Current Affairs

Current Affairs — 8 October 2026

8 October 2026
Economy & Finance

RBI raises repo rate to 5.5% amid calibrated tightening to anchor inflation

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India raised the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility by 25 basis points to 5.50% and shifted its stance from neutral to calibrated tightening. This decision was driven by persistently high inflation, particularly in food items, and global uncertainties. The standing deposit facility and marginal standing facility rates remain unchanged at 5.25% and 5.75% respectively, reflecting the central bank's commitment to stabilizing price growth while supporting broader economic momentum.

  • The RBI hiked the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%.
  • The policy stance shifted from neutral to calibrated tightening.
  • The standing deposit facility (SDF) rate was kept unchanged at 5.25%.
Exam Points
  • Repo rate raised to 5.50% by the MPC.
  • SDF rate is 5.25% and MSF rate is 5.75%.
  • Inflation target maintained at 4%.
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Environment & EcologyInfrastructure

India's cement industry faces a net-zero emissions challenge amid growing demand

India's cement sector, crucial for infrastructure development and urbanization, is grappling with significant greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for roughly 7% of the nation's total GHG emissions. Experts emphasize that the sector must aggressively adopt low-carbon technologies, improve energy efficiency, and utilize green hydrogen and alternative fuels to align with net-zero targets. Despite growing capacity and production, policy support, sustained innovation, and investments are vital to ensure sustainable industrial growth while lowering the environmental footprint.

  • India's cement industry contributes approximately 7% of the nation's total GHG emissions.
  • Emissions are projected to rise unless cleaner technologies are adopted at scale.
  • Transitioning requires low-carbon tech, energy efficiency, and alternative fuels like green hydrogen.
Exam Points
  • Cement sector accounts for ~7% of India's total GHG emissions.
  • The industry faces dual challenges of meeting infrastructure demand and cutting emissions.
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Environment & EcologyScience & Technology

From the brink to a comeback: Conservation efforts revive India's wildlife

India's wildlife is witnessing a remarkable comeback due to targeted scientific research, community participation, and robust government initiatives. Conservation projects spanning from the Nilgiris to the Gulf of Mannar have successfully protected vulnerable species like the Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, and various marine life forms. Collaboration between state governments, research bodies like the Wildlife Institute of India, and local communities highlights a successful blueprint for managing biodiversity and building climate resilience in fragile ecosystems.

  • Scientific research and community participation are driving successful wildlife conservation in India.
  • The Nilgiri tahr population is showing steady growth due to better habitat management.
  • Marine life in the Gulf of Mannar is recovering through reef restoration and monitoring.
Exam Points
  • Key conservation projects include efforts for the Nilgiri tahr and lion-tailed macaque.
  • Involved bodies include the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
  • Efforts align with international goals like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
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