Current affairs — 19 October 2026

President Accepts L. Murugan's Resignation from Union Council of Ministers

President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of L. Murugan from the Union Council of Ministers on October 15, 2026. Murugan submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 13, 2026, to return to grassroots politics in Tamil Nadu.

Why it matters: Union Council ministerial changes are important for polity and current affairs sections.

Defence Acquisition Council Clears Procurements Worth ₹1.1 Lakh Crore

The Defence Acquisition Council approved Acceptance of Necessity for defence procurements worth approximately ₹1.1 lakh crore for the armed forces. The clearances are part of India's ongoing defence modernization program and aim to strengthen indigenous manufacturing capabilities.

Why it matters: Major defence procurement decisions and budget allocations are frequently tested in current affairs and economy sections.

Defence Minister Releases 'RAKSHA' - India's 10-Year Defence Diplomacy Roadmap

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released 'RAKSHA', outlining India's roadmap for defence diplomacy and international defence partnerships over the next decade. The framework rests on four pillars: strategic partnerships, capacity building, indigenous defence exports, and maritime security. It calls for deeper bilateral and multilateral security cooperation, expanded military exercises and training, and greater promotion of Indian defence platforms abroad, reinforcing India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.

Why it matters: Defence diplomacy frameworks and India's strategic partnerships are important for international relations and security topics in UPSC and defence exams.

Delhi Government Clears Industrial Policy 2026 with ₹1,000 Crore Fund

The Delhi Government cleared the Delhi Industrial Policy 2026 on October 14, 2026, planning ₹1,000 crore for new industries. CM Atishi Gupta said the policy aims to position Delhi as a hub for advanced technology, Global Capability Centres, data centres, R&D, healthcare services, and advanced manufacturing. The policy offers 25% incentive on digital infrastructure investment up to ₹10 crore (₹12 crore for women) and 40% office rental assistance up to ₹2 crore for three years.

Why it matters: State industrial policies, investment incentives, and startup ecosystem developments are important for economy and governance topics.

RBI Hikes Repo Rate by 25 Basis Points to 5.50% on October 7

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee raised the benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points from 5.25% to 5.50% on October 7, 2026, the first rate hike since February 2023. The MPC shifted its policy stance to 'calibrated tightening' amid rising inflation concerns. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra cited geopolitical developments, particularly the West Asian conflict, and inflation reaching 4.4% as key factors. The Standing Deposit Facility rate was raised to 5.25% and Marginal Standing Facility rate to 5.75%.

Why it matters: RBI monetary policy decisions, repo rate changes, and inflation data are crucial for banking and economy sections in all competitive exams.

8th Pay Commission Panel to Hold Consultations in Mumbai on October 22-23

The 8th Pay Commission, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, will visit Mumbai on October 22-23, 2026 to hold talks with employee unions and pensioner associations. The commission is examining demands including DA merger with basic pay, minimum salary revision to ₹52,600, and fitment factor recommendations. The panel will impact over 50 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners, with final report due by May 2027 and implementation expected from January 2026.

Why it matters: Pay Commission recommendations affect all central govt employees; fitment factor, DA merger, and minimum wage figures are frequently asked in exams.

Goa Launches 'Sarkar Tumchya Dari' Initiative on October 17

The Goa Government launched Sarkar Tumchya Dari on October 17, 2026, running from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. across 10 locations. The initiative features dedicated counters for departments including Revenue, Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, and Agriculture, providing citizens direct access to government services and guidance on welfare schemes.

Why it matters: Government outreach programs and citizen service delivery models are relevant for governance questions.

Madhya Pradesh Releases 41st Installment of Ladli Bahna Yojana

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav released the 41st installment of Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Bahna Yojana on October 15, 2026. The state government transfers ₹1,500 every month directly to the bank accounts of eligible women beneficiaries under this welfare scheme.

Why it matters: State welfare schemes for women are frequently tested in state PSC exams and general awareness sections.