UPSC Current Affairs
Rabi MSP Hikes, GST Inflows, Trade Multilateralism, and Climate Attribution
8 stories · about 3 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Cabinet Approves Hike in Rabi Minimum Support Prices for 2027-28
The Union Cabinet has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi crops for the 2027-28 marketing season. The highest absolute increase was recommended for safflower at 675 rupees per quintal (a 10.3 percent hike to 7,215 rupees per quintal), followed by lentil, gram, and wheat, aiming to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and encourage crop diversification away from water-intensive cereals.
GST Revenue Crosses 2.03 Lakh Crore in September
Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose 14.7 percent year-on-year to over 2.03 lakh crore rupees in September 2026. However, an analysis of the revenue composition highlighted that an increasing share of gross receipts is coming from taxes levied on imports rather than domestic transactions, while overall tax refunds witnessed a slight contraction.
Multilateral Trading System Vital for Sustainable Export Growth: DEA
A report by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has warned that regional trade pacts and bilateral arrangements that bypass multilateral frameworks could distort trade flows and hamper long-term global growth. The report emphasized that while India is actively negotiating free trade agreements, preserving the World Trade Organization (WTO) at the core of the international trading architecture remains critical for stability.
Scientists Introduce Carbon Impacts Tracer to Quantify Fossil Fuel Damage
Researchers have developed the Carbon Impacts Tracer, a scientific tool capable of measuring the specific environmental, ecological, and socio-economic damages attributable to individual new coal mining projects. The tool establishes causal links between project-level emissions and specific climate harms, providing legal, financial, and regulatory bodies with verifiable data for climate attribution litigation.
Madras High Court Directs Tamil Nadu to Frame SOP for Temple Elephants
The Madras High Court has instructed the Tamil Nadu government to formulate a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) regulating the participation of captive elephants in temple festivals and religious processions. The court directed that guidelines must address elephant welfare, physical fitness, crowd management, and prevention of cruelty under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
PNG Drive 3.0 Targets 50 Lakh New Piped Gas Connections
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rolled out the third phase of the National Piped Natural Gas (PNG) Drive, targeting 50 lakh new domestic connections by the end of fiscal year 2027. The current phase shifts focus from merely laying city gas distribution (CGD) pipelines to actively accelerating last-mile network utilization and consumer adoption.
Global Study Highlights Severe Health Burden of Chewing Tobacco in India
A comprehensive global study reported that nearly 90 percent of the world's disease burden and disability attributable to chewing tobacco is concentrated in just 10 countries, with India accounting for a major share. Researchers emphasized the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, strict enforcement of tobacco control regulations, and broader public awareness regarding oral cancer risks.
Countering Generative AI Disinformation Becomes Urgent Global Priority
Japan's Foreign Ministry raised alarms over profound structural shifts in global communication driven by generative artificial intelligence, calling the spread of AI-generated disinformation an urgent challenge for international stability. The call comes as multilateral bodies increasingly look to harmonize digital governance, establish algorithmic safeguards, and curb weaponized misdirection in democratic processes.
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