Radha Venkatesh wins silver in Women’s 1500m T12/13 at Asian Para Games 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radha Venkatesh for winning the silver medal in the Women’s 1500m T12/13 event at the Asian Para Games 2026.
Key facts
Radha Venkatesh won the silver medal in the Women’s 1500m T12/13 event.
The achievement came at the Asian Para Games 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her on the performance.
The Prime Minister expressed pride in her achievement.
The congratulatory message was posted by the Prime Minister’s Office on X.
Exam relevance: Useful for sports current affairs, para-sports achievements and questions on India’s performance at the Asian Para Games.
Soumya Wins Gold in Women’s 1500m T12/13 at Asian Para Games 2026
Soumya won the gold medal in the Women’s 1500m T12/13 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 with a personal-best timing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her for her successful debut.
Key facts
Soumya won the gold medal in the Women’s 1500m T12/13 event.
The achievement came at the Asian Para Games 2026.
She recorded a personal-best timing.
The event marked Soumya’s debut at the Games.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Soumya for her performance.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on sports achievements, para-sports and India’s performance at the Asian Para Games.
Ajeet Singh Wins Silver in Men’s Javelin Throw F46 at Asian Para Games 2026
Indian para-athlete Ajeet Singh won the silver medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him for his performance.
Key facts
Ajeet Singh won the silver medal in Men’s Javelin Throw F46.
The achievement came at the Asian Para Games 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Ajeet Singh.
The Prime Minister praised his skill and competitive spirit.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on sports current affairs, para-sports and India’s performance at the Asian Para Games.
Rinku Hooda Wins Gold in Men’s Javelin Throw F46 at Asian Para Games 2026
Rinku Hooda won the gold medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 with a season-best throw of 65.11 metres. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him for his performance.
Key facts
Rinku Hooda won gold in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 event.
The achievement came at the Asian Para Games 2026.
He recorded a season-best throw of 65.11 metres.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rinku Hooda.
The Prime Minister praised his discipline and dedication.
Exam relevance: Relevant for sports current affairs, especially questions on para-sports, medal winners and athletic events.
Ravi K. Budigina Wins Silver at Asian Para Games 2026
Ravi K. Budigina won the silver medal in the Men’s 100m Freestyle S13 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him and praised his determination, hard work and sporting spirit.
Key facts
Ravi K. Budigina won a silver medal at the Asian Para Games 2026.
He competed in the Men’s 100m Freestyle S13 event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on the achievement.
The Prime Minister described the achievement as a proud moment for India.
The Prime Minister wished Budigina continued success.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Indian sports achievements, para-sports and the Asian Para Games.
Nishad Kumar Wins Gold in Men’s Long Jump T47 at Asian Para Games 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nishad Kumar for winning the gold medal in the Men’s Long Jump T47 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. The achievement came on Kumar’s debut in the event.
Key facts
Nishad Kumar won the gold medal in the Men’s Long Jump T47 event.
The event was held at the Asian Para Games 2026.
It was Nishad Kumar’s debut in the event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nishad Kumar.
The Prime Minister praised his versatility, determination and sporting excellence.
Exam relevance: Useful for sports current affairs and questions on Indian achievements at international para-sport events.
The Union Public Service Commission declared the written result of the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2026. A total of 8,956 candidates qualified for Service Selection Board interviews for admission to various Army, Navy, Air Force and Officers Training Academy courses beginning in 2027.
Key facts
The CDS (II) 2026 written examination was conducted on 13 September 2026.
A total of 8,956 candidates qualified for SSB interviews.
Qualified candidates are eligible for courses at the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy.
The IMA, INA and Air Force Academy courses are scheduled to commence in July 2027.
The OTA men's and women's courses are scheduled to commence in October 2027.
The candidature of the qualified candidates is provisional.
Candidates must submit original certificates to the concerned defence authorities within the specified deadlines.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on UPSC examinations, defence recruitment, the Combined Defence Services examination and officer-training institutions.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 591.3 kg of ganja from a truck during an intelligence-led operation in Uttar Pradesh on 17–18 October 2026. The cannabis was found in concealed cavities in the vehicle suspected of carrying the consignment from Nepal.
Key facts
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted the operation during 17–18 October 2026.
A total of 591.3 kg of ganja was seized.
The consignment was packed in 81 packets.
The packets were hidden in two specially fabricated cavities in the truck.
The vehicle was intercepted on the road between Gorakhpur and Kushinagar.
The truck and the consignment were seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
The operation involved coordination among teams in Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Patna and Varanasi.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the NDPS Act, 1985, narcotics control, and cross-border drug trafficking routes.
DRI Seizes 43.2 Lakh Foreign-Origin Cigarettes in Mizoram
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 43.2 lakh foreign-origin cigarettes valued at Rs. 8.64 crore during an operation in Mizoram. The cigarettes were intercepted while being transported towards Aizawl, and the truck driver was arrested.
Key facts
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted the seizure through its Aizawl Regional Unit.
A total of 43,20,000 cigarette sticks were recovered from 432 cases.
The cigarettes were of the ‘Patron’ brand and valued at Rs. 8.64 crore.
The truck was intercepted at Tuirial village on the Champhai–Aizawl Road.
The cigarette packets lacked mandatory pictorial and health warnings under the 2003 tobacco regulation law.
The cigarettes and truck were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962.
The driver of the truck was arrested.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Customs Act, 1962, tobacco-product regulations, and cross-border smuggling routes in India's North-East.
Social Justice Ministry Reviews Welfare Scheme Implementation and Last-Mile Delivery
Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar reviewed the functioning of divisions, bureaus, corporations and institutions under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The meeting focused on coordinated implementation, beneficiary awareness, monitoring, transparency and improved last-mile delivery of welfare schemes.
Key facts
Dr. Virendra Kumar chaired the review meeting of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The meeting emphasised a 360-degree approach to planning, implementation, monitoring and communication.
Officials were directed to improve coordination with State and Union Territory Social Welfare Departments.
Public awareness was stressed for schemes including NAPDDR, NMBA, PM-AJAY, NAMASTE and AVYAY.
The review covered Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for SC, OBC, EBC and DNT communities.
The Minister highlighted outreach for the SMILE initiative, including rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging and welfare of transgender persons.
The meeting also stressed enforcement-related awareness concerning the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989.
Transparency, regular monitoring, timely corrective measures and identification of eligible beneficiaries were emphasised.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, welfare schemes, social justice legislation, beneficiary outreach, last-mile delivery and government implementation mechanisms.
India and Saudi Arabia Review Electrical Interconnection Initiative
India and Saudi Arabia discussed the progress of a proposed electrical interconnection and explored wider cooperation in the power sector, including high-voltage transmission, renewable energy integration and grid modernisation.
Key facts
India’s Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal held a virtual bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs, Nasser Al-Qahtani.
The meeting reviewed progress on the proposed India–Saudi Arabia electrical interconnection initiative.
Both sides discussed technical collaboration, knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices in the power sector.
Saudi Arabia expressed interest in cooperation on Extra High Voltage transmission systems.
The discussions covered technical and operational challenges related to higher renewable energy penetration in the grid.
The two sides also discussed accommodating the growing electricity requirements of emerging data centres.
Updating grid codes to address evolving power-system requirements was identified as an area of interest.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India–Saudi Arabia relations, international energy cooperation, power-sector diplomacy, Extra High Voltage transmission, renewable energy integration and grid management.
5th Edition of India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND Begins in Thiruvananthapuram
The fifth edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 began at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The exercise focuses on joint sub-conventional operations in island and coastal environments and aims to improve interoperability between the Indian and Australian armies.
Key facts
Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 is being conducted from 19 October to 1 November 2026.
Approximately 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and Australian Army are participating.
The Indian contingent includes troops from the Garhwal Rifles and other arms and services.
The Australian contingent comprises troops from 13 Brigade.
The theme is joint sub-conventional operations in island and coastal environments under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate.
Training includes tactical drills, surveillance, reconnaissance, protection of vital installations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
An observer delegation from New Zealand is participating for the first time.
Exam relevance: Important for Defence and International Relations sections because it covers a bilateral military exercise, India-Australia defence cooperation, coastal and island warfare training, UN Chapter VII operations and Indo-Pacific security.
CSIR-NIScPR Conducts Training Programme on Library Automation, Digitisation and AI
CSIR-NIScPR organised a two-week skill training programme from 5 to 16 October 2026 under the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative (Phase III). The programme trained library and information science professionals and other participants in library automation, digital repositories and the use of artificial intelligence in library services.
Key facts
The programme was organised by the Training Division of CSIR-NIScPR.
It was held from 5 to 16 October 2026.
The training was conducted under the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative (Phase III).
A total of 16 participants attended the programme.
Practical sessions covered Koha Integrated Library Management System and DSpace digital repository software.
The programme included applications of AI in libraries and AI-based metadata extraction.
A session on iThenticate addressed text similarity checking and responsible academic writing.
Participants also visited the National Science Library.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on CSIR institutions, skill-development initiatives, library digitisation, open-source technologies, digital repositories and applications of AI in knowledge management.
India–New Zealand FTA to Enter into Force on 20 October 2026
India and New Zealand announced that their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on 20 October 2026, coinciding with Vijay Dashmi. The agreement provides duty-free access for Indian goods in New Zealand, expands services and mobility opportunities, supports agricultural cooperation, and includes safeguards for sensitive sectors.
Key facts
The India–New Zealand FTA will enter into force on 20 October 2026.
New Zealand has eliminated customs duties on all tariff lines covering Indian exports, including peak tariffs of up to 10%.
Indian sectors expected to benefit include textiles, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, automobiles, pharmaceuticals and processed foods.
The agreement provides Indian services market access in around 118 sectors and Most-Favoured-Nation commitments in about 139 sub-sectors.
Indian youth and professionals will receive an annual quota of 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas and 1,000 Working Holiday visas.
The Agricultural Productivity Partnership includes action plans for apples, kiwifruit and honey, along with proposed Centres of Excellence.
New Zealand has committed to facilitate USD 20 billion of investment into India.
Sensitive products such as dairy, sugar, edible oils and key agricultural commodities remain excluded from concessions.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India’s trade agreements, bilateral economic relations, export promotion, services trade, agricultural cooperation, investment commitments, visa arrangements and safeguards for sensitive sectors.
Nationwide Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign Announced
The Department of Financial Services will conduct a nationwide campaign to expand the coverage of financial inclusion schemes and related interventions at the Gram Panchayat and Urban Local Body levels from 21 October to 31 December 2026.
Key facts
The campaign will be organized by the Department of Financial Services.
It will run from 21 October 2026 to 31 December 2026.
The campaign will cover 2.70 lakh Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies.
Banks will conduct camps during the campaign.
A preparatory meeting was held with senior management of banks and State Level Bankers' Committees.
The meeting was chaired by the Joint Secretary handling Financial Inclusion in the Department of Financial Services.
Progress will be monitored by state administrations, banks and the Department of Financial Services.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on financial inclusion, the Department of Financial Services, banking outreach, Gram Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies and government initiatives for last-mile service delivery.
President Droupadi Murmu Extends Vijayadashami Greetings
President Droupadi Murmu greeted citizens in India and abroad on the eve of Vijayadashami and highlighted the festival’s message of the victory of Dharma and justice over Adharma and injustice.
Key facts
President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings on the eve of Vijayadashami.
Vijayadashami symbolises Bhagwan Shri Ram’s victory over Ravana.
Bhagwan Shri Ram is described as an embodiment of righteousness and moral conduct.
The festival represents the triumph of Dharma and justice over Adharma and injustice.
The President urged citizens to uphold the ideals of morality and duty.
She called for contributions towards an inclusive society and a Viksit Bharat.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on important festivals, Indian cultural traditions, and statements issued by the President of India.
BIS Organises National Events to Standardise AYUSH Systems
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) organised two national events to promote quality standards in Ayurveda, Yoga and Sowa-Rigpa. The events brought together more than 600 stakeholders and focused on quality assurance, patient safety, research and regulation in traditional systems of medicine.
Key facts
BIS conducted two national events on standardisation in Ayurveda, Yoga and Sowa-Rigpa.
PRAGATI 2026 was held in Belagavi, Karnataka.
PRAGATI 2026 was organised with KLE Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research.
A brainstorming session on Sowa-Rigpa was held at the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa in Leh, Ladakh.
The events involved more than 600 researchers, industry representatives, academics and practitioners.
BIS highlighted the importance of standards for quality assurance, patient safety, credible research and effective regulation.
The initiatives were supported by AIIA, NCISM, CCRUM and CCRAS.
BIS is India's national standards body responsible for standardisation and conformity assessment.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on BIS, AYUSH, Indian systems of medicine, standardisation, conformity assessment and institutions such as AIIA, NCISM, CCRUM and CCRAS.
NAMASTE Scheme Supports Mechanised Sanitation Entrepreneurship in Nellore
Under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) of the NAMASTE Scheme, four sanitation workers from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, jointly acquired a Mini Jetting Machine through a bank loan and capital subsidy. The initiative enabled them to provide mechanised sanitation services and earn a regular livelihood.
Key facts
The beneficiaries were T. Ravi Kumar, P. Sekhar, T. Nikhil and E. Ailaiah from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
They learned about the Swachhta Udyami Yojana through an awareness camp organised by the Nellore Municipal Corporation.
The group acquired a Mini Jetting Machine for mechanised sewer and septic tank cleaning services.
The total project cost was Rs 35.85 lakh.
A bank loan of Rs 21.89 lakh and capital subsidy of Rs 13.96 lakh financed the project.
The Nellore Municipal Corporation hired the equipment on a long-term basis for approximately Rs 78,500 per month.
After operational expenses, each group member earns approximately Rs 37,000 per month.
The group was supported during 2021–22 under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the NAMASTE Scheme, sanitation worker welfare, mechanisation, capital subsidies, financial inclusion, group entrepreneurship and urban sanitation services.
AI Workshop Conducted for Senior Officers under Special Campaign 6.0
The Ministry of Women and Child Development organised a hands-on Artificial Intelligence workshop for senior officers as a best practice under Special Campaign 6.0. The programme was conducted by the National e-Governance Division.
Key facts
Special Campaign 6.0 is being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and its autonomous and statutory bodies.
The campaign focuses on improving Swachhata and disposing of pending references.
The campaign period is from 2 October to 31 October 2026.
The AI workshop was conducted on 17 October 2026.
The National e-Governance Division conducted the workshop.
The workshop was attended by 42 participants, including senior officers of the Ministry.
Approximately 70% of the sessions focused on the practical use of AI tools.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government campaigns, e-governance, artificial intelligence adoption in public administration, and the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
