Current affairs — 6 October 2026

RBI Monetary Policy Committee meeting begins, decision due October 7

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is meeting from October 5-7, 2026, with the policy decision scheduled for October 7 at 10:00 AM IST. The current repo rate stands at 5.25%. Economists are divided on whether the RBI will raise rates, with some expecting a 25 basis point hike amid inflation concerns.

Why it matters: RBI monetary policy decisions directly impact banking exams and are crucial for economy sections in UPSC and other exams

Maharashtra orders 10% water cut from October 16 amid drought concerns

The Maharashtra government has ordered a minimum 10% water cut across the state, effective from October 16, 2026. The decision, announced on October 6, comes in response to drought-like conditions and critically low dam levels following a deficient monsoon season.

Why it matters: Drought management and water conservation policies are relevant for UPSC environment and state PSC exams

India-Switzerland expand bilateral cooperation in defence and nuclear energy

India and Switzerland have expanded cooperation in multiple sectors including defence, civil nuclear energy, mobility, clean technology, and research. The bilateral relationship also includes discussions on Switzerland's international arbitration access and pharmaceutical IPR, which conflict with India's Model BIT and generic medicine protections.

Why it matters: Bilateral relations and strategic partnerships are important for UPSC and other exam IR sections

Civil Aviation Ministry holds meeting on Mumbai airport flight shifting proposal

The Civil Aviation Ministry convened a meeting on October 6, 2026, with airlines and Adani Airport representatives to discuss the proposed partial shifting of international flights from Mumbai airport. Airlines have reportedly expressed opposition to the proposal.

Why it matters: Infrastructure development and aviation policy are relevant for UPSC economy and governance sections

Supreme Court issues directives on women's safety amid Delhi ACP controversy

The Supreme Court issued strict directives on women's safety on October 6, 2026. This comes amid a Delhi Police controversy where an ACP's additional charge was withheld pending a sexual harassment inquiry involving women journalists during a protest. Delhi Police arrested a man for creating an AI-generated poster linked to the case.

Why it matters: Supreme Court judgments on constitutional rights and women's safety are crucial for UPSC Polity and Ethics

8th Pay Commission consultations ongoing, DA at 60% from January 2026

The 8th Pay Commission formed in November 2025 is holding consultations across cities. The Cabinet approved a 2% DA hike effective January 1, 2026, taking Dearness Allowance from 58% to 60% for central government employees. The Commission has not yet determined the fitment factor, revised basic pay scale, or pension amounts. Approximately 50 lakh central employees and 65 lakh pensioners will benefit.

Why it matters: Pay commission updates directly impact aspirants planning government careers; DA at 60% from Jan 2026 is a concrete number to remember

MPESB announces recruitment for 7,500 Constable posts, last date October 6

Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB) has notified 7,500 Constable vacancies with minimum qualification of 8th or 10th pass. The last date to apply is October 6, 2026, representing one of the larger state police recruitment drives.

Why it matters: Large-scale police recruitment drives are significant for state PSC aspirants and general awareness

Supreme Court of India recruiting 250 Junior Court Assistants, last date October 28

The Supreme Court of India has notified recruitment for 250 Junior Court Assistant posts. Any Bachelor's degree holder can apply, with the application deadline being October 28, 2026. This is a direct central government recruitment opportunity.

Why it matters: Major recruitment notifications with substantial vacancies are important for aspirants tracking job opportunities

India's National Supercomputing Mission deploys 40 systems with 68 petaflops capacity

India's National Supercomputing Mission has successfully deployed 40 indigenous supercomputing systems with a combined capacity of 68 petaflops, strengthening high-performance computing and technological self-reliance. However, complete dependence remains on foreign vendors for core computational silicon like NVIDIA GPUs and Intel server chips.

Why it matters: Questions on digital infrastructure and self-reliance initiatives appear in UPSC Prelims and Mains

Asian Games 2026 concludes in Japan, India finishes 12th with 37 medals

The 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan concluded on October 4, 2026. India's 495-strong contingent won 4 gold, 16 silver, and 17 bronze medals, finishing 12th overall. Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat were India's flag bearers for the tournament that ran from September 19 to October 4.

Why it matters: Major multi-sport event results are frequently asked in current affairs sections of all competitive exams