Current affairs — 4 October 2026

Rajesh Kumar Singh Assumes Charge as DRDO Chairman

Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer from Kerala cadre and current Defence Secretary, assumed office as Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on June 1, 2026. He succeeded Samir V Kamat in this key defence technology leadership role.

Why it matters: DRDO Chairman is a crucial defence R&D position; appointments of constitutional/statutory body heads are frequently asked

Tuhin Kanta Pandey Serves as SEBI Chairman Since March 2025

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a senior IAS officer, has been serving as the 11th Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) since March 1, 2025. He succeeded Madhabi Puri Buch and previously served as Finance Secretary and Revenue Secretary.

Why it matters: SEBI Chairman appointment is critical for banking and economy sections; regulates India's securities markets

Varsha Ashok Aglawe Appointed as First Woman Director General of GSI

Varsha Ashok Aglawe was appointed as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India in August 2026, becoming the first woman to head GSI. Other recent appointments include Willie Walsh as CEO of IndiGo and Vice Admiral Manish Chadha as Director General Naval Operations.

Why it matters: First woman appointments to key posts and heads of important government organizations are frequently asked

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra Addresses Fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave

Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra delivered a special address on 'Preserving Financial Stability in an Evolving World' at the Fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave on October 3, 2026. The RBI also appointed Sudhakar Malli as new Executive Director.

Why it matters: RBI Governor's policy statements and appointments are important for banking and economic awareness sections

RBI MPC Meeting: October 5-7, 2026 Policy Decision Awaited

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is meeting from October 5-7, 2026. The current repo rate stands at 5.25% after rate cuts in 2025. Inflation rose to 4.82% in August 2026, with food inflation at 5.95%. Economists are divided on whether a 25 basis point rate hike is needed to manage rising inflation, with crude oil near $107 per barrel and rupee weakening past ₹96 per dollar.

Why it matters: MPC decisions directly impact loan EMIs, inflation control, and economic policy – frequently asked in banking and general awareness

Rajya Sabha Elections: Nomination Deadline October 6, 2026

The last date for filing nominations for the November 2026 Rajya Sabha elections is October 6, 2026. Scrutiny of nominations is scheduled for October 7, with the last date for withdrawal on October 9. The poll date (if necessary) and declaration of results is set for October 16, 2026.

Why it matters: Election Commission schedules and parliamentary processes are part of polity and governance syllabus

8th Pay Commission Consultations: Bengaluru Visit on October 7-8, 2026

The 8th Pay Commission will visit Bengaluru on October 7-8, 2026 to meet central government employee associations, unions, and institutions based in Karnataka. The commission, constituted on November 3, 2025, is consulting stakeholders on fitment factor, pay revision, and pension reforms. It will submit its report within 18 months.

Why it matters: 8th CPC will determine salary structure for 4.5 million central govt employees and 6.8 million pensioners; critical for aspirants planning govt careers

8th Pay Commission Expected Implementation from January 1, 2026

The 8th Pay Commission recommendations are expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026, benefiting 4.5 million central government employees and 6.8 million pensioners including defence personnel. Estimated fitment factor ranges between 2.28 to 2.86, which could raise minimum basic pay from ₹18,000 to between ₹41,000-₹51,000. Final report expected in mid-2027.

Why it matters: Pay commission recommendations define career earnings for all central govt posts; critical knowledge for aspirants evaluating govt job prospects

DA at 60% from January 2026; July 2026 DA Hike to 63% Expected

The Union Cabinet approved a 2 percentage point increase in Dearness Allowance from 58% to 60%, effective from January 1, 2026. The next DA revision for July 2026 is calculated to reach 63% based on CPI-IW data, though official notification is pending as of October 1, 2026. This benefits approximately 49.19 lakh central government employees and 68.72 lakh pensioners.

Why it matters: DA revisions directly impact government employee salaries; frequently tested in current affairs for all government job exams

ISRO Plans NVS-03 Navigation Satellite Launch in October 2026

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is scheduled to launch IRNSS-1L (NVS-03), a replacement satellite for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, using GSLV Mk II rocket in October 2026. The constellation provides India with an indigenous alternative to GPS for military and civilian use in geosynchronous orbit.

Why it matters: ISRO launches and India's indigenous navigation system are important for science & technology and defence sections

ISRO's Gaganyaan Mission: Uncrewed Test Flights Planned for 2026

ISRO's Gaganyaan programme has three uncrewed test flights scheduled for 2026 (Gaganyaan-1, Gaganyaan-2, and Gaganyaan-3) before the first crewed mission planned for 2027. The spacecraft is designed to carry three people to low Earth orbit. If successful, India will become the fourth country to independently send humans to space.

Why it matters: Gaganyaan is India's flagship human spaceflight program; milestones are high-priority current affairs topics

Asian Games 2026: India Faces Pakistan in Men's Cricket Final

India played Pakistan in the men's cricket final at the Asian Games 2026 being held in Japan (September 19 - October 4, 2026). India defeated Pakistan to win the gold medal. The games are taking place in various Japanese cities with Day 14 updates being reported on October 3, 2026.

Why it matters: Major international sporting events and India's medal tally are standard current affairs questions