Daily Current Affairs — 03 October 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 03 October 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
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Indian Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था प्रश्नोत्तरी
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History
Sengol in New NCERT Textbook
The 'Sengol', which was installed in the new Parliament building in 2023, has been featured in the newly released NCERT class 9 textbook, titled Understanding Society and Beyond – Part 2.
- Symbol of Righteousness: The word 'Sengol' is derived from the Tamil word 'semmai', which means righteousness
- Silappadikaram (was written by the poet and prince Ilango Adigal): The first Tamil epic highlights its importance when Chera King Cheran Senguttuvan
- Sangam Era Texts: The practice of using a sceptre to denote righteous rule finds mention in 2,000-year-old texts like Purananooru
- It was recognized as a sacred symbol marking the transfer of power and the bestowment of ethical responsibility.
Show 6 more facts
- Freedom fighter C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) suggested to Jawaharlal Nehru
- Rajaji approached the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam
- On 14th August 1947, the Sengol was brought to Delhi, first presented to Lord Mountbatten, sanctified with holy water
- Institutional Mottos: The textbook links India's national motto
- Examples cited include Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj receiving a sword from Goddess Tulja Bhavani
- In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.
3. What is the significance of Satyameva Jayate? Satyameva Jayate
Which of the following statements about Sengol in New NCERT Textbook 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.
History
Sengol to be Installed in New Parliament Building
On May 28th 2023, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new Parliament building, which is part of the Central Vista redevelopment project.
- One of the highlights of the event will be the installation of a historic golden sceptre, called Sengol, near the Speaker's seat.
- The Sengol is a symbol of India's independence and sovereignty, as well as its cultural heritage and diversity.
- The Sengol is profound in meaning, derived from the Tamil word "Semmai", it means "Righteousness"
- They were known for their military prowess, maritime trade, administrative efficiency, cultural patronage, and temple architecture.
Show 6 more facts
- The ceremony was usually performed by a high priest or a guru who blessed the new king and conferred him with the Sengol.
- Before independence from the British rule in 1947
- He said that it would reflect India's ancient civilisation and culture, as well as its unity in diversity.
- The Nandi, with its unyielding gaze as the beholder of "Nyaya", is hand-carved at the top.
- After receiving the Sengol sceptre in 1947, Nehru kept it at his residence in Delhi for some time
- It will be placed near the Speaker's seat in the new Parliament building and will be accompanied by a plaque that will explain its history
Which of the following statements about Sengol to be Installed in New Parliament Building 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.
History
Chola Dynasty
The Tamil Nadu Idol Wing CID has initiated steps to retrieve six Chola-era bronze idols, stolen from the Nareeswara Sivan temple, Tamil Nadu back in the 1960s, and currently kept at various museums in the United States.
- The idols were successfully traced to the US recently with the help of the images available with the Indo-French Institute
- The institute had provided images of antique Panchaloha idols of Tripuranthakam
- About: The Cholas (8th-12th century AD) are remembered as one of the longest ruling dynasties in the southern regions of India.
- The reign of the Cholas began in the 9th century when they defeated the Pallavas to come into power
Show 6 more facts
- The medieval period was the era of absolute power and development for the Cholas. This is when kings like Aditya I and Parantaka I.
- This magnificence lasted until the arrival of the Pandyas in the early 13th century.
- Prominent Monarchs: Vijayalaya: The Chola Empire was founded by Vijayalaya
- Aditya I: Aditya I succeeded Vijayalaya to become the ruler of the empire
- Rajendra Chola: He succeeded the mighty Rajaraja Chola. Rajendra I was the first to venture to the banks of Ganges
- During the governance by the Cholas, the entire southern region was brought under the umbrella of a single governing force
History
C Rajagopalachari
Recently, C. Rajagopalachari is remembered on his 143rd birth anniversary.
- He is remembered for his contributions to the freedom struggle, administrative and intellectual prowess.
- About: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, was born on December 10th in 1878.
- He studied law from the Presidency College in Madras (now Chennai), and began practice in Salem in the year 1900.
- In 1916, he formed the Tamil Scientific Terms Society, an organisation
Show 6 more facts
- He became the chairperson of the municipality of Salem in 1917 and served there for two years.
- In 1955, he was honoured with India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna.
- He defended Indian Independence activist, P. Varadarajulu Naidu against charges of sedition in 1917.
- He was elected as the first premier of the Madras Presidency in 1937.
- In 1939, Rajagopalachari took a step to abolish untouchability and caste prejudice and issued the Madras Temple Entry Authorisation and Indemnity Act
- Therefore he was the last governor general of India.
With reference to C Rajagopalachari, consider the following statements:
- He is remembered for his contributions to the freedom struggle, administrative and intellectual prowess
- About: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, was born on December 10th in 2817
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.
History
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as the Architect of Modern India
Children's Day, celebrated on 14th November 2025, marks the 125th birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru.
- About: Children's Day is celebrated as a tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly remembered as 'Chacha Nehru,' who was born on 14th November 1889
- Before 1964, India celebrated Children's Day on 20th November (the United Nations observes it as World Children's Day), but after Nehru's death, his
- He believed that "the children of today will make the India of tomorrow," a vision that continues to guide India's approach to nurturing
- Article 21A: Free and compulsory education for children 6–14 years.
Show 6 more facts
- Article 24: Prohibits child labour in hazardous industries.
- Article 39(f): Ensures children's healthy development and protection from exploitation.
- Article 45: Directs the state to provide for early childhood care and education for children below the age of six.
- These principles laid the foundation for key laws such as the Right to Education Act
- In 1912, he attended the Bankipore Congress as a delegate, and became Secretary of the Home Rule League, Allahabad in 1919.
- He opposed the Rowlatt Act, 1919 joined the Non-Cooperation Movement, and was repeatedly jailed during the Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement.
Which of the following statements about Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as the Architect of Modern India 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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History
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
On the occasion of the anniversary of Maratha king's coronation day (6th June), the Goa government has released a short film on Chhatrapati Shivaji.
- Birth: He was born on 19th February, 1630 at Shivneri Fort in District Pune in the present-day state of Maharashtra.
- He was born to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who held the jagirs of Pune and Supe under the Bijapur Sultanate
- He displayed his military zeal for the first time in 1645 when as a teenager, he successfully got control of the Torna Fort which was under Bijapur.
- He also acquired the Kondana Fort. Both these forts were under Adil Shah of Bijapur.
Show 6 more facts
- Fought on the fort of Sinhagad near the city of Pune
- Fought between the Mughal Empire and Maratha Empire. This was the last battle in which the Maratha King Shivaji fought.
- Conflict with Mughals: He raided Mughal territory near Ahmednagar and in Junnar, 1657.
- Shivaji defeated a large force of Shaista Khan (Aurangzeb's maternal uncle) and the Bijapur army in Pune,1659.
- In 1664, the wealthy Mughal trading port of Surat was sacked by Shivaji.
- In June 1665, the Treaty of Purandar was signed between Shivaji and Raja Jai Singh I (representing Aurangzeb)
Which of the following statements about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 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.
History
Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin
The Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen (SBM-G) has evolved from a toilet construction programme into a broader community-led sanitation movement focused.
- The Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen (SBM-G) was launched on 2nd October 2014
- Phase I: SBM-G (2014–2019) Phase I focused on eliminating open defecation and achieving universal sanitation coverage in rural areas.
- Achievements: Over 100 million individual household toilets were constructed.
- More than 6 lakh villages were declared ODF by October 2019.
Show 5 more facts
- The Mission contributed to achieving SDG Target 6.2 on sanitation and hygiene.
- Key Objectives Sustaining ODF Status: Prevent slippage into open defecation and ensure continued toilet usage and maintenance.
- Visual Cleanliness: Ensure minimal litter, stagnant wastewater and plastic waste dumps in public places.
- Behaviour Change Communication (BCC): SBM-G has shifted the focus from mere toilet construction to sustained sanitation behaviour
- Women-led enterprises and community groups are increasingly participating in waste management activities.
Which of the following statements about Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin 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.
Economy
Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen
Over 1 lakh villages declared themselves as ODF (Open Defecation Free) Plus under Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G).
- These villages are sustaining their ODF status and have systems in place for managing solid and/or liquid waste
- ODF: An area can be notified or declared as ODF if at any point of the day, not even a single person is found defecating in the open.
- ODF+: This status is given if at any point of the day
- ODF++: This status is given if the area is already ODF+ and the faecal sludge/septage and sewage are safely managed and treated
Show 6 more facts
- About: It was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage
- The mission was implemented as nation-wide campaign/Janandolan which aimed at eliminating open defecation in rural areas.
- The rural sanitation coverage in the country at the time of launch of SBM (G) on 2nd October, 2014 was reported as 38.7%.
- More than 10 crore individual toilets have been constructed since the launch of the mission
- It emphasizes the sustainability of achievements under phase I
- It will be implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25 in a mission mode with a total outlay of Rs. 1,40,881 crores.
With reference to Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, consider the following statements:
- These villages are sustaining their ODF status and have systems in place for managing solid and/or liquid waste
- ODF: An area must be notified or declared as ODF if at any point of the day, not even a single person is found defecating in the open
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.
Environment
Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, superseding the 2016 rules under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Effective from 1st April 2026, these rules enforce stricter waste segregation and accountability across both urban and rural local bodies.
- Four-stream Segregation of Solid Waste at Source: The SWM Rules
- This covers residential societies, government buildings, and universities, which account for 30% of total waste
- RDF is a high-calorific fuel produced by processing non-recyclable municipal solid waste through shredding, drying, and pelletizing
Which of the following statements about Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 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.
Economy
GOBARdhan Scheme
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has highlighted lack of transparency in data of operational Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant on GOBARdhan portal.
- Compressed Biogas (CBG): CBG is a renewable energy source produced from organic waste
- It aims to establish a strong ecosystem for Biogas/Compressed Biogas (CBG)/Bio-CNG plants to foster sustainable growth.
- Slow Adoption: Only 115 CBG plants are functional as of December 2024, against the target of 5,000 by 2030.
With reference to GOBARdhan Scheme, consider the following statements:
- Compressed Biogas (CBG): CBG is a renewable energy source produced from organic waste
- It aims to establish a strong ecosystem for Biogas/Compressed Biogas (CBG)/Bio-CNG plants to foster sustainable contraction
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.
Indian History MCQ Quiz · भारतीय इतिहास प्रश्नोत्तरी
A second members-only subject quiz – lock in today's study session
Current affairs alone will not clear Prelims. Close the day on the static syllabus with this members-only quiz.
