Weekly Current Affairs: September 28 – October 4, 2026 — UPSC Turns 100, Rabi MSP 2027–28 (Wheat ₹2,610), Green Energy Corridor-III, GST at ₹2.04 Lakh Crore, India 38th in GII 2026 & 85 Medals at the Asian Games
Your verified, exam-ready digest for the week
📌Key Points at a Glance
- 1PM Narendra Modi addressed the UPSC Centenary Celebrations at Bharat Mandapam on October 1, releasing a commemorative coin, a postage stamp and a book of 100 landmark judgements. The Public Service Commission was set up on October 1, 1926.
- 2The CCEA approved rabi MSPs for 2027–28 on September 30: wheat ₹2,610 per quintal (up ₹25), rapeseed and mustard ₹6,613, lentil ₹7,390, gram ₹5,958, barley ₹2,286 and safflower ₹7,215 (up ₹675, the highest increase).
- 3The Cabinet approved Green Energy Corridor Phase-III with an outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore (central assistance ₹54,082 crore) to evacuate up to 135 GW of renewable energy and add 50 GWh of battery storage by 2032–33.
- 4The CCEA cleared a ₹1,789.52 crore Intelligent Traffic Management System for Delhi covering 42 corridors, to be executed by Delhi Police.
- 5Gross GST collections for September rose 14.7% to ₹2,03,521 crore; net collections were ₹1,76,520 crore. IIP grew 8.0% in August, with manufacturing up 9.0%.
- 6Small savings rates were kept unchanged for October–December 2026: PPF 7.1%, Sukanya Samriddhi 8.2%, NSC 7.7%.
- 7An RBI committee chaired by I.S.N. Prasad recommended raising the aggregate Ways and Means Advances limit for states from ₹61,008 crore to ₹67,839 crore. Apple Pay launched in India with Axis Bank (RuPay and UPI not supported).
- 8The J&K Assembly passed a resolution moved by CM Omar Abdullah seeking immediate restoration of full statehood (September 28). Amit Shah inaugurated the PRAHAAR counter-terrorism conference and launched an Extradition Portal.
- 9Bagh Cave Paintings, Udaigiri Caves, Ginnorgarh Fort, the Chambal Valley temples and the India–South Africa “Sites of Satyagraha” were added to India’s UNESCO Tentative List, which now has 78 entries.
- 10India ranked 38th of 139 economies in WIPO’s Global Innovation Index 2026 (Switzerland first). In the THE World University Rankings 2027, IISc Bengaluru was joint 254th and 143 Indian institutions were ranked.
- 11The 9th India–Kazakhstan exercise KAZIND began at Oskemen (September 28–October 11), and the second ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise began at Subic Bay, Philippines, with INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish.
- 12The Ministry of Power notified CAFE-III fuel-efficiency norms for 2027–32 (3.3273 litres/100 km by 2031–32), and NCM 2.0 guidelines were launched with a ₹767 crore outlay for 9 coastal states and 4 UTs.
- 13Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri became Morocco’s first woman Prime Minister. Lavanya R. Mundayur was appointed CMD of New India Assurance, and the RBI approved Anup Kumar Saha as Kotak Mahindra Bank’s next MD and CEO from January 1, 2027.
- 14India finished fourth at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with 85 medals (21 gold, 27 silver, 37 bronze). Both hockey teams won gold and qualified for LA 2028, and the men’s cricket team beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the final.
🏛️ National & Polity
PM Modi Marks UPSC Centenary at Bharat Mandapam; Commemorative Coin and Stamp Released
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the UPSC Centenary Celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 1 October 2026, marking 100 years since the Public Service Commission was set up on 1 October 1926. He released a commemorative coin, a postage stamp and a book on landmark judgements.
Key Facts
- Occasion: 100 years of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC); the Public Service Commission was established on 1 October 1926.
- Released: a UPSC Centenary commemorative coin, a commemorative postage stamp and the book “100 Landmark Judgements – Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India”.
- The two-day programme (30 September–1 October) was attended by chairpersons and members of State Public Service Commissions.
- PM Modi called “Nation First” and “Citizen First” the guiding principles of public service and invoked the idea of “Nagrik Devo Bhava”.
- UPSC Chairman: Dr Ajay Kumar.
📌 Why It Matters
UPSC’s history and its constitutional provisions are standard UPSC Prelims and GS-2 topics, and the centenary makes them very likely in SSC and State PSC general awareness as well.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The UPSC is a constitutional body under Articles 315–323 (Part XIV) of the Constitution. Its first Chairman (1926) was Sir Ross Barker. Members are appointed by the President and hold office for six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
J&K Assembly Passes Resolution Seeking Immediate Restoration of Statehood
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed a resolution, moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, calling for the “immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood” to Jammu and Kashmir. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members opposed it and walked out of the House.
Key Facts
- Moved by: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah (National Conference); tabled on 25 September and passed on 28 September 2026.
- Demand: “immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir”.
- The resolution referred to earlier Assembly resolutions of 2000 and 2024.
- The BJP opposed the resolution and staged a walkout.
📌 Why It Matters
Statehood and the status of Union Territories are important for UPSC GS-2 (federalism and Centre–state relations) and for J&K-related questions in State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
Article 370 was effectively abrogated on 5 August 2019, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 split the state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without one) — from 31 October 2019. Under Article 3, Parliament can form new states and alter their boundaries.
Amit Shah Opens PRAHAAR Counter-Terrorism Conference; Extradition Portal Launched
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the PRAHAAR – Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy Conference organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs. He called for institutionalising the PRAHAAR strategy for the next 10 years with an automated counter-terror response at every level, and launched an Extradition Portal.
Key Facts
- PRAHAAR has seven pillars: Prevention, Response, Aggregating internal capacities, Human rights, Attenuating conditions for terrorism, Aligning international efforts, and Recovery and resilience.
- Amit Shah said the strategy must reach every police station, with an automated response mechanism at every level.
- A new Extradition Portal was launched to speed up the return of fugitives.
- He said 288 fugitives have been brought back to India from 36 countries since 2019.
📌 Why It Matters
India’s counter-terrorism framework is a core UPSC GS-3 (internal security) topic and is directly relevant for Police exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was set up in 2009 under the NIA Act, 2008, after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Terrorist organisations and individual terrorists are designated under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
Five New Entries Take India’s UNESCO Tentative List to 78; Four from Madhya Pradesh
Five properties — four from Madhya Pradesh and a joint India–South Africa nomination on the sites of Satyagraha — were added to India’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage status, taking the list to 78.
Key Facts
- Madhya Pradesh additions: Bagh Cave Paintings (Dhar), Udaigiri (Udayagiri) Caves (Vidisha), Ginnorgarh Fort, and the Group of Temples of the Chambal Valley (including Bateshwar and Padavali, Morena).
- Fifth entry: “The Sites of Satyagraha” — a transnational serial nomination with South Africa, with seven components in India and two in South Africa.
- India’s Tentative List now has 78 properties.
- The Udaigiri Caves have about 20 rock-cut caves, mostly from the Gupta period (late 4th–early 5th century CE).
📌 Why It Matters
Heritage sites and UNESCO lists are frequently asked in SSC, Railway and State PSC exams, and the Gupta-era and Satyagraha links matter for UPSC art and culture.
🧠 Static GK Connect
A site must be on a country’s Tentative List before it can be nominated for the World Heritage List. Madhya Pradesh’s inscribed World Heritage Sites include Khajuraho, Sanchi and Bhimbetka. The World Heritage Convention was adopted by UNESCO in 1972 and India ratified it in 1977.
🌐 International
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri Becomes Morocco’s First Woman Prime Minister
King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) as Prime Minister after the September 2026 parliamentary elections, making her the first woman to head Morocco’s government.
Key Facts
- Appointee: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM).
- Appointed by: King Mohammed VI, after the parliamentary elections of September 2026.
- She earlier served as Minister of National Spatial Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and City Policy and as Mayor of Marrakesh.
📌 Why It Matters
Firsts in world leadership are a common question type in SSC, banking and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy; its capital is Rabat and its currency is the Moroccan dirham. Under the 2011 Constitution, the King appoints the Head of Government from the party that wins the most seats in the House of Representatives.
💰 Economy & Banking
Cabinet Raises Rabi MSPs for 2027–28; Wheat at ₹2,610 per Quintal
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated rabi crops for the Rabi Marketing Season 2027–28. Safflower got the highest increase (₹675 per quintal) and wheat the smallest (₹25).
Key Facts
- Wheat: ₹2,610 per quintal (up ₹25 from ₹2,585).
- Rapeseed and mustard: ₹6,613 (up ₹413); lentil (masur): ₹7,390 (up ₹390); barley: ₹2,286 (up ₹136); gram: ₹5,958 (up ₹83).
- Safflower: ₹7,215 — the highest absolute increase, ₹675.
- Expected margin over the all-India weighted average cost of production: 106% for wheat, 96% for rapeseed and mustard, 92% for lentil, 59% for gram, 58% for barley and 50% for safflower.
📌 Why It Matters
MSP figures are among the most frequently asked economy questions in banking, SSC and State PSC exams, and MSP policy is part of UPSC GS-3 (agriculture).
🧠 Static GK Connect
MSPs are recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), set up in 1965 as the Agricultural Prices Commission, and approved by the CCEA. The Union Budget 2018–19 fixed MSP at a minimum of 1.5 times the cost of production. The six rabi crops with MSP are wheat, barley, gram, lentil, rapeseed-mustard and safflower.
Cabinet Approves ₹1.86 Lakh Crore Green Energy Corridor Phase-III
The Union Cabinet approved Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) with an outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore to strengthen intra-state transmission and deploy battery storage, enabling the evacuation and grid integration of up to 135 GW of renewable energy by 2032–33.
Key Facts
- Total outlay: ₹1,86,405 crore — ₹1,36,378 crore for the intra-state transmission system (InSTS) and ₹50,000 crore for battery energy storage.
- Central financial assistance: ₹54,082 crore.
- Capacity: evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy, plus 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
- Completion target: 2032–33. The scheme supports India’s goal of 900 GW of non-fossil installed capacity by 2035.
- Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called it a historic initiative to strengthen the intra-state transmission system.
📌 Why It Matters
Grid infrastructure for renewables is a key UPSC GS-3 topic (energy and environment), and scheme outlays are common in banking and SSC questions.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The Green Energy Corridor scheme began with Phase I (intra-state) in 2015; Phase II was approved in January 2022. Renewable energy comes under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). India’s updated NDC targets 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
CCEA Clears ₹1,789.52 Crore Intelligent Traffic Management System for Delhi
The CCEA approved an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) for Delhi at a cost of ₹1,789.52 crore. It will cover 42 traffic corridors with AI-based adaptive signals and enforcement cameras and will be executed by Delhi Police.
Key Facts
- Cost: ₹1,789.52 crore (including taxes).
- Coverage: 42 corridors, 1,092 Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) locations and 1,029 enforcement locations.
- Timeline: three phases over 24 months, followed by five years of operation and maintenance.
- Executing agency: Delhi Police; technical consultant: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
📌 Why It Matters
Smart urban mobility projects are useful for UPSC GS-2/GS-3 governance answers and for SSC and Police general awareness.
🧠 Static GK Connect
Delhi Police reports to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, because “public order” and “police” in Delhi are outside the Delhi government’s powers under Article 239AA. C-DAC, set up in 1988 under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, built India’s first supercomputer, PARAM 8000.
Gross GST Collections Rise 14.7% to ₹2.04 Lakh Crore in September
Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for September 2026 rose 14.7% year-on-year to ₹2,03,521 crore, according to official data released on 1 October. Net collections after refunds were ₹1,76,520 crore.
Key Facts
- Gross GST (September 2026): ₹2,03,521 crore — up 14.7% year-on-year.
- Net GST revenue after refunds: ₹1,76,520 crore — up 18.1%.
📌 Why It Matters
Monthly GST collection figures are a favourite in banking and SSC general awareness.
🧠 Static GK Connect
GST was introduced on 1 July 2017 through the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016. Article 279A provides for the GST Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister. 1 July is observed as GST Day.
Industrial Output Grows 8% in August, Led by Manufacturing
India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew 8.0% year-on-year in August 2026, supported by 9.0% growth in manufacturing and 12.3% in electricity and gas supply, while mining output contracted, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on 28 September.
Key Facts
- IIP growth (August 2026): 8.0%. July 2026 was revised up to 7.4% from the quick estimate of 6.7%.
- Manufacturing: 9.0%; electricity and gas supply: 12.3%; mining and quarrying: –5.6%.
- April–August 2026 cumulative growth: 6.7%, against 4.2% a year earlier.
📌 Why It Matters
IIP data and its sectoral split are regularly asked in banking and SSC exams and support UPSC GS-3 answers on industrial growth.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The IIP is compiled and released monthly by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The Index of Eight Core Industries is released separately by the Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT.
Small Savings Interest Rates Kept Unchanged for October–December 2026
The Ministry of Finance kept interest rates on small savings schemes, including the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, unchanged for the October–December 2026 quarter (Q3 of 2026–27).
Key Facts
- PPF: 7.1%; Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: 8.2%; National Savings Certificate (NSC): 7.7%.
- Kisan Vikas Patra: 7.5% (matures in 115 months); Post Office Monthly Income Scheme: 7.4%; savings deposit: 4%.
- Rates were last revised for the January–March 2024 quarter.
📌 Why It Matters
Small savings rates are routinely asked in banking exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI Assistant).
🧠 Static GK Connect
Small savings rates are reviewed every quarter using a formula based on the Shyamala Gopinath Committee (2011), linked to government bond yields. PPF has a 15-year lock-in period; the Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme also earns 8.2%.
RBI Panel Recommends Raising States’ Ways and Means Advances Limit to ₹67,839 Crore
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the report of its Advisory Committee on Ways and Means Advances (WMA) to State Governments, chaired by I.S.N. Prasad. It recommended raising the aggregate WMA limit for states from ₹61,008 crore to ₹67,839 crore — an increase of about 11%.
Key Facts
- Committee chair: I.S.N. Prasad.
- Aggregate WMA limit for states: ₹61,008 crore → ₹67,839 crore (about 11% higher).
- Limits are to be based on states’ revenue receipts.
- The committee cautioned that bunching of state market borrowing in January–March pushes up borrowing costs for all states.
📌 Why It Matters
WMA and RBI’s role as banker to governments are standard topics in RBI Grade B, IBPS and UPSC economy.
🧠 Static GK Connect
WMA are temporary loans from the RBI to the Centre and states to bridge gaps between receipts and payments, under Section 17(5) of the RBI Act, 1934. The RBI acts as banker to state governments by agreement under Section 21A of the RBI Act.
Apple Pay Launches in India with Axis Bank; RuPay and UPI Not Supported
Apple launched its contactless payment service Apple Pay in India in partnership with Axis Bank, initially for Axis Bank credit cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks.
Key Facts
- Launch partner: Axis Bank; initially for Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
- Cards on India’s RuPay network are not eligible, and UPI is not supported.
- Payments work only at merchants and terminals enabled for the service; other major banks were not part of the launch.
📌 Why It Matters
Digital payments developments are a common banking-awareness topic.
🧠 Static GK Connect
RuPay (launched 2012) and UPI (launched 2016) are run by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), set up in 2008 under the guidance of the RBI and the Indian Banks’ Association. Axis Bank is headquartered in Mumbai.
🚀 Science & Tech
Indian Start-up Payloads, Including Thermal Imager TAPAS-1, Fly on SpaceX Transporter-18
SpaceX’s Transporter-18 rideshare mission, carrying about 130 payloads to Sun-synchronous orbit, lifted off on a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg. It included Indian private-sector payloads such as SatLeo Labs’ TAPAS-1 thermal-imaging payload, hosted on Dhruva Space’s LEAP-2 platform.
Key Facts
- TAPAS-1 (SatLeo Labs) is a thermal-imaging payload for uses such as urban heat mapping, agriculture and wildfire tracking; it flew on Dhruva Space’s LEAP-2 platform.
- TakeMe2Space’s MOI-1A spacecraft carried EON Space Labs’ MIRA imaging system.
- Mission: SpaceX Transporter-18, about 130 payloads, Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
📌 Why It Matters
India’s growing private space sector is a UPSC GS-3 science and technology topic.
🧠 Static GK Connect
IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), set up in 2020, authorises private space activities. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is ISRO’s commercial arm. The Indian Space Policy was released in 2023.
🛡️ Defence
India–Kazakhstan Exercise KAZIND-2026 Begins at Oskemen
The ninth edition of the India–Kazakhstan joint military exercise KAZIND began at Oskemen, Kazakhstan, and runs until 11 October 2026, focusing on joint counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain.
Key Facts
- Edition: 9th; dates: 28 September–11 October 2026.
- Indian contingent: 60 personnel, mainly from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, along with Indian Air Force personnel.
- Focus: counter-terrorism operations, special heliborne operations and the use of unmanned aerial systems.
📌 Why It Matters
Bilateral exercises with names, partner countries and venues are among the most-asked defence questions in SSC, CDS, AFCAT and State PSC exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
Kazakhstan’s capital is Astana and its currency is the tenge. The exercise was earlier called Prabal Dostyk and was renamed KAZIND in 2018. India’s other regional army exercises include Khanjar (Kyrgyzstan) and Dustlik (Uzbekistan).
Second ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise Begins at Subic Bay, Philippines
The second edition of the ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) began with its harbour phase at Subic Bay, Philippines, with INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish representing the Indian Navy.
Key Facts
- Theme: “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea”.
- Indian ships: INS Sahyadri (stealth frigate) and INS Kulish (corvette).
- Structure: a harbour phase followed by a sea phase.
- The first AIME was held in 2023, in Singapore.
📌 Why It Matters
Maritime cooperation with ASEAN links to India’s Act East Policy — useful for UPSC GS-2 and for defence and SSC exercise questions.
🧠 Static GK Connect
ASEAN was founded on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, and its secretariat is in Jakarta. India’s Act East Policy was announced in 2014. MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) was announced in 2025 as an upgrade of SAGAR (2015).
🌳 Environment
Bhupender Yadav Launches National Coastal Mission 2.0 Guidelines; ₹767 Crore Outlay
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched implementation guidelines for National Coastal Mission (NCM) 2.0, a ₹767 crore scheme for 2025–26 to 2030–31 to strengthen coastal resilience, restore ecosystems and manage pollution along India’s coastline.
Key Facts
- Outlay: ₹767 crore; period: 2025–26 to 2030–31.
- Coverage: 9 coastal states and 4 Union Territories.
- Focus: vulnerability assessment, ecosystem restoration, pollution management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, spatial planning, research and capacity building.
- NCM 2.0 subsumes NCM 1.0 (2021–22 to 2025–26).
📌 Why It Matters
Coastal management, mangroves and the blue economy are UPSC GS-3 environment topics and appear in State PSC exams of coastal states.
🧠 Static GK Connect
India’s coastline is about 11,098 km (re-measured in 2024; earlier 7,516.6 km). Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the latest CRZ Notification is of 2019.
Ministry of Power Notifies CAFE-III Fuel Efficiency Norms for Cars from April 2027
The Ministry of Power notified new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms for passenger vehicles for 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032, tightening the fleet fuel-consumption benchmark by about 16.7% over five years and giving incentives for electric, hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles.
Key Facts
- Period: 1 April 2027 – 31 March 2032.
- Benchmark: 3.996 litres per 100 km in 2027–28, falling to 3.3273 litres per 100 km in 2031–32 — an improvement of about 16.7%.
- The reference vehicle weight was raised from 1,082 kg to 1,229 kg, easing targets for lighter cars.
- Incentives for battery electric, plug-in hybrid, strong hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles; compliance credits can be carried forward and traded.
📌 Why It Matters
Vehicle emission and fuel-efficiency standards are part of UPSC GS-3 (environment and energy) and appear in SSC science-and-policy questions.
🧠 Static GK Connect
CAFE norms are framed under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 and administered with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), set up in 2002 under the Ministry of Power. CAFE norms were first introduced in India in 2017.
IWC-70 in Hobart: South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary Proposal Falls Short Again
At the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70) in Hobart, Australia, the proposal for a South Atlantic Whale Sanctuary won 39 votes to 18 but fell short of the required three-quarters majority. The meeting also adopted a consensus declaration marking 80 years of the whaling convention.
Key Facts
- Vote: 39 in favour, 18 against; a three-quarters majority is needed to amend the IWC Schedule.
- The sanctuary was proposed by Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay and would cover the South Atlantic from the equator to Antarctica.
- The IWC adopted its first consensus “single voice” declaration, marking 80 years of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.
📌 Why It Matters
International environmental bodies and India’s membership are UPSC Prelims staples.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling was signed in Washington, D.C. on 2 December 1946. The IWC adopted a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1982, effective from 1986. India joined the IWC in 1981, and all cetaceans are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
🏆 Sports
Asian Games 2026 Close: India Finish Fourth with 85 Medals, Including 21 Golds
The 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, ended on 4 October 2026. India finished fourth on the medal table with 85 medals — 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze — the country’s second-best haul after 107 at Hangzhou 2022.
Key Facts
- India: 21 gold, 27 silver, 37 bronze — 85 medals; 4th on the medal table.
- Top three: China, Japan and South Korea.
- Team golds: men’s and women’s cricket, men’s and women’s kabaddi, and men’s and women’s hockey.
- Men’s cricket: India beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the final on 3 October to retain the title.
- Neeru Dhanda won two shooting golds (women’s trap and mixed team trap); archery gave India five golds.
- The next Asian Games will be held in Doha, Qatar in 2030.
📌 Why It Matters
Asian Games medal counts and winners are certain to appear in SSC, Railway, banking and State PSC exams over the coming months.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is headquartered in Kuwait City. The first Asian Games were held in New Delhi in 1951. India’s best-ever haul is 107 medals (28 gold) at Hangzhou 2022.
India Win Both Hockey Golds at Asian Games, Qualify for LA 2028 Olympics
India’s women’s hockey team beat China 1–0 in the final on 2 October to win their first Asian Games gold in 44 years, and the men’s team beat Malaysia 5–1 on 3 October to retain their title. Both teams qualified directly for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Key Facts
- Women: beat China 1–0 on 2 October — their first Asian Games gold since 1982 (New Delhi).
- Men: beat Malaysia 5–1 on 3 October; Harmanpreet Singh scored twice. It is the first time India have won back-to-back men’s hockey golds at the Asian Games.
- Asian Games hockey champions qualify directly for the Olympics, so both Indian teams have booked places at LA 2028.
📌 Why It Matters
Hockey results and Olympic qualification are frequently asked in SSC, Railway and Defence exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
India’s men have now won Asian Games hockey gold in 1966, 1998, 2014, 2022 and 2026. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, USA.
👤 Appointments
Lavanya R. Mundayur Appointed CMD of New India Assurance
The Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, appointed Lavanya R. Mundayur, Chairman and Managing Director of Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd (AIC), as Chairman and Managing Director of The New India Assurance Company Ltd (NIACL), with tenure until 31 May 2029.
Key Facts
- New post: Chairman and Managing Director, The New India Assurance Company Ltd.
- Previous post: Chairman and Managing Director, Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd.
- Tenure: until 31 May 2029.
📌 Why It Matters
Heads of public sector banks and insurers are frequently asked in banking and insurance exams (IBPS, NIACL AO, LIC AAO).
🧠 Static GK Connect
New India Assurance was founded in 1919 by Sir Dorabji Tata and is headquartered in Mumbai. General insurance was nationalised under the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972. The insurance regulator, IRDAI, is headquartered in Hyderabad.
RBI Approves Anup Kumar Saha as Next MD and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank
Kotak Mahindra Bank said the Reserve Bank of India had approved the appointment of Anup Kumar Saha as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for three years from 1 January 2027. He will succeed Ashok Vaswani.
Key Facts
- Appointee: Anup Kumar Saha — MD and CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank.
- Effective date: 1 January 2027; tenure: three years.
- He is currently a whole-time director of the bank and will succeed Ashok Vaswani.
📌 Why It Matters
Bank CEO appointments are a standard banking-awareness question.
🧠 Static GK Connect
Under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the appointment of a private bank’s MD and CEO needs prior RBI approval. Kotak Mahindra Finance became the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank, in 2003.
📊 Reports & Indices
India Ranks 38th in Global Innovation Index 2026; Switzerland Tops
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2026, ranking India 38th of 139 economies — the same as in 2025 — and first in Central and Southern Asia.
Key Facts
- Top five: Switzerland, Sweden, United States, Republic of Korea and Singapore; China is 10th.
- India: 38th of 139 economies; first in Central and Southern Asia.
- India and Vietnam are the longest-standing “innovation overperformers”, for 16 consecutive years.
- India is the second-largest source of deep-science start-ups (3,466), after the United States.
- GII 2026 theme: “Powering entrepreneurs at the frontier of science”.
📌 Why It Matters
India’s ranks in global indices are asked in almost every SSC, banking and State PSC exam.
🧠 Static GK Connect
WIPO is a UN specialised agency headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, created by a convention signed in 1967. India ranked 81st in the GII in 2015, 48th in 2020 and 38th in 2025.
THE World University Rankings 2027: IISc Top Indian Institution at Joint 254th
Times Higher Education (THE) released its World University Rankings 2027, with the University of Oxford ranked first. IISc Bengaluru was the highest-ranked Indian institution at joint 254th, and 143 Indian institutions featured in the list.
Key Facts
- World No. 1: University of Oxford, for the 11th consecutive year.
- India: IISc Bengaluru at joint 254th — the only Indian institution in the global top 300.
- Indian institutions ranked: 143.
📌 Why It Matters
University rankings are a regular one-mark topic in SSC and banking exams and support UPSC GS-2 answers on higher education.
🧠 Static GK Connect
Times Higher Education is a UK-based publisher. Other global rankings include the QS World University Rankings (Quacquarelli Symonds, UK) and ARWU (Shanghai). India’s own ranking framework, NIRF, was launched by the Ministry of Education in 2015.
📅 Important Days
Nation Marks Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Birth Anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on their birth anniversaries. 2 October is also observed worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence and in India as Swachh Bharat Diwas.
Key Facts
- Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 at Porbandar, Gujarat — 2026 marks his 157th birth anniversary.
- Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, was born on 2 October 1904 at Mughalsarai; he gave the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”.
- The UN General Assembly declared 2 October the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007.
📌 Why It Matters
Birth anniversaries of national leaders and related international days are common one-mark questions in SSC, Railway and Teaching exams.
🧠 Static GK Connect
Rajghat is Gandhi’s memorial and Vijay Ghat is Shastri’s. The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on 2 October 2014. Shastri died in Tashkent on 11 January 1966, a day after signing the Tashkent Declaration, and was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1966.
🤝 Summits & MoUs
India and UAE Hold 14th High Level Joint Task Force on Investments in Mumbai
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), co-chaired the 14th meeting of the India–UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI) in Mumbai.
Key Facts
- Bilateral trade: US$101.25 billion in 2025–26; target: US$200 billion by 2032.
- Investments noted: Emirates NBD’s majority stake in RBL Bank (about US$3 billion) and International Holding Company’s US$1 billion investment in Sammaan Capital.
- A joint investment intent of US$11.5 billion for an integrated aluminium complex in Odisha was highlighted.
- An Invest India office is expected to open in the UAE before the end of 2026.
📌 Why It Matters
India–UAE economic ties are important for UPSC GS-2 (West Asia) and for banking and SSC questions on trade and investment.
🧠 Static GK Connect
The India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force on 1 May 2022 — India’s first such agreement with a country in the Middle East and North Africa region. The India–UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty was signed in February 2024. The UAE’s capital is Abu Dhabi; its currency is the dirham.
🧠 Static GK Refresher
Connect this week's news with evergreen facts that exams love
| News Item | Static Fact to Remember |
|---|---|
| UPSC completed 100 years on 1 October 2026. | UPSC: Articles 315–323 (Part XIV). First Chairman: Sir Ross Barker (1926). Members serve six years or until age 65, whichever is earlier. |
| The J&K Assembly passed a statehood resolution. | The J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 created the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from 31 October 2019. Article 3 empowers Parliament to form or alter states. |
| Rabi MSPs for 2027–28 were approved; wheat is ₹2,610 per quintal. | MSPs are recommended by the CACP (set up in 1965) and approved by the CCEA. Six rabi crops have MSP: wheat, barley, gram, lentil, rapeseed-mustard and safflower. |
| Green Energy Corridor Phase-III was approved with ₹1,86,405 crore. | GEC Phase I began in 2015 and Phase II was approved in 2022. India targets 900 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2035. |
| Gross GST collections were ₹2,03,521 crore in September 2026. | GST came into force on 1 July 2017 (101st Amendment). The GST Council (Article 279A) is chaired by the Union Finance Minister. |
| IIP grew 8.0% in August 2026. | The IIP is released monthly by the National Statistics Office (NSO), MoSPI. The core sector index is released by the Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT. |
| An RBI panel recommended a WMA limit of ₹67,839 crore for states. | RBI lends WMA under Section 17(5) of the RBI Act, 1934, and acts as banker to states under Section 21A. |
| Apple Pay launched in India with Axis Bank. | NPCI (2008) runs RuPay (2012) and UPI (2016). |
| The 14th India–UAE HLJTFI was held in Mumbai. | The India–UAE CEPA came into force on 1 May 2022; the Bilateral Investment Treaty was signed in February 2024. |
| Morocco got its first woman Prime Minister. | Morocco: capital Rabat, currency dirham, King Mohammed VI. Under the 2011 Constitution the PM comes from the largest party. |
| India ranked 38th in the Global Innovation Index 2026. | The GII is published by WIPO (Geneva). India was 81st in 2015 and 48th in 2020. |
| KAZIND-2026 began at Oskemen, Kazakhstan. | Kazakhstan: capital Astana, currency tenge. KAZIND was earlier called Prabal Dostyk. |
| AIME-2026 began at Subic Bay, Philippines. | ASEAN was founded on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok; its secretariat is in Jakarta. Act East Policy: 2014. |
| NCM 2.0 guidelines were launched with a ₹767 crore outlay. | India’s re-measured coastline is about 11,098 km. CRZ rules are issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; latest notification 2019. |
| CAFE-III norms were notified for 2027–32. | CAFE norms come under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001; the Bureau of Energy Efficiency was set up in 2002. |
| IWC-70 was held in Hobart. | The whaling convention was signed on 2 December 1946. Commercial whaling moratorium: adopted 1982, effective 1986. India joined the IWC in 1981. |
| India won 85 medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. | The OCA is headquartered in Kuwait City. The first Asian Games were held in New Delhi in 1951. Doha will host in 2030. |
| Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Jayanti were observed on 2 October. | Gandhi: born 1869, Porbandar. Shastri: born 1904, Mughalsarai; died 1966, Tashkent. Swachh Bharat Mission: launched 2 October 2014. |
UPSC completed 100 years on 1 October 2026.
UPSC: Articles 315–323 (Part XIV). First Chairman: Sir Ross Barker (1926). Members serve six years or until age 65, whichever is earlier.
The J&K Assembly passed a statehood resolution.
The J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 created the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from 31 October 2019. Article 3 empowers Parliament to form or alter states.
Rabi MSPs for 2027–28 were approved; wheat is ₹2,610 per quintal.
MSPs are recommended by the CACP (set up in 1965) and approved by the CCEA. Six rabi crops have MSP: wheat, barley, gram, lentil, rapeseed-mustard and safflower.
Green Energy Corridor Phase-III was approved with ₹1,86,405 crore.
GEC Phase I began in 2015 and Phase II was approved in 2022. India targets 900 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2035.
Gross GST collections were ₹2,03,521 crore in September 2026.
GST came into force on 1 July 2017 (101st Amendment). The GST Council (Article 279A) is chaired by the Union Finance Minister.
IIP grew 8.0% in August 2026.
The IIP is released monthly by the National Statistics Office (NSO), MoSPI. The core sector index is released by the Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT.
An RBI panel recommended a WMA limit of ₹67,839 crore for states.
RBI lends WMA under Section 17(5) of the RBI Act, 1934, and acts as banker to states under Section 21A.
Apple Pay launched in India with Axis Bank.
NPCI (2008) runs RuPay (2012) and UPI (2016).
The 14th India–UAE HLJTFI was held in Mumbai.
The India–UAE CEPA came into force on 1 May 2022; the Bilateral Investment Treaty was signed in February 2024.
Morocco got its first woman Prime Minister.
Morocco: capital Rabat, currency dirham, King Mohammed VI. Under the 2011 Constitution the PM comes from the largest party.
India ranked 38th in the Global Innovation Index 2026.
The GII is published by WIPO (Geneva). India was 81st in 2015 and 48th in 2020.
KAZIND-2026 began at Oskemen, Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan: capital Astana, currency tenge. KAZIND was earlier called Prabal Dostyk.
AIME-2026 began at Subic Bay, Philippines.
ASEAN was founded on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok; its secretariat is in Jakarta. Act East Policy: 2014.
NCM 2.0 guidelines were launched with a ₹767 crore outlay.
India’s re-measured coastline is about 11,098 km. CRZ rules are issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; latest notification 2019.
CAFE-III norms were notified for 2027–32.
CAFE norms come under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001; the Bureau of Energy Efficiency was set up in 2002.
IWC-70 was held in Hobart.
The whaling convention was signed on 2 December 1946. Commercial whaling moratorium: adopted 1982, effective 1986. India joined the IWC in 1981.
India won 85 medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The OCA is headquartered in Kuwait City. The first Asian Games were held in New Delhi in 1951. Doha will host in 2030.
Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Jayanti were observed on 2 October.
Gandhi: born 1869, Porbandar. Shastri: born 1904, Mughalsarai; died 1966, Tashkent. Swachh Bharat Mission: launched 2 October 2014.
🧠 Weekly Quiz
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⚠️ Accuracy Note: This summary is provided for reference and quick revision only. Mistakes are possible, so always cross-check important details — dates, names, figures, and notifications — with the official source before relying on them for your exam preparation.