Daily Current Affairs — 1 October 2026
· 24 min read · TS Police Hub (Anvil Edtech)
MoHUA launches PRAGATI-50 for 50 model clean cities; the Cabinet approves Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (PM-DHARA) worth ₹1,86,405 crore and Rabi MSPs for 2027-28; the southwest monsoon ends 12.6% below normal; GST collections rise 14.7% in September; CAFE-III fuel-efficiency norms notified; India–EFTA TEPA completes a year; India ranks 38th in the Global Innovation Index 2026; India and Italy hold tourism talks; the US orders the term 'Super Intelligence'; AIME-2026 under way; the Telangana Cabinet clears two DA instalments and 7,800 MW of clean power; DoorDash opens its first India talent hub in Hyderabad; Hyderabad police stations reorganised; Special TG TET notified; Crew-13 reaches the ISS; Shubman Gill hits the fastest ODI double century; important days of 1–2 October.
1. Urban Development & Energy
PRAGATI-50: 50 Model Cities for a Higher Benchmark of Swachhata
Why in news: On 29 September 2026, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal launched the PRAGATI-50 initiative in New Delhi. Under it, 50 model cities across 24 states will be developed to a higher benchmark of cleanliness (Swachhata) under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0).
The chosen cities include state capitals and important cultural, pilgrimage, tourism and economic centres. The initiative follows directions given at the 51st PRAGATI meeting held on 27 May 2026, which reviewed SBM-U 2.0.
Key facts
- Focus areas: Visible cleanliness, solid waste management, used-water management, sanitation and citizen participation.
- Monitoring: A PRAGATI-like digital review on the Swachhatam Portal; the Union Minister will review progress every two months.
- Durgapur centre: A Swachh Bharat Test Bed and Innovation Centre was opened at Durgapur (West Bengal) with CSIR–Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) to test and certify sanitation technologies.
- RRR centre: A Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (RRR) Centre was opened at Sankalp Bhawan, New Delhi — the first in a Union Ministry office — as part of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.
Cabinet Approves Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (PM-DHARA)
Why in news: On 30 September 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III scheme, named PM-DHARA (PM – Developing Harmonised and Accelerated Renewable Energy Access), with a total outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore. It will strengthen intra-state transmission (power lines within a state) so that up to 135 GW of renewable power can be carried to consumers by 2032-33.
Solar and wind power are produced only at certain places and times, so strong transmission lines and batteries are needed to bring this power to homes and factories. 'Intra-state' means within one state; 'inter-state' means between states.
PM-DHARA at a glance| Item | Amount / target |
|---|
| Total outlay | ₹1,86,405 crore |
| Intra-state transmission (GEC-III) | ₹1,36,378 crore |
| Battery energy storage (50 GWh) | ₹50,000 crore |
| Central financial support | ₹54,082 crore (about 29%) |
| Renewable power to be evacuated | Up to 135 GW by 2032-33 |
Key facts
- Who builds it: State Transmission Utilities implement it; new lines through tariff-based competitive bidding, upgrades of existing lines on a cost-plus basis.
- Bigger goal: It supports India's target of 900 GW of non-fossil power capacity by 2035.
- Earlier phases: GEC-I (2015-16) covered 8 states with German KfW loan support; GEC-II (approved January 2022) covered 7 states with about 20 GW of capacity.
CAFE-III Fuel-Efficiency Norms Notified for Cars
Why in news: The Ministry of Power notified the third phase of Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-III) norms for passenger vehicles (reported 30 September 2026). They will apply from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032 and require carmakers to improve the average fuel efficiency of all the cars they sell by about 16.7%.
- Target: Average fuel use falls from 3.996 to 3.3273 litres per 100 km; a credit-debit system and incentives for electric, hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles are included.
- Legal basis: Framed under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) as the technical agency. CAFE-I began in 2017 and CAFE-II in 2022.
2. Agriculture & Weather
MSP for Six Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2027-28
Why in news: On 30 September 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) of six Rabi crops for the Rabi Marketing Season 2027-28. Safflower received the highest increase (₹675 per quintal) and wheat the smallest (₹25).
Rabi MSP 2027-28 (₹ per quintal)| Crop | MSP 2027-28 | Increase |
|---|
| Lentil (masur) — highest MSP | ₹7,390 | ₹390 |
| Safflower — highest increase | ₹7,215 | ₹675 |
| Rapeseed & mustard | ₹6,613 | ₹413 |
| Gram (chana) | ₹5,958 | ₹83 |
| Wheat | ₹2,610 | ₹25 |
| Barley — lowest MSP | ₹2,286 | ₹136 |
Key facts
- Margin over cost: Wheat has the highest margin over its cost of production (106%); the cost of producing wheat is put at ₹1,264 per quintal.
- Principle: Since the Union Budget 2018-19, MSP is fixed at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.
Southwest Monsoon 2026 Ends with a 12.6% Deficit
Why in news: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the June–September monsoon of 2026 ended on 30 September with 759.4 mm of rain against a normal of 868.6 mm — about 87% of the long period average (LPA), a deficit of 12.6%. It was the driest monsoon since 2015 and is linked to El Niño.
- Regions: South India received about 76% and East India about 74% of their normal rain. The northeast monsoon is expected around mid-October.
- Telangana link: The Telangana Cabinet noted rainfall about 17% below normal in the state and will seek central aid for drought losses (see Telangana Focus).
3. Economy & Trade
GST Collections Rise 14.7% in September 2026
Why in news: Data released on 1 October 2026 show gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections of ₹2.04 lakh crore for September 2026, up 14.7% over a year earlier. Net collections after refunds were ₹1.77 lakh crore.
- Break-up: Domestic GST about ₹1.38 lakh crore and GST on imports about ₹65,525 crore. Maharashtra collected the most (about ₹29,986 crore).
- Half-year: Gross collections for April–September 2026 (first half of 2026-27) were about ₹12.46 lakh crore, up 11.6%.
India–EFTA Trade Pact (TEPA) Completes One Year
Why in news: The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) completed one year on 1 October 2026. Signed on 10 March 2024, it came into force on 1 October 2025.
- Investment promise: EFTA countries committed to invest USD 100 billion in India over 15 years, expected to create about 10 lakh direct jobs — the first such investment commitment in any Indian trade deal.
- Market access: EFTA opened 92.2% of its tariff lines, covering 99.6% of India's exports to these countries.
India Ranks 38th in the Global Innovation Index 2026
Why in news: In the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2026, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on 29 September 2026, India ranked 38th among 139 economies, the same rank as in 2025. Switzerland stayed first, followed by Sweden and the United States.
- Regional lead: India is first in Central and Southern Asia and has performed above expectations for its income level for 16 years in a row.
4. International Relations & Defence
India–Italy Hold the 2nd Joint Working Group Meeting on Tourism
Why in news: India and Italy held the second meeting of their Joint Working Group (JWG) on Tourism in New Delhi on 29 September 2026. It discussed tourism data sharing, lesser-known destinations, film tourism, 'twinning' of destinations and skill building, and prepared for the India–Italy Year of Culture and Tourism 2027.
- Year of Culture and Tourism: 2027 was announced as the India–Italy Year of Culture and Tourism during the Prime Minister's visit to Rome on 20 May 2026, when ties were also raised to a 'Special Strategic Partnership'.
- Compare: 2026 is the India–France Year of Innovation, launched on 17 February 2026 in Mumbai.
US Order Asks Government to Use the Term 'Super Intelligence'
Why in news: On 29 September 2026, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled 'Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence'. It directs US government departments to use the term 'Super Intelligence' (SI) instead of 'Artificial Intelligence' (AI) in official communication, websites and reports.
- What it does not do: It does not change existing laws, regulations or contracts; it is a terminology directive for the executive branch. A federal definition of 'Super Intelligence' is to be proposed within 60 days.
AIME-2026: ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise in the Philippines
Why in news: The second ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) is being held at Subic Bay, Philippines, from 28 September to 2 October 2026. The Indian Navy is represented by INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish. Theme: 'Anchored in Trust, United at Sea'.
5. Telangana Focus
Telangana Cabinet: Two DA Instalments, 7,800 MW of Clean Power, Drought Relief
Why in news: The Telangana Cabinet met on 1 October 2026 under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Revenue and I&PR Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy announced the decisions.
- Dearness allowance: Two pending DA instalments approved for state employees and pensioners (pending since 2024; about ₹2,500 crore a year). Arrears to be paid in instalments.
- Clean power: 7,800 MW approved — 3,000 MW solar, 4,000 MW battery storage and 800 MW wind. The state's peak power demand has reached 19,892 MW.
- Drought: Rainfall about 17% below normal and about 235 mandals affected; the state will seek central aid based on a Cabinet sub-committee report. Kharif paddy procurement is estimated at about 65 lakh tonnes.
- Other decisions: 10 incomplete Jalayagnam irrigation projects to be stopped and re-tendered; ₹650 crore for phase 1 of the Koheda integrated fruit market (Abdullapurmet mandal, Ranga Reddy district).
DoorDash Opens Its First India Talent Hub in Hyderabad
Why in news: On 30 September 2026, Telangana IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu inaugurated the first India talent hub of DoorDash, the US local-commerce and delivery platform, in HITEC City, Hyderabad.
- Jobs: About 500 employees at the start, growing to over 3,000 within two years. It will handle customer experience and administrative work for the company's global operations.
- Third hub: It is DoorDash's third such customer-experience hub worldwide, after Tempe (Arizona, USA) and Mexico City.
- Company: Founded in 2013; headquarters in San Francisco; CEO Tony Xu.
Hyderabad City Police Commissionerate Restructured
Why in news: Following the reorganisation of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the state government notified a restructuring of the Hyderabad City Police Commissionerate in an extraordinary gazette on 1 October 2026, with immediate effect.
- New boundaries: Police station and village boundaries were redrawn; for example, Rajendranagar police station now covers the RBVRR Telangana State Police Academy.
- Six zones: Women police stations and zonal cyber cells were realigned into six zones — Jubilee Hills, Secunderabad, Khairatabad, Charminar, Golconda and Rajendranagar.
Second Special TG TET for In-Service Teachers
Why in news: Telangana notified the Special TG TET 2026-II for in-service teachers on 1 October 2026. Applications run from 7 to 16 October, and the computer-based test will be held from 16 to 21 November 2026. In the first special TET, 15,749 of 22,477 teachers (70.07%) qualified.
6. Science & Sports
NASA–SpaceX Crew-13 Reaches the International Space Station
Why in news: On 1 October 2026, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched the Crew-13 mission in the Crew Dragon capsule 'Grace' from Florida. It docked with the International Space Station (ISS) in about eight hours. The crew: Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney (NASA), Joshua Kutryk (Canadian Space Agency) and Sergey Teteryatnikov (Roscosmos, Russia).
Shubman Gill Hits the Fastest Double Century in ODI Cricket
Why in news: On 30 September 2026, India captain Shubman Gill reached 200 in just 117 balls against the West Indies in the second ODI at Guwahati (Assam) — the fastest double century in One Day International cricket. He finished on 223 not out from 133 balls.
- Record broken: The earlier record was Ishan Kishan's 126-ball double century against Bangladesh in December 2022.
- The match: India chased 406 to win by 8 wickets after the West Indies scored 405/7 — only the second successful chase of 400 or more in ODIs. Rohit Sharma scored 101.
- Gill's second: Gill's first ODI double century was 208 against New Zealand at Hyderabad in January 2023. Rohit Sharma holds three ODI double centuries, including the record 264.
7. Important Days (1–2 October)
1 October: Older Persons, Coffee and Blood Donation
- International Day of Older Persons: 2026 theme: 'The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives'. Set by UN General Assembly resolution 45/106 (1990); first observed in 1991. In India, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 protects the elderly.
- International Coffee Day: Observed by the UN for the first time in 2026, after a UN General Assembly resolution in March 2026. Karnataka is India's largest coffee producer; the Coffee Board of India is in Bengaluru.
- National Voluntary Blood Donation Day: Observed in India on 1 October since 1975. World Blood Donor Day is on 14 June (birthday of Karl Landsteiner, who discovered the ABO blood groups).
2 October: Gandhi Jayanti and Swachh Bharat Diwas
- Gandhi Jayanti: 2 October 2026 marks Mahatma Gandhi's 157th birth anniversary (born 1869 at Porbandar, Gujarat). The UN observes it as the International Day of Non-Violence (resolution of 2007).
- Swachh Bharat Diwas: The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on 2 October 2014; Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 concludes on this day. Lal Bahadur Shastri, India's second Prime Minister, was also born on 2 October (1904).
8. Quick Revision — One-Liners
Practice questions with answers
With reference to the PM-DHARA scheme approved in September 2026, consider the following statements:
- It is the third phase of the Green Energy Corridor and focuses on intra-state transmission.
- It includes battery energy storage of 50 GWh.
- It aims to evacuate 135 GW of renewable power by 2027-28.
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the 135 GW target is for 2032-33, not 2027-28. The scheme's total outlay is ₹1,86,405 crore, of which ₹50,000 crore is for 50 GWh of battery storage.
Match the Rabi crop with its MSP for Rabi Marketing Season 2027-28 (₹ per quintal):
| List I | List II |
|---|
| A. Wheat | 1. 6,613 |
| B. Lentil (masur) | 2. 2,286 |
| C. Rapeseed & mustard | 3. 2,610 |
| D. Barley | 4. 7,390 |
- A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
- A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
- A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
- A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Answer: (C) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Explanation: Wheat ₹2,610, lentil ₹7,390 (the highest MSP), rapeseed & mustard ₹6,613 and barley ₹2,286 (the lowest MSP). Hence A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2.
Consider the Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Safflower received the highest absolute increase in MSP for Rabi Marketing Season 2027-28.
Reason (R): Since 2018-19, MSP is fixed at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.
- Both A and R are true, and R explains A
- Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
- A is true, R is false
- A is false, R is true
Answer: (B) Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
Explanation: Both are true, but R does not explain A. Safflower's MSP rose by ₹675 — the highest increase — while the 1.5-times rule is a general principle that applies to all crops; it does not explain why safflower in particular got the biggest rise.
With reference to the PRAGATI-50 initiative, consider the following statements:
- It was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- It covers 50 model cities spread across all 28 states.
- Progress will be reviewed through a PRAGATI-like digital mechanism on the Swachhatam Portal.
- 1 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (A) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the 50 model cities are spread across 24 states, not all 28. The initiative works under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
Match the report/agreement/norm in the news with the body connected to it:
| List I | List II |
|---|
| A. Global Innovation Index 2026 | 1. Bureau of Energy Efficiency |
| B. TEPA | 2. ASEAN |
| C. AIME-2026 | 3. WIPO |
| D. CAFE-III norms | 4. EFTA |
- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
- A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
- A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
- A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
Answer: (D) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
Explanation: The Global Innovation Index is published by WIPO; TEPA is India's trade pact with EFTA; AIME is the ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise; CAFE norms are framed with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Hence A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1.
Consider the Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The southwest monsoon of 2026 is classified as 'deficient'.
Reason (R): IMD calls a season deficient when rainfall is below 90% of the long period average, and 2026 received about 87% of the LPA.
- Both A and R are true, and R explains A
- Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
- A is true, R is false
- A is false, R is true
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R explains A
Explanation: Both are true and R explains A. The 2026 monsoon gave 759.4 mm against a normal of 868.6 mm — about 87% of the LPA, a 12.6% deficit — which is below the 90% line for a deficient season.
In how many balls did Shubman Gill complete the fastest double century in ODI cricket on 30 September 2026?
- 126
- 131
- 117
- 138
Answer: (C) 117
Explanation: Gill reached 200 in 117 balls against the West Indies at Guwahati and finished on 223 not out. He broke Ishan Kishan's record of 126 balls (vs Bangladesh, 2022).
With reference to the Telangana Cabinet decisions of 1 October 2026, consider the following statements:
- Two pending DA instalments were approved for employees and pensioners.
- 7,800 MW of clean power, including 4,000 MW of battery storage, was approved.
- The state will seek central aid for drought losses.
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three are correct. The Cabinet cleared two pending DA instalments, approved 7,800 MW (3,000 MW solar, 4,000 MW battery storage, 800 MW wind), and decided to seek central aid as rainfall was about 17% below normal with about 235 mandals affected.
DoorDash, which opened its first India talent hub on 30 September 2026, set it up in which city?
- Bengaluru
- Pune
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
Answer: (D) Hyderabad
Explanation: The hub is in HITEC City, Hyderabad, and was inaugurated by Telangana IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu. It will start with about 500 people and grow to over 3,000 in two years; it is DoorDash's third such hub after Tempe (USA) and Mexico City.
The GST Council, whose decisions shape GST collections, is constituted under which Article of the Constitution?
- Article 246A
- Article 279A
- Article 269A
- Article 280
Answer: (B) Article 279A
Explanation: Article 279A provides for the GST Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister. Article 246A gives Parliament and states the power to levy GST, Article 269A deals with GST on inter-state trade, and Article 280 is about the Finance Commission. September 2026 gross GST was ₹2.04 lakh crore.