Current affairs September 28, 2026 for CUET

India stressed the conservation of whales and other cetaceans at the 70th meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC-70), held in Hobart, Australia, from 28 September to 2 October 2026. The meeting coincides with the 80th anniversary of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, signed in Washington, D.C., on 2 December 1946, under which the IWC was set up; the Commission has 89 member governments.

The second edition of the ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) began at Subic Bay in the Philippines on 28 September 2026, with the Indian Navy's INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish and the maritime forces of ASEAN member states. Its theme is 'Anchored in Trust, United at Sea'. A harbour phase of professional and social exchanges leads into a sea phase of coordinated exercises. The Navy says the exercise furthers India's Act East Policy and its MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew 8.0 per cent in August 2026 over a year earlier, up from 6.7 per cent in July, by the quick estimate released on 28 September. Manufacturing grew 9.0 per cent and electricity 12.3 per cent, while mining and quarrying shrank 5.6 per cent. Manufacturing has now grown 8 per cent or more for three months running; motor vehicles, electrical equipment and other transport equipment contributed most. On its new base year, 2022-23, the index stood at 123.3.

By 28 September 2026 more than one crore FASTag Annual Passes had been issued since the pass was launched on 15 August 2025, the Road Transport Ministry said. For a one-time fee of ₹3,075 the pass is valid for one year or 200 toll-plaza crossings, at about 1,150 fee plazas on National Highways and National Expressways. It is for non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag, and is bought through the Rajmargyatra app.