Daily Current Affairs – 1 October 2026: Exam-focused study notes on PRAGATI-50, Green Energy Corridor Phase-III, Rabi MSP 2027–28, India–Italy tourism cooperation, the Paraquat Dichloride order, the Mandar GI tag, Hyderabad's DoorDash centre, defence research, Super Intelligence terminology, Morocco's first female head of government and Shubman Gill's ODI record. Useful for APPSC, TGPSC, UPSC, Group 2, SSC and SI examinations.
Contents
- PRAGATI-50
- Green Energy Corridor-III
- Rabi MSP 2027–28
- India–Italy tourism
- Paraquat Dichloride
- Mandar GI tag
- DoorDash Hyderabad
- Bullet-proof glass research
- Super Intelligence terminology
- Morocco
- Shubman Gill
1. PRAGATI-50 Initiative – 50 Model Clean Cities
Launched on 29 September 2026 in New Delhi by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), PRAGATI-50 identifies 50 model cities in 24 states to demonstrate high standards of urban cleanliness under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0.
- Inspired by the Prime Minister's directions at the 51st PRAGATI meeting.
- Uses KPI-based performance and technology-enabled monitoring.
- Associated launches include the CSIR-CMERI Swachh Bharat testbed, an RRR centre and Swachhata initiatives.
2. Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III)
The Union Cabinet approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III for expanding intra-state renewable-energy transmission and battery storage.
| Indicator | Official target / value |
|---|---|
| Total outlay | ₹1,86,405 crore |
| Intra-state transmission | ₹1,36,378 crore |
| Battery Energy Storage Systems | ₹50,000 crore |
| Renewable power evacuation | Up to 135 GW |
| Battery storage capacity | 50 GWh (energy), not 50 GW (power) |
| Implementation target | FY 2032–33 |
Exam tip: GW is a unit of power; GWh is a unit of energy.
3. Minimum Support Prices for Rabi Crops, Marketing Season 2027–28
On 30 September 2026, the CCEA approved increases in MSPs for six mandated Rabi crops.
| Crop | MSP (₹/quintal) |
|---|---|
| Lentil (Masur) | 7,390 |
| Safflower | 7,215 |
| Rapeseed & Mustard | 6,613 |
| Gram | 5,958 |
| Wheat | 2,610 |
| Barley | 2,286 |
Remember: Lentil has the highest MSP among these crops, while safflower received the largest increase (₹675/quintal). MSP recommendations are made by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
4. Second India–Italy Joint Working Group on Tourism
The meeting on 29 September 2026 discussed cine-tourism, destination twinning, tourism-data exchange, skills and B2B engagement. Both sides discussed 2027 as the Year of Culture and Tourism between India and Italy. India and Italy elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership in May 2026.
5. Government Action on Paraquat Dichloride
Paraquat Dichloride is a highly toxic herbicide. The government issued notification S.O. 5234(E) dated 22 September 2026, published on 28 September 2026, prohibiting new registrations and cancelling existing registration certificates.
Legal basis: Section 27(2) read with Section 28 of the Insecticides Act, 1968. Section 9 concerns registration certificates; it is not the sole enabling provision for the order.
6. Jharkhand's Mandar Musical Instrument Gets GI Tag
Mandar, a traditional double-headed folk percussion instrument from Jharkhand, received geographical-indication recognition. The instrument is associated with tribal dance, festivals and artisans, notably in the Gumla region. GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999; registration normally lasts ten years and is renewable.
7. DoorDash Opens Hyderabad Office
US-based local-commerce company DoorDash opened its first Indian office and talent hub in Hyderabad in September 2026. The centre began with approximately 500 employees, with plans to grow beyond 3,000 in two years. Telangana minister D. Sridhar Babu inaugurated the facility.
8. Indigenous Lightweight Bullet-Proof Glass
The supplied study material describes a proposed DRDO–CSIR-CGCRI collaboration for lightweight bullet-resistant glass for defence vehicles. Verification pending: the asserted four-year timeline, ₹50-crore outlay and precise MoU particulars should not be treated as confirmed without a DRDO or CSIR release. CGCRI stands for Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, a CSIR laboratory in Kolkata.
9. US Executive Order on “Super Intelligence”
On 29 September 2026, the US President signed Executive Order 14434, “Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence.” It directed executive agencies to use the terminology “Super Intelligence” (SI) in place of “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) in specified non-statutory executive-branch communications. This is a US federal executive-branch terminology policy, not a universal renaming of AI around the world.
10. Morocco Appoints First Female Head of Government
King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco's first female head of government on 29 September 2026, following parliamentary elections. Morocco's capital is Rabat, and the country lies in north-western Africa on the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
11. Shubman Gill's Fastest ODI Double Century
On 30 September 2026 against the West Indies in Guwahati, Shubman Gill reached 200 in 117 balls, surpassing Ishan Kishan's 126-ball record. Gill finished unbeaten on 223 runs from 133 balls. Be careful to distinguish balls taken to reach 200 from the number of balls faced in the final innings.
One-Minute Revision
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many PRAGATI-50 cities? | 50 cities in 24 states |
| GEC-III renewable evacuation target? | 135 GW |
| GEC-III battery storage target? | 50 GWh |
| Highest Rabi MSP? | Lentil, ₹7,390/quintal |
| Biggest Rabi MSP increase? | Safflower, ₹675/quintal |
| India–Italy culture and tourism year? | 2027 |
| Mandar GI tag state? | Jharkhand |
| Morocco's first female head of government? | Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri |
| Gill's fastest ODI 200? | 117 balls |
Practice MCQs
- PRAGATI-50 is under which urban mission? (a) AMRUT (b) SBM–Urban 2.0 (c) PMAY-G (d) JJM
Answer: (b) - 50 GWh under GEC-III refers to: (a) Transmission voltage (b) Battery energy storage (c) Solar power capacity (d) Grid frequency
Answer: (b) - Which Rabi crop has the highest MSP of the listed six for 2027–28? (a) Safflower (b) Lentil (c) Mustard (d) Gram
Answer: (b) - Mandar is associated with which state? (a) Jharkhand (b) Gujarat (c) Assam (d) Punjab
Answer: (a) - What is the central legal enabling provision cited for the Paraquat order? (a) Section 9 alone (b) Section 27(2) read with Section 28 (c) Article 356 (d) Section 144 CrPC
Answer: (b)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PRAGATI-50?
A MoHUA initiative to develop 50 model cities across 24 states with measurable urban-cleanliness standards.
What is the difference between GW and GWh?
GW measures electrical power, whereas GWh measures energy generated, supplied or stored over time.
How many balls did Shubman Gill take for his ODI 200?
He reached 200 in 117 balls and finished with 223 not out from 133 balls.
Primary and Supporting Sources
- PIB – PRAGATI-50 launch
- PIB – Green Energy Corridor Phase-III
- PIB – Rabi MSP 2027–28
- PIB – India–Italy tourism meeting
- US Federal Register – Executive Order 14434
- ABC News – Shubman Gill ODI record
Prepared for APPSC, TGPSC, UPSC and competitive-exam revision. Verify official notifications when using these facts in applications or legal contexts.