UPSC Current Affairs for 2026-09-29

Use this daily collection to understand why each development matters, then verify time-sensitive facts through the linked sources before adding them to notes.

• Indirectly mining affected people in Odisha get substantial DMF fund, CAG unearthsEconomy · CAG audit of Odisha DMF funds reveals irregularities in PMKKKY implementation, including misclassification of affected areas and non-identification of beneficiaries.
• If neither a tax nor fee, what is this ‘expropriation’, SC asks govt. on UPI merchant discount rateEconomy · Supreme Court questions the legal character of UPI MDR charges, asking if it is a tax, fee, or expropriation.
• Himalayan floods highlight urgent need for regional disaster preparedness: Safi Ahsan RizviDisaster Management · Expert calls for regional data-sharing to manage Himalayan glacial outburst risks after Nepal floods.
• Rabi planning: Centre asks States to assess water availability, prioritise pulses, oilseedsAgriculture · Union Agriculture Minister urged States to integrate water budgeting into Rabi crop planning amid deficient rainfall and drought conditions.
• UAE signals another $25 billion investment in India; eyes ports, energy and space sectors: GoyalInternational Relations · UAE signals intent to invest an additional $25 billion in India, focusing on ports, energy, and space sectors.
• Bengaluru tree branch fall tragedy prompts Karnataka HC to script tech driven public safety framework across StatePolity and Governance · Karnataka High Court issued comprehensive directions for a tech-driven public safety hazard detection and response mechanism after a tree branch fall paralysed a citizen.
• Over 40 modules of Shahzad Bhatti network busted, 350 held across 15 States: Amit ShahInternal Security · Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the busting of over 40 modules of the Shahzad Bhatti network, with 350 arrests across 15 states, and declared it a terrorist organisation under UAPA.
• In need of an overhaul: on the Election Commission of India’s press notePolity · ECI's press note responds to objections by two Election Commissioners and admits flaws in Special Intensive Revision.
• Waves of rain: on Odisha and intense rain eventsEnvironment and Disaster Management · Odisha recorded 1,453 mm rainfall (29% excess) by September 25, 2024, due to 11 Bay of Bengal systems, causing widespread floods and landslides.
• New equilibrium: on the recalibration of U.S.-China tiesInternational Relations · Xi Jinping's Washington visit produced modest outcomes but signals a managed U.S.-China rivalry.
• Overweight and weak: On the UN, the 81st session of the UN General AssemblyInternational Relations · The 81st UN General Assembly session highlighted urgent calls for UN reform amid record global conflicts and superpower hegemony.