1 October 2026 Current Affairs: Births Act – Daily GK for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railway Exams

Key current affairs developments for Thursday, 1 October 2026 included the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act coming into force, September GST collections, the UPSC centenary at Bharat Mandapam, revised sugar stock limits, and India’s Asian Games medal day. The day was also the International Day of Older Persons, with the UN theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” and National Voluntary Blood Donation Day.

21 exam-relevant items for 1 October 2026: 10 from official/primary sources, 11 from reputable secondary or developing reports

Read time: ~22 minutes

Today’s coverage: 11 categories screened, 21 items retained, other items screened but not retained after date, source and significance checks. Also verified today but excluded as lower exam priority: the southwest monsoon season-end bulletin, which IMD had given on 30 September, and ceremonial greetings with no new decision.

Source labels: [Official] = primary/official body (PIB, ministry, regulator, court, official federation) — linked where a direct URL was found. [Secondary] = reputable report; primary source not located. [Developing] = same-day figures/outcomes may still change.

Editorial cutoff: results verified up to late evening IST on 1 October 2026 are included; later developments may appear in the next digest.

National & Policy

[Secondary] Births and Deaths Amendment Act Takes Effect

According to The New Indian Express, the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2026 came into force on 1 October 2026. Delayed registration after one year but within two years now needs an order from a District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, or an authorised Executive Magistrate. Registration after two years needs an order from a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class. The paper said the Registrar General of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, had fixed this date by a gazette notification dated 16 September 2026. The amendment substitutes Section 13(3) of the 1969 Act and inserts Section 13(3A). Secondary reporting: The New Indian Express, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• In force from 1 October 2026.
• After one year: magistrate’s order required.
• After two years: Judicial Magistrate First Class.
• Parent law: Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
• Commencement notified by the Registrar General of India.

Static Link: The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 is Act 18 of 1969. The Registrar General of India functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

[Official] Government Tightens Sugar Dealer Stock Limits

Future effective date: 15 October 2026 to 30 November 2026. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution cut the sugar-dealer holding period to 15 days from receipt and set a 1,000-quintal cap, with a 2,000-quintal cap for Kolkata and its extended metropolitan area and for Assam. The ministry said the new sugar season began on 1 October. It also said retail prices were down 15 per cent from the August peak and ex-mill prices by about 28 per cent. Source: PIB, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Holding period: 15 days from receipt.
• General cap: 1,000 quintals.
• Kolkata and Assam cap: 2,000 quintals.
• Window: 15 October to 30 November 2026.
• Retail prices: 15 per cent below August peak.

When do the revised sugar stock limits apply?

The revised sugar-dealer limits apply from 15 October 2026 to 30 November 2026. Dealers may not hold stock for more than 15 days from receipt, or above 1,000 quintals, except in Kolkata and its extended metropolitan area and in Assam, where the cap is 2,000 quintals.

[Official] Exempted FASTag Validity Tied to Disability Percentage

Future effective date: 2 October 2026. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways revised exempted FASTag rules for eligible Divyangjan and persons with disabilities. Tags for 70 to 100 per cent disability will be valid for five years, and tags for 40 to less than 70 per cent for three years, replacing annual renewal. Eligibility is based on a disability certificate, UDID card, or other applicable record, for specially designed vehicles and vehicles registered as Divyangjan. Source: PIB, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Effective from 2 October 2026.
• 70–100 per cent disability: five-year tag.
• 40 to under 70 per cent: three-year tag.
• Earlier rule: annual renewal.
• Document: Disability Certificate or UDID card.

[Official] PM Marks UPSC Centenary at Bharat Mandapam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the centenary culmination of the Union Public Service Commission at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. He released a commemorative coin, a postage stamp, and a book, 100 Landmark Judgements. The Prime Minister cited a rise in women candidates from 3 per cent in 1952 to over 30 per cent, and a 45-fold rise in exam-takers since 1976. He pointed to the i-GOT platform under Mission Karmayogi and to shorter, time-certain exam cycles. The two-day programme opened on 30 September with Shatabdi Samaroh – Manthan. Source: PIB, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Releases: coin, stamp, and landmark judgments book.
• PM cited women candidates: 3 per cent in 1952 to over 30 per cent.
• Platform named: i-GOT under Mission Karmayogi.
• Culmination date: 1 October 2026.

Static Link: The first Public Service Commission was constituted on 1 October 1926. Article 315 provides for a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State.

Economy & Banking

[Secondary] September Gross GST Collections at ₹2.04 Trillion

According to provisional finance ministry figures reported by Business Standard and Mint, gross GST in September rose 14.7 per cent to ₹2.04 trillion. Net GST, after refunds, rose 18.1 per cent to ₹1.77 trillion. Domestic GST was ₹1.38 trillion, up 10.1 per cent, and import GST was ₹65,525 crore. Refunds were ₹27,001 crore, down 3 per cent. Business Standard also reported April–September gross collections above ₹12.46 trillion. Secondary reporting: Business Standard, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Gross GST: ₹2.04 trillion, up 14.7 per cent.
• Net GST: ₹1.77 trillion, up 18.1 per cent.
• Domestic GST: ₹1.38 trillion.
• Import GST: ₹65,525 crore.
• Refunds: ₹27,001 crore, down 3 per cent.

Static Link: GST was introduced on 1 July 2017 under the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016.

[Official] RBI Allows One-Time Approval for Later Bank Share Buys

The Reserve Bank of India issued amendment directions on 1 October 2026 on acquisition of shares or voting rights in banking companies, including payments banks. Prior approval remains mandatory for an initial major shareholding. Mutual funds registered with SEBI, insurers with IRDAI, and pension funds with PFRDA, if outside the promoter group, may seek one-time approval for later acquisitions up to 10 per cent, individually or collectively. Applications go through the PRAVAAH portal. Source: Reserve Bank of India, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Effective date: 1 October 2026.
• Initial acquisition: prior RBI approval still required.
• Later buys: one-time approval up to 10 per cent.
• Eligible investors: SEBI MFs, IRDAI insurers, PFRDA pension funds.
• Portal: PRAVAAH.

[Secondary] Manufacturing PMI Rises to 55.1 in September

The HSBC India Manufacturing PMI, compiled by S&P Global, rose from 52.8 in August to 55.1 in September, a seven-month high. The release was embargoed until 10:30 IST on 1 October 2026. New orders grew at the fastest pace since February, and hiring was the strongest since May. The July–September average was 53.8, the lowest for that quarter since 2021. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. Secondary reporting: S&P Global PMI release, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• September PMI: 55.1.
• August reading: 52.8.
• Expansion threshold: 50.
• Q2 FY27 average: 53.8.
• Compiler: S&P Global for HSBC.

[Secondary] Finance Ministry Nowcasts Q2 Growth at 7.3 Per Cent

According to The Indian Express, the Finance Ministry’s Monthly Economic Review for September, released on 1 October, nowcast real GDP growth at 7.3 per cent for July–September FY27. That is above the 6.4 per cent forecast the RBI gave on 5 August. The ministry said momentum had continued into the second quarter at a more measured pace, after 7.8 per cent growth in April–June. The review also flagged geopolitical and oil-price risks. Secondary reporting: The Indian Express, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Ministry nowcast: 7.3 per cent for Q2 FY27.
• RBI forecast cited: 6.4 per cent.
• Q1 FY27 growth cited: 7.8 per cent.
• Document: Monthly Economic Review for September.
• Release date: 1 October 2026.

Defence & Security

[Official] Integrated Defence Staff Marks 25 Years

Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff marked its silver jubilee on 1 October 2026, twenty-five years after it was set up on 1 October 2001. The day is observed as Tri-Service Day. The theme was “Future readiness through jointness & Integration.” Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Tejinder Singh addressed Trishakti Manthan. HQ IDS released a silver-jubilee book and conferred CDS Unit Citations. Source: PIB, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• HQ IDS established: 1 October 2001.
• Observance: Tri-Service Day.
• CDS named: General N. S. Raja Subramani.
• CISC named: Air Marshal Tejinder Singh.
• Event: Trishakti Manthan.

Static Link: Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff was established on 1 October 2001. The Chief of Defence Staff also heads the Department of Military Affairs.

[Secondary] Rajnath Singh Launches Defence Accounts Digital Tools

According to DD India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched digital and financial tools at the Defence Accounts Department’s 279th Annual Day at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The launches included integration of SAKSHAM with the Army’s IAFIS, and a Treasury Single Account flow through the PRISM platform linked to RBI e-Kuber. The Statesman reported that the TSA is meant to support just-in-time fund release to autonomous bodies under the Ministry of Defence. Secondary reporting: DD India, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Occasion: DAD 279th Annual Day.
• Venue: DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.
• System name: SAKSHAM.
• Army link: IAFIS.
• Payments platform: PRISM, with RBI e-Kuber.

International Affairs

[Secondary] India and Brazil Complete Mercosur Pact Terms of Reference

According to Brazil’s Development, Industry, Trade and Services Minister Márcio Fernando Elias Rosa, speaking after meeting Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee, India and Brazil have finished drafting terms of reference to widen the India–Mercosur preferential trade agreement. Gulf News, citing IANS, said the existing pact covers about 450 Indian tariff lines and 452 Mercosur lines, with cuts from 10 to 100 per cent, and has operated since June 2009. Expansion talks were announced on 14 September 2026. The terms of reference set the scope; they are not a signed FTA. Secondary reporting: Gulf News, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Meeting: G20 Trade Ministers, Milwaukee.
• Indian minister: Piyush Goyal.
• Current coverage: about 450 and 452 tariff lines.
• PTA operational since June 2009.
• Status: terms of reference drafted, not an FTA.

Static Link: Mercosur was founded by the Treaty of Asunción, signed on 26 March 1991. Its headquarters is in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Environment & Ecology

[Secondary/Developing] Gandak Breaches Embankments in North Bihar

Snapshot as reported on 1 October: the Gandak breached embankments in Saran and Muzaffarpur, and The Times of India said breaches in Champaran and Saran had reached eight in four days. The paper reported more than 200 villages inundated; that count was still moving. News18 said the Water Resources Department had the river above its previous highest flood level at several sites, and that the state had sought Indian Air Force help. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inspected the Ganga in Patna and asked officials to protect residents. Developing snapshot: The Times of India, 1 October 2026; figures may change

Exam Points:

• River: Gandak, north Bihar.
• New breach districts named: Saran and Muzaffarpur.
• Agency: Water Resources Department.
• Support sought: Indian Air Force.
• Chief Minister: Samrat Choudhary.

Sports

[Secondary] Nitesh Siwach Wins Greco-Roman 97kg Silver

According to India Today and The Times of India, Nitesh Siwach took silver in the men’s Greco-Roman 97kg at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, losing the final 0–4 to Japan’s Yuri Nakazato. Times Now reported that he was the first Indian to reach a Greco-Roman final since 1962; that framing was not in the federation report located for this digest. He had beaten Mongolia’s Gankhuyag Ganbaatar 9–0 in the semi-final, India Today said. Secondary reporting: India Today, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Athlete: Nitesh Siwach.
• Event: Greco-Roman 97kg.
• Medal: silver.
• Final opponent: Yuri Nakazato, Japan.
• Games host: Aichi-Nagoya.

[Secondary] India Takes Skiff Silver and Bronze in Sailing

According to The Times of India and India Today, Manu Francis and Prince Kurusinkal Noble won silver in the men’s skiff, behind China. Harshita Tomar and Shital Verma won bronze in the women’s skiff. The Economic Times described the men’s medal as India’s first sailing medal of this Asian Games. A PIB listing also recorded the Prime Minister’s message to Prince Noble and Manu Francis. Secondary reporting: The Times of India, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Men’s skiff silver: Manu Francis and Prince Kurusinkal Noble.
• Women’s skiff bronze: Harshita Tomar and Shital Verma.
• Men’s silver was behind China.
• Event: Asian Games sailing.
• Date: 1 October 2026.

[Secondary] Hockey and Cricket Reach Asian Games Finals

According to India Today, the men’s hockey team beat Pakistan 4–3 in the semi-final, with Abhishek scoring in the last 45 seconds, after goals from Harmanpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh. The men’s cricket team beat Sri Lanka by 124 runs, posting 169 for 7 and bowling Sri Lanka out for 45. Ishan Kishan made an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls. India will play Pakistan in the cricket final. These are semi-final wins, not gold medals. Secondary reporting: India Today, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Hockey: India beat Pakistan 4–3.
• Cricket: India beat Sri Lanka by 124 runs.
• India total: 169 for 7; Sri Lanka: 45.
• Cricket final opponent: Pakistan.
• Status: finals reached, gold not yet decided.

[Secondary] Squash Teams and Compound Archer Add Bronzes

According to Sportstar and India Today, the men’s and women’s squash teams each won bronze. Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru won bronze in the men’s compound individual archery. PIB listings recorded the Prime Minister’s messages to the women’s squash team and to Thirumuru. India Today put the day’s confirmed medals at six, three silver and three bronze, with the tally still being updated through the evening. Secondary reporting: Sportstar, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Men’s squash team: bronze.
• Women’s squash team: bronze.
• Archery: Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru, compound individual bronze.
• Games: Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya.
• Date of results: 1 October 2026.

Government Schemes, Reports & Indices

[Official] People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27 Set for 2 October Launch

Upcoming event: special Gram Sabhas on 2 October 2026 will launch the People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27, Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas. Gram Panchayats will prepare Gram Panchayat Development Plans for FY 2027–28. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj said the campaign has been running since 2018, and that more than 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats have uploaded plans on eGramSwaraj. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 are also to be discussed at those Gram Sabhas. Source: PIB, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Launch date: 2 October 2026.
• Theme: Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas.
• Plans: GPDPs for FY 2027–28.
• Platform: eGramSwaraj.
• Coverage cited: more than 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats.

[Official] NMMSS Application Deadline Extended to 31 October

The Ministry of Education extended the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme deadline for 2026–27 to 31 October 2026. Institute verification closes on 15 November, and district verification on 30 November. The scholarship is ₹12,000 a year. As of 30 September, 88,522 fresh and 1,97,133 renewal applications were received. The National Scholarship Portal has been open since 1 June 2026. The scheme supports students from economically weaker sections from Class VIII to Class XII. Source: PIB, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Application deadline: 31 October 2026.
• Scholarship: ₹12,000 a year.
• Fresh applications as of 30 September: 88,522.
• Renewal applications: 1,97,133.
• Portal: National Scholarship Portal.

State-Specific News

[Official] Tamil Nadu Gets First Barrierless MLFF Toll Point

The National Highways Authority of India, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, started Tamil Nadu’s first barrierless Multi-Lane Free Flow toll system at Paranur toll plaza, on the Tambaram–Tindivanam section of NH-179B. Vehicles pass without stopping. The system uses ANPR and FASTag. NHAI said the rollout is meant to cut queues, fuel use, and idling emissions. Source: PIB, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Site: Paranur toll plaza, Tamil Nadu.
• Highway: NH-179B, Tambaram–Tindivanam.
• System: Multi-Lane Free Flow.
• Technologies: ANPR and FASTag.
• Agency: NHAI.

Related in today’s digest: see Exempted FASTag Validity Tied to Disability Percentage above — both are Ministry of Road Transport and Highways toll changes announced the same day.

Important Day / Theme

[Official] International Day of Older Persons

The United Nations marked the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2026 with the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.” The General Assembly designated 1 October through resolution 45/106 on 14 December 1990. The 2026 call is for health, work, and social systems to match longer lives. Source: United Nations, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Date: 1 October.
• 2026 theme: The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.
• Designating body: UN General Assembly.
• Resolution: 45/106.
• Resolution date: 14 December 1990.

[Official] National Voluntary Blood Donation Day

National Voluntary Blood Donation Day was observed on 1 October 2026 at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. The theme was “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.” NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr M. Srinivas inaugurated the camp and said that about 75 per cent of India’s blood collection is voluntary. The Health Ministry said the national event sits inside a mega campaign running from 17 September to 2 October 2026. Source: PIB, 1 October 2026

Exam Points:

• Date: 1 October.
• Theme: One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.
• Venue: Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi.
• Speaker cited voluntary share: about 75 per cent.
• Campaign window: 17 September to 2 October 2026.

Don’t Confuse

1 October 2026 Current Affairs: One-Liner Revision

• Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2026 came into force on 1 October 2026.
• Sugar dealers face a 15-day and 1,000-quintal cap from 15 October to 30 November 2026.
• Exempted FASTag validity becomes five years or three years, depending on the disability percentage, from 2 October 2026.
• PM Modi addressed the UPSC centenary at Bharat Mandapam and released a coin, stamp, and judgments book.
• September gross GST was ₹2.04 trillion, up 14.7 per cent; net GST was ₹1.77 trillion.
• RBI kept prior approval for an initial bank-share buy and allowed one-time cover for later buys up to 10 per cent.
• HSBC India Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.1 in September from 52.8 in August.
• Finance Ministry nowcast Q2 FY27 growth at 7.3 per cent, against the RBI’s 6.4 per cent forecast.
• Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff was established on 1 October 2001.
• Rajnath Singh launched SAKSHAM–IAFIS integration and the PRISM treasury platform.
• India and Brazil completed the terms of reference to widen the India–Mercosur PTA.
• Gandak embankments were breached in Saran and Muzaffarpur; the village count was still moving.
• Nitesh Siwach won Asian Games silver in Greco-Roman 97kg.
• India reached the men’s hockey and cricket finals after wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27, Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas, is set to launch on 2 October.
• NMMSS applications for 2026–27 close on 31 October; the scholarship is ₹12,000 a year.
• NHAI opened Tamil Nadu’s first barrierless MLFF toll point at Paranur on NH-179B.
• International Day of Older Persons 2026 theme: The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.

Source note: use the linked official releases and the editorial cutoff above when revising; developing figures may be updated.

Revision Focus: the Births and Deaths Act stages, the September GST gross-versus-net pair, and the UPSC date of 1 October 1926. Those three carry fixed dates and institutional names that are easier to retain than the moving flood count.