📰 Daily Current Affairs Notes — Friday, September 25, 2026

Sources scanned: PIB India, The Hindu, Indian Express, PRS India, RBI, NITI Aayog, and Chhattisgarh State Government portals.

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Government and Banks to Determine UPI Subsidy Mechanism Post MDR Implementation — [Economy: GS Paper III]

1. The Core News Report

The Union Finance Ministry is actively engaging with commercial banks and digital merchants to finalize a structured subsidy mechanism for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions once the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework is introduced. Official sources clarified that MDR collections are not expected to cover the full operational cost of running India's massive digital public infrastructure. To prevent financial burdens from trickling down to end-users, the government intends to step in with financial subsidies.

The primary objective of these stakeholder discussions is to ensure that small merchants and everyday citizens are exempted from paying extra charges for digital transactions. As UPI volumes scale toward unprecedented highs, policymakers are balancing commercial bank viability with financial inclusion goals. The precise architecture of the subsidy will dictate how transaction costs are split between state fiscal support and banking sector absorbed expenses.

2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important)

• Why it is Important: It directly addresses the economic viability of India's flagship digital payment ecosystem, balancing commercial banking interests against the imperative of promoting a cashless, financially inclusive economy.

• UPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), RBI and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) guidelines.
  • Mains GS: GS Paper III (Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and digital economy).
  • Essay/Interview: Digital transformation in India, bridging the digital divide, and public-private partnerships in governance.

• CGPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: Government initiatives regarding digital banking adoption and financial inclusion parameters in Chhattisgarh.
  • Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Rural penetration of digital banking and cooperative bank integrations with UPI platforms across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in the state.

• Key Facts for Quick Revision:

  • Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: Ministry of Finance, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
  • Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: UPI ecosystem framework reviews, September 2026 policy directives.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

  1. With reference to the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) and UPI transactions, consider the following statements:

     1. MDR is a fee collected from a merchant by the acquiring bank for accepting payments through digital cards or QR codes.
     2. Currently, person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions on UPI are subject to mandatory statutory MDR paid by customers.
        Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
        (A) 1 only
        (B) 2 only
        (C) Both 1 and 2
        (D) Neither 1 nor 2
        Correct Answer: (A) 1 only (Explanation: P2M transactions via UPI have enjoyed a zero-MDR regime backed by government support, and customers do not pay direct MDR).

  2. Which organization operates and manages the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform in India?
     (A) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
     (B) National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
     (C) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
     (D) Indian Banks' Association (IBA)
     Correct Answer: (B) National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

• Possible Mains Questions:

  1. Discuss the economic implications of introducing the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on the UPI ecosystem. How can the government maintain financial inclusion while ensuring the sustainability of banking infrastructure? (150 words / 10 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: UPI MDR Digital Payments Finance Ministry NPCI Financial Inclusion

• Related Topics to Study:

  • Evolution of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India
  • RBI guidelines on payment aggregators and gateways

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National Green Hydrogen Mission Targets 400-500 Hydrogen Buses by 2030 — [Environment & Ecology: GS Paper III]

1. The Core News Report

Abhay Bakre, Mission Director and Head of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, announced that India is firmly on track to operationalize between 400 and 500 hydrogen-powered buses nationwide by the year 2030. Speaking on the rollout strategy, the Mission Director highlighted that ongoing pilot trials across various climatic terrains are providing vital technical data. These trials will establish the operational benchmarks required to scale up heavy-duty hydrogen mobility in the country.

The initiative aims to decarbonize the public transport sector by replacing fossil-fuel-guzzling heavy vehicles with zero-emission fuel-cell electric buses. The National Green Hydrogen Mission is actively partnering with state transport undertakings and automotive manufacturers to establish local refueling infrastructure, green hydrogen production hubs, and stringent safety standards for high-pressure storage systems.

2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important)

• Why it is Important: It marks a crucial milestone in India's transition toward clean energy alternatives, fulfilling national commitments to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and reduce crude oil import dependency.

• UPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: National Green Hydrogen Mission, Green Hydrogen standards, fuel cell technology, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
  • Mains GS: GS Paper III (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment, infrastructure: Energy).
  • Essay/Interview: Sustainable urbanization, future of clean transportation, and India's leadership in global climate action.

• CGPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: National renewable energy targets and green corridor initiatives relevant to central India.
  • Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Potential for green hydrogen production leveraging Chhattisgarh's industrial manufacturing capabilities and thermal power infrastructure.

• Key Facts for Quick Revision:

  • Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: 400–500 hydrogen buses targeted by 2030.
  • Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: National Green Hydrogen Mission, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

  1. Consider the following statements regarding Green Hydrogen:

     1. It is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
     2. In a fuel cell vehicle, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, with water vapor as the only emission.
        Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
        (A) 1 only
        (B) 2 only
        (C) Both 1 and 2
        (D) Neither 1 nor 2
        Correct Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2

  2. The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global hub for the production, usage, and export of green hydrogen. Which ministry is the nodal ministry for this mission?
     (A) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
     (B) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
     (C) Ministry of Science and Technology
     (D) Ministry of Heavy Industries
     Correct Answer: (B) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

• Possible Mains Questions:

  1. Analyze the strategic significance of the National Green Hydrogen Mission in achieving India's net-zero targets. What are the key technological and infrastructural challenges in scaling up hydrogen mobility? (250 words / 15 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: Green Hydrogen National Green Hydrogen Mission Clean Energy Fuel Cell Buses MNRE Decarbonization

• Related Topics to Study:

  • Paris Agreement targets and India's Panchamrit goals
  • Electrolyzer manufacturing technologies and supply chain bottlenecks

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Twelve Years of Make in India: Mixed Performance Across Key Metrics — [Economy: GS Paper III]

1. The Core News Report

A comprehensive 12-year assessment of the flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative reveals a low and patchy impact on overall economic growth, manufacturing employment, and India's share in global exports. Launched to transform India into a global manufacturing powerhouse, the initiative has seen notable success through Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in specific high-tech sectors like electronics and mobile manufacturing. However, these gains remain largely isolated to a handful of domains.

The evaluation highlights that structural bottlenecks—including complex land acquisition laws, high logistics costs, fragmented supply chains, and sluggish job creation in traditional labor-intensive industries—continue to constrain broader industrial expansion. While capital inflows and smartphone assembly have surged, the share of manufacturing in India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has hovered below targets, necessitating renewed policy reforms to drive inclusive industrialization.

2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important)

• Why it is Important: It provides a critical macroeconomic reality check on India's premier industrial policy, offering essential lessons for designing future employment-generating manufacturing frameworks.

• UPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: Make in India initiative, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, manufacturing share in GDP, industrial corridors.
  • Mains GS: GS Paper III (Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, growth, employment, and industrial policy).
  • Essay/Interview: Can India replicate the East Asian manufacturing miracle? Challenges of jobless growth and demographic dividend monetization.

• CGPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: Industrial policies of India and state-level industrial promotion schemes.
  • Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Growth of manufacturing clusters, mineral-based industries, and the state's industrial policy framework.

• Key Facts for Quick Revision:

  • Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: 12 years of Make in India review metrics; PLI scheme sector focus.
  • Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: Make in India initiative launched in 2014.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

  1. Consider the following statements regarding the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in India:

     1. It aims to give companies incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in domestic units.
     2. The scheme covers all registered manufacturing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) without sector-specific caps.
        Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
        (A) 1 only
        (B) 2 only
        (C) Both 1 and 2
        (D) Neither 1 nor 2
        Correct Answer: (A) 1 only (Explanation: The PLI scheme is targeted at specific designated sectors with high potential, not all MSMEs universally).

  2. Which of the following is the primary objective of the 'Make in India' initiative launched in 2014?
     (A) To nationalize all major heavy industries in the core sector
     (B) To transform India into a global design and manufacturing hub
     (C) To provide direct cash transfers to unemployed manufacturing youth
     (D) To eliminate all direct and indirect taxes on industrial inputs
     Correct Answer: (B) To transform India into a global design and manufacturing hub

• Possible Mains Questions:

  1. "Despite targeted interventions like the PLI scheme, the 'Make in India' initiative has had a patchy impact on employment and manufacturing growth." Examine the structural impediments facing India's manufacturing sector and suggest remedial measures. (250 words / 15 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: Make in India PLI Scheme Manufacturing Industrial Policy Economic Growth Employment

• Related Topics to Study:

  • National Manufacturing Policy
  • Ease of Doing Business reforms and logistics policy in India

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Supreme Court Seeks Goa Police Response on Tarun Tejpal Conviction Appeal — [Polity & Governance: GS Paper II]

1. The Core News Report

The Supreme Court of India has issued a formal notice seeking a detailed response from the Goa Police regarding an appeal filed by Tarun Tejpal. The petitioner is challenging his conviction and the subsequent 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence imposed in a high-profile sexual assault case. The legal proceedings reached this stage after the petitioner surrendered before a Goa court to serve the court-mandated prison sentence.

The apex court bench is examining the procedural validity of the lower and high court judgments, legal evidentiary standards, and the grounds for appeal raised by the defense. The case raises critical jurisprudence questions concerning victims' rights, judicial accountability in fast-tracking heinous crime trials, and the rigorous standards of appellate review in criminal convictions.

2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important)

• Why it is Important: It underscores the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under Article 136 and reinforces judicial scrutiny in cases involving crimes against women.

• UPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: Article 136 (Special Leave Petition), criminal appellate jurisdiction, IPC/BNS provisions on sexual offenses.
  • Mains GS: GS Paper II (Structure, organization and functioning of the Judiciary; Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections).
  • Essay/Interview: Access to justice, gender justice, and judicial integrity.

• CGPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: Basic structure of criminal courts and appellate hierarchy under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) / Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
  • Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): State-level fast-track courts and legal aid mechanisms for vulnerable victims in tribal districts.

• Key Facts for Quick Revision:

  • Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: Article 136 of the Constitution of India (Special Leave to Appeal by the Supreme Court).
  • Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: Supreme Court of India, Goa Police, 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence.

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

  1. Under which Article of the Constitution of India does the Supreme Court have extraordinary discretionary power to grant special leave to appeal from any judgment or order in any matter passed by any court in India?
     (A) Article 32
     (B) Article 131
     (C) Article 136
     (D) Article 142
     Correct Answer: (C) Article 136

  2. Consider the following statements regarding the appellate powers of the Supreme Court in criminal matters:

     1. An appeal lies to the Supreme Court from any judgment of a High Court if the High Court has on appeal reversed an order of acquittal of an accused person and sentenced him to death.
     2. Parliament has no power to confer supplementary appellate jurisdiction on the Supreme Court.
        Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
        (A) 1 only
        (B) 2 only
        (C) Both 1 and 2
        (D) Neither 1 nor 2
        Correct Answer: (A) 1 only (Explanation: Parliament is empowered under Article 138 to enlarge the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court).

• Possible Mains Questions:

  1. Discuss the scope of the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction under Article 136. How does the apex court balance speedy justice with the rights of the convicted in high-profile criminal cases? (150 words / 10 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: Supreme Court Article 136 Special Leave Petition Criminal Appeal Goa Police Gender Justice

• Related Topics to Study:

  • Appellate jurisdiction of Indian Courts (Supreme Court and High Courts)
  • Landmark Supreme Court rulings on sexual assault trials and evidentiary standards

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All-Woman SIT Formed to Probe POCSO Act Case Involving Gem Granites Veeramani — [Social Issues: GS Paper II]

1. The Core News Report

In a decisive administrative action, Director General of Police (DGP) Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal issued an order establishing an all-woman Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take over the investigation into the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case involving Gem Granites owner Veeramani. The formation of the specialized all-woman team is designed to ensure a sensitive, thorough, and unbiased probe into the serious allegations.

The specialized SIT will investigate the core charges as well as any related auxiliary matters with heightened vigilance. Legal experts note that deploying an all-woman investigative squad aligns with statutory guidelines under the POCSO Act and criminal procedure codes, aimed at fostering confidence among complainants and safeguarding minor victims during interrogation and evidence collection.

2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important)

• Why it is Important: It highlights institutional mechanisms safeguarding child rights and gender sensitivity in high-profile criminal investigations under the POCSO framework.

• UPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Special Investigation Team (SIT), statutory rights of minors.
  • Mains GS: GS Paper II (Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections; Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies).
  • Essay/Interview: Protecting child rights, gender-responsive policing, and institutional accountability.

• CGPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: POCSO Act provisions regarding reporting and speedy trial mandates.
  • Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): State police initiatives on child protection units and special juvenile police units in Bastar and other regions.

• Key Facts for Quick Revision:

  • Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: DGP Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal; All-Woman SIT.
  • Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: POCSO Act, Tamil Nadu Police Department orders (September 2026).

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

  1. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was enacted in which year?
     (A) 2008
     (B) 2012
     (C) 2015
     (D) 2019
     Correct Answer: (B) 2012

  2. Under the POCSO Act, who is mandated to record the statement of the child victim?
     (A) Local police officer in uniform
     (B) Accused person's legal counsel
     (C) Woman police officer not below the rank of sub-inspector in plain clothes
     (D) District Magistrate directly
     Correct Answer: (C) Woman police officer not below the rank of sub-inspector in plain clothes (Explanation: The Act mandates child-friendly procedures including recording statements by a woman officer in plain clothes without intimidating uniforms).

• Possible Mains Questions:

  1. Examine the efficacy of the POCSO Act, 2012, in addressing child sexual abuse in India. What role do specialized units like all-woman SITs play in ensuring fair investigations? (150 words / 10 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: POCSO Act All-Woman SIT Child Protection Tamil Nadu Police Criminal Investigation

• Related Topics to Study:

  • Key amendments to the POCSO Act over the years
  • Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and child-friendly policing

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Adani Group Pledges ₹1 Lakh Crore Investment in West Bengal by 2035 — [Economy: GS Paper III]

1. The Core News Report

The Adani Group, led by billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani, has committed to investing over ₹1 lakh crore in West Bengal by the year 2035. The expansive investment blueprint includes major strategic diversifications into power generation and power distribution networks across the state. A significant highlight of the proposal is the group's intent to enter Kolkata's electricity distribution sector, which has historically been operated as a monopoly by the R.P. Sanjiv Goenka Group's CESC.

State officials and economic analysts view this commitment as a major boost to West Bengal's industrial infrastructure, energy grid modernization, and employment generation prospects. The proposed capital infusion is expected to trigger healthy competition in urban power distribution and stimulate allied manufacturing and infrastructure supply chains across eastern India.

2. Examination Analysis (Why it is Important)

• Why it is Important: It represents a major private sector capital commitment toward regional infrastructure development and energy market reform in eastern India.

• UPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: Electricity distribution licensing, private sector investment in infrastructure, power sector reforms in India.
  • Mains GS: GS Paper III (Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways; Investment models).
  • Essay/Interview: Cooperative federalism, industrialization of eastern states, and private enterprise in public utility services.

• CGPSC Relevance:

  • Prelims: Major industrial investment trends in eastern and central Indian states.
  • Chhattisgarh Special (if applicable): Energy sector investments, power transmission corridors, and industrial partnership frameworks in Chhattisgarh.

• Key Facts for Quick Revision:

  • Important figures / Constitutional Articles / Committees: ₹1 lakh crore investment target by 2035; Gautam Adani / Adani Group.
  • Reports / Organizations / Schemes / Acts / Locations / Dates: West Bengal power distribution sector diversification (CESC monopoly challenge).

• Possible Prelims MCQs:

  1. Consider the following statements regarding power distribution in India:

     1. Electricity is listed in the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India.
     2. Private sector participation in electricity distribution is entirely prohibited under the Electricity Act, 2003.
        Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
        (A) 1 only
        (B) 2 only
        (C) Both 1 and 2
        (D) Neither 1 nor 2
        Correct Answer: (A) 1 only (Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as Electricity is in the Concurrent List [Entry 38 of List III]. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Electricity Act, 2003 expressly permits and encourages private sector participation and open access).

  2. Under the Indian Constitution, the Concurrent List contains subjects on which both Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws. In which part/schedule of the Constitution is this list found?
     (A) Schedule VII
     (B) Schedule IX
     (C) Schedule XI
     (D) Schedule XII
     Correct Answer: (A) Schedule VII

• Possible Mains Questions:

  1. Discuss the significance of private sector investment in modernizing India's power distribution infrastructure. What are the regulatory challenges associated with introducing multiple distribution licensees in urban areas? (250 words / 15 marks)

• Keywords / Tags: Adani Group West Bengal Power Distribution Infrastructure Investment CESC Electricity Act 2003

• Related Topics to Study:

  • Electricity (Amendment) Bill / Act provisions
  • Open access in power distribution and cross-subsidy surcharges

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