Current Affairs, 30 September 2026

Period of norms

The new norms run from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032 and apply to new passenger vehicles made or imported for sale in India.

Tightening of target

The fuel-consumption benchmark falls from 3.996 to 3.3273 litres/100 km, about 16.7% better.

Reference weight

Reference weight rises from 1,082 kg to 1,229 kg, and the target line is flattened so heavier cars face tougher targets.

Credit trading and buyout

Surplus credits can be carried forward or traded. Firms with a gap can buy credits through a buyout mechanism run by BEE.

Small-maker exemption

Manufacturers selling fewer than 1,000 units a year are exempt from fleet-average obligations.

Don’t confuse with CAFE norms vs Bharat Stage norms: CAFE limits fleet-average fuel use or CO2 per manufacturer. Bharat Stage norms limit tailpipe pollutants like NOx and PM for each vehicle.

Don’t confuse with MIDC vs WLTP: MIDC is India's existing test cycle. WLTP is the global harmonised procedure; the norms use both for reporting.

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.

1. 2016Prelims Q78Which products carry the BEE Star Label: fans, geysers, tubular lamps

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Approving body

The CCEA, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved the MSP for Rabi crops for marketing season 2027-28.

1.5 times cost rule

The rise follows the Union Budget 2018-19 promise of fixing MSP at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.

Margins over cost

Expected margin is highest for wheat (106%) and lowest for safflower (50%).

CACP

MSP is fixed on the recommendation of the CACP, which advises the government on prices of mandated crops.

Don’t confuse with MSP vs Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP): MSP applies to mandated crops like cereals, pulses and oilseeds. FRP is the minimum price mills must pay for sugarcane.

Don’t confuse with A2+FL vs C2 cost: A2+FL covers paid-out costs plus family labour. C2 adds the imputed rent and interest on owned land and capital. MSP is based on A2+FL.

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.

1. 2018Mains GS3 · Q3Define MSP and explain how it rescues farmers from low income trap
2. 2017Mains GS3 · Q15Significance of MSP and crop insurance for small and marginal farmers
3. 2026Mains GS3 · Q14Types of government agricultural supports, including MSP, and WTO Agreement on Agriculture issues
4. 2009Prelims Q9Whether CACP recommends MSP for 32 crops; Consumer Affairs food security mission
5. 2020Prelims Q69Whether MSP procurement is unlimited and whether market prices never exceed MSP
6. 2023Prelims Q27Statements on MSP for niger seed, its kharif cultivation, and tribal oil use

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Evacuation target

The scheme will strengthen intra-State transmission to evacuate up to 135 GW of renewable energy.

Battery storage

It provides for 50 GWh of BESS at the generator end or other important grid locations.

Implementation mode

Greenfield projects go through tariff based competitive bidding; brownfield upgrades are done on a cost plus basis.

Implementing agency

State Transmission Utilities implement the scheme; private Transmission Service Providers join under the BOOM model.

Climate goal link

The scheme supports the target of 900 GW installed non-fossil capacity by 2035.

Don’t confuse with GWh vs GW: GW is power capacity (rate); GWh is energy stored or produced. The scheme's 135 GW is evacuation capacity; 50 GWh is battery storage.

Don’t confuse with Greenfield vs brownfield: Greenfield means new projects; brownfield means upgrading or strengthening existing assets.

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.

1. 2013Mains GS3 · Q11Write a note on India's green energy corridor to alleviate conventional energy problems
2. 2021Mains GS3 · Q6Explain the purpose of Green Grid Initiative launched at COP26
3. 2022Mains GS3 · Q12Will India meet 50% energy from renewables by 2030, and subsidy shift
4. 2024Prelims Q38Which context correctly discusses pumped-storage hydropower: long duration energy storage
5. 2024Prelims Q27Which of battery storage, biomass, fuel cells, rooftop solar are included

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Outlay

The scheme has an approved outlay of ₹767 crore.

Coverage and period

It runs till 2030-31 across nine coastal States and four Union Territories.

Aim

It aims to strengthen coastal resilience and sustainability and unlock the Blue economy potential.

Components

Activities include vulnerability assessments, ecosystem restoration, pollution management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, spatial planning, research and capacity building.

Guidelines role

The Guidelines give a framework for transparent, timely implementation with convergence with ongoing schemes.

Don’t confuse with Central Sector Scheme vs Centrally Sponsored Scheme: A Central Sector Scheme is fully funded by the Centre. A Centrally Sponsored Scheme is shared with States.

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.

1. 2022Mains GS3 · Q18Causes, effects of coastal erosion and management techniques in India.
2. 2023Mains GS1 · Q14Resource potential of India's coastline and natural hazard preparedness status.
3. 2019Mains GS1 · Q5Causes of mangrove depletion and their importance for coastal ecology.
4. 2026Prelims Q23Rationale for protecting mangroves for climate resilience and coastal protection.
5. 2026Prelims Q35Statements on Sagarmala Programme objectives and Sagarmala 2.0 aims.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Start date

The Scheme has been operational since 7 March 2019.

Extension

Extended for three months, 1 October to 31 December 2026, at existing rates and guidelines.

Principle

It is anchored in zero-rating of exports: domestic taxes should not burden exported products.

Reach in 2025-26

More than 15,400 exporters in over 444 districts benefited, mostly MSMEs.

Ministry

The scheme is run by the Ministry of Textiles.

Don’t confuse with RoDTEP: RoDTEP refunds embedded central, state and local duties and taxes for most export sectors; RoSCTL is specific to apparel/garments and made-ups.

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.

1. 2017Mains GS3 · Q2Why manufacturing failed labour-intensive exports and how to promote them
2. 2019Mains GS3 · Q1Indirect taxes subsumed in GST and its revenue implications since 2017
3. 2017Mains GS2 · Q11Salient features of 101st Amendment and whether GST removes cascading taxes
4. 2026Prelims Q29Implications of Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk in global textile markets

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Draft hosted

The draft Bill and an explanatory note were put on the ministry website on 30 September 2026.

Consultation deadline

Stakeholders and the public can send comments to the Under Secretary (Distribution) by post or email on or before 30 October 2026.

Pre-legislative consultation

The step is part of pre-legislative consultation, and the inputs received will be examined.

Parent law

The Petroleum Act, 1934 is the central law on the import, transport, storage, production, refining and blending of petroleum.

Administering ministry

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas administers the Act, and the Petroleum Rules are made under it.

Don’t confuse with Petroleum Act, 1934 vs Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948: The 1934 Act deals with import, transport, storage, production, refining and blending of petroleum. The 1948 Act deals with regulating oilfields and developing mineral oil.

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.

1. 2017Mains GS1 · Q15Implications of refineries located away from crude oil producing areas.
2. 2019Prelims Q74Statements on PNGRB's status, tasks and appellate jurisdiction.
3. 2025Prelims Q60Which petroleum sector activities are included among the four listed?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Approval and cost

The CCEA approved the ITMS at an estimated cost of Rs.1,789.52 crore, inclusive of taxes.

Coverage and timeline

It covers 42 corridors in three phases over 24 months, followed by five years of operation and maintenance.

Scale of installation

The project covers 1,092 Adaptive Traffic Control System locations and 1,029 enforcement locations.

Who implements

Delhi Police implements it through a Master System Integrator chosen by competitive bidding. C-DAC supports as Project Management Consultant.

Performance-linked phasing

Each later phase starts only after the earlier phase is evaluated against set testing, commissioning, acceptance and performance parameters.

Vehicle pressure

Delhi has around 71 lakh active registered vehicles, and vehicle growth has outpaced road expansion.

Don’t confuse with ITMS vs Smart Cities Mission ITMS: This is a Delhi Police project approved by the CCEA for Delhi's 42 corridors. Many cities have their own ITMS components under other urban programmes, so do not treat it as a national scheme.

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.

1. 2014Mains GS3 · Q8Critically assess government strategies for National Urban Transport Policy's 'moving people' goal
2. 2019Mains GS2 · Q8Identify factors hindering ICT projects' implementation and suggest effective measures
3. 2016Mains GS1 · Q11Introduce objectives and strategy of the Smart City Programme, with urban quality background

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Who runs it

MoSPI releases the ASI results. Field work is done through the NSO.

Legal basis of data collection

Data are collected under the Collection of Statistics Act 2008, as amended in 2017, and its 2011 Rules. The survey runs on a web portal with no paper schedule.

Coverage

ASI covers factories registered under Sections 2m(i) and 2m(ii) of the Factories Act 1948, plus bidi and cigar units and certain electricity undertakings.

Approach

ASI follows an establishment approach, not an enterprise approach. Data come from selected establishments.

Top States

Maharashtra had the highest GVA. Tamil Nadu had the most factories and the most persons engaged.

Don’t confuse with ASI vs Index of Industrial Production: ASI is an annual survey of registered factories giving structure and value added. IIP is a monthly index of production volumes.

Don’t confuse with Establishment vs enterprise approach: ASI collects data from each establishment (factory), not from the whole enterprise that owns it.

Reports and indices: 14 Prelims questions since 2013; they test who publishes a report and what it measures.

1. 2014Mains GS3 · Q1Why India shifted from agriculture directly to services, skipping industry; is industrial base needed?
2. 2017Mains GS3 · Q12Why industrial growth lagged overall GDP growth post-reform; will policy changes help?
3. 2023Mains GS3 · Q1Comment on government policies to raise manufacturing's GDP share, especially MSMEs.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Total receipts

Receipts up to August 2026 were ₹13,67,709 crore, which is 37.5% of the BE for 2026-27.

Tax devolution

₹5,90,391 crore was devolved to States, which is ₹60,243 crore lower than in the previous year.

Total expenditure

Total expenditure was ₹20,77,958 crore, or 38.9% of BE. Of this, ₹15,68,009 crore was on revenue account and ₹5,09,949 crore on capital account.

Interest and subsidies

Interest payments were ₹5,14,810 crore and major subsidies ₹1,87,037 crore, both counted within revenue expenditure.

Non-debt capital receipts

Non-debt capital receipts are those that do not create a liability, such as recovery of loans and disinvestment proceeds.

Don’t confuse with Revenue expenditure vs capital expenditure: Revenue expenditure meets routine costs like interest and subsidies and creates no asset. Capital expenditure creates assets or reduces liabilities.

Don’t confuse with Non-tax revenue vs non-debt capital receipts: Non-tax revenue includes dividends and interest receipts. Non-debt capital receipts include loan recoveries and disinvestment, which are capital in nature.

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.

1. 2019Mains GS3 · Q12Explain public expenditure management challenges in post-liberalisation budget making.
2. 2021Mains GS3 · Q2Distinguish capital and revenue budgets and explain their components.
3. 2013Mains GS3 · Q2Reasons for FRBM Act 2003, and critical assessment of its features and effectiveness.
4. 2001Prelims Q73Match fiscal, budget, revenue and primary deficit with their definitions.
5. 2025Prelims Q61Which statements on revenue, fiscal and primary deficits are correct, given figures?
6. 2025Prelims Q65Compute gross primary deficit from fiscal deficit, non-debt receipts and interest.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

What CHIME is for

It is an interferometric radio telescope built to map hydrogen gas in the early universe. This lets astronomers calculate cosmic expansion and probe dark energy.

What is new

CHIME detected the hydrogen signal using only its own data. Earlier it had to cross-correlate with galaxy survey data from other telescopes.

Epoch and data

The signal comes from when the universe was about five billion years old. It is based on 94 nights of data collected in 2019.

Hydrogen share

About two per cent of the universe's hydrogen was in neutral atomic form at that time, broadly consistent with other measurements.

Indian role

Researchers at the Raman Research Institute, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, are CHIME collaborators.

Neutral hydrogen line

Neutral hydrogen emits radio waves at a wavelength of about 21 cm, which is the signal intensity mapping targets.

Don’t confuse with Intensity mapping vs galaxy surveys: Intensity mapping measures the combined radio glow of hydrogen over large areas. Galaxy surveys use light to detect individual galaxies in fine detail.

Don’t confuse with Dark energy vs dark matter: Dark energy is the force thought to drive the accelerating expansion of the universe. Dark matter is unseen matter that acts through gravity.

Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Chair

The meeting was chaired by Prof. Ajay K. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

BSL-3/4 standards

Minimum Standard Requirements for BSL-3/4 laboratories were released, prepared by the Advisory and Review Committee on BSL 3/4 laboratories.

One Health Dashboard

The Committee reviewed progress on an interoperable One Health Dashboard, which could complement the MoH&FW's IHIP.

Advisory committees

Advisory and Review Committees cover BSL-3/4 laboratory networks, technology-enabled surveillance, and data integration and sharing.

Don’t confuse with Scientific Steering Committee vs National Institute for One Health: The committee is a coordinating body under the PSA's office. The National Institute for One Health (NIOH) is a separate institution that attended the meeting.

Don’t confuse with IHIP vs One Health Dashboard: IHIP is the Health Ministry's integrated health information platform. The One Health Dashboard is a proposed interoperable cross-sector tool.

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.

1. 2021Mains GS3 · Q7WHO air quality guidelines revisions and changes needed in India's National Clean Air Programme.
2. 2014Mains GS3 · Q11Whether antibiotic overuse causes drug resistance in India, and monitoring and control mechanisms.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.