October 2026 Current Affairs: Monthly Compilation & Quiz
17 days · 150 news items · 149 MCQs
🛡️ Defence Current Affairs
Indian Navy inducts first indigenous TROUT underwater ROVs from EyeROV
On 7 October 2026, the Indian Navy received the first two of five indigenously built TROUT military-grade underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) from Kochi-based start-up EyeROV, under a Rs 47-crore contract developed through the Ministry of Defence's iDEX DISC-7 SPRINT challenge. The TROUT, rated to a depth of 300 metres, is built for underwater inspection, surveillance and search-and-recovery. It cleared naval quality trials under the Directorate of Quality Assurance (Naval), marking a step toward self-reliance in military-grade underwater robotics.
Indian Coast Guard conducts SAREX-2026 off Paradip coast
The Indian Coast Guard conducted SAREX-2026, the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, off the Paradip coast on 7-8 October 2026, simulating a mass rescue operation involving a ditched passenger aircraft and a collision with a container vessel. The exercise involved Coast Guard ships and aircraft, Indian Navy ships and Indian Air Force assets, alongside the 24th National Maritime Search and Rescue Board meeting in Bhubaneswar, with observers from about 30 countries.
Navy's third indigenous ASW shallow-water craft INS Mangrol set for commissioning
INS Mangrol, the Indian Navy's third indigenous anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC), was announced on 9 October 2026 to be commissioned at Mumbai on 12 October 2026. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited with over 80% indigenous content, the vessel carries Abhay sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher and the Maareech torpedo decoy system, and is designed to counter submarine threats in coastal and shallow waters.
11th October 2026 ›· Also covered on 12 Oct
Indian Army launches "Bharat Rice" for troops, signs logistics pact with FCI
The Indian Army launched "Bharat Rice" for its troops in New Delhi on 12 October 2026, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi. The Army signed an agreement with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for warehousing, manpower and logistics support, enabling direct delivery of rations to Army Supply Depots, including in Ladakh and the North East, reducing the burden on troops in remote areas.
India, Czech Republic agree to expand defence-industrial cooperation
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with Czech Republic's 1st Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlicek in October 2026, where both sides agreed to deepen defence-industrial cooperation through joint ventures and technology transfer. The engagement builds on earlier India-Czechia joint defence committee meetings and supports India's Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals in defence manufacturing.
INS Sahyadri reaches Russia for bilateral naval Exercise INDRA-2026
The Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Sahyadri arrived at Vladivostok, Russia, in October 2026 to take part in the bilateral naval Exercise INDRA-2026. INDRA is the oldest bilateral military exercise series between India and Russia, and this edition reinforces continuing defence cooperation between the two countries.
Indian Navy to commission first indigenous multi-purpose vessel INS Samarthak
The Indian Navy is set to commission Samarthak, its first indigenous multi-purpose vessel, at Karwar on 16 October 2026. Built by Larsen & Toubro, the ship is designed for maritime surveillance, acting as a trials platform, and supporting unmanned systems. It strengthens the Navy's indigenous shipbuilding capability under the Atmanirbhar Bharat push.
Indian Navy commissions first indigenous multi-purpose vessel INS Samarthak at Karwar
The Indian Navy commissioned Samarthak, its first indigenous multi-purpose vessel, at the Karwar naval base on 16 October 2026. Built by Larsen & Toubro under the Make in India initiative, it is the first of four such vessels planned for the Navy. It is designed for maritime surveillance, as a trials platform, and as a mothership for unmanned systems, besides supporting humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and salvage operations.
Solar Defence delivers 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions to Indian Army
Solar Defence and Aerospace delivered 450 units of the indigenous Nagastra-1R loitering munition to the Indian Army around 13-14 October 2026, its largest single-batch supply of the system so far. These precision-strike drones strengthen the Army's short-range strike capability as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing push.
Pakistan test-fires extended-range Fatah-II missile
Pakistan's Army Rocket Force Command test-fired an extended-range version of the Fatah-II missile on 13 October 2026. The ISPR, the military's media wing, said the missile has a stated range of up to 400 km with advanced navigation and precision-strike features, and that it can be used to overcome missile defence systems.
📈 Economy Current Affairs
Cabinet approves ₹1.86 lakh crore Green Energy Corridor Phase-III
The Union Cabinet approved Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-III, costing about ₹1.86 lakh crore, to strengthen intra-state transmission systems for evacuating 135 GW of renewable energy capacity, with incentives for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Government notifies CAFE-III fuel efficiency norms (2027–32)
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways notified the third phase of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE-III) norms, applicable April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2032, targeting about a 16.7% improvement in fleet fuel efficiency, with triple credit weightage for battery electric vehicles.
Windfall tax on diesel and ATF exports reduced
Effective October 1, 2026, the Centre reduced the windfall profit tax (Special Additional Excise Duty/cess) on exports of diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), as part of its periodic review of fuel export levies.
SEBI Gives NSE the Go-Ahead for Corporate Bond Index Futures
SEBI issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) allowing the National Stock Exchange (NSE) to launch futures contracts linked to a corporate bond index, aimed at deepening India's fixed-income derivatives market and aiding portfolio hedging. The move is also subject to RBI's approval, since debt-market derivatives are jointly regulated.
Government Extends FASTag Validity for Divyangjan/PwD Vehicles
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways revised FASTag exemption rules effective October 2, 2026: FASTags for vehicles of persons with 70–100% disability are now valid for 5 years, and for persons with 40%–under 70% disability for 3 years — replacing the earlier requirement of annual renewal.
RBI Approves Anup Kumar Saha as Kotak Mahindra Bank's New MD & CEO
Saha will serve a three-year term from January 1, 2027, succeeding Ashok Vaswani. He joined Kotak Mahindra Bank in January 2026 after earlier stints at ICICI Bank and Bajaj Finance.
Government Extends RoDTEP and RELIEF Export Schemes
RoDTEP (tax refund on exported products) has been extended to December 31, 2026 at unchanged rates. Separately, the RELIEF scheme's Component II — which gives exporters ECGC-backed risk cover for elevated freight/insurance costs from West Asia shipping disruptions — was extended to March 31, 2027 (Dept. of Commerce Notification No. 37/2026-27, dated Sept 30, 2026).
BrahMos Missile Exports Set to Cross $600 Million
India's Defence Secretary called BrahMos a "benchmark" for India's defence export growth, with the Philippines as the first foreign customer (~$330 million deal) and rising interest from Vietnam and Indonesia.
5th Kautilya Economic Conclave Inaugurated
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurates 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi. Held 3–5 October 2026 in New Delhi under the theme "Resilience in an Age of Flux," the conclave (organised with the Ministry of Finance) focused on global economic shocks, trade, investment, and digital infrastructure.
4th October 2026 ›· Also covered on 5 Oct
NABKISAN Lists India's First WASH-Focused Social Bond
NABKISAN raises Rs 180 crore via India's first WASH-focused social bond. NABKISAN Finance Limited, a NABARD subsidiary, listed India's first Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)-focused social bond, raising Rs 180 crore to fund rural water and sanitation infrastructure — a milestone in sustainable rural development financing.
Union Cabinet approves Rs 10,000-crore "SME Growth Fund"
The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved a Rs 10,000-crore SME Growth Fund to make direct equity investments in high-potential small and medium enterprises. It aims to close the growth-stage equity funding gap, with a majority of support going to manufacturing SMEs, including those in Tier II and Tier III industrial clusters. The fund follows measures announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 to strengthen the MSME ecosystem.
Gross GST collections cross ₹2.04 lakh crore in September 2026 (up 14.7% YoY)
India's gross GST revenue rose 14.7% year-on-year in September 2026 to over ₹2.04 lakh crore, driven by around 10% growth in domestic transactions and a sharp ~26% rise in import-related GST.
RBI approves Anup Bagchi as HDFC Bank's new MD & CEO; Anup Saha cleared for Kotak Mahindra Bank
The Reserve Bank of India approved Anup Bagchi's appointment as HDFC Bank's MD & CEO for a three-year term starting October 27, 2026, succeeding Sashidhar Jagdishan. In the same period, RBI also cleared Anup Saha as the new CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
SEBI launches 'Project Jagrook' investor-awareness campaign
Around World Investor Week/SEBI Foundation Day 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched SEBI's 'Project Jagrook'. It directs stock brokers, exchanges and depositories to display investor-awareness and cybersecurity-risk messages on websites and trading apps, becoming mandatory from November 1, 2026.
Government extends RoDTEP export scheme to 31 December 2026
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme up to 31 December 2026. Existing rates and value caps remain unchanged. The extension continues support to Indian exporters amid global trade headwinds.
Rohit Jain takes charge as RBI Deputy Governor
Rohit Jain, earlier an Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India, has been appointed Deputy Governor for a three-year term. He assumed charge on 4 May 2026 under a Government of India notification dated 2 May 2026, as confirmed by an official RBI press release.
Sagarmanthan 2026, India's maritime dialogue, opens in New Delhi
The third edition of 'Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue' was held in New Delhi from 7-9 October 2026, co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. About 1,200 delegates from nearly 75 countries attended under the theme 'Blue Geographies, New Aspirations: Trade, Technology, and Trust at Sea,' discussing maritime trade, the blue economy, sustainable shipping and ocean governance.
RBI hikes repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50%, first hike since 2023
The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, unanimously raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% on 7 October 2026 - its first hike since February 2023 - and shifted its stance to 'calibrated tightening.' The move cited inflation risks from high crude prices, a weaker rupee and the West Asia conflict. RBI also raised its FY27 real GDP growth forecast to 7.1% and its CPI inflation forecast to 5.2%.
9th October 2026 ›· Also covered on 10 Oct
RBI introduces 20% Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve for INR currency derivatives
The Reserve Bank of India, via an A.P. (DIR Series) circular dated 10 October 2026, introduced a Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR) for specified INR currency derivative contracts above USD 2 million equivalent used to hedge current account transactions. Authorised Dealers must maintain a cash reserve with the RBI equal to 20% of the contract's INR-equivalent notional amount until the contract terminates, with daily reporting through RBI's CIMS system.
RBI opens special dollar window for IOC, HPCL and BPCL
On 10 October 2026, the RBI announced a special dollar window, effective from 12 October 2026, to meet the foreign exchange needs of three state-run oil marketing companies: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The facility channels dollars through designated banks to help the companies manage import-related forex requirements.
Robert Hall and Michael Woodford win 2026 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was announced in Stockholm on 12 October 2026, awarded jointly to American economists Robert Hall of Stanford University and Michael Woodford of Columbia University. They were cited for work on the "microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation," explaining how monetary and fiscal policy, informed by micro-level decisions of households and businesses, can help smooth economic fluctuations.
SEBI notifies Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings Regulations, 2026
SEBI notified the Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings Regulations, 2026, reported on 11 October 2026, replacing its 2018 settlement framework. The new rules introduce formula-based settlement penalties scaled by applicant type, a 90-day application deadline from the show-cause notice, a fast-track window for minor technical lapses, and discounts of up to 90 percent for whistleblowers and first-in-line cooperators, while barring fraud, market manipulation and wilful defaulters from settling.
SEBI extends IPO fresh-issue-size revision relaxation till 31 March 2027
SEBI, in a communication to the Association of Investment Bankers of India dated 12 October 2026, extended its temporary relaxation allowing IPO-bound companies to revise their fresh issue size by up to 50% without filing a fresh draft offer document. The relaxation, earlier set to lapse on 30 September, now applies to IPOs opening on or before 31 March 2027, giving issuers more flexibility amid volatile market conditions.
NPCI defers UPI merchant fee rollout until after Diwali
The National Payments Corporation of India deferred the planned rollout of a Merchant Discount Rate on UPI transactions, originally expected around 15 October 2026, until after Diwali, with a new date to be notified. The move follows requests from trader associations to avoid extra transaction costs during the festive shopping season.
NLMC raises Rs 366.33 crore in first phase of RINL land e-auction
The National Land Monetisation Corporation raised about Rs 366.33 crore by auctioning 150 land parcels of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited in Visakhapatnam, in the first phase of an e-auction covering 459 plots in total. The proceeds will support RINL's financial revival as part of the government's broader public-sector asset-monetisation drive.
RDI Fund approves first cohort of 19 fund managers with Rs 7,131-crore commitment
The Research, Development and Innovation Fund (RDIF), managed by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the Department of Science and Technology, approved its first cohort of 19 second-level fund managers on 12 October 2026. The cohort comprises 14 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and 5 Focused Research Organisations (FROs), committing about Rs 7,131 crore to strengthen India's deep-tech research ecosystem. The fund is part of the Rs 1-lakh-crore RDI Scheme launched in November 2025.
Ministry of Cooperation notifies MSCARO, 2026 audit framework
The Ministry of Cooperation notified the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Auditor's Report) Order, MSCARO 2026, on 14 October 2026, modelled on the Companies Auditor's Report Order (CARO). It sets a standardised, risk-based audit-reporting format for multi-state cooperatives, to be phased in starting with societies crossing Rs 1,000 crore in receipts, deposits or loans from FY 2026-27, falling to Rs 250 crore from FY 2028-29, with a long-term goal of covering societies above Rs 50 crore.
Cabinet renames NSAP as Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, Rs 53,428-crore outlay
The Union Cabinet, on 14 October 2026, approved continuation and renaming of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years (2026-27 to 2030-31) with an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore, benefiting about 3.2 crore people. The umbrella scheme is renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, with its components also renamed: Old Age Pension to Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, Widow Pension to Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana, Disability Pension to Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, and the National Family Benefit Scheme to Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana. Disability pension amounts were revised to Rs 375 (up to age 79) and Rs 625 (80 and above).
🎓 Education Current Affairs
Parliamentary panel backs computer-based NEET-UG from 2027 in major NTA reform report
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports (382nd report, submitted around 9 October 2026) recommended sweeping reforms to the National Testing Agency, including shifting flagship exams such as NEET-UG to computer-based testing. Multiple reports say NEET-UG 2027 is planned as a multi-day (5-6 day) CBT exam across more than 1,000 centres, with independently audited score-normalisation and stricter vendor and paper-setter vetting to curb leaks.
PM-SETU scheme: Centre, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh sign pact with AM/NS India to upgrade 9 ITIs
Under the PM-SETU scheme, the Centre, the Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh governments, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) signed a pact worth about Rs 440 crore to upgrade nine government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the two states. The initiative aims to modernise vocational training infrastructure through industry partnership.
🌿 Environment Current Affairs
Ladakh launches India's first high-altitude snow leopard safari
Ladakh launched India's first high-altitude snow leopard safari during Wildlife Week on 7 October 2026, with Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena flagging off safari vehicles in Leh under a joint initiative of the SHAN Society (Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation) and the UT's Forest, Ecology and Environment Department. Ladakh, home to an estimated 477 of India's roughly 718 snow leopards, opened initial routes at Rumbak, Shang and Uley.
Nameri Tiger Reserve gets CA|TS-approved status; all 4 Assam tiger reserves now certified
Assam's Nameri Tiger Reserve received Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) approved status in early October 2026, making it the fourth and final tiger reserve in the state to achieve this global conservation benchmark, after Kaziranga, Manas and Orang.
Proposed bauxite mine in Odisha threatens Jeypore ground gecko habitat
A proposed opencast bauxite mine spanning 147 hectares of the Nageswari reserve forest in Koraput district, Odisha, is threatening the habitat of the endangered Jeypore ground gecko, a species rediscovered in 2010 after being presumed extinct for over a century. Only four individuals have been documented at the site in the past year, and local Adivasi communities have opposed the project for two years.
📰 General Current Affairs
PM Modi condoles death of Kuchi Rangkau Zeliang, son of Nagaland Deputy CM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Kuchi Rangkau Zeliang, son of Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, who passed away at a hospital in Dimapur on 9 October 2026. The PM expressed his condolences to the Zeliang family on social media.
PM Modi inaugurates projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore in Chennai
On 11 October 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The package includes the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro Phase II (about Rs 4,900 crore, built for driverless operation), new National Highway sections on NH-744/744A/83, railway works including the Karaikal-Peralam line and five Amrit Stations, and port projects at Chennai Port, V.O. Chidambaranar Port and Kamarajar Port.
HAL commits Rs 23.60 crore for heritage conservation at Hampi, Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in New Delhi on 13 October 2026, committing Rs 23.60 crore in CSR funding over FY 2026-27 to FY 2028-29 for conservation, preservation and visitor-amenity works at Hampi (Karnataka), the Taj Mahal (Agra) and Bekal Fort (Kerala).
National Saras Mela 2026 held in Vijayawada, first time outside Delhi-NCR
President Droupadi Murmu attended the National Saras Mela 2026 in Vijayawada on 15 October 2026, the Ministry of Rural Development's fair showcasing products made by rural self-help groups. It was held outside the Delhi-NCR region for the first time, organised in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh government.
Tamil Nadu CM lays foundation stone for Rs 300-crore Periyar Library and Science Centre in Coimbatore
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a Rs 300-crore Periyar Library and Science Centre in Coimbatore, reported around 16 October 2026. The facility, named for social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, is planned as a public library-cum-science-centre for the city.
🌍 International Current Affairs
India ranks 131st of 145 in WEF Global Gender Gap Index 2026
The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2026 ranked India 131st among 145 countries, with a gender-parity score of about 64.5% — broadly unchanged from 2025. Nordic countries continue to lead the index.
Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh presides over UNGA's 81st Session
Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh currently serves as President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (elected June 2026), a key current diplomatic office relevant to 2026 UN affairs.
INS Tarkash's Port Call at Mombasa Boosts India-Kenya Maritime Ties
Indian Navy frigate INS Tarkash arrived at Mombasa Port, Kenya, on September 29, 2026, for an operational turnaround and goodwill visit (continuing through October 2), reinforcing India-Kenya defence and maritime cooperation in line with India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
India Ranks 38th in Global Innovation Index (GII) 2026
Released by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), Switzerland topped the index for the 16th consecutive year, followed by Sweden and the USA. India led the Central and Southern Asia region and converts innovation inputs into outputs efficiently (25th in outputs vs 49th in inputs).
3rd October 2026 ›· Also covered on 5 Oct
G7 nations agree to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel reserves
On October 2, 2026, G7 countries agreed to release up to 100 million barrels of crude oil and diesel from strategic reserves to calm surging fuel prices, amid pressure from the US following tensions in West Asia.
Francis Halzen wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics
Belgian-American physicist Francis Halzen was awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work on the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, which detects high-energy "ghost particle" neutrinos arriving from deep space. The award was announced on October 6, 2026, during Nobel Week.
6th October 2026 ›· Also covered on 7 Oct
Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Greece and Cyprus express interest in joining IMEC
In talks with French President's Special Envoy Gerard Mestrallet on October 6, five countries -- Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Greece and Cyprus -- signalled interest in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Expanding the corridor's membership beyond its 8 original signatories requires unanimous approval, with a ministerial-level meeting on expansion planned later in 2026.
Pakistan test-fires extended-range Fatah-4 cruise missile
Pakistan's military announced the successful test of an extended-range version of its indigenously developed Fatah-4 ground-launched cruise missile, designed for high-precision strikes on long-range targets. The test, confirmed by Pakistan's ISPR, assessed the missile's advanced avionics, navigation, accuracy and survivability.
India and Japan launch Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Operational Manual
Launched in New Delhi on September 30, 2026, the JCM Operational Manual enables bilateral carbon-credit ('Article 6') projects between India and Japan, aimed at mobilising climate finance and promoting low-carbon technology cooperation.
Canadian poet Anne Carson wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature
The Swedish Academy announced on 8 October 2026 that the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature goes to Canadian poet and essayist Anne Carson, known for works such as 'Autobiography of Red' and 'Men in the Off Hours,' which often draw on ancient Greek and Roman literature such as Homer, Sappho and Euripides. Born in Toronto in 1950, she has also won Canada's Griffin Poetry Prize.
Ghana joins India-led International Big Cat Alliance
Ghana formally joined the India-led International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on 7 October 2026, during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Accra. Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa handed over the Instrument of Acceptance as part of a broader push to deepen India-Ghana ties.
Akie Abe unveils Shinzo Abe Memorial Corridor in Varanasi
Akie Abe, widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, unveiled the Shinzo Abe Memorial Corridor in Varanasi on 8 October 2026, honouring her husband's deep ties with the city and his contribution to India-Japan relations.
Israel's President announces top civilian bravery award for Indian pilot Smit Machchhar
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced on 8 October 2026 that he would confer Israel's highest civilian bravery honour on Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, for his role in averting a mid-air hijacking attempt despite being seriously injured.
US sanctions on International Criminal Court draw global criticism
On 9 October 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), prompting sharp criticism. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it 'a serious blow' to international criminal justice, while the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the UK issued a joint statement of regret. The ICC's Assembly of States Parties Bureau issued its own press release on 10 October 2026 regretting the sanctions against the institution.
Milton Dick elected IPU President at 153rd Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania
The 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) concluded in Arusha, Tanzania, on 9 October 2026, electing Australian House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick as its new President. The Assembly also adopted an emergency item on urgent parliamentary action on climate-related disasters, proposed by Nepal and focused on the Himalayan region. An Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, including MP Anurag Singh Thakur, took part in the proceedings.
India hosts first-ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting; ministers adopt joint declaration on regional security
India hosted the first-ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on 13 October 2026, bringing together home/interior ministers of all seven BIMSTEC member states. Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged member nations to deny safe haven to terror networks and called for a region-wide fight against drug trafficking. The meeting concluded with ministers adopting a joint declaration on regional security covering terrorism, human trafficking and cybercrime.
India operationalises new resident diplomatic mission in San Jose, Costa Rica
India operationalised a new resident mission in San Jose, Costa Rica, from 13 October 2026, expanding its diplomatic footprint in Central America. The move, confirmed through official government media, aims to deepen trade, investment and cooperation ties between the two countries.
PM Modi addresses Bloomberg New Economy Forum, meets Canadian PM Carney
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on 13 October 2026 and held bilateral talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on strengthening the strategic partnership. Former UK PM Rishi Sunak also met PM Modi on the sidelines, and Bloomberg announced plans to expand its presence in India.
Robert Hall and Michael Woodford win 2026 Nobel Prize in Economics
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences was jointly awarded to American economists Robert Hall and Michael Woodford for their contributions to understanding business cycles, inflation dynamics and monetary policy. The prize, formally the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences, is administered by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
India hosts first-ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi
India hosted the first-ever BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on 13 October 2026, bringing together home ministers of the seven member states to discuss terrorism, human trafficking, cybercrime and drug trafficking. A joint declaration was expected at the close of the meeting. Nepal's Home Minister Sudan Gurung attended and held bilateral talks with counterparts.
India accedes to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement
The Central Government approved India's accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) on 14 October 2026, confirmed by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. This upgrades India from a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party, a status it held since 2022, to a full member able to fish for non-migratory stocks such as squid and toothfish and to take part in SIOFA's scientific and compliance bodies.
Global Hunger Index 2026: India ranks 100th of 122 countries
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026, released on 14 October 2026, placed India 100th among 122 countries with a score of 24.1, in the "serious" category. India's score has improved from 37 in 2006. Child stunting fell from about 50% in 2000 to 29.3% in 2026, though child wasting rose slightly from 18% to 19% over the same period, among the worst in South Asia on that indicator.
India ranks 84th in the Henley Passport Index 2026 update
In its October 2026 update, the Henley Passport Index placed the Indian passport at 84th position, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations worldwide. The index, based on IATA travel data, is published by Henley & Partners and is updated periodically through the year as visa policies change.
🇮🇳 National Current Affairs
UPSC completes 100 years; PM attends centenary celebrations at Bharat Mandapam
On October 1, 2026, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) marked 100 years since its founding in 1926. PM Narendra Modi attended the centenary ("Manthan") celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, releasing a commemorative coin, a postage stamp, and a book on landmark UPSC judgements.
1st October 2026 ›· Also covered on 2 Oct
Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 comes into force, replacing the 1891 law
From October 1, 2026, the new Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 took effect, replacing the 135-year-old Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891. It modernises the legal framework by recognising physical, electronic, and digital banking records as valid evidence in court.
People's Plan Campaign (PPC) 2026-27 Launched Nationwide
On October 2, 2026 (Gandhi Jayanti), the Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the People's Plan Campaign 2026-27, with the theme "Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas," through special Gram Sabhas across India. Gram Panchayats will prepare Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) for 2027-28 under this campaign.
DDU-GKY 2.0: Skill Training for 70,000 Rural Youth from October 2026
The Ministry of Rural Development announced that under DDU-GKY 2.0 (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana), 70,000 rural youth across all States/UTs will begin skill training starting October 2026, aimed at improving rural livelihoods and employability.
Centre's GOBARdhan Biogas Scheme Gets Rs 23,731 Crore Push
The GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) National Circular Bioenergy Scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36, aims to scale up domestic Compressed Biogas (CBG) production nearly ten-fold and build a circular rural bioeconomy using farm, cattle and kitchen waste.
PM-SETU Scheme Completes One Year
PM-SETU (ITI modernization scheme) completes one year of implementation. The Prime Minister launched PM-SETU (Prime Minister's Scheme for Enhancement and Transformation of ITIs) on 4 October 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. It targets upgrading 1,000 Government ITIs (200 "hub" + 800 "spoke" institutions) and strengthening 5 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs — Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Ludhiana); a nationwide rollout investment of Rs 1,238 crore has been approved for ITI clusters across states.
Five New Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages
Ministry of Education approves 5 Centres of Excellence for classical language studies. The Ministry of Education approved new Centres of Excellence to promote classical Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit — supporting research, translation, and preservation of India's classical linguistic heritage.
Narco-Trafficking Kingpin Deported from Türkiye
Navpreet Singh, a hardened narco-trafficking kingpin, deported to India from Türkiye. Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Indian security and intelligence agencies for securing the deportation, calling it a "historic milestone" in India's fight against cross-border narcotics networks.
4th October 2026 ›· Also covered on 5 Oct
Jawahar Dweep becomes India's first plastic-free oil terminal
On Gandhi Jayanti (October 2, 2026), the Mumbai Port Authority declared its Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal the first in India to completely eliminate single-use plastics. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced this at the Swachhata Abhiyan 2026 event.
Union Cabinet approves setting up the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA)
The Cabinet approved a proposal to create the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA) as the apex body for integrated transport and logistics planning across roads, railways, ports and shipping, civil aviation, inland waterways, and urban mobility. Announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, ITLA aims to fix fragmented planning by preparing a long-term National Transport Master Plan, appraising and monitoring projects worth Rs 500 crore or more, and building a unified transport data repository using sources like FASTag, Vahan, and GSTN e-way bill data.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 sees largest-ever IAF women pilot participation in a multinational exercise
At the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti, held at Air Force Station Jodhpur (26 September-12 October 2026), more than 25 women pilots of the IAF had flown as of October 6 -- the largest-ever participation of IAF women officers in an international air exercise. The drill, themed "Power in Partnership," involves over 80 aircraft and around 1,500 personnel from participating nations including the USA, France, Germany, the UAE, Australia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with 32 more countries attending as observers.
PM to inaugurate the 10th India Mobile Congress on October 8, 2026
The India Mobile Congress (IMC) is Asia's largest digital technology, telecom and innovation forum, jointly organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) in New Delhi. The 10th edition focuses on 5G/6G, AI and digital infrastructure.
7th October 2026 ›· Also covered on 8 Oct
🏛️ Politics Current Affairs
Justice Surya Kant serving as the 53rd Chief Justice of India
Justice Surya Kant took charge as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on 24 November 2025, succeeding Justice B.R. Gavai. He is set to serve until 9 February 2027. Before his elevation he was the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court and sat on key benches, including the Article 370 case.
Kerala officially renamed 'Keralam'
Parliament passed a bill renaming the state of Kerala as 'Keralam' in August 2026, and President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on 18 August 2026. The change fulfils a long-standing demand to use the state's name as it is in Malayalam.
West Bengal plans bill to rename the state 'Paschim Banga'
On 5 October 2026, West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the state government will table a bill in the next Assembly session to rename West Bengal as 'Paschim Banga'. The move follows Kerala's renaming to Keralam. Earlier proposals in 1999, 2011 and 2018 were not approved by the Centre; this is still only a proposal.
Uttar Pradesh approves renaming Noida International Airport, Jewar as Narendra Modi International Airport
On 9 October 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved renaming the Noida International Airport at Jewar as "Narendra Modi International Airport." The airport, being developed in Gautam Buddh Nagar district, is expected to become one of India's largest aviation hubs once operational.
Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026 comes into force
The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, which codifies the administrative and disciplinary framework for forces such as the CRPF, BSF, CISF and ITBP, took effect from 8 October 2026. The law has faced a Supreme Court challenge from retired officers over its provisions on IPS cadre control of CAPFs.
President Murmu appoints new Governors in six states
On 12 October 2026, President Droupadi Murmu appointed new Governors for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. Om Prakash Mathur moves from Sikkim to Kerala, and Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar moves from Kerala to Tamil Nadu. Braj Mohan Ram, Dr. Sudha Yadav, Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen and Dushyant Gautam were named for Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Sikkim respectively.
Supreme Court constitutes Standing Committee on Judicial Well-Being
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant constituted a Standing Committee on Judicial Well-Being on 10 October 2026, coinciding with World Mental Health Day, to address the mental health and welfare concerns of judicial officers across the country. Justice K.V. Viswanathan will head the five-member committee, whose members span judicial administration, psychiatry, psychology and law, and which will develop welfare guidelines and periodically review initiatives.
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approves Rs 1,725 crore skill training scheme
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Skill Training and Employment Zone Development Scheme, reported on 10 October 2026, with an outlay of Rs 1,725 crore over three years. The scheme will cover all 75 districts through nine hub-and-spoke zones, with Phase 1 centres planned in Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Jhansi, offering basic and technical skill training plus foreign language training for overseas placements.
Union Minister L. Murugan resigns from Council of Ministers and Rajya Sabha to focus on Tamil Nadu BJP
Union Minister of State L. Murugan tendered his resignation from the Union Council of Ministers and sought to give up his Rajya Sabha seat on 13 October 2026, saying he wants to devote full time to strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu ahead of the state's politics. The move triggered speculation of a wider Union Cabinet reshuffle.
PM Modi to inaugurate Rs 3,350-crore development projects in Ladakh
The Prime Minister's Office announced that PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation for development projects worth about Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh on 15 October 2026. The visit underlines continuing central government investment in infrastructure development in the Union Territory.
PM Modi inaugurates Rs 3,350-crore Ladakh projects, including India's first Petroglyph Park
PM Modi inaugurated five development projects worth about Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh on 15 October 2026. These include a new Rs 640-crore passenger terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh, the 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road, the Hanu Small Hydroelectric Project with the 66 kV Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi transmission line, India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat, Leh, and the Him Sarovar project covering 40 water bodies across 40 villages.
🔬 Science Current Affairs
Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai win the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was jointly awarded on 7 October 2026 to French chemist Henri B. Kagan and Japanese chemist Kenso Soai. They were honoured for pioneering work on asymmetric catalysis and the self-amplification of chirality, often described as unravelling the mystery of mirror molecules. Their work underpins how chemists make the correct 'handed' version of molecules used in medicines.
Command Hospital Kolkata gives soldier India's indigenous CAR-T therapy
On 5 October 2026, Command Hospital (Eastern Command), Kolkata, administered NexCAR19 - India's indigenous CAR-T cell therapy - to a 39-year-old serving soldier with relapsed or refractory B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. NexCAR19 was developed by the biotech start-up ImmunoACT in collaboration with IIT Bombay and the Tata Memorial Centre, and is estimated to cost roughly a tenth of comparable CAR-T therapies available in Western countries.
ICMR to set up India's first high-altitude medicine centre at Keylong, Himachal Pradesh
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is setting up the country's first Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research at Keylong in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda is scheduled to lay the foundation stone on 12 October 2026; the centre will study high-altitude physiology, mountain medicine, maternal and child health, mental health and disaster medicine, partnering with the Armed Forces Medical Services and the Himachal Pradesh government.
Scientists in Vienna and Beijing report world's first working nuclear clocks
Research teams at TU Wien (Vienna) and Tsinghua University (Beijing), reported around 11-12 October 2026, announced the world's first operational nuclear clocks, using a laser-driven nuclear transition in Thorium-229 as an exceptionally stable frequency reference. Unlike conventional atomic clocks, which rely on electron transitions, nuclear clocks use transitions within the atomic nucleus itself, promising sharper precision for GPS navigation, fundamental physics tests, and defence and financial timekeeping.
Ministry of AYUSH releases Standard Treatment Guidelines for skin disorders on Ayurveda Day
On the occasion of the 11th Ayurveda Day (13 October 2026), the Ministry of AYUSH released Standard Treatment Guidelines for dermatological disorders covering Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy, with Yoga inputs. Prepared by the AYUSH Vertical of the Directorate General of Health Services, the guidelines give system-wise protocols for conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo and dermatitis to bring uniformity and evidence-based practice to AYUSH dermatology care.
INST Mohali develops biodegradable membrane for dye wastewater treatment
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, developed a piezo-photocatalytic membrane combining polylactic acid (PLA) and zinc oxide (ZnO), using sunlight and mechanical vibration to break down dyes in wastewater. In lab tests it achieved about 98.6% decolorization of methylene blue and 96.7% of Congo red within 120 minutes. The institute notes this is research-stage evidence, not yet proof of safe drinking water.
Vice-President inaugurates Kaumarakon-2026 and launches AIIA digital initiatives
The Vice-President inaugurated Kaumarakon-2026 at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, on 15 October 2026, and launched new digital initiatives of the institute aimed at expanding Ayurveda research, teaching and public access, according to the Vice-President's Secretariat.
IISER Thiruvananthapuram develops new organometallic compound for green hydrogen release
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram developed a new crystalline organometallic compound, magnesium hydridomethylzincate, containing magnesium, zinc, hydrogen and carbon, which needs no bulky supporting ligands to stay stable. The compound is solid at room temperature and releases hydrogen and methane under solvent-free, oxygen-free conditions from as low as 80 degrees Celsius, and releases hydrogen when heated in solution to 100 degrees Celsius.
Botanical Survey of India describes new plant species Ceropegia tamilnaduensis
Botanists from the Botanical Survey of India described a new plant species, Ceropegia tamilnaduensis, found on the hill slopes of Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, at about 380 metres elevation. The perennial herb has deep brownish-purple flowers growing solitarily from leaf axils, and seeds up to 14 mm long; over 50 flowering individuals were observed, and it is provisionally listed as Data Deficient under IUCN guidelines.
🔬 Science & Technology Current Affairs
ZSI Identifies New Deep-Sea Fish Species "Bathymyrus perplexus" in Bay of Bengal
Scientists at the Zoological Survey of India's (ZSI) Gopalpur-based unit identified a new eel species, Bathymyrus perplexus, from the Bay of Bengal, adding to India's documented marine biodiversity.
CAG Launches AI-Powered 'Anuvaad' Translation Platform with BHASHINI
Developed jointly by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and the Digital India BHASHINI Division (under MeitY), "CAG-BHASHINI Anuvaad" uses AI to translate official CAG audit documents into Indian languages, supporting 36 languages while preserving data sovereignty and human oversight.
India's First 5.56 km Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution Link
India demonstrates its first 5.56 km free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link. The QKD link was demonstrated between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar, marking a milestone toward secure quantum communication networks under India's National Quantum Mission.
Astronomers detect first-ever direct radio signal from an exoplanet
Scientists announced in early October 2026 the first-ever direct detection of a radio signal from an exoplanet — Beta Pictoris b, a young gas giant orbiting the star Beta Pictoris. The discovery opens a new method for studying exoplanetary magnetic fields.
DRDO completes maiden live jump of its Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP)
DRDO successfully conducted the maiden live jump of its indigenously developed Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) at the Mudh Drop Zone near Nyoma, Ladakh, at an altitude of around 16,000 feet, on October 6. The static-line parachute, meant for mass troop drops at high altitude, has an operational range of up to 18,000 feet.
IIT Ropar launches "AVNI" app for AI-powered agricultural learning
IIT Ropar launched AVNI ("Grow with Nature") on October 6, an app developed under its ANNAM.AI Centre of Excellence in AI for Digital Agriculture, to teach children about plants, crops and farming using AI tools. The free, ad-free app is bilingual (Hindi and English) and includes a digital Nature Book and a Crop Compare feature.
India achieves its first 5.56 km free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link
Reported via PIB in early October 2026, Indian scientists demonstrated a free-space QKD link over 5.56 km, a major step up from earlier roughly 1 km DRDO-IIT Delhi trials, advancing India's quantum-secure communication capability.
🏆 Sports Current Affairs
India finishes 4th at Asian Games 2026 with best-ever 85 medals
At the 20th Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, India recorded its best-ever campaign, finishing 4th with 85 medals: 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. Both the men's and women's hockey teams won gold at the same Games for the first time, and the women's team won hockey gold after 44 years.
Djokovic wins 2026 China Open, 102nd ATP tour-level title
Novak Djokovic won the 2026 China Open men's singles title in Beijing on 6 October 2026, defeating Alex de Minaur, who retired injured in the second set. It was Djokovic's seventh China Open title, keeping him unbeaten in seven appearances there, and his 102nd ATP tour-level title overall - one short of Roger Federer's record of 103 - ending an 11-month title drought.
Abhishek Sharma becomes fastest Indian to 2,000 T20I runs as India beat West Indies
India beat West Indies by 14 runs in the third T20I at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on 11 October 2026, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Opener Abhishek Sharma's 69 off 30 balls powered India to 223, and in the process he became the fastest Indian batter to reach 2,000 T20I runs. West Indies replied with 209/7, with Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran top-scoring.
Pieter Coetze sets men's 50m backstroke (short course) world record
South African swimmer Pieter Coetze set a new men's 50m backstroke short-course world record of 22.09 seconds at the World Cup leg in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 9 October 2026, breaking Kliment Kolesnikov's 2022 mark of 22.11 seconds. It was Coetze's first world record, coming just six days after he had set an African record of 22.51 seconds in Baku.
BFI suspends Secretary General Pramod Kumar pending inquiry into alleged irregularities
Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh suspended Secretary General Pramod Kumar with immediate effect on 13 October 2026, pending an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities, non-cooperation with investigations and misuse of authority, including an unauthorised attempt to move a no-confidence motion against Singh.
PM Modi to felicitate Indian contingent after 4th-place finish at Asian Games 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to interact with and felicitate the Indian contingent that competed at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, on 15 October 2026. India finished fourth in the medal tally with 85 medals (21 gold, 27 silver, 37 bronze), its second straight top-five finish at the Games.
Vishvajit More wins India's first Greco-Roman silver at U23 World Wrestling Championships
Wrestler Vishvajit More won India's first-ever Greco-Roman silver medal at the U23 World Wrestling Championships 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, losing a closely-fought 55kg final 12-13 to Georgia's Koba Karumidze. More had earlier won two bronze medals at the same event in previous years, making this his best finish yet.
Shubman Gill and Shafali Verma win ICC Player of the Month for September 2026
The ICC named Shubman Gill and Shafali Verma its Men's and Women's Player of the Month for September 2026, an announcement made on 13 October 2026. It was Gill's fifth such award, a record for the men's category, recognising his performances through September 2026.
Nagaland's Baby League wins SKOCH Silver Award for grassroots football
Nagaland's Department of Youth Resources and Sports received the SKOCH Silver Award, reported on 14 October 2026, for its Grassroots Football Festival known as the Baby League. Launched in June 2024, the Baby League engages children aged 5 to 12 across four age groups through small-sided matches that emphasise participation and skill development over competition.
Anandkumar Velkumar wins silver and bronze at World Skate Games 2026 in Paraguay
Indian speed skater Anandkumar Velkumar won a silver medal in the men's 1000-metre sprint, finishing just 4 milliseconds behind the gold medallist with a time of 1 minute 21.922 seconds, at the 2026 World Skate Games in Paraguay. He also won bronze in the men's 500-metre sprint at the same event.
🏆 Sports & Awards Current Affairs
India's women's compound archery team wins gold, equals world record at Asian Games 2026
India's women's compound archery team — Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Prithika Pradeep, and Chikitha Taniparthi — defeated China in the final to win gold at the Asian Games 2026, equalling the world record score. A mixed compound team gold followed, won by Chikitha Taniparthi and Sahil Jadhav.
Divya Deshmukh Named Best Female Player at Inaugural FIDE Excellence Awards
Indian Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, the reigning FIDE Women's World Cup champion, was honoured as "Best Female Player" at FIDE's first-ever Excellence Awards (late September 2026), recognizing her standout performances through 2025–26.
India Ends Compound Archery Campaign at Asian Games 2026 with Four Medals
At the 20th Asian Games, being hosted in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (September 19–October 4, 2026), Indian archer Ganesh Mani Ratnam Thirumuru won bronze in men's individual compound archery, taking India's compound archery medal haul to three gold and one bronze.
India's Boxers Win Historic Gold Hat-Trick at Asian Games 2026
Lovlina Borgohain (women's 75kg), Parveen Hooda (women's 65kg) and Ankush Panghal (men's 80kg) all won gold in Nagoya, Japan — ending India's 12-year wait for an Asian Games boxing gold. Lovlina's win also lifted India's overall medal tally to 75.
India Wins Maiden Asian Games Gold in Women's Recurve Archery
Ankita Bhakat, Kirti Sharma and Kumkum Mohod defeated South Korea 5-3 in the team final at Aichi-Nagoya — India's first-ever Asian Games gold in women's recurve archery, ending South Korea's seven-edition winning streak in the event.
Aman Sehrawat Wins Wrestling Gold
Aman Sehrawat clinches gold in Men's 57 kg freestyle wrestling at Asian Games 2026. Sehrawat's gold added to India's wrestling medals, alongside Deepak Punia's bronze in the 97 kg freestyle category.
Pranavi Urs — First Indian Woman to Win Individual Golf Gold
Pranavi Sharath Urs becomes first Indian woman golfer to win an individual Asian Games gold. Urs created history at the 2026 Asian Games, also helping India's women's golf team to a silver medal in the team event.
Kumkum Mohod — Archery Gold + Olympic Quota
Kumkum Mohod wins historic recurve archery gold, secures India's LA 2028 Olympic quota. Archer Kumkum Anil Mohod won gold in the Women's Individual Recurve event at the 2026 Asian Games; the result also secured an Olympic quota place for India for Los Angeles 2028.
India finishes 4th at Asian Games 2026 with its second-best-ever medal haul
India concluded the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 in 4th place with 85 medals (21 gold, 27 silver, 37 bronze) — its second-best Asian Games performance ever, after the 107-medal haul at Hangzhou 2022. China topped the table, followed by Japan and South Korea.
Indian women's hockey team wins historic Asian Games gold, ends 44-year wait
India's women's hockey team beat China 1-0 (Lalremsiami scoring the winner) to win Asian Games gold on October 2, 2026, ending a 44-year wait for the title. The win also secured India's qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Smriti Mandhana named India Women's full-time white-ball captain
Smriti Mandhana was appointed India Women's full-time captain for ODIs and T20Is on October 6, with Harmanpreet Kaur stepping down from the captaincy across formats the same day. Mandhana, who has prior WPL captaincy experience with RCB, will lead her first series against Zimbabwe starting October 16.
Smriti Mandhana named new captain of India Women's cricket team
Smriti Mandhana was appointed India Women's cricket captain across all formats on October 6, 2026, after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down. Mandhana, previously deputy captain, is the leading run-scorer in women's international cricket history, having surpassed Mithali Raj's record, and has led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to two WPL titles.
🗺️ State Current Affairs
Gujarat's 25th 'Sanskrutik Van' inaugurated in Porbandar
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated Gujarat's 25th "Sanskrutik Van" (Cultural Forest) on October 1, 2026, spread over 14 hectares near Porbandar's Odadar village at a cost of about ₹20 crore, with sections dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi's Sarvodaya philosophy. The initiative was launched in 2004 when PM Modi was Gujarat's CM.
Tamil Nadu Gets Its First Barrier-Free Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling System
NHAI rolled out a GNSS/ANPR-based Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), barrier-less tolling system at Paranur Toll Plaza in Tamil Nadu — the state's first — allowing vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping.
Gujarat UCC Bill 2026 Receives Presidential Assent
Gujarat becomes the second Indian state (after Uttarakhand) to get presidential assent for a Uniform Civil Code, which brings uniform personal laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption for applicable residents of the state.
Saffron Cultivation Begins in Ladakh as a Pilot Project
Saffron cultivation began in Ladakh as a pilot project in October 2026 to diversify high-altitude agriculture in the Union Territory. The project is modelled on the traditional, GI-tagged saffron cultivation of Kashmir's Pampore belt.
Great Indian Bustard Release at Desert National Park, Rajasthan
Release process for captive-bred Great Indian Bustards begins at Desert National Park, Rajasthan. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change initiated the release of captive-bred birds as part of ongoing conservation efforts under Project Great Indian Bustard for this critically endangered species.
4th October 2026 ›· Also covered on 5 Oct
Assam launches bamboo bicycle initiative to promote green mobility
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a bamboo-bicycle initiative in Guwahati on October 2, 2026, aiming to produce eco-friendly bicycles from locally-sourced bamboo for use in parks, promoting green mobility and rural employment.
Rare two-headed wolf snake rescued in Gujarat's Dahod district
A non-venomous two-headed wolf snake, a rare genetic anomaly called bicephaly, was rescued from a farm in Agaswani village, Dhanpur taluka, Dahod district, Gujarat, on October 6. Wildlife experts noted such conjoined reptiles are uncommon and have a low survival rate in the wild.
Punjab backs IIT Ropar's AI-based weather stations to help farmers
IIT Ropar's ANNAM.AI Centre of Excellence for AI in Digital Agriculture has deployed around 100 low-cost, AI-enabled automatic weather stations across Punjab with state government support, giving farmers real-time, hyperlocal data for irrigation and crop decisions.
💻 Technology Current Affairs
World Bank ranks India among top 10 emerging markets in AI readiness
In its October 2026 report 'India and Artificial Intelligence: Seizing the Development Opportunity,' the World Bank placed India among the top 10 emerging-market performers in AI readiness, citing its technical workforce, globally integrated IT sector and digital public infrastructure. It noted that private AI investment in India rose from USD 1.2 billion in 2024 to USD 4.1 billion in 2025, and raised India's FY27 growth forecast to 7.1%, though it flagged that only about 23% of Indian firms use AI compared with about 43% in the US.
Starlink confirms 20 satellite gateway sites set up in India
At India Mobile Congress 2026, SpaceX executive Lauren Dreyer said Starlink has established 20 satellite gateway sites across India, each with multiple antennas, and has built India-specific data-security controls to keep Indian user data within the country. Starlink holds a GMPCS licence and has signed MoUs with Airtel and Jio, but commercial launch still awaits spectrum allocation and security clearance from the government.
3rd International Bharat 6G Symposium concludes in New Delhi with five new MoUs
The 3rd International Bharat 6G Symposium 2026, held alongside the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi, concluded on 10 October 2026. Organised by the Bharat 6G Alliance, the symposium saw five new MoUs signed with global telecom bodies including GSMA and the GTI Alliance to strengthen India's role in shaping IMT-2030 (6G) standards.
Reliance Jio to build indigenous satellite tech stack, files pre-6G patents
Speaking on the sidelines of the 10th India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi on 8 October 2026, Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani said the company is developing an indigenous satellite technology stack built in India and has already filed pre-6G patents. The announcement underlines India's push for home-grown capability in next-generation telecom and satellite communication ahead of the global rollout of 6G standards.
Technology Development Board commits Rs 86 crore to Peptris for AI-based drug discovery
The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology, signed an agreement worth Rs 86 crore with Bengaluru-based Peptris on around 12 October 2026 to support its AI-based drug discovery project named VIGOR. The funding is aimed at accelerating AI-driven pharmaceutical research and development in India.
IBM and MeitY Startup Hub sign MoU to boost India's deep-tech startup ecosystem
IBM and the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 13 October 2026 to accelerate India's deep-tech startups through access to IBM's AI, hybrid cloud and quantum computing platforms, including IBM watsonx, mentorship and enterprise engagement support.
Google rolls out Gemini 4 Argon, its new flagship AI model
Google began rolling out Gemini 4 Argon on 13 October 2026 to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers through the Gemini app and AI Mode in Search, positioning it for complex, multi-step reasoning and coding tasks. The model is also available to developers via Google AI Studio and the company's API.
CtrlS opens Rs 400-crore data centre in Patna; signs Rs 10,000-crore MoU with Bihar
CtrlS Datacenters opened a Rs 400-crore, 12 MW data centre in the Pataliputra Industrial Area, Patna, inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on 13 October 2026. The company also signed a Rs 10,000-crore MoU with the Bihar government to build a 150 MW hyperscale AI-ready data facility ("AI factory") at Bodh Gaya, with a stated target of 1,000 MW of data-centre capacity in the state within five years.
IIT Kharagpur launches NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor and free GATE/JAM platform
IIT Kharagpur launched the NDLI-FERMI AI Tutor, built with Fermi AI and linked to the National Digital Library of India, offering free guided help in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. Alongside it, the institute released a free online preparation platform for the GATE and JAM entrance exams, aimed at reducing dependence on costly coaching for rural and economically disadvantaged students.
ideaForge signs Rs 151-crore TDB loan deal for YETI logistics drone
ideaForge Technology signed a Rs 151-crore loan agreement with the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the RDI scheme to advance its YETI heavy-lift autonomous logistics aircraft project. The funding supports indigenous development of unmanned aerial platforms for logistics and surveillance applications, reducing reliance on imported drone technology.
📘 October 2026 Daily Current Affairs Quizzes
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October 2026 Current Affairs — MAH CET Preparation
This page compiles all current affairs from October 2026 relevant to the MAH CET General Knowledge section. The compilation covers Defence, Economy, Education, Environment, General, International, National, Politics, Science, Science & Technology, Sports, Sports & Awards, State, Technology — the categories most frequently tested in MAH CET BBA BMS BCA BHMCT and MCA CET. Use the quiz above to test your retention before your exam.