Daily Current Affairs- 18th September 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 18th September 2026

Odisha Orangutan Case Explained: CITES, Law and Smuggling

In the News: Five juvenile orangutans were rescued on September 8, 2026, from a forested area in Balasore district, Odisha, and shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park for quarantine and medical care. Since orangutans are not native to India, the Odisha Police Special Task Force, Forest Department and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are investigating possible international wildlife trafficking.

Key Points:

• Orangutans and Their Natural Range: Three orangutan species are recognised: Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans. Their natural populations occur on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia, making the appearance of five young orangutans in Odisha highly unusual.
• CITES Appendix I Protection: Orangutans are covered under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Commercial international trade in Appendix I specimens is generally prohibited, with movement permitted only under exceptional, tightly regulated circumstances.
• CITES and India: CITES entered into force in 1975, and India became a party in 1976. The convention regulates international wildlife trade through three Appendices, with Appendix I providing the highest level of trade restriction among the three.
• Indian Legal Framework: The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in 2022 to strengthen implementation of India's CITES obligations. Schedule IV now deals with species listed under CITES, while the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024 prescribe reporting and registration requirements for possession of such live specimens.
• Repatriation of Confiscated Animals: CITES does not automatically require a seized animal to be released into the wild. Authorities may consult the country of origin regarding repatriation, while animals that cannot safely be returned may be placed in an appropriate rescue centre or recognised facility. Indonesia has offered assistance if tests establish an Indonesian origin for the rescued orangutans.

Ladakh Unveils World’s Highest Flower Fields at 10,600 Feet

In the News: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated twin high-altitude flower fields at Choglamsar and Stakna in Leh on September 17, 2026. Situated at about 10,600 feet, the project has been described by the Ladakh administration as the world's highest-altitude twin flower fields and is intended to promote commercial floriculture and alternative livelihoods.

Key Points:

• Location and Scale: The twin fields are located at Choglamsar and Stakna in Leh and cover about 40 acres. More than 25 lakh flowers have been planted, making the project a major high-altitude floriculture initiative.
• Major Flower Varieties: The project includes more than 24 lakh Lilium plants and about one lakh Gladiolus plants. Choglamsar is also intended to serve as a demonstration centre for cultivating high-value ornamental flowers such as tulips and other commercially important species.
• Livelihood and Training Model: The initiative seeks to diversify Ladakh's agriculture by training farmers and youth in scientific floriculture, modern cultivation and post-harvest management. Self-help groups and cooperative societies are expected to participate in commercial cultivation, harvesting and marketing.
• Ladakh as a Union Territory: Ladakh became a separate Union Territory on October 31, 2019, under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. Section 3 of the Act created Ladakh as a Union Territory without a legislature.
• High-Altitude Agriculture: The flower project tests whether Ladakh's cold and arid climatic conditions can support large-scale cultivation of high-value flowers. Its success is intended to provide a model that can be replicated in other parts of the Union Territory.

What led to Karnataka Public Service Commission chairman’s ouster: Leaked papers, a job for his daughter

In the News: Karnataka Public Service Commission Chairman Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar was suspended by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on August 25, 2026, on the aid and advice of the State Cabinet. The suspension followed allegations relating to recruitment irregularities involving his daughters and a suspected question-paper leak in the recruitment of veterinary doctors. The matters are under investigation, and Sahukar has not been removed from office.

Key Points:

• Second Suspension Order: The August 25 suspension was Sahukar’s second suspension. An earlier order issued by the Governor on July 13 was set aside by the Karnataka High Court because it had not been based on the aid and advice of the State Cabinet. The Cabinet subsequently recommended suspension on August 21.
• Daughters’ Recruitment Case: Sahukar is accused of helping two of his daughters secure selection as Industrial Extension Officers. In one case, a daughter allegedly claimed OBC reservation using an income certificate showing annual family income of ₹40,000, which raised questions over the validity of the benefit claimed.
• Veterinary Recruitment Investigation: A separate case concerns recruitment to 400 veterinary doctor posts. The FIR names Sahukar, other KPSC officials and 29 candidates from the selection list, while complainants have alleged question-paper leakage and OMR-sheet tampering. The CID is investigating these allegations, and it has not been established that all 29 candidates received the leaked paper.
• Further Investigative Action: The veterinary recruitment case has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department. The Enforcement Directorate has also conducted searches at 21 premises in Karnataka and Gujarat in connection with the wider allegations. A relative of Sahukar, who had reportedly failed a degree examination, is also alleged to have cleared the recruitment test.
• Constitutional Position Under Article 317: Article 315 provides for Union and State Public Service Commissions, while Article 317 deals with removal and suspension of their members. Under Article 317(1), removal for misbehaviour requires action by the President after a Supreme Court inquiry. Article 317(2) permits suspension in specified circumstances; reports state that the Governor recommended a Supreme Court inquiry through the President, but confirmation that a formal reference has actually been made is not available.

Marathi Thriller Gondhal Is India’s Official Entry for Oscars 2027

In the News: The Marathi film Gondhal, written and directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been selected as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards in 2027. The Film Federation of India selected it from a pool of 33 submissions and the fourth Marathi film chosen as India's official entry

Key Points:

• About Gondhal: The film is set in rural Maharashtra and uses the traditional Gondhal ritual and folk-performance tradition as an important narrative setting. Its cast includes Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Kishor Kadam, Nishad Bhoir, Anuj Prabhu and others.
• Director Santosh Davakhar: Santosh Davakhar received the Silver Peacock for Best Director for Gondhal at the 56th International Film Festival of India in 2025. The award included a Silver Peacock trophy, Certificate of Merit and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh.
• 99th Academy Awards: The 2027 ceremony represents the 99th Academy Awards. General categories require a qualifying theatrical release in 2026, while International Feature submissions must have been first released in their home country between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026. The submission deadline is 30 September 2026, and the ceremony is on 14 March 2027.
• New International Feature Rule: For the 99th Oscars, a non-English-language film may reach the International Feature Film category either through an Academy-approved national selection committee or by winning specified qualifying awards at designated international film festivals.
• Change in Nominee Recognition: Beginning with the 99th Oscars rules, the film itself, rather than the submitting country or region, is credited as the nominee in the International Feature Film category. The director accepts the award on behalf of the film's creative team.

Pawan Sehrawat Named India’s Male Flag-Bearer for Asian Games 2026

In the News: Kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat was named India's male flag-bearer for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, replacing shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor. Toor withdrew from the ceremony after his official ceremonial kit did not reach him in time. Shooter Manu Bhaker was named India's female flag-bearer.

Key Points:

• Change in Male Flag-Bearer: Tajinderpal Singh Toor had originally been chosen to carry India's flag but was unable to attend the opening ceremony because of the delayed ceremonial kit. The Indian Olympic Association subsequently named Pawan Sehrawat as his replacement.
• Pawan Sehrawat and Kabaddi: Sehrawat is one of India's leading kabaddi players and was part of the Indian men's team that won gold at the previous Asian Games. His appointment made kabaddi prominent in India's ceremonial representation at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
• Female Flag-Bearer Manu Bhaker: Shooter Manu Bhaker remained India's female flag-bearer for the opening ceremony. She won two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, becoming one of the prominent members of the Indian contingent.
• Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games: The 20th Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026, over 16 days. The official programme lists 41 sports and participation from 45 Asian countries and regions.
• Asian Games Organisation: The Asian Games are the continent's premier multi-sport competition under the Olympic Council of Asia framework. The 2026 edition follows the Hangzhou Asian Games and marks the 20th edition of the continental event.