Lok Sabha Speaker Calls for Ethical and Human-Centric Technology at BRICS Parliamentary Forum
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged BRICS parliaments to promote ethical, transparent and responsible technology while keeping human oversight central. He also highlighted India’s digital parliamentary initiatives and held discussions with representatives from the UAE, China and Iran on parliamentary cooperation and bilateral relations.
Key facts
Om Birla addressed the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
He called for ethical, accountable, transparent and human-centric technology.
India’s parliamentary digital initiatives include NeVA and the One Nation, One Legislative Platform.
The Parliament provides multilingual services, including the List of Business in 10 languages and interpretation in 22 languages.
Parliamentary debates and records are being digitised with metadata and video-search facilities.
Birla discussed digital governance cooperation with UAE Speaker Saqr Ghobash.
He discussed parliamentary exchanges and border peace with China’s Zheng Jianbang.
India and Iran discussed continued cooperation on Chabahar Port.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on BRICS, parliamentary diplomacy, digital governance, the National e-Vidhan Application, Digital Public Infrastructure, multilingual parliamentary services, India-UAE relations, India-China dialogue and Chabahar Port cooperation.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is organising the eight-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 in Guwahati to provide market access and livelihood opportunities to traditional artisans. The event promotes handicrafts, handloom products, welfare schemes and the BHARAT-TULIP initiative.
Key facts
The Guwahati edition commenced on October 21 and is scheduled to continue until October 28, 2026.
The Mela is being held at Farm Gate, Khanapara, Guwahati, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
A total of 75 artisans, including 31 women artisans, are participating.
Artisans are showcasing approximately 40 varieties of handloom and handicraft products.
The event is organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
BHARAT-TULIP promotes the marketing of products made by artisans through physical outlets and e-commerce platforms.
The Mela supports beneficiaries associated with NSFDC, NSKFDC and NBCFDC.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on government initiatives for artisan livelihoods, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, BHARAT-TULIP, and the three National Corporations associated with the initiative.
37 Contract Workers Redeployed and Pending Wages Paid at ESIC Hospital in Karnataka
Conciliation led by the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) machinery resolved an industrial dispute involving contract workers at an ESIC Model Hospital in Karnataka. All 37 affected workers were redeployed, and approximately ₹7.40 lakh in pending September 2026 wages was paid.
Key facts
The dispute involved 37 contract workers, including Nursing Orderlies and Supporting Staff.
The workers were reportedly disengaged before the expiry of their contract period.
The Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) machinery facilitated the conciliation process.
The Assistant Labour Commissioner (Central), Bengaluru, intervened under the guidance of the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Bengaluru.
All 37 workers were redeployed with effect from 23 October 2026.
Pending wages for September 2026, amounting to approximately ₹7.40 lakh, were paid.
ESIC participated as the principal employer along with the contractor.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on labour administration, industrial dispute resolution, conciliation proceedings, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the role of ESIC as a principal employer.
India Seeks Korean Investment and Wider Cooperation in Shipbuilding
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urged practical international cooperation on maritime standards during a ministerial roundtable in Busan, South Korea. He also invited Korean marine-equipment companies to invest in Indian shipyards and highlighted India’s shipbuilding growth, maritime reforms and planned cooperation with KOMEA.
Key facts
Sarbananda Sonowal represented India at a World Maritime Day ministerial roundtable in Busan, South Korea.
India advocated ambitious and universal maritime standards with implementation support based on national circumstances and capabilities.
Sonowal proposed joint working groups, training and time-bound plans to help countries implement IMO conventions.
Five Indian maritime laws enacted in 2025 took effect in March 2026.
India’s Maritime Single Window covers 69 ports and terminals.
KOMEA, representing 304 marine-equipment companies and related firms, will open its first India office in Mumbai on October 30.
India approved a shipbuilding package worth about USD 7.8 billion in September 2025.
Government-supported vessel orders and aggregated demand were cited as creating significant opportunities for Indian shipyards.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India–South Korea cooperation, maritime governance, the International Maritime Organization, shipbuilding policy, maritime infrastructure and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
Nasha Mukt Yuva, Viksit Bharat Quiz Launched Under NMBA
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the online ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva, Viksit Bharat Quiz’ under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to promote awareness about the harmful effects of substance use and encourage youth participation in drug-use prevention.
Key facts
The quiz is being organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
It is conducted under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA).
The quiz is open to all citizens from October 26 to November 25, 2026.
It is available through the MY Bharat portal.
The quiz contains 20 multiple-choice questions to be answered within 10 minutes.
A participation certificate will be generated after submission.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched on August 15, 2020, initially covering 272 vulnerable districts.
The campaign has expanded to all districts and reportedly reached over 35 crore people.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on government initiatives, drug demand reduction, social welfare, youth participation and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
MWCD Reviews Special Campaign 6 on Swachhata and Grievance Disposal
The Ministry of Women and Child Development reviewed the implementation of Special Campaign 6 with States and Union Territories. The campaign focuses on improving cleanliness and resolving pending references and grievances between 2 October and 31 October 2026.
Key facts
Special Campaign 6 is being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and its autonomous and statutory bodies.
The campaign period is from 2 October to 31 October 2026.
States and Union Territories were asked to conduct campaign activities daily.
A dedicated large-scale event was scheduled for 30 October 2026 with participation from field-level functionaries and communities.
A video conference chaired by the Secretary, Women and Child Development, was held on 26 October 2026 to review progress.
The ministry directed States and Union Territories to upload activity details on the respective Mission portals.
Pending grievances on POSHAN Tracker, PMMVY and CPGRAMS were to be resolved by 30 October 2026 through Grievance Redressal Chaupal or e-Chaupal.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Ministry of Women and Child Development initiatives, Special Campaigns, grievance redressal platforms, POSHAN Tracker, PMMVY and CPGRAMS.
CSIR-NPL Hosts 53rd Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Memorial Tournament
The CSIR-National Physical Laboratory hosted the First Zonal (Outdoor) 2026 edition of the 53rd Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Memorial Tournament in New Delhi from 23 to 26 October 2026.
Key facts
The tournament was organised by the CSIR-NPL Club under the CSIR Sports Promotion Board.
Eight teams each participated in cricket and volleyball.
The event included 112 cricket players and 64 volleyball players from CSIR laboratories.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, attended the inaugural function as Chief Guest.
The new CSIR Sports Promotion Board 2026 Guidelines were launched during the event.
CSIR-NIO, Goa, and CSIR-CEERI, Pilani, qualified in cricket.
CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, and CSIR-CEERI, Pilani, qualified in volleyball.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on CSIR institutions, the CSIR Sports Promotion Board, and current sports events involving government research laboratories.
Swachhata Campaign 6.0: Award Ceremony for Extempore Competition
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organised an award ceremony in the National Capital to felicitate winners of an extempore competition held during the preparatory phase of Swachhata Campaign 6.0.
Key facts
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organised the award distribution ceremony.
The extempore competition was conducted on September 28 during the preparatory phase of Special Campaign 6.0.
The competition focused on cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene and civic responsibility.
Five officers from the Department were declared winners and felicitated.
The first, second and third prizes carried Rs 5,000, Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively.
Union Secretary Sudhansh Pant presided over the ceremony.
The initiative aimed to encourage cleanliness practices and improved workplace hygiene.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government cleanliness initiatives, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, workplace hygiene and administrative campaigns.
India Hosts 61st CIML Meeting on Legal Metrology in New Delhi
India is hosting the 61st Meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) in New Delhi from 26 to 28 October 2026. The meeting focuses on harmonised measurement standards, consumer protection, fair trade, digital transformation and international cooperation in legal metrology.
Key facts
The 61st CIML Meeting is being held in New Delhi from 26 to 28 October 2026.
India is hosting this international meeting of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) for the first time.
The programme includes a seminar on the evolution of legal metrology and an OIML Strategy Workshop.
Discussions cover digital transformation, artificial intelligence, machine-readable standards and electric vehicle charging equipment.
India highlighted Government Approved Test Centres and the e-Maap National Portal to strengthen legal metrology services.
India has been recognised as an OIML-CS Issuing Authority to support international acceptance of test results.
The National Time Dissemination Project, One Nation, One Time, aims to provide accurate and traceable Indian Standard Time across the country.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on international organisations, legal metrology, consumer protection, measurement standards, government reforms, digital governance and India's participation in global standardisation systems.
Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2026 to be inaugurated by PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2026 on 27 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The three-day conclave will discuss India’s priorities in emerging technologies and showcase indigenous scientific achievements, deep-tech startups and innovation partnerships.
Key facts
The conclave is scheduled from 27 to 29 October 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate it on 27 October at 5:30 PM.
The event will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Discussions will cover 12 thematic areas, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials, healthcare, energy, climate and ocean sciences.
The technology and innovation exhibition will feature around 150 deep-tech startup stalls.
The Global Connect Networking Event will bring together more than 300 participants from academia, research institutions and industry.
The conclave will focus on research priorities, national capabilities and translating innovations into practical applications.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India’s science and technology priorities, emerging technologies, deep-tech startups, research-industry collaboration and innovation ecosystems.
MDNIY Inaugurates Workshop on Patanjala Yoga Sutra
The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, inaugurated a five-day national workshop on the Vibhuti Pada of the Patanjala Yoga Sutra. The workshop focuses on the text, its traditional interpretation through Vyasa Bhashya, and the relevance of classical Yoga in contemporary life.
Key facts
The workshop is being held from October 26 to 30, 2026.
It focuses on Vibhuti Pada, the third chapter of the Patanjala Yoga Sutra.
Vibhuti Pada discusses Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi, collectively known as Samyama.
The chapter also discusses Siddhis, or Yogic attainments, and the need for discernment.
The workshop examines the Sutras with the traditional commentary of Vyasa Bhashya.
MDNIY functions under the Ministry of Ayush.
Dr. Indu Sharma, Assistant Professor of Yoga Education at MDNIY, is coordinating the workshop.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Ayush, MDNIY, classical Indian knowledge systems, Yoga philosophy and the Patanjala Yoga Sutra.
MoRTH to Organise Transport Mela under PARIVARTAN Scheme in Delhi-NCR
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in collaboration with the Government of Delhi, will organise a Transport Mela in Burari, North Delhi, on 28 October 2026. The event will provide information and assistance on vehicle scrapping, financing, replacement vehicles, fuel benefits and other incentives under the PARIVARTAN Scheme.
Key facts
The Transport Mela will be organised by MoRTH in collaboration with the Government of Delhi.
It will be held at the Vehicle Inspection Unit near the District Transport Office, Burari, North Delhi.
The event is scheduled for 28 October 2026 from 9:30 AM onwards.
OEMs, dealers, RVSFs, banks, NBFCs, OMCs and CGD entities will participate.
The PARIVARTAN Scheme promotes replacement of old trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR with cleaner vehicles.
Listed incentives include an OEM discount of at least 8%, 5% interest subvention and 100% road tax concession for 10 years.
The scheme also provides applicable benefits such as EV incentives, monthly fuel vouchers and waiver of registration fees.
About 40,000 beneficiaries have registered on the PARIVARTAN portal.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, vehicle scrapping, cleaner transport, Delhi-NCR environmental measures and government incentives under the PARIVARTAN Scheme.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari flagged off the Jaipur (Khatipura)–Tatanagar–Santragachi Express. The service is expected to improve connectivity among Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, benefiting migrant workers, students, businesses and other passengers.
Key facts
The train connects Jaipur (Khatipura), Tatanagar and Santragachi.
The service is intended to improve rail connectivity across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
The railway budget allocation for Jharkhand increased from ₹450 crore to ₹7,500 crore.
Railway projects worth approximately ₹75,000 crore are underway in Jharkhand.
Fifty-seven stations in Jharkhand are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
More than 1,300 railway stations across the country have been taken up for development under the scheme.
The railway line between Howrah, Kharagpur, Chakulia and Tatanagar is being expanded to four lines.
A 4.5-kilometre section connected to Kolkata Metro’s Beleghata–IT Centre has been completed and trial runs have started.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on railway infrastructure, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, inter-state connectivity, railway budget allocations and major transport projects.
MoRTH Amends Motor Vehicle Rules to Support E85 and E100 Flex-Fuel Vehicles
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to facilitate vehicles designed and certified to use E85 and other high-ethanol fuels, including E100. The changes clarify emission certification requirements and do not require existing vehicle owners to switch fuels or modify their vehicles.
Key facts
MoRTH amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
The amendments expressly include E100 alongside E85 in emission certification provisions.
E85 contains up to 85% ethanol by volume, while E100 consists predominantly of ethanol.
Flex-fuel vehicles can operate on approved petrol and ethanol blends using a single fuel tank.
E85 and E100 are meant only for vehicles specifically designed and certified for these fuels.
Compatibility with E10 or E20 does not establish suitability for E85.
The notification does not require owners of existing vehicles to switch to E85 or modify their vehicles.
The rules also update biodiesel-related provisions and make technical corrections.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, ethanol blending, alternative fuels, vehicle emission certification, energy security and reduction of crude oil import dependence.
12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum Begins in New Delhi
Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh delivered the welcome address at the inaugural session of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi. He highlighted BRICS cooperation, India’s 2026 presidency vision, and the role of parliaments in people-centric development.
Key facts
The inaugural session of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was held in the Central Hall of the Parliament of India, New Delhi.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh delivered the welcome address.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is the Chairperson of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
The stated theme of the forum is “Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development.”
India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency adopted the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The BRICS process adopted a “People-Centric” and “Humanity First” approach under India’s presidency.
The 18th BRICS Summit concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration.
The excerpt states that BRICS represents around 49.5% of the global population.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on BRICS, India’s multilateral diplomacy, parliamentary forums, international organisations, India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency, and the New Delhi Declaration.
Capacity-Building Programme Launched for Drug De-Addiction Healthcare Professionals
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched a hybrid capacity-building programme for medical and allied healthcare professionals involved in drug de-addiction services. The programme aims to improve prevention, assessment, treatment and management of substance use disorders through coordinated training and inter-ministerial action.
Key facts
The programme was launched by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in New Delhi.
It will train doctors, medical officers, nurses, counsellors and other healthcare professionals.
The programme will be conducted through six Central Government institutions under the Drug De-Addiction Programme.
NDDTC, AIIMS, New Delhi, located in Ghaziabad, will coordinate the overall implementation.
Training will use online live sessions, in-person training and self-paced online courses.
The online live training for doctors and medical officers will run weekly for 12 weeks.
The six institutions together will have a capacity of 300 participants per week.
The second edition of the manual titled 'Substance Use Disorder: Manual for Physicians (Management of Addictive Disorders)' was released.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on public health, substance-use disorder management, government healthcare programmes, inter-ministerial coordination and institutions involved in medical training.
MY Bharat Mobilises Over 2.11 Lakh People in Sixth Week of Nasha Mukt Yuva Campaign
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, conducted 694 programmes during the sixth week of the 100 Weeks Campaign under the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Abhiyan. The activities involved 2,11,139 youth and citizens across 36 States and Union Territories and generated the same number of pledges for a drug-free India.
Key facts
The campaign was organised by Mera Yuva Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The sixth week featured 694 programmes across 36 States and Union Territories.
A total of 2,11,139 youth and citizens participated, according to the provisional report.
Activities included Nashe Ke Ravan Ka Dahan, Nasha Rupi Mahishasur Ka Vadh and traditional sports.
Neighbourhood Youth Parliament sessions discussed substance-abuse prevention and the role of youth.
The campaign recorded 2,11,139 pledges towards a drug-free India.
FIT India and organisations including Brahma Kumaris, Heartfulness, FICCI, CIPU, ASSOCHAM and Project Point supported the programmes.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government youth initiatives, substance-abuse prevention, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, MY Bharat, and national campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles and community participation.
Raksha Mantri Calls for ‘Aatmanirbharta 2.0’ in Defence
At the fifth SWAVLAMBAN seminar in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for the next phase of defence self-reliance, focusing on advanced technologies, stronger R&D, resilient supply chains and greater private-sector participation.
Key facts
The fifth edition of SWAVLAMBAN was held in New Delhi on October 26, 2026.
Rajnath Singh called for ‘Aatmanirbharta 2.0’ to achieve technological superiority and reduce defence import dependence.
He emphasised advanced technologies, stronger R&D, resilient supply chains and cost-effective indigenous products.
More than 4,000 proposals were submitted against 229 Indian Navy challenges under iDEX.
The Indian Navy received 41 Acceptance of Necessity cases worth over Rs 3,500 crore.
Twenty-five contracts valued at over Rs 1,900 crore were signed.
A Dual Technology Roadmap was proposed to identify technologies useful for both civilian and military applications.
The seminar highlighted artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics, quantum sensing and uncrewed systems.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on defence indigenisation, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, iDEX, naval innovation, defence R&D, supply-chain security and emerging military technologies.
