South Korea Fines Google and Apple Over App Store Payment Practices
On 28 October 2026, the Korea Communications Commission (KMCC) fined Google and Apple a combined 63.7 billion won (about US$47.6 million) for violating the Telecommunications Business Act. Google faced 42.9 billion won in penalties, while Apple was fined 20.81 billion won. Regulators found that the two platforms restricted app developers' payment choices and imposed unfair terms for third‑party payment options, hindering competition in the digital marketplace. The KMCC ordered corrective actions to promote fair competition and consumer choice, including reforms to app‑store payment practices and disclosure norms. The decision underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of digital gatekeepers globally and signals India’s own exam‑relevant context on platform governance.
Combined fine of 63.7 billion won (approx. US$47.6 million) on 28 October 2026
Penalties split: Google 42.9 billion won; Apple 20.81 billion won
Violations: restricted developers' payment choices and unfair terms for alternative systems
Regulator ordered corrective measures to promote fair competition
Highlights global regulatory scrutiny of app store ecosystems
Vijay Sankar Appointed FICCI President-Elect for 2026–27
On 29 October 2026, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) named Vijay Sankar, chairman of the Sanmar Group, as President‑Elect for 2026–27. The decision was announced at the association's National Executive Committee meeting. Sankar will succeed Anant Goenka as President after the Annual General Meeting and Convention scheduled for 18–19 November 2026 in New Delhi. FICCI is a leading industry body representing Indian businesses and promoting growth and investment. The appointment places Sankar at the helm of policy advocacy and industry collaboration during a period of high domestic demand and export opportunities for the coming year.
Announcement on 29 October 2026
Vijay Sankar chairs the Sanmar Group
Sankar to succeed Anant Goenka after AGM on 18–19 November 2026
FICCI role: policy advocacy and industry collaboration
Context: strong domestic demand and export opportunities
On 31 October 2026, ISRO successfully launched the GSLV-F18 rocket carrying the NVS-03 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The mission weighed about 2,232 kilograms and included an indigenous atomic clock and enhanced L1 navigation signals to strengthen India's NavIC system. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists and engineers, emphasising the mission's role in advancing self‑reliance in space technology and improving navigation services for civil and strategic users. The NVS‑03 satellite expands the NavIC constellation, improving regional coverage and signal robustness. Analysts see the launch as a milestone for India's space programme amid growing domestic demand for space‑enabled services.
Christo Popov Wins 2026 French Open Badminton Men's Singles Title
On 25 October 2026, France's Christo Popov won the men's singles title at the French Open Badminton Championships, defeating Indonesia's Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah in a three‑set final, 21–11, 14–21, 21–13. Popov's victory marked the first French Open men's singles title by a French player in eighty years. After the tournament, Popov rose to World No. 1, claiming the top ranking in men's singles badminton. The result boosted French badminton on the world stage and highlighted Popov's rising status in the sport. Organisers said the victory could inspire younger players and grow interest in badminton in France and Europe, and beyond.
Final score: 21–11, 14–21, 21–13
Popov becomes World No. 1 after the event
First French Open men’s singles title by a French player in 80 years
Event boosts badminton profile in France and Europe
May influence younger players to take up badminton
On 28 October 2026, Sikkim hosted its first Himalayan Yak Festival at Gnathang Valley in East Sikkim. The event was organized by the State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department in partnership with environmental groups and research institutions. The festival promoted conservation of Himalayan yaks, showcased traditional yak herding, and aimed to boost high‑altitude tourism and livelihoods. Officials said the festival also recognized the Sikkimese Yak as a registered indigenous breed, highlighting the region's rural economy and biodiversity. Visitors learned about yak husbandry, traditional crafts, and local cuisine while government agencies outlined plans to support yak farmers and sustainable grazing practices.
Event held on 28 October 2026 in Gnathang Valley
Organized by State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Dept.
Aimed at yak conservation and high‑altitude tourism
Sikkimese Yak recognised as registered indigenous breed
Focus on livelihoods and biodiversity in the Himalayas
Union Jal Shakti Minister Launches Punah Bharan Mobile Application
On 28 October 2026, Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil launched the Punah Bharan Mobile Application to promote scientific groundwater recharge planning in India. The app was developed by BISAG‑N in collaboration with the National Water Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It helps users identify potential artificial groundwater recharge zones within a 3‑kilometre radius and recommends suitable recharge structures. The associated web portal provides village‑level maps, GIS tools and groundwater‑related data. The initiative aims to improve groundwater conservation and promote sustainable water resource management by empowering citizens and local authorities with data‑driven planning across rural districts and towns today.
Launch date: 28 October 2026
Minister: C. R. Patil; project led by BISAG‑N and National Water Mission
App identifies recharge zones within 3 km; suggests recharge structures
Web portal with village maps and GIS tools
Goal: enhance groundwater conservation and sustainable planning
Bihar Museum Ranks Ninth Among World's 100 Best Museums
In October 2026, the Bihar Museum in Patna secured ninth position globally and first in Asia in the 2026 World's 100 Best Museums ranking published by Worth a Journey. It became the only Indian museum featured in the list. Mexico City's Museo Nacional de Antropología topped the global ranking, while New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art ranked tenth. The Bihar Museum's appearance highlights India's growing importance in global cultural tourism and reflects ongoing efforts to preserve Bihar's ancient history, archaeological artefacts, sculptures and cultural heritage. Visitors and scholars praised its exhibitions and education programmes, noting increased international interest in South Asian art and history.
Bihar Museum ranked 9th worldwide; 1st in Asia
Only Indian museum in Worth a Journey’s top 100
Global top: Museo Nacional de Antropología; Met Museum 10th
Significance for India’s cultural tourism
Recognised for exhibitions and educational programmes