President Droupadi Murmu Extends Greetings on Durga Puja
President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her greetings and best wishes to citizens in India and abroad on the occasion of Durga Puja. She highlighted the festival’s spiritual, cultural and social significance, including its message of the triumph of good over evil and respect for women.
Key facts
President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to citizens on Durga Puja.
The festival commemorates Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
Durga Puja reflects India’s spiritual heritage, traditions, art and culture.
The festival symbolises the triumph of divine forces over evil.
The message highlighted respect for women as an expression of devotion to Maa Durga.
Durga Puja brings Indians together in the country and abroad.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the President of India, Indian festivals, cultural heritage, women’s respect and important national messages.
Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 Held in Mysuru to Support Traditional Artisans
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organised the Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 in Mysuru, Karnataka, to improve market access and livelihood opportunities for artisans from disadvantaged communities.
Key facts
Union Secretary Sudhansh Pant visited the Shilp Samagam Mela at the Mysuru Dasara Exhibition Grounds.
The mela is organised jointly by NSFDC, NBCFDC and NSKFDC under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Mysuru edition features 83 stalls, including 80 stalls allotted to artisans and 37 stalls of women artisans.
Artisans from 12 States and Union Territories are participating in the exhibition.
The mela provides a marketing platform for handicrafts, handloom products, food items and other traditional goods.
The Ministry supports participating artisans through free stalls and assistance for travel, daily allowance, transportation of goods and meals.
The BHARAT TULIP initiative promotes traditional artisan products through digital platforms in India and abroad.
Since 2022, 13 Shilp Samagam fairs have benefited 975 artisans.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, welfare of SCs, OBCs and Safai Karamcharis, artisan livelihood promotion, government-supported market access and the BHARAT TULIP initiative.
Amit Shah to Meet Families of Victims of Anti-Drug Activism in Punjab
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to meet on October 20, 2026, the families of people from Mansa, Sangrur and Gurdaspur who allegedly lost their lives after speaking against synthetic drug traders in Punjab.
Key facts
Amit Shah is the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation.
He is scheduled to meet the affected families on October 20, 2026.
The families are from Mansa, Sangrur and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab.
The source refers to 'chitta' as a synthetic drug.
Shah stated that the Government of India will pursue those involved in the 'chitta' trade.
He said the government aims to free Punjab and the country from the drug menace.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on Union ministers, Punjab-related current affairs, drug abuse, internal security and government action against narcotics.
DoSEL launches cleanliness and e-waste initiatives under Special Campaign 6
The Department of School Education and Literacy is implementing Special Campaign 6 from 2 to 31 October 2026 to improve administrative efficiency, promote cleanliness in school campuses and encourage responsible e-waste management through schools and Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE.
Key facts
Special Campaign 6 is being implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Union Ministry of Education.
The campaign is scheduled from 2 to 31 October 2026.
Its administrative measures include reducing pendency, digitising records, weeding out obsolete files and improving record management.
Schools are conducting cleanliness drives through Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE.
Schools are organising e-waste awareness and collection drives and encouraging disposal through authorised channels.
A creative e-waste mural made from 50 kg of e-waste collected by students was installed at Kartavya Bhavan 2 on International e-waste Day.
A nationwide e-waste awareness and collection drive was scheduled for 28 October 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Union Ministry of Education, Special Campaign 6, Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, National Education Policy 2020 and responsible e-waste management.
Department of Posts Reports Progress under Special Campaign 6.0
The Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, is implementing Special Campaign 6.0 from 2 to 31 October 2026 to improve cleanliness, grievance redressal, record management, e-waste disposal and office space management. By 16 October 2026, it had resolved over one lakh grievances, disposed of 764 appeals and undertaken cleanliness drives at 73,814 sites.
Key facts
Special Campaign 6.0 is being conducted across postal establishments from 2 to 31 October 2026.
The campaign targets resolution of 1,50,000 public grievances and disposal of 1,500 appeals.
Cleanliness drives were conducted at 73,814 sites against a target of 1,35,000 sites by 16 October 2026.
A total of 1,00,214 public grievances were resolved during the implementation phase.
The Department disposed of 764 appeals by 16 October 2026.
It disposed of 3,06,026 kg of scrap and generated revenue of ₹67.56 lakh.
A total of 17,980 kg of e-waste was disposed of, generating revenue of ₹27.64 lakh.
DigiPost enables digital transmission of Gujarat Police traffic e-challans for physical delivery through the postal network.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts, governance reforms, grievance redressal, Swachhata campaigns, e-waste management and citizen-centric digital services.
INS Sudarshini Departs Salalah During Lokayan-2026 Deployment
Indian Navy sail training ship INS Sudarshini departed Salalah, Oman, after a port visit from 14 to 17 October 2026. The visit strengthened maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties between India and Oman.
Key facts
INS Sudarshini is a three-masted sail training ship of the Indian Navy.
The ship departed Salalah, Oman, after its visit from 14 to 17 October 2026.
The deployment is part of the transoceanic voyage Lokayan-2026.
Professional interactions and sporting engagements were held during the port call.
The engagements strengthened camaraderie between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
Lokayan-2026 was in its tenth month at the time of the update.
INS Sudarshini represents India during international maritime engagements.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on Indian naval vessels, India-Oman maritime relations, naval training, maritime diplomacy and the Lokayan-2026 deployment.
IAF Conducts Short-Notice Casualty Evacuation from Leh
An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft airlifted a critically ill civilian patient from Leh to Palam during a night operation in challenging weather conditions. The patient was later transferred to AIIMS for further treatment.
Key facts
The Indian Air Force conducted a short-notice casualty evacuation.
A C-130J aircraft was used for the mission.
The critically ill civilian patient was airlifted from Leh to Palam.
The operation was carried out at night and in challenging weather conditions.
The patient was subsequently transferred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
The mission demonstrated the IAF’s operational readiness for humanitarian assistance.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Indian Air Force, C-130J aircraft, humanitarian assistance, casualty evacuation and India’s operational preparedness in challenging conditions.
Prime Minister Extends Best Wishes to Indian Contingent for Asian Para Games 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his best wishes to the Indian contingent participating in the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya. He praised Indian para-athletes for their grit, dedication and indomitable spirit.
Key facts
The Asian Para Games 2026 began in Aichi-Nagoya.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended best wishes to the Indian contingent.
He expressed pride in India's para-athletes.
The Prime Minister said their grit, dedication and indomitable spirit inspire 140 crore Indians.
He urged the athletes to compete with confidence and give their best.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on sports current affairs, the Asian Para Games and India's participation in international para-sports events.
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) observed Namo Bharat Diwas 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting the progress of the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut regional rapid transit corridor, multimodal connectivity initiatives and sustainable transport measures.
Key facts
Namo Bharat Diwas 2026 was observed by NCRTC in New Delhi on 17 October 2026.
Namo Bharat operations began in October 2023 with the 17-km Sahibabad–Duhai Depot Priority Section.
The Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut corridor is 82 km long and recorded over 4.5 crore passenger journeys.
The entire 82-km corridor was dedicated to the nation on 22 February 2026 along with Meerut Metro.
Namo Bharat currently serves over 1.1 lakh commuters daily and recorded a highest single-day ridership of around 1.68 lakh.
NCRTC is promoting sustainability through initiatives such as Solar on Track and a planned 110 MW captive solar power plant.
Delhi–Panipat–Karnal and Delhi–Gurugram–Behror corridors are likely to receive approval, while Ghaziabad–Jewar and Noida–Faridabad–Gurgaon are at the DPR stage.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on urban transport infrastructure, regional rapid transit, NCR connectivity, public transport ridership and sustainable mobility initiatives.
Pithoragarh Notified as Cold Water Fisheries Cluster under PMMSY
Union Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi visited Munsyari in Uttarakhand to review coldwater aquaculture initiatives and interact with rainbow trout farmers. Pithoragarh has been notified as a Cold Water Fisheries Cluster under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), supporting livelihood diversification, fisheries cooperatives and sustainable development in the Himalayan region.
Key facts
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi visited Munsyari, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, on 18 October 2026.
Munsyari has emerged as a hub for rainbow trout farming due to its glacial streams and suitable water temperature.
Pithoragarh is a Cold Water Fisheries Cluster under PMMSY.
The Government of India has notified 34 fisheries clusters across the country.
PMMSY has invested over ₹2,299 crore in coldwater regions.
More than 5,600 raceways, 54 hatcheries, 293 cold storages and 260 feed mills have been sanctioned across six Himalayan states and Union Territories.
Uttarakhand achieved its first international trout export to Nepal in June 2026.
Uttarakhand supplies trout to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police under an MoU.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on PMMSY, fisheries clusters, coldwater aquaculture, Uttarakhand state current affairs, Himalayan livelihoods, fisheries infrastructure and India-Nepal trade.
ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute has developed Kufri Jamunia, a purple-fleshed potato variety with enhanced levels of anthocyanins, vitamin C, iron and zinc. The variety combines nutritional benefits with good yield, storage quality and suitability for cultivation in the North Indian plains.
Key facts
Kufri Jamunia is a medium-maturing, biofortified purple potato variety developed by ICAR-CPRI.
It produces 32–35 tonnes per hectare under recommended cultivation practices.
Its flesh contains 42.05 mg/100 g of anthocyanins and about 42.75 mg/100 g of vitamin C.
The variety contains approximately 22.77 ppm zinc and 32.23 ppm iron in its flesh.
It has a medium dormancy period of around 6–8 weeks and good storage quality.
Station trials recorded a yield of around 49 tonnes per hectare at 90 days.
The variety has been recommended for cultivation in the North Indian plains.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on agricultural research, biofortification, hidden hunger, nutritional security, crop varieties and the role of ICAR-CPRI.
DRI Seizes 137 kg of Suspected Crystal Methamphetamine in Tamil Nadu
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 137 kg of suspected high-purity crystal methamphetamine in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, during an operation conducted on 16–17 October 2026. The consignment was allegedly intended for smuggling to Sri Lanka through a mid-sea transfer. Four persons were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.
Key facts
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted the operation in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
A total of 137 kg gross of suspected crystal methamphetamine was seized.
The narcotic consignment was allegedly intended to be smuggled to Sri Lanka through a mid-sea transfer.
The contraband was recovered from six duffel bags containing 27 silver-foil packets.
The estimated illicit-market value of the seized substance exceeded Rs. 100 crore.
DRI also seized Rs. 10 lakh in cash, two four-wheelers and one two-wheeler.
Four persons were arrested and remanded to judicial custody under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the NDPS Act, 1985, drug trafficking, coastal security and India–Sri Lanka maritime routes.
Rajnath Singh to Represent India at SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting in Tajikistan
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will represent India at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on October 19–20, 2026. The meeting will discuss cooperation in trade, economy, investment, connectivity, innovation and cultural-humanitarian exchanges.
Key facts
Rajnath Singh will represent India at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting.
The 25th meeting is scheduled for October 19–20, 2026.
The meeting will be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Discussions will focus on trade, economy, investment, connectivity and innovation.
The meeting will review ongoing cooperation initiatives and SCO financial and institutional functioning.
India contributes to SCO cooperation through initiatives related to start-ups, innovation and digital public infrastructure.
The previous meeting was held in Moscow on November 18, 2025, with S. Jaishankar representing India.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, regional cooperation, international groupings and India’s diplomatic representation.
STPI Tech Conclave Discusses AI for Healthcare and Assistive Technologies
Software Technology Parks of India and CIIE, IIT BHU, organised a Tech Conclave in Varanasi on using artificial intelligence for accessible healthcare, assistive technologies and citizen well-being. The event highlighted collaboration among government, academia, healthcare institutions and startups to develop practical and scalable solutions.
Key facts
The conclave was organised by STPI and CIIE, IIT BHU, at IIT BHU, Varanasi.
The theme was “AI for Health & Assistive Technologies”.
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan delivered the keynote address.
AI applications discussed included disease screening, medical diagnostics, remote ICU monitoring and AI-assisted surgical planning.
STPI highlighted its 27 Centres of Entrepreneurship and its role in supporting startups, investors and market access.
Two panel discussions examined AI for health, inclusion, well-being and the translation of research into scalable solutions.
The event stressed collaboration among government, academia, healthcare institutions and startups.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on MeitY, STPI, artificial intelligence in healthcare, startup ecosystems, assistive technology and technology-driven inclusion.
PM Announces Ex-Gratia Assistance After Gwalior Mishap
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in a mishap in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Key facts
The mishap occurred in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
The next of kin of each deceased person will receive Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF.
Each injured person will receive Rs. 50,000.
The Prime Minister prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on PMNRF, ex-gratia relief announced by the Prime Minister, and current affairs related to Madhya Pradesh.
PM Announces Ex-Gratia Assistance After Kolkata Stampede
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in a stampede in Kolkata and announced financial assistance for the victims and injured through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Key facts
The stampede occurred in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
The next of kin of each deceased person will receive Rs. 2 lakh from the PMNRF.
Each injured person will receive Rs. 50,000.
The West Bengal Government is providing assistance to affected families.
The Prime Minister wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on PMNRF, ex-gratia relief, disaster response, and West Bengal current affairs.
MY Bharat–NSS Launches Month 2 of Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme, began the second month of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat 100 Week Sankalp Abhiyan with the nationwide observance of Yoga evam Aatm-Suraksha Diwas on 16 October 2026. The campaign promotes fitness, mental resilience, self-defence and awareness against substance abuse.
Key facts
The campaign is being implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through MY Bharat and NSS.
Month 2 began with the nationwide observance of Yoga evam Aatm-Suraksha Diwas on 16 October 2026.
The theme is “Fit Youth, Addiction-Free Youth (Shakti evam Seva)”.
Week 5 activities involved 91,179 participants across 183 educational institutions, NSS units and adopted villages.
A total of 332 yoga sessions engaged 34,290 participants, including 19,882 women.
A total of 311 self-defence demonstrations reached 31,507 participants, including 18,364 women.
Women constituted 57.1% of total participation, while 4,197 campaign-related social media posts used #NashaMuktYuva.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, MY Bharat, the National Service Scheme, youth welfare initiatives, substance-abuse prevention and government campaigns promoting fitness and community participation.
Prime Minister Mourns the Demise of Morbi's Rajmata Vijaykunwarba
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the demise of Vijaykunwarba, known as the Rajmata of Morbi, Gujarat. He remembered her spirit of service and close association with the people of Morbi.
Key facts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the demise of Vijaykunwarba.
Vijaykunwarba was referred to as the Rajmata of Morbi.
The Prime Minister highlighted her spirit of service.
Her close association with the people of Morbi was remembered.
The Prime Minister prayed for peace for the departed soul.
He conveyed strength to her family and admirers.
Exam relevance: Useful for Gujarat and state-level current affairs, especially questions related to important personalities and official statements.
AIIA Marks Its 10th Foundation Day with Academic and Digital Initiatives
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, marked its 10th Foundation Day alongside the conclusion of KAUMARACON 2026, an international conference on Ayurvedic child healthcare. The institute signed two MoUs, launched academic publications and introduced digital initiatives related to Ayurveda education and entrepreneurship.
Key facts
AIIA, New Delhi, organised the three-day international conference KAUMARACON 2026 through its Department of Kaumarabhritya.
The conference focused on Ayurveda and Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine in paediatric healthcare.
AIIA signed MoUs with Rashtriya Ayurved Vidyapeeth and Arogya Bharati.
More than 15 academic publications and educational resources were launched.
AIIA launched a Digital Brand Identity Manual-compliant website.
The institute introduced the FESDAP e-course for Ayush professionals.
A Textbook of Research Methodology and Medical Statistics was also launched.
The eBook Rooted and Rising: Journey of All India Institute of Ayurveda documented the institute's institutional journey.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Ayush ecosystem, Ayurveda institutions, traditional medicine, healthcare education, institutional collaborations and recent academic initiatives.
AIIA Recognised as Centre of Excellence for Ayurveda Paediatrics
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) signed an MoU with Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), Ministry of Ayush, to recognise its Departments of Kaumarbhritya in Delhi and Goa as Centres of Excellence. The partnership will focus on standard operating procedures, training, research and capacity building in Ayurveda paediatrics, including Swarnaprashan.
Key facts
AIIA signed the MoU with Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth under the Ministry of Ayush.
The MoU was signed during KAUMARACON 2026 at AIIA, New Delhi.
AIIA's Departments of Kaumarbhritya in Delhi and Goa were recognised as Centres of Excellence for RAV.
The collaboration covers SOP development, training, intellectual property rights and policy research capacity building.
A central objective is to develop an SOP for Swarnaprashan Samskar, covering formulation, preparation, administration, dosage, safety and monitoring.
AIIA Goa's PRAYAS centre provides multidisciplinary paediatric neurorehabilitation for conditions including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and ADHD.
AIIA Goa also signed an international MoU with Maharishi International University in the United States to establish an Academic Chair in Ayurveda.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Ayush, Ayurveda institutions, Kaumarbhritya, institutional MoUs, traditional medicine research and multidisciplinary paediatric healthcare.
