LEGAL NEWS

Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026 Comes into Force

• The Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026 came into force on 1 October 2026, replacing the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891.

• The new Act received Presidential assent on 13 August 2026 and was notified on 10 September 2026.

• It modernises the legal framework for admitting banking records as evidence in court proceedings, arbitrations, investigations and inquiries.

• It recognises physical, electronic, digital, virtual and cloud-based banking records maintained in the ordinary course of business.

• Banking records may be authenticated through manual, digital or electronic signatures, subject to applicable requirements.

• Electronic records are admissible when their accuracy, authenticity and integrity are maintained and unauthorised alteration or tampering is absent.

• Courts and tribunals generally cannot compel bank officials to produce original records or appear as witnesses when the bank is not a party, unless special cause is recorded in writing.

• The Act covers banks, post office savings banks and money order offices, and allows the Central Government to extend its provisions to other specified financial-sector entities.

APPOINTMENTS

Bimal N. Patel Sworn In as ITLOS Judge – 2026

• Indian jurist and academic Bimal N. Patel was sworn in as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on 1 October 2026.

• The oath-taking ceremony was held in Hamburg, Germany.

• Patel was elected at the 36th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

• He will serve a nine-year term, succeeding Neeru Chadha in India’s representation at ITLOS.

• ITLOS is an independent international judicial body established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

• The Tribunal comprises 21 independent judges who deal with disputes concerning the interpretation and application of UNCLOS.

• ITLOS is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, and plays a role in the peaceful settlement of disputes relating to the law of the sea.

• Bimal N. Patel has been a member of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC) since 2023.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Swiss President Guy Parmelin’s Visit to India – October 2026

• Swiss President Guy Parmelin is scheduled to visit India from 5 to 7 October 2026.

• The visit will focus on strengthening bilateral relations in trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, mobility and people-to-people ties.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Guy Parmelin are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on 5 October 2026.

• Parmelin will participate in the 2nd India–EFTA Prosperity Summit on 7 October 2026.

• The visit marks one year of the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

• EFTA stands for the European Free Trade Association, a regional organisation established to promote free trade and economic cooperation.

• EFTA comprises four countries: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

• Key Fact: Under TEPA, EFTA has committed to aiming for USD 100 billion in investment in India over 15 years, alongside the creation of one million direct jobs.

NATIONAL NEWS

100 Years of UPSC: Centenary of the Union Public Service Commission – 2026

• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) completed 100 years on 1 October 2026, marking the establishment of the first Public Service Commission in India in 1926.

• The first open competitive examination for the Indian Civil Service (ICS) was introduced in London in 1855; Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to enter the ICS in 1863.

• The Government of India Act, 1919 provided the basis for establishing a Public Service Commission. The Lee Commission (1924) recommended a permanent statutory body.

• The first Public Service Commission was established on 1 October 1926, with Sir Ross Barker as its first Chairman and four other members.

• The Government of India Act, 1935 led to the creation of the Federal Public Service Commission, effective from 1 April 1937.

• On 26 January 1950, the Federal Public Service Commission became the UPSC, a constitutional body under Part XIV, Articles 315–323 of the Constitution.

• Important constitutional provisions include Article 315 (establishment), Article 320 (functions), Article 322 (financial autonomy) and Article 323 (annual reports).

People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) 2026–27

• The People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) 2026–27 will begin nationwide on 2 October 2026.

• The campaign’s theme is “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas.”

• Special Gram Sabhas will initiate the preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) for 2027–28.

• The campaign promotes participatory, evidence-based and inclusive planning at the Panchayat level.

• Citizens and elected representatives participate in identifying local development needs, priorities and gaps.

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and government departments also contribute to the planning process.

• The campaign aims to ensure that local development plans reflect community needs and support effective implementation of development programmes.

• PPC has been implemented since 2018. Panchayats use digital platforms such as eGramSwaraj for planning, accounting, monitoring and transparency.

STATE NEWS

Delhi’s “One Zone, One Operator” Project – 2026

• The Delhi Government launched the “One Zone, One Operator” project worth ₹17,969 crore to improve the city’s sewerage infrastructure.

• Delhi will be divided into 6 zones, with one designated operator responsible for sewer lines, manholes, pumping stations and public complaints in each zone.

• The Delhi Water & Sewer (Tariff and Metering) Regulations, 2026 replace the regulations introduced in 2012.

• The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will shift from reactive repairs to planned preventive maintenance of sewerage infrastructure.

• The project provides for geo-tagged inspections and real-time monitoring to improve tracking, maintenance and operational efficiency.

• It aims to ensure 100% mechanical and robotic sewer cleaning, reducing dependence on manual cleaning.

• The Delhi Jal Board currently manages 11,212 km of sewer lines, 6.68 lakh manholes and 145 pumping stations.

• The sewerage network under DJB covers 68 Delhi Assembly constituencies, making systematic maintenance important for sanitation and wastewater management.

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Voluntary Blood Donation Day – 1 October 2026

• National Voluntary Blood Donation Day (NVBDD) is observed annually on 1 October across India.

• The 2026 theme is “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”

• The day promotes regular, voluntary and non-remunerated blood donation.

• Its primary objective is to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply for patients.

• Voluntary blood donation helps meet the needs of accident victims, surgical patients and people requiring transfusions.

• Non-remunerated donation means donors do not receive payment for donating blood.

• Regular voluntary donations help maintain sufficient blood stocks in hospitals and blood banks.

• The observance promotes public awareness, humanitarian service and a culture of voluntary blood donation in India.

Gandhi Jayanti 2026 – 157th Birth Anniversary

• Gandhi Jayanti was observed on 2 October 2026, marking the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

• Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat.

• The day commemorates his contribution to India’s freedom struggle and his principles of truth, Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha.

• Gandhi played a major role in the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement.

• The Salt March of 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi became a major campaign against British colonial rule.

• Gandhi promoted non-violence, communal harmony and peaceful resistance.

• Gandhi Jayanti is observed nationally as a public holiday in India.

• 2 October is also observed globally as the International Day of Non-Violence, established by the United Nations in 2007.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti 2026 – 122nd Birth Anniversary

• Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti was observed on 2 October 2026, marking his 122nd birth anniversary.

• Shastri was born in 1904 at Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, now known as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar.

• He became India’s second Prime Minister on 9 June 1964, succeeding Jawaharlal Nehru.

• He served as Prime Minister until 11 January 1966.

• His tenure included the 1965 India–Pakistan War, food shortages and efforts to strengthen Indian agriculture.

• He encouraged agricultural production and national self-reliance during a period of food insecurity.

• Shastri was known for his simplicity, integrity and commitment to public service.

• He is closely associated with the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” highlighting the importance of soldiers and farmers to the nation.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

70th Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70) – 2026

• The 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70) was held in Hobart, Australia, from 28 September to 2 October 2026.

• The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was established under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, signed in Washington, D.C., in 1946.

• The 2026 meeting marked the 80th anniversary of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.

• The IWC is an international body responsible for the regulation of whaling and the conservation and management of whale populations.

• The IWC has 89 member governments, which participate in international discussions and decisions concerning whale conservation and whaling regulation.

• India has been a member of the IWC since 1981, participating in international efforts to protect whales.

• India emphasized science-based conservation, international cooperation and practical solutions for protecting whales and other cetaceans.

• Cetaceans are aquatic mammals that include whales, dolphins and porpoises; their conservation is important for maintaining marine biodiversity and healthy ocean ecosystems.