Listen: current affairs, 25 October 2026

Sunil Kumar Appointed Next ONGC Chairman

Sunil Kumar was appointed as the next Chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on 23 October 2026. The appointment is significant for India's energy sector leadership and public sector undertaking governance.

Why it matters: PSU appointments and leadership changes are regular prelims questions; ONGC is Navratna PSU

Ministry of Defence Floats Tender for 500 Scramjet Propulsion Systems

The Ministry of Defence floated a tender for 500 scramjet propulsion systems intended for India's hypersonic missile programme. Scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) technology enables air-breathing propulsion for high-speed flight above Mach 5. This tender is part of efforts to strengthen India's defence technology base and reduce external dependence for critical components.

Why it matters: Indigenous defence technology development is important for prelims and mains GS-III; hypersonic systems represent strategic capability

Rajnath Singh Releases Land Warfare Doctrine 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the new Land Warfare Doctrine 2026 on 24 October 2026, replacing the Land Warfare Doctrine 2018. The doctrine provides a framework for the Army to prepare for future conflicts characterised by drones, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and precision-guided munitions.

Why it matters: Defence doctrines and modernisation are important for mains GS-III and defence exam current affairs

RBI Bulletin October 2026 Released Highlighting Economic Resilience

The Reserve Bank of India released its monthly bulletin for October 2026 on 24 October 2026, featuring articles on the state of the economy, transmission of bank lending rates, NBFC sector review, and assessment of economic activity across states. The bulletin highlighted that India's high-frequency indicators continue to show resilience amid geopolitical tensions and supply-chain disruptions.

Why it matters: RBI publications are critical for economy section in prelims and mains; economic data interpretation important for banking exams

India-Poland Set Trade Target of USD 12 Billion by 2030

India and Poland forged closer bilateral ties with a trade target of USD 12 billion by 2030, up from current USD 6 billion. Key outcomes include new defence industry dialogue, counter-terrorism dialogue, and support for EU-India FTA. Focus sectors include machinery, chemicals, plastics, and engineering goods.

Why it matters: Bilateral relations and trade agreements are frequent prelims and mains topics; Poland visit part of India's EU outreach

Defence Secretary Inaugurates Hindi Library 'GYANDEEP' at Sena Bhawan

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh inaugurated GYANDEEP, a newly established Hindi library at Sena Bhawan in New Delhi, on 22 October 2026. The initiative supports the promotion of official language usage in defence establishments.

Why it matters: Official language policy and government initiatives are topics for prelims and mains GS-II

8th Pay Commission Mumbai Visit Scheduled for 22-23 October 2026

The 8th Central Pay Commission scheduled stakeholder interactions in Mumbai on 22-23 October 2026. Employee associations including the Karnataka Posts and Telecommunications Pensioners' Association have submitted demands for fitment factor of 3.833, minimum basic pay of ₹69,000, and minimum pension of ₹34,470. The Commission has not yet finalised fitment factor, pay matrix, or allowances.

Why it matters: 8th Pay Commission developments directly impact lakhs of aspirants; fitment factor and implementation timeline are crucial for job seekers

DA Increased to 60% from January 2026 for Central Government Employees

The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) with effect from 1 January 2026, taking the rate from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay/Pension. This increase follows the existing mechanism under the 7th Central Pay Commission and is separate from the 8th Pay Commission's recommendations.

Why it matters: DA revisions are critical for government job aspirants; concrete percentage (60%) important for exam questions

July 2026 DA Hike Pending Announcement Despite October Cabinet Meeting

On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet met but did not announce the pending July 2026 DA hike for central government employees. While the Cabinet cleared a 78-day productivity-linked bonus for railway employees and extended a social assistance programme, the Dearness Allowance revision due from 1 July 2026 remains pending.

Why it matters: Pending DA announcements affect lakhs of employees and aspirants; timing of revisions is exam-relevant

Union Cabinet Approves ₹53,428 Crore for National Social Assistance Programme Restructuring

The Union Cabinet approved on 14 October 2026 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. Central monthly assistance has been revised to ₹375 for beneficiaries up to 79 years and ₹625 for those aged 80 years and above. The scheme has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.

Why it matters: Government schemes with budget allocations are high-frequency prelims topics; welfare schemes important for mains GS-II

ISRO Chairman Announces Four Launch Pads by 2029

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan announced on 25 October 2026 that India will have four functional launch pads by 2029. The expansion includes a 2,000-acre dedicated Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tuticorin district to meet global satellite deployment demand.

Why it matters: ISRO infrastructure expansion is important for prelims and mains; demonstrates self-reliance in space sector

India Finishes 4th at Asian Para Games 2026 with Record Medals

The 2026 Asian Para Games at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan concluded on 24 October 2026. India posted their best-ever performance, finishing 4th in overall standings with a final tally surpassing the previous record of 111 medals (29 Gold) at Hangzhou 2023. This marks India's strongest showing at the Asian Para Games.

Why it matters: Major sporting achievements and medal tallies are regular prelims questions; para sports gaining prominence