UPSC Current Affairs
Economic Indicators Surge as Trade, Environment, and Electoral Governance Take Centre Stage
9 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Multilateralism Must Remain Core to Trade Strategy: Finance Ministry Report
A report by the Department of Economic Affairs highlighted that trade pacts bypassing multilateral frameworks could undermine long-term global growth and export competitiveness. It emphasized that while India continues to pursue bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to diversify market access, retaining the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the core of global commerce remains essential for equitable dispute resolution and rules-based trade.
Gross GST Revenue Crosses ₹2.03 Lakh Crore in September 2026
Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections reached ₹2.03 lakh crore in September 2026, marking a 14.7 percent annual increase. However, historical data indicates a shifting composition, with an increasing share of GST revenues accruing from integrated GST (IGST) on imports rather than domestic transactions, alongside a 3 percent year-on-year decline in monthly tax refunds.
Industrial Output and Manufacturing PMI Show Strong Rebound
The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to a seven-month high of 55.1 in September, climbing 2.3 points from August. Simultaneously, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) quickened to 8 percent growth in August, reflecting broad-based expansion across manufacturing, mining, and electricity sectors ahead of the festive season.
Madanapalle Global Horticulture Hub Launched to Boost Agro-Exports
A ₹1 lakh-crore Global Horticulture Hub project was unveiled at Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, aimed at transforming the Rayalaseema region into a key horticultural cluster. The three-phase initiative is designed to provide comprehensive end-to-end support to farmers, covering high-yielding seed distribution, cold-chain infrastructure, modern packaging, and direct export linkages.
Madras High Court Orders Standard Operating Procedure for Temple Elephants
The Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to formulate a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the participation of captive elephants in temple rituals and religious processions. The court directed that guidelines must address the physical health, psychological stress, veterinary oversight, and public safety risks associated with parading captive animals in crowded public gatherings.
Urban Density and Inadequate Sanitation Threaten Kerala's Groundwater
Rising biological and chemical contamination in Kerala's shallow aquifers has raised serious public health concerns. High population density, widespread reliance on open wells, insufficient distance between septic tanks and water sources, and erratic rainfall patterns have combined to increase the vulnerability of unconfined groundwater aquifers to microbial pollution.
Allegations Over Misuse of Form-7 Trigger Electoral Roll Scrutiny
In Belagavi, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) reported receiving bulk submissions of Form-7 seeking the deletion of specific voters from electoral rolls, prompting administrative scrutiny. Under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, Form-7 is designated strictly for objections to the proposed inclusion or existing entry of a name, requiring rigorous field verification to prevent unauthorized disenfranchisement.
India Reaffirms Development Partnership and Neighbourhood Ties with Sri Lanka
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met senior Sri Lankan political leaders in Colombo, reiterating India's enduring commitment to the island nation's economic stability, energy security, and regional connectivity. The discussions centered on advancing bilateral trade, infrastructure investment, and mutual maritime security under India's Neighbourhood First and SAGAR doctrines.
Studies Document Zoopharmacognosy and Self-Medication in African Elephants
Behavioral researchers confirmed that African elephants intentionally consume specific bitter and astringent plants to purge parasites and alleviate bodily ailments, exhibiting zoopharmacognosy. Many of the plant species selected by wild elephants align closely with indigenous traditional ethnomedicine, underscoring the ecological value of traditional botanical knowledge and pristine wild habitats.
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