October 2026 Current Affairs for SSC and Railway Exams

October 2026 Current Affairs witnessed several important developments in India and around the world. Major exam-relevant topics included new government schemes, railway employee bonuses, appointments in defence and industry, the Nobel Prizes, the Asian Para Games, important economic decisions and national observances.

This monthly current-affairs article has been prepared for candidates appearing for SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, RRB NTPC, RRB Group D, and other government examinations.

The article includes:

• National current affairs
• Government schemes and Cabinet decisions
• Economy and business news
• Defence appointments
• International awards
• Sports current affairs
• Important days and themes
• One-liner revision notes
• 30 practice MCQs with answers

Read the article: RRB Station Master Recruitment 2026 Out

October 2026 National Current Affairs

1. Cabinet Approves SME Growth Fund

On 6 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved a government commitment of ₹10,000 crore for establishing the SME Growth Fund.

The fund is intended to provide direct equity support to growth-oriented small and medium enterprises. It aims to help promising enterprises expand in manufacturing, services, technology, innovation-driven sectors and strategic value chains.

Exam Point:
The SME Growth Fund is associated with direct equity investment in small and medium enterprises. Small and Medium Enterprises Growth Fund

2. Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority Approved

The Union Cabinet approved the setting up of an Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority on 6 October 2026.

The proposed authority is connected with better coordination and planning of India’s transport and logistics network. It is expected to support more efficient movement of goods and improve integration between different transport systems. Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA)

3. Cabinet Resolution on 25 Years of Leadership

In October 2026, the Union Cabinet passed a resolution congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years of continuous leadership as head of government.

This was listed among the important Cabinet decisions of 6 October 2026. PM Releases | PIB Archives

4. Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana

The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31.

The scheme focuses on strengthening village-level development and supporting the broader goal of Viksit Bharat. It is an important topic for questions related to rural development, Panchayati Raj and government schemes. Prime Minister’s Content | PIB

5. National Social Assistance Programme Extended

The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme, or NSAP, for five years from 2026–27 to 2030–31.

The programme is associated with social assistance for vulnerable sections, including elderly persons, widows and persons with disabilities. The approved continuation was listed among the major Cabinet decisions announced on 14 October 2026. Prime Minister’s Content | PIB

6. VB-G RAM G Framework

The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), abbreviated as VB-G RAM G, was highlighted in October 2026 as a new rural employment and development framework.

The framework provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment every financial year. It is linked with the vision of rural development and Viksit Bharat @2047. Viksit Bharat – G RAM G

Economy and Business Current Affairs

7. Railway Employees Receive 78-Day Productivity Linked Bonus

The Union Cabinet approved a 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus, or PLB, for eligible railway employees on 14 October 2026.

The approved amount was ₹2,009.61 crore, benefiting approximately 11,40,770 railway employees. The bonus is generally paid before the Durga Puja and Dussehra holidays.

Exam Point:
This is especially important for Railway examinations because it combines a current-affairs fact with railway administration and employee welfare. Press Release Page | Press Information Bureau

8. Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme

On 28 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme.

The scheme has a total outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for the period from 2026–27 to 2033–34. It aims to create a globally competitive sports manufacturing ecosystem in India through manufacturing zones, testing facilities, design centres and support for certification.

Important Figures:

• Total outlay: ₹1,856.67 crore
• Period: 2026–27 to 2033–34
• Focus: Sports goods manufacturing
• Key areas: Investment, design, testing and certification; Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme

9. Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme

The Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme was also listed among the Cabinet decisions announced on 28 October 2026.

The scheme is related to strengthening manufacturing capacity and supporting the logistics and transport ecosystem. It is relevant for questions on industrial policy, supply chains and infrastructure development. Prime Minister’s Content | PIB

10. Vijay Sankar Named FICCI President-Elect

Vijay Sankar was named FICCI President-Elect for 2026–27. He was serving as FICCI’s Senior Vice President and is also the Chairman of The Sanmar Group.

He is expected to succeed Anant Goenka after FICCI’s Annual General Meeting and Annual Convention scheduled for 18–19 November 2026 in New Delhi.

Exam Point:

• Organisation: FICCI
• Full form: Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
• President-Elect: Vijay Sankar
• Term: 2026–27
• Succeeding: Anant Goenka

For complete details, read our article on Vijay Sankar Named FICCI President-Elect 2026–27.

Defence and Security Current Affairs

11. Ashutosh Dixit Appointed as Chief of the Air Staff

The Government of India appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Chief of the Air Staff.

He was serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff and was scheduled to take charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff from the afternoon of 31 October 2026. All Press Release: Press Information Bureau

Important Exam Facts:

• Name: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
• New position: Chief of the Air Staff
• Rank on appointment: Air Chief Marshal
• Number: 29th Chief of the Air Staff
• Effective date: 31 October 2026

12. IAF Dronathon 2026

The Indian Air Force conducted Dronathon-2026, an initiative focused on engaging with India’s unmanned systems industry.

The event was inaugurated at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer. It was aimed at encouraging innovation and cooperation in unmanned systems and drone technology. Press Release Page | Press Information Bureau

13. INS Samarthak Commissioned

The Indian Navy’s first indigenous multi-purpose vessel, INS Samarthak, was commissioned at Karwar in October 2026.

The commissioning was listed among the important defence-related events in the October PIB releases. All Press Release: Press Information Bureau

International Current Affairs

14. Nobel Prize in Physics 2026

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Francis Halzen.

He was recognised for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.

15. Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai.

They were recognised for the discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.

16. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to:

• Karl Deisseroth
• Peter Hegemann
• Georg Nagel

They were recognised for discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.

For complete details, read our article on Nobel Prize 2026 Winners.

17. United Nations Day

United Nations Day was observed on 24 October. The day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945.

It is important for questions related to international organisations and global cooperation.

Sports Current Affairs

18. India’s Performance at Asian Para Games 2026

The 5th Asian Para Games were held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 18 to 24 October 2026.

India recorded its best-ever performance at the event, finishing fourth with a total of 114 medals:

• Gold: 30
• Silver: 35
• Bronze: 49

India’s medal tally surpassed its previous performance at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Para Games.

For complete details, read our article on Asian Para Games 2026.

19. Sheetal Devi Among India’s Key Performers

Para-archer Sheetal Devi was one of India’s notable performers at the Asian Para Games. She won three medals, including two gold medals and one silver medal, according to the reported final medal summary.

20. Sports Manufacturing and Khelo India

The approval of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme made sports and sports manufacturing an important current-affairs topic in October.

For examination preparation, candidates should remember the connection between:

• Khelo India
• Sports equipment manufacturing
• Sports zones
• Testing and design facilities
• International certification

Important Days in October 2026

October observances include themes related to non-violence, education, food security, mental health, wildlife conservation and international cooperation. Important Days in October 2026, National and International Events

October 2026 Current Affairs One-Liners

1. Who was named FICCI President-Elect for 2026–27? Vijay Sankar.
2. Which organisation named Vijay Sankar President-Elect? FICCI.
3. What is the full form of FICCI? Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
4. Who is expected to be succeeded by Vijay Sankar? Anant Goenka.
5. Which fund received a ₹10,000-crore Cabinet commitment? SME Growth Fund.
6. What is the full form of SME? Small and Medium Enterprises.
7. Which authority was approved to improve transport and logistics coordination? Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority.
8. Which scheme was approved for 2026–27 to 2030–31 for rural development? Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana.
9. For how many days was the Productivity Linked Bonus approved for railway employees? 78 days.
10. How many railway employees were expected to benefit from the 2026 PLB? Approximately 11,40,770.
11. Which scheme focuses on sports goods manufacturing? Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme.
12. What is the outlay of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme? ₹1,856.67 crore.
13. Who was appointed the 29th Chief of the Air Staff? Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
14. When was Ashutosh Dixit scheduled to take charge as Chief of the Air Staff? 31 October 2026.
15. Where was IAF Dronathon-2026 inaugurated? Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer.
16. What is the name of the Indian Navy’s first indigenous multi-purpose vessel mentioned in October current affairs? INS Samarthak.
17. Who won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics? Francis Halzen.
18. Who won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry? Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai.
19. Who won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine? Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel.
20. Where were the 2026 Asian Para Games held? Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
21. How many medals did India win at the 2026 Asian Para Games? 114.
22. How many gold medals did India win at the Asian Para Games? 30.
23. Which Indian para-archer won three medals at the Asian Para Games? Sheetal Devi.
24. When is United Nations Day observed? 24 October.
25. When is World Food Day observed? 16 October.
26. When is World Teachers’ Day observed? 5 October.
27. When is National Unity Day observed in India? 31 October.
28. When is World Mental Health Day observed? 10 October.
29. When is International Day of the Girl Child observed? 11 October.
30. When is Gandhi Jayanti observed? 2 October.

30 Important MCQs on October 2026 Current Affairs

1. Who was named FICCI President-Elect for 2026–27?

A. Anant Goenka
B. Vijay Sankar
C. Sanjiv Mehta
D. N. Chandrasekaran

Answer: B. Vijay Sankar

2. FICCI stands for:

A. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
B. Financial Council of Indian Commerce and Industry
C. Federation of International Companies and Corporate Institutions
D. Forum of Indian Corporations and Commercial Industries

Answer: A. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

3. Vijay Sankar is associated with which business group?

A. Tata Group
B. The Sanmar Group
C. Adani Group
D. Mahindra Group

Answer: B. The Sanmar Group

4. Vijay Sankar is expected to succeed whom as FICCI President?

A. Anant Goenka
B. Uday Kotak
C. Sanjiv Bajaj
D. Mukesh Ambani

Answer: A. Anant Goenka

5. What is the amount approved for the SME Growth Fund?

A. ₹5,000 crore
B. ₹7,500 crore
C. ₹10,000 crore
D. ₹15,000 crore

Answer: C. ₹10,000 crore

6. The SME Growth Fund primarily aims to support:

A. Large foreign banks
B. Small and medium enterprises
C. State universities
D. International sports teams

Answer: B. Small and medium enterprises

7. Which authority was approved in October 2026?

A. National Industrial Authority
B. Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority
C. National Export Authority
D. Central Roads Authority

Answer: B. Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority

8. The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana was approved for which period?

A. 2025–26 to 2028–29
B. 2026–27 to 2030–31
C. 2027–28 to 2032–33
D. 2026–27 to 2035–36

Answer: B. 2026–27 to 2030–31

9. For how many days was the Productivity Linked Bonus approved for railway employees?

A. 60 days
B. 72 days
C. 78 days
D. 90 days

Answer: C. 78 days

10. Approximately how many railway employees were covered by the 2026 PLB decision?

A. 5,40,770
B. 8,40,770
C. 11,40,770
D. 15,40,770

Answer: C. 11,40,770

11. Which scheme focuses on sports goods manufacturing?

A. Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme
B. Fit India Manufacturing Scheme
C. National Sports Equipment Mission
D. India Sports Export Scheme

Answer: A. Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme

12. What is the outlay of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme?

A. ₹1,000 crore
B. ₹1,856.67 crore
C. ₹2,500 crore
D. ₹5,000 crore

Answer: B. ₹1,856.67 crore

13. Who was appointed as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff?

A. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh
B. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
C. Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh
D. Air Marshal Sandeep Singh

Answer: B. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit

14. Ashutosh Dixit was serving as which officer before his appointment?

A. Vice Chief of the Air Staff
B. Chief of Integrated Defence Staff
C. Chief of Naval Staff
D. Director General of Coast Guard

Answer: A. Vice Chief of the Air Staff

15. Where was IAF Dronathon-2026 inaugurated?

A. Pokhran Field Firing Range
B. Hindon Air Base
C. Leh Air Base
D. Jaisalmer Railway Station

Answer: A. Pokhran Field Firing Range

16. What is the name of the Indian Navy’s first indigenous multi-purpose vessel mentioned in October 2026?

A. INS Vikrant
B. INS Samarthak
C. INS Arighaat
D. INS Anvesh

Answer: B. INS Samarthak

17. Who received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics?

A. Francis Halzen
B. Henri B. Kagan
C. Karl Deisseroth
D. Anne Carson

Answer: A. Francis Halzen

18. The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to:

A. Francis Halzen and Peter Hegemann
B. Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai
C. Karl Deisseroth and Georg Nagel
D. Navi Pillay and Anne Carson

Answer: B. Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai

19. Which group received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine?

A. Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel
B. Francis Halzen, Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai
C. Anne Carson, Navi Pillay and Francis Halzen
D. Peter Hegemann, Kenso Soai and Henri Kagan

Answer: A. Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel

20. The 2026 Asian Para Games were held in:

A. Hangzhou
B. Aichi-Nagoya
C. Jakarta
D. Doha

Answer: B. Aichi-Nagoya

21. How many medals did India win at the Asian Para Games 2026?

A. 101
B. 108
C. 111
D. 114

Answer: D. 114

22. How many gold medals did India win at the Asian Para Games 2026?

A. 25
B. 30
C. 35
D. 40

Answer: B. 30

23. Which Indian para-athlete won three medals at the Asian Para Games 2026?

A. Avani Lekhara
B. Sheetal Devi
C. Deepa Malik
D. Mariyappan Thangavelu

Answer: B. Sheetal Devi

24. United Nations Day is observed on:

A. 16 October
B. 20 October
C. 24 October
D. 31 October

Answer: C. 24 October

25. World Food Day is observed on:

A. 5 October
B. 10 October
C. 16 October
D. 20 October

Answer: C. 16 October

26. World Teachers’ Day is observed on:

A. 2 October
B. 5 October
C. 9 October
D. 15 October

Answer: B. 5 October

27. National Unity Day in India is observed on:

A. 24 October
B. 26 October
C. 30 October
D. 31 October

Answer: D. 31 October

28. World Mental Health Day is observed on:

A. 8 October
B. 10 October
C. 12 October
D. 15 October

Answer: B. 10 October

29. International Day of the Girl Child is observed on:

A. 9 October
B. 10 October
C. 11 October
D. 13 October

Answer: C. 11 October

30. Gandhi Jayanti is observed on:

A. 1 October
B. 2 October
C. 5 October
D. 8 October

Answer: B. 2 October

Final Revision Checklist

Before appearing for an examination, revise these October 2026 topics once again:

• Vijay Sankar and FICCI
• ₹10,000-crore SME Growth Fund
• Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority
• Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana
• 78-day bonus for railway employees
• Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme
• Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff
• IAF Dronathon-2026
• Nobel Prize winners of 2026
• India’s 114-medal performance at the Asian Para Games
• Important days and dates in October
• National Unity Day and Gandhi Jayanti

Conclusion

October 2026 was an important month for government schemes, railway-related developments, defence appointments, sports, international awards and economic policy. Candidates preparing for SSC and Railway examinations should focus on the names, dates, amounts, organisations, positions and locations mentioned in this article.

For better preparation, revise the one-liners first, attempt the 30 MCQs without looking at the answers and then review the explanations and key facts.