MY Bharat Conducts ‘Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvaad: Know Your Vote’ Across 14 States and Union Territories
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, conducted youth dialogues across 14 States and Union Territories to promote electoral awareness and informed participation among young people. The nationwide campaign is being held across 500 educational institutions from 26 October to 5 November 2026.
Key facts
MY Bharat organised the campaign under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The programmes were conducted across 10 States and 4 Union Territories.
The campaign is being held across 500 universities, colleges and institutions from 26 October to 5 November 2026.
As of 28 October 2026, 27 Yuva Samvaads had been conducted with 5,856 young participants.
The discussions covered voting rights, civic responsibilities, democratic values and electoral processes.
The programmes included first-time voters, students, elected representatives, Youth Icons and sportspersons.
A ‘Know Your Vote’ online quiz was organised in collaboration with MyGov and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Participants concluded the programmes by taking the Loktantrik Pledge.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on youth affairs, electoral awareness, democratic participation, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, MY Bharat, MyGov and government initiatives for first-time voters.
Piyush Goyal Calls for Greater Export Competitiveness and Market Diversification
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal interacted with Export Promotion Councils in New Delhi to review India’s export scenario and discuss ways to improve export competitiveness. He urged exporters to focus on product quality, innovation, cost competitiveness, international standards, market diversification and effective use of Free Trade Agreements.
Key facts
Piyush Goyal interacted with representatives of Export Promotion Councils in New Delhi.
He highlighted geopolitical uncertainties, tariff changes, supply-chain realignments and new regulatory requirements as major features of the global trade environment.
Exporters were encouraged to improve product quality, innovation, cost competitiveness, supply reliability and compliance with international standards.
The Minister called for greater use of opportunities created by India’s Free Trade Agreements and economic partnerships.
Export Promotion Councils were urged to identify new products, explore new export destinations and develop market-specific strategies.
The Export Promotion Mission was highlighted as an initiative addressing export finance, market access and international competitiveness challenges, especially for MSMEs.
The Minister stressed greater coordination among Export Promotion Councils, industry associations, State Governments and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India’s foreign trade policy, export promotion, Free Trade Agreements, MSME support, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade and measures to improve participation in global value chains.
India and South Korea Hold Bilateral Defence Talks at 13th ADMM-Plus
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met South Korea’s Minister of National Defense Kang Shin-chul in Cebu, Philippines, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus. The discussions focused on expanding defence cooperation, co-developing military technologies, joint industry collaboration and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
Key facts
Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Kang Shin-chul, Minister of National Defense of South Korea.
The meeting took place in Cebu, Philippines, on October 28, 2026.
The talks were held on the margins of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.
Both sides discussed co-development of military technologies and stronger defence industry cooperation.
The leaders emphasised maritime security and an open, free and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
India and South Korea are dialogue partners in the ADMM-Plus forum.
The 13th ADMM-Plus meeting was chaired by the Philippines from October 28 to 29, 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India’s defence diplomacy, Indo-Pacific security, India–South Korea relations and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.
₹1,000 Crore PMEGP Margin Money Subsidy Released for 11,333 New Micro Enterprises
The Ministry of MSME released ₹1,000 crore in Margin Money subsidy under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) to support 11,333 beneficiaries setting up new micro-enterprises across India. The initiative is aimed at promoting self-employment, rural entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development.
Key facts
The ₹1,000 crore subsidy was released by Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi in New Delhi.
PMEGP is a credit-linked subsidy programme for establishing new micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector.
The scheme is administered by the Ministry of MSME and implemented nationally by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission.
The latest subsidy tranche will support 11,333 beneficiaries with bank-sanctioned project loans of approximately ₹3,260 crore.
The enterprises are expected to generate more than 1.02 lakh sustainable employment opportunities.
Since 2014-15, PMEGP has facilitated more than 8.38 lakh micro-enterprises and approximately 75 lakh employment opportunities.
Nearly 80% of PMEGP-assisted units have been established in rural areas, while around 40% are owned by women entrepreneurs.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on PMEGP, the Ministry of MSME, KVIC, credit-linked subsidy programmes, rural employment generation, women-led entrepreneurship and inclusive development.
Legislative Department Holds Workshop on Best Administrative Practices under Special Campaign 6
The Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice organised a workshop in New Delhi on 28 October 2026 to promote administrative efficiency, transparency, accountability and improved record management under Special Campaign 6.
Key facts
The workshop was organised by the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice.
It was held on 28 October 2026 at Kartavya Bhawan-II, New Delhi.
The workshop was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Rajiv Mani, Secretary, Legislative Department.
Shri G. Panmei, Joint Secretary and Legislative Counsel, attended as the Nodal Officer.
Dr. Devendra Prasad Majhi served as the resource person.
The session focused on workflow management, record maintenance, timely disposal of work and minimising procedural delays.
Special Campaign 6 aims to institutionalise cleanliness, improve record management, minimise pendency and promote efficient governance.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Legislative Department, administrative reforms, good governance, record management and Special Campaign 6.
‘Timeless India’ Book on Cultural Identity and Monument Preservation Launched
The book ‘Timeless India: Protection & Revival of Indian Cultural Identity under the Leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’ was launched through a collaboration between the Archaeological Survey of India and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. The publication focuses on monument preservation, cultural memory and India’s civilisational continuity.
Key facts
The book was published by IGNCA and Subhi Publications.
It was edited by Tarun Vijay, who also spoke at the event.
The launch was organised through a collaboration between ASI and IGNCA.
The event took place at Dharohar Bhawan, ASI, Mandi House, New Delhi.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was the Chief Guest.
Dr. Jitendra Singh attended as the Guest of Honour.
The book highlights monument preservation and the idea of decolonising national memory.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Indian culture, heritage conservation, archaeology, cultural institutions and the roles of ASI and IGNCA.
Workshop on Telugu Ayurvedic Manuscripts Concludes in Hyderabad
A three-day workshop on the transcription and editing of Telugu Ayurvedic manuscripts concluded at the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage in Hyderabad. Organised under the Ministry of Ayush through CCRAS-NIIMH, it trained researchers in manuscript preservation and completed work on 2,040 folios across 30 Telugu Ayurveda manuscripts.
Key facts
The workshop was held from October 26 to 28, 2026, in Hyderabad.
It focused on deciphering, transcribing, analysing and critically editing Telugu Ayurvedic manuscripts.
The programme was conducted under the Centre of Excellence in Medico-Historical Studies and Indian Medical Heritage.
The initiative functioned under CCRAS-NIIMH, Ministry of Ayush.
More than 37 delegates, faculty members and postgraduate scholars participated.
Participants completed transcription, primary proofreading and editing of 2,040 folios across 30 Telugu Ayurveda manuscripts.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Ayush, CCRAS, the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, preservation of Indian traditional medical knowledge, and manuscriptology initiatives.
GeM Samvad 2026 Highlights Reforms for MSE Participation in Public Procurement
GeM and Laghu Udyog Bharati highlighted reforms aimed at reducing procurement costs, simplifying onboarding and improving access to finance for Micro and Small Enterprises. The measures include lower transaction charges, integration with all five TReDS exchanges and collateral-free lending support through GeM SAHAY.
Key facts
GeM and Laghu Udyog Bharati organised an event under GeM Samvad 2026.
The GeM–LUB partnership, formalised through an MoU in 2024, has conducted 108 virtual conferences along with physical events.
GeM reduced transaction charges from 0.50% to 0.30% of the order value.
Orders up to ₹10 lakh are exempt from transaction charges, while charges for orders above ₹10 crore are capped at ₹3 lakh.
Nearly 97% of orders placed on GeM attract no transaction charges.
The Caution Money deposit requirement for onboarding was discontinued in July 2025.
GeM has integrated with all five TReDS exchanges and provides collateral-free lending against GeM purchase orders through GeM SAHAY.
Vendor assessment charges for Original Equipment Manufacturers have been reduced by 66% to 92% since January 2024.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Government e-Marketplace, public procurement reforms, MSME support, TReDS, digital governance and access to working capital.
India-Singapore Defence Ministers Hold Talks on the Sidelines of ADMM-Plus
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu, Philippines. The discussions covered stronger military exercises, defence industry cooperation and technology collaboration.
Key facts
Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on October 28, 2026.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu, Philippines.
Both sides discussed expanding joint military exercises involving the Army, Navy and Air Force.
India reiterated its commitment to ASEAN centrality and a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Singapore was described as a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy.
Rajnath Singh invited Chan Chun Sing to attend Aero India 2027 in Bengaluru in February.
Singapore is set to chair ADMM-Plus in 2027.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India-Singapore relations, India’s Act East Policy, ASEAN-led defence mechanisms, ADMM-Plus, Indo-Pacific cooperation and defence exercises.
Regional Workshop on Base-Year Revision of State-Level IIP Held in Thiruvananthapuram
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation organised a three-day regional training workshop on revising the base year of the State-Level Index of Industrial Production in collaboration with Kerala's Department of Economics and Statistics. The workshop focused on methodological and data-related aspects of the revision exercise.
Key facts
The workshop was held from 28 to 30 October 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
It was organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in collaboration with Kerala's Department of Economics and Statistics.
Dr. Dalip Singh, Director General (Central Statistics), MoSPI, inaugurated the workshop.
Approximately 60 participants from 16 States and Union Territories attended the programme.
Key topics included selection of the item basket and factories, item grouping, and preparation of the weighting diagram.
The workshop covered data sources, treatment of items classified as Not Elsewhere Classified, and methodologies for substitution and imputation.
The programme also included a review of NIC 2025 and feedback on the revised National Product Classification.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Index of Industrial Production, base-year revision, MoSPI, industrial statistics, National Industrial Classification, and statistical coordination between the Union and States.
Union Secretary Reviews Welfare Scheme Implementation in Assam
Union Social Justice and Empowerment Secretary Sudhansh Pant reviewed the implementation of welfare schemes in Assam, focusing on drug demand reduction, Scheduled Caste development, senior citizen welfare, sanitation workers’ safety and rehabilitation of vulnerable groups. The review stressed inter-departmental coordination and convergence among major welfare programmes.
Key facts
The review meeting was held in Guwahati, Assam.
Under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, outreach activities covered 27.71 lakh people through 6,575 activities across 10,614 educational institutions.
Assam has registered 13,712 Nasha Mukti Mitra volunteers and recorded 2,24,783 e-pledges.
Under PM-AJAY, 721 Scheduled Caste villages were taken up for integrated development and 5,269 livelihood beneficiaries were approved.
Under PM-AJAY, the overall financial involvement for the livelihood component was ₹26.34 crore.
Under NAMASTE, 483 sewer and septic tank workers and 6,365 waste pickers were profiled across 96 Urban Local Bodies.
Under Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, 10,715 senior citizens in Assam were assisted and 48,756 assistive devices were distributed during financial year 2026–27 up to 27 October 2026.
The review highlighted convergence under NMBA, PM-AJAY and NAMASTE.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment schemes, social welfare programmes, Scheduled Caste development, drug de-addiction, sanitation workers’ safety, senior citizen welfare and Centre–State coordination.
MSDE Reviews Apprenticeship Engagement by CPSEs under NAPS-2
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship reviewed apprenticeship engagement by Central Public Sector Enterprises and called for greater focus on completion, certification, employability, absorption and retention. The review also stressed wider participation of women and under-represented groups.
Key facts
The review was held at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2) engaged 44.75 lakh apprentices from FY 2022-23 to 22 September 2026.
A total of 47,452 active establishments supported the apprenticeship ecosystem during this period.
Optional Trades accounted for 76.27% of apprenticeship engagement.
CPSEs were advised to prepare enterprise-wise intake plans aligned with the applicable 2.5%–15% apprenticeship requirement.
The review emphasised quality opportunities, inclusion, certification, employability, absorption and retention.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, NAPS-2, apprenticeship policy, Central Public Sector Enterprises, skill development and employment initiatives.
DoT Leads ESTIC 2026 Session on Intelligent Networks and Quantum Communication
The Department of Telecommunications led a thematic session on intelligent networks and quantum communication at ESTIC 2026 in New Delhi. Discussions focused on AI-enabled networks, quantum-safe security, indigenous telecom technologies, cybersecurity and India’s future 6G ecosystem.
Key facts
The session was held on 28 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
It was led by the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications.
The session focused on intelligent networks, quantum communication and secure digital infrastructure.
The Telecommunications Technology Development Fund has supported over 130 projects worth about ₹500 crore, according to the excerpt.
The Technology Development and Investment Promotion Scheme has an outlay of over ₹200 crore and was renewed up to 2031.
The vision document identified indigenous 6G, AI-native networks, quantum-secure infrastructure and cyber-resilience as priority areas.
C-DOT and BSNL showcased technologies related to quantum communication and Mission Critical Services.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Department of Telecommunications, quantum communication, 6G technology, telecom innovation, cybersecurity, government support for indigenous research and ESTIC 2026.
MNRE Strengthens E-Waste Management under Special Campaign 6
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is carrying out the collection, segregation and auction-based disposal of obsolete and e-waste items under Special Campaign 6 for Disposal of Pending Matters.
Key facts
The campaign is being implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
It is part of Special Campaign 6 for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM 6).
A total of 5,337 obsolete and e-waste items have been identified for disposal.
The items are being disposed of through auction.
The process has generated revenue of ₹11,40,220 so far.
Approximately 600 square feet of office space has been cleared.
The initiative focuses on Swachhata, responsible waste management and efficient use of office space.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on e-waste management, Swachhata campaigns, government administrative reforms and the role of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Lok Sabha Speaker Calls for Mutual Respect in Democratic Debate
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stressed that differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, but disagreements should be expressed with mutual respect and dignity. Speaking at a Sant Kabir Mahotsav in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, he highlighted Sant Kabir’s teachings on equality, compassion, self-reflection and social harmony.
Key facts
Om Birla is the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
He addressed the Sant Kabir Mahotsav in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh.
The foundation stone of the Kabir Smriti Bhawan was laid at Kabirdham Ashram.
Birla said democratic disagreements should be expressed with respect and dignity.
He highlighted Sant Kabir’s teachings on compassion, equality and social harmony.
He urged people to practise restraint in speech and self-reflection.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya attended the event.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Lok Sabha Speaker, democratic values, Sant Kabir’s social reform teachings, and Uttar Pradesh current affairs.
Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary felicitated the national winners of Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 in New Delhi. The event also marked the presentation of a Guinness World Records certification and the launch of guidelines for teacher education institutions under ULLAS.
Key facts
Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 was organised by the Department of School Education and Literacy in collaboration with AIM, NITI Aayog and AICTE.
The initiative received 2,87,967 project submissions under the Idea and Prototype tracks.
Ten national, 100 state and 1,000 district awardees were selected through a three-tier assessment process.
The 10 national winning teams received a total cash prize of ₹17.50 lakh.
The Buildathon was based on four pillars: Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local and Samriddh Bharat.
VBB 2025 received Guinness World Records certification as the “Largest Innovation Solution Competition.”
Guidelines for Teacher Education Institutions under ULLAS require each student teacher to support the literacy and certification of five to eight non-literate learners.
The event also highlighted school-level awareness and collection drives for responsible e-waste management.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on school education initiatives, innovation programmes, ULLAS, adult literacy, e-waste management, government collaborations and award statistics.
Vice-President Holds Talks with European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Delegation
Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, C. P. Radhakrishnan, met a delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs in New Delhi. Discussions covered India–EU relations, trade, investment, technology, research and innovation.
Key facts
C. P. Radhakrishnan met the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs delegation at Parliament House, New Delhi.
The delegation was led by David McAllister.
The Vice-President described India and the European Union as the two largest democracies and open market economies.
India and the European Union together represent a market of around USD 25 trillion and nearly two billion people.
The proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement was described as the ‘Mother of all deals’; its signing this year was expressed as a hope, not a confirmed outcome.
The India–EU Trade and Technology Council was highlighted as a platform for strategic coordination.
Negotiations on India’s association with the Horizon Europe programme were stated to have concluded.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India–EU relations, parliamentary diplomacy, trade negotiations, the India–EU Trade and Technology Council, Horizon Europe and India’s engagement with the European Parliament.
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana Supports Senior Citizen Welfare
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment released ₹77.98 crore as Grant-in-Aid for 755 projects under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens component of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana for the quarter ending 30 September 2026.
Key facts
Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana was launched in 2021.
The scheme subsumed and expanded the earlier National Action Plan for Senior Citizens.
₹77.98 crore was released for 755 projects under the IPSrC component for the quarter ending 30 September 2026.
AVYAY focuses on dignified ageing, ageing in place, shelter, food, healthcare and recreational services.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal authority for policy formulation, financial support, monitoring and implementation.
State and Union Territory governments implement senior citizen action plans under the SAPSrC component.
District Committees chaired by the District Collector or District Magistrate help select eligible indigent beneficiaries and monitor senior citizen homes.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on central government schemes, senior citizen welfare, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, demographic transition and decentralised implementation through States, Union Territories and district committees.
Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme Approved
The Union Cabinet has approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme to strengthen India’s sports goods manufacturing ecosystem and promote investment, technology, innovation, skills, certification and market development.
Key facts
The scheme has a total outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore.
It will operate from FY 2026-27 to FY 2033-34.
The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.
It supports the sports goods manufacturing value chain, including infrastructure, research, skills, testing and certification.
Jalandhar in Punjab and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh are identified as established sports goods manufacturing clusters.
Small and micro enterprises account for nearly 90% of sports goods production in India.
The scheme aims to promote employment, exports and India’s emergence as a global sports goods manufacturing hub.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Union Cabinet decisions, Union Budget 2026-27, government schemes, MSMEs, manufacturing, employment, exports and sports-sector development.
