UPSC Current Affairs for 2026-10-16

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

• India’s exports jump 23% in September; trade deficit narrows to $30.21 billionEconomy · India's merchandise exports rose 23.04% in September 2026, while trade deficit narrowed to $30.21 billion.
• The sound and the fiery: on green crackers, pollution controlEnvironment · Supreme Court's latest order permits specified next-generation joined green crackers in Delhi-NCR, declining a total ban.
• Out of site: On Jantar Mantar denotification, protests and democracyEconomy · Delhi Police denotified Jantar Mantar as a protest site following a Supreme Court directive, sparking debate on democratic rights.
• Stock markets close lower amid elevated crude oil, rising inflationEconomy · Stock markets declined due to elevated crude oil prices and rising wholesale inflation.
• Rupee rises 19 paise to close at 95.17 against U.S. dollarEconomy · Rupee appreciated to a one-month high of 95.17 against the US dollar after RBI measures to curb speculative forex bets.
• Govt. to roll out National Electricity Data Sharing framework in October: Power SecretaryEconomy · Government to launch National Electricity Data Sharing Framework in October 2025.
• As first Agniveer batch complete term, services suggest improvements to schemeEconomy · First Agniveer batch completes tenure in October 2026; services submit recommendations to refine Agnipath scheme.
• Experts’ poll: RBI may hike rates by 0.25% in October policy amid inflationary pressuresEconomy · RBI may hike repo rate by 0.25% in October 2026 policy amid rising inflation and global cues.
• Spiralling food prices: on rising inflationEconomy · September retail inflation at 5.54% marks fourth consecutive month above RBI's 4% target, with rural food inflation surging to 8.06%.
• Privacy and transparency: On the RTI Act amendment, petitionsPolity · Supreme Court referred petitions challenging RTI Act amendment by DPDP Act to a Constitution Bench.