UPSC Current Affairs 26 October 2025

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 4: Accountability and Ethical GovernanceGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Sharp drop in complaints received by Lokpal from peak of 2,469 in 2022-23 to 233 this year, Pg1

Lokpal faces scrutiny as complaints plummet from 2,469 to 233 amid concerns over transparency and extravagance.

EthicsGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 4: Accountability and Ethical GovernanceGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Sharp drop in complaints received by Lokpal from peak of 2,469 in 2022-23 to 233 this year, Pg1

Lokpal faces scrutiny as complaints plummet from 2,469 to 233 amid concerns over transparency and extravagance.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Season’s first cyclonic storm likely to cross A.P. coast in two days, Pg1

Cyclone 'Michaung' threatens Andhra Pradesh coast with heavy rainfall; NDRF mobilized, zero-casualty goal emphasized by NCMC.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Disaster ManagementPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Season’s first cyclonic storm likely to cross A.P. coast in two days, Pg1

Cyclone 'Michaung' threatens Andhra Pradesh coast with heavy rainfall; NDRF mobilized, zero-casualty goal emphasized by NCMC.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Kin struggle to make contact with Indians stuck in Russian war zone, Pg9

Families plead for rescue as Indians are allegedly forced to fight in Russia-Ukraine war zone after deceptive recruitment.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Kin struggle to make contact with Indians stuck in Russian war zone, Pg9

Families plead for rescue as Indians are allegedly forced to fight in Russia-Ukraine war zone after deceptive recruitment.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology

Centre announces Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar for scientific achievements, Pg9

Centre announces Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar winners, including Vigyan Ratna for Jayant Narlikar, amidst transparency concerns over selection process.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology

Centre announces Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar for scientific achievements, Pg9

Centre announces Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar winners, including Vigyan Ratna for Jayant Narlikar, amidst transparency concerns over selection process.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

Progress in India’s health parameters, says Nadda, Pg11

India witnesses significant strides in healthcare: TB incidence declines by 17.7%, medical seats surge to 1,29,000, colleges rise to 819.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Health Sector

Progress in India’s health parameters, says Nadda, Pg11

India witnesses significant strides in healthcare: TB incidence declines by 17.7%, medical seats surge to 1,29,000, colleges rise to 819.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Centre plans to safeguard traditional media amid digital disruption: Minister, Pg11

Centre to safeguard traditional media through reforms in radio, TV, DTH sectors amid digital disruption; TRP guidelines being formulated.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Centre plans to safeguard traditional media amid digital disruption: Minister, Pg11

Centre to safeguard traditional media through reforms in radio, TV, DTH sectors amid digital disruption; TRP guidelines being formulated.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India’s largest hydropower project begins test run, signalling its commission, Pg11

India's largest 2000-MW Subansiri hydropower project begins test run after environmental concerns, aiming for self-reliant energy future.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

India’s largest hydropower project begins test run, signalling its commission, Pg11

India's largest 2000-MW Subansiri hydropower project begins test run after environmental concerns, aiming for self-reliant energy future.

GS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Beware the sugar trap when you’re cooling yourself on a hot day, Pg13

Rising temperatures linked to increased sugar consumption, disproportionately affecting low-income groups, reveals study; India faces malnutrition risks.

GS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Beware the sugar trap when you’re cooling yourself on a hot day, Pg13

Rising temperatures linked to increased sugar consumption, disproportionately affecting low-income groups, reveals study; India faces malnutrition risks.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Google’s AI for drug discovery is a win for scientific research, Pg13

Google's AI discovers novel cancer drug use, showcasing AI's potential in accelerating scientific breakthroughs and pharmaceutical research.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: BiotechnologyGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Google’s AI for drug discovery is a win for scientific research, Pg13

Google's AI discovers novel cancer drug use, showcasing AI's potential in accelerating scientific breakthroughs and pharmaceutical research.

GS 1: World HistoryGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday LifeGS 1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies

‘Underground mosquito’ is no urban marvel, Pg13

DNA analysis reveals 'London Underground mosquito' originated in West Asia millennium ago, pre-adapted for urban subways, clarifying West Nile virus spread.

GS 1: World HistoryGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday LifeGS 1: Urbanization, Problems and Remedies

‘Underground mosquito’ is no urban marvel, Pg13

DNA analysis reveals 'London Underground mosquito' originated in West Asia millennium ago, pre-adapted for urban subways, clarifying West Nile virus spread.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

What has the U.S. clarified on H-1B visas?, Pg 14.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a clarification on October 20 easing some concerns over the recently announced H-1B visa processing fee hike and rule changes. The clarification exempts certain foreign students and visa holders seeking status changes or extensions from paying the new $1,000 processing fee.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

What has the U.S. clarified on H-1B visas?, Pg 14.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a clarification on October 20 easing some concerns over the recently announced H-1B visa processing fee hike and rule changes. The clarification exempts certain foreign students and visa holders seeking status changes or extensions from paying the new $1,000 processing fee.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

What is Google’s ‘quantum advantage’ leap?, Pg14.

Researchers from Google, MIT, Stanford, and Caltech have published two papers in Nature (October 22) claiming a verifiable display of “quantum advantage” using Google’s Willow quantum processor, asserting that it outperformed the world’s fastest supercomputer on specific complex computations.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

What is Google’s ‘quantum advantage’ leap?, Pg14.

Researchers from Google, MIT, Stanford, and Caltech have published two papers in Nature (October 22) claiming a verifiable display of “quantum advantage” using Google’s Willow quantum processor, asserting that it outperformed the world’s fastest supercomputer on specific complex computations.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Have ‘green’ crackers brought down pollution?, Pg14.

In the lead-up to Deepavali 2025, debates have resurfaced over whether “green crackers”—fireworks developed by CSIR-NEERI to reduce particulate emissions—have effectively reduced air pollution levels in India, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR).

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Have ‘green’ crackers brought down pollution?, Pg14.

In the lead-up to Deepavali 2025, debates have resurfaced over whether “green crackers”—fireworks developed by CSIR-NEERI to reduce particulate emissions—have effectively reduced air pollution levels in India, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR).

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Trump’s Asia return, East Timor’s entry to mark ASEAN summit, Pg16

ASEAN summit to welcome East Timor as 11th member; Trump's Asia return highlights regional security, trade, and geopolitical shifts.

GS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Trump’s Asia return, East Timor’s entry to mark ASEAN summit, Pg16

ASEAN summit to welcome East Timor as 11th member; Trump's Asia return highlights regional security, trade, and geopolitical shifts.

GS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Combat squadron strength dwindles, Govt looks at plan to upgrade Su-30MKIs, Pg 1

With the MiG-21 aircraft retired last month, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fighter squadron strength has fallen to 29 squadrons against the sanctioned 42. To address this capability gap, the government is considering a major upgrade of the Su-30MKI fleet, which forms the backbone of the IAF’s air combat force.

GS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Combat squadron strength dwindles, Govt looks at plan to upgrade Su-30MKIs, Pg 1

With the MiG-21 aircraft retired last month, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fighter squadron strength has fallen to 29 squadrons against the sanctioned 42. To address this capability gap, the government is considering a major upgrade of the Su-30MKI fleet, which forms the backbone of the IAF’s air combat force.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

US–China trade talks constructive, to resume today: Treasury official, Pg 14.

The United States and China resumed trade negotiations in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, described as “constructive” by a U.S. Treasury official. The talks are part of broader efforts to de-escalate trade tensions and reach a mutually beneficial trade deal amid ongoing economic frictions.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

US–China trade talks constructive, to resume today: Treasury official, Pg 14.

The United States and China resumed trade negotiations in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, described as “constructive” by a U.S. Treasury official. The talks are part of broader efforts to de-escalate trade tensions and reach a mutually beneficial trade deal amid ongoing economic frictions.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 1: Art FormsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

China’s golden monkeys debut at European zoos, possible successor to ‘panda diplomacy’, Pg 13

China has sent its endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys to European zoos for the first time, marking what observers describe as a potential new phase of “animal diplomacy” following decades of “panda diplomacy.” The move coincides with the 60th anniversary of China–France diplomatic relations.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 1: Art FormsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

China’s golden monkeys debut at European zoos, possible successor to ‘panda diplomacy’, Pg 13

China has sent its endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys to European zoos for the first time, marking what observers describe as a potential new phase of “animal diplomacy” following decades of “panda diplomacy.” The move coincides with the 60th anniversary of China–France diplomatic relations.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

ASEAN neutrality eroding as global powers compete, warns Malaysia, Pg 14.

At the ASEAN Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan warned that ASEAN’s long-held neutral stance is increasingly under strain due to intensifying geopolitical competition among major powers — notably the U.S. and China — in the Indo-Pacific region.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

ASEAN neutrality eroding as global powers compete, warns Malaysia, Pg 14.

At the ASEAN Joint Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan warned that ASEAN’s long-held neutral stance is increasingly under strain due to intensifying geopolitical competition among major powers — notably the U.S. and China — in the Indo-Pacific region.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Severe Cyclone Montha heads towards Andhra, CM puts top officials on alert, Pg 11.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert as Severe Cyclone Montha, formed over the Bay of Bengal, is set to make landfall near the Andhra–Odisha coast around October 28. Both states have begun disaster preparedness and evacuation measures.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Severe Cyclone Montha heads towards Andhra, CM puts top officials on alert, Pg 11.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert as Severe Cyclone Montha, formed over the Bay of Bengal, is set to make landfall near the Andhra–Odisha coast around October 28. Both states have begun disaster preparedness and evacuation measures.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Govt set to hike print media ad rates by 26%, reform TRP ratings, Pg1.

The Government of India plans to increase advertisement rates for print media by 26% and introduce reforms in television TRP (Television Rating Points) measurement, aiming to support the struggling traditional media sector amid digital competition and post-election media restructuring.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Govt set to hike print media ad rates by 26%, reform TRP ratings, Pg1.

The Government of India plans to increase advertisement rates for print media by 26% and introduce reforms in television TRP (Television Rating Points) measurement, aiming to support the struggling traditional media sector amid digital competition and post-election media restructuring.

News Analysis

Sharp drop in complaints received by Lokpal from peak of 2,469 in 2022-23 to 233 this year, Pg1

Sharp drop in complaints received by Lokpal from peak of 2,469 in 2022-23 to 233 this year, Pg1

Season’s first cyclonic storm likely to cross A.P. coast in two days, Pg1

Season’s first cyclonic storm likely to cross A.P. coast in two days, Pg1

Kin struggle to make contact with Indians stuck in Russian war zone, Pg9

Kin struggle to make contact with Indians stuck in Russian war zone, Pg9

Centre announces Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar for scientific achievements, Pg9

Centre announces Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar for scientific achievements, Pg9

Progress in India’s health parameters, says Nadda, Pg11

Progress in India’s health parameters, says Nadda, Pg11

Centre plans to safeguard traditional media amid digital disruption: Minister, Pg11

Centre plans to safeguard traditional media amid digital disruption: Minister, Pg11

India’s largest hydropower project begins test run, signalling its commission, Pg11

India’s largest hydropower project begins test run, signalling its commission, Pg11

Beware the sugar trap when you’re cooling yourself on a hot day, Pg13

Beware the sugar trap when you’re cooling yourself on a hot day, Pg13

Google’s AI for drug discovery is a win for scientific research, Pg13

Google’s AI for drug discovery is a win for scientific research, Pg13

‘Underground mosquito’ is no urban marvel, Pg13

‘Underground mosquito’ is no urban marvel, Pg13

What has the U.S. clarified on H-1B visas?, Pg 14.

What has the U.S. clarified on H-1B visas?, Pg 14.

What is Google’s ‘quantum advantage’ leap?, Pg14.

What is Google’s ‘quantum advantage’ leap?, Pg14.

Have ‘green’ crackers brought down pollution?, Pg14.

Have ‘green’ crackers brought down pollution?, Pg14.

Trump’s Asia return, East Timor’s entry to mark ASEAN summit, Pg16

Trump’s Asia return, East Timor’s entry to mark ASEAN summit, Pg16

Combat squadron strength dwindles, Govt looks at plan to upgrade Su-30MKIs, Pg 1

Combat squadron strength dwindles, Govt looks at plan to upgrade Su-30MKIs, Pg 1

US–China trade talks constructive, to resume today: Treasury official, Pg 14.

US–China trade talks constructive, to resume today: Treasury official, Pg 14.

China’s golden monkeys debut at European zoos, possible successor to ‘panda diplomacy’, Pg 13

China’s golden monkeys debut at European zoos, possible successor to ‘panda diplomacy’, Pg 13

ASEAN neutrality eroding as global powers compete, warns Malaysia, Pg 14.

ASEAN neutrality eroding as global powers compete, warns Malaysia, Pg 14.

Severe Cyclone Montha heads towards Andhra, CM puts top officials on alert, Pg 11.

Severe Cyclone Montha heads towards Andhra, CM puts top officials on alert, Pg 11.

Govt set to hike print media ad rates by 26%, reform TRP ratings, Pg1.

Govt set to hike print media ad rates by 26%, reform TRP ratings, Pg1.

More News Analysis

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