Daily Current Affairs- 20th September 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 20th September 2026

‘Secular, irreligious, or non-religious’: How Constituent Assembly debated UCC

In the News: The Constituent Assembly debate on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has returned to focus after Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on September 13 that the UCC would be implemented in all 21 NDA-ruled states before 2029. Uttarakhand has already implemented a UCC since January 2025, while UCC-related Bills from Assam, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are awaiting Presidential approval.

Key Points:

• Constitutional Position: Article 44 of the Constitution directs the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code throughout India. It forms part of Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). Since DPSPs are non-justiciable, Article 44 cannot be directly enforced by courts but acts as a guiding principle for the State.
• Draft Article 35 and Constituent Assembly Debate: The UCC provision was originally contained in Draft Article 35, which was debated on November 23, 1948. Amendments seeking protection for personal laws were moved by Mohamed Ismail Sahib, Naziruddin Ahmad, Mahboob Ali Baig and Pocker Sahib Bahadur. The Assembly ultimately adopted the provision, which later became Article 44.
• Debate on Secularism: Syed Hussain Imam distinguished a secular State from an anti-religious or irreligious State and described it as essentially “non-religious”. During the debate, he questioned whether a single uniform civil code was both possible and desirable for a country as vast and diverse as India.
• K.M. Munshi’s Argument: K.M. Munshi supported the inclusion of the UCC provision and argued that matters such as inheritance, succession and other social relations need not be treated solely as religious matters. He also emphasised that reform of personal laws was linked to improving the legal and social position of women.
• Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s Position: Dr B.R. Ambedkar observed that India already possessed uniform laws governing many aspects of civil life, while areas such as marriage and succession continued to be governed by different personal laws. He also clarified that a future Parliament could initially make a common civil code voluntary, applying it only to citizens who chose to be governed by it.

Delhi’s Chandni Chowk Town Hall to Become Global Heritage Centre

In the News: The Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have signed an MoU to conserve and redevelop the historic Town Hall complex in Chandni Chowk as a Global Heritage Centre. The project seeks to combine heritage conservation with museums, culture and tourism activities.

Key Points:

• Agencies Involved: The agreement was signed between the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) and the MCD. DTTDC will undertake surveys, structural assessment and preparation of the Detailed Project Report for the redevelopment.
• Heritage Complex: The project covers the Town Hall, Press Building and adjoining Park, spread across nearly 12,180 square metres in the historic Chandni Chowk-Shahjahanabad area. Ownership of the complex will remain with the MCD.
• Historical Background: The Town Hall was constructed during the 1860s and initially housed the Lawrence Institute, including a museum, library and reading room. It later served as the headquarters of Delhi’s municipal administration for more than a century.
• Heritage Status: The Town Hall complex is classified as a Grade-I heritage property. The redevelopment proposes adaptive reuse, under which the historic architectural identity will be retained while introducing museums, cultural spaces and tourism facilities.
• Administrative Arrangement: The initial term of the MoU is 30 years, with provision for extension by another 30 years through mutual agreement. A joint DTTDC-MCD working group will periodically monitor progress of the conservation project.

SLINEX-26: India and Sri Lanka Begin Naval Exercise

In the News: India and Sri Lanka are conducting the 13th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-26 at Visakhapatnam from September 17 to 21, 2026. The exercise comprises a Harbour Phase followed by a Sea Phase and focuses on maritime cooperation and interoperability.

Key Points:

• Participating Ships: The Indian Navy is represented by INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, a Fleet Tanker. The Sri Lanka Navy is represented by SLNS Sindurala.
• Exercise Structure: SLINEX-26 began with a Harbour Phase under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command, followed by a Sea Phase. The harbour component includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits and sharing of operational practices.
• Sea Phase: Activities at sea are designed to improve operational synergy and interoperability between the two navies. Such exercises help personnel practise coordinated maritime operations and strengthen communication between participating units.
• Background of SLINEX: The bilateral exercise was conceptualised in 2005 and has developed into an important platform for maritime engagement between India and Sri Lanka. It promotes mutual understanding and naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
• MAHASAGAR Vision: SLINEX-26 has been linked with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The framework emphasises a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment.

Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony: Time, Venue, Flag-Bearers & Mascot

In the News: The 20th Asian Games formally opened on September 19, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The opening ceremony was held at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, beginning at 6:00 PM JST or 2:30 PM IST.

Key Points:

• Edition and Schedule: Aichi-Nagoya is hosting the 20th Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, 2026. The programme features 43 sports, with athletes from National Olympic Committees across Asia participating.
• Opening Ceremony Venue: The ceremony took place at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, also known as Paloma Mizuho Stadium. It began at 6 PM local time, corresponding to 2:30 PM in India.
• India’s Flag-Bearers: Shooter Manu Bhaker and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat carried the Indian flag at the ceremony. Sehrawat replaced shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who could not participate in the ceremony following an issue involving his official kit.
• Official Mascot: The official mascot is HONOHON, inspired by the athletes’ fiery passion and the Shachihoko, a cultural symbol associated with Aichi-Nagoya. Its name is derived from a Japanese expression connected with a rising flame.
• Slogan and Host History: The Games use the official slogan “IMAGINE ONE ASIA.” Japan previously hosted the Asian Games in Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994, making Aichi-Nagoya another major chapter in the country’s Asian Games history.