Daily Current Affairs 1 October 2026
Daily current affairs for 1 October 2026 — 16 verified news items across Sports, Economy, Environment & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and practice MCQs.
Part of October 2026 current affairs: the month's top stories by topic
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In this digest · 16 items
Sports
Asian Games 2026: Nitesh wins silver in Greco-Roman wrestling; Ganesh bags archery bronze
At the Asian Games 2026, Nitesh Siwach won a silver medal in the men's 97kg Greco-Roman wrestling category, losing 0-4 to Japan's Yuri Nakazato in the final. This continued India's wait for a Greco-Roman gold since 1962. In archery, Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru secured a bronze medal in the men's individual compound event by defeating Vietnam's Cong Duc Dang 149-144. Additionally, the Indian men's hockey team narrowly defeated Pakistan 4-3 to enter the final, and the Indian cricket team thrashed Sri Lanka by 124 runs to reach the final.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who defeated Nitesh Siwach in the men's 97kg Greco-Roman wrestling final at Asian Games 2026?
- AYuri NakazatoCorrect
- BCong Duc Dang
- CGanesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru
- DPakistan men's hockey team
Explanation Nitesh Siwach lost 0-4 to Japan's Yuri Nakazato in the men's 97kg Greco-Roman wrestling final.
Q2 Which medal did Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru win in the men's individual compound archery at Asian Games 2026?
- AGold
- BSilver
- CBronzeCorrect
- DNo medal
Explanation Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru won the bronze medal by defeating Vietnam's Cong Duc Dang 149-144.
Q3 Which team did India narrowly defeat 4-3 to enter the men's hockey final at Asian Games 2026?
- ASri Lanka
- BPakistanCorrect
- CJapan
- DVietnam
Explanation India defeated Pakistan 4-3 to enter the men's hockey final.
India Retains Gold in Women's and Mixed Compound Archery at 2026 Asian Games
At the 2026 Asian Games, India successfully retained its gold medals in both the women's and mixed compound archery team events. The women's compound archery team set a new world record while defending their title from the previous edition held in Hangzhou. The mixed compound team also secured gold, continuing India's dominance in compound archery at the Games.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which archery events did India win gold medals in at the 2026 Asian Games?
- AWomen's and mixed compound team eventsCorrect
- BMen's recurve and women's recurve team events
- CMen's and women's individual recurve events
- DMixed recurve and men's compound team events
Explanation India won gold medals in the women's and mixed compound archery team events at the 2026 Asian Games.
Q2 What significant achievement did the Indian women's compound archery team accomplish at the 2026 Asian Games?
- ASet a new world record while retaining their gold medalCorrect
- BWon their first-ever gold medal in compound archery
- CDefeated the host nation in the final for the first time
- DQualified for the Olympics for the first time
Explanation The Indian women's compound archery team set a new world record while successfully defending their gold medal from the previous Asian Games.
Q3 Where was the previous edition of the Asian Games held, where India also won gold in compound archery?
- AHangzhouCorrect
- BJakarta
- CIncheon
- DDoha
Explanation India had won the compound archery gold medals in the previous Asian Games held in Hangzhou.
India Hockey and Cricket Teams Reach Asian Games 2026 Gold Medal Matches
At the Asian Games 2026, the Indian men's hockey team defeated Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling semifinal match at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, with Harmanpreet scoring two penalty corners, Sukhjeet Singh a field goal, and Abhishek netting the winning goal in the final minute. Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team crushed Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the T20 semifinal to qualify for the gold medal match.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which player scored the winning goal for India in the 2026 Asian Games men's hockey semifinal against Pakistan?
- AHarmanpreet
- BSukhjeet Singh
- CAbhishekCorrect
- DManpreet Singh
Explanation Abhishek scored the winning goal in the final minute of the hockey semifinal against Pakistan.
Q2 By what margin did the Indian cricket team defeat Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 T20 semifinal?
- A124 runsCorrect
- B50 runs
- C10 wickets
- D7 wickets
Explanation India crushed Sri Lanka by 124 runs to qualify for the gold medal match.
Q3 Where was the men's hockey semifinal between India and Pakistan held during the Asian Games 2026?
- AGifu Prefectural Green StadiumCorrect
- BJawaharlal Nehru Stadium
- CWankhede Stadium
- DEden Gardens
Explanation The hockey semifinal was played at Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium.
Shubman Gill Sets Record for Fastest ODI Double Century
Indian cricketer Shubman Gill broke the record for the fastest double century in One Day Internationals (ODI) during a match against the West Indies. He surpassed the previous record held by his teammate Ishan Kishan, who scored an ODI double century in 126 balls against Bangladesh in 2022. Gill's record-breaking innings helped India seal the series victory.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who holds the record for the fastest ODI double century as of the match against West Indies in 2026?
- AShubman GillCorrect
- BIshan Kishan
- CVirat Kohli
- DRohit Sharma
Explanation Shubman Gill broke the record for the fastest ODI double century, surpassing Ishan Kishan's previous record.
Q2 Whose record did Shubman Gill break for the fastest ODI double century?
- AIshan KishanCorrect
- BSachin Tendulkar
- CMS Dhoni
- DVirender Sehwag
Explanation Shubman Gill broke the record previously held by his teammate Ishan Kishan.
Q3 Against which team did Shubman Gill score the fastest ODI double century?
- AWest IndiesCorrect
- BBangladesh
- CAustralia
- DEngland
Explanation Shubman Gill scored the fastest ODI double century against the West Indies.
Indian Women's Squash Team Wins Bronze at Asian Games 2026
At the Asian Games 2026, the Indian women's squash team secured a bronze medal after a 1-2 semifinal loss to Hong Kong. Despite a strong comeback effort by players Tanvi and Anahat, India could not advance to the final. Meanwhile, the Indian men's squash team, top-seeded and defending champions, progressed with a 2-0 quarterfinal win over Kuwait, assuring themselves of a medal. This marks a significant achievement for Indian squash at the Games.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What medal did the Indian women's squash team win at the Asian Games 2026?
- AGold
- BSilver
- CBronzeCorrect
- DNo medal
Explanation The Indian women's squash team won the bronze medal after losing 1-2 to Hong Kong in the semifinals.
Q2 Which team did the Indian men's squash team defeat in the quarterfinals of Asian Games 2026?
- AHong Kong
- BKuwaitCorrect
- CChina
- DJapan
Explanation The Indian men's squash team defeated Kuwait 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
Q3 Who were the Indian women players mentioned for their comeback effort in the squash semifinal?
- ALovlina and Priya
- BTanvi and AnahatCorrect
- CKapil and Priya
- DTanvi and Lovlina
Explanation Tanvi and Anahat made a fierce comeback effort in the women's squash semifinal against Hong Kong.
Economy
India's Manufacturing PMI Rises to Seven-Month High of 55.1 in September 2026
India's manufacturing sector showed a strong recovery in September 2026, with the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 55.1, a seven-month high. This marked a 2.3-point increase from August's 52.8 reading. The quarter ended with improved factory activity, including stronger sales, production, hiring, and optimism about demand. Despite this rebound, the second-quarter PMI averaged 53.8, the lowest Q2 reading since 2021 due to a sluggish start to the fiscal year.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the value of India's Manufacturing PMI in September 2026?
- A55.1Correct
- B52.8
- C53.8
- D54.0
Explanation The Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.1 in September 2026, marking a seven-month high.
Q2 By how many points did the Manufacturing PMI increase from August to September 2026?
- A2.3 pointsCorrect
- B1.5 points
- C3.0 points
- D0.5 points
Explanation The PMI rose by 2.3 index points from 52.8 in August to 55.1 in September 2026.
Q3 What was notable about the second-quarter PMI average in 2026?
- AIt was the lowest Q2 reading since 2021Correct
- BIt was the highest Q2 reading since 2021
- CIt remained unchanged from the previous quarter
- DIt exceeded 60 points
Explanation The second-quarter PMI averaged 53.8, marking its lowest Q2 reading since 2021.
India's Fiscal Deficit Reaches 41.9% of FY27 Target by August
India's fiscal deficit widened to ₹7.1 lakh crore by August 2026, reaching 41.9% of the full-year FY27 target of ₹16.96 lakh crore. Total expenditure stood at 38.9% of the budget estimates, up from 37.1% in the same period of the previous year. The Centre collected ₹8.38 lakh crore in net tax revenue and spent about ₹20.78 lakh crore during this period.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was India's fiscal deficit as of August 2026 in relation to the FY27 target?
- A41.9% of the FY27 targetCorrect
- B38.1% of the FY27 target
- C50% of the FY27 target
- D25% of the FY27 target
Explanation India's fiscal deficit reached 41.9% of the FY27 target by August 2026.
Q2 How much net tax revenue did the Centre collect by August 2026?
- A₹7.1 lakh crore
- B₹8.38 lakh croreCorrect
- C₹16.96 lakh crore
- D₹20.78 lakh crore
Explanation The Centre collected ₹8.38 lakh crore in net tax revenue by August 2026.
Q3 What was the total expenditure as a percentage of budget estimates by August 2026?
- A37.1%
- B38.9%Correct
- C41.9%
- D50%
Explanation Total expenditure stood at 38.9% of the budget estimates as of August 2026.
Government Reduces Windfall Tax on Diesel and ATF Exports Amid West Asia Tensions
The Government of India has reduced the windfall tax on diesel exports from ₹20 per litre to ₹16 per litre and on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) exports from ₹15 per litre to ₹10.5 per litre. The petrol levy remains unchanged at ₹0.50 per litre. These revised levies will be applicable for a fortnight. The existing duties on fuel cleared for domestic consumption have been retained by the finance ministry. This move comes amid tensions in West Asia affecting fuel markets.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the new windfall tax rate on diesel exports as per the recent government revision?
- A₹16 per litreCorrect
- B₹20 per litre
- C₹10.5 per litre
- D₹0.50 per litre
Explanation The government reduced the windfall tax on diesel exports from ₹20 to ₹16 per litre.
Q2 For how long will the revised windfall tax rates on diesel and ATF exports be applicable?
- AA fortnightCorrect
- BOne month
- CSix months
- DIndefinitely
Explanation The revised levies will apply for a fortnight as stated by the finance ministry.
Q3 Which fuel's windfall tax levy remained unchanged in the recent government announcement?
- APetrolCorrect
- BDiesel
- CAviation Turbine Fuel (ATF)
- DKerosene
Explanation The petrol levy remained unchanged at ₹0.50 per litre.
Government Extends RoSCTL and RoDTEP Export Incentive Schemes Till December 31
The Government of India has extended the Remission of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme and the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for exporters by three months, up to December 31. The extension allows textile exporters and other eligible exporters to continue receiving remission of embedded State and Central taxes and levies at existing rates and guidelines, supporting export competitiveness.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the primary benefit provided by the RoSCTL scheme to exporters?
- ARemission of embedded State and Central taxes and leviesCorrect
- BDirect cash subsidies to exporters
- CReduction in import duties
- DProvision of export credit at low interest rates
Explanation The RoSCTL scheme provides remission of eligible embedded State and Central taxes and levies to exporters.
Q2 Which sector is specifically mentioned as benefiting from the extension of the RoSCTL scheme?
- ATextile exportersCorrect
- BAutomobile exporters
- CPharmaceutical exporters
- DAgricultural exporters
Explanation The extension of the RoSCTL scheme specifically mentions textile exporters as beneficiaries.
Environment
Southwest Monsoon Ends with 12-13% Rainfall Deficit, Driest in a Decade
The 2026 southwest monsoon season in India ended with a rainfall deficit of around 12-13%, marking the driest monsoon in a decade. The east and northeast regions experienced their driest monsoon since 1901, while the southern peninsula recorded its fourth lowest rainfall since 1901. Approximately 313 out of 741 districts received deficient precipitation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts below-normal rainfall in October, although the southern peninsula is expected to receive normal rainfall during the October-December period. October is also predicted to be hotter and drier than usual in most parts of the country.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the approximate rainfall deficit percentage during the 2026 southwest monsoon in India?
- A12-13%Correct
- B5-6%
- C20-22%
- D8-9%
Explanation The 2026 southwest monsoon ended with a rainfall deficit of around 12-13% as reported by multiple sources.
Q2 Which region in India experienced its driest monsoon since 1901 during the 2026 southwest monsoon season?
- AEast and NortheastCorrect
- BNorthern Plains
- CWestern Ghats
- DCentral India
Explanation The east and northeast regions recorded their driest monsoon since 1901 in 2026.
Q3 What is the India Meteorological Department's forecast for rainfall in the southern peninsula during October-December 2026?
- ANormal rainfallCorrect
- BBelow-normal rainfall
- CAbove-normal rainfall
- DNo rainfall expected
Explanation IMD predicts normal rainfall for the southern peninsula during the October-December 2026 period.
Supreme Court Conditionally Permits Manufacture of Gen-2 Joined Green Crackers
On September 30, the Supreme Court relaxed its earlier ban on joined green crackers, allowing the manufacture of a redesigned version called Gen-2 joined green crackers. This conditional release is subject to compliance with the conditions set by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). Joined crackers previously accounted for at least 20% of the fireworks production, and their manufacture was banned in 2018 due to pollution concerns. The decision has been welcomed by the Sivakasi fireworks industry.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the significance of the Supreme Court's order on September 30 regarding joined green crackers?
- AIt allowed conditional manufacture of redesigned Gen-2 joined green crackersCorrect
- BIt imposed a complete ban on all green crackers
- CIt removed all restrictions on fireworks production
- DIt mandated the use of traditional crackers only
Explanation The Supreme Court order relaxed the ban by allowing conditional manufacture of redesigned Gen-2 joined green crackers.
Q2 Why were joined crackers banned by the Supreme Court in 2018?
- ADue to safety hazards in manufacturing
- BBecause they accounted for less than 5% of production
- COver pollution concernsCorrect
- DDue to lack of demand in the market
Explanation Joined crackers were banned in 2018 by the Supreme Court due to pollution concerns.
Q3 Which organization set the conditions for the manufacture of Gen-2 joined green crackers?
- ACentral Pollution Control Board
- BNational Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)Correct
- CFireworks Manufacturers Association
- DMinistry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Explanation NEERI set the conditions for the conditional manufacture of Gen-2 joined green crackers.
National
Supreme Court Rules Police Confession Alone Cannot Justify NSA Detention
The Supreme Court ruled that a confession made before a police officer cannot alone justify preventive detention under the National Security Act (NSA). The court emphasized that such a confession, without independent supporting material, cannot form the basis for the 'subjective satisfaction' required to uphold a detention order. This judgment arose from the Sambhal case in Uttar Pradesh, clarifying the standards for preventive detention and protecting against arbitrary use of custodial confessions.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 According to the Supreme Court ruling in the Sambhal case, what is required to sustain a preventive detention order based on a police confession?
- AIndependent material supporting the confessionCorrect
- BOnly the police confession itself
- CA confession made before a magistrate
- DApproval from the state government
Explanation The Supreme Court held that a police confession alone cannot justify preventive detention; independent supporting material is necessary.
Q2 The Supreme Court's recent judgment on preventive detention was related to which law?
- ANational Security ActCorrect
- BUnlawful Activities Prevention Act
- CIndian Penal Code
- DCode of Criminal Procedure
Explanation The judgment concerned the National Security Act (NSA) and its application in preventive detention.
RSS Demands Nationwide NRC Amid 2027 Census and SIR Debate
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called for a nationwide National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify citizens across India, coinciding with the ongoing debate around the 2027 Census and the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SIR). The RSS argues that identifying citizens is necessary. However, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly opposed the NRC, calling it '100 times worse' than the SIR, citing the immense trouble it has caused to minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and migrants.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the primary reason RSS has called for a nationwide NRC?
- ATo identify citizens across IndiaCorrect
- BTo conduct the 2027 Census
- CTo replace the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SIR)
- DTo provide benefits to Scheduled Castes and Tribes
Explanation The RSS has called for a nationwide NRC primarily to identify citizens across India.
Q2 Why did Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticize the NRC?
- AHe said it was unnecessary due to the 2027 Census
- BHe called it '100 times worse' than the SIR due to troubles caused to minorities and marginalized groupsCorrect
- CHe supported it as a way to help migrants
- DHe proposed it as an alternative to the SIR
Explanation Owaisi criticized the NRC by calling it '100 times worse' than the SIR, highlighting the troubles it caused to minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and migrants.
Banking
Anup Kumar Saha appointed MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank
Anup Kumar Saha, who joined Kotak Mahindra Bank in January 2026, has been appointed as the next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank. Currently serving as Whole-time Director (Executive Director), Saha oversees the retail banking, data analytics, and marketing functions. The Reserve Bank of India has cleared his appointment.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who has been appointed as the next MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank?
- AAnup Kumar SahaCorrect
- BUday Kotak
- CRakesh Sharma
- DSanjay Agarwal
Explanation Anup Kumar Saha has been appointed as the next MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
Q2 Which functions does Anup Kumar Saha currently oversee at Kotak Mahindra Bank?
- ARetail banking, data analytics, and marketingCorrect
- BCorporate banking and treasury
- CRisk management and compliance
- DInvestment banking and wealth management
Explanation Anup Kumar Saha currently oversees retail banking, data analytics, and marketing functions.
Q3 Which authority cleared the appointment of Anup Kumar Saha as MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank?
- AReserve Bank of IndiaCorrect
- BSecurities and Exchange Board of India
- CMinistry of Finance
- DFinance Commission
Explanation The Reserve Bank of India cleared the appointment of Anup Kumar Saha as MD & CEO.
International
Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Praised for Foiling Flydubai Crash Attempt
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for preventing a co-pilot's attempt to crash a Flydubai flight. The incident involved Machchhar taking control of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of all onboard. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also hailed Machchhar, who was wounded during the event, for saving the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for foiling a co-pilot's bid to crash a Flydubai flight?
- APrime Minister Narendra ModiCorrect
- BPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- CPresident of Flydubai
- DMinister of Civil Aviation
Explanation Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Smit Machchhar for preventing the crash attempt.
Q2 How many people’s lives did Smit Machchhar save during the Flydubai incident?
- A174Correct
- B150
- C200
- D100
Explanation Israeli PM Netanyahu stated that Machchhar saved the lives of 174 people.
Q3 Which foreign leader hailed Smit Machchhar for his actions during the Flydubai flight incident?
- ABenjamin NetanyahuCorrect
- BEmmanuel Macron
- CBoris Johnson
- DJustin Trudeau
Explanation Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar for his bravery.
PM Modi and Trump Agree to Maintain Close Engagement on Bilateral Cooperation
On 30 September 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump agreed to maintain close engagement to advance their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, defence, energy, and critical technologies. The discussions took place amid concerns over sanctions on Russia, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration between India and the United States.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What did PM Narendra Modi and Donald Trump agree upon during their meeting on 30 September 2026?
- ATo maintain close engagement and advance their Comprehensive Global Strategic PartnershipCorrect
- BTo impose new sanctions on Russia
- CTo reduce trade between India and the US
- DTo end cooperation in critical technologies
Explanation PM Modi stated they agreed to maintain close engagement to take their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership forward.
Q2 Which areas of bilateral cooperation were reviewed by Modi and Trump?
- ATrade, defence, energy, and critical technologiesCorrect
- BAgriculture, education, and tourism
- CSpace exploration and climate change
- DHealthcare and sports
Explanation The leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, defence, energy, and critical technologies.
Q3 The discussions between Modi and Trump took place amid concerns over which issue?
- ASanctions on RussiaCorrect
- BClimate change agreements
- CGlobal pandemic response
- DNuclear disarmament
Explanation The talks occurred amid concerns over sanctions on Russia.
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