How to use this material
Exam Tags & Source: Syllabus mapping for UPSC / TNPSC / SSC-RRB + clickable source link
Why in News: The news in 2–3 lines – read this first
▸ Sub-headings: Simple explanation + all facts, figures, names and years
GS Facts: Static GK linked to the news (blue box)
⚠ Exam Trap: Common confusions examiners use in options (orange box)
✍ Mains Angle: Probable Mains question with value points (purple box)
★ Important One-liners: Short news under each theme + Rapid Revision table. Highlighted = must-remember
✎ Top 5 Quiz: Day’s 5 most important MCQs at the end, with answer key
NATIONAL
ITMS Project for Delhi Police (CCEA Approved)
Why in News: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved implementation of the Intelligent Traffic Management System Project by Delhi Police at an estimated cost of ₹1,789.52 crore (inclusive of taxes), covering 42 identified traffic corridors.
Project Overview
What will the system do?
The basic idea is to use AI, cameras, sensors and real-time traffic data to manage Delhi’s traffic dynamically rather than relying mainly on fixed signal timings and manual intervention.
- Implementing Agency: Delhi Police through a Master System Integrator selected through competitive bidding.
- Project Management Consultant: C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) will provide technical support including technical scrutiny, monitoring, validation and acceptance.
- Implementation Timeline: Three phases over 24 months, followed by five years of operation and maintenance.
- Coverage: 1,092 Adaptive Traffic Control System locations and 1,029 enforcement locations.
GS Facts: CCEA
- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
- Chaired by Prime Minister
- Approves major economic and infrastructure projects
- Highest decision-making body for economic policy.
⚠ Exam Trap: ITMS was approved by the CCEA for Delhi Police. C-DAC is the Project Management Consultant – not the implementer. Cost: ₹1,789.52 crore for 42 corridors.
ART & CULTURE
★ Important One-liners
- MODEL OF DANISH SHIP ‘ELEPHANT’ PRESENTED TO TRANQUEBAR MARITIME MUSEUM: Model of ‘Elephant’ – frigate believed to be first Danish ship to land at Tharangambadi in 1620 – presented to Tranquebar Maritime Museum by Danish Tranquebar Association
- Elephant was part of fleet of 2 warships and 3 merchant ships – aimed at establishing trade links with South Asia – commanded by Admiral Ove Gedde
- Landed in Tharangambadi on 13 September 1620
- Admiral later entered treaty with Naik of Thanjavur and started construction of Fort Dansborg
ECONOMY
Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III)
Why in News: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) scheme to strengthen India’s Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) and enable evacuation of up to 135 Gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy across States and Union Territories.
Green Energy Corridor
- The Green Energy Corridor is a Government of India programme to build and strengthen the electricity transmission network needed to carry renewable power—especially electricity generated from solar and wind projects—to where it is consumed.
Scheme Overview
- Name: Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) .
- Total Project Outlay: ₹1,86,405 crore .
- Target Completion: FY 2032-33.
- Implementing Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) .
Key Components
Intra-State Transmission Systems (InSTS)
- Outlay: ₹1,36,378 cror .
- Purpose: Development of InSTS for grid integration and power evacuation within States/UTs.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Outlay: ₹50,000 crore .
- Capacity: 50 GWh of BESS.
- Location: At the Renewable Energy (RE) developer/generator end or any other location of importance.
- Purpose: Provide grid flexibility to address intermittency, congestion, peak-hour curtailment, and meet non-solar hour demand.
Central Financial Support
- Total Central Financial Support: ₹54,082 crore .
- Central Financial Assistance (CFA): Will help offset intra-State transmission charges, keeping power costs down.
- Benefit: Government support will ultimately benefit end users — the citizens of India.
Implementation Mechanism
- Greenfield Projects (InSTS): To be implemented through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mode.
- Brownfield Upgradation and Network Strengthening: To be executed under Cost Plus Basis (CPB) .
- Overall Implementing Agency: State Transmission Utilities .
- Transmission Service Providers (TSPs): Will participate under TBCB on a Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) model.
Strategic Significance
- Renewable Capacity Target: Helps achieve target of 900 GW installed non-fossil capacity by 2035.
- Energy Security: Contributes to long-term energy security of the country.
- Ecological Growth: Promotes ecologically sustainable growth by reducing carbon footprint.
- Employment Generation: Large direct and indirect employment in power sector, manufacturing, and construction industries.
- BESS Manufacturing: Additional employment in domestic energy storage industry.
- Skilled Employment: Long-term skilled employment in operation, maintenance, and grid management.
Evolution of Green Energy Corridor Scheme
Phase I (GEC-I) — Launched 2015-16
- Focus: Laying baseline infrastructure for India’s initial renewable push.
- Coverage: Transmission lines and substations across 8 key renewable-rich states.
- Key Innovation: Established Renewable Energy Management Centres (REMCs) — centralised hubs using smart tools to forecast renewable power generation and maintain real-time grid stability.
Phase II (GEC-II) — FY 2021-22 to 2025-26
- Focus: Deepening regional grids across 7 states.
- Target: Add about 10,750 circuit kilometres (ckm) of transmission lines and 27,500 Mega Volt-Amperes (MVA) of substation capacity.
- Ladakh Expansion Add-on: A separate high-capacity Inter-State project cleared to evacuate 13 GW of solar and wind energy from Ladakh’s mountain plains to northern demand centres like Kaithal (Haryana) .
Phase III (GEC-III) — InSTS + BESS
- Paradigm Shift: Rather than just building wires, Phase-III pivots aggressively toward grid flexibility.
- Context: Solar capacity jumped from 3 GW in 2014 to over 162 GW by mid-2026; grid faces massive mid-day power surges and evening drops.
- Massive Storage Outlay: Allocates ₹50,000 crore solely for 50 GWh of BESS — giant batteries that soak up excess daytime solar power and discharge during peak evening hours.
GS Facts: Green Energy Corridor (GEC)
- Flagship initiative under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Aims to evacuate renewable energy from generation-rich states to demand centres
- Phase I: 2015-16
- Phase II: FY 2021-22 to 2025-26
- Phase III: Target FY 2032-33.
⚠ Exam Trap: GEC-III is under MNRE and is carried out by State Transmission Utilities. Total outlay is ₹1,86,405 crore, but central support is ₹54,082 crore. It includes 50 GWh of BESS; target year FY 2032-33.
✍ Mains Angle (UPSC)
Q. Grid flexibility, not just new generation, will decide the pace of India’s energy transition. Discuss with reference to the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III.
Value points: BESS, intermittency and curtailment, intra-State transmission, competitive bidding, 500 GW and 900 GW non-fossil targets.
★ Important One-liners
- INAUGURAL INDIA MINING WEEK 2026: India Mining Week 2026 from 15–17 November 2026 at
Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi
- Organised by Mining, Geological and Metallurgical Institute of India (MGMI) under aegis of Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines
- Three-day event designed as India’s largest flagship international platform for mining, minerals, coal, critical resources.
ENVIRONMENT
Monsoon 2026 – Fourth-Lowest Rainfall Since 2001
Why in News: India received 87.4% of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall this monsoon season (June-September), with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stating that rainfall was the fourth-lowest since 2001, attributing the deficit primarily to strong El Nino conditions.
Key Rainfall Statistics
- Actual Rainfall: 759.4 mm against normal of 868.6 mm — a 13% deficit.
- Percentage of LPA: 87.4% .
- Ranking: Fourth-lowest monsoon since 2001.
- Monsoon Season: June 1 to September 30.
About Long Period Average (LPA)
- Definition: Rainfall recorded over a particular region for a given interval, such as a month or season, averaged over a long period of time, typically 30 to 50 years.
- Normal Monsoon Rainfall: 868.6 mm over India.
- October LPA: About 75.4 mm (based on 1971-2020 data).
Causes of Deficit
- El Nino Conditions: Prevailed over the tropical Pacific region, emerged in June and strengthened since — one of the main reasons for the rainfall deficit.
- Current Status: Strong El Nino conditions prevailing and may persist till March 2027.
Month-Wise Distribution
- June: Maximum deficit of 35.4% .
- August: 16.3% deficit.
- September: 7.6% deficit.
- July: Only month with above-normal rainfall — surplus of 1% .
IMD Forecasts vs Actual
- April 13 Forecast: Rainfall likely at 92% of LPA.
- May 29 Forecast: Rainfall likely at 90% of LPA (with model error of 4%).
Low Pressure Systems
- Number: 14 low pressure systems formed this season.
- System Days: 77 low pressure system days against the normal 57 days.
- Significance: The rainfall deficit could have been higher if not for these low pressure systems, per Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra (Director General of Meteorology, IMD).
About El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
- Three Phases: El Nino, La Nina, and Neutral.
- El Nino: Warming effect on the planet; less monsoon rainfall in India.
- La Nina: Usually results in a cooling effect.
GS Facts: El Nino
- Spanish for “Christ Child”
- Climate pattern causing warming of Pacific Ocean surface
- Occurs every 2-7 years
- Impacts: Weaker monsoons in India, droughts, floods
- Opposite: La Nina (cooling of Pacific Ocean).
⚠ Exam Trap: Monsoon 2026 got 87.4% of LPA (13% deficit) – fourth-lowest since 2001. El Niño weakens the Indian monsoon; La Niña usually strengthens it. June had the biggest deficit; July was the only surplus month.
INTERNATIONAL
UNGA Adopts First Declaration on Sea Level Rise
Why in News: The United Nations General Assembly adopted its first-ever declaration on sea level rise on 24 September 2026 at a high-level meeting alongside the 81st session of UNGA in New York
About the Declaration
- Adopted: 24 September 2026 at UNGA 81 high-level meeting.
- Significance: First time UN member states, including the United States, have agreed on a common declaration addressing sea level rise.
- Length: Four pages.
- Particularly Significant For: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and low-lying coastal countries facing growing threats to land, infrastructure and livelihoods.
Key Provision on Statehood
- Core Affirmation: The physical disappearance of territory or changes to a coastline caused by sea level rise do not automatically result in the loss of statehood.
- Implication: Continued existence of a country under international law would not necessarily depend on its territory remaining above water.
- Countries at Risk: Tuvalu and Marshall Islands face prospect of extensive inundation over coming century.
- Legal Basis: Follows a July 2025 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) , which stated that a country would not necessarily lose its statehood if one of the elements traditionally associated with statehood ceased to exist.
Maritime Zones Under UNCLOS
- Stability of Maritime Zones: Countries can maintain maritime zones established under UNCLOS as sea levels rise.
- Right to Update: Countries retain the right to update their maritime zones.
- Importance for Island Nations: Maritime zones determine rights over ocean resources and activities.
- Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles from coast.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Up to 200 nautical miles from coast.
Sea Level Rise Data
- Global Mean Sea Level (2024): Rose by 5.9 millimetres — reaching a record high, primarily because of exceptional ocean warming (per UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ report).
- 2025: Sea levels remained close to that record following sharp increase between 2023 and 2024.
- Projection: Rate of sea level rise expected to increase through 2050 because of warming already locked into the climate system.
- People at Risk: Around 770 million people worldwide live less than five metres above the high-tide line.
- Displacement Risk: Without urgent adaptation measures, up to 1.2 billion people could be displaced by 2050.
- Risk Increase: Without significant efforts to reduce emissions and adapt, risks facing coastal cities and communities could increase tenfold by 2100.
Calls for Action
- Early Warning Systems: Stronger anticipatory action including multi-hazard early warning systems.
- Climate Risk Assessments: To be incorporated into planning and decision-making.
- International Cooperation: Greater financial, technical and policy support to developing countries, particularly SIDS and Least Developed Countries.
- Nature-Based Measures: Protection and restoration of mangroves, kelp forests and seagrass meadows.
- Coastal Infrastructure: Sea level rise projections to be taken into account when planning, constructing and maintaining critical coastal infrastructure including ports, energy and transport systems, water supplies and healthcare facilities.
- Other Measures: Coastal protection, land reclamation and raising land levels.
Historical Context
- 1989 Malé Declaration: On global warming and sea level rise.
- 2021 and 2023: Pacific Islands Forum leaders adopted agreements on preserving maritime zones and continuity of statehood.
- AOSIS Declarations: Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) adopted related declarations on sea level rise and statehood in 2021 and 2024.
About the Montevideo Convention
- Adopted: 1933 — Convention on the Rights and Duties of States.
- Four Criteria for Statehood: A permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.
- Central Question: If rising seas swallow a State’s “defined territory” or render it uninhabitable for a “permanent population,” does it still remain a state?
Vulnerable Nations and Migration Example
- At-Risk Countries: Island nations of Tuvalu and Kiribati in the Pacific, and the Maldives.
- Tuvalu-Australia Treaty: By December 2025, more than one-third of Tuvalu’s 11,000-strong population had applied for climate visas to migrate to Australia under a bilateral treaty.
GS Facts: UNGA
- United Nations General Assembly
- Established: 1945
- All 193 UN member states
- One country, one vote
- Principal policy-making organ of UN. UNCLOS
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
- Adopted: 1982
- Entered into force: 1994
- Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
- EEZ: 200 nautical miles
- India ratified: 1995.
⚠ Exam Trap: The declaration says losing territory to sea level rise does not automatically end statehood. It follows the ICJ advisory opinion of July 2025. Territorial sea – 12 nm; EEZ – 200 nm.
✍ Mains Angle (UPSC)
Q. Should a State survive the loss of its territory to rising seas? Discuss in light of the UNGA declaration on sea level rise.
Value points: Montevideo criteria, ICJ advisory opinion (2025), UNCLOS maritime zones, SIDS, climate migration (Tuvalu–Australia treaty).
★ Important One-liners
- FATIMA EZZAHRA EL MANSOURI – MOROCCO’S FIRST WOMAN PRIME MINISTER: King Mohammed VI appointed
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Morocco’s first woman Prime Minister after her liberal-centrist party topped 23 September parliamentary election
- King asked her to form new government
- Her party Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) – created in 2008 by an adviser to the king
TAMILNADU
★ Important One-liners
- TAMIL NADU’S FIRST BOOTH-LESS MLFF FACILITY:
Paranur toll plaza on Chennai–Tiruchi National Highway became Tamil Nadu’s first booth-less facility with Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system
- Vehicles with FASTag cards or exempt tags (judges, district collectors, MPs, MLAs) zip through without waiting time – tags scanned a little ahead of plaza point
- Vehicles without tags or with insufficient balance issued challans
- In place of manned booths: tall gantries with RFID readers, radar scanners, audit surveillance cameras, FASTag-ANPR system
SCHEMES
PRAGATI-50 Initiative (under SBM-U 2.0)
Why in News: The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs launched the PRAGATI-50 initiative in New Delhi to develop 50 model cities across 24 States demonstrating higher benchmarks of Swachhata under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0) .
About PRAGATI-50 Initiative
- Nature: A targeted urban transformation and benchmarking program under SBM-U 2.0.
- Selection: The 50 cities were selected to demonstrate a higher benchmark of “Swachhata” through targeted, KPI-based action, technology-enabled monitoring and regular reviews.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) , Government of India.
- Aim: Create replicable urban sanitation models, ensure scientific waste processing, eliminate legacy dumpsites, and promote behavioural change in major urban hubs.
Key Features
KPI-Driven and City-as-a-Whole Approach
- Formulates micro-level action plans covering solid waste management, used water management, public toilet upkeep, and citizen engagement through an integrated stakeholder model.
Dedicated PRAGATI-Style Digital Tracking
- Uses a Pro-Active Governance dashboard on the Swachhatam Portal.
- MoHUA officers assigned cities for continuous support.
- Bimonthly ministerial reviews for monitoring progress.
CSIR-CMERI Test Bed and Innovation Centre
- Integrates indigenous technological research via the newly inaugurated facility at Durgapur.
- Purpose: Validate, test, certify and scale advanced sanitation machinery and waste treatment hardware.
Startup Incubation and Scale-Up
- Achieves national milestone of 75 startups onboarded under SBM-U by inducting the 3rd Cohort (13 startups) .
- Collaboration with the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur.
Digital Grievance and Behaviour Repositories
- Introduces a dedicated citizen WhatsApp grievance redressal channel.
- Launches the Swachhata Behaviour Change Digital Kosh to support behavioural change initiatives.
GS Facts: Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0
- Launched on 1 October 2021; goal – Garbage-Free Cities
- Nodal ministry: MoHUA
- Swachh Survekshan – annual cleanliness survey of cities, since 2016
- Original Swachh Bharat Mission launched on 2 October 2014
⚠ Exam Trap: PRAGATI-50 is a MoHUA initiative under SBM-U 2.0 for 50 model cities in 24 States – not the PM’s PRAGATI review platform. The test bed is at CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur.
SPORTS
★ Important One-liners
- SUNIL KUMAR – FIRST INDIAN GRECO ROMAN WRESTLER WITH TWO ASIAN GAMES MEDALS: Sunil Kumar became
first Indian Greco Roman wrestler to win two Asian Games medals – clinched bronze in men’s 87kg with technical superiority win over
Philippines’ Roberts Callum Johnston in
Nagoya
- Had won bronze at Hangzhou 2023 – ended 13-year wait for India in Greco Roman style
RAPID REVISION
| Topic | Key Fact to Remember |
|---|---|
| ITMS – Delhi Police | ₹1,789.52 crore; 42 corridors; approved by CCEA |
| Danish ship ‘Elephant’ | Landed at Tharangambadi in 1620; Fort Dansborg |
| GEC-III | ₹1,86,405 crore; InSTS + 50 GWh BESS; FY 2032-33 |
| India Mining Week 2026 | 15–17 Nov; Yashobhoomi; MGMI |
| Monsoon 2026 | 87.4% of LPA; 4th-lowest since 2001; El Niño |
| Monsoon LPA | 868.6 mm (seasonal normal) |
| UNGA declaration | First on sea level rise; 24 Sept 2026 |
| Montevideo Convention | 1933; four criteria of statehood |
| Morocco | Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri – first woman PM |
| Paranur toll plaza | TN’s first booth-less MLFF facility |
| PRAGATI-50 | 50 model cities in 24 States; SBM-U 2.0 |
| Sunil Kumar | First Indian Greco-Roman wrestler with 2 Asian Games medals |
TOP 5 QUIZ OF THE DAY
Q1. With reference to the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III), consider the following statements:
1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Power.
2. It includes 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.
3. Greenfield intra-State transmission projects will be built through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q2. Consider the following statements about the 2026 southwest monsoon:
1. India received about 87.4% of the Long Period Average rainfall.
2. El Niño conditions were a main reason for the deficit.
3. July recorded the highest monthly deficit.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q3. Which of the following are criteria for statehood under the Montevideo Convention, 1933?
1. A permanent population
2. A defined territory
3. Membership of the United Nations
4. Capacity to enter into relations with other States
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
- (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q4. With reference to the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) for Delhi Police, consider the following statements:
1. It was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
2. C-DAC will act as the Project Management Consultant.
3. It covers 42 identified traffic corridors.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q5. Under UNCLOS, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of a coastal State extends up to:
- (a) 12 nautical miles
- (b) 24 nautical miles
- (c) 200 nautical miles
- (d) 350 nautical miles
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
Q1 – (b): GEC-III is under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), not the Ministry of Power.
Q2 – (a): June had the maximum deficit (35.4%); July was the only month with above-normal rainfall.
Q3 – (b): The four criteria are a permanent population, a defined territory, a government and the capacity to enter into relations with other States. UN membership is not a criterion.
Q4 – (d): All three are correct – approved by the CCEA, C-DAC as consultant, 42 corridors, cost ₹1,789.52 crore.
Q5 – (c): EEZ – up to 200 nautical miles; territorial sea – 12 nautical miles.
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