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23rd October 2026 Current Affairs

Friday · 10 news items · 10 MCQs

Sunil Kumar named ONGC Chairman; Sheetal Devi-Toman Kumar win archery mixed team gold at Asian Para Games 2026; India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement comes into force

In this edition

  1. Sunil Kumar appointed ONGC Chairman for three-year tenure from December 2026
  2. Centre notifies Telecommunications (Regulatory Sandbox) Rules, 2026
  3. Vummidi Ethiraj, jeweller who helped craft the Sengol, dies at 99
  4. US orders non-emergency embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks
  5. India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement comes into force
  6. Centre launches Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026 for sustainable farming
  7. Sheetal Devi, Toman Kumar win archery mixed team gold at Asian Para Games 2026
  8. Bangladesh and Nepal to co-host 2027 ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup
  9. CDSCO approves Qfitlia, India's first antithrombin-lowering haemophilia therapy
  10. Odisha launches India's first dedicated Agri-PV (agrivoltaics) policy
  11. Daily Current Affairs Quiz (10 questions)

📘 23rd October 2026 Current Affairs Quiz

10 questions · attempt all, submit, then see your score and the solutions

Take the Quiz ›
📈 Economy

Sunil Kumar appointed ONGC Chairman for three-year tenure from December 2026

Why in News?

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Sunil Kumar, currently Executive Director and Asset Manager of ONGC's Mehsana Asset, as the new Chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), reported on 22 October 2026. He is set to take charge around 7 December 2026 for a combined three-year tenure, becoming the first ONGC chief promoted directly from the executive director rank. He succeeds Arun Singh, who has led ONGC as Chairman and CEO since December 2022. ONGC accounts for about 75% of India's domestic crude oil and natural gas output.

Key Highlights

  • Sunil Kumar approved as ONGC Chairman, reported 22 October 2026
  • Takes charge around 7 December 2026, three-year combined tenure
  • First ONGC chief promoted directly from executive director rank
  • Succeeds Arun Singh, Chairman and CEO since December 2022

Static GK

  • ONGC was set up in 1956 and is headquartered in Dehradun
  • ONGC is a Maharatna central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • ONGC accounts for about 75% of India's domestic crude oil and natural gas production
  • Top PSU appointments are cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
💻 Technology

Centre notifies Telecommunications (Regulatory Sandbox) Rules, 2026

Why in News?

The Central Government notified the Telecommunications (Regulatory Sandbox) Rules, 2026, reported on 22 October 2026, creating a framework for startups, companies, researchers and individuals to test new telecom technologies and business models under relaxed regulation. Approved participants get exemptions from certain provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the TRAI Act, 1997. Applicants pay a non-refundable Rs 10,000 processing fee and get an initial sandbox validity of up to 24 months, extendable by up to 12 months at a time; products under test cannot be sold commercially during this period.

Key Highlights

  • Notified by the Centre, reported 22 October 2026
  • Non-refundable processing fee of Rs 10,000
  • Initial sandbox validity up to 24 months, extendable by 12 months at a time
  • Exemptions from the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and TRAI Act, 1997

Static GK

  • The Telecommunications Act, 2023 replaced colonial-era telegraph and wireless laws
  • TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) was set up in 1997
  • The Department of Telecommunications functions under the Ministry of Communications
  • A regulatory sandbox is a live, controlled test environment for new technology under regulatory relaxations
📰 General

Vummidi Ethiraj, jeweller who helped craft the Sengol, dies at 99

Why in News?

Vummidi Ethiraj, patriarch of Chennai's 125-year-old Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers and among those who helped craft the Sengol presented at India's 1947 transfer of power, died in Chennai on 21 October 2026 at age 99, weeks short of his 100th birthday. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death. The Sengol, a gold-plated silver sceptre symbolising just rule, was installed by PM Modi near the Speaker's chair in the new Parliament building on 28 May 2023.

Key Highlights

  • Died in Chennai on 21 October 2026, aged 99
  • Patriarch of Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, a 125-year-old firm
  • His family firm crafted the Sengol in 1947
  • President, Vice-President and PM condoled his death

Static GK

  • The Sengol was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru at the transfer of power on 14-15 August 1947
  • PM Modi installed the Sengol in the new Parliament building's Lok Sabha chamber on 28 May 2023
  • "Sengol" is a Tamil word linked to the concept of just and righteous rule
  • The new Parliament building was inaugurated on 28 May 2023
🌍 International

US orders non-emergency embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Why in News?

The US State Department ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave the US Embassy in Riyadh around 21-22 October 2026, after intensified Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and an October 21 drone attack on an oil facility that killed two foreign workers. The order followed the collapse of a four-year Yemen truce in June 2026, after which fighting resumed. It applies only to Saudi Arabia, not other Gulf states, and the embassy separately warned US citizens of possible attacks on airports and travel disruptions.

Key Highlights

  • Order issued around 21-22 October 2026
  • Follows intensified Houthi attacks, including on Riyadh's main airport
  • October 21 drone strike on an oil facility killed two foreign workers
  • Applies only to Saudi Arabia; four-year Yemen truce collapsed in June 2026

Static GK

  • The Houthis are an Iran-aligned armed movement based in Yemen
  • Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia
  • Saudi Aramco is Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company
  • Yemen's civil war has involved Houthi forces against the internationally recognised government since 2014-15
📈 Economy

India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement comes into force

Why in News?

The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement came into force on 20 October 2026, with New Zealand removing tariffs on about 95% of its exports to India, including kiwifruit, apples, wool and forestry products, while eliminating duties on all Indian exports such as textiles, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods. New Zealand will invest US$20 billion in India over 20 years and allow about 5,000 Indian temporary workers in over three years, besides easing visas for Indian professionals and students. Most dairy products remain tariffed, though some re-exports and bulk infant formula are duty-free.

Key Highlights

  • Entered into force on 20 October 2026
  • NZ removes tariffs on about 95% of its exports to India
  • NZ to invest US$20 billion in India over 20 years
  • About 5,000 Indian temporary workers allowed over three years; most dairy stays tariffed

Static GK

  • India has signed trade agreements including CEPA with the UAE (2022) and Australia's ECTA (2022)
  • India-UK CETA was signed in July 2025 and came into force in July 2026
  • India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement took effect from 1 October 2025
  • New Zealand's capital is Wellington; its currency is the New Zealand dollar
🌿 Environment

Centre launches Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026 for sustainable farming

Why in News?

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026 from Karnal, Haryana, on 22 October 2026, running until 30 November 2026, to promote sustainable agriculture, soil health, balanced fertiliser use, crop diversification and proper residue management. Farmers' conferences, Kisan Chaupals and field demonstrations will be held at state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ICAR institutes and agricultural universities. An earlier round of the campaign was launched in Madhya Pradesh in June 2026 for the Kharif season.

Key Highlights

  • Launched from Karnal, Haryana, on 22 October 2026
  • Runs until 30 November 2026
  • Promotes soil health, balanced fertiliser use and crop diversification
  • Builds on an earlier Kharif-season round launched in June 2026

Static GK

  • Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are district-level farm science centres under ICAR
  • ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) is headquartered in New Delhi
  • Rabi crops are sown in winter and harvested in spring (e.g. wheat, mustard, gram)
  • The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare also runs PM-KISAN and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
🏆 Sports

Sheetal Devi, Toman Kumar win archery mixed team gold at Asian Para Games 2026

Why in News?

Armless archer Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar won India's first archery gold of the Asian Para Games 2026, its 16th gold overall at the Games, in the compound mixed team event in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on 22 October 2026, defeating Indonesia's Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang 151-148. The win came a day after the pair set a mixed-team qualification world record of 1,402 points, breaking the previous mark of 1,400, and follows Sheetal's doubles silver with Payal Nag earlier in the Games.

Key Highlights

  • Won on 22 October 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
  • Beat Indonesia 151-148 in the compound mixed team final
  • India's first archery gold of the 2026 Games (16th gold overall)
  • Pair set a mixed-team qualification world record of 1,402 points

Static GK

  • Sheetal Devi, born without arms, shoots using her shoulder, jaw and feet
  • The Asian Para Games 2026 (Aichi-Nagoya) is the 2026 edition of Asia's multi-sport event for para-athletes
  • The previous Asian Para Games were held in Hangzhou, China, in 2023
  • Compound archery uses a bow with a levering system (cams/pulleys), unlike the recurve bow
🏆 Sports

Bangladesh and Nepal to co-host 2027 ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup

Why in News?

The International Cricket Council confirmed that Bangladesh and Nepal will jointly host the third edition of the ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup from 21 January to 6 February 2027, featuring 16 teams across 41 matches, reported around 22 October 2026. Bangladesh's venues include the stadium in Chattogram and Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, while Nepal will use two grounds in Kathmandu. Chattogram will host both semi-finals and the final.

Key Highlights

  • Third edition of the ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup
  • To be held 21 January-6 February 2027
  • 16 teams, 41 matches, co-hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal
  • Chattogram (Bangladesh) hosts both semi-finals and the final

Static GK

  • The first ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup (2023) was hosted by South Africa and won by India
  • India won the second edition of the tournament as well
  • The ICC (International Cricket Council) is headquartered in Dubai
  • Nepal's cricket board is the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN)
🔬 Science

CDSCO approves Qfitlia, India's first antithrombin-lowering haemophilia therapy

Why in News?

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) granted Sanofi marketing authorisation for Qfitlia (fitusiran), reported on 22 October 2026, as India's first antithrombin-lowering therapy for routine prophylaxis against bleeding in haemophilia A or B patients aged 12 and above, regardless of inhibitor status. The drug requires as few as six injections a year and works by lowering antithrombin, a protein that normally limits clotting enzymes such as thrombin and factor Xa, to help restore the body's clotting balance.

Key Highlights

  • CDSCO approval for Sanofi's Qfitlia, reported 22 October 2026
  • Active ingredient: fitusiran, an antithrombin-lowering therapy
  • India's first such therapy for routine haemophilia bleed prophylaxis
  • Approved for haemophilia A or B patients aged 12 and above; as few as six injections a year

Static GK

  • Haemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of clotting factor VIII (Haemophilia A) or IX (Haemophilia B)
  • CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • The US FDA first approved fitusiran (as Qfitlia) in 2025
  • Haemophilia is commonly called a sex-linked recessive disorder, more common in males
🌿 Environment

Odisha launches India's first dedicated Agri-PV (agrivoltaics) policy

Why in News?

Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced the state's Agri-PV (agrivoltaics) Policy 2026 at the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference in New Delhi, reported on 22 October 2026, making Odisha the first Indian state with a dedicated agrivoltaics policy. The policy targets 1 GW of agrivoltaic capacity by 2030, requires at least 90% of each project site to stay under active cultivation (with panels raised for tractors to pass beneath), and allows farmers or Farmer Producer Organisations to own systems or lease land to developers under 25-year power purchase agreements via GRIDCO, the state's power transmission utility.

Key Highlights

  • Announced at the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference, New Delhi, 22 October 2026
  • Odisha is the first Indian state with a dedicated agrivoltaics policy
  • Targets 1 GW of agrivoltaic capacity by 2030
  • At least 90% of project land must stay under active cultivation; 25-year PPAs via GRIDCO

Static GK

  • Agrivoltaics (Agri-PV) combines solar power generation with continued crop cultivation on the same land
  • GRIDCO is Odisha's state-owned power trading and transmission utility
  • Odisha's capital is Bhubaneswar; its Chief Minister is Mohan Charan Majhi
  • The 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (21-23 October 2026)

📘 23rd October 2026 Current Affairs Quiz

10 questions · attempt all, submit, then see your score and the solutions

Take the Quiz ›