Current affairs · 28 October 2026
Current affairs — 28 October 2026
The day's most exam-relevant current affairs for UPSC, SSC, banking, railways and state exams — free, factual, revision-ready. 7 updates.
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Appointments
Sunil Kumar Appointed Next ONGC Chairman (23 October 2026)
Sunil Kumar was appointed as the next Chairman and Managing Director of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on 23 October 2026. The appointment is significant for India's upstream energy sector and came as a result of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet's decision.
Why it matters: Top PSU appointments are important for current affairs in Banking and SSC exams.
In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)
- Sunil Kumar was chosen to be the new head of ONGC, which finds oil and gas for India.
- The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet made this decision on 23 October 2026.
- This appointment matters because ONGC is a big government company that supplies energy to the country.
- People who use petrol, diesel, and gas in their homes and vehicles are affected by ONGC's work.
- ONGC chairman appointment is an important PSU news topic for government exam current affairs questions.
Three High Court Chief Justices Sworn in as Supreme Court Judges (6 October 2026)
On 6 October 2026, Justices Sunita Agarwal, Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, and Aparesh Kumar Singh were sworn in as judges of the Supreme Court of India. The appointments were cleared swiftly by the Union Government following the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation.
Why it matters: Judicial appointments to the Supreme Court are regularly tested in polity and current-affairs sections.
In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)
- Three High Court Chief Justices took oath as Supreme Court judges on 6 October 2026.
- The judges are Sunita Agarwal, Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, and Aparesh Kumar Singh.
- The Supreme Court Collegium recommended them and the Union Government approved the appointments quickly.
- This affects all court cases and legal decisions in the country because Supreme Court judges hear the most important cases.
- Supreme Court judge appointments follow a recommendation by the Collegium and approval by the Government.
Economy
RBI Hiked Repo Rate by 25 bps to 5.50% (7 October 2026)
The Reserve Bank of India on 7 October 2026 raised its key policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%, the first rate hike since 2023. The move was aimed at curbing accelerating inflation amid renewed geopolitical tensions in West Asia and supply-chain disruptions. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced the decision, and India joined several major central banks in tightening monetary policy.
Why it matters: Monetary policy decisions (repo rate, policy stance) are high-frequency exam topics in Banking and Economy sections.
In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)
- The Reserve Bank of India raised its main interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% on 7 October 2026.
- RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced this decision, which was the first rate increase since 2023.
- This increase was done to control rising inflation caused by tensions in West Asia and problems in supply chains.
- When banks have to pay higher interest to RBI, they increase loan interest rates for ordinary people and businesses.
- For government exams, remember that the repo rate is the key policy tool RBI uses to manage inflation and money supply.
RBI October 2026 Bulletin: India's Economy Resilient, CPI Inflation Edges Up
The Reserve Bank of India's October 2026 Bulletin (released 23 October) stated that India's economy remains resilient amid global uncertainty, supported by solid macroeconomic fundamentals. CPI inflation edged up in September driven by food, fuel, and core components. Double-digit merchandise export growth in H1 FY2026-27 helped narrow the trade deficit, and FDI, ECB, and remittance flows strengthened in August.
Why it matters: RBI Bulletin and inflation trends are frequently tested in economy sections of all competitive exams.
In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)
- The Reserve Bank of India said in October that India's economy is strong even though the world has uncertainty.
- The RBI released this bulletin on 23 October with information about prices and money coming into India.
- Prices of food and fuel went up in September, which made overall inflation increase slightly.
- When prices rise, common people pay more for daily things like groceries and petrol.
- For exams, remember that RBI bulletins track inflation and whether India's economy stays stable or faces problems.
Pay & Jobs
8th Pay Commission Mumbai Consultations (22–23 October 2026)
The 8th Central Pay Commission held stakeholder consultations in Mumbai on 22–23 October 2026 as part of its nationwide interactions. The Commission, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, is expected to submit its interim report soon. Recommendations are likely to be implemented from January 2026, benefiting around 50 lakh central government employees and 69 lakh pensioners.
Why it matters: 8th Pay Commission progress and implementation dates directly affect all government job aspirants.
In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)
- The 8th Central Pay Commission held meetings with people in Mumbai to gather their views on government salaries and pensions.
- A former Supreme Court judge named Ranjana Prakash Desai is leading this Pay Commission.
- The Commission is collecting opinions from different groups because it will soon decide how much government employees and retired employees should earn.
- This affects central government workers and their families who depend on these salaries and pensions.
- The Pay Commission will give its interim report soon and changes are likely to happen from January 2026.
DA Increased to 60% for Central Government Employees (effective 1 January 2026)
The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR), raising the rate from 58% to 60% of basic pay/pension with effect from 1 January 2026. This increase follows the 7th Central Pay Commission's existing mechanism and is separate from the 8th Pay Commission's recommendations.
Why it matters: DA hike announcements are major motivators for aspirants and are frequently tested in current affairs.
In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)
- The government decided to increase Dearness Allowance, which is extra money given to central workers to help them afford rising prices.
- This increase was approved by the Union Cabinet for all central government employees and pensioners.
- The Dearness Allowance will go from 58% to 60% of their basic pay or pension starting from January 2026.
- Government employees and their families will get more money each month to spend on everyday needs like food and transportation.
- Remember that DA increased by 2% to reach 60%, and this happened under the 7th Central Pay Commission rules.
Sci-Tech
ISRO to Expand Launch Infrastructure with Four Pads by 2029 (25 October 2026)
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced on 25 October 2026 that India will expand its space operations significantly, aiming for four functional launch pads by 2029. This expansion is part of ISRO's strategy to meet the increasing demand for satellite launches and strengthen India's position in the global space sector.
Why it matters: ISRO developments and infrastructure expansion are frequently tested in science & technology sections.
In plain words (5 lines, written by AI from this item)
- ISRO said it will build four launch pads by 2029 to launch more satellites from India.
- ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan made this announcement on 25 October 2026.
- India needs more launch pads because many countries and companies want to launch satellites, and this helps India compete globally.
- People working in space technology and satellite companies will have more job opportunities when these pads are ready.
- ISRO plans to have four functional launch pads by 2029 as part of expanding India's space operations.
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