Today's Current Affairs October 2, 2026

India celebrates 157th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and 122nd Birth Anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri

On October 2, 2026, the nation honors the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 122nd birth anniversary of India's second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes at Raj Ghat and Vijay Ghat in New Delhi.

The United Nations also observes October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in recognition of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa. Nationwide cleanliness drives, community service events, and cultural exhibitions were organized to mark the occasion.

Swachh Bharat Diwas 2026 celebrated with the culmination of 'Swachhata Hi Seva' Campaign

The Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs celebrated Swachh Bharat Diwas on October 2, 2026, marking the 12th anniversary of the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission (launched on Oct 2, 2014).

The day marked the successful conclusion of the fortnightly nationwide campaign 'Swachhata Hi Seva 2026'. Awards were conferred upon top-performing Gram Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies, and sanitation workers (Swachhata Doots) for excellence in solid waste management and liquid waste processing.

Ministry of Jal Shakti launches 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0' for rainwater harvesting

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti inaugurated the second phase of the 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' initiative, expanding community-led rainwater harvesting recharge structures across 150 water-stressed districts in India.

The initiative combines artificial recharge structures, GIS-based mapping of local water bodies, and active involvement of self-help groups (SHGs) and local Panchayats to boost groundwater table levels prior to the retreating monsoon.

UNGA Adopts Resolution on Global AI Governance Framework for Ethical AI Usage

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a milestone resolution establishing the framework for the Global AI Safety Network. The initiative seeks to promote safe, secure, and trustworthy Artificial Intelligence systems worldwide while bridging the digital divide between developed and developing nations.

India welcomed the resolution, emphasizing the inclusion of the Global South in decision-making and advocating for open-source AI tools for public good.

India and Japan sign MoU on Sustainable Clean Energy Transit Systems

India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the bilateral trade dialog in Tokyo to promote green hydrogen infrastructure and eco-friendly urban transit systems.

The partnership will facilitate technical technology transfers and long-term concessional financing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for Metro expansion projects in India.

GST Collections for September 2026 reach ₹1.89 Lakh Crore showing robust 9.2% YoY Growth

Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for September 2026 (collected in October) reached ₹1,89,450 crore, registering a strong year-on-year growth of 9.2%.

The growth was primarily driven by heightened festival demand, domestic transactions, and improved tax compliance mechanisms implemented by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

SEBI introduces enhanced risk management guidelines for Index F&O Derivatives Segment

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released strict guidelines for retail investors participating in Equity Index Futures and Options (F&O). The regulatory updates increase minimum contract sizes and mandate real-time margin monitoring by stockbrokers.

The step aims to safeguard retail investors from extreme market volatility and prevent systemic risk in financial markets.

ISRO successfully tests Next-Gen Electric Propulsion System for Future Satellite Missions

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully ground-tested its indigenous 300mN High-Thrust Stationary Plasma Thruster (SPT) designed for electric propulsion in geostationary satellites.

Electric propulsion drastically reduces the chemical fuel requirement, allowing communication satellites to carry heavier scientific payloads and increasing operational lifespans up to 20 years.

IISc Bengaluru researchers develop low-cost Graphene-based Biosensor for Rapid Water Quality Testing

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have invented a portable, graphene-backed biosensor that detects heavy metals and bacterial pathogens in drinking water within 60 seconds.

The device uses microfluidic channels and electrical conductivity variations to spot contaminants like Lead, Arsenic, and E. coli at ultra-low concentrations.

Asian Games 2026: India wins Gold in Men's Hockey and secures 2028 Olympic Berth

The Indian Men's Hockey Team delivered a thrilling performance to beat South Korea 4-2 in the final at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, winning the Gold Medal.

With this gold medal win, India has also officially qualified directly for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Badminton Star Lakshya Sen clinches Silver Medal at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026

India's ace badminton player Lakshya Sen secured the Silver Medal in the Men's Singles badminton event after a hard-fought final match against China's Shi Yuqi at the 2026 Asian Games.