NationalThe Great Indian Bustard (GIB) conservation programme reached a major milestone with the planned release of two captive-bred male Great Indian Bustards into the wild at Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.The Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered and is mainly found in the grassland and arid ecosystems of Rajasthan and Gujarat.The GIB conservation programme involves captive breeding, habitat protection and efforts to reintroduce captive-bred birds into the wild.The conservation-breeding facilities at Sam and Ramdevra in Jaisalmer currently house 97 Great Indian Bustards.The programme recorded 24 live GIB chicks in 2025 and 29 live chicks in 2026 through captive breeding.A scientific “jumpstart” approach has also been used in GIB conservation, including placing captive-laid eggs in wild nests to encourage successful hatching.More than 2.42 lakh Special Gram Sabhas were scheduled across India as part of the People’s Plan Campaign 2026-27 – “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas.”Under the campaign, Panchayats will prepare Panchayat Development Plans for 2027-28 through participatory planning.More than 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats are participating in the preparation of evidence-based and participatory development plans.Swiss President Guy Parmelin begins a three-day State visit to India from 5 to 7 October 2026.India and Switzerland are expected to discuss trade, investment, science and technology, mobility and economic cooperation during the visit.India and Canada have begun the fifth round of negotiations for a proposed trade agreement.The Union Education Ministry is planning to establish five Centres of Excellence for classical Indian languages to promote research, preservation and wider understanding of India's linguistic heritage.The Supreme Court is hearing important petitions concerning the administrative functioning of the Election Commission of India and electoral administration.InternationalThe 2026 Nobel Prize announcement season begins on 5 October 2026 with the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.The Nobel Prize announcements will continue throughout the week, covering Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace and Economic Sciences.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Kyiv amid continuing developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to have major consequences for European security, energy markets and global geopolitics.Continuing tensions in the Middle East are affecting global energy markets and crude-oil prices.Rising geopolitical tensions have contributed to increased concerns over global energy security and inflation.Political and security developments in regions including Tigray in Ethiopia and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to attract international attention.Brazil is preparing for an important presidential election, making the country's political developments significant for international observers.Global crude-oil prices have remained elevated amid geopolitical tensions and concerns over supply.EconomyThe Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee meeting begins on 5 October 2026.The RBI's monetary policy decision is scheduled for 7 October 2026.The repo rate currently stands at 5.25%.The RBI's October policy meeting is being closely watched because of inflationary pressures, crude-oil prices, global monetary conditions and economic growth.India's real GDP grew by 7.8% in the first quarter of FY 2026-27.India's average annual economic growth during 2021-22 to 2025-26 was around 7.9%.India's fiscal deficit has declined significantly from around 9.2% of GDP several years ago to a budgeted 4.3% of GDP for the current year.India's foreign-exchange reserves stood at approximately $747.56 billion in the week ended 25 September 2026.Foreign Portfolio Investors recorded significant selling in Indian equities during September, putting pressure on domestic financial markets.Brent crude oil remained above the $100-per-barrel level amid geopolitical tensions and supply concerns.Rising crude-oil prices are particularly important for India because the country is a major crude-oil importer.SEBI is reviewing reforms concerning the Closing Auction Session, market timings and settlement methodologies for derivative contracts.India's banking sector continues to show improvement, with non-performing assets (NPAs) at multi-decadal lows.Digital payments, GST, financial-sector reforms and financial inclusion continue to be important pillars of India's economic growth.Strengthening corporate bond markets, pension and insurance markets, green finance and human capital is considered important for India's next phase of economic development.Date’s Importance – 5 OctoberWorld Teachers’ Day is observed every year on 5 October.World Teachers’ Day commemorates the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 Recommendation.The day highlights the importance of teachers, quality education, professional development and better working conditions for educators.The global education sector continues to face a significant teacher shortage, making teacher recruitment, training and retention major international priorities.World Habitat Day is observed on the first Monday of October every year.In 2026, World Habitat Day falls on 5 October.World Habitat Day focuses on adequate housing, sustainable human settlements and the future of urban development.Rani Durgavati was born on 5 October 1524 and is remembered as an important woman ruler in Indian history.Lord Cornwallis, the second Governor-General of British India, died on 5 October 1805 at Ghazipur.Person of the Day – Rani DurgavatiRani Durgavati was born on 5 October 1524.She became the ruler of Gondwana and is remembered for her courage, administrative abilities and resistance against Mughal expansion.She fought against the Mughal forces led by Asaf Khan.Rani Durgavati is regarded as one of the prominent women rulers of medieval Indian history.5 October 2026 marks her 502nd birth anniversary.SportsThe Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 concluded in Japan.India finished fourth in the medal table with 85 medals.India's medal tally consisted of 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals.India recorded major successes in cricket, hockey, wrestling, archery and golf.India won the men's cricket gold medal after defeating Pakistan.India's women's hockey team won gold, ending a 44-year wait for an Asian Games gold medal in the event.Aman Sehrawat won gold in wrestling at the Asian Games.Anahat Singh won a historic women's singles squash silver medal for India.India secured its first Asian Games medals in disciplines including Mixed Martial Arts and Soft Tennis.Neeru Dhanda carried the Indian flag at the Asian Games closing ceremony.In football, Brazil defeated India 4–0 in an international friendly at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.AwardsThe 2026 Nobel Prize announcement week begins on 5 October with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.The Nobel Prize in Physics is scheduled to be announced on 6 October 2026.The Nobel Prize in Chemistry is scheduled to be announced on 7 October 2026.The Nobel Prize announcements continue with Literature, Peace and Economic Sciences during the same week.The Nobel Prize award ceremonies are traditionally held on 10 December, the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel.Other Important SignificanceNational Dolphin Day is observed in India on 5 October.National Dolphin Day focuses particularly on the conservation of the Ganges River Dolphin, India's National Aquatic Animal.The Ganges River Dolphin is an endangered freshwater cetacean and an important indicator of river ecosystem health.India's Great Indian Bustard conservation programme has entered a new phase, moving from conservation breeding towards rewilding and reintroduction into natural habitats.Desert National Park in Rajasthan remains one of the most important habitats for the Great Indian Bustard.Around 200 sq. km of fenced grassland enclosures have been established inside the Desert National Park to support GIB breeding and conservation.The Kautilya Economic Conclave 2026 is being held in New Delhi from 3 to 5 October 2026.The theme of the Kautilya Economic Conclave 2026 is “Resilience in an Age of Flux.”Discussions at the conclave focus on economic resilience, global uncertainty and India's long-term growth strategy.India's economic strategy is increasingly focused on achieving sustainable, resilient and inclusive long-term growth.

This weekly compilation covers the most important national, international, economy, banking, defence, science and technology, environment, sports, awards, appointments, government schemes and important days from 27 September to 3 October 2026.1. National Current AffairsIndia observed World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”The National Digital Tourism Stack was launched to strengthen India's digital tourism ecosystem.Dekho Apna Desh 2.0 was launched to promote lesser-known tourism destinations and distribute tourist footfall more evenly.India's tourism sector contributed 5.22% to GDP and supported around 8.46 crore jobs in 2023-24.Domestic tourist visits in India reached around 428.55 crore in 2025.The first LNG-powered train in India was flagged off from Sabarmati Railway Station, Ahmedabad, on 27 September.Railway projects worth around ₹1,472 crore were inaugurated in Gujarat along with the LNG-powered train.The WAG-12 locomotive maintenance shed was inaugurated at Sabarmati.Kavach train-protection technology was introduced on additional railway sections in Gujarat.Indian Railways sanctioned around ₹223 crore for deployment of Kavach 4.0 over 614.75 route kilometres in the Varanasi Division.The Kavach system is India's indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.The United Forum of Bank Unions' proposed three-day bank strike from 28 to 30 September was deferred after discussions with the Indian Banks' Association.A high-level committee was agreed upon to examine the long-pending demand for a five-day banking week.Public sector banks and Regional Rural Banks were opened on Sunday, 27 September, as a special arrangement ahead of the proposed strike.The UPSC completed 100 years of its existence on 1 October 2026.India's first Public Service Commission was established on 1 October 1926.The UPSC centenary celebrations were held under the theme “Shatabdi Samaroh – Manthan.”A UPSC Centenary Commemorative Coin and Stamp were released.A book titled “100 Landmark Judgements – Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India” was released during the centenary programme.The Centre approved five Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages.The five languages covered are Classical Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit.The Classical Assamese Centre will be established at Tezpur University.The Classical Bengali Centre will be established at Visva-Bharati University.The Classical Marathi Centre will be established at Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune.The Classical Pali Centre will be established at Central University of Odisha.The Classical Prakrit Centre will be established at Central University of Gujarat.The Centres will focus on research, preservation, digitisation and dissemination of classical-language heritage.The FASTag Annual Pass crossed the milestone of one crore passes issued since its launch.The FASTag Annual Pass was introduced in August 2025.The annual pass provides validity for one year or 200 toll-plaza crossings, whichever comes first.The Union Government launched an Extradition Portal to streamline the process of bringing fugitives back to India.The portal brings together agencies including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, CBI and State authorities.Around 288 fugitives from 36 countries had been brought back to India between 2019 and 2026.The PRAHAAR – National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy conference was held in New Delhi.The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed a resolution seeking the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.The Centre approved Special Campaign 6.0, focusing on cleanliness and reducing pendency in government offices.The campaign is scheduled from 2 October to 31 October 2026.The Government approved the National Coastal Mission 2.0 guidelines.Delhi approved an Intelligent Traffic Management System aimed at improving real-time traffic management.The Union Cabinet approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III scheme.The Green Energy Corridor Phase-III aims to facilitate evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy.The scheme includes deployment of 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.The total project outlay for Green Energy Corridor Phase-III is around ₹1.86 lakh crore.Central financial support under the scheme is around ₹54,082 crore.The scheme is targeted for implementation by FY 2032-33.India demonstrated its first 5.56-km free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link, an important development in secure quantum communication.The government initiated the process for the pilot release of captive-bred Great Indian Bustards into the wild at Desert National Park, Jaisalmer.The Great Indian Bustard is classified as a Critically Endangered species.The Union Government announced the establishment of five Centres of Excellence for classical languages as part of efforts to preserve India's linguistic heritage.2. Economy and FinanceThe OECD raised India's FY2026-27 GDP growth forecast to 7.1%, citing resilience in domestic economic activity.The Finance Ministry's September Monthly Economic Review projected India's Q2 FY2026-27 GDP growth at 7.3%.India's economy had recorded 7.8% growth in Q1 FY2026-27 under the new GDP series.The new Indian GDP series uses 2022-23 as the base year, replacing the earlier 2011-12 base year.The revised GDP methodology incorporates improved data sources and methodological changes aimed at improving the accuracy of national-income estimates.India's Index of Industrial Production grew 8.0% year-on-year in August 2026.Manufacturing output recorded strong growth of around 9.0% in August.Electricity and gas supply recorded growth of around 12.3%.India's September 2026 manufacturing PMI rose to 55.1, reaching a seven-month high.The manufacturing PMI had stood at 52.8 in August 2026.The new manufacturing PMI reading indicated a renewed acceleration in factory activity.The Finance Ministry highlighted domestic demand and investment as important drivers of economic growth.The Finance Ministry also warned about risks from higher oil prices, global financial tightening, geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty.The Cabinet approved new Minimum Support Prices for Rabi crops for Marketing Season 2027-28.The highest absolute increase in MSP was announced for safflower — ₹675 per quintal.MSP for rapeseed and mustard was increased by ₹413 per quintal.MSP for lentil (masur) was increased by ₹390 per quintal.MSP for barley was increased by ₹136 per quintal.MSP for gram was increased by ₹83 per quintal.MSP for wheat was increased by ₹25 per quintal.The new MSP for wheat is ₹2,610 per quintal.The new MSP for barley is ₹2,286 per quintal.The new MSP for gram is ₹5,958 per quintal.The new MSP for lentil is ₹7,390 per quintal.The new MSP for rapeseed and mustard is ₹6,613 per quintal.The new MSP for safflower is ₹7,215 per quintal.The MSP policy continues the principle of fixing MSP at at least 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production.The Green Energy Corridor Phase-III was approved with an outlay of around ₹1,86,405 crore.The government approved measures aimed at strengthening intra-state transmission infrastructure for renewable energy.The Centre tightened sugar-stock holding limits ahead of the festive season.Sugar dealers will face a reduced stock-holding period of 15 days under the revised arrangement.The CBDT extended the income-tax return filing deadline for certain audit cases for AY 2026-27 to 21 November 2026.The deadline for the related tax-audit report was also extended.The Government released the indicative calendar for Government of India dated securities for October 2026–March 2027.The government securities issuance programme includes Sovereign Green Bonds.The Annual Survey of Industries results for 2024-25 were released during the week.India's services activity continued to show broad-based expansion, particularly in trade, telecommunications, banking, insurance and professional services.3. Banking and Financial Current AffairsThe proposed nationwide bank strike from 28–30 September 2026 was deferred following discussions between UFBU and the Indian Banks' Association.The discussions included the long-standing demand for a five-day working week for banks.Bank of India launched user-level programmable Digital Rupee functionality with Auto-Issuance.The facility allows users to schedule recurring transfers of digital rupee (e₹) to beneficiaries.Users can specify the amount, frequency and purpose of such payments.The feature was developed in collaboration with Montran India.The Digital Rupee is India's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) issued by the RBI.The Digital Rupee is different from privately issued cryptocurrencies because it is sovereign currency issued by the central bank.Trinidad and Tobago is pursuing the adoption of UPI, potentially becoming the first Caribbean nation to adopt UPI.The proposed UPI deployment is being pursued through cooperation involving NPCI International Payments Limited.The Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 came into force on 1 October 2026.The new Act replaced the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891.The 2026 Act recognises banking records maintained in physical, electronic, digital, virtual and cloud-based forms.The legislation introduces a technology-neutral framework for using banking records as evidence.The Act provides simplified and standardised certification procedures for banking records.NSE received SEBI's No-Objection Certificate for Corporate Bond Index Futures.The proposed Corporate Bond Index Futures still require RBI approval before launch.Corporate Bond Index Futures are intended to support hedging, risk management and price discovery in the corporate bond market.Anup Kumar Saha received RBI approval to become the MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank.His three-year term will begin from 1 January 2027.He will succeed Ashok Vaswani, whose term ends on 31 December 2026.Anup Bagchi was approved as the next MD & CEO of HDFC Bank.His three-year term is scheduled to begin on 27 October 2026.He will succeed Sashidhar Jagdishan.The RBI's digital-payment and CBDC ecosystem continued to expand through programmable-payment use cases.The week highlighted the growing importance of CBDC programmability, digital banking records and corporate-bond derivatives.4. International Current AffairsIndia sent around three tonnes of anti-tuberculosis medicines to Sri Lanka as a humanitarian assistance package.The medicines were transported to Colombo using an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft.India and the UAE held the 14th India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments in Mumbai.India-UAE trade reached around US$101.25 billion in FY2025-26.India and the UAE continue to target higher bilateral trade and investment flows.The second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) commenced at Subic Bay, Philippines.Indian Navy ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish represented India at AIME-2026.The theme of AIME-2026 was “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea.”The exercise included both harbour and sea phases.The first edition of AIME was held in 2023.India signed the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, strengthening international cooperation against cybercrime.The UN cybercrime convention is designed to facilitate international cooperation in areas such as cybercrime investigation and electronic evidence sharing.India participated in international discussions on counter-terrorism, maritime security, climate change, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.The Indian Parliamentary Delegation departed for Tanzania to participate in the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly.The 153rd IPU Assembly is scheduled in Arusha, Tanzania, from 5 to 9 October.The G7 and partner countries agreed on a coordinated release of up to 100 million barrels of oil and fuel reserves through the international energy-reserve mechanism to ease energy-supply pressures.Global energy markets remained under pressure because of geopolitical tensions and disruptions to oil supply.India continued diplomatic efforts aimed at contributing to a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.India's diplomatic engagement with both Russia and Ukraine remained an important foreign-policy development.India continued discussions on connectivity projects involving Russia, including the International North-South Transport Corridor.The Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor also remained part of India's strategic connectivity discussions with Russia.India reiterated the importance of securing energy supplies from multiple sources to protect domestic consumers.5. Defence and Internal SecurityKAZIND-2026, the India-Kazakhstan joint military exercise, commenced in Kazakhstan.KAZIND-2026 is the 9th edition of the India-Kazakhstan joint military exercise.The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in mountainous and semi-urban terrain.Around 60 Indian military personnel participated in the exercise.Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 continued at Jodhpur as India's major multinational air exercise.Tarang Shakti 2026 is being conducted under the theme “Power in Partnership.”The Indian Armed Forces participated in international military cooperation activities aimed at strengthening interoperability.The ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise 2026 strengthened maritime cooperation between India and ASEAN countries.The Indian Navy's Second Naval Commanders' Conference 2026 was held in New Delhi.India and the Republic of Korea held the 10th Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Industries and Logistics Cooperation.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that the Indian Navy is expected to induct a record 18 major warships and submarines during 2026.The Indian Coast Guard continued operations against maritime narcotics trafficking.A major narcotics seizure involving around ₹3,000 crore worth of drugs was reported during the week.Security agencies also conducted operations against cross-border drug trafficking and organised criminal networks.6. Science and TechnologyIndia demonstrated its first 5.56-km free-space Quantum Key Distribution link.Quantum Key Distribution is a technology designed to provide highly secure communication using principles of quantum physics.A team involving Indian researchers contributed to observations of ancient hydrogen signals using the CHIME radio telescope.The CHIME telescope detected hydrogen emission dating back roughly 9 billion years.NASA and Boeing outlined a revised future operational plan for the Starliner spacecraft.The revised plan includes an uncrewed Starliner-1 mission followed by a crewed Starliner-2 mission.The new GDP methodology continued to receive attention for incorporating double deflation and improved data sources.Satellite and space technologies remained an important area of India's technology ecosystem.India's growing focus on quantum communication, digital currency, AI and space technology remained significant for competitive examinations.7. Environment and EcologyThe pilot release of captive-bred Great Indian Bustards into the wild was initiated at Desert National Park, Rajasthan.The Great Indian Bustard is a Critically Endangered bird.Rajasthan remains one of the most important habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.The Government launched National Coastal Mission 2.0 guidelines.India participated in the 28th session of the FAO Committee on Forestry.India's forest and tree cover was highlighted at around 25.17% of geographical area.India has been working towards the Bonn Challenge restoration target.Delhi recorded its lowest September average AQI in five years, according to the latest assessment.Environmental conservation continued to focus on forest restoration, coastal ecosystems, air quality and biodiversity conservation.The Great Indian Bustard conservation programme continued to combine captive breeding, habitat protection and release into the wild.8. Sports Current AffairsAsian Games 2026The 20th Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.India had a major medal-winning run during the week.Anahat Singh won silver in women's squash singles.Abhay Singh won silver in men's squash singles.Anahat Singh became the first Indian woman to win an Asian Games singles silver in squash.India won medals in athletics, shooting, boxing, squash, archery, wrestling, hockey, sailing and other disciplines.Vithya Ramraj won bronze in women's 400m hurdles.Vithya Ramraj clocked 54.75 seconds, setting a new Indian national record.She broke the long-standing Indian record associated with P. T. Usha.Yashvir Singh won silver in men's javelin with a throw of 85.72 metres.Rohit Yadav won bronze in men's javelin.Neeru Dhanda won gold in the women's individual trap event.Neeru Dhanda became the first Indian woman to win Asian Games gold in women's individual trap.Neeru Dhanda also won a medal in the women's trap team event.India won the women's 4×400m relay gold.The Indian women's 4×400m relay team clocked 3:29.69.The relay team included Kiran Pahal, Machettira Poovamma, Prachi and Vithya Ramraj.Sree Charani reached 817 points in the ICC Women's T20I bowling rankings, an all-time high in the format.India achieved a clean sweep of all three compound archery team gold medals.Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Chikitha Taniparthi and Prithika Pradeep won women's compound team gold.Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav won mixed compound team gold.Sahil Jadhav, Kushal Dalal and Thirumuru Ganesh Maniratnam won men's compound team gold.The Indian mixed compound archery team secured an LA 2028 Olympic quota place.Neeru Dhanda and Kynan Chenai won mixed team trap gold.Their performance set an Asian record.Sunil Kumar won bronze in Greco-Roman wrestling.Sunil Kumar became the first Indian wrestler to win two Asian Games medals in Greco-Roman wrestling.India continued to perform strongly in boxing.Lovlina Borgohain won gold in the women's 75 kg boxing category.Parveen Hooda won gold in women's 65 kg boxing.Ankush Panghal won gold in men's 80 kg boxing.Sujeet Kalkal won gold in men's 65 kg freestyle wrestling.India's women's hockey team defeated China 1–0 in the final.India won its first-ever Asian Games women's hockey gold medal in 44 years.Aman Sehrawat won gold in men's 57 kg freestyle wrestling.Deepak Punia won bronze in men's 97 kg freestyle wrestling.Pranavi Sharath Urs won gold in women's individual golf.Pranavi Urs became the first Indian woman to win individual Asian Games golf gold.Kumkum Anil Mohod won gold in women's individual recurve archery.Kumkum Mohod became the first Indian woman to win an individual Asian Games recurve gold medal.India retained its men's cricket gold medal at the Asian Games.India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the men's T20 cricket final.Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma played important innings in India's victory.India retained the men's cricket title after previously winning gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.India retained its men's hockey gold medal.India finished the Asian Games campaign with 85 medals — 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze.India finished fourth in the overall medal standings.China topped the Asian Games medal table.The 2026 Asian Games featured 469 medal events across 43 sports.The Aichi-Nagoya Games marked a major qualification pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games for several disciplines.CricketShubman Gill created a major ODI record against the West Indies.Gill scored 223 not out.He reached his double century in 117 balls.His 200 was reported as the fastest double century in men's ODI cricket.The record surpassed Ishan Kishan's 126-ball double century.India continued its strong international cricket schedule during the week.ChessIndia won silver in the Open section and bronze in the Women's section at the 46th Chess Olympiad.Uzbekistan won the Open section of the Chess Olympiad.The event was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.9. Awards and HonoursThe Lalit Kala Akademi announced 20 award winners at the 65th National Exhibition of Art.The exhibition received 6,175 artworks from 2,495 artists representing 27 States and Union Territories.270 artworks were selected for exhibition by the first-tier jury.The second-tier jury selected 20 award-winning works.The awards covered painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking and other media.India finished 10th at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai.India won 6 silver medals and 20 Medallions for Excellence at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.The week also saw recognition of environmental champions through the Eco Warrior Awards 2026.10. Important AppointmentsAnup Bagchi was approved as the next MD & CEO of HDFC Bank.Bagchi's term is scheduled to begin on 27 October 2026.He will succeed Sashidhar Jagdishan.Anup Kumar Saha was approved as the next MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank.Saha's three-year term begins on 1 January 2027.He will succeed Ashok Vaswani.Narendra Bhooshan took charge as Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.He succeeded Tanmay Kumar, who retired from the post.The week also witnessed several senior administrative and institutional appointments across government departments.11. Important Days and Dates27 September – World Tourism DayTheme 2026: “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”Global focus: Digitalisation, AI and sustainable tourism.India launched the National Digital Tourism Stack and Dekho Apna Desh 2.0.27 September – World Rivers DayObserved on the fourth Sunday of September.Focuses on the conservation and sustainable management of rivers.28 September – World Rabies DayTheme 2026: “Stronger Together.”The day is observed to promote awareness about rabies prevention and elimination.The date also commemorates the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur.29 September – World Heart Day2026 campaign theme: “Don't Miss a Beat.”Focus: prevention and awareness of cardiovascular diseases.30 September – International Translation DayObserved annually on 30 September.The day recognises the importance of translation and interpretation in multilingual communication and international cooperation.1 October – International Day of Older PersonsObserved annually on 1 October.Focuses on the rights, dignity, welfare and contributions of older persons.1 October – International Coffee DayObserved annually on 1 October.Highlights the coffee sector, coffee farmers and the global coffee value chain.2 October – Gandhi JayantiMarks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.In 2026, India observed the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.Gandhi Jayanti is also observed globally as the International Day of Non-Violence.2 October – Lal Bahadur Shastri JayantiMarks the 122nd birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri.His famous slogan was “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”2 October – Swachh Bharat DiwasMarks the anniversary of the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014.Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 culminated around Gandhi Jayanti.12. Government Schemes and Initiatives – Quick RevisionGreen Energy Corridor Phase-III – Renewable-energy transmission and 50 GWh BESS.National Digital Tourism Stack – Digital infrastructure for tourism.Dekho Apna Desh 2.0 – Promotion of lesser-known tourism destinations.Kavach 4.0 – Indigenous railway automatic train protection.Extradition Portal – Faster coordination for bringing fugitives back to India.National Coastal Mission 2.0 – Strengthening coastal conservation and management.Special Campaign 6.0 – Cleanliness and reduction of government pendency.PM-AJAY – Adarsh Gram – Development of villages with significant Scheduled Caste populations.Digital Rupee Programmability – Purpose-bound and recurring CBDC payments.FASTag Annual Pass – Annual toll facility for eligible non-commercial vehicles.13. Important One-Liners for SSC, Banking, RRB and UPSCWorld Tourism Day 2026 theme: Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.World Tourism Day: 27 September.World Rabies Day: 28 September.World Heart Day: 29 September.International Translation Day: 30 September.International Day of Older Persons: 1 October.International Coffee Day: 1 October.Gandhi Jayanti: 2 October.International Day of Non-Violence: 2 October.Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti: 2 October.UPSC completed: 100 years in 2026.UPSC established: 1 October 1926.New GDP base year: 2022-23.Previous GDP base year: 2011-12.Q1 FY2026-27 GDP growth: 7.8%.Finance Ministry's Q2 FY2026-27 growth projection: 7.3%.OECD FY2026-27 India growth forecast: 7.1%.August 2026 IIP growth: 8.0%.September 2026 Manufacturing PMI: 55.1.Highest Rabi MSP increase: Safflower, ₹675 per quintal.Wheat MSP for RMS 2027-28: ₹2,610 per quintal.Safflower MSP for RMS 2027-28: ₹7,215 per quintal.Green Energy Corridor Phase-III renewable evacuation capacity: 135 GW.Battery Energy Storage Systems under GEC-III: 50 GWh.GEC-III total outlay: ₹1,86,405 crore.Kavach 4.0 allocation for Varanasi Division: ₹223 crore.Kavach coverage under the latest sanction: 614.75 route km.FASTag Annual Pass milestone: 1 crore passes.Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 effective from: 1 October 2026.Old Bankers' Books Evidence Act: 1891.Kotak Mahindra Bank's incoming MD & CEO: Anup Kumar Saha.HDFC Bank's incoming MD & CEO: Anup Bagchi.Bank of India's new CBDC facility: User-level programmable Digital Rupee with Auto-Issuance.Potential first Caribbean UPI adopter: Trinidad and Tobago.AIME-2026 venue: Subic Bay, Philippines.AIME-2026 theme: Anchored in Trust, United at Sea.KAZIND-2026 host country: Kazakhstan.Great Indian Bustard status: Critically Endangered.Great Indian Bustard release location: Desert National Park, Rajasthan.India's final Asian Games 2026 medal tally: 85.India's Asian Games 2026 gold medals: 21.India's final Asian Games 2026 position: Fourth.Asian Games 2026 host: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.Asian Games 2026 edition: 20th.Asian Games 2026 sports: 43.Asian Games 2026 medal events: 469.Men's Asian Games cricket champion: India.Men's cricket final opponent: Pakistan.Men's cricket final winning margin: 19 runs.Women's Asian Games hockey champion: India.Women's hockey final opponent: China.Women's hockey final score: India won 1–0.Women's individual golf gold: Pranavi Sharath Urs.Women's individual recurve archery gold: Kumkum Mohod.Men's 57 kg freestyle wrestling gold: Aman Sehrawat.Women's 75 kg boxing gold: Lovlina Borgohain.Men's 65 kg freestyle wrestling gold: Sujeet Kalkal.Women's individual trap gold: Neeru Dhanda.Fastest men's ODI double century during the week: Shubman Gill.Shubman Gill's score: 223*.Balls taken by Gill to reach 200: 117.India's Chess Olympiad Open medal: Silver.India's Chess Olympiad Women's medal: Bronze.Lalit Kala Akademi Awards announced: 20.WorldSkills Shanghai India ranking: 10th.WorldSkills India medals: 6 Silver + 20 Medallions for Excellence.Classical languages receiving new Centres of Excellence: Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit.India's first 5.56-km free-space QKD link: Major quantum-communication milestone.India's anti-TB assistance to Sri Lanka: Around 3 tonnes of medicines.Aircraft used for Sri Lanka medicine delivery: IAF C-130J.India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force meeting: 14th edition.India-UAE trade in FY2025-26: Around US$101.25 billion.UN cybercrime treaty: India signed the convention during the week.G7 emergency oil reserve release: Up to 100 million barrels.IPU Assembly 2026 venue: Arusha, Tanzania.IPU Assembly edition: 153rd.13. Most Important Topics to Revise for ExamsFor SSC, IBPS, SBI and RRB, priority should be given to:Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026Bank of India programmable Digital RupeeKotak Mahindra Bank MD & CEOHDFC Bank MD & CEOBank strike and five-day banking weekUPI international expansionNSE Corporate Bond Index FuturesRabi MSP 2027-28GDP base year 2022-23IIP and Manufacturing PMIFASTag Annual PassKavach 4.0Green Energy Corridor Phase-IIIImportant Asian Games medal winnersShubman Gill's ODI double-century recordWorld Tourism Day and its themeGandhi Jayanti and International Day of Non-ViolenceFor UPSC, special attention should be given to:India's new GDP methodologyGreen Energy Corridor Phase-III and energy storageGreat Indian Bustard conservationNational Digital Tourism StackUN Convention Against CybercrimeIndia-UAE investment relationsIndia-Sri Lanka health diplomacyAIME-2026 and India's maritime strategyKAZIND-2026Quantum Key DistributionClassical-language preservationRussia-Ukraine peace diplomacyIndia's Asian Games performanceMSP policy and crop diversificationCoastal and forest conservation initiatives

NationalThe Great Indian Bustard (GIB) conservation programme reached a major milestone with the planned pilot release of captive-bred Great Indian Bustards into the wild at the Desert National Park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.The Great Indian Bustard is classified as a Critically Endangered species and is mainly found in the grassland and arid ecosystems of Rajasthan and Gujarat.The 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave 2026 is being held in New Delhi from 3 to 5 October 2026.The theme of the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave is “Resilience in an Age of Flux.”The 24 Departmentally Related Parliamentary Standing Committees have been reconstituted for the 2026–27 period.The Indian Air Force is strengthening its fighter fleet, including the proposed acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft.The planned fighter acquisition is expected to include a greater proportion of Indian-made weapons and systems.World Space Week 2026 begins today and will be observed from 4 to 10 October 2026.InternationalWorld Space Week 2026 begins on 4 October and continues until 10 October 2026.The theme of World Space Week 2026 is “Rocket Revolution.”4 October 1957 is an important date in space history as the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite.The launch of Sputnik 1 marked the beginning of the Space Age.Indian jurist Bimal Patel has begun his nine-year term as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Hamburg, Germany.Bimal Patel was elected to the ITLOS position with 115 votes out of 168 valid votes.The 20th Asian Games 2026 are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026.The Russia–Ukraine conflict continues to remain a major international security and geopolitical issue.EconomyThe next Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting is scheduled from 5 to 7 October 2026.The RBI's monetary policy decision is expected on 7 October 2026.The Government has kept the interest rates on various Small Savings Schemes unchanged for the third quarter of FY 2026–27, covering 1 October to 31 December 2026.The tax audit report filing deadline for Assessment Year 2026–27 has been extended to 21 November 2026.Apple Pay has become available in India, expanding the country's digital and contactless payment ecosystem.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the importance of resource security and strategic autonomy amid global economic uncertainty.RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that India's financial system has demonstrated resilience despite global and geopolitical economic shocks.The RBI approved a record ₹2.87 lakh crore surplus transfer to the Central Government for FY 2025–26.The RBI's surplus transfer remains an important topic for banking and economy-related competitive examinations.Date’s Importance — 4 OctoberWorld Animal Day is observed every year on 4 October to promote animal welfare and awareness about the protection and humane treatment of animals.World Animal Day is associated with St. Francis of Assisi, regarded as the patron saint of animals and nature.World Space Week begins on 4 October and continues until 10 October.4 October 1957 marks the launch of Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite.The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 conclude today, 4 October 2026.Person of the Day — Bimal PatelBimal Patel is an Indian jurist and international law expert.He has assumed office as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).He will serve a nine-year term.Patel was previously associated with the UN International Law Commission.He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat.He secured 115 votes out of 168 valid votes in the election for the ITLOS position.His appointment strengthens India's representation in the international judicial system dealing with the law of the sea.SportsThe 20th Asian Games 2026 are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026.India moved into fourth position in the Asian Games medal table after a strong medal-winning campaign.India retained the Asian Games men's T20 cricket gold medal, defeating Pakistan by 19 runs in the final.India scored 211/6, while Pakistan scored 192/6 in the men's T20 cricket final.Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma played important innings for India in the final.The Indian men's hockey team retained its Asian Games gold medal, defeating Malaysia 5–1 in the final.India's men's hockey gold also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.Aman Sehrawat won the gold medal in men's 57 kg freestyle wrestling.Aman Sehrawat became the first Indian to win an Asian Games gold medal in men's 57 kg freestyle wrestling.Pranavi Urs won the women's individual golf gold medal, a historic achievement for India at the Asian Games.Kumkum Anil Mohod won gold in the women's individual recurve archery event and secured a qualification quota for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.In men's ODI cricket, West Indies defeated India by five wickets in the third ODI.Shai Hope scored an unbeaten 162 in the match.AwardsThe 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award has been awarded to Tommy Koh of Singapore, Runa Khan of Bangladesh, and Bo Kyi of Myanmar.Tommy Koh was recognised for his contributions to diplomacy, peace, cooperation and justice.Runa Khan was recognised for her humanitarian work supporting communities in remote and climate-vulnerable areas of Bangladesh.Bo Kyi was recognised for his work defending political prisoners and promoting human dignity.The Ramon Magsaysay Award was established in 1958 and is considered one of Asia's most prestigious honours.The 2026 Nobel Prize announcement week begins on 5 October 2026.Other Important SignificanceWorld Space Week 2026: 4–10 October 2026Theme: “Rocket Revolution”World Animal Day: 4 OctoberWorld Teachers' Day: 5 OctoberWorld Teachers' Day 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.Asian Games 2026: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan — 19 September to 4 October 2026RBI MPC meeting: 5–7 October 2026Nobel Prize 2026 announcements: Begin 5 October 2026Great Indian Bustard: Pilot release of captive-bred birds into the wild at Desert National Park, Jaisalmer.ITLOS: Indian jurist Bimal Patel has begun his nine-year term as a judge.Ramon Magsaysay Award 2026: Tommy Koh, Runa Khan and Bo Kyi.