Daily GK Update- 31st Oct, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government Notifies Social Security Board for Gig Workers: On 30 October 2026, the Ministry of Labour & Employment notified the constitution of the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig & Platform Workers. Established under the Code on Social Security, 2020, which came into force on 21 November 2025, the Board will be chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. The Board includes representatives of Central and State Governments, aggregators, employers, civil society organisations, workers’ unions and gig and platform worker associations. States represented include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal. Aggregator representatives include Eternal Group, Swiggy, Zepto, Urban Company and Rapido. Worker organisations include the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, National Front of Indian Trade Unions and Trade Union Coordination Centre.

 

2. Major Maritime Security Initiatives in the Indian Ocean: India’s maritime security approach combines regional cooperation, operational information-sharing and support for international maritime law. Its initiatives seek to improve maritime domain awareness, build capacity and promote a safe, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean. Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) was articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2015. It is a cornerstone of India’s Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific policy, framing maritime security as a shared regional responsibility linked to economic cooperation and sustainable development. SAGAR’s objectives include ensuring maritime security and stability, promoting collective growth and safeguarding Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and freedom of navigation. It also calls for stronger regional cooperation against traditional and non-traditional threats, improved Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities, and sustainable use of marine resources through the Blue Economy. 

 

3. Bahram Vakil to Succeed Noel Tata as Trent Chairman: Trent Ltd’s board appointed Bahram Vakil as chairman, effective 12 November 2026, succeeding Noel N. Tata. Noel Tata will step down as chairman and director on 11 November, after nearly 29 years with the Tata Group retailer, and become chairman emeritus the following day. The board approved the succession at its meeting on 29 October. The transition is in line with the Tata Group Governance Guidelines on board composition and director retirement. Vakil co-founded AZB & Partners, a law firm specialising in restructuring, bankruptcy, infrastructure and project finance. Trent appointed Rajiv Dube as an additional non-executive, non-independent director from 30 October, subject to shareholder approval. Kalpana Merchant was appointed an additional independent director for a three-year term from the same date, also subject to shareholder approval.

 

4. Role of Gram Sabhas in Forest Governance and Rights Recognition: The Forest Rights Act, 2006 places the Gram Sabha at the start of the process for identifying and recommending forest rights claims. Its role links local self-governance and participatory decision-making with the recognition of individual and community rights, while higher-level committees screen and approve claims. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006—commonly called the Forest Rights Act (FRA)—seeks to address historical injustice by recognizing the rights of forest-dwelling communities. It came into force on December 31, 2007. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal ministry for its implementation.

 

5. Centre Forms High-Level Committee on Banking Reforms: On 30 October 2026, the Centre constituted the High-Level Committee on Banking for “Viksit Bharat” to review India’s banking sector and recommend structural, institutional, regulatory and legislative reforms. The committee will submit a reform roadmap within six months. Its formation follows an announcement by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Union Budget 2026–27 speech. Former Central Vigilance Commissioner Suresh N. Patel chairs the committee. Its three expert members are Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Shirish Chandra Murmu, former Indian Bank MD and CEO Padmaja Chunduru, and former RBI Deputy Governor N. S. Vishwanathan. The Joint Secretary (Banking), Department of Financial Services, is the member secretary.

 

6. Important Maritime Security Initiatives in the Bay of Bengal: The Bay of Bengal links South and Southeast Asia and supports major trade, energy flows and coastal livelihoods. Its security depends on maritime domain awareness, effective regional coordination and the ability of states to work together against conventional and non-traditional threats. The Bay of Bengal is the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean, bordered by India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is a gateway for global trade and energy flows, including shipments from the Middle East to East Asia. The region also contains substantial untapped hydrocarbon reserves and supports rich marine biodiversity and fisheries. Its waters are central to the trade, sustenance and strategic access of littoral states. Approximately 25% of global trade traffic passes through the region, making maritime stability important to both regional economies and wider supply routes.

 

7. Centre Approves Guwahati Airport for Assam Agarwood Exports: On 30 October 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) approved Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati as an export point for agarwood oil, chips and allied products. The notification amends Chapter 12 of Schedule II of the ITC (HS) Export Policy, 2022, allowing direct international shipments from Assam. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the approval followed a request from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Exports remain subject to applicable rules, including Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits for listed species and restricted export licences issued by the DGFT. Assam accounts for about 81% of India’s agarwood production and has nearly 12 crore agarwood plants. The sector supports more than 50,000 farmers and workers. Golaghat district’s agarwood products are covered under the One District One Product initiative. Industry stakeholders estimate the sector could access a market worth Rs 50,000 crore if cultivation, processing and exports expand.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Organisations and Peace Efforts in Libya: Libya’s peace process has been shaped by fragmented political authority, armed conflict and competing regional interests since 2011. The United Nations and other international organisations have supported mediation, political dialogue, humanitarian assistance and efforts to preserve Libya’s unity and sovereignty. After the 2011 uprising, Libya experienced prolonged conflict and the emergence of rival political authorities. The internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), based in Tripoli, faced an eastern-based House of Representatives (HoR), supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA). Internal divisions and the involvement of external actors complicated efforts to establish stable, unified governance. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) was established to assist the country’s transition and facilitate a political solution. Its work has taken place amid humanitarian challenges and continuing disagreements over political authority, state institutions and the country’s future direction. A lasting settlement requires dialogue among Libyan factions as well as cooperation among outside actors.

 

2. Major International Agreements and Treaty-Making Procedures: International treaties establish legal obligations between states and provide frameworks for cooperation on issues such as trade, security, the environment and human rights. Their effect depends on how states express consent to be bound and, in India, whether domestic legislation is needed to implement them. The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), 1969, defines a treaty as a written international agreement between states, governed by international law, whether contained in one instrument or several related instruments and whatever its designation. The VCLT applies to treaties between states; agreements involving other international actors may also be governed by international law. Treaties may be called conventions, protocols, pacts, charters, statutes, covenants or agreements. Their title alone does not determine their legal character: the parties’ intention to create obligations under international law is important. Treaties are a principal source of international law, alongside customary international law and general principles of law. Judicial decisions and scholarly writings are subsidiary means for determining rules of law.

 

3. Mayon Volcano Erupts, Sending Ash Plume 3 Kilometres High: Mayon Volcano in Albay, the Philippines, erupted moderately explosively on Friday, 30 October 2026. The eruption began at 11:53 a.m. and lasted nearly six minutes, sending a grey ash plume 3,000 metres above the summit crater. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert from Level 2 to Level 3, indicating a new phase of magmatic eruption. It said the likelihood of lava flows and hazardous pyroclastic density currents affecting the volcano’s upper to middle slopes could increase over the coming days to weeks. The plume drifted west-southwest, with ashfall expected in Daraga, Guinobatan, Camalig and nearby Albay municipalities. PHIVOLCS recommended evacuating residents within the six-kilometre Permanent Danger Zone because of possible pyroclastic density currents, lava flows and rockfalls.

4. India Sets Shelf-Life Rules for Imported Medicines: The Central Government brought the Drugs (Thirteenth Amendment) Rules, 2026 into force on 28 October 2026. Issued through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the amendment changes Rule 31 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, which governs the import of drugs. For most imported drugs, Indian licensing authorities cannot permit import if less than 12 months of residual shelf life remains on the date of import. This replaces the earlier requirement that more than 60% of the drug’s approved shelf life remain. The draft changes were published for public consultation on 22 June 2026, inviting objections and suggestions. The final amendment followed consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board and public feedback. The Government said the changes aim to ease imports, simplify regulation, improve supply-chain efficiency and reduce wastage, while ensuring medicines have adequate usable shelf life before expiry.

 

1. TRAI Proposes AI Governance Framework for Telecom Networks: On 30 October 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released draft guidelines titled ‘Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Telecommunication Networks and Provision of Telecommunication Services’. The proposal would make telecom service providers (TSPs) accountable for AI-related incidents and system outcomes, whether models are developed in-house or obtained from third-party vendors. TSPs and other authorised entities using AI would need board-approved AI policies and dedicated AI governance and safety committees. They would classify AI systems as high, medium or low risk, considering their importance to network operations, financial and operational outcomes, and possible effects on consumers.

 

2. India Hosts First BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise: India is hosting the first-ever joint maritime security exercise of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) at Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 30 October to 3 November 2026. Inaugurated on 30 October, the exercise brings together the navies and coast guards of all seven member states. The programme comprises three days of tabletop exercises followed by a two-day harbour phase. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand have sent naval assets, while Bhutan and Nepal are represented. Participating ships include Sri Lanka’s SLNS Gajabahu and Myanmar’s UMS King Aung Zeya. The Andaman and Nicobar Command is facilitating the exercise. The exercise was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand. In April 2026, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey confirmed that the first joint maritime security exercise would take place in November 2026.

 

3. Guliya Plateau Ice May Be More Than 128,000 Years Old: Scientists reported on 29 October 2026 that ice cores from Tibet’s Guliya Plateau may preserve a climate record extending beyond 128,000 years. The finding extends the known glacial record from the region by more than 100,000 years. The study was led by Lonnie Thompson of the Byrd Polar Research Center at The Ohio State University. Researchers compared cores collected in 1992 and 2015. Both showed similar oxygen-isotope patterns, which scientists use to reconstruct past environmental conditions. The team also used radioactive isotopes of beryllium and chlorine to identify evidence of the Leschamp Geomagnetic Excursion, an event more than 41,000 years ago. Comparisons with oxygen-isotope records from nearby Tibetan cave deposits supported the proposed timeline.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Strategic Geography of the Indo-Pacific: Island Chains and Key Chokepoints: The Indo-Pacific links the Indian and Pacific Oceans in a strategic space shaped by island arcs and narrow sea passages. These features influence maritime security, regional stability, freedom of navigation, trade and energy flows, as well as the deployment of military forces. The Indo-Pacific concept treats the Indian and Pacific Oceans as an interconnected strategic theatre for trade, security and communication. The region is home to more than half the world’s population and includes major powers such as the United States, China, India, Japan and Australia, alongside Southeast Asian states. The principle of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” is associated with unimpeded navigation, respect for international law and peaceful resolution of disputes. Its maritime geography makes the security of sea lanes and access to the open ocean important to both regional states and outside powers.

 

2. Major Security Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific: The Indo-Pacific’s security architecture combines treaty alliances, strategic dialogues and defence-technology cooperation. These partnerships address maritime security, deterrence, emerging technologies and practical coordination, while differing in their membership, legal status and scope. Bilateral alliances, particularly those involving the United States, support defence planning and military cooperation across the region. Their arrangements include treaty commitments, joint exercises, strategic consultations and cooperation on defence capabilities. The 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security is its foundation. Japan hosts a significant US military presence, including the US Seventh Fleet. The partners conduct regular exercises and cooperate on missile defence, cyber security, intelligence sharing and advanced defence technologies.

 

3. India’s Maritime Security Framework and Regional Cooperation: India’s maritime security framework combines naval defence, coastal law enforcement, intelligence-sharing and regional partnerships. Guided by SAGAR, India seeks to protect its maritime interests while supporting safe, stable and inclusive use of the Indian Ocean and its shared maritime commons. Introduced in 2015, SAGAR—Security and Growth for All in the Region—guides India’s cooperation with Indian Ocean countries. It links maritime security with economic growth and regional connectivity, while positioning India as a security provider and preferred partner. The approach reflects India’s reliance on maritime trade and the strategic importance of its coastline, which exceeds 7,500 km, and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which spans more than 2.3 million sq km. For foreign policy, SAGAR provides a framework for practical cooperation with littoral states. Regional security efforts also support maritime infrastructure and connectivity, while addressing shared threats to shipping and offshore assets.

 

4. India-Brazil Partnership Expands in Defence, Aerospace and Space: On 31 October 2026, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon said India and Brazil were expanding cooperation in defence, aerospace and space. Brazilian Ambassador Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nóbrega said bilateral trade was expected to reach USD 20 billion soon, with cooperation also covering critical minerals, energy, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence. On 7 October 2026, Brazil’s Concert Technologies, part of its Micro-Launcher programme, and Skyroot Aerospace signed an MoU at the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya to develop a launch vehicle capable of carrying at least 100 kg to low Earth orbit. A Brazilian military delegation visited India for two weeks in October to examine BrahMos and Akash; Brazil is interested in BrahMos for anti-ship and precision strikes and is evaluating Akash for air-defence modernisation.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Manisha Bhanwala Wins World Wrestling Championships Gold: Manisha Bhanwala became the first Indian woman to win gold at the Senior World Wrestling Championships on 30 October 2026. She won the women’s 59kg title in Astana, Kazakhstan, defeating Abigail Elizabeth Nette of the USA 8–6 in the final. The 29-year-old wrestler from Rohtak, Haryana, overturned a 0–6 deficit to win the final. She is the second Indian wrestler to claim a senior world title, after Sushil Kumar in 2010. Her victory ended India’s 39-year wait for a women’s gold at the championships. The 59kg class is not an Olympic weight category. Bhanwala’s gold was one of four medals won by India in women’s freestyle wrestling at the 2026 championships; the other medals were two silver and one bronze.

 

2. Rahul Dravid and Saina Nehwal Nominated to 2030 Commonwealth Games Board: On 30 October 2026, former Indian cricket captain Rahul Dravid and Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal were nominated to the Organising Company Board for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The Union Sports Ministry made the appointments earlier that week. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi is expected to chair the organising company. Union Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha are likely to be vice-chairpersons. Gujarat government principal secretary M Thennarasan has been appointed chief executive officer. As of 30 October, Dravid and Nehwal had not officially confirmed whether they would accept their nominations. The inclusion of athletes and private-sector representatives aims to bring sporting and corporate expertise into planning and management, departing from the model used for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

 

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. ISRO Launches GSLV-F18 with NVS-03 Navigation Satellite: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSLV-F18 carrying the NVS-03 navigation satellite on 30 October 2026. The rocket lifted off at 11:51 pm IST from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. About 18 minutes after launch, NVS-03 was injected into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The supplied mass figures differ: 2,250 kg and 2,232 kg. The satellite carries an indigenously developed atomic clock alongside procured atomic clocks, which provide precise timing for satellite navigation. NVS-03 adds the L1 frequency to NavIC’s existing L5 and S-band signals. The addition is expected to improve civilian navigation capabilities and compatibility with other receivers. The mission restored NavIC to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites, supporting positioning, navigation and timing services across India and up to 1,500 km beyond its borders.

 

2. Russia Test-Fires Bulava Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile: On 28 October 2026, Russia test-fired a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from the submerged Project 955A Borei-A-class nuclear-powered submarine Generalissimo Suvorov in the Sea of Okhotsk. The missile’s warheads reportedly reached their designated target at the Chizha test range in the Arkhangelsk region, also referred to as Cape Kanin. The nuclear-capable Bulava (RSM-56) has a range exceeding 8,000 kilometres and can carry multiple nuclear warheads. Commissioned in December 2022, Generalissimo Suvorov can carry up to 16 Bulava missiles. Russia’s Ministry of Defence called the launch successful and described it as “routine combat training”; the claims have not been independently verified by international media. The launch was presented as demonstrating Russia’s second-strike capability—the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons after an initial attack on its nuclear forces.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Taxation of E-Commerce and Digital Services in India: India’s tax framework addresses digital commerce through GST obligations on platforms and suppliers, alongside measures that historically targeted non-resident digital businesses. These rules raise questions of tax compliance and platform accountability in a cross-border economy. The Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017 defines an “electronic commerce operator” (ECO) in Section 2(45) as a person who owns, operates or manages a digital or electronic facility or platform for electronic commerce. GST places specific registration, collection and payment responsibilities on such operators. Section 9(5) creates a distinct rule for specified services supplied through an ECO. In notified cases, the operator pays GST as if it were the supplier, where the actual service provider is not liable to register. This shifts the compliance responsibility to the platform for those supplies; it does not make the operator liable for GST on every transaction carried out through its platform.

 

2. Cabinet Approves ₹10,000 Crore Container Manufacturing Scheme: On 28 October 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ₹10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme (CMPS). First announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, it aims to expand domestic shipping-container production and reduce import dependence. The CMPS will run for 13 years, from FY 2027-28 to FY 2039-40. This includes three years to establish facilities and ten years of production support. Of the allocation, ₹8,891 crore is for operational expenditure assistance, ₹859 crore for interest subvention assistance and ₹150 crore for testing and certification infrastructure. Eligible term loans will receive an annual interest subsidy of 3%.

 

3. CCI Approves Adani Energy Solutions’ Acquisition of IntelliSmart: On 30 October 2026, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL)’s acquisition of IntelliSmart Infrastructure Pvt Ltd for Rs 3,050 crore. AESL will acquire a 100% equity stake in IntelliSmart from its current owners, the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL). The transaction also includes the redemption of optionally convertible debentures in IntelliSmart held by NIIF. AESL first announced a binding agreement for the acquisition in June 2026. IntelliSmart provides advanced metering infrastructure for electricity and deploys smart gas meters in India. The acquisition is expected to expand AESL’s presence in smart metering and digital grid modernisation.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Chola-Era Nataraja and Sivakami Bronze Idols Found in Nagapattinam: The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology unearthed bronze-alloy idols of Nataraja and Sivakami, along with their pedestals, during excavations in Nagapattinam on 30 October 2026. They were found at a depth of one metre. The Nataraja idol is 110 cm high and 100 cm wide. It depicts the four-armed deity in the Ananda Tandava posture. The Sivakami idol measures 82 cm in height and 23 cm in width, and shows the two-armed goddess in the Tribhanga posture. The idols’ physical structure, iconography and ornamental designs indicate that they date to the 12th century AD. Minister for School Education and Archaeology Rajmohan A announced the discovery. Officials said it was the first time the state archaeology department had unearthed bronze idols during its excavations.

 

Daily GK Update- 29th Oct, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. New India Foundation Announces 2026 Book Prize Shortlist: The New India Foundation (NIF) announced the shortlist for the 2026 Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize on October 28–29, 2026. The shortlist comprises five non-fiction books published in 2025 on modern and contemporary India. The winner will receive a cash prize of ₹15 lakh, with the award presentation scheduled for December 12, 2026, at the Bangalore Literature Festival. The Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize was instituted in 2018 to recognise outstanding non-fiction on modern and contemporary India. It is named after Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (1903–1988), an Indian freedom fighter, social reformer and advocate of handicrafts and theatre. She was associated with the All India Women’s Conference and the Indian Cooperative Union.

 

2. India Offers Counter-Terrorism Expertise to ASEAN Partners: India offered to share its counter-terrorism expertise with ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, the Philippines. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made the offer on 29 October 2026, during the meeting held on 28 and 29 October. ADMM-Plus is a defence cooperation forum comprising the defence ministers of ASEAN and eight dialogue partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States. The first ADMM-Plus meeting took place in 2010. India and Malaysia co-chair the Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2024–2027 cycle.

 

3. PM Chairs 54th PRAGATI Meeting: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 54th Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) meeting at Seva Teerth on 28 October 2026. The meeting reviewed infrastructure projects worth more than ₹16,000 crore across 31 States and Union Territories. PRAGATI is a technology-based platform for reviewing government programmes and projects and addressing public grievances. It brings together the Prime Minister, Union Government secretaries and State chief secretaries through video conferencing. The platform was launched in 2015. The 54th meeting reviewed project implementation and addressed coordination between government agencies. The Prime Minister called for timely execution and proactive resolution of bottlenecks. He also asked Chief Secretaries to hold monthly reviews with District Magistrates to identify gaps in scheme implementation and facilitate timely delivery of welfare benefits.

 

4. Indian Patent Office Rejects BPaL Patent Application: On 27 October 2026, the Indian Patent Office rejected a patent application by the U.S.-based Global Alliance for TB Drug Development (TB Alliance) for BPaL, a drug combination used to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis. BPaL combines bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid in a six-month, all-oral treatment regimen. Civil society organisations filed pre-grant oppositions against the application in July 2020. These included the Delhi Network of Positive People, Sankalp Rehabilitation Trust, Third World Network, Lawyers’ Collective and Médecins Sans Frontières Access Campaign. Pre-grant opposition under Section 25(1) of the Patents Act, 1970 allows any person to oppose a patent application after its publication and before the patent is granted. Opponents said scientific research and clinical trials dating from 2015 had already disclosed the medicines in combination and their use in a shorter treatment regimen.

 

5. Government Launches Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0: India launched the fourth edition of the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign (TFYC 4.0) on 28 October 2026. The nationwide campaign is scheduled to run for 60 days, until 26 December 2026. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav launched it in New Delhi at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organises TFYC 4.0 in collaboration with MY Bharat and the Ministry of Education. Universities and colleges are a major focus of this edition, with students encouraged to participate in tobacco-prevention activities and institutions asked to strengthen tobacco-free campus practices. The campaign uses a six-pronged strategy: public awareness; tobacco-free educational institutions; tobacco-free villages; enforcement of tobacco-control laws; social media engagement; and participation by universities and colleges. Its activities include efforts to involve young people in prevention and to promote tobacco-free practices in educational settings and villages.

 

6. Sikkim Hosts First Himalayan Yak Festival in Gnathang Valley: Sikkim hosted its first Himalayan Yak Festival in Gnathang Valley from 28 October 2026. The valley lies near the India-China border. The state’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department organised the festival to promote yak conservation, support herders’ livelihoods and encourage tourism in high-altitude areas. The domestic yak is a member of the cattle family, Bovidae, and is adapted to cold, high-altitude environments. Its dense coat provides insulation, while its ability to graze on alpine vegetation supports pastoral livelihoods in the Himalaya. Yaks provide milk, meat, fibre and transport to communities in high-altitude regions. Around 400 to 500 yaks took part in the Gnathang Valley event. Stalls displayed yak products and advancements in artificial insemination for yak breeding. Artificial insemination is a reproductive technique in which semen is introduced into a female animal without natural mating.

 

7. Bihar Museum Ranks Ninth Among World’s Best Museums: The Bihar Museum in Patna ranked ninth in the 2026 list of the world’s 100 best museums. It was the highest-ranked Asian institution and the only Indian museum included in the list. The travel guide Worth a Journey published the rankings around October 2026. The 2026 list was compiled by Jakob Schwichtenberg, founder of the travel publishing company behind Worth a Journey. Mexico City’s Museo Nacional de Antropología secured the first position globally. The Bihar Museum ranked one place ahead of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was tenth. The list placed the Bihar Museum first among Asian museums. No other Indian institution appeared among the 100 museums selected for the 2026 edition. The Bihar Museum is a state museum located in Patna, Bihar. It opened in 2015 and was dedicated to the public in 2017. The institution was established during the tenure of former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Patna is associated with the ancient city of Pataliputra, which served as a capital of the Magadha kingdom and the Mauryan Empire. Bihar’s historical heritage also includes sites associated with Buddhism and Jainism.

 

8. Guwahati Study Records Eight Owl Species: A scientific study conducted in Guwahati, Assam, recorded eight owl species during surveys carried out from November 2023 to July 2025. Published in the journal Urban Ecosystems, the study documented owls in 24 of 33 surveyed grid cells, each covering one square kilometre. Assam Forest and Climate Change Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah announced the findings on 28 October 2026. The Barn Owl and Spotted Owlet were the most frequently detected species. The other six were the Brown Hawk Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Collared Scops Owl, Mountain Scops Owl, Oriental Scops Owl and Asian Barred Owlet. Owls belong to the order Strigiformes, which includes the living families Tytonidae and Strigidae. Owls are generally nocturnal birds, although activity patterns vary among species.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Pallid Harrier and European Roller Arrive at Masai Plateau: Migratory birds, including the Pallid Harrier and European Roller, began arriving at Kolhapur’s Masai Plateau with the onset of winter in late October 2026. Montagu’s Harrier and Lesser Kestrel were also sighted in the area. The birds travel thousands of kilometres from regions including Central Asia, Russia, Kazakhstan and Africa. The European Roller was observed on 26 October 2026 in the hilly areas of Mahe in Karveer taluka, Kolhapur district. It was the first recorded sighting of this species in that specific area, observed by local birdwatcher Sangram Patil. The Pallid Harrier and other migratory species were sighted at Masai Plateau around 28 October 2026. Many migratory birds visit the region during October and November. The Pallid Harrier and Montagu’s Harrier are birds of prey, while the European Roller feeds mainly on insects.

 

2. South Korea Fines Google and Apple Over App Store Payments: On 28 October 2026, South Korea’s Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) fined Google and Apple a combined 63.7 billion won, equivalent to approximately US$47.6 million. The commission found that the companies violated the Telecommunications Business Act through their app-store payment practices. The Telecommunications Business Act is South Korea’s law governing telecommunications businesses and related services. The KMCC imposed the fines after finding that Google and Apple used their dominant positions to require app developers to use their proprietary in-app payment systems and unfairly delayed app reviews. The penalties were 42.9 billion won (about US32 million) for Google and 20.81 billion won (about US15.5 million) for Apple. The KMCC also cited conditions imposed on third-party payment options, including commissions of up to 26%.

 

3. US Releases Image of China’s Reusable Spaceplane: The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) released a higher-resolution orbital image of a Chinese reusable spaceplane in its Challenges to Security in Space 2026 report on 26 October 2026. Maxar Technologies, now known as Vantor, captured the image on 28 May 2024. The DIA has not identified which Chinese spaceplane model appears in it. The spacecraft has a shuttle-like shape, small wings, two vertical tails and an open central payload bay. Solar panels are deployed at its rear. The image also contains a second satellite docked to the spaceplane, but that satellite’s identity is unknown. The Chinese vehicle’s overall design resembles the U.S. X-37B, operated by the U.S. Space Force, while its wing chords appear wider. Public descriptions have associated the vehicle with Shenlong, meaning “divine dragon”, but the image does not establish its identity. A spaceplane is a spacecraft designed to operate in orbit and return to Earth using a winged vehicle. Reusable spacecraft can be used across multiple missions, unlike vehicles designed for a single use.

 

4. US Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady: On 28 October 2026, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted 10–2 to keep the federal funds rate target range at 3.75%–4%. The decision followed a 0.25-percentage-point increase in September 2026, the first rate hike since 2023. The federal funds rate is the interest rate at which depository institutions lend reserve balances to one another overnight. The FOMC sets a target range for this rate as a principal instrument of US monetary policy. The FOMC is the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy-making body. It has 12 voting members: the seven members of the Board of Governors, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and four other Reserve Bank presidents serving on a rotating basis. The Federal Reserve’s statutory objectives include maximum employment and stable prices. Its longer-run inflation goal is 2%, measured using the personal consumption expenditures price index.

 

5. HD Hyundai Backs Proposed Thoothukudi Shipyard: HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), the shipbuilding arm of HD Hyundai, has reiterated its intent to be a strategic investor in a proposed greenfield shipyard at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal met HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun in Seoul on 28 October 2026. The parties agreed to work towards a joint venture and prepare a detailed project report (DPR) within six months. The proposed project is envisaged as a US$4 billion investment under the India-Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership. Its foundation is a memorandum of understanding signed on 20 April 2026 by HD KSOE and National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu Ltd (NSHIP-TN). A joint working group of officials from both sides is to oversee development and coordinate project activities.

 

6. Bhutan GLOF Triggers Flood Alerts in Assam and West Bengal: A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) was reported on the evening of 29 October 2026 in Bhutan’s Gasa district, in the Mochu sub-basin. Accounts identify the lake as either Shintaphu or Sintaphu. The outburst reportedly released about 7.4 million cubic metres of water. Floodwaters entered the Mo Chhu and Punatsangchhu river systems, which flow towards Assam’s Brahmaputra valley and West Bengal’s northern Duars. India issued a special flood advisory for Assam’s Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Baksa and Chirang districts. For West Bengal, the advisory listed Alipurduar and Cooch Behar; another account also named Jalpaiguri. In Bhutan, the flood washed away infrastructure at Gasa Tshachu natural hot springs and collapsed at least two Bailey bridges. No casualties were reported, as the area had been evacuated. Assam and West Bengal deployed the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force, opened round-the-clock control rooms and advised vulnerable communities to leave riverbeds and prepare for possible flooding.

 

7. Juno Detects Complex Plasma Waves at Jupiter’s Bow Shock: NASA’s Juno spacecraft detected complex plasma waves and multiple shock regions in Jupiter’s magnetic environment during observations in December 2024. The University of Iowa-led study, published online in Nature Communications on 31 July 2026, provides detailed observations of Jupiter’s bow shock, where the solar wind meets the planet’s magnetic environment. Juno’s measurements show that Jupiter’s bow shock uses plasma waves at multiple frequencies, or harmonics, to slow and heat incoming solar particles. Earth’s bow shock is generally associated with waves concentrated around a single frequency. Researchers also identified smaller structures called shocklets, which can slow solar-wind particles before they reach Jupiter’s main bow shock. The researchers say studying Jupiter’s bow shock could help scientists examine energy transfer in more powerful environments, including supernova remnants.      

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. India to Showcase Indigenous Defence Capabilities at VISV-2026: VISV-2026, short for Vision, Innovation, Synergy, Values, is being organised by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth is scheduled to inaugurate the event on 30 October 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. Its theme is “Showcasing Defence Capabilities, Strengthening Global Partnerships”. VISV-2026 brings together representatives of India’s defence establishment, industries, academic institutions and diplomatic community. Its technical sessions cover DRDO capabilities in aeronautical systems, land and naval systems, sensing and communications, missile systems, microelectronics, computational solutions and soldier support systems. The event’s stated focus includes defence research, technology development, production and cooperation with friendly countries. DRDO is India’s defence research and development agency. The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies is a defence studies institution that participates in the event’s organisation. The technical sessions span multiple domains, including platforms, communications, computing and personnel support.

 

2. INS Sahyadri Arrives in Busan for India–ROK Naval Exercise: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri arrived at Busan Naval Harbour in the Republic of Korea on 26 October 2026 for the India-Republic of Korea Navy (IN-RoKN) Bilateral Exercise. The exercise involves the Indian Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN), and includes activities in harbour and at sea. INS Sahyadri is a Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy. The Shivalik class comprises multi-role frigates built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. INS Sahyadri was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2012. A guided missile frigate is a surface combatant equipped to operate with missile systems. The Indian Navy uses frigates for maritime operations, including surveillance and the protection of naval forces. INS Sahyadri’s visit to Busan forms part of its participation in the bilateral naval exercise.

 

3. Rajnath Singh Raises Concerns Over US F-16 Package for Pakistan: On 28 October 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised India’s objections to a US sustainment and modernisation package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet during talks with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Cebu, Philippines. The bilateral meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified the package in December 2025. Its stated value has been reported as approximately 686 million, while another figure puts it at 649 million. The package is intended to extend the operational life of Pakistan’s F-16 aircraft until 2040. Its components include avionics upgrades, cryptographic systems, related software, spare parts, simulators, training and logistical support. The AN/APX-126 Identification Friend or Foe system is among the specified equipment; IFF systems help distinguish friendly aircraft from other aircraft. Link-16 is a tactical data-sharing system used to exchange information among military platforms.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Cabinet Approves Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme on 28 October 2026. The scheme has a total outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore and will run from 2026 to 2033-34. It aims to promote investment, manufacturing, innovation and exports in India’s sports goods sector. The scheme provides ₹1,130 crore for anchor investment support and turnover-linked production incentives. Anchor investment support is intended to attract new investments, while turnover-linked incentives are tied to manufacturers’ production or sales performance. The scheme’s stated objectives include expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities, creating employment and reducing import dependency in the sports goods sector.

 

2. Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi Win World Wrestling Silver: Kajal Dhochak and Neelam Sirohi won silver medals at the World Wrestling Championships, which concluded in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 28 October 2026. Dhochak competed in the 76kg category and Sirohi in the 50kg category. They became the first two Indian women to reach the finals in the same edition of the championships. Twenty-six-year-old Sirohi lost the 50kg final to Japan’s Yui Susaki by fall. Susaki secured her fifth world title. In wrestling, a victory by fall occurs when a wrestler holds an opponent’s shoulders against the mat. Eighteen-year-old Dhochak lost the 76kg final 6–8 to Ukraine’s Anastasiya Alpyeyeva. Dhochak’s silver made her the first Indian wrestler in the 76kg category to win a medal at the Senior World Wrestling Championships.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. What Is BioSentinel?: BioSentinel is a NASA astrobiology mission designed to study the effects of deep-space radiation on living organisms. Developed by NASA Ames Research Center, it uses a biosensor experiment involving budding yeast, scientifically known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mission was the first in more than 40 years to collect direct experimental data from a biological study beyond Low Earth Orbit. BioSentinel is a low-cost, six-unit (6U) CubeSat measuring approximately 10 × 20 × 30 centimetres and weighing about 14 kilograms. A CubeSat is a small satellite built from standardised units, with each unit measuring approximately 10 centimetres per side. NASA launched BioSentinel on 16 November 2022 aboard Artemis 1, the first uncrewed flight test of the Artemis programme. It was the mission’s sole biological experiment and one of ten secondary payloads. After a lunar flyby, the spacecraft entered an Earth-trailing heliocentric orbit, meaning it travels around the Sun while following Earth at a distance.

 

2. CUSAT-SCTIMST Study Finds Gut Bacterial Differences in Parkinson’s Patients: A study by researchers from the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, found differences in gut bacteria between people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy individuals. The study involved patients from Keralam and was published online in “npj Parkinson’s Disease” on 29 October 2026. Researchers found higher levels of bacterial groups potentially associated with inflammation and lower levels of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids in the patients. These fatty acids help maintain the gut lining and regulate immune activity. A related study of people with Parkinson’s disease in Keralam, published on 21 October 2026, identified increased abundance of microbial groups associated with inflammation and reduced abundance of anti-inflammatory groups. It also found differences in microbial metabolic capabilities related to dopaminergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic processes.

 

3. Scientists Identify 2026 ED138 Beyond Pluto as Dwarf Planet Candidate: The International Astronomical Union’s Minor Planet Center announced 2026 ED138 as a possible dwarf planet on 27 October 2026. The icy object was detected beyond Pluto’s orbit by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile and is estimated to be between 600 and 1,500 kilometres in diameter. Astrophysicist Matthew Holman of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian identified 2026 ED138 in data collected by the Rubin Observatory during 2026. Archival images dating to 2016 also contain evidence of the object, which was missed because it appeared against a crowded star field. The observatory is located at Cerro Pachón in central Chile and uses a large digital camera to survey the sky.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ESIC Extends New Amnesty Scheme 2025 Until December 2026: The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has extended the New Amnesty Scheme 2025 until 31 December 2026. The scheme was initially scheduled to run from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026, and the extension provides eligible employers and insured persons with three additional months to resolve pending legal disputes. The Ministry of Labour and Employment announced the extension after receiving representations from stakeholders. The New Amnesty Scheme 2025 is a one-time dispute resolution initiative for pending disputes under the erstwhile Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948. It aims to facilitate settlement of disputes and reduce the backlog of cases in courts and tribunals. Cases filed in court on or before 31 March 2025 are eligible for settlement under the scheme. About 27,000 cases pending against employers in courts and tribunals can be considered under the scheme. Eligible parties include employers and insured persons with disputes covered by its settlement provisions.

 

2. Centre Releases ₹77.98 Crore for Senior Citizen Welfare Projects: On 28 October 2026, the Central Government released ₹77.98 crore as grant-in-aid for 755 senior citizen welfare projects. The release covers the quarter ending 30 September 2026, in the financial year 2026–27. The funds were released under the Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC), a component of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment administers the scheme. Launched in 2021, AVYAY is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It aims to support “ageing with dignity” and “ageing in place” for senior citizens. The scheme provides a framework for welfare services and support for older persons. The Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens is a component of AVYAY. It provides grant-in-aid for eligible organisations to deliver institutional care and related services for older persons. These services include support through facilities such as old-age homes and continuous-care homes. The programme’s projects are intended to strengthen service delivery for senior citizens.

 

3. Cabinet Approves Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana with ₹7,395 Crore: On 28 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM VGSY), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for strengthening Panchayats and traditional local bodies. The scheme has an outlay of ₹7,395.55 crore for 2026–27 to 2030–31 and covers States and Union Territories. The total allocation comprises a central share of ₹4,869.48 crore and a state share of ₹2,526.07 crore. PM VGSY is scheduled for five years and is co-terminus with the period of the Sixteenth Finance Commission. Its stated objectives include strengthening village-level governance, improving development planning and increasing financial accountability among Panchayats. The scheme is intended to cover more than 2.55 lakh Panchayats and traditional local bodies. Around 32 lakh elected representatives, Panchayat functionaries and other stakeholders are expected to benefit directly through capacity building and training. The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj oversees the national policy framework for Panchayati Raj institutions.

 

4. Cabinet approves ₹10,000-crore shipping container manufacturing programme: The Union Cabinet of India approved the ₹10,000-crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme (CMPS) on 28 October 2026. Announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, the scheme has a budgetary outlay extending up to the financial year 2039–40. It aims to develop container manufacturing capacity in India, reduce import dependence and strengthen supply-chain resilience. A shipping container is a reusable freight unit designed to move goods between modes of transport, including ships, trains and road vehicles. The twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) is a standard measure of container capacity based on a container 20 feet long; a 40-foot container is equivalent to two TEUs. The CMPS aims to raise India’s annual manufacturing capacity nearly tenfold to 7.5 lakh, or 750,000, TEUs.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian-Origin Pilot Smit Machchhar Receives UAE’s Highest Honour: On 27 October 2026, Indian-origin pilot Captain Smit Machchhar received the First-Class Order of Zayed II, described as the United Arab Emirates’ highest civilian honour. He received it alongside fellow flydubai crew members for their actions during an attack aboard Flight FZ1073 on 30 September 2026. The award was conferred by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and presented by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Hamdan is the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE. Machchhar was recognised for bravery and professionalism during the cockpit attack. Machchhar is the third Indian recipient of the First-Class Order of Zayed II. Former Indian ambassadors Navdeep Singh Suri and Sunjay Sudhir received the honour in 2019 and 2025, respectively, for their diplomatic work.