Defence
Exam importance: MEDIUM
CRPF Records Zero Casualties for 12 Consecutive Months
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the Central Reserve Police Force’s achievement of recording zero casualties over 12 consecutive months, reportedly the first such achievement in 47 years.
Key facts
- The achievement relates to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
- The CRPF recorded zero casualties for 12 consecutive months.
- This was described as the first such achievement in 47 years.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievement on X.
- He described the achievement as a zero that speaks volumes.
Exam relevance: Relevant for defence and national affairs sections of UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways and state government examinations.
Science and Technology
Exam importance: HIGH
IndiaAI Mission Releases Indigenous Foundation Models EKA-1 and Dhīr
The IndiaAI Mission under MeitY released EKA-1 by Soket Labs and Dhīr 2B and Dhīr 5B by ZenteiQ under the IndiaAI Innovation Centre pillar. The models are designed for multilingual, secure and India-focused artificial intelligence applications across sectors including government, finance, defence, education and industry.
Key facts
- EKA-1 was developed by Soket Labs Technology and Research Private Limited.
- EKA-1 has 26.3 billion parameters and was trained on approximately 7.5 trillion tokens.
- EKA-1 supports all 22 Scheduled Indian languages along with English.
- Dhīr 2B and Dhīr 5B were developed by ZenteiQ AiTech Innovations.
- Dhīr models support English and 10 Indian languages and can be deployed on-premise.
- The models are intended for applications such as reasoning, coding, knowledge retrieval and citizen services.
- The models were developed with subsidised national AI compute infrastructure and research support under the IndiaAI Mission.
- The Union Cabinet approved the IndiaAI Mission on March 7, 2024, with seven key pillars.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India's artificial intelligence policy, indigenous foundation models, MeitY initiatives, multilingual technology and the seven pillars of the IndiaAI Mission.
National
Exam importance: MEDIUM
CSIR-NIScPR Concludes CDTK-2026 Conference and Releases 25th Anniversary Issue of IJTK
CSIR-NIScPR concluded the International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK-2026). The conference marked 25 years of the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK) and highlighted scientific validation, ethical dissemination, community participation and benefit-sharing in traditional knowledge.
Key facts
- CSIR-NIScPR organised the International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge, or CDTK-2026.
- The conference marked the 25-year journey of the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK).
- Dr Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, released the IJTK 25th anniversary issue.
- The conference discussed the documentation, digitisation, scientific validation and popularisation of traditional knowledge.
- Sustainable innovation was linked with environmental sustainability, economic viability and fair benefit-sharing.
- The two-day conference included 40 oral presentations and 60 poster presentations.
- Best Poster Presentation Awards were presented during the valedictory session.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on CSIR institutions, traditional knowledge, Indian knowledge systems, science communication, sustainable agriculture and government-supported research dissemination.
State Current Affairs
Exam importance: HIGH
Amit Shah Addresses Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav Closing Ceremony in Raipur
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah addressed the closing ceremony of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav in Raipur. He highlighted Chhattisgarh’s statehood, tribal development, cultural preservation, anti-Naxal operations and welfare initiatives.
Key facts
- The closing ceremony of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav was held in Raipur.
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma attended the event.
- Amit Shah credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with establishing Chhattisgarh as a separate state in 2000.
- He stated that Chhattisgarh had become Naxal-free and congratulated the CAPFs and Chhattisgarh Police.
- He highlighted Chhattisgarh Pandum and Bastar Olympics as initiatives promoting folk culture and tribal participation.
- He said that the 33rd instalment under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana had been transferred to women beneficiaries in Chhattisgarh.
- He stated that more than 70% of the guarantees made by the government had been fulfilled in a short period.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Chhattisgarh statehood, state government leadership, Naxalism and internal security, tribal development, cultural initiatives, and the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH
MY Bharat’s ‘Know Your Vote’ Campaign Engages Over 59,000 Youth
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, conducted 91 Yuva Samvads across 24 States/UTs to promote electoral awareness and responsible democratic participation among young people. The campaign has cumulatively reached 59,408 youth through 311 programmes across 30 States/UTs.
Key facts
- MY Bharat organised 91 Yuva Samvads across 24 States/UTs.
- The programmes engaged 15,453 youth and 90 Youth Icons and public representatives.
- The campaign has conducted 311 Yuva Samvads across 30 States/UTs.
- A cumulative total of 59,408 young people and 310 Youth Icons have been reached.
- The campaign focuses on voting rights, democratic values and civic responsibilities.
- Participants interacted with elected representatives and took the Loktantrik pledge at several locations.
- The programmes also addressed misinformation, fake news and the importance of informed voting.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mera Yuva Bharat, electoral awareness, youth participation in democracy and civic responsibilities.
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH
Government Targets 12% Share for Coastal and Inland Waterway Freight by 2047
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal outlined measures to increase the share of coastal and inland waterway shipping in India’s freight movement from 6% to 12% by 2047. The proposed Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and the Cruise Bharat Mission aim to promote multimodal cargo movement, cruise tourism, job creation and lower carbon emissions.
Key facts
- The target is to increase the coastal and inland waterway freight share from 6% to 12% by 2047.
- The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme was announced in the 2026–27 Union Budget.
- The scheme is intended to provide incentives to cargo owners, coastal vessel operators and multimodal transport operators.
- The Cruise Bharat Mission, launched in September 2024, targets 1 million sea cruise passengers and 400,000 jobs by March 2029.
- India recorded 462,661 ocean cruise passengers and 212 vessel calls in 2025–26.
- A Puri International Cruise Terminal is proposed to be developed by Paradip Port Authority in partnership with the Odisha government.
- National Waterway No. 5 in Odisha is estimated to cost more than Rs 13,000 crore and is intended to connect industrial and mining centres with east-coast ports.
- The two initiatives are expected to generate more than 560,000 jobs and save 16 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on India’s maritime transport, inland waterways, coastal shipping, multimodal logistics, cruise tourism, National Waterways, Odisha infrastructure and government initiatives.
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH
Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 Promotes Traditional Crafts and Inclusive Livelihoods
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is organising the 15-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi. The fair showcases handicrafts, handlooms, indigenous art and cultural performances, while providing market and livelihood opportunities to artisans from disadvantaged communities and persons with disabilities.
Key facts
- The Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- It is being held at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, and will remain open until 15 November 2026.
- The fair features more than 130 stalls displaying handicrafts, handloom products and creative works.
- Artisans and beneficiaries include members of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Karamcharis and persons with disabilities.
- Bharat TULIP seeks to connect artisans with wider markets through e-commerce platforms.
- Purple Fest highlights the creativity, abilities and contributions of persons with disabilities.
- The participating beneficiaries are supported by NSFDC, NBCFDC, NSKFDC and NDFDC.
- The Ministry has organised Shilp Samagam Melas since 2022, benefiting more than 1,000 artisans through 15 such fairs.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, welfare and livelihood support for marginalised communities, inclusion of persons with disabilities, traditional handicrafts, e-commerce-based market access and government-supported cultural initiatives.
Environment
Exam importance: HIGH
BRE Summit 2026 Highlights Global Renewable Energy Cooperation and Investments
The second day of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 focused on scaling renewable energy through integrated planning, infrastructure, finance, storage, digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Odisha recorded 18 MoUs involving proposed investments of approximately ₹1.17 lakh crore, while Bondada Engineering Ltd. proposed an investment of about ₹3,000 crore in renewable energy projects in Goa.
Key facts
- The Next Terawatt ministerial plenary was convened by the International Solar Alliance, CEEW and Energiva Ventures.
- The discussions covered integrated energy planning, supply and storage, resilient infrastructure, terawatt-scale finance, and digitalisation and AI.
- The plenary outlined a renewable energy roadmap up to 2050, aligned with India's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
- Odisha witnessed the signing of 18 MoUs involving proposed investments of approximately ₹1.17 lakh crore.
- Bondada Engineering Ltd. signed an MoU with the Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board for a proposed investment of about ₹3,000 crore.
- The summit brought together representatives from over 130 countries, including more than 40 ministers.
- Thirteen Indian States and Union Territories showcased renewable energy projects, manufacturing capabilities and policy initiatives.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India's renewable energy policy, International Solar Alliance, clean-energy investment, state-wise investment proposals, energy storage, artificial intelligence in energy systems and the Viksit Bharat vision.
National
Exam importance: MEDIUM
DAHD Concludes Special Campaign 6.0
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying concluded its participation in Special Campaign 6.0, conducted from 2 to 31 October 2026. The campaign focused on cleanliness, disposal of pending matters, record management and scrap disposal across the Department and its subordinate offices.
Key facts
- Special Campaign 6.0 was conducted from 2 October to 31 October 2026.
- The campaign followed guidelines issued by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.
- Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAHD, reviewed the preparatory phase on 29 September 2026.
- The Department cleaned 247 sites against a target of 226.
- Scrap disposal generated revenue of ₹25,93,896.
- The campaign included activities promoting the 'Waste to Wealth' concept.
- A Shramdaan activity was organised at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, on 31 October 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, DARPG guidelines, administrative cleanliness campaigns, waste management and disposal of pending matters.
National
Exam importance: MEDIUM
Ministry of Labour and Employment Concludes Special Campaign 6
The Ministry of Labour and Employment concluded Special Campaign 6, focusing on administrative efficiency, cleanliness, transparency, records management and improved public service delivery.
Key facts
- A total of 2,42,042 public grievances were disposed of against a target of 2,07,000, achieving 116.93% of the target.
- The Ministry disposed of 11,001 PG Appeals against a target of 5,758, achieving 191.06% of the target.
- A total of 844 PMO references were disposed of against a target of 807.
- More than 2 lakh physical files were reviewed, and 98,500 files were weeded out.
- A total of 70,191 e-files were reviewed and 14,589 e-files were closed.
- Approximately 2,18,106 square feet of office and outdoor space was reclaimed and reorganized.
- Cleanliness drives were conducted at more than 2,700 sites, while scrap disposal generated revenue of ₹49,48,896.
- A dedicated One-Day Event was held on 9 October 2026 across the Ministry's offices and included cleanliness, plantation, grievance redressal and health check-up activities.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government administrative campaigns, public grievance redressal, e-governance, records management, cleanliness initiatives and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Government Schemes
Exam importance: MEDIUM
NFSC Fellowship Supports Odisha Scholar in Completing Ph.D.
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme provided financial support to Dr. Anirudh Pradhan, a resident of Sambalpur district, Odisha. The assistance helped him complete his Ph.D. and pursue a career as an Assistant Professor of Sociology.
Key facts
- The NFSC Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Dr. Anirudh Pradhan received fellowship assistance from 27 December 2019.
- He received Rs 31,000 per month along with contingency assistance.
- The fellowship supported his Ph.D. research and reduced financial barriers to higher education.
- He completed his Ph.D. with the support of the fellowship.
- He is working as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Model Degree College, Nuapada, Khariar, Odisha.
- His basic pay is Rs 63,000.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and government support for higher education.
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH
Health Ministry Proposes Mandatory Authorisation for Drug Batch Release
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, requiring drug manufacturers to formally authorise qualified and experienced personnel for batch release. The proposal also includes mandatory batch-release records and a prescribed Batch Release Certificate format.
Key facts
- The proposed amendments concern the Drugs Rules, 1945.
- Drug manufacturers would have to designate qualified and experienced personnel for batch release.
- Manufacturers would be required to maintain prescribed records for every batch manufactured.
- A prescribed format for the Batch Release Certificate is proposed.
- Batch release involves reviewing quality parameters and documentation before distribution.
- The proposal seeks to improve accountability, traceability and oversight in drug manufacturing.
- The amendments are intended to support compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on pharmaceutical regulation, the Drugs Rules, 1945, Good Manufacturing Practices and quality assurance in India.
Defence
Exam importance: HIGH
India-Sri Lanka Coast Guard Hold 9th High-Level Meeting
The Indian Coast Guard and Sri Lanka Coast Guard held their 9th High-Level Meeting at Mirissa, Sri Lanka, on 3 November 2026. The discussions focused on marine pollution response, maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, capacity building and technical assistance.
Key facts
- The 9th High-Level Meeting was held at Mirissa, Sri Lanka.
- The meeting took place on 3 November 2026.
- The Indian delegation was led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani.
- The Sri Lankan delegation was headed by Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena.
- Key areas included marine pollution response, maritime search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement.
- Both sides discussed capacity building and technical assistance.
- The meeting aimed to strengthen maritime safety, security and environmental protection in the Indian Ocean Region.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India-Sri Lanka relations, maritime security, Indian Ocean cooperation, the Indian Coast Guard and regional disaster-response mechanisms.
International
Exam importance: HIGH
IPRD-2026 Begins in New Delhi with Focus on Indo-Pacific Cooperation
The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 (IPRD-2026), the Indian Navy’s annual apex-level international strategic dialogue, began in New Delhi on 3 November 2026. Organised with the National Maritime Foundation, the three-day conference focuses on science, technology and academic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Key facts
- IPRD-2026 commenced in New Delhi on 3 November 2026.
- It is the Indian Navy’s annual apex-level international strategic dialogue.
- The conference is organised in association with the National Maritime Foundation.
- The 2026 theme is ‘Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’.
- The first session discussed academic networks, research and human capital development.
- The second session focused on maritime situational awareness and protection of critical maritime infrastructure.
- The dialogue examined the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness and underwater domain awareness.
- A monograph titled ‘Sea Blindness and Maritime Heritage in India’ was released during the event.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Indian Navy, Indo-Pacific initiatives, maritime security, maritime domain awareness, critical undersea infrastructure and India’s international strategic dialogues.
Appointments
Exam importance: MEDIUM
Part-Time Members Selected for National Dental Commission and Autonomous Boards
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare selected part-time members of the National Dental Commission and its three Autonomous Boards through a draw of lots under the National Dental Commission Act, 2023.
Key facts
- The selection was conducted through a draw of lots as prescribed under the National Dental Commission Act, 2023 and related Rules.
- Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, participated in the process.
- Ten part-time members representing State and Union Territory Governments were selected.
- Nine part-time members representing State Dental Councils were selected.
- The selected members will serve a tenure of two years.
- The second part-time member for each of the three Autonomous Boards was selected from among the nine State Dental Council representatives.
- The selected State and Union Territory Government representatives came from ten regions, including Sikkim, Jharkhand, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
- The State Dental Council representatives came from Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Puducherry.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the National Dental Commission Act, 2023, dental-sector governance, statutory appointments and the composition of regulatory bodies.
State Current Affairs
Exam importance: HIGH
Dairy Development Initiatives Launched in Sikkim
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated a microbiology laboratory under the National Programme for Dairy Development in Sikkim and launched initiatives for Churpi traceability and Fodder Plus products. The programme also highlighted the expansion of dairy cooperatives and milk production in the state.
Key facts
- A Microbiology Laboratory of the Sikkim Milk Union was inaugurated under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD).
- The Churpi Traceability initiative was launched to improve traceability and marketability of the traditional dairy product.
- Fodder Plus products developed by Farmer Producer Organisations were launched.
- Registration certificates were distributed to five newly established Dairy Cooperative Societies in Sikkim.
- Sikkim's milk production increased by 79%, from 1.37 lakh litres to 2.45 lakh litres per day, over the last decade.
- The number of dairy cooperative societies rose from 389 in 2014–15 to 733 in 2025–26.
- The Union Minister announced proposed central funding for a Centre of Excellence for indigenous Siri cattle.
- NDDB was stated to be responsible for financing and undertaking the modernisation of the dairy processing plant in Mangan district.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Sikkim’s dairy sector, the National Programme for Dairy Development, dairy cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations, NDDB, indigenous cattle conservation and livestock-sector development.
Defence
Exam importance: HIGH
CENJOWS-HQ IDS Seminar on Cyber-Enabled Cognitive Warfare Concludes
A two-day seminar on cyber-enabled cognitive warfare, organised by CENJOWS under the aegis of HQ IDS, concluded in New Delhi on November 3, 2026. Discussions focused on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, information manipulation, psychological influence, deterrence, legal frameworks and coordinated responses.
Key facts
- The seminar was organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS).
- It concluded in New Delhi on November 3, 2026, after two days of deliberations.
- Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit delivered a special address.
- The seminar examined the convergence of cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, information manipulation and psychological influence.
- Discussions covered deterrence, response options, training, simulation, capacity building, digital governance, ethics and legal frameworks.
- The deliberations highlighted attribution, strategic signalling, coordinated responses and institutional capabilities against hostile activities.
- General Anil Chauhan (Retd), former Chief of Defence Staff and Director of the Vivekananda International Foundation, also delivered a special address.
Exam relevance: Useful for Defence and national security questions related to cyber warfare, cognitive warfare, artificial intelligence, information manipulation, inter-agency coordination and the role of CENJOWS and HQ IDS.
Sports
Exam importance: HIGH
NDTL Launches Extramural Research Grant Policy to Strengthen Anti-Doping Efforts
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched the National Dope Testing Laboratory’s Extramural Research Grant Policy and NDTL Newsletter at the 10th WAADS Quality Assurance Managers’ Meeting 2026 in New Delhi. The policy aims to promote research on advanced doping detection and prevention, while India reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to doping.
Key facts
- The Extramural Research Grant Policy was launched by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
- The policy is an initiative of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL).
- It aims to promote research and development in advanced doping detection and prevention.
- The NDTL Newsletter was also launched at the meeting.
- The 10th WAADS Quality Assurance Managers’ Meeting 2026 was organised by NDTL in New Delhi.
- India highlighted stronger testing infrastructure, athlete education, awareness and international cooperation in anti-doping efforts.
- According to the minister, India finished fourth in the 2026 Asian Games medal tally and won a record 114 medals at the 2026 Asian Para Games.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India’s anti-doping framework, the National Dope Testing Laboratory, sports governance, sports science and initiatives supporting clean competition.
National
Exam importance: HIGH
NITI Aayog and TEXMiN Sign Joint Statement on Critical Minerals
NITI Aayog and TEXMiN at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad signed a Joint Statement of Intent to strengthen India’s critical and strategic minerals ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on indigenous technology, research, sustainable value chains and cooperation among government, academia, research institutions and industry.
Key facts
- NITI Aayog and TEXMiN signed a Joint Statement of Intent.
- TEXMiN is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
- The cooperation aims to strengthen India’s critical and strategic minerals sector.
- Four focus areas are research and technology development, technical and strategic studies, policy and institutional support, and capacity building.
- The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission.
- The proposed value chain covers exploration, processing, refining, advanced materials and recycling.
- Critical minerals may also be recovered from coal fly ash, red mud, mine tailings and electronic waste.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India’s critical minerals policy, the National Critical Mineral Mission, indigenous technology development, sustainable resource utilisation and public-sector collaboration with academic institutions.
National
Exam importance: MEDIUM
MSME Ministry Observes Vigilance Awareness Week 2026
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises observed Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 from 26 October to 1 November under the theme “Probity for Prosperity”. It also conducted a three-month preventive vigilance campaign focused on complaint disposal, capacity building, digital initiatives and contract management.
Key facts
- Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 was observed from 26 October to 1 November 2026.
- The theme was “Probity for Prosperity”.
- The Ministry conducted a preventive vigilance campaign from 17 August to 16 November 2026.
- The campaign focused on pending complaints and cases, capacity building, digital initiatives and contract management.
- Secretary Bharat Khera administered the Integrity Pledge at Kartavya Bhawan-3, New Delhi.
- More than 500 officials participated in the pledge ceremony in hybrid mode.
- A Nukkad Natak on ethical conduct and vigilance was performed by the National School of Drama.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of MSME, the Central Vigilance Commission, vigilance administration, public-sector integrity and government anti-corruption initiatives.
