Today Current Affairs 26 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.
International
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Elected for Fourth Presidential Term in Brazil
On 25 October 2026, left-wing incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won the presidential runoff election in Brazil, defeating right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro.
- This electoral victory marks Lula’s fourth term as the President of Brazil.
- Lulu achieved a historic milestone by becoming the only politician in modern Brazilian history to successfully rebound and win the second round after trailing in the first round of voting.
UAE Formally Nominates Lana Nusseibeh for UN Secretary-General
On 21 October 2026, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan formally announced the candidacy of Lana Nusseibeh for the post of United Nations Secretary-General.
- Lana Nusseibeh has previously served as the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024, becoming the first Emirati woman to hold that position.
- During her diplomatic tenure, she also served as Vice-President of the UN General Assembly and President of the Executive Board of UN Women, and helped lead the UAE’s 2022–2023 term on the UN Security Council.
- If elected, she would make history as the first-ever woman and the first individual from a Gulf nation to lead the United Nations, as well as the second UN chief from the Arab world following Egypt’s Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Commences in New Delhi
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum commenced in New Delhi on 25 October 2026 under the central theme of ‘Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development’.
- The two-day event is presided over by Lok Sabha Speaker and Chairperson of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Om Birla.
- Delegates from 11 BRICS Member countries and 10 Partner countries have been invited to participate in the summit.
- The deliberations are structured around four High-Level Sessions focusing on Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability, alongside discussions on terrorism.
Science and Technology
ISRO Announces Expansion to Four Functional Launch Pads by 2029
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), led by Chairman V Narayanan, announced the expansion of India’s space operations with four functional launch pads by 2029 during an address on 25 October 2026.
- A dedicated Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) complex spanning 2,000 acres is being established at Kulasekarapattinam in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu.
- A third launch pad is currently being developed at the existing spaceport in Sriharikota.
Sports
PV Sindhu Finishes Runner-up at French Open 2026
India’s PV Sindhu finished as the runner-up in the women’s singles event at the French Open Badminton Championship after losing to South Korea’s An Se-young in Paris, France, on 25 October 2026.
- PV Sindhu lost the hard-fought final in three games with a scoreline of 21-16, 11-21, 12-21.
- South Korea’s An Se-young is ranked world No. 1 and secured her third consecutive French Open title with this victory.
Important Days
President Murmu Extends Greetings on Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti
President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to citizens across the nation on the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti on 26 October 2026.
- The President highlighted that the epic Ramayana, composed by Maharishi Valmiki, offers timeless teachings on duty, good conduct, and selfless action.
- The message emphasized core values derived from the epic, including the welfare of others, friendship, sacrifice, righteousness, and devotion.
Uttar Pradesh
PM Modi Inaugurates Garment Manufacturing Facility and Attends Air Force Day Display in Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new garment manufacturing facility in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on 25 October 2026.
- The new manufacturing unit aims to strengthen the regional textile and apparel sector while boosting industrial development and local economic growth.
- The facility is specifically projected to generate employment opportunities, with a primary focus on empowering women workers in the region.
- Later on 25 October 2026, the Prime Minister attended the Air Force Day Aerial Display 2026 at Namo Ghat as the Chief Guest, featuring the indigenous Tejas aircraft, Prachand helicopters, Su-30MKI, and Rafale jets alongside joint participation from the Indian Navy and Indian Army.