Daily Current Affairs - 02-10-2026

Tamil Nadu News

‘Vetri Payanam’ Scheme Extended to Suburban Buses

The ‘Vetri Payanam’ scheme for free bus travel for women in Tamil Nadu comes into effect on October 2, 2026, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. The scheme is launched from Koyambedu, Chennai, by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Under the first phase, women can travel free of cost in ordinary, Express, LSS (Limited Stop Service), and Deluxe government buses operating in cities and towns, while ordinary-fare buses in suburban and hilly areas are also covered to facilitate inter-district travel. The beneficiaries include women and transgender persons, with no income ceiling and no restriction on the number of trips. The scheme is estimated to involve an annual expenditure of ₹6,000 crore.

PL. Samy: Scholar of Natural Science in Sangam Literature

P. Lourdesamy (PL. Samy), born on October 2, 1925, was a scholar known for researching the natural science, environment, zoology and botany elements found in Sangam literature. He studied Botany at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, began writing at the age of 20, and worked as a teacher and in the Postal Department before serving as Secretary to the Governor of Puducherry; after 1978, he held IAS-rank status. He served as the Chief Editor of the first volume of the Science Encyclopedia (அறிவியல் களஞ்சியம்) published by Tamil University and authored more than 500 research articles and 17 books. His research appeared in journals including Senthamizh Selvi, Aaraichi, the International Institute of Tamil Studies Journal, the Tamil University Journal, and The Hindu. Among his scientific interpretations of Sangam literature, he identified கவரிமா (Yak) with the Yak, explained அலங்கு as the Anteater/Pangolin, related references to birds at Kodiakkarai in Akananuru to migratory birds, and identified மருது as Red Maruthu rather than White Maruthu. His major works include Pandai Thamizhar Thai Deiva Vazhipadu, Sangam Noolgalil Murugan, Thamizh Ilakkiyathil Naattar Panpadu, and Thamizhnattil Sindhuveli Ezhuthugal. October 2, 2026 marks the centenary year of his birth.

Kamarajar: Contributions to Education, Industry and Irrigation in Tamil Nadu

K. Kamarajar, born to Kumarasamy Nadar, was a prominent leader of the Indian freedom movement and served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1954. He participated in the Vaikom Satyagraha, Salt Satyagraha, August Movement, Toddy Shop Demonstration, Foreign Cloth Boycott, Flag Satyagraha and Simon Commission Protest, and spent nearly 10 years in prison during the freedom struggle under the leadership of S. Satyamurti. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Srivilliputhur constituency in 1952 and became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1954. During his tenure, he promoted universal access to education by establishing a primary school for every village with a population of 500 and introduced the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in schools. His period in office also witnessed the development of major industries and public-sector institutions, including the Tamil Nadu Paper Mill, Arakkonam Cement Factory, Salem Steel Plant, Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), Hindustan Photo Films, Hindustan Teleprinters and Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi. Major industrial estates were established at Guindy, Ambattur and Ranipet, while the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi was developed for the manufacture of Vijayanta tanks for the Indian Army. The Integral Coach Factory, Perambur was developed as a major railway coach manufacturing centre. Important irrigation and power projects associated with his tenure included Mettur, Periyar, Kundah Hydroelectric Project, Sathanur, Vaigai, Manimuthar, Bhavani and Parambikulam. October 2, 2026 marked the 51st death anniversary of Kamarajar, on which Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan paid tribute to his contributions.

Sports News

Tamil Nadu Athletes Receive ₹30 Lakh Incentive for Asian Games Squash Bronze

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay ordered a government cash incentive of ₹30 lakh each for Joshna Chinappa and Shameena Riaz, who represented India in the Women’s Team Squash event and won the bronze medal at the 20th Asian Games in Japan. The incentive is being provided by the Government of Tamil Nadu in recognition of their achievement.

Vithya Ramraj Wins Gold, Silver and Bronze at Asian Games 2026

Tamil Nadu athlete Vithya Ramraj, born on September 20, 1998, in Meena Chira village, Madukkarai Union, Coimbatore district, won gold in the Women’s 4×400m Relay, silver in the Mixed 4×400m Relay, and bronze in the Women’s 400m Hurdles at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. In the 400m hurdles, she clocked 54.75 seconds, equalling P.T. Usha’s 42-year-old national record. She had earlier won two silver medals and one bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Games. She joined the Sports Hostel in Erode while studying in Class 7 and later trained under Dr. A. Sankar and coach Nesamani. Her father Ramraj, a lorry driver, and mother Meena, a homemaker, supported her athletic career; her twin sister is Nithya Ramraj. Vithya improved her 400m hurdles timing from 55.42 seconds in 2023 to 54.75 seconds, a reduction of 0.67 seconds in three years. The Tamil Nadu Government has announced cash prizes of ₹75 lakh for gold, ₹50 lakh for silver and ₹30 lakh for bronze medals.

Economy News

September GST Collection Reaches ₹2.03 Lakh Crore

India’s gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in September reached ₹2.03 lakh crore, registering a 14.7% increase over ₹1.77 lakh crore collected in the corresponding month of the previous financial year. Revenue from domestic transactions increased by 10.1% to ₹1.38 lakh crore, while revenue from imports rose by 26% to ₹65,525 crore. After ₹27,001 crore in refunds, the net GST collection stood at ₹1.76 lakh crore. This was the third time in the current financial year that monthly GST collection crossed ₹2 lakh crore, following ₹2.43 lakh crore in April and ₹2.11 lakh crore in July. During the first six months of the current financial year, total GST collection reached ₹12.46 lakh crore, registering an 11.6% increase over the previous financial year. GST revenue recorded 16–18% growth in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat and Karnataka, while Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland also recorded significant growth. The GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state finance ministers, is scheduled to meet on October 7.

Personalities, Awards and Events

Gandhiyadigal Police Medal Announced for Five Police Personnel

The Tamil Nadu Government has announced the ‘Gandhiyadigal Police Medal’ for five police personnel for their outstanding service in prohibition enforcement. The award recipients are V.V. Sai Praneeth, Superintendent of Police, Tiruvallur District; J. Raman, Special Branch Police Inspector, Tiruchirappalli District; K. Shanmugam, Police Sub-Inspector, Vikravandi, Viluppuram District; A. Karunakaran, Head Constable, Thirupapuliyur, Cuddalore District; and P. Selvam, Head Constable, Prohibition Enforcement Wing, Kallakurichi District. The medals will be presented by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay during the Republic Day function on January 26, 2027, and each awardee will receive a cash prize of ₹40,000 along with the medal.

National News

UPSC Completes 100 Years: Centenary Celebrations Held in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 100th Foundation Day celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Public Service Commission was established on October 1, 1926, during British rule and was renamed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in 1950 after Independence. The number of candidates appearing for UPSC examinations has increased by nearly 45% compared with earlier periods. Women constituted 3% of the civil services in 1952, while their representation has currently increased to 30%, and four women have so far served as UPSC Chairpersons. The need to conduct competitive examinations without delays and modernise selection procedures was emphasised. The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in analysing data quickly and delivering public services efficiently was also highlighted, along with the challenges posed by AI-generated deepfake videos, photographs and fake news. The centenary celebrations marked 100 years of the UPSC since its establishment in 1926.

Madras High Court Takes Suo Motu PIL on Removal of Caste Names

The Madras High Court has taken up a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the removal of caste appellations from the names of streets, roads and localities across Tamil Nadu. The First Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan, directed the Tamil Nadu Government to submit a status report within four weeks on caste names already removed and those pending removal. The PIL originated from an order passed on August 11, 2026, by Justice N. Ramesh, following his observation of a First Information Report (FIR) from Sendhamangalam Police Station, Namakkal district, which referred to a locality as ‘Pallar Street’. The court referred to a 1978 Government Order (G.O.) requiring local bodies to identify and remove caste names from streets and roads, along with subsequent High Court directions since 2018. The proceedings also referred to an earlier order of Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy concerning the removal of caste appellations from the names of schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu, and the State Government’s renaming of the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department as the Social Justice Department.

Important Days

International Day of Non-Violence – October 2

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed annually on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, to commemorate his philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence). The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution A/RES/61/271 adopted on June 15, 2007.

National Wildlife Week 2026: October 2–8

National Wildlife Week 2026 is observed across India from October 2 to October 8, 2026 to promote awareness of wildlife conservation. The 2026 theme is “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife.”

International News

Goyal–Greer Discuss Early Conclusion of India–U.S. Interim Trade Agreement

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., and discussed the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial interim trade agreement under the broader India–U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). They also exchanged views on G20 deliberations under the U.S. chairship. The meeting formed part of India’s ongoing efforts to advance the bilateral trade agreement and finalise its interim deal. Piyush Goyal also met Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and reviewed progress towards the signing and entry into force of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).