MoEFCC Concludes Special Campaign 6 with Focus on E-Waste Management
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and its organisations concluded Special Campaign 6, focusing on cleanliness, reducing pendency and the effective collection, segregation and disposal of e-waste.
Key facts
The campaign covered all 132 identified locations of the MoEFCC, including subordinate offices and autonomous bodies.
The campaign focused on the collection, segregation and disposal of e-waste as per guidelines issued by DARPG.
Disposal of e-waste, scrap and redundant items generated revenue of Rs. 64,18,158.
The campaign reclaimed 32,854 square feet of office space.
All segregated items were directed to be disposed of through CPCB-registered e-waste recyclers, refurbishers and producers.
The Ministry recorded 100% achievement in its cleanliness campaign across all 132 identified locations.
The Preparatory Phase was held from 16 September to 30 September 2026, while the Implementation Phase ran from 2 October to 31 October 2026.
The Special Campaign on Swachhata was launched in 2021 at the behest of DARPG.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, DARPG, e-waste management, CPCB-registered recyclers and government cleanliness and administrative-efficiency campaigns.
CAQM Reviews Paddy Straw Management in Punjab Districts
A high-level Commission for Air Quality Management team reviewed measures to manage paddy straw and prevent stubble burning in Sangrur, Patiala and Malerkotla districts of Punjab during the harvesting season.
Key facts
The review meeting was held at the District Administrative Complex, Sangrur, on 31 October 2026.
The CAQM team included Dr. S.D. Attri, Member Technical, and Vijay Kumar, Scientist C.
Officials reviewed preparations for paddy straw management and prevention of stubble fires.
A duplex board and paper-making unit in Malerkotla uses paddy straw as boiler fuel, with a boiler capacity of 20 TPH.
The unit reported that it would use about 17,000 metric tonnes of paddy straw annually.
In-situ machinery, including a super seeder, was demonstrated in Malerkotla and Sangrur.
A pelletising unit in Nadampur, Sangrur, produces biomass pellets used as fuel in thermal power plants.
CAQM directed departments to maintain close monitoring and ensure that field-level action matches committed targets.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on air pollution, stubble burning, crop residue management, biomass energy, CAQM, and coordination among district administrations and pollution-control authorities.
MY Bharat-NSS Mobilises Over 96,700 Youth in Nasha Mukt Yuva Campaign Activities
MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme (NSS) organised nationwide cyclothons, walkathons and runs on 30–31 October 2026 under Week 7 of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat–100 Week Sankalp Abhiyan. The activities promoted fitness, community service, environmental responsibility and awareness about substance abuse.
Key facts
The activities were organised by MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme (NSS).
They were held on 30–31 October 2026 under Week 7 of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat–100 Week Sankalp Abhiyan.
More than 96,700 people participated across over 200 institutions.
Cyclothons covered 10–15 km, while walkathons and runs covered 3–5 km.
Over 23,300 people participated in walkathons and runs, and more than 8,000 youth joined cyclothons.
Plogging drives involved more than 11,400 youth and included litter collection and waste segregation.
Nearly 26,000 participants took the Nasha Mukt Sankalp for an addiction-free society.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on MY Bharat, NSS, youth mobilisation, substance-abuse awareness, community service and government campaigns promoting a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
PM Highlights National Unity, Decline in Left-Wing Extremism and Poverty Reduction
At the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programme in Kevadia, Gujarat, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and highlighted national unity, progress against Naxalism, and poverty reduction. He stated that no district remained affected by Naxalism by March 2026 and cited a World Bank report on the decline in extreme poverty.
Key facts
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programme was held at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat.
The Prime Minister described Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as the leader who united more than 550 princely states after Independence.
The National Unity Parade showcased the courage of police and security forces, along with India's heritage and aspirations.
According to the speech, 126 districts were affected by Left-Wing Extremism in 2015, while no district remained affected by Naxalism by March 2026.
The speech stated that roads, mobile networks, education and healthcare facilities were expanding in former Naxal-affected areas.
The Prime Minister cited a World Bank report claiming that 50 crore Indians moved out of extreme poverty during the ten to twelve years before 2024.
The speech stated that the share of people in extreme poverty fell from 27 per 100 to fewer than 3 per 100.
The speech linked poverty reduction to DBT, free ration, healthcare, housing, toilets, smoke-free kitchens and social-security coverage.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the integration of princely states, Left-Wing Extremism, Naxalism, Direct Benefit Transfer, poverty reduction and social-security coverage.
PM Modi Participates in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Celebrations in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He highlighted Patel’s role in integrating India and discussed national unity, the eradication of Left-Wing Extremism, poverty reduction and India’s development journey.
Key facts
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was observed at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 151st birth anniversary.
The Prime Minister stated that Sardar Patel united more than 550 princely states after Independence.
The celebrations included the Run for Unity, the National Unity Parade and cultural tableaux.
According to the Prime Minister, the number of Naxal-affected districts declined from 126 in 2015 to zero by March 2026.
The Prime Minister said that 50 crore Indians overcame poverty during the 10 to 12 years before 2024, citing a recent World Bank report.
He stated that social security coverage expanded from fewer than 25 crore people before 2014 to nearly 100 crore people.
The Prime Minister highlighted Sardar Patel’s role in initiating the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, national integration, Left-Wing Extremism, poverty alleviation and the Statue of Unity.
Delhi Records Lowest October Average AQI in the Reported Period at 166
Delhi recorded a monthly average AQI of 166 in October 2026, lower than the October averages reported for 2018 to 2025. From January to October 2026, Delhi recorded 220 days in the Good to Moderate category and 84 days in the Poor to Severe+ category.
Key facts
Delhi's average AQI for October 2026 was 166.
The average AQI from 1 January to 31 October 2026 was 167.
Average PM2.5 concentration from 1 January to 29 October 2026 was 69 µg/m³.
Average PM10 concentration during the same period was 171 µg/m³.
Delhi recorded 220 Good to Moderate AQI days from January to October 2026.
Delhi recorded 84 Poor to Severe+ AQI days during January–October 2026.
CAQM is working with stakeholders on prevention, control and abatement of air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on air quality, AQI trends, PM2.5 and PM10 pollution, and environmental governance in Delhi-NCR.
Lok Sabha Speaker Pays Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on National Unity Day
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary at Samvidhan Sadan. He urged young people to draw inspiration from Patel’s leadership and contribute to national unity, integrity and the building of a developed India.
Key facts
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary was observed with floral tributes at Samvidhan Sadan.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed students and participants from colleges and schools.
Birla urged the youth to promote national unity, integrity and nation-building.
The excerpt credits Patel with integrating princely states into the Indian Union after Independence.
Patel is described as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India.
National Unity Day is observed on Patel’s birth anniversary.
Birla highlighted science, technology, innovation and scientific temper as tools for youth-led development.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, National Unity Day, national integration, constitutional institutions and the role of youth in nation-building.
President Droupadi Murmu Attends Simhastha Maha Kumbh Ceremony in Nashik
President Droupadi Murmu attended the Dhwaj Stambh Pujan, Dhawaja Pujan and Dhwajarohan ceremony of the Simhastha Maha Kumbh at Nashik, Maharashtra, on October 31, 2026. She highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of Kumbh gatherings and urged citizens to support environmental conservation, cleanliness and effective waste management.
Key facts
President Droupadi Murmu attended the ceremony at Nashik, Maharashtra.
The ceremony included Dhwaj Stambh Pujan, Dhawaja Pujan and Dhwajarohan.
The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Maha Kumbh 2027 was highlighted as a link between ancient heritage and modern times.
Kumbh gatherings are held at Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain and Nashik.
The Nashik gathering is held on the banks of the Godavari.
The President stressed environmental conservation, cleanliness and waste management.
She noted that farmers in Maharashtra and other regions have been affected by drought.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the President of India, important cultural and religious gatherings, Nashik and the Godavari, and environmental management during large public events.
Ministry Refutes Claim of Unverified Placement-Based Payments by MAPCET
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment rejected a media claim that the Madhya Pradesh Employment and Training Council (MAPCET) released large payments without verifying placement data. It stated that only the first two instalments were paid, while the placement-linked third instalment has not been released.
Key facts
The Scheduled Caste Development Department sanctioned Rs. 3,241.37 lakh for skill development training.
Rs. 2,945.37 lakh was made available to MAPCET during 2021–22.
MAPCET selected 34 training provider organisations, of which 28 conducted training.
A total of 4,952 trainees from Scheduled Caste BPL families received training.
The first instalment was released after batch commencement and physical verification of trainees.
The second instalment was released after training completion and assessment.
The placement-linked third instalment has not been paid to any institution.
The Ministry said the media claim about payments based on unverified placements was incorrect and baseless.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Scheduled Caste welfare, skill development programmes, MAPCET, instalment-based government funding, and the role of MSDE and NCVET in vocational training.
Union Government Releases ₹1,09,019 Crore as Additional Tax Devolution to States
The Union Government released an additional instalment of tax devolution worth ₹1,09,019 crore to State Governments on 31 October 2026. The release is intended to support festive-season needs, accelerate capital spending, and finance development and welfare expenditure.
Key facts
₹1,09,019 crore was released to State Governments.
The amount was released on 31 October 2026.
It was an additional instalment over and above the regular monthly devolution.
This was the second additional instalment during the financial year.
The release aims to help States accelerate capital spending.
The funds will also support development and welfare-related expenditure.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on tax devolution, Centre–State fiscal relations, public expenditure, and fiscal support to States.
MY Bharat’s ‘Know Your Vote’ Campaign Engages Over 11,000 Youth
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), under the Department of Youth Affairs, organised 62 editions of the ‘Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvad: Know Your Vote’ campaign across 16 States and Union Territories on 31 October 2026. The campaign aims to promote electoral awareness and informed participation among young people, especially first-time voters.
Key facts
The campaign was organised by Mera Yuva Bharat under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Over 11,000 youth participated in 62 programmes held across 16 States and Union Territories.
The programmes were conducted at colleges and educational institutions.
The nationwide campaign is scheduled from 26 October to 5 November 2026.
The campaign aims to cover 500 universities, colleges and institutions.
The initiative focuses on voting rights, electoral procedures, civic responsibilities and informed democratic participation.
In total, 158 Yuva Samvads had been conducted across 28 States and Union Territories, engaging around 32,000 youth and 158 Youth Icons.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on youth affairs, electoral awareness, civic participation, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and government-led public engagement initiatives.
National CSR Meet for School Education Held through Vidyanjali
The Department of School Education and Literacy organised a National CSR Meet in Gurugram to strengthen collaboration among the government, corporate organisations, States and Union Territories for improving school education through Vidyanjali.
Key facts
The meet was organised by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Union Ministry of Education.
It was held in Gurugram, Haryana, on 31 October 2026.
The meet focused on leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility for transforming school education.
The CSR-State Interaction connected corporate organisations, State Nodal Officers, DoSEL, the Programme Management Unit and NIC.
Vidyanjali strengthens government and government-aided schools through community and private-sector participation.
Vidyanjali provides a digital platform connecting schools with volunteers, organisations and CSR partners.
Its CSR framework includes the CSR Module and the Adopt-a-School Module.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Education, school education initiatives, Corporate Social Responsibility, public-private participation and Vidyanjali.
Sarbananda Sonowal Administers National Unity Pledge on National Unity Day
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal administered the National Unity Pledge to officials, employees and maritime cadets on National Unity Day, observed on 31 October in memory of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Key facts
Sarbananda Sonowal is the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
He administered the National Unity Pledge to ministry officials and maritime cadets.
National Unity Day, or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, is observed on 31 October.
The day commemorates the birth anniversary and nation-building role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Sardar Patel was India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
He is remembered as the 'Iron Man of India' for helping unite more than 560 princely states.
The government has observed National Unity Day since 2014.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on important national days, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, national integration and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
CBN Madhya Pradesh Unit Seizes 2,774.650 kg of Poppy Straw in Three Operations
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), Madhya Pradesh Unit, conducted three anti-drug operations in Madhya Pradesh during late October 2026. The operations led to the seizure of 2,774.650 kg of illicit poppy straw and five vehicles, while four persons were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.
Key facts
The operations were conducted by the CBN Madhya Pradesh Unit.
A total of 2,774.650 kg of illicit poppy straw was seized.
Five vehicles were seized during the three operations.
Four persons were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
The largest seizure involved 2,308 kg of poppy straw concealed beneath chana husk in a container truck.
Other seizures involved 416.560 kg in Mandsaur and 50.090 kg on the Fatehgarh–Nayakheda–Pipliya Mandi route.
Further investigations are underway in all the cases.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Central Bureau of Narcotics, the NDPS Act, 1985, drug-trafficking enforcement, and anti-narcotics operations in Madhya Pradesh.
Vice-President Attends ‘Sardar Katha’ on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended ‘Sardar Katha’ at Uprashtrapati Bhavan to commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 151st birth anniversary and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. The event highlighted Patel’s role in integrating more than 550 princely states into the Indian Union and emphasised the continued importance of national unity.
Key facts
The programme was organised at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.
It marked Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 151st birth anniversary and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
The narration was delivered by Katha Vachika Dr. Shobhana Radhakrishna.
Sardar Patel played a major role in integrating more than 550 princely states into the Indian Union.
The Vice-President linked Patel’s ideals of unity with the national mission of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The programme was attended by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, national integration, constitutional and political history, and important national observances.
NMMSS Application Deadline Extended to November 15, 2026
The Ministry of Education extended the application deadline for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme for 2026-27 to November 15, 2026. The scheme supports meritorious students from economically weaker sections in continuing education from Classes IX to XII.
Key facts
The revised application deadline is November 15, 2026.
Applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal.
Students must complete One-Time Registration before applying.
Institute-level verification by the Institute Nodal Officer is due by November 30, 2026.
District-level verification by the District Nodal Officer is due by December 15, 2026.
The scheme provides one lakh fresh scholarships annually to eligible Class IX students.
Selected students receive ₹12,000 per annum through Direct Benefit Transfer.
The parental income limit is ₹3.50 lakh per annum, with a 5-percentage-point relaxation in qualifying marks for SC/ST students.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Union government scholarship schemes, the National Scholarship Portal, DBT, eligibility criteria, scholarship amount and education support for economically weaker sections.
Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 to Showcase Traditional Crafts and Inclusive Participation
The 15-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 will be held at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, from November 1 to November 15, 2026. Organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the event will bring together traditional artisans and persons with disabilities through Bharat TULIP and Purple Fest.
Key facts
The Mela will be held at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, from November 1 to November 15, 2026.
It is being organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Mela will be formally inaugurated on November 2, 2026, by Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar.
Around 150 stalls will be organised under Bharat TULIP and Purple Fest.
Since 2022, Shilp Samagam Melas have benefited more than 1,000 artisans.
The event will feature seven thematic zones covering crafts, lighting, devotional products, décor, textiles, food and cultural programmes.
Bharat TULIP aims to market products made by aspirational groups through e-commerce platforms.
Purple Fest promotes disability inclusion, creativity, talent and equal participation.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, traditional artisans, inclusive development, Bharat TULIP and Purple Fest.
Legislative Department Participates in Run for Unity on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026
The Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice participated in the Run for Unity at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. The event commemorated the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and highlighted national unity, integrity and solidarity.
Key facts
The Run for Unity was held on 31 October 2026 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
It was organised on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, also known as National Unity Day.
The event was flagged off by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah.
The occasion marked the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The event highlighted Patel’s contribution to the political integration of India.
The Legislative Department is under the Ministry of Law and Justice.
Secretary of the Legislative Department Dr. Rajiv Mani participated along with senior officers and staff.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on National Unity Day, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and national integration initiatives.
EPFO to Celebrate 74th Foundation Day in New Delhi
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is scheduled to celebrate its 74th Foundation Day in New Delhi on November 1, 2026. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is expected to inaugurate the event and launch new EPFO services and initiatives.
Key facts
EPFO will celebrate its 74th Foundation Day in New Delhi.
The event is scheduled for November 1, 2026.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is expected to inaugurate the celebration.
Automatic settlement of eligible inoperative EPF accounts with balances up to ₹1,000 is among the initiatives to be launched.
EPFO services through WhatsApp are also among the planned initiatives.
Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2026 will recognise outstanding contributions by EPFO offices, officers and employees.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on EPFO, provident fund administration, labour welfare, social security initiatives and government services.
Vice-President Addresses 72nd IIPA Annual General Body Meeting
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the 72nd Annual General Body Meeting of the Indian Institute of Public Administration in New Delhi and called for transformative, citizen-centric and technology-enabled reforms in public administration to support the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Key facts
The meeting was held in New Delhi and marked the 72nd Annual General Body Meeting of IIPA.
C. P. Radhakrishnan is the Vice-President of India and President of IIPA.
The Vice-President called for governance that is faster, citizen-centric, technology-enabled, data-driven and outcome-oriented.
He stressed coordination among the Central Government, State Governments and district-level administration.
IIPA undertook institutional reforms in 2026, including a redesigned 52nd Advanced Professional Programme and a structured Internship Programme.
He urged IIPA to prepare the next generation of civil servants for the changing needs of India.
The Paul H. Appleby Award, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Award for Academic Excellence and Best IIPA Branches Awards were conferred during the meeting.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on public administration, governance reforms, IIPA, civil services training, Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and awards associated with public administration.
