UPSC Current Affairs — Monday, 14 September 2026

3 UPSC-relevant topics from Indian Express · With MCQs, Mains questions & concept explanations

EnvironmentGovernanceInternational RelationsPolityScience & TechnologySocial Issues

Indian ExpressPolityGovernanceSocial IssuesRelevance 9/10

Uniform Civil Code in all 21 NDA states before 2029: Shah

Highly relevant to UPSC Mains GS-II (Polity and Governance) and GS-III (Social Issues). UCC is a major constitutional and policy issue with implications for federalism, secularism, and social reform - core UPSC topics.

UPSC Relevance

This topic is highly relevant for UPSC GS Paper II (Polity and Governance) and GS Paper I (Society), as it involves constitutional provisions, personal laws, federalism, and social reform.

What You Need to Know

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) proposes a common set of civil laws for all citizens, covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, replacing religion-based personal laws. Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy directs the state to endeavour to secure a UCC.

Why It Matters for UPSC

UCC is central to debates on gender justice, secularism, and national integration, but also raises concerns about minority rights and federalism. For the exam, it tests understanding of constitutional provisions, social reform, and political dynamics.

Background

The UCC has been debated since the Constituent Assembly, with B.R. Ambedkar advocating for it. The Shah Bano case (1985) and subsequent Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act highlighted the issue. Recent state actions like Uttarakhand's UCC (2024) and Law Commission consultations (2018) have renewed focus.

Current Relevance

Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement to implement UCC in all 21 NDA-ruled states before 2029 signals political prioritisation. This could lead to uniform laws across BJP-governed states, impacting personal laws and minority rights, and potentially setting the stage for a national UCC.

Key Points for Revision

•Article 44 of the Constitution directs the state to secure a Uniform Civil Code, but it is a non-justiciable Directive Principle.
•The BJP aims to implement UCC in all 21 NDA-ruled states before 2029, as announced by Home Minister Amit Shah.
•UCC falls under Entry 5 of the Union List and Entry 5 of the Concurrent List, allowing both Parliament and states to legislate.
•Uttarakhand became the first state to implement a UCC in 2024, providing a model for other states.
•The Shah Bano case (1985) and the subsequent Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act 1986 were key turning points in UCC debates.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India: 1. Article 44 of the Constitution directs the State to secure a UCC. 2. The subject of UCC falls under the Union List. 3. Uttarakhand was the first state to implement UCC. Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Article 44 (Statement 1) is a Directive Principle, and Uttarakhand (Statement 3) implemented UCC in 2024. UCC is in the Concurrent List, making Statement 2 wrong.

Q2. Which of the following is NOT a correct description of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

(a) It aims to replace personal laws based on religion.

(b) It is a justiciable Fundamental Right.

(d) It is mentioned in Article 44 of the Constitution.

UCC is a Directive Principle under Article 44 and is not enforceable in courts, unlike Fundamental Rights.

Q3. With reference to the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Supreme Court has directed the government to implement UCC. 2. The Shah Bano case was related to UCC. Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

The Supreme Court has not mandated UCC implementation, but the Shah Bano case highlighted the need for reform in personal laws.

Mains Practice Questions

Discuss the constitutional and political challenges in implementing a Uniform Civil Code in India. (250 words)
Discuss
Evaluate the implications of implementing a Uniform Civil Code on Indian federalism and social harmony. (250 words)
Evaluate

Indian ExpressInternational RelationsScience & TechnologyGovernanceRelevance 8/10

Modi flags 'weaponisation' of tech; Xi announces open-source AI for BRICS

Directly relevant to UPSC Mains GS-II (International Relations) and GS-III (Science & Technology). Covers BRICS cooperation, India-China relations, and technology governance - key topics for civil services examination.

UPSC Relevance

This article maps to UPSC GS Paper II (International Relations - BRICS, India-China) and GS Paper III (Science & Technology - AI governance, weaponisation of technology).

What You Need to Know

BRICS is a grouping of five major emerging economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa—formed in 2009. The 2023 New Delhi Summit highlighted technology governance, with India raising concerns over 'weaponisation' of tech and China proposing open-source AI cooperation.

Why It Matters for UPSC

It matters for global governance, as AI and emerging tech can be used for cyber warfare, surveillance, and disinformation, threatening national security. For India, it is crucial to balance technological sovereignty with international cooperation, especially with China.

Background

BRICS originated from the 2001 Goldman Sachs 'BRIC' acronym and held its first summit in 2009. It has since expanded to include new members in 2024. India has consistently advocated for reformed multilateralism and responsible AI use in international forums.

Current Relevance

At the 2023 BRICS Summit, Modi and Xi articulated divergent visions: India stressed responsible tech use, while China pushed open-source AI. This reflects broader geopolitical competition and India's need to lead in global AI governance, as seen in its G20 presidency priorities.

Key Points for Revision

•BRICS 2023 New Delhi Summit focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.
•PM Modi flagged 'weaponisation of technology' and called for responsible use among BRICS nations.
•Chinese President Xi announced an open-source AI initiative for BRICS, aiming to enhance technological cooperation.
•The summit discussed trade, defence, and development issues, highlighting BRICS' role in global governance.
•India's stance on tech governance aligns with its push for a global framework on AI ethics and cyber security.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the BRICS Summit 2023: 1. The summit was held in New Delhi. 2. China announced an open-source AI initiative for BRICS nations. 3. India raised concerns about the weaponisation of technology. Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

All three statements are correct as the article mentions the summit in New Delhi, Xi's open-source AI announcement, and Modi's concern over weaponisation of technology.

Q2. The term 'open-source AI' refers to:

(a) AI developed exclusively by governments

(b) AI with publicly available source code for collaboration

(d) AI that is free from all regulations

Open-source AI means the source code is made publicly available for use, modification, and distribution, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Q3. Which of the following best describes 'weaponisation of technology' in the context of international relations?

(a) Use of technology for economic development

(b) Deployment of technology for military and coercive purposes

(d) Regulation of technology by international bodies

Weaponisation of technology refers to the use of technological advancements for military or coercive purposes, such as cyberattacks or autonomous weapons, threatening global security.

Mains Practice Questions

Discuss the significance of the BRICS Summit in shaping global technological governance, with reference to the recent New Delhi Summit. (150 words)
Discuss
Evaluate the implications of the weaponisation of technology for India's national security and suggest measures to mitigate the threats. (250 words)
Evaluate

Indian ExpressInternational RelationsEnvironmentRelevance 7/10

India, Germany & a green partnership for the future

Relevant to UPSC Mains GS-II (International Relations) and GS-III (Environment). Covers bilateral cooperation on climate change and sustainable development.

UPSC Relevance

This article maps to UPSC GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Environment & Ecology, Economy) as it deals with India-Germany cooperation on green energy and climate change.

What You Need to Know

India and Germany have a strategic partnership focused on green energy, climate mitigation, and sustainable development. Germany is a key partner in India's renewable energy target of 500 GW by 2030.

Why It Matters for UPSC

Such partnerships help India access technology, finance, and expertise to meet its climate goals and energy security. For UPSC, it exemplifies international cooperation in climate action and India's role in global environmental governance.

Background

Indo-German relations date back to 1951, with a strategic partnership since 2000. The Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force and the International Solar Alliance are key initiatives. Germany's support for India's renewable energy sector has grown, especially after the Paris Agreement.

Current Relevance

Recent Indo-German government consultations have emphasized cooperation on green hydrogen, renewable energy, and climate resilience. This aligns with India's G20 presidency and its push for sustainable development.

Key Points for Revision

•India and Germany have a strategic partnership since 2000, with a focus on green energy and climate change.
•Germany is a key partner in India's target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.
•The Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force was established to promote green hydrogen production and trade.
•Germany has committed to providing climate finance and technology transfer to India under the Paris Agreement.
•India's G20 presidency highlighted the need for international cooperation on climate action, with Germany as a key ally.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to India-Germany cooperation on green energy, consider the following statements: 1. Germany is a partner in India's Green Hydrogen Mission. 2. India and Germany have a strategic partnership since 2000. 3. Germany is a member of the International Solar Alliance. Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Germany is a key partner in India's Green Hydrogen Mission and has a strategic partnership with India since 2000. However, Germany is not a member of the International Solar Alliance, though it collaborates on solar energy.

Q2. The Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force was established to:

(a) Promote green hydrogen production and trade

(b) Develop nuclear energy cooperation

(d) Promote coal-based energy

The Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force aims to promote green hydrogen production, trade, and technology cooperation between the two countries.

Q3. Which of the following is a key feature of India-Germany cooperation on climate change?

(a) Joint development of coal plants

(b) Technology transfer for renewable energy

(d) Reduction of climate finance

Germany supports India through technology transfer and climate finance for renewable energy projects, aligning with global climate goals.

Mains Practice Questions

Discuss the significance of India-Germany cooperation in the field of green energy for India's sustainable development goals. (250 words)
Discuss
Evaluate the role of international partnerships like India-Germany in achieving India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. (250 words)
Evaluate

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