Article 46
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Study materialB.R. Ambedkar: Dalit Movement and Constitutional VisionB.R. Ambedkar (1891–1956) was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, a pioneering leader of Dalit rights who challenged caste discrimination through education, political mobilisation, and law, and whose conversion to Buddhism in 1956 sparked a mass movement among untouchable communities. Current affairs40th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development: UN High-Level Meeting at UNGA 81, September 23, 2026A UN High-Level Meeting to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development was held on September 23, 2026, at UN Headquarters, New York, authorised by UNGA Resolutions 79/170 and 80/207. The Declaration — adopted on December 4, 1986, under UNGA Resolution 41/128 — proclaims development as an inalienable human right. Not a single SDG indicator aligned with the Declaration's vision is on track globally, highlighting persistent implementation gaps four decades on. Current affairsIIT Bombay, Sahil Wakode, and the SC/ST Act: Caste Discrimination in Higher Education, Dean Suspended, Crime Branch ProbeSahil Ravindra Wakode, a 22-year-old second-year B.Tech student at IIT Bombay from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, was found dead in his hostel room on 18 September 2026 following allegations of caste-based harassment. IIT Bombay on 21 September suspended the deanship of Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla (Dean of Administrative Affairs). Mumbai Crime Branch registered an FIR under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (abetment of suicide) and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989. The case raises urgent questions about caste discrimination in premier educational institutions. Current affairsPMAY-U 2.0: Original Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban Concludes September 2026, Successor Targets 1 Crore More FamiliesAs the original Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) concludes in September 2026 after completing approximately 1 crore houses in over 11 years, its successor — PMAY-U 2.0, approved by the Union Cabinet on August 9, 2024 — is now in full implementation. The new phase targets 1 crore additional urban families with a total investment of ₹10 lakh crore over five years, prioritising women's homeownership and affordable rental housing. Current affairsNational Teachers' Day 2026: President Murmu Honours 48 Teachers; SRCC Centenary and the Legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli RadhakrishnanSeptember 5, 2026 marks the 138th birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, celebrated as National Teachers' Day across India. President Droupadi Murmu conferred National Teachers' Awards on 48 outstanding school teachers at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi also addressed students at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), which is celebrating its centenary year (est. 1926). Current affairsAISHE 2023-24 Report: India's Higher Education Enrolment Hits Record 4.50 Crore, GPI Favours Women for 7th Year in a RowThe Ministry of Education released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24 report, showing total enrolment reaching a record 4.50 crore students — a 31.5% rise from 3.42 crore in 2014-15. The Gender Parity Index (GPI) stands at 1.08, indicating more women than men in higher education for the 7th consecutive year. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) reached 30. Current affairsPM Jan Dhan Yojana Turns 12: 59.09 Crore Accounts, ₹3.17 Lakh Crore Deposits — India's Financial Inclusion TransformationThe Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched on 28 August 2014, completed 12 years on 28 August 2026 with 59.09 crore active accounts, ₹3.17 lakh crore in deposits, and 78% accounts in rural/semi-urban areas — marking India's most transformative financial inclusion programme that has brought banking access to 55 crore previously unbanked citizens. Current affairsMahatma Ayyankali's 163rd Birth Anniversary: The Social Revolutionary Who Gave Kerala's Dalits the Right to Walk on Public RoadsAugust 28, 2026 marks the 163rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Ayyankali (1863–1941), the pioneering social reformer and Dalit rights leader from Travancore (present-day Kerala) who led mass campaigns for freedom of movement on public roads, access to education for Dalit children, and labour rights for agricultural workers — transforming Kerala's caste-ridden social landscape. Current affairsDelhi Lakshmi Yojana 2026: ₹2,500 Monthly Cash Transfer for Women and the Unconditional Cash Transfer Policy DebateThe Delhi Government approved the Lakshmi Yojana on 28 July 2026, providing ₹2,500 per month to women aged 21–60 from households with annual income up to ₹2.5 lakh. With a budget of ₹5,110 crore in 2026-27, the scheme is expected to benefit over 17 lakh women. It has reignited India's national debate on the fiscal sustainability, design, and empowerment effectiveness of Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) schemes for women. Current affairs12th National Handloom Day 2026: President Honours 22 Weavers at Rashtrapati BhavanIndia observed the 12th National Handloom Day on August 7, 2026, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC) in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu was the Chief Guest and honoured 22 weavers at the national function. The day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement launched on August 7, 1905 at Calcutta Town Hall and recognises the contribution of over 35.22 lakh handloom weavers and allied workers, more than 72% of whom are women.
In previous-year questions
- India's handloom sector employs over 35.22 lakh weavers and allied workers, more than 72% of whom are women. Which Article of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) mandates the State to secure a living wage and decent working conditions for all workers, including cottage industry workers?UPSC · Current Affairs
- Which Constitutional Article, inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, guarantees the Right to Free and Compulsory Education for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years?UPSC · Current Affairs
- As per the AISHE 2023-24 report, India has 17.32 lakh teachers in higher education institutions. Which Article of the Indian Constitution provides for a Directive Principle specifically promoting the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections?UPSC · Current Affairs
- Which Directive Principle of State Policy in the Indian Constitution is cited as the primary constitutional basis for India's advocacy of the Right to Development in international forums, as it mandates the State to promote international peace, foster respect for international law, and encourage settlement of disputes by arbitration?UPSC · Current Affairs