Current Affairs One-Liner: 7th October 2026

National:

On 6 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the creation of an Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA) as a Special Purpose Vehicle. It will strengthen research, planning, appraisal, monitoring and impact assessment in transport and logistics. The authority aims to reduce fragmented planning among ministries, improve multimodal integration and make infrastructure development more efficient and sustainable.

Current Affairs One-Liner: 7th October 2026

On 6 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved a government commitment of ₹10,000 crore for establishing the SME Growth Fund. The fund will make direct equity investments in growth-oriented small and medium enterprises. It aims to provide long-term risk capital to SMEs in manufacturing, services, technology and strategic sectors and help promising businesses scale into larger enterprises.
In October 2026, the PM E-DRIVE Scheme completed two years, with around 26.59 lakh electric vehicles supported or sold under the programme. The scheme promotes electric mobility through incentives for eligible EV categories and charging infrastructure. Its objective is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower transport emissions and strengthen domestic EV manufacturing and adoption.
In October 2026, the Centre moved towards introducing a faceless GST assessment mechanism to reduce direct interaction between taxpayers and tax officials. The system aims to improve transparency, standardise assessments across jurisdictions and reduce discretionary decision-making. It forms part of the government’s broader efforts to digitise and simplify tax administration.
In October 2026, Odisha launched India’s first MICE Incentive Portal to promote Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions tourism. The digital portal will simplify access to incentives for organisers and attract more national and international business events. The initiative aims to expand Odisha’s business-tourism ecosystem and strengthen the state as a destination for conferences and exhibitions.

International:

On 6 October 2026, Adani Power and Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) signed a shareholders’ agreement to develop the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan. Adani Power will hold a 49% stake, while DGPC will hold 51%. The project forms part of broader India-Bhutan cooperation in clean energy and hydropower development.
On 30 September 2026, India and Japan launched the Operational Manual for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) in New Delhi. The mechanism promotes low-carbon technologies, climate finance and verified emission reductions under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. The manual provides procedures covering project registration, monitoring, verification and issuance of carbon credits.
In October 2026, India highlighted its progress in forest cover, ecosystem restoration and climate action at the 28th Session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO 28) in Rome, Italy. India emphasised afforestation, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable forest management while reiterating its commitment to international environmental goals.

Economy:

On 6 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved a ₹10,000-crore SME Growth Fund to provide equity capital to viable and scalable small and medium enterprises. Unlike conventional bank credit, the fund is designed to provide long-term risk capital. It will help SMEs expand production, adopt new technologies, undertake acquisitions and enter domestic and international markets.
In October 2026, the World Bank raised India’s real GDP growth forecast for FY2026-27 to 7.1%. The upward revision indicates stronger-than-earlier-expected domestic economic activity. GDP forecasts by institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, RBI and ADB are important for banking and financial-awareness examinations.

Science & Technology:

In October 2026, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) mapped around 9,389 chemical reactions related to converting carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals. The modelling can help researchers identify promising catalytic pathways without testing every reaction experimentally. The research is important for carbon utilisation, clean-energy technologies and efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
In October 2026, astronomers reported a candidate reborn or second-generation planet around a white dwarf. White dwarfs are remnants of Sun-like stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel. If confirmed, the discovery could help scientists understand whether planets can survive, reform or evolve around stellar remnants following dramatic changes in their host stars.
On 6 October 2026, physicist Francis Halzen won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for pioneering high-energy neutrino astronomy through the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica. IceCube detects extremely elusive neutrinos using sensors embedded deep beneath Antarctic ice, enabling scientists to study highly energetic cosmic phenomena such as black holes and stellar explosions.
On 5 October 2026, the Technology Development Board (TDB) signed an agreement with BigEndian Semiconductors, Bengaluru, to provide ₹130 crore of support under the Research Development and Innovation Fund. The ₹260-crore Project VeerAI aims to develop an indigenous AI Vision System-on-Chip and strengthen India’s semiconductor and advanced electronics ecosystem.
In October 2026, the MeitY IndiaAI Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence was launched in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The centre will bring together government, academia, industry and startups to promote applied AI research, datasets, computing infrastructure, innovation and commercialisation under the broader IndiaAI Mission.
In October 2026, the 10th India Mobile Congress 2026 began at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The event brought together government agencies, telecom companies, technology firms, startups and researchers to showcase developments in telecommunications, 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence, electronics and digital infrastructure.

Defence:

On 6 October 2026, DRDO successfully conducted a flight trial of its indigenous High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS). The platform reached about 21 km above mean sea level and remained near 20 km altitude for more than 30 minutes. Developed by ADRDE, Agra, HAPS is intended for long-endurance surveillance, communication and strategic applications.
On 6 October 2026, the Government appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. He will assume charge on 31 October 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. Dixit has extensive fighter-aircraft experience and has logged more than 3,500 flying hours.
In October 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the first indigenous Fleet Support Ship, FSS-1 Surya, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam. Fleet Support Ships provide fuel, ammunition, food and other supplies to naval warships at sea, thereby improving operational endurance and reach.
In October 2026, the Indian Coast Guard announced SAREX-2026, a national-level Search and Rescue Exercise off the Paradip coast of Odisha. The exercise is designed to test coordination among the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, port authorities and other agencies during maritime emergencies and rescue operations.

Military Exercise:

The India-UAE joint military exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 began on 5 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand and is scheduled to continue until 18 October 2026. It involves personnel from the Indian Army and UAE Army. Training includes mountain warfare, surveillance, firing, drone operations and field exercises to improve interoperability and defence cooperation.

Committees:

In October 2026, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan reconstituted 24 Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRSCs). These committees examine Bills, Demands for Grants, annual reports and policy matters concerning different ministries. They strengthen parliamentary oversight by allowing detailed scrutiny of government policies and expenditure.

Summits & Conferences:

In October 2026, an Indian parliamentary delegation participated in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tanzania. The assembly brought together lawmakers from different countries to discuss parliamentary cooperation, peace, democracy, sustainable development and global challenges. The IPU serves as an important platform for parliamentary diplomacy.
At FICCI FRAMES 2026, the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) signed five MoUs to strengthen India’s AVGC-XR ecosystem, covering animation, visual effects, gaming, comics and extended reality. The partnerships aim to promote skill development, technology, innovation, industry collaboration and international linkages in India’s creative-technology sector.

MoUs:

On 30 September 2026, the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) signed five MoUs at FICCI FRAMES 2026 with organisations including MPA India, C-DIT Kerala, ESGF, RioWood and Warm Up Ventures. The agreements aim to strengthen India’s AVGC-XR sector through skills, innovation, technology development and industry collaboration.
On 5 October 2026, the Technology Development Board signed an agreement with BigEndian Semiconductors to provide ₹130 crore of support for Project VeerAI. The project aims to develop an indigenous AI Vision System-on-Chip and strengthen India’s capabilities in advanced semiconductor technology.
On 6 October 2026, Adani Power and Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation signed a shareholders’ agreement for the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I Hydroelectric Project. Adani Power will hold 49% and DGPC 51%. The project aims to strengthen India-Bhutan cooperation in clean energy and hydropower generation.

Sports:

In October 2026, Indian trap shooter Rajeshwari Kumari was elected to the Olympic Council of Asia Athletes’ Commission. The commission represents athletes’ interests within the continental Olympic movement and provides recommendations on athlete welfare, sporting policy and governance. Rajeshwari Kumari has represented India at major international shooting competitions.
On 6 October 2026, Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across formats but continued as a player. She had led India to several major achievements during her tenure. Following her resignation, Smriti Mandhana was appointed captain of the Indian women’s team across formats.

Appointments:

On 6 October 2026, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was appointed the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. He will assume office on 31 October 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. Dixit currently serves as Vice Chief of the Air Staff and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in 1986.
In October 2026, P. L. S. S. Chaitanya Prakash was appointed Director (Power) of NLC India Limited. He will oversee the company’s power-generation operations and related activities. NLC India is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Coal with operations in mining, thermal power and renewable energy.
On 6 October 2026, Smriti Mandhana was appointed captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across formats, replacing Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana had earlier served as vice-captain and has extensive leadership experience in international cricket and domestic franchise tournaments.

Important Days:

World Teachers’ Day was observed on 5 October 2026. The theme was “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.” The day highlights the contribution of teachers and stresses the need to improve their professional status, working conditions, training and participation in education policy.
World Cerebral Palsy Day was observed on 6 October 2026. The day aims to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and promote inclusion, accessibility, education, healthcare and equal opportunities for people living with the condition. It also seeks to reduce stigma and strengthen support systems for affected individuals and families.
World Habitat Day was observed on 5 October 2026, the first Monday of October. The theme was “Adequate Housing for All.” The observance highlighted the importance of safe, affordable and adequate housing for human dignity and sustainable urban development.
World Space Week 2026 was observed from 4 to 10 October 2026 with the theme “Rocket Revolution.” The international observance promotes awareness about the contribution of space science and technology to society and encourages education, innovation and research in the space sector.

Awards:

On 6 October 2026, physicist Francis Halzen won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for pioneering work in high-energy neutrino astronomy through the IceCube detector in Antarctica. His research opened a new method of studying some of the universe’s most energetic objects using neutrinos rather than conventional light.
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for pioneering developments in optogenetics. Optogenetics enables scientists to control selected cells, particularly neurons, using light-sensitive proteins and has become an important research tool for understanding brain circuits and neurological functions.

Questions:

Q1. The ₹10,000-crore SME Growth Fund approved by the Union Cabinet is primarily intended for which purpose?
a) Providing agricultural subsidies
b) Refinancing public-sector banks
c) Providing growth-oriented equity capital to small and medium enterprises
d) Financing state government infrastructure projects

Answer: c) The SME Growth Fund will provide long-term equity capital to viable and scalable small and medium enterprises. It aims to address the shortage of risk capital faced by SMEs and help them expand operations, invest in technology and enter new markets.

Q2. The India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism is primarily associated with which of the following?
a) Local-currency trade settlement
b) Banking supervision
c) Low-carbon technologies and verified emission reductions
d) Investment in government securities

Answer: c) The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) promotes advanced low-carbon technologies, climate finance and verified emission reductions. It operates under the framework of Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement and facilitates cooperation between India and Japan on climate action.