Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (22nd October, 2026) |

National News

MeitY Investigates eMudhra Certificate Leak After CERT-In Warning

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) formed a special investigation team on 22 October 2026.
CERT-In warned that compromised private cryptographic keys had been generated with insufficient randomness.
The compromised keys could enable fraudulent TLS certificates, website impersonation and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Mozilla and Google implemented measures to block the affected certificates.
eMudhra reported that seven of the eight affected intermediate Certificate Authority certificates had not been deployed in production.
Key Fact: eMudhra’s digital signature certificate and eSign services were not affected, according to CERT-In.

India Considers Mandatory Emergency Braking Systems in New Cars by 2030

India is considering making Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) mandatory in new car models from October 2030.
Existing car models would reportedly have until October 2032 to comply.
The proposal is being considered by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
AEBS uses cameras, radar and other sensors to detect potential collisions and apply brakes automatically.
AEBS is part of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which also include lane-departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring.
Key Fact: Separate AEBS requirements for eligible medium and heavy commercial vehicles are scheduled to apply from October 2027.

India Notifies Telecom Regulatory Sandbox Rules to Boost Innovation

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) notified the Telecommunications (Regulatory Sandbox) Rules, 2026, on 21 October 2026.
The framework allows eligible participants to test telecommunications technologies, services, products and business models in controlled environments.
The rules operate under Section 27 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee of ₹10,000.
An initial sandbox period can extend up to 24 months, with possible extensions.
Key Fact: The framework includes safeguards for informed user consent, data protection, monitoring and mandatory reporting.

International News

Nordic Council Initiative Targets Baltic Sea Pollution and Marine Protection

The Nordic Council’s Committee for a Sustainable Nordic Region is advancing cooperation to protect the Baltic Sea.
The initiative was announced on 19 October 2026.
Marine environmental issues are to be raised at the forthcoming Nordic Council Session, COP17 and COP31.
The initiative emphasises biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries and coordinated marine management.
The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed, brackish-water sea in Northern Europe, connected to the North Sea through the Danish Straits.
Key Fact: Nine countries border the Baltic Sea, making regional cooperation essential for marine protection.

India and New Zealand Sign Pact for Electronic Origin Data Exchange

India and New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on 19 October 2026.
The agreement facilitates the electronic exchange of origin-related data for traded goods.
It was signed by CBIC Chairman Vivek Chaturvedi and New Zealand Customs Service Chief Executive Christine Stevenson.
The agreement aims to improve customs verification and simplify cross-border trade.
It complements the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on 20 October 2026.
Key Fact: Electronic origin-data exchange is intended to help eligible businesses access preferential tariff benefits more efficiently.

USPS Releases Diwali Stamp Featuring Indian Artist’s Rangoli Artwork

The United States Postal Service (USPS) released a commemorative Diwali stamp in October 2026.
The stamp features a rangoli design created by Houston-based Indian artist Sangita Bhutada.
It was unveiled at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC.
India’s Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and USPS Senior Vice President Shibani Gambhir attended the unveiling.
The artwork highlights Indian cultural heritage and the traditional art of rangoli.
Key Fact: USPS first issued a Diwali stamp in 2016, making the 2026 release its second Diwali stamp.

Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Indonesia Sign Badr Defence Cooperation MoU

Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Indonesia signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding on 21 October 2026.
The agreement was signed in Doha, Qatar.
It establishes a framework for cooperation in defence manufacturing, military training, research and development.
The initiative aims to promote joint production, technology development and defence-industrial integration.
It seeks to strengthen the participating countries’ capabilities to meet defence requirements.
Key Fact: The Badr MoU focuses on defence-industry cooperation and is not a mutual-defence treaty.

India to Host 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi

India will host the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi on 26–27 October 2026.
The forum’s theme is “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development”.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will chair the forum.
Discussions will cover ethical artificial intelligence, digital transformation, global governance reform and sustainability.
A joint declaration is expected to outline shared priorities and areas of cooperation.
Key Fact: India assumed the BRICS Chairship on 1 January 2026 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.

Economy News

India’s Eight Core Industries Index Records 7.9% Growth in September 2026

India’s Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) grew by 7.9% year-on-year in September 2026.
Growth accelerated from August’s revised rate of 5.9%.
Iron ore recorded the highest growth at 18.4%, followed by electricity at 11.4%, coal at 10.7% and refinery products at 10.3%.
Fertilizer production contracted by 11.7%, while natural gas and crude oil also recorded declines.
Cumulative growth reached 5.1% during April–September 2026, compared with 2.5% in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Key Fact: The ICI is compiled by the Office of the Economic Adviser under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Awards News

Devadas Chimakode Selected for Karnataka Janapada Academy Award 2026

Veteran folk artist Devadas Chimakode was selected for the Karnataka Janapada Academy’s honorary award for 2026.
The selection was announced on 21 October 2026.
The 56-year-old artist hails from Chimakod village in Bidar taluk, Karnataka.
He has dedicated 35 years to preserving and promoting traditional folk arts.
His contributions include folk singing, instrumental music, Suggi Kunitha and Halage.
Key Fact: The award carries a cash prize of ₹25,000 and a citation.

President Murmu Presents Awards at National Art Exhibition 2026

President Droupadi Murmu presented awards at the 65th National Exhibition of Art and the 3rd Print Biennale India 2026 on 21 October.
The events were held in New Delhi and organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi under the Union Ministry of Culture.
The National Exhibition received 6,175 artworks from 2,495 artists across 27 states and Union Territories.
A total of 270 artworks were selected for display.
Twenty artists received awards for their contributions to visual arts and printmaking.
Key Fact: Established in 1954, the Lalit Kala Akademi is India’s National Academy of Art.

Defense News

Army Commanders’ Conference 2026 Reviews Future Warfare and Modernisation

The Indian Army’s Army Commanders’ Conference was held in New Delhi from 21 to 23 October 2026.
The biannual conference brings senior Army leaders together to discuss security challenges and operational preparedness.
Key areas include capability development, military modernisation and emerging forms of warfare.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to release the Land Warfare Doctrine during the conference.
Discussions also cover joint defence challenges, peacekeeping, aviation safety and environmental sustainability.
Key Fact: The conference provides a senior-level forum for reviewing the Indian Army’s operational readiness and modernisation priorities.

IBSAMAR IX Concludes After Ten Days of Trilateral Naval Cooperation

The ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise (IBSAMAR IX) concluded at Simon’s Town, South Africa.
The exercise involved ten days of joint naval activities.
It included harbour and sea phases, professional interactions and maritime manoeuvres.
Participating navies worked to improve interoperability and strengthen operational cooperation.
The exercise reflects maritime collaboration among India, Brazil and South Africa under the IBSA framework.
Key Fact: IBSAMAR promotes trilateral naval cooperation and maritime security among India, Brazil and South Africa.

Indian Army’s Land Warfare Doctrine 2026 to Address Future Conflicts

India’s Land Warfare Doctrine 2026 is designed to prepare the Army for evolving battlefield challenges.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to release it on 23 October 2026 in New Delhi.
The doctrine will replace the Indian Army’s 2018 doctrine.
It addresses emerging technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence and precision-guided weapons.
It is expected to emphasise multi-domain operations, border security and coordination across military capabilities.
Key Fact: The doctrine will provide an overarching framework for the Indian Army’s future operational preparedness.

SIMBEX 2026 Begins in Visakhapatnam to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation

The 33rd Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) began in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 21 October 2026.
The exercise is conducted by the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy.
The harbour phase runs from 21 to 23 October and includes professional exchanges, ship visits and joint planning.
The sea phase is scheduled in the Bay of Bengal from 24 to 26 October.
Sea drills include anti-submarine, anti-surface and anti-air warfare.
Key Fact: SIMBEX began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King; Singapore’s naval ship RSS Supreme is participating in the 2026 edition.

Science & Tech News

Bangka Slow Loris Rediscovered After Nearly a Century Without Records

The Bangka slow loris (Nycticebus bancanus) has been confirmed to survive on Bangka Island, Indonesia.
The nocturnal primate had gone nearly a century without documented scientific records.
A study published in the journal Spixiana in 2026 reported evidence of its continued presence.
The Alobi Wildlife Rescue Center documented more than 90 individuals between 2015 and 2025.
Major threats include tin mining, oil palm plantations, habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.
Key Fact: The species had previously been classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct).

ISRO to Launch NVS-03 Satellite to Strengthen India’s NavIC System

ISRO is scheduled to launch the NVS-03 navigation satellite on 30 October 2026.
The satellite is planned to be launched aboard the GSLV Mk II rocket from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
NVS-03 belongs to the second-generation NavIC satellite series.
NavIC provides Position, Navigation and Timing services across India and approximately 1,500 km beyond its borders.
Its services include Standard Positioning Service for civilian users and Restricted Service for authorised users.
Key Fact: NVS-03 is intended to improve service continuity and strengthen India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC.

European Bee-eater Recorded for First Time in Chennai’s Coastal Wetlands

A juvenile European bee-eater (Merops apiaster) was recorded for the first time in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
The sighting took place near Broken Bridge and the Adyar Estuary on 11 October 2026.
Birdwatchers R. V. Ramanan and his son Shreyas spotted the migratory bird.
The species belongs to the family Meropidae and the order Coraciiformes.
It feeds mainly on flying insects, including bees and wasps, and migrates seasonally between breeding and wintering grounds.
Key Fact: The IUCN classifies the European bee-eater as Least Concern.

Sports News

Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar Win Asian Para Games Archery Gold

India’s Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar won gold in the compound mixed team archery event at the 2026 Asian Para Games.
The event took place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on 22 October.
The Indian pair defeated Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang by 151–148.
They scored 1,402 points in qualification, surpassing the previous world record of 1,400.
Sheetal also matched the women’s compound individual world-record score of 704 out of 720.
Key Fact: Sheetal Devi shoots using her feet and legs and draws and releases the bowstring with her shoulder and jaw.

Dilip Gavit Wins Men’s 100m T47 Gold at Asian Para Games

Indian para-athlete Dilip Gavit won gold in the men’s 100-metre T47 event at the 2026 Asian Para Games.
The race was held in Nagoya, Japan, on 21 October 2026.
Gavit finished in 10.69 seconds at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
India’s Mohammed Basil Morssinganakath won silver in 10.72 seconds.
The T47 classification covers track athletes with eligible upper-limb impairments.
Key Fact: Gavit’s gold and Morssinganakath’s silver gave India a one-two finish in the event.

Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 Begins in Ahmedabad

The Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 is scheduled for 23–31 October in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Matches will be held at Veer Savarkar Sports Complex.
The tournament features 13 teams in the men’s competition and 10 teams in the inaugural women’s competition.
Semi-finals are scheduled for 30 October, with gold-medal matches on 31 October.
India’s men’s team will be led by captain Surjeet Singh, with Naveen Kumar as vice-captain.
Key Fact: The 2026 championship includes an inaugural women’s competition alongside the men’s tournament.

Important Days News

Ashfaqullah Khan Birth Anniversary Honours Revolutionary Freedom Fighter of India

Ashfaqullah Khan’s birth anniversary is observed on 22 October.
He was born on 22 October 1900 in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
He joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), a revolutionary organisation opposing British colonial rule.
He participated in the Kakori Train Action on 9 August 1925.
His friendship with fellow revolutionary Ram Prasad Bismil symbolised Hindu-Muslim unity during the freedom struggle.
Key Fact: Ashfaqullah Khan was executed at Faizabad Jail on 19 December 1927.