Lula wins re-election as Brazil's president for fourth term
Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was re-elected on 25 October 2026, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in a closely fought contest. Lula secured 51.79 percent of valid votes to Bolsonaro's 48.21 percent. The result secures a historic fourth term for Lula and sets the stage for continued policy initiatives in social programs, inflation control, and regional diplomacy. His new term begins on 5 January 2027. The election outcome is seen by observers as stabilising for South American politics and markets, with expectations of sustained emphasis on climate action and social welfare measures during Lula's administration.
Date announced: 25 October 2026
Winner: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Vote share: 51.79% vs 48.21%
New term begins: 5 January 2027
Implications: social programs, inflation policy, regional diplomacy
Tamil Nadu launches Thuli rainwater-harvesting campaign
The Tamil Nadu government launched the 'Thuli' rainwater-harvesting campaign in October 2026 to restore and strengthen groundwater recharge. The program focuses on repairing non-functional rainwater-harvesting structures, promoting water conservation, and ensuring compliance in public and private buildings. It covers both urban and rural areas, with special attention during the northeast monsoon season. Officials say the campaign will help address water scarcity and drought risk while supporting climate resilience and sustainable urban planning. The initiative involves community participation, monitoring mechanisms, and partnerships with local agencies to sustain long-term benefits.
Launch period: October 2026
Objective: restore rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge
Yuki Bhambri and Ryan Seggerman win Almaty Open doubles title
Yuki Bhambri of India and his American partner Ryan Seggerman won the men's doubles title at the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan on 25 October 2026. They defeated Austria's Lucas Miedler and Neil Oberleitner in the final by 7-6(3), 6-7(1), 10-2. The match tested both teams with tight serving and a decisive final tiebreak, where Bhambri and Seggerman outplayed their opponents to claim the championship. This victory marks an important ATP 250 achievement for Bhambri, reinforcing India’s presence in doubles competition on the ATP Tour. The win is likely to impact Bhambri's confidence and seeding in upcoming events.
Date of triumph: 25 October 2026
Winners: Yuki Bhambri (IND) and Ryan Seggerman (USA)
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is hosting the first Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 from 23 to 31 October at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex. The event features 23 men’s and women’s teams from 13 countries and more than 400 athletes competing in 62 matches. Organised by the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India with international support, the tournament aims to raise the global profile of kabaddi and strengthen its recognition as an international sport. Spectators can expect a series of group matches, knockout rounds, and medals, with media coverage highlighting this growing sport on the world stage.
Dates: 23–31 October 2026
Location: Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad
Teams: 23 men's and women's teams from 13 countries
Athletes: 400+ competing in 62 matches
Organizer: Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India
Goal: global promotion of kabaddi
Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy win board gold at European Chess Club Cup 2026
Indian chess grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Koneru Humpy won individual board gold medals at the European Chess Club Cup 2026, held from 17 to 23 October in Budva, Montenegro. Sarin played for Novy Bor Chess Club in the Open category, while Humpy represented Cercle d'Échecs de Monte-Carlo in the women's category. Both players secured gold on Board 2, contributing to their clubs' standings. The European Chess Union organised the event with clubs from across Europe participating. The results reflect India's growing strength in international chess and its continued presence on the European circuit.
Dates: 17–23 October 2026
Sarin's club: Novy Bor (Open)
Humpy's club: Cercle d'Échecs de Monte-Carlo (Women)
Wings over Ganges air show highlights IAF capabilities in Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Indian Air Force aerial display Wings over Ganges at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, on 25 October 2026. The event marked the IAF's 94th anniversary and showcased aircraft including Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and Tejas. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also attended. The demonstration aimed to boost public engagement with air power and showcase India’s evolving defence capabilities. The air show reflected ongoing modernization efforts and the emphasis on domestic aviation manufacturing and pilot training within the broader security framework.
Date: 25 October 2026
Location: Namo Ghat, Varanasi
Attendees: PM Modi, Defence Minister, UP CM
Aircraft on display: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas
Purpose: public engagement and capability showcase
Context: IAF’s 94th anniversary
Swavlamban 2026 highlights domestic innovation in defence
The Indian Navy announced the fifth edition of Swavlamban 2026, a Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, scheduled for 26–27 October 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The event carries the theme 'Strength & Power through Innovation and Indigenisation'. It will gather defence organizations, startups, MSMEs, industries and researchers to discuss indigenous technologies, including artificial intelligence, maritime surveillance and counter-drone systems. The seminar aims to foster collaboration across government, industry, and academia to accelerate development from concept to deployment. It underscores the government’s push for self-reliance in defence and faster adoption of homegrown solutions.
Dates: 26–27 October 2026
Venue: Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi
Theme: Strength & Power through Innovation and Indigenisation
Usha Mangeshkar named first Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award recipient
The Assam government announced on 23 October 2026 that Usha Mangeshkar would be the first recipient of the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika National Award. The award carries a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and a citation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to present the award on 29 November 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, during Bhupen Hazarika's birth centenary celebrations. The honour will be awarded once every three years. The decision recognises Mangeshkar's contributions to Indian music and culture, aligning with Assam's cultural outreach plans and the national celebration of Hazarika's legacy.
Ladakh becomes India's first fully organic Union Territory
Ladakh was declared India's first 100% organic Union Territory on 25 October 2026 by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The move followed years of policy work to phase out chemical fertilizers and promote organic farming in Leh and Kargil. Officials say the initiative will improve soil health, protect the fragile Himalayan environment, and support sustainable farming practices. Individual farmer certification is expected to follow, enabling broader adoption. The declaration aligns with national climate and sustainable agriculture goals, with potential benefits to local livelihoods and tourism. The policy will require monitoring of inputs and capacity-building programs for farmers.
PM Modi inaugurates RBI data centre and cybersecurity institute in Odisha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Odisha on 25 October 2026. The facility is located at Jatni in Khordha district near Bhubaneswar. It aims to strengthen India's digital financial infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, and improve banking-system resilience. The data centre will support RBI operations continuity and better protect the financial sector from cyber threats. The training institute will equip public and private sector staff with skills in cyber defense, data management, and incident response. The event underscores ongoing efforts to modernize financial services and safeguard digital payments nationwide.
Date of inauguration: 25 October 2026
Location: Jatni, Khordha district, Odisha
Purpose: strengthen digital infrastructure and cybersecurity
Impact: RBI operations continuity and financial resilience
Training: Institute for cyber defense and data management
Policy signal: Modi government’s digital safeguard agenda