🕊️ India Observes Gandhi Jayanti

India is observing the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2 October 2026. The President’s Secretariat said the occasion is being marked as Gandhi Jayanti, with Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence highlighted in the national observance.

🌍 International Day of Non-Violence

The United Nations observes 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence, the date chosen because it is Gandhi’s birthday. The UN says the day promotes awareness of non-violence and a culture of peace, tolerance and understanding.

🏛️ Special Gram Sabhas and People’s Plan Campaign

Special Gram Sabhas are being held across India on 2 October. They are discussing local development priorities, public services and government schemes. The People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27, “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas”, also begins, with Gram Panchayats preparing participatory development plans for financial year 2027–28.

🎓 UPSC Completes 100 Years

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) completed 100 years on 1 October 2026. The centenary programme in New Delhi included the release of a commemorative stamp, coin and a compilation of 100 landmark judgments related to public service commissions.

🚗 Tamil Nadu Gets First Multi-Lane Free-Flow Tolling System

NHAI has rolled out Tamil Nadu’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at Paranur Toll Plaza on the Tambaram–Tindivanam section of NH-179B. The system uses technologies including Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag so vehicles can pass without stopping at a conventional toll barrier.

🏅 India Beats Pakistan in Asian Games Hockey

At the 2026 Asian Games, India defeated Pakistan 4–3 in the men’s hockey semifinal. India will meet China in the final, while India and Pakistan are also scheduled to meet in the men’s T20 cricket gold-medal match. These results were reported on 2 October and are subject to the continuing Games schedule.

What is a Gram Sabha?

A Gram Sabha is the body of registered voters in a village or Panchayat area that participates in local decision-making and discusses development issues.

What is the People’s Plan Campaign?

The People’s Plan Campaign is a participatory planning process through which Gram Panchayats prepare development plans by identifying local needs and priorities.

What is MLFF Tolling?

Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling allows vehicles to pass through a toll point without stopping at a physical barrier, using technologies such as ANPR and FASTag.

What is the International Day of Non-Violence?

Observed on 2 October, it was established by the UN General Assembly in 2007 to disseminate the message of non-violence through education and public awareness.

Class 6/8 Social Science — Local Government

Gram Sabha discussions connect directly with local government, Panchayati Raj and citizen participation.

Class 8 Civics — Citizenship

Participating in local discussions and giving feedback illustrates how citizens can take part in democratic processes.

Class 10 Democratic Politics — Power Sharing & Institutions

Institutions such as the UPSC and local bodies show how public responsibilities are organised through formal institutions.

Class 10 Geography — Lifelines of National Economy

Highways and tolling systems connect with transport infrastructure and the movement of people and goods.

Use today’s current affairs to connect textbook ideas about citizenship, local government, public institutions, transport infrastructure and peace with real-world developments.

Classroom Discussion

“How can citizens contribute to better decisions in their local community?”

Activity

Ask students to locate Porbandar, New Delhi and Paranur in Tamil Nadu on a map and identify the role of each place in today’s current affairs.

Think & Discuss

Ask students to explain how a Gram Sabha can identify a village problem, discuss possible solutions and include the issue in a local development plan.