UPSC Current Affairs for 2026-09-24

Use this daily collection to understand why each development matters, then verify time-sensitive facts through the linked sources before adding them to notes.

• ‘Super El Niño’ projected to cause 15,800 additional heat deaths in India, says reportPolity · Climate Impact Lab report projects 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India due to the current 'Super El Niño' between September 2026 and February 2027.
• Mongolian herders enlist new tech against harsher, drier climateEnvironment and Climate Change · Mongolian herders are using a GPS and AI-powered app to cope with climate change and desertification, highlighted during COP17 on desertification.
• Minister in CEC-EC selection panel fails ‘perception test’, says Justice Datta in split verdictPolity · Supreme Court split verdict on referring challenge to 2023 CEC/EC appointment Act to Constitution Bench; Justice Datta criticises inclusion of Cabinet Minister in selection panel.
• India-New Zealand FTA ratified, to come into effect on October 20Economy · India-New Zealand FTA ratified and set to enter into force on October 20, 2026.
• India-EU FTA to be signed on December 16International Trade · India-EU FTA to be signed on December 16, 2026, in Brussels during PM Modi's visit.
• Clamour against Collegium feeble attempt to hide government ‘dereliction and failure’, says Justice DattaPolity · Supreme Court Justice Dipankar Datta's separate opinion in a split verdict on the 2023 CEC/EC appointments law strongly defended the Collegium system against Executive criticism.
• Germany ready to sign ‘forward leaning’ deal with India for submarines: German Ambassador to IndiaSecurity and International Relations · Germany is ready to sign a forward-leaning deal with India for six submarines worth $8 billion, with the inter-governmental agreement in final stages.
• Deep rot: On the Election Commission of India’s functioning during its SIRPolity · investigation reveals internal dissent within ECI over Special Intensive Revision (SIR) deletions and centralised roll changes.
• Trading smart: On the India-New Zealand FTAEconomy · India-New Zealand FTA set to come into force on October 20, granting India 100% duty-free access for exports.