Daily Current Affairs- 23rd September 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 23rd September 2026

Cyclone Arnab: IMD Predicts Deep Depression Near Andhra-Odisha

In the News: A deep depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal moved towards the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast on September 23, 2026. IMD indicated that the system would cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, close to Kalingapatnam. Although the name “Arnab” was discussed in reports, the system had not intensified into a cyclonic storm and therefore was not formally assigned the name.

Key Points:

• Landfall Region: The deep depression crossed the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, near Kalingapatnam. The system brought heavy to very heavy rainfall to parts of the coastal region and caused rough to very rough sea conditions.
• Why It Was Not Named ‘Arnab’: Tropical disturbances over the North Indian Ocean are assigned names only after attaining the intensity of a cyclonic storm. Since the system remained at the deep depression stage, the name “Arnab” was not formally used for it.
• Origin of the Name Arnab: “Arnab” was proposed by Bangladesh under the WMO/ESCAP system for naming tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean. Thirteen member countries contribute names that are used sequentially for cyclones developing over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
• Role of IMD: The India Meteorological Department serves as the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean. It monitors cyclonic systems and issues forecasts, warnings and advisories for India and neighbouring countries.
• Cyclone Classification: Cyclonic disturbances are classified as depression, deep depression, cyclonic storm, severe cyclonic storm and higher categories according to sustained wind speeds. A system receives an official cyclone name only after reaching the cyclonic storm category.

FSSAI Acts Against E-Commerce Food Claims

In the News: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India initiated penal action against major e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket and Zepto in September 2026. The action was related to alleged misleading claims, non-compliant product information and the online sale or listing of prohibited or potentially harmful food articles.

Key Points:

• Platforms Covered: FSSAI's enforcement action covered Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket and Zepto. The action was initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and regulations framed under it.
• Issues Flagged: The regulator raised concerns regarding misleading food claims, improper product descriptions and the listing of certain prohibited or poisonous articles. Such violations can attract penalties and other enforcement measures under food-safety laws.
• About FSSAI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Regulatory Mandate: FSSAI regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food products in India. It also sets standards relating to food quality, safety, packaging, labelling and permissible claims.
• Online Food Regulation: Growth in e-commerce and quick-commerce has increased regulatory scrutiny of online food listings. Platforms are expected to ensure that product labels, claims, expiry details and other mandatory information comply with applicable food-safety rules.

Why is the 2023 Election Commissioner appointment law controversial, and why did SC refer it to CJI?

In the News: A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court referred petitions challenging the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 to the Chief Justice of India. The judges differed on whether the matter required consideration by a Constitution Bench but agreed that it should be placed before the CJI.

Key Points:

• Selection Committee Under the 2023 Act: The Act provides for a Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. The President appoints the CEC and Election Commissioners on the committee's recommendation.
• Anoop Baranwal Judgment: In Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India in 2 March 2023, a Constitution Bench prescribed an interim selection mechanism consisting of the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and Chief Justice of India. The arrangement was to continue until Parliament enacted a law.
• Reason for Controversy: The 2023 law replaced the Chief Justice of India in the selection committee with a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. Petitioners argue that this gives the executive greater influence over appointments to the Election Commission.
• Reference to the CJI: The two judges differed on the constitutional issues involved and on whether a larger Bench was necessary. They agreed that the matter should be placed before the Chief Justice of India for appropriate administrative directions regarding the Bench that will hear the case.
• Relevant Constitutional Provisions: Article 324 deals with the superintendence, direction and control of elections by the Election Commission of India. Article 145(3) provides that a minimum of five Supreme Court judges must hear a case involving a substantial question of constitutional interpretation.

Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2027: Gujarat and Darjeeling Railway Make India’s Mark

In the News: Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027 list included two Indian selections. Gujarat featured among the destinations recommended for travel in 2027, while a journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was included among notable travel experiences. The annual selection highlights destinations and experiences from across the world.

Key Points:

• Gujarat's Selection: Gujarat was highlighted for its combination of natural landscapes, cultural heritage and wildlife. Major attractions include the Rann of Kutch, historic cities, traditional crafts, extensive coastline and the Gir landscape associated with Asiatic lions.
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling in West Bengal. Popularly known as the “Toy Train”, it is a narrow-gauge mountain railway noted for loops, zigzags and steep gradients.
• UNESCO Recognition: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. It was later grouped with the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Kalka-Shimla Railway under the collective World Heritage property called the Mountain Railways of India.
• Rann of Kutch: The Rann of Kutch is a vast salt-marsh region in Gujarat and is broadly divided into the Great Rann and Little Rann. The area is known for the Rann Utsav, traditional Kutchi crafts and important wildlife habitats.
• About Best in Travel: Lonely Planet publishes its Best in Travel selections annually to highlight noteworthy destinations and travel experiences for the following year. The list generally focuses on cultural experiences, natural attractions and emerging travel destinations.

US, Denmark and Greenland Sign New Arctic Defense Agreement

In the News: The United States, Denmark and Greenland signed a new Arctic security agreement in September 2026. The agreement supplements the 1951 Defense Agreement concerning Greenland and provides a framework for expanded US defence activities and infrastructure in the strategically important Arctic territory.

Key Points:

• Expansion of US Defence Presence: The agreement provides for modernisation and expansion of US defence-related operations at Pituffik Space Base. It also allows for additional defence facilities in Greenland under arrangements agreed by the parties.
• 1951 Defense Agreement: The 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark established the legal basis for US military activities in Greenland. It was concluded in the context of NATO and Cold War security requirements.
• Pituffik Space Base: Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, is located in northwestern Greenland. It plays an important role in missile warning, space surveillance and Arctic defence operations.
• Greenland's Political Status: Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It exercises extensive domestic autonomy, while Denmark retains responsibility in areas such as foreign affairs and defence, subject to Greenland's growing role in matters directly affecting it.

Partners for Multilateralism Summit and V4+India

In the News: India participated in the inaugural Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity Summit held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2026. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also participated in the first V4+India Foreign Ministers' Meeting during the same UNGA session.

Key Points:

• Partners for Multilateralism: The initiative was launched with countries and regional actors including Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, India and Kenya. It seeks to strengthen multilateral cooperation centred on international law and the United Nations system.
• Major Areas of Cooperation: The initiative covers reform of multilateral institutions, climate change, artificial intelligence, global health, supply chains, digital transformation and international financial architecture.
• About the Visegrad Group: The Visegrad Group, or V4, consists of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. It is a regional cooperation platform among four Central European countries and traces its origins to cooperation initiated in 1991.
• V4+India Meeting: The first V4+India Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in New York during the UN General Assembly session. Discussions focused on strengthening India's engagement with the Visegrad countries in areas including trade, technology, connectivity and international affairs.
• India and Multilateral Platforms: India participates in several multilateral and plurilateral forums such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS and SCO. India has also consistently supported reforms in global institutions to reflect contemporary geopolitical and economic realities.

Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist: Six Novels, Authors and Key Facts

In the News: The Booker Prize 2026 shortlist comprising six novels was announced in September 2026. The six books were selected from a 13-title longlist drawn from 163 submissions. The judging panel for the 2026 edition was chaired by classicist and writer Mary Beard.

Key Points:

• Shortlisted Novels: The six shortlisted titles are The End of Everything by M. John Harrison, The Disappearers by Marlon James, Black Bag by Luke Kennard, May We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry, The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout and John of John by Douglas Stuart.
• Former Booker Winners: Marlon James previously won the Booker Prize in 2015 for A Brief History of Seven Killings. Douglas Stuart won the 2020 Booker Prize for his debut novel Shuggie Bain.
• Judging Panel: Mary Beard chairs the 2026 judging panel. Other members include Raymond Antrobus, Jarvis Cocker, Rebecca Liu and Patricia Lockwood, representing backgrounds in literature, poetry, journalism and music.
• Eligibility: The Booker Prize is awarded annually for a work of long-form fiction written in English and published in the United Kingdom and/or Ireland within the specified eligibility period. Authors of any nationality may compete if the publication requirements are satisfied.
• Prize Money: The winner of the Booker Prize receives £50,000. Each shortlisted author also receives recognition and a monetary award, while the winning title typically gains significant international readership and publishing attention.