Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (24th October, 2026) |

National News

India Releases Four Great Indian Bustards into Wild

India released four male Great Indian Bustards into the wild at Desert National Park near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, in October 2026.
The birds were part of a group of 10 earmarked for release from conservation-breeding centres at Sam and Ramdevra.
By October 2026, the breeding facilities housed 96 birds, including 56 bred in captivity.
The programme marks a shift towards rewilding, habitat restoration and recovery of the Critically Endangered species.
Long-term conservation depends on survival monitoring, habitat protection and successful breeding in the wild.
Key Fact: Great Indian Bustard — Ardeotis nigriceps; conservation site — Desert National Park, Rajasthan.

Enhanced NMMS App Introduces AI Face Verification and Offline Attendance

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the upgraded National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app on 23 October 2026.
The app supports attendance monitoring under the VB-G RAM G scheme.
New features include AI-based face verification, liveness detection, device security checks and offline attendance recording.
These measures aim to prevent impersonation, fraudulent attendance and unauthorised app use while protecting workers’ wages.
Since implementation began on 1 July 2026, the scheme has generated nearly 46 crore person-days of employment.
Key Fact: Budget allocation for 2026–27 — ₹95,692 crore; technical support — IIT Madras and other agencies.

State News

Keralam Plans Statewide Child Vulnerability Mapping for Protection

Keralam’s Women and Child Development Department announced statewide mapping to identify vulnerable children on 23 October 2026.
The initiative targets children facing malnutrition, educational disruption, neglect or abuse.
The decision followed the suspected malnutrition-related death of a two-year-old child in Alappuzha.
District officials will coordinate with local self-government institutions, health authorities and police to protect and rehabilitate vulnerable children.
Anganwadi workers, ICDS supervisors and counsellors will monitor nutrition, growth and well-being, alongside individual care plans and post-rehabilitation monitoring.
Key Fact: Legal framework — Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Uttar Pradesh Tops States in Mission Karmayogi Implementation Rankings

Uttar Pradesh ranked first among states for implementing Mission Karmayogi, followed by Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir.
Mission Karmayogi is the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB).
The recognition was announced at a Northern Regional Workshop organised by the Uttar Pradesh Academy of Administration and Management and the Capacity Building Commission.
Uttar Pradesh reported approximately 19.23 lakh registered users on the iGOT Karmayogi platform.
The workshop introduced the Unnati Capability Index and National Curriculum Design Framework to improve competency-based training and assess training institutions.
Key Fact: iGOT Karmayogi platform — a digital learning platform for government employees.

Maharashtra Launches Mission Murghas to Combat Drought Fodder Shortages

Maharashtra launched Mission Murghas on 24 October 2026 to address drought-related fodder shortages.
The initiative follows the state Cabinet’s Fodder Development Policy announced on 29 September 2026.
The policy targets additional fodder cultivation across 331.42 thousand hectares over five years.
Measures include seed distribution, fodder banks, grass cultivation, fodder trees and participation by women’s self-help groups.
District-level initiatives in Nanded, Latur and Pune aim to increase fodder production and regulate supplies.
Key Fact: Fodder seed fund — ₹62 crore; programme objective — protect livestock and support rural livelihoods.

Tenkasi Expands Wildlife Ambassadors Programme to Protect Madras Hedgehog

The Tenkasi Forest Division in Tamil Nadu proposed expanding its Golden Jackal Ambassadors programme on 22 October 2026.
The expanded initiative will include the Madras hedgehog, locally known as mulleli.
Launched in 2025, the programme promotes wildlife conservation through community participation.
Students, local youth, villagers and Forest Guard Brothers and Sisters will support species identification, awareness campaigns and sighting reports.
Major threats include habitat loss, road accidents, illegal hunting and pesticide exposure.
Key Fact: Madras hedgehog — Paraechinus nudiventris; also known as the bare-bellied hedgehog.

International News

Ukraine Joins NATO Procurement Partnership for Defence Equipment

Ukraine joined the NATO Support and Procurement Agency’s (NSPA) Security Cooperation Support Partnership (SCSP) on 22 October 2026.
The partnership enables Ukrainian defence companies to compete for procurement contracts and participate in agency tenders.
Ukraine can also procure military equipment through existing contracts where applicable.
An industry outreach event in Kyiv brought together around 150 Ukrainian defence companies to explain supplier registration and bidding procedures.
The partnership provides a framework for defence procurement cooperation without granting Ukraine NATO membership.
Key Fact: Participating organisations and countries include Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, NATO Headquarters and Ukraine.

US Designates Helium as Critical Material Amid Supply Risks

The United States Department of Energy designated helium a critical material on 23 October 2026 under the Energy Act of 2020.
According to the supplied report, helium became the 20th material on the department’s critical-materials list.
Helium is used in semiconductor manufacturing, medical imaging, scientific research and space exploration.
Supply-chain vulnerabilities, limited refining capacity and geopolitical disruptions can affect its availability.
The designation aims to strengthen supply-chain security, encourage domestic production and reduce risks to dependent industries.
Key Fact: Chemical symbol — He; atomic number — 2; classification — noble gas.

Banking News

RBI to Open ₹169-Crore Data Centre in Odisha on October 25

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the RBI’s ₹169-crore data centre on 25 October 2026.
The facility is located at Info Valley-II in Jatni, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and covers 18.55 acres.
It aims to strengthen digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity.
The foundation stone was laid on 22 March 2023 by then RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.
The centre will support currency management, payment and settlement systems, and regulatory functions.
Key Fact: Location — Jatni, Odisha; primary purpose — strengthen the resilience of critical central banking operations.

Awards News

Assam Institutes Bhupen Hazarika National Award, Selects Usha Mangeshkar

The Assam Cabinet approved the Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika National Award on 23 October 2026.
Veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar was selected as the award’s first recipient.
The award recognises outstanding contributions to music, arts and cinema and carries ₹10 lakh and a citation.
The inaugural presentation is scheduled for 29 November 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The Cabinet also increased the Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev Award’s prize money from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh and finalised recipients for Assam’s 2025 civilian honours.
Key Fact: Bhupen Hazarika National Award — conferred once every three years.

Lionel Messi Wins 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Award

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Oviedo, Spain, on 23 October 2026.
He became the first footballer to receive the distinction individually.
The jury recognised his football achievements, sportsmanship, teamwork and charitable contributions.
His career achievements include winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, four UEFA Champions League titles and eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010, he supports children’s health and education.
Key Fact: Award — Princess of Asturias Award for Sports 2026; recipient — Lionel Messi.

Ashoke Sen Becomes First Indian to Win Oskar Klein Medal

Indian theoretical physicist Ashoke Sen received the 2026 Oskar Klein Medal, becoming the first Indian physicist to earn the honour.
The award recognises his pioneering contributions to string theory.
His research includes S-duality, black-hole entropy and string field theory.
Sen serves as an ICTS-Infosys Madhava Chair Professor at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences in Bengaluru.
He delivered the 2026 Oskar Klein Memorial Lecture at Stockholm University on 22 October 2026.
Key Fact: Other major honours received by Sen include the Padma Bhushan, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.

Agreements News

C-DAC and Bank of India Partner on Quantum Banking Technologies

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and Bank of India signed an MoU on 22 October 2026.
The partnership aims to explore quantum technologies and emerging digital solutions for banking.
Its objective is to develop a “Quantum Ecosystem for Financial Innovation” through research, pilot projects, demonstrations and capacity building.
Focus areas include quantum-safe cryptography, artificial intelligence, blockchain and cybersecurity.
The collaboration will test potential banking applications in secure environments and assess their feasibility.
Key Fact: Main objective — develop indigenous technology and strengthen the resilience of India’s banking sector against future quantum-computing threats.

Defence News

India-Russia Naval Exercise INDRA 2026 Concludes in Vladivostok

The India-Russia bilateral naval exercise INDRA 2026 concluded in Vladivostok, Russia.
Indian Naval Ship INS Sahyadri departed the port on 20 October 2026 after the exercise.
The Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy conducted harbour and sea phases to improve interoperability and operational coordination.
Harbour activities included expert exchanges, cross-deck visits and cultural interactions.
Sea drills involved coordinated manoeuvres, integrated communications, helicopter operations and medical evacuation exercises.
Key Fact: Exercise — INDRA 2026; participating navies — Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy.

Sports News

India Wins Record 114 Medals at Asian Para Games 2026

India won a record 114 medals at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The medal tally comprised 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze medals.
The performance surpassed India’s adjusted total of 108 medals at the 2023 Hangzhou edition.
India achieved the result with 168 para-athletes, compared with 309 athletes in the previous edition.
Indian athletes set world and Games records across disciplines, including para-athletics and para-shooting, and achieved historic milestones in women’s recurve doubles.
Key Fact: Total medals — 114; breakdown — 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze.

ICC Confirms LA28 Olympic Cricket Qualifiers for January-February 2028

The International Cricket Council (ICC) scheduled the men’s and women’s qualifying tournaments for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games for January–February 2028.
Both qualifying competitions will feature eight teams competing for the final place in each six-team Olympic event.
Qualification combines ICC rankings, continental representation, host-nation eligibility and a Caribbean regional pathway.
Australia, India, South Africa and Great Britain have secured four direct places in the women’s competition.
The United States must satisfy the top-15 ranking requirement during the specified eligibility period to secure its host-nation place.
Key Fact: Olympic cricket format — six teams each in the men’s and women’s events, with one final place decided through qualification.

Pankaj Advani Wins 21st World Billiards Title in England

Indian cueist Pankaj Advani won the 2026 WBL World Billiards Championship on 23 October 2026.
He defeated England’s Robert Hall 1,906–1,206 in a five-hour final at Landywood Snooker Club in Great Wyrley, England.
The victory marked his 21st world billiards title and 29th combined world title in billiards and snooker.
Advani recovered from a deficit of more than 300 points and recorded a tournament-high break of 587 points.
India’s Shruthi Lakshminarayanan retained the women’s world title, securing her third consecutive championship.
Key Fact: Pankaj Advani’s combined world titles in billiards and snooker — 29.

Sumit Antil Defends Asian Para Games Javelin Gold with 72.46m

Sumit Antil won gold in the men’s javelin throw at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games on 23 October.
He defended his title with a throw of 72.46 metres in the combined F42–F44/F61–F64 event.
Mahendra Gurjar won silver with 59.03 metres, while Sandip Sanjay Sargar claimed bronze with 64.48 metres.
India achieved a podium sweep, with Gurjar and Sargar also setting Games records in their respective classifications.
Antil is a two-time Paralympic gold medallist and holds the F64 world record of 74.82 metres, established in May 2026.
Key Fact: Sumit Antil’s winning throw — 72.46 metres; F64 world record — 74.82 metres.

Bodhana Sivanandan Becomes Youngest Female International Master

Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old British chess player of Indian origin, reportedly became the youngest female International Master on 23 October 2026.
She secured her third and final International Master norm at the European Club Cup in Budva, Montenegro.
She achieved the norm by defeating Swedish Woman International Master Viktoria Johansson in the final round.
Sivanandan surpassed the previous record held by Hungarian chess player Judit Polgar, who achieved the title at age 12.
The International Master title requires qualifying tournament performances and a standard rating of at least 2,400.
Key Fact: Governing body — FIDE; International Master is an open title available to players of any gender.

S Meghana Announces Retirement from All Formats of Cricket

Indian cricketer Sabbhineni Meghana, known as S Meghana, announced her retirement from all formats on 23 October 2026 at age 30.
She represented India in 20 international white-ball matches, including three ODIs and 17 T20Is.
Meghana made her T20I debut against the West Indies in November 2016 and her ODI debut against New Zealand in February 2022.
She played in the Women’s Premier League for Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
She was part of RCB’s title-winning squad in 2024 and expressed plans to mentor emerging women cricketers.
Key Fact: International career — 20 white-ball matches, comprising 3 ODIs and 17 T20Is.

Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy Win Gold at European Chess Club Cup

Indian grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy won individual gold medals at the 2026 European Chess Club Cup in Montenegro.
Sarin, representing Novy Bor Chess Club, scored five points from six games to win gold on Board 2 in the open section.
Pentala Harikrishna won silver on Board 3 with five points, while Karthikeyan Murali claimed bronze on Board 2 with 4.5 points.
Humpy secured gold on Board 2 in the women’s section with 4.5 points from six games.
Her club, Cercle d’Echecs de Monte-Carlo, also won the women’s team title.
Key Fact: Indian medal winners included Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy, both gold medallists in their respective sections.

Important Days News

ITBP Raising Day 2026: History, Roles and Key Facts

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Raising Day is observed annually on 24 October to mark the force’s establishment in 1962.
The force operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It guards approximately 3,488 km of the India-China border, from the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh.
Its duties include high-altitude patrols, border surveillance, disaster rescue, mountaineering operations and designated internal security responsibilities.
Some ITBP border posts are located above 18,000 feet, requiring operations in extreme Himalayan conditions.
Key Fact: ITBP motto — “Shaurya–Dridhata–Karma Nishtha,” meaning valour, steadfastness and devotion to duty.

World Polio Day 2026 Highlights Global Efforts to Eradicate Poliovirus

World Polio Day is observed annually on 24 October to raise awareness about poliomyelitis and promote vaccination.
The 2026 theme is “Together, We End Polio.”
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause irreversible paralysis, particularly in children under five.
Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the two countries where wild poliovirus is endemic.
India’s last reported wild poliovirus case occurred on 13 January 2011, and the WHO South-East Asia Region was certified polio-free on 27 March 2014.
Key Fact: Global Polio Eradication Initiative — an international partnership coordinating polio prevention, vaccination and surveillance.

United Nations Day 2026 Marks 81 Years of Global Cooperation

United Nations Day is observed annually on 24 October to commemorate the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.
In 2026, the United Nations marks its 81st anniversary.
The organisation promotes international peace, human rights, humanitarian assistance and sustainable development.
The UN has 193 member states and six principal organs, including the General Assembly and Security Council.
India was one of the 51 original founding members and supports reforms to the Security Council.
Key Fact: UN headquarters — New York City, United States; founding year — 1945.

World Development Information Day 2026 Highlights Technology and Cooperation

World Development Information Day is observed annually on 24 October to raise awareness of global development challenges.
The United Nations General Assembly established the observance in 1972 through Resolution 3038 (XXVII).
The date coincides with United Nations Day and the anniversary of the adoption of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade in 1970.
The observance highlights public awareness, science, technology and information and communications technology (ICT) as drivers of development.
It promotes efforts to bridge the digital divide and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Fact: Established — 1972; resolution — UN General Assembly Resolution 3038 (XXVII).

Global MIL Week 2026 Promotes Responsible Digital Information Use

Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2026 will be observed from 24 to 31 October.
The theme is “We All Play a Part – Media and Information Literacy for the People.”
UNESCO and its partners lead the campaign to promote critical thinking, reliable information and responsible digital participation.
The observance highlights identifying misinformation, evaluating AI-generated content and addressing inequalities in digital access.
Educators, journalists, policymakers, young people and communities are encouraged to strengthen information literacy and informed decision-making.
Key Fact: UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/267, adopted in 2021, recognised the importance of Media and Information Literacy Week.