10 Sep 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

Poompuhar

Why in News: Tamil Nadu has launched the third phase of underwater archaeological exploration off the Poompuhar coast.

What is Poompuhar?

• Poompuhar, also known as Kaveripoompattinam, was a prominent ancient port city of Tamil Nadu.

• It is located in Mayiladuthurai district near the point where the Cauvery River meets the Bay of Bengal.

• The Tamil word 'Puhar' refers to the estuary of a river flowing into the sea.

Historical Significance

• Poompuhar served as the capital of the Early Chola rulers for a period.

• It was an important maritime trade centre with links to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and western regions, including Egypt.

• Sangam texts such as Pattinappaalai, Silappadikaram and Manimekalai describe its urban settlements and overseas trade.

Archaeological Findings

• Pottery dating to the 4th century BCE has been found offshore east of Poompuhar.

• Underwater explorations have identified an elliptical structure, a previously known U-shaped structure and other features buried beneath the seabed.

• Earlier studies indicated an ancient harbour, dockyards, human settlements and a lighthouse.

• Remains of an ancient lighthouse have been found at a depth of about 50 metres, including a spiral staircase and causeway pillars.

Quick Recall

• Poompuhar = Kaveripoompattinam.

• Location -> Cauvery estuary, Tamil Nadu.

• Associated with -> Early Cholas and Sangam literature.

• Key role -> ancient maritime trade centre.

• Archaeology -> offshore pottery, harbour-related structures and lighthouse remains.

National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)

Why in News: The Press Information Bureau announced new appointments to the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis on September 6, 2026.

What is NCSK?

• The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis is a non-statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

• It was originally established under the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993.

• It functioned as a statutory body until 2004, when the Act lapsed.

• Since 2004, it has continued as a non-statutory commission, with its tenure extended periodically by the Government.

Why is it Important?

• It is the primary national monitoring body for issues concerning Safai Karamcharis.

• Its work includes tracking sewer and septic tank deaths and reviewing compensation mechanisms.

Present Tenure and Composition

• The Commission's tenure has been extended for three years beyond March 31, 2025, up to March 31, 2028.

• Composition: 1 Chairperson, 1 Vice-Chairperson and 5 Members, including one woman member.

• It also has a Secretary of Joint Secretary rank and supporting staff.

Major Functions

• Monitors implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

• Reviews working conditions, health, safety and welfare measures of Safai Karamcharis.

• Examines implementation of rehabilitation and welfare schemes for their social and economic upliftment.

• Recommends measures and programmes to the Central Government to address inequalities and improve living conditions.

• Investigates grievances and may take suo motu cognisance of non-implementation of welfare schemes, guidelines and rehabilitation measures.

• Submits reports and recommendations to the Central and State Governments.

Quick Recall

• NCSK -> non-statutory body.

• Ministry -> Social Justice and Empowerment.

• Originally statutory -> under 1993 Act until 2004.

• Present tenure -> up to March 31, 2028.

• Key law monitored -> Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

India-China Talks in Arunachal Pradesh

Why in News: India and China held their first-ever Corps Commander-level talks at the Vacha-Damai Border Personnel Meeting Point in Arunachal Pradesh. Such talks had mostly been held at the Chushul-Moldo Border Meeting Point in Ladakh.

Vacha-Damai BPM Point

• A Border Personnel Meeting Point is a place where military commanders from both countries meet face-to-face.

• It helps de-escalate tensions directly without routing every issue through formal diplomatic channels.

• The Vacha-Damai, or Wacha-Damai, BPM Point is located at Kibithoo in Arunachal Pradesh.

• It is considered India's easternmost BPM Point.

McMahon Line vs LAC

• India treats the McMahon Line as the legal international boundary in the Eastern Sector between Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh.

• The McMahon Line was drawn at the Simla Convention of 1914 between British India and Tibet.

• It is named after Sir Henry McMahon, then Foreign Secretary of British India.

• The Line of Actual Control is the line separating areas actually controlled by India and China on the ground.

• The LAC is not a boundary formally agreed to by both sides.

• It extends across the Western, Middle and Eastern sectors.

Quick Recall

• Vacha-Damai BPM Point -> Kibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh.

• BPM -> direct military-level mechanism for de-escalation.

• McMahon Line -> Simla Convention, 1914.

• LAC -> actual control on the ground; not a mutually agreed boundary.

• LAC spans -> Western, Middle and Eastern sectors.