Monthly Current Affairs
October 2026 Current Affairs
Why Stubble Fires Keep Coming Back: Causes & Solutions
The burning of stubble continues in Punjab and Haryana because of late harvesting of paddy, a narrow window for sowing wheat, expensive machinery and low demand for straw. While the number of fires reduced by 90% from 2022-25, satellite data shows that the reduction was just 30%. Possible solutions would be diversification of crops, cheaper machinery and guaranteed prices for straw.
Canadian poet Anne Carson wins Nobel Prize in Literature
The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Anne Carson, the Canadian poet, essayist, and translator, for the fusion of classical Greek and Roman literature with modern thought. The books written by Anne Carson are Autobiography of Red and Eros the Bittersweet.
Chemistry Nobel for French-Japanese Duo: Mirrored Molecules
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry went to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai for chirality research. Kagan showed tiny catalyst imbalances amplify into a strong preference for one molecular form; Soai demonstrated self-amplification of handedness. This enables asymmetric synthesis of single enantiomers, making medicines, agrochemicals and fragrances safer and more efficient.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit appointed next Indian Air Force chief
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been designated as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh from 31 October. A combat fighter with 3,500 flying hours, he has headed many formations and played important roles in joint defence operations. His major concerns would be modernising the IAF, indigenisation, air defence, and jointness.
DRDO’s flight trial of high-altitude platform successful
The DRDO tested the indigenously developed High Altitude Platform System (HAPS) from an altitude of 21 km. Developed by ADRDE, Agra, the HAPS can support ISR and communication. It will be able to supplement satellite-based, air and drone platforms, enhancing India’s military strength and its Aatmanirbhar Bharat motto.
Pioneer of IceCube neutrino detector wins physics Nobel
2026 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Francis Halzen for his efforts that led to the construction of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica. IceCube uses 1 km3 of ice and thousands of optical sensors to detect the presence of Cherenkov radiation caused by interactions between ice and extremely rare neutrinos.
The looming crisis of world unemployment
The 800 million shortage of jobs forecast by the World Bank risks turning the demographic dividend into joblessness and instability. Automation and early deindustrialisation risk weakening growth led by manufacturing. India needs to focus on labour-intensive sectors, MSMEs, care work, food processing, and green manufacturing to transform its young workforce into productivity.
India-UAE Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 Begins in Uttarakhand
Mountain Guardian 2026 is an exercise between India and the UAE that takes place in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from 5 to 18 October 2026. The exercise centres around "mountain warfare, drones and surveillance". There are 92 people involved in the exercise, which will improve "interoperability, coordination, technology sharing, and understanding.
Does a Visa Guarantee Entry into India? Explained
The Delhi High Court ruled that a valid visa does not guarantee entry into India. Under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, the State can refuse admission on grounds such as national security, sovereignty, public order and public health. Foreigners enjoy Article 21 protection, but not Article 19(1)(e) rights.
India’s First 5.56 km Free‑Space Quantum Key Distribution Link Demonstrated
The country has shown its first demonstration of free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over a distance of 5.56 km between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar using QNu Labs. With the help of Armos, PAT, PQC, and QRNG, this experiment has successfully generated keys and provided end-to-end encryption.
India Has No Excess Capacity, Bans Forced-Labour Imports
India dismissed the claim of structural excess capacity made by the U.S., arguing that the country’s manufacturing is based on demand, both domestic and international. It also highlighted its commitment to prohibiting forced labour and banning the import of forced labour products, as per its constitution and ILO rules.
India-EFTA Partnership: One Plus One Equals Three
The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which came into effect on 1 October 2025, is not only about reducing tariffs but also covers aspects like trade, investment, job creation, and technology cooperation. The proposed $100-billion investment over 15 years by EFTA can assist in industrial development. Iceland provides experience in areas like geothermal energy, carbon capture and utilisation and storage, e-fuels, and fisheries; cooperation will enhance India’s involvement in the Arctic region.
Southwest Monsoon Ends with 12% Deficit: IMD
The monsoon season of India in 2026 recorded 759.4 mm of rainfall, which was 12.6% less than the long-period average and the lowest since 2015. The strong El Niño phenomenon was responsible for the shortfall in precipitation. Shortfalls were experienced in the East, Northeast and Southern Peninsular regions.