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Current Affairs 24 October 2026 — Morning & Evening Edition

Morning & evening briefs with exam-ready takeaways.

Morning Edition

Morning: Published 08:15 AM
🛡️ Defence & Security

India's Defence Exports Soar, Army Prepares for Future Challenges

  • India has emerged as the third-largest exporter of arms to Europe, driven by the 'ReArm Europe' initiative and domestic manufacturing.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh instructed army commanders to plan for the next 20-30 years and be ready for existing and future challenges.
  • The Union Home Ministry will launch a pilot initiative to provide specialized civil defence training to Master Trainers through the Indian Army.
  • Maharashtra government has inducted over 250 Agniveers, who served in the Navy, into the coastal police force to strengthen maritime security.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • India's defence exports reached an all-time high of 38,424 crore rupees, equivalent to approximately 3.6 billion euros.
  • The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) was formed on October 24, 1962, after the Indo-China war.
  • The civil defence training program will be conducted in 12 States and Union Territories in its first phase.
💰 Economy & Finance

FM Directs Return of Unclaimed Funds; Tamil Nadu Reduces Aviation Fuel VAT

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman directed banks and other institutions to promptly return unclaimed deposits, shares, insurance, post office savings, and pension money.
  • State Bank of India assured customers that their money is safe despite an alert about potential personal information leaks on the dark web.
  • The Tamil Nadu Government has reduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for intra-state flights and specific aircraft categories.
  • The VAT reduction aims to lower airfares for business travelers and encourage airlines to expand services within Tamil Nadu.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • The 30th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was held in New Delhi.
  • Tamil Nadu reduced VAT on ATF from 5% to 1% for scheduled airlines operating aircraft with a maximum take-off mass of less than 40,000 kg, excluding Chennai airport.
  • The VAT reduction will come into effect on November 1.
🏛️ Polity & Governance

ECI Announces Electoral Roll Revision; Southern States Enhance Police Coordination

  • The Election Commission of India announced the Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls with January 1st next year as the qualifying date.
  • Kerala plans a state-wide vulnerability mapping to identify children at risk to their health, education, and safety.
  • Southern Indian states have decided to establish a joint secretariat to share criminal information and coordinate cross-border crime action.
  • West Bengal's Health Department has directed government hospitals and medical colleges to ensure regular cleanliness and proper disposal of general waste.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • A meeting with representatives of Recognized National and State Political Parties in Tamil Nadu was conducted regarding the Special Summary Revision.
  • The Southern States Police Coordination Meeting was held at the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Hyderabad.
  • The meeting included DGPs, IGs, and officials from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep.
🔬 Science & Technology

IIT Bombay Develops Low-Cost Device for Anemia and Sickle Cell Detection

  • Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed a low-cost device capable of detecting anemia and sickle cell disease from a single drop of blood.
  • The device creates a uniform layer of blood sample, allowing for the detection of both diseases based on its length.
  • It can also monitor the effectiveness of sickle cell disease treatment.
  • This innovation is expected to make the diagnosis of these diseases easier and more affordable.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • The device works by analyzing the length of a uniform blood sample layer to detect the presence of anemia and sickle cell disease.
🏅 Sports

India Dominates in Cricket, Kabaddi, and Asian Para Games

  • India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the first match of the three-match Women's ODI series in Vadodara.
  • The Indian women's team beat Malaysia 73-13, and the men's team defeated England 46-26 in the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship.
  • India made a winning start to the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in Ahmedabad.
  • India secured a record 114 medals, including 30 gold, 35 silver, and 49 bronze, at the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • Nishad Kumar and Mona Agarwal, both double gold medalists, were India's flag bearers at the closing ceremony of the 5th Asian Para Games.
  • The 70th National School Games were inaugurated at Tyagaraj Stadium in Delhi, featuring over 14,000 athletes across 14 sports.
📌 Art, Culture & Personalities

Remembering Literary and Musical Icons on Their Death Anniversaries

  • Today marks the death anniversary of Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, a freedom fighter and politician who served as India's first Union Communications Minister.
  • Ismat Chughtai, a prominent Urdu writer known for addressing social issues and women's desires, is remembered on her death anniversary.
  • Manna Dey, a versatile playback singer in Indian cinema, is commemorated on his death anniversary.
  • Girija Devi, a legendary Hindustani classical vocalist known as the 'Queen of Thumri' from the Banaras Gharana, is remembered today.
  • R.K. Laxman, one of India's most celebrated cartoonists, known for 'The Common Man' and 'You Said It' cartoon strip, is also remembered.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • Rafi Ahmed Kidwai initiated Van Mahotsav in 1950 to promote forest conservation.
  • Ismat Chughtai's short story 'Lihaaf' (1942) led to an obscenity trial, and she co-wrote the screenplay for 'Garm Hawa' (1973).
  • Manna Dey was honored with the Padma Bhushan (2005) and Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2007).
  • Girija Devi received the Padma Shri (1972), Padma Bhushan (1989), and Padma Vibhushan (2016).
  • R.K. Laxman received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1984, Padma Bhushan in 1973, and Padma Vibhushan in 2005, and created 'Gattu' for Asian Paints.
📜 Static GK & Important Days

United Nations Day and World Polio Day Observed; Historical Milestones

  • United Nations Day is celebrated today, October 24, to mark the anniversary of the UN Charter's entry into force in 1945.
  • World Polio Day is observed today to raise awareness about polio prevention and commemorate Dr. Jonas Salk's birth anniversary.
  • Thomas Stephens, an English Jesuit priest, arrived in Goa in 1579, considered one of the first Englishmen to visit India.
  • India's first metro service began in Kolkata in 1984, running between Esplanade and Bhawanipur (now Netaji Bhavan).

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • The official theme for United Nations Day is 'Building a Better Future World'.
  • Dr. Jonas Salk led the team that developed the first safe and effective polio vaccine.
  • The first transcontinental telegram was sent in the United States in 1861, ending the Pony Express.
  • Zambia gained independence from British rule on October 24, 1964.

🎮 ⚡ Morning Quiz (Quiz #1 · 5 Questions)

🔥 Solve to start your streak
Question 1 of 5🏷️ econ

Which country has emerged as the third-largest exporter of arms to Europe?

Evening Edition

Evening: Published 07:00 PM
🏛️ Polity & Governance

PM Modi Calls for Unity; Government Extends Sugar Import Deadline

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan at Bharat Mandapam, stressing the need for societal unity to build a developed India by 2047.
  • The government extended the deadline for duty-free import of ten lakh tonnes of raw sugar until December 31.
  • The Allahabad High Court ruled that a survivor of sexual assault under the POCSO Act is eligible for compensation even without physical injuries.
  • India criticized Pakistan for violations of religious freedom and minority rights, stating Pakistan has no right to preach to India.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • Bharat Mandapam is the venue for international exhibitions and conventions in New Delhi.
  • The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, protects children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
🔬 Environment & Ecology

Snow Leopard Day Observed; Amur Falcons Return to Manipur

  • International Snow Leopard Day was observed on October 23 to raise awareness and promote the conservation of snow leopards and their high-altitude habitats.
  • The UN General Assembly declared October 23 as International Day of the Snow Leopard in 2024 to promote international cooperation for their conservation.
  • Satellite-tagged Amur Falcons, Apapang and Alang, returned to Manipur after traveling across 23 countries in Asia and Africa, completing a nearly year-long tracking journey.
  • A low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal, which may develop into a cyclonic storm, with IMD predicting rainfall in coastal Odisha and parts of Andhra Pradesh.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List and are Schedule I species under India's Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • Amur Falcons are known for one of the longest migratory routes of any raptor, covering thousands of kilometers annually.
🔬 Health & Social Initiatives

Tiruchirapalli Achieves Milestone in Cervical Cancer Prevention

  • Tiruchirapalli City Corporation successfully provided free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to over 1,700 young girls as part of a statewide initiative to prevent cervical cancer.
  • The vaccination drive targets 14-year-old girls and is implemented at Urban Primary Health Centres with support from Union and State governments.
  • The Tamil Nadu Government plans to distribute 61.84 lakh sponge cake slices to school children on Children's Day, November 14.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, and HPV vaccination is a key preventive measure.
  • Children's Day in India is celebrated on November 14, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru.
🏅 Sports

India Excels at Asian Para Games with New World Records

  • India won six gold medals today at the Asian Para Games, bringing its total medal tally to 104 and placing it fourth in the medal table.
  • Para shooter Mona Agarwal secured two gold medals, including a new world record in the women's 50m rifle-3 position SH-1 event.
  • Sandeep Kumar set a new world record in the men's 400m T-44 race, winning a gold medal, while Honey achieved a world record in men's javelin throw F-37 with a 60.49m throw for gold.
  • Harvinder Singh and Vijay Sundi won gold in men's recurve doubles archery, and Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Shivakumar won gold in men's singles badminton SL-3 and SL-4 categories, respectively.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • The Asian Para Games are a multi-sport event held every four years for Asian athletes with disabilities.
  • Para-athletics, para-archery, and para-badminton are among the sports featured in the Para Games.
📌 Art, Culture & Heritage

Kintsugi: The Japanese Art of Repairing with Gold

  • Kintsugi is a Japanese art form of repairing broken pottery with gold, silver, or platinum, believed to have developed around the 15th century.
  • This tradition highlights the cracks and repairs, transforming broken items into unique and beautiful objects rather than hiding the damage.
  • Kintsugi reflects a deep aspect of Japanese aesthetic philosophy, known as wabi-sabi, which values imperfection, change, and simplicity.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness.
  • Traditional Kintsugi uses natural lacquer derived from the sap of a Japanese tree.
📌 Notable Personalities & Events

Tributes Paid to Freedom Fighters, Artists, and Soldiers

  • Tributes were paid on the death anniversary of Subedar Joginder Singh, a Param Vir Chakra awardee for his bravery in the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
  • Nellie Sengupta, a freedom fighter who presided over the 1933 Kolkata Congress and was a Bengal Assembly member, was remembered on her death anniversary.
  • The Chorbagan incident in north Kolkata, where a reported stampede on Maha Saptami claimed 19 lives during Durga Puja, cast a shadow over the festivities.
  • Birthdays of author Aravind Adiga (Man Booker Prize winner for 'The White Tiger'), versatile actor Shafi Inamdar, and renowned comedian Deven Verma were observed.

High-Yield Exam Takeaway

  • The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest military decoration, awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry during wartime.
  • Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated primarily in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh.

🎮 🌙 Evening Quiz (Quiz #2 · 5 Questions)

🔥 Solve to start your streak
Question 1 of 5🏷️ sci

Which of the following statements about the Amur Falcons, Apapang and Alang, is correct according to the news?

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