Current Affairs - October 1, 2026 Current Affairs

Anup Kumar Saha will become the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kotak Mahindra Bank from January 1, 2027, for a three-year tenure. The Reserve Bank of India approved his appointment under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Saha will succeed Ashok Vaswani, whose tenure ends on December 31, 2026. Saha joined Kotak Mahindra Bank in January 2026 and currently serves as a Whole-time Director (Executive Director). He has over 32 years of professional experience, including 25 years in banking and non-banking financial services. He holds a B.Tech from IIT Kharagpur and an MBA from IIM Lucknow.

The Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) project aims to enable the transmission of up to 135 GW of renewable energy through India’s Intra-State Transmission System. The Union Cabinet approved the project with a total outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore, including 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The project is targeted for completion by FY 2032-33, with ₹54,082 crore provided as Central Financial Support. GEC-III is designed to strengthen transmission infrastructure, integrate renewable energy into the national grid and improve grid flexibility. Battery storage will help manage renewable energy intermittency, transmission congestion and electricity demand during non-solar periods.

Narendra Bhooshan assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2026. He is a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre with more than 30 years of administrative experience at both the central and state levels. Before joining MoEFCC, he served as Secretary of the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development. His career has included senior responsibilities in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, industry, urban development, finance and land management. He holds a degree in Electronics and a Master’s degree in International Development Policy from Duke University, USA.

California banned child marriage by establishing 18 as the minimum age for marriage and domestic partnership with no exceptions. Governor Gavin Newsom approved Assembly Bill 1267 (AB 1267), which repeals earlier provisions that permitted minors to marry with parental consent or judicial approval. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027. Before this legislation, California had no statutory minimum marriage age, and around 35,000 minors were married in the state between 2000 and 2021. With this reform, California became the 18th US state to completely ban child marriage without exceptions, strengthening legal protection for minors.

New Delhi will be covered by the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) project approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs at a cost of ₹1,789.52 crore. The project will be implemented by the Delhi Police across 42 identified traffic corridors in three phases over 24 months, followed by five years of operation and maintenance. It will use AI-based adaptive traffic signals, automated enforcement, real-time incident detection and digital information systems. The system will also provide priority movement for ambulances and emergency services. With nearly 71 lakh registered vehicles, the project aims to make better use of Delhi’s existing road network and improve traffic flow, safety and enforcement.

The Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026 came into force on October 1, 2026, replacing the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891. The new legislation modernises the legal framework governing banking records used as evidence in court proceedings, arbitrations, investigations and inquiries. It recognises physical, electronic, digital, virtual and cloud-based banking records and establishes uniform rules for their certification and authentication. The Act was assented to by the President on August 13, 2026, and the notification was issued on September 10, 2026. It also provides safeguards concerning data integrity, unauthorised alterations, tampering and network security.

Smit Machchhar will receive the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Award for his bravery during a mid-air emergency involving Flydubai flight FZ1073. The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an incident in the cockpit left Captain Machchhar seriously injured. Despite his injuries, he helped ensure that the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where he received medical treatment. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the state honour, describing Machchhar’s actions as an act of courage and dedication. The Gujarat government also offered him a reward of ₹25 lakh in recognition of his heroic efforts.

The first Public Service Commission in India was established on 1 October 1926 under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1919. Sir Ross Barker served as its first Chairman, along with four members. The establishment followed recommendations of the Lee Commission, which had been constituted to examine issues related to the Indian Civil Service and public service recruitment. The commission initially functioned as an advisory body. Later, the Government of India Act, 1935 provided for a Federal Public Service Commission and Provincial Public Service Commissions. After the Constitution came into force in 1950, the Federal Public Service Commission became the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), a constitutional body under Articles 315–323.

The Philippines hosted the second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026), which began at Subic Bay on 28 September 2026. The exercise involves Indian naval ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish along with maritime forces from ASEAN member states. Its theme is “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea,” focusing on mutual understanding, professional cooperation, coordination and interoperability. The exercise began with a Harbour Phase featuring expert exchanges, operational synchronisation, sports, cultural activities and community engagement, followed by a Sea Phase involving maritime operations and practical training. AIME-2026 supports India’s Act East Policy and its MAHASAGAR vision for security and growth across regions.

Andhra Pradesh received the Centre’s one-time interest-free working capital assistance of ₹50,000 per barn for Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco growers. Approved by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on September 26, 2026, the financial intervention is estimated at approximately ₹220 crore and is expected to benefit around 44,000 tobacco growers. The assistance is being provided through the Interest-Free Working Capital Assistance Scheme, with funds transferred directly to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Andhra Pradesh is also a major FCV tobacco-producing state, along with Karnataka, and the Tobacco Board is headquartered in Guntur.