Daily Current Affairs - 2026-10-03

From a massive renewable energy push to a historic Asian Games 2026 campaign and key banking and economic developments, here's everything you need to know for your upcoming UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railway exams.

Union Cabinet Approves Rs 1.86 Lakh Crore PM-DHARA Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the PM-DHARA (PM-Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access) scheme with a total outlay of Rs 1,86,405 crore. Of this, around Rs 1,36,378 crore will fund intra-state transmission infrastructure (InSTS/GEC-III), while Rs 50,000 crore is earmarked for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The scheme targets evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy and deployment of 50 GWh of battery storage by FY 2032-33, implemented via State Transmission Utilities. Exam relevance: Remember the scheme's full form, outlay figures, implementing agencies, and its link to India's 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030 — a likely topic for schemes and environment/economy sections.

RBI MPC Meeting Scheduled for October 5-7, 2026

The Reserve Bank of India's six-member Monetary Policy Committee will meet from October 5 to 7, 2026, with the decision announced on October 7. Economists expect a 25 basis point repo rate hike from 5.25% to 5.50%, driven by rising CPI inflation, which climbed to 4.82% in August 2026 from 4.45% in July. This would end RBI's streak of four consecutive policies with rates held steady. Exam relevance: Note the current repo rate, expected revision, MPC composition (six members), and inflation figures — frequently tested in Banking and Economy sections.

India's Women's Hockey Team Wins Asian Games Gold After 44 Years

India's women's hockey team defeated China 1-0 to clinch gold at the 2026 Asian Games, ending a 44-year wait since their last title in 1982. This is only India's second-ever women's hockey gold at the Games and also secures an Olympic quota for LA 2028. Exam relevance: Key facts to remember — last win was in 1982, this is India's second Asian Games gold in this category, and it guarantees Olympic qualification.

India Sweeps Archery Team Golds at Asian Games 2026

India won all three compound team archery golds (women's, men's, and mixed) along with a historic first-ever gold in the women's recurve team event. The women's compound team of Chikitha Taniparthi, Jyothi Surekha Vennam, and Prithika Pradeep equalled a world record, while the women's recurve team of Ankita Bhakat, Kirti Sharma, and Kumkum Mohod beat South Korea 5-3 for India's maiden recurve team gold at the Games. Exam relevance: Remember the athlete names and the historic nature of the recurve team gold — a first for India at the Asian Games.

India Wins Three Boxing Golds at Asian Games 2026 for the First Time

India recorded its best-ever boxing performance at a single Asian Games edition, winning three gold medals through Lovlina Borgohain, Parveen Hooda, and Ankush Panghal. Ankush won the men's 80kg final against South Korea's Kim Minseong by a 4-0 decision. Exam relevance: Note this is India's first time winning three boxing golds in one Asian Games edition — a key record for sports current affairs.

Sujeet Kalkal Wins India's Wrestling Gold at Asian Games 2026

Wrestler Sujeet Kalkal won gold in the men's freestyle 65kg category with a dramatic comeback, rallying from a 9-2 deficit to win the final at the Aichi-Nagoya edition of the Games. Exam relevance: Remember the athlete's name, weight category, and the host edition (Aichi-Nagoya) for sports-related questions.

India Ranks 38th in Global Innovation Index 2026

India retained the 38th position among 139 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2026, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), with Switzerland topping the list. India leads the Central and Southern Asia region, ahead of Bhutan (74th) and Kazakhstan (73rd). India ranks 49th on innovation inputs but a stronger 25th on innovation outputs, driven by ICT services exports. India and Vietnam share the longest streak of 16 consecutive years as GII "overperformers" relative to income level. Exam relevance: Remember India's rank (38th), the releasing body (WIPO), the topper (Switzerland), and India's regional position — common in index-based static GK questions.

Protests Demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's Resignation

Thousands protested in Mumbai's Shivaji Park and near Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties, including the CPI(M), along with Youth Congress, SFI, and DYFI members, joined the demonstrations alleging voter list irregularities and deletions. Exam relevance: Useful for polity current affairs — note the issue relates to SIR of electoral rolls and the role of the Election Commission of India.

Anup Bagchi Appointed MD & CEO of HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank announced Anup Bagchi's appointment as Managing Director and CEO for a three-year term, effective October 27, 2026. HDFC Bank is India's largest private sector lender, making this a notable leadership change in the banking sector. Exam relevance: Remember the appointee's name, bank, designation, and effective date — a common type of question in Banking exam current affairs sections.

That's a wrap for today's current affairs digest — revise these facts regularly to stay exam-ready!