Daily Current Affairs 8 October 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways
The Daily Current Affairs of 8 October 2026 cover the Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physics, RBI monetary-policy developments, the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority, expanded rural-development works, BrahMos defence procurement, the World Bank's revised GDP forecast, India's international agreements, scientific research, sports achievements and important days. This detailed compilation helps aspirants prepare for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, Insurance and State PSC examinations.
Introduction to Current Affairs 8 October 2026
The Current Affairs of 8 October 2026 feature important national and international developments relevant to competitive examinations. Major topics include the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the RBI's reported repo-rate decision, the Union Cabinet's ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, the expansion of permissible works under the VB-G RAM G framework, and India's participation in international climate and diplomatic initiatives.
Students should focus on award winners, schemes, ministries, monetary-policy terminology, international organisations, scientific institutions, defence procurement categories, appointments and important-day themes.
National Current Affairs
1. Cabinet Approves ₹10,000 Crore SME Growth Fund
Why in News? On 6 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved a government commitment of ₹10,000 crore for establishing the Small and Medium Enterprise Growth Fund (SGF).
Quick Facts
- Fund: SME Growth Fund (SGF).
- Government commitment: ₹10,000 crore.
- Announced in: Union Budget 2026-27.
- Investment structure: Alternative Investment Fund (AIF).
- Beneficiaries: Growth-oriented small and medium enterprises.
Key Highlights
- The fund seeks to address the shortage of long-term equity capital available to SMEs.
- It will support manufacturing, services, technology, innovation and strategic value chains.
- Special attention is intended for manufacturing enterprises and industrial clusters in Tier II and Tier III cities.
- Unlike conventional loans, equity capital can support business expansion without fixed repayment obligations.
- The initiative aims to help promising Indian enterprises scale operations, adopt technology and enter international markets.
Exam Relevance: Remember the fund's name, ₹10,000 crore commitment, AIF structure and Union Budget 2026-27 connection.
2. Cabinet Approves Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority
Why in News? The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA) as a Special Purpose Vehicle to strengthen multimodal transport planning.
Quick Facts
- Institution: Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority.
- Abbreviation: ITLA.
- Structure: Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
- Master Plan horizon: 10 years or more.
- Technical appraisal threshold: Projects costing ₹500 crore or more.
Key Highlights
- ITLA will coordinate research, planning, appraisal, monitoring and impact assessment.
- Its coverage includes roads, railways, ports, aviation, waterways, coastal shipping, urban mobility and logistics.
- It will prepare a long-term National Transport Master Plan.
- The authority will develop a National Transport Data Repository, drawing on datasets such as FASTag, Vahan, GPS-based systems and GSTN e-way bills.
- It will also review and update the National Logistics Policy, 2022.
Background: Multimodal logistics connects different modes of transport so that goods and passengers can move efficiently between them. ITLA is intended to improve planning coordination and reduce infrastructure bottlenecks.
3. Government Expands VB-G RAM G Permissible Works to 375
Why in News? The Ministry of Rural Development notified 375 permissible works under the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, compared with 266 works under the earlier framework.
Quick Facts
- Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.
- Earlier permissible works: 266.
- Revised permissible works: 375.
- Increase: 109 works, approximately 41%.
- Planning mechanism: Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans approved by Gram Sabhas.
Four Thematic Pillars
- Water Security: 128 works, including water conservation, river rejuvenation and artificial glaciers.
- Core Rural Infrastructure: 111 works, including solar streetlights, community facilities and waste-to-wealth projects.
- Livelihood-related Infrastructure: 98 works, including cold storage, self-help group infrastructure and SHE Marts.
- Disaster Preparedness: 38 works, including flood protection and forest-fire management.
The framework also includes 181 agriculture and allied-sector works. It connects rural employment with durable assets, climate resilience, local livelihoods and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
4. Arunachal Pradesh to Host 14th International Tourism Mart
Why in News? Arunachal Pradesh is scheduled to host the 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Tawang from 27 October to 1 November 2026.
Quick Facts
- Edition: 14th.
- Venue: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Dates: 27 October-1 November 2026.
- Organisers: Ministry of Tourism and Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Expected international representation: Approximately 20 countries.
Key Highlights
- The event promotes the tourism potential of India's North Eastern Region.
- It brings together international buyers, tourism businesses, travel operators and media representatives.
- Tawang previously hosted the event in 2013.
- Tawang is known for its Buddhist monastery, Sela Pass and Monpa cultural heritage.
5. Delhi Introduces Cashless Medical Facility for DJB Pensioners
Why in News? Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched a cashless medical facility for more than 50,000 Delhi Jal Board pensioners and family members under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
Quick Facts
- Government: Delhi.
- Organisation: Delhi Jal Board.
- Beneficiary coverage: More than 50,000 individuals.
- Programme: Seva Sankalp Abhiyan.
- Service model: Cashless, single-window healthcare access.
Key Highlights
- The facility reduces the need for beneficiaries to pay medical expenses upfront.
- It seeks to replace lengthy reimbursement procedures with a simpler access system.
- The Delhi Jal Board is responsible for water supply and sewage-related services in the National Capital Territory.
International Current Affairs
6. India and Switzerland Sign Five Agreements
Why in News? India and Switzerland signed five agreements during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin in New Delhi.
Quick Facts
- Partner country: Switzerland.
- Number of agreements: 5.
- Venue: Hyderabad House, New Delhi.
- Economic framework: India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.
- EFTA members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Key Highlights
- The agreements address migration, mobility, professional exchanges, transport technology and infrastructure.
- Both countries reviewed the EFTA investment commitment associated with the trade agreement.
- The stated long-term objective includes $100 billion in investment and one million direct jobs over 15 years.
- Potential infrastructure collaboration includes ropeways, airport infrastructure and railway tunnelling.
- The discussions also addressed artificial intelligence governance and global developments.
7. India and Ghana Exchange Two MoUs
Why in News? India and Ghana exchanged two Memoranda of Understanding during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Accra, Ghana.
Quick Facts
- Countries: India and Ghana.
- Number of MoUs: 2.
- Location: Accra, Ghana.
- Indian representative: S. Jaishankar.
- Areas: Scientific research, academics, capacity building and agricultural education.
Key Highlights
- The agreements seek to strengthen institutional cooperation in research and education.
- Agricultural research and capacity building are important components.
- Ghana is a West African country with Accra as its capital.
8. India Participates in Pre-COP31 Meeting in Fiji
Why in News? India participated in the Pre-COP31 meeting in Fiji, emphasising the implementation of the Paris Agreement and climate-finance commitments.
Quick Facts
- Meeting: Pre-COP31.
- Venue: Fiji.
- Indian representative: Bhupender Yadav.
- Agreement discussed: Paris Agreement.
- Key temperature objective: Pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
Key Highlights
- India highlighted climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer and just transition.
- The Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015.
- Its temperature goals concern limiting warming well below 2°C and pursuing efforts towards 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Pre-COP meetings provide opportunities for political and technical discussions before the main climate conference.
9. Important Outcomes of the 81st UN General Assembly
Why in News? The supplied AffairsCloud source reviewed major developments associated with the 81st United Nations General Assembly and its September 2026 high-level meetings in New York.
Quick Facts
- Session: 81st UNGA.
- Headquarters: New York, United States.
- General Debate: 22-28 September 2026.
- India's representative: S. Jaishankar.
- Theme reported by source: “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All”.
Key Highlights
- The source reports a declaration addressing the continuity of statehood for countries threatened by rising sea levels.
- UN Women launched a digital innovation and AI hub focused on gender equality.
- India co-hosted the OneSCD partnership to strengthen international cooperation on sickle cell disease.
- India highlighted the objective of eliminating hepatitis B and C as public-health threats by 2030.
- The source reports India's inclusion in the Pacific Islands Forum's Strategic Partner Stream.
- It also reports India's signing of the UN Convention against Cybercrime.
- India and Liberia launched a group focused on the safety and security of shipping and seafarers.
Banking, Finance & Economy
10. RBI Repo Rate Reported at 5.50%
Why in News? The supplied Mahendras article reports that the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee increased the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%.
Quick Facts — As Reported by Mahendras
- Repo rate: 5.50%.
- Increase: 25 basis points.
- Decision-making body: Monetary Policy Committee.
- RBI Governor: Sanjay Malhotra.
- FY 2026-27 real GDP projection: 7.1%.
- Inflation projection: 5.2%.
Concept for Banking Exams
- The repo rate is the policy rate at which RBI provides short-term liquidity to banks against eligible securities.
- One basis point equals 0.01 percentage point; therefore, 25 basis points equals 0.25 percentage point.
- An increase in the repo rate can raise borrowing costs and influence credit demand and inflation.
- The Monetary Policy Committee has six members and determines the policy repo rate.
Source note: This specific monetary-policy decision is reported in the supplied Mahendras material. It should be checked against the official RBI monetary-policy statement before publication as a confirmed RBI announcement.
11. RBI Announces Account Aggregator Interoperability Measures
Why in News? The Mahendras source reports measures for interoperability among NBFC-Account Aggregators to simplify consent-based financial data sharing.
Quick Facts
- Regulator: Reserve Bank of India.
- Framework: Account Aggregator ecosystem.
- Proposed measure: Interoperability between NBFC-AAs.
- Implementation target reported: 31 December 2026.
Key Highlights
- Customers would be able to access and share financial information through an Account Aggregator of their choice.
- Account Aggregators facilitate consent-based sharing of financial data between participating institutions.
- The source also mentions the proposed inclusion of bank-deposit information with demat holdings in Consolidated Account Statements.
12. SEBI Launches 'Samajh Se Investing Simple' Campaign
Why in News? The Securities and Exchange Board of India launched the “Samajh Se Investing Simple” investor-awareness campaign under Project Jagrook at Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Quick Facts
- Regulator: SEBI.
- Campaign: Samajh Se Investing Simple.
- Project: Jagrook.
- Launch date: 5 October 2026.
- Occasion: 10th World Investor Week.
- World Investor Week dates: 5-11 October 2026.
Key Highlights
- The campaign promotes informed investment decisions and protection against financial fraud.
- Participating institutions include NISM, BSE, NSE, MCX, CDSL, NSDL and AMFI.
- The MUST initiative stands for Mentoring of University/College Students by Trainers.
- It seeks to develop campus-level financial-education trainers.
- The campaign is associated with World Investor Week coordinated by IOSCO.
13. World Bank Raises India's FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 7.1%
Why in News? The World Bank raised India's growth projection for financial year 2026-27 to 7.1%, compared with an earlier projection of 6.6%, according to the supplied AffairsCloud source.
Quick Facts
- Organisation: World Bank.
- FY27 forecast: 7.1%.
- Previous forecast: 6.6%.
- FY28 forecast: 7.2%.
- FY29 forecast: 7.0%.
Key Highlights
- The revised outlook reflects resilient domestic demand and private consumption.
- Industrial activity, services, exports and investment are cited as supporting factors.
- The source reports 7.8% GDP growth in the first quarter of FY27.
- Agricultural uncertainty and external economic conditions remain potential risks.
Exam Tip: Distinguish the World Bank's GDP forecast from forecasts issued by RBI, IMF, OECD and other institutions.
14. Bharat Forge Signs Aerospace Contract with Pratt & Whitney Canada
Why in News? Bharat Forge Limited signed a long-term contract with Pratt & Whitney Canada for supplying mission-critical aerospace engine components.
Quick Facts
- Indian company: Bharat Forge Limited.
- Foreign partner: Pratt & Whitney Canada.
- Sector: Aerospace manufacturing.
- Manufacturing location: Bharat Forge's aerospace facility in India.
- Pratt & Whitney Canada is associated with RTX Corporation.
Key Highlights
- The agreement covers high-precision components for aircraft engines.
- It is expected to strengthen aerospace manufacturing capabilities in India.
- The partnership supports geographically diversified global supply chains.
- High-quality manufacturing and traceability are important requirements in the aerospace sector.
Science & Technology
15. Henri B. Kagan and Kensō Soai Named Nobel Chemistry Laureates
Why in News? The Mahendras source reports that the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Henri B. Kagan of France and Kensō Soai of Japan for discoveries involving nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
Quick Facts
- Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026.
- Winners reported: Henri B. Kagan and Kensō Soai.
- Research: Nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
- Prize amount reported: 12 million Swedish kronor, shared.
- Awarding body: Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
Science Explained
- Chirality: A property of molecules that exist in mirror-image forms that cannot be perfectly superimposed.
- Asymmetric synthesis: Chemical synthesis designed to preferentially produce one mirror-image form of a molecule.
- Autocatalysis: A process in which a product of a reaction helps catalyse that reaction.
- These concepts are important in pharmaceuticals because different molecular forms can have different biological effects.
Source note: The laureates and citation above follow the supplied Mahendras article and require confirmation from the Nobel Prize's official announcement before publication as verified results.
16. Francis Halzen Named Nobel Physics Laureate
Why in News? The Testbook and AffairsCloud sources report that Belgian-American physicist Francis Louis Halzen received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.
Quick Facts
- Scientist: Francis Louis Halzen.
- Research field: Neutrino astrophysics.
- Observatory: IceCube Neutrino Observatory.
- Location: South Pole, Antarctica.
- Prize amount reported: 12 million Swedish kronor.
Key Highlights
- IceCube uses a large volume of Antarctic ice as a detector for neutrino interactions.
- Its instruments detect light produced by charged particles associated with neutrino interactions.
- The observatory contains thousands of optical sensors deployed deep in the ice.
- Neutrinos are electrically neutral subatomic particles that interact very weakly with matter.
- Studying cosmic neutrinos helps researchers investigate energetic astrophysical environments.
17. IISc Maps 9,389 Reactions for Carbon Dioxide Conversion
Why in News? Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science developed a computational framework mapping 9,389 elementary reactions to investigate the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful chemicals and fuels.
Quick Facts
- Institution: Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
- Reactions mapped: 9,389.
- Chemical species analysed: 105.
- Process: Carbon dioxide hydrogenation.
- Catalyst: Copper.
- Important products: Methanol and carbon monoxide.
Key Highlights
- The framework combines quantum-mechanical simulations, machine learning and automated reaction-network analysis.
- It expanded a conventional network of 152 reactions to 9,389 reactions.
- The source reports a substantial improvement in predicted CO₂ conversion compared with earlier modelling approaches.
- The research helps scientists understand complex chemical pathways involved in producing fuels and industrial feedstocks from CO₂.
- Validation partners named in the source include HPCL's Green Research and Development Centre and Singapore's A*STAR.
18. IIT Ropar Launches AVNI Agricultural Learning App
Why in News? IIT Ropar launched AVNI - Grow with Nature, a digital learning platform intended to introduce children to plants, crops and agriculture.
Quick Facts
- Institution: IIT Ropar, Punjab.
- Platform: AVNI - Grow with Nature.
- Developer: ANNAM.AI, Centre of Excellence in AI for Digital Agriculture.
- Languages: Hindi and English.
- Target users: Children learning about nature and agriculture.
Key Highlights
- The application uses AI to identify crops, fruits, vegetables, cereals, millets and spices.
- Features include a Nature Book, Nature Gallery and Crop Compare tool.
- Audio-based learning and daily activities encourage observation.
- The source describes the platform as free, advertisement-free and privacy-focused.
Defence Current Affairs
19. Defence Ministry Signs ₹661.50 Crore BrahMos Contract
Why in News? The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹661.50 crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for fire-control systems and launchers for Indian Navy ships.
Quick Facts
- Contract value: ₹661.50 crore.
- Company: BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.
- End user: Indian Navy.
- Procurement category: Buy (Indian-IDDM).
- Minimum indigenous content: 68%.
Key Highlights
- The equipment supports the Navy's surface-to-surface missile capability.
- BrahMos is an India-Russia joint venture missile programme.
- The missile's name is derived from the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
- The procurement promotes domestic defence manufacturing and Indian industrial participation.
20. DRDO High-Altitude Platform Reaches 21 Kilometres
Why in News? DRDO conducted a successful flight trial of its indigenous High-Altitude Platform (HAPS) for long-endurance stratospheric surveillance.
Quick Facts
- Developer: ADRDE, Agra.
- Maximum altitude: 21 km AMSL.
- Sustained altitude: Around 20 km.
- Duration at sustained altitude: More than 30 minutes.
- Organisation: Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Key Highlights
- The platform was monitored through a Ground Control Station.
- Real-time video and vehicle parameters were used to assess its performance.
- After the trial, the platform was recovered and flight data was analysed.
- High-altitude platforms can support surveillance and communications over large areas.
21. DRDO Conducts Advanced High-Altitude Parachute Trial
Why in News? DRDO conducted the maiden live-jump trial of the Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) at Nyoma in Ladakh.
Quick Facts
- System: Advanced High-Altitude Parachute.
- Trial location: Nyoma, Ladakh.
- Jump altitude: 16,000 feet AMSL.
- Deployment altitude: 15,500 feet AMSL.
- Landing location: Mudh Drop Zone, approximately 13,700 feet AMSL.
Key Highlights
- The system is designed for parachute operations in challenging high-altitude terrain.
- The live jump demonstrated its operational applicability.
- The technology contributes to indigenous military airborne capability.
22. Defence Ministry Revises SOP for Testing Facilities
Why in News? Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a revised Standard Operating Procedure for the use of Ministry of Defence proof ranges, field-firing ranges and test facilities.
Quick Facts
- Approving authority: Rajnath Singh.
- Document: Revised Standard Operating Procedure.
- Facilities: Proof ranges, field-firing ranges and test facilities.
- Beneficiaries: Indian defence industry and equipment developers.
Key Highlights
- The revision aims to improve access to defence testing infrastructure.
- Testing facilities help assess equipment safety, performance and operational readiness.
- Better access can support indigenous defence product development and evaluation.
Appointments & Sports
23. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed 29th Chief of the Air Staff
Why in News? The government appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, with effect from 31 October 2026.
Quick Facts
- Appointee: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
- Position: 29th Chief of the Air Staff.
- Effective date: 31 October 2026.
- Predecessor: Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
- Previous role: Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
Key Highlights
- The source states that his tenure will extend until December 2028.
- He has served in senior operational and integrated-defence appointments.
- The Chief of the Air Staff is the professional head of the Indian Air Force.
24. India Wins Four Gold Medals at Astronomy Olympiad
Why in News? India won four gold and one silver medal at the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics held in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Quick Facts
- Event: 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.
- Host: Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Dates: 25 September-5 October 2026.
- India's medals: 4 gold and 1 silver.
- India's ranking: Joint third.
Indian Medal Winners
- Gold: Pranjal Dixit, Sumant Gupta, Akshat Srivastava and Arnav Sehrawat.
- Silver: Harshil Amitkumar Patel.
- The competition covered theory, observation and data analysis.
- The source reports participation by 307 students from 64 countries.
25. Smriti Mandhana Appointed Indian Women's Cricket Captain
Why in News? The supplied Testbook source reports that the BCCI appointed Smriti Mandhana as full-time captain of the Indian women's cricket team across formats, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur.
Quick Facts
- New captain reported: Smriti Mandhana.
- Predecessor: Harmanpreet Kaur.
- T20I vice-captain: Shafali Verma.
- ODI vice-captain: Deepti Sharma.
- Governing body: Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Key Highlights
- Mandhana is a left-handed opening batter.
- She has represented India internationally since 2013.
- The source also highlights her leadership record in the Women's Premier League.
Source note: This appointment is drawn from the supplied Testbook material and should be confirmed against an official BCCI announcement before publication as a verified appointment.
26. IOA and Korean Sport and Olympic Committee Sign MoU
Why in News? The Indian Olympic Association and the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee signed an MoU during the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to strengthen sports cooperation.
Quick Facts
- Indian organisation: Indian Olympic Association.
- Partner: Korean Sport and Olympic Committee.
- Indian signatory: P. T. Usha.
- Korean signatory: Ryu Seung-min.
- Venue: Korea House, Japan.
Key Highlights
- The agreement supports joint training and coaching exchanges.
- It encourages collaboration among athletes, sports scientists and officials.
- Both sides intend to expand access to high-performance facilities and athlete-development opportunities.
27. India Proposes Ahmedabad for 2036 Olympics
Why in News? The Mahendras source reports that India is preparing to present its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Ahmedabad proposed as host city.
Quick Facts
- Proposed host: Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
- Games: 2036 Olympics and Paralympics.
- Vision: “Rising Together”.
- Body considering the proposal: IOC Future Host Commission.
- Expression of Interest: Submitted in 2024.
Key Highlights
- The proposal concerns India's ambition to host the Games; the hosting rights have not been established by the supplied material.
- The source anticipates a possible IOC Session decision in 2029.
- The International Olympic Committee oversees the Olympic Games and the host-selection process.
Obituaries
28. Eminent Metallurgist Palle Rama Rao Passes Away
Why in News? Eminent Indian metallurgist and Padma Award recipient Professor Palle Rama Rao passed away at the age of 89.
Quick Facts
- Name: Palle Rama Rao.
- Age: 89.
- Field: Metallurgy and science administration.
- Former position: Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad.
- Other roles: Secretary, Department of Science and Technology; Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
Key Highlights
- He contributed to physical and mechanical metallurgy.
- He served as Director of the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory.
- His work was associated with indigenous alloys, research institutions and defence-related materials science.
29. Oscar-Winning Actress Eva Marie Saint Passes Away
Why in News? The supplied AffairsCloud source reports that Oscar-winning American actress Eva Marie Saint passed away at the age of 102.
Quick Facts
- Name: Eva Marie Saint.
- Age: 102.
- Profession: Actress.
- Oscar-winning film: On the Waterfront (1954).
- Other notable film: North by Northwest (1959).
Key Highlights
- She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for On the Waterfront.
- She appeared opposite Cary Grant in Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest.
- Her career spanned film, television and theatre.
Important Days
30. World Cotton Day 2026 - 7 October
Why in News? World Cotton Day was observed on 7 October 2026 to highlight cotton's importance in agriculture, international trade, employment and poverty reduction.
Quick Facts
- Date: 7 October.
- 2026 theme reported: “Cotton for Good: Building Prosperity Through Trade, Transformation and Partnership”.
- Original proposing countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali.
- UN resolution: A/RES/75/318.
- First UN-recognised observance: 2021.
Exam Background
- The four proposing African countries are collectively known as the Cotton Four, or C-4.
- Cotton is a major natural fibre crop and an important input for textile industries.
- World Cotton Day draws attention to sustainable production and the livelihoods of cotton farmers.
31. World Space Week 2026 - 4 to 10 October
Why in News? World Space Week 2026 was observed from 4 to 10 October to promote public awareness of space science and technology.
Quick Facts
- Dates: 4-10 October.
- 2026 theme: “Rocket Revolution”.
- UN proclamation: Resolution 54/68, adopted in 1999.
- First observance: 2000.
- Relevant UN bodies: COPUOS and UNOOSA.
Key Highlights
- The theme highlights reusable rockets, private launch companies, startups and evolving launch technologies.
- 4 October marks the anniversary of the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957.
- 10 October marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967.
32. Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 - October
Why in News? Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed throughout October to promote awareness, early detection, treatment and support for people affected by breast cancer.
Quick Facts
- Observance: 1-31 October.
- 2026 theme reported: “Every story is unique, every journey matters.”.
- Awareness symbol: Pink ribbon.
- Common alternative name: Pink October.
- Campaign origins: 1985.
Key Highlights
- The observance encourages timely medical evaluation and access to care.
- Awareness initiatives address barriers to diagnosis, treatment and support services.
- The pink ribbon became a widely recognised breast-cancer awareness symbol in the early 1990s.
Current Affairs One-Liners - 8 October 2026
- SME Growth Fund → ₹10,000 crore → growth equity for SMEs.
- ITLA → Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority → Special Purpose Vehicle.
- ITLA technical appraisal threshold → ₹500 crore.
- VB-G RAM G permissible works → 375, increased from 266.
- VB-G RAM G water-security works → 128.
- VB-G RAM G disaster-preparedness works → 38.
- World Bank India FY27 growth forecast → 7.1%.
- SEBI investor campaign → Samajh Se Investing Simple.
- SEBI initiative → Project Jagrook.
- World Investor Week 2026 → 5-11 October.
- MUST → Mentoring of University/College Students by Trainers.
- RBI repo rate reported by Mahendras → 5.50% after 25 bps increase; official confirmation recommended.
- Nobel Chemistry laureates reported by Mahendras → Henri B. Kagan and Kensō Soai; official confirmation recommended.
- Nobel Physics laureate reported by Testbook and AffairsCloud → Francis Halzen.
- IceCube Neutrino Observatory → South Pole, Antarctica.
- India-Switzerland agreements → 5.
- India-Ghana MoUs → 2.
- Pre-COP31 meeting → Fiji.
- 81st UNGA → New York, United States.
- India-Liberia maritime initiative → GoFonS4.
- Pratt & Whitney Canada agreement → Bharat Forge.
- IISc CO₂ conversion model → 9,389 reactions.
- AVNI agricultural learning app → IIT Ropar and ANNAM.AI.
- BrahMos contract → ₹661.50 crore.
- BrahMos procurement → Buy (Indian-IDDM).
- DRDO HAPS trial → 21 km maximum altitude.
- AHAP maiden live jump → Nyoma, Ladakh.
- 29th Chief of the Air Staff → Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, according to supplied sources.
- 19th IOAA → Hanoi, Vietnam.
- India at 19th IOAA → 4 gold and 1 silver.
- 14th International Tourism Mart → Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
- 2036 Olympics proposed Indian host city → Ahmedabad.
- IOA-KSOC sports agreement → P. T. Usha and Ryu Seung-min.
- Palle Rama Rao → Metallurgist and former University of Hyderabad Vice-Chancellor.
- Eva Marie Saint → Oscar-winning actress associated with On the Waterfront.
- World Cotton Day → 7 October.
- World Space Week → 4-10 October.
- World Space Week 2026 theme → Rocket Revolution.
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month → October.
- Chamoli, Uttarakhand → Source reports a magnitude 4.9 earthquake.
- India vs West Indies → Mahendras reports an eight-wicket Indian victory in the first T20I of a five-match series.
- Fleet Support Ships → Designed for replenishment of fuel, ammunition and supplies at sea.
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