Current Affairs - October 26, 2026 Current Affairs

Lula da Silva, whose full name is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, won Brazil’s presidential runoff election held on October 25, 2026, securing 51.79% of the valid votes. He defeated his right-wing challenger, Flávio Bolsonaro, who received 48.21%. Lula represents the Workers’ Party (PT) and has a long political career, having first become president in January 2003. After serving two consecutive terms until 2010, he returned to the presidency in January 2023. His new term is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027. His key challenges include political divisions, economic reforms, environmental protection and international relations.

Odisha became the location of the Reserve Bank of India’s new Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bhubaneswar on October 25, 2026. The facilities aim to strengthen India’s digital financial infrastructure, improve the reliability of essential banking services and enhance cybersecurity capabilities. The data centre will support critical payment systems, including Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT). The cybersecurity institute will focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, helping professionals identify cyber threats, respond to incidents and protect India’s financial systems from digital disruptions.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to increase the number of functional launch pads in India to four by 2029, as announced by its Chairman, V. Narayanan. This expansion is intended to strengthen India’s satellite-launching capabilities and support the growing demand for commercial and scientific space missions. A dedicated Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) launch complex, spread across approximately 2,000 acres, is planned at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district. The facility will support small-satellite launches, particularly into polar orbits, and help reduce pressure on existing infrastructure at Sriharikota. The roadmap also encourages greater participation by private space companies.

Pankaj Advani won his record 29th world title at the World Billiards Championship on October 23, 2026, further establishing himself as one of India’s most successful cue-sports players. He competes in both billiards and snooker and has also participated in pool and Heyball. Advani was the first Indian to win the 6-Red Snooker World Championship and is recognised for achieving the billiards Grand Slam by winning all major titles in a single season. His honours include the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna in 2006, the Arjuna Award in 2004, the Padma Shri in 2009 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018.

Kerala has approved an initiative by the Kerala Civil Aviation Development Cooperative Society to launch India’s first cooperative-sector airline. The approval was announced by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan on October 25, 2026. The project aims to expand the role of cooperative societies beyond traditional sectors such as banking, agriculture and community development. C. N. Vijayakrishnan, chairman of MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, is the project leader. The proposed airline may be named “Co-Keralam,” with initial plans to lease two aircraft and connect Kochi with several cities in southern India. However, the operational launch is yet to take place.

Ahmedabad, located in Gujarat, was selected to host the 2029 World Weightlifting Championships, marking the first time India will host this prestigious international competition. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) announced the decision following its Executive Board Meeting held in Ningbo, China, on October 25, 2026. Hosting the championship is expected to strengthen India’s reputation as an international sporting destination and provide Indian athletes with an opportunity to compete on home soil. Ahmedabad is also scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. India has won 18 medals at the World Weightlifting Championships, including three gold, ten silver and five bronze medals.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) launched the Tumaini clinical trial on October 23, 2026, to investigate whether existing and experimental vaccines can protect against the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The first vaccination using Ervebo was administered in Bunia, located in the northeastern Ituri Province. The study is being conducted with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Ervebo is licensed to protect against Ebola disease caused by the Zaire species, but its effectiveness against the Bundibugyo strain remains uncertain. The trial will also evaluate vaccine candidates developed using adenoviral-vector and mRNA technologies to help improve protection against future outbreaks.

Ladakh became India’s first fully organic Union Territory on October 25, 2026, following the government’s ban on the sale and use of chemical fertilisers. The initiative aims to promote sustainable agriculture and protect the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh’s cold-desert region. The Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI), launched in 2020, targets the conversion of all 666 villages into certified organic farming zones, supported by a reported budget of ₹500 crore. The scheme promotes bio-fertilisers, organic seed supply, protected cultivation and better marketing opportunities for farmers. Sikkim became India’s first fully organic state in 2016.

Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 will be observed from October 26 to November 1 under the leadership of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The theme for this year is “Probity for Prosperity,” highlighting the importance of integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. The observance aims to raise awareness about corruption prevention and promote ethical conduct in government institutions. During the week, government departments, public sector undertakings, public sector banks and other organisations are encouraged to take the Integrity Pledge and organise awareness campaigns, workshops, quizzes and community activities. The CVC plays a significant role in strengthening vigilance and preventing corruption in central government bodies.

Cyclone Arnab was forecast to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28, 2026, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The probable landfall zone extended from Bapatla to Visakhapatnam. The storm was expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph and gusts reaching 140 kmph. Heavy rainfall, coastal flooding and storm surges posed significant risks to low-lying areas, particularly near Kakinada and Yanam. Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha initiated preparedness measures, including departmental coordination, public warnings and control-room arrangements to help protect residents.