Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 Reports Sales of About ₹55.46 Lakh
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is organising Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dilli Haat, New Delhi, to help artisans and beneficiaries from disadvantaged communities showcase and sell their products. Four participating corporations recorded cumulative sales of approximately ₹55.46 lakh from November 1 to 8, 2026.
Key facts
The mela is being held at Dilli Haat, INA, and is scheduled to continue until November 15, 2026.
It provides a platform for artisans and beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Karamchari communities and persons with disabilities.
NSFDC, NBCFDC, NSKFDC and NDFDC recorded cumulative sales of approximately ₹55.46 lakh between November 1 and 8, 2026.
The exhibition features more than 130 stalls with handicrafts, handloom products, textiles, lamps and other indigenous products.
The Ministry supports participating beneficiaries with free stalls, travel expenses, daily allowances and transport for their goods.
The Ministry has organised Shilp Samagam Melas since 2022; more than 1,000 artisans from SC, OBC and Safai Karamchari communities have benefited from exhibition and marketing opportunities.
Bharat TULIP connects artisans with e-commerce platforms, while the mela also hosts cultural programmes.
Exam relevance: Useful for exams covering inclusive entrepreneurship, livelihood support, social empowerment initiatives and the roles of finance and development corporations for disadvantaged communities.
India and Saudi Arabia Sign Bilateral Haj Agreement for 2027
During his official visit to Saudi Arabia, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju held talks on preparations for Haj-2027. India and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral agreement and confirmed India’s pilgrim quota at 175,025.
Key facts
Kiren Rijiju visited Saudi Arabia from 6 to 9 November 2026.
On 9 November, Rijiju met Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah in Jeddah.
India and Saudi Arabia signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement for Haj-2027 in Jeddah.
India’s Haj-2027 country quota was confirmed at 175,025.
The discussions covered preparations, bilateral coordination and logistical support for Indian pilgrims.
On 8 November, Rijiju attended the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition and a Ministerial Conference.
Exam relevance: Relevant to India–Saudi Arabia relations, bilateral agreements and Haj administration. The confirmed pilgrim quota may be useful for current-affairs questions.
Educational and Research Assistance Supports an Indian Doctoral Student Abroad
A Scheduled Caste student from Tamil Nadu is pursuing a Ph.D. in medical and molecular research at Tampere University, Finland. The Government’s educational and research financial assistance has helped ease costs associated with his studies and research activities.
Key facts
The student is from Tamil Nadu and belongs to the Scheduled Caste community.
He completed an M.Tech degree before pursuing doctoral studies.
He is enrolled in the first year of a Ph.D. programme at Tampere University, Finland.
His research interests include cancer biology, molecular research and therapeutic approaches.
The Government’s educational and research assistance has helped reduce expenses related to research, training and academic development.
His research includes work related to glioblastoma and other brain cancer-related disorders.
Exam relevance: Relevant to questions on educational support for disadvantaged students, higher education, research assistance and India’s scientific development.
Drug De-addiction Centre Supports Recovery in Sultanpur
A Drug De-addiction Centre in Sultanpur, supported under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction, provided treatment and rehabilitation support to a person recovering from substance addiction.
Key facts
The Drug De-addiction Centre (DDAC) is located in Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.
The centre is supported under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment supports the NAPDDR.
Support described included medical treatment, medicines, healthcare, accommodation, counselling, yoga and emotional guidance.
The beneficiary is reported to have started a business and made progress towards financial stability.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government efforts to reduce drug dependence, rehabilitation services and the role of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
NFSC Fellowship Supports Higher Education and Research
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme provided financial and academic support that helped a fellowship recipient continue higher education and research. The account describes his progress from research fellow to Assistant Professor.
Key facts
The NFSC Scheme is associated with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The fellowship support helped the recipient meet research-related and educational expenses.
In 2024, he was upgraded from Junior Research Fellow (JRF) to Senior Research Fellow (SRF).
Following the upgrade, he received additional government financial assistance of approximately ₹50,000.
The account identifies the recipient as a 37-year-old Assistant Professor.
The source states that the recipient's name has been changed.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on government support for Scheduled Caste students, higher education and research fellowships.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by telephone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Modi reiterated India’s position that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy and expressed India’s readiness to support peaceful-resolution efforts.
Key facts
Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy shared his perspective on recent developments related to the ongoing conflict.
Modi reaffirmed India’s human-centric approach.
Modi reiterated India’s position that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
India expressed readiness to contribute to efforts for a peaceful resolution.
The leaders discussed strengthening India-Ukraine bilateral cooperation in various sectors.
Exam relevance: Relevant to India’s foreign relations and its stated approach to resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Amit Shah Launches Development Works Worth About ₹1,400 Crore in Ahmedabad
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, valued at approximately ₹1,400 crore. The programme also highlighted slum rehabilitation, urban infrastructure and the governments’ targets for tackling drug abuse.
Key facts
The projects were undertaken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Gujarat Government’s Roads and Buildings Department and the Government of India.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s works were valued at around ₹1,024 crore; projects through the other bodies were valued at approximately ₹400 crore.
Works included a rainwater drainage pump house in Bopal-Ghuma, a four-kilometre ISKCON overbridge and the Jalasapur Water Treatment Plant.
The Ramapir No Tekro housing project is expected to provide more than 55,000 people access to social security, recreation, education and healthcare facilities within one complex.
Shah stated a target of making India drug-free by 31 December 2029 and appealed for Gujarat to become drug-free before 31 December 2028.
He cited helpline 1033 for reporting drug-related activity and said a control room would become operational from 1 December, with action intended within three hours of receiving information.
Exam relevance: Relevant to state current affairs, urban infrastructure, slum rehabilitation and public measures against drug abuse. The announced targets and helpline may be useful for governance and social-policy questions.
MY Bharat-NSS Holds Nationwide Diwali Sneh Milan for Substance-Free Celebrations
MY Bharat-National Service Scheme organised Diwali Sneh Milan gatherings under the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat 100 Week Sankalp Abhiyan. The events used cultural activities, pledges and community service to promote substance abuse prevention during Diwali.
Key facts
The eighth weekly intervention was held across 153 institutions and recorded 1,07,494 participations.
The gatherings marked the conclusion of the campaign’s second month.
Deepotsav and Sneh Milan activities together engaged over 41,600 participants.
Cultural programmes, including regional-language street plays, rangoli and songs, engaged over 24,100 participants.
Nearly 25,000 individuals and family members took the Addiction-Free Diwali Sankalp.
Over 16,700 volunteers carried out outreach at old-age homes, orphanages, hospitals and slum areas.
More than 1,100 Instagram posts and reels featuring Nukkad Nataks were uploaded using #NashaMuktYuva.
Exam relevance: Relevant to questions on the National Service Scheme, youth participation, community service and public awareness efforts for substance abuse prevention.
National Entrepreneurship Day: India’s Startup Ecosystem and Support Initiatives
National Entrepreneurship Day is observed on 9 November, the date the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship was established in 2014. The government supports entrepreneurship through initiatives covering startup finance, innovation, incubation and employment generation.
Key facts
The excerpt reports that India had more than 2.62 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups as of November 2026, compared with fewer than 500 in 2014.
Recognized startups had created more than 25 lakh jobs up to October 2026, according to the excerpt.
More than 1.07 lakh recognized startups had at least one woman director or partner as of March 2026.
Startup India, launched in 2016, supports startups from ideation through scaling.
AIM 2.0 was approved in November 2024 with an outlay of ₹2,750 crore up to March 2028.
PMMY provides collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh to eligible micro and small enterprises.
GENESIS aims to support around 1,600 technology startups, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on entrepreneurship, startup policy, government schemes, employment generation and women’s participation in India’s startup ecosystem.
Indian Railways conducted Special Campaign 6 from 2 to 31 October 2026, focusing on cleanliness, scrap and e-waste disposal, records management and reducing pending matters.
Key facts
The campaign covered Zonal Railways, divisions, production units, public sector undertakings and other railway establishments.
More than 1 lakh cleanliness drives were conducted.
Scrap disposal generated ₹628.49 crore, exceeding the ₹600 crore target.
The campaign freed 6,20,121 square feet of space by removing scrap and unwanted materials.
More than 1.50 lakh units of e-waste were disposed of, generating ₹10.43 crore.
Rail Jan Samvad was held simultaneously at 5,884 railway stations on 22 October 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Indian Railways, public administration, cleanliness initiatives, waste management and citizen engagement.
Agriculture Department Reports Activities under Special Campaign 6
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare conducted Special Campaign 6 from 2 to 31 October 2026, following a preparatory phase in September. Activities included reducing pending work, improving cleanliness and records management, and promoting proper disposal and reuse of waste.
Key facts
The campaign’s preparatory phase ran from 16 to 30 September 2026, and its implementation phase from 2 to 31 October 2026.
The campaign covered the Department’s attached, subordinate and field offices.
More than 2,000 plants were planted through a nationwide drive.
Cleanliness activities covered 1,179 sites against a target of 999.
The Secretary of DA&FW visited the National Seeds Corporation in New Delhi and inspected its 84 kW rooftop solar facility.
Offices showcased waste-to-wealth models made from electronic waste and discarded materials.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government cleanliness and administrative-efficiency campaigns, waste management, and initiatives of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Recreational Yamuna Cruise Service Planned for Delhi
A recreational cruise service on the Yamuna’s Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch was scheduled for inauguration on 10 November 2026. Developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India with Delhi agencies, the service is intended to support river-based tourism and demonstrate electric-powered inland water transport.
Key facts
The service is planned for the Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch of the Yamuna in Delhi.
Its inauguration was scheduled for 10 November 2026 at Sonia Vihar.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India is developing the service under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, Delhi Jal Board, and Delhi’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
The cruise vessels are described as electric-powered.
The Yamuna has been designated National Waterway-110 under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
Trial runs were conducted the month before the scheduled inauguration.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on inland waterways, urban tourism, sustainable transport, and the National Waterways Act, 2016.
Indian Navy to Hold Passing Out Parade for Its Largest Agniveer Batch at INS Chilka
INS Chilka is scheduled to hold the Passing Out Parade for the Indian Navy’s ninth batch of Agniveers and Indian Coast Guard Naviks on 13 November 2026. More than 3,300 trainees are completing 16 weeks of ab-initio training, making this the largest batch to pass out from the establishment.
Key facts
The parade is scheduled for 13 November 2026 at INS Chilka.
It is for the ninth batch of Indian Navy Agniveers and Indian Coast Guard Naviks.
More than 3,300 trainees completed 16 weeks of ab-initio training.
The batch is described as the largest to pass out from INS Chilka.
Adm Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, will be the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer.
Awards will be presented to meritorious trainees, the champion division and the best instructor.
Exam relevance: Relevant to defence and current affairs questions on Indian Navy training establishments, Agnipath-related training and the Indian Coast Guard.
The Ministry of Power conducted Special Campaign 6 from 2 to 31 October 2026 to address pending matters and improve cleanliness and record management across the Ministry and its organisations. The campaign included e-waste disposal, file reviews and resolution of grievances.
Key facts
The campaign ran from 2 to 31 October 2026.
The Ministry and its CPSEs and organisations completed 342 cleanliness drives, freeing 2,51,757 sq. ft. of space.
Scrap and e-waste disposal generated revenue of ₹15,74,20,231.
The Ministry reviewed 26,885 physical files and weeded out 13,282.
It reviewed 34,572 e-files and closed 34,525.
During the campaign, 1,589 public grievances and 86 grievance appeals were resolved.
E-waste was segregated and disposed of in accordance with the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
Exam relevance: Relevant to questions on government administrative campaigns, public grievance redressal, record management and e-waste rules.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy concluded the implementation phase of Special Campaign 6 for Disposal of Pending Matters, conducted from 2 to 31 October 2026. The campaign focused on cleanliness, office management, e-waste disposal and reducing administrative pendency.
Key facts
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) conducted Special Campaign 6 from 2 to 31 October 2026.
The campaign focused on institutionalising Swachhata, improving office management and reducing pending matters.
Activities included identifying, collecting, segregating and disposing of e-waste.
Regular reviews and inspections assessed workplace cleanliness and progress in disposing of files and other pending matters.
MNRE’s attached organisations, Autonomous Bodies and PSUs also participated.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on MNRE and government initiatives to improve cleanliness, e-waste management and administrative efficiency.
TRAI Amends Port-Charge Regulations for IP-Based Telecom Interconnection
TRAI has issued a third amendment to the Telecommunication Interconnection (Port Charges) Regulations, introducing a framework for port charges for IP-based interconnection. The regulations take effect on 1 January 2027.
Key facts
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the Third Amendment Regulations in 2026.
The amendment introduces a port-charge framework for IP-based interconnection.
Existing provisions cover ports for E1/TDM-based interconnection.
The regulations will come into effect on 1 January 2027.
The Port Charges Regulation, 2001 prescribes charges for terminating interconnection links at a point of interconnection.
The earlier charges were last revised in 2012.
TRAI finalised the amendment after a consultation process that included an open house discussion on 28 January 2026.
Exam relevance: Relevant to questions on TRAI, telecommunications regulation and interconnection between service providers.
TRAI Assesses Mobile Network Quality on Assam Railway Route
TRAI released findings from an independent drive test of mobile voice and data services along the 515.9-km railway route between New Tinsukia and Guwahati. The test assessed four telecom service providers on network coverage, dropped calls and data speeds.
Key facts
The test was conducted on 11 September 2026 under TRAI’s Assam LSA, under the supervision of its Kolkata Regional Office.
The railway route covered 515.9 km and passed through Simaluguri, Mariani, Furkating, Dimapur, Diphu and Lumding.
The test also assessed stationary user experience at Guwahati and New Tinsukia railway stations.
Average download speeds were 42.71 Mbps for Airtel, 5.00 Mbps for BSNL, 110.82 Mbps for RJIL and 15.69 Mbps for VIL.
Average upload speeds were 11.75 Mbps for Airtel, 3.25 Mbps for BSNL, 8.29 Mbps for RJIL and 5.46 Mbps for VIL.
TRAI shared the findings with the respective telecom service providers for necessary action.
Exam relevance: Relevant to questions on TRAI’s role in monitoring telecom service quality and consumer protection, as well as the use of quality-of-service parameters such as coverage, call drops and data throughput.
INS Surat Arrives in Oman for India-Oman Maritime Exercise
Indian Naval Ship Surat arrived in Muscat on 8 November 2026 to take part in the 15th edition of the India-Oman maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr, followed by a Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT). The programme includes harbour and sea-phase activities aimed at improving cooperation and mutual understanding between the two navies.
Key facts
INS Surat arrived at Muscat, Oman, on 8 November 2026.
It is participating in the 15th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr, also called Sea Breeze.
A Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman will follow the exercise.
Activities include cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting events.
The port call aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
The release refers to the 13th Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting held on 24 November 2025.
Exam relevance: Relevant to defence and international relations, particularly India’s maritime cooperation with Oman and naval exercises in the Indian Ocean region.
Department of Legal Affairs Reports Achievements under Special Campaign 6
The Department of Legal Affairs reported progress under Special Campaign 6 in record management, cleanliness, disposal of obsolete materials, space optimisation and public grievance redressal.
Key facts
The Department reviewed 27,289 physical files against a target of 13,523 and weeded out 15,679.
It reviewed 20,572 e-files and closed 17,798.
The Department conducted 30 cleanliness campaigns and reclaimed 4,889 square feet of office space.
Disposal of obsolete materials generated ₹4,71,881 in revenue.
It disposed of 534 public grievances against a target of 512.
It disposed of 58 references from Members of Parliament and 19 IMC references, meeting the stated 100% target.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Department of Legal Affairs, administrative reforms, government record management, Swachhata initiatives and grievance redressal.
Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 Awards to Be Presented on 11 November
The President of India is scheduled to present the 10th edition of the Swachh Survekshan awards in New Delhi. The cleanliness assessment covers more than 4,751 cities and includes expanded citizen feedback and waterbody-related assessments.
Key facts
President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to present the awards at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 11 November 2026.
The 10th edition is themed ‘Swachhata Ki Nayi Pehel—Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath’.
Swachh Survekshan, the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban flagship cleanliness assessment, has expanded from 73 urban local bodies in 2016 to over 4,751 cities in the latest edition.
Urban local bodies were assessed on 43 indicators across 10 key assessment areas.
More than 3,000 trained assessors conducted on-ground evaluations, supported by GPS-enabled monitoring and a fully digital assessment process.
The Swachh Shehar Jodi initiative links 70 mentor cities with 191 mentee cities across 33 States and Union Territories.
Mentee cities’ reported performance improved in visible cleanliness, from 48% in Swachh Survekshan 2024 to 70% in the latest edition.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on urban governance, sanitation initiatives, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban and government-led city assessments.
