Source: PIB Event Overview: Purpose: Major Sessions and Initiatives:
NITI Aayog, DP World Launch ‘We Rise’ Initiative for Women Entrepreneurs
Source: PIB Context: NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and DP World have jointly launched ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’, a programme aimed at nurturing women-led MSMEs and making them export-ready. About the Initiative: Key Features:
India’s Agricultural Climate Initiatives: Building a Climate-Resilient Agri-Ecosystem
Source: BL Context: India’s agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with extreme weather events affecting yields, soil health, and livelihoods. To address this, farmers, government agencies, and civil society are collaborating to implement climate-resilient practices across the country. Key Highlights: Climate-Resilient Farming Practices: Government Support & Policies: Research and Innovation: Community Engagement: Significance:
Unclaimed Shares Portal Set for Major Upgrade
Source: ET Context: The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs is planning to upgrade the integrated unclaimed shares and dividends portal to accelerate claim settlements and improve investor convenience. Portal 2.0 Features: Structural Changes: Significance:
SEBI Proposes Relaxation for Transfer of Pre-2019 Securities
Source: BS Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed amendments to the Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015, aimed at facilitating the transfer and dematerialisation of securities executed before April 1, 2019. This move seeks to provide relief to investors who missed earlier deadlines for regularising such holdings. Purpose of the Proposal: Background: Proposed Mechanism: Policy Implications:
GSTR-3B
Context: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has extended the deadline for filing the GSTR-3B return for certain taxpayers, in view of the Deepavali festival. About the Update: About GSTR-3B:
RBI Pushes to Expand Rupee Settlements with Trade Partners
Source: ET Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is taking steps to expand rupee-based trade settlement mechanisms with major trading partners to promote rupee internationalisation and reduce dependence on the US dollar. About the Initiative: Background: Objective: Key Partner Countries (Proposed Expansion):
INS Vikrant
Context: Prime Minister of India celebrated Diwali onboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier. He lauded the armed forces for valour and success in Operation Sindoor. About INS Vikrant (IAC-1) Key Features Feature Details Dimensions 262 m long, 62 m wide, 18 decks high (≈ 2 football fields) Displacement ~45,000 tonnes — largest warship built in India Aircraft Capacity 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, future indigenous aircraft Crew & Facilities 1,600 personnel, 16-bed hospital, 2,400 compartments (functions as “city at sea”) Operational Status Achieved full operational clearance in 2024; part of Western Naval Command Propulsion Four gas turbines, speeds up to 28 knots (52 km/h)
Chandrayaan-2’s CHACE-2 Makes First-Ever Observation of Solar CME Impact on Moon
Source: IE Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the CHACE-2 payload onboard the Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter has made the first-ever direct observation of the Sun’s Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) impacting the Moon. About CHACE-2 (Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2): Objectives: Key Features: Recent Discoveries:
India’s Balancing Act Between the Quad and BRICS Ahead of ASEAN Summit 2025
Source: TH Context: India’s foreign policy priorities are being tested at the upcoming ASEAN Summit (October 26–28, 2025, Kuala Lumpur) and the associated East Asia Summit (EAS). Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend, with key leaders from the Quad (U.S., Japan, Australia) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) either present or observing. About ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization promoting economic growth, political stability, and regional cooperation among Southeast Asian nations. Member Countries (10): Key Frameworks: India–ASEAN Relations: About Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) An informal strategic grouping among India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, aimed at ensuring a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. Member Countries (4): Key Areas of Cooperation: About BRICS A grouping of major emerging economies advocating for multipolar global governance, financial reform, and South–South cooperation. Member Countries (5): Key Institutions:
