Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for October 23, 2026.
This comprehensive compilation covers all important events across national politics,
international relations, science & technology, economy, sports, and more.
Sourced from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and other reputed media.
Perfect for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 exam preparation.

📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்

🏛️ National Politics & Government

1. MoD & BEL Sign Rs.770 Crore Contract For Improved Low-Level Light-Weight Radar For IA On October 21 2026, Ministry…

of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth approximately Rs. 770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in New Delhi, Delhi, to procure the Improved Low-Level Light-Weight Radar (LLLR-I) for the Indian Army (IA) to counter Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) threats and cruise missiles.

Key points:

• About Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar: Development: LLLR-I is an upgraded version of the Aslesha radar, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) and manufactured by BEL.
• Technology: The LLLR-I is a next-generation, software-defined Pulse-Doppler radar using four fixed Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) panels to provide 360-degree coverage Detection: The LLLR-I uses Digital Beamforming (DBF) and three-dimensional (3D) processing to detect, track and prioritise aerial threats, including low-altitude fighter-sized aircraft and mini/micro drones with low Radar Cross-Section (RCS), even when terrain or the Earth’s curvature limits long-range radar detection.
• The contract was signed in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoD.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. India-Singapore Maritime Exercise SIMBEX-26 Commences in Visakhapatnam, AP

In October 2026, the 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) commenced at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), involving the Indian Navy (IN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

Key points:

• Highlights of Exercise SIMBEX-2026: Aim: The exercise aims to bolster maritime cooperation and enhance operational interoperability between navies of India and Singapore, address common maritime security challenges, and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Opening Ceremony: The ceremony was held aboard INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta at Visakhapatnam, attended by the Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Eastern Naval Command, and the Fleet Commander, RSN.
• Singapore’s Participation: RSN’s RSS Supreme, a Formidable-class stealth frigate, arrived at Visakhapatnam on 21 October 2026 to participate in the exercise.
• The six-day exercise, scheduled from 21 to 26 October 2026, aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, operational interoperability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. WWF-India EIACP Launches Green Diwali Campaign 2026 to Promote Cracker-Free Celebrations

In October 2026, World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India)’s Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Programme Centre–Resource Partner (PC-RP), supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), launched a nationwide Green Diwali Campaign.

Key points:

• About Green Diwali Campaign 2026: Outreach: The campaign targets schools, colleges, educational institutions, resident welfare associations, and local communities, with special emphasis on the 130 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched by MoEFCC in 2019.
• Pledge: Citizens are encouraged to avoid firecrackers, use eco-friendly lighting, reduce plastic waste, segregate waste, choose local products, and promote the Green Diwali Pledge through educational and community activities.
• Survey: WWF-India encourages citizens to participate in its online Carbon Footprint Survey to understand their environmental impact and adopt sustainable habits.
• Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Introduced by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, in November 2021, and formally launched on 20 October 2022 at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, to promote sustainable lifestyles.
• Running from October 20 to November 8, 2026, the campaign urges citizens to avoid firecrackers and celebrate a clean, green, and eco-friendly Diwali in alignment with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. India and New Zealand Sign MoC on Electronic Origin Data Exchange Under FTA

In October 2026, India and New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to enable electronic exchange of origin data for trade in goods, aiming to strengthen customs coordination and facilitating bilateral trade under India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which came into force on October 20, 2026.

Key points:

• Signatories: The agreement was formally signed by Vivek Chaturvedi, Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC); and Christine Stevenson, Chief Executive and Comptroller of New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS).
• Significance: Arrangement Facilitates the electronic exchange of information on the origin of goods traded between India and New Zealand, enhancing customs coordination, operational efficiency, and business certainty.
• Rules of Origin: Determine the country of origin of goods for eligibility for preferential tariff treatment under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• Importers must comply with these rules to claim reduced or zero customs duties.
• Key Benefits: Reduces customs clearance times, transaction costs, and information gaps while facilitating bilateral trade and supporting Indian exports, particularly textiles and engineering goods, to New Zealand under the FTA.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

5. DFS Launches Nationwide Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign Covering 2.70 Lakh GPs and ULBs

In October 2026, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF), announced a nationwide Financial Inclusion (FI) Saturation Campaign running from October 21 to December 31, 2026, covering 2.70 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Key points:

• About Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign: Banking: Banks will facilitate Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) (launched in 2014) account openings, complete re-KYC, generate pending 14-digit Central Know Your Customer (CKYC) identifiers through the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI), and update nominations in savings accounts and lockers.
• Insurance: Banks will promote enrolment under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) (2015), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) (2015), and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) (2016), including Aadhaar seeding where required and crop insurance coverage for eligible Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts ahead of the Rabi season.
• Coverage: The campaign will promote enrollment under Atal Pension Yojana (APY) (2015) and facilitate KCC applications for eligible Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) (2019) beneficiaries.
• Awareness: Bank camps will cover FI schemes, digital fraud prevention, and ‘Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar’, while the DFS, banks, and State administrations monitor campaign progress following a preparatory meeting with State Level Bankers’ Committees (SLBCs).
• The campaign aims to expand access to formal banking services, social security schemes, and financial literacy at the grassroots level.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

6. CBDT Introduces New Reporting Form ‘173A’ For Tax Exemption Claims

In October 2026, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), introduced a new reporting Form 173A for taxpayers seeking specified Income-Tax (IT) exemptions on interest and capital gains earned from government securities.

Key points:

• Objective: To standardise reporting, improve transparency and strengthen verification of tax exemption claims.
• New Rule: CBDT inserted Rule 281A into the Income-tax Rules, 2026, for reporting exemption claims under Schedule IV, Table Serial Numbers 13D and 13E of the Income-tax Act, 2025.
• Eligibility: Applicable to specified Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Bank for International Settlements (BIS), subject to prescribed conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Form 173A contains two parts.
• About CBDT: Established in 1964, the CBDT is the apex body for direct tax administration under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance (MoF), and is chaired by Ravi Agrawal.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

7. BHASHINI-IISc Bengaluru Develop AI-Based Text-to-Speech Models for ‘Sourashtra’ Language

In October 2026, the Digital India BHASHINI (Bhasha Interface for India) Division (DIBD), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Karnataka, developed Text-to-Speech (TTS) models for Sourashtra to strengthen digital inclusion for low-resource Indian languages.

Key points:

• Objective: The initiative aims to expand speech technology for low-resource Indian languages and support digital applications, language learning, accessibility, documentation, research, and improved access to digital information for Sourashtra speakers.
• Technology: Four models use the Variational Inference with adversarial learning for end-to-end Text-to-Speech (VITS) architecture to generate speech directly from text at 22,050 Hertz (Hz), offering male and female voices in Tamil and Sourashtra scripts.
• Corpus: Developed by IISc Bengaluru’s SPIRE Lab, it contains over 28 hours of male and female recordings in Tamil and Sourashtra scripts, with around 10,000 male and 11,400 female utterances used for training.
• Applications: Available on BHASHINI’s AIKosh platform, the corpus supports speech synthesis, language learning, accessibility, digital content and research, promoting Sourashtra language preservation and digital inclusion.
• Sourashtra is a digitally underrepresented minority Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly by the Sourashtra community in Tamil Nadu (TN).

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

8. Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena Notifies 100 Constituencies for LAHDCs , Nearly Doubling Council Strength

In October 2026, Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Union Territory (UT) Ladakh, notified 100 constituencies for 08 Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC), which is approximately double the strength of the existing council (52).

Key points:

• Key Details: Distribution of Constituencies: Under the new structure, Leh will have 22 constituencies; followed by Kargil (21); Sankoo (13); Changthang (10); Nubra, Sham and Zanskar (9 each); and Drass (7).
• Background: On October 14 2026, the Union Cabinet had approved the amendments to the LAHDC regulation, revising the permitted number of constituencies in each council.
• Significance: The increased number of seats in the council is expected to enhance local representation, bolster democracy at grassroots level, and promote inclusive governance across Ladakh.
• The constituencies, notified under the LAHDC (Amendment) Regulation 2026, will come into force from the date of its publication in the official gazette.
• As per the amended regulation, each council will have a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 24 seats, with the provision of nominating 4 members from women and unrepresented communities.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

🌍 International Affairs

9. Overview of 25th SCO CHG Meeting Held from October 19 to October 20, 2026 in Tajikistan The 25th Meeting of the…

Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held under the chairmanship of Qohir (Kokhir) Rasulzoda, Prime Minister(PM) of Tajikistan, from October 19 to 20, 2026 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Key points:

• 25th Meeting of CHG of SCO: Indian Representation: Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD) represented India at the meeting.
• The visit aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation among SCO Member States, particularly in the areas of trade, economy, investment, connectivity, innovation and cultural-humanitarian exchanges.
• India to host 1st SCO Civilisation Dialogue: During the meeting of SCO CHG, Union Defence Minister Rajnath announced that India will host the 1st SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum by the end of 2026 and extended an invitation to all member states of SCO to participate in the forum.
• Key Outcomes: The meeting resulted in a series of outcomes like: adoption of a Joint Communique; approval to a number of decisions such as: the implementation of the Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation (PMTEC) Action Plan for 2026-2030 and on the development of cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including transport and industry and the budget for 2027.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

10. UNESCO Releases 2026 GEM Gender Report on Education Access

In October 2026, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released its 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Gender Report titled “Gender equity in access to education”, marking the International Day of the Girl Child (11 October 2026) About 2026 GEM Gender Report: Coverage: The report examines out-of-school rates, primary and secondary completion, post-secondary enrolment and attainment, using recent evidence from the World Inequality Database on Education (WIDE).

Key points:

• Global Parity: In 2024, global gender parity had been achieved in pre-primary, primary and secondary enrolment; however, disparities persisted in tertiary education and among disadvantaged communities.
• Enrolment: Between 2000 and 2024, the share of countries with fewer than nine girls per ten boys enrolled declined from 15% to 2% in primary education and from 18% to 5% in upper-secondary education.
• The report highlights global enrolment parity alongside persistent inequalities, including child marriage, poverty, and geographical barriers affecting girls’ access to and completion of education.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

🔬 Science & Technology

11. DRDO’s ARDE Shortlists SSS Defence & Kalyani Group to Develop India’s First Indigenous Aviation Gun System

In October 2026, Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), premier laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), shortlisted SSS Defence, Indian small arms manufacturer; and Kalyani Group, Indian defence major company, as Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs).

Key points:

• Key Details: Developed for: The proposed guns will be developed for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-IV, also known as Rudra, and attack helicopter Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.
• Timeline: The design and development phase of these guns is expected to take about 2 years, following which the production orders will be placed post the acceptance phase.
• Production Order: As per DRDO, the production order will be divided between SSS defence and Kalyani Group based on cost calculations, with the lowest bidder set to receive 60% of the order and the other company will secure the remaining 40%.
• About ARDE: Established in 1958, ARDE has specialization in the research, design, and development of conventional armaments artillery systems, small arms, and warheads for Indian Armed Forces, with headquarters in Pune, Maharashtra.
• The partnership aims to develop and manufacture India’s first indigenous 20 millimetre (mm) aviation gun and turret system.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

12. NASA’s Perseverance Rover Sets World Record by Driving 45.22 km on Mars

In October 2026, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that its Perseverance rover had set a new extraterrestrial driving record by covering 28.06-mile (45.22 kilometres, km) on Mars, surpassing the previous record held by NASA’s Opportunity rover (28.06 miles / 45.16 km) through advanced autonomous navigation.

Key points:

• About Perseverance Rover’s Driving Record: Mission: NASA’s Perseverance rover explores Mars, studies its geology, searches for signs of ancient microbial life, and collects rock samples for possible return to Earth.
• Navigation: Its Autonomous Navigation (AutoNav) system uses onboard cameras and computing to detect hazards, plan routes, and drive independently, reducing reliance on instructions from Earth and saving mission time.
• NASA’s PUFFINS Mission: NASA selected Indian astronomer Dr.
• Ramya Manjunath Anche of the University of Arizona as Principal Investigator of the Polarimetry in the Ultraviolet to Find Features in Interstellar Dust (PUFFINS) mission under its Astrophysics Pioneers programme, with an estimated cost of Rs.168 crore (USD 20 million) and launch targeted for 2030.
• with a budget of Rs. 168 crore (USD 20 million) and launch planned for 2030, in collaboration with the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory, IUCAA Pune and IIA Bengaluru.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

💰 Economy & Banking

13. AU SFB Partners with Paytm to Launch India’s First RuPay Credit Card with Family Lounge Access

In October 2026, the AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest SFB announced a strategic partnership with Paytm (One 97 Communications Ltd.) to launch the Paytm AU SFB Credit Card, India’s first Family Lounge Access RuPay Credit Card, offering rewards on digital payments and complimentary airport lounge access for families.

Key points:

• About Paytm AU SFB Credit Card: Key Features: The lifetime-free card has no joining or annual fees and is designed for mobile-first users to promote digital payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• Lounge Access: Offers up to 12 complimentary family lounge visits annually on eligible round-trip flights booked through Paytm, with QR-based entry.
• Rewards & Redemption: Offers up to 2% rewards on eligible Paytm UPI transactions and 5% rewards on Paytm Travel bookings and Gold purchases, redeemable for Paytm Gold at Rs.
• 1 per point, vouchers and bill payments.
• About AU SFB: It is India’s largest SFB headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan, which commenced operation as a SFB in 2017.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

14. Bank of Baroda Launches Festive Campaign ‘Bob Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang’

In October 2026, Bank of Baroda (BoB), a leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), launched new festive campaign “bob Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang- Shubh bhi, Labh bhi”, designed exclusively to offer a range of benefits across home loans, car loans, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) financing, savings products and debit card spending.

Key points:

• Key Details: Home Loan: BoB offers home loans starting at 7.40% per annum (p.
• a.), with quick sanctions, minimal documentation and a 100% processing fee waiver.
• Car Loan: BoB offers car loans starting at 7.85% p.
• a., with quick sanctions, minimal documentation and zero processing fees, while its bob Green Wheels Electric Vehicle (EV) loan provides an additional 0.15%-point interest concession and extended repayment tenures.
• Additional Interest Concessions: Eligible women receive a 0.05%-point concession, while specified categories, including individuals below 40 years, government, Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), and corporate customers with bob Salary Accounts, and High Net Individual (HNI) and Radiance customers, are eligible for a 0.10 %-point concession.
• About BoB: Established in 1908, it is headquartered in Vadodara, Gujarat, and is led by Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Debadatta Chand.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

15. Renowned Jeweller Vummidi Ethiraj, Craftsman Behind Historic Sengol Passed Away

In October 2026, renowned jeweller and craftsman Vummidi Ethiraj passed away at the age of 99 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).

Key points:

• About Vummidi Ethiraj: Contribution: He was instrumental in crafting the historic Sengol (the gold-plated silver sceptre) at age 20, presented to India’s first Prime Minister (PM), Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1947 at the time of Independence.
• Significance: The Sengol, crafted by Vummidi Jewellers, symbolised the transfer of power from British rule to independent India.
• Heritage: On 28 May 2023, Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi ceremonially installed the Sengol in the new Parliament building, honouring it as a symbol of India’s civilisational heritage and the transfer of power at Independence.
• Born on 25 November 1926 in Chennai, he was the patriarch of the Vummidi family, which owns the 125-year-old Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers.
• Sengol was crafted from silver and coated with gold, featuring a Nandi (bull) figure at the top.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

16. Former Prasar Bharati Chairman Surya Prakash Releases Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey’s Book “The Evolution of TV News in India”

In October 2026, former Prasar Bharati(PB) Chairman Surya Prakash released Veteran Broadcaster and former Doordarshan Producer Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey’s book, “The Evolution of TV News in India: From Doordarshan to Digital Disruption – An Insider’s Account’’ at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, Delhi.

Key points:

• About the Book” Overview: The book chronicles nearly five decades of Indian television journalism, tracing its evolution from Doordarshan’s early years and expansion of television services to satellite television, private news channels, 24-hour news broadcasting and digital media platforms.
• Insights: The book examines television(TV) coverage of the 1975–1977 Emergency, the Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) Movement, Operation Blue Star, the assassination of Indira Gandhi and John Lennon, and election broadcasting.
• Significance: The book preserves media history, documents broadcasting technology and historical events, recognises journalism pioneers, supports journalism education, and highlights international communications.
• The book was published by Om Books International.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

17. World Iodine Deficiency Day 2026 – October 21 World Iodine Deficiency Day (WIDD), also known as Global Iodine…

Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day, is observed annually worldwide on 21 October to raise awareness about iodine deficiency, its health impacts and the importance of adequate iodine intake.

Key points:

• Background: Origin: Global efforts to eliminate iodine deficiency gained momentum at the World Summit for Children in 1990, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
• Recognition: In 2002, it was formally declared as WIDD.
• About Iodine: It is an essential micronutrient required to produce thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which regulate metabolism, growth and brain development.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.