Listen: current affairs, 29 October 2026

Anup Bagchi Approved as HDFC Bank MD & CEO from 27 October 2026

The Reserve Bank of India approved Anup Bagchi as Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Bank for three years from 27 October 2026, as announced on 1 October 2026. He succeeds his previous role at ICICI Life Insurance.

Why it matters: Major bank leadership changes and RBI approvals are standard banking exam questions

Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav Appointed Chief Secretary of J&K on 24 October

Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav (IAS: 1995: AGMUT) was appointed as Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on 24 October 2026. Following his appointment, two senior IAS officers were transferred from J&K to Delhi.

Why it matters: UT administration changes and AGMUT cadre appointments are relevant for polity and governance

Sunil Kumar Appointed Chairman of ONGC

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.

Why it matters: PSU leadership appointments, especially in energy sector, are frequently asked in current affairs

Three New Judges Sworn in to Supreme Court 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 on 6 October 2026. With Justice Sunita Agarwal's appointment, the Supreme Court now has three women judges on its bench. Justice D.K. Upadhyaya previously served as Chief Justice of Delhi and Bombay High Courts.

Why it matters: Supreme Court appointments and women representation in judiciary are important polity questions

RBI Hiked Repo Rate to 5.50% in October 2026 Meeting

The RBI Monetary Policy Committee unanimously voted to increase the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% from 5.25% in its October 2026 review meeting held on 7 October. The policy stance was changed from neutral to calibrated tightening amid persistent inflation and elevated supply-side risks. The Standing Deposit Facility rate was raised to 5.25% and the Marginal Standing Facility rate to 5.75%.

Why it matters: RBI policy decisions, repo rate changes, and monetary policy stance are critical for banking and economy sections

Cyclone Arnab Weakens After Hitting Andhra Pradesh

Cyclone Arnab weakened after making landfall in Andhra Pradesh on 28 October 2026. The cyclone caused disruptions along the coast before losing intensity.

Why it matters: Cyclone names, patterns, and disaster management are staple prelims topics

22 Indians Killed in West Asia Conflict Since February 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on 28 October 2026 that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have been killed in the West Asia conflict since February. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern and stated the government remains in contact with the Indian community in the Gulf. Three Indians have died in Saudi Arabia.

Why it matters: India's diaspora security and MEA statements are important for international relations questions

8th Pay Commission Expected to Implement from January 2026

The 8th Central Pay Commission, constituted in January 2025 and headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, is expected to implement its recommendations from 1 January 2026. The commission will impact around 50 lakh central government employees and 69 lakh pensioners. An expected fitment factor of 2.28 could raise the minimum wage from ₹18,000 to ₹41,000, representing a 34.1% increase.

Why it matters: Pay Commission details—fitment factor, implementation date, beneficiaries—are must-know for all government job aspirants

Cabinet Approves 3% DA Hike to 63% from January 2027

The Union Cabinet approved a 3 percentage point increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) from 60% to 63% of basic pay, effective from 1 January 2027. The hike will benefit around 48.54 lakh central government employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners. Arrears from January 2027 will be disbursed. For an employee with ₹18,000 basic pay, this adds ₹540 per month.

Why it matters: DA revisions directly impact government job aspirants' future earnings and are frequently asked

National Social Assistance Programme Restructured with ₹53,428 Crore Outlay

The Union Cabinet approved continuation and restructuring of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) on 14 October 2026 for FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore. The programme includes five sub-schemes and changes to disability-pension eligibility and assistance for social security.

Why it matters: Social welfare schemes and budget allocations are core to governance and welfare topics

Union Cabinet Approves ₹7,395 Crore Panchayat Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved a ₹7,395 crore scheme for Panchayats on 28 October 2026. This scheme aims to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system across rural India, building on the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan framework.

Why it matters: Cabinet decisions on centrally sponsored schemes are frequently tested in prelims and mains

ISRO to Launch NVS-03 Navigation Satellite on 30 October 2026

ISRO is scheduled to launch NVS-03 aboard GSLV-F18 on 30 October 2026 at 11:51 PM IST from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The 2,250 kg satellite will strengthen India's NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) regional navigation system, which currently has only three operational satellites—below the minimum four required for basic positioning.

Why it matters: ISRO missions, NavIC system, and indigenous satellite navigation are high-weightage science topics