Current Affairs 6 October 2026
Current affairs of 37 for UPSC, RBI, SEBI, NABARD, EPFO and PFRDA aspirants: Cabinet decisions, defence milestones, rural employment works, economic data and other key updates.
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Key facts at a glance
The numbers and names most likely to turn up in Prelims, Phase 1 or a GA section.
| Topic | What to remember | Source, date |
|---|---|---|
| SME Growth Fund | ₹10,000 crore Government commitment | PIB |
| ITLA | Apex SPV for transport and logistics planning | PIB |
| Next CAS | Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit (29th), from 31 Oct | PIB |
| FSS-1 | 'Surya', launched at HSL Visakhapatnam | PIB |
| HAL Koraput | 2,000th engine; ₹218 cr Shakti line | PIB |
| VB-G RAM G | 375 permissible works (41% more than 266) | PIB |
| eSanjeevani | 50 crore teleconsultations | PIB |
| World Bank | India FY27 growth 7.1% | AIR |
| Crude steel H1 | 85.1 MT, +2.9% | PIB |
| Nobel Physics | Francis Halzen (IceCube) | AIR |
Economy
8 storiesCabinet commits ₹10,000 crore to SME Growth Fund
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved a commitment of ₹10,000 crore towards the SME Growth Fund on 6 October 2026. The fund will make direct equity investments in Small and Medium Enterprises. It aims to help Indian firms grow into champions across manufacturing, services, technology and strategic value chains. The measure was announced in Para 28 of the Union Budget 2026-27. Existing equity funds mostly support early-stage and micro enterprises, leaving a gap in growth capital for SMEs.
Cabinet approves Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority
The Union Cabinet approved the setting up of a Special Purpose Vehicle called the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA). ITLA will be the apex body for integrated transport and logistics planning, research, project appraisal and monitoring. It will also provide policy support and data analytics. It will prepare a National Transport Master Plan with a horizon of ten years or more. The aim is to address fragmented planning across many transport ministries and agencies.
DRI seizes 8.3 kg gold near Indo-Bangladesh border
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized about 8.3 kg of foreign-origin gold worth around ₹12.37 crore in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal. Four persons on two motorcycles were intercepted on 5 October 2026 on the route from Chowdhurihat. A total of 72 gold biscuits of 116 grams each were recovered. They were hidden in specially tailored cloth waist belts. All four were arrested.
Steel output grows in first half of 2026-27
India's crude steel production in April-September 2026 was 85.1 million tonnes, up 2.9% from 82.7 MT a year earlier. Finished steel production rose 3.7% to 81.8 MT. In September alone, crude steel output was 14.1 MT, 3.4% higher year on year. Total crude steel capacity stood at 222.9 MT. The data was released by the Ministry of Steel. The public sector accounted for 15.5% of crude steel production in the half-year. Steel prices also rose in September, with TMT bars up 21% year on year.
World Bank raises India's growth forecast to 7.1%
The World Bank has raised its forecast for India's GDP growth in 2026-27 to 7.1%, up from 6.6% projected in April. The revision follows 7.8% growth in the first quarter of the year. The Bank said private consumption will remain the main driver of growth. Public investment and supportive financial conditions will also help. Exports have done better than expected, though global trade uncertainties remain a risk.
Auto retail sales hit record in September
Automobile retail sales in India rose 31.8% year on year to 25.37 lakh units in September 2026, according to FADA. This also made it the best-ever first half of a financial year. Passenger vehicle sales grew 32.1% and commercial vehicle sales rose 37.6%. Two-wheeler sales increased 33% and three-wheeler sales 22%. The data was released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). FADA compiles retail sales from vehicle registration data across India.
First meeting of the Development Council for Textile Industry
The first meeting of the Development Council for Textile Industry (DCTI) was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 6 October 2026. It was chaired by Textiles Secretary Smt. Neelam Shami Rao. The Council is the apex consultative platform of Government, industry and stakeholders for the sector. It deliberated on a roadmap for a competitive and integrated textile value chain. Industry associations, export councils, research bodies and States took part.
Chintan Shivir 2026 concludes
The two-day Chintan Shivir 2026 on highway infrastructure concluded at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on 6 October 2026. It focused on Centre-State collaboration and sharing of field experience. MoRTH Secretary Shri V. Umashankar gave the valedictory address. He said infrastructure development is shifting towards quality. The event created a common platform for the highways sector to share solutions.
Banking & Markets
1 storyDFS reviews financial inclusion schemes with banks
Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Shri Sanjay Lohiya chaired a review meeting with heads of public sector banks and executives of major private banks. The progress of schemes such as PMJDY, PMJJBY, PMSBY, APY and PM Mudra Yojana was reviewed. Stand Up India, PM SVANidhi, PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya Ghar and KCC were also discussed. The opening of bank branches and deployment of Business Correspondents in unbanked villages was reviewed. The meeting was held in New Delhi on 6 October 2026.
Polity & Governance
2 storiesNational conclave on constitutional rights of tribal communities
Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram inaugurated a two-day National Conclave on Constitutional Rights and Legal Provisions for Tribal Communities in Delhi. The conclave runs on 6 and 7 October 2026. It brings together officers from tribal welfare and revenue departments of States and UTs. Participants will discuss challenges tribal people face in availing their rights. They will also suggest recommendations and corrective steps.
Goa Legislative Assembly building marks 25 years
The silver jubilee of the Goa Legislative Assembly building was inaugurated by Goa Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju on 6 October 2026. Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed the ceremony. He said strong democracies are built on dialogue, diverse views and public participation. He described legislatures as forums for discussion and debate. He said democracy grows stronger when there is space for both agreement and disagreement.
International Relations
2 storiesIndian delegation at 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha
An Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh is attending the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania. On the first day, members took part in the IPU Committee on Health and the Asia-Pacific Geopolitical Group. The Forum of Women Parliamentarians also held sessions. Indian MPs joined a debate on the rights of persons with disabilities. The Inter-Parliamentary Union was founded in 1889.
Indo-Swiss Research Framework to boost science ties
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh held a bilateral meeting with Swiss President H.E. Mr. Guy Parmelin in New Delhi on 6 October 2026. Talks focused on taking science and technology cooperation into a structured, long-term phase. He said the Indo-Swiss Research Framework will give fresh impetus to two decades of scientific cooperation. It will provide a platform for joint research in new and emerging areas. He said India is following a mission-mode, interdisciplinary approach to science.
World
1 storyNobel Prize in Physics 2026 for neutrino astronomy
Belgian-born scientist Francis Halzen has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics. He was honoured for his role in the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin. IceCube is a neutrino detector at the South Pole. Neutrinos are tiny, nearly massless particles produced by stars and cosmic events. The award was announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and carries 12 million Swedish kronor.
Schemes & Missions
7 stories375 permissible works notified under VB-G RAM G
The Ministry of Rural Development notified 375 permissible works under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. This is a 41% expansion over the 266 works under the earlier framework. The works are grouped under four pillars: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood infrastructure and special works for extreme weather and disasters. Every work will come through the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan approved by the Gram Sabha. The aim is to link wage employment with durable rural assets.
eSanjeevani crosses 50 crore teleconsultations
India's National Telemedicine Service, eSanjeevani, has crossed 50 crore teleconsultations. The milestone was reached on 15 September 2026 with 50,00,92,730 consultations across all 36 States and UTs. It is described as the world's largest telemedicine programme in primary healthcare. The service helps people in rural and remote areas reach doctors. eSanjeevani is run by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Shram Samvad on Labour Codes at Rudrapur
The Ministry of Labour and Employment held a 'Shram Samvad' on the Labour Codes at Rudrapur, Uttarakhand. It was organised with the State Labour Department and local industry bodies. The programme explained key provisions of the Codes and compliance needs for establishments. The four Labour Codes came into force on 21 November 2025. The Central Rules under them were notified on 8 May 2026.
Preparations for NAVYA 2.0 for young women
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Women and Child Development held an orientation session for NAVYA 2.0. NAVYA stands for Nurturing Aspirations Through Vocational Training for Young Women and Adolescent Girls. The second phase will cover 100 Aspirational Districts in 24 States and UTs. The SOP for NAVYA 2.0 was released at the session. It was chaired by the Secretaries of both ministries.
Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue quiz draws 1.45 crore attempts
The Viksit Bharat Quiz for the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2027 recorded 1,45,26,013 attempts. The initiative is run by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through MY Bharat. Shortlisted youth now move to the essay round. The dialogue gives young people a merit-based platform to share ideas for Viksit Bharat @2047. It is part of a national youth leadership journey.
First convocation of AIIMS Bilaspur
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred degrees on the first graduating batch of AIIMS Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, on 6 October 2026. Himachal Pradesh Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta and Union Health Minister Shri J. P. Nadda were present. The President said the main aim of the medical profession should be to serve humanity. She urged doctors to combine compassion with excellence. She said quality care at minimal cost is the hallmark of AIIMS.
Vice-President at Sanskrit university convocation
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the second convocation of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University in New Delhi on 6 October 2026. He described Sanskrit as the golden string connecting India's languages. He called for preserving and studying India's ancient knowledge traditions. He urged the university to become an international centre of excellence for Sanskrit studies. He also led a 'No to Drugs' pledge and presented gold medals.
Environment
2 storiesIndia at Pre-COP31 calls for balance in climate action
Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav is leading India's delegation at the UNFCCC Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji. The meetings are co-hosted by Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu. He called for equal attention to adaptation, mitigation and means of implementation. He said the principles of equity and CBDR-RC must be upheld. He added that there cannot be a one-size-fits-all pathway to climate action.
CAQM orders more PTZ cameras at NCR industries
The Commission for Air Quality Management has ordered expanded use of Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras at industries in the NCR. The cameras will allow real-time monitoring of fuel use and compliance with CAQM directions. The step follows persistent use of unapproved fuels by some units. Industrial emissions add to poor air quality, especially in winter. CAQM has widened the areas that must be covered by the cameras.
Science & Tech
4 storiesPM meets GSMA Board ahead of India Mobile Congress
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Board members of the GSMA in New Delhi ahead of the India Mobile Congress. GSMA represents mobile operators and the wider mobile ecosystem worldwide. The Prime Minister said technology must be a tool for inclusive and sustainable development. He stressed affordable digital services, especially for the Global South. He highlighted the potential of Digital Public Infrastructure for developing countries.
ARIES-led study tracks blazar OJ 287 for a decade
A study coordinated by ARIES, Nainital, tracked the brightness and colour of the blazar OJ 287 over ten years. OJ 287 is about 4 billion light years away and has two supermassive black holes orbiting each other every 12 years. The team had 106 scientists from 18 countries using about two dozen telescopes from 2015 to 2025. Blazars send powerful plasma jets towards Earth at nearly the speed of light. ARIES is an autonomous institute under DST.
AIKosh University Engagement Programme at NIT Andhra Pradesh
The IndiaAI Mission held the AIKosh University Engagement Programme at NIT Andhra Pradesh, Tadepalligudem, on 5 October 2026. The programme aimed to spread AI awareness and give students access to AI resources. AIKosh is India's unified platform for datasets, models and AI tools. The IndiaAI Mission was approved by the Government in March 2024. It works under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
ESTIC 2026 curtain raiser on ocean sciences in Kochi
The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology hosted an ESTIC 2026 curtain raiser in Kochi on the theme 'Ocean Sciences and Maritime Technologies'. ESTIC is the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave. The event was held with a workshop on the IndOBIS portal. IndOBIS, the Indian Ocean Biodiversity Information System, supports research under the Deep Ocean Mission. CMLRE is an attached office of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Defence
7 storiesFirst indigenous Fleet Support Ship 'Surya' launched
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the first Fleet Support Ship, FSS-1, named 'Surya', at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, on 6 October 2026. He also laid the keel of FSS-5 and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane. Five Fleet Support Ships of about 43,500 tonnes each are being built for the Indian Navy. They will replenish ships at sea and carry a helicopter deck and maintenance workshops. The new slipway lets HSL build vessels of up to 45,000 DWT.
HAL Koraput delivers its 2,000th aero-engine
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by the Koraput Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 6 October 2026. He also announced a second production line for Shakti engines with an investment of ₹218 crore. The added capacity will support indigenous helicopters such as the Dhruv ALH and Prachand LCH. The Koraput Division in Odisha was set up in 1964. He stressed that mastery of propulsion technology is essential for self-reliance.
₹661 crore contract for BrahMos fire control systems
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth ₹661.50 crore with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited on 6 October 2026. It covers BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers for Indian Navy ships. The contract is under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category with at least 68% indigenous content. It was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. BrahMos is the Navy's primary surface-to-surface missile system.
DRDO's maiden live jump with high-altitude parachute
DRDO conducted the maiden live jump of its Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) at Nyoma in Ladakh. The jump was made from 16,000 feet, and the landing zone is at 13,700 feet. AHAP is a static-line parachute for mass drop of paratroopers, usable up to 18,000 feet. It was designed by ADRDE, Agra, and made by the Ordnance Parachute Factory, Kanpur. The trial proved its use in extreme high-altitude terrain.
DRDO flight-tests High-Altitude Platform
DRDO carried out a successful flight trial of an indigenously developed High-Altitude Platform (HAPS). The experimental flight reached 21 km above mean sea level. It stayed at 20 km for more than 30 minutes before descending on command. The system was recovered and its flight data analysed. The system carried an inertial measurement unit, GPS receiver, cameras and an altitude control mechanism. HAPS platforms can be used for long-endurance surveillance and communication.
SAREX-2026 off Paradip coast
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth will inaugurate the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, SAREX-2026, on 7 October 2026. The exercise by the Indian Coast Guard will be held off Paradip in Odisha. It will have 32 observers from 30 countries. Fifteen Coast Guard ships, aircraft of the Coast Guard and IAF, and two Navy ships will take part. It will simulate a mass rescue after a passenger aircraft with 228 persons ditches at sea.
Indo-Argentine Army team scales Abi Gamin and Kamet
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth flagged in the Joint Indo-Argentine Army Mountaineering Expedition in New Delhi. The team climbed Mt Abi Gamin (7,355 m) on 17 September and Mt Kamet (7,756 m) on 21 September 2026. Mt Kamet in Chamoli district is India's third-highest peak after Kanchenjunga and Nanda Devi. The 35-member team had 25 Indian and 10 Argentine Army personnel. It was the third joint mountaineering venture of the two armies.
Appointments
1 storyAir Marshal Ashutosh Dixit named next Chief of the Air Staff
The Government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. He will take over in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of 31 October 2026. The present Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, retires on that day. Air Marshal Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream on 6 December 1986. He has more than 3,500 hours of flying experience on aircraft including the Mirage-2000, Jaguar and Tejas.
Reports & Indices
1 storyMoSPI approach paper on Index of Services Production
MoSPI released an approach paper on expanding the scope and coverage of the Index of Services Production (ISP). MoSPI began monthly compilation of the ISP for the formal sector on a trial basis in July 2026, with 2024-25 as the base year. The present framework covers 19 broad service sub-sectors, about 60% of services GVA. Government services, non-market activities and GST-exempt services are not yet covered. The services sector contributes more than half of India's Gross Value Added.
Important Days
1 storyNational Postal Week from 9 to 15 October
The Department of Posts will celebrate National Postal Week from 9 to 15 October 2026. It will begin with World Post Day on 9 October. This year's theme is 'One Postal Network, Infinite Possibilities'. The Department is creating N-Gen Post Offices and Jan Sewa Connect Post Offices. Digital platforms such as the Dak Sewa and Dak Mitra apps are making services easier to use. World Post Day marks the founding of the Universal Postal Union in 1874.
Quick-revision MCQs
Tap an option to check it. Every question comes from the stories above.
Q1.The Government's commitment to the SME Growth Fund is:
Answer: B. Cabinet approved ₹10,000 crore.
Q2.Who has been appointed the 29th Chief of the Air Staff?
Answer: A. He takes over from 31 October 2026.
Q3.FSS-1 'Surya' was launched at:
Answer: C. Launched at HSL Visakhapatnam.
Q4.How many permissible works are notified under VB-G RAM G?
Answer: C. 375 works, a 41% expansion over 266.
Q5.The second Shakti engine production line is at HAL's:
Answer: C. Announced at HAL Koraput with ₹218 crore.
Q6.Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji are co-hosted by Australia, Fiji and:
Answer: B. Co-hosted by Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu.
Q7.Mt Kamet, climbed by the Indo-Argentine team, is in which district?
Answer: B. Chamoli district, Uttarakhand.
Q8.The World Bank's revised India growth forecast for 2026-27 is:
Answer: C. Raised from 6.6% to 7.1%.
Q9.ITLA will prepare a National Transport Master Plan with a horizon of:
Answer: C. Planning horizon of ten years or more.
Q10.Francis Halzen won the 2026 Nobel Physics prize for work linked to:
Answer: B. IceCube Neutrino Observatory.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) and All India Radio (News On AIR).
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