Daily Current Affairs Digest — 6 October 2026
Today's digest covers major announcements including the Union Cabinet's approval of a Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and the setting up of an Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority. Key defence updates feature the delivery of HAL Koraput's 2000th aero-engine and the appointment of Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Air Chief Marshal. Internationally, Pakistan and Turkey agreed to deploy forces to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca pact, while regional security updates highlight developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
Why It Matters
Examiners frequently test key monetary allocations, newly formed statutory bodies, and high-profile defence appointments. Questions from today's digest are likely to feature in UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL general awareness, and banking exams regarding the SME Growth Fund corpus, ITLA's mandate, and the incoming Air Chief Marshal.
In Simple Words
The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 10,000 crore commitment towards the SME Growth Fund to provide direct equity investments and foster champion enterprises across manufacturing, technology, and services. In another major policy move, the Cabinet approved the Integrated Transport Logistics Authority (ITLA) to streamline fragmented planning across transport ministries. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence announced key leadership changes, appointing Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff effective October 31, 2026.
For citizens and job aspirants, these policy initiatives indicate a strong push toward domestic manufacturing, rural employment (via the 375 permissible works notified under the VB-G RAM G Act), and infrastructure modernization. Such structural reforms often form the core of descriptive and objective questions in competitive examinations.
Competitive exam aspirants must note specific figures, such as the Rs 10,000 crore corpus for the SME Growth Fund, the 375 permissible works under the new rural framework, and organizational details of key defence appointments.
⚡ Quick 2-Minute Capsule (Key Highlights)
- Union Cabinet approves Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund for direct equity investments.
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit appointed as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, effective October 31, 2026.
- Ministry of Rural Development notifies 375 permissible works under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025.
- HAL Koraput Division delivers its 2,000th aero-engine, with a second Shakti engine production line announced.
- Cabinet approves setting up of Integrated Transport Logistics Authority (ITLA) as a Special Purpose Vehicle.
Exam Angle
A. Rs 10,000 Crore
10 MCQs embedded directly below this article with instant scores.
Detailed Daily Coverage & Analysis
Top National Affairs (राष्ट्रीय घटनाक्रम)
Key policy reforms, central government schemes, and legislative milestones.
Cabinet approves setting up of Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority
The Union Cabinet approved a Special Purpose Vehicle named Integrated Transport Logistics Authority (ITLA) to address long-standing challenges of fragmented planning across transport-related ministries. It will strengthen research, planning, appraisal, monitoring, and impact assessment in transportation.
Ministry of Rural Development Notifies 375 Permissible Works under VB–G RAM G
The Ministry notified the Schedule of Permissible Works under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB–G RAM G] Act, 2025, offering 375 permissible works. This represents a 41 percent expansion over the previous 266 works, organized around water security and core rural infrastructure.
Indo-Swiss Research Framework to Boost Two Decades of Scientific Cooperation
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh noted at the inaugural Indo-Swiss Research Flagship Event that the Indo-Swiss Research Framework (ISRF) will provide a structured platform to deepen bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, building on two decades of partnership.
Top International & World Affairs (अंतरराष्ट्रीय घटनाक्रम)
Global summits, multilateral agreements, and bilateral strategic relations.
Pakistan and Turkey to Swiftly Deploy Forces to Saudi Arabia under Mecca Pact
In a strategic regional development, Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to swiftly deploy forces to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks. This marks the first time Pakistan will deploy troops to aid Saudi-backed Yemen security forces under the framework of the Mecca pact.
Ukrainian Drone Attack Triggers Fire on Oil Tanker Carrying 23 Indians off Russia Coast
A Ukrainian sea drone attack set fire to an oil tanker carrying 23 Indian crew members off Russia's Black Sea coast near Sochi. Russian rescue authorities confirmed that the crew was successfully rescued following the incident.
Economy & Banking (अर्थव्यवस्था व बैंकिंग)
RBI policies, macroeconomic indicators, taxation, and financial markets.
Cabinet Approves Rs 10,000 Crore SME Growth Fund for Direct Equity Investments
The Union Cabinet approved a commitment of Rs 10,000 crore to establish the SME Growth Fund (SGF). Aimed at catalysing growth-oriented capital for Indian SMEs, the fund will support future champions across manufacturing, services, technology, and innovation sectors as per Union Budget 2026-27.
India's Steel Sector Posts Steady Growth in H1 FY 2026–27 with 85.1 Mt Crude Steel Production
India's steel sector recorded steady performance during H1 FY 2026-27, with total crude steel production reaching 85.1 million tonnes (Mt), a 2.9% increase over the corresponding period last year. Top producers accounted for 47.7 Mt of crude steel output.
Sports, Science & Defence (खेलकूद व रक्षा)
Defense trials, military exercises, space research, and championship medals.
HAL Koraput Delivers 2,000th Aero-Engine; Second Production Line for Shakti Engines Announced
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by HAL Koraput Division, marking six decades of propulsion manufacturing. He also announced a second production line for Shakti engines to bolster indigenous aerospace capabilities.
Government Appoints Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff
The Government appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, presently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. He will assume charge in the rank of Air Chief Marshal on October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
COAS Flags in Joint Indo-Argentine Army Mountaineering Expedition in New Delhi
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth flagged in members of the Joint Indo-Argentine Army Mountaineering Expedition in New Delhi. The team successfully scaled Mt Abi Gamin (7,355m) and Mt Kamet (7,756m), the third-highest peak in India located in Uttarakhand.
Static GK Booster (आज के स्टेटिक GK फैक्ट्स)
Key factual static foundations directly relevant to today's news.
- • Capital and Currency of Switzerland: Capital is Bern, Currency is Swiss Franc (CHF).
- • Capital and Currency of Argentina: Capital is Buenos Aires, Currency is Argentine Peso.
- • Headquarters of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- • Current Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): General Dhiraj Seth.
- • Third-Highest Peak in India: Mt Kamet, located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand (7,756 metres).
Practice Today's 10-MCQ Current Affairs Quiz
Click any option to test your recall with instant visual feedback and complete explanations.
What is the corpus approved by the Union Cabinet for the newly established SME Growth Fund for direct equity investments?
The Union Cabinet approved a financial commitment of Rs 10,000 crore to establish the SME Growth Fund (SGF) to boost growth-oriented capital for Indian SMEs.
Who has been appointed as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, effective October 31, 2026?
The government appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
How many permissible works have been notified by the Ministry of Rural Development under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025?
The Ministry notified 375 permissible works under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, marking a 41 percent expansion.
What is the full form of ITLA, which was approved by the Union Cabinet as a Special Purpose Vehicle?
The Union Cabinet approved setting up the Integrated Transport Logistics Authority (ITLA) as a Special Purpose Vehicle to address fragmented transport planning.
Which HAL division recently marked six decades of propulsion manufacturing by delivering its 2,000th aero-engine?
HAL Koraput Division successfully delivered its 2,000th aero-engine and announced a second production line for Shakti engines.
Under which regional pact have Pakistan and Turkey agreed to swiftly deploy forces to Saudi Arabia?
Pakistan and Turkey agreed to swiftly deploy forces to Saudi Arabia under the framework of the Mecca pact amid regional security threats.
What was India's total crude steel production during H1 FY 2026-27?
India's steel sector recorded crude steel production of 85.1 million tonnes (Mt) in H1 FY 2026-27, reflecting a 2.9% year-on-year growth.
Mt Kamet, which was scaled by the Indo-Argentine Army Mountaineering Expedition, is located in which state of India?
Mt Kamet is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is the third-highest peak in India after Kanchenjunga and Nanda Devi.
What is the capital and currency of Switzerland, a country involved in the Indo-Swiss Research Framework?
The capital of Switzerland is Bern, and its official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
Who is the current Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of India who flagged in the Indo-Argentine Army Mountaineering Expedition?
General Dhiraj Seth is the current Chief of the Army Staff who flagged in members of the Joint Indo-Argentine Army Mountaineering Expedition in New Delhi.
Source: PIB & Verified Sources
October 2026 Monthly Compilation & Archives
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