Prime Minister Shares Highlights of Varanasi Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared highlights of his visit to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, including an air show, a roadshow and the region’s manufacturing initiatives. He also noted the expected contribution of Arvind Limited’s garment manufacturing facility to women’s empowerment.
Key facts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
He shared glimpses of the visit through posts on X.
The visit included an air show described as magnificent.
A roadshow was held in Varanasi.
The Prime Minister highlighted manufacturing activity in the region.
Arvind Limited’s garment manufacturing facility in Varanasi was associated with women’s empowerment.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on recent Prime Ministerial visits, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, manufacturing initiatives and women’s empowerment.
Khadi and Village Industries Sector Records Strong Growth
During the 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the rising sales of Khadi and Village Industries products and urged citizens to purchase products made by local artisans. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission stated that the sector has contributed to employment generation, women’s empowerment and the strengthening of the rural economy.
Key facts
The 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat was aired on October 25, 2026.
Mann Ki Baat completed 12 years since its first episode on October 3, 2014.
Sales of Khadi and Village Industries products exceeded Rs 28 crore in a single day on Gandhi Jayanti.
The sector recorded a turnover of more than Rs 1.87 lakh crore in 2025–26.
The sector provided employment to over 2.04 crore people.
Khadi was presented as a symbol of Swadeshi, local production and economic empowerment.
KVIC aims to take the sector’s turnover to Rs 2.51 lakh crore.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Khadi and Village Industries Commission, rural employment, women’s empowerment, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat and the role of cottage industries in the rural economy.
Sarbananda Sonowal Promotes India-South Korea Cooperation in Shipbuilding
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal began a four-day visit to South Korea to promote cooperation with Korean industries in shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics. He highlighted India's objective of becoming one of the world's top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
Key facts
Sarbananda Sonowal is the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
He began a four-day visit to South Korea and opened the visit in Busan.
The VOYAGES framework covers cooperation in shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics.
India aims to become one of the world's top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
India's shipbuilding policy incentives were approved by the Cabinet in September 2025.
The minister encouraged Indian professionals in Korea to support India's shipbuilding ecosystem.
The visit includes discussions with global shipbuilding industries, maritime bodies and research institutions.
Sonowal is scheduled to participate in a World Maritime Day ministerial roundtable in Busan.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India's maritime policy, shipbuilding, international cooperation, Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the VOYAGES framework.
Piyush Goyal Holds Trade and Investment Talks in the Netherlands
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited the Netherlands to strengthen India-Netherlands economic ties, promote trade and investment, and engage with maritime, logistics and diaspora stakeholders. He visited the Port of Rotterdam and highlighted its importance for Indian trade with European markets.
Key facts
Piyush Goyal commenced his Netherlands visit on 25 October 2026.
The visit focused on trade, investment and stronger India-Netherlands economic relations.
He visited the Port of Rotterdam, accompanied by its CEO Boudewijn Siemons.
Rotterdam was highlighted as Europe's largest port and a gateway for Indian goods to European markets.
The visit underlined the role of Dutch ports and logistics infrastructure in India-Europe supply chains.
Goyal interacted with approximately 70 members of the Indian community in Amsterdam.
The programme included discussions related to maritime logistics and the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India's international economic relations, trade diplomacy, ports and logistics, diaspora engagement, and the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
NIFTEM-K Hosts ‘Hack the Fork’ AI and Food Technology Hackathon
NIFTEM-K in Kundli hosted ‘Hack the Fork’, described as India’s first AI and Food Technology Hackathon, to develop artificial intelligence-based solutions for challenges in the alternative protein industry and sustainable food systems.
Key facts
The hackathon was hosted by the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K).
It was organised by France-based non-profit initiative Hack the Fork in collaboration with NIFTEM-K.
The 24-hour event was inaugurated on October 24 and concluded on October 25.
More than 85 teams applied, 25 teams were shortlisted, and 22 teams from 10 states participated in the final round.
The participating teams included over 90 participants from institutions such as IITs, IIITs and the University of Delhi.
The challenge covered plant-based food innovation, fermentation technologies, nutritional optimisation, food safety, sustainable food production and food waste reduction.
Winning teams competed for prizes worth ₹1.5 lakh and opportunities to enter NIFTEM-K’s Startup Incubation Programme.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on artificial intelligence applications, food technology, alternative proteins, sustainable food systems, innovation and entrepreneurship institutions in India.
PM Modi inaugurates RBI Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s newly established Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The facilities are intended to support reliable banking infrastructure, cybersecurity preparedness and financial-sector resilience.
Key facts
The facilities were inaugurated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
They were established by the Reserve Bank of India.
The Prime Minister linked the Data Centre with more efficient and reliable banking services.
The Cybersecurity Training Institute is intended to strengthen skills and preparedness against cyber threats to the financial system.
The Prime Minister highlighted financial inclusion through nearly 60 crore Jan Dhan accounts.
He stated that 13 crore people became first-time entrepreneurs under the Mudra Yojana.
The address described Odisha as an emerging hub spanning minerals, semiconductors, electronics, data centres and advanced computing.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the RBI, banking infrastructure, cybersecurity, financial inclusion, Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana and Odisha’s technology-led development.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is organising the eight-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Farm Gate, Khanapara, Guwahati, to provide market access and livelihood opportunities to traditional artisans.
Key facts
The Mela began on October 21, 2026, and is scheduled to continue until October 28, 2026.
It is the second Shilp Samagam Mela of the 2026–27 financial year.
A total of 75 artisans, including 31 women artisans, are participating.
Approximately 40 varieties of handloom and handicraft products are being displayed.
The event is organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
It supports artisans associated with NSFDC, NSKFDC and NBCFDC.
The Mela promotes BHARAT-TULIP for marketing artisans’ products through physical outlets and e-commerce platforms.
Its beneficiaries include Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Mitras and Denotified Tribes.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on government initiatives, artisan livelihood promotion, social justice institutions, traditional handicrafts and market-linkage programmes.
RBI Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute inaugurated in Bhubaneswar
The inauguration of the Reserve Bank of India’s Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar was presented as an important step towards strengthening India’s banking infrastructure and cybersecurity capabilities. The address also highlighted financial inclusion through Jan Dhan accounts, Mudra loans, PM SVANidhi, PM Vishwakarma and social-security schemes.
Key facts
The RBI Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute were inaugurated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The facilities are associated with the Reserve Bank of India and are intended to benefit Odisha and the country.
The address stated that approximately 59 to 60 crore Jan Dhan accounts had been opened.
The Mudra Yojana was credited with enabling 13 crore people to become first-time entrepreneurs.
PM SVANidhi has provided loans to lakhs of street vendors, according to the address.
Atal Pension Yojana was stated to cover 9 crore people, including 38 lakh individuals in Odisha.
PM Suraksha Bima Yojana offers accident insurance of up to ₹2 lakh at an annual premium of ₹20.
PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana was described as life insurance available at an annual premium of less than ₹450.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on RBI infrastructure, banking and cybersecurity, financial inclusion, Jan Dhan accounts, Mudra Yojana, PM SVANidhi, PM Vishwakarma, Atal Pension Yojana and government-backed insurance schemes.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan to Visit Andhra Pradesh
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan is scheduled to visit Andhra Pradesh on October 26–27, 2026, for events in Vijayawada, Tirupati and Tiruchanur.
Key facts
The Vice-President of India is C. P. Radhakrishnan.
He is scheduled to visit Andhra Pradesh on October 26–27, 2026.
He will be the Chief Guest at the 40th, or Ruby Jubilee, anniversary celebrations of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences.
The anniversary celebrations will be held in Vijayawada.
He will offer prayers at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati.
He will also offer prayers at Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanur.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on important visits of constitutional authorities, Andhra Pradesh locations and Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences.
CCPA Penalises Hogar Technologies for Misleading Walkie-Talkie Listings
The Central Consumer Protection Authority imposed a penalty of ₹1 lakh on Hogar Technologies and Innovations LLP for failing to disclose operating frequencies, licensing requirements and regulatory approvals in walkie-talkie advertisements and product listings. The action is part of a wider CCPA enforcement drive against misleading walkie-talkie listings on online platforms.
Key facts
The CCPA imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on Hogar Technologies and Innovations LLP.
The company’s listings allegedly failed to disclose operating frequencies and applicable licensing requirements.
The action was taken under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Personal mobile radios operating in the 446.0–446.2 MHz range may be exempt from licensing, subject to applicable conditions.
The CCPA identified more than 16,970 non-compliant walkie-talkie listings across online platforms.
Notices were issued to 13 e-commerce entities, and final orders had been passed against 12 entities.
The CCPA stated that website-based promotional listings must comply with consumer protection requirements even without online payment or shopping-cart facilities.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on consumer protection law, the Central Consumer Protection Authority, misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and licensing requirements for radio-frequency devices.
India to Host 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi
The Parliament of India will host the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum from 26 to 27 October 2026 in the Parliament House Complex. The forum will focus on strengthening parliaments for people-centric development and will address resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
Key facts
The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is scheduled for 26–27 October 2026.
The forum will be held in the Parliament House Complex.
The overarching theme is “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development.”
Four high-level sessions will focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
A special meeting will discuss parliamentary diplomacy, capacity building and exchange of best practices.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held bilateral discussions with Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin.
India's BRICS Presidency in 2026 was highlighted during the discussions.
The forum will conclude on 27 October 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on BRICS, India's international parliamentary diplomacy, India–Russia relations, multilateral cooperation and the themes of major international forums.
National Urban Conclave 2026 concludes with recommendations for urban governance and service delivery
The National Urban Conclave 2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar with recommendations on urban governance, planning, infrastructure, municipal finance and citizen-centric service delivery. The conclave highlighted cooperative federalism and reforms to make cities inclusive, sustainable and prepared for Viksit Bharat 2047.
Key facts
The National Urban Conclave 2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar on 25 October 2026.
Union Minister Manohar Lal highlighted the role of AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban and PM SVANidhi in improving urban services and financial inclusion.
NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba called for greater devolution of powers and finances to urban local bodies and stronger municipal accountability.
Seven technical sessions focused on themes including the Right to Walk, water and waste management, affordable housing, integrated infrastructure and municipal laws.
The conclave recommended outcome-based service delivery, stronger own-source municipal revenues, digital monitoring and improved institutional coordination.
A Used Water Marketplace under AMRUT 2.0 was launched to connect urban local bodies with users and investors of treated used water.
The Urban Challenge Fund portal was launched to support project submission, appraisal, tracking and monitoring.
The conclave noted that more than half of the country's legacy waste had been remediated.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on urban governance, urban local bodies, municipal finance, AMRUT 2.0, urban waste management, cooperative federalism and government initiatives for Viksit Bharat 2047.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) launched Operation Trident, with simultaneous action by 38 teams at 38 locations across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur.
Key facts
Operation Trident was launched by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
The operation targeted drug-related activities.
A total of 38 teams participated in the operation.
The teams acted simultaneously at 38 locations.
The operation covered Assam, Mizoram and Manipur.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on India's drug-control agencies, internal security and coordinated enforcement operations in the northeastern states.
NITI Aayog Calls for Empowered City Governments and Urban Governance Reforms
At the 2nd National Urban Conclave, NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba stressed that empowered city governments are essential for improving urban services, citizen participation and India’s growth potential. He called for directly elected mayors, stronger municipal finances, devolution of functions to urban local bodies and reforms in urban planning and housing.
Key facts
India’s urban population is projected to rise from approximately 50 crore to 85 crore by 2050.
Nearly half of India’s population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050.
The Urban Challenge Fund of ₹1 lakh crore was announced in the 2025–26 Budget.
A budget allocation of ₹5,000 crore each was mentioned for seven city economic regions over five years.
The NITI Aayog–MoHUA report recommended directly elected mayors with five-year terms and a Mayor-in-Council system.
States were urged to devolve all 18 functions under the 74th Constitutional Amendment to urban local bodies.
Proposed urban planning reforms include mixed-use zoning, transit-oriented development and land pooling.
States were encouraged to adopt the Model Tenancy Act to expand affordable rental housing.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on urban governance, the 74th Constitutional Amendment, urban local bodies, municipal finance, NITI Aayog initiatives, housing policy and urbanisation trends.
NLC India Surpasses Targets Under Special Campaign 6
NLC India Limited exceeded several cleanliness, space reclamation and scrap disposal targets during the Special Campaign 6. The campaign, led by DARPG across Union Ministries and Public Sector Undertakings, also focused on e-waste management, record management and citizen-centric initiatives.
Key facts
NLC India identified cleanliness drives across 180 sites against a target of 145.
It reclaimed 2,496,193 square feet of space against the proposed 2,415,786 square feet.
The company disposed of 1,272 metric tonnes of scrap and earned ₹3,11,89,078 in revenue.
NLC India reviewed 1,378 physical files and 320 e-files, while weeding out 506 physical files and 122 e-files.
All pending public grievances were cleared during the campaign.
A total of 2,042 e-waste items were cleared across three categories: ITEW, LIW and CEEW.
The campaign emphasised effective collection, segregation and eco-friendly disposal of e-waste in line with the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on public sector undertakings, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, e-waste management, governance reforms, scrap disposal and environmental practices.
In the 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister highlighted community initiatives in organic farming, handloom, river conservation, local products, tribal entrepreneurship, Khadi and digital healthcare. The address also marked twelve years of the programme and emphasised the role of Lok-Shakti and the Vocal for Local movement.
Key facts
The 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat was delivered on 25 October 2026.
The programme completed twelve years since its beginning on Vijayadashami.
Nav-Trinjan established a weaving school that trains women in handloom skills using indigenous organic cotton.
Villagers and the local administration in Tehri Garhwal worked together to revive the Heval river through rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and tree plantation.
Makhana from Purnia was highlighted as reaching Greece, while arhar dal from Kalaburagi was being exported to the Maldives.
Shabari Naturals products made by tribal communities in Maharashtra received Japan's Good Design Award for their packaging.
The address stated that e-Sanjeevani had enabled approximately 50 crore tele-consultations.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Mann Ki Baat, organic farming, handloom and rural livelihoods, river conservation, Vocal for Local, exports, tribal entrepreneurship, design awards and e-Sanjeevani telemedicine.
MNRE Implements Special Campaign 6 for Cleanliness and Pendency Reduction
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, along with its associated organisations, is implementing Special Campaign 6 to improve cleanliness, record management, office-space utilisation and disposal of pending matters.
Key facts
The campaign is being implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), its CPSUs and autonomous institutes.
MNRE and associated organisations have achieved approximately 60–70% progress against identified targets.
Key activities include cleanliness drives, physical-record review, removal of redundant materials and disposal of e-waste.
The participating CPSUs are Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) and Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI).
The participating autonomous institutes are NISE, NIWE and SSS-NIBE.
The campaign was launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
Its implementation phase runs from 2 October 2026 to 31 October 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government administrative campaigns, cleanliness initiatives, DARPG, MNRE organisations and renewable-energy institutions.
India’s Ramsar network expanded to 103 sites by 15 October 2026, covering more than 13.87 lakh hectares across 28 States and Union Territories. Tamil Nadu has the highest number of sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh. Ramsar conservation is supported by national rules, schemes and community participation.
Key facts
India became a Party to the Ramsar Convention on 1 February 1982.
The Ramsar Convention was adopted at Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971 and entered into force in 1975.
India had 103 Ramsar Sites as of 15 October 2026, compared with 26 sites in 2014.
India’s Ramsar Sites cover more than 13.87 lakh hectares across 28 States and Union Territories.
Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar Sites with 20, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 14.
Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh were the latest additions mentioned.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 provide the regulatory framework for wetland conservation.
Indore and Udaipur became India’s first Ramsar-accredited Wetland Cities in January 2025.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on environment, wetlands, international conventions, biodiversity conservation, government schemes and State-wise current affairs.
India Records Best-Ever Performance at Asian Para Games 2026
India achieved its best-ever performance at the Asian Para Games 2026 by winning a record 114 medals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian para-athletes for their determination and historic achievement.
Key facts
India won a record 114 medals at the Asian Para Games 2026.
This was described as India’s best-ever performance at the Asian Para Games.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian para-athletes.
The Prime Minister praised every member of the Indian contingent.
The achievement was highlighted as a source of pride and joy for the nation.
Exam relevance: Important for sports current affairs, national achievements, persons in news, and questions related to para-sports and India’s performance in international competitions.
NBA Disburses ₹1.04 Crore in ABS Benefits for Biodiversity Initiatives
The National Biodiversity Authority disbursed around ₹1.04 crore in Access and Benefit-Sharing benefits to 27 State Biodiversity Boards and two Union Territory Biodiversity Councils. The funds arose from the use of agricultural biological resources for research and commercial purposes and are intended to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
Key facts
The National Biodiversity Authority distributed around ₹1.04 crore in ABS benefits.
The beneficiaries include 27 State Biodiversity Boards and two Union Territory Biodiversity Councils.
The contributions came from Crystal Crop Protection Limited, Savannah Seeds Pvt. Ltd. and Nunhems India Pvt. Ltd.
The biological resources included pearl millet, jowar, maize, rice and bottle gourd.
An area-based method was used where individual benefit claimers could not be identified.
The agriculture sector has generated approximately ₹87 crore in ABS contributions.
The NBA has released over ₹204 crore in ABS benefits to date.
The framework is governed by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, as amended in 2023, the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024 and the ABS Regulations, 2025.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on biodiversity governance, the National Biodiversity Authority, Access and Benefit-Sharing, the Biological Diversity Act, the Nagoya Protocol and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
