General Awareness

NATIONAL AFFAIRS - May 2017

May 2017

Oct 24, 2026

Sunil Kumar Appointed Next CMD of ONGC

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Sunil Kumar as the next Chairman and Managing Director of ONGC for a three-year tenure starting on 7 December 2026. He will succeed Arun Kumar Singh, whose tenure ends on 6 December 2026. Kumar, currently ONGC's executive director and asset manager of the Mehsana Asset, will be the first ONGC chief elevated from the executive director rank to the top post. ONGC accounts for about 75 percent of India's domestic crude oil and natural gas production, guiding the country's energy security and growth trajectory.

ACC approves Sunil Kumar as ONGC CMD.
Tenure begins 7 December 2026 for three years.
First ONGC chief promoted from executive director rank.
Succeeds Arun Kumar Singh (tenure ends 6 December 2026).
ONGC accounts for ~75% of domestic oil and gas production.

Oct 21, 2026

Ladakh to get its first government medical college in Leh

Ladakh will get its first Government Medical College, with the Union Health Ministry approving its operationalisation in Leh for the 2027–28 academic year. The project includes phased recruitment for 103 sanctioned regular posts and a relaxation of infrastructure-completion requirements to accelerate construction. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena played a pivotal role in securing the approval, emphasizing improved medical education and healthcare services for the Union Territory. The college will offer MBBS training and related disciplines, enhancing local healthcare access and reducing patient load in the region. The decision aligns with broader efforts to strengthen health infrastructure in border areas.

First Government Medical College for Ladakh to be in Leh.
Operationalisation approved for 2027–28 academic year.
103 regular posts; phased recruitment planned.
Relaxation of infrastructure-completion requirements granted.
Lt. Gov. Vinai Kumar Saxena pivotal in approval.

Oct 20, 2026

Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen sworn in as Uttarakhand Governor

Dr. Dhal Singh Bisen was sworn in as the Governor of Uttarakhand on 19 October 2026 at Lok Bhavan in Dehradun. Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari of the Uttarakhand High Court administered the oath. Bisen succeeded Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.). In remarks, he emphasised constitutional values and highlighted priorities such as education, healthcare, and public welfare. The appointment aligns with constitutional duties at state level, with the President of India designating governors for states. His tenure is expected to bring administrative stability and a focus on social development, governance transparency, and citizen service delivery across Uttarakhand.

Date: 19 October 2026
Oath administered by: Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari
Preceded by: Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.)
Priorities: constitutional values, education, healthcare, public welfare
Impact: potential emphasis on governance and public service in Uttarakhand

Official recognition for Indian para medalists at Asian Para Games

In the 48-hour window after Indian athletes’ performances at the Asian Para Games 2026, official recognition highlighted a strong national response. On 19 October 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly congratulated Mona Agarwal for her games record gold and Avani Lekhara for silver, via PMO communications. The government framed the results as evidence of India’s improving para-sport infrastructure and talent development. News outlets reported this recognition as part of a broader emphasis on sports as a driver of national pride and inclusion. The acknowledgment underscored ongoing government support for elite para-athletes and related training programs.

Date: 19 October 2026
Official response: PM Modi congratulated Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara
Context: reinforces government support for para-sports
Impact: boosts visibility and morale for Indian para-athletes

Oct 19, 2026

Braj Mohan Ram Becomes Odisha Governor

Braj Mohan Ram was sworn in as the Governor of Odisha on 18 October 2026 at Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. Odisha High Court Chief Justice Harish Tandon administered the oath. He succeeds Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati and had previously served three terms as a Member of Parliament from Palamu, Jharkhand. Under Article 155 of the Constitution, Governors are appointed by the President of India. Ram's background in public service and his experience in Parliament are expected to influence state governance, development schemes, and coordination with the central government. He has expressed a focus on welfare and administrative reform.

Date and place: 18 October 2026, Lok Bhavan, Bhubaneswar.
Oath administered by: Chief Justice Harish Tandon.
Predecessor: Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati.
Background: three-term MP from Palamu, Jharkhand.
Constitutional basis: Article 155; Governors appointed by the President.

Oct 18, 2026

Dr. Sudha Yadav sworn in as Karnataka Governor

Dr. Sudha Yadav was sworn in as the Governor of Karnataka on 16 October 2026 at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. The oath was administered by Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru. She succeeds Thaawarchand Gehlot and becomes the second woman Governor of Karnataka after V. S. Ramadevi. A former Lok Sabha member from Haryana, Sudha Yadav is also the widow of BSF officer Sukhbir Singh Yadav, who was martyred during the 1999 Kargil War. Her appointment expands the representation of women in the Raj Bhavan and reflects ongoing central government‑nominated appointments to state offices.

Oath date and venue: 16 October 2026, Lok Bhavan, Bengaluru.
Oath administered by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru.
Succeeds Thaawarchand Gehlot; second woman Governor after V. S. Ramadevi.
Former Lok Sabha member from Haryana; widow of BSF officer Sukhbir Singh Yadav (Kargil War 1999).
Significance: increased female representation at Karnataka Raj Bhavan.

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