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Current Affairs 5 – 11 October 2026

Rajasthan and national news for RAS, Patwari, VDO and other exams36 itemseach with its sourcepublished 12 October 2026

Rajasthan

Rajasthan CM asks new mayors and civic heads for 100-day roadmap; basic works to finish before Diwali

On 5 October 2026, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma met newly elected mayors, chairpersons and heads of urban local bodies. He asked them to prepare a 100-day roadmap and to complete works on cleanliness, roads, electricity, streetlights, sewerage, drains and beautification within a month, before Diwali. The CM noted that eligible urban residents get 125 days of employment as unskilled workers and that free de-sludging and FSTP facilities run in 188 urban local bodies.

Exam angle100-day roadmap for civic bodies; CM: 125 days' urban work; 188 ULBs with FSTP

Source:ThePrint (PTI) (opens in a new tab)

Chief Secretary reviews air quality in five Rajasthan NCR districts; 'No PUCC-No Fuel' to be enforced

On 5 October 2026 the Rajasthan Chief Secretary reviewed air quality management in the five NCR districts: Bharatpur, Alwar, Deeg, Khairthal-Tijara and Kotputli-Behror. Officials were told to take time-bound action on road dust, vehicle and industrial emissions, construction and waste, including GPS-based monitoring of mechanical road sweepers and enforcement of the 'No PUCC-No Fuel' system. In Bhiwadi (Khairthal-Tijara), eight mechanical sweepers were operational and 210 of 224 industrial units were connected to the CPCB server.

Exam angleFive Rajasthan NCR districts; 'No PUCC-No Fuel' system

Source:ThePrint (PTI) (opens in a new tab)

Rajasthan poll body advances first three phases of panchayat elections by a day due to Dhanteras

The Rajasthan State Election Commission revised the Panchayati Raj election schedule on 6 October 2026, citing religious sentiments around Dhanteras. Phase 1 Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polling moved from 23 to 22 October and Panch-Sarpanch polling from 25 to 24 October. Phase 2 moved to 28 and 30 October and phase 3 to 3 and 5 November; the fourth phase (14 and 16 November) was left unchanged.

Exam angleNew phase-1 polling dates (22 and 24 October)

Sources:The Hans India (opens in a new tab)The Hans India (opens in a new tab)

Nominations open for first phase of Rajasthan Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls, 8 to 13 October

Nominations for the first phase of Rajasthan's Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections opened on 8 October 2026 and close at 3 pm on 13 October. Scrutiny is on 14 October, withdrawal is allowed till 3 pm on 15 October, and polling is on 22 October. The whole four-phase programme runs between 8 October and 28 November 2026.

Exam anglePhase-1 nomination, scrutiny and withdrawal dates

Sources:The Hans India (opens in a new tab)UNI (opens in a new tab)

CM Bhajan Lal Sharma inspects Rajasthan Sampark Helpline-181; reviews AI-based 'Sampark GPT'

On 9 October 2026 Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma inspected the Rajasthan Sampark Helpline-181 at the state secretariat in Jaipur and spoke to complainants. He reviewed the Next Generation Rajasthan Sampark system and the AI-based 'Sampark GPT' tool that analyses public complaints. Departments were told to use technology-driven analysis to find the root causes of recurring grievances.

Exam angleHelpline number 181; AI tool 'Sampark GPT'

Source:ThePrint (PTI) (opens in a new tab)

National

PM inaugurates 10th India Mobile Congress at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on 8 October 2026; the event ran from 7 to 10 October. It is organised by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), with the theme 'Scale Without Boundaries'. The PM called for a global framework to tackle cyber fraud and deepfakes.

Exam angle10th IMC: venue, organisers and theme

Sources:newsonair (AIR) (opens in a new tab)Devdiscourse (opens in a new tab)

Health Ministry launches JOSH Teams to bring youth into TB elimination; first phase covers 55 districts

Union Health Minister J P Nadda launched JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams at New Delhi on 8 October 2026, with Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya present. Each team brings together MY Bharat volunteers and NCC cadets to spread awareness on TB symptoms, prevention, diagnosis and completion of treatment. In the first phase they are deployed in 55 districts of 11 states.

Exam angleJOSH Teams: purpose and first-phase coverage

Sources:newsonair (AIR) (opens in a new tab)Telangana Today (opens in a new tab)

Indian Air Force marks 94th anniversary with parade at Hindan air base

The Indian Air Force held a parade at the Hindan air base on 8 October 2026 to mark its 94th anniversary; the force was founded on 8 October 1932. The celebrations carried the theme 'Infallible, Impervious and Precise'.

Exam angle94th Air Force Day: venue (Hindan) and founding year

Source:ThePrint (PTI) (opens in a new tab)

International

Swiss President Parmelin's state visit to India marks first anniversary of India-EFTA TEPA

Swiss President Guy Parmelin paid a state visit to India from 5 to 7 October 2026, marking one year of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). The two sides exchanged MoUs on 5 October, and the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement and the Young Professionals Agreement were also concluded that day. The visit included the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on 7 October.

Exam angleTEPA's first anniversary; Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement

Sources:Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA) (opens in a new tab)Khaleej Times (opens in a new tab)

EAM Jaishankar visits Ghana, meets President Mahama; two research MoUs exchanged

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made an official visit to Ghana on 6 and 7 October 2026 at the invitation of Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and called on President John Dramani Mahama. Two MoUs were exchanged in Accra on 7 October: Zoological Survey of India with the University of Ghana, and ICAR with Ghana's CSIR-Crops Research Institute. Ghana was the first leg of a three-nation Africa tour that also covers Cote d'Ivoire and Ethiopia.

Exam angleIndia-Ghana visit: President met and MoU partners

Sources:Asianet Newsable (ANI) (opens in a new tab)The Hans India (opens in a new tab)newsonair (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Economy & schemes

Cabinet approves Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund to give patient equity to growth-stage SMEs

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved on 6 October 2026 a Rs 10,000 crore commitment to set up the SME Growth Fund, to be routed through an Alternative Investment Fund. It will provide patient equity capital to high-potential SMEs, with manufacturing SMEs getting the bulk of support. The fund was first announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.

Exam angleSME Growth Fund amount and type of support

Sources:YourStory (opens in a new tab)Morung Express (opens in a new tab)

Cabinet approves Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA) as a special purpose vehicle

The Union Cabinet approved the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA) on 6 October 2026 as a special purpose vehicle for transport and logistics planning. It will prepare a National Transport Master Plan, appraise and monitor central projects costing Rs 500 crore or more, and build a National Transport Data Repository. The aim is to end fragmented planning across ministries.

Exam angleITLA: role and Rs 500 crore appraisal threshold

Sources:Maritime Gateway (opens in a new tab)Daily Pioneer (opens in a new tab)PMO India (opens in a new tab)

Development Council for Textile Industry (DCTI) holds its first meeting at Vigyan Bhawan

The first meeting of the Development Council for Textile Industry (DCTI) was held on 6 October 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, chaired by Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao. The meeting called for a whole-of-value-chain approach to production, innovation and global market access. Working groups and sub-committees are to be formed for focus areas such as production, R&D, exports and raw material.

Exam angleDCTI: Ministry of Textiles, first meeting date

Sources:newsonair (AIR) (opens in a new tab)KNN India (opens in a new tab)

RBI raises repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50% and shifts stance to 'calibrated tightening'

The 63rd Monetary Policy Committee meeting (5 to 7 October 2026), chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, voted unanimously to raise the policy repo rate from 5.25% to 5.50% on 7 October. The SDF rate is 5.25% and the MSF rate and Bank Rate are 5.75%. The stance changed from neutral to 'calibrated tightening' (two members preferred to retain neutral), and FY2026-27 GDP growth is projected at 7.1% and CPI inflation at 5.2%. Several news reports call it the first repo hike since February 2023.

Exam angleRepo 5.50%; SDF 5.25%; MSF and Bank Rate 5.75%; stance

Sources:RBI - Monetary Policy Statement 2026-27 (63rd MPC, 5-7 Oct 2026) (opens in a new tab)RBI - Governor's Statement, 7 Oct 2026 (opens in a new tab)

RBI to enable NBFC-Account Aggregator interoperability; new Technical Consultative Committee announced

In its Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies of 7 October 2026, the RBI announced interoperability among NBFC-Account Aggregators, so customers can share financial data through any NBFC-AA they choose; it is expected by 31 December 2026. SEBI-regulated depositories will also be enabled to include bank deposit information in their Consolidated Account Statement through NBFC-AAs. The RBI will also set up a Technical Consultative Committee for Financial Markets to engage market participants on money, government securities and forex markets.

Exam angleNBFC-AA interoperability; new committee for financial markets

Source:RBI - Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies, 7 Oct 2026 (opens in a new tab)

57th GST Council meeting recommends raising prosecution threshold to Rs 5 crore; no GST rate changes

The 57th GST Council meeting was held on 8 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It recommended raising the threshold for launching prosecution from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore, removing the arrest powers of GST officers, and issuing no notices for demands of Rs 10,000 or less. The Finance Minister said the enforcement changes take effect from 1 April 2027; being recommendations, they need to be notified in law. No GST rates were changed.

Exam angleProsecution threshold Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore (recommended); meeting number

Sources:newsonair (AIR) (opens in a new tab)Deccan Herald (opens in a new tab)Deccan Chronicle (opens in a new tab)Taxscan (opens in a new tab)

RBI tightens forex derivative rules: hedging limit without proven exposure cut to USD 5 million

On 10 October 2026 the RBI issued two circulars to support the orderly functioning of the foreign exchange market. The limit for hedging contracted exposures without establishing the underlying exposure falls from USD 100 million to USD 5 million, and Authorised Dealers cannot allow rebooking of cancelled INR derivative contracts. For INR derivative contracts above USD 2 million notional hedging current account exposures where the user buys foreign currency against INR, banks must hold a cash Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR) of 20% with the RBI.

Exam angleHedging limit USD 100 mn to 5 mn; 20% FERR

Source:RBI - Regulatory Measures for the Foreign Exchange Market, 10 Oct 2026 (opens in a new tab)

RBI announces special dollar window for IOC, HPCL and BPCL, effective 12 October

On 10 October 2026 the RBI announced a special window for the public sector oil marketing companies Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum to meet their dollar requirements. From 12 October 2026 the RBI will sell US dollars to these three companies through designated bank(s) to cover their entire daily dollar needs. The window stays in place until further notice.

Exam angleWhich three OMCs; effective date 12 October

Source:RBI - Special window for Public Sector OMCs, 10 Oct 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Science & environment

India-UAE exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 begins at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand

The India-UAE joint military exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 began on 5 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, and runs till 18 October. It involves 92 personnel, 46 from each side, and focuses on mountain warfare and interoperability. The Indian contingent is drawn from a Bhairav Battalion.

Exam angleMountain Guardian: partner country, venue and dates

Sources:UNI (opens in a new tab)Indian Masterminds (opens in a new tab)

DRDO flight-tests indigenous High-Altitude Platform System to 21 km

DRDO conducted a flight trial of its indigenous High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS) on 6 October 2026. The lighter-than-air platform, developed by ADRDE, Agra, climbed to 21 km and stayed at about 20 km for more than 30 minutes. It is meant for long-endurance stratospheric surveillance, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a milestone for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Exam angleHAPS: developer ADRDE Agra; 21 km altitude

Sources:newsonair (AIR) (opens in a new tab)Morung Express (opens in a new tab)

Rajnath Singh launches India's first indigenous Fleet Support Ship 'Surya' at Visakhapatnam

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched FSS-1 'Surya', the first indigenously built Fleet Support Ship, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, on 6 October 2026. He also laid the keel of the fifth ship, FSS-5, and inaugurated an upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane. Fleet Support Ships replenish warships at sea.

Exam angleFirst indigenous Fleet Support Ship; builder HSL

Sources:Deccan Chronicle (opens in a new tab)UNI (opens in a new tab)

Two cheetahs released into Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh's third cheetah habitat

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs from Kuno National Park into the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Nauradehi), Sagar district, on 7 October 2026. It became the state's third cheetah habitat after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. A 439-hectare area has been prepared for them, and the release took place on the last day of Wildlife Conservation Week.

Exam angleThird cheetah habitat in MP: name of reserve

Sources:ThePrint (PTI) (opens in a new tab)The Wire (opens in a new tab)

Coast Guard conducts 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off Paradip

The Indian Coast Guard conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off Paradip, Odisha, on 8 October 2026, under the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurated it on 7 October. It had 32 observers from 30 countries, and Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani reviewed the exercise.

Exam angleSAREX-2026: edition, location, observers

Sources:Deccan Chronicle (opens in a new tab)Indian Masterminds (opens in a new tab)UNI (opens in a new tab)

Sports

Djokovic wins record seventh China Open title; 102nd career tour title

Novak Djokovic won the China Open in Beijing on 6 October 2026 after Alex de Minaur retired injured in the final, with Djokovic leading 7-6 (3) and trailing 0-1 in the second set. It was his seventh title in Beijing and his 102nd career ATP title, one short of Roger Federer's 103. He won all 34 of his matches at the tournament.

Exam angleSeventh China Open title; 102 career titles

Sources:ABC News (AP) (opens in a new tab)Deccan Chronicle (opens in a new tab)CGTN (opens in a new tab)

Awards & appointments

Nobel Prize in Medicine 2026: Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel for optogenetics

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, announced on 5 October 2026, went to Karl Deisseroth (USA), Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel (both Germany). It was awarded for their discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, a method to switch nerve cells on or off with light. The prize money is 12 million Swedish kronor.

Exam angleMedicine Nobel 2026: topic optogenetics

Sources:NobelPrize.org (opens in a new tab)NPR / WUNC (opens in a new tab)

Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 awarded to Francis Halzen for IceCube neutrino discoveries

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics, announced on 6 October 2026, was awarded to Francis Halzen of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The citation is for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin. He is the sole recipient of the prize.

Exam anglePhysics Nobel 2026: IceCube; sole winner

Sources:NobelPrize.org (opens in a new tab)Daily Maverick (opens in a new tab)

Three new Supreme Court judges sworn in; working strength rises to 37 of 38

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant administered the oath to Justices Sunita Agarwal, Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Aparesh Kumar Singh on 6 October 2026. They were earlier Chief Justices of the Gujarat, Delhi and Telangana High Courts respectively. The Supreme Court's working strength rose to 37 against a sanctioned strength of 38, and the number of women judges to three.

Exam angleWorking strength 37 vs sanctioned 38; women judges

Sources:LiveLaw (opens in a new tab)DT Next (opens in a new tab)

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit appointed next Chief of the Air Staff; takes over on 31 October

The government announced on 6 October 2026 that Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed the next Chief of the Air Staff, with the rank of Air Chief Marshal. He will take over on 31 October 2026 from Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, and his tenure runs until 31 December 2028. At the time of the announcement he was the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, and he will be the 29th Chief of the Air Staff.

Exam angle29th Air Chief; takes charge on 31 October 2026

Sources:Deccan Chronicle (opens in a new tab)Morung Express (opens in a new tab)

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai for asymmetric synthesis work

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, announced on 7 October 2026, was shared by Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai. It recognises their discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis, which helps explain how molecular handedness (chirality) in living things may have arisen. The prize is shared equally.

Exam angleChemistry Nobel 2026: asymmetric synthesis, chirality

Sources:NobelPrize.org (opens in a new tab)Khaleej Times (opens in a new tab)

Nobel Prize in Literature 2026 awarded to Canadian poet Anne Carson

The Swedish Academy announced on 8 October 2026 that the Nobel Prize in Literature goes to Canadian poet, essayist and classicist Anne Carson. The citation praises her bold and inventive oeuvre that, in playful dialogue with the classical tradition, has created new forms for contemporary literature. The prize money is 12 million Swedish kronor, and the award ceremony is on 10 December.

Exam angleLiterature Nobel 2026: Anne Carson (Canada)

Sources:NobelPrize.org (opens in a new tab)The Star Malaysia (Xinhua) (opens in a new tab)

Nobel Peace Prize 2026 awarded to South African jurist Navi Pillay

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on 9 October 2026 that the 125th Nobel Peace Prize goes to Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay of South Africa, aged 85, for her efforts to promote peace and international law. She is a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The committee chair is Jorgen Watne Frydnes, and the award ceremony is on 10 December in Oslo.

Exam anglePeace Nobel 2026: Navi Pillay (South Africa); 125th prize

Sources:Al Jazeera (opens in a new tab)ABC11 (AP) (opens in a new tab)

Days, reports & indices

World Teachers' Day 2026 (5 October) marks 60 years of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation on teachers

World Teachers' Day was observed on 5 October 2026 with the theme 'Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures'. It marks 60 years since the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. The day is co-convened by UNESCO, ILO, UNICEF and Education International.

Exam angleWorld Teachers' Day: 60 years of 1966 Recommendation

Source:UNESCO (opens in a new tab)

WWF-ZSL Living Planet Report 2026: monitored wildlife populations down 73% on average since 1970

The Living Planet Report 2026, released by WWF and the Zoological Society of London on 8 October 2026, finds a 73% average fall in monitored vertebrate populations between 1970 and 2022. Freshwater populations fell most, by 85%, against 69% on land and 59% in the sea. The index covers 35,803 population trends of 5,790 species and is a relative measure, not a head-count of animals lost.

Exam angleLiving Planet Report 2026: 73% decline; freshwater 85%

Sources:ThePrint (opens in a new tab)WWF (opens in a new tab)

World Post Day 2026 (9 October): theme 'One postal network, infinite possibilities'

World Post Day was observed on 9 October 2026 with the theme 'One postal network, infinite possibilities'. The day marks the founding of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 through the Treaty of Bern. It was designated World Post Day at the UPU Congress in Tokyo in 1969.

Exam angleUPU founded 1874; 2026 theme

Sources:Universal Postal Union (UPU) (opens in a new tab)Universal Postal Union (UPU) - 150 years (opens in a new tab)

World Mental Health Day 2026 (10 October): theme 'Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change'

World Mental Health Day was observed on 10 October 2026 with the theme 'Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change'. The campaign asks that people with lived experience of mental health conditions be given real influence over the policies, services and decisions that affect them. The day is observed every year on 10 October.

Exam angleWorld Mental Health Day 2026 theme

Source:WHO (opens in a new tab)

International Day of the Girl 2026 (11 October): theme 'End child marriage and invest in girls' rights'

International Day of the Girl is observed on 11 October, and its 2026 theme is 'End child marriage and invest in girls' rights'. UNICEF estimates that about 650 million women and girls alive today were married before the age of 18, and more than 12 million girls marry before adulthood each year. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence, at 31 per cent.

Exam angleGirl Day: date 11 October and 2026 theme

Source:UNICEF (opens in a new tab)

This week's quiz

15 questions on this news. Think of your answer, then press “Show answer”.

Take the timed quiz →

Q1

In October 2026, the Rajasthan State Election Commission advanced polling for the first three phases of the Panchayati Raj elections by one day, citing Dhanteras. On which date will the first-phase Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti voting now be held?

  1. (1)21 October
  2. (2)22 October
  3. (3)23 October
  4. (4)24 October

Answer: (2) 22 October

Explanation

The Commission revised the schedule on 6 October 2026: phase-1 Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polling moved from 23 to 22 October. Panch-Sarpanch polling of phase 1 moved to 24 October.

Q2

Consider the following statements about the revised Rajasthan Panchayati Raj election schedule announced in October 2026: 1. The polling dates of the fourth phase were left unchanged. 2. Panch-Sarpanch polling in the first phase was moved from 25 October to 24 October. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (1)Neither 1 nor 2
  2. (2)1 only
  3. (3)2 only
  4. (4)Both 1 and 2

Answer: (4) Both 1 and 2

Explanation

Only phases 1 to 3 were advanced by one day because of Dhanteras; the fourth phase (14 and 16 November) stayed as announced. Phase-1 Panch-Sarpanch polling moved from 25 to 24 October.

Q3

In October 2026, the Rajasthan Chief Secretary reviewed air quality management in the state's five NCR districts. Which of the following is NOT one of Rajasthan's five NCR districts?

  1. (1)Bharatpur
  2. (2)Alwar
  3. (3)Khairthal-Tijara
  4. (4)Dholpur

Answer: (4) Dholpur

Explanation

The five Rajasthan NCR districts are Bharatpur, Alwar, Deeg, Khairthal-Tijara and Kotputli-Behror. Dholpur is not among them.

Q4

In October 2026, the Union Health Ministry launched JOSH Teams to involve youth in the fight against which disease? In the first phase they are deployed in how many districts?

  1. (1)Malaria; 28 districts
  2. (2)Leprosy; 40 districts
  3. (3)Tuberculosis; 55 districts
  4. (4)Kala-azar; 75 districts

Answer: (3) Tuberculosis; 55 districts

Explanation

JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams were launched by Health Minister J P Nadda on 8 October 2026 for TB elimination, pairing MY Bharat volunteers with NCC cadets. The first phase covers 55 districts in 11 states.

Q5

The 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress, inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 8 October 2026, was held at which venue?

  1. (1)Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
  2. (2)Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
  3. (3)Jio World Centre, Mumbai
  4. (4)HICC, Hyderabad

Answer: (2) Yashobhoomi, New Delhi

Explanation

The 10th IMC was held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, from 7 to 10 October 2026, organised by the Department of Telecommunications and COAI.

Q6

In October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved a commitment of how much for the SME Growth Fund to provide patient equity to growth-stage SMEs?

  1. (1)₹5,000 crore
  2. (2)₹7,500 crore
  3. (3)₹12,000 crore
  4. (4)₹10,000 crore

Answer: (4) ₹10,000 crore

Explanation

On 6 October 2026 the Cabinet approved a Rs 10,000 crore commitment for the SME Growth Fund, to be routed through an Alternative Investment Fund; it was first announced in Budget 2026-27.

Q7

The Indian Air Force marked its 94th anniversary on 8 October 2026 with a parade at which air base?

  1. (1)Hindan (Ghaziabad)
  2. (2)Jodhpur
  3. (3)Agra
  4. (4)Pune

Answer: (1) Hindan (Ghaziabad)

Explanation

The 94th Air Force Day parade was held at the Hindan air base on 8 October 2026; the IAF was founded in 1932.

Q8

In October 2026, the state visit of the Swiss President to India marked the first anniversary of which agreement?

  1. (1)India-UK CETA
  2. (2)India-Oman CEPA
  3. (3)India-EFTA TEPA
  4. (4)India-UAE CEPA

Answer: (3) India-EFTA TEPA

Explanation

President Guy Parmelin's visit (5 to 7 October 2026) marked one year of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement; the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement was among the agreements concluded during the visit.

Q9

During his official visit to Ghana on 6 and 7 October 2026, the External Affairs Minister met which President of Ghana?

  1. (1)Nana Akufo-Addo
  2. (2)John Dramani Mahama
  3. (3)Bola Tinubu
  4. (4)Alassane Ouattara

Answer: (2) John Dramani Mahama

Explanation

S. Jaishankar called on President John Dramani Mahama in Accra during his 6 to 7 October 2026 visit; two research MoUs (ZSI-University of Ghana and ICAR-CSIR Crops Research Institute) were exchanged on 7 October.

Q10

On 9 October 2026, the Rajasthan Chief Minister inspected the Rajasthan Sampark Helpline and reviewed an AI-based tool that analyses public complaints. What is the helpline number and the tool's name?

  1. (1)Helpline 181; 'Sampark GPT'
  2. (2)Helpline 100; 'Sampark GPT'
  3. (3)Helpline 181; 'Jan Sunwai AI'
  4. (4)Helpline 1076; 'Sampark Mitra'

Answer: (1) Helpline 181; 'Sampark GPT'

Explanation

The Chief Minister inspected the Rajasthan Sampark Helpline-181 at the state secretariat in Jaipur. He reviewed the AI-based 'Sampark GPT' tool.

Q11

Consider the following statements about the RBI Monetary Policy Committee decision of 7 October 2026: 1. The increase in the repo rate was voted unanimously. 2. The stance was changed from neutral to 'calibrated tightening'. 3. The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate was set at 5.50%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (1)1 only
  2. (2)2 and 3 only
  3. (3)1 and 2 only
  4. (4)1, 2 and 3

Answer: (3) 1 and 2 only

Explanation

The rate hike was unanimous and the stance became 'calibrated tightening'. The SDF rate is 5.25%, one step below the 5.50% repo rate, so statement 3 is wrong.

Q12

The 57th GST Council meeting (8 October 2026) recommended raising the threshold for launching prosecution from Rs 1 crore to how much?

  1. (1)₹2 crore
  2. (2)₹3 crore
  3. (3)₹10 crore
  4. (4)₹5 crore

Answer: (4) ₹5 crore

Explanation

The Council, chaired by Nirmala Sitharaman at Bharat Mandapam, recommended a prosecution threshold of Rs 5 crore; no GST rates were changed.

Q13

In October 2026, two cheetahs were released into which tiger reserve, making it Madhya Pradesh's third cheetah habitat after Kuno and Gandhi Sagar?

  1. (1)Satpura Tiger Reserve
  2. (2)Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
  3. (3)Panna Tiger Reserve
  4. (4)Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Answer: (2) Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

Explanation

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs from Kuno into the Veerangana Durgavati (Nauradehi) Tiger Reserve in Sagar district on 7 October 2026.

Q14

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, announced on 9 October 2026, was awarded to whom?

  1. (1)Volodymyr Zelenskyy
  2. (2)Greta Thunberg
  3. (3)Navi Pillay
  4. (4)Antonio Guterres

Answer: (3) Navi Pillay

Explanation

The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 125th Nobel Peace Prize to South African jurist Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, for promoting peace and international law.

Q15

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics, announced on 6 October 2026, was awarded to Francis Halzen for his work on which observatory?

  1. (1)IceCube Neutrino Observatory
  2. (2)LIGO
  3. (3)Large Hadron Collider
  4. (4)Super-Kamiokande

Answer: (1) IceCube Neutrino Observatory

Explanation

Francis Halzen, the sole laureate, was honoured for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.

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