UPSC / PCS / PSSSB
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
THE HINDU | MOST IMPORTANT NEWS | EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
News • Concepts • Static GK • Prelims Facts • Mains Analysis
UPSC / PCS / PSSSB Important News Today
Read the most important Current Affairs from The Hindu, 26 October 2026, specially selected for UPSC Civil Services, Punjab PCS, PPSC and PSSSB examinations.
Prepared by DRONA IAS Academy, Patiala with Why in News, important concepts, Static GK, Prelims facts and Mains perspectives.
1. Operation Trident – Northeast Narco-Hawala Network
GS-III Internal Security | GS-II GovernanceWhy in News?
Central agencies conducted coordinated raids at 38 locations across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur under Operation Trident. The crackdown led to 18 arrests and detection of approximately ₹100 crore in hawala transactions linked to international drug trafficking.
UPSC / PCS / PSSSB Importance
Internal Security, Organised Crime, Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, Border Management and India–Myanmar Relations.
Prelims Facts & Static GK
- NCB stands for Narcotics Control Bureau.
- ED stands for Directorate of Enforcement.
- PMLA stands for Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
- NDPS Act, 1985 regulates narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- Myanmar shares an international border with Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
- The Golden Triangle traditionally refers to the Myanmar–Thailand–Laos region.
- Hawala involves informal channels for transferring money outside regular banking mechanisms.
Mains Perspective
2. Bay of Bengal Cyclone – Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on Alert
GS-I Geography | GS-III Disaster ManagementWhy in News?
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal was forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, with possible landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on 28 October 2026. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha initiated disaster preparedness measures.
UPSC / PCS / PSSSB Importance
Tropical Cyclones, Coastal Geography, IMD, Early Warning Systems, Disaster Preparedness and Climate Resilience.
Prelims Facts & Static GK
- IMD stands for India Meteorological Department.
- Tropical cyclones generally develop over warm ocean waters with favourable atmospheric conditions.
- The Bay of Bengal is highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones.
- NDRF stands for National Disaster Response Force.
- NDMA is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
- The Disaster Management Act was enacted in 2005.
- Cyclone categories include Cyclonic Storm, Severe Cyclonic Storm, Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm and Super Cyclonic Storm.
Mains Perspective
3. Kerala Public Service Commission – Chairperson Removal Controversy
GS-II Indian Constitution | Constitutional BodiesWhy in News?
A controversy emerged after the former Kerala Governor reportedly recommended the removal of the State Public Service Commission Chairperson over alleged recruitment irregularities, raising questions about constitutional procedure and institutional independence.
UPSC / PCS / PSSSB Importance
Constitutional Bodies, State Public Service Commissions, Governor, President, Appointments, Removal and Institutional Autonomy.
Prelims Facts & Static GK
- Article 315 provides for Public Service Commissions for the Union and States.
- Article 316 deals with appointment and term of office.
- Article 317 deals with removal and suspension of members.
- Article 318 deals with regulations regarding conditions of service.
- Article 320 deals with functions of Public Service Commissions.
- The Governor appoints the Chairperson and members of a State PSC.
- The President has the constitutional authority to remove a State PSC Chairperson or member in accordance with Article 317.
- For removal on grounds of misbehaviour, a Supreme Court inquiry is required under Article 317.
Mains Perspective
4. RBI Cybersecurity Training Institute and Banking Security
GS-III Economy | CybersecurityWhy in News?
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s new Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, highlighting the need to protect financial institutions against cybercriminals and cyberterrorism.
UPSC / PCS / PSSSB Importance
Banking Security, Digital Economy, Financial Infrastructure, Cybercrime, Cyberterrorism and Digital Governance.
Prelims Facts & Static GK
- RBI was established in 1935 under the RBI Act, 1934.
- RBI was nationalised in 1949.
- RBI is India’s central bank.
- CERT-In is the national agency for responding to cybersecurity incidents.
- Cybersecurity is important for digital payments, banking infrastructure and financial stability.
- Cyberterrorism may target critical information infrastructure and essential services.
- Financial inclusion and digital security are important components of the digital economy.
Mains Perspective
5. Gig Economy – App-Based Domestic Workers and Social Security
GS-II Social Justice | GS-III EmploymentWhy in News?
The Hindu highlighted working conditions of app-based domestic workers, including rating-linked payments, long working hours, wage deductions, safety concerns and difficulties accessing social security benefits.
UPSC / PCS / PSSSB Importance
Gig Economy, Platform Workers, Labour Rights, Women Workers, Informal Sector, Social Security and Digital Platforms.
Prelims Facts & Static GK
- The Code on Social Security, 2020 recognises gig and platform workers.
- Gig workers generally earn income through work outside a traditional employer–employee relationship.
- Platform workers undertake work through online platforms.
- e-Shram is a national database of unorganised workers.
- The Ministry of Labour and Employment administers e-Shram.
- Social security measures may include insurance, health protection and other eligible benefits.
- Algorithmic management and rating-based payments are emerging labour governance issues.
Mains Perspective
6. Manipur Ethnic Violence – Internal Security and Rehabilitation
GS-II Governance | GS-III Internal SecurityWhy in News?
Renewed concerns over ethnic violence in Manipur brought attention to civilian protection, displacement, rehabilitation and the need for an inclusive peace process.
UPSC / PCS / PSSSB Importance
Ethnic Conflict, Internal Security, Federalism, Human Rights, Displacement, Rehabilitation and Northeast India.
Prelims Facts & Static GK
- Manipur became a full-fledged State on 21 January 1972.
- Manipur shares an international border with Myanmar.
- Article 355 concerns the Union’s duty to protect States.
- Article 356 deals with failure of constitutional machinery in States.
- Article 371C contains special provisions relating to Manipur.
- The Hill Areas Committee is an important institutional feature of Manipur’s governance.
- Ethnic conflict can affect public order, development and social cohesion.
Mains Perspective
7. Karnataka Drought – Agriculture and Food Security
GS-I Geography | GS-III AgricultureWhy in News?
Drought conditions and deficient southwest monsoon rainfall in Karnataka have caused substantial agricultural losses, raising concerns about crop production, farmer compensation and food security.
UPSC / PCS / PSSSB Importance
Indian Monsoon, Drought, Agriculture, Crop Insurance, Food Security, Climate Variability and Disaster Relief.
Prelims Facts & Static GK
- The southwest monsoon is crucial for kharif agriculture in India.
- IMD monitors rainfall and meteorological conditions.
- Drought may be meteorological, agricultural or hydrological.
- El Niño is associated with warming in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
- El Niño can influence the Indian monsoon, but does not guarantee drought.
- PMFBY stands for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
- Climate-resilient agriculture includes efficient irrigation, crop diversification and drought-tolerant varieties.
Mains Perspective
8. India–Poland Relations and India–European Union Cooperation
GS-II International Relations | GS-III EconomyWhy in News?
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s visit to India highlighted bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, technology, critical minerals, renewable energy and the evolving India–European Union economic partnership.
UPSC / PCS / PSSSB Importance
India–EU Relations, Free Trade Agreements, Defence Cooperation, Strategic Partnerships, Critical Minerals and International Trade.
Prelims Facts & Static GK
- Poland is a member of the European Union.
- Poland’s capital is Warsaw.
- Poland is also a member of NATO.
- The European Union is an important economic and trading partner of India.
- FTA stands for Free Trade Agreement.
- FTAs generally aim to reduce trade barriers between participating economies.
- Critical minerals are strategically important for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence technologies.
- India–Poland cooperation includes opportunities in technology, defence and industrial development.
Mains Perspective
📰 Editorial Focus: India–Poland Relations and India–EU Free Trade Agreement
GS-II International Relations | GS-III EconomyEditorial Theme
India and Poland are seeking to strengthen bilateral economic and strategic relations amid evolving European geopolitics, supply-chain restructuring and negotiations surrounding the India–EU Free Trade Agreement.
Key Issues
- India–Poland Bilateral Trade
- India–European Union Free Trade Agreement
- Defence Industry Cooperation
- Critical Minerals and Supply Chains
- Artificial Intelligence and Technology Partnerships
- Renewable Energy and Nuclear Cooperation
- Russia–Ukraine Conflict and Strategic Autonomy
- India’s Role in European Economic Partnerships
Static GK for Prelims
- Poland is located in Central Europe.
- Warsaw is the capital of Poland.
- The European Union has 27 member countries.
- The European Commission plays an important role in EU trade negotiations.
- NATO is a collective defence alliance.
- India follows a policy of strategic autonomy in its foreign relations.
Mains Question
Way Forward
Strengthen bilateral trade, encourage joint ventures, improve technology transfer, diversify supply chains, enhance defence cooperation and develop practical mechanisms for sustainable India–EU economic engagement.
Punjab PCS Special: Punjab Drug Crisis and Anti-Drug Activist Murder
Protests were reported across several districts of Punjab following the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. The developments have renewed concerns regarding drug trafficking, law enforcement, public safety and the protection of individuals campaigning against narcotics.
Punjab PCS Importance
Punjab Drug Menace, Organised Crime, Law and Order, Police Administration, Border Security, Public Health and Governance.
Important Static GK
- Punjab shares an international border with Pakistan.
- NDPS Act, 1985 is a major law dealing with narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- NCB is a central agency responsible for combating drug trafficking.
- Drug trafficking may be linked to organised crime and illegal financial networks.
- Article 47 directs the State to improve public health and addresses intoxicating substances injurious to health.
- Drug prevention requires enforcement, awareness, treatment and rehabilitation.
🔥 Most Important Topics for UPSC / PCS / PSSSB Today
- Operation Trident and Narco-Hawala Network
- NDPS Act, NCB, ED and PMLA
- Bay of Bengal Cyclones and Disaster Management
- Articles 315–323 and State Public Service Commissions
- RBI Cybersecurity and Banking Infrastructure
- Gig Economy and Social Security Code, 2020
- Manipur Ethnic Violence and Article 371C
- Karnataka Drought and Food Security
- India–Poland Relations and India–EU FTA
- Punjab Drug Crisis and Internal Security
One-Line Prelims Revision
Article 317: Removal and suspension of Public Service Commission members.
Article 371C: Special constitutional provisions relating to Manipur.
Article 47: Directive Principle relating to nutrition, public health and intoxicating substances.
NCB: Narcotics Control Bureau.
IMD: India Meteorological Department.
Important Prelims Trap
The Governor appoints the Chairperson of a State Public Service Commission, but removal is governed by Article 317 and involves the President. The Governor does not independently possess the power to remove the Chairperson.
Source: The Hindu, 26 October 2026. Static GK, Prelims revision and Mains questions are educational additions. The Editorial Focus includes exam-oriented analysis and is not a verbatim reproduction of the newspaper editorial.
