Current Affairs 19 – 25 October 2026

CM addresses youth at 'Sapno Ki Udaan' in Jaipur; over 26 lakh Rajasthan youth registered on MY Bharat

19 October 2026

On 19 October 2026 Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma addressed young people at the 'Sapno Ki Udaan - Asambhav Kuchh Bhee Nahi' programme in Jaipur. He said more than 26 lakh youth of Rajasthan are registered on the MY Bharat platform, over 350 'Nai Kiran' de-addiction centres run in colleges and polytechnics, and de-addiction wards are being set up in district hospitals under 'Raj Savera'. He also said more than 5,000 startups are registered in the state with 65 iStart Launchpad Nests, and 1.93 lakh government appointments have been made.

Exam angle'Nai Kiran' = de-addiction centres; 'Raj Savera' de-addiction wards

Source:CMO Rajasthan (DIPR press release) (opens in a new tab)

Sikar-born para-shooter Mona Agarwal wins India's first gold of 2026 Asian Para Games; Avani Lekhara silver

19 October 2026

On 19 October 2026 Mona Agarwal won the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 gold at the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a Games-record 250.0 points; it was India's first gold of the Games. Avani Lekhara took silver with 249.6, and Korea's Lee Yunri the bronze. Mona, born in Sikar, Rajasthan, won bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympics; SH1 is the class for shooters with lower-limb impairment.

Exam angleRajasthan para-shooter; event 10m air rifle SH1; Games record 250.0

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)Rajasthan Patrika (opens in a new tab)

Rajasthan's Akram Khan Behrupiya among 106 young artists given Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

19 October 2026

On 19 October 2026 Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi's Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024 and 2025 to 106 young artists in the performing arts at a ceremony in New Delhi. Akram Khan Behrupiya of Rajasthan received the award for folk dance. The award is named after the shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Exam angleAward name and body (Sangeet Natak Akademi); Rajasthan folk-dance awardee

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Rajasthan CM approves prosecution sanction against 27 officials in 21 corruption cases

23 October 2026

On 23 October 2026 Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma approved prosecution sanction against 27 officials in 21 cases, under the state's zero-tolerance approach to corruption. They include two Sub-Divisional Officers (one over illegal conversion of farm land, one over khatedari decrees), a former Deputy Superintendent of Police, a Rajasthan Accounts Service officer and a Vikas Adhikari. Fifteen cases cover eight departments, with five in Agriculture and Horticulture and three in the Public Works Department.

Exam angle27 officials, 21 cases; prosecution sanction by the CM

Source:CMO Rajasthan (DIPR press release) (opens in a new tab)

Rajasthan panchayat polls phase 1: record 83.05% sarpanch turnout in 16 districts

24 October 2026

In the first phase of Rajasthan's panchayat elections in 16 districts, members of Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis were elected on 22 October 2026 (their votes will be counted on 20 November), and sarpanches and ward panches on 24 October 2026. State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh said sarpanch polling in 104 panchayat samitis was a record 83.05% (69.10 lakh of 83.20 lakh voters), up from 81.28% in the first phase of the previous election. Sedwa panchayat samiti of Barmer recorded the highest turnout (93.03%), followed by Manoharthana of Jhalawar (92.92%); sarpanch votes were counted right after polling.

Exam angleRecord 83.05% sarpanch turnout; highest samiti Sedwa (Barmer)

Sources:Rajasthan Patrika (opens in a new tab)Amar Ujala (opens in a new tab)Dainik Navajyoti (opens in a new tab)

Shekhawati Heritage and Development Summit in Jaipur: 662 havelis to be conserved; Heritage Meet on 8 December

24 October 2026

On 24 October 2026 Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma addressed the Shekhawati Heritage and Development Summit in Jaipur. He said the state government is working to conserve 662 havelis of the Shekhawati region, and developing a heritage tourism circuit covering Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. A Shekhawati Heritage Meet will be held on 8 December to involve the region's diaspora in heritage, tourism and investment; he also cited the Yamuna water agreement for the water needs of Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu.

Exam angleShekhawati districts: Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Churu; 662 havelis; painted havelis

Source:CMO Rajasthan (DIPR press release) (opens in a new tab)

Road Ministry draft: emergency braking (AEBS) mandatory for new car models from October 2030

22 October 2026

On 22 October 2026 it was reported that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had issued, that week, a draft notification proposing Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) for all new car models from October 2030 and for models already in production from October 2032. AEBS applies the brakes automatically if the driver fails to respond in an emergency. Separately, a revised braking standard and electronic stability control for trucks are to apply from 1 October 2027.

Exam angleAEBS: new models Oct 2030, existing models Oct 2032; MoRTH

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has reached over 35 crore people, including 13.94 crore youth

22 October 2026

On 22 October 2026 the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) has reached more than 35 crore people, including over 13.94 crore youth and 10.86 crore women, and has engaged more than 32 lakh educational institutions. NMBA was launched in 2020 in 272 vulnerable districts and now covers the whole country. It runs under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction.

Exam angleNMBA: launched 2020 in 272 districts; Ministry of Social Justice

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Registration opens for Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 (28 Nov-12 Dec 2026); theme on Thirukkural

22 October 2026

Registration for the fifth Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 5.0) of the Ministry of Education opened on 22 October 2026 on a portal hosted by IIT Madras, and runs till 13 November. The event will be held from 28 November to 12 December 2026 with the theme 'Thirukkural Payilvom - Thirukkural Abhyas Karen'. About 1,400 people from Tamil Nadu, in seven groups, will visit Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya on an eight-day journey under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat spirit.

Exam angleKTS 5.0 theme Thirukkural; Ministry of Education; Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

11 crore Farmer IDs created under Digital Agriculture Mission, five months before March 2027 deadline

24 October 2026

On 24 October 2026 Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the target of creating 11 crore Farmer IDs had been achieved the previous day, five months ahead of the March 2027 deadline. Farmer IDs are part of the Digital Agriculture Mission approved by the Union Cabinet on 2 September 2024, and give each farmer a unique digital identity for schemes, credit, crop insurance and disaster relief. More than 6 crore farmers have already received benefits through Farmer ID-based delivery.

Exam angleFarmer ID target 11 crore; Digital Agriculture Mission (Cabinet, Sept 2024)

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

MHA pilot to build civil defence network of about 60,000 volunteers in 12 States/UTs with Army's help

24 October 2026

On 24 October 2026 News On AIR reported that the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the Indian Army, will build a civil defence network of about 60,000 volunteers under a pilot project in 12 States and Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. As a first step, 600 civil defence master trainers (50 from each State/UT) will get three-day training at Army training establishments, with the first phase to finish by the second week of November 2026. The initiative follows the vision the Prime Minister announced in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort.

Exam angle60,000 volunteers, 12 States/UTs incl. Rajasthan; 600 master trainers

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

139th Mann Ki Baat marks 12 years; PM cites about 50 crore e-Sanjeevani tele-consultations

25 October 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 139th Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on Akashvani on 25 October 2026; the programme began on Vijayadashami 12 years ago. He said the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine service has given about 50 crore tele-consultations and that nearly 1.9 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are running. He also recalled Narinder Singh Kapany, the 'Father of Fiber Optics' born in Moga (Punjab), whose 100th birth anniversary falls on 31 October, and urged people to buy local products in the festive season.

Exam angle139th episode; e-Sanjeevani; Kapany 'Father of Fiber Optics'

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

India-New Zealand FTA comes into force on Vijayadashami; 100% duty-free access for Indian exports

20 October 2026

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, signed in April 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, came into force on 20 October 2026, the day of Vijayadashami. New Zealand has removed customs duties on all tariff lines covering Indian exports, while sensitive Indian sectors such as dairy stay protected. The two sides aim to double bilateral trade in goods and services to about Rs 35,000 crore by 2030; the deal also gives 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas and 1,000 Working Holiday visas a year to Indians.

Exam angleIn force 20 Oct 2026; 100% tariff lines duty-free; dairy protected

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)New India Samachar (PIB) (opens in a new tab)

Rajnath Singh represents India at 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

20 October 2026

On 20 October 2026 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. He called for unified action against the whole ecosystem of terrorism and said connectivity projects must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port. India backed adopting the Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030.

Exam angleSCO CHG 25th meeting: Dushanbe; India represented by Defence Minister

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

PM Modi and Polish PM Donald Tusk agree to double trade by 2030; Poland joins CDRI

22 October 2026

On 22 October 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks in New Delhi with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who was on a three-day visit, his second to India as Prime Minister. The two sides agreed to double bilateral trade by 2030, set up a Defence Industry Dialogue and a dialogue on counter-terrorism, and deepen cooperation in defence, space and nuclear energy. Poland joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI); it is India's largest trade and investment partner in Central and Eastern Europe.

Exam anglePoland joins CDRI; Defence Industry Dialogue; trade to double by 2030

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Lula da Silva wins Brazil's presidential runoff against Flavio Bolsonaro for a fourth term

25 October 2026

In Brazil's presidential runoff held on 25 October 2026, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defeated right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro with 51.79% of the valid votes to 48.21%, a margin of just over 40 lakh (4 million) votes, according to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE). Bolsonaro had led the first round on 4 October (about 47% to Lula's 45.16%). This will be Lula's fourth, non-consecutive term; he is to be sworn in on 5 January 2027, and Prime Minister Modi congratulated him on 26 October.

Exam angleBrazil: Lula's fourth term; runoff 25 Oct 2026; oath 5 Jan 2027

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)France 24 (opens in a new tab)

India's installed non-fossil fuel power capacity crosses 300 GW; target 500 GW by 2030

19 October 2026

On 19 October 2026 the government said India's installed non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity has crossed 300 GW, with solar and wind as the main contributors; over 55 GW was added in 2025-26. The target is 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. The Central Electricity Authority projects about 74 GW of energy storage by 2031-32: about 27 GW from pumped storage and over 47 GW from battery storage.

Exam angle300 GW non-fossil crossed; 500 GW target by 2030

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

7th Agrivoltaics World Conference opens at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi; theme 'Powering the Global South'

21 October 2026

The three-day 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference began at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 21 October 2026 with the theme 'Powering the Global South'. It was inaugurated by Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, with about 1,500 participants, including around 400 farmers, from over 40 countries. Agrivoltaics means using the same land for farming and solar power generation.

Exam angleAgrivoltaics = farming + solar on same land; 7th world conference, New Delhi

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026' from Karnal, Haryana

22 October 2026

On 22 October 2026 Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026' from Karnal, Haryana; it runs till 30 November. The campaign promotes soil health and sustainable farming through soil-test-based fertiliser use, crop diversification, use of fallow fields after paddy, crop residue management and natural farming. State agriculture departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ICAR institutes and agricultural universities will carry it out.

Exam angleKhet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026 launched from Karnal; soil health

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairs 30th meeting of Financial Stability and Development Council

23 October 2026

On 23 October 2026 Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 30th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) in New Delhi. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan and the IRDAI chairperson attended. The Council reviewed domestic and global macro-financial trends and stressed proactive steps and safeguards to keep the financial system resilient; the FSDC is chaired by the Union Finance Minister.

Exam angleFSDC chaired by Finance Minister; 30th meeting

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

NSO proposes changes in PLFS 2027: separate stratum for platform workers, questions on unpaid work

23 October 2026

On 23 October 2026 the National Statistics Office (NSO) proposed changes in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) from 2027, inviting comments within 15 days, to improve coverage of labour market statistics. These include a separate sampling stratum for digital platform workers, an updated sampling frame reflecting urbanisation and new administrative boundaries, and new questions for people aged 15 and above on unpaid household and caregiving work, volunteer work and production for own use. In the first three months of the change, monthly estimates will use both the old and new frames.

Exam anglePLFS by NSO; platform workers stratum; unpaid care work questions

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Export Promotion Mission: Centre to bear full cost of costly certifications for micro and small exporters

24 October 2026

On 24 October 2026, during a visit to Berlin, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the government will bear the entire cost of expensive certifications for micro and small enterprises under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), including help to meet EU rules such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Deforestation Regulation. The EPM, approved in November 2025, has an outlay of Rs 25,060 crore over six years through two sub-schemes: Niryat Protsahan (Rs 10,401 crore) and Niryat Disha (Rs 14,659 crore).

Exam angleEPM outlay Rs 25,060 crore; sub-schemes Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

PM inaugurates RBI's Greenfield Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute at Jatni near Bhubaneswar

25 October 2026

On 25 October 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India's Greenfield Data Centre and its Cybersecurity Training Institute at Info Valley-2, Jatni, near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The data centre, built at about Rs 170 crore, will support the RBI's payment and settlement systems such as RTGS and NEFT. The institute will train and research in cybersecurity, AI, quantum computing and data centre management; the PM warned against economic warfare and cyber terrorism targeting the banking system.

Exam angleRBI data centre location: Jatni (Bhubaneswar), Odisha; supports RTGS/NEFT

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Fifth India-Australia Army exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 begins in Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam

19 October 2026

The fifth edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND began on 19 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam (Kerala), and runs till 1 November. About 120 troops each from India (mainly the Garhwal Rifles) and the Australian Army's 13th Brigade are taking part, and an observer delegation from New Zealand is attending for the first time. The theme is 'Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter Seven of the UN Mandate'.

Exam angleAUSTRAHIND = India-Australia Army exercise; 5th edition, Thiruvananthapuram

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

9th India-Brazil-South Africa maritime exercise IBSAMAR 2026 concludes at Simon's Town; INS Tarkash takes part

20 October 2026

The ninth edition of IBSAMAR, the maritime exercise of the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa, concluded at Simon's Town, South Africa, on 20 October 2026 after ten days of harbour and sea phases. India was represented by the frigate INS Tarkash. IBSAMAR is the naval exercise of the IBSA grouping.

Exam angleIBSAMAR = India-Brazil-South Africa navies; 9th edition, Simon's Town

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

MoD signs Rs 770 crore contract with BEL for Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars to counter drones

21 October 2026

On 21 October 2026 the Ministry of Defence signed a contract of nearly Rs 770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in New Delhi for the Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR-I) for the Army. The radar can detect and track fighter-sized targets as well as mini and micro drones, helping counter unmanned aerial system threats. The ministry called it a step towards indigenisation of air defence platforms.

Exam angleLLLR-I radar from BEL; Rs 770 crore; counter-drone for Army

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Navy's First Training Squadron (INS Tir, INS Sujata, ICGS Sarathi) reaches Male, Maldives

22 October 2026

On 22 October 2026 the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron, made up of INS Tir, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi, made a port call at Male, Maldives, as part of its Long Range Training Deployment. Cross-deck visits, sports fixtures and outreach with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) were planned. The Defence Ministry said the visit reflects growing interoperability between the two forces.

Exam angle1st Training Squadron ships; port call at Male; MNDF

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Rajnath Singh releases Indian Army's Land Warfare Doctrine at Army Commanders' Conference

23 October 2026

On 23 October 2026 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the Indian Army's Land Warfare Doctrine at the Army Commanders' Conference in New Delhi, which began on 21 October. The doctrine gives an overarching framework to prepare the Army for the changing nature of warfare and future conflicts. He also unveiled the annual United Nations Journal and honoured Army personnel who served as UN peacekeepers.

Exam angleLand Warfare Doctrine released at Army Commanders' Conference

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Jitendra Singh opens AATAL, an air-pollution analysis lab at IITM's Delhi branch, under Mission Mausam

24 October 2026

On 24 October 2026 Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, inaugurated the Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL) at the Delhi branch of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM, headquartered in Pune). The facility will analyse the chemical make-up and toxicity of gases and aerosols, including PM2.5, metals, microplastics and cancer-causing elements, to identify pollution sources in Delhi-NCR. It was set up under Mission Mausam of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Exam angleAATAL at IITM Delhi branch; Mission Mausam (MoES); pollution sources

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)PIB (opens in a new tab)The Week (opens in a new tab)

Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar win compound mixed team archery gold at Asian Para Games

22 October 2026

On 22 October 2026 top seeds Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar won the compound mixed team archery gold at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, beating Indonesia 151-148 in the final. The pair had set a world record in the qualification round. Sheetal Devi ended the Games with two gold medals.

Exam angleCompound mixed team gold; beat Indonesia 151-148

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

India ends Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya with best-ever 114 medals, including 30 gold

24 October 2026

The 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, closed on 24 October 2026 with India's best-ever haul of 114 medals: 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze. This beat India's previous best, set at the Hangzhou edition held in 2023. High jumper Nishad Kumar and shooter Mona Agarwal won two golds each and were India's two flag-bearers.

Exam angleRecord 114 medals (30 gold, 35 silver, 49 bronze); 5th Asian Para Games

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

PV Sindhu finishes runner-up at French Open badminton after losing final to world No. 1 An Se-young

25 October 2026

On 25 October 2026 PV Sindhu finished runner-up in the women's singles at the French Open badminton tournament in Paris. She won the first game 21-16 against South Korea's world No. 1 An Se-young but lost the next two 11-21, 12-21. Sindhu had beaten Japan's Hina Akechi in the semi-final.

Exam angleFrench Open (Paris) women's singles: Sindhu runner-up, An Se-young champion

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Yuki Bhambri and Ryan Seggerman win Almaty Open (ATP 250) doubles title in Kazakhstan

25 October 2026

On 25 October 2026 India's Yuki Bhambri and Ryan Seggerman of the USA won the doubles title at the Almaty Open, an ATP 250 event in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The fourth seeds beat top seeds Lucas Miedler and Neil Oberleitner of Austria 7-6, 6-7, 10-2. It was Bhambri's first ATP title of 2026 and his fifth ATP Tour doubles title.

Exam angleAlmaty Open (Kazakhstan) doubles; Bhambri's fifth ATP title

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Ahmedabad to host 2029 Senior World Weightlifting Championships, first time in India

25 October 2026

On 25 October 2026 the Executive Board of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF), meeting in Ningbo, China, named Ahmedabad as host of the 2029 Senior World Weightlifting Championships; it will be the first time India hosts the senior edition. The board also gave the 2030 Senior World Championships to Moscow and the 2028 World Youth Championships to Prishtina, Kosovo.

Exam angle2029 Senior World Weightlifting: Ahmedabad; first in India; IWF

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

String theorist Ashoke Sen becomes first Indian to receive the Oskar Klein Medal

24 October 2026

On 24 October 2026 it was announced that Professor Ashoke Sen, theoretical physicist at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Bengaluru, has been awarded the Oskar Klein Medal for 2026; he is the first Indian to receive it. The medal, set up in 1988, is given jointly by Stockholm University and the Nobel Committee for Physics of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences; past winners include Stephen Hawking and Peter Higgs. Sen is known for work on string theory and black hole entropy and has received the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.

Exam angleFirst Indian to get Oskar Klein Medal; field: string theory

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

MHA appoints 1995-batch IAS officer Sajjan Singh Yadav as Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir

24 October 2026

On 24 October 2026 the Ministry of Home Affairs appointed Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav, a 1995-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, as Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. He was transferred from Delhi, and the appointment takes effect from 1 November 2026 or the date he takes charge, whichever is later. Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory, so its Chief Secretary is posted by the MHA.

Exam angleNew J&K Chief Secretary; AGMUT cadre; appointed by MHA

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Police Commemoration Day (21 October): 36,852 police personnel have died on duty since Independence

21 October 2026

On Police Commemoration Day, 21 October 2026, Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute at the National Police Memorial, New Delhi, and said 36,852 police personnel have laid down their lives on duty since Independence. He flagged off a nationwide 'Fight Against Drugs' motorcycle rally and set 31 December 2029 as the target to free India of narcotics. The day recalls 21 October 1959, when ten CRPF personnel were killed in an ambush by Chinese troops on the Indo-China border.

Exam angleWhy 21 October (1959, 10 CRPF men); National Police Memorial, New Delhi

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

International Snow Leopard Day (23 October): India's first survey counted 718 snow leopards, 477 in Ladakh

23 October 2026

On International Snow Leopard Day, 23 October 2026, Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh reaffirmed India's commitment to snow leopard conservation through habitat protection and community engagement. India's first Snow Leopard Population Assessment (SPAI) counted 718 snow leopards across the Indian Himalayas, 477 of them in Ladakh.

Exam angleSnow Leopard Day 23 Oct; SPAI: 718 total, 477 in Ladakh

Source:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

81st UN Day (24 October): India reaffirms commitment to UN Charter and calls for reformed multilateralism

24 October 2026

On the 81st United Nations Day, 24 October 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to the UN and its Charter and called for 'reformed multilateralism that reflects contemporary global realities'. He said India will keep championing international peace and security and the aspirations of the Global South at the UN. The same day, ITBP Raising Day was also observed, with leaders paying tribute to the 'Himveers' of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

Exam angleUN Day 24 October; 81st in 2026; reformed multilateralism

Sources:News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)News On AIR (AIR) (opens in a new tab)

Q1

In the first phase of Rajasthan's panchayat elections in October 2026, which panchayat samiti recorded the highest sarpanch-poll turnout (93.03%)?

Q2

Consider the following statements about the Shekhawati Heritage and Development Summit held in Jaipur in October 2026: 1. The state said it is conserving 662 havelis of the Shekhawati region. 2. The heritage tourism circuit being developed covers Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. 3. A Shekhawati Heritage Meet is to be held on 8 December. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q3

On 19 October 2026, Sikar-born para-shooter Mona Agarwal won India's first gold of the 2026 Asian Para Games. In which event did she win it?

Q4

In October 2026, Akram Khan Behrupiya of Rajasthan received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for folk dance. Which body gives this award?

Q5

On 23 October 2026, the Rajasthan Chief Minister approved prosecution sanction in corruption cases against how many officials?

Q6

At the 'Sapno Ki Udaan' youth programme in Jaipur in October 2026, the Chief Minister said more than 350 'Nai Kiran' centres are running in colleges and polytechnics. What are these centres for?

Q7

In October 2026 the Centre achieved its target of creating 11 crore Farmer IDs. Under which mission are these IDs created?

Q8

Under a civil defence pilot for 12 States/UTs announced in October 2026, how many Civil Defence Master Trainers are to be trained through the Indian Army in the first phase?

Q9

According to a draft proposal of the Road Transport Ministry reported in October 2026, Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) are to be mandatory for all new car models from:

Q10

Consider the following statements about the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement: 1. It came into force on 20 October 2026, the day of Vijayadashami. 2. New Zealand has removed customs duties on all tariff lines covering Indian exports. 3. India has opened its dairy sector to duty-free imports from New Zealand. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q11

The 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, at which Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India on 20 October 2026, was held in:

Q12

On 25 October 2026 the Prime Minister inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India's Greenfield Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute. In which state are they located?

Q13

IBSAMAR, whose ninth edition concluded at Simon's Town in October 2026, is a maritime exercise of the navies of:

Q14

In October 2026, physicist Ashoke Sen became the first Indian to receive the Oskar Klein Medal. He is best known for his work in:

Q15

India's best-ever medal tally at the Asian Para Games, achieved at Aichi-Nagoya in October 2026, was: