Table of Contents
- Iran Won't Surrender: Pezeshkian Responds to Trump's Annihilation Threat (GS-II)
- EC Appointment Case: Why the Supreme Court Placed the Matter Before the CJI (GS-II)
- Parched Maharashtra: Why Drought Can't Be Declared Yet (GS-III)
- Four States out of UP: The Politics Behind Splitting India's Most Populous State (GS-II)
- Tulu Gets Official Language Status in Karnataka: What It Means (GS-I, GS-II)
- Jaishankar-Rubio Talks: India Flags Concerns over US Russia Sanctions Law (GS-II)
- Defending the Collegium: SC Calls Government's Remarks "Disquieting" (GS-II)
- Global South: In the Front Row of Crises, the Back Row of Decision-Making (GS-II)
- RBI's Poonam Gupta Sees a Case for Rupee Appreciation (GS-III)
1. Iran Won't Surrender: Pezeshkian Responds to Trump's Annihilation Threat
GS Paper II: International Relations | Effect of policies of developed countries on India's interests
Context
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Tehran would never surrender to the United States, while stressing that it still believes in diplomacy. His speech came a day after US President Donald Trump, from the same podium, threatened to "annihilate" Iran.
Key Facts
- The war: Launched by the US and Israel in February 2026 as "Operation Epic Fury", the war has run for nearly seven months, killed thousands, disrupted global energy supplies and spilled over into Lebanon and, more recently, Yemen.
- Historic first: This was the first time in the UN's 81-year history that a leader of a country at war with the United States addressed the body at its New York headquarters.
- Leadership change in Iran: Pezeshkian accused Washington of "terrorism" over the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the war's first day. His son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, succeeded him but has not yet appeared in public.
- Back-channel diplomacy: Iran engaged Washington through a Qatari mediator, setting conditions including an end to the war on all fronts.
- Aviation sanctions flashpoint: The US announced secondary sanctions on any country allowing Iranian flights; Iran warned it could disrupt neighbouring airports if they comply.
- Strait of Hormuz: Iran reasserted its claim over the waterway and seeks to control and charge fees on shipping, which the US rejects.
- Walkout: The US delegation walked out as Pezeshkian began speaking.
Why It Matters for India
The Strait of Hormuz is a major chokepoint for India's crude and LNG imports. A prolonged conflict affects oil prices, the current account deficit, the rupee (see Topic 9), the safety of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf, and connectivity projects such as Chabahar Port and the INSTC.
UPSC Angle
Prelims pointers: Strait of Hormuz (connects the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman), secondary sanctions, UNGA (81st session), Chabahar Port.
Mains question: "The West Asia conflict has exposed the vulnerability of India's energy security to maritime chokepoints. Discuss India's strategy to diversify its energy sources." (250 words)
2. EC Appointment Case: Why the Supreme Court Placed the Matter Before the CJI
GS Paper II: Constitutional Bodies | Separation of Powers | Judiciary
Context
A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on whether petitions challenging the law on appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) should be referred to a Constitution Bench.
Key Facts
- The split: Justice Dipankar Datta rejected the Centre's request for a reference; Justice Satish Chandra Sharma accepted it, holding that the case raises a substantial, unsettled question of constitutional interpretation.
- Why the CJI: Both judges agreed the matter should go directly to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to constitute a bench of appropriate strength, since routing it through a three-judge bench first would cause further delay.
- Who sought the reference: The Union government, under Article 145(3) of the Constitution.
- The law under challenge: The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. Its selection committee has the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM, replacing the CJI.
- The earlier verdict: In Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2 March 2023), a five-judge bench ordered a panel of the PM, the CJI and the Leader of Opposition to select ECs until Parliament made a law.
- Independence principle: Justice Datta stressed that the ECI must not only be independent but must also be seen to be independent.
Static Background
- Article 324(2): The CEC and ECs are appointed by the President, subject to any law made by Parliament. For over seven decades no such law existed, so the executive effectively decided.
- Article 145(3): Cases involving a substantial question of law on the interpretation of the Constitution must be heard by at least five judges.
- Split verdict rule: When a two-judge bench disagrees, the matter goes to the CJI (as Master of the Roster) to assign a larger bench.
UPSC Angle
Prelims pointers: Article 324, Article 145(3), Anoop Baranwal case (2023), CEC and Other ECs Act, 2023.
Mains question: "The independence of the Election Commission depends as much on the process of appointment as on security of tenure. Critically examine in light of the 2023 Act." (250 words)
3. Parched Maharashtra: Why Drought Can't Be Declared Yet
GS Paper III: Disaster Management | Agriculture | GS Paper I: Geography (Monsoon)
Context
Despite severe rainfall deficits and Opposition demands for immediate relief, the Maharashtra government says a formal drought declaration must wait for the procedure laid down in central norms.
Key Facts
- Government's explanation: Under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines and central drought-management norms, crop-damage surveys and field verification can only be carried out after 5 October.
- Scale of the deficit: As per data placed before the state cabinet on 16 September, 20 of Maharashtra's 36 districts had a rainfall deficit above 20%.
- Process underway: Trigger-1 has been applied in heavily deficient areas; Trigger-2 criteria are being analysed.
- Political pressure: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar urged the government to declare drought and provide relief to farmers; CM Devendra Fadnavis has put the administration on high alert but has not announced a package yet.
Explained: How Drought Is Declared in India
The process follows the Manual for Drought Management (2016, revised 2020):
- Timing: States should ideally declare drought in October, once the monsoon is over and full rainfall data is available.
- Trigger-1 (rainfall): June–July rainfall below 50% of normal, or June–September rainfall below 75% of the seasonal average, or prolonged dry spells.
- Trigger-2 (impact indicators): Agriculture, remote sensing (NDVI), soil moisture and hydrology; drought intensity is based on at least three of the four indicators.
- Ground truthing: Mandatory field verification of crop loss. States must also consider the report of the Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre, which uses ISRO-developed techniques.
- Declaration unit: Drought is declared at the taluka/tehsil/block level.
The Debate
The manual promotes scientific, uniform declaration and prevents politically driven decisions. Critics argue its rigid timelines delay relief to farmers who have already lost their kharif crop, and that "drought-like situation" declarations become a halfway house.
UPSC Angle
Prelims pointers: Manual for Drought Management, NDVI, Moisture Adequacy Index, NDRF/SDRF, NADAMS, Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre.
Mains question: "Scientific rigour in drought declaration often comes at the cost of timely relief. Examine with reference to India's drought management framework." (150 words)
4. Four States out of UP: The Politics Behind the Demand to Split the Most Populous State
GS Paper II: Federalism | Article 3 | Indian Polity
Context
UP Cabinet Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar told a rally in Deoria that Uttar Pradesh will be divided into four states after the caste census, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him of this.
Key Facts
- Proposed states: Purvanchal, Madhyanchal, Bundelkhand and Harit Pradesh.
- No official confirmation: Neither the Centre nor the BJP has announced any such decision.
- Timing: The claim comes months before the 2027 UP Assembly election.
- History, the Mayawati resolution: In November 2011, ahead of the 2012 polls, the Mayawati government got the Assembly to pass (by voice vote, amid uproar) a resolution to split UP into Avadh Pradesh, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand and Paschim Pradesh. The Centre did not act on it.
- Earlier division: Uttarakhand was carved out of UP in 2000.
- Regional movements: Long-standing demands exist for Purvanchal (east), Bundelkhand (south) and Harit Pradesh (west, backed historically by the RLD).
Static Background: Article 3
Parliament alone can form new states. A Bill requires the President's recommendation, and the President must refer it to the affected state legislature for its views, but those views are not binding on Parliament. This is why India is called an "indestructible union of destructible states."
Arguments For and Against Smaller States
For: Better administrative efficiency, focused development of backward regions like Bundelkhand and Purvanchal, and closer governance (Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand are often cited as successes).
Against: Risk of identity-based fragmentation, disputes over capitals, water, assets and liabilities, new fiscal burdens, and uneven outcomes (Jharkhand's political instability is often cited). Many experts favour a Second States Reorganisation Commission over ad hoc decisions.
UPSC Angle
Prelims pointers: Article 3, Article 4, Fazl Ali Commission (1953–55), states formed in 2000 (Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh), Telangana (2014).
Mains question: "Is the creation of smaller states a solution to regional backwardness? Discuss with reference to the demand for dividing Uttar Pradesh." (250 words)
5. Tulu Gets Official Language Status in Karnataka: What It Means
GS Paper I: Indian Culture (Languages) | GS Paper II: Constitutional Provisions on Language
Context
On 18 September 2026, the Karnataka Cabinet, meeting in Mangaluru, approved Tulu as the state's second additional official language for administrative purposes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, fulfilling a decades-old demand.
Key Facts
- What changes: Tulu can be used alongside Kannada for administrative and official government work in the two coastal districts.
- Committee: A committee headed by educationist Dr M. Mohan Alva (set up in 2023) examined the proposal; officials also studied other states' models, such as Urdu's administrative use in Andhra Pradesh.
- Funding and related decisions: Rs 82 lakh a year for translation and promotion; the Cabinet also initiated renaming Dakshina Kannada as Mangaluru district.
- Speakers: About 18.46 lakh native speakers as per Census 2011.
- Classification: A South Dravidian language, treated by the Census as an independent non-scheduled language; UNESCO lists it as "Vulnerable".
- Script: Tulu has its own historical script, Tigalari, closely related to Grantha; Kannada script is widely used today.
- Region: Tulu Nadu covers Dakshina Kannada and Udupi (Karnataka) and northern Kasaragod (Kerala).
Constitutional Basis
- Article 345: A state legislature may, by law, adopt one or more languages used in the state (or Hindi) for official purposes. Since the Karnataka Official Language Act, 1963 lists only Kannada, the Assembly must pass an amendment to add Tulu.
- Article 347: The President may direct recognition of a language spoken by a substantial proportion of a state's population, on demand.
- Eighth Schedule: Tulu is not among the 22 scheduled languages. Inclusion requires a constitutional amendment by Parliament and would bring benefits such as Sahitya Akademi recognition and the option to write UPSC Mains in Tulu.
UPSC Angle
Prelims pointers: Articles 343–351, Eighth Schedule (22 languages), Tigalari script, Tulu as a Dravidian language.
Mains question: "Recognition of regional languages strengthens cultural federalism but may complicate administration. Discuss with reference to Tulu." (150 words)
6. Jaishankar-Rubio Talks: India Flags Concerns over US Russia Sanctions Law
GS Paper II: India-US Relations | GS Paper III: Energy Security
Context
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on the sidelines of the 81st UNGA and conveyed India's interests and concerns about the new US sanctions law. The two also discussed the Gulf and Ukraine.
Key Facts
- The law: The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (SRIA), signed by President Trump on 18 September 2026, expands sanctions, tariffs and other restrictions on Russia and extends existing sanctions on Iran.
- The 100% tariff provision: It authorises tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas, including India and China. It does not impose them automatically; action depends on the administration using this authority.
- India's position: Energy sourcing is driven by the need to secure affordable energy for 1.4 billion people, based on diversified supplies and market conditions.
- Dependence on Russia: India, the world's third-largest crude buyer, has sourced over half its imports from Russia in some recent months, though refiners are diversifying towards the US, Brazil, Canada, Venezuela and Africa.
- US pitch: Rubio said the US is well placed to help partners meet their energy security needs.
- Trade deal: Anger over the law could add another hurdle to the pending India-US trade agreement.
Analysis
This is a classic test of India's strategic autonomy: balancing a long-standing defence and energy partnership with Russia against a comprehensive strategic partnership with the US. It recalls CAATSA (2017), under which India's S-400 purchase raised similar sanctions concerns.
UPSC Angle
Prelims pointers: SRIA 2026, CAATSA, secondary sanctions, Quad.
Mains question: "Unilateral secondary sanctions challenge the principle of strategic autonomy in Indian foreign policy. Analyse with reference to recent US legislation." (250 words)
7. Defending the Collegium: SC Calls Government's Remarks "Disquieting"
GS Paper II: Judiciary | Appointment of Judges | Separation of Powers
Context
In the same EC appointments ruling (Topic 2), the Centre defended the executive-dominated EC selection panel by comparing it with the collegium system, where "judges appoint judges". Justice Dipankar Datta firmly rejected this analogy.
Key Facts
- The core remark: Justice Datta described the government's attempt to justify the 2023 law through a parallel with the collegium as "disingenuous, evasive and disquieting".
- "Judges appoint judges" is a myth: He said the executive actually holds decisive control over judicial appointments at every level, leaving the judiciary "playing second fiddle".
- Selective clearance: He criticised the government's practice of clearing most recommended names while holding back chosen ones, saying this erodes the sanctity of collegium resolutions.
- Balanced view: He admitted the collegium has sometimes erred, but said aberrations are exceptions, and executive supremacy is not the cure.
Static Background: Evolution of the Collegium
- First Judges Case (1981): Executive primacy; "consultation" did not mean "concurrence".
- Second Judges Case (1993): Collegium system created; judicial primacy.
- Third Judges Case (1998): Collegium expanded to the CJI plus four senior-most judges.
- Fourth Judges Case (2015): The NJAC Act and the 99th Constitutional Amendment were struck down.
- Memorandum of Procedure (MoP): Governs the process; the government can return a name once, but a reiteration is binding in principle. The absence of a time limit allows delays.
UPSC Angle
Mains question: "The debate over judicial appointments is less about 'who appoints' and more about transparency and accountability. Comment." (250 words)
8. Global South: In the Front Row of Crises, in the Back Row of Decision-Making
GS Paper II: International Institutions | India and the World
Context
Chairing the High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries and Friends on the sidelines of the 81st UNGA (22 September 2026), Jaishankar said the Global South may be in the front row of global crises but sits in the back row of decision-making.
Key Facts
- Diagnosis: Global institutions built for an earlier era still reflect that era's power structures.
- Current challenges: Conflicts, supply chain disruptions, rising trade barriers, fragmented investment flows, climate shocks and pressure on international law.
- Failure of multilateralism: Just when the world needed multilateralism, it has seen it being dismantled.
- Seven priorities outlined:
- Preventing strategic "choke points" in supply chains, finance and connectivity
- Protecting energy security
- Strengthening food security (grains and fertilisers)
- Fair economic and trade practices
- Securing the maritime commons
- Ensuring AI does not create new divides
- Greater Global South participation in decision-making
- Alternative frameworks: India-led platforms such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) can drive climate action.
India's Global South Credentials
Voice of Global South Summits (since 2023), the African Union's G20 membership under India's 2023 presidency, vaccine diplomacy, ISA, CDRI, and India's long campaign for UNSC reform through the G4.
UPSC Angle
Prelims pointers: ISA (HQ: Gurugram), CDRI, G4, L.69 Group, Voice of Global South Summit.
Mains question: "India's aspiration to lead the Global South requires it to balance its own great-power ambitions with the collective interests of developing nations. Discuss." (250 words)
9. RBI's Poonam Gupta Sees a Case for Rupee Appreciation after Sharp Correction
GS Paper III: Indian Economy | External Sector | Monetary Policy
Context
Speaking at the 13th SBI Banking & Economics Conclave, RBI Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta said the rupee's steep fall over the past year and a half may prove temporary, and there is a fair case for it to stabilise and even appreciate from current levels.
Key Facts
- Extent of fall: 13.1% depreciation (point-to-point) between 31 March 2025 and 16 September 2026.
- Current level: The rupee closed at about Rs 95.75 per US dollar on 23 September 2026.
- War shock: It fell over 4% in March 2026 after the West Asia war began, but RBI measures limited further depreciation to under 1% since April despite high oil prices.
- Balance of payments: India posted BoP deficits of about USD 5.0 billion (2024-25) and USD 23.6 billion (2025-26).
- Structural strengths: Net services exports and remittances are strong enough to offset the merchandise trade deficit and keep the CAD under 1% of GDP.
- Growth outlook: India can grow 7–8% in real terms and 11–12% in nominal terms for years to come.
- Capital flows: Expected to improve later this financial year, helped by stretched valuations elsewhere, a cooling AI investment boom and strong domestic fundamentals.
- "Overcorrection": She suggested the rupee's fall may even be viewed as an overcorrection.
Concepts to Revise
- Depreciation vs devaluation: Depreciation is market-driven; devaluation is a deliberate act under a fixed exchange rate regime.
- India's regime: Managed float; the RBI intervenes to curb volatility, not to target a level.
- REER and NEER: The Real Effective Exchange Rate adjusts for inflation differentials and better measures competitiveness.
- Impact of a weak rupee: Costlier oil and imports (imported inflation) and higher external debt servicing, but a boost to exports and the value of remittances.
UPSC Angle
Mains question: "Explain the factors behind the rupee's depreciation since 2025 and assess the RBI's tools to ensure orderly conditions in the foreign exchange market." (250 words)