UPSC Current Affairs for 2026-09-30

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

• Waves of rain: on Odisha and intense rain eventsEnvironment · Odisha recorded 29% excess monsoon rainfall with repeated intense downpours causing widespread floods and landslides.
• 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 0.4% UPI merchant discount rate on P2M transactions above ₹2,000, issuing notice to Centre, RBI, and NPCI.
• UAE signals another $25 billion investment in India; eyes ports, energy and space sectors: GoyalEconomy · UAE signals intent to invest an additional $25 billion in India, focusing on ports, energy, space, and financial services.
• Himalayan floods highlight urgent need for regional disaster preparedness: Safi Ahsan RizviDisaster Management · Recent devastating floods in Nepal triggered by a rock-ice avalanche highlight the urgent need for regional disaster preparedness in the Himalayas.
• Iran threatens new strikes as it awaits US response to Hormuz planInternational Relations · Iran threatens attacks on regional infrastructure while awaiting US response to its proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
• Activists caution against efforts to revive bauxite mining in Odisha’s Niyamgiri hillsEnvironment and Tribal Rights · Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal's recent statement to reopen bauxite mining in Odisha's Niyamgiri hills has triggered renewed opposition from environmental and tribal rights groups.
• Highly educated professionals are vulnerable to financial cybercrime, finds IIT-Madras studyCyber Security · IIT-Madras study reveals highly educated professionals are vulnerable to financial cybercrime, challenging assumptions about digital literacy.
• NIA arrests 13 for links with Bangladesh terror outfitInternal Security · NIA arrested 13 people linked to JMB offshoot IMK for radicalisation and terror expansion in India.
• In need of an overhaul: on the Election Commission of India’s press notePolity · ECI's press note responds to objections by Election Commissioners over decision-making and admits flaws in Special Intensive Revision.
• State of anticipation: on Jammu and Kashmir and StatehoodPolity · J&K Assembly passed a resolution on September 28 demanding immediate restoration of full Statehood.