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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Securities and Exchange Board of India Revises Equity Cash Market Closing Auction Session Framework from December 7, 2026

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) revised the Closing Auction Session (CAS) framework to improve transparency, price discovery and orderly market closing.
• The revised framework will come into effect on 7 December 2026, except for provisions concerning the transition of unexecuted limit and iceberg orders, which will take effect on 8 February 2027.

Key Highlights :

• The Closing Auction Session (CAS) will operate for 10 minutes, from 3:30 PM to 3:40 PM on all trading days, replacing the existing session from 3:15 PM to 3:35 PM.
• The new CAS will have three phases: Phase 1 (3:30–3:31 PM) for reference-price calculation and order transition; Phase 2 (3:31–3:36 PM) for placing market and limit orders; and Phase 3 (3:36–3:40 PM) for placing only limit orders.
• During Phase 3, market orders cannot be modified or cancelled, and the order-entry session will close randomly between 3:38 PM and 3:40 PM.
• The post-close session in the equity cash market will run from 3:50 PM to 4:00 PM, with trades executed at the closing prices of securities.
• The CAS reference price will be based on the Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of trades executed during the last 15 minutes of the Continuous Trading Session (CTS).
• If no trade occurs during the last 15 minutes, the day’s last traded price will be used; if no trade occurs throughout the day, the previous trading day’s closing price, adjusted for applicable corporate actions, will be used.
• Trading in stock and index derivatives will generally continue until 3:45 PM, subject to exceptions for expiring index derivatives contracts.
• The settlement price of expiring index derivatives will be based on the underlying index value calculated using the VWAP of constituent securities during the last 30 minutes of continuous trading in the equity cash market.
• The settlement price of expiring stock derivatives will be based on the VWAP of the underlying stock during the last 30 minutes of continuous trading across all stock exchanges.
• Stock exchanges will disseminate indicative index values and indicative VWAPs in real time to improve market transparency.
• The price bands for stock futures between 3:30 PM and 3:45 PM will align with those applicable during CAS, and the existing dynamic flexing of price bands will not apply during this period.
• The revised framework followed a review of existing rules, public comments, recommendations from SEBI’s Secondary Market Advisory Committee (SMAC) and discussions with stock exchanges.

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.

Canara HSBC Life Insurance Introduces USD-Based Global Wealth Plan via GIFT City

• Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited launched the Global Wealth Plan, a USD-denominated, unit-linked, non-participating life insurance-cum-savings plan through Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat.
• The plan targets Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) by offering global investment opportunities and life insurance protection with investments and benefits denominated in US dollars (USD), subject to policy terms and conditions.
• The Global Wealth Plan provides market-linked investment options in global equities, precious metals such as gold and silver, and debt funds.
• The plan offers three variants: Wealth, designed for long-term wealth creation; Wealth Plus, featuring a Premium Funding Benefit; and Wealth Forever, a whole-life option for legacy planning and wealth transfer.
• All three variants provide life insurance cover.
• The Wealth Plus variant offers a death benefit and a Premium Funding Benefit, under which future premiums are funded following the insured person's death, subject to policy terms and conditions.
• Additional features include Loyalty Additions and Maturity Boosters, which can enhance the policy's fund value depending on the selected plan and applicable conditions.
• The plan offers zero premium allocation charges and zero administration charges, allowing a larger portion of premiums to remain invested, subject to the product's terms.
• The Global Wealth Plan is distributed exclusively through Policybazaar under the GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)
• The plan is a Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP), and its returns are market-linked and not guaranteed.
• GIFT City, located in Gujarat, enables NRIs to access internationally diversified investments through a regulated Indian financial-services framework while transacting in US dollars.

About Canara HSBC Life Insurance :

• Headquarters : Gurugram, Haryana.
• MD & CEO : Anuj Dayal Mathur
• The company is jointly promoted by Canara Bank, HSBC Insurance (Asia-Pacific) Holdings and Punjab National Bank (PNB).
• As of September 2026, Canara HSBC Life Insurance operated 107 branches across India.

Japan Becomes India’s Largest Foreign Direct Investment Source in Q1 FY27 with $5.71 Billion Inflows

• Japan emerged as the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India during Q1 FY 2026–27 (April–June 2026), with inflows of US$5.71 billion.
• Japanese investments accounted for nearly 29% of India’s total equity FDI inflows of US$19.81 billion during the first quarter of FY 2026–27.
• According to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Japan announced an investment commitment of ¥10 trillion in India over a decade in 2025, and Japanese companies have invested around ₹1 lakh crore towards this commitment.
• Japan’s FDI inflows into India during April–June 2026 reached US$5.71 billion, exceeding the US$3.74 billion received from Japan during the entire FY 2025–26, as reported in the supplied information.
• The major sectors attracting Japanese investments include banking and financial services, technology, digital infrastructure, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), automotive, construction, and logistics.
• Financial transactions and acquisitions contributed significantly to the increase in Japanese investments in India.
• Singapore ranked second among the sources of FDI into India during Q1 FY 2026–27, with inflows of US$5.22 billion.
• Mauritius ranked third with US$2.40 billion, followed by the Netherlands with US$1.38 billion and the United States with US$1.35 billion.

1 Finance Secures Securities and Exchange Board of India’s In-Principle Approval to Launch an Mutual Funds Lite Asset Management Company

• 1 Finance Private Limited, an advisory and wealth-tech firm, received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to establish an Asset Management Company (AMC) under the Mutual Funds Lite (MF Lite) framework.
• With this approval, 1 Finance could become the first AMC to operate under the MF Lite framework, subject to obtaining SEBI’s final registration and fulfilling regulatory and operational requirements.
• The company is targeting the launch of its mutual fund business in Q4 FY27 (January–March 2027), subject to regulatory approval.
• The proposed AMC will exclusively offer passive investment products, primarily index funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).
• The company’s existing personal finance advisory platform manages over ₹17,000 crore in Assets Under Advice (AUA).
• SEBI introduced the MF Lite framework on 31 December 2024 to reduce regulatory and compliance requirements for mutual fund houses offering eligible passive investment schemes.
• The MF Lite framework aims to lower entry barriers, reduce compliance costs and encourage more participants in India’s passive investment market.
• Unlike conventional mutual fund licences, the MF Lite licence is restricted to eligible passive schemes, whereas conventional AMCs can offer both actively and passively managed schemes.
• Under the stated MF Lite eligibility requirements, AMCs must maintain a minimum net worth of ₹35 crore, which may be reduced to ₹25 crore after five consecutive profitable years, subject to applicable regulations.
• The framework requires a minimum 40% sponsor stake in the AMC.
• If an AMC’s passive Assets Under Management (AUM) exceeds ₹1 lakh crore, it must comply with the applicable standard AMC net-worth requirements.

Traders Call Off October 2 ‘No UPI Day’ Protest After Meeting Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

• The All India Consumer Products Federation and the All India Mobile Retailers Association withdrew their proposed ‘No UPI Day’ protest following a meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.
• The meeting was attended by around 20 senior trade leaders, led by Praveen Khandelwal, BJP MP and Secretary General of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured the delegation that the government remains committed to promoting digital transactions while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.
• The proposed ‘No UPI Day’ was planned for 2 October (Gandhi Jayanti) to protest the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.4% on UPI merchant transactions above ₹2,000, scheduled to take effect from 15 October.
• Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is the fee paid by a merchant for accepting digital payments.
• Person-to-Person (P2P) UPI transactions remain free of transaction fees.
• Under the proposed fee structure, Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI transactions above ₹2,000 attract an MDR of 0.40%, capped at ₹300.
• Person-to-Person-Merchant (P2PM) transactions remain exempt from MDR; this category covers small vendors receiving up to ₹1 lakh per month through UPI, particularly benefiting businesses in rural and semi-urban areas.
• In August 2026, UPI processed 51 billion P2M transactions, worth approximately ₹8.95 trillion.
• Payments above ₹2,000 accounted for around 67% of the total value of P2M UPI transactions in August.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

National Steering Committee Approves ₹1,194.92 Crore for Five Industrial Training Institute Clusters under Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded Industrial Training Institutes (PM-SETU) Scheme

• The National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded Industrial Training Institutes (PM-SETU) Scheme approved five Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth ₹1,194.92 crore to upgrade Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters across Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Highlights

• With these approvals, the cumulative investment sanctioned under PM-SETU has reached ₹3,687 crore, aimed at transforming ITIs into modern, industry-aligned and future-ready skill development institutions.
• The 6th NSC meeting was chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and reviewed the progress of the scheme.
• The meeting was attended by senior MSDE officials, including Niranjan Kumar Sudhanshu, Additional Secretary, and Manasi Sahay Thakur, Joint Secretary, along with representatives of the Directorate General of Training (DGT), State Governments, Union Territories, industry partners, multilateral development banks and other stakeholders.
• The five approved ITI clusters and their industry partners are as follows:
• Cuttack, Odisha – ₹240.50 crore, in partnership with Tata Steel Foundation.
• Pune, Maharashtra – ₹241 crore, in partnership with BVG India Limited, in consortium with BVG Foundation.
• Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra – ₹238.01 crore, in partnership with Belrise Industries Limited.
• Jammu – ₹240 crore, in partnership with Eagle Infra India Limited.
• Srinagar – ₹235.41 crore, in partnership with Inderdeep Infra India Limited.
• The projects will focus on modernising ITI infrastructure, introducing industry-aligned courses, strengthening trainer capacity, enhancing industry engagement and improving employment opportunities for young people.
• Each cluster will operate through a hub-and-spoke model, comprising one lead government ITI and four associated ITIs, to strengthen training delivery and resource sharing.
• The Committee also reviewed Component II of PM-SETU, which focuses on Training of Trainers (ToT) to equip instructors with contemporary technical knowledge and teaching competencies.
• As of October 2026, a total of 3,744 trainers had been trained under the programme through National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).

About Odisha:

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

About Maharashtra:

• Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
• Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
• Capital: Mumbai
• National Parks: Tadoba National Park, Gugamal National Park, Chandoli National Park, Navegaon National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thane Creek Flamingo Wildlife Sanctuary

About Jammu and Kashmir:

• Chief Minister: Omar Abdullah
• Lieutenant Governor: Manoj Sinha
• Capitals: Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
• National Parks: Dachigam National Park, Kazinag National Park, Kishtwar National Park, Salim Ali National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary, Limber Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramnagar Rakha Wildlife Sanctuary, Trikuta Wildlife Sanctuary

Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana Covers Over 47,200 Villages Across India

• The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has covered over 47,200 villages, benefiting more than 47.79 lakh citizens across India under its Adarsh Gram component.
• As of 8 September 2026, 18,093 villages had been declared Adarsh Grams under the scheme.
• A total of 46,944 development works have been completed, and 27,032 Village Development Plans (VDPs) have been prepared under PM-AJAY.

Key Highlights

• The Adarsh Gram component aims to develop Scheduled Caste (SC)-majority villages into model villages by addressing infrastructure gaps, improving basic services, meeting the minimum needs of all sections of society and reducing socio-economic disparities.
• PM-AJAY promotes the socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Caste communities through infrastructure development, livelihood promotion, education and improved access to essential services.
• The scheme has three components, namely the development of Scheduled Caste-dominated villages into Adarsh Grams, Grants-in-Aid for socio-economic projects at the State and District levels, and the construction and repair of hostels.
• The Grants-in-Aid component provides financial assistance for State- and District-level projects aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of Scheduled Caste communities through livelihood projects, income generation, skill development and related infrastructure.
• Approximately ₹1,730 crore was released directly to States under the Grants-in-Aid component during Financial Years 2021–22 to 2025–26, extending skill development and livelihood opportunities to more than 2.5 lakh individual and group beneficiaries.
• As of September 2026, a total of 785 student hostels had been completed under PM-AJAY.
• For Financial Year 2026–27, the Government allocated ₹61.46 crore in central assistance for two hostel projects—one for girls and one for boys—which will provide accommodation for 264 students.
• The Ministry launched the PM-AJAY Mobile App and PM-AJAY Portal to replace paper-based workflows with end-to-end digital processing in real time, strengthening monitoring, transparency, accountability, coordination and data-driven decision-making.
• PM-AJAY is a 100% Centrally Funded Scheme, although States and Union Territories may provide additional resources wherever required.
• Under the funding framework, up to 50% of funds may be used for filling infrastructure gaps in selected Adarsh Gram villages, while up to 5% is allocated for establishing and operating Technical Support Groups and Project Implementation Units at the Central, State and District levels.
• Up to 2% of funds is earmarked for the construction and repair of hostels, including support for Central Institutions.
• The remaining funds are provided as Grants-in-Aid for projects at the State and District levels.
• Grants-in-Aid allocations take into account factors such as the Scheduled Caste population and the ratio of the State Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) to the Annual Plan in relation to the Scheduled Caste population of States and Union Territories.
• Following the completion of infrastructure projects, their maintenance and operation are the responsibility of the concerned State Governments or implementing agencies.
• The Government of India also provides central assistance for hostel maintenance.
• As India progresses towards Viksit Bharat @2047, PM-AJAY contributes to inclusive development by improving village infrastructure, basic services, livelihood opportunities, skill development and access to education for Scheduled Caste communities.

Government of India Releases Commemorative Coin and Postage Stamp Honouring Ghanshyam Dass Jain

• The Government of India (GoI) released a ₹100 commemorative coin and a ₹5 commemorative postage stamp honouring Ghanshyam Dass Jain, a renowned musician, composer, philanthropist and cultural personality, during the National Annual Cultural Conclave held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The commemorative coin and postage stamp were unveiled by Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA), Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paytm, and other dignitaries.

Key Highlights

• The ₹100 commemorative coin is a non-circulating coin made of 99.9% pure silver, weighing 40 grams and measuring 44 millimetres in diameter.
• The obverse of the coin features the Lion Capital of Ashoka and the ₹100 denomination, while the reverse displays an embossed portrait of Ghanshyam Dass Jain, birth-centenary inscriptions in Devanagari and English, and the year 2026.
• The ₹5 commemorative postage stamp features an illustrated portrait of Ghanshyam Dass Jain, highlighting his association with the violin.
• An archival book titled “Sangeetmay Virasat – Ek Shatabdi” was released alongside the commemorative items. It documents Ghanshyam Dass Jain’s life and works and contains 101 handwritten compositions, including ghazals, melodies, songs and plays.
• The event also marked the launch of an annual cultural initiative themed “Shakti, Sadhana aur Samarpan.”
• The event was organised by the Ghanshyam Dass Bhagya Devi Jain Trust, in collaboration with the Shri Jin Kushal Suri Jain Khartargachchh Dadabari Trust, Jain Kushal Yuvak Mandal, Sargam Mandal and Jin Kushal Suri Jain Mahila Mandal.
• The event was attended by Mariamma Thomas, Member (Philately, Media and Communication) of the Postal Services Board, noted Kathak exponent Saswati Sen, spiritual leaders, industry representatives and other prominent personalities.
• Ghanshyam Dass Jain, popularly known as “Sangeet Samrat” and “Sur Samrat,” contributed to devotional music, theatre, Indian cinema and philanthropy, supporting education, religious activities and social welfare.

Delhi Government Approves Go-Delhi Foundation to Promote Startups and Innovation

• The Delhi Government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved the establishment of the Go-Delhi Foundation to promote startups, innovation and entrepreneurship in the national capital.
• The foundation will have an initial budgetary allocation of ₹50 crore to help young people, researchers and entrepreneurs transform their ideas into practical products and successful businesses.
• The decision was approved by the Delhi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, with funds sanctioned to support product development and commercialisation.

Key Highlights

• Delhi has nearly 21,000 startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• The foundation aims to bring together the capital’s entrepreneurial resources, educational institutions and research facilities on a common platform to encourage new enterprises, attract investment and generate employment.
• The foundation will support startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing access to product engineering, prototyping, laboratory and testing facilities.
• It will offer mentorship and assistance at different stages of business development, including product development, testing, certification preparation and market access.
• The Go-Delhi Foundation will be established as a not-for-profit company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, and will operate under the Delhi Government’s Department of Industries.
• Government departments will be able to present practical challenges to innovators through the foundation. Startups and researchers can develop products and technologies to address these problems, which may then be tested through pilot projects.
• Successful solutions could be taken forward for adoption by government departments, enabling them to access new technologies while allowing startups to demonstrate the practical value of their products.
• The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among the government, industry, educational institutions and innovators, while supporting entrepreneurship, investment and employment generation in Delhi.

About Delhi (National Capital Territory):

• Chief Minister: Rekha Gupta
• Lieutenant Governor: Taranjit Singh Sandhu
• Capital: New Delhi
• National Parks: None
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Asola Bhatti (Indira Priyadarshini) Wildlife Sanctuary

Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana Provides Incentives of up to ₹15,000 to First-Time Employees

• The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) was launched in August 2025 to encourage formal employment and generate job opportunities.
• The scheme covers eligible employment between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2027, with a total budget allocation of ₹99,446 crore.
• Employees earning a monthly salary of up to ₹1 lakh may qualify for incentives under the scheme.
• The scheme has two parts. Part A provides financial incentives to first-time employees entering formal employment, while Part B supports employers who expand their workforce.

Key Highlights

• Under Part A, eligible first-time employees can receive financial assistance of up to ₹15,000, paid in two instalments of up to ₹7,500 each.
• The actual amount depends on the employee’s Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) wage for one completed month, subject to the overall limit.
• The first instalment becomes payable after six months of employment.
• The second instalment is payable after 12 months of continuous service, provided the employee completes the prescribed Financial Literacy Course (FLC).
• Part of the incentive is placed in a designated savings instrument to encourage financial security. Employees can access this amount at a later stage.
• Under Part B, employers that add eligible employees and retain them for at least six months can receive financial support of up to ₹3,000 per month for each qualifying employee. The incentive is available for two years generally and four years for eligible manufacturing-sector employers.
• Eligibility conditions for the ₹15,000 employee incentive:
• Joining period: The employee must join an establishment between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2027.
• First-time Employees’ Provident Fund membership: The employee must not have been an EPF-contributing member through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) or an exempted trust before 1 August 2025.
• First EPF contribution: The employee’s first EPF contribution through the EPFO or an exempted trust must relate to the August 2025 wage month or a later month.
• Salary limit: The employee’s monthly salary must not exceed ₹1 lakh.
• Employment duration: The employee must complete at least six months of service with the same establishment to qualify for the first instalment.
• Aadhaar and bank requirements: Employees must activate their Universal Account Number (UAN), complete Aadhaar-based face authentication through the designated application and maintain a bank account enabled to receive Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments.
• Requirements for the second instalment: Employees must complete 12 months of continuous employment and successfully finish the prescribed Financial Literacy Course.
• Steps to complete the Financial Literacy Course:
• Visit the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation website and select Employee Login.
• Log in using the Universal Account Number and password.
• Enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar and submit it.
• Locate the PM-VBRY section on the homepage.
• Select Financial Literacy Course from the available options.
• Complete all five modules and their question-and-answer assessments. Each module unlocks the next one.
• Finish the course and obtain the Financial Literacy Course Completion Certificate.
• After completing the course and meeting the 12-month continuous-service requirement, eligible employees can receive the second instalment of up to ₹7,500 in their linked bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer.
• The total employee incentive under Part A is capped at ₹15,000, and the actual amount depends on the employee’s EPF wage for one completed month.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United States Suspends Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro and HCL from Green Card Sponsorship Programme

• The United States (US) suspended several major IT companies from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme on 8 October 2026, affecting their ability to sponsor eligible foreign workers for US green cards.
• The affected companies include Cognizant, Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe.
• The announcement was made by US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling, alongside Vice-President D. Vance, who heads the US Anti-Fraud Task Force.
• The Permanent Labour Certification Programme (PERM) allows US employers to sponsor eligible foreign workers for permanent employment and lawful permanent residency (green cards), subject to applicable requirements.
• The US government stated that it would not accept new applications or process pending permanent labour certification applications involving the affected companies.
• According to Keith Sonderling, the companies had requested nearly 3 million foreign workers since 2009, received more than 230,000 H-1B visa approvals and obtained over 100,000 permanent labour certifications.
• The US administration argued that the companies’ recruitment practices were taking employment opportunities away from American workers.
• The suspension represents a significant development for Indian IT companies, particularly Infosys, Tata, Wipro, HCL and Cognizant, because of their reliance on skilled international talent and the US market.
• In a separate development, the Trump administration extended by one year an executive order imposing a US$100,000 fee on H-1B non-immigrant visas, according to the supplied report.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

5th India–Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND Begins in Thiruvananthapuram

• The 5th edition of India–Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 commenced on 19 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and will continue until 1 November 2026.
• AUSTRAHIND 2026 involves approximately 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and Australian Army.
• The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from the Garhwal Rifles and other arms and services, while the Australian Army contingent comprises troops from 13 Brigade.
• The theme of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 is “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate.”
• The primary objectives of the exercise are to enhance interoperability, jointmanship, and operational coordination between the Indian and Australian armies.
• The training includes joint planning, tactical drills, combat-oriented training, surveillance and reconnaissance, protection of vital installations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in island and coastal environments.
• An observer delegation from New Zealand is participating in the exercise for the first time.
• The 4th edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND was held at Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia, from 13 to 26 October 2025.
• The first edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND was held in 2022 at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, India.
• Exercise AUSTRAHIND strengthens India–Australia defence cooperation, mutual trust, and military-to-military relations while reinforcing their shared commitment to peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

India and Russia Hold 15th Edition of INDRA Joint Military Exercise in Russia

• India and Russia conducted the 15th edition of the bilateral naval exercise INDRA-2026 at Vladivostok and the Sea of Japan (East Sea), Russia, to strengthen maritime cooperation, operational interoperability and coordination between their navies.
• Exercise INDRA-2026 was scheduled from 13 to 18 October 2026, with the maritime phase conducted on 16–17 October 2026.
• Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri arrived at Vladivostok, Russia, on 10 October 2026 to participate in the exercise.
• The participating naval forces included the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy (RuFN).
• The harbour phase was conducted at Vladivostok, Russia, and included planning conferences, cross-deck visits, protocol meetings and professional interactions between Indian and Russian naval personnel.
• The operational teams of INS Sahyadri and the Russian Navy ship Aldar Tsydenzhapov held a planning conference to coordinate activities for the sea phase.
• The Russian Navy hosted the opening ceremony on 15 October 2026.
• The sea phase, conducted in the Sea of Japan on 16–17 October 2026, included tactical manoeuvres, artillery firing against sea and aerial targets, boarding operations, and rehearsals to rescue a vessel simulated to have been seized by terrorists.
• The broader land-based and air operations were conducted in Russia’s Chelyabinsk Region and the Russian Far East, involving joint operations to eliminate illegal armed groups and training in unit command and control.
• The land-based activities were scheduled to continue until 23 October 2026.
• The participation of INS Sahyadri supports India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
• The exercise builds upon the longstanding India–Russia defence and maritime partnership and carries forward the momentum of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, held on 4–5 December 2025.

Indian Navy to Hold 5th Swavlamban Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar on 26–27 October 2026

• The Indian Navy will organise the 5th edition of Swavlamban 2026, its flagship Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, on 26–27 October 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
• The curtain-raiser press conference was held on 19 October 2026 in New Delhi, chaired by Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS).
• Swavlamban 2026 aims to promote indigenous technological innovation, strengthen naval operational capabilities, and advance Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance).
• The seminar will bring together start-ups, MSMEs, academia, industry partners, investors, innovators, and the Defence Forces to develop collaborative solutions for emerging maritime security challenges.
• The exhibition will showcase indigenous innovations in Maritime Surveillance, Counter-UAS, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technologies, Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence (NBCD), and Safety and Efficiency Enhancers.
• Investor engagements will focus on funding opportunities, scaling up promising enterprises, and commercialisation of indigenous technologies.
• Expert panel sessions will discuss strengthening the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) ecosystem, building resilient supply chains, promoting academic entrepreneurship, and supporting start-ups.
• The seminar will feature the release of the Swavlamban 5.0 Document, the Compendium on Technology Imperatives, and the Naval Unified Systems, Ethernet and Tactical Utilisation (NAUSETU) Interface Standards.
• The seminar aims to strengthen collaboration between the Indian Navy and India’s innovation ecosystem to develop a future-ready naval force capable of meeting the evolving requirements of modern warfare.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Hinduja Tech Appoints Faiz Ahmad as Chief Executive Officer Effective 1 November 2026

• Hinduja Tech Limited., a mobility-focused engineering and Research & Development (R&D) technology company, has appointed Faiz Ahmad as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 November 2026.
• Faiz Ahmad will succeed Kumar Prabhas, who will retire as CEO on 31 October 2026 after serving in the role for nine years.
• Hinduja Tech Ltd. is a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and is part of the Hinduja Group ecosystem.
• Faiz Ahmad has been associated with the broader Hinduja Group ecosystem for nearly two decades.
• Before his appointment as CEO, Faiz Ahmad served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of Vehicle Engineering & Development at Hinduja Tech.
• During Kumar Prabhas’s tenure, Hinduja Tech expanded its international presence, strengthened customer partnerships, and completed acquisitions, including DSD and Tecosim.

Nagaraju Maddirala Appointed Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Chairman and Managing Director for Two Years

• Nagaraju Maddirala, former Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), has been appointed Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) for a period of two years.
• His appointment was confirmed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) through an order dated 12 October 2026.
• He succeeds Nand Kishore, whose tenure as IL&FS CMD ended on 30 September 2026; Kishore will continue as a director on the IL&FS board.
• Nagaraju Maddirala is a 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Tripura cadre who retired on 31 May 2026 after more than three decades of public service.
• He served as Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS) from August 2024 until his retirement, overseeing policy matters related to banking, insurance, pensions, and financial inclusion.
• Before heading the DFS, he served as Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal from 2020 to 2024.
• From 2004 to 2008, he worked in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, handling the Japan, North America, and World Bank divisions.
• From 2008 to 2012, he served as an Adviser to the Executive Director at the World Bank in Washington, DC.
• IL&FS has been operating under a government-appointed board since October 2018, when the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) suspended its previous board following a petition by the Central Government.

Lavanya R. Mundayur Appointed as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of New India Assurance Company Limited

• The Central Government appointed Lavanya R. Mundayur as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of New India Assurance Company Limited (NIACL).
• Her appointment was approved by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance.
• Lavanya R. Mundayur assumed charge as CMD of New India Assurance Company Limited with effect from 30 September 2026.
• Her tenure will continue until 31 May 2029, the date of her superannuation, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Before this appointment, she was serving as the CMD of Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AICIL).
• Sivasankar ceased to hold the additional charge of NIACL CMD with effect from 30 September 2026, following her appointment as the regular CMD.
• Lavanya R. Mundayur has over three decades of experience in the insurance sector across Indian and international markets.
• Earlier, she served as General Manager–Technical and Chief Underwriting Officer at New India Assurance, leading the Property, Marine and Aviation underwriting and claims divisions.
• She was the first female CEO to head New India Assurance’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) operations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CARE Ratings to Divest 19.8% Stake in CareEdge Global International Financial Services Centre to State Bank of India and NSE IFSC

• CARE Edge Ratings Limited (CARE Ratings) has signed a share purchase agreement and a shareholders’ agreement with the State Bank of India (SBI) and NSE IFSC (NSEIX) to sell a 8% stake in its wholly owned subsidiary, CareEdge Global International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Limited (CGIL).
• Under the agreement, CARE Edge Ratings will sell a 9% equity stake each to SBI and NSE IFSC.
• After completion of the transaction, CARE Edge Ratings will retain an 2% stake in CGIL and continue as its majority shareholder.
• Following the stake sale, CGIL will cease to be a wholly owned subsidiary of CARE Edge Ratings.
• The proposed transaction is expected to be completed within two months from the execution of the agreements.
• On 12 November 2025, CARE Ratings had approved the proposed partial divestment in its subsidiary.

About CARE Ratings Limited :

• Established : 1993
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• CARE Ratings is India’s second-largest credit rating agency, providing services in credit ratings, analytics, consulting and sustainability.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

World Health Summit 2026 Concludes in Berlin, Germany, with Focus on Global Health Resilience

• The World Health Summit (WHS) 2026, a leading global health platform, was held from 11 to 13 October 2026 in Berlin, Germany, under the theme “From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health.”
• The summit was led by Professor Axel R. Pries, President of the World Health Summit (WHS), and brought together political leaders, scientists, private-sector representatives and civil society members.
• The event attracted more than 4,000 in-person participants from over 130 countries and territories, with over 50,000 virtual participants.
• The six central topics of WHS 2026 were Global Health Architecture; Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response; Health Equity for Women, Children, and Youth; Future-Ready Health Systems; Conflict and Health; and Environmental Drivers of Health.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Hub 2030 Strategy to help countries detect and assess emerging health threats within 24 hours.
• The Government of Bangladesh and the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced a €250 million programme for women’s health.
• The Gates Foundation and Wellcome Leap committed US$100 million towards stillbirth prevention.
• Germany pledged €10 million for maternal and child health.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Launches Martian Moons eXploration Spacecraft to Retrieve Samples from Mars’s Moon Phobos

• The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the uncrewed Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission aboard an H3 rocket from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at Tanegashima Space Center, Japan, to collect samples from Phobos, one of Mars’s moons.
• If successful, MMX will become the world’s first mission to return samples from a Martian moon to Earth for scientific analysis.
• The MMX spacecraft is projected to reach Mars in August 2027 and return samples to Earth in 2031.
• The mission is led by JAXA with the participation of four international space agencies: NASA (United States), the European Space Agency (ESA), the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
• The spacecraft carries a small rover named IDEFIX, developed by CNES and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
• The IDEFIX rover is scheduled for deployment in early 2029 to explore Phobos; the mission plan includes approximately three years of orbital operations around Phobos.
• The spacecraft’s lander, called the Exploration Module, carries scientific instruments to study the moon’s terrain, minerals, chemical elements and space radiation.
• The mission aims to collect at least 10 grams of surface material from Phobos and return it to Earth for detailed scientific analysis.

About Japan:

• Capital: Tokyo
• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Prime Minister: Sanae Takaichi

Pakistan Successfully Tests Extended-Range Fatah-II Surface-to-Surface Missile

• Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, announced the successful test-firing of the extended-range (ER) variant of the Fatah-II surface-to-surface missile (SSM) by the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC).
• The launch was attended by Lieutenant General Nauman Zakaria, Commander of the Army Rocket Force Command, along with senior military officers, scientists and engineers.
• The Fatah-II is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by Pakistan’s National Engineering & Scientific Commission (NESCOM), with Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) also associated with its development in defence reporting.
• The Fatah-II has a reported range of approximately 400 kilometres and carries a reported 365-kilogram warhead designed for precision strikes against military targets.
• The missile incorporates advanced navigation systems and avionics, including an Inertial Navigation System (INS) and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), to improve targeting accuracy.
• The Fatah-II ER variant is designed to strike targets deeper inside adversary territory, while Pakistan’s military claims that its improved trajectory and manoeuvrability help it overcome enemy missile defence systems.
• Pakistan’s Fatah missile programme began with the Fatah-I in August 2021, followed by the Fatah-II in December 2023, with a reported range of 400 km.
• The Fatah-II was reportedly operationally deployed in April 2026 under the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC).

About Pakistan:

• Capital: Islamabad
• Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
• President: Asif Ali Zardari
• Prime Minister: Shehbaz Sharif

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Founding Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies Vice-Chancellor and Noted Fisheries Scientist B. Madhusoodana Kurup Passed Away

• Renowned fisheries scientist and academician B. Madhusoodana Kurup, the founding Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), passed away at the age of 71 in Kochi, Kerala, on 18 October 2026.

About B. Madhusoodana Kurup :

• He was born on 28 November 1954 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• He was widely recognised for his contributions to aquatic biodiversity, aquaculture, fisheries education and research.
• He served as the founding Vice-Chancellor of KUFOS, India's first university dedicated to fisheries and ocean studies.
• He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Shri Venkateshwara University, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
• He worked as a Director and Professor at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) for 18 years.
• He discovered eight freshwater fish species in the Western Ghats and documented the aquatic biodiversity of Kerala's inland waters, including Vembanad Lake.
• He guided 22 doctoral scholars and published over 250 research papers and 11 edited books.
• He led the Kuttanad Water Balance Study under the Indo-Dutch Cooperation Programme.
• His major contributions included the Indo-Vietnam South-South Cooperation Programme, the Ashtamudi Management Plan and the World Bank-supported India Eco-Development Project.
• He served as a member of the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority and chaired expert committees on the impacts of monsoon trawling bans, Pokkali-based aquaculture, fishing boat registration and ornamental fish farming.
• He also served as an adviser to Kerala Fisheries Minister S. Sarma.
• His co-authored book, ‘Exploring the Legacy of Fishing and Farming Below Sea Level: Vembanad–Kole Wetlands of Southern India’, was scheduled for release on 30 October 2026.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Osteoporosis Day 2026 Observed on 20 October

• World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on 20 October to raise global awareness about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases.
• The official theme for World Osteoporosis Day 2026 is “Build, Protect, Strengthen Your Bones for Life”, also expressed as “Build, Protect, Strengthen Your Bones.”
• The campaign is promoted by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) through its official World Osteoporosis Day website, focusing on lifelong bone health and fracture prevention among people of all ages.
• World Osteoporosis Day was launched on 20 October 1996 by the United Kingdom’s National Osteoporosis Society, with support from the European Commission.
• Since 1997, the International Osteoporosis Foundation has organised this annual awareness day.
• Before 1994, osteoporosis was not widely recognised as a major disease, highlighting the importance of increasing public awareness about bone health.
• The International Osteoporosis Foundation was established in 1998 through the merger of two organisations working to address osteoporosis and related bone diseases.
• The foundation brought together the European Foundation for Osteoporosis, established in 1987, and the International Federation of Societies on Skeletal Diseases (IFSSD), established in 1995.
• This merger created a common platform for scientists and healthcare organisations worldwide to coordinate resources, research, and public education on osteoporosis.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognised and defined osteoporosis as a disease in 1994, marking an important step in strengthening its recognition as a major public health concern.

National Solidarity Day 2026 Observed on 20 October

• National Solidarity Day is observed annually on 20 October in India to commemorate the 1962 India–China War and honour the courage and sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces personnel.
• The India–China War of 1962 began on 20 October 1962 and ended on 21 November 1962, lasting approximately one month.
• The conflict involved border disputes between India and China, particularly in Ladakh and the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), now largely part of Arunachal Pradesh.
• India suffered a military defeat in the war, and several Indian soldiers were captured by Chinese forces.
• Following the conflict, China retained control over territories claimed by India, including Aksai Chin in the Ladakh region.
• The term China-Occupied Kashmir is sometimes used in Indian discourse to refer to Aksai Chin, although it is not a formal territorial designation.
• In 1966, a committee constituted under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi decided to observe 20 October as National Solidarity Day.
• The observance honours the soldiers who fought in the 1962 war, remembers those who sacrificed their lives, and recognises the contributions and sacrifices of their families.
• National Solidarity Day continues to be observed annually to pay tribute to the Indian Armed Forces and promote national unity and solidarity.

Police Commemoration Day 2026 Observed on 21 October

• Police Commemoration Day is observed annually on 21 October in India to honour police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
• The theme for Police Commemoration Day 2026, highlighted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is “Fight Against Drugs.”
• The day commemorates the sacrifice of 10 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who were killed by Chinese troops on 21 October 1959 while guarding India's border in the Ladakh region.
• On 20 October 1959, an Indian reconnaissance party went missing after one of the three patrol parties dispatched from Ladakh failed to return to its base.
• On 21 October 1959, Chinese troops attacked the Indian personnel, killing 10 brave Indian soldiers.
• In January 1960, it was decided that 21 October would be observed as Police Commemoration Day to remember and honour police personnel who lost their lives while performing their duties across the country.

Daily CA One- Liner: October 22^nd

• The National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded Industrial Training Institutes (PM-SETU) Scheme approved five Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth ₹1,194.92 crore to upgrade Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters across Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir
• The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has covered over 47,200 villages, benefiting more than 47.79 lakh citizens across India under its Adarsh Gram component
• The Government of India (GoI) released a ₹100 commemorative coin and a ₹5 commemorative postage stamp honouring Ghanshyam Dass Jain, a renowned musician, composer, philanthropist and cultural personality, during the National Annual Cultural Conclave held at the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, Delhi
• The Delhi Government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved the establishment of the Go-Delhi Foundation to promote startups, innovation and entrepreneurship in the national capital
• The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) was launched in August 2025 to encourage formal employment and generate job opportunities.
• World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on 20 October to raise global awareness about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone diseases
• National Solidarity Day is observed annually on 20 October in India to commemorate the 1962 India–China War and honour the courage and sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces personnel
• Police Commemoration Day is observed annually on 21 October in India to honour police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) revised the Closing Auction Session (CAS) framework to improve transparency, price discovery and orderly market closing.
• Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited launched the Global Wealth Plan, a USD-denominated, unit-linked, non-participating life insurance-cum-savings plan through Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat.
• Japan emerged as the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India during Q1 FY 2026–27 (April–June 2026), with inflows of US$5.71 billion.
• 1 Finance Private Limited, an advisory and wealth-tech firm, received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to establish an Asset Management Company (AMC) under the Mutual Funds Lite (MF Lite) framework.
• The All India Consumer Products Federation and the All India Mobile Retailers Association withdrew their proposed ‘No UPI Day’ protest following a meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.
• The United States (US) suspended several major IT companies from the Permanent Labour Certification Programme on 8 October 2026, affecting their ability to sponsor eligible foreign workers for US green cards.
• The 5th edition of India–Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 commenced on 19 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and will continue until 1 November 2026.
• India and Russia conducted the 15th edition of the bilateral naval exercise INDRA-2026 at Vladivostok and the Sea of Japan (East Sea), Russia, to strengthen maritime cooperation, operational interoperability and coordination between their navies.
• The Indian Navy will organise the 5th edition of Swavlamban 2026, its flagship Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, on 26–27 October 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
• Hinduja Tech Limited., a mobility-focused engineering and Research & Development (R&D) technology company, has appointed Faiz Ahmad as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 November 2026.
• Nagaraju Maddirala, former Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), has been appointed Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) for a period of two years.
• The Central Government appointed Lavanya R. Mundayur as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of New India Assurance Company Limited (NIACL).
• CARE Edge Ratings Limited (CARE Ratings) has signed a share purchase agreement and a shareholders’ agreement with the State Bank of India (SBI) and NSE IFSC (NSEIX) to sell a 8% stake in its wholly owned subsidiary, CareEdge Global International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Limited (CGIL).
• The World Health Summit (WHS) 2026, a leading global health platform, was held from 11 to 13 October 2026 in Berlin, Germany, under the theme “From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health.”
• The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the uncrewed Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission aboard an H3 rocket from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at Tanegashima Space Center, Japan, to collect samples from Phobos, one of Mars’s moons.
• Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, announced the successful test-firing of the extended-range (ER) variant of the Fatah-II surface-to-surface missile (SSM) by the Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC).
• Renowned fisheries scientist and academician B. Madhusoodana Kurup, the founding Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), passed away at the age of 71 in Kochi, Kerala, on 18 October 2026.