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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

World Bank Upgrades India’s FY27 Gross Domestic Product Growth Projection to 7.1%

• The World Bank (WB) raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for FY27 to 7.1%, up from its April 2026 projection of 6.6%.
• The upgraded 1% FY27 forecast was supported by resilient domestic demand, private consumption, exports, industry and services, following 7.8% growth in Q1 FY27.
• The forecast was published in the World Bank’s October 2026 South Asia Economic Update.
• The World Bank highlighted India’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness and medium-term growth prospects, while identifying agricultural and global risks as potential challenges to growth.
• India’s economy grew by 8% in FY26, compared with 7.2% in FY25.
• The World Bank projected India’s GDP growth at 2% in FY28 and 7.0% in FY29.
• India’s medium-term potential growth was estimated at around 7%, up from the earlier estimate of 5%.
• South Asia is projected to grow by 9% in 2026, retaining its position as the fastest-growing region globally.
• Private consumption remains the main driver of India’s economic growth, supported by investment, lower inflation, stronger credit, exports and favourable government policies.
• Rural demand benefited from agricultural support, while urban demand was supported by income-tax relief and GST cuts.
• Industrial activity performed better than expected, with growth in infrastructure and construction goods accelerating to 2% in Q1 FY27, compared with 6.1% a year earlier.
• The acceleration in infrastructure and construction goods was supported partly by earlier front-loading of activity.

About World Bank:

• The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
• The World Bank consists of 5 institutions: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), The International Development Association (IDA), The International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
• Founded Year: 1944
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• President: Ajay Banga
• Members:189 countries

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Airports Authority of India to Develop Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri

• The proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri, Odisha, is set for a fresh start after the Airports Authority of India agreed to undertake its development and investment.
• The proposed greenfield international airport will be developed over approximately 1,164.72 acres, including 68.82 acres of revenue forest land.
• The project recently received final environmental clearance and Coastal Regulation Zone clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, removing a major regulatory hurdle.
• The project had earlier received in-principle Stage-I approval for diversion of forest land.
• The airport was earlier estimated to cost around ₹5,631 crore and was being pursued by the Government of Odisha under a public-private partnership model.

Key Highlights

• Companies including Fairfax, Adani Airports and GMR had shown interest during the 2024 tender process for the first phase.
• The Airports Authority of India will prepare the Detailed Project Report after completion of the remaining statutory formalities.
• The revenue-sharing arrangement between the Airports Authority of India and the Government of Odisha is under discussion.
• The Detailed Project Report will determine the revised investment requirement based on phased development, technical specifications, passenger traffic projections, land and infrastructure requirements and prevailing construction costs.
• The project will subsequently require approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation before execution.
• The project has been appraised as a Category-A airport project and will be located at Sipasarubali in Brahmagiri tehsil of Puri district, near the Bay of Bengal and along the Puri-Satapada-Bhubaneswar corridor through National Highway 316.
• The proposed airport is around 50 kilometres by air and 67 kilometres by road from Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar.
• The airport project was proposed to meet the growing requirements of Puri as it is being developed as a world-class heritage city, while Biju Patnaik International Airport has reached its design capacity. Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik initiated the proposal by writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 January 2021.
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation has already granted site clearance, followed by in-principle approval in 2025.
• The first phase is designed to handle 4.6 million passengers per annum and will be capable of handling aircraft ranging from ATR-72 and Q-400 turboprop aircraft to Airbus A320, Airbus A321, Airbus A350 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
• The airport footprint comprises 874.41 acres of government land, 221.48 acres of private land and 68.82 acres of revenue forest land. Government land has already been handed over, while acquisition of private land is ongoing.
• Private land acquisition includes approximately 153.37 acres from Sipasarubali village and 68.11 acres from Sandhapur village.
• The project will not require displacement of existing habitations. However, 60 project-affected families whose agricultural land falls within the airport site will be affected by land acquisition and will receive compensation under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
• Phase I will include a 3,700-metre-long and 45-metre-wide Code-E runway, equipped with a Category-I Instrument Landing System, approach lighting and other visual aids.
• A 1,500-metre by 275-metre apron is planned for 35 Code-C aircraft, with capacity to accommodate up to 11 Code-E aircraft. The airport will also have two link taxiways and parallel end-to-end taxiways.
• The proposed integrated terminal building will cover 54,000 square metres and will have a peak handling capacity of 1,337 passengers.
• Other proposed facilities include an Air Traffic Control and technical building of 3,063 square metres, a 7,000-square-metre cargo terminal, a 3,000-square-metre administrative building and a 5,000-square-metre utilities service block.

About Odisha:

• Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
• Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati
• Capital: Bhubaneswar
• National Parks: Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, Nandankanan National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

Ladakh Begins Wildlife Week 2026 with Community-Focused Conservation Activities

• The Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Union Territory of Ladakh marked the beginning of Wildlife Week 2026 with a series of community-focused activities under the theme “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife.”
• Wildlife Week 2026 is being observed from 2 to 8 October 2026 to strengthen awareness about wildlife conservation, environmental cleanliness and community participation across Ladakh.
• In the Hemis National Park landscape, a cleanliness drive was conducted at Shang, an important snow leopard zone.
• The activity highlighted the need to protect natural spaces shared by people and wildlife.

Key Highlights

• In the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, cleanliness drives were organised at Durbuk, Lalok and the Pangong area.
• Wildlife Guards, Environment Protection Force personnel and wildlife stewards participated in waste collection, with waste collected at Durbuk transported to the designated segregation site.
• Similar community participation was witnessed in the Karakoram Nubra-Shyok Wildlife Sanctuary, including the Diskit Nubra Sand Dunes and other locations in the Nubra landscape.
• Wildlife Guards, wildlife stewards, Environment Protection Force personnel and villagers participated in the cleanliness activities.
• A wildlife photography exhibition was also organised at Leh Market as part of the first-day awareness activities. It showcased Ladakh’s diverse wildlife and natural landscapes and provided residents and visitors with an opportunity to understand the importance of responsible coexistence with wildlife.
• The photography exhibition also marked the public launch of Wildlife Week 2026 in Leh.

About Ladakh:

• Lieutenant Governor: Vinai Kumar Saxena
• Capital: Leh
• National Parks: Hemis National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

India’s First Three-Dimensional Concrete-Printed Rural Housing Pilot Project Launched in Andhra Pradesh

• India’s first national-level pilot project for rural housing using Three-Dimensional (3D) Concrete Printing has been launched in Andhra Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin.
• The foundation stone was laid in Burripalem, Guntur district, on 4 October 2026.
• The pilot project will construct 177 houses at an estimated cost of ₹14 crore, with the construction targeted for completion within six months.
• The project covers Burripalem and Obulnayudupalem.
• Three-Dimensional Concrete Printing is a construction-scale form of additive manufacturing in which a computer-controlled robotic printer converts digital Building Information Modelling designs into physical structures by depositing specially formulated concrete layer by layer.

Key Highlights

• The technology requires concrete mixtures with appropriate extrudability, buildability and rapid-setting properties, ensuring that each successive layer retains its shape without collapsing.
• The technology combines material science and automation and can reduce construction time, material wastage, labour requirements and dependence on conventional formwork, thereby supporting faster, cost-effective and standardised affordable housing.
• India’s construction-scale three-dimensional printing gained momentum in 2021, when Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the start-up Tvasta unveiled the country’s first three-dimensional printed single-storey house on the Indian Institute of Technology Madras campus.
• Globally, construction-scale three-dimensional printing has progressed from experimental applications to commercial use in the United States, China, Europe and West Asia, with Dubai emerging as a major hub for large-scale construction three-dimensional printing.
• The project is expected to demonstrate how advanced construction technology can modernise rural housing, while improving construction speed, affordability and durability.

About Andhra Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Chandrababu Naidu
• Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
• Capital: Amaravati
• National Parks: Papikonda National Park, Sri Venkateswara National Park, Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coringa, Kolleru, Krishna, Kambalakonda, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuaries

Pradhan Mantri Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme Accelerates India’s Electric Mobility

• India’s transition towards electric mobility is gaining momentum under the Pradhan Mantri Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement Scheme, with 26.59 lakh electric vehicles sold as of June 2026, against an incentive-supported target of around 28.30 lakh electric vehicles.
• The scheme has an outlay of ₹11,900 crore and has been extended until 31 March 2028, supporting electric vehicle adoption, charging infrastructure, electric buses and the development of a domestic electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem.

Key Highlights

• The Pradhan Mantri Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement Scheme was launched in September 2024 and implemented from October 2024 on a pan-India basis.
• Originally notified for two years, the scheme has been extended until 31 March 2028, providing demand incentives and infrastructure support across multiple electric vehicle categories.
• The scheme covers electric two-wheelers, electric three-wheelers, registered electric rickshaws, electric carts, L5 category vehicles, electric ambulances, electric trucks, electric buses, public charging infrastructure and the upgradation of vehicle testing agencies.
• For registered electric two-wheelers, the scheme provides an incentive of ₹2,500 per kilowatt-hour, capped at ₹5,000 per vehicle, for vehicles priced up to ₹1.5 lakh ex-factory.
• A total of ₹2,767 crore has been allocated for registered electric two-wheelers, with the component aimed at supporting more than 45.79 lakh registered electric two-wheelers.
• The sales target under the registered L5 category electric three-wheeler component was achieved, following which this segment was closed on 26 December 2025.
• Support for electric three-wheelers, including electric rickshaws and electric carts, continues until March 2028.
• A major component of the scheme is the expansion of electric public transport. The scheme has allocated ₹4,391 crore for the deployment of 14,028 electric buses, with 14,000 electric buses allocated as of August 2026.
• Of these, 13,800 electric buses have been allocated to seven cities — Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune and Surat — to support cleaner and more sustainable urban mobility.
• The scheme has earmarked ₹2,000 crore for the deployment of electric vehicle public charging stations across the country.
• As of 28 September 2026, ₹851 crore had been approved for the deployment of 8,147 charging stations through three oil marketing companies and 10 States.
• The scheme also provides ₹780 crore for the modernisation and upgradation of vehicle testing agencies.
• Original Equipment Manufacturers registered under the scheme have localised their electric vehicle models and obtained certificates of compliance with the Phased Manufacturing Programme from testing agencies of the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
• Its extended implementation until March 2028 is intended to sustain the expansion of electric mobility and associated infrastructure across the country.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Reconstitutes Parliamentary Committees

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reconstituted several Parliamentary Committees related to different Ministries, with new chairpersons appointed to various Departmentally Related Standing Committees.
• Bhartruhari Mahtab has been appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Finance, which comprises 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 members from the Rajya Sabha.

Key Highlights

• Shashi Tharoor has been appointed Chairperson of the Committee on External Affairs, which also consists of 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 members from the Rajya Sabha.
• Sudhir Gupta has been appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Railways.
• Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has been appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Charanjit Singh Channi has been appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing.
• Radha Mohan Singh has been appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Defence.
• Rajiv Pratap Rudy has been appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Water Resources.
• Saptagiri Ulaka has been appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
• Nishikant Dubey has been appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Communications and Information Technology.
• The term of these reconstituted Parliamentary Committees became effective from 26 September 2026. The Digital Sansad records list 26 September 2026 as the date of constitution for the Committee on External Affairs.

Odisha Launches India’s First Dedicated Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Incentive Portal

• The Odisha Government has launched what it described as India’s first dedicated incentive portal for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, aimed at attracting investment and promoting business tourism in the State.
• Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida launched the portal at the Odisha Travel Bazaar 2026, in the presence of senior government officials and industry representatives.
• The portal aims to promote Odisha as a destination for corporate conventions and simplify the process of applying for financial incentives by event organisers and tourism operators.

Key Highlights

• The initiative is expected to facilitate faster approvals for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions events, destination weddings, sports events and cultural heritage-related ventures.
• The Odisha Government highlighted the potential of destination weddings and experiential tourism, including temple weddings, local cultural experiences and regional cuisine tours.
• Bhubaneswar’s historical monuments and cultural heritage were identified as opportunities for hosting distinctive events, particularly for younger visitors.
• The State Government assured industry representatives that recommendations from the private sector would be considered to address administrative bottlenecks and facilitate investment through targeted capital subsidies.
• The dedicated digital mechanism is expected to strengthen Odisha’s business tourism ecosystem by promoting destinations for corporate conventions and streamlining applications for financial incentives.

About Odisha:

• Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
• Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati
• Capital: Bhubaneswar
• National Parks: Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, Nandankanan National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

Annual Survey of Industries 2024-25 Reports Broad-Based Growth in India’s Registered Manufacturing Sector

• According to the Annual Survey of Industries 2024-25 released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, India’s registered manufacturing sector recorded broad-based growth in industrial output, employment, wages, invested capital and Gross Value Added during 2024-25.
• The number of registered manufacturing establishments increased by 2.64%, from 2.60 lakh in 2023-24 to 2.67 lakh in 2024-25.
• Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of registered manufacturing establishments at 41,221, followed by Gujarat (33,084) and Maharashtra (27,379).
• Manufacturing Gross Value Added increased by 9.59%, rising from ₹24.58 lakh crore in 2023-24 to ₹26.94 lakh crore in 2024-25.

Key Highlights

• Maharashtra recorded the highest share of manufacturing Gross Value Added, followed by Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Together, these five States contributed more than 54% of India’s total manufacturing Gross Value Added.
• Employment in the registered manufacturing sector increased from 1.96 crore persons in 2023-24 to 2.10 crore persons in 2024-25, registering a growth of 7.19%.
• Total emoluments paid to workers increased by 12.08% during 2024-25.
• Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana were the five leading States in manufacturing employment, collectively accounting for around 56% of total employment in the sector.
• Fixed capital increased by 10.54%, while invested capital, comprising fixed capital and physical working capital, increased by 11.10% during the survey period.
• Net income increased by 9.68%, while net profit registered a growth of 7.73% in 2024-25.
• Industrial output increased by 7.81%, while total employment and total emoluments grew by 7.19% and 12.08%, respectively.
• The five leading industries identified by the survey were basic metals, motor vehicles, chemicals and chemical products, pharmaceutical products and food products.
• These five industries together contributed more than 45% of the total manufacturing Gross Value Added during 2024-25.
• The number of factories increased steadily over the five-year period, from 2,50,454 in 2020-21 to 2,66,931 in 2024-25.
• The total number of persons engaged in the registered manufacturing sector increased from 1.61 crore in 2020-21 to nearly 2.10 crore in 2024-25.
• Manufacturing Gross Value Added increased from ₹16.17 lakh crore in 2020-21 to ₹26.94 lakh crore in 2024-25.
• Net profit also increased substantially, from ₹6.14 lakh crore in 2020-21 to ₹11.56 lakh crore in 2024-25.
• The Annual Survey of Industries provides information on the composition, growth and structure of manufacturing industries, covering areas such as output, value addition, employment and capital formation.
• The survey data serve as an important input for policymaking and the compilation of National Accounts Statistics.
• The reference period for Annual Survey of Industries 2024-25 was April 2024 to March 2025, while the fieldwork was conducted from October 2025 to June 2026.

Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded Industrial Training Institutes Completes One Year

• The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded (PM-SETU) Industrial Training Institutes has completed one year, with the Government focusing on modernising Industrial Training Institutes, strengthening industry participation and aligning vocational training with emerging workforce requirements.
• Launched on 4 October 2025, the scheme aims to transform government Industrial Training Institutes into modern, industry-aligned training institutions.
• The scheme has a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore, comprising ₹30,000 crore from the Central Government, ₹20,000 crore from State Governments and ₹10,000 crore from industry.

Key Highlights

• The scheme is being implemented through two key components:
• Upgradation of 1,000 government Industrial Training Institutes through a Hub-and-Spoke model, comprising 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs.
• Augmentation of the capacity of five National Skill Training Institutes through National Centres of Excellence and advanced training of trainers.
• Under the Hub-and-Spoke model, each Hub ITI is connected with an average of four Spoke ITIs, enabling institutions to share advanced infrastructure, modern trades, digital learning systems and incubation facilities.
• Upgraded Hub ITIs are expected to provide innovation centres, training-of-trainers infrastructure, production units and placement services, while Spoke ITIs will expand access to training and resources available within their respective clusters.
• During the first year, 850 ITIs were identified, comprising 172 Hub ITIs and 678 Spoke ITIs.
• 36 States and Union Territories have identified clusters and created dedicated State budget heads, while 35 States and Union Territories have constituted State Steering Committees.
• 26 States and Union Territories have initiated the process of inviting industry participation.
• The National Steering Committee has approved the transition of the scheme from its pilot phase to a nationwide rollout across all 200 identified ITI clusters.
• Strategic Investment Plans for 14 ITI clusters across eight States and one Union Territory have been approved, involving an investment of ₹3,446 crore.
• The approved clusters cover sectors including steel and metals, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, defence, electronics, automotive and diversified manufacturing.
• Industry participation is incorporated through Strategic Investment Plans, Special Purpose Vehicles and Anchor Industry Partners.
• Under the proposed Special Purpose Vehicle structure, the Anchor Industry Partner will hold 51% ownership, while the Central Government and State Governments will hold 24.5% each.
• To keep vocational training aligned with emerging technologies, the Directorate General of Training has introduced 32 new-age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme.
• These new-age courses cover areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Additive Manufacturing, Electric Vehicles, Semiconductor Technology, Robotics, Green Hydrogen, Drones, Internet of Things, Solar Energy, 5G and Software Testing.
• States can adopt these courses in their Industrial Training Institutes, which continue to remain under the administrative and financial control of State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.
• The scheme also provides for international partnerships to strengthen advanced skilling and align vocational training with global standards.
• Memoranda of Understanding have been signed with Singapore for National Skill Training Institute Chennai, France for National Skill Training Institute Kanpur and Australia for National Skill Training Institute Bhubaneswar.
• A Joint Declaration of Intent has also been exchanged with Germany for National Skill Training Institute Hyderabad.
• India’s total number of Industrial Training Institutes, including government and private institutions, increased from 9,776 in 2014 to 13,888 in 2026, registering a 42% increase.
• Enrolment in Industrial Training Institutes increased from 9.51 lakh in the 2014–15 academic session to 14.70 lakh in 2025–26, representing a 54% increase.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United States Launches “Super Intelligence Force” Task Force to Coordinate Federal AI Response

• The United States (US) announced a new “Super Intelligence Force” (SI Force) Task Force on 4 October 2026 to coordinate the US federal government’s response to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• The task force is led by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, who serves as the “AI Czar” or “SI Czar”.
• The task force brings together officials from intelligence, regulation, personnel administration and defence research.
• Key members include FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor, and Undersecretary of War for Research and Engineering Emil Michael.
• The task force has been given 120 days to determine the federal government’s responsibilities in AI development.
• It will prepare a report assessing the risks and opportunities associated with AI/Super Intelligence and recommend the government’s approach.
• The task force will coordinate with consumers, public-interest groups, technology companies and critical infrastructure providers on AI-related issues.
• It is also expected to develop responses to Super Intelligence (SI)-enabled threats while seeking to avoid overregulation that could negatively affect innovation and competition.
• The initiative followed an executive order signed in September 2026 directing federal agencies to use the terms “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in official documents and communications.
• The announcement came after a White House meeting with leaders of major AI companies, where the companies signed a voluntary accord on the development of the technology.
• The task force is expected to engage with technology firms and infrastructure providers on AI safety, deployment and governance.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Canadian Poet Anne Carson Wins 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature

• Canadian poet and writer Anne Carson has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature.
• The Swedish Academy awarded her the prize, recognising her “bold and inventive” body of work that engages creatively with the classical tradition and creates new forms for contemporary literature.
• The Nobel citation recognised Carson “for her bold and inventive oeuvre that, in playful dialogue with the classical tradition, has created new forms for contemporary literature.”

Key Highlights

• The Nobel Prize in Literature carries 12 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately US$1.2 million.
• Carson is known for a genre-defying literary style that combines verse, prose, dialogue and translation.
• Her work is strongly influenced by classical Greek literature, and she is widely recognised for her translations of classical Greek works.
• Her literary contributions span several forms, including poetry, opera libretti, literary criticism, translation and verse novels.
• One of her well-known works is Autobiography of Red, published in 1998.
• Her distinctive style is also reflected in Norma Jeane Baker of Troy, a 2019 performance piece that combines the stories of Helen of Troy from Euripides’ play Helen and Marilyn Monroe.
• Carson joins previous Nobel laureates in literature such as Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Alice Munro and Ernest Hemingway.
• The Nobel Prize in Literature has frequently generated debate over the Academy’s choices. Critics have pointed to the omission of major literary figures such as Leo Tolstoy, Virginia Woolf and Jorge Luis Borges.
• The Swedish Academy has also faced criticism for allegedly overlooking United States authors, although it awarded the prize to singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 2016.
• Supporters of the Academy argue that it has also recognised widely popular writers, including Gabriel García Márquez of Colombia in 1982 and Doris Lessing in 2007, while helping readers discover lesser-known literary traditions.
• The Nobel Prizes were established through the will of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish dynamite inventor and businessman.
• The Nobel Prizes for achievements in literature, science and peace have been awarded since 1901.
• The 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai, recognised for his literary work described in the Nobel citation as visionary and connected with the power of art.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Indian Institute of Creative Technologies Signs Five Memoranda of Understanding to Strengthen India’s AVGC-XR Ecosystem

• The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies has signed five Memoranda of Understanding with industry and technology organisations to strengthen India’s talent pipeline and the country’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality ecosystem.
• The five agreements were signed, the second day of FICCI FRAMES 2026, held at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai.

Key Highlights

• The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies signed the agreements with:
• Motion Picture Association India
• Centre for Development of Imaging Technology
• E-Sports Games Federation
• RioWood
• Warm Up Ventures
• The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Ashish Shelar, Minister of Electronics, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, along with senior representatives and stakeholders from the participating organisations.
• The partnership with the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology will also support the establishment of the Kerala State Centre of Excellence for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality in Thiruvananthapuram.
• The agreement with the Motion Picture Association brings an international film, television and streaming industry perspective to the initiative.
• Venugopalan also linked the partnership to an earlier industry-government dialogue involving Charlie Rivkin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Motion Picture Association, and Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister.
• According to her, the dialogue helped launch the Creative Economy track at the beginning of the AI Impact Summit in February 2026.
• The Centre for Development of Imaging Technology partnership has a specific focus on Kerala. Jayadev Anand A.K., Registrar of the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology, stated that the proposed Centre of Excellence would combine technology, skill development, industry engagement and innovation to create opportunities for talent and enterprises in Kerala.
• The partnership with RioWood adds an international dimension through Brazil. Ravi Velhal, Founder of RioWood, stated that the Rio de Janeiro-based organisation would collaborate with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies on education, Artificial Intelligence and media technology initiatives, connecting two creative ecosystems and promoting innovation and the future of Entertainment 3.0.
• Collectively, the five Memoranda of Understanding expand the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies’ network across film and entertainment, technology, esports, education and international creative markets.

Pondicherry University and National Institute of Technology Nagaland Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Academic and Research Collaboration

• Pondicherry University and National Institute of Technology Nagaland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen academic and research collaboration between the two institutions.

Key Highlights

• The agreement has been developed under the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research network scheme, supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
• Under the scheme, Pondicherry University and National Institute of Technology Nagaland are participating as Spoke Institutions, while the Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru is serving as the Hub Institution.
• The Memorandum of Understanding is expected to create opportunities for strengthening research linkages with leading institutions.
• The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks an important milestone in strengthening inter-institutional collaboration and advancing the objectives of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation–Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research programme.
• Both institutions aim to develop sustained partnerships in research, innovation and academic capacity building.

Nālandā University and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Heritage

• Nālandā University and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish structured cooperation in academics, research and capacity building.
• The collaboration will cover Traditional Knowledge, Intellectual Property Rights, People’s Rights and Cultural Heritage, including Traditional Cultural Expressions, with a particular focus on the cultural heritage of Bihar.
• The collaboration with the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library will provide a platform for integrating Traditional Knowledge with contemporary academic research, documentation, Intellectual Property awareness and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Key Highlights

• The collaboration between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit and the new Nālandā University is expected to rejuvenate the past glory of Nalanda as an educational and research hub, with a specific focus on the cultural heritage of India, particularly Bihar.
• The two institutions are confident that the collaboration will contribute to the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Intellectual Property Rights Policy 2016 concerning Traditional Knowledge, Intellectual Property Rights and cultural heritage.
• Nālandā University is an International University of National Importance established under the aegis of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, at Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar.
• The university draws upon the ancient heritage of Nalanda and strong international cooperation, with objectives centred on intellectual, philosophical, historical and spiritual studies, among other areas.
• The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library, described as the world’s first database of its kind, was established in 2001 by the Government of India through collaboration between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Ministry of AYUSH.
• The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library currently contains information on more than 5.2 lakh formulations and practices from Indian Systems of Medicine, including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa Rigpa, along with Yoga, sourced from traditional texts.
• Information from diverse languages and subject areas is converted into value-added information and correlated with modern terminologies.
• The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library information is available in five international languages — English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish — helping overcome language and format barriers for patent examiners.
• The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library database is currently accessible to 18 international patent offices through Non-Disclosure Agreements.
• Its impact includes more than 375 patent applications worldwide being revoked, rejected, amended, withdrawn or abandoned based on prior-art evidence presented through the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library database.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed as 29th Chief of Air Staff

• The Government of India (GoI) appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), effective from 31 October 2026.
• Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will take charge in the rank of Air Chief Marshal and is expected to serve until December 2028.
• He will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (A.P. Singh), who will superannuate on 31 October 2026.
• Before his appointment as CAS, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, a position he assumed on 1 July 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor.
• Prior to becoming Vice Chief, Dixit served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS).
• He also served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Central Air Command, one of the major operational commands of the IAF.
• Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was born on 9 December 1966 and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986.
• He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Defence Services Command & Staff College, Bangladesh, and the National Defence College (NDC).
• He has more than 3,500 hours of flying experience on aircraft including Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Kiran, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk, and Tejas.
• He is an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor, with nearly four decades of service in the Indian Air Force.
• During his career, he participated in major operations and exercises including Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak, Operation Cope India, and Operation Sindoor.
• He commanded a frontline fighter air base in the Western Sector, a fighter training base in the Southern Sector, and the Flight Test Squadron, Bengaluru.
• Air Marshal Dixit has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (2006), Vishisht Seva Medal (2011), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2023), and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2026) for distinguished service.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces and was officially established on 8 October 1932 as the auxiliary air force of British India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Coast Guard Conducts 12th National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise SAREX-2026 off Paradip

• SAREX-2026 is the 12th National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise, organised by the Indian Coast Guard and conducted off Paradip, Odisha, on 8 October 2026.
• Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth inaugurated SAREX-2026 on 7 October 2026.
• The exercise involved 32 delegates from 30 foreign friendly nations, promoting international cooperation and interoperability in maritime Search & Rescue.

Key Highlights :

• SAREX-2026 is a multi-agency exercise aimed at validating operational preparedness, enhancing international interoperability, testing joint response mechanisms, and exchanging best practices.
• The exercise includes a simulated Mass Rescue Operation involving simultaneous aeronautical and maritime distress situations.
• India’s Satellite-Aided Search & Rescue (SAR) system has evolved from LEOSAR (Low Earth Orbit Search & Rescue) to GEOSAR (Geostationary Search & Rescue) and now towards MEOSAR (Medium Earth Orbit Search & Rescue).
• The Indian MEOLUT (Medium Earth Orbit Local User Terminal) has achieved full operational capability, marking a major advancement in India’s satellite-aided SAR capability.
• ISRO and associated teams were recognised for their contribution towards strengthening India’s national Search & Rescue capabilities.
• The exercise emphasises cooperation, preparedness and technological advancement to safeguard lives at sea and build a safer and more resilient maritime community.
• SAREX-2026 supports the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by aiming to make India’s SAR capabilities faster, more accurate and more resilient.
• The motto of the Indian Coast Guard is “Vayam Rakshamah”, meaning “We Protect.”
• The 24th National Maritime Search & Rescue (NMSAR) Board Meeting was held on 7 October 2026 under the chairmanship of Director General Paramesh Sivamani, Director General, Indian Coast Guard and Chairman, NMSAR Board.
• The NMSAR Board reviewed maritime Search & Rescue preparedness across the 4.6 million sq km Indian Search & Rescue Region (ISRR).
• Key areas discussed included technological integration, real-time information sharing, distress-alert management, vessel tracking and inter-agency coordination.
• The NMSAR meeting provided the operational foundation for SAREX-2026, with emphasis on converting lessons from previous missions and exercises into improved mission readiness and response capabilities.
• The National Maritime Search & Rescue Awards 2026 were presented to recognise exemplary efforts in saving lives at sea.
• MAHASAGAR stands for “Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region” and provides a platform for high-level interaction and cooperation among Indian Ocean Region (IOR) countries.
• MAHASAGAR includes Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
• SAGAR stands for “Security and Growth for All in the Region”, and India unveiled the SAGAR vision in 2015.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Approves Revised Standard Operating Procedure for Defence Industry Use of Ministry of Defence Proof Ranges, Firing Ranges & Test Facilities

• Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh approved the revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for utilisation of MoD Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Laboratory Test Facilities by the Indian Defence Industry.
• The revised SOP provides a detailed, simplified and transparent procedure for the allotment and utilisation of proof ranges and laboratory testing facilities, along with the required formats.
• Proof and testing charges have been waived for iDEX, Technology Development Fund (TDF), Make and other MoD developmental projects to promote Atmanirbharta in Defence.
• A three-day slot per quarter has been reserved at Proof Ranges for proof firing of Government-sponsored developmental projects, including iDEX, TDF and Make
• The reserved quarterly three-day slots will also cover developmental projects undertaken on the own initiative of indigenous defence industries.
• The SOP lists the available Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Laboratory Test Facilities under DRDO, Government Quality Assurance agencies and the three Services for use by the Indian defence industry.
• The procedure for calculation and payment of proof/testing charges, wherever applicable, has been incorporated into the SOP to simplify documentation and processes for industry.
• The existing Arbitration provision has been replaced by a simpler and industry-friendly Conciliation Agreement Clause.
• The Conciliation Agreement Clause is aimed at enabling faster resolution of issues and promoting Ease of Doing Business for the indigenous defence industry.
• Proof and Field Firing Ranges are important for the testing and validation of weapons, ammunition, platforms and other defence equipment before qualification and induction.
• The revised SOP is expected to benefit indigenous defence companies, start-ups and innovators, particularly those without dedicated testing infrastructure.
• The revised SOP supports indigenisation, innovation, defence exports and self-reliance by improving access to testing and proof facilities for Indian defence manufacturers.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Department of Biotechnology Begins Special Campaign 6 to Promote E-Waste Management, Cleanliness and Responsible Workplace Practices

• The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the aegis of Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DAR&PG), is implementing Special Campaign 6 for cleanliness, reducing pendency, record management and e-waste disposal.
• Special Campaign 6 is being conducted from 2–31 October 2026 across the Department of Biotechnology, Scientific Cadre Units, Divisions, Autonomous Institutions and PSUs.

Key Highlights :

• During the Preparatory Phase (15–30 September 2026), DBT set targets to review and organise 18,741 e-files and 7,773 physical files.
• The Department targeted cleanliness and space-clearing activities at 156 sites, creating 46,486 sq. ft. of usable space.
• The campaign targeted disposal of 1,694 e-waste items and generation of ₹39,33,055 revenue through disposal of e-waste and non-e-waste items.
• Swachh Bharat Diwas was observed by DBT on 2 October 2026 through an e-waste disposal drive under Special Campaign 6 at DBT Headquarters, CGO Complex, New Delhi.
• A special cleanliness drive titled “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” was conducted on 1 October 2026, under the chairpersonship of Ekta Vishnoi, Joint Secretary (Administration).
• The “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” drive involved officers and staff in a one-hour mass cleanliness drive/shramdaan from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM near JLN Metro Station, followed by plantation of saplings under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”.
• Under Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026, DBT organised “Kabaad Se Kala – Waste to Art” under the theme “Swachhata Se Samridhi”, promoting Reuse, Recycling and creative utilisation of discarded materials.
• A cleanliness drive under the Jan Bhagidari theme was conducted at the DBT Secretariat, focusing on cleanliness, proper waste management and hygienic surroundings.
• DBT organised SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs to provide preventive health check-ups and medical consultations for sanitation workers and their dependents.
• The progress of Special Campaign 6 is regularly reviewed by the Secretary, DBT and Joint Secretary & Nodal Officer of the campaign.
• Before-and-after photographs and videos of campaign sites are regularly uploaded on the SCDPM Portal to document campaign progress.
• DBT and its organisations are also highlighting the achievements of Special Campaign 6 through social media platforms.
• The campaign focuses on reducing pendency, record management, e-waste disposal, cleanliness, space utilisation and sustainable workplace management.

Indian Scientists Develop Metal-Free Catalyst for Next-Generation Clean Energy Technologies

• Scientists from N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), Kolkata, Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, and SRM University, Amaravati developed a metal-free catalyst for next-generation clean-energy technologies.
• The research was led by Pradip Pachfule (SNBNCBS), Prof. Ramendra Sundar Dey (INST), and Prof. Ranjit Thapa (SRM University, Amaravati).
• The newly developed catalyst, named TTT-DHTD, is a specially designed metal-free organic porous material prepared using TTT and DHTD linkers.
• TTT stands for 2,4,6-tris(4-aminophenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, while DHTD refers to 4,8-dioxo-4,8-dihydrobenzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene-2,6-dicarbaldehyde.
• The TTT-DHTD catalyst is made entirely from abundant elements such as carbon, sulfur, nitrogen and hydrogen, without using precious metals.
• The material forms an ultra-porous, honeycomb-like network that efficiently facilitates the conversion of oxygen into electricity.
• The catalyst is designed for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR), a crucial electrochemical reaction that determines the efficiency of zinc–air (Zn–air) batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
• Zn–air batteries use abundant and relatively inexpensive zinc and obtain oxygen directly from the air, eliminating the need to store an active cathode material.
• Compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries, Zn–air batteries offer potential advantages such as higher theoretical energy density, lower material cost, improved safety and greater sustainability.
• Major challenges for Zn–air batteries include rechargeability, cycle life and ORR kinetics.
• Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, Zn–air batteries do not require high-pressure hydrogen storage or extensive hydrogen infrastructure, making them a simpler and more compact energy-storage option.
• Platinum is currently widely used as an efficient ORR catalyst, particularly in hydrogen fuel cells, but its high cost, scarcity and limited availability restrict large-scale clean-energy deployment.
• Laboratory tests showed that TTT-DHTD achieved about 96% of the performance of commercial platinum catalysts while avoiding the use of precious metals.
• The new catalyst demonstrated high stability, maintaining its performance for 120 hours of continuous operation without significant degradation or contamination.
• Advanced computer simulations showed that the engineered molecular structure of TTT-DHTD creates suitable active sites where oxygen molecules can attach and react efficiently.
• Replacing platinum with inexpensive organic materials could significantly reduce the cost of Zn–air batteries, clean transportation, portable power systems and renewable-energy storage.
• The research was published in the scientific journal Science Advances.
• SNBNCBS and INST are institutes under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

India Plans First Offshore Wind Farm Prototype Off Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu

• India’s first offshore wind farm prototype is planned off the coast of Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, marking an important step towards developing the country’s offshore wind-energy sector.
• The project will install one 6.25 MW wind turbine about 1,650 metres from the Southern Breakwater of Thoothukudi Inner Harbour.
• The project is estimated to cost ₹77 crore and is being tendered by the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL).
• The contract covers design, procurement, construction, installation, testing and commissioning of the offshore wind turbine.
• After commissioning, the turbine will undergo two years of operation and maintenance, while the generated electricity will be supplied to the Tamil Nadu State grid.
• Electricity generated will be evacuated according to the norms of TANGEDCO (Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation) and TANTRANSCO (Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation).
• Onshore energy meters will record both the electricity exported to and imported from the grid under applicable TANGEDCO/TANTRANSCO norms.
• The prototype will help India gain practical experience in wind-resource assessment, turbine installation, vessel logistics, port operations and marine infrastructure.
• It will also help develop capabilities in local supply-chain mobilisation, engineering, marine logistics, grid connectivity and offshore operations required for larger offshore wind projects.
• Offshore wind projects generally involve higher installation, vessel and marine-infrastructure costs than onshore wind projects; the prototype will help India understand these technical and economic challenges.
• According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the average turbine installed in offshore wind projects in 2025 was 10.3 MW, compared with the 25 MW turbine planned under India’s prototype.
• India had an installed wind-energy capacity of 57,443 MW as of 30 June 2026, reflecting its strong existing wind-power base.
• Tamil Nadu is one of India’s major wind-power hubs, with installed wind capacity reported at over 10,734 MW in one cited figure and over 12,273 MW in another; the latter places it second after Gujarat.

University Grants Commission Issues Letter of Intent to CU Denver for Setting Up Degree-Granting Campus in Hyderabad

• University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) has received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish a degree-granting campus in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The proposed Hyderabad campus will be CU Denver’s first campus in India and the first foreign university campus in Telangana.
• The campus is expected to admit its first cohort in August 2027.

Key Highlights :

• CU Denver will become the first American public university authorised to establish a degree-granting campus in India, according to the supplied information.
• The Hyderabad campus will align with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly its focus on multidisciplinary education, internationalisation, improved learner outcomes and career readiness.
• The campus plans to offer programmes in high-demand areas such as Business, Computing, Engineering and Analytics.
• The programmes will emphasise applied learning, experiential education, interdisciplinary learning and workforce relevance.
• The campus is intended to prepare students for careers in India and globally by developing skills suited to a changing global economy.
• The Hyderabad campus will maintain academic and learning links with CU Denver’s home campus in the United States.
• CU Denver was established in 1973 and is governed by the University of Colorado Board of Regents.
• CU Denver has around 14,000 students and a global alumni network of more than 100,000 graduates across over 100 countries.
• The establishment of foreign university campuses in India has been facilitated by UGC regulations introduced in 2023, which allow eligible Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) to establish campuses subject to UGC requirements.
• The UGC framework aims to promote internationalisation of higher education and expand access to global educational institutions within India.
• Illinois Institute of Technology was the first US university to receive approval for a degree-granting campus in India and has established its campus in Mumbai.

Astronomers Detect Radio Signals from an Exoplanet Beyond the Solar System, Urge Caution

• Scientists announced the first direct detection of radio signals from an exoplanet, marking a major breakthrough in exoplanetary radio astronomy.
• The radio signals originated from Beta Pictoris b, a gas-giant exoplanet located approximately 63–64 light-years from Earth.
• The signals were detected using South Africa’s MeerKAT radio telescope array.
• An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star outside the Solar System, while radio astronomy studies celestial objects through radio waves, a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light.
• Beta Pictoris b orbits the young star Beta Pictoris, which is located in the constellation Pictor.
• Beta Pictoris b is a massive gas giant with rapid rotation, completing one rotation in approximately 8–9 hours.
• The detected radio emissions are linked to powerful auroras on Beta Pictoris b, which are produced when charged particles interact with a planet’s magnetic field.
• The radio bursts showed strong circular polarisation, an important characteristic associated with magnetic radiation.
• Researchers compared the radio images with the precise positions of distant quasars to confirm that the signal originated from Beta Pictoris b and not from its host star.
• The discovery provided the first direct measurement of an exoplanet’s magnetic field, according to the supplied information.
• The magnetic field of Beta Pictoris b was found to be at least 1,250 times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field.
• The discovery is significant for studying exoplanetary magnetic fields, auroras, planetary environments and radio emissions beyond the Solar System.
• MeerKAT, the South African radio telescope array, demonstrated its capability to detect and study extremely faint radio emissions from planets outside the Solar System.

Bharat Forge Signs Long-Term Deal with Pratt & Whitney Canada to Supply Critical Aerospace Engine Components

• Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) signed a long-term contract with Pratt & Whitney Canada on 5 October 2026 to supply mission-critical aerospace engine components.
• The aerospace components will be manufactured at Bharat Forge’s aerospace facility in India, which is designed to produce high-performance aero-engine products.
• Bharat Forge’s aerospace facility uses advanced manufacturing technologies and follows global standards for quality, precision, reliability, and traceability.
• Mission-critical components are parts whose failure can affect the functioning of an aircraft engine or related system, requiring strict quality controls and certified manufacturing processes.
• The agreement is expected to strengthen Pratt & Whitney Canada’s sourcing from India and support resilient and geographically diversified aerospace supply chains.
• Aerospace manufacturing under the contract involves requirements such as precision machining, material certification, inspection, testing, documentation, and production traceability.
• The contract builds on an earlier collaboration between Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada to evaluate advanced turboprop engines for a High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
• The HALE UAV programme is being designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with turboprop engines supporting fuel efficiency and sustained flight performance.
• High-value aero-engine products can include components used in turbines, compressors, and related engine assemblies.
• Pratt & Whitney Canada is a global aerospace engine manufacturer and part of the wider Pratt & Whitney group, with sourcing activities across international suppliers for civil and defence aviation programmes.
• Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) was founded in 1961 and is an Indian multinational manufacturing company headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, with operations across automotive, defence, and aerospace

CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Develops India-Specific Tool to Assess Sickle Cell Disease Severity

• CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) scientists developed an India-specific disease severity score for Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA).
• The tool was developed using clinical data from 171 Indian children aged up to 18 years treated at Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur.
• Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) is an inherited haemoglobinopathy caused by abnormal haemoglobin due to a mutation in the beta-globin gene, resulting in sickle-shaped red blood cells.
• SCA can cause anaemia, severe pain episodes, organ damage and other complications, with disease severity varying across populations.
• The existing Paediatric Severity Score (PSS) matched expert clinical assessments in only about 67% of Indian cases, showing limitations when applied to Indian patients.
• Researchers developed ISS1 (India-specific Severity Score), which improved clinical assessment accuracy to nearly 83%.
• The second version, ISS2, uses easily observable clinical indicators instead of laboratory measurements and achieved about 85% concordance with expert assessments.
• ISS2 correctly identified all patients in the mild category and improved identification of moderate cases, enabling management decisions without extensive laboratory investigations.
• The study identified painful vaso-occlusive crises as the most common complication, while frequent blood transfusions, severe anaemia and recurrent febrile illnesses were major causes of hospitalisation.
• The development of the severity scores is part of the CSIR-Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission, which also includes an affordable PCR-based molecular test developed by CSIR-CCMB.
• The PCR-based molecular test was validated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
• The models could potentially benefit other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with similar genetic backgrounds and healthcare conditions, but larger and more diverse validation studies are required before wider adoption.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Padma Vibhushan Awardee and Renowned Metallurgist Palle Rama Rao Passed away at 89

• Professor Palle Rama Rao, a renowned Indian metallurgist, scientist, and science administrator and Padma Vibhushan awardee, passed away in Hyderabad, Telangana, on 3 October 2026 at the age of 89.
• A metallurgist is a scientist, engineer, or technical specialist who studies, extracts, refines, alloys, and fabricates metals and their components

About Palle Rama Rao :

• Palle Rama Rao was born on 30 June 1937 in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, and was known for his contributions to physical and mechanical metallurgy.
• He served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) from 1999 to 2002, promoting academic excellence, research, innovation, and interdisciplinary scholarship.
• He served as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and also as Secretary of the Department of Ocean Development.
• He served as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and as a member of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC).
• He served as the Director of the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) and contributed to indigenous alloy development and defence-related metallurgy.
• His scientific career began at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, in 1960, where he contributed to scientific research and development.
• He also served as the Chair of the Council of the Indian Institute of Science, contributing to the governance and advancement of IISc.

Oscar-Winning Hollywood Actress Eva Marie Saint Passed away at 102

• Eva Marie Saint, an Oscar-winning American actress and one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, passed away at the age of 102 in Los Angeles, United States of America (USA).

About Eva Marie Saint :

• She was born on 4 July 1924 in Newark, New Jersey, USA, and studied at Bowling Green State University, Ohio.
• Saint began her career in television and radio before making her Broadway debut in The Trip to Bountiful in 1953, for which she won the Drama Critics Award.
• She made her film debut in 1954 with Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront, playing Edie Doyle.
• For On the Waterfront (1954), Eva Marie Saint won the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Supporting Actress in 1955, marking a major achievement early in her film career.
• She received the Oscar just two days before giving birth to her first child.
• One of her most iconic roles was Eve Kendall opposite Cary Grant in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 thriller North by Northwest.
• Saint also appeared in films including That Certain Feeling, A Hatful of Rain, Raintree County, Exodus, All Fall Down, 36 Hours, Grand Prix, The Russians Are Coming, The Stalking Moon, and Cancel My Reservation.
• She won an Emmy Award in 1990 for the miniseries People Like Us.
• She also received a Behind the Voice Actors Voice Acting Award for her work in the animated series The Legend of Korra (2012–14).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Cotton Day 2026 – 7 October

• World Cotton Day is observed every year on 7 October to recognise the importance of cotton and its contribution to livelihoods, trade, economic development and the textile sector.
• The theme of World Cotton Day 2026 is “Cotton for Good: Building Prosperity Through Trade, Transformation and Partnership.”
• Cotton is a natural fibre that is soft and grows around the seeds of the cotton plant. Almost all parts of the cotton plant are useful.
• Cotton is cultivated mainly in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. The harvested cotton fibre is spun into cotton yarn, which is used to produce fabric and clothing. Cotton garments are known for their softness and are particularly comfortable during summer.
• The initiative for World Cotton Day was proposed in 2019 by the four Cotton-4 countries — Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali — at the World Trade Organization.
• The first World Cotton Day was celebrated on 7 October 2019 and was hosted by the World Trade Organization.
• The World Trade Organization Secretariat collaborates with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other partner organisations to conduct World Cotton Day-related events.
• More than 800 participants attended the inaugural World Cotton Day event held at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva.

World Cerebral Palsy Day 2026 – 6 October

• World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed every year on 6 October to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and promote greater inclusion, rights and opportunities for people living with the condition.
• The theme of World Cerebral Palsy Day 2026 is “Unique and United”, highlighting the individuality of people with cerebral palsy and the importance of collective action and solidarity.
• Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affects a person's ability to move, maintain balance and control posture. The term “cerebral” refers to the brain, while “palsy” refers to weakness or problems affecting muscles.
• Cerebral palsy can result from abnormal development of the brain or damage to the developing brain. It is the most common lifelong physical disability.
• Dr. John Little recognised and studied cerebral palsy in 1853. Around 1861, he presented his research to the Obstetrical Society of London and provided an early definition of cerebral palsy.
• Dr. John Little suggested that cerebral palsy could occur at birth due to difficult labour. Later, Dr. Sigmund Freud proposed that cerebral palsy could result from abnormal development before birth.
• World Cerebral Palsy Day was established in 2012 by Cerebral Palsy Alliance of Australia and United Cerebral Palsy of the United States. The inaugural campaign, “Change My World,” invited people with cerebral palsy to suggest ideas for improving their lives.
• The movement has since developed into a global campaign involving people with cerebral palsy, their families, supporters and organisations across the world.

Daily CA One- Liner: October 9^th

• The proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri, Odisha, is set for a fresh start after the Airports Authority of India agreed to undertake its development and investment
• The Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Union Territory of Ladakh marked the beginning of Wildlife Week 2026 with a series of community-focused activities under the theme “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife
• India’s first national-level pilot project for rural housing using Three-Dimensional Concrete Printing has been launched in Andhra Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin
• India’s transition towards electric mobility is gaining momentum under the Pradhan Mantri Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement Scheme, with 59 lakh electric vehicles sold as of June 2026, against an incentive-supported target of around 28.30 lakh electric vehicles
• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reconstituted several Parliamentary Committees related to different Ministries, with new chairpersons appointed to various Departmentally Related Standing Committees
• The Odisha Government has launched what it described as India’s first dedicated incentive portal for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, aimed at attracting investment and promoting business tourism in the State
• According to the Annual Survey of Industries 2024-25 released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, India’s registered manufacturing sector recorded broad-based growth in industrial output, employment, wages, invested capital and Gross Value Added during 2024-25.
• The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded (PM-SETU) Industrial Training Institutes has completed one year, with the Government focusing on modernising Industrial Training Institutes, strengthening industry participation and aligning vocational training with emerging workforce requirements.
• Canadian poet and writer Anne Carson has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature
• The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies has signed five Memoranda of Understanding with industry and technology organisations to strengthen India’s talent pipeline and the country’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality ecosystem
• Pondicherry University and National Institute of Technology Nagaland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen academic and research collaboration between the two institutions
• Nālandā University and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish structured cooperation in academics, research and capacity building
• World Cotton Day is observed every year on 7 October to recognise the importance of cotton and its contribution to livelihoods, trade, economic development and the textile sector
• World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed every year on 6 October to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and promote greater inclusion, rights and opportunities for people living with the condition.
• The World Bank (WB) raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for FY27 to 7.1%, up from its April 2026 projection of 6.6%.
• The United States (US) announced a new “Super Intelligence Force” (SI Force) Task Force on 4 October 2026 to coordinate the US federal government’s response to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• The Government of India (GoI) appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), effective from 31 October 2026.
• SAREX-2026 is the 12th National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise, organised by the Indian Coast Guard and conducted off Paradip, Odisha, on 8 October 2026.
• Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh approved the revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for utilisation of MoD Proof Ranges, Field Firing Ranges and Laboratory Test Facilities by the Indian Defence Industry.
• The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the aegis of Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DAR&PG), is implementing Special Campaign 6 for cleanliness, reducing pendency, record management and e-waste disposal.
• Scientists from N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), Kolkata, Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, and SRM University, Amaravati developed a metal-free catalyst for next-generation clean-energy technologies.
• India’s first offshore wind farm prototype is planned off the coast of Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, marking an important step towards developing the country’s offshore wind-energy sector.
• University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) has received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish a degree-granting campus in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Scientists announced the first direct detection of radio signals from an exoplanet, marking a major breakthrough in exoplanetary radio astronomy.
• Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) signed a long-term contract with Pratt & Whitney Canada on 5 October 2026 to supply mission-critical aerospace engine components.
• CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) scientists developed an India-specific disease severity score for Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA).
• Professor Palle Rama Rao, a renowned Indian metallurgist, scientist, and science administrator and Padma Vibhushan awardee, passed away in Hyderabad, Telangana, on 3 October 2026 at the age of 89.
• Eva Marie Saint, an Oscar-winning American actress and one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, passed away at the age of 102 in Los Angeles, United States of America (USA).