Current Affairs

Current Affairs is one of the most important sections of competitive examinations in India. At GK Now, we provide daily, accurate, and exam-oriented current affairs covering the latest national and international developments that are important for competitive exam preparation.

This category brings together short, easy-to-read current affairs articles designed to help aspirants quickly understand and revise important events, facts, appointments, government decisions, schemes, sports, science and technology, and other exam-relevant developments.

Topics Covered

  • National Current Affairs – Important government decisions, policies, bills, major developments, and national events
  • International Affairs – Global events, international relations, agreements, organisations, and major developments
  • Appointments – Important appointments, transfers, and new heads of organisations and institutions
  • Polity & Governance – Constitutional developments, Parliament, Supreme Court and High Court decisions, committees, and governance
  • Government Schemes & Policies – New schemes, initiatives, Cabinet decisions, programmes, and policy updates
  • Science & Technology – ISRO, DRDO, space missions, scientific discoveries, technology, and important innovations
  • Sports Current Affairs – Major tournaments, championships, records, medals, athletes, and sports-related developments
  • Awards & Honours – Important national and international awards, honours, and recognitions
  • Defence & Security – Defence exercises, military developments, weapons systems, appointments, and national security
  • Economy & Banking – Important economic developments, RBI updates, banking, finance, budgets, and major reports
  • Environment & Geography – Climate, biodiversity, protected areas, Ramsar sites, environmental initiatives, and geographical developments
  • Culture & Heritage – Festivals, traditions, heritage sites, cultural events, and important personalities
  • Important Days & Themes – National and international days, annual themes, and their significance

Why Follow GK Now Current Affairs?

✅ Daily Updated – 2–3 important current affairs articles are added regularly.
✅ Exam-Oriented – Focused on facts and developments relevant to competitive examinations.
✅ Short & Easy to Read – Important information is presented in a simple and concise format.
✅ Multiple Subjects – Covers national, international, polity, economy, science, sports, defence, awards, and other important areas.
✅ Useful for Revision – Key facts are presented in a format suitable for quick revision and MCQ preparation.

GK Now Current Affairs is useful for aspirants preparing for SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, State PCS, Police, Teaching, and other government and competitive examinations.

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Police Commemoration Day – 21 October 2026

Police Commemoration Day is observed on 21 October 2026 across India to honour police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty while protecting the nation and maintaining law and order.

The day commemorates the sacrifice of 10 police personnel who were killed in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, on 21 October 1959. The decision to observe 21 October as Police Commemoration Day was taken at the Conference of Inspectors General of Police in January 1960.

Special initiative in 2026: Amit Shah will flag off a nationwide motorcycle rally themed “Fight Against Drugs”. Police riders from States and Union Territories, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other central police organisations will participate. The riders will proceed to Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, to join the Ekta Parade on 31 October 2026.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Visits India (20–21 October 2026)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India on 20–21 October 2026 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, defence, technology and regional security.

  • Meeting with S. Jaishankar: Reviewed the India–US Strategic Roadmap and discussed the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
  • 26/11 Tribute: Paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
  • Freedom 250 Reception: Celebrated 250 years of US independence and highlighted the importance of India–US relations.
  • Energy Cooperation: Visited Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat and discussed energy security, including Venezuelan crude oil.
  • Trade and Tariffs: Described the proposed India–US trade agreement as “incredibly close” to completion and discussed US tariffs linked to its policy on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
  • Strategic Cooperation: Both countries emphasized cooperation in defence, technology, counterterrorism and Indo-Pacific security.

India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 Begins in Kerala

The 5th edition of the India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 commenced on 19 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Around 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Australian Army are participating in the exercise, which will continue until 1 November 2026.

  • Participating Countries: India and Australia.
  • Indian Army Contingent: Troops from the Garhwal Rifles and other arms and services.
  • Australian Army Contingent: Troops from the 13 Brigade.
  • First-time Participation: An observer delegation from New Zealand.
  • Theme: “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate”.
  • Main Objectives: To enhance interoperability, jointmanship and operational coordination between the two armies.
  • Training Focus: Joint planning, tactical drills, combat training, surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
  • Previous Edition: The 4th edition was held at Irwin Barracks in Perth, Australia, from 13 to 26 October 2025.

The exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation, mutual trust and coordination between India and Australia, particularly in island and coastal environments, and promote peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) – 20 October 2026

Vijaya Dashami, popularly known as Dussehra, is being celebrated across India on 20 October 2026, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin (September–October).

Historical & Mythological Significance

Ramayana Connection: Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of dharma over adharma.

Durga Puja Connection: In eastern India, Vijaya Dashmi marks Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, celebrated with immersion of Durga idols (Visarjan).

Name Meaning: Vijaya = victory, Dashmi = tenth day.

France Protests 2026: Causes and Key Facts

France is witnessing one of its largest social uprisings in decades, sparked by student protests over poor school conditions that have now merged with wider anger about living costs and inequality. The demonstrations have escalated into nationwide unrest, with hundreds of schools blockaded, thousands arrested, and violent clashes between protesters and police.

Reasons Behind the France Protests

  • Education Crisis:
    • Shortage of teachers and staff.
    • Overcrowded classrooms and exhausting timetables.
    • Dilapidated school buildings, poor ventilation, and unsafe infrastructure.
    • Anger at the Parcoursup university admissions system, seen as unfairly selective.
  • Wider Social Grievances:
    • Rising living costs and economic inequality.
    • Cuts to public services and frustration with government inaction.
    • Connection to earlier “Yellow Vest” protests (2018), now revived with student participation.

Scale of the Movement

  • Began 18 September 2026 in Créteil (Paris suburbs).
  • By early October, over 1,800 high schools were blockaded nationwide.
  • Nearly 90% of universities joined the protests.
  • On 6 October, between 250,000–450,000 people demonstrated across France.
  • By mid-October, protests drew 550,000 participants, spreading to major cities like Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg.
  • Mass Arrests: Over 6,800 people detained, most of them minors.
  • Police Clashes: Tear gas, riot control weapons, and stun grenades used; one teenager lost his hand after picking up a police grenade.

Asian Para Games 2026 Opens in Aichi-Nagoya

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially declared the fifth edition of the Asian Para Games open on 18 October 2026 at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya.

  • The continental multi-sport event features participation from all 45 Asian nations under the official motto ‘Imagine One Heart’ and runs until 24 October 2026.
  • The Indian contingent comprises 281 members, including 168 athletes (112 men and 56 women), competing across 11 disciplines. Para-badminton star Pramod Bhagat and para-athlete Simran Sharma served as India’s flag-bearers.
  • The Indian delegation’s ceremonial attire featured deep blue blazers adorned with golden motifs inspired by the Indus Valley Civilisation, including the Priest-King sculpture, Dancing Girl figurine and ancient seals.

INS Samarthak, First Multi-Purpose Vessel, Commissioned into the Indian Navy

Indian Naval Ship INS Samarthak, the first of its class of Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs), was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 16 October 2026. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan.

  • Built by: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard.
  • Significance: The first major warship built by an Indian private shipyard.
  • Indigenous content: More than 75%.
  • Primary role: Testing and evaluation of indigenous sensors and weapons developed by Indian industry.
  • Other capabilities: Maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
  • Key feature: Versatile design with modular construction and pre-outfitting to improve construction efficiency.
  • Importance: Strengthens India’s indigenous shipbuilding and defence manufacturing capabilities, supporting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.

Census (Amendment) Rules 2026: Eligibility for Census Enumerators Expanded

The Ministry of Home Affairs notified the Census (Amendment) Rules, 2026, on 16 October 2026, expanding the eligibility criteria for appointing Census enumerators to ensure a wider pool of personnel for Census operations.

  • Eligible candidates: Teachers from government, aided and private educational institutions; government officials and clerks; local authority staff; and personnel from PSUs, banks, statutory bodies, companies, societies and trusts.
  • Additional provision: State and Union Territory administrations may appoint any other person they consider suitable as an enumerator.
  • Role of enumerators: Visit households, collect demographic, social and economic data, and ensure accurate population counting.
  • Legal framework: Census Act, 1948.
  • Census frequency: Once every 10 years.
  • Last Census: 2011. The 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caller Name Display (CNAP) Service from 1 November 2026

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed all telecom service providers to introduce the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service across India from 1 November 2026.

  • Purpose: To display the caller’s name along with their mobile number on the recipient’s phone.
  • Name source: The subscriber database of the originating telecom service provider.
  • International calls: Unsaved international numbers will display “International Call”.
  • Availability: The service will be provided to all users automatically, without requiring a separate request.
  • Technology: Trials have been conducted on 4G and higher-generation wireless terrestrial networks.
  • Future expansion: CNAP for 2G and 3G networks and public switched telephone networks (landline networks) will be considered separately.

India’s Ramsar Sites Increase to 103 with Two New Wetlands

On 15 October 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the addition of Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh, taking India’s total Ramsar sites to 103.

Important Points

  • New Ramsar Sites: Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh) and Sauj Jheel (Uttar Pradesh).
  • Sukhna Wetland: Located at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills, it supports resident and migratory waterbirds, including the vulnerable common pochard.
  • Sauj Jheel: Located in the Ganga floodplain near Saman Bird Sanctuary, it regularly supports over 30,000 waterbirds, including the vulnerable sarus crane.
  • International Framework: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in 1971. India became a party in 1982.
  • Policy Initiative: The Amrit Dharohar Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2023–24, promotes wetland conservation and sustainable use.
  • Significance: The additions strengthen biodiversity conservation, migratory bird habitats, water security, climate resilience and community livelihoods.

National Social Assistance Programme Renamed as Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31, with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore. The programme has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, with revised eligibility criteria and pension assistance for persons with disabilities.

Key Points

  • New name: National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) → Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
  • Duration: 2026–27 to 2030–31 (five years).
  • Total outlay: ₹53,428 crore.
  • Beneficiaries: Approximately 3.20 crore people across all 36 States and Union Territories.
  • Disability pension assistance:
    • Up to 79 years of age: ₹375.
    • 80 years and above: ₹625.
  • Benchmark disability criterion: Reduced from 80% to 40%.
  • Minimum age for disability pension: Since birth.
  • Implementation: Revised guidelines for disability pension are to be issued and implemented within three months.
  • Pension schemes for senior citizens and widows, along with the family benefit scheme, will continue in their existing form.

Renamed Schemes

Existing SchemeNew Name
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension SchemePradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension SchemePradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension SchemePradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana
National Family Benefit SchemePradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana

Cabinet Approves Sale of 60.72% Stake in IDBI Bank to Fairfax for ₹52,878 Crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved Canada-based Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. as the strategic buyer for a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank for approximately ₹52,878.08 crore, marking the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) in India’s financial sector once completed.

Key Points:

  • Strategic Buyer: Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. (Canada).
  • Total Stake Sale: 60.72% — Government of India (30.48%) and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) (30.24%).
  • Sale Price: ₹81 per share, exceeding the benchmark valuation of ₹75.99 per share.
  • Government’s Remaining Stake: 15%.
  • LIC’s Remaining Stake: 19%.
  • Disinvestment Process: The sale followed a two-stage competitive bidding process overseen by government committees.
  • Background: The RBI placed IDBI Bank under the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework on 5 May 2017 due to non-performing assets and losses. Restrictions were lifted on 10 March 2021 following improvements in its financial health.
  • Further Disinvestment: The CCEA authorised the sale of the government’s remaining 15% stake through the open market under standard procedures.

MDR Implementation Deferred; to be implemented after Diwali

MDR Implementation Deferred: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has decided to implement the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI transactions only after the festive season (Diwali). The exact start date will be announced later.

Reason for Delay: The deferral aims to prevent disruptions during the upcoming holiday shopping period, when digital retail transactions spike.

About NPCI

Role: An umbrella organization established by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) to operate retail payment and settlement systems across India.

Core Products: UPI, RuPay, IMPS, NACH, NETC, AePS, and e-RUPI.

Bloomberg New Economy Forum 2026 Held in New Delhi

The 8th Bloomberg New Economy Forum is taking place in New Delhi, bringing together global leaders to discuss shifting geopolitical relations, economic challenges and emerging opportunities in technology and investment.

  • Dates: 13–15 October 2026
  • Theme: “A World in Play: Defining the New Levers of Power”
  • Key speakers: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Michael R. Bloomberg.
  • Participants: Over 500 leaders from government, business, finance and technology.
  • Major topics: Artificial intelligence, energy security, global supply chains, capital flows and payment systems.
  • Key focus: India’s role in global trade, strategic autonomy, innovation and international cooperation.
  • Special occasion: 30 years of Bloomberg’s presence in India.

President Murmu Appoints Governors in Six States

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed new Governors in six states—Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim—marking a major reshuffle in gubernatorial leadership announced on October 12, 2026. The appointments will take effect once the appointees assume charge of their offices.

StateNew GovernorPrevious Role / Background
KeralaOm Prakash MathurFormer Governor of Sikkim; veteran BJP leader, ex-Rajya Sabha MP
Tamil NaduRajendra Vishwanath ArlekarFormer Governor of Kerala; earlier served in Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Goa
OdishaBraj Mohan RamDalit leader, ex-MP from Jharkhand (Palamu); strong grassroots background
KarnatakaSudha YadavFormer BJP MP from Mahendragarh, Haryana; OBC leader, member of BJP Parliamentary Board
UttarakhandDhal Singh BisenFormer MP from Madhya Pradesh; Ayurveda practitioner and ex-state minister
SikkimDushyant GautamBJP leader; succeeds Mathur in Sikkim

American Economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford Awarded 2026 Nobel Prize in Economics

American economists Robert E. Hall (Stanford University) and Michael Woodford (Columbia University) have been awarded the 2026 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for their foundational research on the microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilization. Their groundbreaking theoretical models transformed how central banks and governments understand household and firm behaviors to effectively smooth out economic booms and downturns.

Key Highlights

  • Core Research Contribution:The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recognized the duo for establishing stable macroeconomic models that link individual choices—such as household consumption and business decision-making—to broad economic stability.
  • Impact on Policy:Their work provided the theoretical groundwork for modern monetary and fiscal policy framework, helping policymakers better design targeted interventions to reduce severe inflation, recessions, and volatility.
  • Institutional Affiliations:Robert E. Hall is a professor at Stanford University, while Michael Woodford is based at Columbia University.
  • Prize Details:The laureates will share the prize purse of 12 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.2 million USD).

Launch of Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Shreyas’ (Yard 3040)

The Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) ‘Shreyas’ was launched on October 10, 2026 at GRSE Kolkata marks a significant milestone in India’s naval shipbuilding and self-reliance initiatives.

  • Launch by Mrs. Reyman Kochhar in the presence of Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar.
  • Program Background: Part of an 11-ship NGOPV project being built across Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) and GRSE, with GRSE constructing four vessels in the series.
  • Vessel Dimensions: Measures approximately 113 meters in length, 14.6 meters in beam, and has a displacement of around 3,000 tonnes.
  • Performance & Range: Capable of reaching top speeds up to 23 knots with an impressive endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at a 14-knot cruising speed.
  • Core Capabilities: Designed for multi-role maritime duties including coastal defense, surveillance, anti-piracy, search and rescue (SAR), and humanitarian relief (HADR).

Trump Announces Russia–Ukraine Energy Ceasefire

On 11 October 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

Key Highlights

  • Ukraine’s Response: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the proposal but reported continued Russian drone and glide-bomb attacks on energy facilities.
  • Russia’s Position: Moscow had not officially confirmed the ceasefire.
  • U.S. Pressure: Reports indicated Washington threatened to restrict intelligence and weapons support to Kyiv unless Ukraine halted attacks on Russian oil refineries.
  • Strategic Significance: Both sides have targeted energy infrastructure, with Russia striking Ukraine’s power grid and Ukraine attacking Russian oil refineries.
  • Political Context: The announcement followed a relaxation of U.S. sanctions on Russian diesel, drawing criticism from Kyiv and European allies.

CJP Protest Demanding Removal of Chief Election Commissioner

On 10–11 October 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organised nationwide protests in Delhi and Mumbai, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

  • Mass Detentions: More than 6,000 protesters were detained in Delhi, including leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka and Dhruv Rathee. Around 400 protesters were also detained in Mumbai.
  • Delhi Under Tight Security: More than 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed. Delhi was placed under extensive security restrictions, with 45 metro stations closed, over 200 trains cancelled and internet services suspended in central Delhi.
  • Opposition Support: Leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee and Pinarayi Vijayan joined the demonstrations. Rahul Gandhi accused the government of suppressing democracy.
  • Reason for Protest: The INDIA Bloc parties, including Congress, AAP, TMC and Left parties, supported the protest, describing it as a fight against alleged vote chori (vote theft).
  • Police Measures: Delhi Police denied permission for the gathering, conducted flag marches and designated six stadiums and community centres as temporary holding facilities. Protesters attempted to march towards the Supreme Court.

Jewar Airport Renamed as Narendra Modi International Airport

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has officially approved renaming the Noida International Airport at Jewar as Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar. The move, announced on 9 October 2026 by CM Yogi Adityanath.

✈️ Key Highlights of the Renaming

  • Decision Date: 9 October 2026
  • New Name: Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar
  • Announced by: CM Yogi Adityanath after Cabinet approval
  • Legal Process:
    • Resolution passed by the state Cabinet
    • Sent to Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for review
    • Requires NOC from Home Ministry and intelligence agencies
    • Final approval by Union Cabinet → Notification in Gazette of India

🏗️ About Jewar (Noida) International Airport

  • Location: Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar district, ~72 km from Delhi IGI Airport.
  • Inauguration: PM Modi inaugurated Phase I on 28 March 2026; commercial flights began in June 2026.
  • Investment: Approx. ₹11,200 crore for Phase I.
  • Capacity:
    • Current: 12 million passengers annually
    • Future: Up to 70 million passengers per year by 2050 (multi-runway expansion).
  • Developer: Yamuna International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG) under PPP model.
  • Facilities: 3,900-metre runway, wide-body aircraft handling, modern terminal with Swiss engineering + Indian design.
  • Largest Airport in UP: Will surpass Lucknow and Varanasi airports.
  • Second International Airport in NCR: After Delhi IGI, easing congestion.

Navi Pillay Wins 2026 Nobel Peace Prize

South African judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, 85, won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize on 9 October 2026 for her efforts to promote peace and international law, according to the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

  • Contribution: She worked to uphold international law, hold governments and national leaders accountable, and support victims of violence and conflict.
  • Anti-apartheid work: Early in her career, she defended Nelson Mandela and others who opposed apartheid in South Africa.
  • International role: She served as a judge in important international court cases and chaired the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
  • Gaza report: The commission concluded in 2025 that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. Israel rejected the report as “scandalous.”
  • Prize money: 12 million Swedish kronor (approximately US$1.2 million).
  • Award ceremony: The prize is scheduled to be presented in Oslo, Norway, on 10 December 2026, the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel, who established the Nobel Prizes through his 1895 will.
  • Previous winner: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

57th GST Council Meeting: Key Taxpayer-Friendly Reforms

On 8 October 2026, the 57th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, approved several procedural reforms to improve the ease of doing business and reduce the compliance burden on taxpayers. The Council focused on simplifying GST procedures, with no changes to GST rates.

Key Decisions

  • Arrest Powers: Removal of arrest powers from tax officers, as announced by the Finance Minister.
  • Prosecution Threshold: Increased from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore.
  • GST Registration: Automatic acceptance of routine changes in GST registration.
  • Refund Processing: Acknowledgement period reduced from 15 days to 10 days.
  • Faster Refunds: 90% of eligible refund claims to be issued within three working days.
  • Input Tax Credit (ITC): Expanded eligibility to cover additional expenditure categories, including telecom towers and employer-provided insurance.
  • GST Rates: No changes were made to the existing GST rate structure.

Anne Carson Wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature

On 8 October 2026, Canadian poet and essayist Anne Carson won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature for her innovative literary works combining classical traditions with new forms of contemporary literature.

  • Anne Carson was born in Toronto, Canada.
  • Her works draw inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman literature and combine poetry, essays and fiction.
  • Her notable books include Eros the Bittersweet, Autobiography of Red, Men in the Off Hours and Norma Jeane Baker of Troy.
  • She has also translated classical Greek works, including Electra, Antigone and Bakkhai.
  • In 2025, Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
  • The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize was scheduled to be announced on Friday, 9 October, while the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences was scheduled for Monday, 12 October.

RBI Raises Repo Rate to 5.50% and Adopts Calibrated Tightening Stance

On 7 October 2026, the RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%, marking the first rate hike in four years. The policy stance was changed to “calibrated tightening” to contain rising inflationary pressures.

Key Points:

  • Repo Rate: 5.25% → 5.50%
  • SDF: 5.25%
  • MSF & Bank Rate: 5.75%
  • CPI inflation: Projected at 5.8% over the next three quarters.
  • Core inflation: Expected at 4.4% in FY 2026–27.
  • Q1 FY 2026–27 GDP growth: 7.8%
  • Inflation risks were linked to higher crude oil prices, food costs and supply-chain pressures.
  • Strong domestic consumption, investment and services exports supported economic growth.
  • Global risks included West Asia tensions, high bond yields and financial-market volatility.

2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry – Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai

On 7 October 2026, Henri Kagan of France and Kenso Soai of Japan won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discoveries that showed how chemical reactions can be controlled to produce a single molecular mirror image.

  • Many molecules exist in two mirror-image forms, like left and right hands. This property is called chirality.
  • Living organisms generally use only one form, a phenomenon known as homochirality.
  • Their work helped chemists develop reactions that favour one specific mirror-image form of a molecule.
  • The discovery is especially important in pharmaceutical manufacturing, because one form of a drug may provide the desired therapeutic effect while the other can cause unwanted or harmful side effects.
  • Kenso Soai is Japanese, while Henri Kagan is French.
  • The laureates will receive their medals from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in Stockholm on 10 December 2026.
  • They will share a prize of 12 million Swedish crowns (about $1.2 million).

Francis Halzen Wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics

Belgian-American particle physicist Francis Halzen was awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics on 6 October 2026 for his decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.

The prize is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and carries a total prize amount of 12 million Swedish kronor.

The Nobel Prize in Physics is one of the highest honours in the field and recognises discoveries that have significantly advanced our understanding of the physical universe.

The 2026 Physics Nobel was the second Nobel Prize announced this year, following the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The Nobel medals will be presented in Stockholm on 10 December 2026.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit appointed as next Chief of Air Staff

The Government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) in the rank of Air Chief Marshal, effective from 31 October 2026. He will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retires on the same day.

  • Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
  • He was commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the Indian Air Force in 1986.
  • He has over 3,500 hours of flying experience on aircraft including Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk and Tejas.
  • He has served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee.
  • He has participated in operations including Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor.
  • He has been awarded Vayu Sena Medal (2006), Vishisht Seva Medal (2011), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2023) and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2026).

India–Switzerland Sign Five Agreements to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

On 5 October 2026, India and Switzerland signed five agreements in New Delhi following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin.

  • The agreements cover Migration and Mobility Partnership, Exchange of Young Professionals, and cooperation in transportation technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure.
  • A Letter of Intent was signed between India’s Department of Science and Technology and the Swiss National Science Foundation.
  • Another agreement focuses on cooperation in innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship.
  • India highlighted the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), under which India aims to attract US$100 billion in investment and create 10 lakh direct jobs over 15 years.
  • The two countries also discussed increasing Swiss investment in sectors including biotechnology, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing and sustainability.
  • Cooperation was also discussed in defence production, military exchanges and nuclear energy.
  • Swiss President Guy Parmelin arrived in India on a three-day state visit and received a ceremonial welcome in New Delhi.

2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine: Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel Win for Optogenetics

On 5 October 2026, Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel were awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries related to light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.

  • Karl Deisseroth (USA), Peter Hegemann (Germany) and Georg Nagel (Germany) shared the prize money of 12 million Swedish kronor (about $1.2 million).
  • Their work led to optogenetics, a technique that uses light to control the activity of individual nerve cells in a living brain.
  • Optogenetics is now widely used in laboratories to study brain function and neurological processes.
  • The Medicine Nobel traditionally opens the annual Nobel Prize announcements.
  • The award is presented by the Nobel Assembly of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden.
  • The Nobel Prize ceremonies are held on 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.

Andhra Pradesh Gets 3 Lakh PMAY-G 2.0 Houses Using 3D Concrete Printing Technology

On 4 October 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over the first instalment for 3 lakh houses worth ₹3,600 crore to Andhra Pradesh under PMAY-G 2.0 and launched a pilot project using 3D concrete printing technology.

  • PMAY-G 2.0: First instalment released for 3 lakh rural houses in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Initial allocation: The proposed allocation was 76,000 houses, which was increased to 3 lakh following Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s request.
  • 3D Concrete Printing: Foundation stone laid for India’s first pilot rural housing project using 3D concrete printing.
  • Project Location: Burripalem and Obulnayudupalem.
  • Project Cost: ₹14 crore.
  • Houses: 177 houses to be constructed using advanced 3D printing technology.
  • Completion: The project is expected to be completed within 6 months.
  • Benefits: The technology is expected to reduce construction time, cost and labour requirements, while providing durable houses with a longer lifespan.
  • Rural Infrastructure: The Centre will also support roads, drains and drinking water facilities in rural areas under the Vikasit Bharat-G RAM G scheme.
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