Today's Current Affairs October 1, 2026

UPSC completes 100 years of its journey as a constitutional public service institution

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) completes 100 years on October 1, 2026. The institution was originally established on October 1, 1926, as the Public Service Commission and later evolved into the Union Public Service Commission under the constitutional framework of independent India.

The centenary programme is being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The programme includes the release of a commemorative coin, stamp and a book titled “100 Landmark Judgements – Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India.”

India participates in SCO national coordinators' meeting in Islamabad

An Indian delegation led by Alok Dimri, India's National Coordinator for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), is participating in the SCO national coordinators' meeting in Islamabad.

Discussions include regional connectivity, transit and trade. The visit is notable because it is the first Indian delegation-level visit to Pakistan since Operation Sindoor.

Green Energy Corridor Phase-III approved to strengthen renewable-energy transmission

The Union Cabinet approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III scheme to strengthen intra-state transmission systems and support the evacuation of renewable energy.

The scheme is designed to enable evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy and includes deployment of 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.

Indian delegation discusses connectivity, transit and trade at SCO meeting in Islamabad

Regional connectivity, transit and trade have emerged as important discussion areas during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's national coordinators' meeting in Islamabad.

India is participating in the meeting led by its National Coordinator Alok Dimri.

US completes withdrawal from Iraq after more than two decades of military presence

The United States has completed the withdrawal of its forces from Iraq after more than two decades, marking the end of the US-led military mission associated with the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq.

The development marks a major change in the US military presence in the region and is an important international security development.

Government increases MSP for all mandated Rabi crops for Marketing Season 2027-28

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi crops for the 2027-28 marketing season.

The highest absolute increase is for safflower at ₹675 per quintal, followed by rapeseed & mustard at ₹413 per quintal and lentil (masur) at ₹390 per quintal.

The MSP of wheat has been increased by ₹25 per quintal to ₹2,610 per quintal.

New CAFE norms notified for passenger vehicles from April 2027

The government has notified new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms for passenger vehicles. The new framework will apply from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032.

The framework progressively tightens fuel-efficiency targets and is intended to encourage cleaner and more energy-efficient vehicle technologies.

Green Energy Corridor Phase-III gets ₹1.86 lakh crore project outlay

The approved Green Energy Corridor Phase-III includes a total project outlay of approximately ₹1,86,405 crore.

The investment includes funding for intra-state transmission systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems to improve grid flexibility and renewable-energy integration.

RBI Monetary Policy Committee meeting scheduled for October 5–7

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled to meet from October 5 to 7, 2026. The meeting will review monetary-policy conditions and key economic indicators.

CHIME telescope detects the faint glow of hydrogen from about five billion years ago

An international research collaboration involving researchers from India has reported a standalone detection of the faint radio glow of hydrogen from the distant universe using the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) telescope.

The observation is significant because hydrogen intensity mapping can help scientists study the large-scale distribution of matter and understand cosmic expansion and dark energy.

India strengthens focus on One Health and advanced laboratory preparedness

India's scientific and public-health ecosystem continues to strengthen the One Health approach, which connects human, animal and environmental health.

Recent scientific and policy work has focused on disease surveillance, laboratory preparedness and coordinated approaches to emerging health risks.

India's space and emerging-technology ecosystem remains a major science-policy focus

India's science and technology ecosystem is continuing to expand its focus on emerging technologies, including space applications, quantum technologies and advanced research infrastructure.

Recent government initiatives have also emphasised technology development, scientific innovation and stronger links between research institutions and technology applications.

India continues strong medal run at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026

India has crossed the 60-medal mark at the 2026 Asian Games, with Indian athletes producing multiple gold-medal performances in archery, shooting and athletics.

India wins women's compound archery team gold

Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep and Chikitha Taniparthi won gold for India in the women's compound team event at the Asian Games 2026.

Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai win mixed trap team gold

India's Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai won the gold medal in the mixed trap team event at the 2026 Asian Games.

The Indian pair also set an Asian Games record in the event.

Indian men's compound team wins gold at Asian Games

Kushal Dalal, Sahil Rajesh Jadhav and Ganesh Maniratnam Thirumuru won gold for India in the men's compound team event at the 2026 Asian Games.

India wins gold in women's 4×400m relay at Asian Games

India's women's 4×400m relay team won the gold medal at the Asian Games, giving India an important athletics title at the continental event.