Daily Current Affairs & GK – 7 October 2026
Current Affairs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, IBPS, RRB, NTPC, Railways, State PSC and other competitive examinations
This edition focuses on important developments reported or announced on 7 October 2026, with priority given to PIB, News On AIR, RBI and other official sources, supplemented by reliable national and international reports. Repetitive items from the 2–6 October editions have been kept to a minimum.
National
1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes 25 years as head of government
Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 25 years as head of a government on 7 October 2026, marking a quarter-century of continuous leadership at the state or Union level.
He was first sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on 7 October 2001 and became Prime Minister in May 2014. The Union Cabinet adopted a resolution commemorating the milestone and highlighting themes including governance, development, infrastructure, digital transformation and social empowerment. Leaders from several countries also conveyed greetings to the Prime Minister.
Exam Point
2. Second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit held in New Delhi
The 2nd India-EFTA Prosperity Summit 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin among the prominent participants.
The summit marked the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which entered into force on 1 October 2025.
The theme of the summit was:
“Building a $100 Billion Investment Partnership, Creating 1 Million Jobs in India.”
EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The agreement provides India with expanded market access, with the Commerce Ministry stating that 99.6% of India's exports are covered under the agreement.
3. India Mobile Congress 2026 begins in New Delhi
The 10th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 began at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on 7 October and will continue until 10 October.
Theme
“Scale Without Boundaries”
The event focuses on telecommunications, digital connectivity and emerging technologies. Major components include:
6G Symposium
AI for Good
Cyber Security Summit
Startup World Cup India 2026
AI Agents for 5G Networks
AI Safety India-UK Panel
Robotics for Youth Challenge.
The event is organised jointly by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the event on 8 October.
4. National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions notifies new regulations
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) notified a new regulatory framework to strengthen quality, transparency and standardisation in allied and healthcare education and professional practice.
Among the measures are:
autonomous boards for stronger assessment and standards,
a competency-based Diploma in Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology (D.MRIT) curriculum,
a two-year D.MRIT programme with a six-month clinical internship,
digital registration with unique identification numbers,
QR-coded certificates, and
state and central registers enabling public verification of registered professionals.
The framework was notified under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021.
5. Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari campaign targets 10 lakh groundwater recharge assets
The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari campaign to promote participatory rainwater conservation and groundwater recharge.
The campaign aims to construct or rehabilitate 10 lakh decentralised groundwater recharge structures across water-stressed and over-exploited hydrogeological areas.
It builds on India's broader community-based water conservation approach under programmes such as Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain.
Exam Point
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Rainwater conservation through people's participation.
7. India continues preparations for COP31 in Antalya
Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, leading India's delegation at the UNFCCC Pre-COP31 meeting in Fiji, called for COP31 to focus on:
closing implementation gaps,
fulfilling existing climate commitments,
accelerating implementation of the Paris Agreement, and
scaling up solutions for countries in need.
He stressed the importance of adequate means of implementation and greater convergence between climate science, traditional knowledge and community practices.
International
1. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar begins Africa visit
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar began a five-day visit to Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Ethiopia to review bilateral relations and expand cooperation.
His engagements focus on areas including:
trade and investment,
development cooperation,
capacity building,
economic partnerships, and
India's engagement with the Global South.
During the Ghana visit, Jaishankar also spoke about India's long-term partnership with Africa and the importance of diplomacy that manages competition without allowing it to become confrontation.
3. India participates in Moscow Format consultations on Afghanistan
India reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Afghanistan at the 8th Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan.
The consultations brought together Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, along with Afghanistan.
India reiterated its commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people and support for peaceful regional cooperation.
Economy and Banking
1. RBI raises repo rate to 5.50%
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% at the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held from 5–7 October 2026.
This was the first repo-rate increase since February 2023.
New policy rates
| Rate | New Rate |
|---|---|
| Repo Rate | 5.50% |
| Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) | 5.25% |
| Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) | 5.75% |
| Bank Rate | 5.75% |
The MPC unanimously approved the repo-rate increase and changed the policy stance from neutral to calibrated tightening.
2. RBI raises FY27 inflation projection to 5.2%
The RBI raised its CPI inflation forecast for FY 2026–27 to 5.2%, citing broader price pressures and risks arising from food, fuel and energy prices.
The projected quarterly inflation path is:
Q2: 4.9%
Q3: 6.0%
Q4: 5.7%
The RBI also noted that CPI inflation had risen to 4.8% in August 2026 from 4.5% in July.
3. RBI projects FY27 GDP growth at 7.1%
Despite tighter monetary policy, the RBI retained a positive assessment of India's economic growth.
It projected real GDP growth for FY 2026–27 at 7.1%, comprising:
Q2: 7.2%
Q3: 6.9%
Q4: 6.8%
The RBI said strong domestic demand, private consumption, fixed investment, manufacturing and services activity were supporting the economy.
4. RBI changes policy stance to “Calibrated Tightening”
The change in monetary-policy stance from neutral to calibrated tightening is an important banking-awareness development.
The RBI indicated that, under present conditions, rate cuts are off the table in the near term, while future policy action may involve either a pause or further rate hikes depending on inflation and growth conditions.
5. India-EFTA TEPA provides 99.6% export coverage
The Commerce Ministry highlighted the extent of market access created by the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.
The agreement is designed to boost Indian exports and attract investment from EFTA economies. India and EFTA have a long-term ambition of building a $100-billion investment partnership and creating one million direct jobs in India.
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).
He will assume office on 31 October 2026 in the rank of Air Chief Marshal, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
Exam Point
Science and Technology
1. Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai win Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to French chemist Henri B. Kagan and Japanese chemist Kenso Soai for their pioneering discoveries involving non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
Their work helped explain how molecular asymmetry or homochirality can emerge spontaneously.
Many molecules exist in two mirror-image versions. The research of Kagan and Soai showed how chemical reactions can be directed towards producing predominantly one of these mirror-image forms.
The work has major significance for modern organic chemistry and pharmaceutical development, where the correct molecular form can be crucial for therapeutic effectiveness.
The two laureates will share the Nobel Prize amount of 12 million Swedish kronor.
Exam Point
2. India advances additive-manufacturing ecosystem
The Government highlighted India's progress in Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing.
The National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (NSAM) was introduced in 2022. According to PIB, more than 1,54,000 people have been trained and 56 additive-manufacturing start-ups have been supported.
The government is now moving towards NSAM 2.0, aiming to expand the country's capabilities in advanced digital manufacturing.
3. India progresses towards second stage of nuclear programme
The indigenous 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, continued to attract attention as an important component of India's three-stage nuclear-energy programme.
The reactor is being developed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI) under the Department of Atomic Energy.
The PFBR represents India's transition towards the second stage of its nuclear programme, in which fast breeder reactors are intended to utilise plutonium and eventually support the country's long-term thorium-based strategy.
Sports and Culture
2. Indian pair advances at Arctic Open Super 500
Indian men's doubles pair Krishna Prasad Garaga and Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy advanced to the second round of the Arctic Open Super 500 in Vantaa, Finland.
They defeated China's fifth seeds He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in three games.
In women's singles, P. V. Sindhu advanced to the pre-quarterfinals after defeating Canada's Wen Yu Zhang.
3. Indian junior men's hockey team reaches Sultan of Johor Cup final
India's junior men's hockey team advanced to the final of the 12th Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 in Malaysia after defeating three-time champions Australia 4–2 in the round-robin stage.
The tournament is an important international competition for developing junior hockey talent.
Awards and Recognition
1. Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026
Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai were awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work on non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
Their discoveries addressed a long-standing scientific question concerning the emergence of molecular asymmetry in nature.
Days Observed
1. World Cotton Day – 7 October
World Cotton Day is observed every year on 7 October to highlight the economic, social and environmental importance of cotton.
The 2026 theme is:
“Cotton for Good: Building Prosperity Through Trade, Transformation and Partnership.”
The day recognises the contribution of cotton farmers and the large value chain extending from cultivation to ginning, spinning, textiles and garments.
According to the Union Textiles Ministry, around 60 lakh farmers in India are engaged in cotton cultivation.
2. World Space Week – 4 to 10 October
World Space Week continues from 4 to 10 October.
The dates commemorate:
4 October 1957: Launch of Sputnik 1
10 October 1967: Entry into force of the Outer Space Treaty.
Static GK for Exam Preparations
RBI Monetary Policy – October 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Repo Rate | 5.50% |
| SDF | 5.25% |
| MSF | 5.75% |
| Bank Rate | 5.75% |
| Policy Stance | Calibrated Tightening |
| FY27 GDP Forecast | 7.1% |
| FY27 CPI Inflation Forecast | 5.2% |
| MPC Meeting | 5–7 October 2026 |
EFTA – Quick Facts
EFTA = European Free Trade Association
Members
Switzerland
Norway
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
India-EFTA TEPA
Entered into force: 1 October 2025
Investment ambition: $100 billion
Direct-job ambition: 1 million
India exports covered: 99.6%
World Cotton Day – Quick Facts
| Topic | Fact |
|---|---|
| Date | 7 October |
| Commodity | Cotton |
| 2026 Theme | Cotton for Good: Building Prosperity Through Trade, Transformation and Partnership |
| Importance | Economic, social and environmental importance of cotton |
Nobel Chemistry 2026 – Quick Facts
| Topic | Fact |
|---|---|
| Laureates | Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai |
| Field | Asymmetric organic synthesis |
| Key Concepts | Non-linear effects, autocatalysis, molecular asymmetry |
| Prize Category | Chemistry |
| Prize Amount | 12 million Swedish kronor |
Additive Manufacturing – Quick Facts
AM: Additive Manufacturing
Commonly known as 3D printing
India's National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing: 2022
People trained under the ecosystem: 1,54,000+
Start-ups supported: 56
Next phase: NSAM 2.0
Quick Revision – 7 October 2026 Current Affairs
Who won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry? – Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai.
What was the key subject of their Nobel-winning work? – Non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
What is homochirality? – Predominance of one of two mirror-image molecular forms.
What is the RBI repo rate after the October 2026 MPC meeting? – 5.50%.
By how many basis points did RBI increase the repo rate? – 25 basis points.
What is RBI's new monetary-policy stance? – Calibrated tightening.
What is RBI's FY27 GDP growth projection? – 7.1%.
What is RBI's FY27 CPI inflation forecast? – 5.2%.
Which organisation held the 2nd India-EFTA Prosperity Summit? – India and EFTA.
What are the four EFTA countries? – Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
How many jobs is the India-EFTA partnership targeting? – One million direct jobs.
What is the theme of India Mobile Congress 2026? – “Scale Without Boundaries.”
Where is India Mobile Congress 2026 being held? – Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
What is NCAHP? – National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.
What does Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari focus on? – Groundwater recharge and rainwater conservation.
Who is the 29th Chief of the Air Staff? – Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
When is World Cotton Day observed? – 7 October.
What is the World Cotton Day 2026 theme? – “Cotton for Good: Building Prosperity Through Trade, Transformation and Partnership.”
What is the theme of World Space Week? – Space exploration, science and technology awareness; observed from 4–10 October.
Which Indian team reached the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 final? – India's junior men's hockey team.
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