Current Affairs 26 October 2026
37 stories from 25–26 October 2026 for UPSC, RBI, SEBI, NABARD, EPFO and PFRDA aspirants: the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi, the Defence Acquisition Council's approvals and SWAVLAMBAN 2026, Cyclonic Storm Arnab, TRAI's recommendations on app-based linear TV, the E85/E100 flex-fuel rules, MoSPI's infrastructure report and ASUSE changes, RBI market operations, Brazil's presidential result and India's gains in women's cricket and youth boxing.
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Key facts at a glance
The numbers and names most likely to turn up in Prelims, Phase 1 or a GA section.
| Topic | What to remember | Source, date |
|---|---|---|
| 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum | Inaugurated by Shri Om Birla, 26 Oct; Central Hall, Samvidhan Sadan; theme 'Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development' | Lok Sabha Sectt / PIB, 26 Oct |
| BRICS share of population | Around 49.5% of the global population (Shri Harivansh) | Rajya Sabha Sectt / PIB, 26 Oct |
| Brazil runoff (25 Oct) | H.E. Mr. Lula da Silva re-elected with 51.79% of valid votes; fourth term | PIB; The Hindu |
| DAC approvals | AoN for ~₹2,12,000 crore; ~82% from Indian industry | Ministry of Defence / PIB, 26 Oct |
| SWAVLAMBAN 2026 | 5th edition, Manekshaw Centre, 26–27 Oct; 'Aatmanirbharta 2.0' | PIB, 26 Oct |
| 13th ADMM-Plus | Cebu, Philippines, 28–29 Oct; 11 ASEAN members + 8 dialogue partners | PIB, 26 Oct |
| Cyclonic Storm Arnab | Formed 0530 IST 26 Oct; landfall near Yanam by forenoon of 28 Oct; 115–125 kmph gusting 140 | IMD, 26 Oct |
| ESTIC 2026 | Bharat Mandapam, 27–29 Oct; 12 thematic areas; ~150 deep-tech startup stalls | PIB, 26 Oct |
| Medical education | Colleges 387 → 846; MBBS seats +172%; PG seats +177% | Vice-President / PIB, 26 Oct |
| TRAI on ALTD (incl. FAST) | Under Sec 3(1)(a), Telecom Act 2023; 20-yr validity; ₹1 lakh entry fee | TRAI / PIB, 26 Oct |
| E85 / E100 | CMV Rules, 1989 amended for flex-fuel vehicles; existing vehicles need not switch | MoRTH / PIB, 26 Oct |
| RELIEF Component II | Extended to 31 Mar 2027; 95% ECGC risk cover | Dept of Commerce / PIB |
| PAIMANA flash report | 1,853 projects, ₹37.56 lakh crore; ₹17.73 lakh crore spent (Sept 2026) | MoSPI / PIB, 26 Oct |
| ASUSE 2027–28 | April 2027–March 2028; first-time questions on women entrepreneurs | MoSPI / PIB, 26 Oct |
| De-addiction training | 10,000 providers by 2028-29; Nasha Mukt Bharat by 2029 | MoHFW / PIB, 26 Oct |
| TDB – Manastu Space | ₹116 crore (OCD) from RDI Fund; project cost ₹277.63 crore | DST / PIB, 26 Oct |
| G-Sec auction | ₹33,000 crore, four securities incl. 7.50% SGrB 2056; auction 30 Oct | RBI, 26 Oct |
| 4-day VRR | ₹1,50,007 crore allotted; cut-off 5.55%, WAR 5.59% | RBI, 26 Oct |
| India W vs Zimbabwe W, 2nd ODI | India won by 121 runs; Harmanpreet 126, Deepti 106* | The Hindu, 25 Oct |
| World Boxing U-19 | Aditya (55 kg) and Megha Sheokand (80 kg) in finals; Budva, Montenegro | The Hindu (Sportstar), 26 Oct |
Economy
4 storiesGeM's AABHAR Collection now lists 294 products from 10 state emporiums
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) said on 26 October 2026 that its AABHAR Collection now carries 294 product listings from 10 state and central government emporiums. These include Cottage Emporium, Khadi India, Garvi Gurjari, Himcrafts, Jharcraft, Cauvery, Mrignayani, Marhati, Purbashree and Poompuhar, and seven more emporiums are being onboarded. The collection, launched in July 2024, is a dedicated digital storefront that offers government buyers curated gift items and hampers for official ceremonies, conferences and visiting delegations. It gives visibility to One District One Product and Geographical Indication-tagged goods made by artisans and weavers. GeM is the national online procurement portal for central and state government departments.
RELIEF support for exporters extended till 31 March 2027 with 95% ECGC risk cover
The Department of Commerce has extended Component II of the RELIEF scheme under the Export Promotion Mission until 31 March 2027, as notified through Notification No. 37/2026-27 dated 30 September 2026. The scheme was launched on 19 March 2026 to help exporters cope with shipping and trade disruptions linked to the situation in West Asia. Under it, eligible exporters receive 95 per cent risk coverage from the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) for policies taken on or after 16 March 2026. The support covers full container load, less than container load and refrigerated (reefer) consignments, while energy shipments are excluded. RELIEF stands for Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation.
TRAI recommends an authorisation framework for app-based linear TV services, including FAST
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations on an ‘Authorisation Framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution (ALTD) Services’ on 26 October 2026. The exercise began with a reference from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 15 December 2025 seeking a framework for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services, followed by a consultation paper on 6 April 2026. TRAI has proposed that ALTD be a sub-category of authorisation under Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, with a national service area and a validity of 20 years, renewable by 10 years. It suggested a processing fee of ₹10,000 and an entry fee of ₹1 lakh, with no authorisation fee or bank guarantee. The regulator also recommended that the ministry maintain a master repository of ALTD apps and that ALTD viewership be counted in television audience measurement.
MoSPI's PAIMANA flash report tracks 1,853 central infrastructure projects worth ₹37.56 lakh crore
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released its monthly flash report on central sector infrastructure projects on 26 October 2026. As of September 2026, its PAIMANA portal was monitoring 1,853 ongoing projects across 17 ministries and departments with a total latest cost of ₹37.56 lakh crore. Expenditure of ₹17.73 lakh crore, about 47 per cent of the project cost, has already been incurred. Of these projects, 780 are mega projects costing ₹1,000 crore or more and 1,073 are major projects below that size. The transport and logistics sector accounts for the largest number, with 1,320 projects costing ₹20.07 lakh crore.
Banking & Markets
2 storiesGovernment announces sale of four dated securities worth ₹33,000 crore, including a Sovereign Green Bond
The Reserve Bank of India announced on 26 October 2026 that the Government of India will sell four dated securities through re-issue for a notified amount of ₹33,000 crore. The auction will be held on 30 October 2026 on the RBI's e-Kuber platform using the multiple price method, with settlement on 2 November 2026. The securities are the 6.20% GS 2029 for ₹9,000 crore, the 6.57% GS 2033 for ₹12,000 crore, the 7.63% GS 2056 for ₹9,000 crore and the 7.50% Sovereign Green Bond 2056 for ₹3,000 crore. The government has the option to retain additional subscription of up to ₹2,000 crore against each security. The securities will be eligible for ‘When Issued’ trading from 27 to 30 October 2026.
RBI injects ₹1.5 lakh crore through a 4-day variable rate repo auction
The Reserve Bank of India conducted a 4-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility on 26 October 2026 for a notified amount of ₹1,50,000 crore. Banks placed bids worth ₹1,86,666 crore, showing demand well above the amount on offer. The RBI allotted ₹1,50,007 crore at a cut-off rate of 5.55 per cent, while the weighted average rate was 5.59 per cent. A VRR auction is a tool through which the central bank injects short-term liquidity into the banking system at market-determined rates. Such operations help keep the overnight call money rate aligned with the policy repo rate.
International Relations
5 storiesLok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurates the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on 26 October 2026 at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House Complex, New Delhi. The two-day forum, held on 26 and 27 October under the theme ‘Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development’, is structured around four interconnected pillars of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with the parliamentary delegations from BRICS member and partner countries on the occasion. Shri Birla described the unanimous adoption of the Joint Statement at the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi as a significant milestone and said the real task now is to turn those commitments into tangible outcomes through legislation, budgets and oversight. He added that parliaments can foster mutual trust and help amplify the voice of the Global South through concrete policies and practical cooperation.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh highlights BRICS as a platform representing nearly half of humanity
Hon'ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh delivered the welcome address at the inaugural session of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi on 26 October 2026. He noted that BRICS represents around 49.5 per cent of the global population and has become an effective multilateral platform for consultation on global and regional issues. Recalling India's 2026 BRICS Presidency, he said the process adopted the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’ along with a people-centric and ‘Humanity First’ approach. He also observed that India's presidency of the 18th BRICS Summit culminated in the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. According to him, citizens expect parliaments to respond effectively to challenges such as economic uncertainty, technological change, climate change and public health emergencies.
Hon'ble Prime Minister congratulates H.E. Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election in Brazil
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 26 October 2026 congratulated H.E. Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election victory in the presidential elections of Brazil. According to the final count of Brazil's Superior Electoral Court in the runoff held on 25 October, the incumbent President secured 51.79 per cent of the valid votes. With this result he begins a record fourth term as President of the South American nation. In his message, the Prime Minister expressed his eagerness to deepen and expand the multifaceted India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. He added that both countries will continue to strengthen cooperation across sectors and advance the shared priorities of the Global South.
Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal visits the Port of Rotterdam
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal visited the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands on 25 October 2026, where he was briefed by its CEO Mr. Boudewijn Siemons. Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and a major gateway for trade between India and the European Union. The visit underlined the Netherlands' role as a gateway to Europe for Indian goods in the context of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The Minister also interacted with members of the Indian community at an event hosted by the Embassy of India in Amsterdam. The programme highlighted opportunities for closer collaboration in maritime logistics, trade and investment between the two countries.
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal begins a four-day visit to South Korea
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal began a four-day visit to South Korea from Busan on 25 October 2026. He opened the trip with an interaction with Indian professionals working in Korean shipbuilding, as the two countries work to expand cooperation in line with India's goal of becoming one of the world's top five shipbuilding nations by 2047. It builds on the VOYAGES framework for maritime cooperation adopted in April 2026, which covers shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics, during the state visit to India of H.E. Mr. Lee Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea. The Minister is also participating in a ministerial roundtable in Busan linked to World Maritime Day. South Korea is among the world's leading shipbuilding nations.
Schemes & Missions
4 storiesCBSE holds 4th National Summit on school-to-work transition
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is organising its 4th National Summit on ‘Facilitating School-to-Work Transition’ in New Delhi on 26 and 27 October 2026 with the Sahodaya School Complexes of Delhi-NCR. Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy Shri T. K. Anil Kumar outlined four priority areas for schools. These are technology with digital safety and skills, design and creative innovation, the National Credit Framework, and structured career guidance. The summit, attended by CBSE Chairman Dr. Mandeep Bhandari, aims to integrate skill education with mainstream schooling in line with the National Education Policy 2020. Educators from CBSE-affiliated schools are presenting case-based papers and posters on best practices in skill education.
Transport Mela under the PARIVARTAN Scheme to help replace old trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, together with the Government of Delhi, will hold a Transport Mela under the PARIVARTAN Scheme at the Vehicle Inspection Unit near the District Transport Office, Burari, North Delhi, on 28 October 2026. Vehicle manufacturers and dealers, registered vehicle scrapping facilities, banks, NBFCs, oil marketing companies and city gas distribution entities will guide owners of old trucks and buses at a single venue. The scheme promotes the replacement of old commercial vehicles in Delhi-NCR with cleaner ones. Its incentives include a minimum 8 per cent discount from manufacturers, 5 per cent interest subvention on vehicle loans, 100 per cent road tax concession for 10 years, monthly fuel vouchers and waiver of registration fees, as applicable. About 40,000 beneficiaries have registered on the PARIVARTAN portal so far.
MY Bharat mobilises over 2.11 lakh youth in the sixth week of the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports reported on 26 October 2026 that 2,11,139 youth and citizens took part in the sixth week of the 100 Weeks Campaign under the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’ Abhiyan. A total of 694 programmes were held across 36 States and Union Territories, according to the provisional report. Activities included symbolic Ravan Dahan and Mahishasur Vadh events against addiction, traditional sports and Neighbourhood Youth Parliament discussions. The programmes were organised with FIT India and partner organisations, and 2,11,139 pledges for a drug-free India were recorded. The campaign aims to turn awareness into personal commitment among young people.
National SARAS Mela 2026 at Vijayawada showcases Lakhpati Didi entrepreneurs
The National SARAS Mela 2026 at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada, is highlighting the journeys of women from self-help groups who have grown their crafts into sizeable enterprises. It is the first National SARAS Mela to be held outside Delhi-NCR and is organised by the Ministry of Rural Development with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, supported by NABARD, NIRDPR and Kudumbashree. A Lakhpati Didi is a self-help group member whose household earns a sustainable annual income of at least ₹1 lakh, and the national goal is to create six crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029. Some of the participating women run enterprises with annual turnover ranging from ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore. The effort is supported by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) through skills, finance and market access.
Health & Nutrition
2 storiesVice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addresses the Ruby Jubilee of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences
Hon'ble Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the 40th anniversary (Ruby Jubilee) celebrations of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences at Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, on 26 October 2026. He said the number of medical colleges in India has grown from 387 before 2014 to 846 today. MBBS seats have risen by about 172 per cent, from around 51,000 to more than 1.4 lakh, while postgraduate seats have increased by about 177 per cent, from around 31,000 to over 86,000. The Vice-President urged students to focus on research and said that technology must always serve humanity. He also administered a pledge against drug abuse in the presence of the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri S. Abdul Nazeer.
Union Health Minister launches capacity-building programme on drug de-addiction
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri J. P. Nadda launched a national capacity-building programme on drug de-addiction for healthcare professionals at Kartavya Bhawan-1, New Delhi, on 26 October 2026. The programme supports the goal of a Nasha Mukt Bharat by 2029 and aims to train 10,000 healthcare providers by 2028-29 under the Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026–2029. It will be run by six institutions under the Drug De-Addiction Programme, with the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre at AIIMS New Delhi as coordinator, along with NIMHANS, PGIMER, CIP Ranchi, RML Hospital and AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Training will be delivered through 12 weekly online sessions for 300 participants each week, and more than 800 nominations have already been received. The Minister also released the second edition of the ‘Substance Use Disorder: Manual for Physicians’.
Environment
3 storiesDeep depression intensifies into Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ over the Bay of Bengal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’, pronounced Ornab, at 0530 hours IST on 26 October 2026. At that time it lay about 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam. The IMD said the system is likely to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by 26 October night and into a very severe cyclonic storm on 27 October. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of 28 October with wind speeds of 115–125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph. Extremely heavy rainfall has been forecast for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on 27 and 28 October, for Odisha on 28 October and for Chhattisgarh on 28 and 29 October.
Cabinet Secretary chairs NCMC meeting on preparedness for Cyclone ‘Arnab’
Cabinet Secretary Dr. T. V. Somanathan chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on 26 October 2026 to review preparedness for Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’. Senior officials of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry, along with central ministries and agencies, took part in the review. The Cabinet Secretary stressed that the objective should be zero loss of life and minimum damage, and the committee was informed that shelters, evacuation arrangements and NDRF and SDRF teams were in place. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from 26 to 29 October. Authorities in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were also asked to stay alert for the rain that may follow the system inland.
MoRTH amends motor vehicle rules to facilitate E85 and E100 flex-fuel vehicles
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, on 26 October 2026 to support flex-fuel vehicles that can run on E85 and other high-ethanol fuels. The amendments update emission certification provisions by expressly including E100 alongside E85, and such vehicles must meet the emission and safety norms of their category. E85 is a blend containing up to 85 per cent ethanol by volume, while E100 consists predominantly of ethanol. The ministry clarified that these fuels are only for vehicles specially designed and certified for them, and owners of existing vehicles are not required to switch or modify their vehicles. Greater use of domestically produced ethanol can reduce dependence on imported crude oil and lower certain emissions.
Science & Tech
4 storiesESTIC 2026 to be inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister at Bharat Mandapam on 27 October
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 27 October 2026 at 5:30 PM. The conclave will run from 27 to 29 October and is organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser. It will cover 12 thematic areas, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials and manufacturing, healthcare, energy, climate and ocean sciences. Around 150 stalls are planned for deep-tech startups, and a new Global Connect Networking Event is expected to bring together more than 300 participants. The conclave aims to link scientists, policymakers, industry and innovators in support of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
ICGEB New Delhi hosts an ESTIC 2026 curtain raiser on system and synthetic biology
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, hosted a curtain raiser for ESTIC 2026 on 26 October 2026 with a special session on system and synthetic biology. Prof Gobardhan Das, Member, NITI Aayog, was the chief guest, while Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, and Dr. Ramesh V. Sonti, Director of ICGEB New Delhi, also addressed the gathering. Speakers explained how these fields combine interdisciplinary approaches to understand complex biological systems and engineer biological processes for healthcare, agriculture and industry. The role of artificial intelligence in speeding up biological research and the opportunities created by the BioE3 Policy were also highlighted. The Department of Biotechnology will steer a dedicated session on systems and synthetic biology at the main conclave.
NIFTEM-Kundli hosts ‘Hack the Fork’, India's first AI × Food Tech hackathon
The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K) hosted ‘Hack the Fork’ on 24 and 25 October 2026, described as India's first AI × Food Tech hackathon. The event focused on using artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges in the alternative protein industry. It was organised with Hack the Fork, a France-based non-profit initiative, and received applications from more than 85 teams, of which 25 were shortlisted. In the final round, 22 teams with over 90 participants from 10 states presented their solutions before an expert jury, competing for prizes worth ₹1.5 lakh. NIFTEM-K functions under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
TDB backs Manastu Space with ₹116 crore for green satellite propulsion
The Technology Development Board (TDB) of the Department of Science and Technology has sanctioned ₹116 crore to Manastu Space Technologies from the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, as announced on 26 October 2026. The support is being given as Optionally Convertible Debt for a project with a total cost of ₹277.63 crore. The company is developing hydrogen-peroxide-based green propulsion systems for satellites with thrust ranging from 5 millinewtons to 300 newtons. The project aims to take the technology from Technology Readiness Level 6 to Level 9, which means flight-proven readiness. TDB Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak said indigenous propulsion technologies are important for strengthening India's capabilities across the space value chain.
Defence
6 storiesRaksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh calls for ‘Aatmanirbharta 2.0’ at SWAVLAMBAN 2026
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the fifth edition of the Indian Navy's innovation and indigenisation seminar SWAVLAMBAN at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on 26 October 2026. The two-day event, held on 26 and 27 October under the theme ‘Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation’, was organised with the Defence Innovation Organisation and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers. The Raksha Mantri called for ‘Aatmanirbharta 2.0’, which he described as a push towards top-end technologies, stronger research and development and resilient supply chains under a time-bound roadmap. He described young innovators and startups as ‘impact players’ in the defence ecosystem. Chief of Defence Staff Gen N S Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Dhiraj Seth and Chief of the Naval Staff Adm Krishna Swaminathan were among those present.
Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth about ₹2.12 lakh crore
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) on 26 October 2026 to capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹2,12,000 crore. Nearly 82 per cent of the approved value is to be procured from the Indian industry, in line with the goal of self-reliance in defence. For the Indian Army, the approvals cover items such as heavy mobility vehicles, a self-propelled tracked gun system, very short-range air defence systems, counter-drone systems, surveillance drones and long-range loitering munitions. The Indian Navy will receive an Active Offboard Decoy System and indigenous major naval platforms. For the Indian Air Force, the list includes helicopters such as Special Utility Helicopters, air defence systems, weapons and a Mobile X-Band Doppler Weather Radar.
Raksha Mantri to lead India at the 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu, Philippines
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will lead the Indian delegation to the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) at Cebu in the Philippines on 28 and 29 October 2026. The ADMM-Plus brings together the 11 ASEAN member states, including Timor-Leste, and eight dialogue partners, among them India. The first ADMM-Plus was held in Hanoi on 12 October 2010, and the ministers have met every year since 2017. The Philippines holds the ASEAN chair for 2026, while India is co-chairing the Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia for the 2024–27 cycle. India became a dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992.
INS Trishul reaches Civitavecchia, Italy, and holds a passage exercise with the Italian Navy
Indian Naval Ship Trishul arrived at the port of Civitavecchia in Italy on 25 October 2026 as part of its ongoing deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. Before entering harbour, the frigate carried out a passage exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy ship ITS Carlo Margottini. Such exercises help navies practise communication procedures and coordinated manoeuvres at sea. The port call is aimed at strengthening professional ties and maritime cooperation between the two navies. India and Italy have been expanding defence engagement under their strategic partnership.
Indian Navy's First Training Squadron completes a port call at Malé, Maldives
Ships of the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron, INS Tir and INS Sujata, along with Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, departed from Malé on 24 October 2026 after a three-day port call in the Maldives. On departure, the ships conducted a passage exercise with the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship Imaduddin. The visit gave officer trainees exposure to operations in the Indian Ocean Region and to cooperation with a close maritime neighbour. It was undertaken in line with India's MAHASAGAR vision for mutual and holistic advancement for security and growth across regions. The First Training Squadron trains young officers of the Indian Navy and of friendly foreign navies.
Western Command holds curtain raiser for Mechanisation Technology Seminar 2.0
The Indian Army's Western Command held a curtain raiser on 26 October 2026 for the second edition of its Mechanisation Technology Seminar. The curtain raiser was inaugurated by Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Command. The seminar's theme is ‘CHAKRA – Transforming Existing Platforms for Future Combat’, focusing on upgrading equipment already in service with new technologies. It will be held at Chandimandir on 14 and 15 December 2026 in partnership with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers. The initiative seeks to bring together the armed forces, industry and academia on practical solutions for future warfare.
Reports & Indices
2 storiesASUSE 2027–28 to align with the financial year and capture women entrepreneurs' constraints
The National Statistics Office under MoSPI announced on 26 October 2026 that the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) for 2027–28 will be conducted from April 2027 to March 2028, matching the financial year. ASUSE has been conducted since 2021–22 to collect data on unincorporated non-agricultural establishments, which are a major source of employment and gross value added. For the first time, the survey will capture gender-specific constraints faced by women entrepreneurs in running their establishments. New questions will also cover the sources of electricity used by enterprises and their investment trajectory. The sample design will continue to allow participating states to generate district-level estimates.
Coal CPSEs clean 130.16 lakh sq ft and earn ₹53.94 crore from scrap under Special Campaign 6
Central public sector enterprises under the Ministry of Coal reported major results under Special Campaign 6 on 26 October 2026, with the implementation phase running until 31 October. They cleaned 1,696 sites against a target of 1,565, covering 130.16 lakh square feet against a targeted 101.80 lakh square feet. About 16,158 metric tonnes of scrap was disposed of, generating revenue of about ₹53.94 crore. Officials also reviewed 78,635 physical and electronic files, of which 70,093 were weeded out and closed. Special Campaign 6 focuses on cleanliness, e-waste management and reducing pendency in government offices.
Sports
2 storiesHarmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma hit centuries as India Women seal ODI series against Zimbabwe
India Women defeated Zimbabwe Women by 121 runs in the second One Day International at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, on 25 October 2026 to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored 126 and Deepti Sharma made an unbeaten 106 as India posted 328 for 6 in 50 overs. The two shared a record 153-run partnership for the fifth wicket after India had slipped early in the innings. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 207 in 48.5 overs, with left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma taking 4 for 39 and Deepti picking up 3 for 32. Harmanpreet was named Player of the Match, and the third ODI is scheduled for 28 October.
Aditya and Megha Sheokand reach finals at the World Boxing U-19 Championships
Indian boxers Aditya and Megha Sheokand have reached the finals of the World Boxing U-19 Championships being held in Budva, Montenegro. Aditya, the Asian U-19 silver medallist, defeated Nihat Gasimov of Azerbaijan by a unanimous 5:0 verdict in the men's 55 kg semifinal on 25 October 2026 and will face Islam Magomedov of Russia for gold. Megha Sheokand earlier entered the women's 80 kg final with a referee-stopped-contest win over Meerim Chynybekova of Kyrgyzstan. India will also return with two bronze medals, won by Harshika in the women's 65 kg category and Prachi Tokas in the women's 80+ kg category. The championships are conducted by World Boxing, the international governing body for Olympic boxing.
Art & Culture
3 storiesNation observes Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti; Hon'ble Prime Minister shares a Sanskrit Subhashitam
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti on 26 October 2026. He said that the noble thoughts of Maharishi Valmiki have remained fundamental elements of Indian culture and heritage and will continue to enrich the nation in every era. The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam that recalls how the sage's grief on seeing a krauncha bird struck by a hunter turned into the very first shloka. Maharishi Valmiki is revered as the Adi Kavi, or first poet, and as the composer of the Ramayana. The festival is observed on the full-moon day of the month of Ashwin.
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to deliver the 67th Akashvani Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will deliver the 67th Sardar Patel Memorial Lecture of Akashvani at the Rang Bhawan Auditorium, New Delhi, on 27 October 2026 at 3 PM. The lecture will be broadcast on 31 October 2026 at 9:30 PM, which marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. The series was started by All India Radio in 1955, with the first lecture delivered by C. Rajagopalachari. The 66th lecture in the series was delivered by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. The annual lecture honours the contribution of Sardar Patel to the unification of India.
MDNIY begins a national workshop on the Vibhuti Pada of the Patanjala Yoga Sutra
The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi, began a five-day national workshop on 26 October 2026 on the Vibhuti Pada of the Patanjala Yoga Sutra, studied in the light of the Vyasa Bhashya. The workshop runs until 30 October 2026. The Vibhuti Pada is the third chapter of the Yoga Sutra and deals with the inner limbs of yoga. In it, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi practised together on one object are described as Samyama. MDNIY Director Dr. Jyoti Keswani highlighted the relevance of the Yoga Sutra for personal development and the cultivation of discipline and awareness.
Quick-revision MCQs
Ten questions drawn from today’s stories. Tap an option to check yourself.
Q1.Where was the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum inaugurated on 26 October 2026?
Answer: B. Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the forum in the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.
Q2.Which four pillars frame the deliberations of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum?
Answer: C. The forum is built around resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
Q3.The Defence Acquisition Council on 26 October 2026 accorded AoN to proposals worth about:
Answer: A. About 82 per cent of the approved value is to be sourced from Indian industry.
Q4.The 13th ADMM-Plus will be held on 28–29 October 2026 in:
Answer: D. The Philippines holds the ASEAN chair for 2026.
Q5.Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ is expected to cross the coast close to which place?
Answer: C. IMD expects landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of 28 October.
Q6.Under TRAI's recommendations, ALTD services (including FAST) would be a sub-category under which law?
Answer: B. TRAI proposed ALTD as a sub-category under Section 3(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Q7.E85 fuel contains up to what share of ethanol by volume?
Answer: A. The number after E indicates the proportion of ethanol in the blend.
Q8.ASUSE 2027–28 will for the first time capture:
Answer: D. The survey will also align with the April–March financial year.
Q9.Under Component II of RELIEF, the ECGC risk coverage offered to eligible exporters is:
Answer: B. The component has been extended till 31 March 2027.
Q10.Which Indian boxer reached the men's 55 kg final at the World Boxing U-19 Championships in Budva?
Answer: C. Aditya beat Nihat Gasimov of Azerbaijan 5:0 and will face Islam Magomedov of Russia for gold.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Reserve Bank of India, India Meteorological Department, DD News and The Hindu.
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