Daily Current Affairs 5 October 2026
Daily current affairs for 5 October 2026 — 18 verified news items across Defence, Sports, Economy & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and practice MCQs.
Part of October 2026 current affairs: the month's top stories by topic
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In this digest · 18 items
Defence
India Fortifies Siliguri Corridor with Underground Rail and Military Bunkers
India is enhancing the security of the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the 'Chicken’s Neck', by developing underground military facilities, strengthening air power, and constructing a 40-km underground railway link. These measures aim to secure this strategically vital corridor that connects the northeastern states to the rest of India.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the length of the underground railway link planned to secure the Siliguri Corridor?
- A20 km
- B30 km
- C40 kmCorrect
- D50 km
Explanation India plans to build a 40-km underground railway link to fortify the Siliguri Corridor.
Q2 Which of the following is NOT part of India's efforts to secure the Siliguri Corridor?
- AUnderground military facilities
- BStronger air power
- CConstruction of a naval baseCorrect
- D40-km underground railway link
Explanation The article mentions underground military facilities, stronger air power, and an underground railway link, but not the construction of a naval base.
Q3 The Siliguri Corridor is also known by what nickname?
- AGolden Quadrilateral
- BChicken’s NeckCorrect
- CIron Triangle
- DSilk Route
Explanation The Siliguri Corridor is popularly known as the 'Chicken’s Neck'.
Sports
India Wins 85 Medals at 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya
India participated in the 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, with a contingent of 503 athletes (269 men and 234 women) competing in 36 sports. The country secured a total of 85 medals, finishing fourth in the medal tally. Notable performances came from athletics, shooting, and the newly introduced mixed martial arts events. Although India did not surpass its previous record of 106 medals from the 2023 Asian Games, the athletes delivered a strong overall performance.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 How many medals did India win at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya?
- A85Correct
- B106
- C503
- D36
Explanation India won 85 medals at the 2026 Asian Games, as stated in the sources.
Q2 What was India's rank in the medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games?
- AFirst
- BSecond
- CThird
- DFourthCorrect
Explanation India finished fourth in the medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games.
Q3 Which new sport contributed to India's medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games?
- AMixed Martial ArtsCorrect
- BCricket
- CKabaddi
- DArchery
Explanation Mixed Martial Arts was a newly introduced event where India won medals.
Neeraj Chauhan Wins Bronze in Individual Recurve at Asian Games 2026
Neeraj Chauhan, who sold vegetables in 2020, won the bronze medal in the individual recurve archery event at the 2026 Asian Games. In the bronze medal play-off, he registered scores of 29-26, 27-28, 28-29, 30-28, and 29-28 to secure the medal.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What medal did Neeraj Chauhan win in the individual recurve event at the 2026 Asian Games?
- AGold
- BSilver
- CBronzeCorrect
- DNo medal
Explanation Neeraj Chauhan won the bronze medal in the individual recurve archery event at the 2026 Asian Games.
Q2 What was Neeraj Chauhan's occupation in 2020 before winning the Asian Games bronze?
- ATeacher
- BVegetable sellerCorrect
- CCoach
- DStudent
Explanation In 2020, Neeraj Chauhan sold vegetables before achieving success in archery at the Asian Games.
Q3 Which sport is associated with Neeraj Chauhan's bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games?
- AArcheryCorrect
- BShooting
- CBadminton
- DWrestling
Explanation Neeraj Chauhan won the bronze medal in the individual recurve archery event at the 2026 Asian Games.
Abhishek and Tilak Lead India to Asian Games 2026 Gold Against Pakistan
In the Asian Games 2026 gold medal cricket match, India triumphed over Pakistan. The pitch initially posed challenges but became easier as the game progressed. India's world No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek scored a rapid 61 runs off 28 balls, including seven sixes. Vice-captain Tilak contributed an unbeaten 51 off 22 balls, silencing his critics. Despite notable performances from Pakistan's Nawaz, India secured the gold medal.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who scored 61 runs off 28 balls for India in the Asian Games 2026 cricket final?
- AAbhishekCorrect
- BTilak
- CNawaz
- DVirat Kohli
Explanation Abhishek, the world’s No. 1 T20I batter, scored 61 runs off 28 balls in the final.
Q2 What was Tilak's contribution in the Asian Games 2026 gold medal cricket match?
- AUnbeaten 51 off 22 ballsCorrect
- B61 off 28 balls
- C70 off 30 balls
- D45 off 25 balls
Explanation Tilak scored an unbeaten 51 runs off 22 balls, helping India win the gold.
Q3 Which team did India defeat to win the Asian Games 2026 cricket gold medal?
- APakistanCorrect
- BSri Lanka
- CBangladesh
- DAfghanistan
Explanation India defeated Pakistan in the gold medal match at the Asian Games 2026.
Gill's Double Century Powers India to Chase 406 Against West Indies
In the second ODI match at Guwahati on September 30, 2026, India successfully chased down West Indies' highest-ever ODI score of 405/7. Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 223 off 133 balls, including 26 fours and 8 sixes, while Rohit Sharma contributed his 35th ODI century with 101 runs off 75 balls, featuring 10 fours and 6 sixes. The opening pair put on a 255-run partnership, leading India to a famous victory.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the highest-ever ODI score made by West Indies that India chased down in the second ODI at Guwahati?
- A405/7Correct
- B400/6
- C410/8
- D395/7
Explanation West Indies scored 405/7, which was their highest-ever ODI score, and India chased it down.
Q2 How many runs did Shubman Gill score in the second ODI against West Indies?
- A223 not outCorrect
- B201 not out
- C210
- D198
Explanation Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 223 runs off 133 balls.
Q3 Which milestone did Rohit Sharma achieve during the second ODI against West Indies?
- A35th ODI centuryCorrect
- B50th ODI century
- C100th ODI match
- DFastest ODI century
Explanation Rohit Sharma scored his 35th ODI century with 101 runs off 75 balls.
Pranavi Wins Gold and India Women Secure Team Silver at Asian Games 2026
At the 2026 Asian Games, 23-year-old Pranavi from Mysore made history by winning the gold medal. Despite a challenging triple bogey on the third hole that erased her three-stroke overnight lead, she recovered with three birdies. Her performance helped the Indian women's team clinch the team silver medal.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who made history by winning the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games?
- APranaviCorrect
- BP.V. Sindhu
- CSaina Nehwal
- DDipa Karmakar
Explanation Pranavi, a 23-year-old from Mysore, made history by winning the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
Q2 What medal did the Indian women's team win at the 2026 Asian Games?
- AGold
- BSilverCorrect
- CBronze
- DNo medal
Explanation The Indian women's team clinched the team silver medal at the 2026 Asian Games.
Q3 What challenge did Pranavi overcome during her gold-winning performance?
- AA triple bogey on the third holeCorrect
- BA disqualification
- CAn injury during the final round
- DA penalty stroke on the first hole
Explanation Pranavi overcame a horrendous triple bogey on the third hole that wiped away her three-stroke overnight lead.
Economy
RBI Likely to Raise Repo Rate in October 2026 Amid Inflation and Global Crises
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to raise the repo rate by 0.25% in its October 2026 monetary policy review. This anticipated hike is driven by rising inflationary pressures influenced by the West Asia crisis, increasing crude oil prices, and global interest rate trends. Experts suggest that these factors collectively contribute to inflation risks, prompting the RBI to consider tightening monetary policy to maintain price stability.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the expected change in the RBI's repo rate in October 2026?
- AIncrease by 0.25%Correct
- BDecrease by 0.25%
- CIncrease by 0.50%
- DNo change
Explanation Experts predict that RBI will raise the repo rate by 0.25% in October 2026 to address inflationary pressures.
Q2 Which global event is cited as a key factor fueling inflation risks leading to RBI's rate hike?
- AWest Asia crisisCorrect
- BUS-China trade war
- CEuropean debt crisis
- DSouth American drought
Explanation The West Asia crisis is mentioned as a significant factor increasing inflation risks, influencing RBI's decision.
Q3 Besides the West Asia crisis, which other factors are influencing RBI's decision to raise rates?
- ARising crude oil prices and global interest ratesCorrect
- BDeclining agricultural output
- CIncrease in foreign direct investment
- DStrengthening of the Indian rupee
Explanation Rising crude oil prices and global interest rates are contributing to inflationary pressures prompting RBI's rate hike.
Adani Airports to Start Mumbai Terminal 1B Redevelopment in January 2027
Adani Airports is set to begin the phased redevelopment of Mumbai Airport's Terminal 1B in January 2027. Mumbai Airport handles around 55 million passengers annually, with approximately 9% (five million passengers) expected to be temporarily impacted during the redevelopment. Flight operations may be shifted from Terminal 1 to nearby terminals or to Navi Mumbai airport temporarily. Adani Airports CEO Arun Bansal assured airlines that the shift to Navi Mumbai is temporary. However, airlines have rejected the proposal related to the reduction of international slots during this period.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 When is the redevelopment of Mumbai Airport's Terminal 1B scheduled to begin?
- AJanuary 2027Correct
- BOctober 2026
- CJanuary 2026
- DDecember 2027
Explanation The redevelopment of Mumbai Airport's Terminal 1B is set to begin in January 2027 as per Adani Airports' plans.
Q2 What percentage of Mumbai Airport's annual passengers are expected to be temporarily impacted by the Terminal 1B redevelopment?
- A9%Correct
- B55%
- C91%
- D5%
Explanation Approximately 9% of the annual passengers, about five million out of 55 million, are expected to be temporarily impacted during the redevelopment.
Q3 What is the airlines' stance on the proposed reduction in international slots during the Terminal 1B redevelopment?
- AThey rejected the proposalCorrect
- BThey fully supported the proposal
- CThey were indifferent
- DThey requested a permanent shift to Navi Mumbai airport
Explanation Airlines rejected the proposal related to the reduction in international slots during the redevelopment period.
Shaktikanta Das Highlights Domestic Capacity and Reforms Amid Global Uncertainty
At the Kautilya Economic Conclave, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized that India's economic resilience to global shocks is a result of broad reforms including flexible inflation targeting, the goods and services tax, digital payments, and banking sector reforms. These reforms were implemented not as one-off measures but as buffers to help the economy absorb disruptions and recover rapidly. He highlighted the importance of strengthening domestic capacity and continuing reforms to navigate ongoing global uncertainty.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 According to Shaktikanta Das, which of the following reforms was NOT mentioned as a buffer to help India's economy absorb disruptions?
- AFlexible inflation targeting
- BGoods and Services Tax
- CDigital payments
- DLabour law reformsCorrect
Explanation Shaktikanta Das mentioned flexible inflation targeting, GST, digital payments, and banking sector reforms as buffers, but did not mention labour law reforms.
Q2 What was the primary reason Shaktikanta Das gave for India's economic resilience to global shocks?
- ABroad reforms implemented as buffersCorrect
- BHigh foreign direct investment
- CIncreased exports
- DLow inflation rates
Explanation Das stated that broad reforms like inflation targeting, GST, digital payments, and banking reforms were designed as buffers to absorb disruptions and enable rapid recovery.
Q3 Where did Shaktikanta Das deliver his remarks on India's economic reforms and resilience?
- ARBI Annual Conference
- BKautilya Economic ConclaveCorrect
- CEconomic Survey Launch
- DBudget Session of Parliament
Explanation Shaktikanta Das spoke at the Kautilya Economic Conclave about India's economic reforms and resilience.
India and Chile Face Challenges Over Critical Minerals in CEPA Talks
India and Chile are engaged in negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with a year-end deadline. A key challenge in the talks is India's demand for preferential access to critical minerals such as copper and lithium. Chile, on the other hand, is focusing on supply-chain cooperation and promoting value-added exports. The discussions highlight the strategic importance of critical minerals in bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the main issue India and Chile are struggling to resolve in their CEPA talks?
- APreferential access to critical minerals like copper and lithiumCorrect
- BDisagreements over agricultural tariffs
- CMaritime boundary disputes
- DIntellectual property rights enforcement
Explanation The primary hurdle in the CEPA talks is India's demand for preferential access to critical minerals such as copper and lithium.
Q2 What is Chile's focus in the CEPA negotiations with India?
- ASupply-chain cooperation and value-added exportsCorrect
- BReducing tariffs on Indian textiles
- CIncreasing Chilean investment in India
- DJoint military exercises
Explanation Chile is emphasizing supply-chain cooperation and promoting value-added exports in the CEPA talks.
National
India Discusses Grain and Maritime Safety Agreements with Russia and Ukraine
At a German think-tank event in Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India's ties with Russia amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He stated that India is actively discussing agreements related to grains and maritime safety with both Moscow and Kyiv. Jaishankar also criticized the U.S. and China as exclusivist powers and encouraged other countries to form coalitions beyond these superpowers.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What agreements is India discussing with Russia and Ukraine according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar?
- AGrains and maritime safetyCorrect
- BDefense and technology sharing
- CEnergy and climate change
- DTrade and tourism
Explanation Jaishankar stated that India is discussing agreements on grains and maritime safety with Moscow and Kyiv.
Q2 How did S. Jaishankar describe the U.S. and China at the German think-tank event?
- AExclusivist powersCorrect
- BCollaborative partners
- CNeutral observers
- DDeclining superpowers
Explanation Jaishankar described the U.S. and China as exclusivist powers.
Q3 Where did External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar present his views on India-Russia ties?
- AAt a German think-tank event in DelhiCorrect
- BAt the United Nations General Assembly
- CDuring a bilateral meeting in Moscow
- DAt the World Economic Forum
Explanation Jaishankar presented his views at a German think-tank event held in Delhi.
Supreme Court Judge Criticizes Mass Voter Exclusion as Arbitrary
Justice Bhuyan of the Supreme Court stated that the process of disenfranchising millions of voters, effectively turning them into second-class citizens, is arbitrary. He emphasized that no amount of whataboutery can justify the mass exclusion of voters from electoral rolls, describing such actions as fatal to the Constitution.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What did Justice Bhuyan say about the process of disenfranchising millions of voters?
- AIt is arbitrary and turns them into second-class citizensCorrect
- BIt is necessary for electoral reforms
- CIt is justified by whataboutery
- DIt strengthens the Constitution
Explanation Justice Bhuyan described the disenfranchisement process as arbitrary and turning voters into second-class citizens.
Q2 According to Justice Bhuyan, what is the impact of excluding voters en masse from electoral rolls?
- AIt is fatal to the ConstitutionCorrect
- BIt improves electoral integrity
- CIt is a minor administrative issue
- DIt is supported by the Supreme Court
Explanation Justice Bhuyan stated that mass exclusion of voters from electoral rolls is fatal to the Constitution.
Madras High Court urges mandatory attachment of corrupt properties
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has stated that the attachment of properties acquired through corrupt means should be made mandatory under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court has urged the government to amend the law to include mandatory attachment and confiscation as essential measures to combat corruption effectively.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What did the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recommend regarding the Prevention of Corruption Act?
- AMaking attachment of properties acquired through corruption mandatoryCorrect
- BRepealing the Prevention of Corruption Act
- CReducing penalties for corruption cases
- DExcluding attachment of properties from the Act
Explanation The Madurai Bench recommended that attachment of properties acquired through corrupt means should be made mandatory under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Q2 Which court made the recommendation to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act for mandatory attachment of corrupt properties?
- ASupreme Court of India
- BMadurai Bench of Madras High CourtCorrect
- CDelhi High Court
- DKarnataka High Court
Explanation The recommendation was made by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
Campaign Ends for High-Stakes Bypolls in Three States and One UT
The campaign for bypolls scheduled on October 6, 2026, has ended. These bypolls will be conducted in five Assembly constituencies across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, as well as one Lok Sabha seat in Assam. The counting of votes is set for Friday following the polling day.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 On which date are the bypolls scheduled to be held in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Assam in 2026?
- AOctober 4, 2026
- BOctober 6, 2026Correct
- COctober 8, 2026
- DOctober 10, 2026
Explanation The bypolls are scheduled to be held on October 6, 2026, as stated in the source.
Q2 Which of the following regions is NOT mentioned as having bypolls in the 2026 elections?
- AWest Bengal
- BTamil Nadu
- CPuducherry
- DKeralaCorrect
Explanation Kerala is not mentioned among the states or UTs where bypolls are scheduled; the regions listed are West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Assam.
Q3 When will the votes be counted for the bypolls held on October 6, 2026?
- AOctober 6, 2026
- BOctober 7, 2026
- COctober 9, 2026Correct
- DOctober 10, 2026
Explanation The votes will be counted on Friday following the polling day, which is October 9, 2026.
International
India and Canada to Start 5th Round of Economic Partnership Talks on Oct 5
India and Canada are set to begin the fifth round of negotiations for a proposed economic partnership pact on October 5. These talks hold significance as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada around December this year, according to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 When is the fifth round of talks for the India-Canada economic partnership pact scheduled to begin?
- AOctober 5Correct
- BDecember 5
- CNovember 5
- DOctober 15
Explanation The talks are scheduled to begin on October 5 as stated in the source.
Q2 Which Indian leader is expected to visit Canada around December, as mentioned in the talks?
- ANarendra ModiCorrect
- BMark Carney
- CRahul Gandhi
- DJustin Trudeau
Explanation Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada around December.
Q3 Who is the Canadian Prime Minister mentioned in relation to the India-Canada economic talks?
- AMark CarneyCorrect
- BJustin Trudeau
- CStephen Harper
- DPaul Martin
Explanation Mark Carney is the Canadian Prime Minister mentioned in the source.
Jaishankar Meets U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Paparo to Discuss Maritime Security
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral John C. Aquilino during the latter's five-day visit to India. The discussions focused on advancing the defence partnership between India and the United States, with a special emphasis on maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. This meeting underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic ties and ensure stability in the maritime domain.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who did Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meet to discuss maritime security?
- AU.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral John C. AquilinoCorrect
- BU.S. Secretary of Defense
- CIndian Navy Chief
- DU.S. Ambassador to India
Explanation Jaishankar met with U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral John C. Aquilino to discuss maritime security.
Q2 What was the main focus of the talks between Jaishankar and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander?
- AAdvancing defence partnership and maritime cooperationCorrect
- BTrade and economic cooperation
- CClimate change initiatives
- DCultural exchange programs
Explanation The talks focused on advancing defence partnership and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Banking
SBI Appoints Deepak Kaushik as Chief General Manager of Bengaluru Circle
State Bank of India (SBI) has appointed Deepak Kaushik as the Chief General Manager of its Bengaluru Circle. Kaushik, who was formerly the Country Head for East Asia, will now oversee SBI's second-largest circle, which comprises 1,573 branches across Karnataka.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who has been appointed as the Chief General Manager of SBI's Bengaluru Circle?
- ADeepak KaushikCorrect
- BRajnish Kumar
- CArundhati Bhattacharya
- DDinesh Kumar Khara
Explanation Deepak Kaushik has been appointed as the Chief General Manager of SBI's Bengaluru Circle.
Q2 How many branches does SBI's Bengaluru Circle have under its management?
- A1,573Correct
- B2,000
- C1,200
- D1,800
Explanation SBI's Bengaluru Circle has 1,573 branches across Karnataka.
Q3 What was Deepak Kaushik's previous role before becoming Chief General Manager of Bengaluru Circle?
- ACountry Head for East AsiaCorrect
- BChief General Manager of Mumbai Circle
- CHead of Retail Banking
- DDeputy General Manager of Delhi Circle
Explanation Deepak Kaushik was formerly the Country Head for East Asia before his current appointment.
Tamil Nadu
Kerala to Develop Muziris as International Heritage Tourism Destination
Kerala's government plans to develop Muziris into an international heritage tourism destination. As part of the Muziris Heritage Project, the government aims to expand water taxi and kayak services to the areas of Ezhikkara, Kottappuram, and Azheekode. This initiative is intended to boost tourism and highlight the historical significance of Muziris.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which heritage site is Kerala planning to develop as an international heritage tourism destination?
- AMuzirisCorrect
- BMahabalipuram
- CHampi
- DAjanta Caves
Explanation Kerala is planning to develop Muziris as an international heritage tourism destination.
Q2 As part of the Muziris Heritage Project, which services are planned to be expanded?
- AWater taxi and kayak servicesCorrect
- BBus and train services
- CAir travel services
- DBicycle rental services
Explanation The government plans to expand water taxi and kayak services to Ezhikkara, Kottappuram, and Azheekode under the Muziris Heritage Project.
Q3 Which of the following areas is NOT mentioned as a location for expanding water taxi and kayak services under the Muziris Heritage Project?
- AEzhikkara
- BKottappuram
- CAzheekode
- DAlleppeyCorrect
Explanation Ezhikkara, Kottappuram, and Azheekode are mentioned, but Alleppey is not.
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