Current Affairs 28 September 2026
30 stories for 28 September 2026: 8% IIP growth in August, the Supreme Court's notice on the UPI MDR, the Collegium's recommendations for the apex court, renewable capacity crossing 200 GW, the PRAHAAR conference and Extradition Portal, AIME-2026, the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool, eight Asian Games medals and World Rabies Day.
On this page
Key facts at a glance
The numbers and names most likely to turn up in Prelims, Phase 1 or a GA section.
| Topic | What to remember | Source, date |
|---|---|---|
| IIP (Aug) | 8.0%; capital goods 16.9% | MoSPI |
| UPI MDR | SC declines stay; notice to Centre | SC |
| SC Collegium | 3 HC CJs recommended | SC |
| Sine die gap | 46 days (3rd longest) | Lok Sabha |
| PRAHAAR | 7 pillars; Extradition Portal | MHA |
| BMIP | ₹13,906.50 crore capacity | GIC Re |
| Defence exports 2025-26 | ₹38,424 crore | MoD |
| Renewable capacity | 200+ GW (~45%) | MNRE |
| AIME-2026 | Subic Bay; INS Sahyadri, Kulish | Navy |
| IWC-70 | Hobart, 28 Sept–2 Oct | IWC |
| India tally (Day 9) | 45 medals | Asian Games |
Economy
5 storiesIIP grows 8.0% in August
India's Index of Industrial Production grew 8.0% year-on-year in August 2026, according to MoSPI's quick estimates released on 28 September. Manufacturing grew 9.0% and electricity and gas supply 12.3%. Mining and quarrying contracted 5.6%. Among use-based categories, capital goods grew fastest at 16.9%. The IIP now uses 2022-23 as its base year.
Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool
The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool, set up in May 2026, provides domestic marine insurance for Indian-flagged vessels and cargo. It covers hull and machinery, cargo, protection and indemnity, and war risks. Its underwriting capacity is ₹13,906.50 crore, backed by a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore. It has issued 3,000 cargo war policies and lowered war-risk premiums by 35–40%. It is administered by GIC Re.
IRDAI proposes caps on insurance commissions
IRDAI's consultation paper 'Recalibrating Economics of Insurance Distribution' proposes capping first-year commissions. The proposed caps are 20% for life insurance distributors and 25% for agents. It proposes cutting Expense of Management limits to 12.5% for life insurers and 20% for general insurers over five years. IRDAI noted that commissions grew four to five times faster than premiums. The aim is to curb mis-selling.
Other changes in the new GDP series
MoSPI's new GDP series with base year 2022-23 allocates the value added of multi-activity firms across sectors using company filings. It also values government housing provided to employees. The average useful life of some assets, including dwellings, has been revised downward. Rooftop solar power is counted in the utilities sector.
Defence exports at ₹38,424 crore
Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh said defence exports rose from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26. The target is ₹50,000 crore by 2029. The 2026-27 defence budget is ₹7.85 lakh crore. About 75% of capital acquisition, or ₹1.39 lakh crore, is earmarked for domestic procurement. He said India seeks no other country's territory but will safeguard its security.
Banking & Markets
1 storySupreme Court declines interim stay on UPI MDR
The Supreme Court refused an interim stay on the new UPI merchant discount rate on merchant transactions above ₹2,000, effective from 15 October 2026. It issued notice asking the Centre to explain the legal basis of the charge and whether it is a tax or a fee. The Bench of the Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana noted that 96% of merchant transactions are unaffected. The standard rate is 0.4%, capped at ₹300. Essential sectors pay a flat ₹5.
Polity & Governance
7 storiesSC asks Centre to examine safeguards for minors on social media
Hearing a plea by Just Rights for Children, the Supreme Court on 28 September 2026 directed the Centre to examine the framework under the IT intermediary rules. The aim is for social media platforms to recognise minors' legal incapacity to contract. Platforms would need safeguards for minors' access. The Court observed that software must conform to Indian law. Under the Indian Contract Act, 1872, a minor cannot enter into a valid contract.
Collegium recommends three HC Chief Justices for Supreme Court
The Supreme Court Collegium on 28 September 2026 recommended three High Court Chief Justices for elevation to the Supreme Court. They are Justice Sunita Agarwal of the Gujarat High Court, Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya of the Delhi High Court and Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh of the Telangana High Court. The recommendations would fill three of four vacancies. The Supreme Court's sanctioned strength is 38 including the Chief Justice. Judges are appointed by the President under Article 124.
Tamil Nadu withdraws RTI exemption order
The Tamil Nadu government on 27 September 2026 rescinded an order that had exempted the Public (Law and Order) Department from the RTI Act, 2005. The order of 21 September had used Section 24(4), which lets States exempt intelligence and security organisations. Even exempted bodies must disclose information on corruption and human rights violations. Information on human rights violations is given with the approval of the Information Commission. Central exempted organisations are listed in the Second Schedule.
Monsoon Session adjourned sine die without prorogation
The 2026 Monsoon Session of the 18th Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on 13 August but has not been prorogued. At 46 days and counting, it is the third-longest such gap. Adjournment sine die ends sittings without a fixed date to reconvene, while prorogation by the President under Article 85(2) ends the session. Without prorogation, the Speaker can reconvene the House at any time. The longest such gaps were 76 days in 1987 and 61 days in 1989.
Census 2027 house-listing phase nears completion
In the 138th Mann Ki Baat, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said the house-listing phase of Census 2027 was nearing completion. Information on more than 32 crore families has been recorded. Census 2027 is India's first digital census. It is conducted under the Census Act, 1948 by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner.
PRAHAAR conference and new Extradition Portal
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the 'PRAHAAR – CT Policy and Strategy' conference in New Delhi on 28 September 2026. He called for a 10-year roadmap built on PRAHAAR's seven pillars, including prevention, response, human rights and recovery. He said 288 fugitives had been brought back from 36 countries since 2019. He launched an Extradition Portal to speed up inter-agency coordination. Extradition is governed by the Extradition Act, 1962 and bilateral treaties.
Underwater finds near Poompuhar
The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology and the Indian Maritime University carried out an 18-day underwater exploration near Poompuhar. Finds include a fragment of a West Asian torpedo jar, used to carry liquids such as wine and oil. Four terracotta ring wells and over 250 ceramic fragments were also found. Poompuhar was an ancient Chola port.
International Relations
4 storiesUN sea-level declaration affirms continuity of statehood
The UN General Assembly's Declaration on Sea Level Rise, adopted by consensus on 24 September 2026, affirms that low-lying states will keep their statehood and UN membership even if territory is submerged. It also affirms that maritime zones defined under UNCLOS will stand even if coastlines retreat. Under UNCLOS, the EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from baselines. AOSIS represents small island states in climate talks.
Russia backs India for permanent UNSC seat
Russian Foreign Minister Mr Sergey Lavrov endorsed India's candidacy for a permanent UN Security Council seat in his UNGA address. He also backed Brazil and greater African representation. Russia has called for more voice for Asia, Africa and Latin America. UNSC reform needs a Charter amendment ratified by two-thirds of members including all five permanent members. India has long sought a permanent seat.
EAM at UNGA: 'friendship cannot coexist with terrorism'
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar told the UN General Assembly on 28 September 2026 that friendship cannot coexist with terrorism. He rejected arguments that let sponsors of terrorism escape accountability. He referred to the Pahalgam attack of 22 April 2025, in which 26 civilians were killed. He also referred to India's strikes on terrorist bases across the border. India has called for adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
IWC-70 opens in Hobart
The 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission opened in Hobart, Australia, on 28 September 2026 and runs until 2 October. India's opening statement supported science-based conservation of whales and other cetaceans. The IWC was set up under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, 1946. India has been a member since 1981.
World
1 storyIran keeps conditions on Hormuz
Iran has kept its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz after US rejection. These include a halt to hostilities, release of frozen assets, lifting of oil sanctions and an end to the naval blockade. The US Ambassador to the UN called the demands unacceptable. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they seized a US underwater drone in the Strait. The US left the JCPOA nuclear agreement in 2018.
Environment
3 storiesRenewable energy capacity crosses 200 GW
India's renewable energy capacity has crossed 200 GW, nearly 45% of installed electricity capacity. Growth has been driven mainly by solar and wind. Schemes include PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM. PLI schemes support domestic solar module manufacturing. Thermal and nuclear power continue to meet baseload demand.
Monsoon 11.9% short; edible oil duties cut
The southwest monsoon was 11.9% below the long-period average from 1 June to 27 September 2026. Rainfall in 23 of 36 meteorological subdivisions was more than 10% short. The government cut import duties on crude palm, soyabean and sunflower oils. It allowed duty-free imports of arhar and urad. These steps aim to keep food prices stable.
Red rot and new sugarcane variety Co-02016
Uttar Pradesh's sugar output fell from 126.4 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to about 89.5 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, partly due to red rot disease. The variety Co-0238 had covered over 70% of the State's cane area by 2022-23. Red rot is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum falcatum. It is undergoing the release process.
Defence
1 storyASEAN–India Maritime Exercise begins
The second ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise, AIME-2026, began at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 28 September 2026. India is represented by INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish. Maritime forces of ASEAN member states are taking part. The theme is 'Anchored in Trust, United at Sea'. The first edition was held in 2023.
Sports
5 storiesFour athletics and shooting silvers on Day 9
India won eight medals on Day 9 of the Asian Games on 28 September 2026. Esha Singh won silver in the women's 25m pistol. Murali Sreeshankar won long jump silver with 8.07 m. Gulveer Singh won 1500m silver, and Yashvir Singh took javelin silver with 85.72 m. India's tally rose to 45: 4 gold, 20 silver and 21 bronze.
Four bronzes including Kurash
Rohit Yadav won javelin bronze with 84.35 m on 28 September 2026. Vithya Ramraj won bronze in the women's 400m hurdles. Parul Chaudhary won bronze in the women's 5000m, her second medal of the Games. Pincky Balhara won bronze in women's Kurash under-78 kg. Kurash is a traditional Central Asian wrestling style.
Men's hockey team beats Bangladesh 10-0
India's men's hockey team beat Bangladesh 10-0 in its final Pool A match on 28 September 2026. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a hat-trick. India finished the pool unbeaten in five matches with a goal difference of +45. India will face Pakistan in the semi-final on 1 October. The gold medallist qualifies for the 2028 Olympics.
Rain sends India's men into cricket semi-final
India's men's cricket quarter-final against Afghanistan at the Asian Games was abandoned without a ball bowled on 28 September 2026. Persistent rain at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, prevented play. India advanced as the higher-seeded team on ICC T20I rankings. India's men are the defending champions. Shreyas Iyer leads the team.
Three boxers assure medals
Boxers Lovlina Borgohain (women's 75 kg), Priya Ghanghas (women's 60 kg) and Kapil Pokhariya (men's 90 kg) won their Asian Games quarter-finals on 28 September 2026. Each is now assured of at least a bronze. Lovlina beat South Korea's Seong Suyeon 5-0. She will face Kazakhstan's Natalya Bogdanova in the semi-final. Lovlina won bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Important Days
3 storiesWorld Rabies Day
World Rabies Day was observed on 28 September 2026 with the theme 'Stronger Together'. It stresses a One Health approach, including dog vaccination and surveillance. It has been observed since 2007. India's National Rabies Control Programme aims to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
International Day for Universal Access to Information
The International Day for Universal Access to Information was observed on 28 September 2026. UNESCO's theme focused on information integrity in the digital age. The day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2015. The UN General Assembly endorsed it in 2019. In India, the RTI Act, 2005 gives citizens a legal right to information.
119th birth anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh
The 119th birth anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh was marked on 28 September 2026. He was born on 28 September 1907 at Banga in present-day Pakistan's Punjab. He was associated with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. He was executed on 23 March 1931 along with Rajguru and Sukhdev.
Quick-revision MCQs
Tap an option to check it. Every question comes from the stories above.
Q1.IIP growth in August 2026 was:
Answer: C. Manufacturing grew 9.0%.
Q2.Section 24(4) of the RTI Act allows States to:
Answer: B. States may notify such organisations.
Q3.Prorogation of a House of Parliament is done under:
Answer: B. By the President.
Q4.India's defence exports in 2025-26 stood at:
Answer: B. Defence exports reached ₹38,424 crore.
Q5.The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool is administered by:
Answer: B. GIC Re.
Q6.AIME-2026 is being held at:
Answer: B. Subic Bay.
Q7.India has been a member of the International Whaling Commission since:
Answer: C. 1981.
Q8.Red rot of sugarcane is caused by:
Answer: C. Colletotrichum falcatum.
Q9.India's renewable energy capacity has crossed:
Answer: C. It crossed 200 GW, nearly 45% of installed capacity.
Q10.Bhagat Singh was born in:
Answer: B. 28 September 1907.
Source: PIB, RBI, The Indian Express, Hindustan Times and The Times of India.
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