UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 24 October 2026

Legislative Councils in India

Context

Elections to 28 seats across the Legislative Councils of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka were held.

Legislative Councils

The Indian Union has a bicameral legislature, comprising the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, some states have a Legislative Assembly and a Legislative Council.

Currently Six states have a Legislative Assembly and a Legislative Council - Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

India-Azerbaijan Seek Diplomatic Reset

Context

The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Azerbaijan marks an effort to restore India–Azerbaijan relations following differences over Operation Sindoor.

Background

Operation Sindoor Fallout: Azerbaijan, along with Turkey, expressed support for Pakistan, following the military operation of India, citing the "Three Brothers" bloc alliance.

Kashmir issue: Azerbaijan has consistently advocated for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict according to international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Proposed Amendments to Driving Licence Rules

Context

The Union government has proposed changes to driving licence rules to tighten the requirements for obtaining a learner’s licence as part of a wider overhaul of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

Proposed Changes in the Rules

Stricter learner’s test: It proposes raising the pass mark for the preliminary learners' test from 60% to 75%.

Applicants will get 15 days, instead of seven, to complete the learner’s licence process and will have to take a safe-driving tutorial of at least 30 minutes.

Understanding the Economics of Social Unrest

Context

People across European countries are protesting, drawing attention towards the economics of social unrest.

About

France, Albania, Belgium, Italy, and Portugal are witnessing an outpouring of discontent on the streets.

It is often argued that growing economic inequalities in an economy lead to such social unrest.

News In Brief 24-10-2026

Context

Veteran Chennai-based jeweller Vummidi Ethiraj, who played a key role in crafting the Sengol presented to Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947, passed away.

About Vummidi Ethiraj

Born on November 25, 1926, he was a prominent figure in South India’s jewellery industry.

He helped craft the Sengol, bringing his family’s traditional craftsmanship into the national spotlight, particularly after its installation in the new Parliament building in 2023.