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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

India and New Zealand Sign Memorandum of Cooperation on Electronic Origin Data Exchange to Boost Bilateral Trade Under Free Trade Agreement

• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), India, and the New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on the electronic exchange of origin data for trade in goods.
• The MoC was signed on 19 October 2026 by Vivek Chaturvedi, Chairman of CBIC, and Christine Stevenson, Comptroller and Chief Executive of the New Zealand Customs Service.
• The agreement was signed in connection with the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which came into force on 20 October 2026.
• The MoC aims to strengthen customs cooperation and facilitate bilateral trade between India and New Zealand through digitalisation and improved information exchange.
• Under the arrangement, both countries will enable the advanced electronic exchange of origin data relating to goods traded between them.
• The electronic exchange mechanism is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce information gaps, and provide greater certainty and predictability to businesses engaged in bilateral trade.
• The agreement will support the effective implementation of trade facilitation measures and align bilateral customs cooperation with evolving international practices in digitalisation and information exchange.
• The MoC is expected to help eligible businesses make better use of tariff concessions and trade preferences available under the India–New Zealand FTA.
• Rules of Origin determine the country in which a product qualifies as originating for the purpose of receiving preferential tariff treatment under a trade agreement.
• Compliance with Rules of Origin is essential for importers seeking to claim reduced or zero customs duties available under an FTA.
• The agreement reflects the shared commitment of India and New Zealand to strengthen digital customs cooperation, improve cross-border trade processes, and ensure that eligible businesses can access negotiated FTA benefits more efficiently.

World Bank Group Unveils Its First Digital Strategy to Boost Internet Access, Employment and Artificial Intelligence Readiness

• The World Bank Group (WBG) launched its first comprehensive Digital Strategy at the inaugural Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Summit 2026 held in Seoul, South Korea, to expand digital connectivity, create jobs, and strengthen AI readiness in developing countries.
• The strategy aims to benefit 1 billion people by 2030 by expanding access to digital technologies and improving digital infrastructure in developing countries.
• The WBG Digital Strategy focuses on four key priorities: expanding internet connectivity, reducing the cost of digital access, strengthening digital services and skills, and enhancing AI readiness.
• The strategy aims to enhance AI readiness by developing computing infrastructure, supporting local data availability, and promoting Small AI applications.
• In 2025, more than 2 billion people worldwide remained offline, highlighting the continuing global digital divide.
• Internet usage stood at only 23% in low-income countries, compared with 94% in high-income countries, demonstrating the gap in digital access between income groups.
• Over the next 10–15 years, approximately 2 billion young people in developing countries are expected to reach working age, while only an estimated 420 million jobs are expected to be available.
• The WBG announced the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative to improve access to affordable computing infrastructure and strengthen AI capabilities in developing countries.
• The AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative will initially focus on Africa and Latin America.
• Cassava Technologies and NVIDIA were identified as knowledge partners for the AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative.
• The WBG’s Digital Strategy and the new AI initiative aim to promote inclusive digital development, expand affordable computing access, strengthen AI adoption, and support job creation in developing countries.

About World Bank:

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

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Introduces National Pension System Central Digital Platform to Streamline Subscriber Login and Pension Account Management

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) launched NPS Central, a unified digital platform for National Pension System (NPS) subscribers, on NPS Diwas, 1 October 2026.
• The official website of the NPS Central platform is in.
• NPS Central aims to simplify and streamline NPS enrollment, investments, and pension account management through a single digital platform.
• The platform was jointly developed and is managed by three Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs): Protean eGov Technologies, KFin Technologies Limited, and Computer Age Management Services Limited (CAMS).
• NPS subscribers can log in using their registered mobile number and date of birth (DOB), verified through a One-Time Password (OTP), instead of using their Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN).
• The Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to each NPS subscriber.
• The platform allows subscribers to check their investments, make pension contributions, and explore pension schemes through integrated digital access.
• NPS subscribers can use NPS Central to update personal details, register for NPS, compare investment options, download account statements, and select a pension fund.

About PFRDA:

• Established: 2003 (Statutory status from PFRDA Act, 2013)
• Under which Ministry: Ministry of Finance, Government of India
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chairman: Sivasubramanian Ramann
• Purpose: To promote, develop, and regulate the pension sector in India, especially the National Pension System (NPS) and other old-age income security schemes.

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s Proposed Commission Caps Could Reduce Insurance Fee Income of Banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has proposed insurance commission caps that could reduce the insurance fee income of banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
• The proposed reforms include reducing commissions on credit life insurance and short-tenure savings products and banning compulsory bundling of insurance with loans.
• Among NBFCs, L&T Finance is the most exposed to the proposed changes, followed by Piramal Enterprises and Cholamandalam Investment and Finance.
• Insurance commission income accounted for 26% of L&T Finance’s profit before tax (PBT) in FY2026, while it accounted for 4% of Piramal Finance’s PBT in FY2025.
• Axis Bank and HDFC Bank are among the more exposed private-sector lenders because of the significant contribution of fee income to their revenue and PBT.
• According to IRDAI, banks accounted for nearly ₹68,000 crore in corporate-agency premiums in the life insurance business covered by its study.
• NBFC-sourced life insurance premiums nearly tripled from ₹3,600 crore in FY2023 to ₹10,300 crore in FY2025, while payouts to NBFCs reached ₹4,300 crore, or approximately 42% of premiums sourced, in FY2025.
• Nearly 93% of the life insurance business sourced through NBFCs consists of loan-linked group credit life insurance.
• Commission on loan-linked group credit life products increased from 5% to 28% in two years, reaching approximately 45% when other payouts are included, according to IRDAI.
• Lenders with multiple insurer tie-ups and incentive-led payouts are expected to face a greater impact than those following a single-tie-up, closed-architecture model.

National Stock Exchange of India Shares to Trade on Metropolitan Stock Exchange Alongside Bombay Stock Exchange

• The shares of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) will be available for trading on the Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSE) under the ‘Permitted to Trade’ category from 24 September.
• NSE has designated the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as its designated stock exchange, while other exchanges are also permitted to allow trading in NSE shares.
• According to the MSE circular, companies admitted under the ‘Permitted to Trade’ category do not execute a listing agreement with the exchange and therefore do not provide the full disclosures required of listed companies.
• Trading in NSE shares on MSE could help increase trading volumes and activity on the exchange.
• NSE management had stated that it had not sought regulatory permission to allow trading in its shares on its own exchange.
• According to grey-market tracking portals, NSE shares were expected to list at a premium of around 4%.

Bank of Baroda Launches ‘bob Cyber Veeru’ Mascot to Promote Cybersecurity Awareness and Safe Digital Banking

• Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched ‘bob Cyber Veeru’, a cybersecurity mascot, in October 2026 during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to promote safe digital banking and prevent online fraud.
• The initiative aims to help customers identify, prevent, and report digital fraud and adopt safe and responsible digital banking practices.
• bob Cyber Veeru educates customers about common cyber threats, including phishing and fake links, fraudulent KYC update requests, fake customer care calls, QR code and UPI-related scams, and screen-sharing fraud.
• The campaign uses short videos, infographics, quick tips, and FAQs to communicate cybersecurity precautions in a simple and engaging manner.
• The campaign is promoted through Bank of Baroda branches, ATMs, its website, social media, emails, SMS, print media, outdoor advertising, and radio.
• As part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the bank will organise cybersecurity awareness programmes at educational institutions, employee awareness sessions, and recognition of staff members who help prevent cyber fraud.
• The campaign encourages customers to verify requests before sharing personal information, approving transactions, or clicking on links.

About Bank of Baroda :

• It is a public sector bank headquartered in Vadodara, Gujarat.
• Managing Director and CEO : Debadatta Chand.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Government Introduces Telecommunications (Regulatory Sandbox) Rules, 2026 to Promote Telecom Innovation

• The Government of India introduced the Telecommunications (Regulatory Sandbox) Rules, 2026 to establish a framework for testing emerging telecommunications technologies, products and services under controlled conditions before their wider deployment.
• Under the new rules, the government can establish a regulatory sandbox on its own initiative or consider proposals submitted by interested participants.
• A regulatory sandbox is a controlled testing environment that enables companies and developers to evaluate innovative technologies and services before introducing them into the wider market.

Key Highlights

• The government can prescribe eligibility conditions, define the scope of trials and establish risk-management measures to address potential risks during testing.
• Duration of a regulatory sandbox: Up to 24 months.
• Extension: An extension of up to 12 months at a time may be granted, subject to prescribed conditions.
• Application requirements: Applicants must submit their proposals along with preliminary testing reports and other required documents.
• Processing fee: A non-refundable fee of ₹10,000 is applicable for applications.
• User consent and protection:
• Participants must obtain users' prior consent before conducting trials.
• Users must be informed about the purpose and scope of the trials.
• Users cannot be charged for participating in the trials.
• Products and services under evaluation must not be made commercially available during the trial period.
• Based on the trial outcomes, the government may permit further testing under revised conditions or allow steps towards commercial rollout, subject to the applicable framework.
• The framework provides telecommunications developers and service providers with an opportunity to test innovative solutions in a controlled environment before wider deployment.
• The new rules replace the draft Telecommunications (Regulatory Sandbox) Rules published in November 2024.

Government to Mandate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in Cars from October 2030 to Strengthen Road Safety in India

• The Government of India plans to make selected Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety features mandatory in cars, particularly taxis, as part of its efforts to reduce road accidents and improve passenger safety.
• The Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) is proposed to become mandatory for all new car models from October 2030.
• For existing car models manufactured before October 2030 that continue to remain in production, AEBS is proposed to become mandatory from October 2032.

Key Highlights

• The government is expected to release a draft notification specifying the implementation timelines for different ADAS safety features.
• The proposed timelines will consider the lead time required by the automobile industry and vehicle users to comply with the requirements.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) comprise a range of more than 100 electronic technologies designed to improve vehicle safety by detecting potential hazards, alerting drivers and, in certain situations, automatically controlling braking or steering to help prevent collisions.
• Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) automatically applies a vehicle's brakes when a potential collision or obstacle is detected, helping prevent accidents or reduce their severity.
• Truck and bus safety: From January 2027, new truck and bus models are proposed to be equipped with AEBS.
• Other ADAS features proposed to become mandatory for taxis include:
• Automatic Command Steering Functionalities, which assist with steering control.
• Emergency Lane Keeping System, which helps prevent unintended lane departures.
• Drowsiness and Attention Warning Systems, which alert drivers when signs of fatigue or reduced attention are detected.
• Some cars currently available in India are already equipped with ADAS technology.
• Road accident statistics in India for 2024, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), were as follows:
• Total road accidents — 4,87,707
• Deaths — 1,77,175
• Injuries — 4,71,441
• India continues to face a serious road safety challenge, recording the highest annual number of road fatalities globally, according to the supplied report. The proposed ADAS requirements aim to strengthen vehicle safety and reduce road accidents.

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Constitutes Special Team to Investigate eMudhra Global Digital Certificate Security Incident

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted a special investigation team to investigate a security incident involving eMudhra’s global digital certificate infrastructure.

Key Highlights

• The ministry clarified that eMudhra’s Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) issuance and eSign services remained unaffected.
• These services are regulated by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under MeitY.
• MeitY explained that eMudhra operates in two distinct areas:
• Digital Signature Certificates and eSign services, regulated by the Controller of Certifying Authorities.
• Globally trusted digital certificates, used by major web browsers and operating systems to secure websites, software and online communications.
• According to MeitY, the incident affected only the global digital certificate operations, which function under an international trust framework. The ministry clarified that it was not involved in auditing these operations.
• The global certificate operations are subject to independent audits, including WebTrust audits conducted by BDO International Limited.
• The incident came to light on 17 October 2026, when a security researcher alerted Google and other technology companies to vulnerabilities involving the private keys associated with eight intermediate digital certificates issued under eMudhra’s global Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
• Following the alert, Google and Mozilla took steps to block the affected certificates.
• On 19 October 2026, eMudhra stated that all eight certificates had been revoked and that none of them had issued customer certificates.
• eMudhra also stated that its infrastructure had not been compromised and that no data breach had occurred.
• The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory regarding the incident, outlining mitigation measures to address the security risks.
• MeitY stated that further details would be shared after the investigation is completed and confirmed that coordination with stakeholders would continue.

About Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology:

• Cabinet Minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw
• Constituency: Rajya Sabha, Odisha
• Ministers of State (MoS): Jitin Prasada

Central Board of Direct Taxes Introduces Form 173A for Income-Tax Exemptions on Government Securities

• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) introduced Form 173A to enable eligible investors to claim income-tax exemptions on interest income and capital gains earned from government securities.
• Form 173A was prescribed under the Income-tax (Seventh Amendment) Rules, 2026, which came into force upon publication in the Official Gazette on 19 October 2026.
• The form primarily applies to eligible Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).

Key Highlights

• Eligible investors can use Form 173A to claim exemptions under Entries 13D and 13E of Schedule IV of the Income-tax Act, 2025. These provisions cover specified interest income and capital gains arising from government securities.
• The rules establish a prescribed reporting procedure under which eligible investors must disclose their identity, tax residence, securities holdings and related income to claim the applicable exemptions.
• Government securities are debt instruments issued by the Union Government or State Governments. The instruments covered by Form 173A include:
• Treasury Bills – Short-term government debt instruments.
• Fixed-Rate Bonds – Bonds that carry a predetermined interest rate.
• Floating-Rate Bonds – Bonds whose interest rates vary according to specified benchmarks or conditions.
• State Development Loans (SDLs) – Debt securities issued by State Governments to raise funds.
• The form requires investors to report the International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) and the type of each government security held. An ISIN is used to identify a specific securities issue.
• The prescribed investor-identification details include the investor's name, country of residence, Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Identification Number (TIN) issued by the country of residence.

• For each government security, investors must disclose its type, tenor and total value as on 1 April and 31 March of the relevant period.
• Form 173A also requires details of purchases, sales, gross interest received and capital gains earned during the relevant period, covering both securities holdings and income generated from them.
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes is a statutory authority established under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963.
• The form's reporting scope covers Treasury Bills, fixed-rate bonds, floating-rate bonds and State Development Loans, along with investor identification, securities valuations, transactions, interest receipts and capital gains.

Modified UDAN Scheme Launched with ₹28,840 Crore Outlay to Strengthen Regional Air Connectivity, develop 100 Airports and 200 Helipads, and Promote Indigenous Aircraft Manufacturing

• The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), known as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), completed 10 years, having been launched on 21 October 2016 in line with the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016 to make regional air travel affordable and commercially viable by connecting unserved and underserved airports.
• The first Regional Connectivity Scheme flight, operating on the Shimla–Delhi route, was inaugurated in April 2017.
• India became the world's third-largest domestic aviation market, with operational airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 166 by 2026.

Key Highlights

• UDAN has contributed to regional development by supporting tourism, medical access, agricultural trade and local employment.
• The Modified UDAN Scheme, launched on 4 July 2026, will be implemented over 10 years, from Financial Year 2026–27 to Financial Year 2035–36, with a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore. It focuses on sustainable regional aviation, airport infrastructure, Centre–State and Union Territory partnerships, and indigenous civil aircraft manufacturing.
• Under UDAN, 687 regional routes and 95 aerodromes have been operationalised, including 17 heliports and 2 water aerodromes.
• The scheme has facilitated more than 3.68 lakh flights and air travel for 1.72 crore passengers.
• The scheme encourages airline participation through market-based selection, airfare caps, concessions and Viability Gap Funding (VGF). As of 15 October 2026, ₹5,091.23 crore had been disbursed under VGF.
• Aviation-sector employment increased from approximately 3 million jobs in 2014 to 7.7 million in 2026, with the potential to reach 25 million by 2040.
• In the North-Eastern Region, 90 priority regional routes have been operationalised. Of the 52 aerodromes, including heliports and water aerodromes, identified in the region, 12 have been operationalised.
• The Modified UDAN Scheme includes the following infrastructure and financial measures:
• Airport development: 100 airports will be developed from existing unserved airstrips over eight years, with an outlay of ₹12,159 crore and a proposed allocation of ₹100 crore per airport.
• Operation and maintenance: Approximately 441 aerodromes will receive three years of support, with an estimated outlay of ₹2,577 crore. The annual support is capped at ₹3.06 crore per airport and ₹0.90 crore per heliport or water aerodrome.
• Modern helipads: 200 modern helipads will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹15 crore each, with a projected outlay of ₹3,661 crore over eight years.
• Airline support: ₹10,043 crore has been allocated over 10 years for VGF to support regional routes. Funding is available for up to five years, with reduced support from the third year and route exclusivity limited to three years.
• Indigenous aviation: ₹400 crore is proposed for two Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and connectivity in remote and difficult terrains.
• Centre–State and Union Territory coordination: 21 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed among the Government, participating States and Union Territories, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to coordinate the identification, development and operationalisation of aviation assets.
• Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development: The dedicated portal allows State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to nominate airstrips and helipads for development according to local connectivity needs.
• Purnea Airport, Bihar: Operationalised in 2025, it improved connectivity for more than 10 districts across the Seemanchal and Kosi regions. Previously, residents often travelled over 200 kilometres to Bagdogra Airport. Travel time to Kolkata has fallen to approximately 2 hours and to Patna to 1 hour. Its approximately 2.8-kilometre runway, the longest in Bihar according to the source, can accommodate Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft. The airport also supports an agricultural region known for makhana, litchi and vegetables.
• Tezu Airport, Arunachal Pradesh: Operationalised in 2021, it connects more than 2 lakh people in Lohit district near India's eastern frontier and the China border. It has reduced travel time to Guwahati to approximately 1 hour and enabled air cargo exports of ginger, cardamom and rice. Previously, residents travelled approximately 164 kilometres to Dibrugarh or 610 kilometres to Guwahati, with journeys taking more than 10 hours.
• Deoghar Airport, Jharkhand: Opened in July 2022, it reduced travel time from Delhi to approximately 2 hours and improved access to Baba Baidyanath Dham. The source reports more than 10 lakh pilgrims annually travelling directly to Deoghar and access for over 50 lakh devotees during the peak Kanwar Yatra month. The airport has also supported medical tourism by facilitating patient travel to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Deoghar, and contributed to the establishment of more than 30 hotels.
• Kishangarh Airport, Rajasthan: Direct air access began in 2017, reducing dependence on Jaipur Airport, located over 100 kilometres away. Air cargo connectivity has supported marble exports to Italy, the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. In 2022, the airport hosted Avyanna Aviation Academy, described in the source as the region's only Category a Flying Training Organisation. It has generated more than 200 direct jobs and contributed to a reported 40–50% increase in local real estate values.
• The next phase of UDAN aims to address infrastructure gaps and the financial viability challenges of regional aviation by combining airport and helipad development, operational support, airline funding and indigenous aircraft capacity to establish a more reliable and sustainable regional air connectivity network across India.

About Rajasthan:

• Chief Minister: Bhajan Lal Sharma
• Governor: Haribhau Bagade
• Capital: Jaipur
• National Parks: Ranthambore National Park, Sariska National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Desert National Park, Mukundra Hills National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary, Kesarbagh Wildlife Sanctuary, Todgarh-Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhensrodgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Phulwari Wildlife Sanctuary

About Jharkhand:

• Chief Minister: Hemant Soren
• Governor: Santosh Kumar Gangwar
• Capital: Ranchi
• National Parks: Betla National Park, Hazaribagh National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary, Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary, Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary, Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary

About Arunachal Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
• Governor: Lt. Gen. Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
• Capital: Itanagar
• National Parks: Mouling National Park, Namdapha National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Mehao, Pakke, Eagle Nest, Kamlang, Sessa Orchid Wildlife Sanctuaries

About Bihar:

• Chief Minister: Samrat Choudhary
• Governor: Syed Ata Hasnain
• Capital: Patna
• National Parks: Valmiki National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Valmiki, Bhimbandh, Kaimur, Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuaries

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Adds Three New Indian Sites to the World Heritage Tentative List

• The Permanent Delegation of India to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the addition of three Indian sites to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
• The three newly added sites are the Karst-mud-volcano Complex of Baratang and Andaman Subduction Volcanoes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape in Chhattisgarh.
• Following these additions, the total number of Indian sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List increased to 81, comprising 59 cultural sites, 3 mixed sites, and 19 natural sites.
• The Karst-mud-volcano Complex of Baratang is located near the Baratang Reserve Forest and Jarawa Tribal Reserve on Baratang Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• The Baratang site features distinctive geological formations, tropical forests, and coastal ecosystems, providing insights into tectonic and sedimentary evolution, karst formation, and subterranean hydrology.
• The Andaman Subduction Volcanoes comprise Barren Island and Narcondam Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Barren Island and Narcondam Island are volcanic landmasses within the Burma–Andaman–Java volcanic arc, illustrating subduction-related volcanism, geological evolution, ecological succession, and endemic biodiversity.
• The Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape is a nationally protected archaeological landscape situated on the eastern bank of the Mahanadi River in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh.
• Sirpur is located approximately 78 km from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, and was historically an important centre of religion, trade, and cultural interaction.

69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference Concludes in Cape Town, South Africa: Key Highlights

• The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa.
• The conference was held under the presidency of Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of South Africa.
• The week-long conference was hosted by the Parliament of South Africa in partnership with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) South Africa Branch.
• The theme of the 69th CPC was “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership.”
• Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, led the Indian Parliamentary delegation at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
• The 2026 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) General Assembly was held on the sidelines of the 69th CPC and was chaired by Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, President of the 2026 CPA.
• Members from over 100 CPA branches participated in the 2026 CPA General Assembly.
• The theme of the CPA General Assembly debate was “New Leadership Opportunities for the Commonwealth: Parliamentary Action to Strengthen Democracy and International Law.”
• Presenters at the General Assembly debate represented several CPA branches, including Canada Federal, India, Botswana, the United Kingdom (UK), and Singapore.
• Ruth Forrest MLC of the Parliament of Tasmania, Australia, received the 2026 Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Award.
• Angelo Farrugia of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malta, received the 2026 Parliamentarian Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Sugath Wasantha de Silva, MP, of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, received the 2026 New Parliamentarian Award.
• Babar Saleem Swati of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, received the 2026 Parliamentary Equality and Diversity Award.
• The 70th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference will be hosted by the Parliament of Canada in partnership with the CPA Canada Federal Branch in Canada in 2027.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Sharad Mathur Appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IndusInd General Insurance

• IndusInd General Insurance Company Limited. appointed Sharad Mathur as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) on 20 October 2026, following statutory approvals.
• Sharad Mathur brings approximately three decades of experience in the insurance and financial services industry.
• Before this appointment, he served as MD & CEO of Universal Sompo General Insurance for over six years.
• Earlier, Mathur held leadership positions at SBI General Insurance and ICICI Lombard, contributing to their growth during their formative stages.
• At IndusInd General Insurance, he will focus on customer-centricity, digital innovation, insurance inclusion, profitable growth, and strong governance.

About IndusInd General Insurance :

• It is a private-sector general insurance provider headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• It was formerly known as Reliance General Insurance Company Ltd. and is part of the IndusInd International Holdings Ltd. (IIHL) Group.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to Confer Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2024 and 2025 on 106 Young Artists in Music, Dance and Drama

• Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will confer the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024 and 2025 on 106 young artists for their contributions to the fields of music, dance and drama.
• The award ceremony is scheduled at the Meghdoot Complex, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi.
• Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, will attend as the Guest of Honour, while Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, will preside over the ceremony.

Key Highlights

• The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar was instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2006 to recognise talented young artists aged up to 40 years for their contributions to the performing arts.
• Since its institution, the awards have been presented annually to young artists at a special award ceremony.
• The General Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi unanimously selected 106 young artists for the 2024 and 2025 awards during its meeting held from 22 to 26 March 2026 in New Delhi.
• Each award carries a cash prize of ₹25,000, along with a Tamrapatra (copper plaque) and an Angavastram (traditional ceremonial cloth).

• The award recipients mentioned in the report included:
• Akram Khan Behrupiya (Rajasthan) — Folk Dance.
• Manisha Srivastava (Bihar) — Folk Music.
• Hito Kiho (Nagaland) — Choir Music.
• Subhashree Swain — Chhau Dance.
• Ghanshyam Sahu — Playwriting.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Hyderabad-Based BharathCloud Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Russia’s Kazan IT-Park to Explore Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Infrastructure Cooperation

• BharathCloud, a Hyderabad-based company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the High-Technology Technopark IT-Park in Kazan, located in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, to explore cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud infrastructure, investment and cross-border business partnerships.
• The agreement was signed at the second Russia-India Business Forum, titled “TIME — Russia-India Mutual Efficiency Business Forum 2026”, which brought together business and industry representatives to discuss bilateral cooperation in technology and digital infrastructure.

Key Highlights

• The MoU establishes a framework for the two organisations to explore joint ventures, facilitate partnerships between Indian and Russian companies, and identify opportunities for AI and cloud infrastructure solutions across industries.
• Under the agreement, both organisations will explore ways to:
• Connect businesses in the Indian and Russian markets.
• Support companies operating within the IT-Park business ecosystem.
• Organise industry events, training programmes, workshops and business delegations to promote knowledge exchange.
• Discuss infrastructure support, technical expertise and potential collaborative projects.
• BharathCloud proposed the concept of “cloud embassies” to strengthen cross-border digital infrastructure and facilitate cooperation between the two countries.
• The Bharath Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA) also participated in the agreement, bringing together industry stakeholders to explore collaboration in Artificial Intelligence, cloud infrastructure and business partnerships between India and Russia.
• The agreement is expected to strengthen India–Tatarstan business relations and promote cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, cloud services and digital infrastructure.

Ministry of Earth Sciences Partners with Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research to Expand Doctoral Research in Earth System Sciences

• The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) have formalised a strategic partnership to expand doctoral research opportunities in Earth System Sciences.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially announced at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi, following its signing on 21 August 2026.
• Under the agreement, all 10 research institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences have been recognised as AcSIR Associated Research Institutes (AcSIR-ARIs).

Key Highlights

• The partnership combines the scientific expertise and research infrastructure of MoES with the academic framework of AcSIR to offer Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes in areas such as atmospheric sciences, ocean sciences and polar sciences.
• Research and degree-awarding arrangements
• Students will conduct research at MoES research institutes.
• Research will be supervised by scientists recognised as AcSIR faculty members.
• AcSIR will award the doctoral degrees, with the host research institute identified on the degree certificates.
• The partnership aims to strengthen interdisciplinary research, promote sharing of research infrastructure and resources, and expand academic opportunities for students and early-career researchers.
• All 10 MoES research institutes are participating in AcSIR's latest PhD enrolment cycle. Nodal coordinators have been appointed at each institute, along with a central coordinator at MoES, to facilitate implementation.
• Major research areas covered under the partnership include:
• Weather forecasting, climate services and numerical weather prediction.
• Polar and cryosphere research.
• Ocean observation and marine robotics.
• Deep-sea mining and desalination.
• Seismology and earthquake hazard assessment.
• Coastal processes and marine living resources.
• Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Earth Sciences.
• The framework also addresses Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) arising from research activities. It provides for recognition of student inventors and the mutual sharing of jointly generated intellectual property.
• The collaboration is expected to strengthen India's scientific research ecosystem, promote advanced research and support capacity building in Earth System Sciences.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Defence Ministry Signs ₹770 Crore Deal with Bharat Electronics Limited to Supply Advanced Low-Level Lightweight Radars to the Indian Army

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth approximately ₹770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure the Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR-I) on 21 October 2026.
• The contract was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
• The LLLR-I radar system is designed to strengthen the Indian Army’s air defence capabilities against aerial threats, including fighter-sized targets and mini/micro drones.
• The radar can detect and track fighter-sized aircraft, mini drones, and micro drones, enabling the armed forces to monitor a range of aerial threats.
• The LLLR-I system has an additional capability to prioritise aerial targets, helping the Indian Army respond more effectively to threats posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
• The procurement represents a significant step towards the indigenisation of air defence platforms and supports India’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
• The contract is expected to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• The procurement aligns with the Government of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, which aims to build a resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive defence industry.
• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is the Indian defence public sector enterprise responsible for supplying the radar system under the contract.

About Bharat Electronics Limited :

• Founded : 1954
• Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Chairman & Managing Director : Manoj Jain
• Owners : Government of India (51.14%), Life Insurance Corporation (7.5%), Bank of Baroda (4%)

Indian Air Force Holds Industry Outreach Programme to Advance Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Roadmap on 21 October 2026

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted an Industry Outreach Programme at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 21 October 2026 to engage with industry stakeholders, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and industry partners regarding its long-term requirements for unmanned and autonomous systems.
• The programme was chaired by Air Marshal Premkumar K, VM, VSM, Director General (Weapon Systems), Air Headquarters.
• Around 100 representatives from various drone companies and associated industry partners participated in the programme, reflecting increased engagement between the IAF and India’s unmanned systems industry.
• The programme provided a platform for the IAF to communicate its operational requirements and technological priorities in the field of unmanned and autonomous systems.
• The initiative builds on the IAF Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Roadmap, released during IAF Dronathon 2026 at Pokhran on 14 September 2026.
• During the programme, the IAF explained its future operational requirements and distributed the IAF Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Roadmap booklet to industry partners.
• The roadmap envisages a layered and networked family of unmanned systems designed to complement existing and future manned aircraft platforms.
• The programme highlighted that Aatmanirbharta in unmanned systems is an operational necessity, rather than merely an aspiration.
• Key technology areas requiring focused development include indigenous propulsion systems, autonomous software, resilient navigation, and standardised interfaces.
• Developing these technologies domestically will help reduce dependence on external sources and strengthen India’s domestic defence manufacturing and technology ecosystem.
• Through sustained engagement with industry, MSMEs, startups, and academia, the IAF aims to accelerate innovation, collaborative development, and the conversion of emerging technologies into operational capabilities.
• The initiative supports India’s broader goal of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence technology by building a robust domestic ecosystem for unmanned and autonomous systems.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh Inaugurates ‘GYANDEEP’ Hindi Library at Sena Bhawan, New Delhi, Under Special Campaign 6

• Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh inaugurated ‘GYANDEEP’, a newly established Hindi library, at Sena Bhawan, New Delhi, on 22 October 2026.
• The inauguration was conducted as part of Special Campaign 6, organised by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) from 2 October to 31 October 2026.
• The GYANDEEP Hindi library aims to promote Hindi books and literature, encourage the use of Hindi in official work, and strengthen the culture of working in Hindi to improve the implementation of Rajbhasha.
• As part of Special Campaign 6, approximately 35,000 square feet of space was freed up in South Block through cleaning and the disposal of old records and was handed over to the Project Yuga Yugeen Bharat Museum (YYBM).
• During the campaign, 1,361 e-files were closed and 1,746 physical files were weeded out.
• The disposal of e-waste and other obsolete items generated revenue of ₹4.22 lakh.
• The Defence Secretary felicitated eight Swachhta Veers in recognition of their special contributions to the ongoing campaign.
• Regular office maintenance, cleaning, e-waste segregation, and disposal of obsolete items are being carried out across various Ministry of Defence offices and buildings.
• The offices and buildings covered include Sena Bhawan, Kartavya Bhawan-II, Vayu Bhawan, and KG Marg.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Defence Research and Development Organisation Develops Man-Portable ELINT System for Enemy Radar Detection and Counter-Drone Operations

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated the development of man-portable Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems to detect, intercept, and analyse signals emitted by enemy radars, drones, and other electronic systems.
• The portable ELINT system is being developed by the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The main applications of the portable ELINT system include radar identification, electronic warfare, emitter localisation, and counter-drone operations.
• The system uses antennas and receivers to capture signals across multiple frequency bands and applies digital signal processing and machine learning to separate overlapping signals through deinterleaving.
• The ELINT system identifies radar signatures using parameters such as frequency, pulse width, and signal strength, supporting the detection and analysis of hostile electronic emissions.
• The DRDO's Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)], located in Pune, Maharashtra, has developed indigenous armour panels approximately 20% lighter than existing systems.
• The newly developed armour panels are designed to withstand 30 mm armour-piercing (AP) ammunition and meet the STANAG 4569 Level 6 protection standard.
• The lightweight armour panels are intended for future Indian Army main battle tanks (MBTs), light tanks, and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs).
• The indigenous armour panels could improve military vehicle mobility, fuel efficiency, and transportability while providing the specified level of protection.

About DRDO:

• Founded: 1958
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
• Chairman: Rajesh Kumar Singh

VORAN and Poland’s W&S Innovation Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Gyroplane Technology and Aircraft Manufacturing in India

• VORAN Private Limited, an Indian aviation startup, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with W&S Innovation – Aviation Artur Trendak, a Poland-based aviation company, to explore technology collaboration in gyroplane aviation and potential light aircraft manufacturing in India.
• The collaboration will initially focus on the X2 advanced gyroplane and the AAT Taifun, with opportunities in aircraft design, engineering, technical support, product development, and market expansion.
• The partnership will explore collaboration in aircraft sales, pilot training, maintenance, and technical skills development to strengthen India’s light aviation capabilities.
• Technology transfer and intellectual property (IP) licensing will be subject to separate agreements between the companies and the applicable regulatory approvals.
• The W&S X2 advanced gyroplane features retractable landing gear, a shock-absorbing landing system, and electrically operated upward-opening doors.
• The X2 is equipped with aviation systems that include liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, and a thermal imaging camera.
• The Rotax 916 engine is being considered as the preferred powerplant for the X2, subject to technical evaluation and final aircraft configuration.
• The companies may also explore collaboration involving other existing or future aviation products, subject to mutual agreement.
• VORAN Private Limited has also established a technology-transfer collaboration with an Italian manufacturer with three decades of experience in gyroplane manufacturing.
• The agreement with W&S Innovation represents another step in VORAN’s efforts to develop international aviation partnerships and advance gyroplane technology in India.

About VORAN Private Limited :

• Incorporated : 2026
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) : Rajiv Rawat.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

National Highways Authority of India Launches Toll Plaza Feedback Feature on Rajmargyatra App to Enhance Highway Commuters’ Experience

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced the ‘Toll Plaza Feedback’ feature on the Rajmargyatra mobile app to allow National Highway (NH) users to share feedback on toll plaza services and improve their overall travel experience.
• The Toll Plaza Feedback feature encourages citizen participation and helps NHAI identify service gaps, monitor toll plazas that require improvements, and address commuter concerns.
• The initiative aims to promote safer, smoother, and more convenient highway journeys by improving toll plaza services based on user feedback.
• FASTag uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology under the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) framework to automatically deduct toll charges from a linked account.
• FASTag Annual Pass users receive notifications after crossing National Highway toll plazas, helping them track their toll crossings.
• NHAI revised the FASTag Annual Pass fee for eligible non-commercial private cars, jeeps, and vans with valid FASTag from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075, effective 1 April 2026.
• The FASTag Annual Pass is valid for one year or 200 toll crossings, whichever comes first.

About National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) :

• Established in 1995 under the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988.
• NHAI is a statutory authority under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
• Chairman : Santosh Kumar Yadav.

About Ministry of Road Transport & Highways :

• Cabinet Minister : Nitin Gadkari
• Minister of State : Ajay Tamta, Harsh Malhotra

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Unveils Enhanced Agri Welfare Portal to Provide Farmers with Integrated Digital Services

• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW), launched the upgraded Agri Welfare Portal on 19 October 2026 to provide farmers with single-window access to government schemes, financial assistance, and reliable agricultural information.
• The Agri Welfare Portal serves as a single-window digital platform through which farmers can obtain information about government schemes and submit applications to access eligible benefits.
• The portal integrates three major agricultural initiatives: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and AgriStack.
• Farmers can access scheme information, eligibility criteria, and application services through the upgraded portal.
• The portal provides reliable information on weather conditions, scientific farming practices, seed and fertiliser availability, and agricultural market prices.
• Eligible financial assistance under government schemes is transferred to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• The portal is mobile-friendly and designed to work on basic smartphones and weak internet connections, improving digital access for farmers in rural areas.
• The platform supports screen readers and simplified navigation to improve accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
• The portal has been developed in accordance with the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) 3.0 of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) 3.0.
• The platform connects Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), agricultural scientists, researchers, and startups to strengthen collaboration across the agricultural ecosystem.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW) will conduct a special training campaign through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to improve farmers’ digital literacy and encourage effective use of the portal and other digital tools.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Embraer to Take a 51% Controlling Stake in Mahindra’s Novavayu Aerospace for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft Programme

• Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer S.A. signed an agreement with Mahindra Defence Systems Limited (MDSL), the defence arm of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M), to acquire a 51% controlling stake in Novavayu Aerospace Limited (NAL).
• The acquisition is valued at approximately ₹5.10 lakh, according to the supplied information, and the deal is expected to be completed by 1 December 2026.
• The partnership will establish a Joint Venture (JV) between Embraer and Mahindra Defence Systems to promote Embraer’s C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA)
• Following the acquisition, Embraer will hold 51% and MDSL will hold 49% of Novavayu Aerospace Limited, making NAL an associate company of MDSL instead of a wholly owned subsidiary.
• The partnership aims to combine Embraer’s aerospace expertise with Mahindra’s industrial capabilities to address India’s growing commercial aviation and military transport requirements.
• The collaboration is expected to strengthen domestic industrial cooperation, support India’s aerospace sector, and establish long-term business ties between India and Brazil.

About Novavayu Aerospace Limited (NAL) :

• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Incorporated : 29 July 2026 as a wholly owned subsidiary of MDSL to support the IAF’s MTA programme.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

Zoological Survey of India and Malabar Christian College Researchers Discover Three New Centipede Species in Kerala and Karnataka

• Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Western Ghats Regional Centre, and Malabar Christian College, Kozhikode, Kerala, discovered three new centipede species in Kerala and Karnataka.
• The three newly discovered species are Rhysida quadrispinosa, Rhysida coorgensis, and Rhysida neyyarensis, increasing the number of known Rhysida species in India to 23.
• The research findings were published in the International Journal of Tropical Insect Science.
• Rhysida quadrispinosa was named after the four distinctive spines on the prefemur of its ultimate leg and has 18 antennal segments, distinctive body margins, and characteristic hind-leg spine arrangements.
• Rhysida coorgensis was named after Coorg in Karnataka, where it was collected, and is distinguished by its back-plate markings and spine arrangements.
• Rhysida neyyarensis was named after Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and is identified by two tarsal spurs on each of its first 19 pairs of legs.

About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) :

• Established : 1916
• Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal.
• The ZSI conducts research, surveys, and documentation of India's faunal diversity.

Daily CA One- Liner: October 23

• The Government of India introduced the Telecommunications (Regulatory Sandbox) Rules, 2026 to establish a framework for testing emerging telecommunications technologies, products and services under controlled conditions before their wider deployment
• The Government of India plans to make selected Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety features mandatory in cars, particularly taxis, as part of its efforts to reduce road accidents and improve passenger safety
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted a special investigation team to investigate a security incident involving eMudhra’s global digital certificate infrastructure
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) introduced Form 173A to enable eligible investors to claim income-tax exemptions on interest income and capital gains earned from government securities
• The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), known as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), completed 10 years, having been launched on 21 October 2016 in line with the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016 to make regional air travel affordable and commercially viable by connecting unserved and underserved airports
• Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will confer the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024 and 2025 on 106 young artists for their contributions to the fields of music, dance and drama
• BharathCloud, a Hyderabad-based company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the High-Technology Technopark IT-Park in Kazan, located in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, to explore cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud infrastructure, investment and cross-border business partnerships
• The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) have formalised a strategic partnership to expand doctoral research opportunities in Earth System Sciences
• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), India, and the New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on the electronic exchange of origin data for trade in goods.
• The World Bank Group (WBG) launched its first comprehensive Digital Strategy at the inaugural Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Summit 2026 held in Seoul, South Korea, to expand digital connectivity, create jobs, and strengthen AI readiness in developing countries.
• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) launched NPS Central, a unified digital platform for National Pension System (NPS) subscribers, on NPS Diwas, 1 October 2026.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has proposed insurance commission caps that could reduce the insurance fee income of banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).
• The shares of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) will be available for trading on the Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSE) under the ‘Permitted to Trade’ category from 24 September.
• Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched ‘bob Cyber Veeru’, a cybersecurity mascot, in October 2026 during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to promote safe digital banking and prevent online fraud.
• The Permanent Delegation of India to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the addition of three Indian sites to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
• The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa.
• IndusInd General Insurance Company Limited. appointed Sharad Mathur as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) on 20 October 2026, following statutory approvals.
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth approximately ₹770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure the Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLR-I) on 21 October 2026.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted an Industry Outreach Programme at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 21 October 2026 to engage with industry stakeholders, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and industry partners regarding its long-term requirements for unmanned and autonomous systems.
• Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh inaugurated ‘GYANDEEP’, a newly established Hindi library, at Sena Bhawan, New Delhi, on 22 October 2026.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated the development of man-portable Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems to detect, intercept, and analyse signals emitted by enemy radars, drones, and other electronic systems.
• VORAN Private Limited, an Indian aviation startup, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with W&S Innovation – Aviation Artur Trendak, a Poland-based aviation company, to explore technology collaboration in gyroplane aviation and potential light aircraft manufacturing in India.
• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced the ‘Toll Plaza Feedback’ feature on the Rajmargyatra mobile app to allow National Highway (NH) users to share feedback on toll plaza services and improve their overall travel experience.
• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW), launched the upgraded Agri Welfare Portal on 19 October 2026 to provide farmers with single-window access to government schemes, financial assistance, and reliable agricultural information.
• Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer S.A. signed an agreement with Mahindra Defence Systems Limited (MDSL), the defence arm of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M), to acquire a 51% controlling stake in Novavayu Aerospace Limited (NAL).
• Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Western Ghats Regional Centre, and Malabar Christian College, Kozhikode, Kerala, discovered three new centipede species in Kerala and Karnataka.