Current affairs — 1 October 2026

Centre Announces Major IAS Reshuffle on October 1, 2026

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved new assignments for senior IAS officers on October 1. Narendra Bhooshan has been appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, replacing Tanmay Kumar (1993-batch IAS, Rajasthan cadre) who superannuated. The reshuffle comes at a time of focus on environmental governance and climate policy.

Why it matters: Bureaucratic reshuffles and key ministry appointments regularly tested

New RBI FD Rules Take Effect from October 1, 2026

Reserve Bank of India's new rules for fixed deposits came into effect from October 1, 2026. The revised framework focuses on greater transparency in pricing and disclosure of bulk fixed deposits of ₹3 crore and above. Most retail FD holders will not see significant changes. The RBI issued amended directions on July 30, requiring banks to implement them from October 1.

Why it matters: RBI regulatory changes frequently tested; impacts banking operations

RBI MPC Meeting Scheduled for October 5-7, 2026

The Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee will meet from October 5 to 7, 2026 to review interest rates. The current repo rate stands at 5.25%. Inflation is at 4.82%, crude oil near $107 per barrel, and the rupee has slipped past ₹96 per dollar. Foreign investors withdrew about $3.7 billion from Indian assets in September. RBI has projected FY27 GDP growth at 6.7% and inflation at 5.0%.

Why it matters: MPC decisions critical for economy; repo rate, inflation data frequently asked

Goa Publishes Policy for Life-Course Immunization 2026-2036

Goa government released the Policy for Life-Course Immunization 2026-2036 in late September. The policy aims to strengthen protection against vaccine-preventable diseases across all stages of adulthood, expanding immunization beyond childhood. This represents a shift towards comprehensive public health coverage throughout the life course.

Why it matters: Public health policy innovation; expanded vaccination coverage

Odisha Sets Up CM-EAC on Lines of EAC-PM for $1.5 Trillion Economy Goal

Odisha government has established a Chief Minister's Economic Advisory Council (CM-EAC) modeled on the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council at the Centre. The initiative aims to drive the state towards achieving a $1.5 trillion economy goal. This marks a new state-level institutional mechanism for economic planning and policy advice.

Why it matters: State-level economic institutions; federal structure in policy-making

8th Pay Commission Consultations Continue; Bengaluru Visit October 7-8

The 8th Pay Commission, chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, continues stakeholder consultations. After visiting Chandigarh (September 16-18), the Commission will visit Bengaluru on October 7-8, 2026. The Commission's report is expected by May 2027. The fitment factor is expected to be around 2.28, which would raise minimum pay from ₹18,000 to ₹41,000. Around 1.15 crore central government employees and pensioners will benefit.

Why it matters: Major salary revision affecting 50L employees & 65L pensioners; fitment factor critical

APPSC Group 2 Notification Released on October 1 for 673 Posts

Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) released Group 2 Services recruitment notification on October 1, 2026 for 673 posts. This is a major state-level recruitment for various administrative positions. Eligible candidates can apply online. Group 2 exam is a key state PSC examination in Andhra Pradesh.

Why it matters: Major state PSC recruitment; administrative service positions

Railway Recruitment: RRB Paramedical Category Notification for 560 Posts

Railway Recruitment Boards announced recruitment for 560 posts in various Paramedical Categories. Last date to apply is October 13, 2026. The recruitment covers positions like Staff Nurse, Health & Malaria Inspector, Pharmacist, and other paramedical staff across Indian Railways. This is part of ongoing railway recruitment drives for 2026.

Why it matters: ₹29,200-92,300 pay scale range; specialized railway healthcare recruitment

SSC CHSL Notification 2026: 2,536 Posts, Apply by October 7

Staff Selection Commission released notification for Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination 2026 for 2,536 posts of Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant, Data Entry Operator, and DEO Grade A. Candidates must be 12th pass aged 18-25 years. Last date to apply is October 7, 2026.

Why it matters: ₹19,900-63,200 pay scale (Level 2 & 3); major recruitment for 12th pass

SSC CPO Recruitment 2026: 1,871 Sub-Inspector Posts

Staff Selection Commission notified recruitment for 1,871 posts of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The last date to apply is September 30, 2026. Candidates must be graduates aged 20-25 years. This is a major recruitment drive for central police forces.

Why it matters: ₹44,900-1,42,400 pay scale (Level 6 in pay matrix); major SSC recruitment

Karnataka Approves Sustainable Data Center Policy 2026-2031

Karnataka state government approved the Sustainable Data Center Policy 2026-2031 in the last week of September. Under this policy, the state will target 1 Gigawatt (GW) of cumulative Data Center IT load and aim for 10-12 percent of national data center capacity. The policy also addresses sustainability and energy efficiency norms for data centers.

Why it matters: Digital infrastructure policy; state IT initiatives; environmental sustainability

India at Asian Games 2026: Cricket and Hockey Semi-Finals on October 1

India's Asian Games 2026 schedule on October 1 features crucial semi-finals. The men's cricket team led by Shreyas Iyer faces Sri Lanka at 10 AM, while the men's hockey team captained by Harmanpreet Singh plays Pakistan at 1 PM. Both teams are defending champions. India's compound archers and squash teams also compete for medals. The Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

Why it matters: India-Pakistan rivalry; defending champions; major continental event