UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 09 October 2026

Persistence of Untouchability Despite Constitutional and Legal Safeguards

Context

The purifying ceremony in Uttarakhand in August 2026 has reignited the discussion over the survival of untouchability despite constitutional and legal safeguards.

What is Untouchability?

Untouchability is a historically entrenched form of caste-based exclusion based on ritual of purity and pollution.

It involves denying individuals equal access to social spaces, resources and opportunities because of their caste identity.

Central Armed Police Forces Act Comes into Force

Context

The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026 came into force from October 8, 2026.

Major Highlights of the Act

Aim: To regulate recruitment, deputation, promotion, and other service conditions for the paramilitary officers.

Power to Make Rules: It empowers the central government to make Rules on matters related to officers of specified CAPFs.

GST 2.0 Upgrade

Context

The 57th GST Council meeting introduced major process and enforcement reforms, including easing registration, refunds and litigation, while proposing to raise the prosecution threshold from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore.

About GST Council

The GST Council is a constitutional body established under Article 279A, inserted by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.

It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and comprises the Union Minister of State for Finance/Revenue and Finance/Taxation Ministers of States.

India’s Cement Sector Stands in its way to Net-Zero Emissions

Context

India aims to become a net-zero emissions economy by 2070, achieving it requires the Indian government to reduce emissions from the construction sector.

About

By 2047, India plans to become an economically developed country and by 2070, it aims to become a net-zero emissions economy.

Achieving both of these targets requires the Indian government to deal with one of the most important sources of emissions that is construction.

PM Modi Calls for Global Cooperation on Cybercrime

Context

At the India Mobile Congress 2026, PM Modi called for a global mechanism to prevent cyber fraud proactively following concerns over cross-border scam networks highlighted in the BRICS summit declaration.

What is Cybercrime?

Cybercrime is the use of digital technologies such as computers and the internet to commit criminal activities.

These cases are financial fraud (credit card fraud, online transaction fraud), crime against women and children with regard to sexually explicit material, and deep fake content etc.

News In Short 09-10-2026

Context

The NITI Aayog member said that India is working on a “Gross Domestic Knowledge Product” (GDKP).

Gross Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP)

It is a proposed concept for measuring the knowledge generated, accumulated, shared and applied within a country, rather than assessing its economic performance solely through Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

GDP measures the monetary value of final goods and services produced, whereas GDKP would focus on a country's knowledge resources and their contribution to development.