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September 18th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – September 18th

Table of Contents

U.S. Clears Russia Sanctions Bill

The U.S. Congress has cleared the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026”, a major sanctions package aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia over the Ukraine war. The U.S. House passed it 262–159 on September 16, 2026, after the Senate had approved it in August. It now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.

What does the Bill seek to do?

The legislation seeks to restrict Russia’s ability to earn revenue from energy and finance its war effort.

Key provisions include:

    • Sanctions on Russian banks and officials
    • Targeting Russia’s energy sector
    • Measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet” — tankers used to circumvent existing sanctions.
    • It gives the U.S. President authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that are among the largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas.
    • The legislation also contains provisions concerning Iran-related sanctions.

Why is India particularly important?

India is among the major buyers of Russian crude oil. The bill therefore has implications for India–U.S. relations and India’s energy security.

If implemented, the President could impose additional tariffs on major purchasers of Russian energy. Current reporting identifies India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan among the major purchasers covered by the provision.

India has stated that it will protect its energy security and economic interests, while monitoring further developments.

Why does India buy Russian oil?

Russia became an increasingly important source of crude oil for India after the Russia–Ukraine war because Russian crude was available at competitive prices amid Western sanctions.

For India, Russian oil helps:

  • Diversify crude-oil suppliers
  • Maintain energy availability
  • Manage the country’s large import dependence
  • Reduce pressure on the domestic economy from high international oil prices

However, greater dependence on Russian energy also creates geopolitical and sanctions-related risks.

UPSC Significance

  1. Energy Security
    India imports a large proportion of its crude oil requirements. Any disruption or restriction on Russian supplies can affect India’s energy security.
  2. Strategic Autonomy
    India has traditionally followed an independent foreign-policy approach and seeks to maintain relations with Russia, the U.S. and other major powers simultaneously.
  3. Secondary Sanctions
    The issue illustrates the concept of secondary sanctions—pressure on third countries for continuing economic relations with a sanctioned country.
  4. Global Energy Market
    Sanctions on a major energy producer can affect:
  • Global crude-oil prices
  • Shipping and insurance
  • Supply chains
  • Inflation
  • Energy security of importing countries
  1. India–U.S. Relations
    The issue creates a potential tension between:
  • India’s energy-security requirements, and
  • U.S. efforts to economically pressure Russia.

Important Terms for Prelims

Term

Meaning

Sanctions

Economic/diplomatic restrictions imposed to influence a country’s behaviour

Secondary sanctions

Penalties imposed on third-country entities for dealings with a sanctioned country

Shadow Fleet

Vessels used to transport sanctioned commodities while attempting to evade restrictions

Energy Security

Reliable, affordable and uninterrupted access to energy

Economic Sanctions

Restrictions on trade, finance, investment or assets to exert economic pressure

 

Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP)

Why is this in the news?

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is again in the news because of growing tensions between authorities and sections of local communities over survey, drilling and Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) activities for the proposed mega hydropower project. Recent reports indicate opposition from indigenous communities over concerns relating to land, livelihoods, ecology and displacement.

At the same time, some villages have formally supported the PFR process. For example, 245 of 257 households in Komkar village supported preparation of the PFR, showing that local responses are not uniform.

What is the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project?

The SUMP is a proposed mega hydropower and multipurpose project on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh.

  • Location: Siang and Upper Siang regions of Arunachal Pradesh
  • River: Siang
  • Proposed capacity: Around 11,000 MW in current government/project references
  • Stage: Pre-feasibility/investigation stage, not an operational dam
  • Multipurpose objectives: Hydropower generation, flood moderation and broader water-resource management.

The project has been discussed as a project of national importance, while its implementation has faced local opposition and delays.

Why is the Siang River important?

The Siang is the name of the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh.

The river system can be understood as:

Yarlung Tsangpo — Tibet → Siang — Arunachal Pradesh → joins Dibang & Lohit → Brahmaputra — Assam

Therefore, the Siang is important not only for Arunachal Pradesh but also for downstream Assam and India’s broader water security

Strategic significance

The project has an important geopolitical dimension because of China’s large hydropower plans on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet.

China is constructing a massive hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo. India is concerned about the possible implications of upstream infrastructure for downstream water flows, floods and strategic security.

Thus, SUMP is viewed by the government as having significance beyond electricity generation.

Strategic objectives

  • Strengthen India’s presence and infrastructure in the eastern Himalayas.
  • Increase hydropower generation.
  • Improve regional water management.
  • Provide a degree of downstream flood moderation.
  • Address concerns arising from upstream interventions in the transboundary river system.

Why are local communities concerned?

The Siang region is home to indigenous communities, particularly the Adi people.

Opposition to the project has focused on:

Land and displacement

A large reservoir could affect villages, agricultural land and settlements.

Livelihoods

Local communities depend on agriculture, forests and river-related resources.

Biodiversity

Large dams can alter:

  • Forest ecosystems
  • Aquatic biodiversity
  • Fish migration
  • Riverine habitats

Cultural concerns

For indigenous communities, ancestral land can have social, cultural and spiritual significance that cannot be addressed only through monetary compensation.

Seismic vulnerability

The eastern Himalayas are a tectonically active region, making seismic and geological assessment particularly important for a mega-dam.

These concerns have led to protests and demands for greater consultation and independent assessment.

Why is a Pre-Feasibility Report important?

The Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) is an early-stage assessment.

It helps determine whether a proposed project is technically, economically and environmentally viable enough to proceed to more detailed investigation.

For SUMP, PFR-related activities include investigations such as:

  • Geological studies
  • Hydrological assessment
  • Surveying
  • Drilling
  • Assessment of project-area conditions

Important: Consent for PFR activities does not automatically mean consent for construction of the dam. This distinction is important for UPSC. The government has stated that the project remains at the preliminary investigation stage and that environmental clearance would be required before construction.

Development vs Environment Debate

SUMP represents a classic UPSC dilemma:

Energy & strategic security
⬇️
Hydropower + flood management + water security

vs.

Environmental & social concerns
⬇️
Displacement + biodiversity loss + seismic risk + indigenous rights

The issue therefore requires a balanced approach rather than viewing hydropower only as an energy project.

Way Forward

For a project of this scale, the following are important:

  • Transparent Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Detailed seismic and geological studies
  • Assessment of cumulative impacts of multiple dams in the Brahmaputra basin
  • Protection of ecological flows
  • Meaningful consultation with affected communities
  • Proper Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R)
  • Protection of indigenous cultural heritage
  • Independent assessment of dam-break and extreme-flood risks
  • Continuous monitoring of downstream impacts

The Union government has stated that environmental clearance would require detailed assessment of flora, fauna, socioeconomic conditions and other environmental parameters, while affected people would be compensated under the applicable rehabilitation framework.

New Fault Lines: Manipur’s Kuki-Zo–Naga Conflict

Why in News?

The editorial “New fault lines” examines the emergence of a new area of ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities in Manipur. This comes against the background of the continuing political and social divisions created by the Meitei–Kuki-Zo conflict that began in May 2023.

The important point for UPSC is that Manipur’s conflict is no longer only a Meitei–Kuki-Zo issue. Fresh tensions between Naga and Kuki-Zo groups have emerged in several hill districts.

Background: Manipur Conflict

The major ethnic conflict began in May 2023, primarily involving:

  • Meitei community – concentrated mainly in the Imphal Valley.
  • Kuki-Zo tribal communities – concentrated largely in the hill areas.
  • Naga communities – another major tribal population, particularly in the hill districts.

The 2023 conflict resulted in deaths, displacement and disruption of normal administration.

The editorial notes that there have been some tentative efforts towards political normalisation between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. For example, two Kuki-Zo MLAs attended the Manipur Assembly session on September 2, 2026, after a prolonged boycott.

What is the "new fault line"?

A fault line in political and social terminology refers to a deep division within society that can become a source of conflict.

In this case, the new fault line is:

Kuki-Zo ↔ Naga communities

According to the editorial, violence that began with localised disputes has spread across hill districts.

By July 2026, the reported casualties included:

  • 15 Kuki-Zo people
  • 11 Nagas
  • 3 security personnel
  • 1 truck driver

Further deaths were reported subsequently. Houses have also been burnt and people displaced.

Why are Naga–Kuki-Zo tensions significant?

  1. Competition over the hills

Both communities have strong connections with the hill regions of Manipur.

Issues include:

  • Control over territory
  • Traditional/customary land
  • Village boundaries
  • Administrative control
  • Community-based political claims

This makes land and territorial questions particularly sensitive.

  1. Customary laws

The conflict also involves competing claims regarding whose customary laws and traditional institutions should have authority over particular areas.

This is important because tribal areas often have distinctive customary institutions and land-management practices.

  1. Role of armed groups

The editorial points to the involvement of armed groups claiming to represent different communities.

This can transform local disputes into wider ethnic violence.

  1. Blockades

Community-based blockades have disrupted the movement of:

  • Food
  • Medicines
  • Other essential commodities

Health centres in some hill areas have consequently become dysfunctional.

Link with the Naga–Kuki conflict of the 1990s

The present tensions echo the Naga–Kuki violence of the 1990s.

Therefore, the current situation is not completely new; historical grievances and unresolved questions regarding territory and political authority continue to influence relations between communities.

UPSC linkage:
Historical ethnic conflict → unresolved territorial claims → mobilisation around identity → armed groups → recurring violence.

Humanitarian consequences

Ethnic conflict produces consequences beyond deaths and injuries.

Displacement

People are forced to leave their homes and move into relief camps.

Food and medicine shortages

Blockades can interrupt supply chains.

Healthcare disruption

Conflict-affected hill areas may lose access to functioning health facilities.

Loss of livelihoods

Agriculture, trade and local economic activity are disrupted.

Social polarisation

Communities become increasingly segregated, making reconciliation more difficult.

The editorial also highlights that many people displaced during the 2023 violence continue to live in relief camps.

Governance challenge for the State

The situation creates a difficult governance problem for the Manipur government.

The State has to simultaneously:

  • Maintain law and order
  • Protect civilians irrespective of ethnicity
  • Prevent armed groups from escalating violence
  • Ensure essential supplies
  • Restore healthcare services
  • Facilitate dialogue between communities
  • Address displacement and rehabilitation
  • Rebuild trust in government institutions

A particularly important principle is equal application of law across communities.

The editorial argues for firm action against armed groups and those imposing blockades while ensuring civilian safety irrespective of ethnic identity.

Three-Language Policy: Supreme Court Seeks More Time for Implementation

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to consider deferring the implementation of its mandatory three-language policy for Class 6, giving students and schools more time to prepare. The issue is connected with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 and has raised questions about language choice, educational autonomy and federalism.

What is the Three-Language Formula?

The Three-Language Formula (TLF) is an educational policy framework under which students are expected to learn three languages during school education.

The idea was introduced through the National Policy on Education, 1968 and subsequently modified through later education policies.

The broad objective is to:

  • Promote multilingualism
  • Encourage learning of Indian languages
  • Maintain national integration
  • Develop communication skills
  • Protect India’s linguistic diversity

The exact implementation differs across States and education boards.

What does NEP 2020 say?

The National Education Policy, 2020 promotes multilingual education and recommends that students learn three languages.

An important feature is that:

At least two of the three languages should be native to India.

NEP 2020 also states that no language should be imposed on any State and that students should have flexibility in choosing languages, subject to availability and institutional arrangements.

Therefore, the policy combines:

Multilingual education + Indian-language promotion + flexibility in language choice

What is the current CBSE issue?

The CBSE has aligned its school curriculum with NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023.

Under the revised arrangement:

Class 6 onwards

Students are required to study languages under the revised three-language framework.

Class 9

From the 2026–27 academic year, Class 9 students are required to study:

R1 + R2 + R3

with at least two being native Indian languages.

A foreign language can be chosen as the third language only after two native Indian languages, or as an additional fourth language.

The CBSE has also stated that there would be no Board examination for R3 at Class 10 level, reducing the examination burden on students.

Why did the Supreme Court intervene?

The Supreme Court recently suggested that implementation for Class 6 students could be deferred, citing the need to give schools and students more time for transition.

The CBSE has agreed to consider the suggestion and submit its response.

The concerns include:

  • Availability of teachers
  • Availability of textbooks
  • Infrastructure and logistical preparation
  • Choice of languages
  • Transition difficulties for students

This is therefore not simply a debate about learning languages; it also involves administrative feasibility and educational policy implementation.

Language Policy and Indian Federalism

Education is included in the Concurrent List (List III) of the Seventh Schedule.

Therefore:

Union Government + State Governments

both have legislative and policy roles in education.

However, language is a particularly sensitive issue because India has significant linguistic diversity.

Different States have adopted different approaches.

Example: Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu follows a two-language policy, primarily Tamil and English, rather than the three-language formula.

This has periodically led to disagreements with the Union Government over the implementation of the three-language framework.

The broader issue is therefore connected to cooperative federalism and State autonomy in education.

Public Accounts Committee Pulls Up Railways Over Gaps in Passenger Amenities

Why in News?

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed concern over continuing deficiencies in passenger amenities and sanitation at railway stations.

The issue was examined on the basis of a CAG Report No. 31 of 2026. The audit found that bio-toilets were deficient or non-functional at 491 of the 512 railway stations inspected.

The PAC also noted that similar deficiencies had been highlighted in earlier PAC reports since 2007, raising questions about the implementation of corrective measures by the Railways.

What is the Public Accounts Committee?

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is one of the most important financial committees of Parliament.

Its primary purpose is to examine whether public money authorised by Parliament has been spent properly and according to the intended purpose.

It works closely with the audit findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).

Composition

The PAC consists of:

  • 22 members
  • 15 members from Lok Sabha
  • 7 members from Rajya Sabha
  • Members are elected annually through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
  • A Minister cannot be a member of the PAC.

The present PAC is chaired by K.C. Venugopal.

Relationship between CAG and PAC

This is very important for UPSC Prelims.

Think of the process as:

Government spends public money
↓
CAG audits government expenditure
↓
CAG submits audit reports to Parliament
↓
PAC examines relevant CAG findings
↓
Government departments are asked for explanations
↓
PAC makes recommendations
↓
Government submits Action Taken Reports

Thus:

CAG = Audits
PAC = Parliamentary scrutiny of audit findings

What does the PAC examine?

The PAC examines:

  1. Appropriation Accounts

Whether money was spent for the purpose authorised by Parliament.

  1. Finance Accounts

The annual accounts showing the government’s receipts and expenditure.

  1. CAG Reports

It examines CAG reports relating to:

  • Government expenditure
  • Appropriation
  • Public financial management
  • Cases of financial irregularity
  • Losses caused by administrative failures
  1. Excess expenditure

It can examine cases where expenditure exceeds the amount authorised by Parliament.

  1. Economy and efficiency

The PAC can examine whether public expenditure was conducted with due regard to economy and efficiency.

What did the PAC find in the Railway case?

The recent issue illustrates an important problem of accountability versus implementation.

CAG audit

The CAG examined passenger amenities and sanitation at railway stations.

It found significant deficiencies in bio-toilets, with 491 of 512 inspected stations having deficient or non-functional facilities.

PAC’s concern

The PAC observed that similar deficiencies had been highlighted in earlier reports.

Therefore, the issue is not merely:

“Were deficiencies identified?”

but also:

“Were the recommendations actually implemented?”

This highlights the importance of follow-up mechanisms in parliamentary oversight.

Why is PAC important for Indian democracy?

  1. Legislative control over public finances

The Constitution establishes Parliament’s control over taxation and expenditure.

PAC helps Parliament exercise this control after expenditure has taken place.

  1. Accountability of the executive

The executive is required to explain how public money has been utilised.

  1. Financial discipline

PAC scrutiny can expose:

  • Wasteful expenditure
  • Financial irregularities
  • Delays
  • Poor implementation
  • Lack of compliance with rules
  1. Transparency

Parliamentary scrutiny strengthens transparency in government expenditure.

  1. Institutional check

PAC is an important mechanism through which the legislature scrutinises the executive.

Important limitation of PAC

The PAC is primarily a recommendatory body.

It does not function as a court and cannot itself impose criminal penalties or directly execute its recommendations.

Its effectiveness therefore depends considerably on:

  • Quality of CAG audits
  • Parliamentary scrutiny
  • Government response
  • Action Taken Reports
  • Continued legislative follow-up

The Railway case demonstrates why implementation of PAC recommendations is as important as identifying irregularities.

PAC vs Estimates Committee

Feature

Public Accounts Committee

Estimates Committee

Main focus

Examines expenditure already incurred

Examines estimates of expenditure

CAG reports

Yes

Generally no

Members

22

30

Rajya Sabha members

Yes – 7

No

Ministers

Cannot be members

Cannot be members

Chairperson

Appointed by Lok Sabha Speaker

Appointed by Lok Sabha Speaker

Easy way to remember:

PAC → Past expenditure + CAG

Estimates Committee → Future/estimated expenditure + economy

Constitutional and Parliamentary Basis

The PAC is not a constitutional body.

It is a parliamentary committee constituted under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha.

However, its work is closely connected with constitutional provisions relating to public finance and the CAG under Article 148.

Relevant Articles

  • Article 112 – Annual Financial Statement
  • Article 113 – Demands for Grants
  • Article 114 – Appropriation Bills
  • Article 148 – Comptroller and Auditor General
  • Article 151 – CAG reports to Parliament/State Legislature

 

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