Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (26th October, 2026) |

National News

Cyclone Arnab Forecast to Hit Andhra Pradesh Coast on October 28

Cyclone Arnab intensified over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on 28 October 2026.
The cyclone was expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts reaching 140 kmph.
The likely landfall zone lies between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with warnings of heavy rainfall, rough seas and storm surges.
Andhra Pradesh and Odisha strengthened emergency preparedness, while fishermen were advised to avoid affected sea areas.
Key Fact: The IMD forecast a storm surge of 1–1.5 metres above astronomical tide in low-lying coastal areas.

India Launches AATAL Laboratory to Strengthen Delhi-NCR Air Pollution Management

India inaugurated the Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL) on 24 October 2026 at the Delhi branch of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated the facility, which operates under Mission Mausam.
AATAL analyses the chemical composition, toxicity and sources of air pollutants, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, biomass burning and dust.
The laboratory integrates with AIRWISE, IITM’s air-quality forecasting system, which provides 72-hour forecasts at approximately 400-metre spatial resolution.
Its findings can help the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implement targeted pollution-control measures, including those under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Key Fact: AATAL stands for Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory.

GBPNIHE to Coordinate ICIMOD Activities Across India’s Himalayan Region

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change designated the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE) to coordinate ICIMOD activities across India’s Himalayan region.
GBPNIHE is headquartered in Almora, Uttarakhand, and will establish a dedicated ICIMOD cell.
The cell will promote collaboration among Himalayan states, universities and research institutions on glacier melt, water security, biodiversity conservation, pollution and disaster-risk reduction.
Proposed projects will undergo initial screening, scientific and technical assessment, and final approval by a panel chaired by the Environment Ministry Secretary.
The initiative aims to strengthen scientific cooperation and address environmental challenges affecting the Himalayan region.
Key Fact: ICIMOD was established in 1983 and is headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, serving eight regional member countries.

Mann Ki Baat 139th Episode Highlights Innovation, Healthcare and Heritage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed innovation, healthcare, environmental conservation and scientific research in the 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 25 October 2026.
The programme highlighted Punjab’s Nav-Trinjan traditional weaving initiative, community-led revival of Uttarakhand’s Heval River and millet cultivation in Meghalaya and Nagaland.
Modi noted the contribution of the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform to expanding access to healthcare.
He also discussed brain-mapping research at IIT Madras, emerging technologies, Indian products reaching international markets and the work of fibre-optics pioneer Narinder Singh Kapany.
The programme emphasised local enterprise, sustainable development, scientific innovation and the preservation of India’s cultural heritage.
Key Fact: Mann Ki Baat began in 2014, and the 139th episode marked 12 years of the programme.

State News

Ladakh Becomes India’s First Fully Organic Union Territory in 2026

Ladakh was declared India’s first fully organic Union Territory by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on 25 October 2026.
The milestone followed restrictions on chemical fertilisers and efforts to expand organic certification across the region.
The Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI), launched in 2020, aims to bring all 666 villages under certified organic farming.
The initiative reportedly has a budget of ₹500 crore to support the transition towards organic agriculture.
Organic farming aims to protect Ladakh’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem, improve soil and water health, and reduce dependence on synthetic agricultural inputs.
Key Fact: Sikkim became India’s first fully organic state in 2016.

Kerala Approves Proposal for India’s First Cooperative-Sector Airline

Kerala approved a proposal by the Kerala Civil Aviation Development Cooperative Society to launch flight services, as announced by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan on 25 October 2026.
The initiative aims to extend India’s cooperative movement into the civil aviation sector.
C. N. Vijayakrishnan, chairman of MVR Cancer Centre, is associated with the initiative.
An earlier proposal suggested naming the airline Co-Keralam and leasing two aircraft with 72 seats each.
Proposed routes included connections from Kochi to Kozhikode, Kannur, Bengaluru and Chennai, although operational launch details remain unconfirmed.
Key Fact: The proposal seeks to introduce a cooperative-sector airline in India.

International News

SAMHiTA Project Strengthens India-Sri Lanka Cultural Heritage Cooperation

India and Sri Lanka are strengthening cultural cooperation through the SAMHiTA Project, launched at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.
SAMHiTA stands for South Asian Manuscript Histories and Textual Archive.
The India International Centre in New Delhi is undertaking the initiative with grant assistance from the Government of India.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2026, local experts are digitising 100 manuscripts, with completion expected by November.
The manuscripts preserve knowledge relating to Buddhist traditions, philosophy, languages and cultural practices.
Key Fact: Gangaramaya Temple is the first Sri Lankan institution to partner with the SAMHiTA Project.

Lula Wins Fourth Presidential Term After Brazil Runoff Election

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won re-election on 25 October 2026, defeating right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in the presidential runoff.
According to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), Lula secured 51.79% of valid votes, compared with Bolsonaro’s 48.21%.
Lula’s new presidential term is scheduled to begin on 5 January 2027.
The close election reflects political divisions and the challenges Lula may face in Congress, where conservative parties hold substantial influence.
Key policy areas include economic management, social programmes, environmental protection and safeguarding the Amazon rainforest.
Key Fact: Lula received 51.79% of valid votes, according to the figures provided in the report.

12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Begins in New Delhi on October 26

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is being held at the Parliament House Complex in New Delhi on 26–27 October 2026.
India is hosting the forum under its BRICS Presidency, with the Parliament of India serving as the host institution.
The theme is “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development.”
Discussions focus on four pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
The agenda includes plenary sessions, bilateral meetings and parliamentary diplomacy on issues such as terrorism, climate change and global institutional reform.
Key Fact: The forum is being held in New Delhi on 26–27 October 2026.

Banking News

RBI Opens Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on 25 October 2026.
The facilities aim to strengthen India’s digital financial infrastructure, payment-system reliability and cybersecurity capabilities.
The data centre will support critical payment platforms, including Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT).
The training institute will develop specialised expertise in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The initiative aims to improve the security and resilience of banking operations amid the growth of digital transactions.
Key Fact: The facilities are located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Awards News

Shabari Naturals Wins Japan’s Good Design Award for Tribal Art Packaging

Shabari Naturals received the G-Mark Global Design Award for packaging inspired by traditional Indian tribal art.
The design incorporates Warli, Gond and Chitrakathi art forms to represent tribal culture, folklore and heritage.
The award is organised by Japan’s Institute of Design Promotion, with the presentation scheduled in Tokyo on 4 November 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the recognition during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast on 25 October 2026.
Managed by the Shabari Tribal Finance and Development Corporation, the initiative promotes tribal products such as honey, millets, pulses and spices.
Key Fact: The packaging design features Warli, Gond and Chitrakathi art forms.

Sitaram Raul Wins Wildlife Photography Award for Desert Scorpion Image

Indian wildlife and macro photographer Sitaram Raul won the Behaviour: Invertebrates category at the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
His photograph, Shifting Sand, captures an Indian Buthacus scorpion burrowing into sand near Sam village in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert.
The competition is organised by London’s Natural History Museum and received 65,403 entries from 121 countries and territories in its 62nd edition.
Italian photographer Federico Veronesi won the adult grand title for The Aftermath, featuring a female elephant carrying her deceased calf in Namibia.
An exhibition of selected winning photographs opened at the Natural History Museum on 16 October 2026.
Key Fact: Sitaram Raul won the Behaviour: Invertebrates category for Shifting Sand.

Defense News

Government Extends Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s Tenure Until 2027

The Central government extended Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s tenure by one year, until 31 October 2027.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the extension beyond his scheduled retirement on 31 October 2026.
Singh is a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Kerala cadre.
The Department of Personnel and Training issued the order, relaxing relevant retirement provisions under Fundamental Rule 56(d) and the All India Services retirement-benefit rules.
He assumed charge as Defence Secretary on 1 November 2024, succeeding Giridhar Aramane.
Key Fact: Rajesh Kumar Singh’s extended tenure as Defence Secretary runs until 31 October 2027.

Schemes News

Government Extends RELIEF Initiative for Exporters Until March 2027

The Department of Commerce extended Component II of the RELIEF initiative until 31 March 2027 to support Indian exporters affected by geopolitical tensions and maritime disruptions in West Asia.
RELIEF stands for Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation and was launched on 19 March 2026 under the Export Promotion Mission.
The initiative provides 95% risk coverage under its notified framework to encourage exporters to obtain insurance for eligible shipments.
It also protects eligible exporters against increases in insurance premiums beyond pre-disruption levels.
The scheme aims to reduce shipping risks and support the continuity of India’s export trade amid regional uncertainty.
Key Fact: ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India) implements the RELIEF initiative.

Science & Tech News

DR Congo Begins Ebola Vaccine Trial to Test Protection Against Bundibugyo

The Democratic Republic of Congo began its first clinical trial of an Ebola vaccine on 23 October 2026 to assess protection against the Bundibugyo virus.
The trial, named Tumaini, meaning “hope” in Swahili, began in Bunia, Ituri province, identified as the outbreak’s epicentre.
Researchers will initially test Ervebo, a vaccine approved for the Zaire strain, to assess whether it offers cross-protection.
The trial uses a ring vaccination approach that targets people at high risk through contact with infected individuals.
Candidate vaccines from the University of Oxford, using adenoviral technology, and Moderna, using mRNA technology, may be included later.
Key Fact: The trial is called Tumaini, which means “hope” in Swahili.

ISRO Targets Four Functional Space Launch Pads in India by 2029

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to expand India’s space-launch infrastructure to four functional launch pads by 2029.
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced the plan on 24 October 2026.
The expansion includes a dedicated 2,000-acre Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
ISRO plans to increase private-sector participation in space activities while continuing its public-sector role.
The organisation is preparing for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, including uncrewed test missions before a crewed flight.
Key Fact: ISRO aims to have four functional launch pads by 2029.

Sports News

Kimi Antonelli Wins 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on 25 October 2026.
The 20-year-old Italian started from pole position and secured his ninth Grand Prix victory of the season.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished second, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured third place.
Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, followed by Lando Norris in fifth place.
Antonelli extended his championship lead, although the title remained undecided ahead of the next round in Mexico City.
Key Fact: The race took place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Ahmedabad to Host 2029 World Weightlifting Championships for First Time

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, was awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 World Weightlifting Championships, marking India’s first time hosting the event.
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) confirmed the decision following its Executive Board meeting in Ningbo, China, on 25 October 2026.
Hosting the championships is expected to strengthen Gujarat’s international sporting profile.
Ahmedabad is also scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
The IWF announced Yerevan as the host of the 2027 Senior Championships and Moscow as the host of the 2030 edition.
Key Fact: Ahmedabad will host the World Weightlifting Championships for the first time in 2029.

Important Days News

Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 Observed Under the Theme “Probity for Prosperity”

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is observing Vigilance Awareness Week from 26 October to 1 November 2026.
The theme for 2026 is “Probity for Prosperity” (सत्यनिष्ठा से समृद्धि).
The observance promotes integrity, transparency, accountability and the prevention of corruption in public administration.
Government departments, public sector undertakings, public sector banks and other institutions have been encouraged to take the Integrity Pledge.
Awareness campaigns, workshops, public outreach programmes and grievance-redressal activities form part of the observance.
Key Fact: The CVC received statutory status under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.

Obituaries News

Padma Shri Awardee Chef Damu Dies at 72 in Chennai

K. Damodharan, popularly known as Chef Damu, died in Chennai on 25 October 2026 at the age of 72.
He was a renowned chef, culinary educator, author and television personality who helped popularise South Indian and Chettinad cuisine.
He received the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contributions to the culinary arts.
Chef Damu gained widespread recognition as a judge on the Tamil cooking reality show Cooku with Comali.
In December 2010, he set a Guinness World Record by preparing 617 dishes in 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds.
Key Fact: Chef Damu’s 2010 Guinness World Record involved preparing 617 dishes in just over 24 hours.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda Dies at 90 in 2026

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda died on 22 October 2026 at the age of 90, reportedly due to heart failure.
A member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), he served as Japan’s prime minister from September 2007 to September 2008.
He also served as Chief Cabinet Secretary from 2000 to 2004.
Born in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, in 1936, Fukuda graduated from Waseda University and entered the House of Representatives in 1990.
His tenure emphasised international cooperation and stronger relations with Asian neighbours, particularly China.
Key Fact: Yasuo Fukuda served as Japan’s Prime Minister from 2007 to 2008.

Artist Jogen Chowdhury Dies at 87, Leaving Lasting Artistic Legacy

Renowned Indian artist Jogen Chowdhury died in Kolkata on 25 October 2026 at the age of 87.
He was known for combining traditional Indian imagery with modern artistic expression, especially through distinctive line work and intricate cross-hatching.
Chowdhury studied at the Government College of Art and Craft in Kolkata and later trained at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
He served as Keeper of Art at Rashtrapati Bhavan from 1972 to 1987 and taught at Santiniketan.
He also represented West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha as a Trinamool Congress member from 2014 to 2020.
Key Fact: Jogen Chowdhury represented West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2020.