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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

State Bank of India Secures Global Finance’s World’s Best Consumer Bank Award for the Second Year in a Row

• State Bank of India (SBI) won Global Finance magazine’s World’s Best Consumer Bank 2026 award for the second consecutive year and the Best Bank in India 2026
• The awards recognised SBI’s customer-centric banking approach, digital innovation, service excellence, and commitment to financial inclusion.
• The awards were presented at the World’s Best Bank Awards Ceremony, held alongside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
• SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty accepted the awards on behalf of the bank’s customers and employees.
• SBI’s digital banking platform, YONO (You Only Need One), surpassed 10 crore registered users, strengthening its digital banking services.
• SBI introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered customer services and personalised digital experiences to improve service delivery.
• Other winners at the Global Finance World’s Best Bank Awards 2026 included:
• Banco Santander (Spain) – World’s Best Bank.
• DBS Bank (Singapore) – World’s Best Corporate Bank.
• BBVA (Spain) – World’s Best Emerging Markets Bank.
• Ecobank (Togo) – World’s Best Frontier Markets Bank.

About SBI :

• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, and is India’s largest public sector bank by assets and deposits.
• SBI traces its origins to the Bank of Calcutta (1806), which later became part of the Imperial Bank of India (1921) before SBI was established on 1 July 1955.

ICICI Life Insurance Introduces New Brand Identity and ‘Har Kal Aasaan’ Tagline to Simplify Insurance for Indians

• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited, now known as ICICI Life Insurance Limited, introduced its new brand identity and tagline, ‘Har Kal Aasaan’, to make life insurance simpler and more accessible to Indian customers.
• The new tagline ‘Har Kal Aasaan’ reflects the company’s commitment to simplifying life insurance and long-term financial planning.
• The brand repositioning focuses on transparency, flexibility, convenience, informed financial decisions, and easier access to life insurance.
• The redesigned logo retains the signature ICICI Group “i” emblem, alongside the new “ICICI Life” wordmark, with “Insurance” positioned beneath it.
• The rebranding marks the company’s 25-year journey in the Indian market, during which it has helped secure the futures of over 20 crore Indians.
• The initiative aligns with the national objective of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.

About ICICI Life Insurance Limited :

• Established : 2000
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• MD & CEO : Siddhartha Mishra

Asian Development Bank and Japan Finance Large-Scale Renewable-Powered Green Ammonia Plant in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan signed financing agreements with AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Limited, a Hyderabad-based company established by the founders of Greenko Group, to develop a large renewable-powered green ammonia plant in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
• The project will have an annual production capacity of approximately 1 million tonnes of green ammonia, supporting India’s clean energy transition and the development of a new green ammonia export industry.
• The project includes a USD 100 million loan from the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2), financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• The project marks the first investment under the Action for Creating Energy Security for Long-term Resilience (ACCEL) initiative, launched by ADB and Japan in May 2026.
• The ACCEL initiative aims to strengthen energy security and support more resilient energy systems across Asia and the Pacific.
• The project will convert a former natural gas-based ammonia and urea complex in Kakinada into a renewable-powered green ammonia facility.
• The plant will be developed in two phases, with each phase having an annual production capacity of 547,500 tonnes (5 kilotonnes).
• Phase 1 will include the first ammonia production unit and shared utilities for both phases, with commissioning scheduled by 31 March 2029.
• Phase 2 is scheduled for commissioning by 31 March 2030, subject to implementation progress and the securing of additional long-term offtake agreements.
• Green ammonia is produced using renewable energy and is an important input for fertiliser production and industrial applications, helping reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-based production.

 CURRENT AFAFIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

NITI Aayog Releases Data Centre Evaluation Framework to Promote Sustainable Data Centre Growth in India

• NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub released the Data Centre Evaluation Framework to help State governments plan and facilitate the sustainable growth of data centres across India.
• The Framework was released in the presence of Professor Abhay Karandikar, Member of NITI Aayog; Shri Anurag Jain, Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog; and Ms Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog.

Key Highlights

• Representatives from the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce, industry and the media also attended the release.
• Developed with inputs from industry, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Power and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the Framework provides State governments with a practical approach to planning, evaluating and facilitating data-centre investments.
• It helps States assess infrastructure readiness, safeguard critical resources and maximise the long-term economic and strategic value of data-centre projects.
• India’s data-centre capacity has increased from approximately 375 megawatts (MW) in 2020 to around 1.5 gigawatts (GW) currently, driven by growing demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, high-performance computing and data-intensive digital applications.
• Data centres are emerging as critical infrastructure supporting India’s technological and economic ambitions as the country accelerates its AI adoption and digital transformation.
• However, large-scale data centres place substantial demands on electricity, water, land, connectivity and local infrastructure.
• Therefore, planning must go beyond attracting investments and ensure that projects are located where infrastructure and resources can support their long-term operations.
• The Government of India has introduced measures to encourage data-centre investments, including a tax holiday until 2047 for eligible foreign cloud service providers using data-centre infrastructure located in India.
• As investments increase, effective State-level planning and investment readiness will be essential to ensure the sustainable expansion of the sector.

• Professor Abhay Karandikar, Member of NITI Aayog, highlighted the opportunity to use data-centre investments to strengthen India’s technological capabilities. He emphasised:
• Strengthening domestic research and development (R&D).
• Promoting industry–academia collaboration.
• Increasing Indian participation across the data-centre technology value chain.
• Developing innovative solutions in advanced cooling, energy efficiency and resource-efficient computing to convert infrastructure investments into long-term economic and technological benefits.
• The Framework is structured around five pillars:

• Power and Energy
• Water and Cooling
• Siting and Environmental Sustainability
• Economic and Strategic Value
• Policy, Governance and Implementation

India to Introduce Bharat Stage VII Emission Standards for New Cars and Sports Utility Vehicles from April 2029

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is planning to introduce stricter Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) emission standards for new cars and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) from 1 April 2029, according to a draft Gazette notification.
• The draft notification, dated 12 October, proposes implementing the new emission standards in three phases over six years, from April 2029 to April 2035.

Key Highlights

• The proposed implementation schedule is as follows:
• Phase I – April 2029
• Phase II – April 2031
• Phase III – April 2035
• The proposed standards will impose stricter limits on harmful vehicle emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter (PM).
• The proposed norms will apply to new vehicles and will not affect existing vehicles or their remaining service life, including vehicles that comply with Bharat Stage VI standards.

• Bharat Stage (BS) refers to India’s vehicle emission standards, which prescribe limits for pollutants such as:
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Hydrocarbons (HC)
• Particulate matter (PM)
• India’s Bharat Stage emission standards are aligned with European emission norms and aim to gradually reduce pollution by tightening limits on vehicle emissions.
• Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) standards have been in force in India since April 2020. India skipped Bharat Stage V (BS-V) and moved directly to BS-VI to accelerate pollution control.
• Vehicles complying with BS-VI standards emit significantly lower levels of pollutants and require low-sulphur BS-VI fuel.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Releases Periodic Labour Force Survey Monthly Bulletin for September 2026

• The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 18th Monthly Bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for September 2026.
• The PLFS is the primary source of data on labour force participation, employment and unemployment conditions in India.
• The survey methodology was modified from January 2025 to provide monthly and quarterly estimates of key labour market indicators.

Key Highlights

• The monthly bulletins present all-India estimates based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach, covering three key indicators:
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) – The proportion of the population participating in the labour force.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR) – The proportion of the population that is employed.
• Unemployment Rate (UR) – The proportion of the labour force that is unemployed.
• Monthly bulletins from April 2025 to August 2026 had already been released before the September 2026 edition.
• The September 2026 survey covered 3,70,513 persons across India, comprising 2,11,333 persons in rural areas and 1,59,180 persons in urban areas.

Key Labour Market Indicators for Persons Aged 15 Years and Above

• Overall Labour Force Participation Rate: The LFPR stood at 55.5% in September 2026, compared with 55.6% in August 2026. It increased by 0.2 percentage points year-on-year, from 55.3% in September 2025.
• Rural LFPR: The rural LFPR declined from 58.2% in August 2026 to 58.0% in September 2026. However, it increased by 0.6 percentage points year-on-year, from 57.4% in September 2025.
• Urban LFPR: The urban LFPR increased from 50.4% in August 2026 to 50.7% in September 2026, a month-on-month rise of 0.3 percentage points. Compared with September 2025, it declined by 0.2 percentage points from 50.9%.
• Overall Female LFPR: The female LFPR stood at 34.6% in September 2026, compared with 34.8% in August 2026. It increased by 0.5 percentage points year-on-year, from 34.1% in September 2025.
• Rural Female LFPR: The rural female LFPR declined from 39.4% in August 2026 to 38.9% in September 2026. On a year-on-year basis, it increased by 1.0 percentage point, from 37.9% in September 2025.
• Urban Female LFPR: The urban female LFPR increased from 25.4% in August 2026 to 25.9% in September 2026, reaching its highest level since October 2025. It remained broadly stable year-on-year compared with 26.1% in September 2025.

• Overall Worker Population Ratio: The WPR stood at 52.7% in September 2026, compared with 52.8% in August 2026. It increased by 0.3 percentage points year-on-year, from 52.4% in September 2025.
• Rural WPR: The rural WPR declined from 55.8% in August 2026 to 55.5% in September 2026. On a year-on-year basis, it increased by 0.7 percentage points, from 54.8% in September 2025.
• Urban WPR: The urban WPR reached 47.2% in September 2026, its highest level since October 2025, remaining broadly stable at around 47% year-on-year.
• Male WPR: The all-India male WPR increased by 0.4 percentage points year-on-year to 73.6% in September 2026.
• Female WPR: The all-India female WPR increased by 0.5 percentage points year-on-year to 32.8% in September 2026.
• Urban Male WPR: The urban male WPR increased from 70.7% in August 2026 to 71.0% in September 2026.
• Urban Female WPR: The urban female WPR increased from 23.2% in August 2026 to 23.5% in September 2026. The improvement in urban workforce participation was reported across both genders.
• Overall Unemployment Rate: The UR for persons aged 15 years and above remained at 5.0% in September 2026, unchanged from August 2026. It declined by 0.2 percentage points year-on-year from 5.2% in September 2025.
• Rural UR: The rural UR increased slightly from 4.1% in August 2026 to 4.2% in September 2026. However, it declined by 0.4 percentage points year-on-year, from 4.6% in September 2025.
• Urban UR: The urban UR increased marginally from 6.8% in August 2026 to 6.9% in September 2026, compared with 6.8% in September 2025.
• Overall Male UR: The male UR remained stable at 4.9% in September 2026 compared with the previous month, continuing the downward or stable trend observed since June 2026. It declined by 0.2 percentage points year-on-year.
• Urban Male UR: The urban male UR declined from 6.1% in August 2026 to 6.0% in September 2026.
• Overall Female UR: The female UR stood at 5.2% in September 2026, compared with 5.1% in August 2026. Despite the slight month-on-month increase, it declined by 0.3 percentage points year-on-year.
• Rural Male UR: The rural male UR declined by 0.3 percentage points year-on-year, from 4.7% in September 2025 to 4.4% in September 2026.
• Rural Female UR: The rural female UR declined from 4.3% in September 2025 to 3.9% in September 2026, a year-on-year reduction of 0.4 percentage points. It was the lowest level recorded during 2026.
• Urban Female UR: The urban female UR increased from 8.9% in August 2026 to 9.2% in September 2026.
• Overall, the September 2026 PLFS bulletin showed a year-on-year increase in labour force participation and workforce participation, alongside a decline in the overall unemployment rate. Rural female unemployment reached its lowest level of the year, while urban unemployment edged up slightly.

About Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation:

• Minister of State (Independent Charge): Rao Inderjit Singh
• Constituency: Gurgaon, Haryana

Digital India BHASHINI Division Organises BHASHINI Rajyam Workshop in Manipur to Promote Multilingual Artificial Intelligence

• The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology  (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology, Government of Manipur, organised the BHASHINI Rajyam Workshop, Manipur Chapter, in Imphal.
• The workshop focused on advancing multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI), strengthening language technology and integrating Indian-language solutions into government and citizen-facing digital services.
• The programme was attended by Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, along with government representatives and other stakeholders who discussed the role of language technology in making digital services more accessible and inclusive.

Key Highlights

• A key outcome of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Digital India BHASHINI Division and the Government of Manipur.
• The MoU was signed by Amitabh Nag, Chief Executive Officer of DIBD, and Somorjit Salam, Indian Administrative Service officer and Secretary of Information Technology, Government of Manipur.
• The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in language technology, improve language resources and explore multilingual digital service solutions across Manipur.
• BHASHINI शिल्पी (BHASHINI Shilpi), an interactive platform for developers, students and innovators, enabled participants to learn, experiment, solve problems and develop solutions using Language AI.
• The BHASHINI Mitra initiative was highlighted as a platform through which State institutions and language communities can contribute language data and strengthen multilingual AI resources.
• As the next step, DIBD and the Government of Manipur will identify priority use cases, assess language-data requirements and explore the integration of BHASHINI technologies into relevant government platforms.
• The collaboration will also strengthen language resources and involve language experts and local communities in developing and validating solutions that reflect the state's linguistic diversity and public-service needs.
• The BHASHINI Rajyam initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between BHASHINI and State governments, translating language technology capabilities into practical solutions that improve access to digital services and enable wider participation in India's digital ecosystem.
• About Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) – The Digital India BHASHINI Division operates under Digital India Corporation, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, and advances India's Language-First Digital Public Infrastructure to enable multilingual access to digital services.
• BHASHINI brings together language datasets, AI models, APIs and applications to support government departments, developers, researchers and other stakeholders in building multilingual AI solutions.
• According to the supplied information, BHASHINI powers more than 800 government websites, has enabled over 9 billion cumulative AI inferences and processes more than 24 million AI inferences daily.
• BHASHINI supports 36 Indian languages for text, 23 Indian languages for voice and 35 international languages, promoting the adoption of language technology across India's digital ecosystem.

About Manipur:

• Chief Minister: Yumnam Khemchand Singh
• Governor: Ajay Kumar Bhalla
• Capital: Imphal
• National Parks: Keibul Lamjao National Park, Sirohi National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Khongjaingamba Ching Wildlife Sanctuary

Ministry of Cooperation Mandates Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Auditor’s Report) Order, 2026 to Strengthen Transparency and Governance

• Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation) and under the leadership of Union  Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, the Ministry of Cooperation has mandated the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Auditor’s Report) Order, 2026 (MSCARO, 2026).
• The Order aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, financial discipline and good governance in Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS), while safeguarding the interests of cooperative members.

Key Highlights

• The Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023 empowered the Central Government under Section 73(6) to prescribe auditing and accounting standards for Multi-State Cooperative Societies.
• In accordance with this provision, the Ministry of Cooperation formulated MSCARO, 2026, using inputs from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and Multi-State Cooperative Societies.
• Modelled on the Companies (Auditor’s Report) Order (CARO) applicable to the corporate sector, MSCARO, 2026 establishes a uniform, structured and risk-based framework for statutory audit reporting in Multi-State Cooperative Societies.
• Under the framework, auditors must report on key financial, administrative, governance and statutory compliance parameters using a standardised format containing clear Yes/No responses with relevant remarks. This is intended to improve consistency in audit reporting, identify irregularities and strengthen regulatory oversight.
• The Order introduces risk-based regulatory supervision, enabling the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) to identify societies with higher financial or governance risks based on audit observations. This will support targeted inspections, inquiries and regulatory interventions, along with timely corrective action.
• The framework facilitates the early identification of financial stress through systematic reporting of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), overdue loans, liquidity positions, deposits, advances, repayment defaults and borrowings. These disclosures are intended to identify emerging financial vulnerabilities before they develop into serious financial or operational problems.

• To improve governance and institutional accountability, the Order provides for regular scrutiny of:
• Composition of Boards of Directors and directors’ eligibility and disqualification.
• Conduct of Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and Board meetings.
• Constitution and functioning of statutory committees.
• Compliance requirements relating to related-party transactions.
• These provisions aim to promote transparent decision-making, democratic functioning and compliance with statutory requirements across Multi-State Cooperative Societies.
• The framework envisages technology-enabled regulatory oversight through the integration of standardised audit information with the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) Portal.
•  This integration could support automated scrutiny, regulatory dashboards, risk scoring and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based analytics, enabling more efficient monitoring, identification of compliance gaps and evidence-based regulatory interventions.
• The Order also provides for audit-level verification of cybersecurity and anti-money laundering compliance, wherever applicable.
• This includes examining cybersecurity safeguards, reporting suspicious transactions, customer identification requirements and compliance concerning the appointment of Designated Directors and Principal Officers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• These measures aim to strengthen institutional safeguards against financial irregularities, cyber risks and other compliance-related vulnerabilities.
• The Ministry of Cooperation has mandated phased implementation of MSCARO, 2026 to provide cooperative institutions sufficient time to upgrade their internal systems and processes.
• The long-term objective is to extend the framework to Multi-State Cooperative Societies crossing the prescribed threshold of ₹50 crore in relevant financial parameters.
• The initial phase will cover larger societies crossing the ₹1,000 crore threshold, giving smaller institutions additional time to prepare for the enhanced reporting requirements.
• Overall, MSCARO, 2026 combines standardised statutory audit reporting, risk-based regulatory supervision and technology-driven monitoring to strengthen institutional credibility, protect cooperative members’ interests and advance the vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Appointments Committee of the Cabinet Names Subhas Chandra Lal Das as Financial Services Institutions Bureau’s Part-Time Chairperson

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Subhas Chandra Lal Das (SCL Das), a retired 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, as the part-time Chairperson of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB).
• Subhas Chandra Lal Das was appointed for a three-year term, effective from the date of notification or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• The Department of Financial Services (DFS), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), formally issued the appointment.
• The ACC also approved the appointment of six part-time members to the FSIB, comprising three members for public sector banks and financial institutions and three members for public sector insurance companies.
• The three part-time members appointed for public sector banks and financial institutions are:
• Arijit Basu, former Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI), representing the ex-bankers category.
• Satish Kashinath Marathe, former Director on the RBI Central Board, representing the ex-bankers category.
• Ramanathan Subramanian, former Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), representing the former regulator category.
• The three part-time members appointed for public sector insurance companies are:
• Siddhartha Mohanty, former CEO and Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), representing the life insurance specialisation category.
• Neerja Kapur, former Chairperson and Managing Director of New India Assurance Company Limited (NIACL), representing the non-life insurance specialisation category.
• L. Alamelu, former Whole-Time Member (Non-Life) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), representing the former regulator category.
• All six part-time members have been appointed for three-year terms from the date of notification or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

About FSIB :

• The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) is a government body responsible for identifying and recommending candidates for senior leadership positions in public sector banks (PSBs), public sector insurance companies, and financial institutions.
• The FSIB recommends candidates for Whole-Time Director (WTD) and Non-Executive Chairperson (NEC)
• The financial institutions covered by FSIB recommendations include NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India), EXIM Bank (Export-Import Bank of India), and NaBFID (National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development).

Pakistan to Lead International Monetary Fund and World Bank Boards of Governors in 2027 for the First Time Since 1953

• Pakistan was named the incoming Chair of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) for 2027 during the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings held in Bangkok, Thailand.
• Pakistan’s appointment marks its first return to the chairmanship since 1953.
• Ahad Khan Cheema, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Governor to the World Bank, was named the incoming chair.
• The incoming chairmanship was formally announced during the plenary session of the 2026 WBG–IMF Annual Meetings, held from 12 to 18 October 2026.
• The 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings brought together more than 15,000 participants from 191 countries.
• Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs described the appointment as a historic milestone, providing an opportunity to contribute to global economic and development discussions and promote dialogue among member countries.
• Pakistan is receiving financial assistance from the IMF under a USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to address balance-of-payments needs and support economic reforms.
• Pakistan is also engaged with the IMF under a USD 1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), which provides longer-term financing to address climate-related risks and strengthen economic resilience.
• Pakistan is expected to receive approximately USD 1.2 billion in additional IMF financing, subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, following an agreement between IMF staff and Pakistani authorities on the latest reviews of the two loan programmes.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Reserve Bank of India Sanctions Amalgamation of Emirates NBD’s Indian Branches into RBL Bank Effective December 1, 2026

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the Scheme of Amalgamation of the Indian branches of Emirates NBD Bank (National Bank of Dubai)J.S.C. (Public Joint Stock Company) with RBL Bank Limited, effective 1 December 2026.
• The RBI sanctioned the amalgamation under Section 44A(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Key Highlights :

• Following the amalgamation, all Indian branches of Emirates NBD Bank will operate as branches of RBL Bank Limited from 1 December 2026.
• The merger was first announced in October 2025 and was completed after receiving the required regulatory approvals from the RBI, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for the mandatory open offer.
• Emirates NBD Bank acquired a 60% stake in RBL Bank on 18 June 2026, through a primary capital infusion of approximately USD 2.75 billion (around ₹26,016 crore).
• Emirates NBD acquired 1 million shares at ₹280 per share through the transaction.
• The acquisition was completed following the preferential allotment of shares and the completion of the mandatory open offer.
• The transaction was described as the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) in India’s banking sector, the largest equity fundraise by an Indian bank, and the first acquisition of a majority stake in a profitable Indian bank by a foreign bank.
• The investment is expected to strengthen RBL Bank’s balance sheet, improve its capital adequacy, and support its long-term growth plans.
• Emirates NBD Bank operates three branches in India, located in Mumbai, Maharashtra; Chennai, Tamil Nadu; and Gurugram, Haryana.
• The amalgamation marks a further step in integrating Emirates NBD’s Indian branch operations into RBL Bank’s branch network.
• The RBI also issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the proposed merger of REC Limited into Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC), with REC Limited as the transferor company and PFC as the transferee company.
• The proposed REC–PFC merger is expected to create a combined power-sector loan book exceeding ₹11 lakh crore.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Announces Defence Drone Hub and $1 Billion Fundraising Campaign to Boost Research and Innovation

• Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), launched the ‘Greater Than Us’ fundraising campaign of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur).
• The ‘Greater Than Us’ campaign aims to raise USD 1 billion by March 2029 to strengthen research, innovation, and technological infrastructure at IIT Kanpur.
• The campaign aims to mobilise funds from alumni, industry, donors, and institutional partners to support advanced research, modern infrastructure, faculty development, scholarships, and entrepreneurship.
• The campaign prioritises emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, quantum technologies, semiconductors, drones, medical technology (MedTech), and sustainability.
• IIT Kanpur announced plans to establish a defence drone hub in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to promote indigenous defence technology development.
• The proposed defence drone hub aims to indigenise critical components, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
• The hub will support research and development (R&D) in military drones, autonomous systems, and advanced defence technologies.

INS Sudarshini Departs Salalah, Oman, After Port Visit During Its Historic Lokayan-2026 Transoceanic Voyage

• The Indian Navy’s three-masted sail training ship INS Sudarshini departed Salalah, Oman, after a port visit from 14 to 17 October 2026, as part of its historic transoceanic deployment, Lokayan-2026.
• Lokayan-2026 is a historic transoceanic voyage that showcases the Indian Navy’s maritime heritage and promotes professional seamanship, resilience, and leadership among naval trainees.
• During the port visit, INS Sudarshini conducted professional interactions and sporting engagements with the Royal Navy of Oman, strengthening naval cooperation, camaraderie, and people-to-people ties.
• As Lokayan-2026 entered its tenth month, the voyage highlighted the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime diplomacy, international goodwill, and maritime partnerships.
• INS Sudarshini serves as an ambassador of India while traversing international waters and strengthening friendship with other nations.
• The voyage reflects the Indian civilisational principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means “The World Is One Family.”
• The deployment also advances India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

Indian Air Force Carries Out Emergency Casualty Evacuation from Leh to Delhi

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a short-notice casualty evacuation mission using a C-130J aircraft, airlifting a critically ill 30-year-old civilian patient from Leh to Palam, Delhi, for further medical treatment.
• The medical evacuation was conducted late at night, despite darkness and challenging weather conditions.
• The mission required a high degree of operational preparedness, professional coordination, and timely execution.
• After reaching Palam, the patient was transferred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for further treatment.
• The mission demonstrated the IAF’s operational readiness and its ability to respond rapidly to critical humanitarian needs, including medical evacuations in difficult conditions.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Space Research Organisation Successfully Completes Gaganyaan Crew and Service Module Separation Tests Ahead of 2026 Uncrewed Mission

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed a series of Crew Module (CM)–Service Module (SM) separation tests for the Gaganyaan Mission at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• The tests were conducted to validate the design adequacy and overall functioning of the CM–SM separation system ahead of the first uncrewed mission, Gaganyaan-1 (G1).

Key Highlights :

• Gaganyaan-1 (G1), the first uncrewed mission of the Gaganyaan programme, is targeted for launch in 2026 and will carry Vyommitra, a half-humanoid developed for the mission.
• The Gaganyaan Orbital Module consists of two major modules: the Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM), which remain connected through a separation system.
• Before launch, the CM and SM are integrated as a single unit and function together from launch until completion of the on-orbit phase.
• Electrical and fluid servicing between the CM and SM is maintained through multiple umbilical connections.
• The separation process requires the precise severing of electrical and fluid-service umbilicals, followed by multiple sequenced separation events involving pyrotechnic devices and jettisoning systems.
• The Crew Module is separated from the Service Module before atmospheric re-entry, enabling the crew module to return safely to Earth.
• For testing, VSSC established a specialised test setup that simulated the integrated CM–SM assembly and used extensive instrumentation to assess the separation process.
• The test setup included systems such as avionics systems, inertial navigation systems, thermal protection systems, aft and conical heat shields, crew module deployable umbilical shields, and pyrotechnic devices associated with the crew module uprighting system and thermal and humidity control system.
• The successful tests provide necessary confidence in the functioning of the implemented CM–SM separation system for the upcoming G1 mission.
• Gaganyaan Mission is India’s first programme aimed at demonstrating human spaceflight capability, led by ISRO.
• Under the Gaganyaan mission, a three-member Indian crew will be sent into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 400 km.
• The crew is planned to undertake a three-day space mission before being brought back safely to Earth.
• The Gaganyaan mission is planned to launch from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, with the human spaceflight mission targeted for 2027.

National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Chairperson Prof. Maneesha Kothekar Introduces CCRAS SPARK 5.0 and CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026 to Promote Ayurveda Research

• Maneesha Kothekar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), launched CCRAS SPARK 5.0 and CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026 (Second Circular).
• Both initiatives are organised by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ministry of AYUSH.
• CCRAS SPARK stands for Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken and aims to develop research skills, analytical thinking, and research aptitude among undergraduate Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
• CCRAS SPARK 5.0 is the fifth edition of the studentship programme for 2026–27 and introduces students to research methodology and techniques through short-term independent research projects.
• A total of 300 studentships are being offered under CCRAS SPARK 5.0, with ₹50,000 per student.
• Eligible applicants are third- and fourth-year/professional-year BAMS students studying at colleges or universities recognised by NCISM/Government of India.
• Registration for CCRAS SPARK 5.0 opens on 15 October 2026, and the last date to apply is 15 November 2026.
• Applications and programme details for SPARK 5.0 are available at ccras.org.in.
• CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026 recognises contributions to Ayurveda research and promotes quality research publications, effective research communication, and innovation.
• CCRAS Ayurshodh has three categories: CCRAS-Prabodh 3MT, CCRAS-Prakash, and CCRAS-Navonmesha.
• CCRAS-Prabodh 3MT recognises research communication through three-minute thesis presentations.
• CCRAS-Prakash recognises scholarly achievements through publications based on original research.
• CCRAS-Navonmesha recognises innovative prototypes, novel solutions, process innovations, and transformative research methodologies.
• Shree Dhootapapeshwar Limited is sponsoring the awards and prize money for CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026.
• The finals of CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026 are scheduled for 11 December 2026.
• (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS; Dr. Ranjit Puranik, MD and CEO of Shree Dhootapapeshwar Limited; presidents of various NCISM boards; and heads of CCRAS institutes attended the launch.
• The initiatives aim to nurture emerging research talent, encourage quality scholarly publications, improve research communication, and promote innovation in Ayurveda research.

Samsung Semiconductor India Research and Indian Institute of Science Launch Quantum Research Laboratory in Bengaluru

• Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) inaugurated a Quantum Research Lab at the IISc campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to strengthen industry–academia collaboration in quantum technology and semiconductor research.
• The Quantum Research Lab was established with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from SSIR at IISc’s Department of Electronic Systems Engineering (DESE).
• The laboratory focuses on qubit characterisation, cryogenic electronics, quantum-device reliability, single-photon sources and detectors, advanced semiconductor materials, and two-dimensional (2D)-material-based quantum devices under cryogenic conditions.
• The lab is led by Professor Mayank Shrivastava, Chair of IISc’s Department of Electronic Systems Engineering.
• The facility aims to extend access to advanced research infrastructure through structured training and research opportunities for students and researchers from institutions across India.
• The IISc–SSIR collaboration will support selected learning modules on quantum materials and devices, cryogenic electronics, and qubit technologies under the India Semiconductor Workforce Development Program (ISWDP).
• The ISWDP aims to address skill gaps in the semiconductor workforce across device physics, process development, modelling, simulation, characterisation, and reliability.
• The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore for FY 2023–24 to FY 2030–31.
• The National Quantum Mission is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T).
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) launched Manipal House of Quantum – Quantum-Hub@MAHE at Manipal Institute of Technology, Bengaluru (MIT Bengaluru) to advance quantum hardware experimentation, engineering education, and indigenous technology development.
• The Manipal quantum facility provides students, researchers, and industry collaborators with access to quantum hardware, cryogenic systems, and quantum control technologies.
• The facility began operations with a 25-qubit open-architecture dilution refrigeration system designed for advanced training and experimentation.
• The facility’s development roadmap progresses from sub-50-qubit training systems to 150-qubit proof-of-concept platforms, with the long-term goal of developing industrial-grade quantum product systems with more than 1,000 qubits.
• The Manipal initiative supports quantum computing research, deep-tech start-up incubation, component innovation, testing, and translational research, aligning with India’s National Quantum Mission.

Skyroot Aerospace Partners with Reflect Orbital for Two Satellite Launches to Provide On-Demand Nighttime Illumination

• Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, an Indian private space technology company, signed a contract with Reflect Orbital, a United States (US)-based space technology startup, for two dedicated satellite launches using Skyroot’s Vikram family of rockets.
• The partnership aims to support the development of on-demand sunlight at night by deploying satellites equipped with large mirrors to redirect sunlight towards selected locations after sunset.
• The proposed system is designed to provide controllable illumination over an area approximately 5 kilometres (km) wide, with adjustable brightness and an option to switch off the reflected sunlight.
• The first satellite launch will use Skyroot’s Vikram-1 rocket, while the second launch will use the under-development Vikram-1U launch vehicle, featuring additional first-stage boosters and improved performance.
• Potential applications include search-and-rescue operations in disaster-hit areas, extending sunlight availability at solar farms, remote industrial operations, critical infrastructure lighting, defence operations, and public events.

About Skyroot Aerospace :

• Established : 2018
• Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Skyroot became the first Indian private company to launch a rocket into space with Vikram-S in November 2022.
• Skyroot subsequently achieved the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1 in July 2026.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Inaugurates National Strategic Trade Command Centre to Enhance India’s Trade Monitoring and Governance

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal, from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched the National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
• The NSTCC was developed by the Department of Commerce (DoC) to strengthen data-driven monitoring, trade intelligence, and evidence-based governance of India’s international trade ecosystem.
• The centre integrates trade-related data to monitor India’s trade performance, export promotion schemes, regulatory approvals, and application processing.
• The NSTCC uses existing digital infrastructure, including Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) systems and the Trade Connect ePlatform, with provisions to integrate datasets from other government departments.
• The initial dashboards cover key DGFT functions, including Importer Exporter Code (IEC), Advance Authorisation (AA), Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG), and Certificate of Origin (CoO).
• The platform also monitors Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET), restricted imports and exports, and other trade facilitation processes.
• The NSTCC supports product-wise and market-wise trade analysis, helping assess the utilisation of trade agreements and identify new export opportunities.
• The centre enables the government to monitor India’s position in international markets and improve trade policy decisions through integrated data and intelligence.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

India and Canada Sign Commercial Agreements as Both Countries Aim to Conclude Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by 2026

• Indian and Canadian entities signed commercial agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in Karnataka, in the presence of Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade.
• The agreements were signed as India and Canada work towards concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026.

Key Highlights

• Trade between India and Canada reached USD 7.96 billion in Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26), according to government data cited in the report.
• Official estimates suggest that the proposed CEPA could increase bilateral trade by an additional USD 4.4 billion to USD 6.5 billion.
• The negotiating teams from both countries met in Ottawa, Canada, from 5 to 9 October 2026. Discussions covered trade in goods and services, investment, rules of origin, intellectual property rights and trade remedies.
• The next round of CEPA negotiations is scheduled to take place in New Delhi in early November 2026, with both countries targeting the conclusion of the agreement by the end of the year.
• Projected Economic Benefits for Canada: Official estimates project that the proposed agreement could generate a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) gain of USD 3.8 billion to USD 5.9 billion for Canada by 2035. These are projections, and the gains have not yet been realised.
• At a business reception in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Maninder Sidhu identified Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, aviation infrastructure, digital innovation, sustainability and smart mobility as key areas for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
• Companies mentioned in the report include Kinaxis, OpenText, CGI, CAE, Magellan Aerospace, MDA Space and BCE Global Tech.
• Sidhu highlighted investments by Fairfax Financial in Bengaluru airport and the work of Canadian companies Genetec, Transoft Solutions and RBH Access at the airport.
• The commercial agreements are expected to build on existing business ties between India and Canada, while the upcoming negotiations will advance efforts to conclude the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of 2026.

India and Myanmar Sign Five Memoranda of Understanding for Quick Impact Projects under Mekong-Ganga Cooperation

• India and Myanmar signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for implementing Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework for the Financial Year 2026–27 (FY 2026–27).
• The five projects have a total financial allocation of USD 247,502.47 and were signed in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.
• The projects cover Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), boiler operations, road upgrades, sports facilities and software support.

Key Highlights

• The five Quick Impact Projects are as follows:
• Infrastructure and Recreation: The Ministry of Ethnic Affairs of Myanmar will upgrade the village ring road at the National Races Village in Yangon to facilitate public recreation and observation.
• Disaster Response: The Ministry of Education will provide Water, Sanitation and Hygiene support to schools affected by earthquakes.
• Industrial Training: The Ministry of Industry and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development will oversee the upgrading of a boiler operator training centre.
• Sports Facilities: The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement will oversee the construction of a futsal stadium at Patheingyi Boys’ Training School in Mandalay.
• Digital Infrastructure: The Office of the Union Auditor-General will procure CaseWare IDEA data analytics software to strengthen data analysis in public-sector auditing.
• The projects aim to support local development in Myanmar through improvements in infrastructure, disaster-affected school facilities, industrial training, sports infrastructure and public-sector digital capabilities under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

Welthungerhilfe Releases Global Hunger Index 2026, India Ranks 100th

• Welthungerhilfe (WHH), a Germany-based humanitarian organisation, released the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026 in collaboration with the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) and Helvetas.
• The report, titled “No Security Without Food Security,” was released at a hybrid event in Berlin, Germany, ahead of World Food Day, observed on 16 October.

Key Highlights

• India ranked 100th among 122 countries, with a GHI score of 24.1, placing it in the serious hunger category.
• The GHI is an annual, peer-reviewed assessment of hunger at global, regional and national levels. It combines indicators of inadequate calorie intake, child undernutrition and child mortality.
• The GHI score ranges from 0 to 100. A score of 0 indicates the best possible outcome, representing no hunger, while 100 indicates the worst. The score is an index value and not the percentage of people experiencing hunger.
• The GHI is calculated using four indicators:
• Undernourishment (one-third weight): Proportion of the population with insufficient calorie intake.
• Child stunting (one-sixth weight): Proportion of children below five years of age with low height for their age, indicating chronic undernutrition.
• Child wasting (one-sixth weight): Proportion of children below five years of age with low weight for their height, indicating acute undernutrition.
• Child mortality (one-third weight): Proportion of children who die before their fifth birthday.
• Hunger severity categories: Low — 9.9 or below; Moderate — 10.0–19.9; Serious — 20.0–34.9; Alarming — 35.0–49.9; Extremely alarming — 50.0 or above.
• The global GHI score increased from 17.6 in 2018 to 18.1 in 2026, indicating moderate hunger. Hunger levels worsened in 32 countries, while 57 countries were not on track to achieve low hunger levels by 2030.
• Top-performing countries: Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica and Croatia were among the 24 countries with scores below 5.0, sharing ranks 1–24 without individual rankings within the group. Moldova ranked 25th with 5.0, Mongolia ranked 26th with 5.3, and Argentina, Brazil and Azerbaijan jointly ranked 27th with 5.5.
• Countries with the highest calculated hunger scores: Somalia ranked 122nd with 47.0; the Democratic Republic of the Congo ranked 121st with 39.5; Chad ranked 120th with 38.0; Madagascar ranked 119th with 36.5; and Haiti ranked 118th with 34.4. Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad and Madagascar were in the alarming category, while Haiti was in the serious category.
• Missing data prevented some crisis-affected countries from receiving numerical rankings.
• India’s component indicators in 2026: Undernourishment — 9.8%; child stunting — 29.3%; child wasting — 19.0%; and under-five mortality — 2.7%. These indicators have different population bases and should not be added together.
• India's child stunting rate declined from 50.0% in 2000 to 29.3%, a reduction of 20.7 percentage points. However, child wasting remains a significant nutritional challenge.
• India’s historical GHI scores, recalculated in the 2026 edition, were 38.1 in 2000, 37.0 in 2006, 28.8 in 2012, 25.8 in 2018 and 24.1 in 2026.
• The score declined by 14 points between 2000 and 2026, including 1.7 points since 2018.
• Historical comparisons should use the recalculated series from the 2026 edition rather than directly comparing scores published in different annual editions.
• India and neighbouring countries: China was among the 24 countries sharing ranks 1–24, with a score below 5.0; Sri Lanka ranked 53rd (10.2); Nepal and Myanmar jointly ranked 72nd (14.5); Bangladesh ranked 84th (19.2); India ranked 100th (24.1); Pakistan ranked 106th (25.5); and Afghanistan ranked 108th (28.6).
• The report highlights the link between food security, resilient livelihoods and societal stability. Conflict, climate extremes and economic shocks can disrupt food production, trade and household purchasing power, while food insecurity can deepen vulnerabilities and instability.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Mona Agarwal Wins Gold and Avani Lekhara Secures Silver in Women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 Event at the Asian Para Games

• Mona Agarwal won the gold medal with a Games-record score of 250.0 points in the women’s 10-metre air rifle SH1 event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Key Highlights

• Avani Lekhara, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist, won the silver medal with 249.6 points, finishing just 0.4 points behind Mona Agarwal.
• India opened its medal account at the Games with a one-two finish, as Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara secured gold and silver medals, respectively, in the same event.
• Yunri Lee of South Korea won the bronze medal in the women’s 10-metre air rifle SH1 event.
• Mona Agarwal had previously won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
• The SH1 classification is for shooters with lower-limb impairments.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Veteran Tamil Film Composer Deva, Fondly Called ‘Thenisai Thendral’, Passed away at 75

• Veteran Tamil film music director and composer Devanesan Chokkalingam, popularly known as Deva and nicknamed ‘Thenisai Thendral’, passed away on 17 October 2026 at the age of 75 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Deva was born on 20 November 1950 in Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• He rose to prominence in Tamil cinema during the late 1980s and 1990s and became popular for bringing Gaana music into mainstream Tamil cinema.
• Deva’s musical style combined folk influences, Gaana rhythms, distinctive beats, and accessible melodies inspired by local culture and everyday life.
• His music career spanned nearly four decades, during which he composed songs and background scores for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema.
• Deva made his film debut with Mattukkara Mannaru (1986).
• His notable Tamil film soundtracks include Annamalai, Baashha, Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Vaalee, and Kushi.
• Deva received the Kalaimamani Award in recognition of his contribution to the arts.
• He won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director for Vaikasi Poranthachu (1990) and Aasai (1995).
• He received the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Kannada for the film Amrutha Varshini (1997).
• His musical legacy continues through his son Srikanth Deva and his brothers Sabesh and Murali, who are also associated with the film music industry.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2026 – 17 October

• International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually on 17 October to raise awareness about poverty and promote global efforts to eradicate it.
• The 2026 theme is “Safe Homes for All.”
• The first commemoration took place in 1987 at the Trocadéro in Paris, France, where more than 100,000 people gathered to honour those who had died due to extreme poverty, violence and hunger.
• The gathering marked the unveiling of a memorial stone by Joseph Wresinski, a French priest and humanitarian activist.
• Participants declared that poverty is a violation of human rights and emphasised the need for collective action to ensure that these rights are respected and protected.
• In 1988, Joseph Wresinski passed away.
• On 22 December 1992, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
• The United Nations invited all nations to submit and promote initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty and misery.

Daily CA One- Liner: October 20^th & 21^st

• NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub released the Data Centre Evaluation Framework to help State governments plan and facilitate the sustainable growth of data centres across India
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is planning to introduce stricter Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) emission standards for new cars and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) from 1 April 2029, according to a draft Gazette notification
• The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 18th Monthly Bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for September 2026
• The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology, Government of Manipur, organised the BHASHINI Rajyam Workshop, Manipur Chapter, in Imphal
• Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation) and under the leadership of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, the Ministry of Cooperation has mandated the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Auditor’s Report) Order, 2026
• Indian and Canadian entities signed commercial agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in Karnataka, in the presence of Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade
• India and Myanmar signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for implementing Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework for the Financial Year 2026–27
• Welthungerhilfe (WHH), a Germany-based humanitarian organisation, released the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026 in collaboration with the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) and Helvetas
• Mona Agarwal won the gold medal with a Games-record score of 250.0 points in the women’s 10-metre air rifle SH1 event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan
• International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually on 17 October to raise awareness about poverty and promote global efforts to eradicate it.
• State Bank of India (SBI) won Global Finance magazine’s World’s Best Consumer Bank 2026 award for the second consecutive year and the Best Bank in India 2026
• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited, now known as ICICI Life Insurance Limited, introduced its new brand identity and tagline, ‘Har Kal Aasaan’, to make life insurance simpler and more accessible to Indian customers.
• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan signed financing agreements with AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Limited, a Hyderabad-based company established by the founders of Greenko Group, to develop a large renewable-powered green ammonia plant in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Subhas Chandra Lal Das (SCL Das), a retired 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, as the part-time Chairperson of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB).
• Pakistan was named the incoming Chair of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) for 2027 during the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings held in Bangkok, Thailand.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the Scheme of Amalgamation of the Indian branches of Emirates NBD Bank (National Bank of Dubai)J.S.C. (Public Joint Stock Company) with RBL Bank Limited, effective 1 December 2026.
• Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), launched the ‘Greater Than Us’ fundraising campaign of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur).
• The Indian Navy’s three-masted sail training ship INS Sudarshini departed Salalah, Oman, after a port visit from 14 to 17 October 2026, as part of its historic transoceanic deployment, Lokayan-2026.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a short-notice casualty evacuation mission using a C-130J aircraft, airlifting a critically ill 30-year-old civilian patient from Leh to Palam, Delhi, for further medical treatment.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed a series of Crew Module (CM)–Service Module (SM) separation tests for the Gaganyaan Mission at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• Maneesha Kothekar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), launched CCRAS SPARK 5.0 and CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026 (Second Circular).
• Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) inaugurated a Quantum Research Lab at the IISc campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to strengthen industry–academia collaboration in quantum technology and semiconductor research.
• Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, an Indian private space technology company, signed a contract with Reflect Orbital, a United States (US)-based space technology startup, for two dedicated satellite launches using Skyroot’s Vikram family of rockets.
• Union Minister Piyush Goyal, from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched the National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
• Veteran Tamil film music director and composer Devanesan Chokkalingam, popularly known as Deva and nicknamed ‘Thenisai Thendral’, passed away on 17 October 2026 at the age of 75 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.