Current affairs · 24 October 2026 · Listen
Listen: current affairs, 24 October 2026
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Current affairs, 24 October 2026.
Appointments
Sunil Kumar Appointed Next ONGC Chairman
Sunil Kumar has been appointed as the next Chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). The appointment was announced on October 23, 2026. Details regarding his tenure and key responsibilities were released by the government.
Why it matters: PSU appointments are important for general awareness sections; ONGC is India's largest oil & gas producer
National
Cabinet Approves Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA)
The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA) as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in October 2026. ITLA will function as an apex body to coordinate planning, appraisal, and monitoring across roads, railways, ports, inland waterways, civil aviation, and urban transit systems.
Why it matters: Major institutional reform for multi-modal transport planning; relevant for infrastructure and governance topics
Pay & Jobs
8th Pay Commission Holds Stakeholder Consultation in Mumbai on October 22-23
The 8th Pay Commission panel visited Mumbai on October 22-23, 2026 to hold talks with employee unions and pensioner associations. The commission is gathering feedback to finalize recommendations on fitment factor, salary structure, and allowances for over 1 crore beneficiaries including 50 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners.
Why it matters: 8th Pay Commission impacts all central government employees; implementation expected from January 2026
DA at 60% from January 2026, July DA Hike Still Pending
The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) with effect from January 1, 2026, raising the rate from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay/Pension. However, as of mid-October 2026, the DA revision due from July 1, 2026 remains pending and was not announced in the October 14 Cabinet meeting.
Why it matters: DA revisions directly impact take-home salary of all central government employees and pensioners; biannual updates are crucial
Schemes
National Social Assistance Programme Restructured with ₹53,428 Crore Outlay
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation and restructuring of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31), backed by ₹53,428 crore. Monthly assistance revised to ₹375 for beneficiaries up to 79 years and ₹625 for those 80+ years. The scheme has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (PMSSY).
Why it matters: Major welfare scheme restructuring; NSAP covers old-age, widow, and disability pensions under Article 41 DPSP
PM-KISAN Extended to 2030-31 with ₹3.15 Lakh Crore Outlay
The Cabinet approved continuation of PM-KISAN from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of about ₹3.15 lakh crore, the largest single scheme approval of the year. The scheme provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers in three equal installments.
Why it matters: Largest agriculture income support scheme; crucial for rural economy and farmer welfare questions
PM-RAHAT Scheme Launched for Road Accident Victims
The Prime Minister - Road Accident Victims' Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment (PM-RAHAT) Scheme has been launched in October 2026. The scheme aims to provide assured treatment and hospitalization facilities for road accident victims across India.
Why it matters: New welfare scheme; questions on scheme objectives, beneficiaries, and nodal ministry are common in exams