Current Affairs October 2026

NABARD Current Affairs

Agriculture Current Affairs in News

Southwest Monsoon 2026 Ends with 13% Rainfall Deficit

• The 2026 southwest monsoon ended with rainfall at 87% of the Long Period Average (LPA).
• India received about 759.4 mm of rainfall against the LPA of 868.6 mm.
• The 13% deficit was the largest in more than a decade, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• A strong El Niño in the Pacific was one of the factors associated with the deficient monsoon.

Annual Survey of Industries 2024–25

• The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) 2024–25, released by MoSPI, reported 2.7 lakh factories and 1.67 crore workers.
• The average wage per factory worker increased 5.3% to ₹2.28 lakh.
• Jharkhand recorded a 5.2% fall in average wages, although its average wage of ₹3.04 lakh remained above the national average.
• Bihar recorded a 16.7% increase in average wages to ₹1.63 lakh.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

SEBI Approves Reforms for Portfolio Management Services

• SEBI approved changes to the Portfolio Management Services (PMS) regulatory framework.
• PMS providers will be allowed to invest client funds in direct mutual fund schemes and Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) under the proposed framework.
• PMS can also invest up to 10% of client AUM in investment-grade unlisted debt, subject to conditions and client consent.
• SEBI also approved changes to settlement proceedings, including formula-based settlement amounts and a fast-track mechanism for certain violations.

India’s Net FDI Rises to Five-Year High

• India’s net FDI increased to US$7.35 billion in July 2026, the highest since May 2021.
• Gross FDI inflows stood at US$14.58 billion during July.
• Major sectors receiving equity inflows included communication, financial services and computer services.
• During April–July 2026, net FDI reached US$13.4 billion, compared with US$9.7 billion a year earlier.

India’s First Blue Bond by SMFCL

• Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd. (SMFCL) launched India’s first blue bond.
• It aims to raise ₹600 crore, with a ₹500 crore green-shoe option.
• The 10-year bond will support maritime lending, greenfield ports and coastal road projects.
• Blue bonds are debt instruments used to finance projects linked to marine and water-related sustainability.

IndusInd Bank Launches GCC Banking Vertical

• IndusInd Bank launched a dedicated Global Capability Centre (GCC) Banking vertical.
• It combines digital banking, employee banking, commercial cards, FEMA/capital-account solutions and foreign-currency banking.
• Its International Banking Unit at GIFT City will support cross-border banking requirements.
• India’s GCC ecosystem has grown significantly, with 2,117 GCCs.

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

Reports / Articles in News

1. Status of Policing in India Report (SPIR) 2026

Source: The Hindu

Context
SPIR 2026 was released, based on a 16-state survey of 8,306 citizens — mapping cybercrime exposure, vulnerability patterns and police redressal mechanisms.

What It Is

• An empirical multi-state study of the everyday interface between citizens and the police
• Tracking the lifecycle of cyber frauds — from digital exposure and victimisation to formal reporting and financial recovery
• Published jointly by Lokniti–CSDS and Common Cause

Key Findings

• Cybercrime increased sharply: Cybercrime cases rose 17.9%, from 86,420 in 2023 to 1,01,928 in 2024, while overall registered crime fell by about 6%.
• High exposure to scams:
  • 33% received calls about unordered deliveries.
  • 31% encountered high-return investment scams.
  • 27% received calls from fake bank officials seeking account details.
• More internet use, more exposure: 46% of high internet users reported moderate-to-high scam exposure, compared with 19% among non-internet users.
• Cybercrime victims: Around 13% of respondents had directly experienced cybercrime in the previous 2–3 years. Among them, 54% faced financial fraud, and 23% lost more than ₹20,000.
• Higher-income and educated groups also targeted: Financial fraud affected 57% of affluent victims compared with 47% of poor victims. Among education groups, 59% of graduates were targeted compared with 40% of non-literate citizens.
• Low police reporting: Only 49% of victims filed a formal police complaint, while 39% did not complain and 9% discontinued the process after the first visit.
• Bribery and recovery: 27% of complainants reported paying a bribe. Among those who paid, 41% recovered their full loss, compared with 12% among those who did not pay. This is a survey finding showing an association, not proof that bribery causes better recovery.
• Greater burden on poorer victims: 51% of poor victims reported paying a bribe, compared with 12% of affluent victims. 55% of poor victims relied on informal influence networks to advance their cases.

Important Facts for Exams

• Cybercrime: Crime committed using computers, mobile phones, networks or the internet.
• Social Engineering: Manipulating people psychologically to obtain money, passwords or sensitive information.
• Cyber Fraud: Using digital technologies to deceive people and illegally obtain money or information.
• CFCFRMS: System designed to coordinate rapid action to freeze funds lost through cyber financial fraud.
• I4C: Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, which coordinates India’s cybercrime response.
• CEIR: Central Equipment Identity Register, used to track and block lost or stolen mobile phones.
• ASTR: Technology used to identify suspicious or fraudulent mobile connections.
• Procedural Fatigue: Discouragement or withdrawal caused by lengthy, complicated or repeated official procedures.

The Ageing World and India’s Narrowing Window

Source: Business Standard

Context
A new global demographics report by Moody’s Ratings underscores a structural shift — more than 70 per cent of the world’s population now lives in countries with fertility at or below replacement rate.

Key Highlights

• Global ageing: Over 70% of the world’s population lives in countries with fertility at or below replacement level. Global fertility fell from 4.9 (1950) to about 2.2.
• India’s ageing: India entered the “ageing” category around 2024, with 65+ population crossing 7%. It may become “aged” (14%) by 2049 and “super-aged” (21%) by 2065.
• Demographic dividend: About 68% of Indians were aged 15–64 in 2025, but the working-age share is expected to decline after 2030.
• Economic opportunity: Demographic change contributed about 1.9 percentage points annually to India’s growth during 1981–2021.
• Women’s employment: Female labour-force participation is around 32%. Raising it to 50% could add about 1 percentage point annually to GDP growth, according to the World Bank estimate cited.
• Elderly population: Indians aged 60+ are projected to rise from 153 million (2022) to 347 million (2050).
• Policy challenge: India needs more jobs, skills and female employment while preparing for higher demand for pensions, healthcare, geriatric care and senior housing.

Key Terms

• Demographic Dividend: Economic growth potential created when the working-age population becomes larger relative to dependants.
• Replacement-Level Fertility: Fertility rate needed to maintain a broadly stable population; generally around 2.1 children per woman.
• Working-Age Population: Usually the population aged 15–64 years.
• Ageing Population: A population in which the share of older people is increasing significantly.
• Super-Aged Society: A society where 21% or more of the population is aged 65 or above.
• Silver Economy: Economic activities and markets related to the needs of older people.
• Female Labour-Force Participation Rate (FLFPR): Share of working-age women who are employed or actively seeking employment.

Economy in News

US State Department Report on India’s Investment Climate

• A US Department of State report assessed India’s investment environment and highlighted issues related to foreign-investment restrictions and regulatory practices.
• The report noted that India permits 100% FDI in many sectors, while some sectors still require government approval.
• These include areas such as multi-brand retail, private banking, pharmaceuticals, defence, media and satellites.
• These are claims and assessments of the US report, rather than an independent conclusion.

CAFE-III Norms for Passenger Vehicles

• The government notified the third phase of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE-III) norms.
• The norms will apply from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032.
• They tighten fleet-level fuel-efficiency requirements and provide incentives for EVs, hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles and other cleaner technologies.
• Under the framework, a battery electric vehicle counts as three vehicles for the fleet-efficiency calculation.

Green Energy Corridor Phase III Approved

• The Union Cabinet approved Green Energy Corridor Phase III with an outlay of over ₹1.86 lakh crore.
• It aims to integrate up to 135 GW of renewable energy into the electricity grid by FY2032–33.
• Around ₹1.36 lakh crore is allocated for intra-state transmission systems.
• A dedicated ₹50,000 crore component will support 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

India Participates in ASEAN-India Economic Ministers’ Meeting

• India participated in the 23rd ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation and the 14th East Asia Summit–Economic Ministers’ Meeting in Manila.
• Discussions covered trade, investment, energy security, industrial clusters and regional economic cooperation.
• India called for a balanced and trade-facilitative review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
• India-ASEAN trade reached US$128.38 billion in 2025–26.

HAL–SkyPulse ₹2,491 Crore Helicopter Programme

• HAL and SkyPulse Solutions IFSC signed an MoU for a proposed ₹2,491 crore helicopter programme.
• The programme covers 30 HAL-manufactured helicopters, with 10 planned during 2027–29 and 20 from 2030 onwards.
• Applications include emergency medical services, disaster response, search and rescue, tourism and UDAN.
• The programme also covers leasing, financing, MRO, training and engineering support.

India International Water Week 2026

• India International Water Week 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 22–26 September.
• The theme was “Climate Resilient Water Management.”
• Participants from around 150 countries discussed sustainable and technology-driven water management.
• The event also promoted South-South cooperation and progress towards SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation.

Social Issue in News

Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026

• The Seva First Innovation Challenge (SFIC) was launched to encourage young people to develop solutions to community problems.
• It has three levels: Junior, Technical and Open for school students, ITI/polytechnic students, and higher-education/research participants.
• Key themes include sustainable development, farmers, health, education and security.
• The challenge is being organised by the Ministry of Education, AICTE and UGC, with IISc Bengaluru as a nodal institution.

ECI’s Electoral Roll Management Systems

• ECINET, launched by the Election Commission in 2026, is a unified digital platform integrating more than 40 election-related portals and applications.
• It provides services relating to electoral rolls, candidates, political parties and polling information.
• The issue concerns the balance between centralised software systems and the statutory role of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
• The Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer sought changes to preserve ERO discretion in handling voter-data discrepancies.

Misc GA in News

Sunil Kumar Wins Bronze in Greco-Roman Wrestling

• Sunil Kumar won bronze in the men’s 87 kg Greco-Roman wrestling event.
• He defeated the Philippines’ Roberts Callum Johnston 9–0 by technical superiority.
• He had earlier lost his semifinal 0–11 to Japan’s Taizo Yoshida.
• This became his second Asian Games medal, making him the first Indian Greco-Roman wrestler to achieve this.

Lovlina Borgohain Reaches Asian Games Final

• Lovlina Borgohain reached the women’s 75 kg boxing final.
• She defeated Kazakhstan’s Natalya Bogdanova 3–2 in the semifinal.
• She became the first Indian woman boxer to reach back-to-back Asian Games finals.
• Priya Ghanghas and Kapil Pokhariya won bronze medals.

India Reaches Women’s Hockey Final

• India defeated South Korea 2–0 to reach the women’s hockey final.
• Ishika Chaudhary and Salima Tete scored for India.
• India dominated possession but struggled to convert penalty corners during the early stages.
• The result put India one step away from reclaiming the Asian Games women’s hockey gold.

Sanskrit Subhashitam on Six Qualities of Success

• The Sanskrit verse highlights six qualities: diligence, courage, patience, wisdom, strength and valour.
• The verse conveys that human effort and ability are important for achieving success.
• It links wisdom and courage with effective action.
• The message combines the ideas of human effort and destiny.

Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026

• Singapore Airlines was named the World’s Best Airline in the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards.
• Qatar Airways ranked second and Cathay Pacific third.
• Air India was the highest-ranked Indian airline at 57th globally.
• IndiGo ranked 61st and was recognised as the Best Low-Cost Airline in India & South Asia.

TakeMe2Space to Launch Orbital Data Centre

• Indian spacetech company TakeMe2Space plans to launch India’s first networked orbital data-centre mission in 2028.
• Two satellites of about 100 kg each are planned for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9.
• Each satellite is planned to carry NVIDIA Thor GPUs, 100 TB storage and 1.5 kW power.
• The project aims to enable in-orbit computing and data processing across satellites.

Bodhana Sivanandan Becomes Youngest Woman Grandmaster

• Indian-origin British chess player Bodhana Sivanandan became the youngest Woman Grandmaster (WGM) at age 11.
• She secured her third and final WGM norm at the 46th Chess Olympiad.
• She represented England at the Olympiad in Samarkand.
• She also became one of the youngest players to achieve major international chess milestones.

V.S. Rathanvel Becomes India’s 99th Grandmaster

• V.S. Rathanvel of Tamil Nadu became India’s 99th Grandmaster.
• He crossed the required 2,500 Elo rating.
• The achievement came during the 3rd Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026.
• The milestone added another Indian player to the country’s growing pool of chess Grandmasters.

World Contraception Day 2026

• World Contraception Day is observed on 26 September.
• The 2026 theme was “No Barriers, Just Choices.”
• It promotes awareness of contraceptive methods and informed reproductive-health choices.
• The first observance was held in 2007.

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

• Observed annually on 26 September.
• It promotes awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons and nuclear disarmament.
• The UN General Assembly designated the day through Resolution A/RES/68/32 in 2013.
• The first observance took place in 2014.

World Environmental Health Day 2026

• Observed on 26 September every year.
• The 2026 theme was “Environmental Health: Standing with Science to Protect Communities.”
• It highlights the role of environmental health professionals in public health and community protection.
• The observance is coordinated by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).

Delhi Launches ‘Udyog Mitra’ Portal

• Delhi launched the ‘Udyog Mitra’ portal under the Ease of Doing Business initiative.
• It provides a single-window platform for business licences and NOCs.
• The portal initially integrates 50+ services from 15 departments, with plans for further expansion.
• It includes features such as Single Sign-On, Common Application Form, Know Your Approvals and application tracking.

NABARD Current Affairs

Schemes in News

National Coastal Mission 2.0

Source: ThePrint

Context
The Union Environment Minister launched implementation guidelines for the National Coastal Mission 2.0 (NCM 2.0) — a Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of ₹767 crore for 2025-26 to 2030-31, across nine coastal States and four Union Territories.

What It Is

• A Central Sector Scheme establishing an integrated ecological governance and marine spatial planning framework
• Subsuming NCM 1.0 (2021-22 to 2025-26)
• To protect fragile coastal ecosystems and scale up nature-positive economic activities
• Administered directly by the MoEFCC

Aim

• Protect coastal and marine ecosystems
• Strengthen climate resilience
• Reduce marine pollution
• Sustainably harness India’s Blue Economy toward Viksit Bharat @2047

The Five Thematic Pillars

• Blue Economy growth
• Coastal risk reduction
• Climate adaptation and mitigation
• Capacity building
• Effective project management

Important Facts for Exams

• NCM 2.0 — ₹767 crore, 2025-26 to 2030-31; 9 coastal States and 4 UTs; administered by MoEFCC
• ICZM — Integrated Coastal Zone Management; the ICZM Project has been World Bank-supported since 2010
• CRZ Notification, 2019 governs coastal regulation; zones CRZ-I to IV
• NCSCM — National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai, the technical arm
• Blue carbon — carbon stored by mangroves, seagrass and salt marshes; the Indian Sundarbans stores about 24 million tonnes
• India has a coastline of about 7,500 km; 40 per cent of mangroves lost over the past century
• Green Climate Fund — the largest climate fund under the UNFCCC, established 2010

Air Ayodhya Receives NOC under UDAN

• Air Ayodhya, operated by Megamax Aviation, received a NOC from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to operate under RCS-UDAN.
• It aims to connect Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, pilgrimage centres and tourism hubs in Uttar Pradesh.
• Operations are planned with Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft, later expanding to larger aircraft.
• The airline plans to build a 50-aircraft fleet by 2036.

Reports/Articles in News

WHO-UNICEF Report on WASH in Schools

• WHO and UNICEF released Progress on Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools 2015–25 under the JMP-WASH programme.
• Around 50 million Indian children lacked access to sanitation services at school in 2025, the highest number globally.
• Globally, 244 million children lacked school sanitation services.
• About 20 million Indian children also lacked hygiene services at school.

Misc in News

UIDAI Launches Five New Aadhaar Initiatives

• UIDAI launched five initiatives at Aadhaar Samvaad in Kolkata on 29 September 2026, marking the 17th Aadhaar Day.
• Initiatives include Face Authentication for ePDS, SWIK Portal 2.0, Sub-AUA/Sub-KUA (LITE) Framework, New Token Management System and a revamped UIDAI website.
• Aadhaar Day commemorates the issuance of the first Aadhaar number on 29 September 2010.

MoMSME–MoSPI MoU for Statistical Business Register

• MoMSME and MoSPI signed an MoU to strengthen the Statistical Business Register (SBR).
• Udyam Registration data will be shared with MoSPI through APIs.
• The data will help improve the coverage, consistency and reliability of business statistics.
• SBR is a regularly updated database of businesses and economic units used for statistical purposes.

DRDO–CSIR-CGCRI Indigenous Bulletproof Glass

• DRDO and CSIR-CGCRI are developing lightweight bulletproof glass for armoured vehicles.
• The ₹50-crore, four-year project uses glass-ceramic technology and nanocrystals.
• The project aims for multi-shot protection against AK-47-class threats.
• Initial trials successfully stopped TAR rounds at around 695 m/s.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

JNPA–IFC Blue Financing for Shore Power

• Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority partnered with IFC for India’s first blue financing for shore power infrastructure.
• The financing is worth USD 70 million (about ₹672 crore) through a 10-year ECB loan.
• Shore Power Supply (SPS) allows ships at berth to use electricity from the grid instead of diesel engines.
• The project will help reduce fuel consumption and port-related emissions.

Apple Pay Launched in India

• Apple Pay was launched in India with Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
• Transactions use tokenisation and can be authenticated through Face ID, Touch ID or a device passcode.
• The initial rollout covers sectors such as food and beverages, travel, fashion and lifestyle.
• The initial service supports cards but not UPI or RuPay cards.

Bank of India Launches Programmable CBDC

• Bank of India launched user-level programmable CBDC with auto-issuance.
• Users can schedule recurring Digital Rupee (e₹) payments with fixed amounts and frequencies.
• Users can also specify the purpose for which the recipient can use the funds.
• Applications include allowances, education expenses and other recurring purpose-bound payments.

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

1. The Green Energy Corridor Phase-III Scheme

Source: News on

Context
The Union Cabinet approved the Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) scheme with an outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore.

What It Is

• A flagship central infrastructure scheme to expand and modernise state-level transmission grids (InSTS)
• Renewable Energy Evacuation: The scheme will enable evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy across States/UTs.
• Battery Energy Storage: 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will be deployed to improve grid flexibility.
• Total Outlay:₹1,86,405 crore
  • ₹1,36,378 crore – Intra-State Transmission Systems
  • ₹50,000 crore – 50 GWh BESS
• Central Financial Support:₹54,082 crore
  • This will help reduce intra-state transmission charges, ultimately keeping electricity costs lower.
• Target: The projects are planned for completion by FY 2032-33.
• Non-Fossil Energy Target: GEC-III will support India’s goal of 900 GW installed non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Important Facts for Exams

• Green Energy Corridor (GEC): Transmission network designed to integrate and evacuate electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
• Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS): Transmission network used to transfer electricity within a State.
• BESS: Battery-based system that stores electricity and supplies it when required.
• TBCB: A competitive bidding system where transmission projects are awarded to the bidder offering the required service at the most competitive tariff.
• BOOM: Build-Own-Operate-Maintain model in which a private transmission provider builds, owns, operates and maintains the infrastructure.
• Brownfield Project: Expansion, upgrading or strengthening of an existing infrastructure/network.
• Non-Fossil Capacity: Power capacity based on sources such as solar, wind, hydro and nuclear, rather than fossil fuels.

ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026)

Source: TH

Context
The second edition of AIME commenced at Subic Bay, Philippines — with INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish deployed alongside naval assets from ASEAN member states.

Key Details

• A multilateral joint naval exercise between the Indian Navy and ASEAN maritime forces
• The second edition, after the inaugural edition hosted by Singapore in May 2023
• Host: the Philippines, at Subic Bay, Zambales, opening into the South China Sea / West Philippine Sea

The Sengol

Source: New Indian Express

Context
The NCERT incorporated the Sengol into its newly released Class 9 Social Science textbook, citing it as a historic symbol marking the transfer of power to Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of Independence in 1947.

What It Is

• A ceremonial gold-plated silver sceptre rooted in ancient Tamil statecraft
• Historically presented at the coronation of monarchs, as an emblem of righteous rulership, judicial impartiality and adherence to dharma

Historical Background

• Chola legacy — the tradition originated over a millennium ago under the Imperial Cholas, where the high priest or royal guru handed the sceptre to a newly crowned sovereign, symbolising that temporal authority is subordinate to ethical law
• 1947 — commissioned by the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, a centuries-old non-Brahmin Saivite mutt in Tamil Nadu, and crafted by Madras jewellers Vummidi Bangaru Chetty; the five-foot sceptre was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru in August 1947
• Modern installation — preserved for decades at the Allahabad Museum, consecrated by pontiffs of Tamil Nadu Adheenams, and installed beside the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chair in the new Parliament building in May 2023

Social Issue in News

International Day of the Deaf 2026

• Observed on 27 September 2026, the last Sunday of September.
• It promotes rights, inclusion, education and communication access for deaf people.
• The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established in 1951.
• It is observed during the International Week of Deaf People.

International Day for Universal Access to Information 2026

• Observed on 28 September to promote the right to access information.
• 2026 theme: “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder.”
• UNESCO adopted the observance in 2015, while the UN General Assembly formally recognised it in 2019.

International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste 2026

• Observed on 29 September to highlight the need to reduce food loss and waste (FLW).
• 2026 theme: “Transformative Potential of Reducing Food Loss and Waste.”
• The UN General Assembly established the day in 2019.
• The first observance was held on 29 September 2020.

Misc GA in News

Lalit Kala Akademi National Exhibition of Art

• The 65th National Exhibition of Art showcased 6,175 artworks by 2,495 artists.
• The Lalit Kala Akademi announced 20 awards across visual art forms.
• Major categories included painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking and mixed media.
• The exhibition was held at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi.

Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Crowned King of Tooro

• Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma was crowned the 13th King (Omukama) of Tooro Kingdom, Uganda.
• He succeeded the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
• He was selected by a 21-member Babiito clan committee.
• He adopted the regnal name Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.

NABARD Current Affairs

Schemes in News

The GOBARdhan Scheme

Source: TH

Context
The Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched the GOBARdhan Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore, to accelerate India’s Compressed Biogas (CBG) sector over 10 years — FY2026-27 to FY2035-36.

What It Is

• Objective: Promote domestic CBG production, reduce LNG imports and biomass burning, and convert agricultural waste and cattle dung into green energy and bio-fertilisers.
• Nodal Ministry:Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
• Capital Assistance: Up to ₹2 crore per TPD of installed CBG capacity for eligible greenfield plants.
• Credit Guarantee: Up to 85% of outstanding defaults, with an exposure cap of ₹20 crore, increased to ₹25 crore for women-led enterprises.
• Ecosystem Challenge Fund: Supports R&D, capacity building and district-level biomass mapping through the Unified GOBARdhan Portal.

Aim

• Boost domestic CBG production
• Reduce LNG imports and biomass burning
• Convert agricultural waste and cattle dung into green energy and bio-fertilisers

Important Facts for Exams

• GOBARdhan: Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan — initiative for converting organic waste into biogas, CBG and bio-fertilisers.
• CBG: Purified biogas with high methane content that can be used as a CNG substitute.
• FOM: Fermented Organic Manure, a useful by-product of CBG production.
• TPD: Tonnes Per Day, a measure of plant production capacity.
• SATAT: Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation, launched in 2018 to promote CBG production and its use as an alternative transport fuel.

India’s First Female Farmer Worker Conference

Source: New Indian Express

Context
India’s first Female Farmer Worker Conference was held in New Delhi to recognise women’s contributions to agriculture and rural livelihoods — coinciding with the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.

What It Is

• A national-level convention for celebrating, networking and addressing structural challenges faced by women farmers, agricultural labourers and pastoralists
• Organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS)

Aim

• Establish the formal social and legal identity of women as legitimate “farmers” (Kisan) rather than unpaid family helpers
• Facilitate access to institutional land rights and credit
• Promote sustainable agrarian models

Important Facts for Exams

• 2026 is the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) — proposed by India and adopted by the UNGA
• The core issue is land title. Without a patta in her name, a woman cannot access institutional credit, crop insurance, subsidies or compensation — regardless of how much farm work she does
• Joint patta — land title recorded jointly in the names of husband and wife
• Women constitute roughly one-third of the agricultural workforce and a far higher share of operations in some activities, but own only about 14 per cent of operational holdings
• Mahila Kisan Diwas is observed on 15 October, also the International Day of Rural Women
• MKSP — Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana, under DAY-NRLM
• Female LFPR: 41.7 per cent (2023-24) on usual status; agriculture absorbs the largest share
• India ranks 131st on the Global Gender Gap Index 2026

PRAGATI-50 Initiative for Clean Cities

• MoHUA launched PRAGATI-50 under SBM-U 2.0 to develop 50 clean role-model cities across 24 States.
• It will use KPI-based monitoring and technology-enabled governance.
• A Swachh Bharat Test Bed & Innovation Centre will be established at Durgapur with CSIR-CMERI.
• A new cohort of sanitation and waste-management startups was also launched with IIT Kanpur.

National Coastal Mission 2.0

• NCM 2.0 aims to strengthen conservation and sustainable management of India’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
• It has a total budget of ₹767 crore and will continue up to 2030–31.
• It covers 9 coastal States and 4 Union Territories.
• Focus areas include climate-resilient blue economy, coastal risk reduction, climate adaptation and capacity building.

Agriculture Current Affairs in News

Zuppa–TNUAVC Drone Training Programme

• Zuppa and Tamil Nadu Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Corporation (TNUAVC) signed an MoU to establish indigenous drone training labs at Army Regimental Centres.
• The programme will train Agniveers and defence personnel in UAV operations.
• Zuppa plans to train and certify over 2,000 personnel in three years.
• Training will cover drone flying, simulation, maintenance, safety, mission planning and DGCA regulations.

MoTA–IGNCA MoU on Tribal Heritage

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and IGNCA signed an MoU to preserve and promote India’s tribal cultural heritage.
• It covers tribal languages, traditions, art, folklore and freedom-struggle contributions.
• Activities include digitisation, documentation, research, publications, exhibitions and cultural festivals.
• Tribal Research Institutes will work with IGNCA on preservation and dissemination.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

Small Savings Scheme Interest Rates Unchanged

• The Ministry of Finance kept Small Savings Scheme (SSS) interest rates unchanged for Q3 FY27 (October–December 2026).
• Rates have now remained unchanged for 14 consecutive quarters.
• The last revision was made in Q4 FY24.
• SSS instruments are government-backed savings products administered mainly through Post Offices and designated banks.

ICICI Lombard Launches VIBE Health Insurance

• ICICI Lombard launched VIBE, a health insurance product aimed at Gen Z customers aged 18–35 years.
• It combines hospitalisation, outpatient care, mental-health support, fitness benefits and wellness rewards.
• It offers six variants, with coverage from ₹7 lakh to ₹1 crore.
• The product uses the company’s IL TakeCare digital ecosystem.

Pramerica Life Launches Poorna Rakshak

• Pramerica Life Insurance launched Poorna Rakshak, a non-linked, non-participating individual savings life insurance plan.
• It offers five variants based on different financial and income needs.
• Variants include Smart Scholars, Early Income, Income Booster, Smart Money Back and Smart Saver.
• The plan combines life protection with guaranteed benefits.

Jio Financial Services–Allianz Capital Infusion

• Jio Financial Services and Allianz Europe invested a combined ₹640.10 crore in their 50:50 Jio Allianz General Insurance joint venture.
• Each partner invested ₹320.05 crore through a rights issue.
• The capital will support the expansion of general insurance operations in India.

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

CAG-BHASHINI Anuvaad

Source: PIB

Context
The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India launched CAG-BHASHINI Anuvaad — an AI-powered multilingual translation solution for official and audit-related documents.

What It Is

• An AI-enabled multilingual document translation solution
• Developed by BHASHINI specifically for the CAG
• To translate official documents and audit reports into Indian languages

Aim

• Integrate Language AI into CAG workflows
• Enabling faster and consistent multilingual translation
• While ensuring human oversight, security and data sovereignty

Important Facts for Exams

• CAG-BHASHINI Anuvaad — by the Digital India BHASHINI Division and the CAG
• BHASHINI supports 36 Indian text languages, 23 Indian voice languages, 35 international languages
• BHASHINI — Bhasha Interface for India, launched 2022 under the National Language Translation Mission; an initiative of MeitY
• It is built as Digital Public Infrastructure for language, with an open API ecosystem
• CAG — Article 148; appointed by the President; tenure six years or age 65
• The CAG audits accounts under Articles 149-151; reports go to the President or Governor, who lays them before Parliament or the State Legislature
• CAG reports are examined by the Public Accounts Committee, the Committee on Public Undertakings and the Estimates Committee
• Dr B. R. Ambedkar called the CAG the “most important officer under the Constitution”
• India has 22 scheduled languages in the Eighth Schedule; Hindi and English are the languages of the Union under Articles 343-351

Economy in News

Delhi ITMS Project Approved

• The Cabinet approved the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) for Delhi at an estimated cost of ₹1,789.52 crore.
• The project will cover 42 traffic corridors.
• It will be implemented in three phases over 24 months, followed by five years of operation and maintenance.
• The project aims to improve traffic management, urban mobility and transport infrastructure.

Green Energy Corridor Phase-III Approved

• The Cabinet approved Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) to strengthen intra-state transmission networks.
• It will facilitate the evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy.
• The project supports India’s expansion of renewable-energy infrastructure.
• It was covered earlier as a major clean-energy transmission initiative.

India Energy Week 2027 to Be Held in Kolkata

• India Energy Week 2027 will be held in Kolkata from 28–31 January 2027.
• Theme: “Unlocking Innovation. Securing Energy. Shaping Tomorrow.”
• The event will focus on oil and gas, LNG, hydrogen, biofuels, petrochemicals, AI and digitalisation.
• It will be the first India Energy Week hosted in eastern India.

Misc GA in News

ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise 2026

• The 2nd ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) was held at Subic Bay, Philippines.
• Indian Navy ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish participated.
• The exercise aims to improve interoperability, operational coordination and maritime cooperation.
• It has two phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase.

HSBC Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2026

• The report found that around 74% of Indian entrepreneurs surveyed planned to relocate or secure overseas residency.
• Singapore was the most preferred destination, followed by France, the UK and the US.
• Around 99% were adopting or planning to adopt AI in business.
• Major AI-related concerns included data privacy, employee resistance and integration with legacy systems.

Appointments & Resignations

Anup Kumar Saha Appointed Kotak Mahindra Bank MD & CEO

• RBI approved Anup Kumar Saha as the next MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank.
• He will take charge on 1 January 2027 for a three-year term.
• He will succeed Ashok Vaswani.

Mahesh Muralidhar Pai Appointed South Indian Bank MD & CEO

• Mahesh Muralidhar Pai became MD & CEO of South Indian Bank from 1 October 2026.
• His appointment has RBI approval and is for a three-year term.
• He succeeds P. R. Seshadri.

Lavanya R. Mundayur Appointed NIACL CMD

• The Central Government approved Lavanya R. Mundayur as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of New India Assurance Company Limited.
• She will serve until 31 May 2029, subject to the applicable terms of appointment.

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri Appointed Morocco PM

• Morocco’s King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as Prime Minister.
• She became the first woman Prime Minister of Morocco.
• She belongs to the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM).
• Morocco follows a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral Parliament.

Acquisitions & Mergers

CCI Approves BNP Paribas Cardif–IndiaFirst Life Deal

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved BNP Paribas Cardif’s proposal to acquire a 26% stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance.
• The stake is being acquired from Warburg Pincus.
• After the transaction, the shareholding is expected to be Bank of Baroda 65%, BNP Paribas Cardif 26% and Union Bank of India 9%.
• CCI is India’s statutory competition regulator under the Competition Act, 2002.

Important Days

World Rabies Day – 28 September

• Observed annually on 28 September to promote rabies prevention and elimination.
• 2026 theme: “Stronger Together.”
• The day was established in 2007 by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control.
• It commemorates the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, developer of the first successful rabies vaccine.

World Rivers Day – 27 September

• Observed on the fourth Sunday of September to promote river conservation and sustainable management.
• 2026: 27 September.
• The initiative was associated with Canadian river conservationist Mark Angelo.
• The first World Rivers Day was observed in 2005.

World Heart Day – 29 September

• Observed to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and heart health.
• 2026 theme: “Don’t Miss a Beat.”
• The first World Heart Day was observed in 2000.
• The observance is associated with the World Heart Federation and WHO.

International Translation Day – 30 September

• Observed on 30 September to recognise the role of language professionals in international communication.
• 2026 theme: “Linguistic Diversity and Language Rights.”
• The UN officially recognised the day through UNGA Resolution A/RES/71/288 in 2017.
• The date coincides with the feast day of St. Jerome, regarded as the patron saint of translators.

NABARD Current Affairs

Agriculture Current Affairs in News

Tiger Reintroduction at Buxa Tiger Reserve

• A three-year-old tigress (T138) was released into Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal, starting a phased tiger reintroduction programme.
• The tigress was translocated from Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar.
• Three more tigers are planned to be released over the next two months.
• The aim is to establish a viable and self-sustaining tiger population in Buxa.

ICAR–FCI MoU on Alternative Fumigation Technologies

• ICAR and FCI signed an MoU to develop safer and more sustainable alternatives to chemical fumigation for wheat and rice storage.
• Phase-I has an approved outlay of ₹3.28 crore and will be implemented by ICAR-CIPHET.
• Technologies being tested include nitrogen, carbon dioxide and combined CO₂-phosphine fumigation.
• The programme aims to reduce worker, environmental and ecological risks associated with conventional fumigation.

PIB in News

ICAR–FCI MoU on Alternative Fumigation Technologies

• ICAR and Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed an MoU to develop alternative fumigation technologies for wheat and rice storage.
• The two-year Phase-I will be implemented by ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana.
• It seeks alternatives to aluminium phosphide and malathion, whose repeated use has contributed to pest resistance and health risks.
• Pest resistance in key Indian states has reached 72–100%, increasing fumigation costs and risks to workers and the environment.

National Biodiversity Authority – 23rd Foundation Day

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) observed its 23rd Foundation Day.
• The focus was on strengthening Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
• ABS ensures that benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge reach local communities.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

NPS Swasthya

Source: Mint

Context
The PFRDA launched NPS Swasthya on 1 October 2026, observed as NPS Diwas — pairing a dedicated investment corpus with a super top-up health insurance policy. Axis Pension Fund is so far the only pension fund manager to launch the scheme.

How It Works

• Pairs a dedicated investment corpus with a super top-up health insurance policy
• Aims to help individuals prepare for health contingencies without disrupting long-term retirement savings
• A family floater covering the subscriber’s spouse and children — parents are excluded
• Sum insured: ₹1 lakh to ₹30 lakh
• The first-year premium is paid upfront; from the second year, renewal premiums can be funded from the NPS Swasthya balance

Important Facts for Exams

• NPS Swasthya launched 1 October 2026 (NPS Diwas) by PFRDA; first offered by Axis Pension Fund
• Sum insured ₹1 lakh to ₹30 lakh; family floater excluding parents; 12-month pre-existing disease waiting period; renewal only to age 85
• Withdrawal: up to 25 per cent of own contributions, no waiting period or frequency limit
• Deductibles: ₹10,000 / ₹50,000 / ₹1 lakh / ₹3 lakh for covers of ₹1 lakh / ₹5 lakh / ₹10 lakh / ₹30 lakh
• NPS Vatsalya — for minors; Atal Pension Yojana — for the unorganised sector

Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026 Comes into Force

• The Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026 came into force on 1 October 2026.
• It replaces the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891.
• The new law provides a modern framework for using banking records as evidence, including records maintained electronically.
• It received Presidential assent on 13 August 2026.

Bank of Baroda Becomes Second PSU Bank Sponsor of Pension Fund

• Bank of Baroda (BoB) received PFRDA approval to become a Pension Fund Sponsor through its subsidiary BoB Pension Fund Management Company.
• SBI was the first PSU bank to enter the pension fund segment in 2008.
• BoB has an 80.10% stake in its pension fund subsidiary, while Baroda BNP Asset Management Company holds 19.90%.
• BoB has also integrated Tatkal NPS with the BHIM App for digital NPS onboarding.

HDFC Bank Appoints Anup Bagchi as MD & CEO

• Anup Bagchi was appointed MD & CEO of HDFC Bank for three years, subject to RBI approval.
• He becomes the first external candidate to lead HDFC Bank.
• He previously served as MD & CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance and held senior positions at ICICI Bank and ICICI Securities.
• He has more than 30 years of experience in banking and financial services.

RBI & NABARD Current Affairs

Rising Child Leprosy Cases Challenge India’s 2027 Goal

Source: The Hindu

Context
India recorded 3,832 new child leprosy cases in 2025-26, including 37 with Grade-2 disability at diagnosis — 91.6 per cent above the National Leprosy Eradication Programme’s target of 2,000 cases.

The National Figures (2025-26)

Indicator	Figure
Total new leprosy cases	91,783
New child cases	3,832
Child cases with Grade-2 disability	37
Total G2D cases at diagnosis	1,945 — 2.12 per cent of new cases
Prevalence rate	0.56 per 10,000 population
National G2D rate	1.34 per million — above the target of under one per million

India’s Global Position

Per the WHO’s latest global update, for 2025:

Country	New cases
India	91,783
Brazil	22,901
Indonesia	16,292

• The three together account for 78.3 per cent of all new cases globally
• India also reported the world’s largest number of new child cases — 3,832
• India’s data covers April 2025 to March 2026, though presented in the WHO’s 2025 table

High-Burden States

Districts with prevalence above one per 10,000:

• Chhattisgarh — 23 districts
• Jharkhand — 21
• Maharashtra — 18
• Odisha — 18
• Madhya Pradesh — 10

About Leprosy

• Also called Hansen’s disease
• A chronic bacterial infection, caused mainly by Mycobacterium leprae
• Primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves
• Transmitted mainly through prolonged, close contact with an untreated person
• Curable with multidrug therapy (MDT)

Coal Mine Near Ramappa Temple Raises Heritage Concerns

Source: The Hindu

Context
Heritage activists, including the Kakatiya Heritage Trust, are demanding withdrawal of the proposed PVNR opencast coal mine at Venkatapur, Mulugu district, Telangana — contending it threatens the UNESCO-inscribed Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple and the adjacent Ramappa Lake.

About the Ramappa Temple

• Formally the Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, at Palampet, Mulugu district, Telangana
• Built in 1213 CE under the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva, by his general Recharla Rudra
• Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 — India’s 39th at the time
• The only temple in India named after its sculptor, Ramappa
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Rudreshwara

Samudra Manthan Mission

Source: Times of India

Context
Details emerged on the operationalisation of the ₹84,084-crore Samudra Manthan (National Offshore Exploration Scheme) — expanding India’s hydrocarbon exploration into deep and ultra-deep offshore frontier waters.

What It Is

• A Central Sector initiative of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
• Outlay ₹84,084 crore till FY2030-31
• Targeting deep and ultra-deep offshore basins

Aim

• De-risk and accelerate offshore exploration
• Add over 600 MMTOE of recoverable reserves
• Raise domestic production to 80 MMTOE annually
• Reduce crude oil import dependence

Haryana’s IoT-Based Waste Management for Pilgrimage Sites

Source: New Indian Express

Context
The Haryana Government planned an IoT-based waste management system for high-footfall pilgrimage sites, religious places, fairs and festivals.

What It Is

• A technology-driven solid waste management system
• Combining IoT-enabled smart bins, four-stream segregation, geo-tagging and real-time monitoring

Aim

• Ensure scientific waste segregation, collection and disposal
• Prevent littering and improve cleanliness, particularly during periods of high visitor footfall

Key Features

• IoT-enabled smart bins — sensor-equipped bins providing real-time fill-level data and automatically opening lids, enabling timely collection
• Four-stream segregation — dedicated waste stations with covered storage facilities
• 500-metre clean zone — no open waste collection points permitted within a 500-metre buffer, covering approach roads, parking areas and vendor zones
• Waste audits and geo-tagging — a minimum seven-day waste audit to assess generation; littering hotspots geo-tagged for targeted intervention

RoDTEP Scheme Extended to 31 December 2026

Source: News on Air

Context
The Department of Commerce extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme up to 31 December 2026.

What It Is

• A WTO-compliant export promotion and tax neutrality scheme
• Refunding previously un-rebated Central, State and local levies, taxes and duties borne on exported goods
• Including prior-stage cumulative indirect taxes on inputs and transport
• Came into effect on 1 January 2021, replacing the WTO-disputed Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)

Who Runs It

• Notified by: the DGFT, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Administered and implemented by: the CBIC, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance

Aim

• Neutralise embedded domestic taxes on outbound goods
• Eliminate cost disabilities for domestic producers
• Prevent the export of domestic taxes
• Enhance the cost competitiveness of Indian merchandise globally

Economy in News

Minimum Support Prices for Rabi Crops 2027–28

• The CCEA approved higher MSPs for all mandated Rabi crops for the 2027–28 Marketing Season.
• The increase aims to provide remunerative prices to farmers and encourage production of key Rabi crops.
• Major crops covered include wheat, barley, gram, lentil, rapeseed-mustard, safflower and toria.
• Wheat MSP was increased by ₹25 to ₹2,610 per quintal.

India’s GDP Growth Projected at 7.3% in Q2 FY27

• The Ministry of Finance projected India’s real GDP growth at 7.3% in Q2 FY27.
• India recorded 7.8% growth in Q1 FY27.
• Growth is supported by domestic consumption, investment, bank credit, infrastructure activity and services.
• Total exports were nearly US$400 billion during the first five months of FY27, keeping India on track for strong annual exports.

Amended BharatNet Programme Expanded in Maharashtra

• DBN signed an agreement with Maharashtra, MDIL, BSNL and MahaIT to implement the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP).
• The Centre has approved ₹10,520 crore for the programme in Maharashtra.
• It will cover 28,237 Gram Panchayats and provide connectivity to 15,799 villages on demand.
• The programme aims to improve rural broadband and last-mile digital connectivity.

Schemes in News

New Discovery Track Under PRIP Scheme

• The Department of Pharmaceuticals launched a New Discovery Track under the PRIP Scheme.
• It aims to provide early-stage funding for New Chemical Entities (NCEs), New Biological Entities (NBEs), complex generics, biosimilars and medical devices.
• Projects require 25% co-funding and can receive support through different funding stages.
• The PRIP Scheme was launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹5,000 crore to strengthen pharmaceutical research and innovation.

PMGSY-IV and PM-JANMAN Rural Roads Impact Assessment

• NRIDA signed an MoU with IIM Kolkata for a four-year longitudinal impact assessment of rural roads under PMGSY-IV and PM-JANMAN.
• The study covers 10 States/UTs, 50 districts, 150 blocks, 250 roads and around 5,000 households.
• It will assess changes in mobility, livelihoods, accessibility and access to essential services.
• The study includes baseline, transition and endline surveys.

Misc GA in News

Pranavi Urs Wins Historic Asian Games Golf Gold

• Pranavi Urs became the first Indian woman golfer to win an Asian Games gold medal.
• She won the individual women’s golf event by maintaining a one-stroke lead in the final round.
• She also contributed to India’s team silver medal.

Kumkum Mohod Wins Asian Games Recurve Gold

• Indian archer Kumkum Mohod won gold in the recurve event at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• Her victory was part of India’s strong performance in archery, boxing and wrestling.
• The achievement added to India’s medal tally on Day 14 of the Games.

Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th Birth Anniversary

• 2 October 2026 marked the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Indian missions across the world observed the day.
• The observances highlighted Gandhi’s message of truth, peace and non-violence.

CAG-BHASHINI Anuvaad Launched for Audit Documents

• Digital India BHASHINI Division and CAG launched CAG-BHASHINI Anuvaad.
• It uses AI-based multilingual translation for official documents and audit reports.
• The system focuses on context-aware translation, consistent terminology and data sovereignty.
• BHASHINI, launched in 2022, supports multiple Indian and international languages for digital public services.

India Reaffirms Whale Conservation Commitment at IWC-70

• India participated in the 70th International Whaling Commission meeting (IWC-70) in Hobart, Australia, held from 28 September to 2 October 2026.
• The meeting adopted the Hobart Declaration by consensus.
• India called for science-based cetacean conservation, better data and stronger international cooperation.
• India protects cetaceans through the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Marine Protected Areas and Project Dolphin.

THE World University Rankings 2027

• IISc Bengaluru was the highest-ranked Indian institution, placed 254th globally.
• University of Oxford retained the 1st position for the 11th consecutive year.
• The USA was the most represented country with 168 universities, followed by India with 143.
• Rankings consider teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry.

SpaceX Transporter-18 Launches 130 Payloads

• SpaceX launched 130 payloads aboard its Falcon 9 rocket under the Transporter-18 rideshare mission.
• The mission included Google’s Project Suncatcher satellite experiment.
• The project aims to study the operation of AI chips in space and support future orbital data centres.
• The payloads were deployed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Flying Wedge Defence–Keydef Partnership

• Indian defence startup Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace (FWDA) partnered with Portugal’s Keydef.
• The partnership will manufacture Kaal Bhairava autonomous UAVs and YAMA swarm interceptor drones in Portugal.
• The initial investment is €6 million.
• The companies will also pursue NATO certification to expand global market access.

International Day of Older Persons 2026

• Observed annually on 1 October to highlight the rights, dignity, health and contributions of older persons.
• 2026 Theme: “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
• The UN officially designated the day through UNGA Resolution 45/106 in 1990.
• The first observance was held on 1 October 1991.

International Coffee Day 2026

• Observed on 1 October to recognise coffee farmers, workers and communities and promote a sustainable coffee sector.
• 2026 Theme: “Celebrating Coffee, Honouring the People Behind Every Cup.”
• 2026 marked the first official UNGA-recognised observance of International Coffee Day.
• The day highlights coffee’s role in livelihoods, sustainable agriculture and international trade.

World Vegetarian Day 2026

• Observed annually on 1 October to promote awareness of the ethical, environmental and health aspects of vegetarianism.
• Established by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) in 1977.
• The International Vegetarian Union endorsed it in 1978.
• It marks the beginning of Vegetarian Awareness Month.

DAD Launches Digital Financial Management Initiatives

• The Defence Accounts Department (DAD) launched three major initiatives to improve digital financial management in defence.
• SAKSHAM was integrated with the Indian Army Financial Information System (IAFIS) for real-time financial data exchange.
• The Treasury Single Account (TSA) was operationalised through PRISM, integrated with RBI’s e-Kuber.
• The revamped National Compilation System (NCS) will improve defence expenditure monitoring and budget reporting.

NABARD Current Affairs

Desert National Park

Source: IE

Context
The Union Environment Minister released two captive-bred male Great Indian Bustards into the wild at Sam, Desert National Park, Jaisalmer.

What It Is

• One of India’s largest national parks, in the Thar Desert
• A sanctuary for desert wildlife, winter migrants and critically endangered avian fauna

Location

• Extreme western Thar Desert, Rajasthan, along the India-Pakistan border
• Gazetted in 1980 to arrest desertification
• A hyper-arid zone receiving under 100 mm annual rainfall
• Bordered by the Aravalli Range (east), Indus plains (west) and Great Rann of Kutch (south)

Important Facts for Exams

• DNP — 3,162 sq km; Jaisalmer and Barmer, Rajasthan; gazetted 1980; on India’s UNESCO Tentative List
• Rainfall under 100 mm; breeding centres at Sam and Ramdevra
• Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) — IUCN Critically Endangered, CITES Appendix I, Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act; state bird of Rajasthan; locally Godawan

Annual Survey of Industries 2024–25

• MoSPI released the ASI 2024–25, covering India’s registered manufacturing sector.
• Manufacturing GVA increased by 9.59%, while employment rose 7.19% to 2.10 crore.
• Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka accounted for 53.30% of total establishments.
• Total emoluments increased by 12.08% during 2024–25.

Schemes in News

PM-SETU Completes One Year

• PM-SETU aims to modernise Government ITIs and make skill training more industry-oriented.
• It has an outlay of ₹60,000 crore for five years: ₹30,000 crore Centre, ₹20,000 crore States and ₹10,000 crore industry.
• It targets 1,000 Government ITIs — 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs.
• In the first year, 850 ITIs were identified, including 172 Hub and 678 Spoke ITIs.

PMAY-G 2.0 Houses and 3D-Printed Housing in Andhra Pradesh

• The first instalment for 3 lakh PMAY-G houses worth ₹3,600 crore was released in Andhra Pradesh.
• A pilot project for 177 houses using 3D concrete printing was also launched.
• 3D printing can reduce construction time, labour requirements and costs.
• PMAY-G provides ₹1.20 lakh assistance in plain areas and ₹1.30 lakh in North-Eastern and hilly areas.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

NABKISAN Lists India’s First WASH-Focused Social Bond

• NABKISAN Finance Ltd, a subsidiary of NABARD, listed India’s first WASH-focused Social Bond on the NSE.
• It raised ₹180 crore through a 5-year bond carrying an 8.10% coupon.
• The bond was 1.8 times oversubscribed and received CRISIL AAA (Stable) and CARE AAA (Stable) ratings.
• Funds will support Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects for rural and underserved communities.

RBI Grants CIC Registration to Indiabulls

• RBI granted Certificate of Registration (CoR) to Indiabulls Limited as a Core Investment Company (CIC).
• A CIC is an NBFC mainly engaged in holding investments in and providing loans to group companies.
• Generally, at least 90% of net assets of a CIC must be in group-company investments/loans, with at least 60% in equity investments.
• The registration brings Indiabulls under the RBI regulatory framework for CICs.

RBI & NABARD Current Affairs

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026

Source: Indian Express

Context

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was jointly awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for discoveries that led to optogenetics — a technique that uses light to control specific nerve cells.

Key Highlights

• What is Optogenetics?
  • It is a technique that uses light-sensitive proteins to control the activity of specific neurons.
  • Scientists can switch selected brain cells ON or OFF using light.
• Role of Channelrhodopsin
  • Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel discovered channelrhodopsin, a light-sensitive protein in the single-celled alga Chlamydomonas.
  • When exposed to blue light, this protein opens a channel and allows ions to flow into the cell, producing an electrical signal.
• Contribution of Karl Deisseroth
  • Deisseroth introduced the gene for channelrhodopsin into nerve cells.
  • In 2005, he demonstrated that light could trigger nerve signals.
  • In 2007, the technique was successfully used to control nerve cells in the living brain of mice.
• Why is it important?
  • Earlier, scientists could mainly observe brain activity.
  • Optogenetics allows them to actively control specific neurons and establish a cause-and-effect relationship between brain circuits and behaviour.
  • It has helped researchers study memory, pain, emotions, thirst, hunger, reward, attention and social behaviour.
• Medical Applications
  • It is being studied for neurological and psychiatric conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, depression and schizophrenia.
  • Researchers are also exploring it to restore vision in people with certain forms of blindness.

Example

• Think of the brain as a huge electrical circuit. Earlier, scientists could watch the circuit working, but could not easily control one particular wire.
• Optogenetics = putting a light-controlled switch on selected neurons.
• So, scientists can shine light on a particular group of neurons and observe what happens to memory, movement, emotion or behaviour.

Key Terms

• Optogenetics: Use of light to control genetically modified cells, especially neurons.
• Channelrhodopsin: A light-sensitive protein that acts as a switch for controlling cell activity.
• Light-gated ion channel: A protein channel that opens or closes when exposed to specific light.
• Neuron: A nerve cell that transmits electrical and chemical signals.
• Neural circuit: A network of interconnected neurons responsible for a particular function or behaviour.
• Causal relationship: Showing that one event directly produces a particular effect.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Source: PIB

Context
A high-level Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh departed for Arusha, Tanzania, to participate in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

What It Is

• The global multilateral organisation of national parliaments
• A non-governmental international platform for parliamentary diplomacy, democratic institution-building and international cooperation among legislatures

Key Details

• Established 1889 in Paris
• Co-founded by William Randal Cremer (United Kingdom) and Frédéric Passy (France)
• One of the oldest international political organisations in the world
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• 183 Member Parliaments and 15 Associate Members
• Slogan: “For democracy. For everyone”

Aim

• Promote democratic governance, accountability, rule of law and legislative transparency
• Strengthen parliaments while advancing human rights, gender equality, youth participation and international peace

The Ramappa Temple

Source: TH

What It Is

• A 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva as Ramalingeswara or Rudreshwara
• Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021 — India’s 39th — as “Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana”
• At Palampet village, Venkatapur Mandal, Mulugu district

History

• Built in 1213 CE under Ganapati Deva, by his general Recharla Rudra
• Construction took roughly 40 years
• Named after its chief sculptor Ramappa — perhaps the only historic temple in India named after its builder rather than the deity

Important Facts for Exams

• Built 1213 CE; UNESCO listed July 2021; India’s 39th World Heritage Site
• Ganapati Deva (Kakatiya ruler); general Recharla Rudra; sculptor Ramappa
• Sandbox technique gives earthquake resistance; floating bricks reduce structural load
• Madanika — a sculpted female figure; Yali — a mythical composite beast in South Indian temple art
• Kakatiyas ruled from Warangal, 12th–14th centuries; Rani Rudrama Devi was among India’s few women rulers

3D-Printed Rural Houses under PMAY-G

Source: The Hindu

Context
Andhra Pradesh will launch India’s first national-level pilot to construct rural houses using 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) under PMAY-Gramin.

What 3DCP Is

• An automated, construction-scale additive manufacturing technology
• Replacing traditional brick-and-mortar masonry by depositing high-performance cementitious mixtures layer by layer, using robotic gantry or arm printers

How It Works

• Digital modelling — a 3D plan created using Building Information Modelling (BIM), sliced into precise numerical computer paths
• Material extrusion — a computer-guided robotic nozzle extrudes specially engineered fluid concrete along the toolpath
• Rapid in-situ setting — the mix maintains high buildability and fast setting, forming load-bearing walls without conventional formwork

Misc GA in News

NSO National Household Travel Survey

• The National Statistics Office (NSO) released findings from India’s first National Household Travel Survey.
• Only around 15% of workers use public transport such as buses, trains, trams and auto-rickshaws.
• Around 46% depend on cars or two-wheelers, while 28% travel on foot.
• The data helps understand urban mobility and transport patterns in India.

Five New Cheetah Cubs Born in Kuno

• Five cheetah cubs were born in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
• India’s cheetah population increased to 60, including 41 cubs born in India.
• The cubs were born to KJP21, the third India-born female cheetah to give birth in India.
• The development strengthens Project Cheetah and efforts to establish a sustainable cheetah population.

Five Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages

• The Ministry of Education approved five Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit.
• Assamese: Tezpur University; Bengali: Visva-Bharati.
• Marathi: Deccan College, Pune; Pali: Central University of Odisha; Prakrit: Central University of Gujarat.
• The centres will focus on research, preservation, digitisation and wider dissemination of classical-language heritage.

28 Places and Geographical Features Identified in Ladakh

• The Ministry of Home Affairs, with the Ladakh administration, identified 28 geographical features using standard names on Survey of India maps.
• These include peaks, mountains, glaciers, passes, land areas, a river, lake and valley.
• The initiative provides standard references for geographical features and improves awareness of their locations.
• Examples include Yangpa River, Guru Rinpoche Lake, Shkorga Valley and Hot Spring.

Nālandā University–CSIR-TKDL MoU

• Nālandā University and the CSIR-Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) Unit signed an MoU on traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
• The collaboration covers Traditional Knowledge, IPR, Traditional Cultural Expressions and Indian Knowledge Systems.
• It includes research, documentation, training, internships and academic exchanges.
• Special focus will be given to Bihar’s cultural heritage.

Pondicherry University–NIT Nagaland Research Collaboration

• Pondicherry University and NIT Nagaland signed an MoU under the ANRF-PAIR programme.
• IISc Bengaluru will act as the hub, while Pondicherry University and NIT Nagaland will function as spoke institutions.
• NIT Nagaland became the first North-Eastern institution participating in this PAIR project.
• Research will focus on functional materials for healthcare, energy, catalysis and computational materials.

HAL to Acquire Full Ownership of HATSOFF

• HAL signed an agreement to acquire the remaining 50% stake in HATSOFF Helicopter Training from CAE Canada.
• The shares are being acquired at nil consideration.
• After completion, HATSOFF will become a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of HAL.
• HATSOFF provides simulator-based training for military and civil helicopter pilots.

DRDO’s Kaveri Dry Engine Completes Trials

• DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) successfully completed high-altitude and flight trials of the Kaveri Dry Engine in Russia.
• The engine is being developed for the Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).
• It recorded a maximum dry thrust of 48.5 kN, exceeding the target of 46 kN.
• The engine is a non-afterburning version of the Kaveri engine.

India’s First Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution Link

• QNu Labs, BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar demonstrated India’s first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link.
• The secure communication link covered 5.56 km.
• It achieved a Quantum Bit Error Rate below 5% and generated secure keys at 230–260 bps.
• QKD uses quantum principles to enable highly secure encryption-key distribution.

New Lizard Species Discovered in Peru

• Scientists discovered a new cryptic lizard species named Liolaemus arequipensis in southern Peru.
• It was found at an altitude of about 4,818 metres in the Arequipa region.
• It belongs to the Liolaemus genus, a group of South American lizards mainly found in the Andes.
• The species was described in the scientific journal Diversity.

Asian Games 2026 – India Finishes Fourth

• The Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games 2026 concluded on 4 October 2026.
• India finished 4th with 85 medals: 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze.
• China topped the table with 341 medals, followed by Japan and South Korea.
• The Games featured 469 medal events across 43 sports.

Filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao Passes Away

• Veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 94.
• He directed around 60 films across several Indian languages.
• Notable works include Pushpaka Vimanam, Aditya 369, Mayuri and Bhairava Dweepam.
• He received 2 National Film Awards and several state and Filmfare awards.

International Day of Non-Violence 2026

• Observed on 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• The UN established the day through UNGA Resolution 61/271 in 2007.
• India observes 2 October as Gandhi Jayanti and Swachh Bharat Diwas.
• 2026 marked Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary.

World Animal Day 2026

• Observed annually on 4 October to promote animal welfare and protection.
• 2026 Theme: “See the World Through Their Eyes.”
• October 4 is also associated with St. Francis of Assisi, regarded as the patron saint of animals.
• Since 2003, the Naturewatch Foundation has coordinated the global observance.

National Wildlife Week 2026

• Observed in India from 2–8 October to promote wildlife conservation.
• 2026 Theme: “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife.”
• The focus is on habitat connectivity, which enables wildlife to move and survive across landscapes.
• National Wildlife Week developed from the National Wildlife Day first observed in 1955.

NABARD Current Affairs

1. COFO 28: India’s Forest Progress and the SOFO 2026 Report

Source: PIB

Context of the News

India presented its progress on forest cover, restoration and climate action at the 28th Session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO 28), held from 28 September to 2 October 2026 in Rome, Italy. India’s forest and tree cover now stands at 82.74 million hectares, or 25.17 per cent of its geographical area.

Key Highlights

What Is COFO?

• A biennial session — held every two years
• Brings together 128 member countries, including ministers, heads of forest services, senior officials and partner organisations
• Discusses global forestry issues
• COFO 28 was chaired by Pierre Taty of the Republic of the Congo

What Was the Theme?

• Held alongside the 10th World Forest Week
• Theme: “Forests for food, resilience and prosperity”

How Did India Participate?

• Through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• India presented its national statement on forest and landscape restoration
• Reported forest and tree cover of 82.74 million hectares — 25.17 per cent of geographical area

What Did the FAO Report Say?

The FAO released “The State of the World’s Forests 2026: Restoring Forests and Landscapes – The Way Forward for a Sustainable Future”

• A global assessment of land degradation
• With practical strategies for scaling up high-quality Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR)
• Key finding: nearly 1.56 billion hectares of land is degraded globally
• That is 10 per cent of the world’s total land area
• And about 5.2 times the size of India

Important Facts for Exams

• India’s forest and tree cover: 82.74 mn ha, 25.17 per cent of geographical area
• India ranks 9th globally in total forest area and 3rd in net annual forest area gain (FRA 2025)
• Bonn Challenge: India pledged 26 mn ha by 2030; 21.76 mn ha already under restoration
• India’s carbon sink: additional 2.29 billion tonnes CO₂e by 2021; target 3.5–4.0 billion tonnes by 2035
• FAO — headquartered at Rome, founded 1945; also publishes SOFI (food security) and SOFA (agriculture)
• The Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) is published every five years

PM E-DRIVE Scheme Completes Two Years

• The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme completed two years on 29 September 2026.
• About 26.59 lakh electric vehicles (EVs) were sold under the scheme as of June 2026.
• The scheme was launched in October 2024 and has been extended up to 31 March 2028.
• It supports e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks, e-buses and EV charging infrastructure.

RBI Current Affairs

World Bank Raises India’s FY27 Growth Forecast to 7.1%

Source: Business Standard

Context
The World Bank raised India’s FY27 growth projection to 7.1 per cent from 6.6 per cent, citing robust domestic demand and strong exports despite global headwinds — in the October edition of its India Development Update.

The Revised Forecast Table

Agency	Before	After
World Bank	6.6	7.1
OECD	6.3	7.1
ADB	6.6	7.0
S&P Global	6.6	7.0
Moody’s	6.0	7.0
Fitch	6.4	6.9
Goldman Sachs	6.5	—
IMF	6.4	—
RBI	6.7	—

What Is Driving Growth

• “Growth has held up better than expected despite trade and geopolitical uncertainties”
• Private consumption is expected to remain the main driver
• A rainfall deficit through August is likely to weigh modestly on rural demand
• Government consumption will stay subdued

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

2026 Nobel Prize in Physics: Neutrinos and the IceCube Observatory

Source: Indian Express

Context of the News

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Francis Halzen, a Belgian-American scientist, for his pioneering work on detecting high-energy neutrinos using the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole in Antarctica.

Key Highlights

What are Neutrinos?

• Neutrinos are extremely tiny subatomic particles produced mainly during nuclear reactions, such as those occurring inside the Sun.
• They are among the most abundant particles in the universe, after photons.
• They are electrically neutral and interact very weakly with matter, earning them the nickname “ghost particles.”
• Billions of neutrinos pass through our bodies every second without noticeable effects.

Why are Neutrinos Important?

• Because neutrinos interact very weakly with matter, they can travel through very dense regions of space without being absorbed or scattered.
• This allows scientists to study cosmic events that cannot be observed clearly through ordinary light.
• Neutrinos therefore provide a new window into the universe.

What did Francis Halzen do?

• Francis Halzen developed the idea of using the deep Antarctic ice itself as a huge neutrino detector.
• This led to the development of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole.
• IceCube covers about 1 cubic kilometre of ice and contains more than 5,000 light sensors installed deep inside the Antarctic ice.

How does IceCube detect neutrinos?

1. A neutrino occasionally collides with an atomic nucleus in the ice.
2. The collision produces a charged particle.
3. The charged particle travels through the ice and produces a faint blue light/glow called Cherenkov light.
4. IceCube’s light sensors detect this glow.
5. Scientists use the direction and energy of the light to determine the direction and energy of the original neutrino.

Why Antarctica?

• The South Pole provides a large volume of extremely clear and stable ice.
• Deep ice is naturally dark and isolated, reducing interference from other sources.
• This makes it suitable for detecting the extremely rare interactions of neutrinos.

India’s Rising Supercomputing Ecosystem

Source: PIB

Context of the News

India has deployed 40 indigenous supercomputers with a combined capacity of 68 Petaflops under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) — strengthening self-reliance in high-performance computing (HPC) ahead of ESTIC-2026.

Key Highlights

What Is the National Supercomputing Mission?

• Launched in April 2015 with an outlay of ₹4,500 crore
• Jointly run by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Implemented by C-DAC, Pune and IISc, Bengaluru
• Its aim is to build an indigenous high-performance computing system, so India does not depend on other countries for computing power

How Did Indian Supercomputing Develop?

• PARAM 8000 (1991) — India’s first indigenous supercomputer, built by C-DAC, with a speed of 1 Gigaflop. It was made after Western countries refused to sell India the Cray X-MP machine
• PARAM Yuva series (2008–2013) — raised Indian computing to the Teraflop level (54 TF), used for fluid dynamics, weather modelling and bioinformatics
• NSM launched (2015) — shifted from building one-off machines to a connected national grid
• PARAM Shivay and Pravega (2019–2022) — the first multi-petaflop systems. PARAM Shivay at IIT BHU was the first built under NSM, followed by PARAM Pravega (3.3 PF) at IISc Bengaluru
• PARAM Rudra (2024 onwards) — uses Indian-designed Rudra servers, Indian high-speed interconnects and Indian liquid-cooling parts

National Household Travel Survey (NHTS)

Source: PIB

Context of the News

The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the findings of India’s first-ever National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), conducted from July 2025 to June 2026.

Key Highlights

What Is the Survey?

• India’s first all-India household travel survey
• It records why people travel, how they travel, how far, for how long and how much they spend
• Covered 4.92 lakh households and over 20.34 lakh persons
• Conducted by the NSO under MoSPI
• Important note: in this survey, “travel” means a trip of 1 km or more. Shorter trips are not counted

Important Facts for Exams

• NHTS — India’s first household travel survey; July 2025 to June 2026; 4.92 lakh households, 20.34 lakh persons; by the NSO under MoSPI
• “Travel” means trips of 1 km or more
• Students: 66.4 per cent travel 1 km+; walking 37, bus 29.5, bicycle 15.8 per cent
• Workers: 57.6 per cent travel 1 km+; urban 64.1, rural 54.5 per cent
• Two-wheelers: 42.6 per cent overall; 52.3 urban, 37.1 rural
• Gender gap: 61.9 per cent men against 41.9 per cent women
• Average travel time: 23 minutes (students), 25 minutes (workers)
• Monthly commute cost: ₹785 average; ₹1,044 urban, ₹612 rural
• Overnight travel: buses 55.8, railways 17.7 per cent; 70.2 per cent for social and religious reasons
• The female work-travel gap connects to India’s low female labour force participation of 41.7 per cent (PLFS 2023-24)

Pneumonic Plague

Source: TOI

Context of the News

Nearly 200 people were quarantined and monitored in Irkutsk, Siberia, after a researcher at an anti-plague institute died of severe pneumonia suspected to be pneumonic plague.

Key Highlights

What Is Pneumonic Plague?

• The rarest, most severe and most deadly form of plague
• It is an infection of the lungs
• Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis
• It is the only form of plague that spreads directly from person to person

Important Facts for Exams

• Pneumonic plague — the deadliest form and the only one spreading person to person
• Caused by Yersinia pestis; carried by rodents, spread by the rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis)
• Incubation: 24 hours to 3 days
• Three forms: bubonic (lymph nodes), septicaemic (blood), pneumonic (lungs)
• Treated with gentamicin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin
• Yersinia pestis is named after Alexandre Yersin, who identified it in Hong Kong, 1894
• Plague caused three historic pandemics — the Plague of Justinian (6th century), the Black Death (14th century) and the Third Pandemic (19th century), which reached Bombay in 1896
• India’s last major outbreak was in Surat, 1994
• The Haffkine Institute, Mumbai was founded after the 1896 plague; Waldemar Haffkine developed the first plague vaccine there

India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)

Source: PIB

Context of the News

India and Japan jointly launched the Operational Manual for the India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) in New Delhi — moving the arrangement from design to actual project execution.

Key Highlights

What Is the JCM?

• A bilateral project-based mechanism started by Japan with partner developing countries
• Japan supplies advanced low-carbon technology, infrastructure and services
• The emission reductions achieved are counted as credits and shared between the two countries

What Is the Legal Basis?

• Governed by Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which allows two countries to cooperate voluntarily and transfer emission reductions between them
• These transferred reductions are called ITMOs — Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes
• Built on a Memorandum of Cooperation signed 7 August 2025
• And Rules of Implementation adopted 8 June 2026

Economy in News

India, Japan Launch Operational Manual for Joint Crediting Mechanism

• India and Japan launched the Operational Manual for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) in New Delhi.
• It operationalises cooperation under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
• The JCM promotes low-carbon technologies, climate finance and emission reduction projects.
• The manual covers the complete project cycle, from project idea submission to credit issuance and authorisation.

Odisha Launches MICE Incentive Portal

• Odisha launched India’s first dedicated digital portal for MICE — Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions tourism.
• The portal will simplify incentive applications and approvals for large business events.
• Eligible events can receive incentives of ₹1,000 per room per day, subject to specified conditions.
• The initiative aims to strengthen business tourism and corporate event infrastructure in Odisha.

Social Issue in News

World Habitat Day 2026

• World Habitat Day is observed on the first Monday of October to promote adequate housing and better human settlements.
• The 2026 theme was “Adequate Housing for All.”
• The global observance was held in Muscat, Oman, from 5–8 October 2026.
• In India, the focus included progress under PMAY-U and PMAY-U 2.0.

World Teachers’ Day 2026

• World Teachers’ Day is observed every year on 5 October.
• The 2026 theme was “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.”
• It marked the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO-UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
• The day was first observed globally in 1994.

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2026

• World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed on 6 October to promote awareness, inclusion and accessibility.
• The 2026 theme was “Unique and united.”
• Cerebral Palsy is a group of neurological disorders affecting movement, posture and muscle coordination.
• The day was designated in 2012 by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.

Misc GA in News

India Among Countries Interested in Hosting 2036 Olympics

• India is among seven countries that expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics.
• Other interested countries include Qatar, South Africa, South Korea, Germany, Hungary and Turkey.
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected to decide the host through its members in 2029.
• The IOC is also discussing potential hosting for 2040 and 2044.

HAL Delivers Its 2,000th Aero-Engine

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivered its 2,000th aero-engine from its Koraput division in Odisha.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the need for indigenous capabilities in aero-engine design, development, manufacturing and maintenance.
• Around ₹5,000 crore of proposed investment will support the aerospace ecosystem.
• India is also developing its first indigenous high-thrust engine testing facility, important for the AMCA programme.

24 Departmentally-Related Standing Committees Reconstituted

• The Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman reconstituted 24 Departmentally-Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) for 2026–27.
• Bhartruhari Mahtab was appointed Chairperson of the Finance Committee.
• Shashi Tharoor will head the Committee on External Affairs.
• Radha Mohan Singh was appointed Chairperson of the Defence Committee.

MeitY Launches Centre for AI in Keralam

• MeitY launched the Centre for AI in Keralam (CAIK) in Thiruvananthapuram under the IndiaAI Mission.
• Digital University Kerala will be the implementing agency.
• Focus areas include healthcare, agriculture, climate resilience, sustainability and e-governance.
• Its first cohort includes 15 AI startups across healthcare, AgriTech, legal technology, Edge AI and other fields.

Three High Court Chief Justices Appointed as Supreme Court Judges

• Justice Sunita Agarwal, Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh were appointed as Supreme Court judges.
• The appointments were made under Article 124(2) of the Constitution.
• New Acting Chief Justices were also appointed for the Gujarat, Delhi and Telangana High Courts.
• Gurvinder Pal Singh was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court under Article 224(1).

Rajeshwari Kumari Elected to OCA Athletes Commission

• Indian trap shooter Rajeshwari Kumari was elected to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Athletes Commission for 2026–2030.
• She will represent South Asia.
• She becomes the second Indian on the Commission after Shiva Keshavan.
• She won a silver medal in the Women’s Trap Team event at the 2022 Asian Games.

Fleet Support Ship ‘Surya’ Launched

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1) ‘Surya’ at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam.
• It is the first of five indigenously designed Fleet Support Ships for the Indian Navy.
• The 43,500-tonne ships will carry fuel, water, ammunition and other supplies for naval vessels.
• The ship also has a helicopter deck, maintenance facilities and self-defence systems.

Max Verstappen Wins 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix

• Max Verstappen won the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix for Oracle Red Bull Racing.
• Kimi Antonelli finished second, while Lewis Hamilton finished third.
• It was the 16th round of the 2026 Formula One World Championship.
• The race was held at Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, marking Formula One’s return to the circuit since 2017.

India Wins Four Gold and One Silver at IOAA 2026

• India won four gold medals and one silver medal at the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2026.
• All five members of India’s team won medals.
• The achievement highlights India’s performance in astronomy and astrophysics education.

India Mobile Congress 2026

• The 10th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) began at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
• The 2026 theme is “Scale Without Boundaries.”
• The event focuses on telecommunications, digital connectivity and emerging technologies.
• It provides a platform for global collaboration in India’s digital ecosystem.

Novak Djokovic Wins Seventh China Open Title

• Novak Djokovic won the China Open men’s singles title in Beijing.
• It was his seventh China Open title.
• The victory also gave him his 102nd Tour-level trophy.
• Australia’s Alex de Minaur retired during the final.

NABARD Current Affairs

Agriculture Current Affairs in News

Up to 30% of Cotton Area Under Illegal GM Hybrids

Source: Indian Express

Context of the News

A recent field-based study by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) and National Seed Association of India (NSAI) estimates that 24–30% of India’s cotton area may be under unauthorised GM cotton hybrids containing traits not approved by the government.

Key Highlights

• Scale of cultivation: Of 114.8 lakh hectares under cotton in 2025–26, around 26.2–29 lakh hectares may involve unauthorised GM hybrids.
• Genes legally allowed: India currently permits GM cotton with two Bt genes — cry1Ac and cry2Ab. These provide protection against certain bollworm pests.
• Unauthorised genes found:
  • cp4-epsps: Provides tolerance to glyphosate herbicide, allowing farmers to spray glyphosate for weed control without killing the cotton plant.
  • Vip3A: A Bt-derived gene offering protection against a broader range of insect pests, including pink bollworm.
• Study coverage: Researchers tested 227 geo-tagged seed/leaf samples from fields of 984 farmers across 16 districts in Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• HT gene prevalence: The cp4-epsps gene was detected in 72.69% of field samples.
  • Telangana: 88.64%
  • Maharashtra: 70.92%
  • Andhra Pradesh: 62.86%
  • Rajasthan: 57.14%
• Vip3A prevalence: 53.74% of samples tested positive for the Vip3A gene.
• Why farmers are adopting it: Labour shortages and high manual weeding costs are major drivers. Glyphosate-based weed control may cost around ₹750–850/acre, compared with ₹12,000–15,000/acre for manual weeding.
• Illegal seed market: Unauthorised HTBt cotton seed sales are estimated to have increased from 35 lakh packets in 2017–18 to 82–88 lakh packets in 2025–26, potentially worth ₹820–880 crore.
• Glyphosate imports: Imports increased by about 29%, from 27,721 kilolitres in 2024–25 to 35,642 kilolitres in 2025–26.

Key Terms

• GM Crop: A crop whose genetic material is modified using biotechnology to introduce a desired trait.
• Bt Cotton: Cotton genetically modified with genes from Bacillus thuringiensis to protect against insect pests.
• HT Cotton: Herbicide-Tolerant Cotton, designed to survive application of a particular herbicide.
• cp4-epsps: A gene that gives plants tolerance to glyphosate.
• Vip3A: A Bt-derived insect-resistance gene effective against several cotton pests.
• Biosafety Regulation: Government rules governing the development, testing, approval and release of genetically modified organisms.
• Pink Bollworm: A major cotton pest that damages cotton bolls and reduces yield and fibre quality.

WWF Living Planet Report 2026

Source: Indian Express

Context of the News

The WWF’s biennial Living Planet Report 2026 found a 73 per cent average decline in the sizes of monitored vertebrate populations — mammals, fish, birds and amphibians — over the 52 years from 1970 to 2022.

Key Highlights

• 73% decline: Average monitored vertebrate population sizes declined by 73% between 1970 and 2022, based on data from 35,803 populations and 5,790 species.
• Freshwater ecosystems: Recorded the highest decline at 85%, followed by terrestrial ecosystems (69%) and marine ecosystems (59%).
• Regional decline: The largest declines occurred in Latin America & Caribbean (95%), Africa (80%), and Asia-Pacific (49%).
• Major drivers: Habitat loss and degradation, overexploitation, climate change, invasive species, pollution and disease.
• Food system: The way food is produced and consumed is identified as the single largest driver of biodiversity loss, contributing to habitat destruction, overharvesting and greenhouse-gas emissions.
• Recovery is possible: Green turtles, bluefin tuna, tigers and southern African elephants have shown recovery due to targeted conservation efforts. Global wild tiger numbers increased from around 3,200 in 2010 to 5,700 in 2025.

Living Planet Index (LPI)

LPI measures the average rate of change in population size of monitored vertebrate species across terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. It tracks relative changes in population abundance, not the total number of animals lost.

Key Terms

• Biodiversity: Variety of living organisms, ecosystems and genetic resources.
• Living Planet Index: Indicator tracking changes in monitored vertebrate populations.
• Vertebrates: Animals with a backbone, such as mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians.
• CBD: Global agreement for biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and benefit sharing.
• Cartagena Protocol: International agreement dealing with biosafety and GMOs.
• Nagoya Protocol: Agreement governing access to genetic resources and fair sharing of benefits.

Important Facts for Exams

• WWF — founded 1961, headquartered at Gland, Switzerland; its symbol is the giant panda

Rural Economy Becoming More Resilient to Monsoon Shocks

• An RBI study found that India’s rural economy is becoming less dependent on rainfall because of non-farm activities, allied sectors and better irrigation.
• For small farm households owning up to one acre, wages contribute more than 55% of income, while crops and livestock together contribute about 36%.
• Even when rainfall is highly deficient, non-agricultural rural growth remains relatively strong, while agricultural growth falls sharply.
• The finding is important for understanding rural income diversification and climate resilience.

VB–G RAM G Act: Permissible Rural Works Expanded to 375

• The Ministry of Rural Development expanded permissible works under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB–G RAM G] Act, 2025 from 266 to 375, a 41% increase.
• The works are grouped under Water Security, Core Rural Infrastructure, Livelihood Infrastructure and Disaster Preparedness.
• 181 works are agriculture-related, including water management, land development, plantations, livestock and productive assets.
• Works will be planned through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, approved by the Gram Sabha.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

RBI Raises Repo Rate to 5.5% and Shifts to Calibrated Tightening

Source: ET

Context of the News

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.5 per cent and shifted its stance from neutral to calibrated tightening — signalling that rate cuts are off the table in the near term.

Key Highlights

What Are the New Rates?

Rate	New level
Repo rate	5.50 per cent
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)	5.25 per cent
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF)	5.75 per cent
Bank Rate	5.75 per cent

Why Did RBI Raise the Repo Rate?

The main reason is that the inflation outlook has become less comfortable, while economic growth remains strong.

• Crude oil prices: Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel, creating inflationary pressure because India is heavily dependent on imported crude.
• Geopolitical tensions: The escalation of the West Asia conflict has increased uncertainty and oil-price volatility.
• Food inflation: Weak monsoon conditions and El Niño-related risks could put pressure on food prices.
• Rupee weakness: A weaker rupee makes imports, particularly crude oil, more expensive.
• Strong growth: India’s economy remains strong, giving the RBI greater room to raise borrowing costs.

What Does “Calibrated Tightening” Mean?

• Calibrated tightening means the RBI is gradually moving towards a tighter monetary policy to control inflation.
• Inflation risk ↑ → Repo Rate ↑ → Borrowing becomes costlier → Demand may moderate → Inflation pressure may reduce

Impact on Loans

The repo-rate hike is likely to make floating-rate loans more expensive.

• Home loans: EMIs may increase or loan tenure may rise.
• Auto loans: New borrowing may become costlier.
• MSME loans: Cost of credit may increase.
• Consumer demand: Higher EMIs can reduce demand for interest-sensitive goods and services.
• Deposits: Banks may gradually increase deposit rates to attract funds.

Key Terms

• Repo Rate: Rate at which RBI lends short-term money to commercial banks against eligible securities.
• Basis Point (bps): 1 bps = 0.01 percentage point; therefore, 25 bps = 0.25 percentage point.
• MPC: Six-member body responsible for deciding the policy repo rate.
• Monetary Policy Stance: RBI’s broad approach towards interest rates and liquidity.
• Calibrated Tightening: A gradual move towards higher interest rates to contain inflation.
• SDF: Facility through which banks deposit surplus funds with RBI without collateral.
• MSF: Overnight borrowing facility available to eligible banks from RBI against specified securities.
• CPI Inflation: Inflation measured using changes in the Consumer Price Index.

SEBI Launches ‘Samajh Se Investing Simple’ Campaign

• SEBI launched the ‘Samajh Se Investing Simple’ campaign under Project Jagrook during World Investor Week 2026.
• The campaign aims to improve financial literacy, informed investment decisions and investor protection.
• The MUST programme trains university and college faculty, staff and senior students as investor-education trainers.
• The campaign is supported by market institutions including NISM, BSE, NSE, MCX, CDSL, NSDL and AMFI.

RBI & NABARD Current Affairs

2026 Chemistry Nobel: Mirror-Image Molecules

Source: Indian Express

Context of the News

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Henri Kagan (France) and Kenso Soai (Japan) for showing how homochirality — nature’s preference for one mirror-image form of a molecule — can be created in the laboratory.

Key Highlights

What Is Chirality?

• Some molecules exist in two forms, each the mirror image of the other — like your left and right hands
• The two forms have the same atoms, connected in the same order
• The only difference is the three-dimensional arrangement
• One cannot be placed exactly on top of the other — they are non-superimposable
• The two forms are called enantiomers

Why Does It Matter in Biology?

• The amino acids in proteins and the sugars in DNA occur in only one form
• The mirror versions exist but life rarely uses them
• This preference is called homochirality

What Was the Laboratory Problem?

• Ordinary chemical reactions produce both enantiomers in roughly equal amounts
• So homochirality was long thought to be unique to living things

What Did Each Scientist Contribute?

Scientist	Period	Contribution
Willy Marckwald	Early 1900s	First reaction giving slightly unequal amounts, using a chiral catalyst
Henri Kagan	1980s	Showed that a mildly chiral catalyst can produce strongly asymmetric results — disproving the assumed linear relationship
Kenso Soai	1990s	Created the first asymmetric autocatalytic reaction, where the product acts as its own catalyst, yielding 99.5 per cent of one enantiomer

Why Does This Matter for Medicines?

• Many drug molecules are chiral
• The body responds to only one enantiomer; the other may be useless or harmful
• Earlier: companies made both forms, then separated the useful one — expensive and wasteful
• Now: the desired form can be made directly, through asymmetric synthesis
• Also applies to flavours, fragrances and pesticides

The Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA)

Source: PIB

Context of the News

The Union Cabinet approved setting up a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) — the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA) — as the national apex body for transport and logistics planning.

What Is ITLA?

• A national apex institution, set up as a Special Purpose Vehicle
• To institutionalise integrated, multimodal transport planning, big-data analytics, project technical appraisal and policy support across all freight and transit areas
• Modelled on similar agencies in Japan, the United States, South Korea, China and Australia

Why Was It Needed?

• India’s transport infrastructure has historically suffered from fragmented planning
• Road, rail, aviation and shipping ministries worked in isolation from one another
• PM GatiShakti (2021) and the National Logistics Policy (2022) improved coordination
• But a dedicated mechanism was still missing for three things: technical appraisal, transport data management and multimodal project monitoring

Key Terms

• SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle): A separate legal entity created for one defined purpose — a company, not a body created by an Act of Parliament
• Multimodal transport: Moving goods using more than one mode, such as road to rail to port
• Rolling plan: A plan revised and extended regularly, so it always looks a fixed number of years ahead
• Technical appraisal: Checking whether a project is sound in design and engineering; financial appraisal checks whether it makes money sense
• Origin-destination analysis: Studying where goods begin and end their journeys, to locate where capacity is short
• Vahan and SARATHI: The national databases for vehicle registrations and driving licences
• Silo: A department working in isolation, without sharing information or coordinating with others

GSMA Report: 12% in India Scammed in a Year

Source: Times of India

Context of the News

A survey by GSMA, a global body representing the mobile industry, found that 12 per cent of respondents in India reported being scammed in the last 12 months — against 8 per cent in the ASEAN-6 countries. The findings appear in the India Consumer Scam Report 2026.

Major Findings of the Survey

Indicator	Key finding
Indians scammed in the previous 12 months	12%
Average across six ASEAN countries	8%
Victims who reported their case to an organisation	86%
Reported cases that remained unresolved	33%
Victims who lost money but recovered nothing	67%
Consumers whose behaviour changed due to scam risks	72%

What Types of Scams Are Most Common?

Scam type	India	ASEAN-6
Online shopping scams	33 per cent	32 per cent
Prize, lottery and inheritance scams	31 per cent	25 per cent
Job or income scams	30 per cent	32 per cent
QR code or payment link scams	27 per cent	18 per cent

Important Facts for Exams

• India Consumer Scam Report 2026, by GSMA; 12 per cent of Indians scammed in a year against 8 per cent in ASEAN-6
• Compare with SPIR 2026: cybercrime cases rose 17.9 per cent to 1,01,928 in 2024; 13 per cent of citizens were victims; only 49 per cent filed a police complaint
• Financial fraud complaints in India totalled ₹55,050 crore between 2021 and 2025

Economy in News

India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism Operationalised

• India and Japan launched the Operational Manual for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).
• It supports low-carbon technologies, climate finance and emission reduction projects.
• The mechanism operates under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
• The manual covers the process from project proposal to carbon-credit issuance and authorisation.

Social Issue in News

Kerala Launches WOMN Scheme for Menstrual Hygiene

• Kerala’s Women and Child Development Department launched WOMN – Women on the Move and Menstrual Needs.
• It aims to provide affordable sanitary products and safe disposal facilities at public transport locations.
• The initiative focuses on making travel more safe, convenient and menstrual-hygiene friendly.
• It addresses menstrual hygiene needs of women and girls during travel.

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve to Become New Cheetah Habitat

• Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (VDTR) in Madhya Pradesh is being developed as another habitat for India’s cheetah reintroduction programme.
• Two cheetahs, Tholo and CCB-3, are being moved from Kuno National Park.
• The reserve covers about 2,339 sq km across Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts.
• It is Madhya Pradesh’s 7th tiger reserve and India’s 54th tiger reserve.

Misc GA in News

Starlink Faces Delay in Launching Satellite Internet Services in India

• SpaceX’s Starlink has received Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) authorisation from the Department of Telecommunications.
• However, it is still awaiting required security approvals before starting operations.
• Elon Musk alleged that certain business interests were delaying Starlink’s India launch.
• A Starlink official indicated that the service could potentially become operational in India by 2027.

India Develops Indigenous High-Altitude Platform for Surveillance

• DRDO successfully tested an indigenous High-Altitude Platform (HAPS) developed by ADRDE, Agra.
• The platform reached 21 km altitude and remained at around 20 km for more than 30 minutes.
• HAPS can support long-endurance surveillance and communication from the stratosphere.
• The trial supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat objective in advanced defence technology.

DRDO Conducts Advanced High-Altitude Parachute Trial

• DRDO conducted the maiden live jump trial of the indigenous Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) at Nyoma, Ladakh.
• The jump was conducted from 16,000 ft, with deployment at 15,500 ft.
• The system was tested for operations in extremely high-altitude terrain.
• It can strengthen India’s specialised airborne and military logistics capabilities.

Bharat Forge Signs Aerospace Engine Components Contract with Pratt & Whitney Canada

• Bharat Forge Limited signed a long-term agreement with Pratt & Whitney Canada for aerospace engine components.
• The components will be manufactured at Bharat Forge’s Indian aerospace facility.
• The agreement supports advanced manufacturing and localisation in India’s aerospace sector.
• It can help India become a more important part of global aerospace supply chains.

India–Korea Sign Sports Cooperation MoU

• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) signed an MoU during the Asian Games 2026.
• It provides for joint training, coaching exchanges and sports-science cooperation.
• Athletes will receive opportunities to access high-performance facilities and expertise.
• The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the Olympic movement.

Palle Rama Rao Passes Away at 89

• Professor Palle Rama Rao, noted metallurgist and Padma Awardee, passed away at the age of 89.
• He served as Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad.
• He also served as Director of the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory.
• His major contributions were in metallurgy, indigenous alloys and defence materials.

Eva Marie Saint Passes Away at 102

• Oscar-winning American actress Eva Marie Saint passed away at the age of 102.
• She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for On the Waterfront (1954).
• She was also famous for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest.
• She was one of the prominent surviving stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Important Days

World Cotton Day 2026

• World Cotton Day is observed on 7 October to highlight cotton’s role in trade, economic growth and poverty reduction.
• The 2026 theme was “Cotton for Good: Building Prosperity Through Trade, Transformation and Partnership.”
• The Cotton Four (C-4) countries — Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali — proposed the observance.
• The United Nations officially recognised 7 October as World Cotton Day in 2021.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026

• Observed throughout October to promote early detection, treatment and access to quality care.
• The 2026 theme was “Every story is unique, every journey matters.”
• It is also known as Pink October.
• The pink ribbon is the globally recognised symbol of breast cancer awareness.

World Space Week 2026

• World Space Week is observed from 4–10 October every year.
• The 2026 theme was “Rocket Revolution.”
• It highlights developments such as reusable rockets, private space companies, startups and new launch systems.
• The United Nations declared 4–10 October as World Space Week through UNGA Resolution 54/68 (1999).

NABARD Current Affairs

Herugavialis cairensis: Gharial Relative Found in Egypt

Source: TOI

Context of the News

Palaeontologists discovered Herugavialis cairensis, a new extinct crocodilian species, in 45-million-year-old limestone of Egypt’s Mokattam Formation — the same rock formation associated with the Great Sphinx and Giza pyramids.

What Is It?

• An extinct semi-aquatic crocodilian of the gharial superfamily (Gavialoidea)
• Originally classified in 1927 as Tomistoma cairense
• Advanced 3D cranial modelling revealed unique internal skeletal features, warranting an entirely new genus

How Was It Named?

• Heru (Horus) — the Egyptian deity associated with the Great Sphinx; chosen because the skull’s missing snout tip resembles the Sphinx’s missing nose
• cairensis — after Cairo

When and Where Did It Live?

• Middle Eocene Epoch, about 45 million years ago, during a global greenhouse climate phase
• In warm, shallow coastal waters and lagoons of the ancient Neo-Tethys Sea, which once covered northern Egypt and the Mediterranean basin

India Launches First High-Altitude Snow Leopard Safari in Ladakh

• Launch: Ladakh launched India’s first high-altitude snow leopard safari with six safari vehicles.
• Locations: Initial routes cover Rumbak, Shang and Uley, with proposed routes across Hemis National Park, Changthang and the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Conservation and Livelihoods: Trained local guides and approved routes aim to reduce wildlife disturbance, control illegal off-roading and create jobs through ecotourism.
• Snow Leopard Population: Ladakh reportedly hosts 477 of India’s estimated 718 snow leopards, accounting for about two-thirds of the national population.

MoSPI Releases Strategy for Environmental Economic Accounts 2026–2030

• Released by: The Social Statistics Division of the National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Framework: The strategy follows the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), which links environmental data with economic information.
• Priority Areas: Forests, water, land, soil, minerals, carbon stocks, biodiversity, pollination services and environment-related economic activities.
• Importance: It will improve environmental data and help assess progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

RBI to Enable Interoperability Among Account Aggregators

• Announcement: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced plans to enable interoperability among Non-Banking Financial Company Account Aggregators (NBFC-AAs).
• Purpose: Customers will be able to view information about all their financial assets through a single platform, instead of accessing multiple aggregators.
• Implementation Deadline: The framework is expected to be implemented by 31 December 2026.
• Importance: It can improve access to financial information and make financial services more convenient.

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

2026 Nobel Prize in Literature: Anne Carson

Source: TH

Context of the News

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Anne Carson, a Canadian poet, classicist, essayist and translator.

About Anne Carson

• Nationality: Canadian
• Born: 21 June 1950, Toronto, Canada
• Profession: Poet, essayist, translator, classicist and professor
• Field of expertise: Ancient Greek literature and classical studies
• Achievement: The 19th woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. She is also the second Canadian recipient, after Alice Munro, who won in 2013.

Why Did She Win?

• The Swedish Academy honoured Carson for her bold and inventive body of work, which uses classical literature to create new forms of contemporary writing.
• Her work combines poetry, prose, translation and literary criticism. She often uses ancient Greek myths and stories to explore modern themes such as love, identity, loss and grief.

Important Works

• Autobiography of Red (1998): A novel in verse that reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Geryon.
• Eros the Bittersweet (1986): A work exploring love and desire through ancient Greek poetry.
• The Beauty of the Husband (2001): A fictional essay in 29 sections called tangos, exploring love and marriage.
• Nox (2010): An experimental book about the death of her elder brother, combining poetry, photographs and personal materials.
• If Not, Winter (2002): An English translation of the surviving fragments of ancient Greek poet Sappho.

Important Facts for Exams

• 2026 Literature Nobel: Anne Carson (Canada) — poet, classicist, translator
• Key works: Autobiography of Red (1998), The Beauty of the Husband (2001), Nox (2010), Wrong Norma (2024)
• First woman to win the T. S. Eliot Prize
• Doctoral work and translations on Sappho
• Awarded by the Swedish Academy, Stockholm
• Rabindranath Tagore (1913) — India’s only Literature Nobel, for Gitanjali; the first non-European to win it
• 2026 Nobels: Medicine — optogenetics (Deisseroth, Hegemann, Nagel); Physics — neutrino detection at IceCube (Francis Halzen); Chemistry — asymmetric catalysis (Kagan, Soai)

SAREX-2026

Source: PIB

Context of the News

The Raksha Rajya Mantri inaugurated the Multinational Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off Paradip, Odisha — alongside the 24th National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board meeting.

What Is SAREX?

• A biennial multinational maritime search and rescue exercise
• Simulating aircraft ditching, sinking commercial vessels and mass casualty evacuations
• To validate standard operating procedures for saving lives at sea
• Lead agency: the Indian Coast Guard, the central coordinating authority for maritime search and rescue in India

What Is the Aim?

• Validate operational readiness
• Enhance international and inter-agency interoperability
• Test joint multi-platform response
• Exchange best practices under a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Nation approach

Economy in News

Government Establishes FTA Utilisation Cell

• Established by: The Department of Commerce, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Objective: To help Indian businesses understand and use benefits under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including preferential market access and tariff concessions.
• Implementation: The cell will work with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), industry associations and state governments to identify export opportunities.
• Importance: Better use of FTAs can help Indian businesses enter foreign markets and increase exports.

G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting Held in the United States

• Meeting: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal attended the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee, USA, from 30 September to 1 October 2026.
• Key Issues: Global trade challenges, food security, excess production capacity, forced labour in supply chains and World Trade Organization (WTO) reforms.
• Key Outcome: Participating countries agreed on a statement addressing the use of food as a tool of economic or political pressure.
• India’s Position: India highlighted food security, farmers’ interests and international cooperation in trade.

Hical Technologies and Safran Aerosystems Sign Rafale Manufacturing MoU

• Agreement: Indian aerospace manufacturer Hical Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France-based Safran Aerosystems to explore a joint venture in India.
• Focus: The proposed venture will manufacture complex fluid systems, fuel systems and related assemblies for Rafale aircraft.
• Manufacturing Base: Hical’s aerospace facility in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, Karnataka, is expected to support the partnership.
• Importance: The agreement supports domestic aerospace manufacturing, technology development and the Make in India initiative.

Social Issue in News

India Falls Short of Leprosy Control Targets

• New Cases: India reported 91,783 new leprosy cases, compared with the projected 65,000 — about 41.2% higher.
• Child Cases: The country recorded 3,832 child cases against a target of 2,000 — about 91.6% higher.
• Other Indicators: The Grade 2 Disability (G2D) rate was 1.34 per million, against a target of 1 per million. Only 148 districts achieved interrupted transmission, against a target of 300.
• Importance: The figures point to continuing challenges in early detection, treatment and prevention of leprosy transmission.

JOSH Teams Launched to Support TB Elimination

• Launched by: The Union Health Ministry under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
• Full Form: JOSH stands for Joint Squad for Health.
• Implementation: National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and MY Bharat volunteers will conduct household-level outreach in 55 districts across 11 States and Union Territories.
• Objective: To identify people with tuberculosis (TB) who have not been reached by the health system and connect them with testing and treatment.

Misc GA in News

Henri Boris Kagan and Kenso Soai Win 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

• Awarded by: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences to French chemist Henri Boris Kagan and Japanese chemist Kenso Soai.
• Contribution: Their work on asymmetric organic synthesis, nonlinear effects and autocatalysis advanced the selective production of molecular mirror images.
• Prize Money: The laureates will share 12 million Swedish kronor (SEK).
• Importance: Their research helps scientists produce specific forms of molecules, which is important in chemistry and drug development.

Mahesh Kakde Wins 2026 Ramanujan Prize for Mathematics

• Winner: Mahesh Kakde, a professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
• Contribution: Recognised for outstanding research in algebraic number theory.
• Significance: He becomes the fifth Indian recipient, following Sujatha Ramdorai, Amalendu Krishna, Ritabrata Munshi and Neena Gupta.
• Award Details: The prize has been awarded annually since 2005 to outstanding mathematicians under 45 from developing countries. It is jointly presented by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), the International Mathematical Union (IMU) and India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST).

EyeROV Delivers India’s First Indigenous Military-Grade Underwater ROV

• Company: Kochi-based deep-tech startup EyeROV delivered two TROUT underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems to the Indian Navy on 7 October 2026.
• Contract: The delivery is part of an order for five systems, following a ₹47 crore contract awarded in September 2025.
• Applications: The systems support underwater inspection, surveillance, reconnaissance, search and recovery, and robotic intervention.
• Development: TROUT was developed under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme.

Roshan Kumari, Padma Shri Kathak Dancer, Passes Away

• Field: Roshan Kumari was a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer associated with the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak.
• Award: She received the Padma Shri in 1984 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
• Contribution: She founded Nritya Kala Kendra in Bandra, Mumbai, in 1971 to train students and promote Kathak.

Indian Air Force Day 2026

• Date: Observed annually on 8 October to mark the establishment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1932.
• 2026 Anniversary: The day marked the 94th anniversary of the IAF.
• Theme: “Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise.”
• 2026 Event: The parade and ceremonial flypast were held at Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

World Post Day 2026

• Date: Observed annually on 9 October to mark the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874.
• 2026 Theme: “World Post Day: One Postal Network, Infinite Possibilities.”
• History: The observance was adopted in 1969 by the UPU Congress in Tokyo as UPU Day and renamed World Post Day in 1984.
• Importance: It highlights the role of postal services in communication, trade and connecting communities.

NABARD Current Affairs

Agriculture Minister Inaugurates Facilities at ICAR-IIAB, Ranchi

Source: News on Air

Context of the News

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated new facilities at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (ICAR-IIAB) at Garhkhatanga, Ranchi — and called for scientific farming and improved seeds to boost agriculture in Jharkhand.

What Was Inaugurated?

• Admin-cum-School Building
• Birsa Munda Multipurpose Hall
• Jaipal Singh Munda Sports Complex
• NEXTGEN Breeding Facility
• Foundation laid for a new Guest House — the project is worth ₹119 crore

What Did the Minister Emphasise?

• Scientific agriculture and improved seeds
• Integrated farming — combining vegetables, cereals and livestock
• Balanced nutrient management and proper use of fertilisers
• Location-specific agricultural technologies suited to local resources and agro-climatic conditions
• Timely availability of improved seeds
• Transfer of technology from research institutions to farmers’ fields

What Was the Kisan Goshti?

• A Pre-Rabi Kisan Goshti-cum-Agricultural Input Distribution Programme
• Held under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP)
• Brought together about 1,500 farmers from Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla and Ramgarh districts
• To enable direct interaction between farmers, scientists and policymakers

Key Terms

• Integrated farming: Combining crops, livestock, fisheries and horticulture on the same farm, so the waste of one becomes input for another
• Balanced nutrient management: Applying nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in correct proportion, rather than over-using urea
• Agro-climatic conditions: The combination of soil, rainfall and temperature that determines what can be grown in a place
• SCSP and TSP: Sub-plans requiring a share of scheme funds to be earmarked for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries
• Kisan Goshti: A farmers’ meeting where scientists and officials interact directly with farmers

Important Facts for Exams

• Birsa Munda — the tribal freedom fighter and leader of the Ulgulan rebellion; 15 November, his birth anniversary, is Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
• Jaipal Singh Munda — hockey captain of India’s 1928 Olympic gold team and a member of the Constituent Assembly, who argued for tribal rights
• Jharkhand is largely rain-fed, with low irrigation coverage — which is why location-specific technology and short-duration varieties matter there
• ICAR was established in 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research; headquartered at New Delhi

National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (NSAM) 2.0

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is rolling out NSAM 2.0, building on the first strategy launched in 2022.
• Additive manufacturing is a process of creating objects layer by layer using 3D model data. Unlike subtractive manufacturing, which removes material, it adds material to build the object.
• Key Steps: The process involves 3D design using Computer-Aided Design (CAD), converting the design into a digital file, slicing it into layers, depositing or fusing materials, and post-processing.
• Applications: It can be used in aerospace, defence, healthcare, automobiles and advanced manufacturing, enabling complex designs and reducing material waste.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking/Finance

RBI Raises Daily CRR Maintenance Requirement

Source: ET

Context of the News

The RBI said banks must maintain 99 per cent of the required Cash Reserve Ratio daily from 16 October, up from 90 per cent at present — to reduce surplus liquidity in the banking system.

Key Highlights

• CRR rate remains unchanged at 3%: Banks must continue to maintain 3% of their Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) as cash reserves with the RBI.
• Daily maintenance rises from 90% to 99%: Banks must now maintain at least 99% of their prescribed CRR on every day of the reporting fortnight, compared with 90% earlier.
• Purpose: The RBI is trying to absorb excess liquidity and bring short-term market interest rates closer to the policy repo rate.
• Banking system liquidity surplus: It was around ₹3.88 lakh crore on 8 October 2026.

Understanding the CRR Change with an Example

Suppose a bank has an NDTL of ₹1,000 crore.

Particulars	Amount
Prescribed CRR rate	3%
Total CRR required	₹30 crore
Earlier minimum daily maintenance (90%)	₹27 crore
New minimum daily maintenance (99%)	₹29.7 crore

CRR vs SLR

Basis	CRR	SLR
Full form	Cash Reserve Ratio	Statutory Liquidity Ratio
Maintained with/in	RBI	Banks themselves
Form	Cash reserves	Cash, gold and eligible securities
Interest/return	No interest on CRR balances	Eligible securities may earn returns
Main purpose	Manage liquidity and monetary conditions	Maintain liquidity and support financial stability

Key Terms for Exams

• CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio): The percentage of a bank’s NDTL that must be maintained as cash reserves with the RBI. Banks do not earn interest on these reserves.
• SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio): The percentage of NDTL banks must maintain in specified liquid assets, such as cash, gold and eligible government securities.
• NDTL (Net Demand and Time Liabilities): A bank’s net demand and time liabilities, broadly representing deposits and certain other liabilities used to calculate reserve requirements.
• Repo Rate: The rate at which the RBI lends money to banks against eligible securities.
• Liquidity: The availability of money and funds in the banking system.
• OMO (Open Market Operations): The RBI’s purchase or sale of government securities to manage liquidity. Selling securities generally absorbs liquidity.
• WACR (Weighted Average Call Rate): The weighted average interest rate on overnight unsecured funds borrowed and lent in the interbank call money market.

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

Reports

UNCTAD Trade and Development Report 2026

Source: The Hindu

Context of the News

UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Report 2026 found that India’s share of global greenfield investments during 2020-25 was 5.7 per cent — more than double China’s share in the same period.

What Is a Greenfield Investment?

• An investment by a company in a new venture in another country
• Building a new facility from scratch, as against buying an existing one

Which Countries Attracted the Most?

Country	Share of global greenfield investment, 2020-25
India	5.7 per cent
Malaysia	4.0 per cent
Indonesia	3.8 per cent
China	2.8 per cent

What Did the Report Say About India’s Economy?

• India remains the fastest-growing major economy
• But domestic consumption is showing signs of strain due to higher prices

Important Facts for Exams

• UNCTAD Trade and Development Report 2026
• India 5.7 per cent of global greenfield investment (2020-25); Malaysia 4.0, Indonesia 3.8, China 2.8
• Strategic sectors rose from 16 to 44 per cent of global greenfield investment; total $845.7 billion
• Regional shares: Europe 28.4, North America 28.0, developing Asia 26.5 per cent
• UNCTAD — established 1964, headquartered at Geneva; also publishes the World Investment Report, the Technology and Innovation Report and the Digital Economy Report

Ayush Services Sector Report 2026

Source: PIB

Context of the News

The Ministry of Ayush released findings from the Ayush Services Sector Report 2026 on Ayurveda Day 2026 — showing that women form 43 per cent of India’s Ayush services workforce.

Who Prepared It?

• The Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS)
• It examines the sector’s economic contribution, employment, women’s participation and growth potential

What Is Women’s Share in the Workforce?

Segment	Women’s share
Spas and wellness resorts	Over 60 per cent
Educational institutes	58 per cent
Day-care centres	57 per cent
Hospitals	53 per cent
Overall sector	43 per cent

Key Terms

• AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy; Sowa-Rigpa was later added
• CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate — the steady annual rate at which something grows over several years
• Medical value travel: Travelling to another country for treatment — commonly called medical tourism
• Standalone clinic: A single independent clinic, not part of a hospital or chain
• RIS: Research and Information System for Developing Countries, a policy think tank under the Ministry of External Affairs

Important Facts for Exams

• Ayush Services Sector Report 2026 — by RIS, released on Ayurveda Day 2026
• Sector size: US$36.92 billion (FY2024-25); CAGR 16.91 per cent; projected US$216-318 billion by 2047
• 1.76 million livelihoods; over 1 million in standalone and local clinics
• Women: 43 per cent overall; over 60 per cent in spas and wellness resorts
• Revenue: standalone clinics US$16.21 bn (43.9 per cent); day-care US$10.13 bn; Ayurveda ~48 per cent of the total
• Wellness CAGR 21.29 per cent; medical value travel US$1.77 billion
• Ayurveda Day is observed on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras); from 2025 it is fixed on 23 September
• The Ministry of Ayush was created in 2014, upgraded from the Department of AYUSH (2003)
• Key institutions: AIIA (All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi), NCISM (National Commission for Indian System of Medicine), NCH (National Commission for Homoeopathy), CCRAS, NMPB
• The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre is at Jamnagar, Gujarat — the first of its kind anywhere

World Development Report 2026

Source: PIB

Context of the News

The World Bank Group’s World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence was launched in New Delhi by the Union Minister for Electronics and IT, jointly hosted by MeitY’s IndiaAI Mission.

About the World Development Report (WDR) 2026

• Published by: World Bank Group.
• Nature: The World Bank Group’s annual flagship report on important development policy issues.
• Focus: Examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support economic development, affect jobs and improve public services, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Adopt and Adapt Strategy: Developing countries should customise existing AI models for local needs instead of building costly models from scratch.
• Job Displacement: Just over 4% of Indian jobs face immediate automation risks, versus over one-third in advanced economies. Entry-level BPO job postings in South Asia fell by around 20%.
• Fiscal Risks: Tax incentives, including a reported 20-year tax holiday for foreign data centres, may strain public finances and raise electricity costs.
• AI Sovereignty: Domestic data centres cannot ensure technological independence due to dependence on imported semiconductors, cloud infrastructure and global supply chains.
• AI Talent Drain: India lost a net 200 elite AI researchers and inventors (2011–2024) despite having around 50,460 AI professionals in 2025.
• AI Preparedness: Only 1 of 25 low-income economies had an active national AI strategy.
• Public Perception: 18.8% of Indians, compared with 50.5% of Americans, expressed concern about AI.

2026 Nobel Peace Prize

Source: TH

Context of the News

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Navi Pillay, a judge and human rights lawyer, at a time the committee said international law faces “tremendous pressure” and its institutions are “under attack.”

Who Is She?

• Aged 85
• Born into an Indian Tamil family in Durban, South Africa
• Founded her own law firm in 1967
• Earned a doctorate from Harvard University in 1988
• Defended Nelson Mandela and others opposing apartheid

Important Facts for Exams

• 2026 Nobel Peace Prize: Navi Pillay, aged 85; born in Durban, South Africa, to an Indian Tamil family
• UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 2008-2014
• Judge at the ICTR and currently at the ICJ, hearing the genocide case against Myanmar
• Chaired the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory
• Her work shaped the recognition of rape and sexual violence as acts of genocide
• The Nobel Peace Prize is the only Nobel awarded in Oslo, Norway, by a committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament; the others are awarded in Stockholm
• The Myanmar genocide case was brought by The Gambia over the Rohingya
• 2026 Nobels: Medicine — optogenetics; Physics — neutrino detection at IceCube; Chemistry — asymmetric catalysis; Literature — Anne Carson
• Indian Peace Nobel laureates: Mother Teresa (1979) and Kailash Satyarthi (2014)

Misc GA in News

The JOSH Initiative

Source: TH

Context of the News

The Union Health Minister launched JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) teams under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 8 October 2026 — deployed across 55 districts in 11 States and UTs in Phase 1.

What Is It?

• A youth-led community health outreach mechanism
• Deploying volunteer squads to mobilise Jan Bhagidari in the fight against tuberculosis
• Door-to-door awareness campaigns
• Working across blocks, wards and villages
• Lead ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

What Digital Tools Are Used?

• TB Mukt Bharat App for monitoring
• Khushi Avatar (e-Sangini) — a multilingual AI assistant answering queries and giving medication reminders in 12 Indian languages

Important Facts for Exams

• JOSH — Joint Squad for Health; launched 8 October 2026; 55 districts, 11 States/UTs in Phase 1, to scale to 804 districts
• TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan — India aims to end TB by 2025, five years ahead of the SDG 3.3 target of 2030
• NTEP — National TB Elimination Programme, renamed from RNTCP in 2020
• Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana gives ₹1,000 per month (raised from ₹500) for nutrition during treatment; Ni-kshay Mitra allows citizens to adopt TB patients
• India has the world’s highest TB burden, with about 26 per cent of global cases
• MY Bharat — Mera Yuva Bharat, the youth volunteer platform launched in 2023
• World TB Day: 24 March

Putul Sonowal Assures India’s First-Ever World Bowls Champion of Champions Medal

• Achievement: Indian player Putul Sonowal, aged 43 and from Assam, secured a place in the men’s singles semi-finals at the World Bowls Champion of Champions in Barham, Australia.
• Significance: Her achievement assured India’s first-ever medal at the tournament, according to the report.

Indian Navy to Commission ASW Shallow Water Craft Mangrol

• Vessel: Mangrol is the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
• Commissioning: It is scheduled to be commissioned into the Indian Navy on 12 October 2026 at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
• Purpose: ASW shallow water craft are designed to help detect and counter enemy submarines in coastal and shallow waters.

‘Pandharpur Wari’ Documentary Wins National Honour at Asian Academy Creative Awards 2026

• Documentary: Pandharpur Wari – In the Footsteps of the Saints was named India’s national winner in the Best Branded Programme category.
• Award: The recognition is part of the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2026.
• Cultural Significance: The documentary focuses on Pandharpur Wari, a major devotional pilgrimage tradition in Maharashtra associated with Lord Vitthal.

MeitY Pavilion Showcases Digital India Initiatives at India Mobile Congress 2026

• Organiser: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) established a dedicated pavilion at India Mobile Congress 2026 in Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
• Focus: The pavilion showcases Digital India initiatives, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and emerging technologies.
• Importance: The exhibition highlights the use of digital technologies to improve public services, connectivity and digital innovation.

Indian Foreign Service Day 2026

• Observed on: 9 October, to recognise the role of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in representing India abroad.
• Ministry: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed its commitment to serving the nation and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat.
• Importance: The IFS manages India’s diplomatic relations, consular services and engagement with other countries.

Territorial Army Raising Day 2026

• Occasion: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated members, veterans and families of the Territorial Army on its Raising Day.
• Motto: “Naagrik Bhi, Sainik Bhi”, meaning “Citizens as well as Soldiers.”
• Role: The Territorial Army supports the regular armed forces and assists during emergencies and other national requirements.

Mumbai to Host World Hindu Congress 2026

• Dates: The fourth World Hindu Congress is scheduled for 18–20 December 2026 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex.
• Inaugural Address: Organisers announced that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat would deliver the inaugural address.
• Purpose: The event brings together participants from different countries to discuss issues related to Hindu communities, culture and global engagement.

3,000-Year-Old Writing System Possibly Found at Thelunganur

• Location: Thelunganur, near the Mettur Dam in Salem district, Tamil Nadu, where excavations were conducted by the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology.
• Discovery: A black-and-red ware bowl carries five graffiti signs arranged from left to right. A second bowl contains the same signs in a different order.
• Historical Significance: Thelunganur and Mangadu have been dated to 1600–1200 BCE. The discovery may provide clues about early writing and communication, but the signs have not been conclusively identified as a writing system.
• Important Facts: Around 16,000 graffiti-inscribed potsherds have been found across Tamil Nadu. Studies have reported similarities between some Tamil Nadu graffiti signs and Indus script signs, which remain undeciphered.

NABARD Current Affairs

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Completes One Year

Source: PIB

Context of the News

The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) completed one year on 11 October 2026 — a scheme for focused agricultural development across 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts.

What Is the Scheme?

• Approved by the Union Cabinet on 16 July 2025, for six years
• Formally launched by the Prime Minister on 11 October 2025
• Begins with 2025-26
• Covers 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts

Major Objectives:

• Increase agricultural productivity.
• Promote crop diversification and sustainable farming.
• Improve post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels.
• Improve irrigation facilities.
• Expand access to short-term and long-term agricultural credit.

Implementation and Monitoring:

• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
• District-level plans are prepared according to local agricultural needs. District, state and national committees oversee implementation, with NITI Aayog providing guidance and review.

What Was the FPO Sangam?

• Held in December 2025
• Brought together over 72 FPOs from 15 States and 33 PM-DDKY districts
• Covered natural farming, oilseeds, beekeeping, protected cultivation, micro irrigation, institutional finance and digital agriculture

Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

Source: New Indian Express

Context of the News

The Nanda Devi Biosphere Decadal Monitoring Campaign 2026, by the Uttarakhand Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), found that landslide-prone zones in the strictly protected core have nearly doubled over the past decade — along with the appearance of a new glacial lake.

What Is the Reserve?

• A high-altitude protected Himalayan landscape under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
• It has two core zones:
  • Nanda Devi National Park
  • Valley of Flowers National Park
• Both are inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Where Is It?

• In the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas
• Across three districts of Uttarakhand — Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar
• Area: 6,407 sq km
• In the upper catchment of the Alaknanda river system

Key Terms

• Biosphere Reserve: A protected area with three zones — a core (strictly protected), a buffer (limited activity) and a transition zone (human settlement and sustainable use)
• MAB Programme: UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, under which biosphere reserves are internationally recognised
• Ecotone: A transition zone between two ecosystems, usually rich in species from both
• Bugyal: A high-altitude alpine meadow in Uttarakhand
• Endemic species: Found naturally nowhere else
• GLOF: Glacial Lake Outburst Flood — a sudden release of water when a glacial lake’s natural dam breaks
• UNESCO World Heritage Site 1988, extended 2005; MAB listed 2004
• India has 18 biosphere reserves, of which 12 are in the UNESCO network; Nilgiri (1986) was the first

Madhya Pradesh Begins Wild Buffalo Reintroduction After a Century

• Madhya Pradesh began reintroducing wild water buffaloes after nearly a century.
• Eight wild water buffaloes were released into a 17-hectare enclosure in the Supkhar range of Kanha Tiger Reserve on 11 October 2026.
• The initiative aims to support wildlife conservation and restore the wild water buffalo population.

National Steel Policy 2047

• The government released the draft National Steel Policy 2047 to increase India’s steel production capacity, improve competitiveness and reduce import dependence.
• Crude Steel Capacity: Target of 604 million tonnes by 2047.
• Other Targets: Finished steel demand of 505 million tonnes, per capita steel consumption of 302 kg and steel exports of 45 million tonnes by 2047.
• Raw Material Challenge: Raw materials account for around 65–70% of steelmaking costs. India is largely self-sufficient in iron ore but imports nearly 92% of its coking coal requirement.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR)

Source: IE

Context of the News

The RBI introduced the Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR) — a measure new to Indian markets, borrowed from China — as part of a package to defend the rupee, which had fallen close to its all-time low.

What Is FERR?

• Banks must set aside 20 per cent of any forex derivative contract above $2 million involving the rupee
• The amount is kept in cash with the RBI
• The RBI can change the percentage as conditions require
• It earns no return for the bank

What Does It Actually Do?

• It makes protection against a fall in the rupee more expensive
• Banks must lock up cash against every such contract, so they price the hedge higher or offer fewer of them

Why Discourage Hedging?

This is the point that needs careful understanding:

• Hedging is normally good practice — importers protect themselves from a falling rupee
• But to hedge, you must buy dollars forward
• That adds to dollar demand today
• Which pushes the rupee down further
• So when a currency is already under pressure, hedging activity deepens the fall
• FERR raises the cost of that activity, slowing it

How Is This the China Model?

• China has long used a Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve Ratio of 20 per cent
• In March 2026, China cut its ratio to zero — because the yuan was strengthening, and it wanted to remove the cost of betting against its own currency
• India has done the reverse, introducing the ratio because the rupee is weakening

Key Terms

• Forex derivative: A contract whose value depends on a future exchange rate — a forward, future, option or swap
• Hedging: Buying protection against an adverse future price or rate movement
• Underlying: The actual exposure a derivative is meant to protect — such as an import bill
• Rebooking: Cancelling a hedge and taking a fresh one at a better rate; often used to speculate rather than protect
• Speculative demand: Buying a currency to profit from its movement, not because it is needed for a transaction
• Structural demand: Regular, unavoidable demand — such as oil companies needing dollars every month

The GST Council and the 57th Meeting

Source: TH

Context of the News

The GST Council held its 57th meeting in New Delhi under the chairpersonship of the Union Finance Minister, announcing a package of administrative and process reforms effective from 1 April 2027.

What Is the GST Council?

• A joint constitutional forum of the Centre and States
• Makes recommendations on all key GST issues
• Described as the institutional pillar of cooperative federalism in India’s fiscal structure

What Is Its Constitutional Basis?

• Inserted by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016, under Article 279A
• The President was mandated to constitute it within 60 days of the Act’s commencement
• Notified on 12 September 2016

Who Are Its Members?

Role	Member
Chairperson	Union Finance Minister
Union Member	Union Minister of State for Revenue or Finance
State Members	The Minister for Finance or Taxation, or another Minister nominated by each State/UT
Ex-officio Secretary	Revenue Secretary
Permanent non-voting invitee	Chairperson, CBIC

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

Indo-French TRISHNA Satellite to Launch in 12–16 Months

• TRISHNA stands for Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment.
• Partnership: It is a joint satellite mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES).
• Purpose: To monitor land surface temperature, water stress, vegetation health and energy exchanges using thermal infrared observations.
• Importance: The data will support agriculture, water-resource management, climate studies and environmental monitoring.

India Records the World’s Largest Share of Demonstrations

• Source: The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a United States-based organisation tracking political violence and demonstrations.
• Number of Demonstrations: India recorded 18,074 demonstrations through September 2026, accounting for 17.5% of the global total.
• Trend: The number increased from 11,020 in 2017. India reportedly recorded the largest share globally for five consecutive years.
• Other Countries: Pakistan, Mexico and France were among the other countries in the top five, each accounting for approximately 4–5%.

Misc GA in News

Putul Sonowal Assures India’s First-Ever World Bowls Champion of Champions Medal

• Achievement: Indian bowls player Putul Sonowal, from Assam, reached the men’s singles semi-finals at the World Bowls Champion of Champions in Barham, Australia.
• Significance: According to the report, she assured India’s first-ever medal at the tournament.

Udhayveer Sidhu Wins Gold at ISSF World Cup in Cairo

• Event: Men’s 10-metre air pistol at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Cairo, Egypt.
• Gold Medal: India’s Udhayveer Sidhu scored 240.6 points in the final.
• Other Medalists: Germany’s Christian Reitz won silver with 240.1 points, while Italy’s Paolo Monna took bronze with 219.8 points.

Scientists Report the First Working Nuclear Clocks

• Development: Scientists from Europe and China reported the first working nuclear clocks in two papers published in the journal Nature.
• Difference: Atomic clocks measure time using transitions in an atom’s electrons, while nuclear clocks use transitions within an atom’s nucleus.
• Importance: Nuclear clocks could offer highly precise time measurement and help scientists study fundamental forces and possible changes in physical constants.
• Applications: Potential uses include advanced navigation, precision measurement and fundamental physics research.

INS Mangrol: Third Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft

• Vessel: INS Mangrol is the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
• Commissioning: Scheduled for 12 October 2026 at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
• Purpose: Designed to detect and counter enemy submarines and underwater threats in shallow coastal waters.
• Strategic Importance: These vessels strengthen the Indian Navy’s coastal defence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Project Seabird: New Infrastructure at Karwar Naval Base

• Project: Project Seabird is the Indian Navy’s major naval infrastructure project at Karwar, Karnataka, centred on INS Kadamba.
• Latest Development: Residential accommodation and essential utility infrastructure were inaugurated under Phase IIA.
• Objective: To expand naval facilities for basing, repair, maintenance and logistics for warships and submarines.
• Strategic Importance: The project strengthens India’s naval presence on the western coast and helps reduce pressure on Mumbai’s naval facilities.

Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Shreyas Launched

• Vessel: Shreyas (Yard 3040) is a Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on 10 October 2026.
• Purpose: Offshore patrol vessels support maritime surveillance, coastal security and protection of offshore assets.
• Significance: The vessel’s launch advances India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous warship construction.

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026

• Host: The Indian Air Force (IAF) hosted the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
• Participating Countries: Air forces from Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States participated, alongside 32 observer nations.
• Venue: The Defence Minister addressed participants at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on 10 October 2026.
• Objective: The exercise promotes joint training, interoperability, defence self-reliance and international cooperation.

Exercise INDRA 2026: INS Sahyadri Arrives in Russia

• Ship: Indian Navy’s INS Sahyadri arrived at Vladivostok, Russia, on 10 October 2026.
• Exercise Dates: The bilateral Exercise INDRA 2026 is scheduled for 13–18 October 2026.
• Participants: The exercise involves the Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy.
• Objective: To improve operational coordination, professional exchanges and maritime interoperability.

Exercise KONKAN 2026: INS Trishul Arrives in the United Kingdom

• Ship: Indian Navy guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived at Plymouth, United Kingdom.
• Exercise: It is scheduled to participate in Exercise KONKAN-26, the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Navy.
• Objective: The exercise strengthens maritime cooperation, operational interoperability and mutual understanding between India and the United Kingdom.

Smriti Mandhana Named UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate

• Appointment: Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana was named a celebrity advocate for UNICEF India.
• Focus Areas: She will promote equal opportunities, health and well-being for adolescent girls.
• Objective: The initiative aims to encourage girls’ participation in sports, leadership and decision-making and raise awareness of barriers affecting their rights.

Udhayveer Sidhu Wins Gold at ISSF World Cup in Cairo

• Achievement: Udhayveer Sidhu won the gold medal in the men’s 10-metre air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo.
• Final Score: He scored 240.6 points, ahead of Germany’s Christian Reitz (240.1) and Italy’s Paolo Monna (219.8).
• Significance: The result adds to India’s achievements in international shooting sports.

Indian Foreign Service Day 2026

• Date: 9 October, observed to recognise the role of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
• Ministry: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed its commitment to serving India and advancing Viksit Bharat.
• Role of IFS: The service manages diplomatic relations, consular services and India’s engagement with other countries.

Territorial Army Raising Day 2026

• Occasion: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the personnel, veterans and families of the Territorial Army.
• Motto: “Naagrik Bhi, Sainik Bhi”, meaning “Citizens as well as Soldiers.”
• Role: The Territorial Army supports the regular armed forces and assists during emergencies and national requirements.

‘Pandharpur Wari’ Documentary Wins National Honour

• Documentary: Pandharpur Wari – In the Footsteps of the Saints was named India’s national winner in the Best Branded Programme category at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2026.
• Cultural Significance: The documentary highlights Pandharpur Wari, a major pilgrimage tradition in Maharashtra associated with Lord Vitthal.

MeitY Pavilion Showcases Digital India Initiatives at India Mobile Congress 2026

• Organiser: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) established a pavilion at India Mobile Congress 2026 in Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
• Focus: It showcases Digital India initiatives, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and emerging technologies.
• Importance: The exhibition highlights the role of digital technologies in improving public services, connectivity and innovation.

Mumbai to Host World Hindu Congress 2026

• Dates: The fourth World Hindu Congress is scheduled for 18–20 December 2026 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex.
• Inaugural Address: Organisers announced that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat would deliver the inaugural address.
• Purpose: The event will bring together participants from different countries to discuss Hindu communities, culture and global engagement.

Social Issue in News

UNICEF India Names Smriti Mandhana Celebrity Advocate

• UNICEF India appointed Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana as a celebrity advocate on 11 October 2026, marking the International Day of the Girl.
• She will promote gender equality and support the rights and opportunities of girls.
• The initiative aims to raise awareness about issues affecting girls.

Miscellaneous General Awareness in News

Indian Army Launches Bharat Rice for Troops

• The Indian Army launched Bharat Rice for defence personnel in New Delhi on 12 October 2026.
• The launch was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• The initiative focuses on providing affordable rice to defence personnel.

Sunil Bharti Mittal Receives France’s Highest Civilian Honour

• French President Emmanuel Macron named Sunil Bharti Mittal a Chevalier (Knight) of the National Order of the Legion of Honour on 12 October 2026.
• The honour recognises his contributions to business and India–France relations.

Udhayveer Sidhu Wins Cairo 10m Air Pistol Gold

• Indian shooter Udhayveer Sidhu won gold in the men’s 10-metre air pistol event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Cairo, Egypt.
• The event took place on 11 October 2026.

Aditya Mehta Wins Gold at Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships

• Aditya Mehta won the men’s snooker gold medal at the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• He defeated fellow Indian player Dhvaj Haria by 3–0 in the final.

M.R. Raghava Varier Named 2026 M.G.S. Narayanan Memorial Awardee

• Historian M.R. Raghava Varier was selected for the 2026 Prof. M.G.S. Narayanan Memorial Award.
• The award was jointly instituted by the Kerala History Congress and the Calicut Heritage Forum.

NABARD Current Affairs

Agriculture Current Affairs in News

The Sarus Crane

Source: Down To Earth

Context of the News

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) announced a nationwide All-India Sarus Crane Survey — to estimate the population baseline, map breeding and roosting strongholds, and assess collision threats to India’s tallest flying bird.

What Is It?

• The world’s tallest flying bird
• India’s only resident breeding crane species
• In Indian culture, an enduring symbol of marital fidelity and lifelong companionship
• State Bird of Uttar Pradesh
• IUCN: Vulnerable

Important Facts for Exams

• Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone) — the world’s tallest flying bird, up to 1.5 m tall, wingspan 2.4 m
• IUCN: Vulnerable; Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; CITES Appendix II
• State Bird of Uttar Pradesh; India’s only resident breeding crane
• Survey announced by the BNHS — founded 1883, headquartered at Mumbai
• India holds the largest global population, concentrated in Uttar Pradesh, especially the Etawah-Mainpuri belt; also in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
• Electrocution on power lines is the leading cause of death — the same threat facing the Great Indian Bustard
• The main habitat is farmland, so protection depends on wetland conservation outside protected areas
• Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Site

World Bank Backs Kerala’s Carbon Credit Cell Proposal Under KERA Project

• The World Bank backed Kerala’s proposal to establish a Carbon Credit Cell under the Department of Agriculture as part of the ₹2,365 crore Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernisation (KERA) Project.
• The initiative aims to promote climate-friendly farming, increase carbon sequestration and provide additional income opportunities for farmers.
• KERA is a five-year project covering 2024–2029, focused on climate-resilient agriculture and stronger agricultural value chains.

Nagaland Launches SAY-SOBLOK to Support 4,000 Vulnerable Households

• The Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission partnered with BRAC International to launch SAY-SOBLOK, a three-year initiative targeting 4,000 extremely vulnerable households.
• The initiative operates under Samaveshi Aajeevika Yojana (SAY) and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
• Support includes livelihood development, financial inclusion, household coaching and access to government benefits, with priority for women-led families and persons with disabilities.

Sex Reversal in Animals Raises Concerns About Extinction Risk

• A study published in Science Advances examined wild agile frogs (Rana dalmatina) in Hungary.
• Sex reversal occurs when an animal develops reproductive traits that differ from its genetically determined sex.
• The study found that climate change-related sex reversal can create reproductive disadvantages and increase the risk of extinction.

Lakshadweep Achieves 100% Literacy

• Lakshadweep was declared a fully literate Union Territory under the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
• A survey identified 1,113 adult non-literate people across the islands, who received literacy and numeracy training.
• The learners successfully passed the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

SEBI’s Credit Risk-o-Meter for Debt Securities

Source: News on Air

Context of the News

SEBI issued a circular introducing a mandatory colour-coded Credit Risk-o-Meter, to help investors assess the credit risk of debt securities.

What Is It?

• A visual, colour-coded indicator showing how risky a debt security is
• Based on mapping existing credit ratings to simple risk levels

How Does It Work?

• SEBI’s existing credit ratings, from AAA to D, are mapped to six risk levels
• Ranging from “Lowest Credit Risk” to “High to Very High Risk of Default”
• Each level has its own colour

Where Must It Be Displayed?

• Offer documents
• Abridged prospectuses
• Private placement memoranda
• All advertisements by issuers and Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPPs)
• The web and mobile platforms of OBPPs

Which Instruments Are Covered?

• Non-Convertible Securities (NCS)
• Commercial Papers (CPs)
• Securitised Debt Instruments (SDIs)
• Security Receipts (SRs)
• Structured Debt and Market-Linked Debentures (MLDs)

Key Terms

• Credit risk: The risk that the borrower will fail to repay
• Credit rating: An agency’s assessment of that risk, from AAA (safest) down to D (default)
• NCD / NCS: Non-Convertible Debenture or Security — a bond that cannot be converted into shares
• Commercial Paper: A short-term unsecured borrowing instrument used by companies
• MLD: Market-Linked Debenture — a bond whose return depends on the performance of a market index
• Private placement: Selling securities to a selected group rather than the public
• OBPP: Online Bond Platform Provider — a SEBI-registered platform selling bonds to retail investors

Federal Bank Launches Verto Premium Savings Account

• Federal Bank launched Verto, a premium savings account designed for young professionals, entrepreneurs and salaried executives.
• The account offers benefits such as up to ₹35 lakh in complimentary insurance coverage, 5% cashback on selected debit card spending and domestic airport lounge access.
• Other benefits include locker rent concessions, outward remittance facilities and personalised spending insights.

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

2026 Nobel Prize in Economics

Source: IE

Context of the News

American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford were awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences — for providing an empirical formula to help governments frame stabilisation policy, incorporating household demand behaviour and firms’ supply behaviour.

Who Are the Winners?

Name	Age	Position
Robert E. Hall	83	Robert and Carole McNeil Joint Hoover Senior Fellow and Professor of Economics, Stanford University
Michael Woodford	71	John Bates Clark Professor of Political Economy, Columbia University

What Is Stabilisation Policy?

Measures taken by the government and central bank to reduce major swings in growth, inflation and employment.

• Fiscal policy — the government changes spending and taxes. Example: raising infrastructure spending during a slowdown to create jobs
• Monetary policy — the central bank changes interest rates to influence borrowing, spending and inflation. Example: cutting rates to encourage investment

The idea originates with John Maynard Keynes, whose work gained importance during the Great Depression (1929-1939). He argued that government intervention may be needed when private spending is too weak.

World Bank: India’s Poverty Rate to Fall to 12.1% by 2028

Source: Business Standard

Context of the News

The World Bank’s October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief projects India’s poverty rate at the $4.2-a-day threshold to fall from 14.2 per cent in 2026 to 12.1 per cent by 2028 — though the pace of reduction is expected to moderate.

Key Highlights

Decline in Poverty in India

• Poverty rate: Projected to decline from 14.2% in 2026 to 12.1% by 2028.
• Lower-middle-income poverty: Fell from 57.7% in 2011 to 16.1% in 2023, lifting an estimated 496 million people out of poverty.
• Extreme poverty: Declined from 27.1% in 2011 to 2.6% in 2023.
• Higher poverty threshold: Around 80% of India’s population remained below the upper-middle-income poverty line of $8.30 per person per day in 2023.

World Bank Poverty Lines

Poverty category	Daily poverty line
Extreme poverty	$3.00
Lower-middle-income	$4.20
Upper-middle-income	$8.30

Factors Behind Poverty Reduction

• Rising Consumption: Improved household spending on essential goods and services.
• Employment Growth: Around 134 million additional people employed between 2017 and 2023.
• Welfare Support: Food subsidies and social transfers support low-income households.
• E-commerce Growth: Online shopping and quick-commerce services create jobs.

Rural–Urban Poverty Gap

Area (2023)	Poverty rate
Rural India	19.3%
Urban India	8.6%

Economy in News

Fitch Unit Raises India’s FY2026–27 Growth Forecast to 7.5%

• BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, raised India’s economic growth forecast for FY2026–27 to 7.5%, from its earlier estimate of 6.8%.
• Strong economic momentum and continued investment in artificial intelligence are expected to support growth.
• Higher crude oil prices and possible disruptions caused by El Niño are key downside risks.

Retail Inflation Rises to 5.5% in September

• India’s retail inflation increased to 5.5% in September, compared with 4.8% in the previous month.
• Inflation in food and beverages rose to 7.4%, up from 5.7% in the previous month.
• Higher food and fuel prices contributed to the increase in inflation.

India–EFTA Trade Agreement (TEPA) Comes into Force

• The India–European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) came into force on 1 October 2026, according to the provided news.
• EFTA consists of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein; these countries are not members of the European Union.
• The agreement includes trade cooperation and commitments related to investment and job creation.

Maharashtra Signs MoU for ₹70,000 Crore Green Data Centre Park

• ReNew Wind Energy Private Limited and the Maharashtra government signed an MoU to develop a proposed green data centre park in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
• The project is planned with a capacity of 750 megawatts (MW), with operations expected to begin in 2028.
• The project aims to source 51% of its operational electricity from green energy and generate more than 7,000 jobs.

Social Issue in News

UNICEF India Names Smriti Mandhana Celebrity Advocate

• UNICEF India appointed cricketer Smriti Mandhana as a celebrity advocate on 11 October 2026, marking the International Day of the Girl.
• She will promote gender equality and advocate for the rights and opportunities of girls.
• The appointment aims to increase awareness of issues affecting girls and encourage equal opportunities.

UNDP and Generali Central Launch Insurance Innovation Challenge

• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Generali Central Insurance launched an insurance innovation challenge to strengthen the resilience of India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• The challenge seeks insurance products and distribution models that protect businesses against health-related events, business interruptions and asset losses.
• Up to three winners can receive grants of USD 40,000 each. The application deadline is 20 November 2026.

World Mental Health Day 2026

• World Mental Health Day is observed annually on 10 October to raise awareness about mental health and encourage support for mental well-being.
• The 2026 theme provided in the notes is “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.
• The day was initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, and the World Health Organization has led the global campaign since 2013.

National Human Rights Commission Celebrates 33rd Foundation Day

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day on 12 October 2026, highlighting the need to strengthen human rights protection.
• The NHRC was established on 12 October 1993.
• Its work includes promoting and protecting human rights amid emerging social, technological and global challenges.

Miscellaneous General Awareness in News

Putul Sonowal Wins Bronze at World Bowls Championship 2026

• Putul Sonowal from Assam won India’s first-ever bronze medal at the World Bowls Champion of Champions 2026.
• The championship was held in Barham, New South Wales, Australia.
• Lawn bowls is a precision sport in which players roll biased balls towards a smaller target ball called the jack.

CERVAVAC Receives WHO Prequalification

• CERVAVAC, India’s indigenous quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, received prequalification from the World Health Organization.
• It was developed by the Serum Institute of India and is designed to protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which are associated with cervical cancer, and types 6 and 11, which cause most genital warts.
• WHO prequalification indicates that the vaccine has met international standards for quality, safety and efficacy.

Exercise INDRA-2026

• Indian Naval Ship INS Sahyadri arrived in Vladivostok, Russia, to participate in the India–Russia naval exercise INDRA-2026 from 13 to 18 October 2026.
• The bilateral exercise involves the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy.
• It aims to improve operational coordination, tactical interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.

Indian Army and Food Corporation of India Sign MoU

• The Indian Army and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in New Delhi.
• The agreement relates to cooperation between the Army and FCI, which plays an important role in foodgrain procurement, storage and distribution.
• The initiative was announced alongside the government’s emphasis on self-reliance and modernisation.

Indian Army Launches Bharat Rice for Troops

• The Indian Army launched Bharat Rice for defence personnel in New Delhi on 12 October 2026.
• The launch was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• The initiative focuses on providing affordable rice to defence personnel.

Sunil Bharti Mittal Receives France’s Highest Civilian Honour

• French President Emmanuel Macron named Sunil Bharti Mittal a Chevalier (Knight) of the National Order of the Legion of Honour on 12 October 2026.
• The honour recognises his contributions to business and India–France relations.

Udhayveer Sidhu Wins Cairo 10m Air Pistol Gold

• Indian shooter Udhayveer Sidhu won gold in the men’s 10-metre air pistol event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Cairo, Egypt.
• The competition took place on 11 October 2026.

Aditya Mehta Wins Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships Gold

• Aditya Mehta won the men’s snooker gold medal at the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• He defeated fellow Indian player Dhvaj Haria 3–0 in the final.

M.R. Raghava Varier Named 2026 M.G.S. Narayanan Memorial Awardee

• Historian M.R. Raghava Varier was selected for the 2026 Prof. M.G.S. Narayanan Memorial Award.
• The award was jointly instituted by the Kerala History Congress and the Calicut Heritage Forum.

Chhattisgarh Signs MoU with Singapore’s ITE Education Services

• The Chhattisgarh government signed an MoU with Singapore-based Institute of Technical Education Services to strengthen technical and vocational education.
• The agreement was signed during Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s visit to Singapore for the Singapore–India Network for Growth Forum 2026.
• The state also received investment proposals worth ₹43,600 crore and an invitation for a proposed ₹350 crore agro-processing and export hub.

MoSPI Signs MoU with Pahle India Foundation

• The National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation signed an MoU with Pahle India Foundation on 8 October 2026.
• The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in official statistics, research, data analysis and capacity building.
• Pahle India Foundation is a New Delhi-based organisation established in 2013.

NCRTC and IGNCA Partner to Promote Culture at Namo Bharat Stations

• The National Capital Region Transport Corporation signed an MoU with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts to promote Indian art, culture and heritage at Namo Bharat stations.
• Activities will include art exhibitions, heritage displays, literary events, lectures and workshops.
• The partnership aims to bring cultural programmes into public transport spaces and reach a wider audience.

UGC Grants Letter of Intent to University of Colorado Denver

• The University Grants Commission granted a Letter of Intent to the University of Colorado Denver to establish a degree-granting campus in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The proposed campus is expected to welcome its first batch in August 2027.
• Planned academic fields include business, computing, engineering and analytics, in line with the internationalisation goals of the National Education Policy 2020.

The ePlane Company Partners with Noida International Airport

• The ePlane Company signed an MoU with Noida International Airport on 8 October 2026 to develop infrastructure and operating procedures for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
• The partnership will focus on vertiports, charging stations, safety procedures and airspace integration.
• Potential applications include urban air travel, airport-to-airport transport and emergency air ambulance services.

Canadian Poet Anne Carson Wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature

• The Swedish Academy awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature to Canadian poet and essayist Anne Carson.
• She was recognised for her experimental literary works and creative engagement with classical traditions.
• She will receive a prize of 12 million Swedish kronor.

Navi Pillay Named 2026 Nobel Peace Prize Winner

• South African jurist of Indian origin Navanethem “Navi” Pillay was named the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize winner.
• She is known for her work in international law and human rights, including serving as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
• The Nobel Peace Prize is traditionally presented in Oslo, Norway, on 10 December.

National Postal Week 2026

• National Postal Week 2026 is observed from 9 to 15 October by the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications.
• The observance highlights the role of postal services in financial inclusion, digital services and socioeconomic development.
• World Post Day is observed on 9 October to mark the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874.

Jantar Mantar De-notified as a Designated Protest Site

• Delhi Police de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site and identified three alternative venues.
• The alternatives are Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi.
• The decision concerns the designated locations for public protests and demonstrations in the national capital.

NABARD Current Affairs

Agriculture Current Affairs in News

Nameri Wild Classroom

Source: TH

Context of the News

The Assam Forest and Climate Change Department launched the Nameri Wild Classroom at Nameri Tiger Reserve — a programme that takes students into the forest itself for hands-on learning.

What Is It?

• A residential environmental education programme
• Students attend two- and three-day field camps inside the tiger reserve
• The point is to move learning out of textbooks and into a living habitat

What Does It Aim to Do?

• Build curiosity and scientific temper among young people
• Give direct exposure to forest and river ecosystems
• Create future conservationists and researchers

Important Facts for Exams

• Nameri National Park lies in Sonitpur district, Assam, on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border
• It became a Tiger Reserve in 1999-2000
• The Jia Bhoroli river (called the Kameng in Arunachal) flows along its boundary
• It adjoins Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, forming a continuous habitat
• Famous for the White-winged Wood Duck — Assam’s state bird, listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List
• Assam’s other tiger reserves: Kaziranga, Manas and Orang
• Kaziranga and Manas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites

OPEC Cuts India’s 2026 Oil Demand Growth Forecast to 40,000 Barrels per Day

• The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reduced its forecast for India’s oil demand growth in 2026 to 40,000 barrels per day (bpd), down from 60,000 bpd in its September report.
• India’s total oil demand is projected to reach 5.7 million barrels per day in 2026.
• Petrol and diesel are expected to drive demand, supported by vehicle sales, road transport, manufacturing and agricultural activities.
• Demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and naphtha is expected to decline.

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

BIMSTEC Delhi Declaration 2026

Source: The Hindu

Context of the News

India hosted the first-ever meeting of BIMSTEC Home Ministers in New Delhi. The bloc adopted the Delhi Declaration, aimed at countering radicalisation, terror financing and the misuse of new technologies by terrorist groups.

What Is the Meeting?

• The first ministerial-level gathering of Home Ministers from the seven BIMSTEC member states
• Held in New Delhi, hosted by India
• Its purpose is to give strategic direction to regional security cooperation

Background

Year	Event
2018	The 4th BIMSTEC Summit at Kathmandu proposed Home Ministers’ Meetings, alongside the existing National Security Advisors’ mechanism
2025	The 6th BIMSTEC Summit at Bangkok welcomed the operationalisation of the Home Ministers’ Meeting mechanism
2026	India hosted the inaugural meeting in New Delhi

What Is BIMSTEC?

• Full form: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
• Seven members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand
• Founded in June 1997 as BIST-EC — Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand
• Myanmar joined later that year, making it BIMST-EC
• Nepal and Bhutan joined in 2004, after which it took its present name
• Established by the Bangkok Declaration, 1997
• Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh, set up in 2014
• The BIMSTEC Charter came into force in 2024, giving the grouping a formal legal identity

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

SEBI Extends IPO Issue-Size Relaxation Until March 2027

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) reportedly extended a temporary relaxation concerning changes to the fresh-issue size in initial public offerings (IPOs).
• The extension runs until March 2027.
• An IPO is the process through which a company offers its shares to the public for the first time.

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

PM GatiShakti Completes Five Years

Source: News on Air

Context of the News

The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan completed five years on 13 October 2026. Around the same time, the Union Cabinet approved the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA), which will appraise infrastructure projects worth ₹500 crore or more.

What Is PM GatiShakti?

• India’s digital planning framework for infrastructure
• It combines GIS mapping, satellite imagery and databases from different ministries on one platform
• The idea is to move away from each department planning on its own, toward a whole-of-government approach

Key Highlights

• Launched on: 13 October 2021
• Launched by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Full name: PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for Multi-Modal Connectivity
• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• Main objective: Integrated infrastructure planning and better coordination among ministries and states.
• Technology: Geographic Information System (GIS), satellite imagery and digital mapping.
• Developed by: BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics).

Economy in News

IMF Raises India’s FY2026–27 GDP Growth Forecast to 7%

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised India’s growth forecast for FY2026–27 to 7%, from 6.4% estimated in July.
• Strong domestic demand and services activity supported the upward revision.
• The IMF also raised its FY2027–28 growth forecast to 7%, from 6.7%.
• India’s GDP growth stood at 7.8% in FY2025–26.
• The World Bank and Reserve Bank of India had also projected India’s FY2026–27 growth at 7.1%, according to the article.

Oman Replaces the United States as India’s Largest LNG Supplier

• Oman became India’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in September 2026, replacing the United States.
• India imported 2.17 million tonnes of LNG during the month, 14% less than in the previous comparison period.
• LNG is natural gas cooled into liquid form to make storage and transportation easier.

Social Issue in News

World Mental Health Day 2026

• World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10 October to raise awareness about mental health and encourage access to mental healthcare.
• The 2026 theme was “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
• The observance highlights the need to listen to people experiencing mental health challenges and improve community-based care.

Tele-MANAS: India’s Mental Health Helpline

• Tele-MANAS stands for Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States.
• It was launched on 10 October 2022 under the National Tele Mental Health Programme of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• The free, 24-hour helpline operates through 14416, providing mental health counselling, psychological support and referrals.
• The helpline received nearly 48 lakh calls in four years, highlighting the need for accessible mental healthcare.

Miscellaneous General Awareness in News

Exercise KONKAN-2026

• Indian Navy guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived at Plymouth, United Kingdom, to participate in the bilateral naval exercise KONKAN-2026.
• The exercise involves the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom.
• It aims to improve operational coordination, tactical cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.

Newly Appointed Governors and Respective States

State	Governor
Tamil Nadu	Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
Keralam	Om Prakash Mathur
Sikkim	Dushyant Gautam
Odisha	Braj Mohan Ram
Karnataka	Sudha Yadav
Uttarakhand	Dhal Singh Bisen

Union Minister Launches Multilingual DST and Science and Technology Websites

• On 9 October 2026, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched redeveloped websites for the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
• The websites support 22 Indian languages through BHASHINI integration.
• They provide information about research grants, fellowships, government schemes, awards and research opportunities.
• Accessibility features include adjustable font sizes, high-contrast displays and screen-reader compatibility.

Indian Embassy in Indonesia Launches AI Avatar Dewi

• The Indian Embassy in Jakarta launched an artificial intelligence avatar named Dewi in October 2026.
• The initiative aims to support public outreach through artificial intelligence.

Sentinel-3C Sends First Earth Images

• Europe’s Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite was launched on 15 September 2026 aboard a Vega-C rocket from French Guiana.
• The satellite subsequently returned its first images of Earth.
• The Sentinel-3 mission supports Earth observation and environmental monitoring.

L. Murugan Resigns as Union Minister and Rajya Sabha Member

• L. Murugan resigned as Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs and relinquished his Rajya Sabha membership on 13 October 2026.
• He represented Madhya Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha.

Google Launches Gemini 4 Argon AI Model

• Google reportedly launched Gemini 4 Argon globally on 13 October 2026.
• The model is designed for complex tasks.

IBM and MeitY Partner to Support Deep-Tech Startups

• IBM and MeitY Startup Hub, an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, signed an MoU on 13 October 2026.
• The partnership aims to support India’s deep-technology startups.
• Deep technology refers to innovations based on advanced scientific research and engineering, such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and robotics.

HAL, National Culture Fund and ASI Sign Heritage Conservation Agreement

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) signed a heritage conservation agreement on 13 October 2026.
• The agreement concerns cooperation in the conservation and protection of India’s cultural heritage.

Prof. Achyuta Samanta Elected First President of Indian UniSport Federation

• Prof. Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT and KISS, was elected the first president of the Indian UniSport Federation (IUSF) in October 2026.
• The federation was established in 2026 with the approval of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• It aims to provide a common platform for universities across India.

GRSE Launches INS Shreyas for the Indian Navy

• Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) launched INS Shreyas, the third of four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels, in Kolkata, West Bengal.
• The vessel is approximately 113 metres long, with a displacement of 3,000 tonnes and a maximum speed of 23 knots.
• Its roles include maritime surveillance, coastal security and protection of offshore assets.

Max Verstappen Wins Singapore Grand Prix 2026

• Dutch-Belgian racing driver Max Verstappen won the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix on 11 October 2026.
• Charles Leclerc finished second, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured third place.
• The race took place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore.

Prasar Bharati and In-Dot Sports Launch Kisan Cricket League

• Prasar Bharati and In-Dot Sports Private Limited launched the Kisan Cricket League (KCL) to identify cricketing and singing talent in rural and semi-urban India.
• Its inaugural season is scheduled for February 2027, featuring seven teams and 140 cricketers.
• Matches and related programmes are planned for broadcast through Waves OTT, Doordarshan and Akashvani.

Guruvayur Dorai, Padma Shri-Awarded Mridangam Maestro, Passes Away

• Renowned Carnatic percussionist Guruvayur Dorai passed away in Chennai at the age of 91.
• He received the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contribution to Indian classical music.
• He also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1996 and the Kalaimamani award in 1990.

Sunil Gavaskar Releases Book on Sanjay Jagdale

• Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar released Sanjay Jagdale: Rag-Rag Mein Cricket in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• The book was authored by Kiran Waikar and Sunil Dudhale.
• It documents Jagdale’s cricketing career and contributions as a player, selector and administrator.

World Egg Day 2026

• World Egg Day was observed on 9 October 2026, the second Friday of October.
• The 2026 theme was “Protein that Powers and Protects.”
• The observance highlights the nutritional value of eggs as a source of protein and essential nutrients.

World Day Against the Death Penalty 2026

• The day is observed annually on 10 October to raise awareness about capital punishment and promote its abolition.
• The 2026 theme was “Stories for Life.”
• The first observance took place on 10 October 2003.

World Migratory Bird Day 2026

• World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice annually, on the second Saturday of May and October.
• In 2026, the observance dates were 9 May and 10 October.
• The campaign raises awareness about threats to migratory birds and the need to protect their habitats.

Schemes in News

Government Approves DRISHTI Project for Property Rights in Delhi

• The Government of India reportedly approved the ₹65 crore DRISHTI project to speed up property rights for residents of unauthorised colonies in Delhi under the PM-UDAY scheme.
• DRISHTI stands for Delhi Revenue and Imaging Survey, Spatial Technology Initiative.
• The project will use Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to improve property surveys and ownership verification across all 13 Delhi districts.
• ₹52 crore will come through the Urban Development Fund and ₹13 crore from the Delhi government’s Revenue Department.

Shipping Ministry Launches Credit Insurance for Shipbuilders

• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reportedly launched two credit-risk insurance products for India’s shipbuilding industry on 13 October 2026.
• The products aim to address credit risks faced by shipbuilders.

NABARD Current Affairs

10th National Convention of Agrivision 2026

Source: PIB

Context of the News

The 10th National Convention of Agrivision 2026 was held in New Delhi on 13-14 October. The theme running through it was India’s shift from production-centric agriculture to market-oriented agri-food value chains.

What Is Agrivision?

• A national agricultural convention
• It brings together students, scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs and farmers
• The focus areas are innovation, agricultural education, entrepreneurship and farmer-centric development

Who Organised It?

• Agrivision, under the ICAR Agricultural Education Division
• Venue: the ICAR-NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi

What Is the Aim?

• Strengthen collaboration among agricultural stakeholders
• Promote market-driven agriculture
• Improve farmer profitability through innovation and value addition

Soybean Varieties NRC 268 and NRC 270

Source: PIB

Context of the News

At a Soybean Harvest Day organised by ICAR-National Soybean Research Institute, Indore, two new varieties — NRC 268 and NRC 270 — showed preliminary yields of about 20 quintals per hectare.

What Are They?

• High-yielding, climate-resilient soybean (Glycine max) varieties
• Developed by ICAR-NSRI, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
• Meant to raise farm productivity, seed quality and returns for oilseed growers

What Are Their Key Traits?

• Climate and disease resilience — better tolerance of irregular rainfall, dry spells, pests and diseases
• NRC 270 is bold-seeded — larger grains, higher seed weight, better market value
• High oil and protein content — supporting both edible oil extraction and protein-rich soybean meal for livestock feed
• Suited to Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, mainly in the kharif season

Jeypore Ground Gecko

Source: The Hindu

Context of the News

Only four individuals of the endangered Jeypore ground gecko have been recorded in the past year in Odisha’s Balda hills — inside the site of a proposed bauxite mining project.

What Is the Jeypore Ground Gecko?

• A nocturnal lizard, about 3.6 inches long
• Comparatively large head, yellow-orange body, strikingly patterned
• Lives in rock crevices and under leaf litter
• Found in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh

Important Facts for Exams

Feature	Details
Scientific name	Cyrtodactylus jeyporensis
Family	Gekkonidae
Distribution	Eastern Ghats of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
IUCN status	Endangered (EN)
CITES status	Appendix II
Rediscovered	2010, after more than a century without recorded sightings
Major threats	Bauxite mining, deforestation, forest fires and habitat loss

Indian Army Launches Bharat Rice for Defence Forces

• The Indian Army launched Bharat Rice to supply quality rice to Army Supply Depots, including remote areas of Ladakh and the Northeast.
• The Directorate General of Supplies and Transport (DGST) is leading the initiative.
• The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) will procure and supply rice in 10 kg and 30 kg bags during Financial Year 2026–27.
• The Army signed a five-year, extendable Memorandum of Understanding with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to use its infrastructure, equipment and trained manpower during operational contingencies.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

SEBI to Expand AIF Framework

Source: The Hindu

Context of the News

SEBI will soon issue a circular expanding the framework for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). The change is expected to raise the pool of accredited investors from 1 lakh to about 4 lakh.

What Are AIFs?

• Privately pooled investment vehicles
• They raise money from institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals
• They invest in alternative asset classes — unlisted securities and other non-traditional investments
• Because they hold complex and often illiquid assets, they carry higher risk
• So they follow a separate regulatory framework from retail products such as mutual funds

Important Facts for Exams

• AIFs are regulated under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012
• Three categories:
  • Category I — venture capital, SME, social venture and infrastructure funds; government-encouraged sectors
  • Category II — private equity and debt funds; no special incentives and no leverage
  • Category III — hedge funds and funds using complex trading strategies; may use leverage
• Minimum investment in an AIF: ₹1 crore, reduced to ₹25 lakh for employees and directors of the fund
• Minimum corpus: ₹20 crore, or ₹10 crore for an angel fund

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

Khajuraho’s Javari Temple

Source: Times of India

Context of the News

The Archaeological Survey of India announced that the missing head of the 11th-century Vishnu idol at Khajuraho’s Javari Temple has been traced in an ASI store — ending a dispute that had reached the Supreme Court.

What Is the Javari Temple?

• A compact, finely sculpted Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu
• Part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986
• Located in the Eastern Group of Temples, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh

Important Facts for Exams

• Javari Temple — dedicated to Vishnu; in the Eastern Group, Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh
• Built 1075-1100 CE under the Chandela dynasty
• Khajuraho Group of Monuments — UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1986
• Of about 85 original temples, around 25 survive, in three groups — Western, Eastern and Southern
• The Western Group is the largest and includes the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, the biggest and most ornate
• Khajuraho temples follow the Nagara style — curvilinear shikhara, no boundary wall, built on a raised jagati
• They are built of sandstone, mostly without mortar, using interlocking stone

Lakshadweep Declared 100% Literate Under ULLAS

Source: News on Air

Context of the News

Lakshadweep was declared a 100 per cent literate Union Territory by Administrator Praful Patel, under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.

What Is ULLAS?

• Full form: Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society
• Also called the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP)
• A Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020
• Targets adults aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling

Who Runs It and For How Long?

• Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education
• A five-year cycle, from FY2022 to FY2027
• Vision: “Jan Jan Saakshar”

What Does “100 Per Cent Literate” Mean?

• Under ULLAS, a place is declared fully literate when it crosses 95 per cent literacy among the target population, not a literal 100 per cent.
• The standard is set by the Ministry of Education, and the measurement is through the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).

Economy in News

Wholesale Price Inflation Rises to 11.4% in September

• India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to 11.4% in September, a 49-month high according to the longer historical series mentioned in the report.
• Inflation in food articles increased to 8.1%, compared with 5.7% in the previous month.
• Inflation in non-food primary articles stood at 10.3%.
• WPI measures changes in the prices of goods at the wholesale level, before they reach consumers.

India–China Trade: Exports Rise 40.7%, Trade Deficit Crosses $100 Billion

• During January–September 2026, India’s exports to China increased 40.7% to $19.26 billion.
• Imports from China reached $125.19 billion, an increase of 23.3%.
• Total two-way trade reached $144.45 billion, growing by 25.4%.
• India’s trade deficit with China reached $105.93 billion, meaning India imported substantially more from China than it exported.

UNCTAD Projects India’s Growth at 7.3% in 2026

• The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) projected India’s economic growth at 7.3% in 2026.
• Global growth is projected at 2.6%, down from 2.9% in 2025; developing economies are expected to grow by 4%.
• Global trade reached a record $35 trillion in 2025, while trade in goods and services is projected to grow by around 4% in 2026.
• The report highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence products, semiconductors and advanced computing equipment in global trade.

Internet Shutdowns in India

• India’s share of global internet shutdowns reportedly increased from 37% in 2016 to 63% in 2020, before declining to 21% in 2025.
• Despite this decline, India ranked second globally in 2025, behind Myanmar and ahead of Pakistan.
• Protests accounted for 47% of shutdown cases in 2025, compared with 8% in 2021, according to the figures in the supplied article.
• Internet shutdowns restrict access to online communication and services and raise concerns about access to information, livelihoods and public safety.

Social Issue in News

The Myth of “Unskilled” Labour in India

• A The Hindu article argues that classifying workers as “unskilled” can affect their wages, workplace safety and job security.
• Safe in India Foundation data cited in the article for the automotive sector in 2024 showed an average of 2.27 fingers lost per accident among the lower-paid “unskilled” category, compared with 1.54 among the “skilled” category.
• The article links this difference to the assignment of dangerous machinery without adequate training and safety measures.
• Uttar Pradesh announced an interim monthly wage increase to ₹13,690 for “unskilled” workers and ₹16,868 for “skilled” workers.

India’s First Household Travel Survey

• The National Statistics Office conducted India’s first all-India household travel survey between July 2025 and July 2026.
• The survey covered more than 14,000 villages and 10,000 urban blocks.
• Two-wheelers accounted for 43% of workers’ travel, while public transport accounted for 15% and cars for 3%.
• Average commuting time was 25 minutes; average monthly spending on travel to a fixed workplace was ₹785. The survey also reported a gap in daily work trips between male workers (62%) and female workers (42%).

International Relations

India, Brazil and South Africa Conduct Exercise IBSAMAR IX 2026

• INS Tarkash, an Indian Navy guided-missile stealth frigate, arrived in South Africa for the ninth edition of Exercise IBSAMAR.
• The exercise involves the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa.
• IBSAMAR is a trilateral maritime exercise conducted under the India–Brazil–South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum.
• It aims to improve joint naval training, maritime cooperation and operational coordination.

Czech Deputy Prime Minister Inaugurates Aerospace Production Line in Karnataka

• Czech Republic Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček inaugurated a new production line at Gopalan Aerospace India Private Limited in Hoskote, Karnataka.
• Five Memoranda of Understanding were signed with Czech partners.
• Areas of cooperation include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), fire-extinguishing solutions, thermal-reflective coatings and unmanned traffic management systems.
• The partnership aims to strengthen India–Czech cooperation in aerospace and related technologies.

Miscellaneous General Awareness in News

10th India Mobile Congress 2026

• The 10th India Mobile Congress was held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, from 7 to 10 October 2026.
• The theme was “Scale Without Boundaries.”
• It was organised by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India.
• The event covered 5G and 6G, artificial intelligence networks, semiconductors, cybersecurity, quantum communication and electronics manufacturing. It also announced Viksit Tech 47, a platform to identify and promote Indian technology brands.

3rd International Bharat 6G Symposium 2026

• Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the symposium at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, from 7 to 9 October 2026.
• It was organised by the Bharat 6G Alliance to support India’s next-generation communication technology ambitions.
• The Alliance exchanged MoUs with five organisations, including the GSMA and one6G Association.
• A report on progress towards the New Delhi Declaration on 6G principles and nine working-group white papers were released.

Indian Navy Commissions INS Mangrol

• The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mangrol (P82) in Mumbai in October 2026.
• It is the third of eight Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited.
• The vessel has more than 80% indigenous content, according to the supplied report.
• Its roles include anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance, coastal security and protection of maritime assets.

Awards and Recognitions

Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford Win the 2026 Economics Prize

• American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford received the 2026 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.
• The prize recognises their work on the microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation.
• They will share the prize money of 12 million Swedish kronor.
• The award ceremony is held annually on 10 December in Stockholm, Sweden.

Israel to Honour Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar

• Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar would receive the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism.
• According to the supplied report, the award recognises his actions in preventing a potential aircraft disaster.
• Six passengers who helped prevent the incident were also named as recipients.
• The award recognises civilians who risk their lives to save others.

Sunil Bharti Mittal Receives France’s Legion of Honour

• French President Emmanuel Macron named Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour in October 2026.
• The honour recognises his contribution to India–France economic relations, telecommunications and digital infrastructure.
• Mittal received the Padma Bhushan in 2007 for contributions to trade and industry.
• He also serves as co-chairman of satellite communications company Eutelsat, according to the supplied report.

Sports

Sports Ministry Forms Committee to Revive Hockey India League

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports formed a seven-member committee to review the Hockey India League’s governance, financial model and structure.
• The committee includes representatives of the Sports Ministry, Hockey India and league franchises.
• The league was relaunched in 2024 after a seven-year break.
• The committee is expected to recommend measures to address financial challenges and franchise uncertainty.

Putul Sonowal Wins India’s First-Ever Medal at World Bowls Champion of Champions

• Indian lawn bowls player Putul Sonowal from Assam won bronze in the men’s singles category in October 2026.
• The tournament took place in Barham, Australia, from 6 to 10 October.
• The competition was organised under the aegis of World Bowls, the international governing body for lawn bowls.
• Lawn bowls is a precision sport in which players roll biased bowls towards a target ball called the jack.

Important Days

International Day of the Girl Child – 11 October

• Observed annually on 11 October to promote girls’ rights, empowerment and well-being.
• 2026 theme: “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”
• The United Nations General Assembly established the day through Resolution A/RES/66/170 in 2011.
• The first observance took place on 11 October 2012. UNICEF India named cricketer Smriti Mandhana as its Celebrity Advocate for 2026, according to the supplied report.

World Arthritis Day – 12 October

• Observed annually on 12 October to raise awareness about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
• The day promotes awareness of early diagnosis, treatment, prevention and support for affected people.
• It was established in 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism International.
• 2025–26 theme stated in the supplied material: “Achieve Your Dreams.”

NABARD Current Affairss

State of the World’s Forests 2026

Source: FAO

Context of the News

The FAO released the State of the World’s Forests (SOFO) 2026. The report says the world needs to restore 470 million more hectares by 2030 to meet existing pledges. India ranks first in the world in forest area actively under restoration.

What Is SOFO?

• The FAO’s flagship forest report, published every two years
• It tracks the size, health, governance and economic value of the world’s forests
• The 2026 edition focuses on Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR)
• It draws on the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 and country reports under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Key Highlights

Global Forest Status

• Forest area: 4.14 billion hectares, covering 32% of global land.
• Carbon stored: 714 gigatonnes.
• Forests support up to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity.

Forest Loss and Degradation

• 1.56 billion hectares of land is degraded, including 460 million hectares of forest.
• 489 million hectares cleared since 1990.
• Wildfires affect 127 million hectares annually.

Global Restoration Gap

• Global pledges: Over 1 billion hectares.
• Reported restoration: 44 million hectares under FRA 2025.
• Gap to 2030 targets: 470 million hectares.
• Restoration can generate up to $30 per $1 invested under favourable conditions.

India’s Position

Country	Area under restoration
India	9.8 million hectares
China	7.9 million hectares
Ethiopia	5.0 million hectares

• India ranks first globally in active forest restoration under FRA 2025.
• Under its 7th National Report to the CBD, India reported 18.9 million hectares under forest and landscape restoration, ranking second after China.
• Key initiatives include compensatory afforestation, agroforestry and Joint Forest Management.

Important Facts for Exams

• FAO — founded 1945, headquartered at Rome

Kerala Launches India’s First Ecosystem Red List Assessment

Source: The Hindu

Context of the News

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) has launched India’s first State-level Red List Assessment of Ecosystems (RLE). It will judge how close entire ecosystems are to collapse.

What Is It?

• An assessment that checks the risk of collapse of whole ecosystems
• Not individual species — this is the key difference
• It uses the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems framework
• Funded by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board
• Duration: one year, covering all 14 districts of Kerala

How Is It Different From the Usual Red List?

• The familiar IUCN Red List rates species — tiger, bustard, gharial
• This one rates ecosystems — a forest type, a wetland, a grassland
• A species can survive while the system it belongs to falls apart. Rating the ecosystem catches that

How Does It Classify Risk?

• Using the five standard IUCN RLE criteria
• These look at historical habitat loss, environmental degradation and risk of collapse

India Joins the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement

Source: PIB

Context of the News

The Central Government approved India’s accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA). India moves up from a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party to a full Contracting Party.

What Is SIOFA?

• A regional fisheries agreement, and also a Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO)
• It works on the conservation and sustainable use of non-tuna fish in the high seas of the Southern Indian Ocean
• Headquarters: Saint-Denis, Réunion Island (France)
• Run by a Meeting of the Parties, with a Scientific Committee and a Compliance Committee

Important Facts for Exams

• India approved accession to SIOFA in October 2026, becoming a Contracting Party
• India held Cooperating Non-Contracting Party status since 2022
• SIOFA concluded at Rome, July 2006 under FAO; in force June 2012
• Headquarters: Saint-Denis, Réunion Island (France)
• Manages non-tuna, non-migratory stocks in the high seas of the Southern Indian Ocean
• Species include orange roughy, alfonsino, toothfish, molluscs and crustaceans
• India is the world’s second-largest fish producer and second-largest aquaculture producer; production reached 198 lakh tonnes in 2024-25

WINDS Weather Network

Source: The Hindu

Context of the News

India’s WINDS project — a network of automatic rain gauges and weather stations to support crop insurance — is more than a year behind schedule. Over 96 per cent of planned sensors are still not installed.

What Is WINDS?

• Weather Information Network and Data System
• A nationwide network of weather sensors to supply hyper-local weather data
• Its main purpose is computing insurance estimates and payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
• Run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• Executed through the Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC)
• Implemented by States through private partners

Key Terms

• ARG: Automatic Rain Gauge — measures rainfall and transmits the reading automatically
• AWS: Automatic Weather Station — measures several weather parameters at once
• Hyper-local data: Weather readings at village or panchayat level, rather than district level
• Siting requirements: Technical rules on where an instrument may be placed, so readings are accurate
• Retrospective amendment: A rule change applied to decisions already taken under the earlier rule

PM-SETU Scheme to Upgrade 9 Government ITIs

• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a Shareholders’ Agreement with ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India and the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
• The project will upgrade 9 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Surat and Visakhapatnam clusters, with an approved investment of ₹440 crore.
• Five ITIs in Surat will receive ₹240 crore, while four ITIs in Visakhapatnam will receive ₹200 crore.
• Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) will manage the clusters, with AM/NS India holding a 51% stake.

Reports / Articles in News

1. India Ranks Third in Contracted Clean Hydrogen Volumes

• India ranks third globally in cumulative contracted clean hydrogen volumes, according to Union Minister Prahlad Joshi.
• Clean hydrogen can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• The development supports India’s clean energy transition and energy security.

2. Fitch BMI Raises India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 7.5%

• Business Monitor International (BMI), part of Fitch Solutions, raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2026–27 to 7.5%, from 6.8%.
• Strong industrial growth, economic momentum and investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure supported the revision.
• BMI lowered its FY 2027–28 growth forecast to 6.3%, citing concerns about household consumption, higher oil prices and possible El Niño-related disruptions.

4. PIB in News

1. India Showcases Indigenous Defence Capabilities Through INS Samarthak

• Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan commissioned the indigenously built multi-purpose vessel INS Samarthak into the Indian Navy.
• The commissioning took place at INS Kadamba Naval Base, Karwar, Karnataka.
• The vessel strengthens India’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity and naval operational capabilities.

2. India Reaches 103 Ramsar Sites

• India’s Ramsar site count reached 103 following the inclusion of Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh, according to the supplied report.
• Ramsar sites are wetlands recognised as internationally important under the Ramsar Convention.
• Wetland conservation supports biodiversity, water management and flood control.

3. National Strategic Trade Command Centre Launched

• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC) in New Delhi.
• The centre aims to strengthen monitoring and governance of India’s international trade through integrated data analytics.
• It is intended to improve trade-related analysis and decision-making.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

1. LIC Launches Three New Insurance Plans

• Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) announced three plans: New Jeevan Dhara-II (Plan 892), Health Shield (Plan 907) and New Cancer Cover (Plan 908).
• New Jeevan Dhara-II provides guaranteed annuity rates for retirement income, while Health Shield offers fixed benefits for specified health risks.
• New Cancer Cover provides financial benefits upon diagnosis of specified early- or major-stage cancer. The plans are scheduled to be available from 19 October 2026.

2. Karur Vysya Bank Partners with Zurich Kotak General Insurance

• Karur Vysya Bank (KVB) entered into a partnership with Zurich Kotak General Insurance to distribute general insurance products through its banking network.
• The arrangement can improve customer access to non-life insurance and generate commission-based income for the bank.
• Zurich Kotak General Insurance is a joint venture in which Zurich Insurance Group holds 70% and Kotak Mahindra Bank holds 30%.

3. Karnataka Bank Launches Trade Konnect

• Karnataka Bank launched Trade Konnect, a digital platform developed with Kyzer Software (India) Private Limited.
• It enables online submission of import, export and outward cross-border remittance requests without visiting a bank branch.
• The platform aims to simplify foreign exchange services for businesses engaged in international trade and individuals making overseas remittances.

4. Ministry of Defence Signs ₹4,106 Crore Defence Contracts

• The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth approximately ₹4,106 crore for a dedicated communication satellite for the Indian Air Force and Varunastra heavy-weight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.
• The GSAT-7C satellite contract worth ₹2,563 crore was awarded to New Space India Limited (NSIL).
• The Varunastra torpedo contract worth ₹1,543 crore was awarded to Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), supporting indigenous defence manufacturing.

5. SEBI Finalises Closing Auction Session Rules

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) retained the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the final 30 minutes of regular trading to determine settlement prices for expiring stock and index derivatives.
• For index derivatives, settlement uses the VWAP of constituent securities during the final 30 minutes of cash-market trading. For expiring stock derivatives, it uses the underlying stock’s VWAP across exchanges.
• Most changes will take effect from 7 December 2026, while rules for transferring certain unexecuted orders into the Closing Auction Session will begin on 8 February 2027.

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

Source: PIB

Context of the News

The Union Cabinet has approved continuing the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five more years, from FY2026-27 to 2030-31, with an outlay of ₹53,428 crore. The scheme has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (PMSSY).

What Is the Scheme?

• It gives monthly pensions and social security assistance to poor and vulnerable people
• Beneficiaries are BPL elderly persons, widows, persons with disabilities and households that lose their breadwinner
• It is non-contributory — the beneficiary pays nothing
• It is 100 per cent centrally funded
• It follows from Article 41 of the Constitution, a Directive Principle that asks the State to help citizens in old age, sickness and disability
• Run by the Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development

What Are the New Names?

Old name	New name
IGNOAPS (old age pension)	Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana
IGNWPS (widow pension)	Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana
IGNDPS (disability pension)	Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana
NFBS (family benefit)	Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana

What Changed for Persons With Disabilities?

Disability threshold lowered

• Earlier a person needed 80 per cent severe disability to qualify
• Now 40 per cent benchmark disability is enough
• This matches the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

Minimum age removed

• Earlier a person had to be 18 years old
• Now a person with benchmark disability is eligible from birth

Economy in News

1. India’s Merchandise Exports Rise 23.04% in September 2026

• India’s merchandise exports rose 23.04% year-on-year to $44.4 billion in September 2026, supported by petroleum products, electronic goods and chemicals.
• Imports stood at $74.61 billion, while the merchandise trade deficit narrowed year-on-year to $30.21 billion, compared with $33 billion in September 2025.
• Electronic goods exports grew 70.44% to $5.3 billion, petroleum product exports rose 31.9% to $6.2 billion, and chemical exports increased 24.21% to $3 billion.

2. India’s Unemployment Rate Remains at 5%

• India’s unemployment rate remained at 5% in September 2026, unchanged from August, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) bulletin of the National Statistics Office.
• The labour force participation rate declined slightly from 55.6% to 55.5%.
• Unemployment was higher in urban areas at 6.9% than in rural areas at 4.2%. Overall unemployment among women was 5.2%, compared with 4.9% among men.

3. India Launches Development Projects Worth ₹3,350 Crore in Ladakh

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated five development projects worth approximately ₹3,350 crore covering airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity in Ladakh.
• The government is advancing proposals to establish satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu.
• The initiatives aim to improve regional connectivity and provide local youth with better access to higher education, research and new technologies.

Social Issue in News

1. Bhagini Nivedita Scheme for Women’s Higher Education

• The West Bengal Cabinet approved the Bhagini Nivedita Scheme to provide financial assistance to unmarried women pursuing higher education.
• Eligible beneficiaries will receive ₹50,000 over three years: ₹17,000 in the first year, ₹17,000 in the second year and ₹16,000 in the third year.
• The scheme is scheduled for implementation from January 2027, according to the supplied report.

Miscellaneous General Awareness in News

1. Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2026

• The Indian Army’s Assam Regiment won a Gold Medal at Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2026 in Wales, United Kingdom.
• The exercise is often called the “Olympics of Military Patrolling” and tests soldiers’ endurance, leadership, tactical decision-making and survival skills.
• It was established in 1959 and is organised annually by the British Army in the challenging terrain of Wales.

2. Hornbill Festival 2026

• Nagaland will host the 27th Hornbill Festival from 1 to 10 December 2026 at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
• Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” it showcases the traditions, music, dance, crafts, food and heritage of Nagaland’s indigenous tribes.
• The festival began in December 2000 and promotes cultural preservation, inter-tribal interaction and tourism.

3. Ambaji Mohanthal Receives GI Tag

• Ambaji Mohanthal, a traditional sweet offered as prasad at Gujarat’s Ambaji Temple, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• The sweet is made mainly from gram flour, sugar and ghee and is associated with Gujarat’s religious and culinary heritage.
• It is registered under Class 30, which covers food products such as sweets and confectionery.

4. Indian Coast Guard Inducts Indigenous ALH MK-III Helicopter

• The Indian Coast Guard inducted the indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III, designated CG 875, at Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, on 13 October 2026.
• Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the helicopter is equipped with radar, an Electro-Optical Pod and an Automatic Identification System.
• It strengthens maritime surveillance, search and rescue, pollution response and coastal security along India’s western coast.

5. Dr. A. V. S. Raju Passes Away at 89

• Dr. Alluri Venkata Satyanarayana Raju, founder and Chairman Emeritus of Nagarjuna Construction Company, passed away in Hyderabad on 13 October 2026, aged 89.
• He received the Padma Shri in 2010 for his contributions to trade and industry, particularly infrastructure, construction and housing.
• He was also known for writing more than 25,000 poems and received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree in 2008.

6. International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2026

• The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed annually on 13 October to promote awareness and action to prevent disasters and reduce their impacts.
• The supplied report gives the 2026 theme as “Resilience Starts at Home.”
• The day supports the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, which promotes disaster preparedness and resilience.

7. World Standards Day 2026

• World Standards Day is observed annually on 14 October to highlight the importance of international standards in improving safety, quality and compatibility.
• The 2026 theme given in the supplied material is “Shared vision for a better world: Spotlight on SDG 7—Affordable and Clean Energy.”
• The day is jointly observed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

8. India Attends East Asia Summit Energy Ministers’ Meeting

• Union Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik attended the 20th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Philippines, in October 2026.
• The meeting was chaired by Sharon S. Garin, Secretary of the Philippine Department of Energy.
• The forum provides a platform for regional cooperation on energy security, clean energy and sustainable energy development.

9. India Participates in the 7th CICA Summit

• India reiterated its support for inclusive and consensus-based multilateral cooperation at the 7th Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.
• The summit focused on regional cooperation, mutual trust and peace in Asia.
• CICA is a multinational forum that promotes confidence-building measures and cooperation among Asian countries.

10. International Defence and Education Developments in Ladakh

• The government is focusing on improving educational opportunities for Ladakh’s youth through proposed satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu.
• Development projects covering airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity are intended to improve access and strengthen regional infrastructure.
• These initiatives support regional development and can improve access to education, technology and economic opportunities.

11. Rajnath Singh to Represent India at SCO Heads of Government Meeting

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to represent India at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 19–20 October 2026.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to participate virtually, according to the supplied report.
• The meeting provides a platform for member countries to discuss economic cooperation and regional development.

12. India’s Clean Hydrogen Progress

• India has been reported as the third-largest country globally in cumulative contracted clean hydrogen volumes.
• Clean hydrogen can support industries that are difficult to electrify and help reduce carbon emissions.
• The development is relevant to India’s energy transition and efforts to diversify its energy sources.

NABARD Current Affairs

Agriculture Current Affairs in News

India’s Ramsar Sites Reach 103

Source: News on Air

Context of the News

India now has 103 Ramsar sites. Two were added — Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh.

Sukhna Wetland, Chandigarh

What is it?

• A man-made reservoir and freshwater wetland on the edge of Chandigarh
• Ramsar Site number 2602
• Sits at the foot of the Shivalik range, the outer Himalayas
• It acts as both a water regulator and an urban wildlife refuge

Sauj Jheel, Uttar Pradesh

What is it?

• A perennial shallow floodplain lake
• Ramsar Site number 2603
• An Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA)
• Located in Mainpuri district, near Kishni, in the Indo-Gangetic floodplain

Important Facts for Exams

• Mainpuri is the only district in India with two Ramsar sites — the other is Saman Bird Sanctuary (2019)
• Uttar Pradesh has 14 Ramsar sites, the highest for any state; Tamil Nadu is close behind
• India has the third-highest number of Ramsar sites in the world, after the UK and Mexico, and the most in Asia
• The Ramsar Convention was signed at Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, and came into force in 1975. It is the oldest of the modern global environmental treaties
• India joined in 1982; its first sites were Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
• World Wetlands Day: 2 February

1. Cheruvayal Raman, Traditional Rice Conservationist, Passes Away

• Cheruvayal Raman, known as “Nellachan” and the “Living Paddy Gene Bank,” passed away in Kerala at the age of 74.
• He preserved more than 45 traditional rice varieties through traditional farming in Wayanad and distributed indigenous seeds to farmers free of cost.
• He received the Padma Shri in 2023 and the National Plant Genome Saviour Award in 2016 for his contribution to agricultural biodiversity.

Schemes in News

1. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) to Continue for Five Years

• The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31, with a reported allocation of ₹53,428 crore.
• According to the supplied report, the programme will be renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (PMSSY), with changes to the names of its pension and family-benefit sub-schemes.
• The programme provides social assistance to eligible elderly people, widows, persons with disabilities and families facing the death of a primary breadwinner.

2. Credit Risk Insurance Support for Shipbuilding

• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched two credit risk insurance products on 13 October 2026 under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS).
• The Shipbuilding Project Credit Risk Insurance Policy (SbPCP) covers specified credit and payment risks in export shipbuilding projects, while the Business Credit Shield Policy – Shipbuilders (BCSPS) covers domestic shipbuilding projects.
• The initiative aims to protect shipyards against payment delays, reduce financial risks and promote indigenous shipbuilding.

Reports / Articles in News

1. India Ranks Third in Contracted Clean Hydrogen Volumes

• India ranks third globally in cumulative contracted clean hydrogen volumes, according to Union Minister Prahlad Joshi.
• Clean hydrogen can reduce emissions in industries that are difficult to electrify and support India’s transition towards cleaner energy.
• The development is important for India’s energy security and clean energy goals.

2. ReNew Secures $100 Million from Dutch Development Bank FMO

• ReNew Energy Global secured a $100 million debt facility from the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO to finance renewable energy projects under construction.
• The 10-year financing is intended to provide long-term capital for clean energy projects.
• The facility qualifies under the 2X Challenge, a global initiative that promotes women’s economic participation through investment.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

1. SEBI Introduces Common Advertisement Code for Celebrity Endorsements

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified a Common Advertisement Code (CAC) allowing regulated market intermediaries to use celebrities for brand-level promotion while restricting endorsements of specific financial products or services.
• Celebrity advertisements will require prior approval from the relevant supervisory body or SEBI, as applicable.
• The rules are scheduled to take effect on 8 April 2027, while the deadline for revising IPO issue sizes has been extended to 31 March 2027, according to the supplied report.

2. NovaFusion Capital Receives RBI Approval to Operate as an NBFC

• NovaFusion Capital, the lending subsidiary of Astranova Mobility, received approval from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
• The company aims to reach ₹5,000 crore in assets under management within five years, focusing mainly on commercial electric vehicles.
• NBFCs provide financial services such as loans and asset financing but are regulated differently from banks.

3. ReNew Secures Long-Term Renewable Energy Financing

• ReNew Energy Global secured a $100 million debt facility from Dutch development bank FMO for renewable energy projects under construction.
• The financing has a reported tenure of 10 years and is intended to provide stable funding for clean energy infrastructure.
• The transaction supports renewable energy investment and India’s transition towards a lower-carbon economy.

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

PUFFINS Telescope Mission

Source: The Hindu

Context of the News

Bengaluru-born astronomer Dr Ramya Anche has been selected as Principal Investigator of NASA’s $20-million PUFFINS space telescope mission.

What Is PUFFINS?

• Full form: Polarimetry in the Ultraviolet to Find Features in INterStellar dust
• A small satellite in low-Earth orbit
• It carries a 10-inch ultraviolet telescope
• It measures the polarisation of UV starlight as it passes through interstellar dust

Who Runs It?

• Funded by NASA’s Astrophysics Pioneers programme
• Led by the University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory
• With the McDonald Observatory, University of Texas

What Makes It Notable?

• It revives ultraviolet spectropolarimetry after nearly three decades
• It targets dust grains smaller than 50 nanometres, which are very hard to study with normal optical or infrared telescopes
• It will study how elongated dust grains line up with the Milky Way’s magnetic field — the change in starlight polarisation reveals the shape of galactic magnetic fields
• It will observe at least 70 distant stars, across stellar nurseries, reflection nebulae and the Magellanic Clouds
• Ground support comes from the 82-inch Otto Struve Telescope at McDonald Observatory

PM-SETU Scheme

Source: TH

Context of the News

The National Steering Committee of PM-SETU approved five Strategic Investment Plans worth ₹1,194.92 crore to modernise ITI clusters in Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu & Kashmir.

What Is PM-SETU?

• Full form: Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs
• It modernises government Industrial Training Institutes
• Through industry-aligned teaching, better infrastructure, advanced workshops and updated curriculum
• Run by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

When Was It Launched?

• Cabinet approval: 7 May 2025
• Launched: 4 October 2025
• Outlay: ₹60,000 crore over five years
• Target: upgrade 1,000 government ITIs

What Is the Hub-and-Spoke Model?

• Institutes are grouped into clusters
• One Hub ITI holds the advanced infrastructure and equipment
• It shares these with four Spoke ITIs
• This avoids duplicating costly equipment at every institute

How Is It Funded?

• Central Government
• State Governments
• Industry partners

With support from multilateral development banks.

10 Years of the Kigali Amendment

Source: Indian Express

Context of the News

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol completed 10 years on 15 October 2026. It aims to cut hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and avoid up to 0.5°C of warming by 2100.

What Is It?

• A legally binding amendment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol
• It requires countries to gradually phase down the production and use of HFCs
• HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases, used mainly in air conditioners and refrigerators

Important Facts for Exams

• Kigali Amendment adopted 15 October 2016 at Kigali, Rwanda; in force 1 January 2019
• First proposed in 2009 by the Federated States of Micronesia and Mauritius
• It amends the Montreal Protocol, 1987, which itself sits under the Vienna Convention, 1985
• Target: cut HFCs by over 80-85 per cent in three decades; avoid 0.3-0.5°C of warming by 2100
• The Montreal Protocol phased out about 99 per cent of ozone-depleting substances
• It is the only UN treaty ratified by every country in the world — all 198 parties
• India ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021
• India follows the India Cooling Action Plan (2019) — the first country to produce one
• World Ozone Day: 16 September, marking the signing of the Montreal Protocol

PIB in News

1. IMD Launches Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services DSS

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched a web-based Decision Support System (DSS) to improve cyclone warnings, marine weather services and disaster preparedness.
• The platform combines cyclone tracks, intensity forecasts, wind distribution, rainfall warnings and storm surge information through interactive maps.
• It aims to provide location-specific weather information to support timely decisions and improve public safety.

2. ICMR Establishes High-Altitude Health Research Centre in Himachal Pradesh

• Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda laid the foundation stone for the Indian Council of Medical Research’s first High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research Centre at Keylong, Himachal Pradesh.
• Research will cover altitude-related health risks, acclimatisation, maternal and child health, nutrition, infections and non-communicable diseases.
• The centre will collaborate with the Armed Forces Medical Services and AIIMS Bilaspur and use telemedicine and drone-enabled healthcare logistics.

3. IBM Partners with MeitY Startup Hub

• IBM and the MeitY Startup Hub signed a memorandum of understanding to support India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem.
• The partnership focuses on enterprise artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud and quantum computing, helping startups develop and commercialise technology solutions.
• Selected startups will receive technical guidance, skilling opportunities and access to IBM’s global network.

4. India Strengthens Maritime Capabilities Through INS Samarthak

• The Indian Navy commissioned INS Samarthak, the first of two indigenously built multi-purpose vessels constructed by Larsen & Toubro.
• The vessel was commissioned at Karwar, Karnataka, in the presence of Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan and senior naval officials.
• It will support the testing and evaluation of indigenous sensors and weapons, strengthening India’s naval research and maritime capabilities.

5. India Participates in IBSAMAR IX 2026

• The Indian Navy’s guided-missile stealth frigate INS Tarkash participated in the ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise (IBSAMAR IX) in South Africa.
• The exercise was conducted from 12 to 22 October 2026 to improve interoperability and cooperation among the three navies.
• IBSAMAR is a biennial trilateral naval exercise conducted under the India-Brazil-South Africa framework since 2008.

6. DRDO Tests Quantum Key Distribution Platform

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested its Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) platform on a live network at the Proof & Experimental Establishment in Chandipur, Odisha.
• QKD uses quantum properties to distribute secret cryptographic keys and can help detect attempts to intercept communications.
• The technology aims to strengthen secure military communications and protect sensitive information related to weapon trials.

7. Indian Army Receives 450 Nagastra-1R Loitering Munitions

• Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) delivered 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions to the Indian Army.
• The indigenous system is designed for surveillance and precision strikes and reportedly contains more than 80% indigenous components.
• The delivery supports India’s defence indigenisation efforts and reduces reliance on imported military equipment.

Economy in News

1. Five States to Get Permanent Seats in New GST Standing Committee

• Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have been announced as permanent members of a new Standing Committee under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework.
• The proposed committee will comprise 12 states: five large, four medium and three small states, with seven positions rotating every two years.
• The initiative aims to improve GST compliance, expand the taxpayer base and use data analytics to reduce tax leakage.

2. Government Launches Credit Risk Insurance for Shipbuilders

• The government introduced specialised insurance products to protect shipyards against specified credit and payment risks in domestic and export shipbuilding projects.
• The products are designed to reduce financial pressure caused by delayed milestone payments and global market fluctuations.
• The initiative supports domestic manufacturing, maritime infrastructure and India’s shipbuilding capabilities.

Social Issue in News

1. International Day of Rural Women 2026

• The International Day of Rural Women is observed every year on 15 October to recognise rural and indigenous women’s contributions to agriculture, food security and rural development.
• The supplied report gives the 2026 theme as “Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature.”
• In India, Mahila Kisan Diwas was observed on 15 October 2026 to recognise the role of women farmers.

2. Global Handwashing Day 2026

• Global Handwashing Day is observed annually on 15 October to promote handwashing with soap and water as a simple way to prevent infections.
• The supplied report gives the 2026 theme as “Be a Handwashing Hero.”
• The observance promotes hygiene awareness and encourages handwashing practices in homes, schools and communities.

Miscellaneous General Awareness in News

1. INS Samarthak Commissioned into the Indian Navy

• INS Samarthak is an indigenously built multi-purpose vessel constructed by Larsen & Toubro.
• It was commissioned at Karwar, Karnataka, and is the first of two such vessels being built by the company.
• Its key role is to support testing and evaluation of indigenous naval sensors and weapons.

2. Nagastra-1R Loitering Munition

• Nagastra-1R is an indigenous, man-portable loitering munition designed for surveillance and precision strikes.
• The system reportedly has an operational endurance of up to 60 minutes and carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
• It is manufactured by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited.

3. Cheruvayal Raman Receives Recognition for Rice Conservation

• Cheruvayal Raman was a traditional farmer from Wayanad, Kerala, known for conserving indigenous rice varieties.
• He preserved more than 45 traditional varieties and promoted chemical-free farming and agricultural biodiversity.
• His work earned him the Padma Shri in 2023 and the National Plant Genome Saviour Award in 2016.

NABARD Current Affairs

Agriculture Current Affairs in News

FSSAI Proposes Pesticide Residue Limits for Tea

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposed maximum residue limits (MRLs) for acetamiprid and imidacloprid in tea.
• The proposed limits are 20 mg/kg for acetamiprid and 50 mg/kg for imidacloprid.
• The acetamiprid limit is stricter than the limits mentioned for Japan (30 parts per million) and the United States (50 parts per million).
• The proposal aims to improve food safety, pesticide monitoring and regulatory clarity for tea growers and processors. Pasted text.txt

Telangana Seeks 100% Minimum Support Price Procurement Amid Drought

• Telangana reported drought conditions in 315 out of 621 mandals, affecting agricultural activities and crop production.
• The State Agriculture Minister requested the Centre to remove the 25% procurement cap on major crops and ensure 100% procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• The State planned the Khet Bachao Abhiyan from 22 to 30 October 2026.
• The State also sought additional funds for micro-irrigation equipment, intercropping seeds, water conservation and employment for agricultural workers. Pasted text.txt

Schemes in News

CCRAS SPARK 5.0 and Ayurshodh 2026

• The Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) launched CCRAS SPARK 5.0 and CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026.
• SPARK 5.0 provides short-term research opportunities to undergraduate Ayurveda students.
• Ayurshodh 2026 promotes scientific communication, original publications and innovative research.
• Both initiatives aim to strengthen research skills and scientific work in the field of Ayurveda. Pasted text.txt

Mizoram Launches Four Digital Financial Management Initiatives

• Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma launched four initiatives: Mizoram Integrated Works Accounts System (MIWAS), e-Sanction, e-Budget and 100% Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• MIWAS aims to improve the management and reconciliation of works-related expenditure across six State departments.
• The e-Sanction module enables online approval of expenditure, while e-Budget supports digital preparation and submission of budget proposals.
• The 100% DBT initiative aims to transfer payments under State schemes directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Pasted text.txt

Reports / Articles in News

Female Labour Force Participation in the North-East and Union Territories

• The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025 shows that female labour force participation has increased since 2019–20, but the improvement differs across States and Union Territories.
• Rural female labour force participation increased from 33% to 45.9%, while the urban rate rose from 23.3% to 27.7%.
• Arunachal Pradesh recorded the highest average annual percentage-point change in both rural (+8.28) and urban (+5.24) participation.
• Lakshadweep recorded negative changes in both rural (−2.34) and urban (−1.30) participation, highlighting regional differences in women’s economic participation. Pasted text.txt

WTO Raises Global Merchandise Trade Growth Forecast for 2026

• The World Trade Organization (WTO) raised its forecast for global merchandise trade growth in calendar year 2026 to 3.9%, up from its earlier estimate of 1.9%.
• Artificial intelligence-related investments increased by 67% year-on-year in the first half of 2026 and accounted for 47% of total merchandise trade growth, according to the report.
• Global merchandise trade growth is projected at 4.1% in 2027, while services trade growth is forecast at 3.3% in 2026.
• The WTO projected global gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 2.6% in 2026 and 2.9% in 2027. Pasted text.txt

PIB in News

India Approves Accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement

• The Government of India approved accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) through the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• India had participated as a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party since 2022; full membership will provide greater participation in fisheries-related decision-making.
• Indian fishing vessels will be able to undertake authorised fishing for species such as squid, toothfish and alfonsino within the agreement’s jurisdiction.
• The move aims to strengthen international fisheries cooperation, scientific research, sustainable fishing and livelihood opportunities for fishers.

RBI Current Affairs

Banking and Finance

BIS Launches Silver Refinery Scheme

• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched the Silver Refinery Scheme during the World Standards Day 2026 celebrations on 14 October 2026.
• The scheme introduces a certification framework to establish the purity and authenticity of silver bullion and coins.
• The proposed hallmarking details include the BIS mark, the word SILVER, purity grades of 999.9, 999.5 or 999.0, the manufacturer’s identification mark and a unique batch serial number.
• Other initiatives included the BIS Digital Standard Reader, seven new Indian Standards and standardisation roadmaps for sustainable agriculture and manufacturing. Pasted text.txt

RBI and NABARD Current Affairs

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Source: Indian Express

Context of the News

The FRRO reportedly issued a ‘Leave India’ notice to actor and OCI cardholder Imran Khan, after he took part in a protest in Mumbai. The case has brought attention to what an OCI card does and does not allow.

What Is OCI?

• A special immigration status, introduced in 2005 under the Citizenship Act, 1955
• Available to foreign nationals of Indian origin
• Not available to those with roots in Pakistan or Bangladesh

Is an OCI Holder an Indian Citizen?

No. This is the core point.

• Article 9 of the Constitution bars dual citizenship
• An OCI cardholder stays a foreign national, holding a foreign passport
• Despite the word “citizenship” in the name, it is essentially a lifelong visa

What Does an OCI Card Give You?

• A lifelong, multiple-entry, multi-purpose visa to visit India
• Exemption from registering with the FRRO, no matter how long the stay
• Parity with NRIs in financial, economic and educational matters
• But not for buying agricultural or plantation property

What Can an OCI Holder Not Do?

• No political rights — under Section 7B of the Citizenship Act, 1955:
• No Article 19 protections
• Activities needing prior permission — under the March 2021 OCI notification:

Important Facts for Exams

• OCI introduced in 2005, under the Citizenship Act, 1955
• An OCI cardholder is a foreign national, not an Indian citizen
• Article 9 bars dual citizenship
• Section 7B denies voting rights, election candidacy and constitutional offices
• Article 19 rights apply only to citizens; Articles 14 and 21 apply to all persons, including foreigners
• Cannot buy agricultural or plantation land
• The March 2021 notification requires prior permission for journalism, research, missionary work, mountaineering and protected area visits
• Not available to people of Pakistani or Bangladeshi origin
• The PIO card scheme was merged into OCI in 2015
• Articles only for citizens: 15, 16, 19, 29 and 30

National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC)

Source: News on Air

Context of the News

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. It brings India’s scattered trade data onto one dashboard.

What Is It?

• A central trade intelligence and analytics hub
• It pulls together different streams of trade data into a single dashboard
• Built for senior policymakers and regulators

Who Runs It?

• The Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Working with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

What Is the Aim?

• Move trade governance from periodic, scattered reports to real-time monitoring
• Base policy on evidence rather than lagging data
• Improve transparency and speed up trade clearances

KAUMARACON-2026

Source: PIB

Context of the News

The Vice-President of India inaugurated KAUMARACON-2026 at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, and launched several AYUSH digital initiatives.

What Is KAUMARACON?

• The third edition of an international conference on Kaumarabhritya
• Kaumarabhritya is the branch of Ayurveda dealing with child health — paediatric care, nutrition, growth, development and disease prevention
• Organised by AIIA, New Delhi, under the Ministry of AYUSH

What Is the Theme?

“Shaping the Future of Child Health: Global Perspectives, Research Innovations, and Clinical Frontiers in Kaumarabhritya”

What Is the Aim?

• Promote evidence-based Ayurvedic paediatrics
• Through scientific research, international collaboration, and integration with modern healthcare

Economy in News

India–Mauritius Tax Treaty Introduces Principal Purpose Test

• The Central Government notified amendments to the India–Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) on 13 October 2026.
• The amendments introduce the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) to prevent misuse of tax treaty benefits.
• Under the test, treaty benefits may be denied when obtaining those benefits is one of the principal purposes of a transaction, unless granting them is consistent with the treaty’s objectives.
• Investments made before 1 April 2017 are exempt from the PPT, according to the supplied report; the change aims to strengthen tax compliance while protecting legitimate treaty benefits. Pasted text.txt

NTPC Signs Agreement with Africa50 for Power Projects

• NTPC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, signed a cooperation agreement with Africa50.
• The partnership aims to identify and develop commercially viable power projects across African countries.
• NTPC will contribute technical expertise in project assessment, engineering, construction and operations, while Africa50 will support project identification, government coordination and investment structuring.
• The agreement will also explore cross-border electricity trading to improve regional power connectivity and electricity availability. Pasted text.txt

Social Issue in News

Supreme Court Recognises Internet Access as a Fundamental Right

• The Supreme Court stated that the right to access and use the Internet is a fundamental right under Article 21 read with Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
• The ruling referred to the 2020 Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India judgment, which recognised constitutional protection for freedom of speech and expression through the Internet.
• The Court emphasised that children should not be treated as the problem merely because they may encounter objectionable online material.
• The report highlights the responsibility of individuals who create or share objectionable content and intermediaries that fail to remove it. Pasted text.txt

Miscellaneous General Awareness in News

Census (Amendment) Rules, 2026

• The Ministry of Home Affairs notified the Census (Amendment) Rules, 2026, expanding the categories of people eligible for appointment as Census enumerators.
• The amendment changes Rule 3 of the Census Rules, 1990, under the framework of the Census Act, 1948.
• Eligible personnel now include private-sector employees and teachers, according to the supplied report.
• The objective is to increase field staff availability, reduce the workload on government schoolteachers and support India’s upcoming digital Census. Pasted text.txt

India’s Ramsar Site Count Reaches 103

• India’s Ramsar site count reached 103 following the addition of Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh.
• Sukhna Wetland supports different habitats and resident and migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
• Sauj Jheel lies in the floodplain of the Ganga River and is an Important Bird Area, supporting vulnerable bird species.
• Uttar Pradesh’s Ramsar site count increased to 14, placing it second among Indian States after Tamil Nadu, according to the supplied report. Pasted text.txt

India–UK Strengthen Science and Innovation Cooperation

• India and the United Kingdom held the 8th India–UK Science and Innovation Council Meeting in New Delhi in October 2026.
• The countries inaugurated the BRIC-CDFD–Oxford Nanopore Technologies India Genomics Centre of Excellence to advance genomics research and biotechnology cooperation.
• New initiatives included the UK–India Technology Translation Partnership and the InnoXchange Programme to support technology commercialisation and connections among start-ups and incubators.
• The two countries have jointly invested over GBP 450 million since 2008 through UK Research and Innovation and Indian partnerships, supporting more than 290 projects and 1,665 scientific publications. Pasted text.txt

T. M. Balakrishnan Nair Elected Chair of UNESCO’s Indian Ocean Panel

• Dr. T. M. Balakrishnan Nair, Director of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), was elected Chair of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Sub-Commission for the Indian Ocean (IOCINDIO).
• The election took place during the body’s second Intergovernmental Session in Bali, Indonesia, from 12 to 14 October 2026.
• He has over 30 years of experience in operational oceanography, marine science and real-time ocean observation systems.
• IOCINDIO promotes regional cooperation in ocean science, marine observations, capacity building and ocean information services. Pasted text.txt

Punam Raut Announces Retirement from International Cricket

• Indian women’s cricket batter Punam Raut announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket in October 2026.
• Her international career spanned 2009–2021 and included four Test matches, 73 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 35 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
• She scored 2,299 runs in ODIs, including three centuries and 15 half-centuries.
• She scored 86 runs in the 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup final against England and was part of India’s campaign in three ODI World Cups. Pasted text.txt

World Students’ Day 2026

• World Students’ Day is observed annually on 15 October to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
• The year 2026 marks his 95th birth anniversary.
• Dr. Kalam contributed to India’s space and defence programmes through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• His contributions included the Satellite Launch Vehicle-III, the Agni and Prithvi missile programmes, and the Technology Vision 2020 initiative. Pasted text.txt

Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls

• The Election Commission announced the schedule for the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls across 17 States and Union Territories, with 1 January 2027 as the qualifying date.
• The exercise updates voter lists by enrolling new voters, recording address changes and removing entries of deceased or duplicate voters.
• Article 324 of the Constitution gives the Election Commission supervisory powers over electoral rolls and elections.
• Section 21(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, provide the relevant legal framework. Pasted text.txt

INS Samarthak Commissioned into the Indian Navy

• The Indian Navy commissioned INS Samarthak, the first indigenously designed Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) of its class.
• The vessel is 107 metres long and serves as an auxiliary platform rather than a frontline warship.
• It is the lead ship of the Samarthak-class Multi-Purpose Vessels.
• The vessel was built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard at its Warship Design Centre and shipbuilding facility in Kattupalli. Pasted text.txt

Bengaluru Scientists Study Solar Eruptions Using Aditya-L1 and Proba-3

• Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and international collaborators studied coronal mass ejections (CMEs) using data from India’s Aditya-L1 and Europe’s Proba-3 missions.
• They combined observations from the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) aboard Aditya-L1 and the ASPIICS instrument aboard Proba-3.
• The joint observations examined the mass, density and energy of solar eruptions in the region close to the Sun.
• The study demonstrates the value of combining observations from different space missions to understand solar activity.