Current Affairs for 23 September 2026

President Murmu amends Inter-State Council Order: Key Facts, Background, Composition, Legal Provisions, Zonal Councils and Significance

Why in news?

President Droupadi Murmu has issued the Inter-State Council (Amendment) Order, 2026, modifying the Inter-State Council Order, 1990.

Key Facts 

What has changed under the 2026 Amendment?

• The amendment replaces the existing proviso to Clause 2 of the Inter-State Council Order, 1990, with four separate provisions.
• States (Article 356)
• Delhi (Article 239AB)
• Puducherry (Section 51, Government of Union Territories Act, 1963)
• Jammu & Kashmir (Section 73, Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019)

What is the Inter-State Council?

• A constitutional mechanism established to facilitate coordination between the Union and States and among States.
• It provides a forum where governments can discuss matters of common interest, consider issues affecting Centre-State relations and develop cooperative approaches to governance.
• Article 263 empowers the President to establish an Inter-State Council when it appears that doing so would serve the public interest. The Constitution provides for three broad functions:
• Inquiring into and advising upon disputes that may have arisen between States.
• Investigating and discussing subjects of common interest to some or all States, or to the Union and one or more States.
• Making recommendations for better coordination of policy and action concerning such subjects.
• The Council is primarily an advisory and deliberative institution. It does not function as a court, and its recommendations are not automatically legally binding.

Background

• The Sarkaria Commission, established in 1983 to examine Centre-State relations, recommended the creation of a permanent Inter-State Council.
• Acting on this recommendation, the Inter-State Council was established through a Presidential Order dated 28 May 1990.
• The original order was subsequently amended in July 1990 and December 1996, before the latest amendment in September 2026. 

Composition of the Inter-State Council

Understanding President's Rule and the Four Legal Provisions

Why Was the Inter-State Council Order Amended?

• Continuity of representation: It establishes a mechanism for the relevant territory to be represented at Council meetings during the specified periods of central administration.
• Administrative coordination: Governors and LGs can participate in discussions involving matters such as intergovernmental cooperation, infrastructure and administrative issues.
• Legal clarity: The order identifies the exact constitutional or statutory provisions that trigger the attendance arrangement.
• Alignment with constitutional changes: It updates the Council's rules to reflect the post-2019 administrative status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Inter-State Council and Cooperative Federalism

• Inter-State water management and infrastructure development.
• Internal security and disaster management.
• Public health and disease surveillance.
• Education and social welfare programmes.
• Economic planning and implementation of national policies.

Inter-State Council vs Zonal Councils

Significance of the Amendment

• Institutional continuity: It provides a specified attendance mechanism during periods when the ordinary elected executive is not functioning under the normal constitutional or statutory arrangement.
• Cooperative federalism: It maintains a channel for participation in intergovernmental discussions during the specified circumstances.
• Constitutional and statutory clarity: By separately referring to Article 356, Article 239AB, Section 51 and Section 73, the order recognises the distinct legal frameworks governing the territories concerned.

FAQs

ONGC’s Mahanadi Gas Discovery: Key Details, Significance and India’s Energy Security

Why in News?

• The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) discovered natural gas on September 18, 2026, in the MN-DW18-1-H-D exploratory well in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin, approximately 43 km off the Konark coast in Odisha.
• The well has recorded encouraging gas flow and sustained reservoir pressure. However, further appraisal and commercial evaluation are required to establish the discovery’s size and economic viability.

Background

• ONGC began deepwater exploration in the Mahanadi Basin’s MN-DWN-98/3 block in 2006. Subsequent exploration, including the Utkal and Konark discoveries, strengthened interest in the basin’s hydrocarbon potential.
• The latest discovery comes from the maiden well of ONGC’s current deepwater campaign in the basin under the Samudra Manthan initiative. This should not be confused with ONGC’s first-ever exploratory well in the Mahanadi Basin.
• The initiative supports exploration of offshore hydrocarbon resources to strengthen India’s domestic energy supply.

Key Points of the Discovery

Drilling and Initial Results

• The well was spudded, meaning drilling commenced, on July 25, 2026. It reached a reported target depth of 1,623 metres and encountered gas within an 11-metre interval.
• These figures describe reported well depths; they should not be presented as the sea’s water depth. Initial gas flow and reservoir pressure are encouraging indicators, but they do not independently establish commercially recoverable reserves.

Potential for Shared Development

• According to ONGC, the discovery could be evaluated alongside other nearby finds for development through shared facilities under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2025.
• Common production, processing and transportation infrastructure could reduce duplication and improve project economics. The actual development model will depend on appraisal results and technical feasibility.

About the Mahanadi Offshore Basin

• The Mahanadi Offshore Basin lies along India’s eastern continental margin in the Bay of Bengal, off Odisha. It forms part of the sedimentary region associated with the Mahanadi river system.
• Sedimentary basins can contain the geological conditions needed for hydrocarbons to form, migrate and accumulate. However, exploration must establish the presence of suitable reservoirs and commercially producible deposits.

Significance of the Discovery

• Expands exploration prospects: The find strengthens evidence of gas potential in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin and can guide further exploration.
• Possible development advantage: Relative proximity to the coast could support future gas transportation and onshore integration, subject to engineering and economic assessment.
• Scope for coordinated development: Assessing nearby discoveries together could make shared infrastructure more practical.
• Builds offshore capability: Exploration provides geological information and operational experience for future deepwater projects.

Relevance for India

• Energy Security: If commercially developed, the discovery could supplement domestic gas production and reduce part of India’s requirement for imported liquefied natural gas. Its contribution cannot yet be quantified because recoverable volumes and production rates have not been established.
• Industrial and Regional Development: Future production could support gas-consuming industries and energy infrastructure in eastern India. Potential benefits include demand for engineering, logistics and maintenance services, depending on the scale and design of development.
• More Efficient Use of Infrastructure: Shared facilities can distribute development costs across several discoveries. This may improve the viability of deposits that would be expensive to develop independently.

Challenges

1. Uncertain commercial viability: Appraisal must determine reservoir extent, gas quality, recoverable volumes and sustainable production rates.
2. High development costs: Offshore drilling, subsea equipment, processing and transportation require substantial investment.
3. Infrastructure requirements: Distance from shore alone does not guarantee rapid production; suitable landing points, pipelines and market connections are also necessary.
4. Environmental and operational risks: Offshore development must address marine ecosystems, fisheries, severe weather and accident preparedness.
5. Methane management: Gas projects require effective leak detection and control to limit their climate impact.

Way Forward

• Complete appraisal: Undertake additional testing and geological assessment before estimating the discovery’s commercial value.
• Evaluate integrated development: Compare standalone development with shared production, processing and transportation options.
• Establish market connectivity: Assess pipeline requirements, potential buyers and demand before committing to production infrastructure.
• Maintain environmental safeguards: Integrate marine protection, methane monitoring and emergency preparedness into project planning.
• Communicate clearly: Distinguish between a gas discovery, estimated resources, commercially recoverable reserves and actual production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

India on Track to Add 8 GW of Wind Energy Capacity in FY27

Why in News?

• India is on track to add 7.5–8 GW of wind energy capacity in the financial year 2026–27, according to a senior official of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• The government aims to increase India’s wind energy capacity to more than 100 GW by 2030.

India’s Wind Energy Capacity

• India has made steady progress in expanding its wind energy capacity.
• As of August 31, 2026, India had an installed wind energy capacity of 58.52 GW.
• During the first five months of FY27, from April to August 2026, India added 2.42 GW of wind energy capacity.
• India had added more than 6 GW of wind energy capacity during FY26 (2025–26).

India’s Wind Energy Targets

• The government is focusing on increasing wind power generation as part of its broader renewable energy targets.
• India aims to:
  • Add 7.5–8 GW of wind energy capacity in FY27. 
  • Achieve more than 100 GW of wind energy capacity by 2030. 
  • Contribute to the target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity. 

Why is Wind Energy Important for India?

• Wind energy is an important source of clean and renewable electricity. Increasing wind power capacity can help India reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and support its clean-energy transition.
• Wind energy can also contribute to India’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve its renewable energy targets.

India-EU Cooperation in Wind Energy

• The issue was discussed at the EU-India Wind Energy Business Summit 2026 at WindEnergy Hamburg.
• India also assured the European Union (EU) of full cooperation in the renewable energy sector.
• Greater India-EU cooperation can support investment, technology exchange and development of renewable energy projects.

Significance

• India’s planned expansion of wind energy capacity is significant for achieving its 500 GW renewable energy target and strengthening the country’s clean energy infrastructure.
• The growth of the wind energy sector can also create opportunities for investment, manufacturing, technology development and employment.

Challenges

India’s wind energy expansion faces challenges such as:

• Availability of suitable land and high-quality wind sites. 
• Need for stronger transmission and grid infrastructure. 
• Intermittency of wind power. 
• Financing and investment requirements. 
• Environmental and land-related clearances. 
• Need for advanced wind turbine technology. 

Way Forward

• India needs to strengthen grid infrastructure, energy storage, domestic manufacturing and transmission networks to support large-scale wind energy development.
• Greater cooperation with international partners can also help bring investment and advanced technologies into India’s renewable energy sector.

Conclusion

Wind energy can play a crucial role in India’s clean energy transition, energy security, and climate goals by expanding renewable capacity and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

FAQs

11th Ayurveda Day 2026: Theme, Key Initiatives and Significance

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Ayush announced the 11th Ayurveda Day celebrations on 23 September 2026, with the main national programme in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The theme is “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.”
• The announcement emphasises evidence, research, innovation and community wellbeing. Planned launches include safety dossiers, treatment guidelines, reports and the CCRAS–AGNI Assessment Scale Web Portal. The programme also includes the first-ever report on the Ayush Services Sector. These are announced launches; the advance release does not establish their completion. 

Background

Evolution of Ayurveda Day

• Ayurveda Day was first observed in 2016. Earlier celebrations coincided with Dhanvantari Jayanti, or Dhanteras, whose date changes annually under the lunar calendar.
• The government designated 23 September as the fixed annual date, following a Gazette notification issued in March that year. A consistent date supports advance planning and international participation. Thus, the 2026 observance is the eleventh edition.

Understanding Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an Indian traditional medical system concerned with health, illness, diet and lifestyle. Its classical literature includes the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Contemporary policy places growing emphasis on evaluating traditional practices through scientific research and quality standards. 

Key Points

1. First Report on the Ayush Services Sector

The Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) has prepared the first-ever report on this sector, scheduled for release at the national programme. It assesses Ayush services.

Policy significance: Sector-level evidence can help identify service gaps and guide planning. However, a sector report should not be confused with clinical evidence establishing the effectiveness of individual treatments.

2. Safety Dossiers and Treatment Guidelines

The planned releases include safety dossiers on Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and Chandrasura (Lepidium sativum), along with Standard Treatment Guidelines on Skin Disorders.

Safety documentation and treatment guidance serve different purposes: the former brings together safety evidence, while the latter supports more consistent clinical decisions. Their practical value depends on the quality of underlying evidence and implementation.

3. Research Reports and Digital Initiative

Other announced releases include:

• “From Traditional Wisdom to Global Leadership: Ayush Vision 2030” report.
• Status Report on Ayush-related Inventions in India.
• CCRAS–AGNI Assessment Scale Web Portal.

CCRAS stands for Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, while AGNI means Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative.

4. Scientific Deliberations

Scientific sessions are scheduled to examine Ayurveda’s road to 2047 and its potential contribution to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The policy question is how specific, adequately evaluated interventions can contribute to prevention and care within a coordinated health system.

Significance

The following points explain the potential policy implications of the announced initiatives.

• Stronger accountability: Publicly accessible research and safety documentation can make health claims easier to assess.
• More consistent care: Clear clinical guidance can reduce avoidable variation in practice when supported by sound evidence.
• Better planning: Information on service availability can help policy maker’s direct resources towards underserved areas.
• Research opportunities: Cooperation among clinicians, researchers and digital specialists can improve study design and documentation.
• Public health awareness: Community engagement can encourage informed discussion about health, lifestyle and appropriate care.

Relevance for India

Public Health and Access

• The National Ayush Mission supports the development of Ayush healthcare infrastructure and services. CCRAS, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Ayush, coordinates and promotes research in Ayurveda. These institutions provide a policy and research context for the observance.
• For India, the central challenge is to translate awareness into measurable outcomes. Public programmes should track service quality, patient safety, access and health outcomes alongside participation figures.

Traditional Knowledge and Innovation

Systematic documentation can help preserve traditional knowledge and make it available for rigorous investigation. Research priorities should respond to public health needs, with transparent methods and publication of both favourable and unfavourable findings.

Economic and International Opportunities

Reliable services and credible research could support skilled employment, research partnerships and responsible wellness tourism. Such opportunities depend on quality assurance and accurate communication of benefits and limitations.

Challenges

1. Evidence quality: Claims require well-designed, reproducible studies with clinically meaningful outcomes.
2. Product consistency: Variation in ingredients, processing and quality can complicate evaluation and reliable use.
3. Safety monitoring: Adverse-event reporting and follow-up must accompany wider adoption.
4. Misleading promotion: Publicity should distinguish established findings from preliminary observations and traditional claims.
5. Coordination of care: Integration requires clear professional responsibilities and timely referral pathways.
6. Implementation capacity: New portals and guidelines need training, sustained funding and regular evaluation.

Way Forward

• Invest in rigorous research: Prioritise transparent protocols, suitable comparison groups and independent assessment.
• Strengthen quality assurance: Improve testing, traceability and consistent manufacturing standards.
• Make evidence accessible: Publish research findings and safety information in clear language.
• Evaluate digital tools: Assess usability, data quality, privacy and their contribution to clinical or research outcomes.
• Support coordinated care: Build communication and referral systems around patient needs.
• Measure outcomes: Assess whether initiatives improve safety, access and health rather than relying only on launch or participation numbers.

Conclusion

The 11th Ayurveda Day places evidence, research and community wellbeing at the centre of the discussion on traditional medicine. Its lasting contribution will depend on how effectively the announced resources support reliable research, safe practice and measurable improvements in healthcare.

FAQs

India Set to Launch Its First Blue Bond

Why in News?

• India’s first maritime lender, Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), is planning to raise funds through India’s first blue bond on September 28, 2026.
• The company plans to raise ₹600 crore, including a ₹500 crore greenshoe option, through 10-year bonds.

What is a Blue Bond?

• A blue bond is a debt instrument used to raise funds for projects related to the sustainable use and conservation of oceans, seas and other water resources.
• The funds raised through blue bonds can support projects such as:
  • Clean water and wastewater management 
  • Recycling and pollution control 
  • Sustainable shipping 
  • Sustainable fishing 
  • Ocean-based renewable energy 
  • Marine research and mapping 
  • Coastal infrastructure 

Key Features of India’s First Blue Bond

Sagarmala Finance Corporation plans to issue 10-year bonds to raise funds for the maritime sector.

The proposed issue includes:

• Total Fundraising: ₹600 crore 
• Greenshoe Option: ₹500 crore 
• Tenure: 10 years 
• Credit Rating: AA+ by ICRA and CARE 
• Issue Arranger: SBI Capital Markets 

The company plans to invite coupon and commitment bids from investors.

Where Will the Funds Be Used?

According to the company, the funds raised through the blue bond will be used for various maritime and coastal development activities.

These include:

• Lending to the maritime sector 
• Greenfield port projects 
• Coastal road network development 
• Other projects related to maritime infrastructure 

The company plans to utilise the funds during the current financial year.

What is Sagarmala Finance Corporation?

• Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) is India’s first maritime-focused financial institution. 
• It provides financial support for projects related to the maritime sector and aims to strengthen financing for ports, shipping and other maritime infrastructure.

What is a Greenshoe Option?

• A greenshoe option allows the issuer to raise additional funds beyond the base issue size when there is strong demand from investors.
• In this case, Sagarmala Finance Corporation has proposed a ₹500 crore greenshoe option along with the base issue.

Significance of Blue Bonds for India

• Blue bonds can help India mobilise private and institutional capital for sustainable maritime development.
• They can support the development of ports, coastal infrastructure and other projects while promoting the sustainable use of marine resources.
• The issue is also significant as it could expand the use of thematic bonds in India’s financial market for funding environmental and sustainable development projects.

Other Blue Bond Issue in India

• The Vadodara Municipal Corporation in Gujarat is also planning to raise around ₹200 crore through blue bonds.
• This indicates growing interest among institutions and local governments in using blue bonds to finance water-related and sustainable infrastructure projects.

Challenges

1. Limited Investor Awareness: Blue bonds are still a relatively new financial instrument in India, so investor awareness remains limited. 
2. Project Identification: Identifying suitable maritime and ocean-related projects that meet sustainability standards can be challenging. 
3. High Initial Costs: Sustainable maritime and coastal projects often require large investments and have long gestation periods. 
4. Monitoring and Transparency: Ensuring that funds are used only for eligible blue projects requires strong monitoring and reporting mechanisms. 
5. Risk and Returns: Maritime projects can face environmental, regulatory and market risks, which may affect investor interest. 
6. Limited Market Development: India’s blue finance market is still developing, requiring stronger institutional frameworks and greater participation from investors.

Conclusion

India’s first proposed blue bond by Sagarmala Finance Corporation marks a new development in sustainable maritime financing. Such instruments can help mobilise funds for ports, coastal infrastructure and other projects while supporting the sustainable use of marine resources.

FAQs

India’s Hepatitis B and C Elimination Goal 2030: Strategy, Significance and Challenges

Why in News?

• India has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating Hepatitis B and C as public health threats by 2030.
• Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava outlined India’s response at a side event of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, organised by the UN Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis. She highlighted prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and continuing care, alongside the need for sustained international cooperation.

Background

• Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis includes five main types—A, B, C, D and E—which differ in transmission, prevention and disease progression. Chronic Hepatitis B and C can cause serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• India launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme on 28 July 2018, World Hepatitis Day. Its stated objectives include countrywide elimination of Hepatitis C by 2030 and reducing illness and deaths associated with Hepatitis A, B, C and E. The programme provides an institutional foundation for the country’s broader hepatitis response.

Key Points

1. A Comprehensive, People-Centred Response

The Health Secretary’s remarks, as reported in the supplied text, emphasised services across the entire course of care. Prevention must be accompanied by accessible testing, timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and support that helps patients remain connected to healthcare services.

2. Maternal Screening and Hepatitis B Immunisation

India highlighted antenatal screening and Hepatitis B vaccination as important interventions. WHO recommends a Hepatitis B vaccine birth dose within 24 hours, followed by completion of the recommended vaccination schedule. Screening during pregnancy helps identify mothers who need further assessment and preventive care. [3]

3. Free Diagnosis and Treatment

The statement highlighted free diagnosis and treatment as central to India’s response. Their public health value depends on patients being able to reach services, receive confirmatory testing where required and obtain follow-up care without avoidable delays.

4. Blood Safety and Support for Vulnerable Groups

India also highlighted safe blood transfusion services, counselling and rehabilitation support for people who inject drugs. These measures need to be supported by infection prevention and respectful, confidential care that encourages people to seek help.

5. Global Cooperation

The Health Secretary called for sustained cooperation, equitable access to prevention, testing and treatment, and stronger health systems. This places hepatitis elimination within the wider debate on affordable healthcare and international responsibility.

Hepatitis B and C: Key Differences

Both infections may initially have few or no symptoms, making testing important.

What Does Elimination by 2030 Mean?

• Elimination as a public health threat does not mean that every infection disappears. It means reducing transmission and deaths to defined low levels through sustained public health action.
• WHO’s global framework includes a 90% reduction in new infections and a 65% reduction in mortality by 2030, compared with 2015. These are global reduction targets, not evidence that India has already achieved them. Prevention, surveillance and treatment must continue even after elimination thresholds are reached.

Significance

• Prevention of avoidable illness: Earlier intervention can reduce the progression to advanced liver disease.
• Financial protection: Accessible public services can reduce the cost of seeking diagnosis and continuing care.
• Health equity: Reaching underserved communities makes the response more inclusive.
• Stronger health systems: Reliable laboratories, referral networks and medicine supplies benefit wider healthcare delivery.
• Progress towards SDG 3: The response supports the global commitment to combat hepatitis and improve health and well-being.

Relevance for India

• For India, the challenge is to translate national commitments into reliable services across states and districts. A patient’s ability to complete the care process should not depend on location, income or social status.
• The NVHCP offers a platform for coordination. Closer links between maternal health services, immunisation, blood banks, laboratories and treatment centres can help reduce missed opportunities for prevention and care.
• India’s international engagement also creates opportunities to share implementation experience and promote more affordable access to diagnostics and medicines.

Challenges

The main implementation challenges include:

• Missed diagnosis: People without obvious symptoms may not seek testing.
• Gaps between services: A screening result may not lead promptly to confirmation, assessment and treatment.
• Unequal access: Travel, indirect expenses and uneven service availability can discourage follow-up.
• Stigma: Fear of disclosure or discrimination can keep people away from care.
• Continuity of care: Sustained medicine availability and patient follow-up require dependable financing and administration.
• Measurement of progress: Authorities need reliable data on outcomes, rather than relying only on the number of tests conducted.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Local Access: Expand convenient testing and referral pathways, with clear responsibility for ensuring that patients reach the next stage of care.
• Improve Prevention at Birth: Connect antenatal screening, delivery services and timely vaccination so that opportunities to protect newborns are not missed.
• Ensure Reliable Treatment Services: Maintain supplies of diagnostic materials and medicines, and simplify follow-up arrangements for patients who need continuing care.
• Build Community Trust: Use clear public information and confidential services to address misconceptions. Community organisations can help reach people who are reluctant or unable to attend conventional facilities.
• Track Meaningful Outcomes: Monitor diagnosis, treatment access, retention in care and health outcomes. District-level review can identify where patients are being lost between services and guide corrective action.

Conclusion

• India’s 2030 commitment makes hepatitis elimination an important public health priority.
• Its achievement will depend on converting policy commitments into accessible prevention, dependable testing and sustained care.
• Progress should be judged by whether people receive timely services and whether preventable infections and deaths decline.

FAQs