Listen: current affairs, 28 October 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.