National and International News – 26 October 2026
current affairs | Georgians Defence Academy
National News of India
1. Defence Acquisition Council Clears Proposals Worth Approximately ₹2.12 Lakh Crore
The Defence Acquisition Council, chai
red by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared defence acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore on 26 October 2026. The decisions are significant for India's defence modernisation and efforts to strengthen the operational capabilities of its armed forces.
2. Cyclone Arnab: Authorities Review Coastal Preparedness
The National Crisis Management Committee reviewed preparations for Cyclone Arnab, which was approaching India's eastern coast. Andhra Pradesh authorities prepared for the potential impact, including precautionary measures and the evacuation of vulnerable residents. Odisha also mobilised officials as the weather system threatened coastal areas.
The situation highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness, early warnings and coordination between central and state authorities.
3. India Recognises E100 Fuel for Compatible Flex-Fuel Vehicles
India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways introduced regulatory recognition for E100 fuel, alongside E85, for compatible flex-fuel vehicles. The change was notified in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and published in the Gazette on 26 October.
E100 refers to fuel consisting predominantly of ethanol. Flex-fuel vehicles are designed to operate on different petrol–ethanol blends. The move is relevant to India's efforts to expand ethanol use and diversify transport fuel options.
4. TRAI Recommends a Framework for Application-Based Television Services
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released recommendations on an authorisation framework for Application-based Linear Television Distribution services. The proposals concern television channels distributed through internet-based applications, including services such as free ad-supported streaming television.
The development reflects the changing relationship between traditional broadcasting and digital media distribution.
5. Indian Navy Holds SWAVLAMBAN
5.0
The Indian Navy's fifth Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, SWAVLAMBAN 5.0, was scheduled at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on 26–27 October 2026.
The initiative focuses on innovation, indigenous technology and cooperation with India's defence industry. Such efforts support the broader goal of developing domestic capabilities for the armed forces.
6. National SARAS Mela Held in Vijayawada
The National SARAS Mela 2026 was held at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, until 31 October. The event was reported as the first National SARAS Mela held outside the Delhi–National Capital Region.
The mela provides a platform for rural self-help groups and artisans to showcase traditional products and handicrafts, supporting livelihoods and rural entrepreneurship.
International News
1. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Wins a Fourth Presidential Term in Brazil
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won re-election as President of Brazil, securing an unprecedented fourth presidential term across separate periods in office. He defeated Flávio Bolsonaro in the presidential run-off, according to Brazil's electoral authorities.
The result was a major political development in Latin America's largest economy. Lula's victory is expected to influence Brazil's domestic economic priorities and its foreign relations, including ties with the United States and other major partners.
2. Student-Led Opposition Wins Historic Election in Serbia
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat after a historic election victory by a student-led opposition movement. The result marked a major shift in Serbian politics following nearly two years of student protests over corruption and demands for greater accountability.
The outcome could influence Serbia's future relations with the European Union, Russia and China.
3. China Opens a Key Communist Party Plenum
China's Communist Party opened its fifth plenum, a meeting of the party's Central Committee, on 26 October. Such meetings are important forums for discussing policy priorities and the country's political and economic direction.
Developments in China's economic policy and international relations remain important for global trade and security.
Sports News
1. India Take 2–0 Lead Against New Zealand in T20 International Series
India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the second T20 International, played in Christchurch on 24 October, to take a 2–0 lead in the five-match series. Tilak Varma scored 51 runs off 26 balls, while Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed 26 runs off 13 balls as India chased the target of 181.
2. Nitesh Kumar Wins Gold at the Asian Para Games
Indian para-badminton player Nitesh Kumar won gold in the men's SL3 category at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan. He defeated fellow Indian player Pramod Bhagat 21–18, 21–16 in the final.
3. P. V. Sindhu Finishes Runner-Up at the French Open
Indian badminton star P. V. Sindhu finished runner-up in the women's singles event at the French Open 2026. She lost the final to South Korea's An Se-young, who won 16–21, 21–11, 21–12.
Sindhu's run to the final was an important result for Indian badminton, even though she narrowly missed out on the title.
4. Pankaj Advani Wins His 29th World Title
Indian cue-sports champion Pankaj Advani won the 2026 World Billiards Championship, defeating England's Robert Hall by 1,906–1,206 in the final at Great Wyrley, England. The victory marked Advani's 29th world title across billiards and snooker and his 21st world billiards title.
5. Shruthi Lakshminarayanan Retains Women's World Billiards Title
Indian billiards player Shruthi Lakshminarayanan won the Women's World Billiards Championship for the third consecutive year. She defeated Sweden's Eva Palmius in the final, extending her title-winning run across 2024, 2025 and 2026.
6. Harry Brook Creates ODI Double-Century Record
England captain Harry Brook became the first English batter to score a double century in men's One Day International cricket. He scored 202 runs off 116 balls against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on 22 October, reaching 200 in just 114 deliveries.
Brook broke the record for the fastest men's ODI double century, previously held by India's Shubman Gill. Despite his remarkable innings, England lost the match by two wickets after Sri Lanka successfully chased 430 runs.
7. Men's Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Set to Begin in India
The Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 was scheduled to begin on 27 October in Jalandhar, Punjab. India entered the tournament as defending champions, with Harmanpreet Singh leading the Indian team.
The tournament features six teams: India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea and China. The competition provides an important opportunity for Asian teams to test their strength ahead of future international events.
