Current Affairs 26 October 2026The stories that matter for your exam, most important first

15 stories today, 10 of them must-read. Every story has key points, key facts and practice questions.

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Today's Top 10

10 stories

The 10 stories that matter most for your exam, most important first. The list re-ranks through the day as new stories arrive.

#1Uttar PradeshPolity

4 questions · 3 min

Supreme Court on Ayodhya Land Acquisition: Flags Social Impact Assessment and Farmer Rights Under 2013 Land Acquisition Act

The Supreme Court, hearing a case on the acquisition of around 450 acres in Ayodhya, emphasized that Social Impact Assessment (SIA) should not be taken lightly, while also cautioning it must not become a 'noose around the state's neck'. The case centers on applying the safeguards of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, including SIA and restrictions on acquiring multi-crop irrigated land.

Full form of SIA: Social Impact Assessment

UPPSC8UPSC7UPSSSC PET7+1

#2Security & Defence

4 questions · 3 min

India-China Border Security: ITBP Proposes 20 New Battalions, Modern Equipment and Drone Surveillance

India is strengthening border security against China with a major capacity enhancement plan for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The proposal includes raising 20 additional battalions, acquiring modern equipment, and boosting drone surveillance capabilities.

Force Seeking Expansion: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

Defence8UPSC7

#3Polity

4 questions · 2 min

Supreme Court Mandates States to Fund Women Lawyers' Basic Facilities in District, Taluka Courts

The Supreme Court has issued a mandatory directive to all states and union territories to allocate adequate funds for providing basic facilities like separate bar rooms and washrooms for women lawyers in district and taluka courts. This order addresses the issue of inclusivity and retention of women in the legal profession, emphasizing it as a fundamental duty of High Courts and state governments.

Directive Issued To: All States and Union Territories

UPSC7

#4Economy

3 questions · 3 min

Central Government Permits Flex-Fuel Vehicles Running on 100% Ethanol (E100) to Cut Oil Imports and Emissions

The Central Government has approved the use of flex-fuel vehicles that can run on 100% ethanol (E100) fuel. This policy aims to reduce India's dependence on crude oil imports, cut vehicular carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions, and boost the biofuel economy and job creation.

Full form of E100: 100% Ethanol Fuel

UPSC7SSC7

#5International Relations

4 questions · 3 min

China's $168 Billion Dam on Brahmaputra May Increase Flood Risk, River Flow to Rise in 21st Century

Chinese scientists warn that the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet) could see increased water flow and heightened flood risk this century due to climate change, even as China constructs the world's largest hydroelectric dam costing $168 billion on the same river.

Dam Project Cost: $168 billion

UPSC8SSC7

#6Security & Defence

4 questions · 3 min

Defence Ministry Approves ₹2.12 Lakh Crore Military Procurement, 82% from Indian Industry

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved capital acquisitions worth ₹2.12 lakh crore for the armed forces. The approval covers a wide range of equipment including helicopters, drones, and air defence systems, with a significant 82% of the procurement to be sourced from domestic industries to boost self-reliance.

Full form of DAC: Defence Acquisition Council

Defence9UPSC7SSC7

#7Polity

2 questions · 3 min

Judicial Officers Retirement Age Extended to 62 Years in 14 States, Requires Service Rule Amendments

The Supreme Court has noted that 14 states have agreed to raise the retirement age of district judicial officers from 60 to 62 years. This requires states to amend their service rules within two months, with the High Court assessing the fitness of officers for extension.

Retirement Age Change: From 60 years to 62 years

UPSC7

#8Polity

3 questions · 2 min

Election Commission's Unanimous Decision on Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls Under Scrutiny

The Election Commission of India (ECI) filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court defending the legality and process of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The ECI asserted that all SIR orders were passed unanimously by the three-member commission, countering allegations of internal dissent and unauthorized changes to voter registration procedures. This case highlights the critical institutional processes of the ECI and the legal framework governing electoral roll management.

Full form of SIR: Special Intensive Revision

UPSC8BPSC7UPPSC7

2 sources

#9Economy

4 questions · 3 min

FAST-DS Scheme: 30% Tax and Penalty on Undisclosed Foreign Assets up to ₹1 Crore, Disclosure Window till Dec 31, 2026

The Income Tax Department is using data from international Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) to encourage disclosures under the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers-Disclosure Scheme (FAST-DS). The scheme offers a window until December 31, 2026, for declaring undisclosed foreign assets, with tax and penalty rates of 30% each for assets up to ₹1 crore, and a flat ₹1 lakh fee for certain other cases. It provides immunity from the stringent Black Money Act.

Full form of FAST-DS: Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers-Disclosure Scheme

Bank9UPSC7

2 sources

#10Polity

3 questions · 2 min

Supreme Court Caseload Crisis: Over 96,000 Pending Cases, 80% from SLPs, 38 Judges Sanctioned in 2026

The Supreme Court of India faces a severe caseload crisis with over 96,000 pending cases, and Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) account for around 80% of fresh filings. While the sanctioned judge strength was increased from 34 to 38 in May 2026, the core issue remains the high admission rate of SLPs, originally designed as a discretionary last resort, which has transformed the apex court into a routine court of appeal.

Supreme Court Pending Cases: Over 96,000 cases

UPSC8

#11Economy

4 questions · 3 min

Budget 2027-28 May Cut Long-Term Capital Gains Tax from 12.5%, Proposes Dollar-Based Taxation for Foreign Investors

Ahead of the Union Budget 2027-28, the government is considering major reforms to boost stock market sentiment, including cutting the long-term capital gains tax rate from 12.5% for both domestic and foreign investors. A key proposal is to tax foreign portfolio investors on their dollar-denominated gains rather than rupee gains, addressing a major grievance amid a weak rupee environment.

Current LTCG Tax Rate: 12.5%

Bank9UPSC7

#12Polity

3 questions · 2 min

Voter Registration: Form 6 Unchanged, Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Declaration Separated After Supreme Court Hearing

The Election Commission of India has clarified to the Supreme Court that Form 6 for new voter registration remains unchanged, and any power to modify it lies solely with the Central Government. To address concerns, the online process has been bifurcated from 21 October 2026, separating Form 6 from the contentious Special Intensive Revision (SIR) declaration. The EC also defended that all SIR-related decisions were taken unanimously by the full Commission.

Full form of SIR: Special Intensive Revision

UPSC7

#13Economy

4 questions · 2 min

Annual Survey of Unorganized Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) to Shift to Fiscal Year Basis from FY 2027-28, Adds Gender Barrier Questions

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will conduct the Annual Survey of Unorganized Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) on a fiscal year basis from April 2027 to March 2028. The updated survey will include new questions to understand gender-specific barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and gather better data on investment trends and energy usage patterns in this crucial sector of the Indian economy.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)

UPSC7

#14International Relations

4 questions · 2 min

India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement Negotiations Near Finalization to Address Tariff Issues and Boost Trade

India and the United States are in the final stages of negotiating a bilateral trade agreement, with most discussions completed. The agreement, under negotiation since early 2025, aims to resolve tariff-related issues and enhance trade between the two nations, including securing lower import duties for Indian goods in the US market compared to competitors like ASEAN members and Bangladesh.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

UPSC7

#15Economy

4 questions · 3 min

Government Amends CMV Rules 1989 for E100 Flex-Fuel Vehicles, Raises Light Vehicle Weight Limit to 3,500 kg

The Central Government has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 to facilitate the certification of vehicles capable of running on up to E100 (100% ethanol). This policy aims to reduce fossil fuel imports and promote domestic ethanol production, while also raising the weight threshold for light vehicles from 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg.

Rule Amended: Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989

UPSC7

2 sources

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