Today Current Affairs 21 October 2026 – Compiled from official public sources (PIB, Akashvani, DD News). Important news and authentic facts for UPSC, SSC, UPPSC, Defence, Banking and State competitive exams.
Economy
India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Comes into Force
The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement officially came into force in New Delhi on 20 October 2026, coinciding with the festival of Vijay Dashami. The trade pact ensures complete duty-free access for 100 percent of Indian exports entering the New Zealand market.
International
Rajnath Singh Addresses 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 20 October 2026.
- India reaffirmed its support for the Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026–2030 during the summit.
- The member states welcomed the decisions to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent SCO bodies.
- India has been a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation since 2017.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Affirms India’s Strategic Importance in Mumbai
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated India as a vital commercial and business partner during his official media address in Mumbai on 20 October 2026.
- Secretary Rubio specifically emphasized India’s status as a robust strategic partner for the United States.
- He acknowledged India as a key member nation of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad).
- He underscored India’s demographic status as the most populous country globally.
National
President Murmu and PM Modi Lead Dussehra Celebrations Across Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in Dussehra celebrations across various venues in the national capital on 20 October 2026, marking the festival with traditional rituals and the burning of Ravan effigies.
- At the Dwarka Shri Ram Leela in Sector 10, celebrations featured 90-foot effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath alongside eco-friendly initiatives such as digital ticketing, social media live-streaming, and green crackers.
- The Luv Kush Ram Leela near the Red Fort highlighted a 110-foot Ravan effigy equipped with unique mechanical additions, including a rotating sword, glowing burning eyes, and a dramatic audio sequence featuring a 100-foot Kumbhkaran and a 90-foot Meghnath.
- The Shri Keshav Ramlila Committee at Pitampura introduced a distinct 30-foot cockroach effigy burned alongside the traditional figures to raise public awareness regarding filth, unhygienic surroundings, and related health hazards like asthma and allergies.
India Records Over 1.5 Crore Domestic Passengers in a Single Month
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu acknowledged the vital role of Air Traffic Control personnel in ensuring aviation safety during an event held in Chennai on 20 October 2026.
- India recorded over 1.5 crore domestic passengers in a single month, highlighting the rapid growth of the nation’s aviation sector.
- The ministerial address coincided with the observance of the International Day of the Air Traffic Controller.
Sports
Asian Para Games 2026: India’s Medal Tally Reaches 35
India secured a total of 35 medals, including nine gold, at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan on 20 October 2026.
- The current medal breakdown includes nine gold, eleven silver, and fifteen bronze medals.
- Indian athletes achieved a clean sweep of all three medals in the men’s discus throw F44/64 event.
- Devender Kumar won the gold medal in the men’s discus throw F44/64 event with a throw of 49.71 meters, while Rakesh secured a podium finish.