Current Affairs - October 7, 2026 Current Affairs

The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee increased the policy repo rate by 25 basis points in its October 2026 meeting, taking the repo rate to 5.50%. The decision was taken during the 63rd MPC meeting held from 5 to 7 October 2026 under RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra. A basis point is equal to one-hundredth of a percentage point, so a 25-bps increase represents a rise of 0.25 percentage points. The MPC cited strengthened inflationary pressures, including higher food and fuel prices, as an important reason for the rate hike. The policy stance was also changed to “calibrated tightening.”

Ghana exchanged two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with India to strengthen cooperation in scientific research, education, agriculture and capacity building. The agreements were exchanged during External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar’s visit to Ghana. One MoU involves the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the University of Ghana, focusing on academic cooperation, scientific research and capacity building. The other involves the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Ghana’s CSIR-Crops Research Institute, covering agricultural research and education. These agreements further strengthen the India-Ghana Comprehensive Partnership and contribute to broader South-South cooperation in areas such as technology, development and knowledge sharing.

Tuberculosis is the disease targeted by the JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams initiative launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The programme aims to strengthen youth participation in India’s TB elimination efforts under the TB Mukt Bharat campaign. JOSH Teams will focus on creating awareness, identifying symptoms early, promoting timely diagnosis, encouraging completion of treatment and reducing stigma associated with TB. In its first phase, the initiative will cover 55 districts across 11 states. MY Bharat Volunteers and NCC Cadets will also participate in community mobilisation, helping spread information about TB prevention, testing and treatment at the grassroots level.

Paradip Coast will host the major search and rescue demonstration associated with SAREX-2026 on 8 October 2026. SAREX-2026 is the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise organised by the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen India’s preparedness for large-scale emergencies at sea. The exercise focuses on rapid mobilisation of rescue assets, maritime and aviation distress response, mass rescue operations, multi-agency coordination and international cooperation. It will involve ships and aircraft from the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and civil agencies. The exercise also includes a simulated Mass Rescue Operation involving an aircraft ditching at sea and a vessel collision.

“India and Artificial Intelligence: Seizing the Development Opportunity” is the report in which the World Bank assessed India among the top 10 emerging-market performers in AI readiness. The report highlighted India’s large technical workforce, globally connected IT sector, rising AI investment and extensive digital public infrastructure as key strengths. Private AI investment in India increased from USD 1.2 billion in 2024 to USD 4.1 billion in 2025. The World Bank also recommended strengthening digital infrastructure, improving workforce skills, supporting innovation and expanding access to AI technologies to help India maximise the economic and social benefits of artificial intelligence.

7.1% is the World Bank’s revised GDP growth forecast for India for FY 2026-27. The World Bank raised its earlier projection of 6.6% made in April 2026, reflecting stronger-than-expected economic performance. India recorded 7.8% GDP growth in the first quarter of FY27, supported by robust private consumption, investment activity and strong performance across key sectors. Private consumption is expected to remain a major driver of growth, while higher public investment, infrastructure activity, stronger exports and resilient services are also supporting the outlook. However, global trade uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and a weak southwest monsoon remain important risks to India’s economic growth.

Mahesh Kakde, a professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, won the 2026 Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians from Developing Countries for his outstanding contributions to number theory. His research focuses particularly on algebraic number theory, Iwasawa theory, the Gross-Stark conjecture and the Brumer-Stark conjecture. The Ramanujan Prize is jointly awarded by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the International Mathematical Union (IMU). Established in 2005, the prize recognises mathematicians below the age of 45 working in developing countries and carries a cash award of USD 10,000. Kakde’s achievement highlights India’s contribution to advanced mathematical research.

New Delhi is the venue for the 10th India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, which is being held at Yashobhoomi. The four-day event began on 7 October 2026 and will continue until 10 October 2026 under the theme “Scale Without Boundaries.” IMC is a major digital technology forum that brings together telecom companies, technology leaders, startups, policymakers, innovators and investors. The 2026 edition focuses on emerging technologies such as 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, satellite communications, quantum technologies, and next-generation digital infrastructure. The event aims to promote innovation, collaboration and India’s digital transformation.

Carlos Alcaraz won the 2026 Japan Open men’s singles title in Tokyo by defeating Czech player Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, 7-6(4), 6-4. The victory allowed Alcaraz to successfully defend his Japan Open title and become a consecutive champion at the tournament. It was also his third title of the 2026 season and increased his career title tally to 27. Alcaraz entered the event as the top seed and defending champion. The triumph was particularly significant because he had recently returned from a four-and-a-half-month layoff caused by a wrist injury, marking an important step in his comeback to competitive tennis.

Smriti Mandhana has been appointed as the new captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, succeeding Harmanpreet Kaur. Before taking over as captain, Mandhana served as the team’s vice-captain and had previous leadership experience, having captained India in 18 T20 Internationals and 4 One-Day Internationals. She made her international debut in 2013 and has represented India in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Mandhana has also successfully led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to two Women’s Premier League titles. Her appointment marks a new leadership phase for Indian women’s cricket.

Uttarakhand became India’s sixth fully literate state under the ULLAS initiative in 2026 after achieving an adult literacy rate of 98.70%, well above the national benchmark of 95% functional literacy. The milestone was announced in Dehradun by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Around 25,000 volunteers contributed by identifying non-literate adults, registering learners and supporting them throughout the learning process. ULLAS focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy, digital literacy, financial literacy and civic awareness. Uttarakhand’s achievement is particularly significant because its difficult Himalayan terrain, remote villages and scattered settlements make education outreach challenging.

Novak Djokovic won the 2026 China Open men’s singles title in Beijing, securing his seventh China Open title and 102nd tour-level trophy. The final ended when Australia’s Alex de Minaur retired early in the second set due to a groin injury, with Djokovic leading 7-6(3), 0-1. The victory extended Djokovic’s unbeaten China Open record to 34-0 across seven appearances. At 39, Djokovic also became the oldest ATP 500 champion since the category was introduced in 2009. The title was his first ATP Tour trophy of 2026 and ended an 11-month title drought dating back to November 2025.