Current Affairs 24 October 2026: Army Doctrine, India-Poland Trade
From the Indian Army's new Land Warfare Doctrine 2026 to India-Poland's 2030 trade target, here are the top current affairs stories of 24 October 2026 for UPSC, SSC, Banking and Railway aspirants.
Here's your quick, exam-focused roundup of the biggest current affairs stories making headlines around 24 October 2026 - from defence and diplomacy to sports and environment.
Top stories of 24 October 2026
Rajnath Singh Releases Indian Army's Land Warfare Doctrine 2026
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the Indian Army's Land Warfare Doctrine 2026 at the Army Commanders' Conference in New Delhi. The doctrine lays out a roadmap for future wars shaped by artificial intelligence, drones and multi-domain operations, emphasising 'man-unmanned teaming,' Atmanirbharta in defence technology, and a 'whole-of-nation approach.' Singh asked commanders to build a strategic vision for the Army spanning the next 20-30 years. This is important for exams covering defence reforms, military doctrines and India's security policy.
India and Poland Agree to Double Bilateral Trade by 2030
During Polish PM Donald Tusk's official visit, PM Narendra Modi and Tusk set a target to double bilateral trade by 2030 and called for early implementation of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement. The two sides launched a new Defence Industry Dialogue and counter-terrorism dialogue, agreed to cooperate on AI, semiconductors, quantum technology and space, and Poland agreed to join India's Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Key for questions on India's bilateral relations, trade targets and international initiatives led by India.
MEA: China Periodically Disturbs Situation Along the LAC
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the India-China LAC situation gets disturbed when Chinese forces deviate from established patrolling patterns. This followed outgoing ITBP DG Shatrujeet Kapur's statement that face-offs continue at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh, and that ITBP has raised new drone platoons at border units ahead of its 65th Raising Day. Relevant for questions on border management, ITBP and India-China relations.
Sunil Kumar Appointed as Next ONGC Chairman
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Sunil Kumar, currently an Executive Director at ONGC, as the company's next Chairman and Managing Director for a three-year term from December 7, 2026. He succeeds Arun Singh and is the first ONGC chief to rise directly from executive director rank to the top post. A petroleum engineering graduate from ISM Dhanbad, he was chosen via a search-cum-selection committee under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Useful for PSU/appointments-based questions.
Karmayogi Bharat Signs MoU With OpenAI to Train Civil Servants in AI
Karmayogi Bharat signed an MoU with OpenAI to bring OpenAI Academy's AI training courses onto the iGOT Karmayogi e-learning platform, used by over 1.7 crore government employees across the Centre and states. OpenAI will supply course content while Karmayogi Bharat manages learner access. This ties into exam topics on governance reforms, Mission Karmayogi and digital capacity building.
Defence Ministry Signs ₹770 Crore Radar Deal With BEL for Army
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth about ₹770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to supply Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars to the Indian Army. These radars can detect and track fighter-sized aircraft as well as mini and micro drones, boosting indigenous air defence capability. Important for questions on defence indigenisation and MSME-linked defence manufacturing.
GRAP Stage I Imposed in Delhi-NCR as Air Quality Turns 'Poor'
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked GRAP Stage I across Delhi-NCR after the AQI crossed into the 'poor' category, rising above 220. Stage I focuses on controlling road dust, construction emissions, waste burning and vehicular pollution, without banning private vehicles or shutting schools. This marks the start of this year's winter pollution season and is relevant for environment and governance questions.
India Enters Development Phase of National Plan for Small-Scale Inland Fisheries
The Union Department of Fisheries, with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation and the UN FAO, launched the development phase of a National Plan of Action (NPOA) for small-scale inland fisheries. The plan aims to improve livelihoods and management of rivers, reservoirs and wetlands, supporting India's target of raising annual fish production to 30 million tonnes within five years; inland fisheries currently contribute about three-fourths of India's 19.7 million tonnes total fish production. Useful for schemes and agriculture/fisheries-related questions.
India Climbs to Fourth in Asian Para Games 2026 Medal Tally
India has won 104 medals - 27 gold, 34 silver and 43 bronze - to stand fourth in the overall medal tally at the ongoing Asian Para Games 2026. Para-athletics has been India's strongest discipline with 57 medals, followed by para-badminton, para-swimming and para-table tennis. A key sports current affairs point on India's para-sports growth.
Pragyan Ojha Named New BCCI Chief Selector
The BCCI appointed former India spinner Pragyan Ojha as chairman of its men's senior selection committee, with former off-spinner Ramesh Powar joining as a panel member. Ojha succeeds Ajit Agarkar, whose term ended on October 4, 2026, after Agarkar chose not to seek an extension. Relevant for sports administration and appointments-based questions.
That's your complete current affairs digest for today - revise these points regularly to stay exam-ready.
Key facts for exams
- Sunil Kumar appointed ONGC Chairman and Managing Director for three years from December 7, 2026, succeeding Arun Singh.
- Karmayogi Bharat signed an MoU with OpenAI to bring AI training to the iGOT Karmayogi platform, used by over 1.7 crore government employees.
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented on recurring disturbances along the India-China LAC; ITBP celebrates its 65th Raising Day.
- PM Modi and Polish PM Donald Tusk agreed to double India-Poland bilateral trade by 2030 and push early EU-India FTA implementation.
- Defence Ministry signed a ₹770 crore contract with BEL for Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars for the Indian Army.
- India launched the development phase of a National Plan of Action for small-scale inland fisheries, targeting 30 million tonnes of fish production in five years.
- India stands fourth in the Asian Para Games 2026 medal tally with 104 medals (27 gold, 34 silver, 43 bronze).
- Delhi-NCR saw GRAP Stage I imposed after AQI crossed above 220 into the 'poor' category.
- Pragyan Ojha named new BCCI chief selector, succeeding Ajit Agarkar; Ramesh Powar joins the panel.
- Rajnath Singh released the Indian Army's Land Warfare Doctrine 2026, focused on AI, drones and multi-domain operations.
Frequently asked questions
Who has been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director of ONGC?
Sunil Kumar, currently an Executive Director at ONGC, has been appointed Chairman and Managing Director for a three-year term starting December 7, 2026, succeeding Arun Singh.
Which organisation has partnered with Karmayogi Bharat to train civil servants in AI?
OpenAI has signed an MoU with Karmayogi Bharat to bring OpenAI Academy's AI courses onto the iGOT Karmayogi e-learning platform used by over 1.7 crore government employees.
What is the Indian Army's Land Warfare Doctrine 2026?
Released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, it is a roadmap for future wars centred on artificial intelligence, drones, multi-domain operations, 'man-unmanned teaming' and Atmanirbharta in defence technology.
What trade target did India and Poland set during PM Tusk's visit?
PM Modi and Polish PM Donald Tusk agreed to double bilateral trade between India and Poland by 2030 and called for early implementation of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.
Why was GRAP Stage I imposed in Delhi-NCR?
The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked GRAP Stage I after Delhi-NCR's Air Quality Index crossed above 220 into the 'poor' category, triggering measures on dust, construction emissions and vehicular pollution.
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