Current Affairs 09 October 2026
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Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs
Andhra Pradesh Policy for Promotion of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) and Private Universities, 2026
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, approved the Andhra Pradesh Policy for Promotion of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) and Private Universities, 2026, on 7 October 2026.
According to reported policy details, the State aims to attract at least five foreign higher educational institutions by 2029, with an expectation of approximately 5,000 international students studying in Andhra Pradesh. Foreign universities ranked among the top 500 in QS or Times Higher Education (THE) global rankings would be eligible, while institutions ranked among the top 100 in particular subjects would receive preference. Indian private universities ranked among the top 100 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) would also receive preference.
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for tribal students at Marikavalasa in Visakhapatnam. The centre will provide intensive residential coaching for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), helping tribal students prepare for admission to prestigious engineering and medical institutions.
Economy
57th GST Council Meeting Recommendations
The 57th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting was held on 8 October 2026 in New Delhi, chaired by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Council recommended major reforms aimed at simplifying GST registration, returns, refunds, dispute resolution and tax compliance.
- Under the existing Section 69, the Commissioner of GST can authorise the arrest of a person suspected of committing certain serious GST offences, subject to statutory conditions.
- The 57th GST Council recommended deleting Section 69 entirely, thereby removing this statutory arrest power.
- However, the GST Council cannot itself repeal a law. Its recommendation must be implemented through the legislative process.
- Prosecution threshold increased from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore
- Section 125 of the CGST Act, 2017 provides a general penalty for contraventions of GST provisions where no separate penalty has been prescribed.
- Maximum general penalty reduced from ₹25,000 to ₹10,000
- GST Council: Constitutional body established under Article 279A of the Indian Constitution
Science and Technology
India’s Cement Manufacturing Industry
India’s cement industry faces significant challenges in reducing carbon emissions as the country works towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070. Cement manufacturing is among the most difficult industrial activities to decarbonise because carbon dioxide is released both from the fuel used in production and from the chemical processing of limestone.
The cement sector contributes approximately 7–11% of global emissions. Cement production involves heating limestone and clay to around 1,450°C to produce clinker, the main intermediate material used in cement manufacturing. India’s cement production is projected to increase from 334 million tonnes in 2019–20 to 1,546 million tonnes by 2070.
Key Points for Exams:
- Major raw material used in Cement Manufacturing: Limestone, primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)
- Calcination: Thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- Clinker is a hard, nodular material produced by heating limestone and clay to approximately 1,450°C, which is then ground with gypsum to manufacture cement.
- India’s current cement emissions intensity: 0.62 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of cement
- TERI–GCCA roadmap targets: 0.56 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of cement by 2030 and 0.51 tonnes by 2047
- NITI Aayog recommendation: 20% thermal substitution using Refuse-Derived Fuel by 2030
- Major decarbonisation methods: Clinker substitution, alternative fuels, renewable energy, electrification and carbon capture
- Top Limestone-Producing States: Rajasthan (29%), Madhya Pradesh (17%), Chhattisgarh(13%), and Andhra Pradesh(11%).
- Top States in Limestone Resources: According to the National Mineral Inventory (NMI), Karnataka holds the largest share of India’s limestone resources (25%), followed by Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, each accounting for approximately 13%.
Difference Between OPC, PPC and PSC Cement
| Feature | OPC | PPC | PSC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Ordinary Portland Cement | Portland Pozzolana Cement | Portland Slag Cement |
| Clinker Content | Over 95% | 65–80% | 35–64% |
| Main Composition | Clinker and gypsum | Clinker, fly ash and gypsum | Clinker, granulated blast-furnace slag and gypsum |
• YSR Kadapa: Known for Narzi limestone and the Yerraguntla mining region.
• Palnadu (formerly part of Guntur): Important limestone deposits around Macherla.
• NTR District: Major cement-grade limestone deposits around Jaggaiahpet and Budawada Limestone Mine.
• Anantapur Region: Significant limestone deposits around Tadipatri, supporting cement manufacturing.
Defence
SAREX-2026
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) on 8 October 2026, off the coast of Paradip, Odisha. The exercise was organised under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB) to strengthen India’s maritime emergency response capabilities.
Awards and Honours
Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Henri B. Kagan of France and Kenso Soai of Japan for their discoveries concerning molecular chirality. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the award on 7 October 2026, recognising their contributions “for the discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.”
Their research focused on chiral molecules, which exist in two non-superimposable mirror-image forms, similar to the left and right hands. These forms are called enantiomers. Although they have the same chemical composition, they can behave differently in biological systems, making chirality particularly important in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Ranks and Reports
World Development Report 2026 – The Promise of Artificial Intelligence
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the World Bank Group’s World Development Report 2026, titled “The Promise of Artificial Intelligence”, on 8 October 2026 in New Delhi. The event was jointly organised by the IndiaAI Mission, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the World Bank Group.
- According to the report, only one of the world’s 25 low-income countries had published a national AI strategy.
- An initiative in Baramati, Maharashtra, where AI-supported agricultural practices reportedly increased sugarcane yields by 40% while reducing water and fertiliser use by 30%.
- AI-enabled animal healthcare through Sarlaben (Created by Amul), benefiting approximately 3 crore cattle and their farmers.
- Navachetana initiative: It is Andhra Pradesh’s AI-enabled early screening programme for detecting developmental delays among children aged 0–6 years.
Important Days
World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day – 08 October
World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is observed annually on 8 October to raise awareness about hydrogen energy, fuel cell technologies and their role in the global transition towards clean and sustainable energy. The date, written as 10/08 in the month/day format, represents 10.08, the approximate atomic weight of hydrogen.
Theme: No officially confirmed global theme for 2026. India’s focus is on hydrogen standards and safety.
Miscellaneous
PRASHAST Portal
PRASHAST is a school-based digital screening tool used to identify children with probable disability conditions covered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. It uses a two-part checklist through which teachers identify observable indicators of disability, while special educators validate cases and facilitate referrals for medical assessment wherever required. PRASHAST is a screening mechanism, not a medical diagnostic tool.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Q1. SAREX-2026, the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, is conducted by which of the following forces?
A. Indian Navy
B. Indian Coast Guard
C. Border Security Force
D. Central Industrial Security Force
Show Answer
Answer: B. Indian Coast Guard
Explanation: SAREX (National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise) is conducted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The 12th edition, SAREX-2026, was held on 8 October 2026 off Paradip, Odisha, under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB). Its theme was “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety”.
Q2. PRASHAST, recently in the news, is a digital tool developed primarily for which of the following purposes?
A. Assessing the academic performance of school teachers
B. Identifying children with probable disabilities through school-based screening
C. Providing digital scholarships to economically weaker students
D. Monitoring school infrastructure and attendance
Show Answer
Answer: B. Identifying children with probable disabilities through school-based screening
Explanation: PRASHAST is a school-based digital screening tool used to identify children with probable disability conditions covered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. It uses a two-part checklist involving teachers and special educators. The Ministry of Education recently conducted a nationwide inclusive education sensitisation programme through the PRASHAST Portal.
Q3. Sarlaben, an AI-enabled animal healthcare initiative recently highlighted in the World Development Report 2026 launch, is associated with which State?
A. Maharashtra
B. Gujarat
C. Rajasthan
D. Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Answer: B. Gujarat
Explanation: Sarlaben is an AI-enabled animal healthcare initiative highlighted in Gujarat during the India launch of the World Bank Group’s World Development Report 2026. According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the initiative benefits approximately 3 crore cattle and their farmers.
Q4. In its 57th meeting held in October 2026, the GST Council recommended increasing the monetary threshold for prosecution under GST from ₹1 crore to how much?
A. ₹2 crore
B. ₹3 crore
C. ₹5 crore
D. ₹10 crore
Show Answer
Answer: C. ₹5 crore
Explanation: The 57th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 8 October 2026 in New Delhi, recommended raising the prosecution threshold from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore. It also recommended removing arrest powers under Section 69 of the CGST Act, 2017, and reducing the maximum general penalty from ₹25,000 to ₹10,000. These recommendations require the relevant legal changes to take effect.
Q5. When was World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day 2026 observed?
A. 7 October 2026
B. 8 October 2026
C. 9 October 2026
D. 10 October 2026
Show Answer
Answer: B. 8 October 2026
Explanation: World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day is observed annually on 8 October to raise awareness about hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies. The date, written as 10/08 in the month/day format, symbolically represents hydrogen’s atomic weight of approximately 1.008. The day highlights the importance of hydrogen in clean energy and sustainable development.
Q6. Who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 for the discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis?
A. David Baker and John Jumper
B. Susumu Kitagawa and Richard Robson
C. Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai
D. Benjamin List and David W. C. MacMillan
Show Answer
Answer: C. Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai
Explanation: Henri B. Kagan of France and Kenso Soai of Japan were awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. Their research demonstrated how chemical reactions can selectively produce and amplify one mirror-image form of a chiral molecule, contributing to pharmaceutical manufacturing and the understanding of homochirality.
Q7. The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet recently approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for tribal students to provide residential coaching for IIT-JEE and NEET examinations at which of the following locations?
A. Paderu, Alluri Sitharama Raju district
B. Marikavalasa, Visakhapatnam
C. Araku Valley, Alluri Sitharama Raju district
D. Parvathipuram, Parvathipuram Manyam district
Show Answer
Answer: B. Marikavalasa, Visakhapatnam
Explanation: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for tribal students at Marikavalasa in Visakhapatnam. The centre will offer intensive residential coaching for IIT-JEE and NEET examinations. The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Andhra Pradesh Education Act, 1982, and a new policy for 2026 to facilitate foreign higher educational institution campuses and private universities in the State.
Q8. Consider the following statements regarding the Andhra Pradesh Policy for Promotion of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) and Private Universities, 2026:
1. The policy aims to attract at least five foreign higher educational institutions to Andhra Pradesh by 2029.
2. Foreign universities ranked among the top 500 in QS or Times Higher Education (THE) global rankings are eligible under the reported policy framework.
3. The policy permits foreign universities to establish campuses only through partnerships with existing State universities.
4. The policy reportedly provides for a single-window approval mechanism through the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: B. 1, 2 and 4 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: According to reported policy details, Andhra Pradesh aims to attract at least five foreign higher educational institutions by 2029.
Statement 2 is correct: The reported eligibility framework includes foreign universities ranked among the top 500 in QS or THE global rankings.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The policy reportedly allows multiple routes, including independent campuses, campuses developed on State-provided land and collaborations with existing universities. Partnerships are not the only route.
Statement 4 is correct: The policy reportedly proposes a single-window approval mechanism through APEDB.
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved the policy on 7 October 2026. The specific targets and eligibility provisions are based on reported policy details, pending verification against the complete official policy document.
Q9. With reference to cement manufacturing and its environmental impact, consider the following statements:
1. Calcination of limestone involves the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
2. Replacing clinker with pozzolanic materials such as fly ash can reduce the carbon emissions associated with cement production.
3. Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) can be used as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels in cement kilns.
4. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) generally contains a lower proportion of clinker than Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: B. 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: During calcination, limestone (calcium carbonate) is heated to produce calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. The chemical reaction is CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂. This process generates carbon dioxide independently of emissions from fuel combustion.
Statement 2 is correct: Pozzolanic materials such as fly ash can partially replace clinker in cement. Since clinker production is highly carbon-intensive, reducing its proportion lowers the emissions associated with cement manufacturing.
Statement 3 is correct: Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) is produced by processing combustible municipal solid waste. It can partially replace coal and petroleum coke as a heat source in cement kilns. NITI Aayog has recommended achieving a 20% thermal substitution rate using RDF by 2030.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Ordinary Portland Cement generally contains more than 95% clinker, whereas Portland Pozzolana Cement contains approximately 65–80% clinker, with the remaining portion consisting of materials such as fly ash and gypsum.
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12 editions — Complete Year CoverageFrequently Asked Questions
What is the calcination process?
Calcination is a thermal treatment process where a solid material or metal ore is heated to high temperatures (typically between 550°C and 1150°C) below its melting point in the absence or limited supply of air (oxygen).
Which state is the largest producer of limestone?
Rajasthan is the largest producer of limestone in India, accounting for roughly 21% to 22% of the country’s total production.
Which city launched India’s first hydrogen bus?
India’s first hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet for commercial public transport was launched in Leh, Ladakh, by NTPC Limited in June 2025.
What is the PRASHAST scheme?
PRASHAST (Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool) is a school-based digital screening initiative launched by the Ministry of Education in India to identify disabilities in school-going children at an early stage.
Disclaimer: This article is prepared for competitive exam preparation using publicly available information.
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