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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Securities and Exchange Board of India Introduces Common Advertisement Code for Celebrity Brand Endorsements and Extends IPO Issue-Size Revision Deadline to March 2027

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified a Common Advertisement Code (CAC) for market intermediaries through amendments to the SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008.
• The new Common Advertisement Code (CAC) will come into force 180 days after the official notification, on 8 April 2027.
• The CAC allows regulated market intermediaries to engage celebrities for brand-level or entity-level promotion, while prohibiting endorsements of specific financial products or services.
• The CAC applies to regulated entities, including stock brokers, depository participants, investment advisers, research analysts, online bond platform providers, portfolio managers, Mutual Funds (MFs), and Asset Management Companies (AMCs).
• Advertisements featuring celebrities must receive prior approval from the relevant supervisory body, or from SEBI if no supervisory body has been specified for the regulated entity.
• Expenses incurred on celebrity endorsements cannot be passed on to clients or charged to Mutual Fund schemes.
• Advertisements under the CAC must include the applicable disclaimers specified by SEBI.
• Regulated entities may use only ratings or rankings assigned by a Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA) in advertisements, subject to SEBI’s prescribed conditions.
• The meaning and methodology of ratings or rankings must be properly explained in the advertisement or made available through the PaRRVA’s website or the regulated entity’s website.
• SEBI extended the deadline for revising the Initial Public Offering (IPO) issue size until 31 March 2027.
• In April 2026, SEBI had previously extended the IPO issue-size revision deadline to 30 September 2026 due to the West Asia conflict.

About SEBI :

• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Tuhin Kanta Pandey
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.

Reserve Bank of India Approves NovaFusion Capital to Commence Non-Banking Financial Company Operations

• Astranova Mobility announced on 14 October 2026 that its lending subsidiary, NovaFusion Capital, received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
• NovaFusion Capital received RBI approval within 90 days, enabling it to establish a dedicated lending platform focused on electric mobility and climate-positive assets.
• NovaFusion Capital aims to achieve ₹5,000 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM) over five years, primarily by financing commercial electric vehicles (EVs) and other climate-positive assets.
• The company has secured capital for an initial deployment of ₹200 crore to support its lending operations.
• The financing initiative focuses on commercial EV operators, including people who use vehicles to earn their livelihoods.
• Shraddha Srimal, CEO of NovaFusion Capital, identified electric mobility as a principal area of financing.
• A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company engaged in financial activities such as lending, leasing and investment, but it is not a bank.
• NBFCs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• Under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934, an NBFC must obtain a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the RBI and satisfy the prescribed conditions before commencing or carrying on NBFC business.
• An NBFC must be incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956 or the Companies Act, 2013, meet the applicable minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) requirement and obtain RBI registration.
• The general minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) requirement for an NBFC is ₹10 crore, subject to category-specific regulatory requirements.
• NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits like banks, issue cheques drawn on themselves or form part of the payment and settlement system; deposit-taking is permitted only for eligible NBFCs that meet RBI conditions.

NSE International Exchange and London Stock Exchange Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Explore Cross-Border Listings and Market Connectivity

• NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with London Stock Exchange plc (LSE) to strengthen capital market cooperation between India and the United Kingdom (UK).
• The MoU aims to explore cross-border listings, trading connectivity and new financial products between the Indian and UK capital markets.
• The proposed collaboration includes dual listings and cross-listings of equities, fixed-income securities and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).
• The exchanges will explore bidirectional trading connectivity to improve market liquidity, fundraising opportunities and investor access in both markets.
• The collaboration includes exploring derivatives listed on NSE IX using FTSE Russell indices as underlying benchmarks.
• FTSE Russell is a wholly owned subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG).
• The MoU also covers the joint development of equity indices and market data distribution between the two exchanges.
• The proposed partnership follows the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and aims to explore greater capital market integration.
• The MoU represents an agreement to explore potential collaborations; it does not confirm the immediate launch of cross-listings, trading connectivity or new financial products.

About NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) :

• Established in June 2017 and was formerly known as NSE IFSC Limited.
• NSE IX is a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).
• Headquarters : Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Introduces Two Credit Risk Insurance Schemes to Strengthen India’s Shipbuilding Sector

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), launched two specialised credit risk insurance products: Shipbuilding Project Credit Risk Insurance Policy (SbPCP) and Business Credit Shield Policy – Shipbuilders (BCSPS).
• The policies were launched under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) at the 21st Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• SbPCP, developed by Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Limited (ECGC), covers export shipbuilding projects against specified credit and payment risks.
• BCSPS, developed by The New India Assurance Company Limited (NIACL), protects domestic shipbuilding projects against specified payment risks.
• The Government of India will subsidise insurance premiums and provide direct support to insurers when shipyards file claims.
• The policies aim to reduce financial stress caused by delayed milestone payments and global market fluctuations, strengthen shipyards’ financial resilience, and promote indigenous shipbuilding under the National Shipbuilding Mission.
• The Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) was established in 1997 and became a statutory consultative body under the Indian Ports Act, 2025, notified on 15 May 2025.
• The MSDC urged States to accelerate multimodal connectivity projects involving roads, railways, inland waterways, pipelines, and conveyors, and develop port-linked industrial clusters in coordination with MoPSW.
• Sarbananda Sonowal also launched the Ready Reckoner for Implementing ONOP, a guide for major and non-major ports.
• The ONOP Ready Reckoner includes central circulars from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to support inter-ministerial process reforms and faster implementation by States and Union Territories.

ReNew Obtains USD 100 Million Financing from Dutch Development Bank FMO for Clean Energy Projects

• ReNew Energy Global plc, one of India’s leading decarbonisation solutions companies, secured a USD 100 million (approximately ₹955 crore) debt financing facility from the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO (Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden) to support renewable energy projects under construction.
• The financing facility was extended to ReNew Solar Power Private Limited under the Voluntary Retention Route (VRR).
• The facility has a 10-year tenure, and its rupee-denominated proceeds will be used to finance renewable energy projects under construction across the ReNew Group.
• The 10-year financing tenure aligns with the long operational life of renewable energy assets and provides stable, long-term capital for ReNew’s expanding renewable energy portfolio.
• The transaction marks FMO’s largest single-ticket investment in India’s energy sector and its largest 2X Challenge-aligned corporate financing in Asia to date.
• The financing strengthens ReNew’s access to international capital and diversifies its funding sources across domestic and global credit markets.
• The facility qualifies under the 2X Challenge, a global initiative that promotes women’s economic participation and empowerment through investment.
• The financing supports India’s clean energy transition by helping expand renewable energy capacity and mobilise long-term international capital.

Five States Granted Permanent Membership in Newly Formed Goods and Services Tax Standing Committee

• The Government of India (GoI) announced the formation of a new Standing Committee under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework to strengthen tax administration and expand the taxpayer base.
• Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu (TN) will be the five permanent members of the new GST Standing Committee.
• The committee will comprise 12 states: five large, four medium, and three small states.
• The committee will have five non-rotating members and seven rotational positions, with the rotational members changing every two years.
• The Centre has urged states to expand the GST taxpayer base using data analytics and technology, following GST rate rationalisation and procedural simplification.
• India currently has approximately 7 crore registered GST taxpayers, and the government aims to increase this number to strengthen revenue collection.
• The Centre will work with the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) to improve tax disclosures, return filing, and invoice matching to curb tax leakages and boost revenue.
• States may be asked to introduce Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-invoicing from 1 April, supported by a GSTN application that will allow customers to raise invoices and improve supply-chain transparency.

About GST :

• GST is an indirect, destination-based tax levied on the supply of goods and services in India.
• GST was introduced in India on 1 July 2017 under the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.

Next-Generation Goods and Services Tax Reforms Aim to Simplify and Streamline Tax Processes

• Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in India on 1 July 2017, bringing several Central and State taxes under a common framework and advancing the principle of “One Nation, One Tax.”
• The 57th GST Council meeting, held in October 2026, recommended reforms to make GST simpler, faster, and more taxpayer-friendly.
• The next-generation GST rate structure includes 5% and 18% standard rates, along with a special 40% rate for selected goods and services.
• Show-cause notices will not be issued where the tax amount involved is below ₹10,000, and the proposed threshold will apply retrospectively to pending notices and appeals below this amount.
• The term “penalty” will be replaced with “charge” in specified cases where taxpayers voluntarily pay the full tax amount, along with applicable interest and penalty, within the prescribed time limit.
• A reduced penalty of 5% will apply when tax and interest are paid within 30 days of the adjudication order under Section 73 or within 60 days under Section 74A.
• The proposed reforms will remove the minimum penalty of ₹10,000 in non-fraud cases, providing relief to taxpayers facing disproportionate penalties.
• The maximum general penalty will be reduced from ₹25,000 to ₹10,000 for certain compliance-related violations.
• For appeals involving only a penalty and no tax demand, the proposed maximum pre-deposit will be capped at ₹40 crore before the Appellate Authority or Appellate Tribunal.
• The GST Council introduced a concept note for an optional Annual Return Quarterly Payment (ARQP) scheme for further deliberation.
• The proposed ARQP scheme is intended for taxpayers with an aggregate turnover of ₹5 crore or less in the preceding financial year who make supplies exclusively to unregistered persons (Business-to-Consumer or B2C supplies).

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay Launches Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Ecosystem Scheme

• C. Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, launched the Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Ecosystem Scheme at the State Secretariat in Chennai to attract investments in semiconductor manufacturing and strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a hub for advanced electronics manufacturing.
• The scheme provides additional financial incentives over and above assistance offered by the Central Government, with support tailored to the requirements of companies investing in Tamil Nadu’s semiconductor sector.
• It aims to promote investment across the semiconductor manufacturing value chain, including wafer fabrication, raw materials, assembly, testing, packaging and supply.

Key Highlights

• The scheme will be implemented under two categories:
• Category 1: Additional financial incentives for projects approved under the Central Government’s Semicon India Programme 2.0 and the India Semiconductor Mission.
• Category 2: Customised, need-based incentives for eligible projects not covered by the Central Government’s scheme but considered strategically important for developing Tamil Nadu’s semiconductor ecosystem.
• The initiative follows the Chief Minister’s announcement in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in August 2026 regarding the establishment of a Semiconductor and Electronics Park at Madhuramangalam in Kancheepuram district.
• During the presentation of the 2026–27 Demand for Grants, Industries Minister S. Keerthana announced that the State would introduce a dedicated incentive scheme aligned with the Union Government’s semiconductor incentive programme to address the specific requirements of companies establishing operations in Tamil Nadu.
• The scheme is expected to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, attract semiconductor investments and expand employment and business opportunities in the semiconductor and electronics industries.
• The Union Cabinet approved the Semicon India Programme 2.0 on 15 July 2026 to strengthen the entire semiconductor value chain.
• Senior officials present at the launch included S. Keerthana, Minister for Industries; Dr. M. Saikumar, Chief Secretary; S. Vijayakumar, Additional Chief Secretary; and Deepak Jacob, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guidance, along with other senior officials.

About Tamil Nadu:

• Chief Minister: Joseph Vijay
• Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
• Capital: Chennai
• National Parks: Guindy National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park, Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Palani Hills National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale Inaugurates Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 in Mysuru, Karnataka

• Shri Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, inaugurated the Shilp Samagam Mela at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds in Mysuru, Karnataka, and visited the handicraft exhibition stalls.
• The mela is being held from 11 to 19 October 2026, coinciding with the famous Mysuru Dasara festival.
• It is the first Shilp Samagam Mela organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment during the financial year 2026–27.

Key Highlights

• The exhibition is jointly organised by three national corporations under the Ministry:
• National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC).
• National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC).
• National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
• The mela aims to provide market opportunities and promote products made by small entrepreneurs, artisans and artists with disabilities. Athawale stated that such events go beyond commercial activity by helping artisans achieve economic self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
• To promote economic independence among deprived communities, development corporations under the Union Government provide loans ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹35 lakh at low interest rates.
• Athawale highlighted the reservation provisions of 15% for Scheduled Castes, 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes and 27% for Other Backward Classes, with the OBC reservation implemented following the recommendations of the Mandal Commission.
• He also referred to major government schemes that have benefited economically weaker and middle-class households, including:
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
• Ayushman Bharat.
• A special attraction is the Bharat Tulip Heritage stall, where high-quality products are being sold, with payments transferred directly to the respective artisans' bank accounts.

About Karnataka:

• Chief Minister: K. Shivakumar
• Governor: Dr Sudha Yadav
• Capital: Bengaluru
• National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Anshi (Kali) National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranebennur Blackbuck Wildlife Sanctuary

21st Maritime State Development Council Meeting Concludes in Mumbai with Key Reforms for India’s Maritime Sector

• The 21st Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting concluded in Mumbai, marking the first meeting of the Council after it received statutory recognition under the Indian Ports Act, 2025, notified on 15 May 2026.
• Originally constituted in 1997, the Council now has an enhanced mandate to promote integrated maritime growth, coordinated policymaking and planned maritime infrastructure development.
• The meeting was chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• Chairpersons of Major Ports, including Deendayal, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Mumbai Port Authority, Cochin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority, Kamarajar and Mormugao, attended the meeting.
• Representatives of the Inland Waterways Authority of India, Shipping Corporation of India, Dredging Corporation of India, Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation, Cochin Shipyard, Indian Maritime University, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, NITI Aayog, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard were also present.

Key Highlights

• Before the meeting, participants visited the Mumbai Port Authority Cruise Terminal and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, showcasing India's cruise and container port capabilities.
• The Council adopted targets under Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030) and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV 2047). Together, these visions identify more than 500 initiatives covering ports, shipping, inland waterways, shipbuilding, green shipping and global collaboration.
• The Council endorsed the priorities of the National Perspective Plan and called on States to accelerate multimodal connectivity projects involving roads, railways, inland waterways, pipelines and conveyors.
• On statutory compliance, the Council approved draft MSDC Regulations and guidelines on port data and tariff transparency. States and Union Territories were directed to notify subordinate rules under Section 77 of the Indian Ports Act, 2025, within three months.
• To improve ease of doing business, the Council resolved to implement One Nation One Port Process (ONOP) reforms across all ports by March 2027. These reforms include:
• One Nation One Documentation.
• Port Process Re-engineering.
• Inter-ministerial Process Reforms.
• All ports were directed to integrate with the Maritime Single Window (MSW – Sagar Setu) by March 2027 to establish unified digital processes nationwide. Electronic publication of port tariffs was also mandated to improve transparency.
• Sarbananda Sonowal launched the Ready Reckoner for Implementing One Nation One Port Process, a guide for Major and Other Than Major Ports.
• The Council prioritised port connectivity projects under Sagarmala, implementation of the National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan, and shifting more cargo to coastal shipping.
• The Union Minister announced two specialised credit-risk insurance products for India's shipbuilding industry under the National Shipbuilding Mission, developed through the Shipbuilding Development Scheme:
• Shipbuilding Project Credit Risk Insurance Policy (SbPCP) – developed by ECGC Limited to cover export projects.
• Business Credit Shield Policy–Shipbuilders (BCSPS) – developed by The New India Assurance Company Limited to protect domestic projects.
• The meeting established a jointly owned action plan for the integrated development of Major and Non-Major Ports, supporting India's long-term maritime objectives under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda Lays Foundation Stone for India’s First High-Altitude Health Research Centre in Himachal Pradesh

• Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, laid the foundation stone of India’s first High-Altitude Health Research Centre of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) at Keylong in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.

Key Highlights

• The centre will study the distinctive health challenges of Himalayan regions, considering the geographical conditions of Lahaul-Spiti and the effects of extreme high-altitude environments on the health of personnel deployed in these areas.
• The research is expected to help improve healthcare services for tribal communities and Armed Forces personnel serving in high-altitude regions.
• Nadda appreciated the collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Armed Forces Medical Services, stating that the initiative would bring scientific expertise and practical medical experience together on a common platform.
• The Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut and other dignitaries attended the event.
• Later, Nadda inaugurated a scientific exhibition at Keylong Police Ground.
• The centre's findings are expected to guide preventive and clinical healthcare across India's Himalayan and border regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

About Himachal Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
• Governor: Kavinder Gupta
• Capital: Shimla
• National Parks: Great Himalayan National Park, Pin Valley National Park, Inderkilla National Park, Khirganga National Park, Simbalbara National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Kais Wildlife Sanctuary, Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary, Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary

India’s Ramsar Site Network Expands to 103 with Addition of Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel

• India’s total number of Ramsar sites has increased to 103 following the inclusion of Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh.

Key Highlights

• Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, announced the latest additions and highlighted India’s continued commitment to wetland conservation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The newly designated wetlands strengthen conservation efforts by supporting biodiversity, water security, climate security and local livelihoods.
• The ministers congratulated Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh on the achievement and encouraged tourists to visit Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel to experience their natural beauty.
• Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971 for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
• The latest designations reflect India's continued efforts to conserve wetland ecosystems and sustain their ecological, climatic and livelihood benefits.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Chhattisgarh Signs Skill Development MoU with Singapore’s ITE Education Services, Receives ₹43,600 Crore Investment Proposals

• Chhattisgarh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based ITE Education Services to strengthen technical and vocational education and training during Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s visit to Singapore.
• The partnership aims to equip Chhattisgarh’s youth with modern, industry-oriented skills, improve employability and create better career opportunities.

Key Highlights

• Chhattisgarh plans to adopt Singapore’s model of industry participation in curriculum development, practical training and equipment support to strengthen its skill development ecosystem.
• Singapore-based Valency International Pte. Ltd. proposed an investment of ₹350 crore to establish an integrated agro-processing, food-processing and export hub in Chhattisgarh. The proposed facility will process cashew, sesame, pulses and groundnut.
• Chhattisgarh received investment proposals worth ₹43,600 crore during the Chief Minister’s Singapore visit. Major proposals included:
• Energy Capital Global – ₹41,750 crore for an artificial intelligence (AI)-ready data centre campus.
• Sunstream Green Energy – ₹1,500 crore for a 300-megawatt solar power project with battery storage.
• Valency International Pte. Ltd. – ₹350 crore for the integrated agro-processing and export hub.
• The visit was associated with the inaugural Singapore-India Network for Growth (SING) Forum 2026, held in Singapore. Chhattisgarh was nominated by the Ministry of External Affairs to participate in the forum.
• The forum provided a platform to explore international investment, technological partnerships, skill development and industrial cooperation, supporting Chhattisgarh’s efforts to attract investment and strengthen its industrial ecosystem.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, National Culture Fund and Archaeological Survey of India Sign Agreement to Conserve Three Heritage Sites

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to undertake heritage conservation and development works at three prominent sites:
• Hampi, Karnataka.
• Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
• Bekal Fort, Kerala.
• The MoA was signed at Kartavya Bhawan-02, New Delhi, in the presence of Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Pradeep Kumar, Executive Director (Human Resources), signed the agreement on behalf of HAL.

Key Highlights

• HAL has granted in-principle approval for financial support of ₹23.60 crore for the projects during financial years 2026–27 to 2028–29.
• At Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, proposed development works will cover the historic North Bazaar area (approximately 270 metres) and South Bazaar area (approximately 250 metres).
• At the Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort, the projects will focus on approved conservation and site-development works in consultation with ASI.
• The National Culture Fund, established by the Ministry of Culture, facilitates partnerships between the Government and the corporate sector to conserve and promote India's tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Under the agreement, NCF will coordinate project implementation with HAL and ASI.
• The projects will be carried out under the technical guidance and supervision of ASI, ensuring compliance with established conservation principles and prescribed standards.
• The partnership reflects HAL's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and highlights the role of collaboration between public institutions and corporate organisations in safeguarding India's cultural heritage for future generations.
• The agreement marks a step towards strengthening public–private partnerships in heritage conservation and promoting India's cultural legacy.

National Sports Development Fund, Sports Authority of India and Indian Oil Corporation Partner to Strengthen Boxing in India

• The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) entered into a partnership to strengthen boxing in India through structured talent identification and athlete development.
• Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Indian Oil will provide ₹40 crore over two years to support talent identification, athlete development, coaching, sports science, international exposure, strengthening boxing academies and capacity building for coaches, referees and technical officials.

Key Highlights

• The partnership follows the inclusion of sports as a dedicated thematic area under the Common Corporate Social Responsibility Theme Framework of the Department of Public Enterprises, marking a step towards greater corporate participation in sports development.
• The MoU combines Indian Oil's CSR support, NSDF's role in mobilising resources for sports development and SAI's technical expertise.
• The partnership comes after India's performance at the 2026 Asian Games, where Indian boxers won six medals — three gold and three bronze. The initiative aims to build on this achievement by strengthening development pathways for emerging and elite boxers.
• The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), senior Sports Ministry officials, Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India, and Rashmi Govil, Director (Human Resources), Indian Oil.
• The National Sports Development Fund was established by the Government of India in 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890. It facilitates the mobilisation of resources from individuals and corporate organisations for sports development.

Ministry of Rural Development Signs Memorandum of Understanding with National Academy of RUDSETI to Strengthen Rural Self-Employment Training Institutes

• The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Academy of RUDSETI (NAR) to establish uniform training standards, improve administrative quality and facilitate systematic capacity building across Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) across India.
• The MoU exchange took place in the presence of Rohit Kansal, Secretary, Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development. It was exchanged by S. Sasikumar, Joint Secretary (Rural Skills), Department of Rural Development, and Raju N. Kori, Director General, National Academy of RUDSETI.
• The partnership aims to improve candidate registration through Kaushal Panjee and introduce Aadhaar-based face authentication through the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS).

Key Highlights

• The agreement focuses on improving the quality and relevance of training through:
• Introducing new-age courses aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).
• Adopting industry-benchmarked training aids and equipment.
• Delivering core Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) courses notified by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• Strengthening Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes.
• Improving the assessment and certification of trainees and trainers through the Unified Portal.
• Ensuring compliance with the Common Norms notified by the Ministry.
• RSETIs have been assigned a training target of 6.35 lakh rural youth for the current year, higher than the target fixed for 2025–26. The target includes women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and other vulnerable groups.
• The MoU seeks to strengthen the RSETI ecosystem through better training quality, institutional capacity, digital governance and outcome-oriented monitoring.
• The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Rural Development's broader objectives of empowering rural communities through skill development, enterprise creation and sustainable livelihoods, supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Ministry of Defence Signs ₹4,106 Crore Defence Contracts for GSAT-7C Satellite and Varunastra Heavy-Weight Torpedoes

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed defence contracts worth approximately ₹4,106 crore on 15 October 2026 for the GSAT-7C communication satellite for the Indian Air Force and Varunastra heavy-weight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.
• The GSAT-7C contract, worth ₹2,563 crore, was signed with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Bengaluru.
• GSAT-7C is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured communication satellite that will provide secure, resilient and seamless communication for Indian Air Force assets.
• The GSAT-7C satellite will strengthen the operational effectiveness and reliable communication capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The Varunastra contract, worth ₹1,543 crore, was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad.
• Varunastra is an indigenous ship-launched heavy-weight anti-submarine warfare torpedo developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL).
• Varunastra features advanced manoeuvring capabilities and can engage enemy submarines at long ranges, enhancing the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
• The contracts were signed in New Delhi in the presence of Anbarasu, Additional Secretary and Director-General (Acquisition), Department of Defence.
• Both contracts support the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives by strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing and promoting self-reliance in critical technologies.

Indian Coast Guard and Korea Coast Guard Hold 14th High-Level Meeting in Incheon, South Korea

• The 14th High-Level Meeting (HLM) between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) was held on 14 October 2026 at Incheon, Republic of Korea.
• The Indian Coast Guard delegation was led by Inspector General T. Sashi Kumar, while the Korea Coast Guard delegation was led by Senior Superintendent General Im Myeong Gil.
• Both Coast Guards agreed to strengthen cooperation in Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), Marine Pollution Response (MPR) and Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE).
• Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and agreed to enhance joint training exercises, bilateral ship visits, professional exchanges and real-time information sharing.
• The Indian Coast Guard delegation visited the Republic of Korea from 13 to 16 October 2026.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Defence Research and Development Organisation Successfully Tests Quantum Key Distribution System on Live Military Network in Odisha

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully configured and tested its Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) platform on the live network of the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) at Chandipur, Odisha, on 14 October 2026.
• The QKD platform aims to secure real-time observations and telemetry generated during artillery and armoured weapon trials.
• The platform was designed and developed under DRDO’s Microelectronic Devices, Computational Systems & Cyber Security (MCC)

Key Highlights :

• Taqbit Labs, a Bengaluru-based technology company, is the production partner for DRDO’s QKD platform.
• Taqbit Labs has been collaborating with DRDO on QKD systems for the Indian Armed Forces since 2020.
• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a technology that uses the quantum properties of particles to generate and distribute secret cryptographic keys.
• QKD can detect potential eavesdropping, as attempts to measure or intercept quantum signals can disturb their quantum states.
• QKD is a key-distribution technology, not an encryption method itself; the generated cryptographic keys are used with encryption methods to secure data.
• The platform supports secure key distribution and eavesdropping detection, while quantum-resistant algorithms help protect data confidentiality, integrity and authentication against future quantum-computing threats.
• In July 2026, DRDO completed military field trials of a scalable, fibre-based QKD system in collaboration with Taqbit Labs.
• The July 2026 field trials were conducted over a 100-kilometre optical fibre link between Prayagraj and Vindhyachal in Uttar Pradesh.
• The 100-km fibre-optic link recorded a measured signal loss of 26 decibels (dB).
• The system recorded a Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) of 6% and a secure key rate of approximately 5 kilobits per second (kbps).
• The secure key rate of approximately 5 kbps was sufficient for secure text and low-bandwidth voice encryption.
• Fibre-based QKD uses optical fibre to transmit quantum signals and can be deployed across communication links.
• The successful tests support the development of larger, multi-hop quantum communication networks to protect critical defence communication infrastructure against cyber threats.

India Meteorological Department Dedicates Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Decision Support System to India

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), launched the Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services Decision Support System (DSS) on 12 October 2026.

Key Highlights :

• The DSS is an interactive, web-based Geographic Information System (WebGIS) platform designed to strengthen cyclone early-warning services, disaster preparedness, and public safety across India.
• The platform aims to provide location-specific weather information, improve understanding of potential cyclone impacts, and bridge the gap between weather forecasts and their practical use.
• The DSS integrates cyclone tracks, intensity forecasts, wind distribution, rainfall warnings, storm surge information, and rainfall forecasts for river catchments through interactive maps and visualisations.
• The platform helps disaster management authorities, government agencies, and the general public access critical cyclone and marine weather information and make informed decisions.
• The DSS can be accessed through the official IMD website at imd.gov.in and the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC), New Delhi, website at rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in.
• The platform was dedicated to the nation during the bi-annual Pre-Cyclone Exercise Meeting for the post-monsoon season (October–December 2026), chaired by Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, IMD, and 3rd Vice-President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
• The meeting reviewed preparedness for the upcoming cyclone season, assessed progress on previous action points, discussed IMD’s latest initiatives, and addressed operational challenges.
• IMD has been conducting the Pre-Cyclone Exercise Meeting twice a year since 2008 to strengthen coordination among IMD, disaster management authorities, defence forces, state governments, and other user agencies.
• The meeting involved more than 30 organisations and approximately 230 participants, including 180 online participants and 50 in-person participants.
• IMD’s successful prediction of Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Phailin (2013) and Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Hudhud (2014) marked important milestones in India’s disaster preparedness and earned international recognition for its early-warning capabilities.
• Both Cyclonic Storm Phailin and Cyclonic Storm Hudhud crossed the Indian coast on 12 October in their respective years, 2013 and 2014.

About IMD :

• Established : 1875 and operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), handling matters related to meteorology, seismology, and associated subjects.
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• The IMD is one of the six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), with its headquarters in Delhi, India.

Digital India BHASHINI Enables Real-Time Multilingual Communication at National Centre for Good Governance International Training Programme

• The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), enabled real-time multilingual communication at an international capacity-building programme organised by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in Mussoorie.
• The programme was conducted from 12 to 23 October 2026 and focused on urban service delivery for civil servants from multiple countries.
• The programme was sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and conducted under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
• BHASHINI deployed its Shrutlekh platform to provide real-time, two-way translation between English and Spanish during the programme’s introductory session.
• The platform helped international delegates communicate and participate effectively by overcoming language barriers.
• Participants included civil servants and public-sector representatives from Peru, Cambodia, Nigeria, Kenya, Palestine, Lebanon, The Gambia, Ecuador, and Spain.
• BHASHINI’s language technologies are integrated into 2,353 government platforms, including more than 800 government websites.
• BHASHINI supports 36 Indian languages in text services, 23 Indian languages in voice services, and 35 international languages.
• BHASHINI uses Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) to convert spoken language into text, Machine Translation (MT) to translate between languages, and Text-to-Speech (TTS) to generate spoken audio from written text.
• BHASHINI follows a voice-first approach, using speech-based artificial intelligence technologies to facilitate multilingual communication through digital platforms and mobile applications.
• The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) organised the programme under the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and supports governance-related research, knowledge exchange, and civil-service capacity building.
• The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is a capacity-building initiative of the MEA that provides training and technical cooperation to partner countries.

Technology Development Board-Department of Science and Technology Supports Panacea Medical Technologies in Developing and Commercialising an Indigenous 32-Slice Computed Tomography Scanner

• The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, signed an agreement with Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd. to support the development and commercialisation of an indigenous 32-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner.
• The initiative aims to strengthen India’s indigenous medical device manufacturing capabilities under the Make in India initiative.
• Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian medical device manufacturer located in Malur, Karnataka.
• Panacea Medical Technologies specialises in radiotherapy, radiology, medical imaging and cancer treatment technologies.
• The project focuses on the design, development and deployment of a 32-slice CT scanner for diagnostic imaging across various clinical disciplines.
• A Computed Tomography (CT) scanner uses rotating X-ray systems and digital detectors to capture cross-sectional images of the body.
• CT scanner images are reconstructed using computer algorithms to generate detailed images of internal body structures.
• The development of CT scanners requires precision engineering, integration of imaging components and rigorous calibration to ensure imaging accuracy and patient safety.
• Indigenous development of advanced medical equipment aims to reduce dependence on imported technologies and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
• Growing demand for diagnostic imaging in India is driven by expanding healthcare infrastructure, the rising burden of chronic diseases and the need for timely and accurate diagnosis.
• The Technology Development Board (TDB) supports Indian enterprises in developing and commercialising advanced indigenous technologies.
• The project aligns with the Government of India’s Make in India initiative, which identifies medical devices as a priority sector.

Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited Supplies 450 Nagastra-1R Loitering Munitions to the Indian Army

• Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited, delivered 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions to the Indian Army (IA).
• Nagastra-1R is an indigenously developed loitering munition designed for surveillance and precision strikes against enemy targets.
• Nagastra-1R is a man-portable Kamikaze or suicide Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) designed to conduct precision strikes in short-range operations.
• Nagastra-1R contains more than 80% indigenous components, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on imported drones.
• The drone’s radar system can track aerial threats up to 10 kilometres (km), while its Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) can detect threats up to 6 km.
• Nagastra-1R’s threat-detection capabilities exceed the Indian Army’s stated operational requirement of 5 km.
• The drone has an operational endurance of up to 60 minutes and carries approximately 5 kg of high-explosive fragmentation warheads.
• The Indian Army placed an order worth ₹158 crore for Nagastra-1R in June 2025 under the Emergency Procurement (EP)

About Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited :

• SDAL is an Indian defence and aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Nagpur, Maharashtra, specialising in the development of indigenous military equipment and weapon systems.
• Founder and Chairman of Solar Group : Satyanarayan Nuwal

India Post and IndiGo Launch Digital Detox Campaign to Promote Handwritten Communication

• The Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with IndiGo, organised a Digital Detox Campaign on 12 October 2026 during National Postal Week (9–15 October 2026).
• The campaign was conducted on Philately Day to promote handwritten communication and encourage people to take a break from digital devices and reconnect with loved ones through letters.
• As part of the initiative, passengers travelling on selected IndiGo flights received specially designed Digital Detox kits containing postcards during their journey.
• The campaign connected passengers travelling across six major Indian cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.
• The specially designed postcards featured iconic landmarks of the participating cities, highlighting their cultural and geographical identity.
• Passengers were encouraged to write letters and post them in specially placed India Post Letter Boxes at arrival airports for onward delivery to their loved ones.
• The initiative aimed to rekindle the joy of handwritten communication, promote meaningful personal connections and encourage people to reduce their dependence on digital devices.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes Chairman Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar Launches Official Portal to Boost Public Participation and Scientific Data Collection

• Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar (Retd.), Chairman of the High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes (HLCDC), launched the Committee’s dedicated digital web portal in New Delhi.
• The official portal is mha.gov.in and is open for public access and stakeholder submissions.
• The portal allows Central Government Ministries and Departments, State/UT Governments, NGOs, institutions, and individuals to submit data and information on demographic changes.
• The High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes (HLCDC) was constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on 26 May 2026.
• The Committee will examine challenges arising from demographic changes, including those caused by illegal immigration, and study factors such as fertility variations, cross-border movement, economic opportunities, and socio-environmental conditions.
• The Committee will investigate abnormal settlement patterns, planned migration, and structural population changes at the level of religious and social communities.
• The Committee will recommend a permanent operational system for the legal, fair, and time-bound identification, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants, in accordance with applicable law.
• The Committee will recommend institutional mechanisms to strengthen border management, population stabilisation, and identification systems for monitoring demographic trends.
• One of the Committee’s key objectives is to propose a comprehensive policy framework to improve coordination between the Central and State Governments on illegal immigration and related demographic imbalances.
• The Committee may recommend additional measures to address challenges arising from demographic changes, including those linked to illegal immigration.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Padma Shri Recipient Cheruvayal Raman, Popularly Known as ‘Nellachan’, Passed away at 74

• Cheruvayal Raman, renowned Kerala traditional rice conservationist popularly known as ‘Nellachan’ (Father of Paddy), ‘Guardian of Native Paddy’, and ‘Living Paddy Gene Bank’, passed away at the age of 74 on 14 October 2026.

About Cheruvayal Raman :

• He was born on 6 June 1952 in Kammana village, Wayanad district, Kerala, to Kelappan and Theyi of the Cheruvayal Kurichya ancestral lineage.
• Cheruvayal Raman dedicated his life to preserving more than 45 traditional rice varieties through traditional farming on his three-acre paddy field in Kammana, Wayanad.
• He promoted chemical-free farming, indigenous agricultural biodiversity, and the conservation of traditional agricultural practices.
• Important traditional rice varieties preserved by him included Gandhakashala, Thondi, Kunnumkulamban, Peruvaka, Kuthicheera, Kunkumasali, Kunjunni, Onamottam, Onachanna, Vellimuthu, Kanakam, and Chembakam.
• He distributed traditional paddy seeds free of cost to farmers and conserved several other indigenous resources, including traditional vegetables, medicinal plants, trees, and crops.
• He took responsibility for his family’s agricultural land, livestock, and traditional seeds at the age of 17 following the death of his uncle, gaining extensive agricultural knowledge through practical experience.
• Cheruvayal Raman represented Kerala’s farming community at the 2011 International Conference on Biodiversity Conservation in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• He participated in global agricultural events and conventions across 11 countries, including a world agricultural seminar in Brazil.
• He received the National Plant Genome Saviour Award in 2016 for his contribution to agrobiodiversity and traditional crop conservation.
• In 2023, Cheruvayal Raman was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in the field of Others (Agriculture).
• He received the first Oommen Chandy Memorial Award in 2025 from the Kerala State Government for his outstanding contribution to the agriculture sector.

CURRENT AFAFIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Food Day 2026 – 16 October

• World Food Day is observed annually on 16 October to raise awareness about global hunger, food security and the importance of ensuring access to  nutritious food for everyone.
• The 2026 theme is “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”
• The day commemorates the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, on 16 October 1945.
• World Food Day was officially proposed at the 20th FAO Conference in November 1979, and the first observance took place in 1981.
• The observance received official recognition from the United Nations, and countries worldwide mark the day through activities promoting food security and awareness of hunger.
• Since 2014, World Food Day campaigns have continued to highlight efforts to reduce hunger and poverty, particularly in developing countries.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day 2026 – 15 October

• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (PAILRD) is observed annually on 15 October, particularly in the United States and Canada, to honour and remember babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death and other causes of infant loss.
• The observance was established in 2002 to commemorate affected infants and recognise the grief experienced by parents and families.
• Robyn Bear, Lisa Brown and Tammy Novak initiated the movement by petitioning the United States federal government to recognise 15 October as a dedicated day of remembrance.
• On 28 September 2006, the United States House of Representatives approved National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
• October had previously been designated Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month by United States President Ronald Reagan.
• The observance raises awareness of pregnancy and infant loss, honours the memory of babies who have died and acknowledges the emotional impact on bereaved families.

Global Handwashing Day 2026 – 15 October

• Global Handwashing Day is observed annually on 15 October to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap in preventing diseases and protecting public health.
• The 2026 campaign theme is “Be a Handwashing Hero”, encouraging people to develop regular handwashing habits and promote clean hands in workplaces, schools and communities.
• The Global Handwashing Partnership established Global Handwashing Day to encourage innovative strategies and practical action to promote handwashing with soap, particularly during critical situations.
• The first Global Handwashing Day was observed in 2008.
• The campaign raises awareness among government officials, community leaders and the public about the importance of hand hygiene.
• Handwashing with soap is a simple but effective practice that helps prevent the spread of infections and can save lives.
• The observance receives support from schools, governments, international organisations, private businesses and civil society groups, helping expand awareness and encourage healthier hygiene practices worldwide.

World Students’ Day 2026 – 15 October

• World Students’ Day is observed annually on 15 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India.
• Dr. Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. The day recognises his contributions to education and his efforts to inspire students to learn, innovate and achieve their potential.
• World Students’ Day was reportedly established in 2010 in recognition of Dr. Kalam’s commitment to education and student development.
• Dr. Kalam was an aerospace scientist who contributed to India’s missile development and civilian space programmes, earning him the title “Missile Man of India.”
• He became India’s 11th President in 2002 and served until 2007. After his presidency, he continued to focus on teaching and motivating young people.
• He served as a visiting professor at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in Shillong, Ahmedabad and Indore.
• Dr. Kalam received several of India’s highest civilian honours, including the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, in recognition of his contributions to the nation.
• He passed away on 27 July 2015 after collapsing while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong.
• The day highlights the importance of education, scientific curiosity, innovation and the role of teachers and students in nation-building.

Daily CA One- Liner: October 17

• Joseph Vijay, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, launched the Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Ecosystem Scheme at the State Secretariat in Chennai to attract investments in semiconductor manufacturing and strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a hub for advanced electronics manufacturing
• Shri Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, inaugurated the Shilp Samagam Mela at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds in Mysuru, Karnataka, and visited the handicraft exhibition stalls
• The 21st Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting concluded in Mumbai, marking the first meeting of the Council after it received statutory recognition under the Indian Ports Act, 2025, notified on 15 May 2026
• Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, laid the foundation stone of India’s first High-Altitude Health Research Centre of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) at Keylong in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
• India’s total number of Ramsar sites has increased to 103 following the inclusion of Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based ITE Education Services to strengthen technical and vocational education and training during Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s visit to Singapore

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the National Culture Fund (NCF) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to undertake heritage conservation and development works at three prominent sites:
• Hampi, Karnataka.
• Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
• Bekal Fort, Kerala
• The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) entered into a partnership to strengthen boxing in India through structured talent identification and athlete development
• The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Academy of RUDSETI (NAR) to establish uniform training standards, improve administrative quality and facilitate systematic capacity building across Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) across India.
• World Food Day is observed annually on 16 October to raise awareness about global hunger, food security and the importance of ensuring access to  nutritious food for everyone
• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (PAILRD) is observed annually on 15 October, particularly in the United States and Canada, to honour and remember babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death and other causes of infant loss
• Global Handwashing Day is observed annually on 15 October to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap in preventing diseases and protecting public health
• World Students’ Day is observed annually on 15 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified a Common Advertisement Code (CAC) for market intermediaries through amendments to the SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008.
• Astranova Mobility announced on 14 October 2026 that its lending subsidiary, NovaFusion Capital, received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
• NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with London Stock Exchange plc (LSE) to strengthen capital market cooperation between India and the United Kingdom (UK).
• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), launched two specialised credit risk insurance products: Shipbuilding Project Credit Risk Insurance Policy (SbPCP) and Business Credit Shield Policy – Shipbuilders (BCSPS).
• ReNew Energy Global plc, one of India’s leading decarbonisation solutions companies, secured a USD 100 million (approximately ₹955 crore) debt financing facility from the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO (Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden)  to support renewable energy projects under construction.
• The Government of India (GoI) announced the formation of a new Standing Committee under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework to strengthen tax administration and expand the taxpayer base.
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in India on 1 July 2017, bringing several Central and State taxes under a common framework and advancing the principle of “One Nation, One Tax.”
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed defence contracts worth approximately ₹4,106 crore on 15 October 2026 for the GSAT-7C communication satellite for the Indian Air Force and Varunastra heavy-weight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.
• The 14th High-Level Meeting (HLM) between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) was held on 14 October 2026 at Incheon, Republic of Korea.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully configured and tested its Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) platform on the live network of the Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) at Chandipur, Odisha, on 14 October 2026.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), launched the Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services Decision Support System (DSS) on 12 October 2026.
• The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), enabled real-time multilingual communication at an international capacity-building programme organised by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in Mussoorie.
• The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, signed an agreement with Panacea Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd. to support the development and commercialisation of an indigenous 32-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner.
• Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited, delivered 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions to the Indian Army (IA).
• The Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with IndiGo, organised a Digital Detox Campaign on 12 October 2026 during National Postal Week (9–15 October 2026).
• Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar (Retd.), Chairman of the High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes (HLCDC), launched the Committee’s dedicated digital web portal in New Delhi.
• Cheruvayal Raman, renowned Kerala traditional rice conservationist popularly known as ‘Nellachan’ (Father of Paddy), ‘Guardian of Native Paddy’, and ‘Living Paddy Gene Bank’, passed away at the age of 74 on 14 October 2026.