28 October 2026 Current Affairs: Cabinet Approvals and IIP Growth – Daily GK for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railway Exams

Key current affairs developments for Wednesday, 28 October 2026 included Union Cabinet approvals for a 3 per cent DA and DR hike, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana, the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme and the Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme. India’s Index of Industrial Production recorded 6.7 per cent growth in September 2026, while India and Mexico signed Terms of Reference to launch Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations.

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Source labels: Each item’s source line ends with one of these labels.

• [Official] — primary or official body (PIB, ministry, regulator, court, official federation); linked where a direct URL was found.
• [Secondary] — reputable report; primary source not located.
• /Developing — a suffix, as in [Official/Developing]: same-day figures or outcomes may still change.

Polity & Governance

Cabinet approves 3 per cent DA and DR hike effective July 2026

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners. The increase is 3 per cent over the existing rate of 60 per cent of basic pay or pension, taking both to 63 per cent with effect from 1 July 2026. The combined annual impact on the exchequer is Rs 10,016.10 crore. This benefits about 48.54 lakh Central Government employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners. The increase follows the accepted formula based on the 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations. Source: PIB – Cabinet approves Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief, 28 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• DA and DR raised from 60% to 63% of basic pay/pension
• Effective from 1 July 2026
• Annual cost: Rs 10,016.10 crore
• Beneficiaries: 48.54 lakh employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners
• Based on the 7th Central Pay Commission formula

Static Link: Dearness Allowance is calculated based on the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers as per the 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations.

Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana

The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for 2026-27 to 2030-31. The total outlay is Rs 7,395.55 crore, with a Central share of Rs 4,869.48 crore and a State share of Rs 2,526.07 crore. It covers over 2.55 lakh Panchayats and traditional local bodies. Around 32 lakh elected representatives, functionaries and stakeholders are direct beneficiaries. The scheme supports preparation of 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayat Development Plans annually on the eGramSwaraj Portal. It is co-terminus with the Sixteenth Finance Commission period. Source: PIB – Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana, 28 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• CSS outlay: Rs 7,395.55 crore (Central Rs 4,869.48 crore)
• Period: 2026-27 to 2030-31
• Covers 2.55 lakh Panchayats
• Direct beneficiaries: about 32 lakh
• Supports 2.55 lakh GPDPs annually via eGramSwaraj

PM chairs 54th PRAGATI Meeting, reviews projects over Rs 16,000 crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 54th meeting of PRAGATI at Seva Teerth. He reviewed infrastructure projects across Railways, Ekta Malls and Bulk Drug Parks covering 31 States and UTs and costing more than Rs 16,000 crore. The Prime Minister called for faster redevelopment of major railway stations as multimodal transport hubs. He stressed prioritising domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients in Bulk Drug Parks in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. He asked Chief Secretaries to review schemes with District Magistrates every month. Source: PIB – PM chairs 54th PRAGATI Meeting, 28 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• 54th PRAGATI meeting chaired by PM
• Projects reviewed: over Rs 16,000 crore across 31 States/UTs
• Focus: railway station redevelopment, Bulk Drug Parks, Ekta Malls
• Emphasis on outcomes rather than outlays
• Monthly reviews by Chief Secretaries with DMs

Economy

IIP records 6.7 per cent growth in September 2026

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released Quick Estimates of the Index of Industrial Production for September 2026 (Base 2022-23=100). Overall IIP growth was 6.7 per cent year-on-year. Manufacturing grew 7.6 per cent, and Electricity and Gas Supply grew 11.2 per cent. Mining and Quarrying contracted 6.2 per cent. The Quick Estimate of IIP stands at 124.3 against 116.5 in September 2025. Within manufacturing, 17 of 23 industry groups recorded positive growth. These are Quick Estimates subject to revision. Source: PIB – Quick Estimates of IIP for September 2026, 28 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• IIP growth: 6.7% in September 2026 (Base 2022-23)
• Manufacturing: 7.6%; Electricity & Gas: 11.2%
• Mining & Quarrying: -6.2%
• IIP index: 124.3 (vs 116.5 in September 2025)
• 17 of 23 manufacturing groups positive

Cabinet approves Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme with a budgetary outlay of Rs 10,000 crore up to FY 2039-40. The scheme aims to establish a globally competitive container manufacturing ecosystem, reduce import dependence and strengthen supply-chain resilience. It supports new manufacturing facilities and expansion of existing units. Key components include Interest Subvention Assistance of Rs 859 crore (3% per annum on eligible term loans) and Operational Expenditure Assistance of Rs 8,891 crore. It targets increasing annual domestic capacity around ten-fold to 7.5 lakh TEUs. Source: PIB – Cabinet approves Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme, 28 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• Outlay: Rs 10,000 crore up to FY 2039-40
• ISA: Rs 859 crore (3% interest subvention)
• OEA: Rs 8,891 crore
• Target capacity: 7.5 lakh TEUs annually
• Supports greenfield and brownfield projects

Schemes & Missions

Cabinet approves Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme with a total outlay of Rs 1,856.67 crore for 2026 to 2033-34. The scheme aims to promote investment, manufacturing, innovation and exports in the sports goods sector. It was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. Components include the development of dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones and combined support of Rs 1,130 crore for Anchor Investment Support and Turnover-Linked Support. Support of Rs 105 crore is for international certifications. It seeks to reduce import dependence and generate employment across the value chain. Source: PIB – Cabinet approves Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, 28 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• Outlay: Rs 1,856.67 crore for 2026 to 2033-34
• Announced in the Union Budget 2026-27
• Combined investment/turnover support: Rs 1,130 crore
• Certification support: Rs 105 crore
• Focus on manufacturing zones and MSME clusters

International Relations

India and Mexico launch Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations

India and Mexico signed the Terms of Reference for negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement, formally launching the talks. The ToR establish the framework, scope, modalities and roadmap. Covered areas include market access for goods, rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation, dispute settlement, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade and trade remedies. The signing follows an understanding between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada in June 2025. Sectors with potential include automotive, chemicals, electronics, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals. Source: PIB – India and Mexico launch PTA negotiations, 28 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• ToR signed for India-Mexico PTA negotiations
• Launch of talks for mutually beneficial PTA
• Follows Modi-Sheinbaum understanding at G7 Summit June 2025
• Covers market access, rules of origin, SPS, TBT
• Potential sectors: auto, pharma, electronics, critical minerals

Raksha Mantri participates in ADMM-Plus in the Philippines

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh led the Indian delegation at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu, Philippines, on 28-29 October 2026. He addressed the forum on the exchange of views on regional and international security issues. On the sidelines, he held bilateral meetings, including with the US Secretary of War. The meetings reviewed defence cooperation and regional security. Philippines chairs ADMM-Plus for 2026. India co-chairs the Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia for 2024-2027. The platform involves ASEAN members and eight Dialogue Partners. Source: Ministry of Defence releases on ADMM-Plus meetings, 28 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu, Philippines, 28-29 October 2026
• India led by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh
• Philippines chairs ADMM-Plus 2026
• India co-chairs EWG on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia (2024-27)
• Bilateral meetings on sidelines including with US

Defence

Late-reported action: INS Sahyadri arrives at Busan for bilateral exercise

Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and built guided missile stealth frigate, arrived at Busan Naval Harbour, Republic of Korea, on 26 October 2026 to participate in the India-Republic of Korea Navy bilateral exercise. The Ministry of Defence release was issued on 28 October. During the harbour phase, personnel will undertake professional interactions, cross-deck visits, cross-training and sporting events. The sea phase will involve coordinated activities with ROKS Munmu the Great. The exercise strengthens maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Source: PIB – INS Sahyadri arrives at Busan, 28 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• INS Sahyadri arrived in Busan on 26 October 2026
• Indigenously designed and built guided-missile stealth frigate
• India-ROKN bilateral exercise
• Harbour phase followed by sea phase with ROKS Munmu the Great
• Focus on interoperability in Indo-Pacific

Sports

India complete 3-0 T20I series win against New Zealand

India defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the third T20I at Wellington on 27 October 2026 to take an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the series. New Zealand scored 198 for 3. India chased the target in 13.2 overs, finishing on 199 for 4. Abhishek Sharma scored 113. Reports noted a high powerplay total. The series result was widely reported on 28 October. Secondary reporting: Cricinfo and news outlets, 28 October 2026; primary federation scorecard not located in this search · [Secondary]

Exam Points:

• India won third T20I vs New Zealand by 6 wickets
• Series lead: 3-0
• Abhishek Sharma scored 113
• Chase completed in 13.2 overs
• Match on 27 October; reported on 28 October

28 October 2026 Current Affairs: One-Liner Revision

• Union Cabinet approved 3% DA/DR hike to 63% effective 1 July 2026, costing Rs 10,016.10 crore annually for 48.54 lakh employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners
• Cabinet approved PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana with Rs 7,395.55 crore outlay for 2026-27 to 2030-31 covering 2.55 lakh Panchayats
• PM chaired the 54th PRAGATI Meeting and reviewed projects worth over Rs 16,000 crore across 31 States and UTs
• IIP grew 6.7% in September 2026 (Manufacturing 7.6%, Electricity & Gas 11.2%, Mining -6.2%)
• Cabinet approved Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme with Rs 10,000 crore outlay up to FY 2039-40 targeting 7.5 lakh TEUs capacity
• Cabinet approved Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme with Rs 1,856.67 crore outlay for 2026 to 2033-34
• India and Mexico signed ToR to launch Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations following G7 understanding
• Raksha Mantri led Indian delegation at 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu, Philippines on 28-29 October
• INS Sahyadri arrived at Busan on 26 October for India-ROKN bilateral exercise (release on 28 October)
• India won third T20I against New Zealand by 6 wickets on 27 October to take a 3-0 series lead; Abhishek Sharma scored 113

India approved a 3 per cent DA and DR increase to 63 per cent effective July 2026, cleared the Rs 10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme and the Rs 7,395.55 crore Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana, and recorded 6.7 per cent IIP growth in September 2026.