Daily Current Affairs — 01 October 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 01 October 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
Indian Geography MCQ Quiz · भारतीय भूगोल प्रश्नोत्तरी
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IR
India’s Security Doctrine: Shift Towards Deterrence by Punishment
The Defence Minister of India outlined a decisive shift in India's national security doctrine at DefCon 2026.
- India is shifting from "strategic containment" and "deterrence by denial" toward a proactive posture of "deterrence by punishment"
- Building resilience requires defence indigenisation
- Definition: The term "perimeter fallacy" refers to the misconception or assumption that national security can be understood
- Fluidity of Modern Threats: While territorial borders remain geographically fixed
Show 6 more facts
- New Fronts of Warfare: Relying only on border fortifications
- Economic & Energy Security Integration: Security is no longer limited to the military domain
- Deterrence by Denial: Historically, India relied heavily on this strategy, operating on the logic
- Deterrence by Punishment: In contrast, the new approach of "deterrence by punishment" focuses on shifting from merely preventing attacks to imposing
- Kinetic Retaliation: This paradigm shift has been practically demonstrated through successive, high-impact military actions
- Diplomatic and Economic Coercion: Deterrence by punishment extends beyond the battlefield into aggressive statecraft
IR
National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy: PRAHAAR
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled India's first-ever comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, titled 'PRAHAAR'.
- Its effectiveness will depend on overcoming federal coordination challenges
- PRAHAAR: The strategy is an acronym representing the core pillars of India's proactive defense mechanism: Prevention of terror attacks to protect
- Responses, which are swift and proportionate to the threat posed;
- The National Security Guard (NSG) acts as the nodal national agency under the MHA
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- Coordination is streamlined through an MHA-issued Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC)
- Post-incident, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) works alongside State Police to ensure high prosecution rates, aiming to establish a robust
- Key agencies like the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) and CAPFs lead large-scale training
- By identifying resource gaps and advocating for a uniform anti-terrorism structure across all States
- It balances national security with fundamental rights by adhering to the Rule of Law
- The legal backbone consists of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
Defence
Operation Sindoor
India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, targeting 9 terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
- About: Operation Sindoor was a coordinated precision strike operation launched by the Indian Armed Forces on 7th May 2025
- Unlike past operations with aggressive names meant to project strength
- High-Precision Weapons Involved in Operation Sindoor: Indian Air Force (IAF) used advanced systems like SCALP Cruise Missiles
- Combat Use: The missile has been used in combat scenarios
Show 6 more facts
- HAMMER Precision-Guided Bomb: The HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missile was used to engage targets requiring medium-range
- Key Features: HAMMER can be fitted with various guidance systems
- Loitering Munitions: Also known as "kamikaze drones"
- Operation Riddle (1965 Indo-Pak War): It was India's response to Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar and Grand Slam in 1965
- Operation Ablaze (1965 Indo-Pak War): It was a pre-emptive mobilisation by the Indian Army in April 1965
- The operation, along with Operation Riddle, helped push back Pakistan and led to the Tashkent Agreement (1966).
Which of the following statements about Operation Sindoor is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
IR
India Rejects PCA’s Decision on the Indus Waters Treaty
India has rejected the May 2026 award issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague regarding the "maximum pondage" (water storage.
- India reiterated that the tribunal is "illegally constituted" and maintained that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
- Pakistan argues that India is building pondage capacities that are far larger than what is technically required to generate power.
- Parallel Proceedings: The core of the legal dispute lies in Pakistan's insistence on bypassing the Neutral Expert mechanism
- However, in 2022, it lifted the pause, allowing both proceedings to run concurrently
Show 6 more facts
- About: The IWT is a water-distribution treaty signed between India and Pakistan in Karachi in 1960
- Allocation of Eastern Rivers: The waters of the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej were allocated to India for exclusive, unrestricted use.
- Allocation of Western Rivers: The waters of the Chenab, Indus, Jhelum were allocated largely to Pakistan.
- India's Rights on Western Rivers: India is permitted limited, non-consumptive uses on the western rivers
- Dispute Resolution Mechanism under the IWT: The IWT provides a graded
- Neutral Expert (NE): If unresolved, "differences" of a technical nature are referred to a Neutral Expert appointed by the World Bank.
Which of the following statements about India Rejects PCA’s Decision on the Indus Waters Treaty is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
IR
Pahalgam Terror Attack and Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a 5-point action plan against Pakistan following the deadly.
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) until Pakistan ceases its support
- Only individuals who have crossed over with valid documents will be permitted to return by 1st May 2025.
- All SVES visas already issued are considered void.
- This marks a clear downgrade in diplomatic engagement, intended to freeze bilateral dialogue at the official level.
Show 6 more facts
- Suspension of Bilateral Agreements: Pakistan declared it would consider placing "all bilateral agreements" with India
- Trade suspension: All forms of trade with India, including transit trade via third countries, have been suspended
- India's Kashmir Policy: Pakistan views India's revocation of Article 370 in 2019
- Additionally, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan's strategic importance to the US has sharply declined, leaving it diplomatically
- Rising Baloch insurgency and persistent terror activities along Pakistan's western front have made the country less appealing to foreign investors
- Despite global condemnation, Pakistan may see international attention as an opportunity to re-engage diplomatically amid its growing isolation.
Analyze the implications of the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India.
Which of the following statements about Pahalgam Terror Attack and Suspension of the Indus Waters is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
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Economy
5th Positive Indigenisation List
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently notified a fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) comprising defence items, aimed at boosting self-reliance and minimising imports and encouraging the domestic defence sector.
- Purpose and Scope: The fifth PIL comprises 346 items aimed at advancing Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence
- Items include strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)
- DPSUs like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- The initiative provides assurance to the domestic defence industry
Show 6 more facts
- About: The PIL is a list of items that can only be purchased by the Indian armed forces from domestic manufacturers, including private sector or DPSUs
- The list includes a diverse range of items crucial for bolstering India's defence capabilities and promoting self-reliance in the defence sector.
- The first PIL was promulgated in August 2020, followed by successive lists, bringing the total to 4,666 items
- These five lists for DPSUs are in addition to the five positive indigenisation lists of 509 items notified by the Department of Military Affairs (DMA)
- Import Dependency: India continues to hold the title of the world's largest arms importer
- Dependence on foreign arms can pose risks during geopolitical tensions
With reference to 5th Positive Indigenisation List, consider the following statements:
- Purpose and Scope: The fifth PIL comprises 606 items aimed at advancing Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence
- Items include strategically important Line Replacement Units (LRUs)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source.
Not quite. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source. The green option is the correct one.
S&T
iDEX Scheme
The Ministry of Defence is seeking more funds to continue its iDEX scheme, a central sector scheme which started in 2021, as 90% of the approved budget for 2021-26 has already been used.
- The iDEX scheme helps startups, MSMEs, and innovators create new defence
- iDEX Prime: iDEX Prime raises the grant limit from Rs. 1.5 crore to Rs. 10 crore to support more advanced defence systems.
- ADITI Scheme: The ADITI scheme, launched in 2024,offers grants of up to Rs 25 crore
Which of the following statements about iDEX Scheme is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Geography
Strait of Hormuz
Under Operation Midnight Hammer, the US targeted three key Iranian nuclear facilities (Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow). In retaliation, Iran's parliament approved a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US strike utilized B-2 Stealth Bombers, GBU-57 bunker buster bombs (Massive Ordnance Penetrators), and Tomahawk missiles.
- About: It is a narrow sea passage (55–95 km wide) between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula
- Global Energy Dependence: It is a critical artery for global oil transit, carrying about 20-25% of the world's total oil supply
- During the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88), both sides attacked oil tankers and cargo ships in the Gulf region dubbed as Tanker War
Show 2 more facts
- About: It is a US Air Force strategic stealth bomber, renowned for its long range (6,000 miles), low observability, and precision strike capabilities
- A total of 21 B-2 bombers were produced, with 19 currently in active service.
With reference to Strait of Hormuz, consider the following statements:
- The US strike utilized B-2 Stealth Bombers, GBU-23 bunker buster bombs (Massive Ordnance Penetrators), and Tomahawk missiles
- About: It is a narrow sea passage (55–95 km wide) between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source.
Not quite. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source. The green option is the correct one.
Defence
Countering Terrorism and Protecting India’s Internal Security
A deadly car blast near Delhi's Red Fort has renewed concerns over India's internal security, with investigators suspecting the involvement of an organised terror module.
- The First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
- Cross-Border Terrorism and Proxy Warfare: State actors like Pakistan continue to sponsor cross-border terrorism through non-state actors such as
- Proxy warfare from Pakistan-based groups continues to be a persistent threat, as demonstrated by the 2025 Pahalgam attack
- High-profile attacks, such as the 2008 Mumbai terror strikes
Show 6 more facts
- Groups in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast seek greater autonomy or independence, often with external support.
- Cyberterrorism poses a significant threat to India's critical infrastructure, while online platforms are exploited to spread extremist ideologies.
- Pakistan's ISI is known to use these channels to fund terrorist operations
- The 1971 PNS Ghazi submarine incident and interceptions by the Indian Navy reveal attempts to infiltrate Indian waters for smuggling arms
- India's New Counterterrorism Doctrine: India's Counterterrorism Doctrine unveiled after Operation Sindoor marks a decisive shift from earlier
- Decisive Retaliation: It means India will hit back firmly and on its own terms after any terror attack
Discuss the changing nature of urban terrorism and propose institutional measures to secure Indian cities against high-impact attacks.
Which of the following statements about Countering Terrorism and Protecting India’s Internal is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Geography
Gulf of Aden and Red Sea
India's Defence Minister hinted at a possibility of an increase in threats like maritime piracy, terrorism, and regional conflicts in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and the sea areas adjacent to East African countries.
- In addition, 2024 was commemorated as the 'Year of Naval Civilians' that constitute a third of the Navy's workforce.
- Gulf of Aden: About: It is an extension of the Indian Ocean
- Location: It is bounded by Somalia and the Socotra Islands to the south, Yemen to the north, the Arabian Sea to the east, and Djibouti to the west
- Red Sea: About: It is the world's northernmost tropical sea and is underlain by the Red Sea Rift, making it part of the Great Rift Valley
Show 3 more facts
- The Red Sea Rift, a divergent boundary between the African
- Bordering Countries: The Red Sea borders six countries i.e., Yemen and Saudi Arabia to the east, and Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti to the west
- The largest group of islands are the Farasan Islands in the east and the Dahlak Archipelago in the west.
Which of the following statements about Gulf of Aden and Red Sea is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Indian Economy MCQ Quiz · भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था प्रश्नोत्तरी
A second members-only subject quiz – lock in today's study session
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