Current affairs
News for UPSC, SSC and defence exams, with the reason it matters.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit appointed 29th Chief of the Air Staff from 31 October 2026
- On 6 October 2026, the government appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff.
- He takes over on the afternoon of 31 October 2026, in the rank of Air Chief Marshal.
- He succeeds Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retires on 31 October 2026.
Why it matters
[Appointment] The Chief of the Air Staff is the professional head of the Indian Air Force. Exams often ask who heads each service. Dixit is an experimental test pilot who has flown the Tejas, Mirage-2000 and Jaguar. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy.
First international cargo voyage from Dibrugarh since Independence to sail to Dhaka via NW-2
- A methanol cargo was set to be flagged off from Bogibeel Terminal, Dibrugarh, on 5 October 2026.
- It will sail to Pangaon Port in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- The route uses National Waterway-2 (the Brahmaputra) and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route.
Why it matters
[First] Before Independence, the Brahmaputra was Upper Assam's main trade link to world markets. This voyage restores that link for the Northeast. NW-2 is the 891 km stretch of the Brahmaputra from the Bangladesh border to Sadiya. It was declared a National Waterway in 1988 (IWAI). Inland waterways are a cheaper, greener way to move freight. Waterway numbers and routes are asked often in SSC and UPSC Prelims.
2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine goes to Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel for optogenetics
- On 5 October 2026, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel.
- It honours their discoveries on light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.
- Hegemann and Nagel found channelrhodopsin, a light-sensitive protein, in the single-celled alga Chlamydomonas.
Why it matters
[Milestone] Optogenetics lets scientists turn chosen nerve cells on or off with light. Older methods could map brain areas but could not prove cause and effect. Now researchers can link specific circuits to memories, feelings and behaviour. Doctors are testing the method to restore sight in people with visual impairment. Nobel prizes are a regular GK question in SSC, CDS and NDA papers.
Two captive-bred Great Indian Bustards released into the wild at Desert National Park
- On 4 October 2026, two male Great Indian Bustards were released at Sam, Desert National Park, Jaisalmer.
- The breeding centres at Sam and Ramdevra hold 97 birds; 11 are earmarked for release.
- Of the 97, 40 came from wild-laid eggs and 57 were bred in captivity.
Why it matters
[First] The programme now moves from captive breeding to rewilding. It is run by the Environment Ministry, Rajasthan Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India. National CAMPA funds it. About 200 sq km of fenced grassland enclosures inside the park serve as breeding habitat. The Supreme Court's GIB judgment guides the conservation work.
Asian Games 2026: India wins 85 medals; both hockey teams take gold and qualify for LA 2028
- India won 85 medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan: 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze.
- That is down from 106 medals at the previous edition in Hangzhou.
- India's men's and women's hockey teams both won gold, securing direct berths at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Why it matters
[First] The women's hockey team beat China 1-0 for India's first Asian Games women's hockey gold since 1982 (Indian Express). Asian Games hockey champions qualify directly for the next Olympics. As of 3 October 2026, India was fourth on the medal table. It was level with Uzbekistan on 21 golds, ahead on silvers. Equestrian events on 4 October could still change that order.
INS Sahyadri and Kulish join second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME 2026) in the Philippines
- The second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME 2026) was held at Subic Bay, Philippines, from 28 September to 2 October 2026.
- India sent stealth frigate INS Sahyadri and missile corvette INS Kulish.
- Its theme was 'Anchored in Trust, United at Sea'.
Why it matters
[Data] AIME is India's only naval exercise with ASEAN as a group. The sea phase covered disaster relief, boarding drills, underway replenishment and casualty evacuation. The Navy linked it to the Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision. Exercise names, hosts and editions are asked often in defence and SSC papers.
First captive-bred Great Indian Bustards set for pilot release into the wild in Jaisalmer
- Two captive-bred male Great Indian Bustard chicks are set for a pilot wild release on 4 October 2026.
- They will go into enclosures in Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, fitted with radio tags.
- The release starts the 'rewilding' phase of Project GIB, running since 2013.
Why it matters
[First] This is the first time captive-bred Great Indian Bustards will enter the wild. The bird is critically endangered, with about 140 left in the wild. Collisions with power lines from renewable projects are a major threat. The Supreme Court has ordered such lines outside the park buried by December 2027.
Asked before: UPSC Prelims 2020 asked a statement question on India's Desert National Park.
Cabinet approves Green Energy Corridor Phase-III with 50 GWh battery storage
- The Union Cabinet approved Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) on 30 September 2026.
- It will strengthen intra-state transmission to carry up to 135 GW of renewable power.
- It also adds 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid flexibility.
Why it matters
[Policy] Solar and wind power is useless if it cannot reach consumers. GEC-III builds the state-level wires and adds battery storage for non-solar hours. It supports the 900 GW non-fossil target for 2035. Expect questions on GEC phases and BESS.
UPSC turns 100: PM releases stamp, coin and a book of 100 landmark judgements
- PM Narendra Modi attended the UPSC Centenary Celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 1 October 2026.
- He released a commemorative postage stamp and a special UPSC centenary coin.
- He also released a book of 100 landmark judgements that shaped UPSC and state commission policies.
Why it matters
[Milestone] UPSC is a constitutional body under Article 315. Its centenary brings its history back into focus. Exams often test the Lee Commission, the 1919 Act and the 1950 renaming. The PM also asked for recruitment that checks a candidate's motive, not just knowledge.
Asked before: UPSC 2023 asked which of four commissions are constitutional bodies, the same status UPSC holds.
Tigress T138 released in Bengal’s Buxa Tiger Reserve to begin tiger reintroduction
- On 2 October 2026, three-year-old tigress T138 was released into Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal.
- She was brought from Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve, chosen for its similar terrain.
- Two to three more tigers are likely to be added to the reserve.
Why it matters
[Policy] This starts a phased plan to build a breeding, self-sustaining tiger population in Buxa. Reintroduction means bringing tigers back where they went locally extinct. India began this at Sariska and Panna in 2008. The NTCA has since run it across 12 tiger reserves. Buxa connects to forests in Bhutan and to Manas Tiger Reserve.
Rabi MSP 2027-28: wheat up only ₹25 to ₹2,610; safflower gets the biggest hike
- On 30 September 2026, the CCEA raised wheat MSP by ₹25 to ₹2,610 per quintal for 2027-28.
- This is wheat's smallest absolute MSP hike since 2010-11.
- Safflower got the biggest hike, ₹675, taking it to ₹7,215 per quintal.
Why it matters
[Data] MSP figures change every season, so exams test the latest numbers. The tiny wheat hike and big oilseed hikes signal a push towards oilseeds. The rule of at least 1.5 times cost dates from the 2018-19 Budget.
Asked before: CDS (II) 2018 asked which crop got the largest percentage MSP increase.
2026 southwest monsoon ends 12.6% below normal, the weakest since 2015
- India got 759.4 mm of rain from June to September 2026, against a normal of 868.6 mm.
- That is 87% of the Long Period Average, the lowest seasonal total since 2015.
- East and northeast India were 25.6% short, their driest monsoon since 1901.
Why it matters
[Data] A weak monsoon hits kharif output, rural incomes and food prices. This one also confirms the El Niño warning IMD gave in spring. Know the LPA figure and which regions were hit hardest.
Asked before: CDS (I) 2022 asked which one is not a result of the El Niño effect.
GOBARdhan Central Sector Scheme launched with ₹23,731 crore for compressed biogas
- Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched the GOBARdhan Central Sector Scheme on 1 October 2026.
- The Cabinet approved it on 6 August 2026, with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore over ten years.
- It aims to raise compressed biogas (CBG) output nearly ten-fold, to about 5 MMSCMD.
Why it matters
[Policy] India imports nearly half of its natural gas. This scheme turns farm and cattle waste into home-grown gas. It also makes the Petroleum Ministry the single nodal ministry for biogas. Expect questions on the blending targets and the six support tools.
Asked before: NDA (I & II) 2020 asked which gas makes up the largest share of biogas.
India hosts ninth Deputy NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave
- India virtually hosted the ninth Deputy NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave on 30 September 2026.
- Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Seychelles took part.
- Deputy NSA Pavan Kapoor led the Indian delegation.
Why it matters
[Data] The Colombo Security Conclave is a small Indian Ocean security grouping led by India. It covers maritime security, counter-terrorism and disaster relief, among its five pillars. It is a key part of India's neighbourhood security plan. Its member list is a likely exam question.
India retains Gaprindashvili Trophy at 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand
- The 46th Chess Olympiad was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 15 to 27 September 2026.
- India won silver in the Open section on tie-break; hosts Uzbekistan took gold.
- India's women won bronze; China won the women's gold.
Why it matters
[Data] The Gaprindashvili Trophy goes to the best nation across both sections combined. India also won it in 2022 at home and in 2024 in Budapest, where it took double gold. Olympiad hosts, winners and India's medals are common sports questions.
Centre extends AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for six more months
- The Home Ministry extended AFSPA, 1958 in 'disturbed areas' of three states for six months from 1 October 2026.
- In Manipur, it covers the whole state except areas under 13 police stations.
- In Nagaland, it covers nine districts, including Dimapur, Mon, Kiphire and Phek.
Why it matters
[Polity] AFSPA gives the armed forces special powers in areas declared 'disturbed'. The Centre or a state can make that declaration. Extensions come every six months, so the covered states and districts are a favourite exam detail.
Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission sails from Chennai on Coast Guard ship Shaunak
- Indian Coast Guard ship Shaunak sailed from Chennai with sea riders from all four Quad countries.
- Six sea riders took part: two each from India and Japan, one each from Australia and the US.
- The mission was announced at the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2026.
Why it matters
[First] The Quad is India, Australia, Japan and the US. The observer mission builds coast guard teamwork for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The 2025 and 2026 host ships are an easy trap.
Supreme Court split verdict on CEC selection panel; minister on panel ‘fails perception test’
- On 23 September 2026, a two-judge Supreme Court Bench gave a split verdict on the 2023 CEC Act case.
- The 2023 Act replaced the Chief Justice with a Cabinet Minister on the CEC selection panel.
- Justice Dipankar Datta said this gives the government an effective veto and fails the 'perception test'.
Why it matters
[SC Ruling] An independent Election Commission is part of the Basic Structure. The panel now has the PM, a minister and the Leader of Opposition. The validity of the 2023 Act is still undecided.
Asked before: NDA (I) 2026 asked how the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed under Article 324.
Second edition of IAF’s multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti to be held at Jodhpur
- Tarang Shakti 2026 is the second edition of the IAF's multinational air exercise.
- It runs from 26 September to 12 October at Air Force Station Jodhpur and nearby bases.
- Eight countries are sending aircraft: Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, UAE and the USA.
Why it matters
[Defence] Tarang Shakti is India's largest multinational air exercise. The first edition was held in 2024. Exams ask about its host, edition and participants.
India-New Zealand FTA ratified; it comes into force on 20 October 2026
- On 21 September 2026, India and New Zealand exchanged notes completing ratification of their FTA.
- The agreement comes into force on 20 October 2026.
- New Zealand removes duties on all Indian goods. Most of its exports to India become duty-free or cheaper.
Why it matters
[Policy] It is one of India's newest FTAs. Keeping dairy out was India's key condition. New Zealand also committed $20 billion of investment in India.
Asked before: CDS (I) 2026 asked about the India-New Zealand FTA signed in December 2025.
India and the Visegrad Group hold first V4+India foreign ministers’ meeting
- On 21 September 2026, India and the Visegrad Group (V4) held their first foreign ministers' meeting.
- The V4 is Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
- It met on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
Why it matters
[First] This creates a new format for India's ties with Central Europe. It builds on deepening India-EU ties. Defence, technology and connectivity were key topics.
18th India-Mongolia exercise Nomadic Elephant begins at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
- The 18th edition of India-Mongolia exercise Nomadic Elephant began at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh.
- It is an annual platoon-level exercise, held alternately in India and Mongolia.
- Each side sent 45 personnel. The exercise runs till 3 October.
Why it matters
[Defence] Matching an exercise to its partner country is a common exam question. Nomadic Elephant pairs India with Mongolia. The venue alternates between the two countries each year.
India stays 131st of 145 on WEF Global Gender Gap Index 2026
- On 16 September 2026, the World Economic Forum released the Global Gender Gap Index 2026.
- India stayed 131st of 145 countries, with 64.5% of its gender gap closed.
- Iceland, Finland and Norway took the top three places. Chad came last.
Why it matters
[Data] India's score improved slightly, but its rank did not move. Its weakest area is economic participation, at 41.2% parity. The WEF says full global parity is still 120 years away.
Asked before: UPSC Prelims 2017 asked which body publishes the Global Gender Gap Index.
India rejects Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission as having no legal basis
- On 16 September 2026, India rejected the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission.
- The commission held its first meeting in Islamabad.
- India says there is no boundary between Pakistan and China.
Why it matters
[Mains] India treats all of J&K and Ladakh as its territory, including areas under Pakistan's control. It also opposes CPEC, which runs through PoK. The Shaksgam Valley and the 1963 agreement are common exam facts.
Asked before: UPSC Mains 2018 asked about CPEC as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.
22nd edition of India-US Army exercise Yudh Abhyas begins at Auli, Uttarakhand
- The 22nd edition of India-US Army exercise Yudh Abhyas opened at the Foreign Training Centre, Auli, in Chamoli district.
- Each side sent a contingent of 600 personnel.
- Drills are held at Auli and at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
Why it matters
[Defence] Yudh Abhyas is India's army exercise with the United States. Exams often ask for its partner country and venue.
IAF’s first Dronathon-2026 begins at Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer
- The Indian Air Force held its first Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer.
- It was a three-day event for Indian makers of drones and anti-drone systems.
- Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit opened it.
Why it matters
[Defence] The event backs Atmanirbhar Bharat in unmanned systems. It looked at drones and counter-drone tools, not fighter jets or missiles.
India hosts 18th BRICS Summit; leaders adopt the New Delhi Declaration
- On 12 September 2026, the 11-member BRICS adopted the New Delhi Declaration at Bharat Mandapam.
- PM Modi chaired the 18th summit. Putin, Xi Jinping and Iran's Pezeshkian attended.
- The declaration backs a bigger UN Security Council role for India and Brazil.
Why it matters
[Policy] India forged consensus after Iran and the UAE agreed on wording about the West Asia war. The declaration opposed unilateral tariffs. BRICS summits and their hosts are a regular exam question.
Asked before: NDA (II) 2025 asked which statements about BRICS Summits are correct.
Modi and Xi meet in New Delhi, welcome ‘steady progress’ in India-China ties
- On 12 September 2026, PM Modi met President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
- It was their first meeting since the SCO summit in Tianjin in August 2025.
- Both sides said differences should not become disputes.
Why it matters
[Mains] Xi came to India for a two-day visit amid a thaw since the 2020 Galwan clash. Talks covered the boundary question and peace along the LAC. Leader-level meetings since Kazan 2024 mark the slow repair of ties.
Rajnath Singh makes first Indian Defence Minister visit to Sri Lanka in 38 years; three MoUs signed
- Rajnath Singh visited Sri Lanka on 8-10 September 2026, the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister since 1988.
- On 9 September, he met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo.
- The two sides signed three MoUs on defence equipment and training.
Why it matters
[First] The last such visit was by K.C. Pant in 1988. Dissanayake repeated that Sri Lanka will not let its land be used against India's security. The visit fits India's Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies.
Asked before: UPSC Prelims 2024 asked about Exercise Mitra Shakti, the India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise.
DAC clears ₹1.10 lakh crore of defence purchases, 98% from Indian industry
- On 7 September 2026, the DAC gave Acceptance of Necessity to proposals worth ₹1.10 lakh crore.
- About 98% of the purchases are planned from Indian industry.
- Army items include CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, advanced light helicopters and the Sarvatra Bridge System.
Why it matters
[Data] The DAC, chaired by the Defence Minister, clears capital purchases for the forces. Acceptance of Necessity is the first step in a purchase. The 98% domestic share shows the indigenisation push. Indian marine gas turbines would cut reliance on foreign engine makers.