Current affairs
News for UPSC, SSC and defence exams, with the reason it matters.
Two offshore blocks with cobalt- and nickel-rich nodules in the Andaman Sea put up for auction
- The Mines Ministry launched the auction of two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea on 1 October 2026.
- The blocks are Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01. Together they cover over 1,632 sq km.
- Both hold polymetallic nodules and crusts, with cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and rare earth elements.
Why it matters
[Policy] Cobalt, nickel and rare earths are critical minerals. India imports most of them. These seabed blocks could feed batteries, electric vehicles and clean energy. West Sewell Ridge-01 lies off Great Nicobar Island, a strategic area.
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.
RoDTEP export duty-refund scheme extended to 31 December 2026, rates unchanged
- DGFT notified on 30 September 2026 that RoDTEP continues until 31 December 2026.
- The scheme was due to end on 30 September 2026.
- It covers exports by DTA units, Advance Authorisation holders, SEZ units and EOUs.
Why it matters
[Policy] RoDTEP refunds embedded central, state and local taxes that exporters cannot otherwise claim back. It started in 2021 and replaced the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS). The idea is to export goods, not taxes. Its 2026-27 allocation is ₹10,000 crore, down from ₹18,232 crore in 2025-26.
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.
Jharkhand’s folk drum Mandar gets a Geographical Indication tag
- The GI Registry in Chennai granted a GI tag to 'Mandar of Jharkhand' in September 2026.
- Mandar is a folk percussion instrument central to Jharkhand's tribal music and dance.
- Its body is made from locally sourced red clay using traditional methods.
Why it matters
[First] A GI tag links a product's quality to its place of origin. It gives legal protection against imitations. GI tags in India are granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999. Musical instruments with GI tags are a favourite trap in state and SSC papers.
IIP growth quickens to 8% in August 2026; electricity at 27-month high
- On 28 September 2026, MoSPI data showed IIP growth of 8% in August, up from 7.35% in July.
- Manufacturing grew 8.95%. Electricity grew 12.3%, a 27-month high.
- Capital goods grew 16.9% and consumer durables 11.1%.
Why it matters
[Data] Strong factory output points to good festive-season demand. MoSPI releases the IIP. Manufacturing carries the most weight in the index, about 76%.
Asked before: CDS (II) 2020 asked which use-based category carries the most weight in the IIP.
KAZIND-2026: India-Kazakhstan counter-terror exercise begins in Oskemen
- The ninth India-Kazakhstan exercise KAZIND runs from 28 September to 11 October 2026.
- It is held at Oskemen, Kazakhstan.
- India sent 60 troops, mainly from the Garhwal Rifles, plus IAF personnel.
Why it matters
[Data] KAZIND is India's army exercise with Kazakhstan. Khanjar is with Kyrgyzstan and Dustlik with Uzbekistan. This edition also practises drone and counter-drone use.
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.
New flowering plant Begonia neelamorum described from Arunachal Pradesh
- In September 2026, scientists described a new Begonia species from Keyi Panyor district, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Begonia neelamorum is named after the Neelam clan of the Nyishi community.
- It is the 54th Begonia species recorded from Northeast India.
Why it matters
[First] The Eastern Himalaya is a biodiversity hotspot. New species keep turning up there. Local communities helped find this one, a common theme in new-species stories.
G4 and L.69 ministers press for UN Security Council reform at UNGA-81
- G4 foreign ministers of India, Brazil, Germany and Japan met on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly.
- They called for expanding the UNSC in both permanent and non-permanent seats.
- They opposed a 'bridging proposal' before text-based negotiations begin.
Why it matters
[Groupings] G4 is the four-nation group seeking permanent seats. L.69 is a cross-regional group of developing countries. C-10 is the African Union's ten-nation committee on UNSC reform. Matching group to members is a common question.
India-EU FTA to be signed in Brussels on 16 December 2026, sources say
- On 23 September 2026, sources said the India-EU FTA will be signed on 16 December 2026 in Brussels.
- Talks restarted in June 2022 and ended in January 2026.
- The deal does not need separate approval by each EU country.
Why it matters
[Policy] Leaders on both sides call it the 'mother of all deals'. The EU is one of India's largest trading partners. Both sides left out the hardest issues to get it done.
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.
INS Trishul reaches Toulon for the 24th edition of India-France naval exercise Varuna
- On 22 September 2026, the stealth frigate INS Trishul reached Toulon, France.
- It went there for the 24th edition of Varuna, the India-France naval exercise.
- The exercise has harbour and sea phases to improve how the two navies work together.
Why it matters
[Data] Varuna is India's naval exercise with France. Shakti is the army exercise and Garuda the air exercise. Exams often test these pairings.
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.
Anant Nag gets Dadasaheb Phalke Award as President presents 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar
- President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, near the Statue of Unity.
- Kannada actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.
- 92 awardees were honoured across feature, non-feature and writing-on-cinema categories.
Why it matters
[Award] The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest film honour. It is given by the I&B Ministry along with the National Film Awards. The ceremony was held outside New Delhi this time.
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.
Japan’s air chief flies in Tejas during India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian 2026
- Veer Guardian 2026, the second India-Japan bilateral air exercise, was held at Jodhpur in September 2026.
- On 20 September, IAF chief A.P. Singh and Japan's air chief Gen. Takehiro Morita flew together in a Tejas formation.
- Gen. Morita flew in a Tejas trainer.
Why it matters
[First] A foreign air chief flying in Tejas signals trust in the Indian-made jet. It may help Tejas exports. Exam questions often ask which country takes part in which exercise.
Government dissolves the 37-year-old Digital Communications Commission
- A notification dated 19 September 2026 dissolved the Digital Communications Commission.
- It was set up in 1989 as the Telecom Commission and renamed in 2018.
- It was the Department of Telecom's top decision body on policy and spectrum pricing.
Why it matters
[Policy] The Commission decided most telecom matters before they went to the Cabinet. It also weighed TRAI's advice. Its satcom spectrum plan now goes to the Cabinet.
NSO releases district-level labour market indicators for the first time
- The National Statistical Office released district-level labour market indicators for the first time.
- About 57.8% of districts had a female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) of 40% or more.
- Among the 100 most populous districts, Surat had the highest LFPR and WPR. Darbhanga had the lowest.
Why it matters
[First] Labour data was earlier available mainly at the national and state level. District figures help local job planning. Know LFPR, WPR and NEET as terms.
India and Sri Lanka hold 13th edition of naval exercise SLINEX in Visakhapatnam
- SLINEX-26, the 13th India-Sri Lanka naval exercise, ran in Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 September 2026.
- India sent the anti-submarine corvette INS Kavaratti and fleet tanker INS Jyoti.
- Sri Lanka sent SLNS Sindurala.
Why it matters
[Data] SLINEX is India's naval exercise with Sri Lanka. Mitra Shakti is the army exercise. Exams often mix up such pairs. It came a week after Rajnath Singh's visit to Colombo.
India’s cheetah population reaches 52, four years after reintroduction
- India now has 52 cheetahs, four years after Project Cheetah began on 17 September 2022.
- 32 cubs have been born in India since the reintroduction.
- 49 cheetahs live in Kuno National Park and 3 in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
Why it matters
[Environment] Project Cheetah is a frequent exam topic. Know the two sites in Madhya Pradesh and the three source countries.
India and Bhutan complete two-way UPI payment link
- EAM S. Jaishankar and Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay launched the second phase of international UPI in Thimphu.
- Bhutanese citizens visiting India can now pay with UPI.
- With UPI already in use in Bhutan, this completes two-way UPI payment links.
Why it matters
[First] UPI is run by NPCI. Its spread abroad is a common exam theme. Bhutan is now linked both ways.
Cabinet raises EPFO wage ceiling to ₹25,000 a month from ₹15,000
- On 16 September 2026, the Union Cabinet raised EPFO's mandatory wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 a month.
- It took effect on 17 September, Vishwakarma Jayanti.
- Over 51 lakh more workers are expected to get mandatory EPF, EPS and EDLI cover.
Why it matters
[Policy] More workers now get pension and insurance cover. Pension contributions rise too, so some take-home pay may fall. Trade unions called it too little, too late.