Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (29th October, 2026) |

National News (राष्ट्रीय समाचार)

1. India Secures 5.55 Lakh Tonnes Annual Green Hydrogen Offtake Commitments

India secured firm green hydrogen offtake commitments of 5,55,610 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) as of October 2026.
Companies signed 18 new agreements during 2026, covering over 4 lakh MTPA of green hydrogen-equivalent quantities.
The agreements include green hydrogen derivatives such as green ammonia and green methanol.
More than 70% of the 23 contracts signed since the National Green Hydrogen Mission began target exports.
These commitments could support investments exceeding ₹90,000 crore and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
Key Fact: The National Green Hydrogen Mission targets 5 million tonnes of annual production by 2030.

2. Punah Bharan App Uses Geospatial Technology for Groundwater Recharge Planning

Punah Bharan is a geospatial technology-based mobile application developed by BISAG-N in collaboration with the National Water Mission.
It identifies potential artificial groundwater recharge zones within a radius of up to 3 km.
Its web portal provides village-level recharge structure zonation maps, GIS tools and thematic data layers.
The platform analyses rainfall, groundwater levels, groundwater yield, slope and drainage.
It supports scientific site selection for artificial recharge structures and sustainable aquifer replenishment.
Key Fact: The application requires site-level technical validation before implementing groundwater recharge projects.

3. Bihar Museum Ranks Ninth Globally and First in Asia in 2026

Bihar Museum in Patna ranked ninth globally and first in Asia in The World’s 100 Best Museums 2026.
The ranking was published by the Germany-based travel guide Worth a Journey.
It was the only Indian museum featured on the list.
Bihar Museum ranked ahead of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, which secured 10th place, and Paris’s Louvre Museum, which ranked 31st.
Mexico City’s Museo Nacional de Antropología topped the ranking, followed by Madrid’s Museo del Prado.
Key Fact: Bihar Museum was the only Indian museum included in the 2026 list.

4. ARISE Cities Forum Adopts Delhi Declaration on Climate Action

The second ARISE Cities Forum concluded in New Delhi on 28 October 2026.
The forum adopted the Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals 2026.
It was organised by ICLEI South Asia with the National Institute of Urban Affairs and support from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
More than 200 participants representing over 50 cities across 18-plus countries attended the forum.
The declaration emphasises climate finance, urban resilience, inclusive development and multilevel climate governance.
Key Fact: The Delhi Declaration will be presented at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9–20 November 2026.

5. India Becomes World’s Third-Largest Automobile Industry, Valued at ₹22 Lakh Crore

India became the world’s third-largest automobile industry, overtaking Japan, according to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The industry is valued at approximately ₹22 lakh crore, rising from seventh place in 2014.
The United States and China remain ahead of India in the global automobile industry ranking.
Improved highway infrastructure and declining logistics costs have supported the sector’s growth.
Gadkari expressed confidence that India could become the world’s largest automobile industry within five years.
Key Fact: India’s automobile industry aims to progress from third place to first place globally.

State News (राज्य समाचार)

6. Sikkim Hosts First Himalayan Yak Festival to Promote Conservation

Sikkim hosted its first Himalayan Yak Festival on 28 October 2026 at Gnathang Valley in East Sikkim.
The festival was organised by the state’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department.
Around 400–500 yaks participated, alongside displays of yak-based products and artificial insemination demonstrations.
The event promoted yak conservation, traditional herding, local livelihoods and high-altitude tourism.
It highlighted challenges such as declining yak populations, shrinking grazing grounds and reduced youth participation.
Key Fact: The Sikkimese yak was recognised as an indigenous breed by ICAR-NBAGR in August 2026.

International News (अंतरराष्ट्रीय समाचार)

7. WMO Reports Record Greenhouse Gas Concentrations in 2025, Warns of Warming

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported record atmospheric concentrations of major greenhouse gases in 2025.
Its Greenhouse Gas Bulletin No. 22 was released on 27 October 2026.
Carbon dioxide reached 426.8 parts per million (ppm), methane 1,948 parts per billion (ppb), and nitrous oxide 339.1 ppb.
Rising greenhouse gas concentrations trap more heat in the atmosphere and intensify global warming.
The report highlighted sulphur hexafluoride emissions from electrical equipment and potential warming effects from hydrogen leakage.
Key Fact: Atmospheric CO₂ concentration reached 426.8 ppm in 2025.

8. US Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates at 3.75%–4% Amid Inflation Concerns

The US Federal Reserve kept its benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at 3.75%–4% on 28 October 2026.
The decision followed a two-day Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
The decision passed by a 10–2 vote, with Lisa D. Cook and Beth M. Hammack favouring a 0.25-percentage-point increase.
The Fed cited persistently elevated inflation despite strong economic activity and relatively stable unemployment.
It reaffirmed its long-term inflation objective of 2% and said future decisions would depend on incoming economic data.
Key Fact: The next scheduled FOMC meeting is on 8–9 December 2026.

9. India Votes at UN to End US Economic Embargo Against Cuba

India voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the US economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.
The resolution was considered on 28 October 2026 during the UNGA’s 81st session.
It received 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions.
India’s representative, Soumya Nair, opposed laws with extraterritorial effects and called for dialogue and diplomacy.
India highlighted shortages of essential medicines, declining food production and disruptions to healthcare, education and transportation in Cuba.
Key Fact: The resolution was non-binding and did not automatically repeal US sanctions.

Banking News (बैंकिंग समाचार)

10. SEBI and Bank of England Sign MoU on Clearing Corporation Oversight

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Bank of England (BoE) signed a memorandum of understanding on 28 October 2026.
The agreement strengthens regulatory cooperation and information exchange concerning SEBI-recognised clearing corporations.
It establishes a framework for coordination on central counterparties (CCPs) under the respective laws of both authorities.
The arrangement allows the Bank of England to rely on SEBI’s regulatory and supervisory activities.
The agreement aims to strengthen cross-border coordination and support international clearing activities.
Key Fact: The MoU does not transfer either regulator’s statutory powers.

Awards News (पुरस्कार समाचार)

11. Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Receives UAE’s First Class Zayed II Honour

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar received the UAE’s First Class Order of Zayed II on 27 October 2026.
He was honoured for his courage during an in-flight emergency aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073 on 30 September.
Despite serious injuries following an alleged cockpit attack, he helped open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene.
The aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.
Machchhar became the third Indian recipient of the decoration, following former ambassadors Navdeep Singh Suri and Sunjay Sudhir.
Key Fact: The honour was awarded for Machchhar’s courage during an in-flight emergency.

Defence News (रक्षा समाचार)

12. INS Sahyadri Arrives in South Korea for Bilateral Naval Exercise

India’s indigenously designed guided-missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri arrived at Busan Naval Harbour, South Korea, on 26 October 2026.
The visit is part of a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN).
The harbour phase includes cross-deck visits, joint training, professional interactions and sporting events.
The exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, operational interoperability and professional ties.
INS Sahyadri will subsequently undertake coordinated maritime activities with South Korea’s ROKS Munmu the Great.
Key Fact: INS Sahyadri belongs to the Shivalik-class Project 17 frigates and was commissioned in July 2012.

Schemes News (योजनाएँ समाचार)

13. Khelo India Scheme Boosts Sports Goods Manufacturing with ₹1,856 Crore

The Union Cabinet approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme on 28 October 2026.
The scheme has an allocation of ₹1,856.67 crore for FY 2026–27 to FY 2033–34.
It aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing, attract investment, support MSMEs and increase exports.
Key components include integrated sports goods manufacturing zones, research and development, start-up support and skill development.
The scheme includes ₹1,130 crore in investment- and turnover-linked incentives and ₹105 crore for international quality certification.
Key Fact: The scheme’s total approved allocation is ₹1,856.67 crore.

14. PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana Approved with ₹7,395 Crore Outlay

The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM VGSY) for 2026–27 to 2030–31.
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme has a total outlay of ₹7,395.55 crore.
It aims to strengthen Gram Panchayats through integrated development planning, digital governance, citizen participation and financial accountability.
The funding comprises ₹4,869.48 crore from the Centre and ₹2,526.07 crore from states.
The scheme targets capacity building for around 32 lakh elected representatives and stakeholders, along with online audits through AuditOnline.
Key Fact: The scheme targets the preparation of 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayat Development Plans annually.

Science & Technology News (विज्ञान एवं प्रौद्योगिकी समाचार)

15. ZSI Scientists Describe New Barklouse Species in Western Ghats

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) described a new barklouse species named Allocaecilius nilgiriensis.
The discovery was made in the Southern Western Ghats and published in the journal Zootaxa on 12 October 2026.
The discovery brings the global number of known Allocaecilius species to 13.
It also marks the second recorded occurrence of this genus in India.
The species inhabits moist, shaded high-altitude shola forests and evergreen rainforests across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Key Fact: Allocaecilius nilgiriensis is the newly described barklouse species from the Southern Western Ghats.

Sports News (खेल समाचार)

16. Sophie Molineux Tops WPL 2027 Auction at ₹1.1 Crore

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2027 mini-auction concluded in Kochi, Kerala, on 28 October 2026.
A total of 25 players were sold, including seven overseas players.
Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux became the most expensive player, joining UP Warriorz for ₹1.10 crore.
Indian batter Kiran Navgire was reportedly bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹75 lakh, making her the highest-priced Indian player at the auction.
Total spending reached ₹73.1 crore, with 25 of the 27 available slots filled.
Key Fact: Sophie Molineux was the auction’s most expensive player at ₹1.10 crore.

17. Uma Kashvi Becomes Youngest Player Signed in WPL History

Karnataka all-rounder Uma Kashvi, also known as Kashvi Kandikuppa, became the youngest player signed in WPL history.
Delhi Capitals acquired her for ₹10 lakh at the WPL 2027 auction on 28 October 2026.
Born on 9 April 2011, she became the first 15-year-old to secure a WPL contract.
She surpassed Deeya Yadav’s previous record as the youngest player signed in the league.
Kashvi is a right-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner who impressed in the BCCI Women’s Under-15 One-Day Tournament.
Key Fact: Kashvi scored 516 runs at an average of 172, including three centuries and a half-century, in the tournament.

Important Days News (महत्वपूर्ण दिवस समाचार)

18. World Stroke Day 2026 Highlights Prevention, FAST Recognition and Treatment

World Stroke Day is observed annually on 29 October to promote awareness of stroke prevention, recognition, treatment and rehabilitation.
In 2026, the World Stroke Organization marks 20 years of its World Stroke Campaign.
The FAST method helps identify stroke symptoms through face drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty, followed by immediate action.
Major risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, tobacco use and physical inactivity.
The campaign emphasises the importance of rapid emergency treatment and rehabilitation to reduce the effects of stroke.
Key Fact: On 22 May 2026, the 79th World Health Assembly adopted the first-ever resolution specifically dedicated to stroke.

Obituaries News (श्रद्धांजलि समाचार)

19. Dolores Huerta, United Farm Workers Co-Founder and Activist, Dies at 96

American labour organiser and civil-rights activist Dolores Huerta died on 28 October 2026, aged 96.
Born on 10 April 1930 in New Mexico, she co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW).
Alongside César Chávez, she helped organise the historic 1965 Delano grape strike and international boycott.
Her work focused on improving farmworkers’ wages, working conditions and collective bargaining rights.
She also championed women’s rights, immigrant rights and voting rights, popularising the slogan “¡Sí, se puede!” meaning “Yes, we can.”
Key Fact: Huerta received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012 for her contributions to social justice.

20. Indian Para-Athlete Neeraj Yadav Dies at 42 in Delhi

Indian para-athlete Neeraj Yadav died in Delhi on 28 October 2026, aged 42.
Born on 10 February 1984 in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, he began his sporting career in wheelchair tennis before switching to para-athletics.
He competed in the F55 category, including javelin throw and discus throw.
Yadav won gold in the men’s javelin throw at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta with an Asian-record throw of 29.84 metres.
He also won two gold medals at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games, but both results were subsequently revoked following an anti-doping case.
Key Fact: His 2018 Asian Para Games javelin gold-winning throw measured 29.84 metres.

21. International Day of Care and Support 2026 Focuses on Decent Work

The International Day of Care and Support is observed annually on 29 October to recognise paid and unpaid care work.
The United Nations General Assembly established the observance through Resolution A/RES/77/317, adopted on 24 July 2023.
The 2026 theme is “Building sustainable care and support systems through decent work.”
The theme highlights fair wages, labour rights, workplace safety and representation for care workers.
The observance promotes sustainable, gender-responsive care systems and recognises care work’s contribution to economic development.
Key Fact: According to the UN, women perform 76.2% of unpaid care work globally and spend 3.2 times as much time on it as men.