Current Affairs 8 October 2026
Current affairs of 31 for UPSC, RBI, SEBI, NABARD, EPFO and PFRDA aspirants: GST Council decisions, India Mobile Congress, Air Force Day, health measures and other key updates.
On this page
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 |
|---|---|---|
| GST Council | 57th meeting; process reforms | PIB |
| Isabgol | NIL GST | PIB |
| Cancer drugs | Margin cap 30% of MRP; ₹2,500 cr saving | PIB |
| IMC 2026 | 10th edition; 'Scale Without Boundaries' | PIB |
| Air Force Day | 94th; founded 8 Oct 1932 | PIB |
| JOSH Teams | 55 districts, 11 States | PIB |
| NBA ABS | ₹9.68 cr in Apr-Sep 2026 | PIB |
| Ayush workforce | 43% women | PIB |
| Credit Risk-o-Meter | SEBI, debt securities | AIR |
| Nobel Literature | Anne Carson (Canada) | AIR |
Economy
4 stories57th GST Council meeting focuses on process reforms
The 57th meeting of the GST Council was held in New Delhi on 8 October 2026 under Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. Its recommendations mainly cover process reforms in registration, returns, refunds and adjudication. The Council also clarified GST applicability on certain goods and services. The 56th meeting last year had focused on rate rationalisation and reduction of rates. FAQs are being issued to clarify doubts.
GST: reverse charge on waste and scrap, nil rate on isabgol
The GST Council recommended bringing plastic waste, e-waste, tyre scrap and used cooking oil under the Reverse Charge Mechanism. This will apply when an unregistered person supplies such items to a registered person. TDS at 2% has been introduced for business-to-business supply of these items. A NIL rate of GST has been prescribed for psyllium seeds (isabgol), whether fresh, chilled, frozen or dried. The Council also clarified that sea-weed based bio-stimulants are classified as fertilisers.
Windergy India 2026 inaugurated in Chennai
Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the 8th edition of Windergy India 2026 in Chennai on 8 October 2026. The event runs from 7 to 9 October. Tamil Nadu Minister Thiru C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar attended the inauguration. The Minister outlined the path to 100 GW of wind capacity by 2030. India added a record 6.05 GW of wind capacity in 2025-26. Tamil Nadu is among the leading States in wind power.
World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day observed by MNRE
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy observed World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi. Over 100 officials, industry experts and researchers took part. Panels discussed hydrogen standards and safety at hydrogen facilities. CEEW and BIS representatives joined the discussions. The day is observed on 8 October, reflecting hydrogen's atomic weight of 1.008.
Banking & Markets
2 storiesSEBI introduces 'Credit Risk-o-Meter' for debt securities
SEBI has introduced a 'Credit Risk-o-Meter' as a mandatory disclosure to help investors judge the credit risk of debt securities. The colour-coded indicator must appear in offer documents, abridged prospectuses and private placement memorandums. It must also appear in advertisements and on online bond platforms. The provisions take effect 45 days from the date of the circular. Stock exchanges and depositories must set up systems for it.
SEBI Chairman calls for more women investors
SEBI Chairman Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey called for greater participation of women in financial decisions and investment. He was addressing the AMFI-Pinkathon investor awareness programme during World Investor Week 2026. He said women form about 25% of capital market participation and 27% of individual mutual fund investors. There are now more than 1.6 crore women mutual fund investors in India. He highlighted SEBI's Project Jagrook for investor education.
Polity & Governance
2 storiesDepartmental Summit on Women and Child Development
Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi chaired the two-day Departmental Summit on Women and Child Development in New Delhi. Ministers and officials from States and UTs took part. Discussions covered women's empowerment, child development, nutrition and safety. Strengthening Anganwadi centres was a key topic. Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will attend the valedictory session on 9 October.
NHRC concludes open hearing in Patna
The National Human Rights Commission concluded its two-day Bihar Open Hearing and Camp Sitting in Patna. On the first day, it heard 30 cases and closed 19 after finding its recommendations complied with. The State submitted proof of payment in 10 cases. Compensation of more than ₹1 crore was reported as disbursed. Camp sittings help the NHRC hear cases close to the people. The NHRC was set up under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
International Relations
2 storiesIndia at 20th EAS Energy Ministers' Meeting
Minister of State Shri Shripad Yesso Naik represented India at the 20th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers' Meeting in Manila. He stressed regional energy cooperation and energy security. He welcomed the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026-2030. He recalled India's offer to train 400 professionals for the ASEAN Power Grid. He also noted India's Act East Policy and its partnership with ASEAN.
PM meets Mrs. Akie Abe
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Mrs. Akie Abe, wife of the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in New Delhi. He appreciated her long association with India. He recalled Shinzo Abe as a dear friend and visionary leader. He said Shri Abe played a defining role in India-Japan relations. He mentioned the Abe Memorial Corridor at the Rudraksh Convention Centre in Varanasi.
World
1 storyAnne Carson wins Nobel Prize in Literature
Canadian author Anne Carson has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy cited her bold and inventive work in playful dialogue with the classical tradition. It said she has created new forms for contemporary literature. The prize was announced in Stockholm. It carries 12 million Swedish kronor, about 1.2 million US dollars. Carson is known for poetry, essays and translations of Greek classics.
Schemes & Missions
6 storiesMargins on non-scheduled cancer medicines capped at 30%
The Government approved a cap on trade margins for non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs at 30% of the MRP. The measure is expected to cut prices of these medicines by up to 70%. Cancer patients are expected to save about ₹2,500 crore a year. NPPA found such medicines carried an average mark-up of about 170%. An expert committee under DGHS will finalise the list, and NPPA will issue the notification.
JOSH Teams launched for TB elimination
Union Health Minister Shri J. P. Nadda launched JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at Bharat Mandapam on 8 October 2026. The initiative involves the Ministries of Health, Youth Affairs and Defence. In the first phase, JOSH Teams will cover 55 districts in 11 States. Young people will spread messages on TB prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. The Minister said TB elimination needs people's participation.
Women make up 43% of Ayush services workforce
Women account for 43% of the Ayush services workforce, according to a recent assessment. Their share exceeds 50% in hospitals, day-care centres, educational institutes and wellness centres. The Ayush services economy has grown at a CAGR of 16.91% since 2022-23. It supports about 1.76 million livelihoods. Minister of State Shri Prataprao Jadhav said the sector is creating meaningful jobs.
9th National Review Workshop on cooperatives in Bastar
The Ministry of Cooperation is holding its 9th National Review Workshop in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, on 8 and 9 October 2026. The theme is 'Sahkar se Samriddhi – The Road Ahead: Scaling Impact through Cooperation'. It will review progress of major cooperative initiatives. States will share best practices and draw up action plans for three months. Registrars of Cooperative Societies and national federations are taking part.
Pre-Rabi Kisan Goshti at ICAR-IIAB Ranchi
ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, held a pre-Rabi Kisan Goshti and input distribution programme on 8 October 2026. About 1,500 farmers from Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla and Ramgarh took part. It was held under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan. Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated new facilities of the institute virtually. The aim was to promote scientific and sustainable farming.
New silkworm seed facility at Jorhat
Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita inaugurated a new grainage building and cold storage at the CSB Silkworm Seed Production Centre, Rowriah, Jorhat. The facility will modernise sericulture infrastructure in the North East. It will support quality silkworm seed supply. This will help rural livelihoods linked to silk. Assam is known for Muga, Eri and Pat silk.
Environment
4 storiesIndia seeks flexibility for balanced COP31 outcome
Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav called for flexibility, pragmatism and mutual respect among Parties at the Pre-COP31 meeting in Nadi, Fiji. He spoke at the plenary on political landing zones and outcomes. He said climate impacts demand moving from rhetoric to implementation. He called for ambitious and balanced outcomes at COP31. The Pre-COP31 meeting is co-hosted by Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu.
NBA receives ₹9.68 crore under benefit sharing
The National Biodiversity Authority received ₹9.68 crore from users of India's biological resources from April to September 2026. Of this, ₹9.56 crore was for access to biological resources. The agri-seed sector gave the largest share at ₹7.16 crore. Food and beverages contributed ₹1.59 crore. Animal husbandry contributed ₹62.01 lakh. The receipts were under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, as amended in 2023, and the ABS Regulations.
20th meeting of Empowered Task Force on Ganga
Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C. R. Paatil chaired the 20th meeting of the Empowered Task Force on Ganga Rejuvenation in New Delhi. It reviewed progress of the Namami Gange Programme. Topics included sewage infrastructure, reuse of treated wastewater and groundwater management. Nature-based solutions and ecological restoration were also discussed. MoS Shri Raj Bhushan Chaudhary and NMCG Director General Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital attended.
NHAI document on wildlife mitigation structures
NHAI released a document on 'Wildlife Mitigation Measures and Structures' during National Wildlife Week, 2 to 8 October 2026. It was released by Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari at the Chintan Shivir in Ekta Nagar. The document shows how wildlife conservation is built into highway planning and design. It sets out mitigation measures and structures adopted on National Highways passing through wildlife habitats. National Wildlife Week is observed every year from 2 to 8 October.
Science & Tech
4 storiesPM inaugurates 10th India Mobile Congress
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on 8 October 2026. The theme is 'Scale Without Boundaries'. IMC is organised by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India. It is described as Asia's leading digital technology and telecom forum. The Prime Minister stressed the role of innovation and connectivity in inclusive development.
3rd International Bharat 6G Symposium
Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the 3rd International Bharat 6G Symposium 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The symposium is organised by the Bharat 6G Alliance. It brings together policymakers, global technology alliances, operators, industry and academia. The aim is to advance collaboration on next-generation communication technologies. Minister of State Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said India targets 10% of global 6G patents and standards.
Most rules under Telecommunications Act notified
Minister of State Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said most rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 have now been notified. He spoke at a CTO round table on 6G infrastructure on the sidelines of IMC 2026. He said the aim is a simpler, technology-neutral regulatory framework. He noted that India has connected more than a billion people and built an indigenous 4G stack. He also highlighted the BharatNet and 4G saturation projects.
Satcom framework is fair and non-discriminatory: DoT
The Department of Telecommunications said India's authorisation framework for satellite communication services is fair and non-discriminatory. It was responding to a social media post. Licences have been granted to three GMPCS service providers using non-geostationary satellites. Every licensee must show compliance with security conditions. Security assessment of all three licensees is under way.
Defence
3 storiesIAF celebrates 94th Air Force Day at Hindan
The Indian Air Force celebrated its 94th anniversary on 8 October 2026 at Air Force Station Hindan, Ghaziabad. The parade was reviewed by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh. The theme was 'Indian Air Force: Infallible, Impervious and Precise'. Air Warriors were given medals for gallantry and distinguished service. Units were also presented citations for excellence. The IAF was established on 8 October 1932.
SAREX-2026 conducted off Paradip
The Indian Coast Guard conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, SAREX-2026, off Paradip, Odisha, on 8 October 2026. The theme was 'Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety'. The exercise was reviewed by ICG Director General Shri Paramesh Sivamani. It demonstrated coordinated response to mass rescue operations at sea. It was held under the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board.
INS Kulish at Singapore
Indian Naval Ship Kulish arrived at Tuas Terminal, Singapore, on 6 October 2026 for an operational turnaround. The visit is part of the Eastern Fleet's operational deployment. The Commanding Officer will call on the High Commissioner of India to Singapore. The port call reflects strong maritime ties between India and Singapore. The Commanding Officer will also lay a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial. INS Kulish is a Kora-class corvette.
Reports & Indices
2 storiesWorld Development Report 2026 on AI launched
Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the World Bank Group's World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence in New Delhi. The report examines AI's opportunities and challenges for developing economies. It suggests a framework of adoption, adaptation and advancement. It notes AI tools are used in medical screening, farm decisions and education. The launch was organised by the IndiaAI Mission with the World Bank.
MoSPI signs MoU with Pahle India Foundation
The National Statistics Office under MoSPI signed an MoU with Pahle India Foundation, New Delhi. It covers official statistics, research, data analysis, capacity building and knowledge sharing. The signing was attended by MoSPI Secretary Dr. Saurabh Garg. Pahle India Foundation Chairperson Dr. Rajiv Kumar was also present. The MoU aims to strengthen India's statistical system through joint work with research institutions. MoSPI's Director General also attended the ceremony.
Important Days
1 storySivaji Ganesan film prints donated to NFAI
Three 35mm Tamil film classics starring actor Sivaji Ganesan were handed over to NFDC-National Film Archive of India, Pune. The films are Thiruvilayadal (1965), Thiruvarutchelvar (1967) and Thillana Mohanambal (1968). All were directed by A. P. Nagarajan. Thiruvarutchelvar was not earlier held by NFAI in any form. The prints were handed over by FTII Film Research Officer Smt. Aparna Subramanian.
Quick-revision MCQs
Tap an option to check it. Every question comes from the stories above.
Q1.The 57th GST Council meeting mainly recommended:
Answer: B. Process reforms in registration, returns, refunds and adjudication.
Q2.What GST rate has been prescribed for isabgol seeds?
Answer: A. NIL rate irrespective of form.
Q3.Trade margins on non-scheduled cancer drugs are capped at what share of MRP?
Answer: C. Capped at 30% of MRP.
Q4.The theme of IMC 2026 is:
Answer: B. 'Scale Without Boundaries'.
Q5.Which anniversary did the IAF celebrate on 8 October 2026?
Answer: C. The 94th Air Force Day.
Q6.JOSH Teams relate to elimination of:
Answer: B. Under TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
Q7.World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is observed on:
Answer: A. 8 October, reflecting atomic weight 1.008.
Q8.Which sector paid the most under NBA's ABS in April-September 2026?
Answer: B. Agri-seed with ₹7.16 crore.
Q9.SEBI's Credit Risk-o-Meter applies to:
Answer: C. Debt securities offer documents and OBPPs.
Q10.The 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature was won by an author from:
Answer: A. Anne Carson of Canada.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) and All India Radio (News On AIR).
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. It is compiled from publicly available official sources and reputable news reports, and every story is written in our own words for exam revision. CrackTarget is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to any government body, regulator or ministry. Readers should check the official notifications, circulars and press releases before relying on any detail for an examination, application or decision.