UPSC current affairs · Thursday

Current Affairs, 1 October 2026

12 issues picked from 98 PIB releases · about 2 minutes each · written by UPSC Grade, each fact checked against its PIB release or by a second model

How to readRead “Why in news” and “What it is” for every issue. Open For Prelims or For Mains for the exam you’re preparing for, then Test yourself at the foot of each card. Half the news questions in Prelims are answered from background, not the news itself.

In 60 seconds

PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. DDWS reviews States' progress on tap water saturation in tribal villages under PM-JANMAN and DA-JGUA.
Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. TDB paused RDI call citing heavy proposal load, denying any shortage of funds.
People's Plan Campaign and Gram Panchayat Development Plans. Special Gram Sabhas on 2 October launch People's Plan Campaign 2026-27 for village development plans.
Sugar stock holding limits. Centre caps dealers' sugar stock at 1,000 quintals for 15 days to curb hoarding.
SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. Centre details funds, special courts, relief and helpline under PCR and SC/ST Atrocities Acts.
Union Public Service Commission. PM marks UPSC's 100 years, urges recruitment reform: public service motive, time certainty, future skills.
Four Labour Codes. Labour Ministry runs 90-day Shram Samvad outreach to ease compliance with the four Labour Codes.
Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 and CAPEX Survey. NSO launches third forward-looking survey of private corporate capex intentions under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008.
Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling. NHAI starts Tamil Nadu's first barrier-free MLFF toll at Paranur, using ANPR and FASTag.
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme. NMMSS 2026-27 application deadline extended to 31 October; verification dates revised accordingly.
Offshore Areas Mineral auction (Andaman Sea polymetallic nodules). India auctions two Andaman Sea offshore blocks holding polymetallic nodules and crusts for composite licences.
PC&PNDT Act, 1994. Health Ministry workshop pushes stronger PC&PNDT enforcement, including online content; national sex ratio at birth reached 918.

Scheme

PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan

GS2 Welfare schemes for tribalsGS2 Jal Jeevan MissionPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 October 2026 the Jal Shakti Ministry reported a second follow-up meeting, held a day earlier, of DDWS with States and UTs. It aimed to speed up tap water saturation in PM-JANMAN and DA-JGUA tribal villages.
What it is: PM-JANMAN targets Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) with a package of basic services such as housing, roads, water, power and health. Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan is a tribal village development programme that covers a wider set of tribal villages. Drinking water in both is delivered through the Jal Jeevan Mission, which works in convergence with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Dedicated funds: ₹5,000 crore under JJM 2.0 is earmarked for drinking water gaps in PM-JANMAN and DA-JGUA villages.
Nodal departments: DDWS (Ministry of Jal Shakti) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs work together on the water component.
District platform: The District Water and Sanitation Mission, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate, is the main district platform for coordination and validation.
Joint Committee: Proposals go to a Joint Committee co-chaired by the Secretary, DDWS and the Secretary, MoTA.
SurveySetu: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs ran a State-wise SurveySetu exercise with household-level checks of Functional Household Tap Connection status.
Launch: The Prime Minister launched the mission on 15 November 2023.
Target group: It covers 75 PVTG communities in 18 States and one Union Territory.
Delivery model: The mission has 11 interventions run by 9 line ministries.
Services covered: Aims include safe housing, drinking water, education, health, nutrition, road and telecom links, electrification and livelihoods.
Gap survey: Habitation-level data was collected through the PM Gati Shakti mobile application to estimate PVTG population and infrastructure gaps.
Monitoring: A digital dashboard on the PM GatiShakti portal tracks works. The Ministry also has a Project Monitoring Unit.
Fund flow: States must follow Department of Expenditure instructions on SNA SPARSH along with applicable GFRs.
Implementation: Many ministries deliver their own components, with Tribal Affairs coordinating. Houses come under Rural Development and water under Jal Shakti.

Don’t confuse with PM-JANMAN vs DA-JGUA: PM-JANMAN is focused on PVTGs. DA-JGUA covers tribal villages more broadly.

Don’t confuse with DDWS vs MoTA: DDWS runs Jal Jeevan Mission and supplies the water. MoTA runs the tribal schemes and the SurveySetu verification.

Don’t confuse with PM-JANMAN vs Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: PM-JANMAN is for PVTGs only. Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan covers a wider set of tribal villages.

Don’t confuse with PM JANMAN vs Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: PM JANMAN is for PVTGs. Dharti Aaba covers a wider set of tribal villages.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Jal Shakti, 1 Oct, 11:27 IST · Release 295585

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme

GS3 Science and technology policyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 October 2026, the Ministry of Science & Technology said TDB closed its RDI call for administrative reasons, not a fund shortage as a 30 September media report claimed.
What it is: The RDI Scheme funds private-sector research and innovation in sunrise and strategic areas, to help turn deep science into products. Money flows through a Rs 1 lakh crore fund (RDIF) to second-level fund managers such as the Technology Development Board. These managers lend or invest in eligible technology enterprises (ETEs).

Who runs it: RDIF is managed by an Independent Business Unit housed within ANRF, under the Department of Science and Technology.
Who gets the money: SLFMs channel capital to Eligible Technology Enterprises working at Technology Readiness Level 4 and above.
Launch: The Rs 1 lakh crore scheme was launched by the Prime Minister in November 2025.
Approval chain: Proposals went to the ANRF Executive Council and then to the EGoS for approval, after evaluation and an Expert Advisory Committee interaction.
Private matching: SLFMs are expected to mobilise private capital equal to the RDIF contribution.
Matching funds rule: TDB releases RDI money only against matching funds the ETE raises from non-government sources.
Call to reopen: The call is paused only for now and will reopen after all proposals received till 30 September are assessed.
Form of funding: The support is given as Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCD), a debt instrument that can convert to equity, not a grant.
Technology readiness target: The project aims to raise the technology from TRL-4 and above to TRL-8.
Priority area: The project fits the RDI Fund's priority area of advanced and reusable launch vehicles and propulsion innovation within Space Technologies.
Full-system reusability: The project moves beyond recovering only the first stage towards reusing the whole system, to cut costs and space debris.
Earlier Agnikul work: Agnikul developed the Agnilet engine, a single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine made in-house.
Form of support: The money is given as Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCD), not a grant.
SAR vs optical: SAR can operate regardless of daylight and can image through cloud cover. Optical imaging is affected by cloud and illumination.
Technology readiness: The funding is meant to take the technology from TRL-6 to TRL-9, that is, from a demonstrated prototype to a proven system in operation.
Intended uses: The satellite is meant for surveillance, human and vehicle detection and target classification, in varied weather and light.
Fund managers: TDB and BIRAC are the designated Second-Level Fund Managers. They issued calls on 4 and 13 February 2026.
Eligibility: Start-ups, companies and industry-led R&D projects developing technologies at TRL 4 and above in strategic and sunrise sectors can get funding.
Mode: The scheme works at national level through a competitive, proposal-based mechanism.
NM-ICPS: The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems has an outlay of Rs 3,660 crore and 25 Technology Innovation Hubs.
Fund size and period: BIRAC will deploy Rs 2,000 crore over up to five years, with scope for expansion.
Approval and launch: The RDI initiative was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025 and launched in November 2025 under ANRF, anchored by DST.
Technology readiness and instruments: The fund backs technologies from TRL-4 to TRL-9 through equity, convertible instruments and long-term debt.
Link to BioE3: The fund complements the BioE3 Policy and targets biopharma, bio-industrial manufacturing, bioenergy, blue economy and biocomputation.
Bioeconomy target: India's bioeconomy is put at 165.7 billion dollars in 2024, with targets of 300 billion dollars by 2030 and 1 trillion dollars by 2047.
Fund size: The RDI Fund is a Rs 1 lakh crore initiative to catalyse private sector-led research and innovation.
Roles of the first fund managers: TDB handles projects across all sunrise and strategic sectors. BIRAC oversees biotechnology and allied areas.
Initial allocation: TDB and BIRAC get Rs 2,000 crore each in the first quarter, so the initial allocation is Rs 4,000 crore.
Approval route: The Empowered Group of Secretaries approved the two managers on 12 January, in line with the decision of the ANRF Executive Council.

Don’t confuse with RDIF vs ANRF: ANRF is the statutory research body; RDIF is the Rs 1 lakh crore fund run by a business unit inside it.

Don’t confuse with SLFM vs ETE: SLFMs are intermediaries that receive RDIF money; ETEs are the firms that finally receive funding.

Don’t confuse with RDIF vs SLFM: RDIF is the main fund; second-level fund managers like TDB take money from it and pass it on to ETEs.

Don’t confuse with Allocation vs disbursement: Allocation is what the fund sets aside; disbursement depends on ETEs raising matching funds and sending demand notices.

Don’t confuse with RDI Fund vs TDB: The RDI Fund is the Rs 1 lakh crore pool. TDB is one of the second-level fund managers that deploys money from it to firms.

Don’t confuse with TRL-4 vs TRL-8: TRL is a 1-9 scale of technology maturity. TRL-4 is lab validation of components, while TRL-8 is a complete, qualified system.

Don’t confuse with SAR vs EO imaging: SAR is active microwave imaging that works at night and through cloud. EO imaging is usually passive, relies on sunlight and is blocked by cloud.

Don’t confuse with RDI Scheme vs NM-ICPS: RDI funds private-sector R&D via fund managers; NM-ICPS is a DST mission funding hubs in academic institutions.

Don’t confuse with TDB vs BIRAC: Both are RDI fund managers; BIRAC focuses on biotechnology, TDB on commercialising indigenous technology.

Don’t confuse with RDI Scheme vs ANRF: ANRF is the body under which the RDI initiative runs. The RDI Scheme is the funding programme for private-sector research.

Don’t confuse with BIRAC vs DBT: BIRAC is the industry-research support agency linked to the Department of Biotechnology. It is the fund manager here, not the department.

Don’t confuse with RDI Fund vs Fund of Funds for Startups: The RDI Fund finances technology enterprises in research and innovation through second-level managers. The Fund of Funds for Startups (SIDBI-run) invests in startups through venture funds.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Why it matters

Provides long-term patient capital for high-risk private R&D, addressing a financing gap.
Supports technological sovereignty and reduces dependence on imported technology.
Gives long-tenor, low-cost finance to private deep-tech research, where risk keeps lenders away.
Strong response (about 330 proposals) shows demand for deep-science funding.
Gives long-term finance to private space firms for risky, capital-heavy technology that ordinary lenders avoid.
Reusable launchers can lower launch costs and space debris, strengthening India's position in the space economy.
Builds indigenous, all-weather, high-resolution Earth-observation capability for surveillance and civil use.
Shows the RDI Fund helping private firms through the late-stage gap between development and deployment.
Raises private R&D, which is low in India relative to GDP.
Supports strategic self-reliance in deep-tech, AI, biotech and energy transition.
Gives patient capital to long-gestation, high-risk biotech research that private lenders often avoid.
Helps move lab research to industrial-scale products and supports the BioE3 push.
Raises low private-sector R&D spending by sharing the risk of high-risk, long-gestation research.
Helps turn laboratory research into products by linking labs, startups and industry.

Problems

Private R&D spending in India is low, and investors may be wary of high-risk, long-gestation projects.
Matching private capital must be mobilised, and fund managers must be selected and monitored well.
Limited evaluation capacity: only about 150 projects assessed in seven months, causing a call closure.
Disbursal is slowed by the time ETEs need to raise matching funds.
Reusable launch technology is technically hard, especially controlled descent and restart, and carries high failure risk.
Debt-type support must be repaid or converted, which pressures start-ups with no early revenue.
Moving from TRL-6 to TRL-9 is costly and risky, and needs long testing and validation.
Commercial viability and demand for the data are uncertain.
Private firms may hesitate to take risk on long-gestation, uncertain research.
Capacity of fund managers to evaluate many proposals and track outcomes.
Risk of low private co-investment and slow deployment in high-risk deep-tech.
Biotech scale-up needs advanced infrastructure and regulatory clarity.
Private firms may be slow to take up high-risk research, and projects past TRL-4 may leave out early-stage research.
Guidelines have needed revision after stakeholder queries, which suggests clarity and speed are concerns.

Way forward

Onboard more fund managers and track outcomes such as products commercialised.
Link funding to industry-academia partnerships and clear transparency norms.
Add more fund managers and evaluation capacity, as DST/ANRF plans to assign more SLFMs.
Communicate call closures clearly to avoid misreading and keep investor confidence.
Tie disbursement to technical milestones and independent testing, with IN-SPACe and ISRO facilities support.
Track outcomes of RDI-funded projects publicly to judge whether they move technology from lab to market.
Link such funded projects to government demand, such as defence and agriculture users, to help commercialisation.
Track outcomes of RDI-funded projects so that later funding can be targeted better.
Use outcome-based monitoring and third-party evaluation of funded projects.
Link industry, academia and start-ups through ANRF missions and hubs.
Speed up approvals and align the fund with BioE3 biomanufacturing hubs.
Track outcomes by technology readiness level and publish deployment data.
Keep the process transparent and simple, and revise guidelines on feedback.
Track measurable outcomes for industry and society.

Put in your answer

RDI Fund example: TDB-DST's ₹63.84 crore OCD support to GalaxEye shows how the RDI Fund backs private strategic-technology projects.

RDI Scheme: Rs 1 lakh crore over six years to incentivise private R&D in strategic sectors.

NM-ICPS: Rs 3,660 crore mission with 25 hubs backing deep-tech start-ups.

Bioeconomy growth: India's bioeconomy rose from 28 billion dollars in 2012 to 165.7 billion dollars in 2024, according to BIRAC's MD.

BIRAC ecosystem: BIRAC reports more than 100 bio-incubation centres and over 10 lakh square feet of incubation space.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 12

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.The RDI Fund is managed by an Independent Business Unit housed within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
2.The first cohort of Second Level Fund Managers consists only of Alternative Investment Funds.
3.Second Level Fund Managers under the RDI Fund channel capital to enterprises working at Technology Readiness Level 4 and above.
4.Second Level Fund Managers are expected to mobilise private capital equal to the RDIF contribution.
5.Proposals from prospective fund managers are finally approved by the Executive Council of ANRF, with no further approval needed.
6.The RDI Scheme was launched in November 2025.
7.The RDI Scheme has a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore spread over six years.
8.The Technology Development Board and BIRAC are the Second-Level Fund Managers under the RDI Scheme.
9.The RDI Scheme funds only technologies at the earliest research stage, below TRL 4.
10.Under the RDI Scheme, funds are allocated to states on a state-specific quota basis.
11.The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems has established 25 Technology Innovation Hubs in academic institutions.
12.The Anusandhan National Research Foundation runs state-specific programmes for each state, including Jharkhand.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Science & Technology, 1 Oct, 12:06 IST · Release 295588

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

People's Plan Campaign and Gram Panchayat Development Plans

GS2 Panchayati Raj, local governancePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 October 2026 the Ministry of Panchayati Raj announced special Gram Sabhas on 2 October 2026. They will launch People's Plan Campaign 2026-27, 'Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas', for preparing Gram Panchayat Development Plans for 2027-28.
What it is: The People's Plan Campaign is a yearly drive led by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Gram Panchayats prepare Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) with citizen participation through the Gram Sabha. The plans bring together local needs and funds from many schemes and are uploaded on the eGramSwaraj portal.

Who leads it: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj leads the campaign, with 21 Union Ministries and Departments as partners.
Since when: The campaign has been rolled out in all States and UTs since 2018, to enable evidence-based, holistic and participatory plans.
Plan upload and assessment tools: Over 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats upload GPDPs on the eGramSwaraj portal. The Panchayat Advancement Index helps each GP identify achievements and gaps.
Capacity building: Under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, the Ministry supports training and capacity building across nine themes of local development.
Finance Commission grants: The Sixteenth Finance Commission recommended ₹4,35,236 crore for Rural Local Bodies for 2026-31, about 84 per cent more than the Fifteenth.
Nodal ministry: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj facilitates the Gram Sabha discussions with other Ministries and Departments in a Whole-of-Government approach.
Panchayat Advancement Index: The index lets Panchayats see achievements and gaps in local development areas. It gives the Gram Sabha a basis to set priorities and take a Sankalp for the year.
Schemes on the agenda: Schemes highlighted include Jal Jeevan Mission, SBM (Grameen), One Nation One Ration Card, DILRMP and the VB-G RAM G employment guarantee of 125 days.
Constitutional basis of planning: Article 243G empowers State legislatures to give Panchayats powers to prepare plans for economic development and social justice, covering the Eleventh Schedule subjects.

Don’t confuse with Gram Sabha vs Gram Panchayat: The Gram Sabha is the body of all registered voters in the village (Article 243A). The Gram Panchayat is the elected executive body that carries out its decisions.

Don’t confuse with GPDP vs Panchayat Advancement Index: The GPDP is the plan a Panchayat prepares. The Panchayat Advancement Index is a tool that scores Panchayats on development themes to show gaps.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting grassroots planning topic (Gram Sabha, GPDP); release mostly lists schemes and has few testable facts.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, 1 Oct, 12:52 IST · Release 295590

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Economy

Sugar stock holding limits

GS3 Agriculture, food prices and stock limitsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 October 2026, the Centre cut the sugar dealer stock holding period to 15 days and set a 1,000-quintal limit, effective 15 October to 30 November 2026, to curb hoarding in the festive season.
What it is: Stock holding limits are a price-control tool. The Centre caps how much of an essential commodity a trader can keep and for how long, so that hoarding and speculation do not push up prices. For sugar, the limits apply to dealers in the chain between mills and consumers.

Holding period: A dealer cannot hold sugar for more than 15 days from the date the stock is received.
General limit: A dealer can hold at most 1,000 quintals at any time and place in the country.
Validity: The limits run from 15 October 2026 to 30 November 2026.
Higher limit areas: Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas and Assam have a higher limit of 2,000 quintals because of regional supply and logistics needs.
Legal basis: Stock limits on essential commodities are usually imposed through orders under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
New limit: Dealers' limit falls from 4,000 to 2,000 quintals, valid 15 Sept to 30 Nov 2026.
Kolkata exception: Kolkata and its extended metropolitan areas keep the 4,000 quintal limit, as they supply eastern India including the North-East.
Stock declaration: Stocks are declared and updated on the online portal of the Department of Food & Public Distribution.

Don’t confuse with Ex-mill price vs retail price: Ex-mill price is what mills charge when sugar leaves the factory. Retail price is what the consumer pays, after dealer, wholesaler and retailer margins.

Don’t confuse with Stock limit vs holding period: The limit caps the quantity held at a time. The holding period caps how long a given lot can be kept.

Don’t confuse with Stock limit vs buffer stock: A stock limit caps private holdings to curb hoarding; a buffer stock is held by the government to stabilise prices.

Don’t confuse with Stock limit vs export curbs: Stock limits act on domestic trade; export restrictions control outflow of supply.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, 1 Oct, 12:54 IST · Release 295591

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955

GS2 Vulnerable sections, laws and welfare mechanismsGS1 Social empowermentPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 October 2026 the Social Justice Ministry said the Centre released ₹1,423.30 crore to States and UTs over 2022-25 to implement the PCR Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. It also gave data on special courts, victim relief and the SAMBAL helpline.
What it is: The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 punishes untouchability practices. The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 punishes specified offences against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and provides Special Courts and relief for victims. Enforcement rests mainly with States, and the Centre supports them through a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

Special Courts: 217 Exclusive Special Courts operate in 15 States and UTs for trying offences under the PoA Act. Elsewhere, Courts of Session can be designated Special Courts with the concurrence of the High Court Chief Justice.
Central assistance: The Centre released ₹1,423.30 crore over 2022-23 to 2024-25 under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Who implements: Implementation of both Acts rests primarily with State Governments and UT Administrations.
Constitutional link: Article 17 of the Constitution abolishes untouchability. The PCR Act, 1955 (originally the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955) was enacted under it.

Don’t confuse with PCR Act vs PoA Act: The PCR Act, 1955 punishes untouchability practices against any person. The PoA Act, 1989 punishes atrocities against SC/ST members and provides Special Courts and relief.

Don’t confuse with Centrally Sponsored vs Central Sector: In a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Centre and States share funding and States implement. A Central Sector scheme is fully funded and run by the Centre.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

Test yourselfMains

Source: PIB, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 1 Oct, 13:29 IST · Release 295595

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

Union Public Service Commission

GS2 Constitutional bodiesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 October 2026, PM Narendra Modi took part in the UPSC centenary celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. He released a commemorative stamp, a special coin and a compilation of 100 case laws, and urged reform of recruitment.
What it is: The Union Public Service Commission is the central agency that conducts recruitment to the All-India and Central Services. It is a constitutional body under Part XIV, Articles 315-323. Its origin lies in the Public Service Commission set up in 1926 under British rule, which became the UPSC after independence.

Constitutional basis: Article 315 provides for Public Service Commissions for the Union and the States. The UPSC is therefore a constitutional body.
Members' removal: The Chairman and members are appointed by the President. They can be removed only by the President, on a Supreme Court inquiry finding misbehaviour, or on certain other grounds (Article 317).
Tenure: Members hold office for six years or until age 65, whichever is earlier.
Women's share: The PM said women in civil services rose from about 3 percent in 1952 to over 30 percent now.
Core values: The PM named independence, impartiality, merit, confidentiality and fair processes as the values that must stay.

Don’t confuse with UPSC vs SSC: UPSC is a constitutional body for All-India and Group A/B gazetted recruitment. The Staff Selection Commission is an executive body that fills many other central posts.

Don’t confuse with UPSC vs State PSC: Articles 315-323 cover both the UPSC and State Public Service Commissions. A State PSC recruits for State services, and its members are appointed by the Governor.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: UPSC is a constitutional body on the syllabus; the release is a speech with no decision, so no question.

Source: PIB, Prime Minister's Office, 1 Oct, 13:46 IST · Release 295597

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

Four Labour Codes

GS3 Labour reforms and social securityGS2 Labour lawsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 30 September 2026 the Labour Ministry held Shram Samvad awareness programmes in five industrial clusters. The 90-day campaign began on 28 September 2026 to explain the four Labour Codes to employers.
What it is: The four Labour Codes merge 29 older central labour laws into four laws on wages, industrial relations, social security and occupational safety. They were passed in 2019-2020 to simplify compliance and widen social-security cover, including for gig and unorganised workers. Labour is on the Concurrent List, so States frame rules too.

Shram Samvad campaign: A 90-day outreach launched nationwide on 28 September 2026, covering 316 districts in all 36 States and UTs, focused on industrial clusters.
The four Codes: Code on Wages, 2019; Industrial Relations Code, 2020; Code on Social Security, 2020; and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.
Aim of the outreach: To close the gap between the legal framework and its implementation by giving employers clarity on provisions, applicability and compliance.
Schemes covered: Sessions also covered Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM).
Constitutional basis: Labour is in the Concurrent List (Seventh Schedule), so both Centre and States can legislate and make rules.

Don’t confuse with EPFO vs ESIC: EPFO runs provident fund, pension and insurance for employees. ESIC runs medical, sickness and maternity benefits under the ESI scheme.

Don’t confuse with VVGNLI vs DGMS: V.V. Giri National Labour Institute is a labour research and training body. DGMS is the regulator for mines safety.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting law topic on the syllabus; this release only describes an outreach campaign (Shram Samvad) with no provisions given.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Labour & Employment, 1 Oct, 15:47 IST · Release 295612

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Economy

Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 and CAPEX Survey

GS3 Indian economy, investment and dataPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 October 2026, MoSPI's National Statistics Office announced the third CAPEX survey of large private companies, to run from October to December 2026.
What it is: The Forward-Looking Survey on Private Corporate Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions is run by the National Statistics Office under MoSPI. It collects past, current and planned capital spending from large private companies. It gives an early read on private investment, which is hard to track from other data.

Legal basis: The survey is conducted under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008.
Survey frame: The frame is drawn from active enterprises registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, subject to eligibility and turnover criteria.
Sector split, CAPEX 2025: Manufacturing had the largest share of provisional 2025-26 capex at 50.17% (₹5,73,900 crore), followed by information and communication.
Realisation ratio: The realisation ratio compares actual capex with intended capex. It was 96.3% for 2024-25.
Confidentiality: Unit-level data are not released, to protect the investment plans of individual firms.

Don’t confuse with CAPEX survey vs. Union Budget capex: The survey measures private corporate capital spending and intentions. Budget capex is central government capital expenditure.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Investment-intent survey by NSO under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008; routine data, so no question.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, 1 Oct, 16:00 IST · Release 295609

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Economy

Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling

GS3 Infrastructure, electronic toll collectionPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 October 2026, NHAI rolled out Tamil Nadu's first barrierless Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at Paranur Toll Plaza on the Tambaram–Tindivanam section of NH-179B.
What it is: Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling lets vehicles pass a toll point at normal speed without stopping at a barrier. Cameras read number plates and the toll is charged to the linked FASTag. It is NHAI's phased upgrade of electronic toll collection on national highways.

Technology: The system combines Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) with FASTag-based electronic toll collection.
Barrierless: Vehicles pass through toll locations without stopping, which cuts human intervention and congestion.
User obligation: Users must keep a functional FASTag with enough balance, or they may get an Electronic Notice (E-Notice).
Implementing agency: NHAI is a statutory body under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, set up under the NHAI Act, 1988.

Don’t confuse with MLFF vs FASTag-based plaza tolling: FASTag alone still usually needs vehicles to slow at a plaza barrier. MLFF removes the barrier and adds ANPR cameras to identify vehicles and charge them.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting tolling technology (ANPR, FASTag); this release is a local rollout in Tamil Nadu, so a card only.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 1 Oct, 16:12 IST · Release 295615

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme

GS2 Education, welfare schemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 October 2026 the Union Ministry of Education extended the last date for NMMSS applications for 2026-27 to 31 October 2026. Verification dates were also moved: L1 to 15 November and L2 to 30 November 2026.
What it is: The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme is a Central scheme of the Ministry of Education. It gives scholarships to meritorious students from economically weaker families to reduce dropout after Class VIII. Students apply through the National Scholarship Portal and money goes by DBT.

Amount: Eligible students get ₹12,000 per year, paid by DBT to bank accounts.
Fresh awards: One lakh fresh scholarships are given each year to Class IX students who qualify in the State/UT selection examination.
Duration: The scholarship covers Classes IX to XII; it continues from Class X to XII through renewal, subject to academic requirements.
Schools covered: Students in state government, government-aided and local body schools are eligible.

Don’t confuse with NMMSS vs NTSE: NMMSS is a means-cum-merit scheme for Class IX-XII with a State-run test; NTSE is a national talent search run by NCERT.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Human Resource Development, 1 Oct, 16:36 IST · Release 295621

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Economy

Offshore Areas Mineral auction (Andaman Sea polymetallic nodules)

GS3 Mineral resources, ocean resourcesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 October 2026, the Ministry of Mines Secretary virtually launched the auction of two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea for grant of Composite Licence. Bids can be submitted up to 28 December 2026.
What it is: The offshore mineral auction offers seabed blocks in India's maritime zones for exploration and development of minerals. It runs under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002. The two blocks on offer hold polymetallic nodules and crusts, which carry metals such as nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese.

Blocks offered: Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01 in the Andaman Sea are offered for auction.
Type of licence: The blocks contain polymetallic nodules and crusts and are offered for a Composite Licence.
Area: The total area offered is 1,632 sq km: 632 sq km plus 1,000 sq km.
Legal framework: The auction is held under the 2002 Act, as amended in 2023, and the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024.
Exploration support: NMEDT presented a scheme for partial reimbursement of exploration costs for offshore Composite Licence holders.
Bid deadline: The last date for submitting bids is 28 December 2026.
Blocks: Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01, in the Andaman Sea, together cover over 1,632 sq km.
Licence type: The auction is for grant of a Composite Licence.
Legal basis: The auction follows the 2002 Act and the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024.
Platform and timeline: The auction runs on the MSTC platform; bids are due by 28 December 2026, 17:00 IST.
Minerals: The blocks hold polymetallic nodules and crusts with cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and rare earth elements.

Don’t confuse with Composite Licence vs other licences: A Composite Licence covers both exploration and production in one grant. Do not mix it with a plain prospecting or exploration-only permit.

Don’t confuse with Offshore Areas Act vs MMDR Act: Offshore blocks fall under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002. Onshore mining falls under the MMDR Act, 1957.

Don’t confuse with Composite Licence vs Production Lease: A composite licence allows exploration and then production under one licence. A production lease covers only mining.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Mines, 1 Oct, 16:42 IST · Release 295629

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

PC&PNDT Act, 1994

GS2 Women, laws and social issuesGS1 Women and societyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 October 2026, the Union Health Ministry held a national workshop in New Delhi with all States and UTs to strengthen implementation of the PC&PNDT Act, 1994, focusing on digital governance and online sex-selection content.
What it is: The Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 bans sex selection before or after conception and misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex determination. It regulates genetic counselling centres, laboratories and clinics through registration and appropriate authorities. It was enacted to stop sex-selective abortion and the fall in the child sex ratio.

Sex ratio at birth: As per SRS Report 2024, national SRB rose by 20 points, from 898 (2014-16) to 918 females per 1,000 males (2022-24).
Digital content: A session on Section 22 of the Act covered the role of States and UTs in identifying, flagging and restricting prohibited digital content.
State digital models: Telangana and Gujarat gave live demonstrations of their digital initiatives for PC&PNDT regulation.
Penalties: The offences are cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable.

Don’t confuse with PC&PNDT Act vs MTP Act: PC&PNDT bans sex determination and sex selection. The MTP Act, 1971 regulates when a pregnancy may be lawfully terminated.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 1 Oct, 17:22 IST · Release 295637

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Quick facts

Narendra Bhooshan, 1992-batch UP-cadre IAS officer, took charge as Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
INS Trishul took part in the 24th edition of India–France bilateral naval exercise Varuna at Toulon, France.
INS Tarkash made a goodwill port call at Mombasa, Kenya, in keeping with the MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
From 2 Oct 2026, exempted FASTags for Divyangjan are valid five years for 70-100% disability and three years for 40% to under 70%.
ICAR and FCI signed an MoU to research nitrogen and CO2-phosphine fumigation as alternatives to aluminium phosphide for wheat and rice storage.
Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff marked 25 years since its establishment on 1 October 2001, observed as Tri-Service Day.
Nalanda University and CSIR-TKDL signed an MoU on traditional knowledge, IPR and cultural heritage research.

Source: PIB, 1 Oct

What we left out: 79 of 98 releases

Speeches without a decision (4)
Greetings and messages (3)
Ceremonies and campaigns (39)
Visit schedules (1)
Requests without a decision (1)
Explainers without news (3)
Same issue as another release (5)
Conferences and events (1)
Inaugurations with nothing new (2)
Courtesy meetings (2)
Sports congratulations (4)
Routine company data (1)
Exhibitions and showcases (1)
Meetings without a decision (2)
Training courses and webinars (1)
Other releases (9)

Practise the day’s news

In UPSC’s formats, inside each issue. The answer and why come after you choose.

1PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh AbhiyanMCQ · 5 true or false
2Research Development and Innovation (RDI) SchemeMCQ · 12 true or false · Mains
3Sugar stock holding limitsMCQ · 6 true or false
4SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955MCQ · 8 true or false
5National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship SchemeMCQ · 6 true or false
6Offshore Areas Mineral auction (Andaman Sea polymetallic nodules)MCQ · 5 true or false
7PC&PNDT Act, 1994MCQ · 6 true or false · Mains

Mains question of the day

15 marks · 250 words

The Centre has released over ₹1,423 crore to States and UTs in 2022-25 to implement the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, yet over 65,000 cases were registered in 2024 and nearly 3.92 lakh were pending trial. Examine the key provisions of the Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 and critically analyse the challenges in its implementation.

From: SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955

Write and get it marked

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