Current Affairs October 2026: Monthly Round-up

49 news items, each with its source · for RAS, CET and other Rajasthan exams · published 5 November 2026

Take the October 2026 quiz · 15 Q

Rajasthan

Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat Express: inaugural run on 2 October; regular service from 3–4 October

2 October 2026The inaugural run of the Surat–Udaipur Vande Bharat Express left Surat on 2 October 2026 (Gandhi Jayanti). Regular service began from Udaipur on 3 October and from Surat on 4 October; the train (26903/26904) covers the route in about 7 hours 30 minutes, six days a week except Tuesday. Its nine commercial stops include Bharuch, Vadodara, Ahmedabad (Asarva), Himmatnagar, Dungarpur and Zawar.

Exam angle: New Vande Bharat linking Udaipur; journey time and Rajasthan stops

Sources: DeshGujarat (opens in a new tab), DeshGujarat (opens in a new tab), Business Today (opens in a new tab)

Rajasthan panchayat elections announced: four phases from 23 October; 14,403 gram panchayats

3 October 2026On 3 October 2026, State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh announced elections to Rajasthan's Panchayati Raj institutions in four phases: 41 Zila Parishads, 457 Panchayat Samitis and 14,403 Gram Panchayats. Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti members will be elected on 23 and 29 October and 4 and 14 November, and panch-sarpanch polls are on 25 and 31 October and 6 and 16 November. There are 4,03,07,308 voters; the model code of conduct came into force at once. On 6 October the first three phases were advanced by a day because of Dhanteras (phase 1: 22 and 24 October; phase 2: 28 and 30 October; phase 3: 3 and 5 November).

Exam angle: Number of phases (4); count of zila parishads, samitis, gram panchayats

Sources: ThePrint (PTI) (opens in a new tab), ETV Bharat (opens in a new tab), The Hans India (opens in a new tab)

Two captive-bred Great Indian Bustards (Godawan) released into Desert National Park, Jaisalmer

4 October 2026On 4 October 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav released two male captive-bred Great Indian Bustards in the Sudasari range of the Desert National Park, Jaisalmer, the first step from captive breeding to returning the bird to the wild. They were raised at the conservation breeding centres at Sam and Ramdevra under Project GIB, run since 2016 by the Environment Ministry, the Rajasthan Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India. The Godawan is Rajasthan's state bird and is critically endangered.

Exam angle: Release site (Desert National Park); breeding centres Sam and Ramdevra

Sources: DD News (opens in a new tab), ThePrint (opens in a new tab), ETV Bharat (opens in a new tab)

Pali-born Om Prakash Mathur moved from Sikkim to Keralam as Governor in a reshuffle of six Governors

12 October 2026On 12 October 2026 President Droupadi Murmu appointed Governors in six states. Om Prakash Mathur, till then Governor of Sikkim, was moved to Keralam (the official name of Kerala since August 2026) in place of Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who was moved to Tamil Nadu; Dushyant Gautam was named Governor of Sikkim. Mathur was born on 2 January 1952 in Bedal village of Pali district, Rajasthan, and was a Rajya Sabha member for two terms (2008-2014 and 2016-2022).

Exam angle: Rajasthan-born Governor: Sikkim to Keralam; home district Pali

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), UNI (opens in a new tab), Onmanorama (opens in a new tab)

Pugal Solar Park (Bikaner) auction: 2,450 MW solar with 6,400 MWh battery storage at Rs 3.42-3.54 per unit

14 October 2026On 14 October 2026 Rajasthan Solar Park Development Company Ltd (RSDCL), a subsidiary of Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation, held the e-reverse auction for 2,450 MW of solar power with 1,600 MW/6,400 MWh of battery energy storage (BESS) at Pugal Solar Park in Bikaner district; the results were reported on 15 October. Tariffs ranged from Rs 3.42 to Rs 3.54 per kWh across two lots. Coal India quoted the lowest tariff (Rs 3.42) in Lot 2, while NLC India Renewables won 1,000 MW in Lot 1 at Rs 3.53.

Exam angle: Pugal Solar Park district (Bikaner); solar + BESS; lowest tariff Rs 3.42

Sources: SolarQuarter (opens in a new tab), Renewable Watch (opens in a new tab), Energetica India (auction result) (opens in a new tab), TechEnclave (citing pv magazine India; auction on 14 October) (opens in a new tab), Energetica India (Pugal tehsil, Bikaner) (opens in a new tab)

Khelo Rajasthan Games from 1 December 2026 in three phases, from gram panchayat to state level

14 October 2026On 14 October 2026 details were released of the Khelo Rajasthan Games, which, on the lines of Khelo India and including traditional games, will begin on 1 December 2026 at gram panchayat, block, district and state levels, with separate urban rounds. Phase 1 (December 2026-15 January 2027) has volleyball, athletics, tug-of-war and archery; phase 2 (1 April-15 May 2027) kabaddi, football, judo and shooting; phase 3 (15 August-30 September 2027) kho-kho, wrestling, basketball and satoliya. It fulfils a 2024-25 budget announcement; players of all ages register on the Rajasthan State Sports Council portal.

Exam angle: Khelo Rajasthan Games start 1 Dec 2026; satoliya among traditional games

Source: CMO Rajasthan (DIPR press release) (opens in a new tab)

Ambedkar DBT Voucher Scheme 2026-27: applications open; Rs 2,000 a month for up to 10 months

15 October 2026On 15 October 2026 Rajasthan's Social Justice and Empowerment Department opened the online portal for the Ambedkar DBT Voucher Scheme for the 2026-27 session; students can apply through e-Mitra or their SSO ID by 30 November. The scheme is for male undergraduate and postgraduate students of government colleges at district headquarters who live away from home on rent. They get Rs 2,000 a month for lodging, food, electricity and water for a maximum of 10 months a year.

Exam angle: Scheme amount (Rs 2,000/month, max 10 months); department

Source: CMO Rajasthan (DIPR press release) (opens in a new tab)

NRR dialogue in Jaipur: Rajasthan Foundation gets 11 new chapters, taking total from 40 to 51

16 October 2026On 16 October 2026 Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma held a dialogue with Non-Resident Rajasthanis (NRRs) at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur. He announced 11 new chapters of the Rajasthan Foundation, taking the total from 40 to 51 (25 in India, 26 abroad); new ones include Raipur, Lucknow, Patna, San Francisco, Zurich, Milan, Dublin and a Nordic chapter at Stockholm. A coffee table book, 'Vikas ke Sahabhagi', was released, and a District Non-Resident Cell has been set up in every district.

Exam angle: Rajasthan Foundation chapters now 51; book 'Vikas ke Sahabhagi'

Sources: CMO Rajasthan (DIPR press release) (opens in a new tab), Punjab Kesari (English) (opens in a new tab)

Prof. Shiv Singh Sarangdevot appointed Vice-Chancellor (Kulguru) of Govind Guru Tribal University, Banswara

17 October 2026On 17 October 2026 Governor and Chancellor Haribhau Bagade issued orders appointing Prof. Shiv Singh Sarangdevot as Kulguru (Vice-Chancellor) of Govind Guru Tribal University, Banswara. The appointment was made in consultation with the State Government, for three years from the date of taking charge or until the age of 70, whichever is earlier.

Exam angle: Kulguru of Govind Guru Tribal University (Banswara); appointed by Governor

Source: CMO Rajasthan (DIPR press release) (opens in a new tab)

Sikar-born para-shooter Mona Agarwal wins India's first gold of 2026 Asian Para Games; Avani Lekhara silver

19 October 2026On 19 October 2026 Mona Agarwal won the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 gold at the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a Games-record 250.0 points; it was India's first gold of the Games. Avani Lekhara took silver with 249.6, and Korea's Lee Yunri the bronze. Mona, born in Sikar, Rajasthan, won bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympics; SH1 is the class for shooters with lower-limb impairment.

Exam angle: Rajasthan para-shooter; event 10m air rifle SH1; Games record 250.0

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), Rajasthan Patrika (opens in a new tab)

Rajasthan's Akram Khan Behrupiya among 106 young artists given Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

19 October 2026On 19 October 2026 Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi's Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024 and 2025 to 106 young artists in the performing arts at a ceremony in New Delhi. Akram Khan Behrupiya of Rajasthan received the award for folk dance. The award is named after the shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Exam angle: Award name and body (Sangeet Natak Akademi); Rajasthan folk-dance awardee

Source: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Shekhawati Heritage and Development Summit in Jaipur: 662 havelis to be conserved; Heritage Meet on 8 December

24 October 2026On 24 October 2026 Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma addressed the Shekhawati Heritage and Development Summit in Jaipur. He said the state government is working to conserve 662 havelis of the Shekhawati region, and developing a heritage tourism circuit covering Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. A Shekhawati Heritage Meet will be held on 8 December to involve the region's diaspora in heritage, tourism and investment; he also cited the Yamuna water agreement for the water needs of Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu.

Exam angle: Shekhawati districts: Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Churu; 662 havelis; painted havelis

Source: CMO Rajasthan (DIPR press release) (opens in a new tab)

Rajasthan panchayat polls: record 83.05% sarpanch vote in phase 1; phase 2 held on 28 and 30 October

28 October 2026In the first phase (16 districts), Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti members were elected on 22 October 2026 and sarpanches and ward panches on 24 October, when sarpanch polling in 104 panchayat samitis was a record 83.05%; Sedwa (Barmer) recorded the highest turnout, 93.03%. In the second phase, 22 districts voted on 28 October for 352 wards of 22 Zila Parishads and 2,197 wards of 124 Panchayat Samitis, with 64.32% turnout; Banswara was highest (76.56%) and Jalore lowest (52.45%). On 30 October, ward panches and sarpanches were elected in 3,626 gram panchayats of these 124 samitis. Votes for Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti members will be counted on 20 November.

Exam angle: Phase-wise turnout; record 83.05%; Banswara highest in phase 2 (ZP/PS)

Sources: Rajasthan Patrika (opens in a new tab), Amar Ujala (opens in a new tab), Dainik Navajyoti (opens in a new tab), ThePrint (PTI) (opens in a new tab), UNI (opens in a new tab)

National

UPSC completes 100 years: PM releases commemorative coin, stamp and book at Bharat Mandapam

1 October 2026On 1 October 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the UPSC centenary celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and released a commemorative coin, a stamp and the book '100 Landmark Judgements: Shaping the Policies of UPSC and Public Service Commissions in India'. The Public Service Commission was set up on 1 October 1926 on the recommendation of the Lee Commission, with Sir Ross Barker as its first chairman. Articles 315 to 323 of the Constitution deal with Public Service Commissions.

Exam angle: UPSC founding date and Lee Commission; first chairman; Articles 315-323

Sources: The Hindu (opens in a new tab), India Today (opens in a new tab), News On AIR (opens in a new tab)

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

8 October 2026Union 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 angle: JOSH Teams: purpose and first-phase coverage

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

DoT orders Calling Name Presentation (CNAP): caller's name to show on phones from 1 November 2026

13 October 2026In a circular dated 13 October 2026, made public on 15 October, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directed all telecom service providers to launch Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) from 1 November 2026. The receiving phone will show the caller's name, taken from the originating operator's subscriber records, along with the number; calls from international numbers not on record will show 'International Call'. The service will be given automatically, without a request, on 4G and higher networks; 2G, 3G and landlines will be considered separately.

Exam angle: Full form of CNAP; start date 1 Nov 2026; issued by DoT

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), ThePrint (opens in a new tab)

ECI orders Special Summary Revision of rolls in 17 States/UTs incl. Rajasthan; qualifying date 1 Jan 2027

15 October 2026On 15 October 2026 the Election Commission of India announced a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls in 14 States and three UTs, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat, with 1 January 2027 as the qualifying date. Being a summary revision, Booth Level Officers will not make house-to-house visits; district help desks will help migrants and vulnerable groups enrol. Advance applications can be made by those who turn eligible on 1 April, 1 July or 1 October 2027.

Exam angle: Qualifying date 1 January 2027; summary vs intensive revision

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

11 crore Farmer IDs created under Digital Agriculture Mission, five months before March 2027 deadline

24 October 2026On 24 October 2026 Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the target of creating 11 crore Farmer IDs had been achieved the previous day, five months ahead of the March 2027 deadline. Farmer IDs are part of the Digital Agriculture Mission approved by the Union Cabinet on 2 September 2024, and give each farmer a unique digital identity for schemes, credit, crop insurance and disaster relief. More than 6 crore farmers have already received benefits through Farmer ID-based delivery.

Exam angle: Farmer ID target 11 crore; Digital Agriculture Mission (Cabinet, Sept 2024)

Source: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana with Rs 7,395.55 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31

28 October 2026On 28 October 2026 the Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Panchayati Raj Ministry, for 2026-27 to 2030-31 (the Sixteenth Finance Commission period). Its outlay is Rs 7,395.55 crore: a Central share of Rs 4,869.48 crore and a State share of Rs 2,526.07 crore. It covers about 2.55 lakh panchayats and traditional local bodies, with training for elected representatives and yearly Gram Panchayat Development Plans through the eGramSwaraj portal.

Exam angle: Scheme name, outlay Rs 7,395.55 crore, Panchayati Raj Ministry

Sources: DT Next (PTI) (opens in a new tab), DD News (opens in a new tab), Deccan Herald (PTI) (opens in a new tab)

International

India hosts first BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi; focus on terrorism and organised crime

13 October 2026India hosted the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on 13 October 2026, addressed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The agenda covered terrorism, transnational organised crime, narcotics, radicalisation, human trafficking, illicit financial flows and cyber threats; Shah called for real-time intelligence sharing and cooperation on extradition. BIMSTEC, set up in 1997, has seven members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Exam angle: First BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting: venue New Delhi; 7 members

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), ThePrint (opens in a new tab), News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

7th CICA Summit held in Baku, Azerbaijan; adopts Baku Declaration; MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh leads India

15 October 2026The 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 15 October 2026. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh led India, a founding member of CICA, and called for unity against all forms of terrorism and for connectivity projects that respect sovereignty. The summit adopted the Baku Declaration on connectivity, digitalisation and sustainable growth.

Exam angle: 7th CICA Summit venue (Baku); India a founding member

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), DD India (opens in a new tab)

India-New Zealand FTA comes into force on Vijayadashami; 100% duty-free access for Indian exports

20 October 2026The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, signed in April 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, came into force on 20 October 2026, the day of Vijayadashami. New Zealand has removed customs duties on all tariff lines covering Indian exports, while sensitive Indian sectors such as dairy stay protected. The two sides aim to double bilateral trade in goods and services to about Rs 35,000 crore by 2030; the deal also gives 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas and 1,000 Working Holiday visas a year to Indians.

Exam angle: In force 20 Oct 2026; 100% tariff lines duty-free; dairy protected

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), New India Samachar (PIB) (opens in a new tab)

India and Mexico sign Terms of Reference, formally launching talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement

26 October 2026Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Mexico's Undersecretary of Foreign Trade Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez Romano signed the Terms of Reference for an India-Mexico Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in Mexico on 26 October 2026; India announced it on 28 October. The signing formally launches negotiations, covering market access for goods, rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation, technical barriers to trade and dispute settlement. It follows an understanding between PM Narendra Modi and President Claudia Sheinbaum at the G7 Summit in Canada in June 2025.

Exam angle: PTA talks with Mexico; Terms of Reference signed

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), Mexico News Daily (opens in a new tab)

12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum ends in New Delhi with a joint declaration adopted unanimously

27 October 2026The two-day 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, hosted by the Parliament of India in New Delhi, concluded on 27 October 2026 with the unanimous adoption of a Joint Declaration. Its theme was 'Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development'. The declaration condemned terrorism in all forms, including the 22 April 2025 attack in Jammu and Kashmir, called for zero tolerance and no double standards, and backed reform of global governance and stronger climate action.

Exam angle: 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum host city New Delhi; theme

Source: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Economy & schemes

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

7 October 2026The 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 angle: Repo 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)

IMF World Economic Outlook (October 2026) raises India's growth forecast to 7% for 2026-27

13 October 2026The IMF's October 2026 World Economic Outlook, released on 13 October 2026, projected India's growth at 7.0% for 2026 and 2027 on a fiscal-year basis (7.4% for calendar 2026). It put global growth at 3.1% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027. India's consumer inflation is projected to rise to 5.0% in 2026 before easing to 4.4% in 2027.

Exam angle: WEO publisher (IMF); India's projected growth 7%

Sources: The Morung Express (IANS) (opens in a new tab), News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Cabinet continues NSAP till 2030-31 with Rs 53,428 crore; renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

14 October 2026On 14 October 2026 the Union Cabinet approved continuing the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore, covering about 3.2 crore beneficiaries. NSAP is renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana; its old-age, widow, disability pension and family benefit schemes become PM Vridhavastha Pension, PM Vidhawa Pension, PM Divyangjan Pension and PM Parivar Labh Yojana. For the disability pension, the benchmark disability is lowered from 80% to 40%.

Exam angle: New name of NSAP; disability threshold cut to 40%

Source: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Cabinet approves Rs 10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme to reach 7.5 lakh TEUs a year

28 October 2026On 28 October 2026 the Union Cabinet approved the Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore up to 2039-40. It aims to raise India's annual container-making capacity about tenfold, to 7.5 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The outlay includes Rs 8,891 crore of operational expenditure assistance, Rs 859 crore of interest subvention (3% a year on term loans) and Rs 150 crore for testing and certification; about 3,000 direct and over 50,000 indirect jobs are expected.

Exam angle: Outlay Rs 10,000 crore; target 7.5 lakh TEUs; till 2039-40

Source: UNI (opens in a new tab)

Cabinet approves Rs 1,856.67 crore Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme till 2033-34

28 October 2026On 28 October 2026 the Union Cabinet approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, with an outlay of Rs 1,856.67 crore till 2033-34. It provides Rs 1,130 crore for anchor investment and turnover-linked support and Rs 105 crore for certifications from International Sports Federations. Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones will be developed as integrated industrial clusters with the BHAVYA scheme and NICDC industrial parks.

Exam angle: Scheme outlay Rs 1,856.67 crore; Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones

Source: DD India (opens in a new tab)

Science & environment

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

7 October 2026Madhya 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 angle: Third cheetah habitat in MP: name of reserve

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

Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh) and Sauj Jheel (Uttar Pradesh) become Ramsar sites; India's total reaches 103

15 October 2026On 15 October 2026 the Union Environment Ministry announced that Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh had been added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, taking India's total to 103. Sukhna is Chandigarh's first Ramsar site (Site No. 2602); Sauj Jheel is part of the Saman Wetland Complex. India had 26 Ramsar sites in 2014.

Exam angle: Ramsar count 103; Chandigarh's first Ramsar site; Sauj Jheel in Mainpuri

Sources: Swarajya (opens in a new tab), News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), Free Press Journal (opens in a new tab)

Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab, a name given by Bangladesh, makes landfall near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh

28 October 2026Cyclone Arnab, a very severe cyclonic storm that formed over the Bay of Bengal, made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam (Puducherry) coasts near Kakinada; IMD said the landfall process began at 1:20 am on 28 October 2026. It also brought heavy rain to south Odisha. The name Arnab was proposed by Bangladesh from the list of cyclone names for the North Indian Ocean.

Exam angle: Cyclone name Arnab proposed by Bangladesh; landfall near Kakinada

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), UNB (Bangladesh) (opens in a new tab)

ISRO's GSLV-F18 places navigation satellite NVS-03 in orbit from Sriharikota, strengthening NavIC

30 October 2026ISRO's GSLV-F18 lifted off at 11:51 pm on 30 October 2026 from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, and placed the navigation satellite NVS-03 in its intended orbit. NVS-03 joins NavIC, India's regional navigation system, and carries an indigenous rubidium atomic clock developed by the Space Applications Centre, with signals in the L1, L5 and S bands. It is to reach a geosynchronous slot at 32.5 degrees East; the earlier NVS-02 was left stranded in January 2025 by a connector failure.

Exam angle: Launch vehicle GSLV-F18; NVS-03 for NavIC; rubidium atomic clock

Sources: ISRO (opens in a new tab), ThePrint (PTI) (opens in a new tab), UNI (opens in a new tab)

India hosts the first BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise at Sri Vijaya Puram from 30 October to 3 November

30 October 2026The first BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise began on 30 October 2026 at Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and runs until 3 November. It has three days of tabletop exercises followed by a two-day harbour phase, with ships from BIMSTEC member countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the exercise at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand.

Exam angle: First BIMSTEC maritime exercise; venue Sri Vijaya Puram

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), Morung Express (opens in a new tab)

Sports

Asian Games 2026 close in Aichi-Nagoya: India fourth with 85 medals (21 gold)

4 October 2026The Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, closed on 4 October 2026. India finished fourth on the medal table with 85 medals: 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze; China topped the table, followed by Japan and South Korea. Trap shooter Neeru Dhanda carried India's flag at the closing ceremony, and the Olympic Council of Asia handed the flag to Doha, Qatar, host of the 2030 Games.

Exam angle: India's medal count and rank; next host Doha 2030

Source: Outlook India (opens in a new tab)

India ends Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya with best-ever 114 medals, including 30 gold

24 October 2026The 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, closed on 24 October 2026 with India's best-ever haul of 114 medals: 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze. This beat India's previous best, set at the Hangzhou edition held in 2023. High jumper Nishad Kumar and shooter Mona Agarwal won two golds each and were India's two flag-bearers.

Exam angle: Record 114 medals (30 gold, 35 silver, 49 bronze); 5th Asian Para Games

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Manisha Bhanwala becomes the first Indian woman to win gold at the senior World Wrestling Championships

30 October 2026On 30 October 2026 at Astana, Kazakhstan, Manisha Bhanwala won the women's 59 kg gold at the World Wrestling Championships, beating Abigail Nette of the USA 8-6 after trailing 0-6. She is the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Worlds, and the second Indian wrestler after Sushil Kumar, who won the men's 66 kg title in 2010.

Exam angle: First Indian woman world wrestling champion; 59 kg; Astana

Sources: ThePrint (PTI) (opens in a new tab), UNI (opens in a new tab)

India win both men's and women's titles at the first Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad

31 October 2026India won both titles at the inaugural Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad, which ended on 31 October 2026. The men's team beat Sri Lanka 54-20 in the final, and the women's team beat Uganda 35-15 to win gold.

Exam angle: First Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship; finals vs Sri Lanka and Uganda

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), Republic World (opens in a new tab)

Awards & appointments

Science Nobels 2026: optogenetics (Medicine), IceCube neutrinos (Physics), asymmetric synthesis (Chemistry)

5 October 2026On 5 October 2026 the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to Karl Deisseroth (USA), Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel (both Germany) for discoveries on light-gated ion channels and optogenetics. On 6 October the Physics prize went to Francis Halzen of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the sole winner, for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos. On 7 October the Chemistry prize was shared by Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai for non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric synthesis, linked to the origin of chirality.

Exam angle: Match Nobel field with laureate and topic

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

Nobel Prize in Literature 2026 awarded to Canadian poet Anne Carson

8 October 2026The 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 angle: Literature 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

9 October 2026The 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 angle: Peace Nobel 2026: Navi Pillay (South Africa); 125th prize

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

Economics Nobel 2026 to Robert Hall and Michael Woodford for work on macroeconomic stabilisation

12 October 2026On 12 October 2026 the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the 2026 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel to US economists Robert E. Hall (Stanford University) and Michael Woodford (Columbia University) 'for microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation'. Their models help central banks and governments time monetary and fiscal policy to smooth booms and busts. The prize, set up by Sweden's central bank, was first given in 1969.

Exam angle: Economics Nobel 2026 laureates; theme: macroeconomic stabilisation

Sources: NBER (opens in a new tab), Al Jazeera (opens in a new tab), ThePrint (Reuters) (opens in a new tab)

String theorist Ashoke Sen becomes first Indian to receive the Oskar Klein Medal

24 October 2026On 24 October 2026 it was announced that Professor Ashoke Sen, theoretical physicist at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Bengaluru, has been awarded the Oskar Klein Medal for 2026; he is the first Indian to receive it. The medal, set up in 1988, is given jointly by Stockholm University and the Nobel Committee for Physics of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences; past winners include Stephen Hawking and Peter Higgs. Sen is known for work on string theory and black hole entropy and has received the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.

Exam angle: First Indian to get Oskar Klein Medal; field: string theory

Source: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes charge as 29th Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding A P Singh

31 October 2026Ashutosh Dixit, whose appointment was announced on 6 October 2026, took charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on 31 October 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh; his tenure runs until 31 December 2028. Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on 6 December 1986 and has flown more than 3,500 hours on over 20 aircraft types. He was the Vice Chief of the Air Staff before the appointment.

Exam angle: 29th Chief of the Air Staff; took charge 31 October 2026

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

Days, reports & indices

Global Hunger Index 2026: India ranked 100th of 122 countries with score 24.1, in 'serious' category

14 October 2026The Global Hunger Index 2026, released on 14 October 2026, ranked India 100th (jointly with Ethiopia) among 122 countries with a score of 24.1, in the 'serious' category. Child wasting in India was 19%. Among neighbours, Nepal (14.5) and Bangladesh (19.2) scored better, while Pakistan (25.5) and Afghanistan (28.6) scored worse. The GHI is published jointly by Concern Worldwide, Welthungerhilfe and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV).

Exam angle: India's GHI 2026 rank (100/122) and score 24.1

Sources: Global Hunger Index (ranking) (opens in a new tab), Global Hunger Index (India) (opens in a new tab), Free Press Journal (opens in a new tab)

International Snow Leopard Day (23 October): India's first survey counted 718 snow leopards, 477 in Ladakh

23 October 2026On International Snow Leopard Day, 23 October 2026, Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh reaffirmed India's commitment to snow leopard conservation through habitat protection and community engagement. India's first Snow Leopard Population Assessment (SPAI) counted 718 snow leopards across the Indian Himalayas, 477 of them in Ladakh.

Exam angle: Snow Leopard Day 23 Oct; SPAI: 718 total, 477 in Ladakh

Source: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 (26 October-1 November) observed with the theme 'Probity for Prosperity'

26 October 2026Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 was observed from 26 October to 1 November 2026 with the theme 'Probity for Prosperity'. It opened with public servants taking the integrity pledge at 11 am on 26 October. The Central Vigilance Commission holds the week every year in the week that includes Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birthday, 31 October.

Exam angle: Theme 'Probity for Prosperity'; CVC; week of 31 October

Sources: UNI (opens in a new tab), CAG circular (CVC dates) (opens in a new tab)

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (31 October): 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Patel marked at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat

31 October 2026On 31 October 2026, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, while IAF helicopters showered petals over the statue. He inaugurated, dedicated and laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 400 crore in Ekta Nagar. A day earlier, on 30 October, he opened 'Bharat Parv 2026' at Ekta Nagar, a cultural festival on the idea of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' that runs until 15 November.

Exam angle: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 31 Oct; Patel's 151st birth anniversary; Ekta Nagar

Sources: News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab), News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

World Cities Day (31 October) 2026: theme 'Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All'; host Fuzhou

31 October 2026World Cities Day was observed on 31 October 2026 with the theme 'Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All'. The global observance, led by UN-Habitat, was hosted by Fuzhou in Fujian Province, China, as part of a three-day programme running to 2 November. The day highlights how urban regeneration helps achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 11 on cities.

Exam angle: World Cities Day theme 2026; host city Fuzhou; UN-Habitat

Sources: UN-Habitat (media advisory) (opens in a new tab), The Star (Xinhua) (opens in a new tab)

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