Current Affairs 07 September 2026
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International Current Affairs
Giorgia Meloni Becomes Italy’s Longest Continuously Serving Postwar Prime Minister
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has become the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in Italy’s postwar republican history. On 4 September 2026, her government completed 1,413 consecutive days in office, surpassing the previous single-government longevity record of 1,412 days held by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s second government (2001–2005).
The Prime Minister GiorgiaMeloni assumed office as Prime Minister on 22 October 2022 following the 2022 general election. She is the leader of the Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia) party and became the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Italy.
Polity and Governance
Rajasthan High Court Controversy
Important for Group 1 Mains
Questions of judicial accountability and institutional integrity have come into focus after reports that Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta wrote to the Chief Justice of India raising allegations concerning the administrative functioning of then Acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. The reported allegations included improper case listing, favouritism, maladministration and misuse of administrative authority. Justice Sharma has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as false and baseless; no judicial or disciplinary finding establishing the allegations has been reported.
The controversy also triggered protests by sections of lawyers in Rajasthan. On 31 August 2026, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal of the Chhattisgarh High Court for appointment as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
The episode has renewed debate over the mechanisms available to deal with allegations concerning judges of the higher judiciary. Removal of a Supreme Court judge is governed by Article 124(4), while Article 217(1)(b) applies the removal mechanism to High Court judges. Parliament enacted the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 to regulate the procedure for investigation and proof of misbehaviour or incapacity in removal proceedings.
Another important precedent is K. Veeraswami v. Union of India (1991). The Supreme Court held that no criminal case should be registered against a sitting High Court judge, High Court Chief Justice or Supreme Court judge without consultation with the Chief Justice of India. The judgment sought to balance judicial independence with accountability for alleged criminal misconduct.
Economy
India Completes 10 Years of Flexible Inflation Targeting
India completed 10 years of the Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework in 2026. Under this monetary policy framework, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) seeks to maintain Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation at 4%, with a tolerance band of ±2 percentage points, meaning inflation is intended to remain between 2% and 6%.
The move towards inflation targeting followed the recommendations of the Expert Committee to Revise and Strengthen the Monetary Policy Framework, chaired by Dr. Urjit R. Patel, which submitted its report in 2014. Subsequently, the Government of India and the RBI signed the Monetary Policy Framework Agreement on 20 February 2015, establishing inflation as the key nominal anchor of monetary policy.
The framework received statutory backing in 2016, when the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 was amended through the Finance Act, 2016. On 5 August 2016, the Central Government notified the CPI inflation target at 4% with a tolerance band of 2%–6%. Under Section 45ZA of the RBI Act, the Central Government, in consultation with the RBI, determines the inflation target.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), constituted under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, determines the policy rate required to achieve the inflation target. The repo rate is the RBI’s principal policy rate used to influence borrowing costs, aggregate demand and inflation in the economy.
Inflation targeting is also associated with the New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC), which explains the theoretical relationship between inflation and economic activity. In this framework, stronger output and employment can increase wage pressures and consequently contribute to higher prices, while inflation expectations can also influence current wage- and price-setting behaviour.
Both concepts are used to understand inflation, but they look at inflation from slightly different angles.
| Feature | Traditional Phillips Curve | New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC) |
|---|---|---|
| What does it compare? | Inflation and unemployment | Inflation with economic activity/output gap and expected inflation |
| X-axis | Unemployment rate | Output gap / level of economic activity |
| Y-axis | Inflation rate | Inflation rate |
| What happens when the economy improves? | Unemployment usually falls and inflation may rise. | Output rises above its normal capacity and inflationary pressure may increase. |
| How does the graph normally look? | Downward sloping: lower unemployment is associated with higher inflation. | Upward sloping: a higher output gap is associated with higher inflation. |
| Simple way to understand it | More jobs → lower unemployment → stronger demand/wage pressure → inflation may rise. | Economy produces above normal capacity → demand and cost pressures increase → inflation may rise. |
| Why do people’s expectations matter? | They were not a major part of the original Phillips Curve. | Very important. If people expect prices to rise, workers may demand higher wages and firms may raise prices, which can itself increase inflation. |
| If expected inflation rises | Modern versions of the Phillips Curve may shift upward. | The NKPC can shift upward, meaning inflation may be higher even at the same level of economic activity. |
| What does a flat curve mean? | A large change in unemployment causes only a small change in inflation. | Even a large change in output/economic activity causes only a small change in inflation. |
| What does a steep curve mean? | A small change in unemployment can produce a relatively large change in inflation. | A small change in output can produce a relatively large change in inflation. |
| Why is it important for RBI? | Helps understand the possible short-run trade-off between inflation and unemployment. | Helps explain how interest rates, demand, output and inflation expectations can influence inflation. |
Easy Exam Memory:
Traditional Phillips Curve:
Unemployment ↓ → Inflation ↑
Therefore, it is usually downward sloping.
New Keynesian Phillips Curve:
Output Gap ↑ → Inflation ↑
Therefore, when inflation is plotted against the output gap, it is usually upward sloping.
Most important difference: The NKPC gives a major role to expected future inflation, while the original Phillips Curve mainly focused on the relationship between inflation and unemployment.
Science and Technology
ISRO Successfully Launches GSLV-F17 Carrying EOS-05
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 on 4 September 2026 from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota. GSLV-F17 successfully placed EOS-05 into the intended Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO).
EOS-05 is a state-of-the-art Earth observation spacecraft designed to become India’s first-ever imaging satellite operating from Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO). This capability can enable repeated observation of a broad region from a high-altitude orbit, strengthening India’s Earth-observation capabilities.
GSLV-F17 marked the 19th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). EOS-05 has a payload mass of about 2,367 kg. The launch vehicle initially injected it into Sub-GTO, after which orbit-raising manoeuvres are being conducted to place the satellite in its final geosynchronous orbit.
Key Points for Exams:
- Launch vehicle: GSLV-F17
- EOS-05: Earth Observation Satellite
- Significance: India’s first-ever imaging satellite designed to operate from Geosynchronous Orbit
- A geosynchronous satellite has an orbital period approximately equal to the Earth’s rotational period.
India’s first geothermal wells at Puga Valley in Ladakh
India is expanding its geothermal energy programme under the National Policy on Geothermal Energy, 2025, implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Geothermal energy uses heat stored within the Earth and, unlike solar and wind power, can provide round-the-clock, weather-independent renewable energy.
A major milestone was achieved in July 2026, when the ONGC Energy Centre commissioned India’s first two geothermal wells at Puga Valley in Ladakh. The two wells are about 1,000 metres deep and are being used for reservoir evaluation. They are intended to support the development of India’s first 1 MW demonstration geothermal power project.
According to the Geological Survey of India, 381 hot springs have been mapped and 10 geothermal provinces identified across India.
Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope
Scientists using the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) in Hawaii have captured the highest-resolution observations yet of the Sun’s visible surface, or photosphere. The observations revealed previously unseen tiny whirlpool-like structures along the boundaries of solar granules and magnetic regions. DKIST, operated by the U.S. National Solar Observatory, is located near the summit of Haleakalā on Maui, Hawaii, and has a 4-metre primary mirror, making it the world’s largest solar telescope.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Q1. Giorgia Meloni, who became the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in Italy’s postwar history in 2026, belongs to which political party?
A. Democratic Party
B. Five Star Movement
C. Brothers of Italy
D. Forza Italia
Show Answer
Answer: C. Brothers of Italy
Explanation: Giorgia Meloni is the leader of the Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia) party. She became Italy’s first woman Prime Minister in October 2022 and, in September 2026, became the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in Italy’s postwar history.
Q2. What is the major significance of EOS-05, successfully launched by ISRO aboard GSLV-F17 in September 2026?
A. It is India’s first navigation satellite
B. It is India’s first imaging satellite from Geosynchronous Orbit
C. It is India’s first lunar communication satellite
D. It is India’s first human-rated Earth observation satellite
Show Answer
Answer: B. It is India’s first imaging satellite from Geosynchronous Orbit
Explanation: EOS-05 is a state-of-the-art Earth observation spacecraft designed to become India’s first-ever imaging satellite operating from Geosynchronous Orbit. It was successfully launched aboard GSLV-F17 on 4 September 2026 from Sriharikota.
Q3. India’s first two geothermal wells were commissioned in 2026 at which of the following locations?
A. Tawang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
B. Puga Valley, Ladakh
C. Cambay Basin, Gujarat
D. Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Answer: B. Puga Valley, Ladakh
Explanation: In July 2026, the ONGC Energy Centre commissioned India’s first two geothermal wells at Puga Valley in Ladakh. The wells will support reservoir evaluation and pave the way for India’s first 1 MW demonstration geothermal power project.
Q4. The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope recently provided the first direct observations of which phenomenon in the Sun’s photosphere?
A. Rayleigh scattering
B. Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability
C. Doppler cooling
D. Cherenkov radiation
Show Answer
Answer: B. Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability
Explanation: High-resolution observations from the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope revealed tiny swirling plasma vortices in the Sun’s photosphere. These were identified as Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities, which arise when adjacent layers of fluid or plasma move at different velocities.
Q5. The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the world’s largest solar telescope, is located in which country?
A. Germany
B. Russia
C. United States of America
D. France
Show Answer
Answer: C. United States of America
Explanation: The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope is located near the summit of Haleakalā on Maui, Hawaii, in the United States. It has a 4-metre primary mirror and is the world’s largest solar telescope.
Q6. Which planet in the Solar System is known for its thick clouds composed mainly of sulphuric acid droplets?
A. Mars
B. Venus
C. Jupiter
D. Saturn
Show Answer
Answer: B. Venus
Explanation: Venus is permanently covered by thick clouds composed mainly of sulphuric acid droplets, while its atmosphere is dominated by carbon dioxide. Recent research has shown that certain peptides can remain stable and retain organised structures even in 98% concentrated sulphuric acid. This finding is important for astrobiology because it suggests that complex biological chemistry may be more viable in Venus-like acidic environments than previously assumed.
Q7. In K. Veeraswami v. Union of India (1991), the Supreme Court held that before a criminal case is registered against a sitting judge of the higher judiciary, consultation is required with whom?
A. Union Law Minister
B. Attorney General of India
C. Chief Justice of India
D. President of India
Show Answer
Answer: C. Chief Justice of India
Explanation: In K. Veeraswami v. Union of India (1991), the Supreme Court held that no criminal case should be registered against a High Court judge, High Court Chief Justice or Supreme Court judge without consultation with the Chief Justice of India. The safeguard is intended to protect judicial independence while permitting investigation of genuine allegations of criminal misconduct.
Q8. Who has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court in September 2026?
A. Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma
B. Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal
C. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati
D. Justice Alpesh Yeshvant Kogje
Show Answer
Answer: B. Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal
Explanation: The Central Government cleared the appointment of Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court on 5 September 2026. He was serving in the Chhattisgarh High Court before his appointment. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Q9. Under India’s inflation-targeting framework, the Reserve Bank of India aims to maintain CPI inflation at what level, with a tolerance band of ±2 percentage points?
A. 2%
B. 4%
C. 5%
D. 6%
Show Answer
Answer: B. 4%
Explanation: Under India’s inflation-targeting framework, the RBI targets CPI inflation at 4%, with a tolerance band of 2% to 6%. The RBI primarily uses instruments such as the repo rate to influence aggregate demand and inflation expectations.
Q10. With reference to the New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC), which of the following statements is correct?
A. It relates inflation only to unemployment and ignores inflation expectations.
B. It relates inflation to the output gap/economic activity and gives an important role to expected inflation.
C. It shows that inflation always falls when output increases.
D. It is used only to measure fiscal deficit and public debt.
Show Answer
Answer: B. It relates inflation to the output gap/economic activity and gives an important role to expected inflation.
Explanation: The New Keynesian Phillips Curve explains inflation in relation to the output gap or level of economic activity and expected inflation. When inflation is plotted against the output gap, the NKPC is generally upward sloping: a higher positive output gap is associated with greater inflationary pressure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is a judge of the Supreme Court removed?
A Supreme Court judge in India is removed by an order of the President only after an address passed by both Houses of Parliament with a special majority on the grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity.
Which committee recommended flexible inflation targeting?
Urjit Patel Committee recommended flexible inflation targeting in its report submitted in 2014. Subsequently, on 5 August 2016, the central government notified the CPI inflation target at 4% with a tolerance band of 2% – 6%.
What does the Phillips curve explain?
The Phillips curve explains the inverse relationship between the rates of inflation and unemployment.
What is the new Keynesian Phillips curve?
The New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC) is a macroeconomic equation that links current inflation directly to expected future inflation and the economic output gap.
What is the EOS 05 satellite?
EOS-05 (also known as GISAT-1A) is an advanced Earth observation and geo-imaging satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Disclaimer: This article is prepared for competitive exam preparation using publicly available information.
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