In Current Affairs for 08 October 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 08 October 2026
India Names Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel as Flag Bearers for Asian Para Games 2026
India has selected badminton champion Pramod Bhagat and table tennis star Bhavina Patel as its flag bearers for the Asian Para Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The fifth edition of the Asian Para Games is scheduled from 18 to 24 October 2026. India’s contingent will be formally sent off at an official ceremony organised by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) in New Delhi.
India’s Strong Performance in 2022
India achieved its best-ever performance at the previous Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, in 2022. The Indian contingent won a record 111 medals, including 29 gold medals.
This performance established a new benchmark for India in Asian para-sports and has raised expectations for the 2026 edition.
Key Facts
- Event: Asian Para Games 2026
- Edition: 5th
- Host: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Dates: 18–24 October 2026
- India’s Flag Bearers: Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel
- India’s 2022 Medal Tally: 111 medals
- Gold Medals in 2022: 29
- Previous Host: Hangzhou, China
India Joins 14 Other Economies in Joint Statement on Global Excess Capacity
India, along with the United States and 13 other economies, has signed a joint ministerial statement aimed at addressing structural excess capacity and overproduction in important manufacturing sectors.
The statement was issued by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on 7 October 2026, following discussions at the G20 Trade Ministerial in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
What is Structural Excess Capacity?
Structural excess capacity refers to a situation in which an economy consistently has production capacity or output that exceeds market demand. According to the statement, such conditions can be linked to non-market policies and practices that encourage excessive production.
The participating economies agreed to work together to reduce the market-distorting effects of such policies and improve information sharing and cooperation.
Major Areas of Focus
The joint initiative covers several strategically important manufacturing sectors, including:
- Automobiles and electric vehicles
- Batteries
- Chemicals
- Foundational semiconductors
- Solar panels
The participating economies also agreed to establish dedicated sectoral platforms for greater cooperation.
Participating Economies
The 15 signatories include Argentina, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Poland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Background
The issue of excess industrial capacity has been discussed within the G20 for several years. In 2016, G20 Trade Ministers examined excess capacity in certain industrial sectors and its impact on international trade and employment.
This dialogue subsequently contributed to the establishment of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (GFSEC).
Why Excess Capacity Matters
Persistent overproduction can result in more goods being placed on international markets than global demand can absorb. This can put downward pressure on prices and affect producers in other countries.
Key Facts
- Statement issued: 7 October 2026
- Issued by: USTR
- Number of participating economies: 15
- G20 meeting: Trade Ministerial, Milwaukee
- Key issue: Structural excess capacity
- Major sectors: EVs, batteries, chemicals, semiconductors and solar panels
- Earlier G20 discussion: 2016
- Related mechanism: Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity
WWF Living Planet Report 2026 Highlights Severe Global Wildlife Decline
The WWF Living Planet Report 2026 has highlighted the continuing deterioration of global biodiversity. According to the report, the average size of monitored wildlife populations declined by 73% between 1970 and 2022.
The findings are based on the latest Living Planet Index (LPI) compiled by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
What is the Living Planet Index?
The Living Planet Index is a global indicator used to track changes in the abundance of monitored vertebrate populations. The 2026 index covers 35,803 population trends involving 5,790 vertebrate species over the period from 1970 to 2022.
The reported 73% decline does not mean that 73% of all wild animals have disappeared. Instead, it represents the average reduction in the abundance of the monitored wildlife populations included in the index.
Ecosystem-Wise Decline
The report highlights significant differences among ecosystems:
- Freshwater: 85% decline
- Terrestrial: 69% decline
- Marine: 59% decline
Signs of Recovery
Despite the serious overall trend, the report also points to evidence that biodiversity loss can be reversed.
Species such as the green turtle, bluefin tuna, tigers and southern African elephants have shown signs of recovery, demonstrating the potential impact of effective conservation measures.
International Frameworks
The report links its recommendations with major global environmental frameworks, particularly the:
- Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)
- Paris Agreement
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted at COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2022 and aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
Key Facts
- Report: WWF Living Planet Report 2026
- Index: Living Planet Index
- Organisation compiling LPI: Zoological Society of London
- Period covered: 1970–2022
- Average decline: 73%
- Freshwater decline: 85%
- Terrestrial decline: 69%
- Marine decline: 59%
- Vertebrate species covered: 5,790
- Population trends: 35,803
West Bengal Considers Renaming the State as Paschim Banga
West Bengal may be renamed Paschim Banga, following a proposal to introduce a Bill in the state Assembly.
On 5 October 2026, West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya announced that the state government intended to bring the proposal during the upcoming Assembly session. He subsequently stated on 7 October that the proposed name reflected the state’s historical formation after Independence.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has supported the proposal, subject to completion of the required legal procedure.
Constitutional Procedure for Renaming a State
The power to alter the name of an existing state is provided under Article 3 of the Constitution of India.
Under this provision, Parliament can alter the name, boundaries or area of an existing state. A Bill for this purpose can be introduced in Parliament only on the recommendation of the President.
Before introduction of the Bill, the President refers it to the concerned state legislature to obtain its views within a specified period. However, the views of the state legislature are not binding on Parliament.
Historical Attempts to Rename West Bengal
The issue of renaming West Bengal has been raised on several occasions.
In 1999, the Left Front government considered names including “West Banga” and “Paschim Banga” before eventually settling on “Bangla”.
In 2016, the Trinamool Congress government under Mamata Banerjee proposed different names depending on language:
- Bangla in Bengali
- Bengal in English
- Bangal in Hindi
Constitutional Significance
A law made under Articles 2 and 3 can contain consequential changes to the First and Fourth Schedules of the Constitution. Such a law is not treated as a constitutional amendment under Article 368.
Key Facts
- Proposed new name: Paschim Banga
- State: West Bengal
- Announcement: October 2026
- Relevant Constitutional Article: Article 3
- Bill introduced in Parliament on: President’s recommendation
- State legislature’s views: Not binding on Parliament
- Related Constitutional Articles: Articles 2 and 3
- Article 368: Constitutional amendment procedure, not applicable to this type of state renaming law
Veteran Actor Nana Patekar Dies at 75
Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar died on 8 October 2026 at the age of 75 following a severe cardiac arrest.
According to the source, he was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and was subsequently taken to Manipal Hospital. Doctors attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for around 45 minutes, but he could not be revived. The hospital declared him dead at 5:20 am.
Early Life and Film Career
Nana Patekar was born as Vishwanath Patekar on 1 January 1951. He built a career spanning more than four decades across both Hindi and Marathi cinema.
He became widely recognised for his performances in films such as:
- Parinda
- Krantiveer
- Ab Tak Chhappan
- Natsamrat
He also directed the Hindi film Prahaar: The Final Attack, which was released in 1991.
Awards and Recognition
During his long career, Patekar received several major honours, including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards.
The Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on him in 2013 for his contribution to the arts.
Key Facts
- Name: Nana Patekar
- Birth name: Vishwanath Patekar
- Date of birth: 1 January 1951
- Date of death: 8 October 2026
- Age: 75
- Place mentioned in source: Dona Paula, Goa
- Padma Shri: 2013
- Directorial film: Prahaar: The Final Attack
- Languages of cinema: Hindi and Marathi
Review Questions
1. Who have been chosen as India’s flag bearers for the Asian Para Games 2026?
A. Devendra Jhajharia and Avani Lekhara
B. Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel
C. Sumit Antil and Manasi Girishchandra
D. Mariyappan Thangavelu and Deepa Malik
Answer: B. Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel
2. Where will the Asian Para Games 2026 be held?
A. Hangzhou, China
B. Tokyo, Japan
C. Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
D. Seoul, South Korea
Answer: C. Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
3. How many medals did India win at the 2022 Asian Para Games?
A. 91
B. 101
C. 111
D. 121
Answer: C. 111
4. How many economies signed the joint ministerial statement on global excess capacity?
A. 10
B. 12
C. 15
D. 20
Answer: C. 15
5. Which of the following is NOT listed as a focus sector in the joint statement on global excess capacity?
A. Electric Vehicles
B. Batteries
C. Foundational Semiconductors
D. Textiles
Answer: D. Textiles
6. According to the WWF Living Planet Report 2026, by what percentage did the average size of monitored wildlife populations decline between 1970 and 2022?
A. 53%
B. 63%
C. 73%
D. 83%
Answer: C. 73%
7. Which ecosystem recorded the highest reduction in monitored wildlife populations according to the Living Planet Report 2026?
A. Marine
B. Terrestrial
C. Freshwater
D. Coastal
Answer: C. Freshwater
8. Which Article of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to alter the name of an existing state?
A. Article 1
B. Article 2
C. Article 3
D. Article 4
Answer: C. Article 3
9. What name has been proposed for renaming West Bengal?
A. Bangla Pradesh
B. Paschim Banga
C. Bangal Pradesh
D. West Banga
Answer: B. Paschim Banga
10. What was the birth name of veteran actor Nana Patekar?
A. Vishwanath Patekar
B. Ganesh Patekar
C. Ramesh Patekar
D. Vinayak Patekar
Answer: A. Vishwanath Patekar
