Current Affairs 27 October 2026The stories that matter for your exam, most important first

30 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.

#1Economy
4 questions · 4 min

DPIIT's Trust-Based Governance: Startup India Recognizes 2.5 Lakh Startups, Creates 25 Lakh Jobs; FDI at $843 Billion Over 12 Years

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has spearheaded a comprehensive shift from a permission-based to a trust-based regulatory framework, focusing on startup ecosystem support, regulatory simplification, and digital governance. Key outcomes include recognition of over 2.5 lakh startups generating 25.42 lakh jobs, a cumulative FDI inflow of USD 843 billion over 12 years, and the reduction of 47,957 compliances. The National Single Window System (NSWS) is central to this digital transformation.

Full form of DPIIT: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade

UPSC8Bank8SSC7
PIB
#2Environment
4 questions · 4 min

India’s CCUS Strategy for Net Zero 2070: ₹20,000 Crore Scheme, First Integrated Field Lab at IIT Bombay, and Decarbonizing Hard-to-Abate Sectors

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) is a critical technological pathway for India to achieve its Net Zero by 2070 target, especially for decarbonizing 'hard-to-abate' industrial sectors like steel, cement, and refineries. The Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹20,000 crore over five years to promote CCUS, and India's first integrated CCUS Field Laboratory was inaugurated at IIT Bombay in May 2026, capable of capturing 3 tonnes of CO₂ per day. A hub-and-cluster model is being developed for regions like Gujarat, Odisha-Jharkhand, and the Northeast.

Full form of CCUS: Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage

UPSC9JPSC8BPSC7+2
PIB
#4Polity
3 questions · 3 min

Supreme Court Scrutinizes NPPA on Drug Pricing, Questions ₹8,447 Cr Pending Recovery from Pharma Firms

The Supreme Court has questioned the government's 'calibrated' approach to drug price control, emphasizing that economic policy cannot override citizens' right to affordable healthcare. It scrutinized the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) for delays in capping trade margins on essential medicines and highlighted huge pending recoveries from pharmaceutical companies for overcharging.

Full form of NPPA: National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority

UPSC8BPSC7UPPSC7+1
The HinduHindustanIndian ExpressDainik Bhaskar4 sources
#5Polity
3 questions · 3 min

UAPA Bail for Foreign Nationals: SC Clarifies Section 43D(7) Conditions, Mandates Legal Entry Proof for Denial

The Supreme Court has clarified that being a foreign national alone is not grounds to deny bail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The court upheld that for bail denial under Section 43D(7), the prosecution must prove the accused entered India illegally, in addition to being a non-citizen facing UAPA charges.

Full form of UAPA: Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act

UPSC8BPSC7UPPSC7+1
Dainik BhaskarHindustan2 sources
#6Economy
3 questions · 2 min

New Labour Codes: Pending Wages Due in 2 Days, Double Pay for Overtime, Monthly Salary by 7th

The new labour codes mandate that pending wages of employees must be paid within two days of leaving service, and overtime work must be compensated at double the wage rate. The monthly salary must be paid by the 7th of the next month. These provisions consolidate 29 labour laws into four codes; the government says its priority is to provide social security to workers, and the new labour codes will benefit employees and reduce problems for industries.

Pending Wage Payment Deadline: Within 2 days of leaving job/service termination

UPSC7UPPSC7SSC7
Hindustan
#7Uttar PradeshInfrastructure
4 questions · 2 min

UP Approves 4 Link Expressways Worth ₹17,542 Crore to Boost Inter-Regional Connectivity via EPC Model

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved four new link expressway projects costing ₹17,542.06 crore to strengthen the state's expressway network. These projects, to be developed under the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) method, will enhance connectivity between western, central, and eastern regions of the state, and are expected to generate significant employment.

Total Project Cost: ₹17,542.06 crore

UPPSC8SSC7UPSSSC PET7
Hindustan
#8International Relations
4 questions · 3 min

India's Maritime Sector: $7.8B Shipbuilding Support, EU Recognition for Recycling Yards, and $23B Vessel Pipeline

India aims to become a global hub for shipbuilding, shipping, and maritime services by 2047. Key strategies include securing EU recognition for ship-recycling yards, attracting foreign investment and technology for green shipping, and leveraging a $23 billion vessel pipeline backed by a $7.8 billion government support package.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)

UPSC7SSC7
PIB
#9Polity
3 questions · 2 min

Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: SC Seeks Centre's Response to Challenge by DNPA on Sections 7, 17(2), 18, 19, 27, 29, 36, 37, 44(3)

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response to a legal challenge by the Digital News Publishers Association against specific sections of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act). The petition argues that certain provisions infringe on press freedom and could 'shut down newsrooms', seeking to declare nine sections and three related rules as unconstitutional.

Full form of DPDP Act: Digital Personal Data Protection Act

UPSC8SSC7
Hindustan
#10Polity
3 questions · 3 min

India's Proposed Policy Framework to Curb Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and Non-Consensual Explicit Content

The Central Government is considering a comprehensive policy framework to tackle online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and the spread of non-consensual explicit content. The framework proposes to impose due diligence obligations on intermediaries, including mandatory removal of objectionable content and reporting to authorities. The government is also contemplating a statutory legislative mechanism for this purpose.

Government Representative: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta

UPSC7
Hindustan
Important storiesAfter the Top 10, worth reading for a strong score.13
#11Uttar PradeshAgriculture
4 questions · 2 min

Uttar Pradesh Approves State Livestock Mission (SLM) with ₹40,000 Subsidy per Cow, Targets Organized Livestock Economy

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a dedicated State Livestock Mission (SLM) to organize the livestock economy, boost farmer incomes, and create rural employment. The mission focuses on improved breeds, digital management, and entrepreneurship, offering subsidies of ₹40,000 per advanced breed cow. It aims to connect small and marginal farmers with modern technology and global markets.

Full form of SLM: State Livestock Mission

UPPSC8UPSSSC PET7
Hindustan
#12International Relations
4 questions · 3 min

India's FTA Diplomacy: Talks Advance with Chile & Canada, Eyes Major Export Growth to China & ASEAN

India is aggressively pursuing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to expand its export footprint globally. Talks with Chile are in the final stage, negotiations with Canada are progressing rapidly, and formal talks with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) have begun. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the goal of becoming a leading exporter of goods and services to China and the ASEAN region in the coming years.

Full form of SACU: Southern African Customs Union

UPSC7
Hindustan
#13International Relations
4 questions · 3 min

BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026: Declaration Condemns Pahalgam Attack (26 killed, April 2025) and Urges UNSC Reforms

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum's joint declaration strongly condemns terrorism, specifically the Pahalgam attack of April 2025, and advocates for comprehensive UN Security Council reforms. It reflects a collective stance against unilateral sanctions and calls for multilateral solutions to global conflicts.

Forum Name & Edition: 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum

UPSC8SSC7
Indian ExpressHindustan2 sources
#15Polity
4 questions · 3 min

Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023: Media Houses Challenge Sections 7, 17(2), 36, 37, 44(3) in Supreme Court Over Press Freedom

The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA), representing 21 major media houses, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging key provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act). They argue the law's lack of specific exemptions for journalistic activities and its requirement to obtain prior consent for data processing could lead to pre-censorship and severely hamper investigative journalism. The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Central Government, with the next hearing scheduled for November 17, 2026.

Full form of DNPA: Digital News Publishers Association

UPSC8BPSC7UPPSC7
HindustanIndian Express2 sources
#16Environment
4 questions · 3 min

India's Biodiversity Conservation: 1,134 PAs, 103 Ramsar Sites, 57 Heritage Sites, and 18 Biosphere Reserves

India reiterated its commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at CBD COP-17, stressing national circumstances and adequate finance. The country's progress includes 1,134 Protected Areas, 103 Ramsar sites, and an updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan with 23 national targets.

Full form of CBD: Convention on Biological Diversity

UPSC8
PIB
#17Polity
3 questions · 3 min

8th Pay Commission: Fitment Factor Range 1.83 to 4, Minimum Basic Salary May Rise to ₹72,000 from ₹18,000

The 8th Pay Commission is finalizing its report for central government employees, with a key focus on revising the fitment factor used to calculate new basic salaries. The current minimum basic of ₹18,000 could increase to between ₹32,940 and ₹72,000 based on fitment factors ranging from 1.83 to 4.00. The final recommendations are expected by May 2027, with full implementation potentially stretching to 2029-30.

7th Pay Commission Fitment Factor: 2.57

SSC8UPSC7Railway7
Hindustan
#18Science & Tech
4 questions · 3 min

IIT Kharagpur to Launch First 'Physical AI' School in India with ₹35 Crore Investment

IIT Kharagpur is establishing India's first dedicated school focused on 'Physical Artificial Intelligence', with a total investment of ₹35 crore. The initiative aims to move AI beyond data-centric models to systems that interact with the physical world, integrating with engineering, science, and medicine. Courses are expected to begin from the next academic session.

Full form of AI: Artificial Intelligence

CTET8UPSC7DSSSB7+1
Hindustan
#19arunachal-pradeshInternational Relations
4 questions · 3 min

Siang Upper Multipurpose Project: 11,200 MW Hydropower Plan in Arunachal to Counter Chinese Upstream Dams

The proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh, India's largest hydropower plan, faces strong local opposition from the Adi community over displacement and cultural loss. While the government cites national security to counter China's upstream dams on the Yarlung Tsangpo, experts question the strategic rationale without detailed knowledge of the Chinese project's operations.

Project Name: Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP)

UPSC8Defence7
Indian Express
#20International Relations
4 questions · 3 min

UNSC Reforms: India Demands Veto Power for All Permanent Members, Cites 331 Vetoes Used on 200 Resolutions

India has reiterated its demand for comprehensive United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, calling for veto power to be extended to all permanent members and highlighting the misuse of the veto privilege. India's Permanent Representative presented data showing 331 vetoes have been used on approximately 200 resolutions, with most concentrated among three of the P5 members.

Full form of UNSC: United Nations Security Council

UPSC8SSC7Defence7
Hindustan
#22Economy
4 questions · 3 min

Capital Gains Tax Review: Government Seeks Views on LTCG Removal for Equities, Generates ₹1.29 Lakh Crore Revenue

The government is reviewing the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax on equities, seeking stakeholder views on its potential removal to attract Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) who have been net sellers. The tax, reintroduced in 2018, currently stands at 12.5% (plus cess/surcharge ~15%) and generated significant revenue of ₹1.29 lakh crore last year, making its abolition a major fiscal decision.

Full form of LTCG: Long-Term Capital Gains

Bank9UPSC7SSC7
Hindustan
#23Economy
4 questions · 3 min

Govt Approves E-85 and E-100 Ethanol Fuels, Amends CMV Rules 1989 to Reduce Crude Oil Dependence

The Union Government has approved the use of high-ethanol blends E-85 (85% ethanol) and E-100 (100% ethanol) fuels, amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. This move aims to reduce India's dependence on crude oil imports and cut vehicular emissions, though the fuels can only be used in specially designed Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).

Fuels Approved: E-85 and E-100

UPSC7SSC7
HindustanDainik Bhaskar2 sources
All other storiesThe rest of the day, if you have time.7
#24Uttar PradeshEconomy
3 questions · 3 min

Uttar Pradesh Minimum Wages Revised for Unskilled, Semi-Skilled, Skilled Workers by Rs 174-238, Effective 1 Oct 2026

Uttar Pradesh government has revised Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) rates for workers, leading to an increase in minimum monthly wages ranging from Rs 174.25 to Rs 238.39. The revision is based on the All India Consumer Price Index average of 431 points for January-June 2026 and will be effective from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Full form of VDA: Variable Dearness Allowance

UPPSC8SSC7UPSSSC PET7+1
Hindustan
#25Polity
4 questions · 2 min

NMC Grants Fifth 'Mercy Attempt' for MBBS First Professional Exam to Students Admitted from 2019-20 Session

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has granted a one-time 'mercy attempt' for the First Professional MBBS exam to students admitted from the 2019-20 academic session onwards. This provides a fifth attempt to eligible students who have already exhausted four attempts, primarily citing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other difficulties.

Full form of NMC: National Medical Commission

CTET7BPSC TRE7
Hindustan
#27Polity
2 questions · 3 min

Supreme Court Flags Acid Attack Policy Failure: Demands State Accountability and Stricter Enforcement of Sales Guidelines

The Supreme Court has critically examined the persistent failure to prevent acid attacks despite existing guidelines, highlighting weak state-level enforcement and lack of official accountability. The court has directed the central and state governments to coordinate and fix policy loopholes while also suggesting increased punishment for such crimes.

Key Directive Body: Supreme Court of India

UPSC7
Dainik BhaskarHindustan2 sources
#28Uttar PradeshPolity
4 questions · 2 min

Uttar Pradesh Inland Water Transport Rules 2026: Registration Mandatory on 11 Rivers, ₹50 Fee Per Boat

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Uttar Pradesh Inland Water Vessels Rules, 2026 to regulate and promote safe water transport on 11 major rivers. The rules mandate registration of all vessels, introduce a ₹50 fee per non-mechanical boat, and propose forming an Inland Water Authority chaired by the Transport Minister.

Full form of IWA: Inland Water Authority

UPPSC8SSC7UPSSSC PET7+1
Hindustan
#29Economy
4 questions · 3 min

CBIC Reforms GST Registration Process: Limits Document Requests, Sets 7-Day Timeline via Aadhaar Authentication

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced significant reforms to simplify the GST registration process. It has mandated a fixed list of documents, restricted unnecessary queries by tax officers, and expedited the process to 7 days for Aadhaar-authenticated applications, aiming to reduce compliance burden and prevent harassment and delays.

Full form of CBIC: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs

UPSC7
Hindustan

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