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TNPSC Current Affairs – 8 October 2026

1. Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 Awarded to Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded jointly to Henri B. Kagan of France and Kenso Soai of Japan.

The award recognises their work on the discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. Their research helped scientists understand how chemical reactions can favour one of two mirror-image forms of a molecule.

This property, known as chirality, is particularly important in biological systems and pharmaceutical research because two mirror-image forms of the same molecule can behave differently inside the human body.

TNPSC Exam Points

  • Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026
  • Laureates: Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai
  • Countries: France and Japan
  • Field: Asymmetric organic synthesis
  • Key concepts: Non-linear effects and autocatalysis
  • Related concept: Molecular chirality / homochirality

Easy Revision Trick

Kagan + Soai → Asymmetric Synthesis → Molecular Handedness

2. 94th Indian Air Force Day Observed

India is observing the 94th Indian Air Force Day on 8 October 2026.

The Indian Air Force was established on 8 October 1932. Air Force Day commemorates the establishment of the IAF and highlights its contribution to India’s national security and humanitarian operations.

The theme for Air Force Day 2026 is:

“Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise”

The IAF has highlighted operational preparedness, technological modernisation and its role in integrated air operations. Exercises such as Vayushakti and Tarang Shakti have also contributed to strengthening operational readiness.

TNPSC Exam Points

  • Date: 8 October
  • 2026 edition: 94th Air Force Day
  • IAF established: 8 October 1932
  • Theme 2026: “Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise”
  • Organisation: Indian Air Force

Prelims Shortcut

8 October → Indian Air Force Day → IAF established in 1932

3. RBI Repo Rate Increased to 5.50%

The Reserve Bank of India has increased the policy repo rate by 25 basis points, taking it from 5.25% to 5.50%.

The increase is the RBI’s first repo-rate hike since 2023 and comes amid renewed inflationary pressures and higher global energy prices.

The Monetary Policy Committee has also moved its policy stance towards “calibrated tightening”.

The RBI has projected India’s FY 2026–27 GDP growth at 7.1%.

What is the Repo Rate?

The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends short-term funds to commercial banks against eligible securities.

An increase in the repo rate generally makes borrowing more expensive and can help reduce inflationary pressure by affecting liquidity and credit demand.

TNPSC Exam Points

  • Institution: RBI
  • Decision-making body: Monetary Policy Committee
  • New repo rate: 5.50%
  • Increase: 25 basis points
  • Policy stance: Calibrated tightening
  • FY 2026–27 GDP projection: 7.1%

Remember:
Repo Rate → RBI → MPC → Monetary Policy

4. 57th GST Council Meeting Held in New Delhi

The 57th meeting of the GST Council is being held on 8 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The meeting is chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Council is examining proposals concerning GST registration, return filing, input tax credit, refunds and dispute resolution. Discussions also include possible changes to GST enforcement and compliance mechanisms.

The meeting was earlier scheduled for 7 October but was subsequently moved to 8 October.

Important Note

At the time of this morning’s edition, final decisions from the meeting should not be treated as confirmed unless officially notified.

TNPSC Exam Points

  • Body: GST Council
  • Meeting: 57th
  • Date: 8 October 2026
  • Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
  • Chairperson: Union Finance Minister
  • Major areas: ITC, registration, refunds and GST compliance

Polity Connection

The GST Council is a constitutional body established under Article 279A of the Constitution.

5. Two Cheetahs Get a New Home in Madhya Pradesh

India’s Project Cheetah has expanded to another habitat.

On 7 October 2026, two cheetahs named Vyom and Neera were released into the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

This has made Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve the third cheetah habitat in Madhya Pradesh, after:

  • Kuno National Park
  • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

The cheetahs were brought from Kuno National Park and placed initially in soft-release enclosures to allow them to adapt to their new surroundings.

TNPSC Exam Points

  • Reserve: Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
  • State: Madhya Pradesh
  • Cheetahs: Vyom and Neera
  • Project: Project Cheetah
  • Previous habitats in MP: Kuno and Gandhi Sagar
  • Significance: Third cheetah habitat in Madhya Pradesh

Environment Shortcut

Kuno → Gandhi Sagar → Veerangana Durgavati

6. Sagarmanthan 2026 Opens in New Delhi

The third edition of Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026 has opened in New Delhi.

The dialogue is organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

The central theme of the discussions is the development of a free, open, secure and rules-based maritime order.

The event brings together stakeholders from different countries and international organisations to discuss maritime cooperation, ocean governance and sustainable development.

India has also highlighted its Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 as part of its long-term maritime development strategy.

TNPSC Exam Points

  • Event: Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue
  • Edition: 3rd
  • Year: 2026
  • Organised by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways + ORF
  • Major theme: Rules-based maritime order
  • Related vision: Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

 

7. New Standards for Allied and Healthcare Education

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has notified new regulations aimed at improving quality and standardisation in allied and healthcare education.

One major development is the introduction of a competency-based Diploma in Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology (D.MRIT) curriculum under the One Nation One Curriculum approach.

The new D.MRIT programme will have a duration of two years, including a six-month clinical internship.

NCAHP has also introduced measures for digital registration, unique identification numbers and QR-coded certificates for allied and healthcare professionals.

TNPSC Exam Points

  • Commission: NCAHP
  • Full form: National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions
  • Act: National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021
  • Programme: D.MRIT
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Clinical internship: 6 months
  • Approach: One Nation One Curriculum

 

8. Tamil Nadu Faces a Major Cauvery Water Shortfall

Tamil Nadu has recorded one of its weakest Cauvery water realisations during the 2026 southwest monsoon season.

Between June and September 2026, Tamil Nadu received about 44.208 TMC ft of Cauvery water against a normal-period figure of 123.14 TMC ft.

The shortfall has affected agricultural activity in the Cauvery delta, with reduced water availability also affecting paddy cultivation during the samba-thaladi season.

The development is important for TNPSC because the Cauvery issue involves inter-State river-water sharing, agriculture, water management and federal relations.

TNPSC Exam Points

  • River: Cauvery
  • States involved: Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
  • Tamil Nadu’s 2026 June–September receipt: 44.208 TMC ft
  • Normal-period figure: 123.14 TMC ft
  • Important institution: Cauvery Water Management Authority
  • Major affected region: Cauvery Delta

Mains Connection

Cauvery dispute → Inter-State water sharing → Agriculture → Federalism → Water governance

Quick Revision – 8 October 2026

Topic Key Fact
Nobel Chemistry 2026 Henri B. Kagan & Kenso Soai
Nobel Chemistry – Topic Asymmetric organic synthesis
Key Concept Molecular chirality
Indian Air Force Day 8 October
IAF Established 8 October 1932
IAF Day Theme 2026 Infallible, Impervious and Precise
RBI Repo Rate 5.50%
Repo Rate Increase 25 basis points
RBI Policy Stance Calibrated tightening
GST Council 57th Meeting
GST Council Venue Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Project Cheetah New habitat in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
New Cheetahs Vyom and Neera
Sagarmanthan 3rd edition
D.MRIT 2-year programme + 6-month internship
Cauvery Water to TN 44.208 TMC ft
Cauvery Normal-period Figure 123.14 TMC ft

TNPSC Current Affairs MCQs – 8 October 2026

1. Who were awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry?
A. Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai
B. Francis Halzen and Kenso Soai
C. Karl Deisseroth and Henri Kagan
D. Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel

Answer: A. Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai

2. The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry is associated with:
A. Quantum computing
B. Asymmetric organic synthesis
C. Gravitational waves
D. Gene editing

Answer: B. Asymmetric organic synthesis

3. Indian Air Force Day is observed on:
A. 4 October
B. 7 October
C. 8 October
D. 10 October

Answer: C. 8 October

4. What is the theme of Indian Air Force Day 2026?
A. Touch the Sky with Glory
B. Infallible, Impervious and Precise
C. Strength Through Technology
D. Service Before Self

Answer: B. Infallible, Impervious and Precise

5. The RBI repo rate was increased to:
A. 5.00%
B. 5.25%
C. 5.50%
D. 5.75%

Answer: C. 5.50%

6. Which of the following is the new cheetah habitat in Madhya Pradesh?
A. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
B. Pench Tiger Reserve
C. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
D. Kanha Tiger Reserve

Answer: C. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

7. Vyom and Neera are associated with:
A. Project Tiger
B. Project Elephant
C. Project Cheetah
D. Project Lion

Answer: C. Project Cheetah

8. The 57th GST Council meeting is being held at:
A. Vigyan Bhavan
B. Bharat Mandapam
C. Parliament House
D. Hyderabad House

Answer: B. Bharat Mandapam

9. Sagarmanthan is primarily associated with:
A. Space exploration
B. Maritime and ocean affairs
C. Agricultural technology
D. Digital education

Answer: B. Maritime and ocean affairs

10. The D.MRIT programme notified by NCAHP has a duration of:
A. 1 year
B. 18 months
C. 2 years
D. 3 years

Answer: C. 2 years

One-Line Revision

8 October 2026: The key TNPSC developments include the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai, the 94th Indian Air Force Day, RBI’s 5.50% repo rate, the 57th GST Council meeting, expansion of Project Cheetah to Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, Sagarmanthan 2026, new NCAHP healthcare-education standards and Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery water shortfall.

Today’s TNPSC Priority

★★★★★ Nobel Chemistry 2026 – Kagan & Soai
★★★★★ Indian Air Force Day – 8 October
★★★★★ RBI Repo Rate – 5.50%
★★★★★ Project Cheetah – Veerangana Durgavati
★★★★☆ GST Council – 57th Meeting
★★★★☆ Sagarmanthan 2026
★★★★☆ NCAHP & D.MRIT
★★★★★ Cauvery Water – Tamil Nadu


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