Daily GK Update- 26th Oct, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ladakh Becomes India’s First Fully Organic Union Territory: On 25 October 2026, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena declared Ladakh India’s first 100% organic Union Territory. The declaration followed a phased initiative across Leh and Kargil districts to end the use of synthetic fertilisers, chemical pesticides and toxic soil additives in agriculture. Organic farming avoids synthetic fertilisers and pesticides and follows standards for production, processing and certification. In India, the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) sets standards for organic production and accredits certification bodies. The programme is administered by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed in July 2021 with the Sikkim State Organic Certification Agency under the Mission Organic Development Initiative. The initiative set a target of making Ladakh a certified organic Union Territory by 2025. Sikkim became India’s first fully organic state in 2016.

 

2. C-DOT Opens Sixth Centre of Excellence at IIT (BHU): The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) established its sixth Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, on 23 October 2026. C-DOT and IIT (BHU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support collaborative research, technology development and specialised training. C-DOT is an autonomous research and development centre under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications. Established in 1984, it develops telecommunications technologies and systems. The new CoE was inaugurated in the presence of C-DOT Executive Vice-President Pankaj Kumar Dalela and IIT (BHU) Director Professor Amit Patra. C-DOT’s other CoE partnerships are with IIT Kanpur, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Roorkee, IIT Hyderabad and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. The Varanasi centre will provide a platform for academic research, technology development and training linked to communications technologies.

 

3. Kerala Plans India’s First Cooperative Airline: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced government approval on October 26, 2026, for the Kerala Civil Aviation Development Cooperative Society to launch flight services. The proposed airline, tentatively named Co-Keralam, is planned as India’s first airline in the cooperative sector. C.N. Vijayakrishnan, Chairman of MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, is spearheading the project. Co-Keralam plans to begin operations from Kochi using two leased aircraft, each with 72 seats. Proposed routes would connect Kerala with Kozhikode and Kannur, as well as Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai. The proposed fares range from Rs 3,500 to Rs 7,000. The project’s stated objective is to provide faster and more affordable domestic air travel.

 

4. PM Modi Inaugurates Arvind Textile Plant in Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Arvind Limited’s textile manufacturing plant at Khochwan, Mirzamurad, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on 25 October 2026. The facility, built at an approximate cost of ₹150 crore, covers about 7–8 acres and is the company’s first major manufacturing plant in the Purvanchal region. The Ahmedabad-based company plans to expand the plant in two phases. It will manufacture sportswear, undergarments, shirts and T-shirts for brands including Jockey, US Polo and Arrow. The facility forms part of the textile and garment manufacturing chain, which includes the production and processing of fabrics and the manufacture of apparel. During the inauguration, Modi enquired about the fabrics produced at the facility, including Khadi, and viewed an exhibition of the plant’s products. Khadi refers to handspun and handwoven cloth produced from natural fibres such as cotton, silk or wool.

 

5. National Urban Conclave 2026 Recommends Urban Reforms: The National Urban Conclave 2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar on 25 October after a two-day programme organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with the Government of Odisha. The conclave’s theme was “Urban Rising – Rethinking Urban Systems, Solutions and Delivery”, and more than 1,200 participants from governments, urban local bodies, industry and academia attended. Seven technical sessions covered urban governance, integrated development, affordable housing and the “Right to Walk”. Recommendations called for greater devolution of powers and finances to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), alongside stronger institutional capacity and accountability. The conclave’s recommendations are intended to inform the next phase of urban reforms under the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. 

 

6. India Targets Fourfold Port Capacity by 2047: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced on 25 October 2026 in Rotterdam that India aims to quadruple its port capacity by 2047. He said the country had doubled port capacity over the preceding decade and plans to double it twice more over the following two decades. The capacity target forms part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, a long-term roadmap for developing India’s maritime sector. Port capacity refers to the volume of cargo that port facilities can handle over a specified period. Expanding capacity involves infrastructure such as berths, cargo terminals, storage areas and transport links. The stated objectives include faster cargo movement, shorter ship turnaround times, and improvements in quality, efficiency and productivity. Ship turnaround time is the period between a vessel’s arrival at a port and its departure after cargo operations and other required services.

 

7. Odisha Prepares 60 ODRAF Teams Ahead of Cyclone Arnab: Odisha is preparing for Cyclone Arnab, which is forecast to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast around 28 October 2026 and intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm. The state plans to deploy 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams in three phases, with about 20 teams already deployed by 26 October. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds in parts of Odisha. Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts are on high alert, with a red alert in force for these districts on 28 October and parts of Odisha on 29 October. The IMD has hoisted Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 at all ports in Odisha and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until 29 October. The IMD is India’s national weather agency and the World Meteorological Organization’s Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Lula da Silva Wins Fourth Term as Brazil’s President: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won Brazil’s presidential runoff on 25 October 2026, securing about 51.8% of the vote against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s roughly 48.2%. Lula, aged 80, is set to begin his fourth presidential term on 5 January 2027. Brazil is a federal presidential republic. The president is elected by direct popular vote for a four-year term and may seek one consecutive re-election. Under the two-round system, a runoff is held if no candidate receives more than half of the valid votes in the first round. The first round of the 2026 election took place on 4 October. Flávio Bolsonaro received 47.03% of the vote, while Lula received 45.16%; Bolsonaro led by more than 2.2 million votes. Lula won the subsequent runoff, the first time since Brazil’s return to democracy in 1985 that a candidate who trailed in the first round went on to win the second.

 

2. Ukraine Joins NATO Procurement Agency Partnership: Ukraine joined the NATO Support and Procurement Agency’s (NSPA) Security Cooperation Support Partnership (SCSP) on 22 October 2026. The arrangement gives Ukrainian defence companies access to NATO contracts and enables Ukraine to procure military equipment through the NSPA. The NSPA is NATO’s agency for multinational procurement and the provision of logistics and other support to its member countries. Its work includes acquiring equipment and services, supporting supply chains, and providing operational and systems support. The agency can use procurement arrangements to coordinate requirements and contracts across participating countries. Ukraine is the first and only non-NATO member country to have a separate partnership serving as a single entry point to NSPA operations. The SCSP gives Ukrainian industry broad access to the agency’s tenders and allows Ukraine to draw on the NSPA’s knowledge, skills and expertise. Participation in the SCSP does not make Ukraine a NATO member.

 

3. COP31 to Address the Global Climate Finance Gap: COP31, the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. Its agenda includes climate finance, which refers to funding for climate mitigation and adaptation activities. The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the governing body of the UNFCCC, a treaty adopted in 1992. Parties meet to review implementation of the Convention and negotiate climate-related decisions. Türkiye will host COP31, with Australia also involved in the COP31 presidencies. At COP29, countries agreed on a climate finance goal of at least US300 billion annually for developing countries by 2035. A broader ambition is to mobilise at least US1.3 trillion annually for developing countries by the same year. The COP31 challenge includes establishing predictable funding arrangements to deliver the agreed goal.

4. India Registers 200 Outright T20 International Victories: India became the first men’s cricket team to record 200 outright victories in T20 Internationals on 24 October 2026. The landmark came with a four-wicket win over New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, and also marked India’s 300th men’s T20 International appearance. India had reached 200 total T20I victories on 22 September 2026, after defeating Japan by two runs in a rain-curtailed match in Sano. That earlier tally included five Super Over wins and one Bowl-out success, whereas the 24 October milestone counted outright victories. As of 25 October 2026, India’s record stood at 200 wins, 83 losses, seven tied matches and 10 no-results from 300 T20 Internationals. Its winning percentage was 71.1%, the highest among ICC Full Member nations.

 

5. Ahmedabad to Host 2029 World Weightlifting Championships: Ahmedabad will host the Senior World Weightlifting Championships in 2029, the first time India has hosted the senior edition of the competition. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) confirmed the decision on 25 October 2026, after an Executive Board meeting in Ningbo, China. The IWF awarded the 2029 hosting rights to Ahmedabad after considering bids from Russia and Venezuela. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced the decision on 25 October 2026. At the same Executive Board meeting, the IWF awarded the 2030 Senior World Weightlifting Championships to Moscow, Russia. The 2029 championship will also be a qualifying event for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which India is scheduled to host in Ahmedabad. The competition will bring the senior world championship to India for the first time.

 

6. Neelakurinji Blooms at High-Altitude Meeshapulimala: Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is blooming on the slopes of Meeshapulimala in Kerala’s Munnar region. The plants are flowering near Rhodo Mansion, a Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) property at an elevation of about 2,470 metres. The bloom is unusual because Neelakurinji generally does not flower above 2,500 metres. The flowering season is expected to continue from October to December 2026. Neelakurinji is a flowering shrub of the genus Strobilanthes, found in the Western Ghats of southern India. Its plants can flower gregariously, producing extensive blooms across hill slopes. Flowering intervals vary among Strobilanthes species and populations; the Meeshapulimala and Chokramudi populations follow a cycle of about 12 years, with their previous major flowering recorded in 2014. The next flowering season expected at Eravikulam National Park is in 2030, following a different cycle.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy’s Indigenous AIP System Enters Setting-to-Work Phase-2: The Indian Navy’s indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system reached a development milestone on 24 October 2026 with the inauguration of the Setting to Work Phase-2 (STW-2) activity for its Energy Module. The ceremony took place at Larsen and Toubro’s AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat. The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Naval Materials Research Laboratory developed the AIP system. During STW-2, the Energy Module will undergo testing for power production under Indian Navy protocols. Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh attended the inauguration virtually. Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, Indian Navy Chief of Materiel, and Dr R Balamuralikrishnan, DRDO Director General (Naval Systems and Materials), attended at the Hazira facility.

 

2. Indian Navy Training Squadron Visits Sri Lanka: The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron arrived in Sri Lanka on 26 October 2026 for a three-day goodwill visit scheduled to conclude on 28 October. The squadron comprises Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi. The visit forms part of a long-range training deployment across the Indian Ocean region. Captain Tijo K Joseph is the Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron and the Commanding Officer of INS Tir. Five Sri Lanka Navy officer trainees are participating in the long-range deployment. The Indian Coast Guard, which operates alongside the Indian Navy in maritime security and search-and-rescue duties, is represented in the squadron by ICGS Sarathi. Before arriving in Sri Lanka, the squadron called at Port Victoria in Seychelles from 12 to 15 October and Malé in the Maldives on 21 October 2026. The Sri Lanka visit is intended to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation through professional and training engagements.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Important Indian Women Chess Players and Their Achievements: Indian women chess players have earned major titles, championship medals and Olympiad honours, strengthening India’s presence in international chess. Their achievements range from pioneering Grandmaster milestones to recent World Cup and team successes, while highlighting women’s participation and talent development in the sport. The 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest in 2024 was a major team achievement for India’s women. Several players also made important individual contributions and have won titles in national and international competitions. She won the Indian women’s championship in 2022 and the Asian women’s championship in 2023. At 18, she won the World Junior Girls’ Championship in 2024 and earned individual gold on board three at the 45th Chess Olympiad, contributing to India’s team gold.

 

2. Chess Rules, Scoring Systems and Tournament Formats: Chess is played between two players on a standard 8-by-8 board, with each side seeking to checkmate the opposing king. Its rules govern how pieces move, when games are drawn and how results are scored. Tournament formats, time controls and fair-play standards shape competitive play. A standard chessboard has 64 alternating light and dark squares. Each player begins with 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights and eight pawns. Players move in turn, and a piece generally cannot move onto a square occupied by a piece of the same colour. The objective is to attack the opposing king so that it has no legal escape: this is checkmate. Piece movements are distinct. The king moves one square in any direction; the queen moves any distance along a rank, file or diagonal. A rook moves along ranks and files, while a bishop moves diagonally. The knight moves in an L-shape—two squares in one direction and one perpendicular—and can jump over other pieces. A pawn moves forward one square, or two squares on its first move, and captures one square diagonally forward.

 

3. Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy Win Gold at European Chess Club Cup: Indian chess players Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy won individual gold medals at the European Chess Club Cup 2026, held in Budva, Montenegro, from 17 to 23 October. Sarin represented Novy Bor Chess Club in the Open section, while Humpy played for Cercle d’Echecs de Monte-Carlo in the Women’s section. The European Chess Club Cup is a club-level team chess competition organised by the European Chess Union. It is contested in separate Open and Women’s events, with clubs fielding players across designated boards. The 2026 edition took place over six rounds in Budva, a coastal town in Montenegro. In team chess, players are assigned boards within their clubs, and results from individual games contribute to the team’s match score. Individual board awards recognise player performances on a particular board during the competition. The Open and Women’s events have separate team standings and individual board results.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NIFTEM-K Hosts India’s First AI-Food Technology Hackathon: The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K), hosted “Hack the Fork”, described as India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) and food technology hackathon. The 24-hour event began on 24 October 2026 and concluded on 25 October 2026. It was organised by France-based non-profit Hack the Fork in collaboration with the NIFTEM-K Smart Protein Project and The Good Food Institute India. Artificial Intelligence includes computational methods that use data to perform tasks such as classification, prediction and optimisation. In food technology, AI applications can analyse production data, detect patterns in food-safety records and support product formulation. Hack the Fork invited participants to develop AI-based responses to challenges in alternative proteins, sustainable food systems and food innovation. The hackathon included themes on AI for plant-based formulation using indigenous crops, AI for bioprocessing and fermentation scale-up, and open AI solutions for supply chains, food safety and nutrition.

 

2. Major Astronomical Observatories Studying Black Holes: Black holes are studied by observing their effects on nearby matter, light and spacetime rather than by seeing them directly. Ground- and space-based observatories use radio, optical, infrared and X-ray observations, alongside gravitational-wave detection, to investigate their properties and evolution. Black holes are commonly classified by mass. Stellar-mass black holes form from the collapse of massive stars, while supermassive black holes—with masses millions to billions of times that of the Sun—are found at the centres of most galaxies, including the Milky Way. Their presence and properties are inferred from their gravitational effects and emissions from surrounding matter. Different techniques reveal different stages and scales of black hole activity.

3. What Is the Pentagon’s FORTRESS America Plan?: The Pentagon’s FORTRESS America initiative was formally launched by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on 30 September 2026. FORTRESS stands for Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy, Supply, and Survivability. The initiative sets a requirement for major US military installations in the continentThe 90-day requirement covers power generation, water, fuel and communications without reliance on civilian infrastructure. The initiative addresses risks including cyberattacks, sabotage, drone threats, disruption to power grids and interruptions to global supply chains. Its pillars include installation hardening, cyber resilience, energy independence, supply-chain resilience and resilience in space and spectrum.

 

4. ISRO Plans Four Functional Launch Pads by 2029: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to have four functional space launch pads by 2029. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced the plan on 25 October 2026. The proposal includes a dedicated Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin district. India’s launch infrastructure includes the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. SDSC has two launch pads used for orbital launch vehicles. ISRO operates under the Department of Space, which is responsible for India’s space programme. The proposed four-pad target is for 2029; details of the locations and schedules for three of the proposed pads have not been specified. A launch complex requires facilities for vehicle assembly, integration, testing and launch operations.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SMFCL Targets ₹60,205 Crore in Disbursements by 2031: Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) is India’s first dedicated maritime non-banking financial company (NBFC). It aims to make cumulative disbursements of ₹60,205 crore by the end of the 2030–31 financial year. Its target depends on equity support and compliance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms, including applicable debt-to-equity requirements. An NBFC is a company registered under the Companies Act that conducts financial activities such as lending, subject to RBI regulation. Unlike a bank, an NBFC cannot accept demand deposits or issue cheques drawn on itself. SMFCL provides long-term finance for maritime activities, including port-led development, shipbuilding and coastal connectivity. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated SMFCL’s corporate office at the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development in New Delhi on 23 October 2026. SMFCL began lending operations on 31 December 2025, with an initial sanction of approximately ₹4,300 crore, and set a loan-book target of ₹8,000 crore for FY 2025–26.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Shabari Naturals Wins G-Mark Global Design Award: Shabari Naturals, a Maharashtra government initiative, received the G-Mark – Global Design Award on 25 October 2026 for packaging inspired by traditional tribal art. The Japan Institute of Design Promotion is scheduled to formally present the award in Tokyo on 4 November 2026. Leena Bansod, Managing Director of the Nashik-headquartered Shabari Tribal Finance and Development Corporation (STFDC), will accept it on behalf of the Maharashtra government. The award recognises Shabari Naturals’ packaging design, which draws on tribal art forms and depictions of tribal culture and legends. The award gives the initiative the right to display the G-Mark logo on its packaging. Shabari Naturals had previously received the India Design Mark. Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the award in his monthly radio broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, on 25 October 2026. He spoke about the initiative’s promotion of tribal products and the “Vocal for Local” movement. Maharashtra Tribal Development Minister Dr Ashok Uike said the award recognised tribal culture and the work of tribal communities.

 

2. Lionel Messi Receives 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Award: Lionel Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on 23 October at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, Spain. Princess Leonor presented the award at a ceremony attended by members of the Spanish Royal Family. Messi became the first footballer to receive the award as a solo laureate; footballers had previously been honoured as teams or jointly. Messi’s career includes Argentina’s victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, four UEFA Champions League titles and 10 La Liga titles with FC Barcelona. He has won the Ballon d’Or eight times and the European Golden Shoe six times. The 2026 award citation recognised his sporting career, consistency, teamwork and charitable work.

 

Daily GK Update- 25th Oct, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to Host 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on October 26–27 in New Delhi: India is preparing to host a major parliamentary gathering that will bring lawmakers and parliamentary representatives from BRICS member and partner countries to New Delhi on October 26 and 27.

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is scheduled to take place in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, the Parliament complex. The Lok Sabha Secretariat announced the programme on October 22, describing it as an opportunity for parliamentary leaders to discuss strategic priorities under India’s chairship. The agenda is designed to cover both institutional questions and broader international challenges, including ethical AI, digital transformation, global governance reform and sustainable development.

 

2. Jaipur has been named in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027.: Jaipur will turn 300 in 2027, and that’s just one of the many more reasons for travellers to visit Rajasthan’s capital. The city has made National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027 list, which features 25 destinations across six continents. The annual selection highlights places with something special to offer in the year ahead, from major cultural events and historic anniversaries to new outdoor experiences. For Jaipur, the focus is on its architectural heritage, traditional crafts and the 20th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival. The destinations on the list all bring different experiences to the table. Luxor in Egypt, known for its ancient temples and tombs, is also preparing for a total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027. Penang in Malaysia draws visitors with its food culture and historic streets, while Japan’s Niigata offers regional cuisine, sake and coastal scenery.

 

3. Sunil Kumar appointed ONGC chairman for three years from December 7, 2026: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Sunil Kumar, currently serving as executive director at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), as the next chairman of the company for three years beginning December 7, 2026. He has been appointed chairman with effect from the date he assumes charge of the post on or after December 7, until his superannuation in December 2028 and thereafter on a contract basis, for a combined tenure of three years. Sunil Kumar will replace Arun Singh, who has been the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the petroleum explorer since December 2022.

 

4. Tamil Nadu Launches Thuli Rainwater Harvesting Campaign: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the statewide ‘Thuli’ rainwater harvesting awareness campaign in Chennai on 21 October 2026. ‘Thuli’ means “drop” in Tamil. The launch included the unveiling of the campaign logo and mascot. Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater or directing it into the ground for recharge. Rooftop collection systems channel rainfall from roofs towards storage facilities or recharge structures. Percolation pits, trenches and recharge wells allow collected water to enter the ground. The Thuli campaign aims to strengthen rainwater harvesting, restore existing systems and improve groundwater recharge in urban and rural areas. Its coverage includes municipal corporations, municipalities, town panchayats and village panchayats.

 

5. Prime Minister Inaugurates RBI Data Centre in Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) ₹169-crore data centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute on 25 October 2026. The facilities occupy 18.55 acres at Info Valley-II in Jatni, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The foundation stone was laid by then-RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on 22 March 2023. The data centre will host mission-critical payment and settlement systems, including Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT). It is certified to Tier IV by the Uptime Institute, a global data centre standards and certification organisation. Tier IV is its highest data centre classification and specifies fault-tolerant infrastructure. RTGS processes fund transfers individually and in real time, while NEFT settles transactions in batches. Both systems support electronic fund transfers through banks and other eligible entities. The RBI operates these payment systems as part of India’s financial infrastructure.

 

6. India to Build Secure Military AI Layer: On 23 October 2026, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that the Ministry of Defence and the IndiaAI Mission are working to develop a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) layer for the armed forces. The proposed layer is intended to provide secure domestic computing for decision-making support, target acquisition and data fusion. The military AI layer is intended to support a sensor-to-shooter loop, which connects information gathered by sensors with operational decisions and the use of weapons. Data fusion combines information from different sources to support a shared operational picture. Target acquisition involves identifying and locating potential targets for military action.

 

7. Amur Falcons Complete 20,000-km Migration to Manipur: Two satellite-tagged Amur falcons, Apapang and Alang, returned to Manipur on 22 October 2026 after a round-trip migration of nearly 20,000 km across 23 countries. Their route included a six-day, non-stop flight of nearly 6,000 km between northeast India and Somalia, including a crossing of about 3,000 km over the Arabian Sea. The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is a migratory raptor that breeds in northeastern China and the Russian Far East. It winters in southern Africa, where birds reach between November and December and remain until March or April. They return to their breeding grounds by April or May. Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India fitted Apapang, Alang and a third falcon, Ahu, with satellite transmitters at the Chiuluan roosting site in Tamenglong district in November 2025. Tracking signals confirmed Apapang and Alang’s return to Manipur. Scientists lost contact with Ahu in Somalia earlier in 2026.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Hosts the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026: India is hosting the 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference (AWC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The three-day international summit marks the first time a nation from the Global South hosts this event. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) hosts the conference alongside Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV). Conexio-PSE serves as the primary organizer. Under the theme “Powering the Global South,” the summit explores how dual-land usage can revolutionize clean energy generation and agricultural productivity.

 

2. Three Indian Sites Added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites: The Baratang Karst-Mud Volcano Complex and Andaman Subduction Volcanoes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along with the Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape in Chhattisgarh, have been added to India’s UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. With these additions, India’s Tentative List has reached 81 sites. A Tentative List is an inventory of properties that a country considers suitable for possible nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It helps countries identify and plan for the conservation of sites with potential Outstanding Universal Value. Inclusion in the Tentative List does not mean that a site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an initial step in the nomination process.

 

3. India, New Zealand Sign MoC on Electronic Origin Data Exchange Under FTA: India and New Zealand have signed Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Electronic Origin Data Exchange to Facilitate Bilateral Trade Under the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The MoC marks an important step towards strengthening customs cooperation and facilitating bilateral trade between the two countries. The initiative reflects a forward-looking approach to align bilateral customs cooperation with evolving international practices in digitalisation, information exchange and trade facilitation. The electronic exchange of origin data is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce information gaps and provide greater certainty to traders engaged in bilateral trade.

 

4. India Targets 30 Million Tonnes of Fish Production in Five Years: India aims to raise annual fish production to 30 million tonnes within five years, from the current 19.7 million tonnes. Union Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi stated the target on 23 October 2026, alongside an aim to increase seafood exports to ₹1.25 lakh crore. Inland fisheries contribute approximately three-fourths of India’s fish production, while marine fisheries account for the remaining share. Fish production includes output from both capture fisheries and aquaculture. Capture fisheries harvest fish from natural water bodies, whereas aquaculture involves the farming of aquatic organisms under managed conditions. The seafood export target of ₹1.25 lakh crore is part of the sector’s five-year production objectives. Fish and fish products are also sources of food and income for fishing communities. The production and export targets are linked to improving the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.

 

5. UK Launches Be Ready Emergency Preparedness Campaign: The UK government launched the “Be Ready” emergency preparedness initiative on 22 October 2026 through the Cabinet Office. The initiative is the first phase of a three-year public awareness campaign advising households on preparation for temporary disruptions to essential services. The campaign advises households to prepare for at least three days without services such as electricity, water, telephone networks or internet access. Suggested supplies include non-perishable food, bottled water, cash, prescription medicines and back-up power or communication equipment. The recommended water supply is up to nine litres per person. The campaign advises households to keep batteries fully charged or have a wind-up radio available. Cash and prescription medication are also included in the recommended supplies.

 

6. Japan’s Kikai Caldera Slowly Refills with Magma: On 23 October 2026, researchers from Kobe University described evidence that magma is gradually accumulating beneath Japan’s Kikai Caldera. The caldera formed during the Kikai-Akahoya eruption about 7,300 years ago, one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the Holocene Epoch. Kikai Caldera is an underwater volcanic depression in southern Japan. A caldera forms when a volcano’s summit or surrounding ground collapses after a large volume of magma is withdrawn during an eruption. The Kikai-Akahoya eruption produced extensive volcanic deposits in southern Japan and formed the caldera. The present research concerns magma accumulating beneath the caldera long after that eruption. The researchers found that the magma currently present is newly injected material, rather than simply molten remnants of the ancient eruption.

 

7. Lula da Silva Wins Fourth Term as Brazil’s President: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won Brazil’s presidential runoff on 25 October 2026, securing about 51.8% of the vote against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s roughly 48.2%. Lula, aged 80, is set to begin his fourth presidential term on 5 January 2027. Brazil is a federal presidential republic. The president is elected by direct popular vote for a four-year term and may seek one consecutive re-election. Under the two-round system, a runoff is held if no candidate receives more than half of the valid votes in the first round. The first round of the 2026 election took place on 4 October. Flávio Bolsonaro received 47.03% of the vote, while Lula received 45.16%; Bolsonaro led by more than 2.2 million votes. Lula won the subsequent runoff, the first time since Brazil’s return to democracy in 1985 that a candidate who trailed in the first round went on to win the second.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Turkey, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia sign New Defence Cooperation Badr MoU: Turkey, Qatar, Pakistan, and Indonesia signed ‘Badr Memorandum of Understanding’ to boost defence cooperation on October 21 in Doha. The development comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region. Foster cooperation in defence manufacturing. Enhance the four countries’ defence capabilities. Promote collaboration in technical defence training and research and development contributing to industrial solutions suited to modern defence systems.

 

2. Indian Navy to Host Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026: The Indian Navy will host the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2026 in New Delhi from 3 to 5 November 2026. Its theme is “Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific”. Registration is open as of 23 October 2026. IPRD is the Indian Navy’s premier strategic maritime dialogue and an apex-level international conference. It brings together maritime thinkers, policymakers, experts, academics, practitioners, scientists and technologists. The 2026 dialogue aims to identify practical and collaborative approaches to science, technology and academic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. The National Maritime Foundation, an Indian institution for maritime research, policy dialogue and strategic thought, is involved in organising the dialogue. The 2026 programme has five focus areas covering ocean science, maritime technology, ocean governance, maritime awareness and academic cooperation.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Asian Games: History, Editions and Important Facts: The Asian Games, or Asiad, is a continental multi-sport event held every four years for athletes from across Asia. Recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it is the world’s second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. The idea for the Asian Games was proposed by Indian representative Guru Dutt Sondhi during the 1948 London Olympics. The Asian Athletic Federation, a precursor to the body that would organise the Games, was formally inaugurated in New Delhi on February 13, 1949. The Games were inspired by the Olympic movement and followed the Far Eastern Championship Games, held from 1913 to 1934. The first Asian Games took place in New Delhi from March 4 to 11, 1951. The event’s motto, “Ever Onward,” was proposed by Sondhi. Its official emblem features a bright red sun with 16 rays and a white circle at the centre.

 

2. ICC Sets Cricket Qualification Framework for LA28 Olympics: The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced changes to the cricket qualification framework for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 in October 2026, after meetings in Dubai. The Games will feature separate men’s and women’s Twenty20 (T20) competitions, with six teams in each event. The men’s and women’s Olympic qualifying tournaments have been moved from 2027 to January and February 2028. The ICC has not yet announced the venues for either tournament. Each tournament will include eight teams: the seven highest-ranked eligible teams that have not already qualified, plus the winner of the Caribbean Regional Qualifier. The supplied framework does not state how many places each tournament will award.

 

3. Pankaj Advani Wins 29th World Title: Indian cueist Pankaj Advani won his 29th career world title at the WBL World Billiards Championships on 23 October 2026. He defeated England’s Robert Hall 1,906–1,206 in the final, held in Great Wyrley, England. The five-hour match saw Advani recover from a deficit of more than 300 points. Advani’s victory was his 21st world championship title in billiards. He received the John Roberts Trophy, named after the 19th-century English billiards champion John Roberts Sr. Advani made a break of 587 in the final, the highest break of the championship. A break is a series of points scored during a player’s visit to the table before the turn ends. Advani reached the final after defeating defending champion David Causier 1,607–1,271 in the semi-final. In the quarter-final, he beat Sourav Kothari 1,134–575. In the women’s event, India’s Shruthi L retained her title by defeating Australia’s Anna Lynch 347–222.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Scientists Use Phage Therapy Against Resistant Joint Infection in Guntur: Doctors at Samishta Hospital (SHRI) in Guntur treated a 72-year-old man with a carbapenem-resistant infection of an artificial knee joint using phage therapy. The case, published on 22 October 2026 in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases (IJID Regions), is India’s first reported successful use of phage therapy for a carbapenem-resistant artificial joint infection. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria. Many phages target particular bacterial species or strains, making identification of the infection-causing bacterium important when selecting a treatment. Lytic phages multiply inside bacterial cells and cause them to rupture. In the Guntur case, the infected knee joint contained Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium resistant to carbapenems and other antibiotics. Researchers at the phage laboratory of SRM University in Andhra Pradesh developed a cocktail containing three specific bacteriophages. The clinical team, led by Dr Kalyan Chakravarthy Koganti, delivered the cocktail directly into the infected joint over 10 days.

 

2. CCMB Researchers Identify DZIP3 Antiviral Alarm Switch: Researchers at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, announced the discovery of a cellular antiviral mechanism on 22 October 2026. The study identified DZIP3 as a protein that senses viral RNA and activates immune defences. Dr Santosh Chauhan, a Senior Principal Scientist at CCMB, led the research, and Dr Rinku Sahu was its first author. Innate immunity is the body’s rapid, first-line defence against pathogens and includes cellular mechanisms that recognise infection. In the pathway identified by the researchers, DZIP3 detects viral RNA inside a cell and changes shape to become activated. It then moves to the mitochondria, organelles that produce most of a cell’s energy and also participate in cellular signalling. At the mitochondria, DZIP3 tags and activates immune defence proteins. This process triggers the production of Type-I interferons, signalling proteins that help limit viral multiplication. Type-I interferons include interferon-alpha and interferon-beta, which act through cell-surface receptors to activate antiviral responses.

 

3. Wildfires Threaten Ancient Cave Paintings in Maros-Pangkep: Wildfires in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, have burned more than 270 hectares of the Maros-Pangkep national park between 30 September and 18 October 2026. The fires came within 800 metres of caves containing prehistoric paintings, some dated to more than 67,000 years ago. Heat and smoke can damage the artworks even when flames do not reach the cave walls. A cave painting in Maros-Pangkep depicts human-like figures interacting with a pig and has been dated to at least 51,200 years old. Researchers from Griffith University dated a reddish hand stencil in a cave on Muna Island, off Sulawesi, to at least 67,800 years old. The dates place these works among the oldest known examples of cave art. The caves occur in a karst landscape of limestone formations. The surrounding national park is also designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, a designation for a unified geographical area containing sites of international geological significance. The park contains both geological features and archaeological sites.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NCDEX Launches NDEX and FINNDEX Equity Indices: On 22 October 2026, the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) launched NDEX and FINNDEX, two rule-based equity indices, in New Delhi. The launch extended NCDEX’s activities beyond its traditional focus on agricultural commodities into equity and equity derivatives markets. NDEX comprises 20 large and liquid Indian equities selected from the top 60 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). FINNDEX tracks 15 financial-sector stocks, excluding insurance companies, selected from the top 40 eligible companies. An equity index measures the performance of a selected group of shares using a defined method for selecting and weighting its constituents. NCDEX Ltd owns NDEX and FINNDEX, while NSE Indices Ltd calculates and maintains them. The indices are reviewed and rebalanced twice a year, in March and September, and an individual stock cannot exceed a 15% weight. Their base month is January 2010, and their base value is 10,000. Index values are disseminated in real time during market hours.

 

2. Oil India Finds Natural Gas in Krishna-Godavari Basin: Oil India Limited (OIL) announced a natural gas discovery on 23 October 2026 in the shallow offshore block KG-DSF/GSKW/2018 in the Krishna-Godavari Basin. The discovery was made in the previously unappraised Matsyapuri formation through the Godavari-1 well, an appraisal well in the block operated solely by OIL. The Godavari-1 well confirmed hydrocarbons at depths of 2,024 to 2,027 metres. Production testing began on 16 October 2026. The well initially produced natural gas at approximately 1 lakh standard cubic metres per day, with a maximum continuous flow rate of 2 lakh standard cubic metres per day. Testing also recorded condensate production of about 170 barrels per day. The condensate had an API gravity of 55.8 at 60°F, while the wellhead pressure was 1,815 pounds per square inch (psi). Preparations were under way on 23 October 2026 to test the next higher zone within the Matsyapuri formation.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Devadas Chimakode Wins Karnataka Janapada Academy Award 2026: Veteran folk artist Devadas Chimakode has been selected for the Karnataka Janapada Academy’s Annual Honorary Award for 2026. The selection, announced on 21 October 2026, recognises his outstanding efforts over the past 35 years to preserve, promote, and propagate traditional folk art forms at the village level across the region. According to academy member Vijay Kumar Sonare, this state-level honour brings immense pride to Bidar district and serves as a vital push to encourage other folk artists dedicated to rural cultural traditions.

 

2. Ameena Nazreen A S Wins Global Youth Institute Award: Ameena Nazreen A S received a US$500 cash award at the Global Youth Institute on 23 October 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. The institute was held as part of the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, organised by the World Food Prize Foundation under the theme “Before Hunger Wins”. The Global Youth Institute brings high school students from different countries together annually in Des Moines to examine food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture and agricultural innovation. Participating students present research papers on food-system challenges and engage with international peers. Seven high school students from India were selected through the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS)-YUVA initiative to participate in the 2026 institute. The students presented research papers on food-security challenges and sustainable agricultural systems. Separately, on 14 July 2026, Nagappan N., a Class XII student at Reliance Foundation School in Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai, was selected as one of ten students from India to represent the country at the institute. He was chosen through the NAAS-YUVA Selection Drive.

 

Daily GK Update- 24th Oct, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bharat Biotech Cuts MOSQIVAC Malaria Vaccine Price by 40%: Bharat Biotech announced a nearly 40% reduction in the price of MOSQIVAC, its brand of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, on 23 October 2026. Under an agreement executed by UNICEF and financially backed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the price will fall from €9.30 to €5.50 per dose from early 2027. RTS,S/AS01 was the first malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021. GSK developed the vaccine with PATH and other partners. Bharat Biotech manufactures it following a technology transfer from GSK and markets it as MOSQIVAC. The vaccine targets malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the most severe form of the disease.

 

2. Tamil Nadu Adds Madras Hedgehog to Conservation Programme: On 22 October 2026, the Tenkasi Forest Division in Tamil Nadu proposed expanding its Golden Jackal Ambassadors programme to include the Madras hedgehog, locally called ‘mulleli’. The programme was launched in 2025 to promote golden jackal conservation through trained students and volunteers. The expanded programme will train school and college students, volunteers, local youth and villagers to share conservation messages. Forest Guard Brothers and Forest Guard Sisters will be nominated in schools and colleges to conduct regular training. Forest officials will also visit educational institutions and organise awareness activities and data collection in villages. Village Forest Committees will coordinate with students in hamlets near forests.

 

3. ICMR Funds Blood Test Research for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A team at GITAM (Deemed to be University) in Visakhapatnam is developing a blood test for early detection of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) through an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-funded project. The three-year project, sanctioned under ICMR’s Follow-on Nischayak Anveshan Extramural Grants programme, has an outlay of more than ₹2 crore. TNBC is a breast cancer subtype in which tumour cells test negative for oestrogen receptors and progesterone receptors, and do not have excess human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). These receptor characteristics distinguish TNBC from breast cancers that can be treated using therapies targeting those receptors. Professor Rama Rao Malla of GITAM’s Department of Life Sciences is the project’s principal investigator. The research seeks to identify serum-based biomarkers that could support early-stage TNBC diagnosis.

 

4. PM Modi to Inaugurate RBI Data Centre in Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Greenfield Data Centre and Enterprise Computing & Cybersecurity Training Institute on 25 October 2026. The facility is at Info Valley-II in Jatni, Khordha district, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Its estimated project cost is ₹169 crore. The data centre is designed to operate as a secondary backup to the RBI’s primary data centre at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai. Data centres use computing and storage infrastructure to process and preserve digital information. A secondary facility can support data recovery and continuity of operations when the primary site is disrupted.

 

5. India Targets 30 Million Tonnes of Fish Production in Five Years: India aims to raise annual fish production to 30 million tonnes within five years, from the current 19.7 million tonnes. Union Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi stated the target on 23 October 2026, alongside an aim to increase seafood exports to ₹1.25 lakh crore. Inland fisheries contribute approximately three-fourths of India’s fish production, while marine fisheries account for the remaining share. Fish production includes output from both capture fisheries and aquaculture. Capture fisheries harvest fish from natural water bodies, whereas aquaculture involves the farming of aquatic organisms under managed conditions. The seafood export target of ₹1.25 lakh crore is part of the sector’s five-year production objectives. Fish and fish products are also sources of food and income for fishing communities. The production and export targets are linked to improving the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.

 

6. Amur Falcons Complete 20,000-km Migration to Manipur: Two satellite-tagged Amur falcons, Apapang and Alang, returned to Manipur on 22 October 2026 after a round-trip migration of nearly 20,000 km across 23 countries. Their route included a six-day, non-stop flight of nearly 6,000 km between northeast India and Somalia, including a crossing of about 3,000 km over the Arabian Sea. Manipur and other parts of northeast India serve as stopover areas during the migration. Apapang and Alang are expected to spend two to three weeks at sites in the mountainous tracts of Tamenglong district. Amur falcons feed mainly on insects, including termites, ants, locusts and beetles; they can also eat mice, smaller birds and lizards. Termites at stopover areas help the birds build fat reserves before long flights.

 

7. Uttar Pradesh Tops Mission Karmayogi Implementation: Uttar Pradesh ranked first nationally for implementing Mission Karmayogi in an assessment of capacity building in government departments and among officials. The state received the recognition at a northern regional workshop in Lucknow on 23 October 2026, jointly organised by the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Uttar Pradesh Academy of Administration and Management (RUPAM) and the Government of India’s Capacity Building Commission. Rajasthan ranked second and Jammu and Kashmir third. Mission Karmayogi is the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2020. It aims to strengthen the capabilities of government officials through continuous learning and training. The programme includes the iGOT Karmayogi platform, an online system for civil service learning and training. Its framework promotes a role-based approach to administration, alongside competency-based capacity development.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. UK Launches Be Ready Emergency Preparedness Campaign: The UK government launched the “Be Ready” emergency preparedness initiative on 22 October 2026 through the Cabinet Office. The initiative is the first phase of a three-year public awareness campaign advising households on preparation for temporary disruptions to essential services. The campaign advises households to prepare for at least three days without services such as electricity, water, telephone networks or internet access. Suggested supplies include non-perishable food, bottled water, cash, prescription medicines and back-up power or communication equipment. The recommended water supply is up to nine litres per person. The campaign advises households to keep batteries fully charged or have a wind-up radio available. Cash and prescription medication are also included in the recommended supplies.

 

2. Ukraine Partners with Nokia and ICEYE on Satellite Communications: Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence signed a Letter of Intent with Finnish technology firms Nokia and ICEYE on 22 October 2026 to explore the development of a sovereign satellite communications system. The announcement came during Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s visit to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The proposed system is intended to reduce Ukraine’s reliance on foreign-controlled satellite networks, including Starlink. The Letter of Intent sets out exploratory cooperation; it is not a binding procurement or deployment contract. No prices, delivery schedules or terminal quantities have been disclosed. The proposed system would give participating governments ownership and control of satellites, ground infrastructure and user terminals.

 

3. Mysuru Dasara Drone Show Sets Guinness World Record: On 18 October 2026, a Mysuru Dasara drone display set a Guinness World Records title for the largest aerial display of a bird formed by multirotors or drones. The formation depicted a dancing peacock, India’s national bird, using 3,473 drones at the Torchlight Parade Ground in Bannimantap, Mysuru, Karnataka. The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) and the Energy Department of the Government of Karnataka organised the display. Delhi-based BotLab Dynamics carried out the drone flight. Guinness World Records officials from London attended the event to verify the record and presented the certificate to CESC.

 

4. US Energy Department Adds Helium to Critical Materials List: On 23 October 2026, US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright designated helium a critical material under the Energy Act of 2020. Helium became the 20th material on the US Department of Energy’s critical materials list. The designation provides helium producers access to additional federal funding and subjects the material to closer government oversight. Most terrestrial helium forms through the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium in rocks. It can accumulate in underground natural gas reservoirs, from which it is recovered during gas processing. The United States has substantial helium-rich natural gas resources, but limited refining capacity and lengthy permitting timelines constrain domestic output.

 

5. Wildfires Threaten Ancient Cave Paintings in Maros-Pangkep: Wildfires in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, have burned more than 270 hectares of the Maros-Pangkep national park between 30 September and 18 October 2026. The fires came within 800 metres of caves containing prehistoric paintings, some dated to more than 67,000 years ago. Heat and smoke can damage the artworks even when flames do not reach the cave walls. A cave painting in Maros-Pangkep depicts human-like figures interacting with a pig and has been dated to at least 51,200 years old. Researchers from Griffith University dated a reddish hand stencil in a cave on Muna Island, off Sulawesi, to at least 67,800 years old. The dates place these works among the oldest known examples of cave art.

 

6. Important International Frameworks for Ocean Governance: Ocean governance is shaped by international agreements and institutions that regulate maritime activities, protect marine ecosystems and guide the sustainable use of ocean resources. Together, these frameworks support international law and cooperation in managing the oceans, including areas beyond national jurisdiction. Adopted in 1982 and in force from 1994, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is often called the “Constitution for the Oceans.” It provides the overarching legal framework for ocean and sea activities. As of October 2024, it had 172 parties. UNCLOS sets out the rights and obligations of States in maritime zones, including territorial seas, contiguous zones, exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and the high seas. It addresses navigation, marine scientific research and the exploration and use of marine resources. 

 

7. Major Sedimentary Basins of India: India has 26 sedimentary basins across onshore, shallow-water and deepwater regions. They are important repositories of hydrocarbons and other resources, and support exploration that contributes to energy security. Their development also calls for careful resource management and attention to environmental sustainability. Sedimentary basins are depressions in the Earth’s crust where layers of sand, silt, clay and organic matter accumulate over geological time. Heat and pressure can transform buried organic matter into petroleum and natural gas. These basins also contain resources such as coal, groundwater and other minerals. The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) classifies basins according to hydrocarbon prospectivity and maturity. The categories help guide exploration and assessment of India’s resource potential.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Telangana to Host Raksha Expo 2026: Telangana will host Raksha Expo 2026 from December 7 to 9 at Bharat Future City, Hyderabad. It is described as India’s first defence and aerospace expo organised by a state government. The expo will bring together the aerospace, space, defence and internal security sectors, with exhibitions, technology demonstrations, drone shows and a planned air show on December 9. A curtain-raiser was scheduled for October 24, 2026, at Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. Roadshows to build participation were also planned in Hyderabad on October 24 and in New Delhi on October 29. Raksha Expo 2026 is planned as a flagship event alongside the Invest Telangana Global Summit 2026. More than 80 leaders from over 70 organisations are expected to participate. Global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) named for the expo include Airbus, Boeing, Tata Lockheed Martin, Safran, Rolls-Royce and GE Aerospace. Indian defence public sector undertakings expected to showcase products include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

 

SPORTS

 

1. ICC Sets Cricket Qualification Framework for LA28 Olympics: The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced changes to the cricket qualification framework for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 in October 2026, after meetings in Dubai. The Games will feature separate men’s and women’s Twenty20 (T20) competitions, with six teams in each event. The men’s and women’s Olympic qualifying tournaments have been moved from 2027 to January and February 2028. The ICC has not yet announced the venues for either tournament. Each tournament will include eight teams: the seven highest-ranked eligible teams that have not already qualified, plus the winner of the Caribbean Regional Qualifier. The supplied framework does not state how many places each tournament will award.

 

2. Sumit Antil Defends Asian Para Games Javelin F64 Title: Sumit Antil won gold in the men’s javelin F64 category at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on 23 October. His second-attempt throw of 72.46 metres secured the title. Antil is a two-time Paralympic champion and holds the F64 world record. India swept the medals in the men’s javelin event combining the F42-F44 and F61-F64 classes. Mahendra Gurjar won silver with a 59.03-metre throw in the F42 category, while Sandip Sargar took bronze with 64.48 metres in the F44 category. Both athletes set Games records in their respective categories.

 

3. Bodhana Sivanandan Becomes Youngest Female International Master: On 23 October 2026, 11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan became the youngest female International Master (IM) in chess history. She secured her third and final IM norm at the European Club Cup in Budva, Montenegro, where she defeated Swedish Woman International Master (WIM) Viktoria Johansson in the final round. Sivanandan was 11 years, seven months and 16 days old. The International Master title is one of the top open titles in chess, below Grandmaster. The Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), the international governing body for chess, awards these titles under its qualification regulations. An IM norm is a qualifying performance in an eligible tournament; the title normally requires three norms and a rating of at least 2,400. Sivanandan earned her final norm while playing for She Plays To Win Lionesses A. She scored 5.5 points from seven games and recorded a rating performance of 2,465 at the event.

 

4. Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy Win Gold at European Chess Club Cup: Indian chess players Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy won individual gold medals at the European Chess Club Cup 2026, held in Budva, Montenegro, from 17 to 23 October. Sarin represented Novy Bor Chess Club in the Open section, while Humpy played for Cercle d’Echecs de Monte-Carlo in the Women’s section. The European Chess Club Cup is a club-level team chess competition organised by the European Chess Union. It is contested in separate Open and Women’s events, with clubs fielding players across designated boards. The 2026 edition took place over six rounds in Budva, a coastal town in Montenegro. In team chess, players are assigned boards within their clubs, and results from individual games contribute to the team’s match score. Individual board awards recognise player performances on a particular board during the competition. The Open and Women’s events have separate team standings and individual board results.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Japan’s Kikai Caldera Slowly Refills with Magma: On 23 October 2026, researchers from Kobe University described evidence that magma is gradually accumulating beneath Japan’s Kikai Caldera. The caldera formed during the Kikai-Akahoya eruption about 7,300 years ago, one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the Holocene Epoch. Kikai Caldera is an underwater volcanic depression in southern Japan. A caldera forms when a volcano’s summit or surrounding ground collapses after a large volume of magma is withdrawn during an eruption. The Kikai-Akahoya eruption produced extensive volcanic deposits in southern Japan and formed the caldera. The present research concerns magma accumulating beneath the caldera long after that eruption. The researchers found that the magma currently present is newly injected material, rather than simply molten remnants of the ancient eruption.

 

2. India to Build Secure Military AI Layer: On 23 October 2026, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that the Ministry of Defence and the IndiaAI Mission are working to develop a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) layer for the armed forces. The proposed layer is intended to provide secure domestic computing for decision-making support, target acquisition and data fusion. The military AI layer is intended to support a sensor-to-shooter loop, which connects information gathered by sensors with operational decisions and the use of weapons. Data fusion combines information from different sources to support a shared operational picture. Target acquisition involves identifying and locating potential targets for military action.

 

3. Black Hole Spin and X-ray Variability: A study published in the Journal of High Energy Astrophysics on 23 October 2026 examined how black hole spin affects X-ray variability. Researchers from the Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center in Poland and MJP Rohilkhand University used computer simulations of viscous accretion flows. An accretion disk is a rotating structure of gas and other matter that spirals towards a compact object, including a black hole. Friction and other dissipative processes heat the material, causing it to emit radiation, including X-rays. The study modelled accretion shocks—regions where the flow undergoes abrupt changes in speed and physical conditions. The simulations found that a rapidly rotating black hole pulls accretion shocks closer to itself. The shock’s movement affects the frequency of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), which are recurring variations in the X-ray emission from systems containing compact objects. For black holes with about ten times the Sun’s mass, the simulated QPO frequencies extended above 100 hertz.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Keralam Plans Statewide Child Vulnerability Mapping: Keralam’s Women and Child Development Department plans statewide mapping to identify children living in conditions that put their health, education or safety at risk. The decision was taken at a meeting convened by Minister for Women and Child Development Bindhu Krishna on October 23, 2026, after the suspected malnutrition-related death of a two-year-old child in Alappuzha on October 18. District Women and Child Development Officers will be responsible for ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of identified children, with support from Local Self-Government, Health and Police departments. The action plan provides for coordination among departments and regular meetings of child protection and welfare committees at district and village levels. District child protection officers are to seek higher-level intervention when obstacles arise in rescuing children.

 

2. Madhya Pradesh Receives Semiconductor Proposals Worth Over ₹15,400 Crore: The Madhya Pradesh Semiconductor Summit 2026 opened in Indore on 23 October 2026. The state received semiconductor investment proposals stated at over ₹15,400 crore. The announced figures included around ₹5,800 crore in new proposals and land-allocation letters of intent for five companies proposing projects worth approximately ₹10,000 crore. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the new proposals could generate more than 10,000 employment opportunities. Una Ecosystems proposed a ₹2,000-crore electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) facility, with an estimated 2,000 jobs. Spintronics AI Semiconductors proposed investing ₹1,800 crore in two phases, while Lalwala Industries proposed ₹1,200 crore for semiconductor manufacturing and chip design. Other proposals announced on 23 October included ₹400 crore from Dhanush Healthcare Systems, ₹110 crore from Beyond Studios, ₹100 crore from Indusilica Semiconductors, ₹65 crore from Nanodrites Technology and ₹10 crore from Truechip Solutions.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Lionel Messi Receives 2026 Princess of Asturias Sports Award: Lionel Messi received the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on 23 October at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, Spain. Princess Leonor presented the award at a ceremony attended by members of the Spanish Royal Family. Messi became the first footballer to receive the award as a solo laureate; footballers had previously been honoured as teams or jointly. Messi’s career includes Argentina’s victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, four UEFA Champions League titles and 10 La Liga titles with FC Barcelona. He has won the Ballon d’Or eight times and the European Golden Shoe six times. The 2026 award citation recognised his sporting career, consistency, teamwork and charitable work.

 

2. Assam Names Usha Mangeshkar First Bhupen Hazarika Award Recipient: The Assam Cabinet approved the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award on 23 October 2026 and selected singer Usha Mangeshkar as its first recipient. The award carries a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and a citation, and is scheduled to be presented on 29 November 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to present it at the closing ceremony of Bhupen Hazarika’s birth centenary celebrations. The award will be conferred once every three years on a nationally or internationally recognised figure in music, arts or cinema. Its stated fields include singing, composing, lyric writing, film direction and acting, as well as other fields connected with Hazarika’s work. Usha Mangeshkar is an Indian playback singer whose repertoire includes songs in several Indian languages.

 

3. ANU faculty member wins Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar: Pavani Pasumarthi, a Carnatic music faculty member at Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for her contribution to Kuchipudi music. The Sangeet Natak Akademi presented the award at Rabindra Bhavan in New Delhi on 19 October 2026. Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat handed it to her. The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is conferred on young artists for talent and promise in Indian music, dance and other performing arts. It is open to artists up to 40 years of age. The award is named after Ustad Bismillah Khan, the shehnai maestro who received the Bharat Ratna in 2001.

 

4. Ashoke Sen Receives 2026 Oskar Klein Medal: Physicist Ashoke Sen received the 2026 Oskar Klein Medal on 22 October 2026. He is the first Indian physicist to receive the medal, which is awarded annually by Stockholm University and the Nobel Committee for Physics of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. String theory is a theoretical framework in which fundamental objects are modelled as one-dimensional strings; their vibrational states correspond to different particles. Sen’s contributions include work on S-duality, black hole entropy and string field theory. S-duality relates descriptions of a theory at strong coupling to descriptions at weak coupling. In string theory, black hole entropy can be studied by counting the microscopic states associated with a black hole. String field theory describes string dynamics and interactions using fields.