Daily Current Affairs 26 October 2026
Daily current affairs for 26 October 2026 — 20 verified news items across National, International, Awards & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and practice…
Part of October 2026 current affairs: the month's top stories by topic
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In this digest · 20 items
National
India Amends Vehicle Rules to Permit E100 Flex-Fuel Vehicles
India has amended motor vehicle rules to permit compatible flex-fuel vehicles to use E100, nearly pure ethanol fuel. The amended rules cover vehicles designed for different petrol-ethanol blends. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways changed certain vehicle classification thresholds, fuel specifications, and technical references in emission-related tables and testing provisions. The rules permit E100 use, but no timeline has been offered for its nationwide commercial availability.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which fuel do the amended rules permit compatible flex-fuel vehicles to use?
- AE100Correct
- BElectricity
- CCompressed natural gas
- DHydrogen
Explanation The source reports that the amended rules permit compatible flex-fuel vehicles to use E100.
Q2 What does the source say about a timeline for nationwide commercial availability of E100?
- ANo timeline has been offeredCorrect
- BA nationwide launch date has been announced
- CAvailability is limited to one named state
- DCommercial availability has been ruled out
Explanation The source states that the amended rules offer no timeline for nationwide commercial availability of E100.
NMC Withdraws 2023 Medical Education Standards Rules Amid Oversight Concerns
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn the 2023 rules on medical education standards, identified as MSMER-2023. The Commission said the withdrawal removes overlapping procedures and eliminates duplication. Medical activists, however, said the move dilutes regulatory oversight and could ultimately put patients at risk. The differing views centre on the consequences of withdrawing the rules: procedural simplification, according to the NMC, versus reduced oversight, according to activists.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What reason did the NMC give for withdrawing MSMER-2023?
- ATo remove overlapping procedures and eliminate duplicationCorrect
- BTo increase the number of medical colleges
- CTo change patient treatment guidelines
- DTo transfer regulatory powers to medical activists
Explanation The NMC said the withdrawal removes overlapping procedures and eliminates duplication.
Q2 What concern did medical activists raise about the withdrawal?
- AIt could increase duplication in procedures
- BIt could dilute regulatory oversight and ultimately put patients at riskCorrect
- CIt could prevent the NMC from withdrawing rules
- DIt could eliminate medical education standards
Explanation Medical activists said the move dilutes regulatory oversight and will ultimately put patients at risk.
International
Lula Wins Record Fourth Presidential Term in Brazil Election
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a record fourth presidential term, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro, according to the source report. The report describes the result as a defeat for the far-right and says Lula defied predictions and challenges associated with Donald Trump and Meta. Concern among young people about public education, healthcare and transport under the prospect of a Bolsonaro presidency was one factor in the campaign. Millions joined weekly rallies across Brazil, pledging support for Lula and demanding protection of public services.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 How many presidential terms did Lula secure, according to the report?
- AA record fourth termCorrect
- BA second term
- CA fifth term
- DA third term
Explanation The report says Lula won a record fourth presidential term.
Q2 Which public services did young people fear could be affected under the prospect of a Bolsonaro presidency?
- APublic education, healthcare and transportCorrect
- BHousing, policing and pensions
- CAgriculture, energy and sanitation
- DBanking, courts and telecommunications
Explanation The source identifies public education, healthcare and transport as concerns among young people.
Machado Returns to Venezuela as Election Date Remains Unset
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has returned to Venezuela after more than 10 months in exile, according to the reports published on October 25 and 26, 2026. A date for an election has not been set. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has said Venezuelans will decide when to vote. The Hindu reported that Rodríguez was initially expected to serve as acting president for 90 days, but has remained in office and has made no move to call an election. Washington is prioritising economic stability and institutional reforms.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who returned to Venezuela after more than 10 months in exile?
- AMaria Corina MachadoCorrect
- BDelcy Rodríguez
- CWashington
- DVenezuelans
Explanation The reports state that opposition leader Maria Corina Machado returned to Venezuela after more than 10 months in exile.
Q2 What did interim President Delcy Rodríguez say about when Venezuelans would vote?
- AWashington would decide
- BVenezuelans would decideCorrect
- CMachado would decide
- DThe election date had already been set
Explanation Rodríguez said that Venezuelans will decide when to vote; the reports state that an election date remains unset.
India Condemns Deadly Attack at Church in Jordan’s Hamoud
India condemned the attack at a church in Hamoud, Jordan, and expressed solidarity with the people of Jordan, according to the source headlines. Authorities said gunmen opened fire at a funeral in the church on October 23. Seven people were killed and 34 others were injured. The reports identify the incident as a church attack in Jordan; the available source text does not provide further details about the attackers or the circumstances of the attack.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Where did the reported church attack take place?
- AHamoud, JordanCorrect
- BNew Delhi, India
- CColombo, Sri Lanka
- DKathmandu, Nepal
Explanation The source identifies the church as being in Hamoud, Jordan.
Q2 How many people were reported killed in the attack?
- ASevenCorrect
- BThirty-four
- CTen
- DFive
Explanation Authorities said seven people were killed; 34 others were injured.
Q3 What event was taking place when gunmen opened fire at the church?
- AA funeralCorrect
- BA wedding
- CA concert
- DA religious procession
Explanation Authorities said gunmen opened fire at a funeral in the church.
Brazil Holds Runoff Amid Debate Over Latin America’s Political Direction
Brazil held a tense runoff between Lula and Bolsonaro, with the vote set to determine whether the country would remain one of Latin America’s few leftist nations or join a regional shift to the right. The shift was described as championed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had not openly endorsed the son of his ally. In the first round earlier that month, Flávio Bolsonaro bested Lula by more than 2.2 million votes. More than 33 million of nearly 160 million voters did not turn out.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What political outcome was Brazil’s runoff set to determine?
- AWhether Brazil remained among Latin America’s few leftist nations or shifted to the rightCorrect
- BWhether Brazil joined a regional shift to the left
- CWhether the United States endorsed a candidate
- DWhether voter turnout exceeded 160 million
Explanation The source says the runoff would determine whether Brazil remained one of Latin America’s few leftist nations or joined a regional swing to the right.
Q2 By how many votes did Flávio Bolsonaro best Lula in the first round, according to the source?
- AMore than 2.2 millionCorrect
- BMore than 33 million
- CNearly 160 million
- DMore than 10 million
Explanation The source reports that Flávio Bolsonaro bested Lula by more than 2.2 million votes in the first round.
Iran Speaker to Skip BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Delhi
Iranian Speaker Ghalibaf will not attend the BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Delhi, according to the report. Iran is seeking a bilateral air route to transport humanitarian aid from India. Iran Air is not allowed to fly medicines directly from India to Tehran because of concerns about U.S. sanctions. India has said the medicines can be sent through a third country, while Tehran maintains that humanitarian aid is exempt from sanctions.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which forum in Delhi will Iran’s Speaker Ghalibaf not attend?
- ABRICS Parliamentary ForumCorrect
- BUnited Nations General Assembly
- CG20 Parliamentary Forum
- DShanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit
Explanation The report says Ghalibaf will not attend the BRICS Parliamentary Forum in Delhi.
Q2 What route has India said can be used to send medicines to Tehran?
- AThrough a third countryCorrect
- BDirectly by Iran Air
- CBy sea through the Persian Gulf
- DThrough a United Nations agency
Explanation India said the medicines can be taken through a third country.
India and Russia Plan Northern Sea Route Pilot Voyages in 2027
India and Russia are to conduct pilot voyages on the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in 2027. The NSR is described as the shortest coastal passage between Western Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region. It is 5,600 km long and runs from the Kara Strait to Cape Dezhnev in the Bering Strait. The report identifies the planned voyages and the route’s length and endpoints, but does not provide further details about the pilot voyages.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 In which year are India and Russia to conduct pilot voyages on the Northern Sea Route?
- A2025
- B2026
- C2027Correct
- D2028
Explanation The source states that India and Russia are to conduct pilot voyages on the route in 2027.
Q2 According to the source, what is the length of the Northern Sea Route?
- A4,600 km
- B5,600 kmCorrect
- C6,500 km
- D7,500 km
Explanation The source describes the Northern Sea Route as 5,600 km long.
Awards
Joyalukkas Mayura Sahasra Earrings Set Two Guinness World Records
Joyalukkas Jewellery’s handcrafted Mayura Sahasra earrings have earned two Guinness World Records titles, according to a Livemint report published on 26 October 2026. The earrings were recognised as both the heaviest and the largest gold earrings. The report’s headline describes them as weighing 16.5 kg. The source identifies the earrings and their record categories but provides no further details about the record-setting process or the date on which the records were achieved.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which jewellery company’s handcrafted earrings earned the reported Guinness World Records titles?
- AJoyalukkas JewelleryCorrect
- BLivemint
- CGuinness World Records
- DDubai
Explanation The source identifies Joyalukkas Jewellery’s handcrafted Mayura Sahasra earrings as the record-holders.
Q2 Which two Guinness World Records titles did the Mayura Sahasra earrings earn?
- AHeaviest and largest gold earringsCorrect
- BOldest and most expensive gold earrings
- CHeaviest and oldest gold necklaces
- DLargest and most expensive gold rings
Explanation The source says the earrings earned titles as the heaviest and largest gold earrings.
Environment
Cyclone Arnab Forecast to Cross Andhra Pradesh-Yanam Coast by October 28
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that cyclonic storm Arnab would cross the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast as a very severe storm by October 28. Separately, Odisha stepped up preparations by mobilising personnel and equipment. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi deputed eight ministers to vulnerable districts. The reports describe preparations and a forecast ahead of the storm’s expected coastal crossing; they do not state that landfall had already occurred.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 According to the IMD forecast, where was Cyclone Arnab expected to cross the coast?
- AAndhra Pradesh-Yanam coastCorrect
- BOdisha coast
- CTamil Nadu coast
- DGujarat coast
Explanation The report stated that Arnab was forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast.
Q2 How many ministers did Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi deputise to vulnerable districts?
- AFour
- BSix
- CEightCorrect
- DTen
Explanation The source text says that Mohan Charan Majhi deputed eight ministers to vulnerable districts.
Bay of Bengal Depression Forecast to Become Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a depression over the Bay of Bengal is set to become a very severe cyclonic storm. It is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on Wednesday morning, by October 28, according to the reports. The forecast wind speed is 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph. The storm is expected to have a worse impact than last year’s Montha cyclone.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which coasts is the cyclone likely to cross, according to the IMD?
- AAndhra Pradesh and YanamCorrect
- BOdisha and West Bengal
- CGujarat and Maharashtra
- DKerala and Karnataka
Explanation The source reports that the cyclone is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts.
Q2 What wind speed range is forecast for the cyclone, with gusts reaching 140 kmph?
- A85–95 kmph
- B100–110 kmph
- C115–125 kmphCorrect
- D130–140 kmph
Explanation The IMD forecast wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph.
IMD Forecasts Cyclone Arnab to Intensify and Make Landfall Near Andhra Coast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that Cyclone Arnab, currently described as a depression over the Bay of Bengal, would intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm. The forecast said it would make landfall near the Andhra coast on October 28, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Andhra and Odisha. Both states reviewed their preparations and directed officials to protect residents in low-lying areas.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Where did the IMD forecast Cyclone Arnab would make landfall?
- ANear the Andhra coastCorrect
- BNear the Odisha coast
- COver the Bay of Bengal
- DIn low-lying areas
Explanation The forecast said the cyclone would make landfall near the Andhra coast.
Q2 What intensity did the IMD forecast Cyclone Arnab would reach?
- AVery severe cyclonic stormCorrect
- BHeavy rain
- CStrong winds
- DDepression
Explanation The IMD forecast that the depression would intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm.
Sports
Sindhu Falls to An Se Young, Finishes French Open as Runner-Up
Indian shuttler Sindhu, aged 31, finished as runner-up after losing to Olympic champion An Se Young. Sindhu lost the match 21-16, 11-21, 12-21. The victory gave An Se Young her fourth French Open title and 11th crown of the season. The report was published on 25 October 2026.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the score when Sindhu lost to An Se Young?
- A21-16, 11-21, 12-21Correct
- B21-11, 16-21, 21-12
- C16-21, 21-11, 21-12
- D21-12, 12-21, 16-21
Explanation The source gives the score as 21-16, 11-21, 12-21.
Q2 How many French Open titles had An Se Young clinched with this victory?
- AThree
- BFourCorrect
- CFive
- DSix
Explanation The source states that An Se Young clinched her fourth French Open title.
Royal Legacy Wins Mysore Derby During Invitation Cup Weekend
Royal Legacy won the Mysore Derby during Invitation Cup weekend, according to the report. The same report noted two other race results: Rieko pipped Encino for a win in the Sprinters’ Cup, while Dyf lived up to the billing in the Stayers’ Cup. These three outcomes were reported as part of the weekend’s racing. The source provides the race names and the horses associated with each result, but no further details about the event.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which horse won the Mysore Derby?
- ARoyal LegacyCorrect
- BRieko
- CEncino
- DDyf
Explanation The report says Royal Legacy ran to glory in the Mysore Derby.
Q2 Which horse did Rieko pip for victory in the Sprinters’ Cup?
- ARoyal Legacy
- BEncinoCorrect
- CDyf
- DRieko
Explanation The report says Rieko pipped Encino for the Sprinters’ Cup win.
Economy
Foreign Portfolio Investors Withdraw ₹48,056 Crore from Indian Equities in October
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) withdrew ₹48,056 crore from Indian equities in October so far, amid elevated crude oil prices. The latest withdrawals brought cumulative FPI outflows from Indian equities in 2026 to ₹3.08 lakh crore, according to the data cited in the report. This 2026 total substantially exceeds the ₹1.66 lakh crore withdrawn during the entire year 2025.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 How much did FPIs withdraw from Indian equities in October so far?
- A₹48,056 croreCorrect
- B₹3.08 lakh crore
- C₹1.66 lakh crore
- D₹48,650 crore
Explanation The report states that FPIs withdrew ₹48,056 crore from Indian equities in October so far.
Q2 What were cumulative FPI outflows from Indian equities in 2026, according to the report?
- A₹1.66 lakh crore
- B₹3.08 lakh croreCorrect
- C₹2.08 lakh crore
- D₹3.80 lakh crore
Explanation The reported cumulative FPI outflows from Indian equities in 2026 reached ₹3.08 lakh crore.
Tata Motors Holds Firm on Its Iveco Takeover Offer
Tata Motors has refused to raise its offer to acquire Iveco, an Italian truck maker, despite an investor questioning the valuation. The investor owns 3.8% of Iveco and claims the offer price is too low. Tata Motors’ bid is ₹1,531 per share, and the company is expected to buy more than 80% of Iveco’s shares by the deadline. The source does not specify the deadline date or give further details about the investor.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What stake in Iveco does the investor questioning the offer own?
- A3.8%Correct
- BMore than 80%
- C₹1,531 per share
- DThe deadline
Explanation The source states that the investor owns 3.8% of Iveco.
Q2 What is Tata Motors expected to acquire by the deadline?
- AThe investor’s 3.8% stake only
- BMore than 80% of Iveco’s sharesCorrect
- CIveco’s shares at ₹1,531 in total
- DThe deadline for the offer
Explanation The source says Tata Motors is expected to buy more than 80% of Iveco’s shares by the deadline.
Government Schemes
Centre extends Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to boost farm infrastructure investments
The Centre has extended the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, which will continue until 31 March 2027. The extension lengthens the fund’s lending timeline for farm-sector infrastructure projects. The scheme offers subsidised loans and credit guarantees to support facilities including warehouses, cold storages and processing centres. These facilities are intended to help reduce crop losses. The source reports the extension on 25 October 2026.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Until when will the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund continue?
- A31 March 2027Correct
- B25 October 2026
- C31 March 2026
- D25 October 2027
Explanation The source states that the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund will continue until 31 March 2027.
Q2 Which type of facility is mentioned as supported by the scheme?
- AWarehousesCorrect
- BRailway stations
- CAirports
- DHospitals
Explanation The source lists warehouses, cold storages and processing centres as examples of facilities supported by the scheme.
Science & Tech
Vaishnaw Sets October 2028 Target for Smartphones Made in India
Ashwini Vaishnaw has set October 23, 2028, as the target for India to have smartphones designed, manufactured and branded domestically. The ambition reflects a push to move beyond making devices for global companies and develop India’s own design capabilities and intellectual property. The source presents the target as a domestic smartphone-design and manufacturing ambition, with branding in India also part of the stated goal.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What target date did Ashwini Vaishnaw set for India’s domestic smartphone ambition?
- AOctober 23, 2028Correct
- BOctober 23, 2026
- COctober 25, 2028
- DOctober 25, 2026
Explanation The source identifies October 23, 2028, as the target date.
Q2 Which set of activities is included in the target for smartphones in India?
- ADesigned, manufactured and branded domesticallyCorrect
- BDesigned, manufactured and exported domestically
- CDesigned, assembled and branded domestically
- DManufactured, branded and marketed domestically
Explanation The source states the target is for smartphones to be designed, manufactured and branded domestically.
Tamil Nadu
Vijay Government Implements One-Year Tax Cuts on Aviation Fuel
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s government has implemented steep tax cuts on aviation turbine fuel (ATF). According to the report, the reductions are set to remain in force for one year, until 31 October 2027. The reported measure is specifically a tax cut on ATF, and the stated duration and end date are one year and 31 October 2027, respectively. The report identifies Vijay’s government as the implementing authority.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which fuel is covered by the tax cuts implemented by the Vijay government?
- AAviation turbine fuelCorrect
- BPetrol
- CDiesel
- DNatural gas
Explanation The source identifies aviation turbine fuel (ATF) as the subject of the tax cuts.
Q2 Until when are the ATF tax cuts reported to remain in force?
- A31 October 2027Correct
- B31 October 2026
- C30 September 2027
- D31 December 2027
Explanation The source says the tax cuts will remain in force for one year, until 31 October 2027.
Banking
RBI Says Tata Sons Must Register as an Upper-Layer NBFC
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said large non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and core investment companies with direct or indirect access to public funds must register with the central bank. Tata Sons is classified as an upper-layer NBFC. The Reserve Bank of India rejected Tata Sons’ attempt to surrender its licence, making a public listing likely. Malhotra’s comment was described as his first public comment on the matter and addressed doubts about the September 11 order.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which entities did RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra say must register with the central bank if they have direct or indirect access to public funds?
- ALarge NBFCs and core investment companiesCorrect
- BTata Sons and public funds
- CThe central bank and large NBFCs
- DCore investment companies and the central bank
Explanation Malhotra said large NBFCs and core investment companies with direct or indirect access to public funds must register with the RBI.
Q2 How is Tata Sons classified, according to the source?
- AAn upper-layer NBFCCorrect
- BA core investment company
- CA central bank
- DA public fund
Explanation The source states that Tata Sons is classified as an upper-layer NBFC.
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