

Why in News?

Earlier in 2026, Britain, Norway and the United States reportedly intercepted a Russian submarine training activity linked to concerns over potential damage to subsea cables in Arctic waters.
The incident has highlighted the growing strategic importance and vulnerability of undersea telecommunications infrastructure.

What are Subsea Cables?

Subsea cables are fibre-optic telecommunications cables laid on or beneath the seabed to transmit large volumes of digital information between countries and continents.
They provide Very high bandwidth and Low latency
Consequently, they are critical for International internet traffic, Cloud computing, Financial transactions, Data-centre connectivity

Major Components

Optical fibres – Carry digital information through pulses of light.
Repeaters/Amplifiers – Strengthen signals over long distances.
Cable Landing Stations (CLS) – Connect submarine cables with terrestrial telecommunications networks.
Repair vessels – Locate, retrieve and repair damaged sections of cables.

Global and Indian Network

Subsea cables carry more than 99% of global internet traffic.
In India, 18 subsea cables land at five major sites.
These systems are generally owned, financed and operated by telecommunications companies through consortium arrangements.

Significance of Subsea Cables

1. Global Digital Connectivity

Subsea cables form the core infrastructure of international digital communications.
Damage to a major cable system can significantly disrupt connectivity for countries or regions, particularly where alternative routes are limited.

2. AI and Data-Centre Economy

Rapid growth in Artificial Intelligence, Cloud computing, Data centres, Digital services
is increasing demand for high-capacity international bandwidth.
Reliable subsea connectivity is therefore essential for data-intensive digital infrastructure.

3. Financial Security

International financial systems depend heavily on uninterrupted digital communications.
Subsea cables support International banking, financial market transactions, and cross-border digital payments

4. Digital Inclusion

Subsea connectivity can significantly improve access to digital services in geographically isolated regions.
The Chennai–Andaman & Nicobar subsea cable project, for instance, has helped strengthen connectivity for the islands and supports access to E-governance, Education, Healthcare, E-commerce

Vulnerabilities and Challenges

1. Accidental Physical Damage

A large proportion of cable disruptions result from physical activities or natural events, including Fishing operations, Ship anchoring, Dredging, Underwater landslides, Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Construction activities

2. Deliberate Sabotage

Subsea cables have acquired increasing strategic and security significance.
Deliberate damage can disrupt communications and critical digital services without a conventional military attack on terrestrial infrastructure.
This makes subsea infrastructure an important element of hybrid and grey-zone security concerns.

3. Cybersecurity and Data Security

Although the cables primarily constitute physical infrastructure, their connectivity with broader digital networks creates concerns relating to Data security, Surveillance, Network vulnerabilities, Digital sovereignty
The publicly known locations of cable routes and landing stations can also create potential security vulnerabilities.

4. India's Cable-Repair Challenge

India faces relatively long repair times for damaged subsea cables.
The average marine repair time in Indian waters is around 102 days, compared with generally less than 40 days in several other regions and up to around 60 days in more challenging cases.
Long repair periods can increase the economic and strategic consequences of cable disruptions.

Why Cable Sabotage Matters

Economic security: Disruptions can affect financial services, trade and digital businesses.
National security: Military and strategic communications depend on reliable international connectivity.
Digital sovereignty: Dependence on foreign-controlled infrastructure can create strategic vulnerabilities.
Critical infrastructure protection: Cable landing stations and repair capabilities require stronger resilience and redundancy.
Geopolitical competition: Subsea infrastructure has become an increasingly important component of maritime and hybrid security.

Lalit Kala Akademi

Why in News?

The Lalit Kala Akademi announced 20 National Art Awards for the 65th National Exhibition of Art.
The awards recognise outstanding contributions to contemporary visual and fine arts in India.

About the Lalit Kala Akademi

The Lalit Kala Akademi is India's apex national institution for the promotion and development of visual and fine arts.
It works to study, research, promote and propagate visual arts within India and internationally.
The Akademi functions autonomously under the Ministry of Culture.
Established: 1954
Location: New Delhi
Founder: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Education Minister.
It was subsequently registered in 1957 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

National Exhibition of Art (NEA)

The National Exhibition of Art was initiated in 1955 by the Lalit Kala Akademi.
It is an annual national platform for showcasing contemporary visual art, Evaluating artistic works, Recognising outstanding artists through national awards.
The exhibition provides a platform for diverse forms and approaches within India's contemporary visual-art landscape.

1. Award Structure

Awardees are selected by a jury panel nominated by the Lalit Kala Akademi.
National Art Award recipients receive Plaque, Shawl, Cash prize

2. Highest Honour

Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship, also known as Ratna Sadasya, is the Akademi's highest honour.
It is conferred in recognition of outstanding and sustained contributions to the fine arts.

3. Regional Presence

Akademi has its headquarters in New Delhi and regional centres at Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Garhi (New Delhi), Agartala. It also has sub-centres at Shimla, Ahmedabad, Patna.

FIPIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026

Why in News?

India chaired the second Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The meeting reviewed progress under the 12-point Action Plan announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the third FIPIC Summit in 2023. India had announced initiatives covering healthcare, digital capacity, renewable energy, climate resilience, skills and human-resource development.
FIPIC forms an important component of India's engagement with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and its broader Act East and Indo-Pacific outreach.

About FIPIC

The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was established in 2014 to strengthen India's developmental and strategic engagement with Pacific Island Countries.
It brings together India and 14 Pacific Island Countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
The first FIPIC Summit was held in Fiji in 2014, followed by the second Summit in Jaipur in 2015. The third Summit was held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, in 2023.

Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is a regional organisation representing the collective interests of Pacific island countries and Australia and New Zealand.
It was established in 1971 and is headquartered in Suva, Fiji.
PIF plays an important role in regional cooperation on Climate change, Sustainable development, Maritime affairs, Regional security, and economic integration
Its 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent provides a long-term framework for regional priorities.
FIPIC and PIF are distinct: FIPIC is an India–Pacific Islands cooperation platform, while PIF is the principal regional organisation of the Pacific.

QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission

Why in News?

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship Shaunak has sailed from Chennai to Perth, Australia, as part of the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission.
Six officers, designated as “Sea Riders,” have embarked on the ship:
- Two each from India and Japan
- One each from Australia and the United States

About the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission

1. Genesis

The initiative draws its formal foundation from the Wilmington Declaration, issued following the 2024 QUAD Leaders’ Summit.
It reflects the QUAD's broader focus on strengthening maritime security, regional resilience and practical cooperation among its four members.

2. Objective

Shared maritime security
Regional resilience
Collective preparedness against emerging security challenges
Greater operational coordination and interoperability among QUAD countries
The mission is not a military or combat deployment.
Instead, the participation of officers from the four countries aboard a common vessel provides an opportunity to enhance professional interaction, operational understanding and maritime cooperation.

SAGAR

SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is India's maritime vision emphasising Maritime security, Regional cooperation, Economic growth, and sustainable development
It focuses particularly on India's engagement in the Indian Ocean Region.

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

The IPOI provides a voluntary framework for cooperation among countries in the Indo-Pacific.
It covers seven pillars, including areas related to Maritime security, Ecology and environmental sustainability, Connectivity, Disaster-risk management, Science, technology and academic cooperation.

Coffee Board

Why in News?

The Coffee Board of India has developed sustainability standards for coffee and is currently working towards implementing a certification framework.
The initiative seeks to promote sustainable practices across coffee production while strengthening the quality and marketability of Indian coffee.

About the Coffee Board

The Coffee Board is a statutory body responsible for supporting and developing India's coffee sector.
Established: 1942, under the Coffee Act VII of 1942.
Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The Board consists of 33 members, including Chairman.

India's Position in Global Coffee Trade

India is the world's 7th-largest coffee producer and 5th-largest coffee exporter
During 2025–26, India exported coffee worth more than US$2 billion.
Nearly 39% of India's coffee exports comprised value-added products, reflecting the growing importance of processed and higher-value coffee products in India's export basket.

One-Liners

India’s First Port-Based E-Methanol Plant: The foundation stone was laid for India’s first port-based e-methanol plant at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, Gujarat.
- E-Methanol is a low-carbon fuel produced by combining green hydrogen with captured carbon dioxide (CO₂).
- It can serve as a cleaner fuel alternative by utilising renewable energy and recycling captured CO₂.
Karnataka Opposes Western Ghats ESA: The Karnataka Legislature unanimously passed a resolution opposing the K. Kasturirangan Committee report on the Western Ghats.
- The resolution came in response to the 7th draft notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), proposing to designate parts of the Western Ghats in Karnataka as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
- Karnataka has raised concerns that the proposed ESA restrictions could affect local livelihoods, development activities and infrastructure projects in the region.

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