Current affairs — 5 October 2026

RBI Appoints Sudhakar Malli as New Executive Director

The Reserve Bank of India appointed Shri Sudhakar Malli as Executive Director, as announced on the RBI official website. Executive Directors at RBI oversee critical departments including supervision, regulation, currency management, and financial markets, and are part of the senior management reporting to the Governor and Deputy Governors.

Why it matters: RBI appointments, especially at Executive Director level, are frequently asked in banking exams and UPSC prelims current affairs.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra Addresses Fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra delivered a special address titled 'Preserving Financial Stability in an Evolving World' at the Fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave on October 3, 2026. The conclave is being held in New Delhi from October 3-5, 2026, under the theme 'Resilience in an Age of Flux', focusing on economic policy challenges and financial stability.

Why it matters: RBI Governor's statements on monetary policy, inflation, and financial stability are crucial for banking exams and UPSC economy questions.

RBI Monetary Policy Committee Meeting Begins (Oct 5-7, 2026)

The Reserve Bank of India's six-member Monetary Policy Committee commenced its three-day meeting from October 5-7, 2026, to review interest rates and economic conditions. The policy decision will be announced on October 7. Current repo rate stands at 5.25%, with inflation at 4.82% and economists divided on whether a 25 basis point rate hike will be announced to address rising inflation amid crude oil prices near $107 per barrel.

Why it matters: MPC decisions directly impact loan EMIs, inflation control, and economic growth projections—frequently tested in banking and general awareness sections.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin's Three-Day India Visit Begins

Swiss President Guy Parmelin began a three-day state visit to India from October 5-7, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bilateral discussions scheduled for October 5 will focus on trade, investment, science and technology, mobility, and the India-EFTA economic partnership. This marks an important diplomatic engagement to strengthen India-Switzerland ties.

Why it matters: International visits and bilateral agreements are core areas for prelims and mains, especially for diplomacy and economic partnership questions.

By-Elections in Multiple States Scheduled for October 6, 2026

By-elections are scheduled for October 6, 2026, in multiple states including Assam (Nagaon Lok Sabha), Puducherry (Thattanchavady assembly), and Tamil Nadu (six assembly constituencies: Maduranthakam, Dharapuram, Perundurai, Karur, Tiruchirappalli East, Viralimalai, Ambasamudram). These by-polls are being held due to resignations and vacancies that occurred between May-June 2026.

Why it matters: Electoral processes, by-elections, and constitutional provisions related to vacancies are important for polity and current affairs sections.

India-Pakistan Border Tensions: Diplomatic Protests Exchanged

India and Pakistan exchanged diplomatic protests following an October 2, 2026 incident along the International Border in Punjab. India stated that two suspected infiltrators were killed by BSF after ignoring warnings, while Pakistan claimed they were unarmed civilians who inadvertently crossed the border. Both countries have summoned senior diplomats, with India urging Pakistan to prevent unauthorised cross-border movement.

Why it matters: India-Pakistan border issues and diplomatic relations are perennial topics in prelims and mains, especially in internal security and international relations.

8th Pay Commission: DA Currently at 60% from January 2026

Central government employees are currently receiving Dearness Allowance (DA) at 60% of basic pay, effective from January 2026, up from 58%. The 8th Central Pay Commission, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is expected to submit its recommendations by mid-2026 with implementation likely from January 2026. The commission will impact approximately 50 lakh central government employees and 69 lakh pensioners.

Why it matters: Pay Commission updates and DA revisions directly affect lakhs of aspirants and are frequently tested in general awareness sections.

RRB Paramedical Recruitment 2026: 590 Posts, Apply by Oct 14

Railway Recruitment Boards announced recruitment for 590 posts in various paramedical categories including Staff Nurse, Health & Malaria Inspector, Pharmacist, and Lab Technician. Candidates must possess graduation in relevant medical/paramedical fields, with age limit of 18-33 years (age relaxation as per rules). Online application deadline is October 14, 2026. Pay scale as per 7th CPC with Grade Pay and allowances.

Why it matters: Railway recruitment notifications with significant vacancies offer secure government jobs with pension benefits and allowances—key motivation for aspirants.

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

Staff Selection Commission has issued notification for Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination 2026 for 2,536 vacancies across various departments. Eligibility includes 12th pass candidates aged 18-25 years. The last date to apply online is October 7, 2026. Posts include Data Entry Operator, Lower Division Clerk, Postal Assistant, and Sorting Assistant.

Why it matters: SSC CHSL is one of the most sought-after exams for 12th pass aspirants seeking central government jobs with Grade Pay and allowances.

UPSC 2026 Calendar Released: Indian Forest Service Main Exam on Nov 22

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released its 2026 exam calendar with key dates. The Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination 2026 is scheduled to begin on November 22, 2026 (7 days duration). The S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE exam notification date is September 16, 2026, with application deadline October 6, and exam on December 12, 2026. UPSC conducts exams for administrative, defence, and specialized services.

Why it matters: UPSC calendar and exam dates are critical for lakhs of civil services aspirants planning their preparation strategy throughout the year.

Budget 2026 Scheme: Bharat-VISTAAR AI Platform for Farmers

Union Budget 2026 announced Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI-based platform to integrate agricultural resources and provide customised advisory support to farmers. The scheme aims to leverage artificial intelligence for precision farming, weather forecasting, crop advisory, and market linkages. Part of the government's focus on agriculture and rural development in FY 2026-27.

Why it matters: Government schemes announced in Union Budget are high-priority topics for prelims, especially agriculture-focused digital initiatives.

India Concludes Asian Games 2026 Campaign with 37 Medals

India concluded its participation in the 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (September 19 - October 4, 2026) with a total of 37 medals—4 gold, 16 silver, and 17 bronze—finishing 12th overall. The Indian contingent comprised 495 athletes competing in 36 sports disciplines. Flag bearers were shooter Manu Bhaker and kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat.

Why it matters: Major sporting events and India's medal tally are regularly featured in current affairs sections of all competitive exams.