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22 October 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs covers all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exam.

25th SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting

Why in News?

India’s Union Defence Minister represented the country at the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG), held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

SCO Budget: The Council approved the organisation’s budget for 2027.
Economic Cooperation: Members finalised the Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Action Plan for 2026–2030.
Counterterrorism: India called for dismantling the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism and stressed that there should be no double standards towards those who finance, support or shelter terrorists.
Cultural Cooperation: Member States were invited to participate in the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, proposed to be hosted by India in late 2026.
Regional Connectivity: India highlighted the importance of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Iran’s Chabahar Port in connecting Central Asia with wider regional and global markets. It emphasised that connectivity initiatives must respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principle of consultation.

Council of Heads of Government (CHG)

CHG is the second-highest decision-making body of the SCO, after the Council of Heads of State.
It meets annually.
Its principal responsibilities include Approving the SCO budget, Promoting economic cooperation among Member States, Considering practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

About the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Establishment: Founded in Shanghai, China, in 2001 as the successor to the Shanghai Five mechanism established in 1996.
Nature: A permanent intergovernmental international organisation.
Primary areas of cooperation: Regional security, counterterrorism, economic cooperation, connectivity and cultural exchanges.
Member States: The SCO has 10 Member States

Founding members	Members admitted subsequently
China	India — 2017
Russia	Pakistan — 2017
Kazakhstan	Iran — 2023
Kyrgyzstan	Belarus — 2024
Tajikistan
Uzbekistan

SCO Secretariat: Beijing, China.
Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Significance for India

Counterterrorism cooperation: Provides a regional platform for addressing terrorism and other security challenges.
Central Asian engagement: Strengthens India’s diplomatic and economic links with Central Asian countries.
Connectivity: INSTC & Chabahar Port offer potential routes for improving access to regional markets.
Economic cooperation: Creates opportunities for trade, investment and multilateral economic initiatives
Cultural diplomacy: Initiatives such as the proposed Civilisational Dialogue Forum can deepen people-to-people and cultural ties.

Separation of Powers and Judicial Independence

Why in News?

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) reportedly declined a request from Opposition leaders seeking a meeting concerning allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The episode brought attention to the importance of judicial independence, institutional neutrality and the separation of constitutional functions.

Separation of Powers

1. Meaning

The doctrine of separation of powers divides governmental functions among the three principal organs of the State:

Legislature: Enacts laws and exercises legislative oversight.
Executive: Implements laws and administers government policies.
Judiciary: Interprets laws, adjudicates disputes and safeguards constitutional rights.

India follows a system of functional separation with checks and balances, rather than a rigid separation of the three organs.

2. Constitutional significance

Prevents the excessive concentration of power in any one organ.
Promotes accountability and constitutional governance.
Protects individual liberties against arbitrary State action.
Enables each institution to perform its assigned functions within constitutional limits.

3. Important judgment

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)

The Supreme Court established the Basic Structure Doctrine.
Parliament's power to amend the Constitution under Article 368 does not extend to destroying its basic structure.
Separation of powers is recognised as an important constitutional principle associated with the basic structure.

Independence of the Judiciary

Judicial independence means that courts must be able to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without improper influence or pressure from the executive, legislature, political parties or other external actors.

1. Key constitutional provisions

Article 50: Directs the State to take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. It is a Directive Principle of State Policy.
Article 124: Establishes the constitutional framework for the Supreme Court, including the appointment and tenure of its judges.
Article 217: Provides the framework for the appointment and tenure of High Court judges.
Article 121: Restricts parliamentary discussion of the conduct of Supreme Court and High Court judges in the discharge of their duties, except upon a motion for their removal.

2. Why judicial independence matters

Protection of fundamental rights: Enables courts to provide remedies against unlawful State action.
Constitutional supremacy: Ensures that legislative and executive actions remain subject to constitutional limits.
Judicial review: Allows courts to examine the constitutionality and legality of governmental action.
Public confidence: Strengthens trust in the fairness and impartiality of the justice system.

Judicial Impartiality

Judicial independence concerns freedom from improper external influence, while judicial impartiality requires judges to decide cases fairly, without bias or favouritism.

Principle of natural justice

The Latin maxim nemo judex in causa sua means that no person should be a judge in their own cause.

A decision-maker must not have an interest or bias that compromises impartiality.
Disputes should be decided on the basis of applicable law, evidence and constitutional principles.
Actual bias, as well as circumstances giving rise to a reasonable apprehension of bias, can raise concerns about the fairness of proceedings.

Challenges in Maintaining Judicial Neutrality

Politically sensitive litigation: Courts regularly adjudicate disputes involving elections, government policies and constitutional authorities. Such cases can attract intense political scrutiny and public debate.
Public expectations: Citizens and political representatives may expect immediate judicial intervention when allegations of constitutional violations arise. However, judicial intervention must take place through established legal procedures.
Institutional neutrality: Direct engagement between judges and political representatives on pending or politically sensitive disputes may raise concerns about the appearance of impartiality. Institutional boundaries help preserve confidence in judicial decision-making.
Access to justice: Maintaining judicial independence must not become a barrier to seeking legal remedies. Individuals and political representatives remain entitled to approach courts through appropriate constitutional and legal procedures.

Aditya-L1 Generates Doppler Velocity Images of the Solar Corona

Why in News?

Scientists have generated Doppler velocity images of the solar corona using observations from the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) aboard India's Aditya-L1 mission. These images can help researchers understand the movement of solar material and study the propagation of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) along the Sun–Earth direction.

Doppler Effect and Doppler Velocity Images

1. Doppler Effect

The Doppler effect is the apparent change in the frequency or wavelength of a wave caused by relative motion between its source and the observer.

When the source and observer move towards each other, the observed frequency generally increases and the wavelength decreases.
When they move away from each other, the observed frequency generally decreases and the wavelength increases.

2. Doppler Velocity Images

These are spatial maps that show the line-of-sight velocity of emitting plasma, derived from shifts in the wavelengths of spectral lines.
They help determine whether solar plasma is moving towards or away from the observer and estimate its velocity along the line of sight.

Significance: Unlike conventional solar images, which primarily reveal brightness and structure, Doppler velocity images provide information about plasma motion, helping scientists investigate the evolution and propagation of solar eruptions.

Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

1. What are CMEs?

Coronal Mass Ejections are large-scale eruptions of magnetised plasma from the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the solar corona, into interplanetary space.

2. Composition

Electrically charged particles, primarily electrons and ions.
Magnetic fields carried with the ejected solar material.

3. Impact on Earth

Earth-directed CMEs can interact with Earth's magnetosphere and trigger geomagnetic storms, potentially causing:

Disruptions to satellite operations.
Interference with radio communications and navigation systems.
Disturbances in electrical power grids.
Increased radiation risks for astronauts and some high-altitude aviation operations.

4. Scientific Significance

Studying CMEs close to their origin helps scientists understand their initial development and movement. This can improve space-weather monitoring and forecasting, allowing better preparation for potentially disruptive solar events.

About Aditya-L1 Mission

Agency: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Significance: India's first dedicated space-based solar observatory mission.
Launch: September 2023, aboard PSLV-C57.
Location: Halo orbit around the Sun–Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), entered in January 2024.
Purpose: To study the Sun's atmosphere, solar activity and related space-weather phenomena.

Why is L1 important?

L1 is a gravitationally significant region approximately 1.5 million kilometres from Earth towards the Sun.
Its location enables the spacecraft to observe the Sun almost continuously, with minimal interruptions from Earth-related occultations, making it valuable for monitoring solar activity.

Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC)

Full Name: Visible Emission Line Coronagraph.
Mission: Aditya-L1.
Development: Developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in collaboration with ISRO.
Function: Studies the solar corona through imaging and spectroscopy.
Scientific role: Observations of spectral lines help researchers investigate the corona's physical properties and plasma dynamics.

Adultery in the Armed Forces

Why in News?

An Army Major was reportedly issued a show-cause notice proposing dismissal from service on grounds of adultery. The issue highlights the distinction between the decriminalisation of adultery under civilian criminal law and its possible treatment as misconduct under military law.

Adultery: Legal Position in India

1. Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018)

The Supreme Court struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), decriminalising adultery for civilians.
The Court held that the provision violated constitutional guarantees of equality, non-discrimination and personal liberty.
Adultery is no longer a criminal offence under the general criminal law merely by virtue of the consensual extramarital relationship.
However, decriminalisation does not prevent adultery from having consequences under applicable matrimonial law or from being treated as misconduct where a separate legal framework applies.

2. Applicability to the Armed Forces

The Supreme Court's decision did not automatically remove the armed forces' disciplinary framework governing conduct by their personnel.
Article 33 empowers Parliament to modify or restrict the application of certain fundamental rights to members of the armed forces and other specified forces, to ensure the proper discharge of their duties and the maintenance of discipline.
Consequently, conduct that is not a criminal offence for civilians may still attract disciplinary action under applicable service law.

Legal Framework Governing Adultery in the Army

1. Relevant provisions of the Army Act, 1950

Section 45 — Unbecoming Conduct: Covers conduct by an officer, junior commissioned officer or warrant officer that is inconsistent with the position and character expected of them.
Section 63 — Violation of Good Order and Discipline: Covers acts or omissions that, although not specifically listed as offences under the Act, are prejudicial to good order and military discipline.

These provisions may be invoked in cases involving alleged adultery, depending on the circumstances and the applicable disciplinary process.

2. Administrative termination of service

Under the applicable provisions of the Army Act and Army Rules, the competent authority may initiate administrative proceedings against an officer, including proceedings that may result in termination of service.
A show-cause notice is not a final order of dismissal. It provides an opportunity for the officer to respond to the allegations before a decision is taken.
Administrative termination is distinct from a court-martial, which is a formal military judicial proceeding.

Supreme Court Clarification in 2023

In January 2023, a five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court clarified the scope of its judgment in Joseph Shine v. Union of India.

The 2018 judgment had examined the constitutionality of Section 497 IPC and the related procedural provision.
The Court clarified that the earlier judgment had not examined the effect of the relevant provisions of the Army Act, Navy Act and Air Force Act.
Accordingly, the decriminalisation of adultery under general criminal law does not prevent the armed forces from initiating disciplinary proceedings under their respective service laws.

Role of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)

The Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007 provides a specialised mechanism for resolving disputes relating to military service and court-martial proceedings.

Section 14: Provides jurisdiction over service matters, including disputes concerning service conditions and administrative orders.
Section 15: Deals with appeals arising from court-martial proceedings.
Supreme Court: An appeal from the AFT may be available under the statutory conditions and procedures prescribed by the AFT Act.

The appropriate remedy depends on whether the matter arises from an administrative service decision or a court-martial ruling.

10 Years of UDAN Scheme

Why in News?

The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) — Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) — completed ten years since its launch on 21 October 2016. The scheme aims to make air travel affordable and improve connectivity to unserved and underserved regions of India.

About the UDAN Scheme

Full Name: Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.
Launch Date: 21 October 2016.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
Policy Framework: Introduced under the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016.
Nature: A market-based regional air connectivity scheme.

Objectives

Make air travel affordable for ordinary citizens.
Improve connectivity to unserved and underserved airports.
Promote regional economic development, tourism and trade.
Strengthen last-mile connectivity, particularly in remote and geographically challenging areas.

Key Features

1. Affordable airfares

The scheme provides for a fare cap of ₹2,500 for a one-hour flight covering approximately 500 km.
The capped fare applies to about half the seats on a UDAN flight, as specified under the scheme.

2. Viability Gap Funding (VGF)

VGF is financial assistance provided to airlines to bridge the gap between operating costs and revenue on eligible routes.
The funding is shared between the Centre and States in an 80:20 ratio.
For North-Eastern States, the sharing ratio is 90:10.

3. Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF)

The RCF finances VGF under the scheme.
It is supported by a levy on commercial flights operating on specified major domestic routes.

4. Concessions for operators

State governments are expected to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to 1% or less.
States provide concessions such as land and security support.
Airport operators waive landing and parking charges as prescribed under the scheme.

International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML)

Why in News?

India will host the 61st meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) in New Delhi for the first time. The meeting is being organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, in association with the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).

What is Legal Metrology?

Legal metrology refers to the application of legal requirements to measurements and measuring instruments to ensure accuracy, transparency and fairness in commercial transactions and other regulated activities.

Significance:

Protects consumers against inaccurate measurements and unfair trade practices.
Promotes confidence in weighing and measuring instruments.
Supports uniformity in measurement standards across markets.
Contributes to public safety and reliable measurements in sectors such as healthcare, industry and environmental monitoring.

About the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML)

Nature: Intergovernmental organisation.
Established: 1955.
Objective: To harmonise legal metrology procedures internationally and facilitate consistency in measurement regulations across countries.

Key Functions

Develops international recommendations, standards and related documents for measuring instruments.
Promotes harmonised requirements for instruments used in trade, industry, healthcare, safety and environmental protection.
Facilitates international cooperation in legal metrology.
Supports greater compatibility and acceptance of measurement-related conformity assessments across countries.

OIML Certification System (OIML-CS)

Facilitates international recognition of conformity assessment results for measuring instruments covered by the system.
Helps reduce unnecessary duplication of testing and certification.
Supports international trade by promoting confidence in the conformity of measuring instruments with applicable requirements.

About the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML)

Role: Principal decision-making body guiding the technical and administrative activities of the OIML.
Functions:
- Deliberates on international recommendations and technical developments.
- Guides organisational priorities and administrative activities.
- Promotes cooperation among participating countries.
- Supports the development and harmonisation of international legal metrology practices.

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