Current Affairs for 28 September 2026

Modhera Sun Temple: From 1,000 Years of Heritage to India’s First 24×7 Solar Village

Why in News?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the nearly 1,000-year history of Gujarat’s Modhera Sun Temple and its modern transformation in the 138th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
• He highlighted the temple’s historical heritage, its reconstruction after invasions, and Modhera’s achievement as India’s first 24×7 solar village.
• Modhera has emerged as an example of combining historical heritage with renewable energy.

History of Modhera Sun Temple

• The Modhera Sun Temple is located in Mehsana district of Gujarat. It was built in the 11th century during the reign of Chalukya ruler Bhima I (Bhima Deva I).
• The temple was constructed around 1025 CE and was damaged during the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE.
• In later periods, the temple also faced attacks during the reign of Alauddin Khalji. Despite these attacks, its historical and architectural heritage has survived.
• Regular worship is not conducted at the Modhera Sun Temple today.
• The temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

India’s First 24×7 Solar Village

• Modhera has been developed as India’s first ‘Solar Village’. The initiative was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022.
• The solar energy-based system was developed to meet the village’s electricity requirements through renewable energy.
• The initiative is an example of promoting clean energy, energy self-reliance and sustainable development in rural areas.

Convergence of Heritage and Tourism

• Modhera has witnessed the development of tourism facilities alongside its historical heritage.
• The Modhera Dance Festival is held every year in January, featuring performances based on India’s classical and cultural dance traditions.
• Modhera demonstrates the combination of India’s ancient cultural heritage and modern green energy technology.

FAQs: Modhera Sun Temple and Solar Village

World Skills Shanghai 2026: India’s Journey from 39th to the Global Top 10

Why in News?

• India has entered the Top 10 of the WorldSkills Competition for the first time, securing the 10th position at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
• The achievement marks a significant improvement from India’s 39th position at WorldSkills London 2011. Over the years, India improved to 33rd in 2013, 29th in 2015, 19th in 2017 and 13th in 2019.
• At Shanghai 2026, India won six Silver Medals and 20 Medals for Excellence, highlighting the growing capabilities of Indian youth in technical and vocational skills.

What is the WorldSkills Competition?

• The WorldSkills Competition is a major international competition that evaluates young professionals in technical and vocational skills.
• It is often described as the “Olympics of Skills” because participants compete against each other according to internationally recognised occupational standards.
• The competition covers a wide range of areas, from traditional trades such as bakery and beauty therapy to emerging fields such as cybersecurity, robotics, software testing and unmanned aerial systems.

India’s WorldSkills Journey

India’s performance has shown a gradual improvement over the past 15 years.

This progression reflects the increasing emphasis on vocational education, industry-oriented training and international skill standards in India.

India’s Performance at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

India participated in 63 skill categories with a contingent of 70 competitors.

India secured:

• 6 Silver Medals
• 20 Medals for Excellence
• Participation across 63 skill categories
• Representation from multiple Indian states
• Participation in several new and emerging skill areas

The Indian contingent also participated in newer areas such as Digital Interactive Media Design, Software Testing, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Aircraft Maintenance, Intelligent Security Technology and Optoelectronic Technology. This indicates a shift from conventional vocational skills towards technology-intensive and future-oriented skills.

Why is India’s Progress Important?

1. Better Utilisation of Demographic Dividend

India has one of the world's largest young populations. Converting this demographic advantage into economic growth requires not only education but also employable and industry-relevant skills.

2. Preparing for Industry 4.0

Automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced manufacturing are changing the nature of employment.

India needs workers capable of operating and developing these technologies. Competitions such as WorldSkills expose young professionals to global standards in these emerging sectors.

3. Strengthening Vocational Education

Vocational education has traditionally received less social recognition than conventional academic education in India.

International achievements can contribute to greater visibility and recognition of technical and vocational careers.

4. Improving Global Employability

International skill competitions provide a benchmark against which the capabilities of Indian workers can be compared with global occupational standards.

This can support India's ambitions in manufacturing, services and global workforce mobility.

5. Promoting Participation of Women

Women also formed part of India's Shanghai contingent, participating in areas including logistics, hospitality, bakery, beauty and visual merchandising. Greater participation of women in technical and vocational skills can contribute to a more inclusive workforce.

From Traditional Skills to Future Skills

One of the important aspects of India's WorldSkills journey is the changing nature of the skills in which Indian participants compete.

Earlier participation was more closely associated with conventional vocational trades. Increasingly, India is entering areas linked with:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Robotics
• Cybersecurity
• Software Testing
• Digital Design
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Unmanned Aerial Systems
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Optoelectronics
• Industry 4.0 technologies

This transition is important because the future labour market will increasingly demand a combination of technical expertise, digital literacy and problem-solving capabilities.

Challenges for India’s Skill Development Ecosystem

Despite the improvement in international competitions, several structural challenges remain.

• Industry–Training Gap: The skills taught by training institutions need to remain aligned with rapidly changing industry requirements.
• Uneven Training Infrastructure: Access to advanced laboratories, equipment and technology-based training remains uneven across regions.
• Trainer Capacity: Emerging technologies require trainers themselves to undergo continuous upskilling.
• Social Perception of Vocational Education: Vocational careers need greater social and economic recognition to attract talented young people.
• Employment Outcomes: Skill development programmes must be assessed not merely by the number of people trained but also by quality employment, wages, productivity and career progression.

Way Forward

• India needs to move from a training-centric approach to an outcome-oriented skill ecosystem.
• Greater collaboration between ITI–Industry–Training Institutions can help ensure that courses reflect actual labour-market requirements.
• The country should also expand apprenticeships, modernise training infrastructure and continuously update curricula in areas such as AI, robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing.
• The long-term objective should be to ensure that the skills demonstrated at international competitions are also accessible to a much larger section of India's workforce.

FAQs

Lalit Kala Akademi Awards 2026: 20 Artists Honoured at the 65th National Exhibition of Art

Why in News?

• The Lalit Kala Akademi has conferred the Lalit Kala Akademi Awards on 20 artists at the 65th National Exhibition of Art (NEA). 
• The artists were recognised for their contributions to painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking and other contemporary visual art forms. 
• This year’s National Exhibition of Art brought together artists from across the country, showcasing the diversity and creative experimentation in contemporary Indian art. 

20 Lalit Kala Akademi Award Winners

About Lalit Kala Akademi

• Lalit Kala Akademi is one of India's premier national academies dedicated to the promotion of visual arts. 
• It aims to encourage artists, promote artistic experimentation and provide a national platform for diverse forms of artistic expression. 
• Through the National Exhibition of Art, the Akademi provides established as well as emerging artists an opportunity to showcase their creative work. 
• Established: 5 August 1954 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Education. 
• Inaugurated by: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Education Minister. 
• Headquarters: Ravindra Bhavan, Mandi House, New Delhi. 
• Administrative Status: An autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. 
• Major Regional Centres: Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Garhmukteshwar (Kolkata), Lucknow, Shimla and Ahmedabad. 

Major Functions and Activities

1. National Exhibition of Art: Organises annual national-level exhibitions showcasing outstanding works of art. 
2. National Awards: Honours artists for excellence in Indian art through the National Lalit Kala Awards and Akademi Fellowships. 
3. Scholarships and Grants: Provides financial support to young and emerging artists for study and artistic practice. 
4. Art Galleries and Workshops: Provides exhibition spaces and organises workshops on areas such as printmaking, sculpture and other visual art practices.

FAQs: Lalit Kala Akademi Awards 2026

West Bengal Anti-Goonda Bill 2026: Key Facts, Major Powers, NDPS Act, Preventive Detention, Role of Calcutta High Court and Significance

Why in news?

The West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, commonly called the Anti-Goonda Bill, has come under scrutiny over a possible overlap with existing Central narcotics legislation. 

Key Facts

What is the Anti-Goonda Bill, 2026?

• The Bill was passed by the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on 29 June 2026.
• It seeks to provide stronger legal mechanisms to prevent organised and habitual anti-social activities and maintain public order.
• The Bill allows authorities to detain a person covered by its provisions for up to 12 months.
• Authorities may also extern such a person that is, direct them to leave a specified area, district or districts and prohibit their return for a period not exceeding one year.
• It also contains provisions concerning search and seizure, harbouring of detained or externed persons, and certain cognizable and non-bailable offences.

What are “Anti-Social Activities”?

• Alarm or insecurity among the public.
• Danger to life or property.
• Disturbance of public order.
• Unlawful dispossession.
• Illegal mining and quarrying.
• Illegal sand or forest-related activities affecting public resources.
• Certain organised or habitual criminal activities. The Indian Express

Major Powers under the Bill

• Preventive Detention: A person covered by the law may be subjected to preventive detention. Detention can extend up to one year under the proposed framework. 
• Externment: Specified authorities may order a person to leave a particular area, district or districts. The person may be prohibited from returning for up to one year. Authorities may also require the individual to report their movements. 
• Search and Seizure: The proposed framework contains powers relating to search and seizure in connection with covered activities.
• Cognizable and Non-Bailable Offences: Certain offences under the proposed legislation are designed to be cognizable and non-bailable. 

Why did the Narcotics Provision raise concern?

• The main legal issue arises from the Bill's inclusion of certain drug-related offences within its scope. A reported provision covers a person who commits, attempts, abets, promotes, finances or facilitates offences punishable under the NDPS Act, 1985.
• India already has a specific Central preventive-detention legislation dealing with illicit narcotics trafficking-the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (PITNDPS Act).

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985

• It is the principal Central legislation regulating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India.
• It prohibits or regulates activities such as production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, except as legally permitted.
• It provides stringent penalties for specified narcotics offences.

NDPS Act vs PITNDPS Act

Article 22 and Preventive Detention

• Article 22 of the Constitution deals with protection against arrest and detention and also provides the constitutional framework concerning preventive detention.
• Preventive detention is constitutionally permitted, but its exercise remains subject to constitutional and statutory safeguards.

Article 254: Doctrine of Repugnancy

• Article 254 deals with inconsistency between laws made by Parliament and laws made by State Legislatures on matters in the Concurrent List.
• Article 254(1): Where a valid State law is repugnant to a Parliamentary law on a Concurrent List subject, the Parliamentary law ordinarily prevails and the State law becomes void to the extent of the repugnancy.

Article 200: Governor's Role in State Bills

• Article 200 deals with Bills passed by a State Legislature and presented to the Governor.
• The Governor may constitutionally assent to the bill, withhold assent in constitutionally permissible circumstances, return a non-money bill for reconsideration and reserve a bill for consideration of the President.

Article 201: President's Role

• When a State Bill has been reserved for consideration of the President, Article 201 applies.
• The President may assent to the Bill or withhold assent.
• For a Bill other than a Money Bill, the President may also direct the Governor to return it to the State Legislature with a message for reconsideration.
• If formally returned under Article 201, the State Legislature has six months to reconsider it. If passed again, with or without amendments, it is presented again to the President for consideration. 

Public Order: Why can the State make such a law?

• The Constitution divides legislative subjects between the Union and States through the Seventh Schedule.
• State governments have significant legislative and executive responsibilities for maintaining public order and policing.
• Preventive detention, however, has a more complex constitutional distribution, and a State enactment can also encounter an existing Central law in an overlapping field.
• The controversy therefore does not mean that a State cannot legislate against organised crime. The issue is whether particular provisions operate consistently with the Constitution and existing Parliamentary legislation.

Role of the Calcutta High Court

• Three PILs challenging the proposed legislation were moved before the Calcutta High Court.
• On 6 August 2026, the High Court dismissed the challenges as premature because the Bill had not yet received Presidential assent and therefore had not become law.
• The court indicated that once the legislation receives the required assent and comes into force, its validity can be challenged. 

Significance 

• Centre-State Relations: The issue demonstrates how Union and State legislative powers interact within India's federal constitutional structure.
• Doctrine of Repugnancy: It provides a contemporary example for understanding the practical operation of Article 254.
• Public Order: The Bill highlights the States' constitutional responsibility for police and public order.
• Fight against Organised Crime: The proposed law seeks stronger mechanisms against habitual and organised anti-social activities.
• Presidential Assent: The case demonstrates the significance of Articles 200 and 201 in the legislative process of States.

FAQs

Global Cities Index 2026: Key facts, India’s Rankings, Top 10 Cities, Assessment factors, India’s performance, Global Trends and Significance

Why in news?

Oxford Economics has released the 2026 Global Cities Index, assessing 1,000 major cities worldwide.

Key Facts

What is the Global Cities Index?

• The Global Cities Index is prepared by Oxford Economics. It provides a comparative assessment of the strengths, weaknesses and future potential of major urban economies.
• The 2026 edition covers 1,000 cities included in Oxford Economics' Global Cities Forecasting Service. 
• It combines economic performance with indicators related to people, liveability, environmental conditions and governance.

How are cities assessed?

• Economics: It measures the economic size, structure, resilience and growth potential of a city including GDP size, GDP growth, GDP per capita, Employment growth, Economic stability and Economic diversity.
• Human Capital: It evaluates the city's ability to develop and attract talent, skills and workers. It broadly reflects the strength of the city's workforce and human-capital base.
• Quality of Life: It examines factors related to well-being, liveability and access to amenities.
• Environment: This dimension is particularly important as cities face growing challenges related to pollution, climate change and rapid urbanisation.
• Governance: Effective urban governance can influence infrastructure provision, public services and a city's ability to respond to long-term challenges. Scoring Method

Top 10 Cities in Global Cities Index 2026

Why Does New York Rank First?

• Overall Score is 100. (Economics: 100, Human Capital: 89.5, Quality of Life: 80.8, Environment: 72.8 and Governance:75.7)
• It ranks first globally and also leads the Economics category.
• Its major advantages include:
  • World's largest metropolitan economy in Oxford Economics' assessment.
  • Strong and relatively stable long-term economic performance.
  • Deep labour market.
  • Major financial and business ecosystem.
  • Ability to attract businesses and skilled workers. 

India's Performance in Global Cities Index 2026

• India's leading cities remain well outside the global top 100. (Delhi: 268th, Bengaluru: 311th and Mumbai: 320th)
• This is important because India's cities combine substantial economic and demographic potential with major challenges in areas such as urban infrastructure, environmental quality and liveability.

Delhi: India's Highest-Ranked City

• Delhi ranks 268th globally, making it India's leading city in the overall index. 
• Although Delhi, Beijing and Shanghai are currently outside the global top 100, they are expected to record some of the world's largest absolute increases in GDP through 2050. 
• A city may perform strongly in economic scale and growth but rank lower overall because the index also incorporates quality of life, environmental conditions, human capital and governance.

Bengaluru: India's Technology-Led Growth Story

• Bengaluru ranks 311th globally, making it the second-highest-ranked Indian city in the index. Oxford Economics specifically highlights Bengaluru's rapid economic expansion driven by its IT sector.
• The report's analysis also points to its potential to move towards more advanced technology sectors as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly important to global economic growth. 
• Bengaluru therefore illustrates how technology-intensive Indian cities can emerge as major global economic centres even while broader urban challenges affect their overall ranking.

Ahmedabad: An Interesting Indian Example

• Ahmedabad ranked 571st overall globally and 15th among Indian cities (379th in Economics, 347th in Human Capital, 881st in Quality of Life, 795th in Environment and 415th in Governance). 
• Ahmedabad performs considerably better in Economics and Human Capital than its overall position, while weaker Quality of Life and Environment rankings pull down its overall standing.
• Ahmedabad and Surat were also identified as “Emerging Standouts”, a classification associated with developing-world cities outperforming their national context.  

Global Trends Highlighted by the Index

• North America and Europe Continue to Dominate: Cities in Europe and North America occupy 78 of the top 100 positions. Oxford Economics attributes their continued strength to factors including large and resilient economies, highly skilled workers, established institutions and ability to attract businesses and talent. Europe alone accounts for 44 cities in the global top 100.
• Asian Cities are Growing Rapidly: Oxford Economics highlights rapidly developing cities including Shenzhen, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City. 
• Middle Eastern Cities are rising: Dubai and Riyadh entered the global top 50 for the first time in the 2026 edition. 
• “Cities to Watch” Introduced: Oxford Economics identifies five cities per region showing momentum that it expects could translate into improvements in future rankings.

Significance for India

• Rapid Urbanisation: India's urban population and metropolitan economies are expanding, making effective urban planning increasingly important.
• Economic Growth Engines: Cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru are important centres of economic activity, employment, services, technology and investment.
• Human Capital: Cities need skilled workers, strong educational ecosystems and employment opportunities to compete globally.
• Sustainable Urban Development: Economic expansion needs to be accompanied by improvements in Air quality, Public transport, Housing, Waste management, Water management and Climate resilience. 
• Better Urban Governance: Urban competitiveness increasingly depends on the capacity of local institutions to deliver infrastructure and public services effectively.

FAQs

Rising Sea Levels and Statehood: UN Declaration Protects Sinking Nations and Maritime Rights

Why in News?

• On 24 September 2026, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Political Declaration addressing the existential threats posed by sea-level rise. The declaration recognises the need for continuity of statehood and legal certainty for countries whose territory is threatened by rising seas.
• The development is particularly significant for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and low-lying coastal countries, where sea-level rise threatens territory, population, livelihoods and national identity. The UN has warned that up to 1.2 billion people could face displacement by 2050 without adequate adaptation measures.

What is the UN Declaration on Sea-Level Rise?

The declaration is a political, non-legally binding commitment adopted at a high-level UN meeting on sea-level rise. Its central objective is to establish greater international cooperation on the consequences of rising seas, particularly for vulnerable states.

The declaration addresses three interconnected issues:

• Continuity of Statehood: Countries should not automatically lose their statehood merely because climate change causes severe territorial loss or even physical submergence.
• Stability of Maritime Zones: Existing maritime zones established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) should retain legal certainty despite changes to coastlines.
• Protection of People: States should strengthen measures for adaptation, early-warning systems, risk information, livelihoods, cultural heritage and the rights of people affected by displacement.

The UN meeting specifically identified statehood, maritime zones and protection of affected populations as major legal and humanitarian concerns.

Why is Continuity of Statehood Important?

• Traditional international law considers territory, population and government among the important elements associated with statehood.
• This creates a difficult question for countries such as Tuvalu, Kiribati and the Maldives, where sea-level rise can progressively reduce habitable land.

If a country's physical territory becomes uninhabitable or disappears, questions could arise regarding:

• Does the country continue to exist as a sovereign state?
• What happens to its UN membership?
• Will its citizens retain their nationality?
• Can its government continue to represent the country?
• What happens to its maritime zones and natural resources?

The UN declaration supports a “presumption in favour of continued statehood”, providing an important political basis for maintaining the international legal identity of vulnerable countries.

Maritime Rights and UNCLOS

One of the most important aspects of the declaration concerns maritime zones. Under UNCLOS, coastal states possess maritime zones such as:

• Territorial Sea – up to 12 nautical miles
• Contiguous Zone – up to 24 nautical miles
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – up to 200 nautical miles
• Continental Shelf – subject to UNCLOS provisions

For small island states, these maritime areas can be far more significant economically than their land territory.

• Kiribati has a vast ocean area compared with its extremely small land area. Fisheries, seabed resources and other marine economic activities are therefore closely connected with its national economic survival.
• The sea-level-rise debate raises the question of whether changing coastlines should automatically alter previously established maritime zones. The emerging international position seeks greater legal stability and certainty for vulnerable states.

Sea-Level Rise: The Scientific Dimension

The UN General Assembly President noted that global mean sea level increased from around 2.1 mm annually during 1993–2002 to approximately 4.7 mm annually during 2015–2024. 

Major impacts include

• Coastal flooding: Higher sea levels increase the frequency and severity of coastal flooding during storms and high tides.
• Saltwater intrusion: Seawater can enter freshwater systems and agricultural land, affecting drinking water and food production.
• Coastal erosion: Beaches, wetlands and inhabited coastal areas can progressively disappear.
• Displacement: People may be forced to relocate when their homes become unsafe or economically unviable.
• Loss of cultural heritage: For island communities, land is closely connected with identity, traditions and historical heritage.

The UN has warned that rising seas could contribute to displacement affecting up to 1.2 billion people by 2050, when combined with related pressures such as flooding, water stress and food insecurity.

Why Small Island States Are Particularly Vulnerable

• Small Island Developing States contribute relatively little to global greenhouse-gas emissions but face disproportionate consequences from climate change.
• The issue is therefore not simply environmental. It involves sovereignty, international law, migration, human rights, security and economic survival.
• The UN has highlighted that for some island states, substantial loss of territory or complete submergence could raise fundamental questions about nationality, culture and statehood.

Sea-Level Rise and India

India is also vulnerable because of its long coastline, densely populated coastal regions, major ports and economically important coastal cities.

Potential impacts include:

• Coastal flooding and erosion
• Saltwater intrusion into groundwater
• Threats to agriculture and fisheries
• Damage to ports and coastal infrastructure
• Displacement of coastal populations
• Greater pressure on urban infrastructure

Cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata and other densely populated coastal areas require long-term adaptation planning. The issue is therefore relevant to India's climate security, coastal management, disaster management and blue economy.

International Law and Climate Change

• The sea-level-rise debate has increasingly moved from climate policy into the field of international law.
• In May 2024, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) issued an advisory opinion concerning states' obligations relating to climate change and marine pollution.
• In July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued its advisory opinion on states' obligations regarding climate change.

Major Challenges

1. Non-binding nature

The declaration is a political declaration rather than a legally binding treaty. Its effectiveness will therefore depend heavily on implementation and subsequent state practice.

2. Adaptation finance gap

Developing countries require substantial resources for coastal protection, resilient infrastructure, relocation and disaster preparedness.

The challenge is particularly severe for small states with limited fiscal capacity.

3. Planned relocation

Some communities may eventually need to relocate. This creates difficult questions concerning:

• Citizenship
• Land ownership
• Cultural identity
• Political representation
• Livelihoods
• International migration

4. Maritime boundary uncertainty

Even if the principle of stability is politically accepted, questions surrounding baselines, maritime boundaries and implementation under UNCLOS remain legally complex.

5. Loss of cultural heritage

For island communities, losing physical territory can also mean losing sacred places, historical sites, traditional livelihoods and cultural landscapes.

Key priorities should include

• Strengthening adaptation: Coastal protection, resilient infrastructure, mangrove restoration and climate-resilient urban planning should be expanded.
• Improving early-warning systems: Vulnerable communities need reliable forecasting, coastal monitoring and accessible risk information.
• Closing the finance gap: Climate finance should become more accessible to developing and small island states, particularly through grants and concessional financing.
• Legal certainty: International law should provide greater clarity regarding continued statehood, nationality and maritime zones.
• Planned relocation: Where relocation becomes unavoidable, it should protect human rights, livelihoods, cultural identity and political participation.
• Climate mitigation: Long-term protection from sea-level rise ultimately requires significant reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions.

FAQs

India’s First LNG-Powered Train Flagged Off by Amit Shah

Why in News?

• Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah flagged off India’s first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati Railway Station in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on September 27, 2026.
• The train uses a dual-fuel system based on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and diesel. The initiative is aimed at reducing diesel consumption, fuel costs and emissions from railway operations.
• The event also saw the launch and inauguration of several railway infrastructure and safety projects in Gujarat. According to the official release, development works worth ₹1,472 crore were inaugurated or launched.

Important Points 

• LNG can replace around 40% of diesel consumption in the current system. 
• Two Driving Power Cars (DPCs) of 1,400 horsepower each were converted for LNG-diesel operation. 
• More than 2,000 km of field trials have been completed. 
• LNG use can help reduce fuel consumption, emissions and dependence on diesel. 
• Kavach is an indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system for improving railway safety. 
• WAG-12 is a high-power electric freight locomotive used for heavy freight movement. 
• Automatic signalling helps improve railway capacity and safe train operations. 
• Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are designed to improve freight movement and reduce congestion on existing railway routes. 
• Railway electrification is important for energy security, decarbonisation and sustainable transport. 
• The initiative is relevant to Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous railway technology.

What is India’s First LNG-Powered Train?

The train uses an LNG-diesel dual-fuel technology in its Driving Power Cars (DPCs).

Under the project:

• Two DPCs of 1,400 horsepower each have been converted to operate on LNG and diesel.
• LNG can replace around 40% of diesel consumption.
• More than 2,000 km of field trials have been completed.
• The technology is expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

The dual-fuel system also allows the train to continue operating on diesel when LNG is not available.

Major Railway Projects Launched in Gujarat

Along with the LNG-powered train, several railway projects were inaugurated or launched at Sabarmati.

1. WAG-12 Locomotive Maintenance Shed

• A WAG-12 locomotive maintenance shed was inaugurated at Sabarmati at a cost of around ₹700 crore.
• The facility will provide maintenance support for high-power WAG-12 electric locomotives used for transporting heavy and long freight trains.

2. Kavach Safety System

• The indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system was launched for railway sections covering around 404 km in the Ahmedabad Division.
• The system is designed to improve railway safety by helping prevent train collisions and controlling risks associated with overspeeding and human error.

3. Automatic Signalling System

• An Automatic Block Signalling System was also introduced on selected railway sections.
• The system helps maintain safe distances between trains and can improve the capacity and efficiency of railway routes.

4. Sabarmati–Sarkhej Railway Line Doubling

• The Sabarmati–Sarkhej railway line doubling project was also included in the railway development package.
• The project is expected to increase railway capacity and improve connectivity in the region.

Amit Shah’s Remarks on Railway Modernisation

• Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah highlighted the changes in Indian Railways during the last 12 years and referred to projects such as Dedicated Freight Corridors, rapid rail systems, modern railway stations and indigenous safety technologies.
• He also highlighted the expansion of railway electrification and the increased use of modern railway infrastructure.
• According to the official release, Shah said that railway electrification had reached 99.6% and that India was moving towards complete electrification of its railway network.
• Shah also referred to the reduction in railway diesel consumption and said the government aims to eliminate diesel use in the Railways by 2030.

Significance of the LNG-Powered Train

The introduction of LNG technology in railway operations is significant for several reasons:

• Reduced diesel dependence: LNG can partially replace diesel in railway operations.
• Lower emissions: LNG-based operation can reduce certain emissions compared with conventional diesel use.
• Alternative fuel: It provides another fuel option for non-electrified or suitable railway operations.
• Energy efficiency: The technology can help reduce fuel consumption and operating costs.
• Cleaner transport: It supports efforts to promote lower-emission transportation.

India’s Railway Electrification Push

• Railway electrification has expanded rapidly in recent years. The government has also focused on modern signalling, automatic train protection systems, dedicated freight corridors and high-capacity electric locomotives.
• According to government figures cited at the event, annual railway electrification increased from 75 km in 2010–11 to about 7,188 km in 2023–24.

Challenges of LNG-Powered Trains

• LNG Infrastructure: Adequate LNG storage, refuelling and distribution facilities are required along railway routes. 
• High Initial Cost: Converting locomotives and developing LNG infrastructure can involve significant upfront investment. 
• Safety Concerns: LNG is stored at very low temperatures, requiring specialised handling, storage and safety systems. 
• Limited Applicability: LNG-powered trains may have greater relevance on routes that are not fully electrified; India’s expanding railway electrification may limit their long-term use. 
• Supply Chain Challenges: Reliable and uninterrupted LNG availability is necessary for regular operations. 
• Environmental Concerns: Although LNG can reduce some emissions compared with diesel, it is still a fossil fuel and does not provide zero-emission transport. 
• Methane Leakage: Leakage of methane during production, transportation or storage can reduce the overall climate benefit of LNG. 
• Technology Adaptation: Long-term field testing is required to assess operational efficiency, maintenance needs and reliability on different railway routes. 
• Competition with Electrification: Rapid railway electrification provides a low-emission pathway, creating a need to clearly define where LNG offers additional value.

Conclusion

The launch of India’s first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati marks a new step towards the use of alternative fuels in railway transport. Along with the LNG train, projects related to Kavach, automatic signalling, railway line doubling and WAG-12 locomotive maintenance are aimed at improving railway safety, capacity and operational efficiency in Gujarat.

FAQs

AFSPA in Northeast India: Latest Extension, Key Provisions and Internal Security Challenges

Why in News?

The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in specified areas of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months from October 1, 2026. The extension follows a review of the law-and-order situation in the three northeastern states.

What is AFSPA?

• The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 provides certain special powers to the armed forces when deployed in an area declared a “disturbed area.”
• Under Section 3, the Central Government or the competent State Government can declare an area as disturbed when the situation makes the use of armed forces necessary for maintaining public order.
• Once AFSPA is applicable, armed forces personnel receive specified operational powers, including powers relating to arrest, search and use of force, subject to the conditions prescribed under the Act.
• The Act also provides legal protection for certain actions taken in the exercise of powers under the Act, with prosecution-related safeguards under Section 7.

Why is AFSPA Important for Internal Security?

• The Northeast has historically faced challenges related to insurgency, armed groups, inter-community tensions, difficult terrain and international borders.
• AFSPA provides the armed forces with an operational framework for assisting civil authorities in areas where the security situation is considered sufficiently disturbed.

Why is AFSPA Important for Northeast India?

The Northeast is strategically significant because of its:

• International borders with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan 
• Difficult mountainous and forested terrain 
• History of insurgency and armed groups 
• Ethnic and inter-community tensions 
• Connectivity with Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy 

In such areas, the armed forces may be deployed in support of civil administration when ordinary policing capabilities are considered insufficient to deal with the security situation.

AFSPA: Security vs Accountability

AFSPA creates a difficult policy balance between operational effectiveness and civilian accountability.

• Security Perspective: Supporters of the legislation argue that armed forces operating in insurgency-affected areas require adequate legal and operational powers to respond quickly to armed threats.
• Accountability Perspective: Critics have raised concerns about the possibility of excessive use of force, alleged human-rights violations and difficulties in ensuring accountability.

Therefore, the key governance challenge is to ensure that security personnel have adequate operational capability while mechanisms for investigation, oversight and accountability remain effective.

Key Issues Associated with AFSPA

1. Human Rights Concerns

The extraordinary powers available to security personnel have generated concerns regarding alleged excessive use of force, custodial deaths, disappearances and accountability.

These concerns have contributed to demands for stronger safeguards and greater transparency.

2. Accountability

Critics have particularly focused on the legal protection available to personnel operating under AFSPA.

The challenge is to ensure that legitimate counter-insurgency operations can continue while credible allegations of abuse are investigated effectively.

3. Prolonged Application

Repeated extensions raise an important policy question: whether extraordinary security legislation should remain applicable for extended periods or whether its geographical scope should be progressively reduced as the security situation improves.

4. Trust Deficit

Long-term military deployment can affect relations between security forces and local communities. Consequently, counter-insurgency measures need to be accompanied by political dialogue, development, institution-building and confidence-building measures.

Way Forward

• A sustainable approach to AFSPA should combine security requirements with democratic accountability.
• Periodic and evidence-based reviews can help determine whether an area continues to meet the conditions for a disturbed-area declaration. Where the security situation improves, the geographical scope of AFSPA can be reduced in a calibrated manner.
• At the same time, strengthening local policing, intelligence capabilities, border management, political dialogue and development infrastructure can reduce dependence on extraordinary security provisions.
• The objective should be to create conditions in which normal civil administration and policing can progressively assume the primary responsibility for internal security.

Important Points

• AFSPA: Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
• Section 3: Deals with declaration of an area as a disturbed area.
• Section 4: Provides specified special powers to armed forces personnel in disturbed areas.
• Section 7: Provides safeguards relating to prosecution/legal proceedings against persons acting under the Act.
• AFSPA is not applicable uniformly across the entire Northeast; its geographical application is determined through notifications.
• The present extension in the three states is for six months from October 1, 2026, unless withdrawn earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions