28 September 2026
The Ministry of Ayush announced the results of a 24-week clinical trial of standardised Ashwagandha root extract, published in Frontiers in Medicine.
1,200 vaccinated adults aged 18 to 70 years took part; 1,032 participants, or 86 per cent, completed the 24-week intervention, with follow-up continuing to week 28.
Participants received 500 mg of the extract daily, equivalent to 4 grams of raw root powder.
Liver and kidney function parameters remained within normal ranges and no treatment-related hepatic or renal injury was observed.
No serious adverse events were attributed to the intervention and no participant withdrew because of adverse effects.
Nine institutions took part, including the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur.
Ayush Secretary Rajesh Kotecha said high-quality clinical research strengthens the scientific evidence-base of Ayurveda.
Participants:
1,200
Completed the intervention:
1,032 (86%)
Daily dose:
500 mg
Duration:
24 weeks
Why it matters for exams: Government-backed clinical validation of an Ayush drug is a recurring science and health question area.
Kerala PSCUPSC
28 September 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the conference on 'PRAHAAR - National CT Policy and Strategy' in New Delhi.
He launched a new Extradition Portal meant to speed up the return of fugitives from abroad.
He said 288 fugitive criminals were brought back from 36 countries between 2019 and 2026.
PRAHAAR rests on seven pillars: Prevention, Response, Aggregating Internal Capacities, Human Rights, Attenuating Conditions for Terrorism, Aligning International Efforts, and Recovery and Resilience.
He called for an institutionalised, automated counter-terrorism response mechanism at every level.
He said the government follows a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of terrorism.
Fugitives extradited, 2019 to 2026:
288
Countries involved:
36
Pillars of PRAHAAR:
7
Why it matters for exams: A new national counter-terrorism framework and a named portal are standard internal-security exam material.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
28 September 2026
The Supreme Court refused to stay the levy of Merchant Discount Rate on person-to-merchant UPI transactions above ₹2,000.
The charge is set to take effect from 15 October 2026.
The Court observed that the issue is less legal and more technical.
It directed the Centre and the other respondents to file counter-affidavits within four weeks.
Merchant Discount Rate is the fee a merchant pays to the payment service provider on a digital transaction.
Transaction threshold:
₹2,000
Effective from:
15 October 2026
Time given for counter-affidavits:
Four weeks
Why it matters for exams: MDR on UPI is a live banking and digital-payments question and the threshold and effective date are examinable facts.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
28 September 2026
The Indian Coast Guard responded to the Belize-flagged chemical tanker MT Seagull 9 off the Paradip coast in Odisha after it suffered main engine failure and rapid flooding of a ballast tank, which made it tilt dangerously.
The vessel was carrying about 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil with 23 crew members on board.
ICGS Vishwast reached the scene first, followed by a pollution control vessel, an offshore patrol vessel and a Dornier aircraft launched from Bhubaneswar.
An ICG Damage Control Team boarded the unstable vessel and began emergency damage-control measures.
After the tanker was stabilised, the Paradip Port Authority tug Dolphin towed it to anchorage.
A minor palm oil sheen was seen and fully dissipated during follow-up aerial sorties.
Vessel:
MT Seagull 9 (Belize-flagged)
Cargo:
About 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil
Crew on board:
23
First Coast Guard ship on scene:
ICGS Vishwast
Why it matters for exams: Coast Guard operations, ship names and pollution response are regular defence and environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
28 September 2026
The National Disaster Management Authority observed its 22nd Formation Day in New Delhi.
The theme was 'Risk Reduction in Action', reflecting the effort to turn disaster risk reduction policy and preparedness into concrete action at all levels.
Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Anuj Sharma addressed the gathering.
He called for concerted efforts to achieve the goal of zero casualties from natural disasters.
He said India has seen a significant transformation in disaster management, particularly in response, rescue and relief operations.
He said deaths from natural disasters have declined steadily in recent years.
Occasion:
22nd Formation Day of NDMA
Theme:
Risk Reduction in Action
Venue:
New Delhi
Why it matters for exams: NDMA is a statutory body under the Disaster Management Act and its formation day and themes are examinable.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
27 September 2026
The Prime Minister broadcast the 138th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 27 September 2026.
He urged citizens to use the census self-enumeration portal se.census.gov.in, and said more than 2.6 crore people have already completed self-enumeration.
He said the first phase of the census is nearly complete in all states and union territories, with data of over 32 crore families recorded.
He said Anganwadi centres are digitally linked through the Poshan Tracker, with about 9 crore beneficiaries registered on the platform.
He spoke of the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan, a 100-week campaign, and of the MY Bharat platform for youth participation.
He mentioned around 100 amla processing units in Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh under One District One Product, mangrove planting by women of Jharkhali in the Sundarbans, and the rise of the pygmy hog population in Assam from six to over 190.
He paid tribute to Ashok Singhal, former International Working President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, on his 100th birth anniversary.
Episode:
138th
Self-enumerations completed:
More than 2.6 crore people
Families in census first phase:
Over 32 crore
Poshan Tracker beneficiaries:
About 9 crore
Why it matters for exams: Mann Ki Baat episode numbers, census self-enumeration figures and scheme reach numbers are frequently asked.
Kerala PSCUPSC
28 September 2026
Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said central teams will visit Karnataka and Maharashtra for a ground assessment of drought conditions.
He was speaking at the two-day National Agriculture Conference - Rabi Campaign 2026 in New Delhi.
A central team will undertake the ground assessment in Karnataka on 3 October, and another team will be sent to Maharashtra.
He said nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra has been affected and the state has declared drought, while Karnataka is facing drought-like conditions.
He said Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh should prepare crop plans based on water availability and soil moisture, with separate strategies for rainfed and irrigated areas.
He recommended promoting pulses and oilseeds in fallow areas after paddy cultivation.
States to be assessed:
Karnataka and Maharashtra
Karnataka visit:
3 October
Area of Maharashtra affected:
Nearly two-thirds
Occasion:
National Agriculture Conference - Rabi Campaign 2026, New Delhi
Why it matters for exams: Central drought assessment teams and crop planning advice link agriculture policy with disaster relief mechanisms.
Kerala PSCUPSC
28 September 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian javelin throwers Yashvir Singh and Rohit Yadav on winning medals at the Asian Games.
Yashvir Singh won the silver medal with a personal best throw.
Rohit Yadav won the bronze medal.
Two Indian javelin throwers thus stood on the Asian Games podium in the same event.
The Prime Minister said it was a wonderful result for both athletes and for Indian athletics, and wished them well for the future.
Silver:
Yashvir Singh, javelin throw
Bronze:
Rohit Yadav, javelin throw
Why it matters for exams: Asian Games medallists and their events are standard sports general-knowledge questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
28 September 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated shooter Esha Singh on winning the silver medal in the women's 25m pistol individual event at the Asian Games 2026.
He said Esha showed immense precision and composure with a great score.
He extended best wishes to her for many more successes ahead.
The message was issued through the Press Information Bureau on 28 September 2026.
Athlete:
Esha Singh
Event:
Women's 25m pistol individual
Medal:
Silver
Why it matters for exams: Shooting events and medallists at the Asian Games are commonly asked in sports sections.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC