Monthly at a glance
- Thu 1 Oct — Bihar clears Green Hydrogen Policy 2026; Gandak floods breach embankments in North Bihar; GST crosses ₹2.03 lakh crore in September
- Fri 2 Oct — Bihar Cabinet clears Green Hydrogen Policy 2026; Gandak breaks its record flood level; September GST crosses ₹2.04 lakh crore
- Mon 5 Oct — Mokama double-line Ganga rail bridge opens; Bihar clears Green Hydrogen Policy 2026; RBI MPC begins rate review
- Tue 6 Oct — CM Samrat Choudhary opens ₹122.39-crore Sasaram bypass in Rohtas; Bihar's Gangetic dolphins more than double in Bhagalpur stretch; optogenetics wins 2026 Nobel in Medicine as RBI MPC meets
- Wed 7 Oct — RBI hikes repo to 5.50%; Bihar flood relief of ₹7,000 per family from 12 Oct; Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026
- Thu 8 Oct — Bihar floods hit ~10 lakh in 6 districts; new Mokama Ganga rail bridge opens; RBI hikes repo to 5.50%
- Fri 9 Oct — Bihar's Udyami Yojana instalments & 1-crore jobs target, ₹21,000-crore road-bridge push, RBI hikes repo to 5.50%
- Mon 12 Oct — Patna Metro gets a 2028 deadline, Bihar plans 7,373 acres for two greenfield airports, CWC flood alert on the Gandak; RBI's first repo hike since 2023
- Wed 14 Oct — Raghopur (Vaishali) Ganga boat tragedy kills 13 children; Bihar opens first 12 MW data centre; WPI inflation surges to 11.39%
- Fri 16 Oct — Muzaffarpur leather cluster & Bihar's 1,000 MW data-centre goal, Vaishali boat tragedy, and September WPI inflation at 11.39%
- Mon 19 Oct — Centre clears Rs 1.65 lakh crore NH plan for Bihar; Valmiki Tiger Reserve to become India's 9th vulture centre; ethanol tender shuts the sugar route
- Tue 20 Oct — India–New Zealand FTA enters into force today; Bihar MLC polls (8 seats) on 23 Oct; sugar-route ethanol barred as maize-ethanol price is cut — a direct test for Bihar's grain-ethanol plants
- Wed 21 Oct — Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway alignment across north Bihar, Rs 1.64 lakh crore highway plan for Bihar, India–New Zealand FTA in force and UDAN turns 10
- Thu 22 Oct — Gaya–Sitamarhi NH-22 corridor (₹3,590.73 cr), 50-lakh 'Sudha Sakhi' dairy push and Bihar MLC polls; core sector hits 7.9% and India–NZ FTA takes effect
- Fri 23 Oct — Bihar votes for 8 MLC seats; VB-G RAM G rural works resume in all 38 flood/drought-hit districts; Polish PM Tusk's India visit
- Mon 26 Oct — Bihar inks ₹4,092-crore MoUs & launches Gaya Manufacturing City; Gaya–Bangkok direct flight takes off; India's record 114 medals at Asian Para Games
- Tue 27 Oct — Bihar MLC counting, ₹18,000/ha flood-silt aid & Gaya–Bangkok flight; Land Warfare Doctrine 2026 and FNTA Bill assent
- Wed 28 Oct — Cyclone Arnab hits Andhra coast; Bihar MLC poll results; Nasha Mukt Bihar Abhiyan launched
- Thu 29 Oct — Bihar Cabinet clears Rs 11,096.55-crore power upgrade and 24-dam safety audit; Bihar MLC poll results; Union Cabinet approves Rs 10,000-crore container scheme
- Fri 30 Oct — Bihar Cabinet clears ₹11,096 cr power upgrade & Kosi-Gandak-Son flood zoning; SC asks banks to compensate digital-arrest victims; Centre hikes DA to 63%
All topics — key facts for revision
1 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar Cabinet clears Green Hydrogen Policy 2026
- Target: 0.1 MMT (1 lakh tonnes) of green hydrogen per year by 2031.
- Capacity: 1 GW electrolysers backed by 2.5 GW of renewable energy.
- Expected investment ~₹16,000 crore; ~12,000 direct + indirect jobs.
- Nodal agency: BREDA (Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency).
- Aligned with National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023) and net-zero 2070.
BIHAR ₹2,761.55 cr farm-feeder solarisation; 21,644 homes to join the grid
- ₹2,761.55 cr to solarise 2,554 farm feeders – 2,585 MW of solar plants.
- Split: ₹2,714.25 cr grants (₹1.05 cr/MW) + ₹47.30 cr incentives to gram panchayats at 946 substations.
- 21,644 households in 177 habitations of Kaimur & Rohtas – ₹351.85 cr under RDSS.
- ₹477 cr for Anganwadi honoraria; ₹26.33 cr (first year) for a haemophilia treatment scheme.
- ₹62.52 cr for 30 water cannons and 86 Vajra vehicles for the police.
ENVIRONMENT Gandak above highest flood level; embankments breach in Saran, Muzaffarpur
- Peak 2026 discharge 5,43,500 cusecs at Valmikinagar barrage on 28 Sept.
- Dumariaghat (Gopalganj) ~22 cm above HFL for ~36 hours.
- Breaches: Panapur (Saran) right embankment and Tirhut Main Embankment (Sahebganj, Muzaffarpur).
- Worst hit: West & East Champaran, Gopalganj; also Saran, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur.
- Saran alone: 48 villages, ~24,725 people; 33 boats and NDRF/SDRF teams deployed.
BIHAR Gadkari reviews Bihar NH projects in Patna; JP Ganga Path Phase-2 lined up
- Key corridors: Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway, Raxaul–Haldia corridor, Buxar–Bhagalpur highway.
- JP Ganga Path Phase-2: Digha–Sherpur–Koilwar, 35 km, ₹5,500 cr; work from Nov 2026.
- 18 km elevated four-lane (Digha–Sherpur) + 17.65 km embankment road (Sherpur–Koilwar).
- Built on Hybrid Annuity Model: builder 60%, state 40%; 15-year maintenance.
- Patna–Buxar travel expected to fall to ~2 hours.
BIHAR Bihar ties up with Google to train teachers in AI tools
- Teachers to be trained in Gemini and NotebookLM for lesson planning and admin work.
- Training in Hindi and English with locally adapted content; hybrid mode with competency-based assessment.
- Support for ICT labs, smart classrooms, digital libraries and language labs.
- Google Educator Groups for peer learning among Bihar teachers.
- Comes as Bihar Board marksheets go on DigiLocker for the first time.
SOCIETY Pitru Paksha Mela at Gaya Ji draws pilgrims; digital push for pind daan
- Mela inaugurated by CM Samrat Choudhary; venues Gaya Ji and Punpun.
- 'Pinddaan Gaya Ji' app and website for rituals, vedis, stay and transport.
- 2,500-bed tent city at Gaya Ji; 5,000-capacity pandal at Punpun Ghat.
- 150 free e-rickshaws for elderly and differently abled pilgrims.
- Security: 5 zones, 54 sectors, CCTV and drone surveillance.
ECONOMY Windfall levy on diesel and ATF exports cut from 1 October
- Diesel export levy: ₹20 → ₹16 per litre.
- ATF export levy: ₹15 → ₹10.50 per litre.
- Petrol unchanged at ₹0.50 per litre.
- Levy reviewed every two weeks in line with global crude and product prices.
- No change in domestic excise duty on fuels.
SCI-TECH Pathfinder: India's first orbital data-centre satellite set for launch
- ~200 kg satellite with data-centre-class GPUs.
- Carries Pixxel's hyperspectral camera; runs Sarvam's Indian-language AI models in orbit.
- Processes imagery on board and sends down insights, not raw data.
- Uses continuous solar power; avoids land, water and energy limits of ground data centres.
- Applications: crop & flood monitoring, resource mapping, infrastructure tracking.
POLITY EC drops SIR declaration from Form-6 in states where revision is over
- Declaration had asked applicants to link themselves/parents/grandparents to an earlier intensive-revision roll.
- Removed from ECINET and CEO websites in SIR-completed states.
- Still applies in 16 states and 3 UTs where SIR is underway.
- Form-6 is prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
- Followed a 26 Sept meeting of all three ECs led by CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
IR Modi and Trump speak by phone; reaffirm Global Strategic Partnership
- Discussed trade, defence, energy and critical technologies.
- Reaffirmed the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
- Exchanged views on regional issues and global peace and security.
- Agreed to maintain close engagement going forward.
- Comes as a first tranche of an India–US trade agreement is under negotiation.
REPORT THE World University Rankings 2027: IISc best in India at 254
- 143 Indian institutions ranked – India's largest presence yet.
- IISc Bengaluru at 254 – the only Indian entry in the top 300.
- IISc scored 98.0 on Industry but 31.1 on International Outlook.
- Global top: Oxford (1), MIT (2), Princeton & Stanford (joint 3).
- In Asia, Tsinghua is placed 11th.
2 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar Cabinet clears Green Hydrogen Policy 2026: 1 lakh tonnes a year by 2031
- Target: 1 lakh tonnes (0.1 MMT) of green hydrogen / green ammonia per year by 2031.
- Expected investment of about ₹16,000 crore; around 12,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- Plans 1 GW electrolyser manufacturing and about 2.5 GW of linked renewable capacity.
- Nodal agency: BREDA (Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency); aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023).
BIHAR Cabinet: ₹2,761.55 crore to solarise 2,554 farm feeders; ATF VAT cut to zero
- ₹2,761.55 crore for 2,585 MW of solar capacity across 2,554 agricultural feeders — daytime, cheaper power for irrigation.
- VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) cut from 1% to zero at Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) airports.
- Grid electrification of 21,644 households in Kaimur & Rohtas: cost revised to ₹351.85 crore (from ₹117.80 crore).
- ₹62.52 crore for 30 water cannons and 86 Vajra vehicles; ₹477 crore advance for Anganwadi honoraria.
- New Mukhya Mantri Hemophilia Yojana for 255 identified patients; 35 posts for the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum, Vaishali.
ENVIRONMENT Gandak breaks its record flood level; embankments breached in Saran & Muzaffarpur
- Peak discharge at Valmikinagar barrage: 5.435 lakh cusecs (28 Sep); Kosi at Birpur peaked at 3.14 lakh cusecs (26 Sep).
- Breaches: right embankment at Panapur (Saran); ring embankment at Sahebganj and old Gandak embankment in Paru (Muzaffarpur).
- About 2.03 lakh people affected; worst-hit: West Champaran, Saran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur.
- Relief: helicopter airdrops of dry rations in Panapur; NDRF deployed for rescue.
BIHAR Purnea makhana sails to Greece: 1 MT export consignment flagged off
- Route: Mundra Port (Gujarat) to Piraeus Port (Greece); sourced through a Purnea-based exporter.
- Bihar grows 80–85% of India's makhana on 35,000+ hectares across 10 districts.
- FY 2025-26: India exported 7,000+ MT of makhana and products worth USD 22 million to 20+ countries.
- Tech support: Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour and ICAR–National Research Centre for Makhana, Darbhanga.
POLITY Gandhi Jayanti: Bihar frees 44 elderly and ailing prisoners; ₹3.86 crore to victims' families
- Age profile: 2 above 90, 8 above 80, 20 aged 70–80; serious illness and length of custody also weighed.
- Oldest: Rambriksh Koeri (93), to be released from Rohtas jail.
- ₹3.86 crore distributed among 1,820 families of crime victims under victim compensation.
- 2 October is also the UN International Day of Non-Violence (declared in 2007).
ECONOMY Rate-hike watch: RBI MPC meets 5–7 October as CPI stays above 4%
- CPI inflation at 4.82% in August 2026 — above the 4% target for the 3rd month running.
- Repo rate held at 5.25% for four consecutive reviews.
- Pressures: rupee down about 6% vs the US dollar in 2026; hikes by the US Fed and Bank of Japan (1.25%); costlier crude.
- Core sector grew 4.8% in August 2026 (four-month low): cement +12.5%, electricity +11.6%, fertilisers −12.4%.
SCI-TECH Aviation security goes digital: BCAS rolls out entry-permit and clearance reforms
- Security clearance made category- and contract-agnostic across 9 entity categories, valid for 5 years.
- Aerodrome Entry Permit fully digital — online registration, digital scrutiny and facial biometric checks on one platform for 169 airports.
- Time-bound, single-stage security vetting of airport infrastructure projects.
- India is the 3rd-largest domestic aviation market; operational airports rose from 74 (2014) to 165 (July 2026).
POLITY CJI Surya Kant: technology must widen access to justice, but AI cannot replace judges
- e-Courts Mission Mode Project (since 2011): e-filing, virtual hearings, live-streaming.
- Supreme Court held 7.5 lakh+ video-conference hearings (March 2020 – June 2024).
- SUVAS AI tool translated 83,000+ judgments into 18 Indian languages; Su-Sahayak is an AI chatbot for case status.
- One Case, One Data integrates records across court levels.
IR Putin at Valdai: Modi has 'very good ideas' to end the Ukraine conflict
- Putin described India as neutral yet deeply committed to peace; Modi regularly raises ending the war.
- India's stated line: it stands firmly on the side of peace — dialogue and diplomacy.
- India–Russia: Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership (since 2010).
- Both are members of BRICS and SCO; India holds the BRICS chair in 2026.
5 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Mokama's new double-line Ganga rail bridge opens - first train crosses parallel to Rajendra Setu
- Main bridge 1.9 km long with 17 steel spans; whole project stretch 15.5 km (incl. 3.6 km viaduct, 8 minor bridges, 2 ROBs).
- Built about 50 m towards the Patna side of Rajendra Setu; reported cost about ₹2,400 crore.
- Design speed 140 km/h; trains to run at about 90 km/h initially; capacity up to 2.5 times.
- Cleared after inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (Eastern Circle); new electronic interlocking and automatic signalling installed.
- Foundation laid in 2016; formal inauguration by the Prime Minister is awaited.
BIHAR Bihar cabinet clears Green Hydrogen Policy 2026 and 2,585 MW solarisation of farm feeders
- Policy targets by 2031: 1 lakh tonnes/yr green hydrogen/ammonia, 1 GW electrolyser and 2.5 GW renewable capacity.
- Expected investment ₹16,000 crore and about 12,000 jobs; nodal agency BREDA.
- Solar plants on 2,554 agricultural feeders - 2,585 MW at ₹2,761.55 crore (₹2,714.25 cr subsidy + ₹47.30 cr incentive to gram panchayats).
- VAT on ATF cut from 1% to 0% at Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) airports.
- ₹62 crore for 30 water cannons and 86 Vajra riot-control vehicles; ₹351.85 crore for electrifying 21,644 households in Kaimur-Rohtas.
BIHAR Flood watch: Ganga above danger mark from Patna to Bhagalpur; Budhi Gandak 115 cm over
- Budhi Gandak (Khagaria): 115 cm above danger - the highest; Kahalgaon (Ganga): 91 cm and still rising.
- Ganga at Gandhi Ghat 85 cm, Hathidah 83 cm, Digha 14 cm, Bhagalpur 2 cm above danger; Munger 8 cm below.
- Ghaghra (Darauli, Siwan) 59 cm, Gandak (Dumariaghat, Gopalganj) 48 cm, Kosi (Baltara) 34 cm, Son (Maner) 27 cm above danger.
- A police officer in Saran was suspended after a video showed him brandishing a pistol at a crowd during flood relief.
ENVIRONMENT Ghatora wetland enters Ramsar process; Patna Zoo's 165 gharials to repopulate the Gandak
- Ghatora wetland lies in Bihpur block, Bhagalpur; proposal to carry technical data and GIS maps prepared with the Bihar State Wetland Committee.
- Framework: Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
- Bihar's Ramsar sites include Kanwar Jheel (Begusarai, first - 2020), Nagi & Nakti (Jamui), Gokul Jalashay (Buxar) and Udaipur Jheel (W. Champaran).
- Patna Zoo: 165 gharials - 14 adults (4 male, 10 female) and 151 juveniles; batch to be released in the Gandak at Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
BIHAR Connectivity push: Rs 1,720-cr Bhagalpur-Hansdiha four-lane, expressway land acquisition in Kishanganj, Patna Water Metro
- Bhagalpur-Hansdiha (to Bhaljor, Jharkhand border): 67 km, ₹1,720 crore in two phases (₹857 cr + ₹863 cr); links Bhagalpur-Banka.
- Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway: 72.5 km in Kishanganj (Thakurganj, Terhagach circles); notification under Section 3A, NH Act 1956.
- 219 km Ganga-side roads by BSRDC: Ambika Path (56 km), Vishwamitra Path (90 km), Narayani Path (73 km).
- Patna Water Metro on NW-1: ₹1,200 crore, terminals at Kangan Ghat & Pehalwan Ghat by IWAI; target before 2029.
BIHAR Bihar universities get 7 apprenticeship-embedded four-year degrees; panel on 7th pay scale for teachers
- New courses: BA Content & Creative Writing; BCom in BFSI, E-Commerce, HR Operations, Retail Operations; BSc Healthcare Management; BSc (Hons) Electronics.
- Governed by the Bihar State Universities Act, 1976 and Patna University Act, 1976; needs Academic Council, Syndicate and Senate approval plus tripartite MoUs.
- Teachers' panel to assess the financial burden of the 7th pay scale; transfer, promotion and mutual-transfer windows under review (Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari).
ECONOMY RBI's Monetary Policy Committee begins 5-7 October review; markets brace for a 25 bp hike
- Repo rate 5.25% - unchanged for the last four reviews; a 25 bp hike would take it to 5.50%.
- CPI inflation (Aug 2026) 4.82%; WPI (Aug) 9.92%.
- Pressures: costlier food & energy, higher crude, a US Fed hike (Sept 2026) and about 6% rupee depreciation in 2026.
- RBI Governor: Sanjay Malhotra.
IR Swiss President Guy Parmelin on state visit as India-EFTA TEPA turns one
- Visit: 5-7 October 2026; Switzerland is India's largest trade & investment partner within EFTA.
- TEPA signed 10 March 2024; entered into force 1 October 2025.
- EFTA commitment: $100 billion investment over 15 years and 1 million direct jobs in India.
- Focus areas: trade, investment, science & innovation, mobility and people-to-people ties.
SCI-TECH Centre pushes domestic rare-earth magnet capacity to cut 80-90% dependence on one supplier
- Uses: EV motors, wind turbines, electronics, drones and defence systems.
- Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (Nov 2025): ₹7,280 crore, target 6,000 tonnes/yr.
- Complements the National Critical Mineral Mission (2025) and IREL's monazite-based supply.
- China tightened rare-earth export controls in October 2025.
SOCIETY PM-SETU completes one year: 850 ITIs identified for hub-and-spoke upgrade
- Outlay ₹60,000 crore: Centre ₹30,000 cr, States ₹20,000 cr, Industry ₹10,000 cr.
- Model: 200 hub + 800 spoke ITIs; year one identified 850 (172 hubs, 678 spokes).
- 14 clusters approved in 8 states + 1 UT (₹3,446 crore); 32 new-age courses (AI, EVs, semiconductors, robotics).
- Partnerships with Singapore, France, Australia and a joint declaration with Germany.
SOCIETY Asian Games 2026: India signs off fourth with 85 medals; cricket, hockey, kabaddi golds swept
- India: 85 medals - 21 gold, 27 silver, 37 bronze; rank 4th (China, Japan, Korea ahead).
- Gold in men's & women's cricket, hockey and kabaddi; women's hockey gold beat China 1-0.
- Firsts: Kumkum Mohod - first individual women's recurve gold; Pranavi Sharath Urs - first Indian woman to win individual golf gold.
- Record haul remains 107 medals (28 gold) at Hangzhou 2022.
6 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR CM's first Rohtas visit: 9.2 km Sasaram bypass opened, 176 schemes worth ₹550 crore
- 9.2 km bypass from Beda bus stand to Moker, built at ₹122.39 crore with bridges, culverts and road-over-bridges.
- 176 schemes worth over ₹550 crore inaugurated / foundation stones laid.
- Youth dialogue at Narayan Medical College, Jamuhar; an astronomy lab opened at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya.
- A cooperation camp in Sasaram showcased welfare schemes, with focus on women's livelihood.
BIHAR Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026 cleared: 1 lakh tonnes a year by 2031
- Target: 1 lakh tonnes (0.1 MMT) green hydrogen per year by 2031; 1 GW electrolyser manufacturing and ~2.5 GW renewable capacity.
- Expected ₹16,000 crore investment and ~12,000 jobs; nodal agency BREDA.
- ₹2,761.55 crore to solarise 2,554 agricultural feeders (₹2,714.25 cr subsidy + ₹47.30 cr incentives).
- ₹351.85 crore to electrify 21,644 households in 177 habitations of Kaimur & Rohtas.
ENVIRONMENT Gangetic dolphins more than double in Bihar's Sultanganj–Manihari stretch
- Sultanganj–Manihari stretch: ~95 dolphins (1998) → ~215 (2025).
- Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (Sultanganj–Kahalgaon) alone has ~200.
- Drivers: Namami Gange, anti-poaching drives, awareness among boatmen.
- Threats: high BOD, untreated sewage, plastics, agro-chemicals, fishing nets.
BIHAR Bihar's Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 15, becomes youngest Indian Asian Games gold medallist
- Final: India beat Pakistan by 19 runs; Sooryavanshi aged 15 — youngest Indian Asian Games gold medallist.
- India: 85 medals (21 G, 27 S, 37 B), 4th — second-best ever after Hangzhou 2023 (107).
- Firsts: Pranavi Urs (women's golf), Kumkum Mohod (individual recurve archery).
- Closing-ceremony flag-bearer Neeru Dhanda (shooting); next Games Doha 2030.
BIHAR Monsoon retreats a week early from Bihar; floods hit 466 villages in 6 districts
- Normal withdrawal: 10–11 October; light rain possible till 9 October (Bay of Bengal low).
- 466 villages in 6 districts hit; ~8 lakh people affected.
- 92,730 people shifted to safer places; Saran worst-hit, also Munger, Khagaria.
- Yellow alert for thunderstorms in 8 districts on 6 October.
SOCIETY Gaya Pitru Paksha Mela enters final phase; strict Durga Puja rules across Bihar
- Final-phase pind daan at Gayakoop, Mundprishtha, Bhimgaya; milk tarpan in the Falgu.
- Concluding rites at Vaitarani and Akshayavat; pilgrims from India and abroad.
- Durga Puja: DJ ban, mandatory licences for pandals, idols and immersion processions.
- Social-media monitoring to prevent rumours and communal tension.
SCI-TECH Nobel Prize in Medicine 2026 for optogenetics — controlling neurons with light
- Laureates: Karl Deisseroth (Stanford, USA), Peter Hegemann (Humboldt Univ., Berlin), Georg Nagel (Univ. of Würzburg).
- Hegemann & Nagel found channelrhodopsin — a light-sensitive protein in algae.
- Deisseroth put its gene into neurons, switching them on with blue light at millisecond precision.
- Prize: SEK 12 million; next — Physics (6 Oct), Chemistry (7 Oct).
ECONOMY RBI MPC meets 5–7 October; decision on repo rate (5.25%) due tomorrow
- Repo rate at 5.25%, stance neutral (held in August 2026).
- RBI cut rates by a cumulative 125 bps in 2025.
- Most economists polled expect a 25 bps hike — the first in almost four years.
- RBI projects FY27 real GDP growth at 6.7%.
SCI-TECH 3D-printed rural homes under PMAY-G: pilot of 177 houses launched in Andhra Pradesh
- 177 houses in Burripalem & Obulanaidupalem villages; cost ₹14 crore; 6 months.
- 3D concrete printing cuts construction time from months to days and waste by 30–60%.
- 3 lakh houses sanctioned in Andhra under PMAY-G Phase 2; first tranche ₹3,600 crore.
ENVIRONMENT CAFE-III fuel-efficiency norms notified for cars from April 2027
- In force 1 April 2027 – 31 March 2032; aims at ~16.7% fuel-efficiency gain.
- Benchmark tightens from 3.996 to 3.327 litres/100 km (2027-28 to 2031-32).
- Reference weight raised from 1,082 kg to 1,229 kg; softer targets for lighter cars.
- Super credits: EVs 3x, plug-in hybrids 2.5x, strong hybrids 1.6x.
IR First overseas cargo from Upper Assam since 1947 sails on Brahmaputra to Bangladesh
- Cargo: 1,080 tonnes methanol in 54 ISO tanks from Assam Petro-Chemicals, Namrup.
- Route: NW-2 (Brahmaputra) + Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, ~783 km, ~7 days.
- Upper Assam's first foreign water-export route since 1947.
- Future cargo: tea, coal, petroleum, Kaji Nimbu, bhut jolokia.
7 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar Floods: CM Reviews Damage, ₹7,000 Ex-Gratia From 12 October
- Worst-hit: West Champaran, Saran, Gopalganj; embankments damaged at 6 places; about 2.03 lakh people affected.
- Gandak reached a record 91.25 m at Bagaha (2024 high: 90.90 m); 5.435 lakh cusecs at Valmikinagar barrage after heavy rain in Nepal's catchment.
- 15 IAF sorties air-dropped 28 tonnes of food; 5,600+ dry-ration packets in Saran.
- CM blamed silt in riverbeds - Bihar is the first state to frame a silt policy; Gandak & Kosi embankments to be concretised.
BIHAR Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026: 1 Lakh Tonnes a Year by 2031
- Target: 1 lakh tonnes/year green hydrogen by 2031; 1 GW electrolyser and about 2.5 GW renewable capacity.
- Expected investment ₹16,000 crore; about 12,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- Nodal agency: BREDA (Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency).
- Solarisation of 2,554 agricultural feeders: ₹2,761.55 crore for 2,585 MW, incl. ₹47.30 crore incentive to gram panchayats.
BIHAR Bihar Cabinet: ATF VAT Cut to Zero, Hemophilia Scheme, Patna Cruise Terminal
- VAT on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) cut from 5% to 0% - to attract more flights.
- Anganwadi workers' honorarium ₹477 crore; CM Hemophilia Scheme drugs ₹26.33 crore (Year 1).
- Rural electrification of 21,644 households in Kaimur & Rohtas (177 villages): ₹361.86 crore.
- 86 Vajra vehicles + 30 water cannons: ₹62.52 crore; cruise terminal at Patna on 4 acres.
SOCIETY CM Sets 2030 Deadline to End Distress Migration From Bihar
- Goal: create jobs and investment within Bihar so out-migration becomes a choice, not compulsion.
- CM appealed to Bihari entrepreneurs outside the state to invest back home.
- Links with new state policies - green hydrogen, feeder solarisation, aviation (ATF VAT 0%).
BIHAR Pitru Paksha Mela at Gaya: Tent City, e-Pind Daan and Vishnupad Corridor
- 2,500-bed tent city by BSTDC; e-Pind Daan for remote devotees; Mahaarti on the Falgu.
- Upcoming: world-class Vishnupad Temple corridor and a 1,000-bed Gayaji Dharamshala (₹120 crore).
- Gaya's Falgu sand sold to pilgrims creates seasonal livelihood.
POLITY Bihar Legislative Council Polls: 8 Graduate & Teachers' Seats, Voting on 23 October
- 4 Graduate seats (Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Kosi) + 4 Teachers' seats (Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Saran).
- Withdrawal by 9 Oct; polling 23 Oct (8 am-4 pm); counting 27 Oct.
- Polls held alongside similar seats in Karnataka (4), Maharashtra (5) and UP (11).
ECONOMY RBI Raises Repo Rate to 5.50%, First Hike Since 2023
- SDF 5.25%, MSF & Bank Rate 5.75%; first hike since February 2023 (after 125 bps of cuts in 2025).
- Stance changed from neutral to 'calibrated tightening' by a 4-2 vote.
- FY27 projections: GDP 7.1%, CPI 5.2% (Q3 6.0%, Q4 5.7%).
- Merchandise trade deficit USD 58.7 bn (Jul-Aug) on crude & electronics imports.
IR India-EFTA TEPA Turns One; Swiss President's Visit Adds Mobility Pact
- TEPA (signed 10 March 2024) - first FTA with a binding pledge: USD 100 bn FDI and 10 lakh direct jobs in 15 years.
- India-EFTA trade USD 24.4 bn (2024-25), of which Switzerland USD 23.3 bn.
- New: Migration & Mobility Partnership; Young Professionals quota 300/yr (expandable to 500).
- Irritants: Section 3(d) of Patents Act, no BIT, gold-driven trade gap.
DEFENCE Navy's First Indigenous Fleet Support Ship FSS-1 Launched at Visakhapatnam
- First of 5 fleet support ships; displacement about 43,500 tonnes; launched 18 months after steel cutting.
- Carries fuel, ammunition and stores for replenishment-at-sea; extends blue-water reach in the IOR.
- HSL upgrades: Slipway-4, 300-tonne Goliath crane; can build ships up to 45,000 DWT.
SCI-TECH Nobel Physics 2026 to Francis Halzen for IceCube Neutrino Astronomy
- He led the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole - sensors buried in 1 cubic km of Antarctic ice.
- Opened neutrino astronomy - tracing particles from distant galaxies.
- Medicine 2026 (5 Oct): Deisseroth, Hegemann, Nagel for optogenetics.
- Prize: medal, diploma and about USD 1.2 mn; Chemistry, Literature, Peace, Economics follow.
SCI-TECH National Supercomputing Mission: 40 Systems, 68 Petaflops Deployed
- Target: 50 systems, 123+ PF; split - 13 high-end, 12 mid-range, 15 low-end.
- Indigenous Rudra servers: 6,000 made; used by 16,000+ researchers at 400+ institutions.
- Launched April 2015 with ₹4,500 crore; run by MeitY & DST.
8 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar floods: Gandak, Kosi & Ganga above danger mark; ~10 lakh hit in 6 districts
- ~10 lakh people in 169 gram panchayats of 6 districts: West & East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur.
- Valmikinagar barrage discharge hit 5.435 lakh cusecs; Gandak at Bagaha (91.25 m) beat the 2024 high (90.90 m).
- Above danger on 6 Oct: Gandak @ Dumariaghat, Kosi @ Birpur (75.07 m vs 74.70 m), Ganga @ Sultanganj (35.98 m vs 34.50 m).
- CM Samrat Choudhary did an aerial survey on 30 Sept; NDRF/SDRF stay deployed; community kitchens to run till people return home.
- 7 engineers suspended for negligence in flood response.
BIHAR New Mokama Ganga rail bridge opens: 3 rail lines now link North & South Bihar
- Cost about ₹2,400 crore; bridge ~1.86 km, whole project ~14 km with linking tracks.
- Section Rajendra Pul–Hathidah–Rampur Dumra; links Mokama–Barauni with the Howrah–Delhi main line.
- Design speed 140 km/h vs 40–50 km/h on single-line Rajendra Setu.
- Sanctioned in Rail Budget 2015–16; work began March 2016; built by IRCON with Afcons as EPC contractor.
BIHAR Gangetic dolphins near Bhagalpur double in 27 years; fishing nets still the top threat
- Counts: 188 (2018) → 207 (2021); habitat = Sultanganj–Kahalgaon stretch.
- India's 2025 estimate: 6,327 river dolphins in 28 rivers; UP 2,397, Bihar 2,220.
- Threats: fishing nets, barrages, low flow, siltation, boat traffic, dolphin-oil bait; few calves seen.
- Plan: interpretation centre, watchtower and boating at Sultanganj; Dolphin Mitras help in rescue.
BIHAR Bhagalpur's Ghatora wetland moves toward Ramsar recognition
- Ghatora lies in Bihpur block, on the north bank of the Ganga in Bhagalpur district.
- A Ramsar listing needs a state proposal routed through the Union Environment Ministry.
- Bihar's Ramsar sites: Kanwar Jheel (Begusarai), Nagi & Nakti (Jamui), Gokul Jalashay (Buxar), Udaipur Jheel (W. Champaran).
- Notification under the 2017 Rules bars encroachment and waste dumping in the wetland.
BIHAR CM in Rohtas: ₹400-crore projects; Sone water for Sasaram & Aurangabad by March 2027
- Event at Karup panchayat, Shiv Sagar block, Rohtas.
- A new township, named after the district, is planned in Rohtas.
- Opened an astronomy lab at the new PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya.
- Sasaram = Rohtas HQ (west of the Sone); Aurangabad lies on the east bank.
BIHAR Opposition marches to Lok Bhavan, Patna, over voter-roll revision (SIR)
- Demand: removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar; opposition alleges lakhs of names were deleted in the SIR.
- SIR = door-to-door re-check of voter rolls by the ECI; first done in Bihar in 2025.
- Bihar Governor: Syed Ata Hasnain; Raj Bhavans were renamed Lok Bhavan in 2025.
- CEC can be removed only like an SC judge — Art. 324(5).
- Appointment: CEC & ECs Act, 2023 — panel of PM, LoP & a Union Minister.
ECONOMY RBI raises repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50%; stance turns 'calibrated tightening'
- SDF 5.25% (floor); MSF & Bank Rate 5.75% (ceiling).
- Rate vote 6–0; stance change passed 4–2.
- FY27 projections: CPI 5.2% (from 5.0%), GDP 7.1%; Q1 FY27 growth was 7.8%.
- August CPI 4.82% — above the 4% target for a third month; Indian crude basket $114–116/bbl in Sept.
- Floating loans linked to EBLR will see higher EMIs.
ECONOMY Union Cabinet clears ₹10,000-cr SME Growth Fund and Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority
- SGF gives patient equity capital through an Alternative Investment Fund; focus on small & medium manufacturers, incl. Tier-II/III clusters.
- Limits: small = investment ≤ ₹25 cr, turnover ≤ ₹100 cr; medium = ≤ ₹125 cr / ≤ ₹500 cr.
- ITLA (an SPV) will draft a National Transport Master Plan (10+ years) and appraise central projects of ₹500 cr+.
- It will build a National Transport Data Repository (e-way bill, FASTag, Vahan, GPS).
- Logistics cost 7.8–8.9% of GDP (2021-22); India 38th of 139 in LPI 2023.
IR India joins 15-economy call against global 'structural excess capacity'
- Signatories (15): Argentina, Australia, Canada, EU, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Türkiye, UK, USA.
- Sectors flagged: autos & EVs, batteries, chemicals, foundational semiconductors, solar panels.
- Warns of dependence on one country and risk of economic coercion such as export curbs.
- New sectoral platforms; technical meetings before Dec 2026 alongside the OECD Trade Committee.
POLITY Three new Supreme Court judges take oath; working strength now 37 of 38
- They were Chief Justices of the Gujarat, Delhi and Telangana High Courts respectively.
- Working strength up from 34 to 37; sanctioned strength 38 (incl. CJI) after a 2026 increase.
- The SC now has 3 women judges.
- Eligibility: HC judge for 5 yrs, or HC advocate for 10 yrs, or a distinguished jurist.
DEFENCE 'Surya', India's first indigenous Fleet Support Ship, launched at Visakhapatnam
- FSS = at-sea replenishment (fuel, water, stores); extends Navy reach in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Designed & built indigenously by HSL (Miniratna Category-I, 2025).
- Also opened upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath crane (Make in India).
- Free India's first ship, 'Jala Usha', was launched at Visakhapatnam in 1948.
9 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana: instalments released, Bihar targets jobs for 1 crore people by 2030
- First phase (FY 2025-26): about ₹96 crore to 4,800 beneficiaries — ₹2 lakh first instalment each.
- Support up to ₹10 lakh: up to ₹5 lakh grant + up to ₹5 lakh loan; about ₹3,500 crore earmarked.
- About 45,000 new entrepreneurs being prepared; ~5 jobs each ≈ 2.2 lakh direct jobs.
- Local preference: in tenders up to ₹50 crore, a Bihar-based L2/L3/L4 bidder may get work by matching the L1 rate.
- Proposed Bihar MSME Policy 2026; Industries & Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh presided.
BIHAR ₹21,000-crore NABARD push for 100 road & bridge projects; Digha–Koilwar Ganga Path bids invited
- Split: ₹15,000 crore roads (via BSRDC) + ₹6,000 crore bridges (via Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation).
- Digha–Koilwar Ganga Path (Digha–Danapur Cantt.–Sherpur–Koilwar): bids on Hybrid Annuity Model, est. ₹5,544 crore (excl. GST).
- Also listed: 40.80 km Sultanganj–Bhagalpur–Sabour Ganga Path, 42 km Bariarpur–Sultanganj road, Danapur–Maner–Bihta four-laning.
- Others: Darbhanga Medical College–AIIMS road, Ara–Mohania bypass (Kochas), Chhapra–Bettiah & Gopalganj bypasses.
BIHAR PRAGATI team reviews Patna Junction makeover & stalled Bihta Airport; Bihar on high-speed rail map
- Patna Junction: ~₹500 crore upgrade under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme; DPR within 2 months.
- Harding Park terminal: 70+ trains & 1 lakh+ passengers daily; parking for 1,500–2,000 vehicles; metro link near Junction Golambar.
- Bihta Airport new terminal only ~2% done (terminal ~₹460 crore; civil enclave ~₹1,413 crore); target 14 March 2027.
- Varanasi–Patna–Siliguri high-speed corridor (one of 7 in Union Budget 2026-27): possible stations in Patna, Buxar, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar; ~320 km/h.
POLITY Bihar Legislative Council polls for 8 graduate & teacher seats on 23 October
- Graduate (4): Patna, Tirhut, Darbhanga, Kosi. Teacher (4): Patna, Tirhut, Darbhanga, Saran.
- 164 nominations → 12 rejected → 152 candidates (90 graduate + 62 teacher).
- Bihar Council strength 75: 27 by MLAs, 24 local bodies, 6 graduates, 6 teachers, 12 nominated.
- Bihar is one of 6 states with a bicameral legislature.
DEFENCE Darbhanga's Sqn Ldr Bhawana Kanth becomes India's first woman Fighter Combat Leader
- Native of Baur village, Ghanshyampur block, Darbhanga; born 1 Dec 1992 at Barauni (Begusarai).
- Commissioned in 2016 in the first batch of women fighter pilots; 2019: first woman qualified for combat missions.
- IAF Day, 8 Oct 2026: 94th anniversary (est. 1932); theme "Infallible, Impervious and Precise".
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit named 29th Chief of the Air Staff from 31 Oct 2026.
BIHAR Vishwarang Nalanda 2026: Nalanda University hosts North-East–South-East Asia cultural dialogue
- Organised by Vishwarang Foundation & Rabindranath Tagore University (Bhopal) with Nalanda University.
- Chief guest Katikithala Srinivas (Secretary, DoNER) linked it to the Act East Policy.
- VC Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi: real-time translation of Hindi addresses with Bhashini; Centre for South-East Asian Studies highlighted.
- Tagore photo-literature exhibition and Rabindra Sangeet evening held.
ECONOMY RBI hikes repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50%; stance shifts to 'calibrated tightening'
- SDF 5.25%; MSF & Bank Rate 5.75%. Two members (Nagesh Kumar, Ram Singh) preferred a neutral stance.
- FY27 projections: GDP 7.1%, CPI 5.2% (Q3 CPI 6.0%); core inflation 4.4%.
- CPI rose to 4.8% in Aug 2026 (July 4.5%). Risks: high crude, weak monsoon, El Niño.
- World Bank (6 Oct) also raised India's FY27 growth forecast to 7.1% (from 6.6%). Next MPC: 2–4 Dec 2026.
POLITY Cabinet clears Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority and ₹10,000-crore SME Growth Fund
- ITLA: integrated transport & freight planning, research, appraisal, monitoring, data analytics.
- Will prepare a National Transport Master Plan (10+ years) across road, rail, ports, aviation, inland waterways, urban transport.
- Technical appraisal of central infra projects of ₹500 crore+.
- Rural Development Ministry notified 375 permissible works under the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 (up 41% from 266).
SCI-TECH IMC 2026: PM inaugurates 10th India Mobile Congress; Bharat 6G Alliance crosses 7,700 patents
- Expected 1.5 lakh+ attendees from 100+ countries; 500+ exhibitors, 600+ startups.
- Mobile data cost fell from ~₹268/GB (2014) to ~₹8/GB — among the cheapest globally.
- Bharat 6G Alliance: 90 institutions, 7,700 patents (4,400 international).
- Focus: 5G/6G, AI networks, semiconductors, non-terrestrial networks, quantum communication.
REPORT Nobel Prizes 2026: optogenetics, IceCube neutrinos, asymmetric autocatalysis and Anne Carson
- Medicine: Karl Deisseroth (USA), Peter Hegemann & Georg Nagel (Germany) — light-gated ion channels & optogenetics.
- Physics: Francis Halzen (USA) — IceCube Neutrino Observatory, high-energy astrophysical neutrinos.
- Chemistry: Henri B. Kagan (France) & Kenso Soai (Japan) — non-linear effects & autocatalysis in asymmetric synthesis.
- Literature: Anne Carson (Canada) — poet-classicist reworking the classical tradition.
SOCIETY Uttarakhand becomes India's 6th fully literate state under ULLAS
- Declared under ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram; 'fully literate' benchmark ≈ 95% literacy.
- Bihar (Census 2011): literacy 61.8% — lowest among states; female 51.5% vs national 74.04%.
- Literacy is assessed through the FLNAT (Foundational Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Test).
12 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Patna Metro gets a 2028 completion deadline; two FOBs on Nehru Path
- Completion target: 2028; the CM said speed must not compromise quality and safety.
- 2 foot overbridges on Nehru Path (Bailey Road): near J.D. Women's College and between the High Court crossing and Bihar Museum.
- Agencies told to plan traffic diversions and coordinate (Road Construction Dept, Patna Metro Rail Corporation, district administration, traffic police).
- Executing agency: Patna Metro Rail Corporation; review attended by Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Chaudhary.
BIHAR Bihar to acquire ~7,373 acres for greenfield airports at Sonpur and Bhagalpur-Munger
- Sonpur (Saran): ~4,228 acres, 26 mauzas, ~14,224 landowners in Sonpur and Dariyapur blocks; earlier approved outlay ₹1,302 crore; planned runway ~4,200 m.
- Bhagalpur-Munger: ~3,145 acres, ~14 mauzas, ~12,000 landowners (Bhagalpur Sadar, Sultanganj, Munger Sadar, Tarapur, Bariarpur).
- Route: direct purchase first under the Bihar Raiyati Land Purchase Policy, 2020; statutory acquisition as a fallback.
- Compensation is set by local raiyati land purchase committees; the consultant only assists.
ENVIRONMENT CWC flood alert on the Gandak after heavy rain in Nepal; Valmikinagar on watch
- Inflow at the Gandak Barrage, Valmikinagar (West Champaran) may rise slightly; Bagaha riverside areas are on alert.
- Gandak districts: West & East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali.
- Budhi Gandak districts: Champaran region, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria.
- CWC expects the surge to weaken before the border, with no major threat to the diara plains.
BIHAR ₹4,250-crore Sherpur-Dighwara six-lane Ganga bridge; toll planned on 47 bridges and 55 state highways
- Bridge: administrative approval ~₹4,250 crore; length ~14.5 km; cuts travel by up to ~30 km; links Patna and Saran.
- It will divert long-distance and freight traffic away from central Patna.
- Toll on 47 bridges longer than 250 m and 55 state highways, for commercial vehicles, through FASTag-based electronic collection.
- The 2 Sept 2026 cabinet approved ₹30.94 crore for toll consultancy; officials studied the Rajasthan model.
SOCIETY Gaya Pitrapaksha Mela 2026 draws a record 51.30 lakh pilgrims
- Earlier footfall: 9.40 lakh (2022), 29.89 lakh (2023), 30.59 lakh (2024), 34.79 lakh (2025).
- Foreign visitors came from Russia, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Ukraine.
- Facilities: a tent city for 18,000+ people, an AI-based translation service (~1 lakh users), 15,000+ wristbands for children and the elderly.
- 1,101 saplings planted at Pitru Vatika under the 'One Tree in the Name of Ancestors' drive.
BIHAR Pension Day: ₹1,237.48 crore to pensioners; CM announces 33,000 teacher posts
- Monthly pension (old age, disability, widow) raised from ₹400 to ₹1,100; officials told to run a special campaign to cover every eligible person.
- Bihar has about 7 lakh teachers; women teachers are to be posted in nearby panchayats.
- 211 new degree colleges to take higher education to the block level; ~100 college teachers to train abroad (including Oxford).
- About 21% of the state budget goes to education; ~700 model schools serve ~3.5 lakh students.
ECONOMY World Bank raises India's FY27 growth forecast to 7.1% in its South Asia update
- India: FY27 7.1%, FY28 7.2%; FY26 estimate 7.8%.
- South Asia: 6.9% in 2026 (up from 6.3%), 6.7% in 2027.
- Industry and services expected to offset weak agriculture; risk from a larger monsoon deficit.
- Current account deficit held at 0.6% of GDP in FY26.
ECONOMY RBI raises repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50%, first hike since February 2023
- Repo 5.50%; SDF 5.25%; MSF and Bank Rate 5.75%.
- FY27 projections: GDP 7.1% (up from 6.7%); CPI 5.2% (up from 5.0%). August CPI was 4.8%.
- Reasons: weak monsoon and El Niño, crude above $100/barrel due to the West Asia conflict, and a narrower India-US rate gap.
- Items with inflation above 4% rose to ~37% of the CPI basket.
REPORT Nobel Peace Prize 2026 awarded to South African jurist Navi Pillay
- Pillay was UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2008–14), an ICC judge, and President of the ICTR (Rwanda tribunal).
- There were 287 nominations (208 individuals, 79 organisations); prize money is SEK 12 million.
- 2026 laureates: Medicine: Deisseroth, Hegemann, Nagel (optogenetics); Literature: Anne Carson (Canada).
- The Economics prize is announced today (12 October).
ECONOMY 57th GST Council removes arrest powers and raises the prosecution threshold to ₹5 crore
- Arrest powers removed by omitting Section 69 of the CGST Act, 2017.
- Prosecution threshold raised from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore; general penalty (Sec 125) cut from ₹25,000 to ₹10,000.
- 90% of refunds for zero-rated supplies and inverted duty provisionally sanctioned automatically; most refunds within 3 working days.
- GST rate changes to be taken up once a year; reforms effective from 1 April 2027.
IR Centre tells Supreme Court it will not reopen the Katchatheevu agreements with Sri Lanka
- The SC asked the Centre to sensitise Tamil Nadu fishermen against crossing into Sri Lankan waters; next hearing February 2027.
- Petitioners argue ceding territory needed a constitutional amendment of Schedule I.
- 1974 agreement recognised the island as Sri Lankan; the 1976 agreement limited Indian fishing rights.
- The island (~285 acres) lies in the Palk Strait, about 33 km from Rameswaram.
14 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Ganga boat tragedy at Raghopur (Vaishali): 13 children dead
- District administration confirmed 13 bodies recovered; 7 children rescued and shifted to NMCH, Patna.
- PM announced ₹2 lakh per deceased and ₹50,000 per injured from PMNRF.
- CM Samrat Choudhary announced ₹4 lakh per deceased family from the state.
- SDRF teams and local divers led the search; overcrowding suspected, cause under inquiry.
BIHAR Paddy procurement from 1 November; Bihar seeks target hike to 50 lakh MT
- Current target 35 lakh MT; state seeking 50 lakh MT with Centre's support.
- Target achieved: 68.42% (2023-24) → 87.18% (2024-25) → record 99.84% (2025-26).
- Paddy MSP 2026-27: ₹2,441/qtl for common variety (up ₹72).
- Doorstep ration for people aged 80+ and persons with disabilities; new fair price shop licences to be expedited.
- NFSA need ~33.16 lakh MT rice, i.e. ~48.87 lakh MT paddy a year.
BIHAR Bihar's first 12 MW data centre opens in Patna; ₹10,000 crore MoU signed
- Goal: at least 1,000 MW of data-centre capacity in Bihar within 5 years.
- State budget ~₹3.47 lakh crore; own revenue ~₹70,000 crore, target ₹2 lakh crore.
- About 13,000 acres of land being readied for industrial units.
- Push for electronics manufacturing in the Ganga belt incl. Hajipur, and renewable power for data centres.
BIHAR Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026: 1 lakh tonnes a year by 2031
- Target 1 lakh tonnes/yr green hydrogen by 2031; 1 GW electrolysers; ~2.5 GW renewable capacity.
- Expected investment ₹16,000 crore; ~12,000 direct and indirect jobs; nodal agency BREDA.
- ₹2,761.55 crore to solarise the remaining 2,554 agri feeders with 2,585 MW of solar plants.
- VAT on ATF cut from 1% to zero at RCS-UDAN airports.
POLITY Biennial polls to 8 Bihar Legislative Council seats on 23 October
- Graduates': Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Kosi; Teachers': Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Saran.
- Part of 28 seats in 4 states: UP 11, Bihar 8, Maharashtra 5, Karnataka 4.
- Notification 29 Sep; polling 23 Oct (8 am–4 pm); counting 27 Oct; process ends 31 Oct.
- Voting by preferential ballot (single transferable vote).
IR BIMSTEC Home Ministers adopt Delhi Declaration against cross-border terror
- Implement the BIMSTEC Convention on Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crime & Illicit Drug Trafficking (in force March 2021).
- Finalise conventions on extradition, transfer of sentenced persons and trafficking in persons.
- Set up a BIMSTEC Drug Offences Monitoring Desk and an SOP for rescue and repatriation of trafficking victims.
- Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance was signed at the 5th Summit, Colombo (March 2022).
ECONOMY IMF raises India's FY27 growth forecast to 7%
- India's FY26 growth estimated at 7.8%.
- India is an exception among energy-importing emerging economies facing medium-term downgrades.
- Oil price assumption: $95.74/bbl (2026) and $87.39/bbl (2027).
- Baseline assumes the Strait of Hormuz reopens by March 2027.
ECONOMY NPCI defers MDR on UPI merchant payments above ₹2,000 till after Diwali
- Proposed charge of about 0.4% on select payments above ₹2,000, varying by category with caps.
- P2P transfers and payments up to ₹2,000 remain free.
- Deferment is not a withdrawal; merchant bodies and fintechs had sought the delay.
- Listed fintech stocks rebounded after the announcement.
DEFENCE INS Mangrol, third Mahe-class anti-submarine craft, commissioned
- Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd with over 80% indigenous content.
- Fitted with Abhay hull-mounted sonar, lightweight torpedoes, indigenous ASW rocket launcher and Mareech torpedo decoy.
- Named after Mangrol, a fishing harbour in Junagadh (Gujarat); revives the name of a minesweeper decommissioned in 2004.
- Meanwhile, India–UK naval exercise KONKAN-26 runs off Plymouth (8–15 Oct) with INS Trishul.
REPORT Nobel in Economics 2026 to Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford
- Woodford's New Keynesian framework (*Interest and Prices*, 2003) underpins modern inflation targeting.
- Hall is known for work on consumption (random-walk hypothesis), labour markets and business cycles.
- Prize shared equally; it was instituted by Sweden's central bank in 1968.
- Relevance: RBI's flexible inflation targeting (CPI 4% ± 2%) draws on this research.
16 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Muzaffarpur gets ₹140.95 cr Mega Leather Cluster; Bihar eyes 1,000 MW data centres by 2030
- About 12 lakh people of Bihar still migrate for wage work; target — jobs within the state before 2030.
- MoU between Bihar Industries Department and FDDI (Footwear Design & Development Institute); sheds and land-allotment letters handed over.
- Target 1,000 MW data-centre capacity by 2030 (projected investment ~₹10 lakh crore); a 12 MW data centre is already running in Patna.
- ~10,000 MW power for industry in 5 years; voluntary land-givers to get 10% above the prescribed rate.
- Integrated Manufacturing Cluster under way at Gaya; similar clusters proposed for Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga.
BIHAR Rabi Mahaabhiyan-2026 launched: 40 vehicles to take modern farming to villages
- Focus crops: wheat, maize, pulses and oilseeds.
- Themes: seed selection, soil testing, zero tillage, seed drills, drones, organic & natural farming.
- Farmers told about DBT subsidies, block-level subsidised inputs and crop demonstrations.
- Outreach via Kisan melas, Kisan pathshalas, field days and Kisan Jan Kalyan Chaupal-cum-Khet Bachao Abhiyan-2026.
- Present: Dy CM Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha.
BIHAR Raghopur boat tragedy: 13 children dead; Vaishali administration acts against officials
- SDRF joined search and rescue; the injured were taken to NMCH, Patna; night plying of a private boat questioned.
- Relief per deceased child: ₹4 lakh ex-gratia (disaster relief norms) + ₹2 lakh from PMNRF.
- Also ₹20,000 under Mukhyamantri Parivarik Labh Yojana and ₹3,000 under Kabir Antyeshti Yojana.
- Injured under treatment: ₹50,000 each from PMNRF.
- Raghopur is a large diara (riverine island) of the Ganga opposite Patna, heavily dependent on boats.
BIHAR Saharsa airport to get new runway and terminal under ₹42.52 cr AAI plan
- Runway 1,000 m × 30 m; runway strip 1,120 m; safety areas (RESA) at both ends.
- Two-floor terminal of 1,580 sq m, ATC tower, fire station; fit for Code 2B small aircraft (two at a time).
- Airport has ~60 acres, needs 15 more — state to give ~12 acres and bear ~₹147 crore land cost.
- Completion window: 450 days, including two monsoon months.
- Bihar cabinet (12 Oct) cleared ₹225.91 crore to acquire ~50 acres for a logistics park & cargo hub at Darbhanga airport.
POLITY Ordinance planned to restart dakhil-kharij (mutation) of flats in Bihar
- The Bihar Land Mutation Act, 2011 and its 2012 Rules lack a clear provision to mutate a flat owner's land share.
- A buyer owns a proportionate (undivided) share of land that cannot be demarcated like a plot.
- In April 2025, mutation, record transfer and jamabandi entries for flat owners were halted.
- A separate online facility (apart from the Bihar Bhumi portal) is planned; a Bill will follow in the winter session.
BIHAR Nalanda University signs MoU with Paraguay's National University of Asunción
- Signed by VC Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi and UNA Rector Prof. Zully Concepción Vera de Molinas; Ambassador Piyush Singh present.
- Covers joint research, faculty/student exchange, conferences and joint publications.
- Priority areas: languages & cultural studies, sustainability & climate change, trade & development cooperation.
POLITY Bihar MLC biennial polls on 23 October for 8 graduates' and teachers' seats
- Graduates': Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Kosi; Teachers': Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Saran.
- Terms of sitting members end on 16 November 2026.
- Schedule: notification 29 Sep, nominations closed 6 Oct, withdrawal 9 Oct.
- Same round covers Karnataka (4), Maharashtra (5) and UP (11) — 28 seats in all.
ECONOMY Exports jump 23% to $44.4 bn in September; trade deficit narrows to $30.21 bn
- Deficit narrowed by $2.79 bn from ~$33 bn in September 2025.
- Drivers: electronics +70.4% ($5.3 bn), petroleum products +31.9% ($6.2 bn), chemicals +24.2% ($3 bn).
- April–September 2026: exports $259.89 bn (+18.51%), imports $437.53 bn (+16.31%).
- India–US trade deal: first tranche called 'finalised'; legal vetting still pending.
SOCIETY NSAP extended till 2030-31 and renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana
- ~3.20 crore beneficiaries in all 36 States/UTs; 100% central funding (states may top up).
- Disability pension: threshold cut from 80% to 40%, available from birth; ₹300 → ₹375 (0–79 yrs), ₹500 → ₹625 (80+).
- Renamed: IGNOAPS → PM Vridhavastha Pension Yojana; IGNWPS → PM Vidhawa Pension Yojana; IGNDPS → PM Divyangjan Pension Yojana.
- NFBS → PM Parivar Labh Yojana (₹20,000 one-time); old-age central rate stays ₹200 (60–79) / ₹500 (80+).
POLITY Supreme Court issues notice on lifelong immunity to CEC and Election Commissioners
- Section 16 was added by amendment circulated on 11 Dec 2023 — not in the original Bill — and passed without debate in the Rajya Sabha.
- Grounds: violates Articles 14 and 21 and the basic structure; immunity is lifelong and not limited to good-faith acts.
- Article 361 protects the President and Governors from criminal proceedings only during their term.
- Plea tagged with a similar pending Lok Prahari petition.
ENVIRONMENT India to become full member of Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)
- SIOFA manages non-tuna high-seas stocks (e.g., toothfish, alfonsino, squid); highly migratory species are excluded.
- Tuna is regulated by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) — India a member since 1996.
- India gains seats on Scientific & Compliance Committees and in the High Seas Boarding and Inspection scheme.
- High seas cover ~65% of the ocean; Indian vessels mostly fish within 60–80 nautical miles.
DEFENCE Exercise INDRA 2026: India–Russia tri-service drills; naval phase in Sea of Japan
- Land phase till 23 October; Russian core — 90th Guards Tank Division.
- Indian Navy frigate INS Sahyadri with Russian corvette Aldar Tsydenzhapov; maritime opening at Vladivostok.
- Air crews fly Su-30SM fighters and Mi-8 helicopters; drills include counter-drone and unmanned-boat defence.
19 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Centre clears 32 NH projects (2,424 km) for Bihar under Annual Plan 2026-27
- NHAI: 14 projects, ~1,685 km, Rs 1,39,578 cr; State RCD / NH Division: 18 projects, ~739 km, Rs 24,940 cr.
- Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway: 568 km total, ~417 km in Bihar via W. & E. Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj.
- Ram Janaki Path: packages 3 & 4 (~Rs 8,600 cr) approved; packages 1 & 2 already under construction.
- Other corridors: Raxaul–Haldia, Buxar–Bhagalpur, Patna Northern Ring Road, Muzaffarpur–Barauni; ROBs on NH-120 & NH-727.
BIHAR Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway: 162 km Bihar stretch via Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad & Gaya
- Bihar length ~162 km through Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya; Bihar section target March 2028.
- Package-7 runs from Dumaria to Imamganj blocks (Gaya); started 1 July 2025, due 30 June 2027.
- ~5 km passes through forests in Kaimur & Gaya → wildlife over/underpasses; ~50,000 trees to be planted.
- CCTV every 1 km, trauma centre every 30 km; link planned to the Dobhi industrial corridor; decongests NH-19.
BIHAR Valmiki Tiger Reserve to become India's 9th vulture conservation & breeding centre
- Nests now mainly in the core area; aim to expand to the buffer zone in 4–5 years (field director Gaurav Ojha).
- Existing centres include Pinjore (Haryana), Rajabhatkhawa (WB), Rani (Assam), Kerwa (MP), Nandankanan (Odisha), Muta (Ranchi).
- Key threat: veterinary drug diclofenac → fatal kidney failure; VTR will screen carcasses for contamination.
- VTR hosts 300+ bird species; Bihar's only tiger reserve, contiguous with Nepal's Chitwan NP, along the Gandak.
BIHAR Bihar constitutes State-level Incident Response Team for disasters
- Chief Secretary: overall supervision; Incident Commander: ACS/Principal Secretary/Secretary, Disaster Management Dept.
- Safety Officer: DG, Fire Services; Information & Media Officer: Director, IPRD.
- Sections: Operations (rescue, police, health, road-rail-water-air transport), Planning (damage assessment), Logistics (food, medical, finance).
- Crucial for Bihar, where ~73% of the area is flood-prone (Kosi, Gandak, Bagmati, Ganga basins).
BIHAR Vikramshila Setu to get IoT-based Bridge Health Monitoring System
- Sensors, IoT devices and data analytics to track stress, vibration, bending and displacement.
- Automatic alerts to authorities when readings cross set limits; complements physical inspections.
- Covers the old bridge; a BHMS was already planned for the parallel four-lane bridge under construction.
- Setu (~4.7 km, opened 2001) links Bhagalpur–Naugachia, joining south and north Bihar.
BIHAR Bihar expands EV charging to 5 cities; fast DC chargers at 10 Patna govt sites
- Bus charging: Purnia complete; Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Gaya under way; depots at Phulwarisharif, Rajgir, Muzaffarpur operational.
- 8 charging points per 50-bus depot; e-bus charges in 1–1.5 hr, cars in 45–60 min.
- Patna sites include Chief Secretariat, Bihar Vidhan Sabha, Vikas Bhawan, Visvesvaraya Bhawan, Beur Mor.
- Bihar EV Policy 2026: 25% subsidy on charging equipment, capped at Rs 10 lakh.
POLITY Patna court records Bihar's first conviction under triple talaq law
- Charged under Section 4, Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, plus IPC Sections 323 & 341.
- Acquitted of the attempted acid-attack charge for lack of evidence; appeal to the Patna High Court possible.
- The Act makes instant talaq-e-biddat void and illegal; punishment up to 3 years + fine.
- Rooted in SC's Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017) verdict (3:2) striking down instant triple talaq.
ECONOMY Ethanol tender for 2026-27 bars sugar route; maize-ethanol price cut
- Barred: cane juice, sugar/sugar syrup, B-heavy molasses; allowed: maize, broken rice, surplus FCI rice, C-heavy molasses.
- Maize-ethanol price cut Rs 71.86 → Rs 68.86/litre; maize incentive Rs 5.79 → Rs 2.79/litre.
- Trigger: poor rain in Maharashtra & Karnataka → risk of lower sugar output and higher prices.
- Bihar angle: a leading maize state (Kosi–Seemanchal belt) with grain distilleries under its Ethanol Production Promotion Policy, 2021.
POLITY SC: Full professional-course fee must be fixed before admission
- Mid-course hikes allowed only for unforeseeable/extraordinary economic conditions or statutory changes.
- Fee regulatory committees must function as continuing bodies.
- Court noted professional course fees run 711% higher than general programmes.
- Judgment draws on AICTE Regulations, 1994 and NEP 2020.
DEFENCE INS Samarthak: Navy commissions first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel
- Built by L&T at Kattupalli (Tamil Nadu); 75%+ indigenous content; ~107 m long.
- First of 4 MPVs; lead ship of the Samarthak class.
- Roles: surveillance, patrolling, training, weapon & sensor trials, unmanned systems support and HADR.
- Commissioning attended by Navy chief Adm. Krishna Swaminathan.
IR India approves accession to Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)
- Signed in Rome, 7 July 2006; in force June 2012; secretariat at Le Port, Réunion.
- 10 Contracting Parties incl. Australia, China, EU, France, Japan, S. Korea, Mauritius, Seychelles, Thailand, Cook Islands.
- Covers high-seas fish, molluscs, crustaceans; excludes highly migratory species such as tuna (managed by IOTC).
- Indian vessels gain access to squid, toothfish, alfonsino with a vote in rule-making.
POLITY Census (Amendment) Rules, 2026: private teachers, bank & company staff can be enumerators
- Now eligible: teachers of government, aided and unaided private institutions and those run by societies/trusts.
- Also clerks/officials of Centre, States, local bodies, PSUs, statutory bodies, banks and companies.
- States/UTs may appoint other suitable persons; aim: ease the load on government school teachers.
- Framed under the Census Act, 1948, amending the Census Rules, 1990.
20 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar Legislative Council polls on 23 Oct: NDA firms up strategy for 8 graduates' & teachers' seats
- Seats: Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Kosi Graduates' + Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Saran Teachers'.
- Schedule: notification 29 Sep; polling 23 Oct (8 am–4 pm); counting 27 Oct; process ends 31 Oct.
- 164 nominations filed (98 graduates', 66 teachers'); BJP 4 + JD(U) 4 seats within NDA.
- Police lodged 3 FIRs in the Mokama area over an alleged Model Code breach during a candidate's roadshow.
ENVIRONMENT Dussehra weather alert: rain, thunder and gusty winds forecast for 20 Bihar districts
- 20 districts on alert incl. Purnia, Kishanganj, Araria, Katihar, Supaul, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Gaya, Rohtas, Buxar.
- Winds up to 70 km/h in parts of the 17 states under the national alert; Patna not on the list (31°C / 19°C).
- Kosi–Seemanchal belt is most exposed — the region with Bihar's highest lightning and flood vulnerability.
ECONOMY Ethanol tender 2026-27 bars sugar routes, trims maize-ethanol price — what it means for Bihar's maize belt
- Barred: sugarcane juice, sugar syrup, B-heavy molasses. Allowed: maize, broken rice, FCI surplus rice, C-heavy molasses.
- Maize-ethanol price ₹71.86 → ₹68.86/L; maize incentive ₹5.79 → ₹2.79/L.
- Bihar maize: 66.03 lakh MT from 9.55 lakh ha (2024-25); the state is a major rabi-maize producer.
- 10 major Bihar grain-ethanol plants: capacity 47.64 crore L/yr, but only 23.82 crore L assured for 2025-26.
BIHAR Patna Metro to be completed by 2028; Bihar's medical colleges rise from 13 to 31
- Metro: Mithapur–Khemni Chak elevated (3.1 km, Corridor-1) by June 2027; 8 km underground Corridor-2 by 2028.
- Medical colleges 13 → 31; MBBS seats 1,310 → 4,710; AIIMS Darbhanga (~₹2,000 cr) is Bihar's 2nd AIIMS.
- OPRMC Phase-III: 13,033 km of roads maintained for 7 years at ~₹10,590.53 cr (2026-33).
- 8 new Ganga/major bridges planned; works at Buxar, Sonepur, Bhagalpur, Kahalgaon–Kataiya.
BIHAR Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026: 1 lakh tonnes a year by 2031, 2,554 farm feeders to go solar
- Targets by 2031: 1 lakh t/yr green H₂, 1 GW electrolyser manufacturing, ~2.5 GW linked RE.
- Expected ₹16,000 crore investment, ~12,000 jobs; nodal agency BREDA.
- ₹2,761.55 cr to solarise 2,554 agri feeders (2,585 MW); ₹47.30 cr incentives to panchayats.
- Same cabinet: VAT on ATF at RCS airports cut 1% → 0; Mukhya Mantri Hemophilia Yojana (Emicizumab, 255 patients).
SOCIETY Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar conferred on 106 artists; Bihar's Bhojpuri folk voice among awardees
- Instituted 2006; artists up to 40 years; ₹25,000, Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
- Manisha Srivastava (Rohtas) honoured for Bhojpuri folk — Kajri, Sohar, Chaita, Batohiya.
- Bismillah Khan: b. 21 Mar 1916, Dumraon; Bharat Ratna 2001; played at Red Fort, 15 Aug 1947.
- Patna's 71st Ramlila Mahotsav: 90-ft Ravan effigy with eco-friendly (green) crackers.
IR India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement enters into force today
- 100% of Indian exports duty-free in NZ from day one; NZ tariffs of up to 10% removed.
- NZ to facilitate USD 20 billion investment; aim to double trade to NZ$7 bn by 2030 (goods trade ~USD 1.1 bn, 2025-26).
- Mobility: 5,000 skilled-worker visas + 1,000 Working Holiday visas a year; post-study work up to 3–4 yrs.
- Excluded: dairy, sugar, edible oils; apples, kiwifruit, Manuka honey via TRQs & minimum import prices.
POLITY Supreme Court: internet access is a right of children too; orders national hash database against abuse material
- Centre to create a National Hash & URL List Database, each entry verified by ≥3 trained analysts.
- Matching content to be removed immediately; complaint reporting within 2 hours; grievance option within 2 clicks.
- Exemplary fines and forfeiture of paywalled revenue for repeat defaults; IT safe harbour (Sec. 79) no excuse.
- Digital-safety education via NCERT/SCERTs; progress affidavit before next hearing on 10 Dec.
ECONOMY CCEA clears 60.72% IDBI Bank stake sale to Fairfax unit for ₹52,878 crore
- Stake sold 60.72% = Govt 30.48% + LIC 30.24%; value ₹52,878 crore.
- After the deal: Govt retains 15%, LIC 19%.
- Two-stage bidding: 5 EoIs, 4 qualified, 2 final bidders; buyer must satisfy RBI norms.
- PSB Gross NPAs fell from 11.2% (2018) to 1.8% (2026) — context for privatisation push.
ENVIRONMENT Reservoir storage at 68.58% of capacity; Pennar and Cauvery basins in deep deficit
- Storage 68.58% of live capacity — 24.53% lower than last year and 16.44% below normal.
- Deficit vs normal: Pennar 72.32%, Cauvery 60.50%, Sabarmati 38.03%, Krishna 32.59%.
- Critical dams: Aliyar 0%, Idukki 10.62%, Somasila 22.05%, Mettur 32.49%.
- Surplus basins: Subarnarekha, Narmada, Mahanadi.
REPORT India's carbon market moves to trading; case grows for joining the compliance-markets coalition
- About 500 companies in 7 sectors filed compliance reports by 31 July.
- OCCCM founders include EU, China, Brazil; work plan adopted on 14 Sep in Wuhan.
- 50+ countries price carbon; EU CBAM definitive phase began 1 Jan 2026.
21 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway to reshape north Bihar connectivity
- Total length about 519 km; roughly 416 km in Bihar (largest share).
- 4-lane access-controlled, expandable to 6 lanes; cost estimate about Rs 38,645 crore.
- Bihar districts: Gopalganj, W & E Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj.
- Links UP (Gorakhpur) to Siliguri (WB) – gateway to the Northeast via the Chicken's Neck.
BIHAR Centre clears Rs 1.64 lakh crore NH Annual Plan 2026-27 for Bihar
- 32 projects, about 2,424 km, cost about Rs 1,64,518 crore.
- NHAI: 14 projects, ~1,685 km, ~Rs 1,39,578 crore (about 85% of cost).
- State NH wing: 18 projects, ~739 km, ~Rs 24,940 crore.
- Corridors: Raxaul–Haldia, Buxar–Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur–Barauni, Patna Northern Ring Road.
BIHAR UDAN turns 10: Bihar readies 5 new airports and 9 heliports
- UDAN launched 21 Oct 2016; first flight Shimla–Delhi (27 Apr 2017).
- So far: 669 routes, 95 airports, ~3.5 lakh flights, ~1.66 crore passengers.
- Bihar's proposed airports: Kishanganj, Chhapra, Ulao (Begusarai), Forbesganj (Araria), Sabeya (Gopalganj).
- State sweeteners: ATF VAT cut from 1% to zero at RCS airports; 9 heliports planned.
POLITY Bihar Legislative Council: polling for 8 seats on 23 October
- Graduates': Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Kosi; Teachers': Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Saran.
- Polling 23 Oct (8 am–4 pm); counting 27 Oct; process ends 31 Oct.
- Voting by preferential ballot – single transferable vote.
BIHAR Bihar's Green Hydrogen Policy 2026 and farm-feeder solarisation
- Target 1 lakh tonnes/yr green hydrogen by 2031; 1 GW electrolyser capacity.
- Expected investment ~Rs 16,000 crore; ~12,000 jobs; ~2.5 GW linked renewables.
- Solarisation of 2,554 farm feeders = 2,585 MW; grant Rs 2,761.55 crore (Rs 1.05 crore/MW).
BIHAR Panchayat polls 2026: voter-list revision under way in Bihar
- About 8,053 gram panchayats (down from 8,387 in 2021 due to urbanisation); 533 panchayat samitis; 38 zila parishads.
- Multi-post EVMs – one control unit with 6 ballot units for different posts.
- New reservation roster; 50% seats for women.
ECONOMY India–New Zealand FTA comes into force
- 100% of Indian exports get duty-free access to NZ.
- NZ to facilitate US$20 billion investment into India.
- Gains for textiles, leather, engineering, pharma, processed food; quotas for NZ apples & kiwifruit.
- Mobility pathways for Indian professionals, students & youth.
IR Polish PM Donald Tusk begins three-day India visit
- Ties elevated to Strategic Partnership in Aug 2024; Joint Action Plan 2024-28.
- Agenda: trade, defence, emerging tech, renewables, India–EU partnership.
- Business forums in Delhi (22 Oct) and Bengaluru (23 Oct).
IR SCO Heads of Government meet in Dushanbe; India seeks united action on terror
- 25th CHG meeting, 19–20 Oct 2026; CHG mainly handles trade & economic agenda.
- SCO has 10 members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus + 4 Central Asian states.
- RATS HQ in Tashkent; Secretariat in Beijing.
REPORT Global Hunger Index 2026: India ranked 100th of 122
- Score 24.1; rank 100/122 (from 102/123).
- Child wasting 19.0% – highest in South Asia; stunting 29.3%.
- Undernourishment 9.8%; under-5 mortality 2.7%.
SOCIETY PM-SETU: Rs 1,194.92 crore cleared for five ITI clusters
- Hub-and-spoke: each cluster = 1 hub + 4 spoke ITIs → 25 ITIs.
- Cumulative sanctions now Rs 3,687 crore; 3,744 trainers trained via NSTIs.
- Scheme: Rs 60,000 crore to upgrade 1,000 govt ITIs (launched Oct 2025).
22 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Gaya–Sitamarhi NH-22 corridor: ₹3,590.73 cr four-lane to Nepal border
- Length of the four-lane stretch: 82.578 km; ends at Sonbarsa near the India–Nepal border.
- Corridor links 5 districts: Gaya, Jehanabad, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi.
- Structures: 7 major bridges, 3 railway overbridges (ROBs), 2 flyovers.
- Boosts access to Janki Punaura Dham (Sitamarhi), believed birthplace of Mata Sita.
- Aids freight and Indo-Nepal trade; completion date not yet specified.
BIHAR Pirpainti–Jhanjharpur power line to carry south Bihar's thermal power north
- Route covers 4 districts: Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Darbhanga, Madhubani.
- REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd is the bid process coordinator (resolution of 5 May 2026).
- Developer to be chosen through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB); new substations needed.
- Begusarai to get a direct supply link from the Pirpainti plant.
BIHAR 'Sudha Sakhi': Jeevika didis to take milk producers from 12 lakh to 50 lakh
- About 7,000 Jeevika didis trained in dairy and animal husbandry as Pashu Sakhis.
- Sudha Sakhis to give veterinary first aid, balanced feed advice and artificial insemination; paid service-based incentives.
- Implemented by COMPFED (Sudha brand) with Jeevika; dairy societies under 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi'.
- Women linked to Jeevika Sudha outlets and village milk collection centres.
BIHAR Social security pensions: 88.37% life verification done, 13.57 lakh pending
- Enrolled: 1,16,71,188; verified: 1,03,13,620; pending: 13,57,568.
- Deadline 30 November every year; missing it can suspend pension.
- Most enrolled: Patna (6.17 lakh), Madhubani, East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Gaya.
- Most verified: Madhubani (5.09 lakh), Patna, East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur.
POLITY Bihar Legislative Council: polling for 8 graduates' and teachers' seats on 23 Oct
- Polling 23 Oct (8 am–4 pm); counting 27 Oct; process ends 31 Oct.
- Graduate electors: 4,92,594; teacher electors: 40,253.
- Largest graduate electorate: Tirhut (1,43,988); smallest: Patna (87,583).
- 28 candidates in fray across 8 seats.
SCI-TECH CM reviews draft Bihar AI Policy-2026 for education, health, farms and services
- Focus sectors: education, health, agriculture and government services.
- Follows Bihar's recent Green Hydrogen Policy 2026 (target 1 lakh tonnes/yr by 2031).
- Budget, nodal agency and timeline yet to be announced.
BIHAR Patna HC: State must prove vesting under Land Reforms Act; Meira Kumar gets relief
- Land: about 18 kathas 10 dhurs at Mainpura, Patna; no compensation paid for ~50 years.
- Law examined: Bihar Land Reforms Act, 1950, Sections 3 and 4(h).
- Court: State must prove land vested in it; settlement of 1941 pre-dates the 1 Jan 1946 cut-off of Sec 4(h).
- Long-standing revenue records cannot be cancelled summarily; *jamabandi* restored.
ECONOMY Core sector grows 7.9% in September 2026 – best in the new series
- Index at 118.3 vs 109.6 a year ago; April–September growth 5.1% (vs 2.5%).
- Gainers: iron ore 18.4%, electricity 11.4%, coal 10.7%, refinery products 10.3%, cement 9.8%, steel 4.9%.
- Decliners: fertilisers −11.7% (7th straight fall), natural gas −4.6%, crude oil −1.4%.
- August growth revised up to 5.9% (from 4.8%).
- Core industries form about 40% of IIP; compiled by Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT.
IR India–New Zealand FTA enters into force: all Indian exports duty-free
- 100% of Indian tariff lines enter NZ duty-free; NZ peak tariffs of up to 10% removed.
- NZ to facilitate USD 20 billion investment in India.
- India shields dairy, sugar, edible oils and key farm goods; apples, kiwifruit, Manuka honey get tariff-rate quotas.
- 5,000 temporary employment visas and 1,000 working holiday visas a year for Indians.
- Bilateral goods trade only ~USD 1.1 billion (2025-26).
ENVIRONMENT India hosts 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference; farmers as 'Urjadatas'
- Using 10% of suitable land could meet India's projected 2050 power demand.
- ~47.5 million ha (≈30% of arable land) found suitable in a 2026 study.
- Cost 25–30% above ground-mounted solar; power at ₹3.20–3.30/unit vs ₹2.5–2.6.
ECONOMY RBI MPC minutes: first repo hike in over three years to 5.5%
- Governor Sanjay Malhotra sees headline CPI touching the 6% upper band in Q3.
- External members Nagesh Kumar and Ram Singh backed the hike but dissented on the stance.
- Core inflation 4.2% in August (3.9% in July); WPI inflation 11.4% in September.
DEFENCE SIMBEX-2026 at Visakhapatnam; ~₹770 cr BEL deal for anti-drone radars
- SIMBEX began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King; harbour phase 21–23 Oct, sea phase 24–26 Oct in the Bay of Bengal.
- Singapore's RSS Supreme joined; drills in anti-submarine, anti-surface and anti-air warfare.
- LLLR-I (~₹770 cr) detects fighter-sized aircraft and mini/micro drones.
- IBSAMAR IX (India–Brazil–South Africa) ended at Simon's Town on 20 Oct.
23 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar MLC Biennial Polls: 8 Graduates' & Teachers' Seats Vote Today
- Graduates' seats: Patna, Tirhut, Darbhanga, Kosi; Teachers' seats: Patna, Saran, Darbhanga, Tirhut.
- Electorate: 4,92,594 graduate voters and 40,253 teacher voters; Tirhut Graduates' is the largest (1,43,988).
- Same-day council polls also in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
- Voting is by ballot paper with preferential (single transferable) vote — not EVMs.
- Council Chairman's post fell vacant after Awadhesh Narayan Singh resigned (Sep 2026).
BIHAR Rural Jobs Pause Lifted: VB-G RAM G Works Resume in All 38 Districts
- VB-G RAM G = Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin); in force from 1 July 2026, replacing MGNREGA.
- Guarantee: up to 125 days of unskilled wage work per rural household per year (vs 100 under MGNREGA).
- Funding share Centre : State = 60 : 40.
- Flood-hit include Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Khagaria, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Patna; drought-hit include Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Kaimur.
- Priority works: water conservation, road repair, Anganwadi centres, school sheds, disaster preparedness.
BIHAR Bihar AI Policy 2026: Target to Train 5 Lakh Students in 5 Years
- Target: 5 lakh students trained in AI over 5 years — 1 lakh per year.
- A major annual AI event every year for five years to draw investors.
- Incentives for AI companies, startups and digital enterprises, incl. support for large AI models.
- Focus on AI infrastructure, digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Complements the new Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee AI & Computer Science University, Bhagalpur.
BIHAR CM's School & College Push: 2,996 Buildings, 16,440 Classrooms
- The 211 block-level degree colleges began classes on 15 July 2026.
- Campus designs up to G+5; science, arts & library blocks, labs, lecture theatres.
- Separate hostels for male and female students; sites near block HQs prioritised.
- Executing agency: BSEIDC (Bihar State Educational Infrastructure Development Corporation).
BIHAR Paddy Procurement from 1 Nov at MSP ₹2,441/qtl; Payment in 48 Hours
- MSP ₹2,441/qtl (common) and ₹2,461/qtl (Grade A).
- Registration on the e-Sahkari portal; AgriStack Farmer ID used for verification.
- Payment to farmers within 48 hours through DBT.
- Procurement target may be raised to 50 lakh MT (under consideration).
BIHAR Chhath & Bihar Brand Go Global: CM Ropes in Bihar-Origin IFS Officers
- Focus sites: Gayaji, Sultanganj (Shravani Mela), Sun temples of Deo (Aurangabad), Chhath ghats of Patna & Munger.
- Government developing the Buddhist Circuit and eco-tourism.
- The Governor has also urged a bigger role for the global Bihari diaspora.
- Patna civic body has launched a special Diwali–Chhath cleanliness drive.
IR India–Poland: Tusk's Visit Deepens Strategic Partnership
- First visit by a Polish PM to India since 2010.
- Ties elevated to Strategic Partnership in Aug 2024 during Modi's Warsaw visit.
- Bilateral trade US$6.3 bn; aim to double by 2030; Indian investment in Poland > US$3 bn.
- Areas: EV batteries, renewables, defence & space, critical minerals, classified-information pact.
- Both welcomed the India–EU FTA.
ECONOMY India–US Trade Deal 'Pretty Close': Final Hurdles Remain
- Talks over a year: market access, tariffs, farm goods, industrial products, regulatory barriers.
- Rubio visited Mumbai and the Jamnagar refinery — his 2nd India trip in under 5 months.
- US agenda: energy trade, defence, civil nuclear cooperation, US tech purchases.
- India stresses energy diversification — avoiding over-dependence on any one crude supplier.
ENVIRONMENT AgriVoltaics World Conference: 'One Land, Two Harvests' in New Delhi
- 47.5 Mha cropland technically suitable — about 30% of India's ~160 Mha.
- Capital cost 25–30% above ground-mounted solar, which needs 4–5 acres/MW.
- Field studies: 10–20% yield gains for some crops and ~30% less water use.
- Non-fossil capacity 308.03 GW — over 55% of the total; the 50%-by-2030 NDC goal is already met.
DEFENCE SIMBEX & AUSTRAHIND 2026: India's Indo-Pacific Drills in Full Swing
- SIMBEX began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King; sea phase 24–26 Oct in the Bay of Bengal.
- Ships: INS Nilgiri (P-17A), INS Kamorta (P-28) with Singapore's RSS Supreme.
- AUSTRAHIND: 240 personnel; New Zealand observers for the first time.
- IBSAMAR IX (India–Brazil–South Africa) ended at Simon's Town; India sent INS Tarkash.
SCI-TECH RRI Finds Evidence of Accretion Disk Around Pulsar Centaurus X-3
- Cen X-3 is a high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB); companion star of ~10+ solar masses.
- Distance about 24,000 light years, in the constellation Centaurus.
- Four secondary emission lines vary in step with a structure co-rotating with the pulsar — an accretion stream.
- Cen X-3 was the first X-ray pulsar discovered (1971, Uhuru satellite).
26 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar signs ₹4,092-crore MoUs; Gaya Manufacturing City launched on AKIC
- Largest MoU: Mint Life Sciences ₹1,500 crore; then ABIS Group ₹600 crore, Bioheal Energy ₹510 crore.
- Sectors: energy, textiles, food processing, biotech, aluminium, automobiles, jewellery.
- Gaya city: ~1,670 acres in Dobhi block; potential ₹16,500 crore investment, ~1.1 lakh jobs (projected).
- ~13,500 acres under acquisition, completion expected by January; PPP model encouraged.
- Proposed air links Gaya–Dubai and Gaya–Kathmandu; diaspora outreach via Bihar Foundation (55 countries).
BIHAR Gaya–Bangkok direct flight begins today, boosting Buddhist circuit
- Frequency: twice weekly — Mondays and Thursdays.
- Gaya→Bangkok dep. 1:15 pm, arr. 4:35 pm; return dep. 10:15 am, arr. 12:15 pm.
- Targets pilgrims to Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO WHS, 2002) from Thailand and SE Asia.
- Thailand, Laos and Japan representatives attended the Bodh Gaya investors' meet.
BIHAR Bihar ranks banks on 100-point index; credit plan only 38% achieved
- Top: IDFC First Bank (74); SBI (32) and Canara (27) in Red Zone.
- ACP 2026-27 target ₹4,95,000 crore; disbursed ₹1,89,343.52 crore (38.25%) by 30 Sept.
- MSME 52.68%, Agriculture 28%, Priority sector 36.74% of target achieved.
- KCC: ₹8,344.70 crore in 7.38 lakh accounts; PM SVANidhi: ₹2,099.59 crore.
BIHAR Chief Secretary reviews PM Surya Ghar rooftop-solar drive in Bihar
- Installed (23 Oct): 1,43,793 solar structures, 1,09,781 panels, 31,349 inverters.
- Bank support: 13,911 loans approved, ₹284.51 crore disbursed.
- Scheme launched Feb 2024: 1 crore households, up to 300 units free power per month.
- Central subsidy up to ₹78,000 for a 3 kW system.
POLITY JD(U) expels Mokama MLA Anant Singh; seeks Tenth Schedule action
- Expulsion by a party does not automatically disqualify a legislator.
- Final decision rests with the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly.
- Tenth Schedule added by the 52nd Amendment, 1985; 91st Amendment (2003) removed the 'split' exemption.
- Kihoto Hollohan (1992): Speaker's decision is subject to judicial review.
BIHAR Bihar PACS to diversify into non-farm businesses
- Businesses: leaf plates, slippers, tailoring, solar LED bulb assembly & sale.
- PACS can open PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras and PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras.
- Linked schemes: CGTMSE, PMFME, PM-KUSUM, JEEViKA livelihoods.
BIHAR Pansalla to be 'Jardalu Mango Village'; Purnia makhana in Mann Ki Baat
- 100 mango plants distributed; Jardalu saplings planted under village adoption.
- Jardalu mango (Bhagalpur) received a GI tag in 2018.
- Mithila Makhana received a GI tag in 2022; Bihar grows the bulk of India's makhana.
- CM thanked PM, saying the mention boosts Seemanchal farmers and processors.
ECONOMY 139th Mann Ki Baat: khadi turnover crosses ₹1.87 lakh crore
- Khadi & village industries turnover over ₹1.87 lakh crore in FY 2025-26.
- Employment to over 2.04 crore people; turnover target ₹2.51 lakh crore.
- Gandhi Jayanti 2026 single-day sales over ₹28 crore.
- PM also urged cleanliness and vocal for local during Diwali–Chhath.
SCI-TECH PM opens RBI's ₹169-crore data centre & cyber training institute in Odisha
- Cost ₹169 crore; campus 18.55 acres.
- Acts as backup/disaster-recovery site to RBI's primary centre at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.
- Supports currency management, payment & settlement and regulatory data.
- Institute focuses on research, capacity building and skilling in cybersecurity.
DEFENCE Swavlamban 2026: Navy's 5th innovation & indigenisation seminar
- Theme: 'Strength & Power through Innovation and Indigenisation'.
- Focus: counter-UAS, quantum, AI, autonomous underwater vehicles, ramjet engines.
- iDEX: 4,000+ proposals; AoN for ₹3,500+ crore, contracts ₹1,900+ crore.
- Navy: 42 platforms on order; AoN for 78 more and 120 Fast Interceptor Craft.
SOCIETY India's best-ever Asian Para Games: 114 medals, 4th place
- Previous best: Hangzhou edition (held 2023) — 108 medals.
- Athletics alone gave 65 medals; 9 golds on the final day.
- Sumit Antil won javelin (72.46 m); Mona Agarwal world record in 50m rifle 3P SH1.
- Sandeep world record in men's 400m T64 (52.28 s).
ENVIRONMENT Siang Upper project protests: Centre rushes RAF to Pasighat
- Planned live storage ~9.2 billion cubic metres; still at pre-feasibility stage.
- Needs SIA, EIA and DPR before construction; implementing agency NHPC.
- Seen as a buffer against China's mega-dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Medog).
- Local Adi communities fear displacement and loss of land.
27 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Counting held for 8 Bihar Legislative Council seats (4 graduates' + 4 teachers')
- Graduates' seats: Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Kosi; teachers' seats: Patna, Darbhanga, Tirhut, Saran; about 150 candidates.
- Electorate: 4.92 lakh graduates + 40,253 teachers (about 5.32 lakh voters).
- Final turnout 55.42% (graduates) and 82.85% (teachers), up from provisional 43.87% and 74.55%.
- Highest turnout: Saran Teachers 87.16%; among graduates' seats Patna 57.56%.
- NDA split the seats BJP 4 : JD(U) 4; Jan Suraaj contested all eight.
BIHAR ₹18,000/ha aid to clear flood-deposited sand and silt from farms in 22 districts
- Aid: ₹18,000/ha, minimum ₹2,200 per farmer, paid under SDRF/NDRF norms after field verification.
- Covers both agricultural land and fish farms (matsya prakshetra).
- Districts include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Supaul, Saharsa, Purnia, Katihar, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Khagaria and both Champarans.
- DMs must assess the quantity of deposit on the ground and send proposals; payment follows verification.
BIHAR Retreating-monsoon system: heavy-rain alert for 8 Bihar districts on 29–30 Oct
- 29 Oct heavy-rain alert: Gaya, Aurangabad, Kaimur (Bhabua), Rohtas.
- 30 Oct heavy-rain alert: Buxar, Gopalganj, Siwan, West Champaran.
- 27 Oct: winds of 30–40 km/h possible in Patna and south-west/south-central Bihar.
- Maximum temperature 30–33°C; may fall by 2–4°C on rainy days.
BIHAR Gaya–Bangkok non-stop flight launched: Bihar's new international air link
- Frequency: twice weekly – Monday & Thursday; flights 6E 1083 / 6E 1084.
- Gaya to Bangkok departs 13:15, arrives 17:50 (local time); air distance roughly 2,000 km.
- Links Bodh Gaya (Mahabodhi Temple, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002) with Thailand, a major Theravada Buddhist market.
- Bihar cabinet had cut VAT on ATF to zero at RCS–UDAN airports on 30 Sept 2026.
BIHAR BPSC TRE-4.0: 33,320 teacher posts; application deadline extended to 3 Nov
- Vacancies raised from 32,388 to 33,320 (+932).
- Additions: 493 posts for Classes 9–10 and 439 for Classes 11–12.
- Applications opened on 25 Sept 2026; the earlier last date was 26 Oct.
- Revised basic pay: ₹31,000 (Classes 9–10) and ₹32,000 (Classes 11–12) per month.
BIHAR Nawada farmers protest land acquisition for Gangajal Supply Scheme Phase-2
- The scheme lifts Ganga water at Hathidah (Mokama, Patna) to water-scarce towns of south Bihar.
- Phase-1: Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir (completed 2022); Phase-2: Nawada.
- Pipeline runs via Sarmera–Barbigha–Giriyak; Nawada's water is treated at the Motnaje plant.
- Phase-1 cost revised from ₹2,836 crore to ₹4,174 crore; part of Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali.
DEFENCE Rajnath Singh releases the Army's revised Land Warfare Doctrine 2026
- Focus: multi-domain operations, drones, AI, autonomous systems, precision warfare, cyber and secure communications.
- Commanders asked to build a 20–30-year strategic vision.
- Defence production hit a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26; exports about ₹38,000 crore.
- 27 Oct = Infantry Day (Shaurya Diwas), 80th observance: 1 Sikh landed at Srinagar airfield in 1947.
POLITY President assents to Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Bill, 2026
- Covers 6 eastern districts: Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, Shamator.
- Powers over 46 subjects; a mini-Secretariat headed by an Addl. Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary.
- 62 members: 40 elected (1/3 for women), 20 ex-officio MLAs (no vote), 2 nominated by the Governor.
- Executive Council of up to 9, headed by a Chief Executive Member; Art. 371A remains unaffected.
IR Lula wins a fourth term as Brazil's President
- Vote share 51.79% (over 5.14 crore votes) vs 48.21%.
- First candidate in Brazil's democratic era to win after trailing in the first round.
- To be sworn in on 5 January 2027; the oldest president to take office since 1989.
- Brazil is a founding member of BRICS and IBSA; it hosted G20 (2024) and COP30 (Belém, 2025).
SCI-TECH AATAL: world's first atmospheric chemistry & aerosol toxicity lab opens at IITM, New Delhi
- Studies pollutants at the molecular level to pinpoint sources – vehicles, industry, crop-residue burning, dust – in Delhi-NCR.
- Linked to IITM's AIRWISE system: 72-hour air-quality forecasts at 400 m resolution.
- Billed as the world's first laboratory of its kind.
- Assesses the toxicity of aerosols, not just their mass (PM2.5/PM10).
SOCIETY India's best-ever haul of 114 medals at the Asian Para Games 2026
- India: 114 medals – 30 gold, 35 silver, 49 bronze.
- A 168-athlete contingent competed in 11 disciplines.
- China topped with 435 medals (207 gold); Japan 186, Uzbekistan 145.
- Next edition: Doha, Qatar (2030).
28 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →SOCIETY Bihar launches month-long 'Nasha Mukt Bihar Abhiyan'
- Runs Oct 27 - Nov 26, 2026; nodal: Prohibition, Excise & Registration Department.
- Tools: WhatsApp chatbot, helpline, awareness vehicles, street plays, panchayat-level meetings.
- Partners: about 1.81 crore JEEViKA women, students, SHGs; pledge against intoxicants.
- Seizures: charas 282 kg (2024) -> 400 kg (2025); heroin 42 -> 65 kg; opium 77 kg (2025); ~1,700 cases.
POLITY Bihar Legislative Council polls: split verdict in Teachers' seats
- Teachers' winners: Tirhut - Narendra Prasad Singh (BJP); Patna - Sanjeev Kumar Singh (RJD).
- Darbhanga - Dr Suresh Prasad Rai (Jan Suraaj), the party's first Council seat; Saran - Rahul Raj (Independent), margin 1,815.
- 150 candidates; electors: ~4.92 lakh (Graduates) and 40,253 (Teachers).
- Graduates' seats (Patna, Tirhut, Darbhanga, Kosi) still counting on Oct 28 under preferential rounds.
BIHAR Paddy procurement (KMS 2026-27) at MSP from November 1
- MSP: Rs 2,441/qtl (Common), Rs 2,461/qtl (Grade A) - up Rs 72 over last year's Rs 2,369 (Common)*.
- North Bihar: from Nov 1; South Bihar: from Nov 15.
- Payment to farmers' accounts within 48 hours of sale.
- Registration: esahkari.bihar.gov.in (state cooperative portal).
POLITY Patna HC: no extra weightage for guest teachers' experience
- Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks; no relaxation.
- Court held recruitment rules cannot be relaxed by judicial direction.
- Upholds merit-based selection under statutory rules.
- Relevant to BPSC teacher recruitment (TRE) aspirants.
BIHAR Unpaid e-challans: Bihar to blacklist vehicles, block services
- Services to be stopped: registration renewal, fitness, PUC certificate, ownership transfer.
- Repeat violators face driving-licence action; vehicles may be seized.
- Earlier drive: 2 lakh+ e-challans pending statewide; ~35,000 RCs blacklisted in Patna (mostly two-wheelers).
- Common offences: no helmet, wrong-side driving, over-speeding.
ENVIRONMENT Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Arnab' crosses Andhra-Yanam coast
- Winds 125-135 km/h, gusting to 150 km/h; centre near 16.45 N, 81.90 E.
- Name 'Arnab' (means 'ocean') contributed by Bangladesh.
- Red alert for six south Odisha districts incl. Ganjam, Koraput, Malkangiri.
- Bihar: IMD forecast heavy rain at isolated places Oct 29-30 - risk to ripe paddy.
HEALTH SC slams medicine overpricing, reserves verdict on drug price control
- Example: PTR Rs 15 vs MRP Rs 250 (~16x); injection costing Rs 11,000 billed at Rs 1.30 lakh.
- Centre: trade margin on anti-cancer drugs capped at 30% of MRP - saving ~Rs 2,500 crore/yr.
- Bench asked why a uniform 16% margin cannot apply to all medicines; called NPPA 'totally defunct'.
- Pleas seek strict DPCO 2013 enforcement and action on doctors not prescribing generics.
IR India invites Pakistan to first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum
- Invitee: Pakistan's Minister for National Heritage & Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi.
- Possible venue: Purana Qila, Delhi; 25+ countries expected incl. observers & dialogue partners.
- Idea proposed by PM Narendra Modi at the Tianjin SCO Summit (2025).
- Theme: shared heritage, art, literature and people-to-people ties among 10 members.
ECONOMY Japanese industry delegation pitches Rs 8-10 lakh crore investment
- Japan was India's top FDI source in Q1 FY27: $5.71 bn (~29% of $19.81 bn equity inflow).
- Interest in Delhi-Varanasi and Varanasi-Siliguri high-speed rail corridors.
- Asks: faster clearances, tax predictability (not concessions), skilled manpower.
- HR exchange plan: 5 lakh+ personnel two-way over 5 years.
DEFENCE Exercise Garuda Shakti begins; SIMBEX-2026 concludes
- Garuda Shakti: Banyuwangi (Indonesia), Oct 27 - Nov 6; Indian unit Parachute Regiment (SF); jungle ops.
- SIMBEX: Oct 21-26; harbour + sea phase in Bay of Bengal; RSS Supreme with INS Nilgiri, INS Kamorta.
- SIMBEX began in 1994 as 'Exercise Lion King'.
- NGOPV 'Srishti' (Yard 1283) launched at Goa Shipyard on Oct 27.
ENVIRONMENT Great Indian Bustard rewilding: releases paused after fox kill
- 11 birds selected; 4 released - 2 on Oct 4, 2 males on Oct 14.
- A six-month-old male was killed by a fox on Oct 18 at a pond in Sam area.
- Wildlife Institute of India reviewing protocols before releasing the other 7.
- Breeding centre at Sam, Jaisalmer; species is Critically Endangered.
29 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar Cabinet clears Rs 11,096.55-crore low-tension power network upgrade
- Outlay Rs 11,096.55 crore, phased over up to 3 years.
- NBPDCL Rs 6,066 cr; SBPDCL Rs 5,030.55 cr — loans with state guarantee.
- Peak demand up from 1,802 MW (2012) to 9,475 MW.
- Work: higher-capacity LT aerial bundled cables + upgrade of overloaded distribution transformers.
BIHAR 24-dam safety audit and flood-plain zoning of Kosi, Gandak and Son approved
- 24 dams, Rs 8.39 cr, under the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
- Hydrographic & sediment surveys, spillway checks, dam-break analysis, emergency plans, O&M manuals.
- Flood Plain Zone Delineation study of Kosi, Gandak, Son with NIH Roorkee — Rs 1.99 cr.
- Emergency plans to be made with district administrations and disaster agencies.
BIHAR MSME Policy 2026 and Bio-Fuel & CBG Policy 2026 get cabinet nod; new sugar mill at Warisaliganj
- 5-year targets: 1 crore entrepreneur families, 1 crore direct + indirect jobs.
- 75% credit-deposit ratio, an industrial cluster in every district, MSME centres in all 38 districts.
- CBG feedstock: crop residue, animal waste, municipal solid waste, press mud; tracked via Single Window Portal.
- Under Saat Nischay-3: new mill + distillery + CBG plant at Warisaliganj (Nawada); Motipur (Muzaffarpur) land split 115.08 / 151.58 acres.
BIHAR Patna underground road study, three new road corridors and UDAN viability gap funding
- Rs 18.21 cr study: R Block–Kankarbagh, Dak Bungalow–Patna Women's College.
- Rs 37.10 cr consultancy: Vishwamitra Path (Buxar–Ara–Maner, 90 km), Ganga Ambika Path (Bidupur–Dighwara, 56 km), Narayani Path (Gopalganj, 73.51 km).
- Rs 43.50 cr VGF to AAI for UDAN (May 2026–Sep 2028, Rs 1.5 cr/month).
- Rs 58.80 cr private hostel aid for ~49,000 engineering/polytechnic students (Rs 1,000/bed).
POLITY Bihar Legislative Council polls: BJP wins 3 of 8 seats, Jan Suraaj opens account
- Tally: BJP 3, JD(U) 1, RJD 1, Jan Suraaj 1, Independents 2 (NDA = 4).
- Patna Graduates: Neeraj Kumar (JD(U)); Kosi Graduates: Dr N.K. Yadav (BJP), margin 10,026.
- Darbhanga Teachers: Dr Suresh Prasad Rai — first MLC for Jan Suraaj.
- Turnout: 82.85% (Teachers) vs ~53% (Graduates).
BIHAR Governor-Chancellor freezes policy decisions at six universities as VC tenures end
- Covers LNMU & KSDSU (Darbhanga), JPU (Chapra), BNMU (Madhepura), AKU (Patna), BRABU (Muzaffarpur).
- Barred: new appointments, transfers, policy decisions, schemes creating fresh financial liabilities.
- Issued by Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor; copies to the Higher Education Department.
ECONOMY Union Cabinet approves Rs 10,000-crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme
- Period FY 2027-28 to FY 2039-40 (3 yrs set-up + 10 yrs production support).
- Capacity ~70,000 → 7.5 lakh TEUs; domestic content 70% → 90%.
- Split: opex Rs 8,891 cr, interest subvention (3%) Rs 859 cr, testing Rs 150 cr, admin Rs 100 cr.
- Eligibility: greenfield ≥1 lakh TEU/yr; brownfield ≥25,000 TEU; port land at 25% of notified rate.
ENVIRONMENT Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab makes landfall near Yanam
- Sustained winds 125–135 km/h, gusts ~150 km/h; weakened to SCS by 8:30 am.
- About 4 lakh people marked for evacuation in AP; Odisha planned 48,000.
- Odisha alert districts incl. Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri.
- IMD forecast heavy rain at isolated places in Bihar on 29 Oct.
ENVIRONMENT India reaffirms Kunming-Montreal biodiversity commitments at CBD COP-17, Yerevan
- India's updated NBSAP: 23 national targets, 142 indicators.
- India now has 1,134 Protected Areas, 103 Ramsar sites, 57 BHS, 18 Biosphere Reserves.
- Demands predictable finance & tech transfer; backs Cali Fund for DSI benefit-sharing.
- Precautionary approach to synthetic biology.
IR India and Mexico launch Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations
- Bilateral trade FY26 ~US$ 7.83 bn; India's exports US$ 5.73 bn.
- Auto exports to Mexico US$ 1.92 bn; tariffs hit 1,463 items.
- Builds on the Modi–Sheinbaum understanding at the G7, Canada (June 2025).
SCI-TECH PM inaugurates Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026
- 5,000+ delegates; Nobel laureates Joachim Frank and Richard J. Roberts spoke.
- 12 priority areas incl. quantum communication, generative AI, semiconductor fabrication.
- Funding via Rs 1 lakh crore RDI Fund and ANRF.
- Startups grew from ~400 (2014) to 2.3 lakh+; 50–60% in Tier-2/3 cities.
30 October 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar Cabinet clears ₹11,096 cr power-grid upgrade, Patna underground road study & new sugar mill
- ₹11,096.55 cr: NBPDCL ₹6,066 cr + SBPDCL ₹5,030.55 cr, over up to 3 years.
- ₹18.21 cr feasibility study for Patna underground road (R Block-Kankarbagh; Dak Bungalow-Patna Women's College).
- Closed Motipur sugar mill (Muzaffarpur, 266 acres) split; new sugar mill at Warisaliganj (Nawada).
- ₹43.50 cr VGF under UDAN (₹1.5 cr/month, May 2026-Sep 2028); ₹58.80 cr hostel aid for ~49,000 students.
- Consultancy for Vishwamitra Path (Buxar-Ara-Maner, 90 km), Ganga Ambika Path (56 km), Narayani Path (73.51 km).
BIHAR Flood-plain zoning of Kosi, Gandak & Son; safety audit of 24 dams
- ₹1.99 cr study on Kosi, Gandak and Son with National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee.
- ₹8.39 cr to assess 24 dams under the Dam Safety Act, 2021 within 8 months.
- Kosi is called the 'Sorrow of Bihar'; ~73% of Bihar's area is flood-prone (state data).
- Zoning will mark areas for regulated construction, helping embankment and drainage planning.
BIHAR Ganga Water Treaty: Bihar seeks 10,000 cusecs, national silt policy
- Treaty signed 12 Dec 1996 for 30 years; expires 11 Dec 2026; shares lean-season flow at Farakka Barrage.
- Bihar's assessment (projected to 2051): minimum ~10,000 cusecs in January-May.
- Bihar framed a silt management policy (2026); seeks a national silt policy with dedicated fund.
- CM was slated to raise Farakka-linked flooding at the 19th Ganga Flood Control Commission (GFCC) meeting (27 Oct).
ENVIRONMENT Cyclone Arnab remnant: red alert in Sitamarhi, Madhubani
- Red: Sitamarhi, Madhubani; Orange: Darbhanga, Sheohar, East & West Champaran (winds 40-50 kmph).
- Yellow alert for Patna and other districts (rain, lightning).
- Landfall near Kakinada; winds 125-135 km/h gusting 150 km/h.
- Name 'Arnab' (ocean) proposed by Bangladesh; formed over the Bay of Bengal.
BIHAR Bihar plans 28 new industrial areas; MSME Policy 2026 gets nod
- 28 new industrial areas in 25 districts; land acquisition for ~14,600 acres; 94 existing areas.
- 1,091 proposals worth ₹1,21,863 cr since 2025 (potential 68,807 jobs).
- Bihar Integrated Manufacturing City, Dobhi (Gaya), ~1,670 acres; Mega Food Park, Muzaffarpur (143 acres).
- MSME Policy targets: an industrial cluster in every district, MSME centres in all 38 districts.
SOCIETY Month-long anti-drug drive across Bihar till 26 November
- Campaign runs till 26 November; aim to reach every household.
- Charas seizures 282 kg (2024) to 400 kg (2025); heroin 42 to 65 kg; opium 77 kg in 2025.
- Linked to the national goal of a drug-free India by 2029.
- Bihar has enforced total liquor prohibition since 2016.
POLITY SC: banks must compensate digital-arrest victims if due diligence failed
- 21,928 digital-arrest complaints involving over ₹647 cr (Jan-Aug 2026).
- Court to examine RBI's proposed KYC amendments, expected by 30 Nov.
- Stressed prosecution of colluding bank staff and alerts on unusual withdrawals by senior citizens.
- Observations at hearing stage; final compensation framework still awaited.
ECONOMY PM-KISAN 24th instalment released today from Banaskantha
- ~9.34 crore farmer families get ₹2,000 each (~₹18,680 cr in all).
- 23rd instalment (20 Jun 2026): ₹18,880 cr to 9.44 crore+ families.
- ₹6,000/year in 3 instalments; operational from 1 Dec 2018; 100% Centre-funded.
- e-KYC mandatory; income-tax payers and govt employees excluded.
ECONOMY Centre hikes DA/DR by 3 points to 63% ahead of festive season
- Effective 1 July 2026 (retrospective).
- Benefits 48.54 lakh employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners.
- Annual cost: ₹10,016.10 crore.
- DA is revised twice a year (Jan & Jul) based on CPI-IW.
SCI-TECH ISRO's NVS-03 to lift off tonight on GSLV-F18 to bolster NavIC
- Third of five second-gen satellites (NVS-01 to NVS-05); NVS-01 flew on 29 May 2023.
- Carries an indigenous atomic clock; adds L1-band signals to existing L5 & S bands.
- NavIC covers India + ~1,500 km beyond its boundary.
- Aims to restore continuity of IRNSS services.
IR 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu: India offers counter-terror expertise to ASEAN
- Theme: 'Navigating Our Future, Together'; India backs ASEAN centrality and UNCLOS.
- India & Malaysia co-chair the Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (2024-27).
- 2026 is the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation; proposed a defence 'Youth Bridge'.
- Navy anti-piracy deployment in the Gulf of Aden since 2008.
Prelims rapid-fire — 120 facts
| Bihar birth/death registration: Free within 21 days; 1–2 years late needs SDM/DM approval (from 1 Oct). |
| Patna property tax: Unpaid dues in PMC areas attract 1.5% monthly interest from 1 Oct. |
| LPG subsidy: Needs Biometric Aadhaar Authentication from 1 Oct 2026. |
| RBI MPC: Meets 5–7 Oct; repo 5.25%; CPI (Aug) 4.82%. |
| Asian Games 2026: Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, 19 Sept–4 Oct; India's first gold – women's cricket. |
| Gandhi Jayanti (2 Oct): Gandhi's first satyagraha in India – Champaran, 1917. |
| Gandhi Jayanti (2 Oct 2026): 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and 120th of Lal Bahadur Shastri (born 1904, Mughalsarai). |
| International Day of Older Persons (1 Oct) 2026 theme: 'The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives'. |
| Shaheed Jubba Sahani University of Architecture & Civil Engineering (Bihar) gets 34 new posts; named after a Quit India martyr from Muzaffarpur. |
| Bihar Cabinet approved 871 operators under the Digital Mitra / Kushal Yuva Programme. |
| National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): outlay ₹19,744 crore; target 5 MMT/year by 2030. |
| Asian Games 2026: Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, 19 Sept – 4 Oct; India's flag-bearers Manu Bhaker & Pawan Sehrawat. |
| World Teachers' Day - 5 October (observed since 1994). |
| Wildlife Week in India - 2-8 October. |
| Mahatma Gandhi Setu (Patna-Hajipur) - 5.75 km, opened 1982. |
| Bihar cabinet cleared ₹3,516 crore for Vishnupad Temple (Gaya) development on 15 Sept 2026. |
| Valmiki Tiger Reserve (West Champaran) - Bihar's first tiger reserve, on the Gandak. |
| Next Asian Games: Doha 2030; first Asian Games: New Delhi 1951. |
| Bihar's Ramsar sites — 5 — Kanwar (Begusarai), Nagi & Nakti (Jamui), Gokul Jalashay (Buxar), Udaipur Jheel (W. Champaran); Ghatora wetland now in recognition process |
| National Dolphin Day — 5 October (first observed 2022) |
| Gaya Pitru Paksha Mela 2026 — 25 Sept – 10 Oct; Vishnupad Temple on the Falgu |
| Next Asian Games — Doha, Qatar — 2030 |
| IWC-70 (whaling commission) — Hobart, Australia; Hobart Declaration; India member since 1981 |
| New MD & CEO, HDFC Bank — Anup Bagchi — from 27 Oct 2026; first external appointee |
| 10th India Mobile Congress - 7-10 October 2026, Yashobhoomi, New Delhi (DoT + COAI) |
| Bihar Pitru Paksha Mela 2026 - 25 Sep to 10 Oct, Gaya ji; 2,500-bed tent city |
| Valmikinagar barrage on the Gandak - West Champaran, on the India-Nepal border |
| NABKISAN (NABARD arm) listed India's first WASH social bond - ₹180 crore, 8.10% coupon |
| Indian Air Force Day - 8 October (IAF formed in 1932) |
| Bihar Vidhan Parishad - 75 members; Art. 169 for creation/abolition of Councils |
| Chemistry Nobel 2026: Henri Kagan (France) & Kenso Soai (Japan) — non-linear effects & asymmetric autocatalysis. |
| IMC 2026 (10th edition) opened by PM on 8 Oct at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi; theme 'Scale Without Boundaries'. |
| Mountain Guardian 2026: India–UAE army exercise, 5–18 Oct, Chaubatia (Uttarakhand). |
| Asian Games 2026 (Aichi-Nagoya): India 4th with 85 medals (21 gold); Doha hosts 2030. |
| 57th GST Council met on 8 Oct; agenda: faster refunds, arrest powers (Sec 69, CGST Act); Council under Art. 279A. |
| Bihar: Gandak peak 5.435 lakh cusecs at Valmikinagar; all-time record 5.625 lakh cusecs (28 Sept 2024). |
| Bihar State Commission for Upper Castes (Chair Mahachandra Prasad Singh) begins district-wise survey of landless upper-caste families for vasgeet parcha. |
| Bihar expects ~20,000 Durga Puja pandals (Patna 1,500 registered); Shardiya Navratri begins 11 Oct. |
| Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (MP) — first tiger reserve to get African cheetahs (Vyom & Neera from Botswana). |
| SAREX-2026: 12th National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise by the Indian Coast Guard off Paradip, Odisha. |
| MoSPI released strategy for Environmental-Economic Accounts 2026–2030 (forests, water, soil, carbon, biodiversity). |
| Smriti Mandhana named full-time captain of India's women's white-ball cricket teams. |
| JP Jayanti (11 Oct) — Jayaprakash Narayan was born at Sitab Diara (Saran); led the 1974 'Sampoorna Kranti'; Bharat Ratna 1999 |
| Patna Ramleela 2026 — Held at Gandhi Maidan; Ravan Dahan on 20 October |
| Bihar Pension Day — ₹1,237.48 crore transferred by DBT on 10 October 2026 |
| 57th GST Council — Sec 69 CGST Act (arrest power) omitted; once-a-year rate review |
| RBI policy corridor — SDF 5.25% | Repo 5.50% | MSF 5.75% |
| Nobel Literature 2026 — Anne Carson (Canada); Peace: Navi Pillay (South Africa) |
| Vaishali will host Bihar's first International Buddhist Conference on 11–13 Dec 2026 at the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa. |
| Bihar cabinet: Mukhya Mantri Hemophilia Yojana for 255 patients using Emicizumab. |
| Retail CPI (new base 2024) at 5.54% in Sep 2026; onion inflation 108.09%. |
| RBI hiked the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50% on 7 Oct 2026. |
| WWF Living Planet Report 2026: average 73% fall in monitored wildlife populations (1970–2022); freshwater 85%. |
| UNCTAD Trade & Development Report 2026: India the fastest-growing large economy at 7.3% in 2026. |
| BHAVYA (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana): ₹33,660 crore for 100 plug-and-play industrial parks, 2026-27 to 2031-32. |
| First ASEAN–India Defence Think Tank Forum held at MP-IDSA, New Delhi on 14–15 October 2026. |
| Bihar cabinet (12 Oct): ₹575.36 crore grid substation at Pipra (Supaul); 72 MLD Ganga-based water scheme for Mahua–Chehrakalan (Vaishali). |
| Munger water scheme (₹279.51 crore, 22 MLD) draws on Kharagpur Lake for 177 wards. |
| RBI repo rate: 5.50% after a 25 bps hike on 7 October 2026. |
| Mahila Kisan Diwas — 15 October; women farmers honoured at ICAR–RCER, Patna. |
| Bihar Police is building a GIS portal to map police-station boundaries; 968+ stations/outposts already on CCTNS. |
| India's Ramsar sites reach 103 with Sukhna (Chandigarh) and Sauj Jheel (UP); Bihar has 5 incl. Kanwar Jheel (Begusarai). |
| Saharsa Airport to get a new runway & terminal under a Rs 42.52 crore AAI plan. |
| CISF reorganised into specialised sectors (Steel–Bhilai, Coal–Ranchi, Power–Kolkata); Buxar TPP now under Power sector. |
| Asian Para Games 2026: Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, 18–24 Oct; India fields 168 para-athletes. |
| Centre caps trade margins at 30% on 137 anti-cancer medicines; new prices from 9 Nov 2026. |
| Bihar: VAT on ATF at RCS (UDAN) airports cut from 1% to zero (cabinet, 30 Sep). |
| Bihar: Mukhya Mantri Hemophilia Yojana — Emicizumab for 255 registered patients. |
| SC (Justices P.S. Narasimha & Alok Aradhe): no mid-course fee hikes in professional courses. |
| CISF moves to sector-based commands (Power, Coal, Steel, Ports...) from 1 Nov 2026. |
| Basawan, Akbar-era painter: *A Family of Cheetahs* sold for £10.245 million. |
| Baltic Sea: world's largest brackish water body; 9 bordering countries. |
| Bihar's first Tech Park (Gardanibagh, Patna) to be built by — NBCC – ~5,000 direct jobs |
| Varanasi–Kolkata Expressway length in Bihar — 162 km across 4 districts |
| AUSTRAHIND 2026 (5th edition) venue — Thiruvananthapuram, 19 Oct–1 Nov |
| Vikramshila Setu spans the Ganga at — Bhagalpur; restoration target Nov 2026 |
| Chair of Bihar Cabinet meeting on 23 Oct — CM Samrat Choudhary |
| Bihar Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana max support — Rs 10 lakh (Rs 5 lakh grant + Rs 5 lakh loan) |
| Bhojpuri folk singer Manisha Srivastava (Kargahar, Rohtas) wins Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 of Sangeet Natak Akademi – the only Bihar awardee among 106. |
| Governor Syed Ata Hasnain urges IFS officers to engage the Bihari diaspora via Bihar Foundation. |
| AIIMS Patna performs its first kidney transplant under Ayushman Bharat (AB PM-JAY). |
| Vikramshila Setu (Bhagalpur, over Ganga) to get a digital bridge health monitoring system. |
| Asian Para Games, Aichi-Nagoya (Japan): Sheetal Devi–Toman Kumar win archery compound gold. |
| Army Commanders' Conference (New Delhi, 21–23 Oct): new Land Warfare Doctrine to be released. |
| Asian Para Games 2026: Aichi–Nagoya, Japan (18–24 Oct); India had 35 medals (9 gold) by 20 Oct. |
| Bihar Cabinet meets today (5 PM) under CM Samrat Choudhary. |
| Bihar STET 2026 shifted from 4 Nov to 21 Nov. |
| Patna Junction decongestion: 5 new platforms at Harding Park terminal. |
| Vikramshila Setu (Ganga, Bhagalpur) to get a digital bridge health monitoring system. |
| IBSA was formalised by the Brasilia Declaration (6 June 2003). |
| CVC: Vigilance Awareness Week: 26 Oct–1 Nov 2026, theme 'Probity for Prosperity'; CVC set up 1964 (Santhanam Committee). |
| J&K: 26 Oct 1947: Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession; observed as Accession Day. |
| Weather: Bay of Bengal system to become a cyclonic storm; IMD Patna warns of rain/thunderstorms in Bihar 27 Oct–1 Nov. |
| Culture: Rajgir Mahotsav 2026 on 26–28 Nov; Saran readies 500 toilets for Sonpur Mela. |
| Patna: Patna's New Market to be redeveloped at ₹498.40 crore; 53 ghats & 5 ponds for Chhath. |
| Investment: Bihar Business Connect 2027 global investors' summit fixed for 17–18 Feb 2027. |
| Ashoke Sen (ICTS Bengaluru) – first Indian to receive the Oskar Klein Medal (instituted 1988) for string theory. |
| Bodhana Sivanandan (age 11) – youngest female International Master in chess, breaking Judit Polgar's 1988 record. |
| Ahmedabad will host the 2029 Senior World Weightlifting Championships – India's first. |
| Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026: 1 lakh tonnes/year by 2031; nodal agency BREDA; about ₹16,000 crore investment. |
| Bihar Cabinet meets on 28 Oct under CM Samrat Choudhary, with focus on youth-employment proposals. |
| AgriStack: 11 crore Farmer IDs generated (23 Oct 2026) under the Digital Agriculture Mission. |
| Bihar EOU: Daroga recruitment paper leak - booklets taken out of a Purnia centre; FIR lodged. |
| Nalanda Medical College, Patna: 146 students of 2025 batch suspended for 3 months over ragging. |
| Bihar is one of 6 states with a Legislative Council (others: UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP, Telangana); strength 75. |
| SC issued notice to Centre on news publishers' plea against DPDP Act, 2023 (no journalism exemption). |
| SC Collegium recommended four judges as High Court Chief Justices. |
| Project ARUNANK (BRO, Arunachal) marked 19th Raising Day; est. 2008, HQ Naharlagun. |
| Bihar State Games 2026: Rs 12 cr, ~5,500 players, 24 disciplines; logistics by Bihar Olympic Association. |
| 143 posts for regional Economic Offences Unit; new City SP posts at Motihari, Purnia, Saran. |
| Two District Judge-level posts for commercial courts in Patna (disputes > Rs 1 crore). |
| INS Srishti (Yard 1283) — 4th Next Generation OPV — launched at Goa Shipyard on 27 Oct. |
| Earthshot Prize 2026 to be held in Mumbai (16–17 Nov) — first time in India. |
| Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada: 1–15 Nov 2026, culminating on Birsa Munda Jayanti. |
| NBPDCL & SBPDCL: Bihar's two power DISCOMs (north & south), formed after the 2012 unbundling of BSEB. |
| Warisaliganj (Nawada) to get a new sugar mill; Motipur mill is in Muzaffarpur. |
| Bihar State Games 2026: ₹12 cr, ~5,500 players, 24 disciplines. |
| 143 posts sanctioned for regional Economic Offences Unit; new City SP posts for Motihari, Purnia, Saran. |
| Green hydrogen offtake commitments in India exceed 5.5 lakh MTPA (Oct 2026). |
| 14th International Tourism Mart opened in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. |
Data points of the period
₹2,03,521 crore (+14.7% YoY)
Gross GST collection – September 2026
Domestic ₹1,37,996 cr (+10.1%), imports ₹65,525 cr (+25.9%); refunds ₹27,001 cr; net GST ₹1,76,520 cr (+18.1%). Above ₹2 lakh crore for the third straight month; H1 FY27 total ₹12,46,278 cr (+11.6%). GST Council meets on 7 Oct.
Domestic ₹1,37,996 cr (+10.1%), imports ₹65,525 cr (+25.9%); refunds ₹27,001 cr; net GST ₹1,76,520 cr (+18.1%). Above ₹2 lakh crore for the third straight month; H1 FY27 total ₹12,46,278 cr (+11.6%). GST Council meets on 7 Oct.
₹2.04 lakh crore
Gross GST collection — September 2026
Gross ₹2,04,050 crore, up 14.7% from ₹1,77,279 crore (Sept 2025); net after refunds ₹1,77,049 crore (+18.1%). Import GST ₹65,525 crore (+25.9%); domestic ₹1.38 lakh crore (+10.1%). April–September gross: ₹12.46 lakh crore (+11.6%). GST came via the 101st Amendment (2016); GST Council under Art. 279A.
Gross ₹2,04,050 crore, up 14.7% from ₹1,77,279 crore (Sept 2025); net after refunds ₹1,77,049 crore (+18.1%). Import GST ₹65,525 crore (+25.9%); domestic ₹1.38 lakh crore (+10.1%). April–September gross: ₹12.46 lakh crore (+11.6%). GST came via the 101st Amendment (2016); GST Council under Art. 279A.
₹2.04 lakh crore
Gross GST collection - September 2026
Up 14.7% year-on-year (₹2,03,521 crore) - the third straight month above ₹2 lakh crore. Net GST ₹1.77 lakh crore (+18.1%); H1 FY 2026-27 gross ₹12.46 lakh crore (+11.6%). IGST ₹1,20,396 cr, SGST ₹45,363 cr, CGST ₹37,762 cr.
Up 14.7% year-on-year (₹2,03,521 crore) - the third straight month above ₹2 lakh crore. Net GST ₹1.77 lakh crore (+18.1%); H1 FY 2026-27 gross ₹12.46 lakh crore (+11.6%). IGST ₹1,20,396 cr, SGST ₹45,363 cr, CGST ₹37,762 cr.
55.1
India Manufacturing PMI — September 2026
Up from 52.8 in August; strongest since February 2026 as new orders and hiring rebounded. A reading above 50 means expansion.
Up from 52.8 in August; strongest since February 2026 as new orders and hiring rebounded. A reading above 50 means expansion.
5.50%
RBI Repo Rate (7 Oct 2026)
Up 25 bps from 5.25% - first hike since Feb 2023. Corridor: SDF 5.25% to MSF 5.75%. FY27: GDP 7.1%, CPI 5.2%. Costlier loans mean higher EMIs for Bihar's MSMEs and home buyers; FD rates may rise.
Up 25 bps from 5.25% - first hike since Feb 2023. Corridor: SDF 5.25% to MSF 5.75%. FY27: GDP 7.1%, CPI 5.2%. Costlier loans mean higher EMIs for Bihar's MSMEs and home buyers; FD rates may rise.
1 lakh tonnes / year
Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026 — production target by 2031
Draft policy cleared by the state Cabinet (reported 1 Oct): expected ₹16,000 crore investment, ~12,000 jobs, 1 GW electrolyser manufacturing and 2.5 GW linked renewable capacity; nodal agency BREDA; aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023).
Draft policy cleared by the state Cabinet (reported 1 Oct): expected ₹16,000 crore investment, ~12,000 jobs, 1 GW electrolyser manufacturing and 2.5 GW linked renewable capacity; nodal agency BREDA; aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023).
≈42,000 documents (≈6× August)
Bihar paperless e-registrations, September 2026
Jul ~1,200 → Aug ~6,800 → Sep ~42,000; 55,495 since launch; ~2,500/day now; Sept revenue ₹397+ crore; e-vaulting target 9 Oct 2026.
Jul ~1,200 → Aug ~6,800 → Sep ~42,000; 55,495 since launch; ~2,500/day now; Sept revenue ₹397+ crore; e-vaulting target 9 Oct 2026.
7.1%
India's FY27 GDP growth forecast (World Bank, October 2026)
Up from 6.6%; RBI also projects 7.1%. Q1 FY27 growth was 7.8%; South Asia is forecast at 6.9% for 2026.
Up from 6.6%; RBI also projects 7.1%. Q1 FY27 growth was 7.8%; South Asia is forecast at 6.9% for 2026.
11.39%
WPI inflation, September 2026 (released 14 Oct)
Up from 9.92% in August: fuel & power 25.85%, manufactured products 9.76% (series high), food index 8.66%. Retail CPI hit a 23-month high of 5.54% (food 7.74%), driven by the West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz blockade; RBI raised the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50% on 7 Oct.
Up from 9.92% in August: fuel & power 25.85%, manufactured products 9.76% (series high), food index 8.66%. Retail CPI hit a 23-month high of 5.54% (food 7.74%), driven by the West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz blockade; RBI raised the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50% on 7 Oct.
11.39%
WPI inflation, September 2026
Wholesale inflation rose from 9.92% in August, led by fuel & power (25.85%); retail CPI rose to 5.54% (food 7.74%, rural 6.08%). The RBI raised the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50% on 7 October — its first hike since February 2023.
Wholesale inflation rose from 9.92% in August, led by fuel & power (25.85%); retail CPI rose to 5.54% (food 7.74%, rural 6.08%). The RBI raised the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50% on 7 October — its first hike since February 2023.
Rs 1,64,518 crore
Bihar's NH outlay under Annual Plan 2026-27
For 32 projects covering 2,424 km — about Rs 68 crore per km; NHAI carries 84.8% of the cost (Rs 1,39,578 cr, 1,685 km).
For 32 projects covering 2,424 km — about Rs 68 crore per km; NHAI carries 84.8% of the cost (Rs 1,39,578 cr, 1,685 km).
66.03 lakh MT
Bihar maize output, 2024-25
Grown on 9.55 lakh ha; feeds Bihar's grain-ethanol plants (10 major units: 47.64 crore L/yr capacity). Today's 2026-27 tender cuts the maize-ethanol price to ₹68.86/L.
Grown on 9.55 lakh ha; feeds Bihar's grain-ethanol plants (10 major units: 47.64 crore L/yr capacity). Today's 2026-27 tender cuts the maize-ethanol price to ₹68.86/L.
5.0%
PLFS (Sept 2026) – All-India unemployment rate (15+, CWS)
Unchanged from August. Urban UR 6.9%, rural 4.2%; LFPR 55.5%, WPR 52.7%. Urban female LFPR 25.9% – the highest since October 2025. Released by the NSO (MoSPI) in its monthly bulletin.
Unchanged from August. Urban UR 6.9%, rural 4.2%; LFPR 55.5%, WPR 52.7%. Urban female LFPR 25.9% – the highest since October 2025. Released by the NSO (MoSPI) in its monthly bulletin.
7.9%
Index of Eight Core Industries – September 2026 growth (YoY)
Highest since the new series (base 2022-23) began in April 2024; index 118.3 vs 109.6; April–September growth 5.1%.
Highest since the new series (base 2022-23) began in April 2024; index 118.3 vs 109.6; April–September growth 5.1%.
5.54%
Retail (CPI) inflation, September 2026
Up from 4.83% in August; rural 6.08% vs urban 4.88%; food inflation 7.74% (onion prices up 108% y-o-y). Still within the RBI's 2–6% band but above the 4% target — rural-heavy Bihar feels food inflation more.
Up from 4.83% in August; rural 6.08% vs urban 4.88%; food inflation 7.74% (onion prices up 108% y-o-y). Still within the RBI's 2–6% band but above the 4% target — rural-heavy Bihar feels food inflation more.
60.17%
Bihar's Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio — 30 September 2026
Deposits ₹6,49,225 crore vs outstanding credit ₹3,90,655 crore; ratio slipped from 60.21% at end of FY 2025-26. Banks with CD ratio below 50% flagged; ACP 2026-27 only 38.25% achieved by mid-year.
Deposits ₹6,49,225 crore vs outstanding credit ₹3,90,655 crore; ratio slipped from 60.21% at end of FY 2025-26. Banks with CD ratio below 50% flagged; ACP 2026-27 only 38.25% achieved by mid-year.
US$ 1 trillion by 2040
India's chemicals-sector size target (India Chem 2026)
The 14th India Chem (22–24 Oct 2026, Mumbai; theme 'Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub'), organised by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals and inaugurated by Union Minister J.P. Nadda, set targets of US$ 300 bn by 2030, US$ 1 trillion by 2040 and about US$ 1.6 trillion by 2047.
The 14th India Chem (22–24 Oct 2026, Mumbai; theme 'Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub'), organised by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals and inaugurated by Union Minister J.P. Nadda, set targets of US$ 300 bn by 2030, US$ 1 trillion by 2040 and about US$ 1.6 trillion by 2047.
$5.71 bn (~29% of $19.81 bn equity inflow)
Japan - India's No. 1 FDI source, Q1 FY27 (Apr-Jun 2026)
Record Japanese inflow, driven largely by a $4.4 bn banking-sector deal; context for the Rs 8-10 lakh crore investment pitch made on Oct 27-28. FDI equity data are released by DPIIT.
Record Japanese inflow, driven largely by a $4.4 bn banking-sector deal; context for the Rs 8-10 lakh crore investment pitch made on Oct 27-28. FDI equity data are released by DPIIT.
1,802 MW → 9,475 MW (~5.3x)
Bihar peak power demand (2012 → 2026)
The jump explains the cabinet's Rs 11,096.55 crore LT network upgrade — overloaded cables and transformers are now the bottleneck, not generation alone.
The jump explains the cabinet's Rs 11,096.55 crore LT network upgrade — overloaded cables and transformers are now the bottleneck, not generation alone.
7.3%
India's FY27 real GDP growth forecast (Finance Ministry, October economic review)
Above the RBI's 7.1% projection issued earlier in October; the ministry flagged crude oil and inflation as key risks.
Above the RBI's 7.1% projection issued earlier in October; the ministry flagged crude oil and inflation as key risks.
40 practice MCQs — BPSC Prelims pattern
Q1. With reference to the Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026, consider the following statements: 1. It targets production of 1 lakh tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2031. 2. Bihar State Power Holding Company is its nodal agency. 3. It envisages 1 GW of electrolyser capacity. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
The nodal agency is BREDA (Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency), so statement 2 is wrong. The target is 1 lakh tonnes/yr by 2031 with 1 GW electrolysers.
The nodal agency is BREDA (Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency), so statement 2 is wrong. The target is 1 lakh tonnes/yr by 2031 with 1 GW electrolysers.
Q2. The Gandak river, which recently crossed its highest flood level in Bihar, enters the state at which of the following places and joins the Ganga near which town?
- Raxaul; Patna
- Valmikinagar; Hajipur–Sonepur
- Birpur; Kursela
- Jogbani; Munger
Show answer
Answer: B
The Gandak enters Bihar at Valmikinagar (West Champaran), where the Gandak barrage stands, and meets the Ganga near Hajipur–Sonepur. Birpur is near the Kosi barrage.
The Gandak enters Bihar at Valmikinagar (West Champaran), where the Gandak barrage stands, and meets the Ganga near Hajipur–Sonepur. Birpur is near the Kosi barrage.
Q3. Consider the following statements about the Gandak river: 1. It is known as the Narayani in Nepal. 2. The Valmikinagar barrage on it was built under an Indo-Nepal agreement of 1959. 3. It joins the Ganga near Hajipur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: d
All three are correct: Narayani is its Nepali name, Valmikinagar barrage came under the Gandak Agreement (1959), and it meets the Ganga at Hajipur–Sonepur.
All three are correct: Narayani is its Nepali name, Valmikinagar barrage came under the Gandak Agreement (1959), and it meets the Ganga at Hajipur–Sonepur.
Q4. Under which Article of the Constitution can the Governor of a state remit the sentence of a person convicted of an offence against a state law?
- Article 72
- Article 161
- Article 163
- Article 213
Show answer
Answer: b
Art. 161 gives the Governor pardoning powers for state-law offences; Art. 72 is the President's power, Art. 163 concerns the Council of Ministers and Art. 213 ordinances.
Art. 161 gives the Governor pardoning powers for state-law offences; Art. 72 is the President's power, Art. 163 concerns the Council of Ministers and Art. 213 ordinances.
Q5. With reference to Rajendra Setu and the new Mokama rail bridge, consider the following statements: 1. Rajendra Setu connects Mokama with Simaria in Begusarai district. 2. Rajendra Setu was opened in 1959 by Jawaharlal Nehru. 3. The new bridge is a single-line road bridge built downstream of Bhagalpur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The new structure is a 1.9 km double-line rail bridge at Mokama, about 50 m from Rajendra Setu - not a road bridge near Bhagalpur.
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The new structure is a 1.9 km double-line rail bridge at Mokama, about 50 m from Rajendra Setu - not a road bridge near Bhagalpur.
Q6. Under the Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026 approved on 30 September 2026, the annual green hydrogen/ammonia production target for 2031 is:
- 50,000 tonnes
- 1 lakh tonnes
- 5 lakh tonnes
- 5 million tonnes
Show answer
Answer: B
The policy targets 1 lakh tonnes (0.1 MMT) per year by 2031 with 1 GW electrolysers; 5 MMT by 2030 is the national mission target.
The policy targets 1 lakh tonnes (0.1 MMT) per year by 2031 with 1 GW electrolysers; 5 MMT by 2030 is the national mission target.
Q7. Consider the following statements about the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary: 1. It extends from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon in Bihar. 2. The Gangetic dolphin is India's National Aquatic Animal. 3. The Gangetic dolphin is listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
The sanctuary (notified 1991) covers the Sultanganj–Kahalgaon stretch; the dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal (2009) but is Endangered, not Vulnerable, on the IUCN list.
The sanctuary (notified 1991) covers the Sultanganj–Kahalgaon stretch; the dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal (2009) but is Endangered, not Vulnerable, on the IUCN list.
Q8. The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for discoveries concerning:
- mRNA vaccine technology
- Light-gated ion channels and optogenetics
- MicroRNA and gene regulation
- Peripheral immune tolerance
Show answer
Answer: B
Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel were honoured for channelrhodopsin and optogenetics — controlling neurons with light.
Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel were honoured for channelrhodopsin and optogenetics — controlling neurons with light.
Q9. With reference to the RBI's monetary policy of 7 October 2026, consider the following statements: 1. The repo rate was raised to 5.50%. 2. The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate is now the ceiling of the policy corridor. 3. The MPC is constituted under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, 1934. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
Repo is now 5.50% and the MPC is under Sec 45ZB. The SDF (5.25%) is the floor; the MSF (5.75%) is the ceiling.
Repo is now 5.50% and the MPC is under Sec 45ZB. The SDF (5.25%) is the floor; the MSF (5.75%) is the ceiling.
Q10. The Valmikinagar barrage, where a record flood discharge was recorded in the 2026 Bihar floods, is located on which river?
- Kosi
- Gandak
- Bagmati
- Son
Show answer
Answer: B
Valmikinagar barrage (West Champaran) is on the Gandak (Narayani), built under the 1959 India-Nepal Gandak Agreement; the Kosi barrage is at Bhimnagar (Nepal).
Valmikinagar barrage (West Champaran) is on the Gandak (Narayani), built under the 1959 India-Nepal Gandak Agreement; the Kosi barrage is at Bhimnagar (Nepal).
Q11. Consider the following statements about the RBI monetary policy of 7 October 2026: 1. The repo rate was raised to 5.50%. 2. The Standing Deposit Facility rate forms the ceiling of the policy corridor. 3. The Monetary Policy Committee is constituted under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, 1934. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
Repo is 5.50% and the MPC is under Sec 45ZB. The SDF (5.25%) is the floor; the MSF (5.75%) is the ceiling, so statement 2 is wrong.
Repo is 5.50% and the MPC is under Sec 45ZB. The SDF (5.25%) is the floor; the MSF (5.75%) is the ceiling, so statement 2 is wrong.
Q12. Which one of the following pairs (barrage/gauge site — river) is correctly matched?
- Valmikinagar — Kosi
- Birpur — Gandak
- Indrapuri — Sone
- Sultanganj — Bagmati
Show answer
Answer: C
Indrapuri barrage is on the Sone (Rohtas). Valmikinagar = Gandak; Birpur = Kosi; Sultanganj = Ganga.
Indrapuri barrage is on the Sone (Rohtas). Valmikinagar = Gandak; Birpur = Kosi; Sultanganj = Ganga.
Q13. Consider the following statements about the Bihar Legislative Council: 1. One-twelfth of its members are elected by graduates of at least three years' standing. 2. Its members are elected by proportional representation through the single transferable vote. 3. The State Assembly can abolish it by a resolution, without any law of Parliament. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
Statements 1 and 2 follow Art. 171. Statement 3 is wrong: under Art. 169, Parliament abolishes or creates a Council by law after the Assembly passes a resolution by special majority.
Statements 1 and 2 follow Art. 171. Statement 3 is wrong: under Art. 169, Parliament abolishes or creates a Council by law after the Assembly passes a resolution by special majority.
Q14. After the RBI's October 2026 policy raised the repo rate to 5.50%, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rates stand respectively at:
- 5.25% and 5.75%
- 5.00% and 6.00%
- 5.25% and 6.00%
- 5.50% and 5.75%
Show answer
Answer: A
The LAF corridor is repo ± 25 bps: SDF 5.25% (floor) and MSF/Bank Rate 5.75% (ceiling).
The LAF corridor is repo ± 25 bps: SDF 5.25% (floor) and MSF/Bank Rate 5.75% (ceiling).
Q15. Consider the following statements about the proposed greenfield airport at Sonpur: 1. It is located in Saran district. 2. Land is to be bought first through direct purchase under the Bihar Raiyati Land Purchase Policy, 2020. 3. It is planned on the bank of the Kosi river. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
Sonpur is in Saran, and the state will first try direct purchase under the Bihar Raiyati Land Purchase Policy, 2020. The site is near the Gandak-Ganga confluence, not the Kosi.
Sonpur is in Saran, and the state will first try direct purchase under the Bihar Raiyati Land Purchase Policy, 2020. The site is near the Gandak-Ganga confluence, not the Kosi.
Q16. With reference to the decisions of the 57th GST Council (October 2026), consider the following: 1. Arrest powers were withdrawn by omitting Section 69 of the CGST Act, 2017. 2. The prosecution threshold was raised from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore. 3. GST rate changes will be taken up once a year. How many of the above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Show answer
Answer: C
All three are correct. The Council also cut the general penalty under Sec 125 from ₹25,000 to ₹10,000; the reforms take effect from 1 April 2027.
All three are correct. The Council also cut the general penalty under Sec 125 from ₹25,000 to ₹10,000; the reforms take effect from 1 April 2027.
Q17. With reference to State Legislative Councils, consider the following statements: 1. Under Article 169, Parliament may create or abolish a Council if the State Assembly passes a resolution by special majority. 2. One-twelfth of the members are elected by graduates of at least three years' standing residing in the State. 3. The Bihar Legislative Council has 75 seats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: d
All three are correct: Article 169 governs creation/abolition; Article 171(3)(b) gives 1/12 seats to graduates; Bihar's Council has 75 members.
All three are correct: Article 169 governs creation/abolition; Article 171(3)(b) gives 1/12 seats to graduates; Bihar's Council has 75 members.
Q18. Consider the following statements about BIMSTEC: 1. It was established in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. 2. Its permanent Secretariat is located in Kathmandu. 3. Myanmar and Thailand are its members. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: b
BIMSTEC was set up by the Bangkok Declaration (1997); its Secretariat is in Dhaka, not Kathmandu; Myanmar and Thailand are among its 7 members.
BIMSTEC was set up by the Bangkok Declaration (1997); its Secretariat is in Dhaka, not Kathmandu; Myanmar and Thailand are among its 7 members.
Q19. With reference to the Bihar Legislative Council, consider the following statements: 1. It has 75 members. 2. One-twelfth of the members of a State Legislative Council are elected by teachers. 3. The Council can be dissolved by the Governor. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
Bihar Vidhan Parishad has 75 members and 1/12 are elected by teachers under Article 171. It is a permanent House — it cannot be dissolved; one-third of members retire every two years.
Bihar Vidhan Parishad has 75 members and 1/12 are elected by teachers under Article 171. It is a permanent House — it cannot be dissolved; one-third of members retire every two years.
Q20. Consider the following pairs (place in news — district of Bihar): 1. Mahwal Industrial Area — Muzaffarpur 2. Raghopur diara — Vaishali 3. Kharagpur Lake — Munger. How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Show answer
Answer: C
All three are correct: the ₹140.95 crore leather cluster is at Mahwal (Motipur, Muzaffarpur); Raghopur is a Ganga diara in Vaishali; Kharagpur Lake (Haveli Kharagpur) is in Munger.
All three are correct: the ₹140.95 crore leather cluster is at Mahwal (Motipur, Muzaffarpur); Raghopur is a Ganga diara in Vaishali; Kharagpur Lake (Haveli Kharagpur) is in Munger.
Q21. Consider the following districts of Bihar: 1. Sheohar 2. Supaul 3. Kishanganj 4. Nalanda. Through how many of the above will the Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway pass?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- All four
Show answer
Answer: c
The expressway's ~417 km Bihar stretch passes through West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria and Kishanganj; Nalanda is in south Bihar and is not on the route.
The expressway's ~417 km Bihar stretch passes through West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria and Kishanganj; Nalanda is in south Bihar and is not on the route.
Q22. With reference to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA), consider: 1. It was signed in Rome in 2006. 2. It manages highly migratory species such as tuna. 3. Its secretariat is on Réunion Island. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: b
SIOFA was signed in Rome on 7 July 2006 and its secretariat is at Le Port, Réunion. Highly migratory species like tuna are excluded and are managed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).
SIOFA was signed in Rome on 7 July 2006 and its secretariat is at Le Port, Réunion. Highly migratory species like tuna are excluded and are managed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).
Q23. With reference to State Legislative Councils, consider the following statements: 1. One-twelfth of members are elected by registered graduates of at least three years' standing. 2. One-third of members are elected by members of the Legislative Assembly. 3. The Bihar Legislative Council has 75 members. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: d
All three are correct: Art. 171(3) fixes 1/12 graduates, 1/12 teachers, 1/3 local bodies, 1/3 MLAs and 1/6 nominated; Bihar's Council has 75 seats.
All three are correct: Art. 171(3) fixes 1/12 graduates, 1/12 teachers, 1/3 local bodies, 1/3 MLAs and 1/6 nominated; Bihar's Council has 75 seats.
Q24. Under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement that entered into force on 20 October 2026, which one of the following sectors has been kept out of India's tariff concessions?
- Wool
- Wood and timber
- Dairy products
- Sheep meat
Show answer
Answer: c
Dairy, sugar and edible oils are excluded; NZ gains access for wood, wool, sheep meat and raw hides, while apples and kiwifruit come under TRQs.
Dairy, sugar and edible oils are excluded; NZ gains access for wood, wool, sheep meat and raw hides, while apples and kiwifruit come under TRQs.
Q25. With reference to the State Legislative Council, consider the following statements: 1. One-twelfth of its members are elected by graduates of at least three years' standing residing in the state. 2. One-sixth of its members are nominated by the Governor. 3. Its total strength cannot exceed one-half of the strength of the State Legislative Assembly. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
Under Art. 171, 1/12 are elected by graduates and 1/6 are nominated by the Governor. The Council's strength cannot exceed one-third (not one-half) of the Assembly, with a minimum of 40.
Under Art. 171, 1/12 are elected by graduates and 1/6 are nominated by the Governor. The Council's strength cannot exceed one-third (not one-half) of the Assembly, with a minimum of 40.
Q26. The proposed Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway passes through which of the following districts of Bihar? 1. Sitamarhi 2. Supaul 3. Nalanda 4. Kishanganj Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 4 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Answer: B
The alignment runs across north Bihar – Gopalganj, Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria and Kishanganj. Nalanda lies south of the Ganga and is not on the route.
The alignment runs across north Bihar – Gopalganj, Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria and Kishanganj. Nalanda lies south of the Ganga and is not on the route.
Q27. With reference to State Legislative Councils, consider the following statements: 1. One-twelfth of members are elected by graduates of at least three years' standing residing in the State. 2. Teachers of primary schools form the electorate of Teachers' constituencies. 3. The total strength of a Council cannot exceed one-third of the Legislative Assembly's strength. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: b
Under Art. 171(3)(c), teachers' constituencies comprise teachers of institutions not lower than secondary school – so statement 2 is wrong. Statements 1 (Art. 171(3)(b)) and 3 (Art. 171(1)) are correct. Bihar Council has 75 seats.
Under Art. 171(3)(c), teachers' constituencies comprise teachers of institutions not lower than secondary school – so statement 2 is wrong. Statements 1 (Art. 171(3)(b)) and 3 (Art. 171(1)) are correct. Bihar Council has 75 seats.
Q28. The 'Index of Eight Core Industries', which grew 7.9% in September 2026, is compiled and released by:
- National Statistics Office, MoSPI
- Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT
- Reserve Bank of India
- NITI Aayog
Show answer
Answer: b
ICI is released monthly by the Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT (Ministry of Commerce & Industry); the IIP is released by NSO, MoSPI. The new ICI series uses base year 2022-23.
ICI is released monthly by the Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT (Ministry of Commerce & Industry); the IIP is released by NSO, MoSPI. The new ICI series uses base year 2022-23.
Q29. With reference to the State Legislative Council, consider the following statements: 1. One-twelfth of its members are elected by graduates of at least three years' standing residing in the State. 2. One-twelfth are elected by teachers of at least three years' standing in institutions not lower than secondary school. 3. About one-sixth are nominated by the Governor. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: D
Art. 171(3): 1/3 by MLAs, 1/3 by local bodies, 1/12 graduates, 1/12 teachers, the rest (~1/6) nominated by the Governor. All three are correct. Bihar votes today on 4 graduates' and 4 teachers' seats.
Art. 171(3): 1/3 by MLAs, 1/3 by local bodies, 1/12 graduates, 1/12 teachers, the rest (~1/6) nominated by the Governor. All three are correct. Bihar votes today on 4 graduates' and 4 teachers' seats.
Q30. The VB-G RAM G scheme, under which Bihar has resumed rural works in all 38 districts, guarantees how many days of wage employment per rural household in a year, and in what Centre–State funding ratio?
- 100 days; 75:25
- 120 days; 90:10
- 125 days; 60:40
- 150 days; 50:50
Show answer
Answer: C
VB-G RAM G (in force from 1 July 2026, replacing MGNREGA) guarantees up to 125 days a year; costs are shared 60:40 between the Centre and the State.
VB-G RAM G (in force from 1 July 2026, replacing MGNREGA) guarantees up to 125 days a year; costs are shared 60:40 between the Centre and the State.
Q31. Gaya Manufacturing City, launched by the Bihar government on 24 October 2026, is being developed under which industrial corridor?
- Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor
- Amritsar–Kolkata Industrial Corridor
- Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor
- East Coast Economic Corridor
Show answer
Answer: B
The ~1,670-acre city in Dobhi block, Gaya is part of the Amritsar–Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC), aligned with the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor.
The ~1,670-acre city in Dobhi block, Gaya is part of the Amritsar–Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC), aligned with the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor.
Q32. Consider the following statements about the Tenth Schedule: 1. It was added by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985. 2. The Speaker's decision on disqualification is final and immune from judicial review. 3. A member expelled by his party continues to belong to that party for the purposes of the Tenth Schedule. Which of the above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
Statement 2 is wrong: Kihoto Hollohan (1992) held the Speaker acts as a tribunal and is subject to judicial review. Statement 3 follows G. Viswanathan (1996).
Statement 2 is wrong: Kihoto Hollohan (1992) held the Speaker acts as a tribunal and is subject to judicial review. Statement 3 follows G. Viswanathan (1996).
Q33. Bihar's Gangajal Apurti (Ganga water lift) Scheme, whose Phase-2 serves Nawada, lifts Ganga water at which place?
- Hathidah (Mokama)
- Sultanganj (Bhagalpur)
- Kahalgaon (Bhagalpur)
- Buxar
Show answer
Answer: A
Water is lifted at Hathidah near Mokama (Patna district) and piped via Sarmera–Barbigha–Giriyak to Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir (Phase-1) and Nawada (Phase-2).
Water is lifted at Hathidah near Mokama (Patna district) and piped via Sarmera–Barbigha–Giriyak to Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir (Phase-1) and Nawada (Phase-2).
Q34. With reference to a State Legislative Council, consider: 1. One-twelfth of members are elected by graduates of at least three years' standing. 2. One-twelfth are elected by teachers of at least three years' service in institutions not lower than secondary school. 3. One-sixth are nominated by the Governor. Which of the statements are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: D
All three follow Art. 171(3). Bihar's 75-member Council has 6 graduates' and 6 teachers' constituencies; 8 of these seats were polled on 23 Oct 2026.
All three follow Art. 171(3). Bihar's 75-member Council has 6 graduates' and 6 teachers' constituencies; 8 of these seats were polled on 23 Oct 2026.
Q35. With reference to the Legislative Council of a State, consider: 1. One-twelfth members are elected by graduates of at least three years' standing. 2. One-sixth members are nominated by the Governor. 3. Members are elected by the system of proportional representation through single transferable vote. Which are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: D
All three are correct under Art. 171: 1/12 graduates, 1/12 teachers, 1/3 MLAs, 1/3 local bodies, 1/6 nominated; election by STV. Bihar's Council has 75 members.
All three are correct under Art. 171: 1/12 graduates, 1/12 teachers, 1/3 MLAs, 1/3 local bodies, 1/6 nominated; election by STV. Bihar's Council has 75 members.
Q36. Cyclone 'Arnab', which made landfall near Yanam on 28 October 2026, was named by which country?
- India
- Bangladesh
- Myanmar
- Sri Lanka
Show answer
Answer: B
Bangladesh contributed 'Arnab' (ocean) to the list of the WMO/ESCAP Panel (13 countries). Yanam is part of Puducherry UT.
Bangladesh contributed 'Arnab' (ocean) to the list of the WMO/ESCAP Panel (13 countries). Yanam is part of Puducherry UT.
Q37. With reference to Bihar's Cabinet decisions of 28 October 2026, consider the following statements: 1. A safety assessment of 24 dams will be carried out under the Dam Safety Act, 2021. 2. The flood-plain zoning study covers the Kosi, Gandak and Son rivers. 3. The study will be conducted with the Central Water Commission as the sole technical partner. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: B
The flood-plain zone delineation study is with the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, not the CWC; statements 1 and 2 are correct.
The flood-plain zone delineation study is with the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, not the CWC; statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Q38. Under Article 171 of the Constitution, what fraction of the members of a State Legislative Council is elected by graduates of at least three years' standing residing in the State?
- One-third
- One-sixth
- One-twelfth
- One-fourth
Show answer
Answer: C
1/12 are elected by graduates and 1/12 by teachers; 1/3 by local bodies, 1/3 by MLAs and 1/6 nominated by the Governor.
1/12 are elected by graduates and 1/12 by teachers; 1/3 by local bodies, 1/3 by MLAs and 1/6 nominated by the Governor.
Q39. With reference to the Bihar Cabinet decisions of 28 October 2026, consider the following pairs: 1. Flood Plain Zone Delineation Study - Kosi, Gandak and Son rivers 2. New sugar mill - Warisaliganj (Nawada) 3. Flood-zoning partner - NIH, Roorkee Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: D
All three are correct: the ₹1.99 cr study covers Kosi, Gandak, Son with NIH Roorkee, and a new sugar mill is planned at Warisaliganj in Nawada.
All three are correct: the ₹1.99 cr study covers Kosi, Gandak, Son with NIH Roorkee, and a new sugar mill is planned at Warisaliganj in Nawada.
Q40. The India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty, which expires in December 2026, was signed in which year and governs water sharing at which structure?
- 1977 - Kosi Barrage
- 1996 - Farakka Barrage
- 1996 - Valmikinagar Barrage
- 2006 - Farakka Barrage
Show answer
Answer: B
Signed on 12 Dec 1996 for 30 years, the treaty shares lean-season (Jan-May) flows at Farakka Barrage (West Bengal); it expires on 11 Dec 2026.
Signed on 12 Dec 1996 for 30 years, the treaty shares lean-season (Jan-May) flows at Farakka Barrage (West Bengal); it expires on 11 Dec 2026.
Mains practice questions
- North Bihar faces floods almost every year despite a large network of embankments. Examine the causes and suggest a sustainable flood-management strategy for the Gandak–Kosi basin. (BPSC Mains GS-II, 38 marks)
- Embankments remain the mainstay of flood control in north Bihar, yet breaches recur almost every monsoon. In the light of the record Gandak flood of 2026, critically examine this approach and suggest an integrated flood-management strategy for the Gandak–Kosi basins.
- Floods in north Bihar are an annual disaster rooted in geography and aggravated by an embankment-centric approach. Examine the causes and suggest an integrated flood-management strategy for the state. (BPSC Mains GS-II, 38 marks)
- Bihar's Green Hydrogen Policy 2026 aims to turn the state from an energy importer into a clean-energy hub. Discuss its potential and the challenges specific to Bihar.
- North Bihar's floods are as much a problem of silt and transboundary rivers as of rainfall. In the light of the 2026 Gandak floods, critically examine Bihar's flood-management strategy and suggest a sustainable way forward. (BPSC Mains GS-II, 38 marks)
- Recurring Gandak and Kosi floods show the limits of an embankment-centred approach in north Bihar. Discuss with reference to the 2026 floods and suggest an integrated flood-management strategy for the state. (BPSC Mains GS-II, 38 marks)
- "Bihar must turn job seekers into job creators." In the light of the Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana and the proposed MSME Policy 2026, examine the prospects and challenges of entrepreneurship-led employment in Bihar. (BPSC Mains GS-II, 38 marks)
- Bihar is investing heavily in connectivity: greenfield airports, new Ganga bridges and Patna Metro. Examine how these projects can change the state's economy, and discuss the challenges of land acquisition and financing. (BPSC Mains GS-II)
- Bihar's paddy procurement efficiency has risen sharply in recent years, yet small farmers still face distress sales. Examine the role of PACS-led decentralised procurement and suggest measures to strengthen it. (BPSC Mains GS-II)
- Distress migration from Bihar is both an economic and a social challenge. Examine how labour-intensive industrial clusters and new-age sectors such as data centres can generate jobs within the state by 2030. (BPSC Mains GS-II, 38 marks)
- Bihar is witnessing an unprecedented push in expressways and national highway corridors. Examine how improved road connectivity can transform Bihar's agrarian economy and industrial prospects, and identify the bottlenecks in timely execution. (BPSC Mains GS-II)
- Bihar is emerging as a grain-based ethanol hub. In the light of recent changes in national ethanol procurement, examine the opportunities and risks for Bihar's maize farmers and distilleries, and suggest a way forward. (BPSC Mains GS-II, ~250 words)
- "Connectivity is the new engine of Bihar's growth." In the light of the Gorakhpur–Siliguri Expressway, the NH Annual Plan 2026-27 and new UDAN airports, examine how transport infrastructure can reduce regional disparity and out-migration in Bihar. (BPSC Mains GS-II, 38 marks)
- "Women-led dairy cooperatives can be the next engine of rural prosperity in Bihar." Examine this statement in the light of the 'Sudha Sakhi' initiative. (BPSC Mains GS-II, ~250 words)
- Bihar faces floods in the north and drought in the south, often in the same year. Explain the geographical reasons for this dual hazard and assess how a rural employment guarantee can be used to build climate resilience in the state. (BPSC Mains GS-II)
- Bihar's credit-deposit ratio has hovered around 60%, while banks achieved only 28% of the farm-credit target by mid-2026-27. Examine the causes of low credit absorption in Bihar and suggest measures to channel deposits into productive investment. (BPSC Mains GS-II, ~250 words)
- Floods in north Bihar not only destroy standing crops but also leave behind sand casting that keeps land barren for seasons. Discuss the problem and suggest measures for post-flood agricultural recovery in Bihar.
- Bihar has enforced liquor prohibition since 2016 and has now launched a campaign against narcotics. Critically examine the social, economic and administrative challenges in making Bihar drug-free. (BPSC Mains GS-II, 38 marks)
- Bihar's peak power demand has grown more than five-fold since 2012. Examine the challenges in the state's power distribution sector and evaluate the significance of the Rs 11,096.55 crore LT network upgrade approved in October 2026. (BPSC Mains GS-II, ~38 marks)
- "Floods in north Bihar are as much a problem of silt and land-use as of water." In the light of the recent flood-plain zoning study and the Ganga Water Treaty review, suggest a long-term flood-management strategy for Bihar. (BPSC Mains GS-II, 38 marks)
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