Daily Current Affairs 29 September 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 29 September 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

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India’s Role In The US-China AI Race And AI Governance

Source: Indian Express
GS II: International Relations, Bilateral Relations, Global Groupings and Agreements, GS III: Science and Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Indigenization of Technology, National Security

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Why in the News?

The growing competition between the United States and China in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in advanced AI models, semiconductors and technological standards, has raised concerns about India’s technological dependence and strategic autonomy.

News in Brief

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• The US and China have initiated discussions on AI-related risks, focusing on advanced AI systems and their national security implications.
• The dialogue seeks to establish communication channels for reporting AI incidents and addressing potential security threats.
• Differences persist over the scope of AI safety, with the US emphasizing frontier AI risks and China advocating broader technological cooperation.
• The developments highlight India’s need to balance international AI partnerships with domestic technological development and independent policymaking.

Key Highlights

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US-China AI Competition: From Cooperation to Strategic Rivalry

• The US and China are competing to establish technological leadership in AI, with implications for economic growth, military security and global influence.
  • In September 2026, the two countries initiated discussions on AI following concerns over incidents involving advanced AI systems in American laboratories.
  • Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s call to “pace the frontier” brought AI safety into the international policy debate.
  • The US–China dialogue on AI risks provides a channel for discussing incidents, sharing information and preventing misunderstandings.
  • The framework was laid in New York on September 20, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng leading the first round of AI discussions within their trade mechanism.
  • Washington proposed a channel to notify incidents with national security consequences, although the two countries differ on what should be covered.
• The central disagreement is whether AI governance should focus on advanced or super intelligent AI systems or on artificial intelligence more broadly.

Divergent Approaches of the United States and China

United States

• The US approach emphasizes frontier AI safety, national security and restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductor technologies.
• The Trump administration has focused on maintaining American technological leadership and preventing sensitive AI capabilities from reaching strategic competitors.
• Washington seeks to protect its AI ecosystem through export controls, technological partnerships and coordination with trusted countries.

China

• China considers AI a central component of its technological development and strategic competition with the United States.
• President Xi Jinping has called for countries to build on their respective strengths rather than engage in confrontation.
• China is promoting open-source AI models and broader technological cooperation through platforms such as BRICS.
• Chinese AI developers are expanding their presence globally, with countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Brazil adopting Chinese models or related technologies.

The competition is not limited to developing more powerful AI models. It also involves control over chips, computing infrastructure, datasets, technological standards and access to global markets.

AI Governance and National Security Concerns

• AI systems are increasingly relevant to military operations, critical infrastructure, intelligence and national security.
  • Advanced AI systems can create risks when deployed without adequate human oversight, particularly in military and nuclear decision-making.
  • In November 2024, US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed the need to maintain human control over decisions concerning the use of nuclear weapons.
  • However, the understanding was not formalized into a treaty, and the September 2026 discussions did not establish a common framework covering all AI-related risks.
  • The two countries also differ on the scope of AI safety, the regulation of advanced models and the extent of government oversight.
• AI governance therefore requires international communication, appropriate safeguards and clearly defined human accountability, particularly where automated systems may affect national security.

India’s Position in the US-China AI Race

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• India must navigate the competition without becoming dependent on either country’s technological ecosystem.
• Its long-term position will depend on building domestic capabilities and maintaining the ability to make independent technological choices.

Three Major Concerns for India

• AI Governance and strategic security
  • India needs a governance framework that allows technological innovation while protecting national security and public interests.
  • Rules governing frontier AI may be influenced by the US and China, which possess significant technological capabilities.
  • India must ensure that its AI policies reflect domestic priorities and are not determined entirely by the standards of competing powers.
  • Nuclear command and control, military applications and critical infrastructure require strict safeguards and meaningful human oversight.
• Competing technological ecosystems
  • The global AI ecosystems is increasingly divided between competing technological standards and supply chains.
  • The US expects trusted partners to maintain a technological ecosystem that is less dependent on China.
  • China is promoting its own AI models, open-source platforms and international cooperation through BRICS and other forums.
  • India must avoid becoming locked into a single technological ecosystem and preserve access to multiple sources of technology.
  • The proposed open-source AI community within BRICS, discussed at the summit in Rio, reflects China’s effort to promote cooperation through alternative platforms.
  • India must assess such initiatives according to its technological and strategic interests.
• Dependence on foreign AI technology
  • India’s reliance on imported semiconductors, computing infrastructure and advanced AI models creates vulnerabilities.
  • Dependence on foreign technology can expose India to export restrictions, supply-chain disruptions and sudden changes in access.
  • The withdrawal of access to advanced American AI models or computing resources could affect domestic research and innovation.
  • Reliance on imported systems may also create concerns regarding data security, technological sovereignty and control over critical infrastructure.
  • India needs to develop indigenous capabilities while continuing to benefit from international cooperation and technological partnerships.

Way Forward: Building India’s AI capabilities

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India’s response should focus on five interrelated priorities.

• Welcome US-China AI cooperation while protecting India’s interests
  • India should support practical cooperation between the US and China on AI safety and risk reduction.
  • Encourage mechanisms for incident notification, information sharing and crisis communication.
  • Ensure that AI governance discussions include emerging economies and reflect the concerns of countries outside the two major technological powers.
  • Seek inclusive international arrangements rather than allowing AI standards to be shaped exclusively by the US and China.
• Establish human-centred AI governance
  • India should develop a governance framework that balances innovation, public welfare and security.
  • Maintain meaningful human oversight over AI applications in nuclear command, military operations and other high-risk areas.
  • Require appropriate safety testing, risk assessment and accountability for frontier AI systems.
  • Adopt a risk-based approach that distinguishes high-risk applications from routine and low-risk uses of AI.
  • The objective should be to ensure that technological advancement remains consistent with human control, constitutional values and national security.
• Building domestic computing and semiconductor capabilities
  • India should reduce excessive dependence on foreign technological infrastructure.
  • Expand domestic computing capacity, semiconductor manufacturing and access to advanced chips.
  • Strengthen indigenous AI models, datasets, research facilities and supporting digital infrastructure.
  • Invest in skilled human resources, research and development, and collaboration between academic institutions, startups and industry.
  • Domestic capability will allow India to negotiate international partnerships from a position of greater technological independence.
• Diversify technology partnerships
  • India should maintain cooperation with different countries while avoiding excessive dependence on any single supplier.
  • Continue mutually beneficial technology partnerships with the United States and other trusted partners.
  • Evaluate access to Chinese AI models and technologies based on security, data protection and national interests.
  • Develop alternative sources of computing, chips, software and AI applications to reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities.
  • The focus should be on securing reliable access to technology while retaining the ability to switch suppliers and systems when required.
• Promote an independent and inclusive AI framework
  • India should use platforms such as BRICS and multilateral institutions to contribute to global AI governance.
  • Support open, inclusive and technology-neutral standards that enable developing countries to participate in AI development.
  • Promote cooperation in AI research, capacity-building, digital infrastructure and safe technological innovation.
  • Advocate equitable access to AI resources and greater participation of the Global South in setting international standards.
  • India’s approach should combine technological self-reliance with international engagement, rather than treating the two as competing objectives.

Conclusion

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India’s approach to the US-China AI race must combine technological self-reliance with international cooperation. Strengthening indigenous AI capabilities, ensuring responsible governance and diversifying technology partnerships will be essential to safeguarding strategic autonomy and advancing India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

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With reference to Artificial Intelligence and India’s technological autonomy, consider the following statements:

1. Strategic autonomy in AI requires a country to completely discontinue all foreign technological partnerships.
2. Frontier AI systems can raise concerns relating to national security, critical infrastructure and human oversight.
3. Semiconductor manufacturing and domestic computing infrastructure can contribute to technological sovereignty.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) Examine the implications of the US-China competition in Artificial Intelligence for India’s strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty. Discuss the measures required to strengthen India’s indigenous AI capabilities and ensure national security. (250 words)

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Reforming Agricultural Policies To Improve Farmer’s Income And Sustainability In India

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Agriculture, MSP, Agricultural marketing, Farm subsidies, Cropping Patters, Irrigation, Climate Change and Effects of Liberalization on the Indian Economy

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Why in the News?

The need to revisit agricultural policies, particularly the recommendations of the National Commission on Farmers (NCF), has gained attention in the context of farmers’ income security, rising input costs, climate risks and uneven access to Minimum Support Price (MSP).

News in Brief

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• Agriculture remains a major source of rural employment, making improvements in farm productivity and income essential for inclusive economic growth.
• The Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations continue to shape debates on remunerative agricultural pricing and farmers’ income security.
• Regional disparities in cultivation costs, market access and procurement influence the returns farmers receive from  agricultural activities.
• Balancing agricultural growth with environmental sustainability and market competitiveness remains central to long-term farm sector development.

The Structural Challenge

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• Indian agriculture faces a fundamental imbalance between its contribution to national income and the number of people dependent on it.
• Agriculture’s relatively low share in GDP, despite employing a large workforce, reflects low labour productivity and disguised unemployment.
• Small and fragmented landholdings restrict economies of scale, mechanization, technology adoption and crop diversification.
• Around 86% of operational holdings are below two hectares, limiting farmers’ ability to absorb market and climatic shocks.
• This makes improving agricultural productivity and creating alternative rural employment essential for reducing agrarian distress.

Minimum Support Price and the Swaminathan Commission

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Background and Evolution

• The National Commission on Farmers, chaired by Professor M.S. Swaminathan, recommended in 2006 that MSP should be at least 50% above the weighted average cost of production.
• The recommendation is commonly associated with the demand for C2+50% MSP.

• The distinction between these cost concepts is important because the MSP margin changes depending on the cost used as the base.
• The Union Budget 2018–19 announced the principle of fixing MSP at 1.5 times the cost of production. However, the cost base used for the 50% margin was A2+FL, rather than the comprehensive C2 cost.
• For example, the 2018–19 paddy MSP was ₹1,750 per quintal. Using C2 as the base, the corresponding MSP with a 50% margin would have been approximately ₹2,340 per quintal.
• Thus, the announcement of a 50% return over production cost and the demand for C2+50% are not identical.

Unequal Benefits of MSP Across States

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• A single national MSP does not translate into equal returns for farmers across India.
  • Production costs differ across states due to variations in land prices, irrigation facilities, labour costs and agricultural practices.
  • Farmers in states with relatively high procurement and lower production costs may receive greater benefits.
  • Farmers in high-cost and rainfed regions may struggle to recover even their cultivation expenses at the announced MSP.
• The national average does not adequately reflect the economic positions of farmers in different regions.
• A state-wise assessment of production costs and farm returns is necessary to understand the actual effectiveness of MSP.

Procurement and the limitations of MSP

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• The effectiveness of MSP depends not only on the price announced but also on the availability of government procurement.
  • Procurement of wheat and paddy remains concentrated in a limited number of states.
  • Farmers in regions with inadequate procurement facilities often sell their produce to private traders at prices below MSP.
  • Small farmers face additional difficulties due to inadequate storage, transportation, credit and bargaining power.
• The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has identified the inability of farmers to sell their produce at MSP as an important concern.
• Therefore, increasing MSP alone may not improve farm incomes unless procurement mechanisms, market infrastructure and access to institutional buyers are strengthened.

Environmental Sustainability and Cropping Patterns

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• Agricultural pricing policies also influence cropping patterns and the use of natural resources.
  • Assured procurement and remunerative prices for water-intensive crops such as paddy and wheat can encourage their continued cultivation in regions facing groundwater stress.
  • Excessive groundwater extraction has contributed to declining water tables in several agricultural regions.
  • Around half of India’s cultivated land is rain-dependent, making farmers vulnerable to irregular monsoons, droughts and floods.
• A sustainable agricultural policy must encourage crop diversification, efficient irrigation and climate-resilient farming practices.

Agricultural Trade and Global Market Integration

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• Greater integration with global agricultural markets can create opportunities for Indian farmers, particularly through exports and access to wider markets.
• However, global integration also exposes farmers to,
  • Fluctuations in international commodity prices.
  • Competition from imported agricultural products.
  • Changes in global demand and trade policies.
  • Price volatility arising from international supply disruptions.
• Trade reforms must therefore be accompanied by suitable safeguards, improved agricultural infrastructure, quality standards and access to export markets.
• The objective should be to enable farmers to benefit from global opportunities without increasing their vulnerability to external shocks.

Challenges in Addressing Agrarian Distress

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• Indian agriculture continues to face several challenges that affect farmers’ income and livelihood security.
• Small and fragmented landholdings limit mechanization, investment and economies of scale, while rising input costs reduce profit margins.
• The benefits of MSP remain uneven due to the concentration of procurement in certain states and limited access to assured markets.
• Farmers in rainfed regions are particularly vulnerable to erratic rainfall, droughts and floods, while excessive groundwater extraction threatens long-term agricultural sustainability.
• In addition, price fluctuations, inadequate storage and limited bargaining power often force farmers to sell their produce at lower prices.
• Addressing these issues requires better market infrastructure, region-specific policies, sustainable farming practices and diversified rural livelihoods.

Way forward and Conclusion

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Agricultural reforms should focus on remunerative prices, wider procurement, better market access, crop diversification and climate-resilient farming to improve farmers’ income and reduce regional disparities.

A shift towards sustainable and inclusive agriculture, supported by better infrastructure and livelihood diversification, is essential for ensuring farmers’ income security and long-term agricultural growth.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

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With reference to the National Commission on Farmers and agricultural pricing in India, consider the following statements:

1. The National Commission on Farmers was chaired by M.S. Swaminathan.
2. The C2 cost of cultivation includes imputed rent on owned land and interest on owned fixed capital.
3. The National Policy for Farmers, 2007 incorporated the recommendation of fixing MSP at 50% above C2 cost.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) Examine the limitations of the Minimum Support Price mechanism in ensuring remunerative incomes for Indian Farmers. Discuss the measures required to make agricultural pricing and procurement more inclusive and sustainable. (250 words)

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Deep Depression And Western Disturbance

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Geography- Climatology, GS III: Disaster Management

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Why in the News?

Uttar Pradesh experienced intense rainfall over a three-day period due to the likely interaction between a deep depression over central India and a Western Disturbance (WD), resulting in flooding, damage to houses and casualties across several districts.

News in Brief

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• Uttar Pradesh received 66.5 mm of rainfall against the normal 7.6 mm during the period, while 56 of the state’s 75 districts recorded excess rainfall.
• The intense rainfall led to at least 62 deaths, 46 injuries and damage to over 1,000 houses.
• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the interaction between a deep depression and a Western Disturbance intensified rainfall over parts of Uttar Pradesh.
• The southwest monsoon continued to withdraw across northwestern India even as these weather systems brought heavy to very heavy rainfall to the region.

Depp Depression and Its Role

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• A deep depression is an intensified low-pressure weather system that can produce widespread rainfall, strong winds and flooding.
• The deep depression originated over the Bay of Bengal and crossed the North Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coast before weakening.
• It moved inland and became centered over parts of north-eastern Madhya Pradesh and south-eastern Uttar Pradesh.
• The system drew warm, moisture-laden air towards its centre, where the air rose, cooled and condensed, resulting in cloud formation and rainfall.

Mechanism of rainfall:

• Localized heating creates a low-pressure area as warm air rises.
• Moist air moves towards the low-pressure centre from surrounding regions.
• The incoming air rises, cools and condenses to form clouds and precipitation.
• As the depression weakens, wind speeds and rainfall intensity generally decline.

According to the IMD, the depression moved northwestwards on Sunday and weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area. It was expected to continue moving in the same direction across Uttar Pradesh.

Role of the Western Disturbance

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A Western Disturbance is an extra-tropical weather system that originates beyond the Indian subcontinent and moves eastwards towards India.

Origin and Movement

• Western Disturbances generally originate over the Mediterranean Sea and adjoining regions, including the Black Sea and Caspian Sea.
• They are eastward-moving, rain-bearing weather systems associated with low-pressure areas and interactions between polar and tropical air masses.
• They travel towards north-western India under the influence of the subtropical westerly jet stream.

Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream

• The subtropical westerly jet stream is a high-altitude, fast-moving air current flowing from west to east in the upper atmosphere.
• It carries Western Disturbances towards the Himalayan and Tibetan highlands.
• As moisture-laden Western Disturbances interact with the Himalayas, they produce cloudy weather, rainfall, thunderstorms and, in higher elevations, snowfall.
• Their influence is particularly significant over north and north-western India.

The IMD identified the presence of a Western Disturbance high in the atmosphere as a trough, or an elongated zone of relatively low pressure, over north-western India.

Interaction Between the Two Weather Systems

• The simultaneous presence of the deep depression and the Western Disturbance created conditions for intense rainfall over Uttar Pradesh.
• The deep depression transported moisture and generated widespread rainfall over central and northern India.
• The Western Disturbance contributed additional atmospheric instability and supported the development of strong convective activity.
• Their interaction was associated with strong gusty surface winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas.
• As the depression weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area, the overall rainfall intensity was expected to decline.

The episode demonstrates that rainfall intensity depends not only on an individual weather system but also on the interaction of multiple systems, moisture availability and atmospheric circulation.

Significance and Implications

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• Disaster management- Heavy rainfall over a short period can overwhelm drainage systems, cause urban flooding and disrupt transport and essential services.
• Agriculture– Excess rainfall may damage standing crops, cause waterlogging and affect harvesting activities.
• Climate and weather forecasting- Interactions between tropical and extra-tropical systems complicate rainfall prediction and require continuous meteorological monitoring.
• Monsoon variability- Heavy rainfall during the withdrawal phase highlights that the retreat of the southwest monsoon does not necessarily mean an immediate end to rainfall.

Way Forward and Conclusion

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Strengthening IMD forecasting and early warning systems, improving urban drainage and flood management, and promoting climate-resilient agriculture are essential to minimize the impact of extreme rainfall.

An integrated approach combining accurate weather prediction, disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure is crucial to protect lives, livelihoods and agricultural productivity.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

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With reference to Western Disturbances, consider the following statements:

1. They are extra-tropical weather systems that generally originate over the Mediterranean region and adjoining areas.
2. They move towards India under the influence of the subtropical westerly jet stream.
3. They are responsible for the southwest monsoon rainfall over the entire Indian subcontinent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.

Mains Practice Question

Q) Explain how the interaction between tropical depressions and Western Disturbance can intensify rainfall over northern India. Discuss the challenges associated with forecasting and managing such extreme weather events. (150 words)

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