Daily Current Affairs & GK – 6 October 2026
Current Affairs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, IBPS, RRB, NTPC, Railways, State PSC and other competitive examinations
This edition covers important developments reported or announced on 6 October 2026, with emphasis on PIB, News On AIR, official government sources and reliable national and international reports.
National
1. Union Cabinet approves ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a Government of India commitment of ₹10,000 crore towards establishing the SME Growth Fund (SGF).
The fund will provide patient growth equity capital to high-potential small and medium enterprises with demonstrated business viability and scalability. A major portion of the fund is expected to support manufacturing-focused SMEs, including enterprises operating in industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
The initiative is intended to help Indian SMEs expand capacity, adopt advanced technologies, enter international markets, integrate with global value chains and develop into globally competitive enterprises. The government will provide the ₹10,000-crore commitment to an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) established under the SGF framework.
Exam Point: The SME Growth Fund was announced as part of the Union Budget 2026–27.
2. Cabinet approves Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority
The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA) as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
ITLA will function as an apex institutional mechanism for integrated transport and logistics planning, research, project appraisal, monitoring, policy support and data analytics.
It will prepare a comprehensive National Transport Master Plan with a horizon of 10 years or more and cover roads, railways, ports and shipping, civil aviation, inland waterways, coastal shipping, urban mobility and logistics.
A particularly important feature is the proposed National Transport Data Repository, which will integrate data such as GSTN e-way bills, FASTag, VAHAN, GPS-based systems and urban traffic information.
ITLA will technically appraise Government of India infrastructure projects costing ₹500 crore or more and monitor projects above that threshold. It will also assist in reviewing the National Logistics Policy 2022.
Why important? The authority is aimed at reducing fragmentation between transport ministries, strengthening multimodal connectivity and lowering logistics costs.
3. Cabinet marks 25 years of Narendra Modi’s continuous leadership
The Union Cabinet passed a resolution congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years of continuous leadership as head of government.
The resolution traced the journey from his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister to his role as Prime Minister and highlighted themes such as governance reforms, welfare delivery, infrastructure development, technological advancement, national security and India's global engagement.
4. Government notifies 375 permissible works under VB–G RAM G
The Ministry of Rural Development notified a new Schedule of Permissible Works under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB–G RAM G] Act, 2025.
The new schedule contains 375 permissible works, compared with 266 under the previous framework, representing a 41% expansion.
The works are grouped under four broad areas:
Water Security – 128 works
Core Rural Infrastructure – 111 works
Livelihood-related Infrastructure – 98 works
Special Works for Extreme Weather Events and Disaster Preparedness – 38 works
Exam Point: The new framework links rural employment-oriented works more closely with water security, infrastructure, livelihoods and disaster resilience.
5. First indigenous Fleet Support Ship INS Surya launched
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched India's first indigenous Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), INS Surya, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
He also laid the keel for FSS-5 and inaugurated an upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane.
Fleet Support Ships are important for replenishing naval vessels with fuel, water, ammunition, stores and other supplies, thereby increasing the endurance of naval task forces at sea.
6. HAL Koraput delivers 2,000th aero-engine
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Koraput Division achieved a major aerospace milestone with the delivery of its 2,000th aero-engine.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also announced a second production line for the Shakti engine, with an investment of ₹218 crore, taking potential annual production capacity to up to 100 engines.
For the AL-31FP engine, production capacity is expected to rise from 30 to 50 engines annually through an investment of ₹335 crore.
The government is also pursuing an indigenous high-thrust aero-engine programme with an investment of around ₹5,000 crore.
7. India and Argentina complete joint high-altitude mountaineering expedition
The Indian and Argentine armies completed a joint mountaineering expedition covering Mt Abi Gamin (7,355 metres) and Mt Kamet (7,756 metres) in Uttarakhand.
The expedition involved 35 personnel – 25 from the Indian Army and 10 from the Argentine Army. Mt Kamet is located in Chamoli district and is the third-highest peak in India after Kanchenjunga and Nanda Devi.
International
1. India voices support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty at Moscow Format
India reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Afghanistan at the 8th Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, hosted by Russia.
India's delegation was led by Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar and Joint Secretary (PAI) Dr. M. Suresh Kumar.
The Moscow Format brought together representatives from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with Afghanistan represented by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Exam Point: The Moscow Format on Afghanistan was established in 2017.
2. Jaishankar begins five-day visit to Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began a five-day visit to Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia on 6 October.
The visit is aimed at reviewing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas including trade and economy, development cooperation, capacity building and people-to-people relations.
In Addis Ababa, Jaishankar is also scheduled to chair a Regional Heads of Mission Conference, underlining India's growing engagement with Africa and the Global South.
3. UN Secretary-General supports reform of Security Council
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the consequences of failing to reform the UN Security Council.
UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said that as UN membership has expanded significantly since 1945, the Security Council also needs to become more representative of the wider membership.
The issue is especially relevant to India's long-standing demand for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
4. Three Indian nationals safe after Black Sea vessel attack
The Indian Embassy in Bucharest confirmed that all three Indian nationals aboard the commercial vessel MV Royad Mammadov were safe after the vessel came under attack in the Black Sea.
One of the Indian crew members was injured and received medical attention at Constanța County Hospital. The Indian Embassy and Ambassador Manoj Mohapatra assured the crew of continued assistance.
Economy and Banking
1. World Bank raises India’s FY27 growth forecast to 7.1%
The World Bank raised its projection for India's GDP growth in FY 2026–27 to 7.1%, from its earlier April forecast of 6.6%.
The revision followed stronger-than-expected economic performance, including 7.8% growth in the first quarter of FY27.
The World Bank identified private consumption, investment and stronger exports as important growth drivers. It also highlighted risks from global oil prices, climate-related developments and possible financial-market corrections. (World Bank)
Important Data
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| World Bank FY27 GDP forecast | 7.1% |
| Earlier April forecast | 6.6% |
| Q1 FY27 GDP growth | 7.8% |
2. India’s auto retail sales rise 31.8% year-on-year
India's automobile retail sales increased 31.8% year-on-year in September 2026 to more than 25.37 lakh units, according to data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).
Passenger vehicle sales also recorded strong growth, reflecting robust consumer demand during the festive period.
3. ATF prices under government review amid West Asia crisis
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government was in discussions with airlines and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) regarding rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices.
The minister said the ongoing West Asia crisis had placed significant pressure on fuel prices and the government would hold discussions with stakeholders before taking further decisions.
Exam Point: ATF is the principal fuel used in commercial aviation and is a significant component of airline operating costs.
Appointments
1. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit appointed 29th Chief of Air Staff
The Government appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force.
He will assume office on 31 October 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who is due to retire on the same date.
Air Marshal Dixit has nearly four decades of service experience and has flown aircraft including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Tejas, An-32, IL-78 and Hawk. He has also served in important operational and command appointments.
Exam Point
Science and Technology
1. Francis Halzen wins Nobel Prize in Physics 2026
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Francis Halzen of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA.
He was recognised “for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.”
Halzen's work helped establish neutrino astronomy as a new way of observing the universe.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory, located at the South Pole, uses thousands of optical sensors embedded deep within approximately one cubic kilometre of Antarctic ice. These sensors detect tiny flashes of light produced when neutrinos interact with matter.
Why are neutrinos called “ghost particles”?
Neutrinos have extremely weak interactions with matter and can travel enormous distances through space without being significantly disturbed. Their ability to reach Earth from distant astrophysical events makes them valuable messengers for studying the universe. (The Guardian)
2. DRDO successfully tests High-Altitude Platform
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight trial of an indigenous High-Altitude Platform (HAPS).
The experimental platform reached 21 km above mean sea level and remained at around 20 km altitude for more than 30 minutes before returning safely to the ground.
The platform is designed as a long-endurance stratospheric aerial surveillance system. The project is being developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra.
Exam Point
3. DRDO conducts maiden live jump of Advanced High-Altitude Parachute
DRDO conducted the maiden live jump of its indigenous Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) at Nyoma, Ladakh.
The jump took place from 16,000 feet above mean sea level, with the parachute deployed at 15,500 feet and the landing zone at approximately 13,700 feet.
The system, developed by ADRDE, Agra, is a static-line parachute designed for the mass deployment of paratroopers in high-altitude terrain.
Sports and Culture
1. Harmanpreet Kaur steps down as India women’s cricket captain
Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as captain of the Indian women's cricket team across all three formats following a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati.
She had captained India in:
5 Tests
51 ODIs
155 T20Is
She became India's T20I captain in 2016 and took charge of the ODI team in 2022.
Harmanpreet will continue to play for India across formats. Under her captaincy, India won its maiden Women's ODI World Cup and later secured women's cricket gold at the 2026 Asian Games.
2. India defeats West Indies in first T20I
India defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the first T20I of the five-match series at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
India chased the target of 172 runs in 14.4 overs.
Shreyas Iyer scored his maiden T20I century, playing a decisive role in India's victory.
3. Indian men’s hockey team receives grand welcome in Amritsar
Members of India's gold-winning men's hockey team from the 2026 Asian Games received a warm welcome at Amritsar airport.
The celebrations followed India's successful Asian Games campaign in which the men's team retained the continental title.
Awards and Recognition
1. Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 – Francis Halzen
Francis Halzen was recognised by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for his decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos originating from astrophysical sources.
Important Nobel Fact
Days Observed
1. International Geodiversity Day – 6 October
International Geodiversity Day is observed on 6 October.
UNESCO explains that geodiversity encompasses the variety of Earth's geological features and processes and plays an important role in understanding natural systems and supporting sustainable development.
The day was proclaimed by the UNESCO General Conference to promote greater awareness of geoscience and the importance of Earth's geological heritage. (UNESCO)
Exam Point
2. World Space Week – 4 to 10 October
World Space Week is being observed globally from 4 to 10 October.
The period commemorates two landmark events in space history:
4 October 1957: Launch of Sputnik 1
10 October 1967: Outer Space Treaty entered into force.
Static GK for Exam Preparations
SME Growth Fund – Quick Facts
| Topic | Fact |
|---|---|
| Full Name | SME Growth Fund |
| Government Commitment | ₹10,000 crore |
| Purpose | Growth-stage equity support |
| Main beneficiaries | Small and Medium Enterprises |
| Investment vehicle | Alternative Investment Fund |
| Priority | Manufacturing and high-potential SMEs |
| Special focus | Tier-II and Tier-III industrial clusters |
Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority – Quick Facts
| Topic | Fact |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | ITLA |
| Structure | Special Purpose Vehicle |
| Role | Integrated transport and logistics planning |
| Project appraisal threshold | ₹500 crore or more |
| Data system | National Transport Data Repository |
| Major datasets | GSTN e-way bill, FASTag, VAHAN, GPS, urban traffic |
| Related policy | National Logistics Policy 2022 |
| Long-term planning | National Transport Master Plan |
IceCube Neutrino Observatory – Quick Facts
| Topic | Fact |
|---|---|
| Location | South Pole, Antarctica |
| Main purpose | Detection of neutrinos |
| Key scientist | Francis Halzen |
| 2026 Nobel Prize | Physics |
| Field | Neutrino astronomy |
| Detector | Optical sensors embedded in Antarctic ice |
High-Altitude Platform – Quick Facts
Developed by DRDO
Development agency: ADRDE, Agra
Intended role: long-endurance stratospheric surveillance
Trial altitude: 21 km
Platform remained around 20 km altitude for more than 30 minutes.
Advanced High-Altitude Parachute – Quick Facts
Abbreviation: AHAP
Developer: ADRDE, Agra
Type: Static-line parachute
Intended use: Mass deployment of paratroopers
Maiden live jump: Nyoma, Ladakh
Drop altitude: 16,000 ft
Quick Revision – 6 October 2026 Current Affairs
How much commitment did the Union Cabinet approve for the SME Growth Fund? – ₹10,000 crore.
What is the main objective of the SME Growth Fund? – To provide growth-stage equity capital to high-potential SMEs.
Which new authority was approved for integrated transport planning? – Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority.
What is the project-appraisal threshold for ITLA? – ₹500 crore or more. (
How many permissible works have been notified under VB–G RAM G? – 375.
Who was appointed the 29th Chief of the Air Staff? – Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
Who will Ashutosh Dixit succeed as IAF chief? – Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
Who won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics? – Francis Halzen.
For what was Francis Halzen awarded the Nobel Prize? – Contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and discovery of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos.
Where is the IceCube Neutrino Observatory located? – South Pole, Antarctica.
What growth rate has the World Bank projected for India in FY27? – 7.1%.
Who stepped down as captain of India's women's cricket team across all formats? – Harmanpreet Kaur.
Which ship was launched as India's first indigenous Fleet Support Ship? – INS Surya.
Which company delivered its 2,000th aero-engine? – HAL Koraput. (
When is International Geodiversity Day observed? – 6 October.
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