LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court Refers Election Commissioners Appointment Case to Constitution Bench

• The Supreme Court referred challenges to the 2023 Election Commissioners appointment law to a five-judge Constitution Bench on 23 September 2026.

• The petitions concern the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.

• A two-judge bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma differed on the need for a larger bench.

• The case will examine the constitutional validity and framework of the 2023 legislation governing appointments to the Election Commission.

• The 2023 law replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Union Cabinet Minister on the three-member selection committee.

• Earlier, the Supreme Court’s Anoop Baranwal judgment (2 March 2023) had prescribed a panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and CJI until Parliament enacted a law.

• The Election Commission of India derives its constitutional status from Article 324, which vests it with control and supervision over elections.

• Petitions filed by Association for Democratic Reforms and Jaya Thakur are among those challenging the appointment framework, which will now be examined by the Constitution Bench.

Supreme Court Collegium Approves 12 Additional Judges for Permanent Appointment

• The Supreme Court Collegium approved 12 additional judges for permanent appointment on 23 September 2026.

• The recommendations covered four High Courts: Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttarakhand and Gauhati.

• Five additional judges each were recommended for permanent appointment in the Andhra Pradesh and Kerala High Courts.

• Justice Subhash Upadhyay was recommended for permanent appointment in the Uttarakhand High Court.

• Justice Kaushik Goswami was recommended for permanent appointment in the Gauhati High Court.

• Additional judges are appointed temporarily under Article 224 of the Constitution and may later be made permanent based on judicial requirements and vacancies.

• Article 217 governs the appointment and service conditions of High Court judges, who are formally appointed by the President.

• The Supreme Court Collegium plays a central role in recommending appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary under India’s collegium system.

FSSAI Takes Action Against Major Online Food Platforms for Safety Violations

• FSSAI initiated penal action on 23 September 2026 against five major e-commerce food platforms over alleged food-safety violations.

• Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket, Flipkart India and Zepto were among the platforms facing enforcement action.

• The violations included misleading claims, misbranding and inaccurate or incomplete product information.

• FSSAI also flagged the online listing and sale of prohibited or poisonous food articles on certain platforms.

• Happilo Premium Date Bites – Zesty Orange was identified across all five platforms for allegedly non-compliant or misleading claims.

• Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket were also flagged over products including Milky Mist Fresh Low Fat Cream, Farm Fresh Curd and Greek Yoghurt.

• Amazon Seller Services, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket faced action for listing and offering Datura fruits and seeds, treated as poisonous under food-safety enforcement.

• The action was undertaken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, highlighting that online food businesses are also subject to food-safety, labelling and product-compliance requirements.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India Concludes BRICS Tax Cooperation Chairship with New Initiatives

• The BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting was held in New Delhi on 23 September 2026, marking the close of India’s tax-cooperation chairship.

• Tax administrations from 10 BRICS member countries participated in the meeting.

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the event, with India focusing on technology, administration and people during its chairship.

• Two new India-led working groups were established on International Taxation & Transfer Pricing and Revenue Statistics.

• The BRICS Tax Cross-Learning Lab was launched to promote peer learning by bringing together existing tax-administration and HR-focused initiatives.

• Members approved the Terms of Reference for the BRICS Tax Support Network, strengthening institutional cooperation among tax authorities.

• The meeting concluded with the signing of the BRICS Tax Progress Report 2026, documenting the outcomes of India’s chairship.

• China will take over the BRICS tax cooperation chairship in 2027, following the conclusion of India’s term.

United Kingdom Launches First Military Space Squadron

• The UK announced its first military space squadron, No. III Space Effects Squadron, on 23 September 2026.

• The new Royal Air Force unit will focus on protecting satellites and responding to hostile activities in space.

• Its responsibilities include supporting both offensive and defensive space operations.

• The squadron will employ electronic warfare capabilities to disrupt or counter hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum.

• It joins No. I Space Operations Squadron and No. II Space Warning Squadron within the UK’s military space structure.

• The unit was unveiled at the UK Space Power Conference in London by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth.

• The UK has committed more than £3 billion to space capabilities over four years, alongside dedicated funding for space-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and space control.

• The new unit reflects the UK’s growing focus on space security and defence, amid concerns over threats such as satellite jamming and other hostile activities in orbit.

NATIONAL NEWS

TRAI Introduces New Rules for Voice and SMS-Only Tariff Vouchers

• TRAI notified the Telecom Consumer Protection (13th Amendment) Regulations, 2026 on 22 September 2026.

• The amendment aims to expand voice and SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) for users who do not require mobile data.

• Telecom providers must offer such STVs for every 30-day and shorter validity period available under bundled plans.

• At least one voice-SMS voucher must allow monthly renewal on the same date, with the month-end date used when necessary.

• Prices of the mandated non-data vouchers must reflect a reasonable proportional reduction compared with bundled offerings.

• TRAI had issued the draft proposal on 7 April 2026, inviting stakeholders to provide their views.

• The consultation received 1,132 stakeholder responses, followed by an Open House Discussion on 15 June 2026.

• The changes are particularly relevant for prepaid users who mainly depend on calling and SMS, while strengthening TRAI’s consumer-protection framework.

Nirmala Sitharaman Calls for Shift from “Made in India” to “Imagined in India”

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called for a shift from “Made in India” to “Imagined in India” on 22 September 2026.

• She made the remarks at the 53rd National Management Convention of AIMA in New Delhi.

• “Imagined in India” focuses on innovation, product design, technology and intellectual property creation within India.

• She called for greater corporate spending on research and development (R&D) and stronger industry-academia collaboration.

• India’s R&D expenditure is 0.83% of GDP, compared with 2.7% for the OECD, 2.6% for China and 3.5% for the US.

• She stressed professional management and separation of ownership from management, particularly in family-owned businesses.

• Businesses were urged to focus beyond premium urban markets and address needs in agriculture, rural construction, transport and informal enterprises.

• The approach was linked with the broader goal of building an innovative, resilient and globally competitive India by 2047.

Shastri Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan to Be Replaced Under Central Vista Project

• Shastri Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan, located in Lutyens’ Delhi, were built between 1956 and 1968 as part of the central government office complex.

• The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has initiated the process of vacating both buildings by the end of September 2026.

• The existing structures are planned to be demolished and replaced by Kartavya Bhawans 4 and 5 under the Central Vista redevelopment programme.

• Shastri Bhawan has accommodated ministries including Education, Information and Broadcasting, Women and Child Development, Petroleum, and Coal.

• Krishi Bhawan has primarily housed the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development.

• Kartavya Bhawans 4 and 5 are planned at Plot No. 120, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi, with the project estimated to cost around ₹3,155.41 crore.

• The project is expected to take 24 months to complete, with the estimated cost also covering five years of operation and maintenance.

• The redevelopment aims to consolidate central government offices into secure, technology-enabled workspaces and reduce the need for ministries to function from scattered locations.

STATE NEWS

Delhi Approves DURGA Scheme for Women and Transgender E-Auto Drivers

• Delhi approved the DURGA scheme on 23 September 2026 to promote self-employment through electric mobility.

• The initiative will introduce 1,300 pink electric autos for women and transgender persons in the capital.

• The first phase includes 1,170 permits for women and 130 for transgender beneficiaries.

• Eligible drivers can receive a ₹50,000 purchase incentive under the Delhi EV Policy 2026–30.

• Beneficiaries will also get complete exemption from road tax and vehicle registration charges for the e-autos.

• Applicants must meet conditions including 20–40 years of age, Delhi residency, an LMV licence and a PSV badge.

• Applicants must have annual family income below ₹5 lakh and must not already own a commercial three-wheeler; applications will be made online, with a draw of lots if necessary.

• The scheme is backed by ₹20 crore in the 2026–27 Delhi Budget, while selected drivers will receive identification and safety accessories, and autos will display women’s helpline and emergency numbers.

AWARDS

Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre Wins National Healthcare Excellence Award 2026

• Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre received the National Award for “Excellence in Clinical Services – Mental Health & Wellness” on 11 September 2026.

• The honour was presented at the ET Healthcare Awards 2026 in New Delhi, organised by ETHealthworld, the healthcare division of The Economic Times.

• Jagruti has over 18 years of experience in mental healthcare, de-addiction and psychiatric rehabilitation.

• The organisation operates more than 17 centres across India providing addiction recovery and psychiatric rehabilitation services.

• Its clinical model determines staffing according to the seriousness of individual cases, rather than relying on a fixed staff-to-bed ratio.

• Full-time psychiatrists are available at all Jagruti centres, with routine daily psychiatric assessments forming part of patient care.

• The awards followed a two-stage jury evaluation, with nominees assessed on innovation, implementation and their impact on healthcare.

• The recognition highlights Jagruti’s work in mental health, addiction recovery and long-term psychiatric rehabilitation at the national level.

SPORTS

India Clinches Women’s Cricket Gold at Asian Games 2026

• India secured the women’s cricket gold medal on 22 September 2026, defeating Sri Lanka in the final at Nisshin, Japan.

• India posted a commanding 216/3 in 20 overs after opting to bat first.

• Smriti Mandhana top-scored with 79 runs, while Shafali Verma contributed 48.

• Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten on 49 off 22 deliveries, providing a strong finish to India’s innings.

• Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 69 runs in 15.4 overs, giving India a 147-run victory.

• The result marked India’s first gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games and continued its success in women’s cricket.

• Harmanpreet Kaur captained the Indian side, which had also won the women’s cricket gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

• India’s 147-run margin became its biggest-ever winning margin in Women’s T20I cricket, with the match ending after 35.4 overs.

Shafali Verma Sets New Calendar-Year T20I Run Record

• Shafali Verma became the leading run-scorer in a calendar year in Women’s T20Is on 22 September 2026.

• She achieved the milestone during India’s Asian Games final against Sri Lanka at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin.

• Verma ended 2026 with 863 runs from 24 Women’s T20I matches, surpassing the previous mark.

• She moved past South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who had accumulated 824 runs during 2026.

• In the final, Verma scored a brisk 48 from 29 balls, including three fours and three sixes.

• Her 2026 campaign included one century and seven half-centuries, with a top score of 100*.

• A calendar-year T20I record covers performances between 1 January and 31 December of the same year.

• Her record came as India captured women’s cricket gold at the 2026 Asian Games, adding another milestone to her 2026 season.

Mirabai Chanu Wins Silver Medal in Weightlifting at Asian Games 2026

• Mirabai Chanu secured the silver medal in the women’s 49 kg weightlifting category at the Asian Games on 23 September 2026.

• The event took place at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Center in Aichi, Japan.

• Chanu recorded a combined lift of 198 kg, comprising 87 kg in snatch and 111 kg in clean and jerk.

• Ri Song Gum of North Korea claimed gold with a total of 215 kg, while Luluk Diana Tri Wijayana of Indonesia won bronze with 191 kg.

• Weightlifting competitions are decided by the combined weight lifted in the snatch and clean and jerk.

• This was Mirabai Chanu’s first Asian Games medal, adding to her achievements at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

• Chanu had finished fourth at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where she was affected by a thigh injury.

• Her silver medal ended India’s 28-year wait for an Asian Games weightlifting medal.

India Wins Its First Asian Games Medal in Soft Tennis

• Jay Meena secured India’s first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis by reaching the men’s singles semi-finals on 23 September 2026.

• His semi-final qualification guaranteed India at least a bronze medal, as both losing semi-finalists receive bronze in the event.

• Meena defeated Sherwin Nuguit of the Philippines in a closely contested quarter-final that went to seven games.

• Earlier in the tournament, he defeated Arain Hussain of Pakistan 4–0 in the men’s singles Group D match.

• Soft tennis is a racket sport that originated in Japan and uses a softer rubber ball compared with conventional tennis.

• The sport is contested in singles and doubles categories, with separate events for men and women at the Asian Games.

• The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 marked Meena’s third Asian Games appearance, following his participation in the 2018 and 2022 editions.

• Meena’s semi-final berth marked a historic first for India in Asian Games soft tennis, bringing the country onto the medal table in the sport.