The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, organised the national conference “Ayu-Tech Navonmesh 2026” on integrating Artificial Intelligence with Ayurveda. Discussions focused on ethical AI use, traditional knowledge, digital health, research, education, drug development and healthcare services.
Key facts
The conference was held at ITRA, Jamnagar, under the theme “Ayu-Tech Navonmesh 2026”.
It focused on integrating Ayurveda with Artificial Intelligence and modern digital technology.
Discussions covered AI applications in Ayurvedic drug research, quality assurance, clinical trials and education.
Speakers highlighted the need to preserve Ayurveda’s core principles while using AI as a complementary tool.
Ethical concerns, data privacy and regulatory barriers related to AI in traditional medicine were discussed.
AI-driven chatbots and digital tools under the Ayush Grid were showcased.
ITRA is India’s first Ayurveda institute to receive the status of an Institute of National Importance.
The event coincided with ITRA’s sixth Foundation Day, observed as “ITRA Day” on 15 October 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, Ayurveda and traditional medicine, Ayush Grid, digital health ethics, WHO-linked health initiatives, and Institutes of National Importance.
10th CSMC Approves Over 1.93 Lakh Houses under PMAY-U 2.0
The 10th meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee approved 1.93 lakh additional houses under PMAY-U 2.0. The cumulative number of sanctioned houses under the mission reached 20.80 lakh, with approvals covering 11 states.
Key facts
The 10th CSMC meeting was held in New Delhi on 16 October 2026.
The meeting was chaired by Satendra Singh, Secretary, Department of Urban Development, MoHUA.
A total of 1.93 lakh additional houses were approved under PMAY-U 2.0.
The cumulative number of houses sanctioned under PMAY-U 2.0 reached 20.80 lakh.
The approvals covered the BLC and AHP verticals in 11 states.
PMAY-U 2.0 was launched in September 2024 to support 1 crore additional urban poor and middle-class families.
The scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹2.50 lakh per eligible family and covers EWS, LIG and MIG households with annual income up to ₹9 lakh.
PMAY-U 2.0 has four verticals: BLC, AHP, ARH and ISS.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on government housing schemes, PMAY-U 2.0, scheme verticals, beneficiary categories, cooperative federalism and recent approvals under urban development programmes.
Indian Navy Commissions INS Samarthak, First Indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Samarthak on 16 October 2026. Designed and built by Larsen & Toubro Shipyard, the vessel is the first major warship constructed by an Indian private shipyard and will support maritime surveillance, trials, training and humanitarian operations.
Key facts
INS Samarthak was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 16 October 2026.
It is the first-of-class indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV).
The vessel was designed and constructed by Larsen & Toubro Shipyard.
It is described as the first major warship built by an Indian private shipyard.
INS Samarthak has over 75% indigenous content.
Its roles include maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, offshore patrolling and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
The vessel will support testing and training of indigenously developed sensors and weapons.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on indigenous defence production, Indian Navy platforms, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, private-sector participation in shipbuilding and maritime security.
UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2026 Result
The Union Public Service Commission announced the merit-based recommendations for appointment under the Combined Geo-Scientist Examination, 2026. The examination process included the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Personality Test.
Key facts
The Stage-I Preliminary Examination was held on 8 February 2026.
The Stage-II Main Examination was conducted on 20 and 21 June 2026.
The Personality Test was held in September 2026.
Recommendations were made for posts including Geologist, Geophysicist, Chemist, Hydrogeologist and related Scientist ‘B’ and Assistant posts.
A consolidated Reserve List was maintained for Scientist ‘B’ (Hydrogeology)/Assistant Hydrogeologist and Geophysicist-related posts.
Appointments will depend on available vacancies, eligibility conditions, document verification and other pre-appointment formalities.
Candidates with provisional results must submit the required documents within three months from declaration of the final result.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on UPSC examinations, recruitment stages, government scientific services, merit-based appointment and provisional candidature rules.
CAQM Expands PTZ Camera Monitoring to Industries in NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has extended the requirement for installing and operationalising Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras to all industries covered under Statutory Direction No. 98. The system will enable real-time monitoring of fuel use, industrial emissions and compliance with pollution-control measures.
Key facts
The order applies to industries covered under Statutory Direction No. 98 in the National Capital Region.
Covered units include 17 categories of highly polluting industries identified by CPCB.
Red Category medium and large air-polluting industries are also covered.
Food and food-processing, textile, and metal industries with specified heating or furnace equipment are included.
Industries must install and operationalise PTZ cameras with real-time video transmission by 30 November 2026.
CPCB, SPCBs and DPCC will establish portals, servers and related infrastructure for receiving video feeds.
The PTZ monitoring requirements are additional to existing emission standards, approved-fuel rules and OCEMS requirements.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on air-pollution control, environmental governance, the role of CAQM and CPCB, industrial emission monitoring, and NCR-related pollution management.
CAQM Reviews Stubble-Burning Prevention Measures in Punjab’s Moga District
A high-level team of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) visited Moga district during the 2026 paddy harvesting season to review measures aimed at preventing stubble burning.
Key facts
The CAQM delegation was led by Dr. T.S. Panwar, Member (Technical).
The team visited hotspot villages in Moga district, Punjab.
It reviewed the preparedness of the district administration and coordination among departments.
The delegation assessed in-situ and ex-situ management of paddy residue.
The availability and deployment of Crop Residue Management machinery were reviewed.
The team emphasised continuous monitoring, field-level coordination and timely action.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on air pollution control, stubble burning, crop residue management, environmental governance and the role of CAQM.
Hardeep Singh Puri Addresses SRCC Centenary Conclave on Viksit Bharat
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri addressed the valedictory session of SRCC’s two-day National Conference, ‘Pathways to Viksit Bharat: A Centenary Conclave’, in New Delhi. He highlighted energy security, offshore hydrocarbon exploration, waste-to-energy initiatives and the role of youth in building a developed India by 2047.
Key facts
The conclave was organised by Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, during its centenary year.
Hardeep Singh Puri is the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The Union Government approved the Samudra Manthan Scheme, also described as the National Offshore Exploration Scheme.
The scheme has an outlay of ₹84,084 crore and aims to unlock offshore hydrocarbon potential.
The scheme focuses on exploration, modern technology, shared infrastructure and domestic manufacturing.
Puri highlighted the GOBARdhan scheme for converting agricultural residue and organic waste into energy.
He expressed confidence that youth would help achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on government schemes, energy security, offshore hydrocarbon exploration, waste-to-energy initiatives, sustainable development and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
AIIA Reports Over 37.74 Lakh Patients Served Between 2016 and 2026
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, reported that 37,74,524 patients received healthcare services through its main campus, affiliated centres and outreach facilities from October 2016 to September 2026.
Key facts
AIIA served 37,74,524 patients between October 2016 and September 2026.
Around 30,37,077 patients received services at the main campus in Sarita Vihar, New Delhi.
The main campus has OPD capacity for approximately 3,000 patients daily and a 200-bed IPD.
AIIA's outreach network includes centres in Goa, Safdarjung Hospital, the UPSC Building, Jhajjar, Mussoorie and Kevadia-Ekta Nagar.
Affiliated and outreach centres collectively served approximately 7.37 lakh patients during the reporting period.
Patient numbers increased from approximately 1.23 lakh in 2020 to over 5.40 lakh by September 2026.
AIIA is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Ayush, Ayurveda institutions, traditional medicine and government-supported healthcare infrastructure.
Indian Women’s Kabaddi Team Wins Gold at 2026 Asian Games
India’s women’s Kabaddi team defeated Iran 37–34 in the final to win the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The team successfully defended its Asian Games title. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw later met the team members at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.
Key facts
The 2026 Asian Games were held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
India defeated Iran 37–34 in the women’s Kabaddi final.
The final was played on 26 September 2026.
India successfully defended its Asian Games women’s Kabaddi title.
Neeta Moreshwar Dadwe was the head coach.
Pushpa Rana was the captain of the Indian team.
Railway sportspersons from South Central, Northern and Western Railway met Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on sports achievements, the Asian Games, Indian women’s Kabaddi and the contribution of Indian Railways to sports promotion.
Vice-President Inaugurates Navaratri Sargotsavam 2026 in Kozhikode
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated Navaratri Sargotsavam 2026 in Kozhikode, Kerala, and highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage alongside development. He released a book and presented the Sarga Kesari Award during the event.
Key facts
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated Navaratri Sargotsavam 2026 in Kozhikode, Kerala.
The event was held on 16 October 2026, according to the source publication date.
He emphasised the preservation of India’s cultural heritage while pursuing development.
He linked the festival’s message with courage, righteousness and the removal of ignorance through knowledge.
He highlighted the idea of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and the vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’.
He released the book ‘Sangha Noottandile Akshara Mudrakal’.
The Sarga Kesari Award was presented to P. R. Rajendran for contributions to fine arts.
Kesari Weekly was commended for its contribution to Malayalam journalism, democratic values and freedom of expression.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on constitutional dignitaries, cultural festivals, Kerala current affairs, awards, books and India’s cultural heritage initiatives.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is scheduled to confer the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024 and 2025 on 19 October 2026 in New Delhi. The awards will honour 106 young artists from music, dance and drama.
Key facts
The award ceremony is scheduled for 19 October 2026 at Meghdoot Complex, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will confer the awards.
A total of 106 young artists have been selected for the 2024 and 2025 awards.
The award covers the fields of music, dance and drama.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi instituted the award in 2006.
It recognises young artists up to 40 years of age.
Each award carries Rs. 25,000, a Tamrapatra and an Angavastram.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Indian cultural awards, the Sangeet Natak Akademi, performing arts and government cultural institutions.
Prime Minister Greets National Security Guard Personnel on Raising Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to National Security Guard personnel on their Raising Day and praised their courage, precision, vigilance against terrorism and readiness to protect people and vital national assets.
Key facts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to National Security Guard personnel on their Raising Day.
He described the personnel as embodying courage, precision and unwavering commitment to duty.
The National Security Guard was praised for its vigilance against terrorism.
The Prime Minister highlighted the NSG's readiness to protect people and vital national assets.
He said the force's service inspires confidence and pride.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on India's counter-terrorism and national security institutions, especially the role of the National Security Guard.
National Conference on e-Governance Reforms Begins in Dharamshala
The two-day National Conference on e-Governance Reforms began in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on 16 October 2026. It brought together Central and State/UT government representatives and experts to discuss digital transformation, innovative governance and technology-enabled public service delivery.
Key facts
The conference was held in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
The conference began on 16 October 2026 and is scheduled to conclude on 17 October 2026.
Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, DARPG, delivered the welcome address.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the role of technology in improving public services.
Day One showcased Himachal Pradesh initiatives including Him Parivar, Sukhashraya, Vidya Samiksha Kendra, Green Himachal and Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojna.
Other presentations covered AgriStack, e-Jagriti, e-Sanjeevani, iGOT Karmayogi and Digi Yatra.
The conference aims to promote the exchange and replication of effective, innovative and citizen-centric governance practices.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on e-governance, digital public service delivery, administrative reforms, Himachal Pradesh initiatives and technology-enabled governance.
PM-AJAY Promotes Adarsh Grams, Livelihoods and Educational Infrastructure
The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, supports the socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Castes through model villages, livelihood projects, skill development and hostels.
Key facts
Over 47,200 villages benefiting more than 47.79 lakh citizens have been covered under the Adarsh Gram component.
A total of 46,944 development works have been completed and 27,032 Village Development Plans have been prepared.
As of September 8, 2026, 18,093 villages had been declared Adarsh Grams.
PM-AJAY has three components: Adarsh Grams, Grants-in-Aid for socio-economic projects, and construction and repair of hostels.
Approximately Rs 1,730 crore was released directly to States from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26, supporting over 2.5 lakh beneficiaries.
As of September 2026, 785 student hostels had been completed under the scheme.
For FY 2026-27, Rs 61.46 crore was allocated for two hostel projects providing accommodation for 264 students.
PM-AJAY is a 100 per cent Centrally Funded Scheme and is supported by the PM-AJAY Mobile App and Portal.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government schemes, Scheduled Caste welfare, centrally funded schemes, social justice initiatives, scheme components, funding patterns and recent implementation data.
DARE/ICAR Conducts Cleanliness and Awareness Activities under Swachhata Special Campaign 6
DARE/ICAR carried out cleanliness, hygiene-awareness, record-management and scrap-identification activities at several agricultural research institutions under Swachhata Special Campaign 6. The activities covered institutions in Bihar and Goa.
Key facts
DARE/ICAR is promoting hygiene awareness among students and civic responsibility.
The ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region in Patna undertook cleaning of farm surroundings, pathways, open spaces and common areas.
The cleanliness drive aimed to improve workplace efficiency, farm personnel safety and environmental hygiene.
ICAR-CCARI, Goa, carried out weeding of physical vouchers according to record-retention guidelines.
Scrap identified at ICAR-CCARI included metal items, MCB panels, fencing wire and plastic items for disposal.
The Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute in Motihari focused on maintaining banana plantation rows and adjoining green spaces.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government cleanliness campaigns, agricultural research institutions, DARE/ICAR activities, record retention and institutional waste management.
ECL Generates ₹2.21 Crore from Scrap Disposal under Special Campaign 6
Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, generated ₹2.21 crore through scrap disposal during Special Campaign 6. The campaign also focused on workplace cleanliness, space clearance and physical and digital records management.
Key facts
ECL generated ₹2,21,31,359 through the disposal of iron scrap on October 14.
The company disposed of 413.5 metric tonnes of scrap out of an identified quantity of 850 metric tonnes.
Cleanliness activities were conducted at 10 identified locations.
ECL cleared 62,720 square feet of space against a target of 2,08,052 square feet.
The company reviewed 647 physical files and weeded out 567 obsolete files.
ECL reviewed 3,098 e-files and closed 2,148 e-files.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Coal India Limited, Eastern Coalfields Limited, the Ministry of Coal, Special Campaign 6, scrap disposal and government records management.
NHRC Seeks Report on Alleged Inhuman Treatment of Woman in Gujarat
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that a woman was assaulted and subjected to inhuman treatment by her husband and family members in Surendranagar district, Gujarat. The NHRC issued notices to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
Key facts
The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of the reported incident.
The incident was reported from Surendranagar district, Gujarat.
The woman was allegedly beaten, kicked and tied to a tree.
The NHRC stated that the reported facts, if true, indicate serious human rights violations.
Notices were issued to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Surendranagar.
The authorities were asked to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
The report is expected to include the victim's health status and details of any compensation paid.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the National Human Rights Commission, suo motu action, protection of human rights and administrative accountability.
NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Injuries to Three Students in Rajasthan School
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of reported injuries to three students after a portion of classroom ceiling plaster collapsed at a dilapidated government school in Udaipur district, Rajasthan.
Key facts
The National Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognizance of the incident.
Three students reportedly suffered injuries.
A portion of the classroom ceiling plaster collapsed.
The incident occurred at a dilapidated government school.
The school is located in Udaipur district, Rajasthan.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on the National Human Rights Commission, suo motu action, and current affairs related to student safety and human rights.
NHRC Seeks Report on Borewell Water Contamination in Nashik
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that chemical-laden industrial effluents contaminated borewell water in Dattanagar near Ambad Industrial Area in Nashik district, Maharashtra. It has sought a detailed report from the Maharashtra Chief Secretary and comments from the Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board.
Key facts
The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of the reported water contamination.
The affected locality is Dattanagar near Ambad Industrial Area in Nashik district, Maharashtra.
The contamination was allegedly caused by seepage of chemical-laden effluents from adjoining factories.
Residents were reportedly receiving contaminated water for two months.
The NHRC issued a notice to the Maharashtra Chief Secretary seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
Comments were also sought from the Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board.
The Commission observed that the report, if true, could involve serious human rights violations.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the National Human Rights Commission, environmental pollution, industrial effluents, public health, and the role of state pollution control boards.
NHAI Wins Arbitration Case in Chittorgarh–Udaipur Highway Project
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) substantially prevailed in an arbitration case concerning the six-laning of the Chittorgarh–Udaipur section of NH-76 in Rajasthan. The tribunal rejected most claims of the concessionaire and awarded counter-claims in favour of NHAI, protecting public funds.
Key facts
The project covers a 93.5-km six-laning section of NH-76 between Chittorgarh and Udaipur in Rajasthan.
The case involved NHAI and concessionaire Uchit Expressway Private Limited, promoted by TRIL Roads Pvt. Ltd.
A three-member Arbitral Tribunal under the Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes examined the claims and counterclaims.
The tribunal rejected concessionaire claims amounting to Rs. 366.53 crore, including a Rs. 238.18 crore COVID-19-related prolongation cost claim.
Claims of Rs. 14.51 crore were allowed, along with a conditional refund of Rs. 2.82 crore to the concessionaire.
NHAI was awarded counter-claims of Rs. 33.54 crore, including recovery for dropped work, highway maintenance failure and unauthorised toll collection.
The ruling was presented as supporting contractual discipline and the protection of public funds in national highway projects.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on NHAI, National Highway infrastructure, public-private partnership projects, arbitration mechanisms, contract management and the protection of public funds.
