Daily Current Affairs — 8 October 2026
· 14 min read · TS Police Hub (Anvil Edtech)
CU Denver gets UGC nod for Telangana's first foreign university campus; Cabinet approves the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority; RBI drops Paytm Payments Bank from the Second Schedule; 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I in Bhutan; cheetahs released into a tiger reserve for the first time; Nobel Literature to Anne Carson; IAF Day. Followed by 10 practice questions.
1. Telangana Focus
CU Denver Gets UGC Letter of Intent for a Hyderabad Campus
Why in news: The University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), USA, to set up a degree-granting campus in Hyderabad (announced 6–7 October 2026). It is the first US public university authorised to set up a degree-granting campus in India, and it would be the first foreign university campus in Telangana.
Key facts
- University: University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) — a public university of the USA.
- Approval stage: UGC Letter of Intent (LoI); a Letter of Approval is issued later.
- First students: Expected from August 2027.
- Courses: Pathways in business, computing, engineering and analytics.
- Partner: Emeritus — strategic joint venture (JV) partner; handles non-academic functions.
- Site: Exact location in Hyderabad not yet decided.
- Rules: UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.
Telangana Expands the Agricultural Mechanisation Scheme
Why in news: Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said on 8 October 2026 that the Agricultural Mechanisation Scheme has been expanded for 2026-27 with ₹147.99 crore.
Key facts
- Allocation 2026-27: ₹147.99 crore.
- Last year: ₹71 crore allocated; ₹63 crore used.
- Subsidy: Paid through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Choice: Farmers can buy machines from any empanelled supplier.
2. Andhra Pradesh Focus
AP to Put Rooftop Solar on 2,932 Hostels and Schools under the RESCO Model
Why in news: Andhra Pradesh will install grid-connected rooftop solar plants on 2,932 campuses — SC/ST/BC welfare hostels and government school buildings — under the RESCO model, with no upfront government investment.
Key facts
- Model: RESCO — the developer builds, owns and operates the plant.
- Capacity: About 200 MW by March 2027.
- Agreement: 25-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs); the welfare department pays monthly bills on net-meter readings; NREDCAP is a party.
- Tariff: About ₹4 per unit (bids ₹3.88–4.10) against about ₹7 per unit from DISCOMs.
- Developers: 5 empanelled developers.
- Payment safety: Revolving fund equal to two months' bills — 80% State, 20% Centre.
AP rooftop solar plan at a glance| Item | Detail |
|---|
| Campuses | 2,932 (welfare hostels + govt schools) |
| Capacity / deadline | About 200 MW by March 2027 |
| PPA period | 25 years |
| Solar tariff vs DISCOM | About ₹4 vs about ₹7 per unit |
3. Economy, Banking & Infrastructure
Cabinet Approves the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA)
Why in news: The Union Cabinet on 6 October 2026 approved the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA), to plan all modes of transport together. It will be set up as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), not a statutory body. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision.
Key facts
- Form: Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) — not a statutory body.
- Master plan: National Transport Master Plan for 10+ years — roads, railways, ports & shipping, civil aviation, inland waterways, coastal shipping, urban mobility and logistics.
- Alignment: Ministries' (about 5-year) and annual plans to be aligned with the master plan.
- Appraisal: Technical appraisal of central projects of ₹500 crore or more (financial appraisal unchanged); monitoring and post-completion assessment.
- Data: National Transport Data Repository using GSTN e-way bills, FASTag, Vahan, GPS and urban traffic systems.
- Policy role: Advise on updating the National Logistics Policy 2022.
RBI Removes Paytm Payments Bank from the Second Schedule
Why in news: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) excluded Paytm Payments Bank Ltd from the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934. The notification is dated 31 July 2026, was published in the Gazette on 7 September 2026, and was reported on 7–8 October 2026.
Key facts
- Licence: Cancelled with effect from close of business on 24 April 2026.
- Earlier: Included in the Second Schedule in December 2021; RBI barred new customers in March 2022.
- Effect: It is no longer a scheduled bank.
Payments bank — can and cannot| Activity | Allowed? |
|---|
| Accept deposits (up to ₹2 lakh per customer) | Yes |
| Issue debit cards | Yes |
| Give loans | No |
| Issue credit cards | No |
World Bank Report: "India and Artificial Intelligence: Seizing the Development Opportunity"
Why in news: The World Bank released "India and Artificial Intelligence: Seizing the Development Opportunity" on 6 October 2026, as the special focus of its India Development Update. It places India among the top 10 emerging-market performers on AI readiness.
Key facts
- AI readiness: India among the top 10 emerging-market performers.
- Private AI investment: Rose from USD 1.2 billion (2024) to USD 4.1 billion (2025).
- GCC jobs: Global Capability Centre employment rose from 1.9 million to 2.36 million.
- Firm use: About 23% of surveyed formal firms use AI — about one-third of the US level.
- Workers: About 14% of workers are in jobs where AI can help.
- Recommendations: AI infrastructure, better business environment, wider access, worker skills and "small AI" tools.
India and AI — key numbers (World Bank)| Indicator | Earlier | Now |
|---|
| Private AI investment | USD 1.2 billion (2024) | USD 4.1 billion (2025) |
| GCC employment | 1.9 million | 2.36 million |
4. International Relations
Chamkharchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, Bhutan
Why in news: Adani Power and Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) signed the Shareholders Agreement for the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I Hydroelectric Project on 6 October 2026 in Thimphu, in the presence of Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
Key facts
- Capacity / type: 770 MW peaking run-of-river project.
- Location: Chamkharchhu river, Zhemgang district, central Bhutan.
- Shareholding: DGPC 51%, Adani Power 49%.
- Model: BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) with a 30-year concession.
- Timeline: Construction from the first half of 2027; commissioning within 6 years.
- Power use: Meets Bhutan's winter peak demand; surplus summer power to India.
- Pair: Second project after Wangchhu 570 MW (September 2025), under a May 2025 MoU for 5,000 MW.
India–Bhutan hydropower projects| Project | Capacity |
|---|
| Chukha | 336 MW |
| Tala | 1,020 MW |
| Mangdechhu | 720 MW |
| Punatsangchhu-I | 1,200 MW |
| Punatsangchhu-II | 1,020 MW |
| Wangchhu (Adani–DGPC) | 570 MW |
| Chamkharchhu-I (Adani–DGPC) | 770 MW |
Jaishankar's First Official Visit to Ghana
Why in news: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made his first official visit to Ghana (Accra, 6 October 2026) and met President John Dramani Mahama. His tour also covers Côte d'Ivoire and Ethiopia.
Key facts
- MoU 1: Agricultural research and education — ICAR and CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana.
- MoU 2: Zoological/biodiversity research — Zoological Survey of India and University of Ghana.
- Tour: Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Ethiopia.
Bangladesh Family-Planning Campaign: "No more than two children, one is even better"
Why in news: Bangladesh Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain announced on 7 October 2026 a one-year family-planning campaign from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2027. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is likely to inaugurate it.
Key facts
- Slogan: "No more than two children, one is even better".
- Period: 1 December 2026 – 30 November 2027.
- Reason: Fertility rate rose from 2.3 to 2.4; contraceptive use fell from 62.7% to 58.2% (MICS 2025).
- Goal: Zero unmet need for family planning by 2030.
5. Defence & Maritime Security
Navy Gets First Indigenous Military-Grade Underwater ROVs "TROUT"
Why in news: Kochi startup IROV Technologies (brand EyeROV) delivered the first 2 of 5 "TROUT" military-grade underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to the Indian Navy (around 7–8 October 2026). They are the first indigenous military-grade ROVs for the Navy.
Key facts
- Maker: IROV Technologies (EyeROV), Maker Village, Kochi, Kerala; founded 2017.
- Order: 5 ROVs, about ₹47 crore (September 2025), under iDEX DISC 7 SPRINT.
- Depth: Rated to about 300 m.
- Uses: Underwater inspection, surveillance, search and recovery, robotic intervention.
- Quality check: Cleared by DQA(N) — Directorate of Quality Assurance (Naval).
SAREX-2026: 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise
Why in news: The Indian Coast Guard held SAREX-2026, the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, off Paradip, Odisha, on 8 October 2026, under the National Maritime SAR Board. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurated it.
Key facts
- Edition: 12th National Maritime SAR Exercise.
- Place: Off Paradip, Odisha.
- Theme: "Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety".
- Observers: About 32 observers from 30 countries.
- Scenario: A ditched passenger aircraft (228 people) and a vessel in distress.
Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue, 3rd Edition
Why in news: The 3rd edition of Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue is being held in New Delhi from 7 to 9 October 2026. The Prime Minister opened it.
Key facts
- Organisers: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
- Participation: About 1,200 participants from about 75 countries.
- Theme: "Blue Geographies, New Aspirations: Trade, Technology, and Trust at Sea".
6. Environment & Ecology
Cheetahs Get a Third Home: Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
Why in news: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs, Vyom and Neera (brought from Kuno), into the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (VDTR) on 7 October 2026, the last day of Wildlife Conservation Week. It is the first release of cheetahs into a tiger reserve.
Key facts
- Cheetahs: Vyom and Neera, shifted from Kuno National Park.
- VDTR location: Spans Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts (Nauradehi area).
- VDTR size: About 2,339 sq km — the largest tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
- Notified: 20 September 2023, as MP's 7th tiger reserve.
- Same event: "Vulture Population Estimation 2026" report released.
Cheetah homes in Madhya Pradesh| Site | District(s) | Note |
|---|
| Kuno National Park | Sheopur | First release, September 2022 |
| Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary | Mandsaur | Second home |
| Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve | Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur | Third home; first tiger reserve, 7 October 2026 |
COFO 28: India Showcases Its Forest Record at FAO, Rome
Why in news: At COFO 28, the 28th session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (Rome, 28 September – 2 October 2026), India highlighted its forest record and restoration work.
Key facts
- Forest + tree cover: 82.74 million ha — about 25% of India's geographical area.
- Restoration: 21.76 million ha under restoration vs the Bonn Challenge target of 26 million ha by 2030.
- Programmes: Aravalli Green Wall; MISHTI (mangroves); "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" — 3.5 billion+ saplings.
- FAO ranking: India 9th in forest area and 3rd in net annual forest gain.
7. Health
"JOSH Teams" Launched under TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Why in news: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched "JOSH Teams" on 8 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. These youth-led teams will go house to house to spread awareness about tuberculosis (TB).
Key facts
- Team: 5 MY Bharat volunteers + 5 NCC cadets, led by a Class-I officer.
- Message: Symptoms, prevention, testing, completing treatment and reducing stigma.
- Phase 1: 11 States/UTs, 55 districts.
- Strength: 6,347 squads with 31,429 MY Bharat volunteers and 26,794 NCC cadets.
- TB Mukt panchayats: 67,933 panchayats in 697 districts declared TB Mukt in 2026.
8. Awards & Persons
Prof. Mahesh Kakde Wins the ICTP Ramanujan Prize 2026
Why in news: Prof. Mahesh Kakde of IISc Bengaluru won the ICTP Ramanujan Prize 2026 for young mathematicians from developing countries (announced 30 September 2026, publicised 7 October). He is the fifth Indian to win it.
Key facts
- Work: "Fundamental results on noncommutative Iwasawa theory" and work on the Gross–Stark and Brumer–Stark conjectures (algebraic number theory).
- Given by: ICTP (Trieste, Italy; founded 1964) with the International Mathematical Union; annually since 2005.
- Eligibility / prize: Age under 45; USD 10,000.
- Earlier Indian winners: Sujatha Ramdorai (2006), Amalendu Krishna (2015), Ritabrata Munshi (2018), Neena Gupta (2021).
Nobel Prize in Literature 2026: Anne Carson
Why in news: The Swedish Academy on 8 October 2026 awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature to Anne Carson, Canadian poet, essayist and classicist (born in Toronto, aged 76), "for her bold and inventive oeuvre that, in playful dialogue with the classical tradition, has created new forms for contemporary literature."
Key facts
- Laureate: Anne Carson — Canada; poet, essayist, classicist.
- Awarded by: Swedish Academy.
- Prize money: 12 million SEK (Swedish krona).
Nobel Prizes 2026 so far — who decides| Prize | 2026 laureate(s) | Awarding body |
|---|
| Medicine | Deisseroth, Hegemann, Nagel | Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet |
| Physics | Francis Halzen | Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences |
| Chemistry | Kagan, Soai | Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences |
| Literature | Anne Carson | Swedish Academy |
9. Sports
Rajeshwari Kumari Joins the OCA Athletes' Commission
Why in news: Former Indian trap shooter Rajeshwari Kumari was approved to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Athletes' Commission, representing South Asia (October 2026, after the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games). She was nominated by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Key facts
- Post: Member, OCA Athletes' Commission (South Asia).
- Nominated by: Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
- Second Indian: After Shiva Keshavan, who is Vice-Chairman of the commission.
- Career: Women's trap silver at the 2023 Asian Games.
10. Important Days
Indian Air Force Day — 8 October
Why in news: The Indian Air Force celebrated its 94th anniversary on 8 October 2026. The main parade at Air Force Station Hindan, Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh), was reviewed by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh; the aerial display was held at Jodhpur.
Key facts
- Raised: 8 October 1932.
- Theme (as reported): "Infallible, Impervious and Precise" (Achook, Abhedya, Sateek).
- Motto: "Nabhah Sparsham Deeptam" — taken from the Bhagavad Gita.
Practice questions with answers
With reference to the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) campus in Hyderabad, consider the following statements:
- It is the first US public university authorised to set up a degree-granting campus in India.
- UGC has issued it the final Letter of Approval.
- Emeritus is its strategic joint venture partner for non-academic functions.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: UGC has issued only a Letter of Intent (LoI); under the UGC Foreign Campus Regulations, 2023, a Letter of Approval comes later. First students are expected from August 2027.
With reference to the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA), consider the following statements:
- It is a statutory body created by an Act of Parliament.
- It will do the technical appraisal of central projects of ₹500 crore or more.
- Its National Transport Data Repository will use data from FASTag, Vahan and GSTN e-way bills.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is wrong: ITLA, approved by the Union Cabinet on 6 October 2026, is set up as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), not a statutory body. Financial appraisal of projects is unchanged. It complements the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (2021).
With reference to payments banks in India, consider the following statements:
- They can issue credit cards but not debit cards.
- They can accept deposits of up to ₹2 lakh per customer.
- They were recommended by the Nachiket Mor Committee.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
Answer: (D) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is reversed: payments banks can issue debit cards but cannot issue credit cards or give loans. In news: RBI excluded Paytm Payments Bank from the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934, after cancelling its licence from 24 April 2026.
With reference to the Chamkharchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, consider the following statements:
- It is a 770 MW project in Zhemgang district of central Bhutan.
- Adani Power holds the majority 51% stake in it.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: Only statement 1 is correct. Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) of Bhutan holds 51% and Adani Power 49%. The Shareholders Agreement was signed on 6 October 2026 in Thimphu; the project follows the BOOT model with a 30-year concession.
Consider the Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Assertion (A): RBI has excluded Paytm Payments Bank Ltd from the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934.
Reason (R): RBI cancelled the bank's licence with effect from close of business on 24 April 2026.
- Both A and R are true, and R explains A
- Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
- A is true, R is false
- A is false, R is true
Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R explains A
Explanation: Both are true and R explains A: once its banking licence was cancelled, it could no longer remain a scheduled bank, so it was removed from the Second Schedule (notification dated 31 July 2026; Gazette 7 September 2026). It had been included in the Second Schedule in December 2021.
Consider the Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The release of cheetahs Vyom and Neera on 7 October 2026 was the first release of cheetahs into a tiger reserve.
Reason (R): Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve is the oldest tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
- Both A and R are true, and R explains A
- Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
- A is true, R is false
- A is false, R is true
Answer: (C) A is true, R is false
Explanation: A is true, R is false. VDTR is the largest tiger reserve in MP (about 2,339 sq km), but it is not the oldest — it was notified on 20 September 2023 as MP's 7th tiger reserve. It spans Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts. Earlier cheetah homes: Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Match the India–Bhutan hydroelectric project with its capacity:
| List I | List II |
|---|
| A. Chukha | 1. 1,200 MW |
| B. Mangdechhu | 2. 770 MW |
| C. Punatsangchhu-I | 3. 336 MW |
| D. Chamkharchhu-I | 4. 720 MW |
- A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
- A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
- A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Answer: (D) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Explanation: Chukha — 336 MW (3); Mangdechhu — 720 MW (4); Punatsangchhu-I — 1,200 MW (1); Chamkharchhu-I — 770 MW (2). Hence A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2. Chamkharchhu-I is the second Adani–DGPC project after Wangchhu (570 MW).
Match the person with the honour or post (2026):
| List I | List II |
|---|
| A. Anne Carson | 1. SASTRA Ramanujan Prize |
| B. Prof. Mahesh Kakde | 2. Nobel Prize in Literature |
| C. Rajeshwari Kumari | 3. OCA Athletes' Commission |
| D. Sarah Peluse | 4. ICTP Ramanujan Prize |
- A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
- A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
- A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
- A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
Answer: (B) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1
Explanation: Anne Carson — Nobel Prize in Literature (2); Mahesh Kakde (IISc) — ICTP Ramanujan Prize (4); Rajeshwari Kumari — OCA Athletes' Commission (3); Sarah Peluse (Stanford) — SASTRA Ramanujan Prize (1). Hence A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1. Kakde is the fifth Indian to win the ICTP Ramanujan Prize.
SAREX-2026, the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise of the Indian Coast Guard, was held off:
- Kochi, Kerala
- Paradip, Odisha
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Answer: (B) Paradip, Odisha
Explanation: SAREX-2026 was held off Paradip, Odisha, on 8 October 2026 under the National Maritime SAR Board, and was inaugurated by MoS Defence Sanjay Seth. About 32 observers from 30 countries attended. The Indian Coast Guard was set up in 1978 under the Ministry of Defence.
The "JOSH Teams" launched on 8 October 2026 under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan are made up of:
- ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers
- NSS volunteers and Home Guards
- Self-help group members and ANMs
- MY Bharat volunteers and NCC cadets
Answer: (D) MY Bharat volunteers and NCC cadets
Explanation: Each JOSH Team has 5 MY Bharat volunteers and 5 NCC cadets, led by a Class-I officer, for house-to-house TB awareness. Phase 1 covers 55 districts in 11 States/UTs. J.P. Nadda launched it at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. World TB Day is 24 March.