Weekly at a glance
- Tue 15 Sep — Bihar floods hit 49 lakh across 15 districts; State Cabinet clears ₹23,698-cr 4th Agriculture Road-map; SEBI extends T+0 to top 500 stocks
- Wed 16 Sep — Bihar Cabinet clears 17 proposals led by a ₹3,516-cr Gaya Vishnupad Corridor; Ganga touches an all-time high in the 2026 floods; India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
- Thu 17 Sep — Bihar Cabinet's 17 proposals & 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' launch lead the day, alongside the Supreme Court's vehicle-repossession ruling and 4.82% retail inflation.
- Fri 18 Sep — Bihar floods hit 47 lakh across 15 districts as the Ganga tops its 2016 record; the 18th BRICS Summit concludes in New Delhi; India's CPI inflation climbs to 4.82%.
- Sat 19 Sep — Bihar Cabinet clears ₹2,520 cr Vishnupad Corridor in Gaya & a new Makhana scheme; India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit; Bihar floods hit 47.33 lakh people.
- Sun 20 Sep — Bihar floods hit 47 lakh across 15 districts; ₹476 cr Makhana Board push; US Fed's first hike since 2023
All topics — key facts for revision
15 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Ganga-Kosi-Gandak in spate: 49 lakh hit across 15 Bihar districts
- About 49 lakh (4.9 million) people affected across 15 districts including Patna, Bhagalpur, Saran, Vaishali, Katihar & Araria.
- Ganga at Sultanganj flowing at 36.21 m, i.e. 1.71 m above the danger level.
- September rainfall 111.7 mm, about 13% above normal.
- Relief: 1,260 community kitchens, 13 relief camps, 10 NDRF + 27 SDRF teams deployed.
BIHAR Cabinet clears Rs 23,698-cr 4th Agriculture Road-map & Sports Policy 2026
- 4th Agriculture Road-map outlay: ₹23,698 crore.
- ₹9,748 crore for irrigation under PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
- ₹198 crore to Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour; 22,000 Anganwadi posts to be filled.
- Sports Policy 2026 offers 'Win a Medal, Get a Job' to state and national medallists.
BIHAR Patna Metro gets Rs 628.32-crore push; Malahi Pakri extension opens
- Funding boost: ₹628.32 crore for the Priority + full corridors.
- Patna Metro runs on two lines (Blue & Red), first stretch operational since 2025.
- New Malahi Pakri station extension commissioned in 2026.
- Aims to cut congestion in Patna, Bihar's largest urban agglomeration.
POLITY Samrat Choudhary at helm as State reviews 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'
- Samrat Choudhary (BJP) is Bihar CM since April 2026.
- Seva Sankalp Abhiyan = time-bound delivery of welfare & certificate services at the doorstep.
- Focus on saturation of Centre-State schemes down to the block level.
- Complements the Bihar Lok Shikayat Nivaran Adhikar Act, 2015 (RTPS).
ECONOMY SEBI extends T+0 same-day settlement to the top 500 stocks
- T+0 = trade and settlement of funds/securities on the same day.
- Now available on the top 500 stocks by market-cap (from 25 earlier).
- India already shifted equities to T+1 in 2023, a global first at scale.
- SEBI is a statutory body under the SEBI Act, 1992; HQ Mumbai.
ECONOMY August GST mop-up at Rs 2.32 lakh crore, second-highest ever
- ₹2.32 lakh crore = 2nd-highest monthly GST collection on record.
- GST is a destination-based consumption tax, live since 1 July 2017.
- Governed by the GST Council (Art. 279A), chaired by the Union FM.
- Buoyant GST strengthens transfers to States like Bihar via devolution.
IR India takes over presidency of the International Solar Alliance
- ISA now has about 124 member countries; HQ at Gurugram, Haryana.
- Co-founded by India and France at CoP-21 (Paris, 2015).
- Motto: 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' (OSOWOG).
- Targets mobilising USD 1 trillion in solar investment by 2030.
SCI-TECH ISRO orbits GSAT-N3 communication satellite aboard LVM3
- GSAT-N3 is a high-throughput communication satellite for broadband & broadcasting.
- Launched on LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk-III), ISRO's heaviest operational rocket.
- Strengthens rural connectivity, tele-medicine and disaster communication.
- Built by NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm.
REPORT ADB lifts India's FY27 growth forecast to 7.4%
- India FY27 GDP growth projected at 7.4% (revised upward).
- India remains the fastest-growing major economy.
- ADB HQ Manila; India is a founding member (1966).
- Robust growth supports jobs and capex in lagging States.
16 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Gaya Vishnupad Corridor Cleared at ₹3,516 cr
- Corridor cost: ₹3,516.05 crore, the biggest item in the package.
- Vishnupad Temple stands on the banks of the Falgu (Phalgu) river at Gaya.
- Works: riverfront & ghats, parking, pathways and pilgrim facilities.
- Aims to boost the Gaya–Bodh Gaya pilgrimage-tourism circuit.
ECONOMY ₹89.79 cr Makhana Development Scheme Approved
- Makhana scheme outlay: ₹89.79 crore for 2026-27.
- Bihar grows nearly 90% of India's makhana (fox-nut), mainly the Mithila/Kosi belt.
- Mithila Makhana holds a GI tag (2022).
- A National Makhana Board is being set up in Bihar for processing & exports.
- Horticulture Mission: ₹78.34 crore; oil-palm push under the National Mission on Edible Oils.
ENVIRONMENT Bihar Floods 2026: Ganga Touches All-Time High
- ~40 lakh+ people affected across North & Central Bihar.
- The Kosi is the 'Sorrow of Bihar'; it rises in the Tibet/Nepal Himalaya.
- Cabinet cleared a ₹1,000 crore intake well on the Sone river for water security.
- Response: embankments, barrages and NDRF/SDRF relief deployment.
SOCIETY Patna Metro Blue Line Nears Full Launch
- Corridor: Patna Junction–New ISBT, about 14 km north-south.
- A 7.9 km underground stretch (Patna Jn–Rajendra Nagar) is being finished.
- Built by PMRCL with technical support from DMRC.
- Final elevated stations: Khemnichak and Malahi Pakri.
HEALTH Bihar to Add 366 Assistant Professors in Medical Colleges
- 366 Assistant Professors on contract across 5 medical colleges.
- Contractual posts also cleared for dental colleges.
- Aims to sustain MBBS/PG teaching and clinical services.
- Complements Bihar's push to raise MBBS seats and district hospitals.
BIHAR Bihar Cabinet Clears 17 Proposals in One Sitting
- 17 proposals cleared in one sitting.
- ₹1,000 cr Sone-river intake well; ₹3,516 cr Vishnupad Corridor.
- ₹89.79 cr Makhana + ₹78.34 cr horticulture (2026-27/27-28).
- Brick-kiln dues relief of ₹266 cr; new posts in the Animal Sciences University.
IR India Hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi
- 18th Summit; venue Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- BRICS = ~50% of world population, ~40% of GDP, >25% of trade.
- Focus: local-currency trade, payment systems, cross-border investment.
- India–Russia talks covered trade, defence, energy and critical minerals.
ECONOMY Wholesale Inflation (WPI) Climbs to 9.92% in August
- WPI: 9.92% (Aug) vs 9.78% (Jul).
- CPI (retail): 4.82%; food inflation 5.95%.
- WPI base year 2011-12; released by the Office of Economic Adviser (DPIIT).
- CPI compiled by NSO/MoSPI; RBI targets CPI at 4% (±2%).
POLITY SC: RBI Can Supersede Co-op Bank Boards Beyond 6 Months
- The third proviso to Art. 243ZL(1) is read as an independent substantive provision.
- Anchored in the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (Sec. 36AAA) and the 97th Amendment (2011).
- A five-year statutory limit is the outer safeguard for board elections.
- The consultation proviso applies only to state-registered co-op banks.
DEFENCE India to Add Two New Missile-Testing Ranges
- Nagayalanka (AP) range: about ₹1,460 crore; radars, telemetry, EO tracking.
- Junput (WB) coastal range: an extension of the Chandipur test range.
- Supports ballistic & cruise missiles, air-defence and BMD Phase-II.
- Projects overseen by the DRDO.
REPORT India Climbs to 94th in the UN SDG Index 2026
- Rank 94/167; score 68.3/100 (best ever).
- Up 18 places since 2015 (from 112th).
- Published by the UN SDSN; Finland ranked 1st.
- Weak spots: SDG-2 (Zero Hunger); only about 33% of targets on track for 2030.
17 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar Cabinet clears 17 proposals; ₹2,520 cr Vishnupad Corridor approved
- ₹2,520 crore for the Vishnupad Temple Corridor, Gaya — ghats, elevated pathways, multilevel parking & dormitories.
- 366 Assistant Professor posts (contract) across 5 govt medical colleges: Bettiah, Purnia, Madhepura, Chhapra, Samastipur.
- One-time brick-kiln dues settlement for FY 2024-25 (interest waived, 3-month window).
- Bihar Water Resource Restoration & Silt Management Policy 2026 cleared.
SOCIETY 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' launches today; 26 schemes delivered on-the-spot
- Runs 17 Sep – 17 Oct 2026, with activities extended up to March 2027.
- 26 central schemes delivered on-the-spot at block/panchayat 'Sarkar Aapke Dwar' camps.
- 13 themes across 9 departments (education, health, rural development, PHED, panchayati raj, urban housing, SC/ST & backward-class welfare).
- Opens with an 'Aashirwad ka Diya' lamp-lighting on the evening of 17 Sep.
ECONOMY ₹89.8 cr makhana push; ₹78.3 cr Horticulture Mission for crop diversification
- ₹89.80 crore Makhana Development Scheme (FY 2026-27): seeds, processing, branding & market linkage.
- Bihar grows ~85-90% of India's makhana; 'Mithila Makhana' holds a GI tag (2022).
- ₹78.34 crore Horticulture Development Mission for diversification into fruits, vegetables & spices.
- Son-Falgu river-linking (₹996 cr) & a ₹1,000 cr flood/irrigation fund also cleared.
ENVIRONMENT ₹579 cr flood relief to 8.27 lakh families as Ganga, Kosi & Gandak swell
- ₹579 crore transferred to 8.27 lakh families, ₹7,000 each via DBT.
- Rivers in spate: Ganga, Kosi & Gandak (with the Bagmati & Kamla-Balan basins).
- The CM ordered left-out names added within a week; a central team is assessing damage.
- The Kosi — the 'Sorrow of Bihar' — carries heavy Himalayan silt into the plains.
BIHAR Bihar signs Modified UDAN MoU; heliports planned for aspirational districts
- Part of the Cabinet's 17 approvals on 15 Sep 2026.
- UDAN = Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik regional-connectivity scheme (launched 2016).
- New para-veterinary posts created at Bihar Animal Sciences University.
- Aims to link smaller cities and boost tourism & medical access.
REPORT Economic Survey: Bihar's economy grows 14.9%, ahead of the national average
- GSDP grew 14.9% (current prices) versus India's 12.0%.
- GSDP (2024-25) at ₹9.92 lakh crore; per-capita income ₹76,490.
- Sector shares: Services 54.8%, Industry 26.8%, Agriculture 18.3%.
- Per-capita NSDP is still only ~31.7% of the all-India average.
POLITY Supreme Court tells RBI to ensure lawful repossession of financed vehicles
- The Court barred forcible / musclemen repossession; recovery must follow law and fair procedure.
- An NBFC (Cholamandalam) was penalised for a coercive seizure.
- The RBI must ensure lenders follow its Fair Practices Code.
- The ruling upholds borrower dignity under Article 21.
ECONOMY Retail inflation rises to 4.82% in August 2026; food prices firm up
- Food inflation (CFPI) at 5.95%; rural 5.23%, urban 4.31%.
- Still within the RBI's 4% (±2%) target band.
- New CPI base year is 2024=100.
- The RBI's MPC targets 4% medium-term inflation.
IR India protests Pakistan Navy vessel's collision with warship in Arabian Sea
- India cited unsafe, unprofessional high-speed manoeuvring.
- The MEA summoned Pakistan's Chargé d'Affaires on 16 Sep.
- India invoked the 1991 India-Pakistan military-exercises agreement & COLREGs.
- The Indian Navy keeps 3-4 ships escorting merchant vessels in the region.
REPORT India ranks 131st on the Global Gender Gap Index 2026
- Top three: Iceland, Finland, Norway.
- The index measures four pillars: economy, education, health & political empowerment.
- It is published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
- Global gaps persist most in economic participation.
IR 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi adopts the 'New Delhi Declaration'
- Launched BRICS-AGRIN, a farmer-centric agriculture framework.
- New: an Integrated Early-Warning System for infectious diseases, plus logistics & MSME initiatives.
- NIMHANS Bengaluru named the mental-health training coordinating centre.
- Theme: 'Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation & Sustainability'.
18 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar Floods 2026: Ganga at Patna crosses 2016 record
- About 47.33 lakh people affected across 15 districts.
- Rivers above danger mark: Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, Bagmati, Burhi Gandak, Punpun, Ghaghra.
- 10 NDRF and 27 SDRF teams deployed; 1,876 boats in service.
- 1,221 community kitchens, 15 relief camps (12,260 people), 3.13 lakh polythene sheets.
- September rainfall about 27% above normal (104.1 mm).
ECONOMY Bihar opens 2026-27 paddy procurement at raised MSP
- Paddy (common) MSP raised ₹72 to ₹2,441/quintal; Grade-A ₹2,461/quintal.
- Centre cleared higher MSP for 14 Kharif crops (2026-27), a ₹2.6 lakh crore outgo.
- Bihar payment target: within 48 hours of purchase, into farmers' accounts.
- Procurement via PACS and vyapar mandals; registration of raiyat/non-raiyat farmers live.
SCI-TECH Bihar rolls out a dedicated AI Policy 2026
- Focus pillars: AI/IT hubs, skilling & jobs, e-governance and investment.
- Aims to attract data centres and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
- AI to be used in citizen-facing services and governance analytics.
- Positions Bihar within India's wider push on an AI mission and IT hub development.
SOCIETY Pitripaksh Mela 2026 to begin in Gaya on 25 September
- Pilgrims perform pind-daan / shraddh for ancestors during Pitru Paksha.
- Rites centre on the Falgu river and the Vishnupad Temple.
- Child-safety step: QR-coded bands linked to parents' contact details.
- One of Bihar's largest religious congregations, drawing pilgrims from across India and abroad.
BIHAR Four Bihar-linked names in 72nd National Film Awards
- Sanjay Mishra — Best Supporting Actor (for Bhakshak).
- Kamlesh Kumar Mishra & Meenati Mishra (Gopalganj) — for the film Kakori.
- Sanjeev Srivastava (Muzaffarpur) — Best Film Critic.
- Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty shared Best Actor (Leading Role).
IR 18th BRICS Summit concludes in New Delhi
- Theme: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, Sustainability.
- India's earlier BRICS chair years: 2012, 2016, 2021; this is the 4th.
- NIMHANS, Bengaluru named coordinating centre for a mental-health training hub.
- New initiatives in space, health and agriculture announced.
ECONOMY Jobless rate eases to 5.0% in August 2026
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (August) vs 5.1% (July).
- Labour Force Participation Rate: 55.6%.
- Worker-Population Ratio: 52.8%.
- Survey coverage: about 3.70 lakh persons nationally.
ENVIRONMENT Dryland Congress 2026 adopts 'Delhi Declaration on Drylands'
- Organised by ICAR and ICRISAT.
- Adopted the Delhi Declaration on Drylands (3D).
- Inaugural ISSCA Global Awards 2026: 170 nominations from 34 countries.
- Focus: resilient dryland farming, soil & water conservation.
DEFENCE Defence Ministry launches VIMARSH 2026 with tech transfers
- 9 Technology Transfer Licensing Agreements (TTLAs) signed.
- Aim: strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
- Encourages private industry participation in defence R&D.
- Part of a wider push on defence indigenisation and exports.
SOCIETY India lift record 8th Women's T20 Asia Cup title
- India's 8th Women's T20 Asia Cup title — a record.
- Beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final.
- Reinforces India's dominance in Asian women's cricket.
19 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar Cabinet clears ₹2,520 cr Vishnupad Corridor in Gaya
- Vishnupad Temple Corridor, Gaya: ₹2,520 crore, built on the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor model.
- To be executed by the Bihar State Road Development Corporation; includes ghats, multi-level parking, elevated pathways & dormitories.
- ₹1,000 crore withdrawal sanctioned from the State Contingency Fund.
- Boosts the Gaya–Bodh Gaya faith-tourism circuit.
BIHAR Makhana scheme & Son–Phalgu river-linking approved
- Makhana Development Scheme 2026-27: ₹89.79 crore outlay.
- Son–Phalgu river-linking: ₹996.05 crore, with an 11-km pipeline from the Indrapuri Barrage intake well.
- National Mission on Edible Oil (Oil Palm): ₹2.10 crore for 2026-27.
- Bihar grows the bulk of India's makhana; Mithila Makhana holds a GI tag (2022).
BIHAR Bihar floods: 47.33 lakh hit as Ganga breaks 2016 record
- 47.33 lakh people affected across 15 districts (Bhagalpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Katihar, Purnea, Begusarai, Buxar).
- Ganga at Patna's Gandhi Ghat crossed its 2016 record; Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati, Burhi Gandak & Punpun above the danger mark.
- Relief: 1,221 community kitchens, 15 camps (12,260 people), 1,876 boats, 3.13 lakh polythene sheets, 48,400 dry-ration packets.
- 27 SDRF and 10 NDRF teams deployed.
BIHAR Bihar's 125-day job guarantee & new welfare push
- 'Viksit Bihar' employment guarantee: 125 days of unskilled work a year across 38 districts.
- Welfare schemes: 'Police Didi' for women's safety, digital property registration for senior citizens, satellite townships & heli-tourism.
- Samrat Choudhary has been Chief Minister since 15 April 2026 (BJP).
- A water-resource policy for silt management in rivers & reservoirs was also cleared.
BIHAR UDAN, brick-kiln settlement & prison-land fuel pumps cleared
- Implementation of the modified UDAN regional-connectivity aviation scheme in the state.
- A one-time settlement scheme for brick-kiln operators' outstanding dues.
- Petrol-pump operations permitted on prison lands at 4 locations.
- New mining-sector regulations approved.
BIHAR 366 medical faculty posts cleared to fix doctor gaps
- 366 assistant-professor posts across 5 government medical colleges (contract basis).
- Faculty recruitment for professor and lecturer roles in dental colleges.
- 4 instructor and 2 clerical posts at the Patna Paravet School (Veterinary Sciences).
- Aims to improve teaching capacity and healthcare delivery.
IR India hosts 18th BRICS Summit; New Delhi Declaration adopted
- Theme: 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
- 11 members: India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE & Indonesia.
- Adopted the New Delhi Declaration – a 140-paragraph consensus on global-governance & WTO reform and local-currency trade (no common currency).
- PM Modi held bilaterals with Russia's Putin and China's Xi Jinping.
POLITY PM distributes 51,000+ jobs at the 20th Rozgar Mela
- 51,000+ appointment letters distributed at the 20th Rozgar Mela.
- Rural Development Ministry to train about 34,000 rural youth under DDU-GKY 2.0 next month.
- President Droupadi Murmu appointed 14 judicial officers as judges across 5 High Courts.
- The Agnipath scheme was highlighted for skilling youth alongside military service.
ECONOMY GST 2.0: process reforms head to Council on 7 October
- Focus: expanding e-invoicing (including composition dealers) and rationalising input-tax-credit (ITC) rules.
- Follows the rate-rationalisation phase; described as still within GST 2.0, not 3.0.
- GST was introduced on 1 July 2017 via the 101st Constitutional Amendment.
- The GST Council is a constitutional body under Article 279A.
IR India sends 9th IAF relief flight to flood-hit Nepal
- The 9th IAF relief flight carried 11 tonnes of medicines, tents & hygiene kits.
- Part of India's Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) outreach.
- The same Himalayan river system feeds both Nepal's floods and Bihar's (Kosi/Gandak).
- Reflects the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.
SCI-TECH ISRO gears up for first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission
- Gaganyaan is India's first human-spaceflight programme.
- The uncrewed G1 flight will carry the humanoid robot 'Vyommitra'.
- The crewed mission is expected around 2027; ISRO chief is V. Narayanan.
- It will fly on the human-rated LVM3 from Sriharikota (SDSC SHAR).
20 September 2026
Full notes with diagrams →BIHAR Bihar floods: 47 lakh+ hit as Ganga, Kosi, Gandak breach danger mark
- 47.33 lakh people affected across 15 districts (Bhagalpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Katihar, Purnea, Buxar).
- Ganga at Sultanganj ran 2.12 m above danger; Gandhi Ghat, Patna topped its 2016 record.
- 10 NDRF + 27 SDRF teams, 1,876 boats, 1,221 community kitchens, 15 relief camps deployed.
- Also above danger: Kosi, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati, Punpun, Ghaghra.
POLITY Bihar Cabinet clears 27 proposals; Student Credit Card extended to 2030-31
- Student Credit Card Scheme extended up to 2030-31 with a ~₹950 crore outlay.
- Kaushal Yuva Program (skill training) also extended.
- e-Cabinet approved for paperless governance.
- Support cleared for B.Ed college upgrades / multidisciplinary colleges.
ECONOMY National Makhana Board drives ₹476 cr push in Bihar's Mithilanchal
- Outlay ₹476.03 crore (2025-26 to 2030-31) for seed supply & post-harvest processing.
- Covers 9 districts: Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, Araria.
- India ~80% of global makhana output; NRC Makhana anchor at Darbhanga.
- Certified seed from Univ. Sabour & CAU Samastipur; Mithila Makhana holds a GI tag.
POLITY Patna HC quashes arbitrary externment, awards ₹1 lakh for Article 21 breach
- Bench of Justices Rajeev Ranjan Prasad & S.D. Mishra (order dated 11 Sep 2026).
- The order forced daily police attendance 40 km away, 10 AM-5 PM — held arbitrary.
- ₹1,00,000 compensation + ₹10,000 costs, recoverable from the erring DM (Banka).
- Held to violate Article 21 (protection of life & personal liberty).
SOCIETY Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana anchors Bihar women's livelihoods drive
- First tranche of ₹10,000 each transferred to about 21 lakh women.
- Further support up to ₹2 lakh for viable enterprises after training.
- Aims to raise female labour-force participation and rural incomes.
- Delivered via the Jeevika (SHG) network for last-mile reach.
HEALTH Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) widens basket to 2,110 affordable medicines
- 2,110 medicines + 315 surgicals/devices; 20,000+ Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
- Cumulative sales ₹7,873.85 cr (2021-22 to 2025-26); citizen savings ~₹37,200 cr.
- New baskets: Janaushadhi Bachpan (infant care) & Jan Aushadhi Swabhiman (adult diapers).
- Generics priced 50-90% below branded equivalents.
ENVIRONMENT Six states sign Kishau multipurpose dam pact on Tons river
- Pact signed 15 Sep 2026 by UP, Uttarakhand, HP, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana.
- 232.6 m concrete gravity dam on the Tons river (Yamuna sub-basin); storage 1,562 MCM.
- Irrigation 97,000 ha; hydropower 1,476 MU; cost ~₹15,624 cr.
- Concerns flagged on seismic risk and displacement (~2,950 ha submergence).
ECONOMY US Fed's first hike since 2023 lifts rate to 3.75-4.00%
- Fed funds rate up 25 bps to 3.75-4.00% (decided 16 Sep 2026), a unanimous vote.
- Fed Chair Kevin Warsh; no rate cuts signalled through 2027.
- 2026 US inflation projected ~3.7%; the 2% target seen only by 2029.
- For India: risks of rupee pressure, FPI outflows and costlier external borrowing.
REPORT FAO 'Forests for Food' report flags 50,000+ wild species in diets
- Released 15 Sep 2026 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- Over 50,000 wild species are used globally for food and medicine.
- Forests can supply up to 20% of rural incomes in some areas.
- India's tools: Forest Rights Act 2006, MSP for Minor Forest Produce, Van Dhan Kendras.
SOCIETY Asian Games 2026 open in Aichi-Nagoya; India opens medal account
- 20th Asian Games opened 19 Sep 2026 at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- Suchika Tariyal assured India's first-ever MMA medal with a semifinal berth.
- India began Day 1 with early silver medals; the contingent is led by stars like Neeraj Chopra.
- Cricket retained; MMA debuts at these Games.
Prelims rapid-fire — 36 facts
| Kosi river is called the 'Sorrow of Bihar'; it originates in Nepal/Tibet. |
| Bihar Agricultural University is located at Sabour (Bhagalpur). |
| ISA headquarters: Gurugram; founded with France at CoP-21, 2015. |
| T+0 means trade and settlement on the same day; India moved to T+1 in 2023. |
| GST Council is a constitutional body under Article 279A. |
| Engineer's Day (15 Sep) marks the birth anniversary of M. Visvesvaraya. |
| Vishnupad Temple stands on the Falgu river at Gaya. |
| Mithila Makhana received its GI tag in 2022. |
| The Kosi is called the 'Sorrow of Bihar'. |
| RBI's inflation target: 4% (±2%), measured on CPI. |
| 18th BRICS Summit venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. |
| Art. 243ZL (Part IX-B) deals with co-operative societies. |
| 17 September — World Patient Safety Day (WHO); India also marks Vishwakarma Puja. |
| The Kosi river is called the 'Sorrow of Bihar'; it originates in Nepal/the Himalayas. |
| Mithila Makhana received its GI tag in 2022. |
| India's CPI base year has been revised to 2024=100. |
| BRICS was founded in 2009 (South Africa joined 2010); this is India's 4th presidency. |
| The Vishnupad Temple, Gaya, stands on the banks of the Falgu river. |
| Mithila Makhana holds a GI tag; a Makhana Board is being set up to boost farmers' income in Bihar. |
| Patna Metro's first (priority) section on the Blue Line is operational, a milestone in the city's urban transport. |
| World Ozone Day is observed on 16 September (2026 theme focuses on global action for a cooler planet). |
| International Day of Democracy falls on 15 September. |
| Kosi is called the 'Sorrow of Bihar'; the Kosi-Mechi link aims at flood relief and irrigation. |
| India's repo rate stands at 5.25%; the next RBI MPC meeting is scheduled for October 2026. |
| The Kosi river is called the 'Sorrow of Bihar'. |
| Mithila Makhana received its GI tag in 2022. |
| Global Gender Gap Index 2026: India ranked 131st; Iceland tops the list. |
| BRICS now has 11 members after its recent expansion. |
| Gaganyaan's uncrewed flight will carry the humanoid 'Vyommitra'. |
| The GST Council is a constitutional body under Article 279A. |
| Cheetah count in India rises to 56 (36 born in India); Kuno NP, Madhya Pradesh is the hub. |
| PM handed out 51,000+ appointment letters at the 20th Rozgar Mela. |
| Marathi film 'Gondhal' is India's official entry for the Oscars 2027 (Best International Feature). |
| HAL delivered 2 LCA (Tejas) twin-seat trainers to the IAF; Dhruv NG choppers inducted. |
| Bihar ranks 1st in India for litchi, makhana & bottle-gourd output. |
| Himalayan Monal (Uttarakhand's state bird) alters its calls under tourism noise — study at Kedarnath WLS. |
Data points of the period
14.9%
Bihar GSDP growth (Economic Survey 2025-26)
Bihar's economy expanded 14.9% in 2024-25 (current prices) — faster than India's 12.0%. GSDP reached about ₹9.92 lakh crore; per-capita income rose to ₹76,490. Services lead at 54.8% of GSDP, industry 26.8%, agriculture 18.3%.
Bihar's economy expanded 14.9% in 2024-25 (current prices) — faster than India's 12.0%. GSDP reached about ₹9.92 lakh crore; per-capita income rose to ₹76,490. Services lead at 54.8% of GSDP, industry 26.8%, agriculture 18.3%.
4.82%
India Retail Inflation (CPI) — August 2026
Up from 4.44% in July; food inflation at 5.95%. Still within the RBI's 4% (±2%) tolerance band, even as wholesale (WPI) inflation ran far higher at 9.92%.
Up from 4.44% in July; food inflation at 5.95%. Still within the RBI's 4% (±2%) tolerance band, even as wholesale (WPI) inflation ran far higher at 9.92%.
14.9%
Bihar's economic growth (2025-26 Economic Survey)
GSDP growth at current prices — ahead of India's 12.0%. State GSDP ₹9.92 lakh crore; per-capita income ₹76,490 (still ~31.7% of the national average).
GSDP growth at current prices — ahead of India's 12.0%. State GSDP ₹9.92 lakh crore; per-capita income ₹76,490 (still ~31.7% of the national average).
4.82%
India CPI (retail) inflation — August 2026
Up from 4.45% in July; food inflation at 5.95% and core near 4.2%. The RBI held the repo rate at 5.25% (neutral stance); next MPC review is due in October 2026.
Up from 4.45% in July; food inflation at 5.95% and core near 4.2%. The RBI held the repo rate at 5.25% (neutral stance); next MPC review is due in October 2026.
5.50%
RBI Repo Rate (held)
The RBI has kept the policy repo rate at 5.50% with a neutral stance. Real GDP is projected at 6.8% (FY26) and 6.6% (FY27), with CPI inflation around 2.6% (FY26). GST 2.0 process reforms head to the Council on 7 October 2026.
The RBI has kept the policy repo rate at 5.50% with a neutral stance. Real GDP is projected at 6.8% (FY26) and 6.6% (FY27), with CPI inflation around 2.6% (FY26). GST 2.0 process reforms head to the Council on 7 October 2026.
14.9% vs 12.0%
Bihar's economy grows faster than the nation
Bihar's GSDP grew 14.9% at current prices in 2025-26 against India's ~12.0%, crossing ₹9.92 lakh crore. Yet per-capita income (₹76,490) stays well below the national average, and agriculture still holds 54% of jobs for only 18% of output — a growth-with-gaps story.
Bihar's GSDP grew 14.9% at current prices in 2025-26 against India's ~12.0%, crossing ₹9.92 lakh crore. Yet per-capita income (₹76,490) stays well below the national average, and agriculture still holds 54% of jobs for only 18% of output — a growth-with-gaps story.
12 practice MCQs — BPSC Prelims pattern
Q1. With reference to the International Solar Alliance (ISA), consider the following: 1. It was jointly launched by India and France. 2. Its headquarters is located in Gurugram, Haryana. 3. It is an intergovernmental treaty-based organisation. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: D
ISA was launched by India & France at CoP-21 (2015), is headquartered at Gurugram, and is a treaty-based intergovernmental body. Hence all three are correct.
ISA was launched by India & France at CoP-21 (2015), is headquartered at Gurugram, and is a treaty-based intergovernmental body. Hence all three are correct.
Q2. Consider the following pairs (river : location where it flows above danger level in Bihar): 1. Ganga - Sultanganj 2. Budhi Gandak - Khagaria 3. Punpun - Sripalpur How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Show answer
Answer: C
During the September 2026 floods the Ganga (Sultanganj), Budhi Gandak (Khagaria) and Punpun (Sripalpur) were all reported above their danger levels. All three pairs are correct.
During the September 2026 floods the Ganga (Sultanganj), Budhi Gandak (Khagaria) and Punpun (Sripalpur) were all reported above their danger levels. All three pairs are correct.
Q3. Consider the following statements about the Vishnupad Temple: 1. It is located in Gaya on the banks of the Falgu river. 2. The approved corridor is modelled on the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. Which of the statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: C
Both are correct — the Vishnupad Temple is at Gaya on the Falgu river, and the ₹3,516-cr corridor follows the Kashi Vishwanath model.
Both are correct — the Vishnupad Temple is at Gaya on the Falgu river, and the ₹3,516-cr corridor follows the Kashi Vishwanath model.
Q4. Which constitutional part, inserted by the 97th Amendment, deals with co-operative societies?
- Part IX (Art. 243-243O)
- Part IX-A (Art. 243P-243ZG)
- Part IX-B (Art. 243ZH-243ZT)
- Part VIII (Art. 239-242)
Show answer
Answer: C
Part IX-B (Art. 243ZH-243ZT), added by the 97th Amendment (2011), governs co-operatives; Art. 243ZL was central to the recent Supreme Court ruling.
Part IX-B (Art. 243ZH-243ZT), added by the 97th Amendment (2011), governs co-operatives; Art. 243ZL was central to the recent Supreme Court ruling.
Q5. Consider the following about the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' launched in Bihar (Sep 2026): 1. It delivers 26 central schemes on-the-spot. 2. It is coordinated across 9 departments. 3. It runs for exactly one week. Which of the above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: A
The campaign runs 17 Sep-17 Oct 2026 (extended to Mar 2027), not one week; 26 schemes across 9 departments are correct, so statements 1 and 2 hold.
The campaign runs 17 Sep-17 Oct 2026 (extended to Mar 2027), not one week; 26 schemes across 9 departments are correct, so statements 1 and 2 hold.
Q6. 'Mithila Makhana', seen in the news, is associated with which state and form of IP protection?
- Assam – Patent
- Bihar – Geographical Indication
- Odisha – Trademark
- West Bengal – Copyright
Show answer
Answer: B
Mithila Makhana of Bihar received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022.
Mithila Makhana of Bihar received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022.
Q7. With reference to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Kharif 2026-27, consider the following: 1. The MSP for paddy (common) was raised by ₹72 to ₹2,441 per quintal. 2. MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Which of the statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: C
Paddy (common) MSP rose ₹72 to ₹2,441/quintal for 2026-27, and MSP is recommended by the CACP before Cabinet approval. Both are correct.
Paddy (common) MSP rose ₹72 to ₹2,441/quintal for 2026-27, and MSP is recommended by the CACP before Cabinet approval. Both are correct.
Q8. Consider the following rivers that were flowing above the danger mark during the 2026 Bihar floods: 1. Bagmati 2. Gandak 3. Ghaghra Which of these are tributaries linked to the Ganga system in Bihar?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: D
Bagmati, Gandak and Ghaghra are all part of the Ganga river system in Bihar and were above the danger mark during the 2026 floods.
Bagmati, Gandak and Ghaghra are all part of the Ganga river system in Bihar and were above the danger mark during the 2026 floods.
Q9. The Vishnupad Temple Corridor, recently approved by the Bihar Cabinet, is located in which district?
- Nalanda
- Gaya
- Rohtas
- Bhagalpur
Show answer
Answer: B
The ₹2,520-crore corridor, modelled on the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, will develop the Vishnupad temple in Gaya.
The ₹2,520-crore corridor, modelled on the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, will develop the Vishnupad temple in Gaya.
Q10. Consider the following about the 18th BRICS Summit (2026): 1) It was hosted by India at New Delhi. 2) Members adopted the New Delhi Declaration. 3) A common BRICS currency was launched. Which of the above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: A
India hosted the summit and members adopted the New Delhi Declaration; no common currency was launched – the focus was on local-currency trade.
India hosted the summit and members adopted the New Delhi Declaration; no common currency was launched – the focus was on local-currency trade.
Q11. With reference to the National Makhana Board, consider the following: 1. Its outlay is ₹476.03 crore for 2025-26 to 2030-31. 2. It covers nine districts of north Bihar. 3. India accounts for about 80% of global makhana output. Which of the above 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 — the six-year ₹476.03 cr mission covers 9 north-Bihar districts, and India produces ~80% of the world's makhana.
All three are correct — the six-year ₹476.03 cr mission covers 9 north-Bihar districts, and India produces ~80% of the world's makhana.
Q12. The Kishau Multipurpose Project, recently in the news, is being built on which river?
- Betwa
- Tons (Yamuna sub-basin)
- Ken
- Sharda
Show answer
Answer: B
The dam is on the Tons river, the largest tributary of the Yamuna; a six-state pact was signed on 15 Sep 2026.
The dam is on the Tons river, the largest tributary of the Yamuna; a six-state pact was signed on 15 Sep 2026.
Mains practice questions
- Recurrent floods in north Bihar are as much a problem of river management and inter-State/international water-sharing as of rainfall. Discuss, with reference to the Kosi and Gandak systems, the structural and institutional measures needed for long-term flood moderation. (15 marks, 250 words)
- “Bihar's recurring floods are as much a challenge of river management and Indo-Nepal cooperation as of relief.” Discuss with reference to the Kosi and the recent measures announced. (15 marks, 250 words)
- Recurring floods in the Kosi-Gandak plains remain Bihar's biggest developmental challenge. Discuss the causes and evaluate recent state measures for flood management. (250 words)
- North Bihar faces recurrent, high-magnitude floods almost every monsoon. Examine the geographical causes and suggest a sustainable, basin-level flood-management strategy for the state. (BPSC Mains GS-II)
- "Bihar's recurring floods are as much a problem of water management as of geography." Discuss with reference to the Kosi–Gandak river system and suggest measures.
- Bihar records higher headline GSDP growth than the national average yet lags sharply on per-capita income. Examine the structural reasons and suggest measures for inclusive, employment-rich growth. (GS-II, Bihar Economy)
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