Chandigarh Dispute: 3 States Claim Joint Capital; Himachal Demands 7.19% Share; Heritage Under Pressure

ECI Dissent, SC on National Anthem, AFSPA Extended: Key Polity Updates (Sept 21-27, 2026)

This week's current affairs compilation is a goldmine for UPSC aspirants, covering critical polity developments (ECI internal dissent, SC judgment on re-arrests and singing the national anthem), environmental relaxations (doubling of EIA clearance validity for ports), international diplomacy (Jaishankar at UNGA, Visegrad Group backing India's UNSC bid), and strategic defence exercises (Veer Guardian, Tarang Shakti). Master these for both Prelims facts and Mains analytical depth.

ED Arrests Two Under PMLA in Rs 417 Cr Cyber Fraud Network with 163 FIRs Across 20 States

ED's probe into a Goa digital arrest case uncovers a massive pan-India cyber fraud network involving 330 victims, Rs 417 crore loss, and 163 FIRs across 20 states. The network used shell companies, licensed money changers, and bulk cash deposits to launder proceeds. This is a critical case for understanding PMLA enforcement, cyber crime modus operandi, and money laundering techniques.

Punjab & Haryana HC Directs Regularisation from 2003 Under Article 14 Equality Clause

The Punjab and Haryana High Court reinforced the principle that administrative inaction cannot strip a worker of accrued rights under a valid regularisation policy. The court ordered the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board to regularise a daily-wage employee from 2003, applying Article 14's equality mandate. This judgment is crucial for understanding labour jurisprudence, the concept of 'model employer', and the enforceability of government policies.

Karnataka Cabinet Approves Tulu as Additional Official Language in Two Districts, ₹82 Lakh Annual Allocation

The Karnataka cabinet has approved Tulu as an additional official language for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, allocating ₹82 lakh annually for translation and training. This empowers Tulu speakers to use their language in local administration and meetings, while reigniting the demand to include Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The move follows years of advocacy and two committee reports.

AP High Court Declares Three-Capitals Petitions Infructuous; Amaravati Now Sole Capital Under AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Act 2026

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has deemed all petitions against the proposed three-capitals model as infructuous after Parliament amended the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, making Amaravati the sole capital by law. This ends a long-standing political and legal battle, with implications for state governance and federal structure.

ECI Allocates Symbols Under Symbols Order 1968: TMC Split Triggers Para 15 Dispute Resolution

The Election Commission's power to allocate symbols and resolve intra-party disputes is a core UPSC topic. This article covers the Symbols Order 1968, how symbols are reserved/free, and the recent TMC split case. It also connects to the appointment of ECs (Article 324, 2023 Act, SC split verdict), making it high-yield for both Prelims and Mains.

Parliamentary Panel Demands Meta Apology Over PM Video Removal, Threatens Revocation of Safe Harbour Under IT Act Section 79

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, chaired by Nishikant Dubey, has demanded Meta apologize for erroneously blocking PM Modi's video, or face revocation of safe harbour under Section 79 of the IT Act. Similar action is threatened against Google India for financial frauds. This highlights the government's push to enforce intermediary accountability and the conditional nature of safe harbour immunity.

MoTA Directs States for Jan Sunwai Camps at Adi Sewa Kendras Ahead of Independence Day

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has directed all states to hold 'Jan Sunwai' camps at Adi Sewa Kendras from August 13-15 for doorstep delivery of tribal welfare schemes. This initiative is part of the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, launched in September 2025, aiming to build grassroots tribal leadership. This is a crucial governance push for tribal welfare, linking directly to schemes like PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA.