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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

AU Small Finance Bank Teams Up with Paytm to Introduce India’s First RuPay Credit Card Offering Family Lounge Access

• AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) partnered with Paytm (One 97 Communications Ltd.) to launch the Paytm AU SFB Credit Card, described as India’s first Family Lounge Access RuPay Credit Card.
• The credit card offers rewards on digital payments and complimentary airport lounge access for families.
• The Paytm AU SFB Credit Card is a lifetime-free credit card with no joining fees and no annual fees.
• The card is designed for mobile-first users and promotes digital payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• The card offers up to 12 complimentary family lounge visits annually on eligible round-trip flights booked through Paytm, with QR-based entry.
• The card provides up to 2% rewards on eligible Paytm UPI transactions.
• It offers 5% rewards on Paytm Travel bookings and Gold purchases.
• The earned rewards can be redeemed for Paytm Gold at ₹1 per point, vouchers, and bill payments.

About AU Small Finance Bank :

• Headquarters : Jaipur, Rajasthan, and commenced operations as a Small Finance Bank (SFB) in 2017.
• MD & CEO : Sanjay Agarwal

Bank of Baroda Introduces Festive Campaign ‘Bob Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang – Shubh bhi, Labh bhi’

• Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched its festive campaign “bob Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang – Shubh bhi, Labh bhi”, offering benefits on home loans, car loans, MSME financing, savings products, and debit card spending.

Key Highlights :

• Under the campaign, BoB home loans start at an interest rate of 40% per annum, with quick sanctions, minimal documentation, and a 100% processing fee waiver.
• The bob Swabhoomi Loan offers financing for plot purchases, with lower margin requirements, longer repayment tenures, and zero processing fees.
• BoB car loans start at an interest rate of 85% per annum, with quick sanctions, minimal documentation, and zero processing fees.
• The bob Green Wheels Electric Vehicle (EV) Loan offers an additional 15-percentage-point interest concession and extended repayment tenures.
• Eligible women borrowers receive an additional 05-percentage-point interest concession, while specified categories receive a 0.10-percentage-point concession.
• The categories eligible for the 10-percentage-point concession include individuals below 40 years of age, government, Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), and corporate customers with bob Salary Accounts, and High Net Individual (HNI) and Radiance customers.
• Under MSME financing, bob Green Plug provides loans of up to ₹5 crore to establish or expand EV charging stations, battery-swapping infrastructure, and related facilities.
• Baroda Mahila Swavalamban provides collateral-free loans to women entrepreneurs, along with extended repayment tenures and complimentary Quick Response (QR) codes for business-to-business (B2B)
• The bob Global Women NRE/NRO Savings Account offers an Auto Sweep facility and complimentary personal accident and air accident insurance.

About Bank of Baroda :

• Established : 1908
• Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat
• Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer : Debadatta Chand.

Department of Financial Services Initiates Nationwide Financial Inclusion Drive Across 2.70 Lakh Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies

• The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) launched a nationwide Financial Inclusion (FI) Saturation Campaign from 21 October to 31 December 2026.
• The campaign covers approximately 70 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India.
• The campaign aims to expand access to formal banking services, social security schemes, insurance, pension facilities, and financial literacy at the grassroots level.

Key Highlights :

• Banks will facilitate account openings under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which was launched in 2014, and complete re-KYC for existing PMJDY and other savings accounts.
• Banks will generate pending 14-digit Central Know Your Customer (C-KYC) identifiers through the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI).
• The campaign will promote updating nomination details in savings accounts and other facilities, including bank lockers.
• Banks will facilitate enrolment under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), launched in 2015, and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), launched in 2015.
• The campaign will promote Aadhaar seeding for PMJJBY and PMSBY wherever required.
• Banks will encourage enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana (APY), launched in 2015, to expand pension coverage.
• The campaign will promote Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, and help provide crop insurance coverage to eligible Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts ahead of the Rabi season.
• Banks will facilitate KCC applications for eligible beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan), launched in 2019.
• Awareness sessions will cover financial inclusion schemes, digital fraud prevention, and ‘Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar’, an initiative concerning unclaimed financial assets.
• The campaign reflects the government’s commitment to last-mile financial inclusion and bringing more citizens into the formal financial system.
• A preparatory meeting involving senior bank management and State Level Bankers’ Committees (SLBCs) was held under the chairmanship of the Joint Secretary (Financial Inclusion), DFS.
• Progress under the campaign will be closely monitored by the DFS, banks, and State administrations to ensure effective implementation and wider coverage.

Reserve Bank of India Directs Banks to Maintain 20% Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve in Addition to Mandatory Cash Reserve Ratio Balance

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clarified that banks must maintain a Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR) equal to 20% of the rupee value of eligible foreign exchange derivative contracts in their Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) accounts, over and above the mandatory CRR balance.

Key Highlights :

• The FERR requirement applies to specified rupee-linked foreign exchange derivative contracts used to hedge current account transactions when the notional value exceeds US$2 million.
• The reserve requirement also covers eligible foreign exchange derivative contracts undertaken by banks to hedge currency risks on their own assets and liabilities.
• The funds maintained as FERR do not earn interest, increasing the cost of foreign exchange hedging for banks and contributing to higher forex forward premiums.
• Forward premium refers to the difference between the forward exchange rate and the spot exchange rate of a currency.
• Banks must maintain the FERR daily for each eligible transaction and keep it in place until one day after the derivative contract terminates.
• The revised rules apply to transactions undertaken from the effective date, covering both fresh contracts and rollovers of existing derivative positions.
• The RBI has also restricted the rebooking of cancelled foreign exchange derivative contracts as part of its measures to regulate foreign exchange derivative transactions.
• Banks are required to maintain records so that the RBI can verify compliance with the FERR requirements during audits.
• The new reserve requirement has increased foreign exchange hedging costs and contributed to a sharp rise in forward premiums, as banks and customers adjust or unwind their existing positions.
• Some banks are advising customers, particularly importers, to use shorter-dated forward contracts of two to three months instead of hedging their entire foreign exchange exposure over longer periods.
• Market participants expect the Indian rupee may weaken over the longer term despite its recent recovery, prompting some importers to lock in forward purchases of US dollars; this is a market expectation, not an RBI forecast.
• Banks that have raised Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR(B)) deposits are assessing how to hedge the US dollar exposure associated with the interest component of these deposits.
• Banks may choose to retain some unhedged foreign exchange exposure depending on their outlook for the rupee, but such decisions involve currency risk.
• The RBI’s FERR requirement increases the cost of maintaining eligible derivative positions because the reserve funds remain interest-free, affecting banks’ hedging strategies and the pricing of forward contracts.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Ministry of Agriculture Launches Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026 to Promote Sustainable Farming

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will conduct the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026 from 22 October to 30 November 2026 to promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil health and encourage the judicious use of agricultural resources.
• Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, will launch the campaign from Karnal, Haryana.
• The campaign aims to educate farmers about the balanced and judicious use of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs based on soil testing, improve soil health, enhance water-use efficiency and encourage resource-efficient and climate-resilient farming practices.

Key Highlights

• Crop diversification will be promoted through oilseed, pulse and horticulture missions, intercropping with suitable crops and varieties, and the effective utilisation of fallow fields after paddy harvesting.
• Additional initiatives under the campaign will include:
• Facilitating the creation of Farmer IDs.
• Creating awareness about crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
• Expanding coverage under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme through saturation efforts.
• Disseminating information about the benefits and opportunities arising from trade agreements.
• Awareness programmes, farmers’ conferences, Kisan Chaupals, training sessions and field demonstrations will be organised at the State, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels.
• Implementation will involve State Agriculture Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, State Agricultural Universities and Agricultural Technology Management Agencies (ATMA).
• Agricultural scientists, ATMA functionaries, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and progressive farmers will participate in the campaign.
• Outreach activities will include local-language information materials, radio, Doordarshan, social media and other Information, Education and Communication (IEC) initiatives to ensure wider dissemination of information among farmers.
• The campaign targets approximately one crore participants through ATMA and ICAR. A total of 4,150 teams involving KVKs and ATMA are envisaged, with more than 12,000 scientists and ATMA functionaries expected to contribute.

About Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare:

• Cabinet Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
• Constituency: Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh
• Ministers of State (MoS): Ram Nath Thakur, Bhagirath Choudhary

Punjab Government Launches SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 Colleges to Promote Youth Wellbeing and Prevent Substance Abuse

• The Punjab Government launched SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 colleges across the state to strengthen mental health awareness among young people, encourage early intervention and help prevent substance abuse under its flagship campaign Yudh Nashean Virudh.
• The initiative is led by the Department of Higher Education, Punjab, in partnership with the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET).

Key Highlights

• The initiative was launched at Plaksha University, Mohali, in the presence of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and other participants.
• Neerja Birla commended the Punjab Government’s collaborative approach involving government departments, civil society organisations, educators, healthcare professionals and community leaders. She highlighted the need to build a sustainable ecosystem for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration to benefit young people and their families.
• Under the programme, 25 students from each participating college will receive 14 hours of Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training and certification.
• The clubs will conduct campus-level activities to promote mental wellbeing, encourage open conversations about emotional challenges and discourage substance use.
• The programme is being implemented through Mpower, a subsidiary of ABET, under its COPE (Counselling and Outreach for Peer Empowerment) framework.
• The launch event also featured Nikhil Taneja, co-founder and chief of Yuvaa, and Bollywood actor Aparshakti Khurana, who participated in discussions on youth wellbeing and the importance of creating spaces where young people feel heard, understood and supported.
• Punjabi comedian Manpreet Singh, popularly known as The Comic Singh, also performed at the event.

About Punjab:

• Chief Minister: Bhagwant Singh Mann
• Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
• Capital: Chandigarh
• National Parks: Abohar National Park, Harike Wetland National Park, Jhajjar Bacholi National Park, Bir Moti Bagh National Park, Bir Bhadson National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary, Harike Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Kathlaur-Kushlian Wildlife Sanctuary, Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary, Jhajjar Bacholi Wildlife Sanctuary, Takhni-Rehampur Wildlife Sanctuary

Jaipur Included in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027 List Ahead of Its 300th Foundation Anniversary

• Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was included in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027 list of destinations worth visiting in the coming year.
• The recognition comes ahead of Jaipur’s 300th foundation anniversary in 2027. The city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, ruler of the Kachwaha Rajput kingdom of Amber.
• Jaipur’s inclusion reflects its architectural heritage, cultural traditions, planned urban layout and major cultural events, including the Jaipur Literature Festival and the International Kite Festival.

Key Highlights

• Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the distinctive pink colour of many buildings in its historic centre. The tradition is commonly associated with the 1876 visit of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, when buildings were painted pink as a gesture of hospitality.
• Jaipur is an important centre of Rajput political, architectural and cultural heritage. Its planned streets, organised market areas and neighbourhoods distinguish it as an example of pre-modern urban planning in India.
• Important architectural and historical landmarks associated with Jaipur include:
• Hawa Mahal – Known for its distinctive façade and numerous small windows.
• City Palace – A historic palace complex reflecting the architectural and cultural legacy of Jaipur’s royal rulers.
• Jantar Mantar – An astronomical observatory established by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, demonstrating India’s historical achievements in observational astronomy and scientific instruments.
• Amber Fort – Located near Jaipur and recognised for its Rajput architecture and fortifications.
• Nahargarh Fort – Situated in the Aravalli Hills overlooking Jaipur.
• Jaigarh Fort – Built in 1726 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II on Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) in the Aravalli range, overlooking Amber Fort.
• Jal Mahal – A palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.
• The historic walled city of Jaipur was inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List in 2019. The recognition acknowledges its planned urban form, historic architecture, traditional commercial streets and continuing cultural life.
• Major cultural events and traditional crafts contribute to Jaipur’s international appeal:
• Jaipur Literature Festival – A major literary event bringing together writers, thinkers, publishers and readers from India and abroad. The 2027 edition is scheduled for 14–18 January, according to the supplied source.
• International Kite Festival – Celebrated around Makar Sankranti in January, featuring colourful kites and attracting participants and visitors.
• Gangaur Festival – A traditional Rajasthani festival associated with Goddess Gauri, marriage traditions and seasonal celebrations, featuring processions, music and cultural performances.
• Traditional crafts – Jaipur is known for block printing, blue pottery, jewellery, gemstone cutting, textiles and handicrafts.

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

Digital India BHASHINI Division and Indian Institute of Science Develop Text-to-Speech Models for Sourashtra Language

• The Digital India BHASHINI Division and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, jointly developed text-to-speech (TTS) models for Sourashtra, a minority Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly by the Sourashtra community in Tamil Nadu.

Key Highlights

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stated that the initiative aims to expand speech technology for languages with limited digital resources.
• The models are expected to support the use of Sourashtra in digital applications, language learning, accessibility solutions, documentation and research.
• The models use an end-to-end text-to-speech architecture based on Variational Inference with Adversarial Learning, enabling speech to be generated directly from written text.
• The models support both male and female voices, with each voice capable of processing text written in Tamil and Sourashtra scripts.
• This dual-script capability enables users to access and use Sourashtra through the scripts commonly used to write the language.

Ladakh to Operationalise Its First Government Medical College in Leh from Academic Year 2027–28

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, approved the operationalisation of Ladakh’s first Government Medical College in Leh from the academic year 2027–28, following the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

Key Highlights

• The approval enables the phased recruitment of staff against 103 sanctioned regular posts, based on academic requirements.
• The establishment of the medical college fulfils the long-standing aspiration of the people of Ladakh to access quality medical education within the Union Territory.
• The institution is expected to expand opportunities for students aspiring to pursue medical education, strengthen clinical training facilities, and contribute to the long-term development of healthcare services in Ladakh.

About Ladakh:

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

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena Notifies 100 Constituencies for Autonomous Hill Development Councils Under the 2026 Amendment

• Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor (LG) of the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, notified 100 constituencies for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs), nearly doubling the existing strength of 52 constituencies.
• The constituencies were notified under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2026 and will come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

Key Highlights

• The distribution of the 100 constituencies across the councils is as follows:
• Leh – 22 constituencies
• Kargil – 21 constituencies
• Sankoo – 13 constituencies
• Changthang – 10 constituencies
• Nubra – 9 constituencies
• Sham – 9 constituencies
• Zanskar – 9 constituencies
• Drass – 7 constituencies
• The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the LAHDC regulation, revising the permitted number of constituencies for each council.
• Under the amended regulation, each council can have a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 24 seats, along with provisions to nominate 4 members representing women and unrepresented communities.
• The increase in constituencies is expected to strengthen local representation, grassroots democracy and inclusive governance across Ladakh.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Publishes 2026 Global Education Monitoring Gender Report on Equal Access to Education

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released the 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Gender Report, titled “Gender Equity in Access to Education”, on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child (11 October 2026).
• The report highlights global progress towards gender parity in education, while identifying persistent barriers such as child marriage, poverty, and geographical disadvantages that affect girls’ access to and completion of education.
• The 2026 GEM Gender Report examines out-of-school rates, primary and secondary education completion, post-secondary enrolment, and educational attainment.
• The report uses recent evidence from the World Inequality Database on Education (WIDE) to assess gender inequalities in education.
• In 2024, global gender parity in enrolment had been achieved at the pre-primary, primary, and secondary education levels, but disparities remained in tertiary education and among disadvantaged communities.
• Between 2000 and 2024, the share of countries with fewer than nine girls enrolled for every ten boys declined from 15% to 2% in primary education.
• During the same period, the share of countries with fewer than nine girls enrolled for every ten boys in upper-secondary education decreased from 18% to 5%.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Ameena Nazreen A S Receives US$500 Award at the 2026 Global Youth Institute in the United States

• Ameena Nazreen A S received a US$500 cash award at the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, United States.
• The institute was held as part of the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, organised by the World Food Prize Foundation under the theme “Before Hunger Wins”.
• The Global Youth Institute brings together high school students from different countries annually in Des Moines to discuss food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture and agricultural innovation.

Key Highlights

• Seven high school students from India were selected through the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS)-YUVA initiative to participate in the 2026 institute.
• They presented research papers on food-security challenges and sustainable agricultural systems.
• On 14 July 2026, Nagappan N., a Class XII student at Reliance Foundation School, Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai, was separately selected as one of 10 students from India to represent the country at the institute through the NAAS-YUVA Selection Drive.
• Food security exists when all people have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.
• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), its four dimensions are:
• Availability – adequate food supply.
• Access – physical and economic access to food.
• Utilisation – proper nutrition and food safety.
• Stability – continuity of availability, access and utilisation over time.
• During the symposium, the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), United States.
• The agreement focuses on collaboration in agricultural research, capacity building and knowledge exchange.
• The 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue was held from 20 to 22 October 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. Norman E. Borlaug was an American agronomist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate associated with the Green Revolution.

Kochi-Based Architecture Student Wins 28th Charles Correa Gold Medal 2026 for Thesis on Energy Infrastructure and Civic Engagement

• A Kochi-based architecture student won the 28th Charles Correa Gold Medal in Mumbai for the undergraduate thesis titled “Energy Commons: Reimagining Energy Infrastructure as a Place for Civic Engagement.”
• The annual award recognises outstanding undergraduate architectural thesis projects that address challenges in the built environment.
• The theme for the 2026 edition was “Equitability through Design”, centred on the question “Who are we designing for?”
• The winning project explored how energy infrastructure can be reimagined as a space for civic engagement.
• The winner received a cash prize of ₹25,000.

Key Highlights

• The Charles Correa Gold Medal was instituted in 1998 by Indian architect Charles Correa.
• The Charles Correa Foundation (CCF) has administered the award annually since its inception.
• Since 2022, the award has been open to architecture colleges across India. Before this expansion, eligibility was restricted to colleges in Mumbai and Goa.
• Participating colleges must be approved by the Council of Architecture (COA), India’s statutory body responsible for regulating architectural education and the profession under the Architects Act, 1972.
• The registration schedule for the 2026 edition was as follows:
• Registration opened: 16 April 2026.
• Last date for college registration: 3 July 2026.
• Last date for submission of deliverables: 21 August 2026.
• The 2025 award ceremony was held on 16 September 2025 at IFBE, Mumbai, During the ceremony, Amit Chandra launched Designing Equitable Cities, the proceedings of the Z-axis 2018 Conference.
• The 2023 Charles Correa Gold Medal recognised an undergraduate architectural thesis on “Form Follows Climate”. Its award ceremony was conducted online on 9 May 2024.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

India and Poland Agree to Strengthen Cooperation in Defence, Space, Nuclear Energy and Critical Technologies

• India and Poland agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy and emerging technologies during comprehensive discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in New Delhi.
• The two leaders discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India–Poland Strategic Partnership.
• In a joint statement issued after the talks, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, cybersecurity and defence innovation.

Key Highlights

• India and Poland also agreed to develop trusted global supply chains and pursue the shared target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
• Both Prime Ministers unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism leading to terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism.
• They strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025 and called for strong, coordinated action against terrorists and terrorist organisations.
• India and Poland reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific and emphasised respect for international law, freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.
• India invited Poland to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which promotes cooperation on maritime issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Both sides identified opportunities to strengthen collaboration in geology, mining and critical minerals.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in this area was under negotiation.

Karmayogi Bharat Partners with OpenAI to Expand Artificial Intelligence Learning for Government Employees

• Karmayogi Bharat and OpenAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning opportunities for India’s government workforce by integrating approved OpenAI Academy resources into the iGOT Karmayogi digital learning platform.
• The initiative aligns with Mission Karmayogi, which aims to develop a competent, professionally equipped and future-ready civil service.

Key Highlights

• Eligible government personnel across the Central and State Governments will be able to access practical AI learning resources through a digital platform designed for anytime, anywhere and any-device learning.
• The partnership supports the Government of India’s broader focus on using AI for inclusive development, citizen-centric governance and public welfare.
• Under the agreement:
• OpenAI will make approved OpenAI Academy learning content available for integration into iGOT Karmayogi.
• Karmayogi Bharat will facilitate access to the resources, encourage learner participation and coordinate with relevant government departments to support implementation.
• The collaboration is expected to support the use of AI in routine government operations, public service delivery and professional development.
• The OpenAI Academy courses will be accessible to eligible government personnel through iGOT Karmayogi, strengthening Mission Karmayogi’s broader efforts to enhance skills and capabilities across India’s public administration system.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

33rd Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) Begins in Visakhapatnam

• The 33rd edition of the Singapore–India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) commenced on 21 October 2026 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), involving the Indian Navy (IN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

Key Highlights :

• SIMBEX-2026 is a six-day naval exercise scheduled from 21 to 26 October 2026, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation, operational interoperability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The opening ceremony was held on 21 October 2026 onboard INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta at Visakhapatnam.
• The opening ceremony was attended by the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command, the Fleet Commander of the RSN, and other senior officers from both navies.
• The RSS Supreme, a Formidable-class stealth frigate of the Republic of Singapore Navy, arrived at Visakhapatnam on 21 October 2026 to participate in the exercise.
• SIMBEX began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King and has evolved into a significant bilateral maritime engagement between India and Singapore.
• The exercise aims to strengthen professional ties, mutual understanding, and operational interoperability, while addressing common maritime security challenges and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
• SIMBEX-2026 will be conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase from 21 to 23 October 2026 and the Sea Phase from 24 to 26 October 2026.
• The Harbour Phase includes professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sporting engagements, and planning conferences.
• The Sea Phase will take place in the Bay of Bengal and include maritime operations, tactical manoeuvres, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare, and anti-air warfare drills.
• The Sea Phase will also feature seamanship evolutions and tactical exercises to improve coordination and operational readiness between the two navies.
• The 32nd edition of SIMBEX (SIMBEX-25) was held in Singapore from 28 July to 1 August 2025.

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Arrives in Malé, Maldives, for Long Range Training Deployment

• Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi, arrived off Malé, Maldives, on 21 October 2026 as part of the squadron’s Long Range Training Deployment.
• The Indian naval squadron received a warm welcome from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), reflecting the strong maritime partnership and close regional ties between India and the Maldives.
• During the port call, the Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron met the Chief of Defence Force, MNDF, and the Commandant of the MNDF Coast Guard to discuss sustained engagement and multifaceted maritime cooperation.
• The Senior Officer of 1TS also called on Shri G. Balasubramaniam, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives.
• As part of the training exchange programme, trainees of the First Training Squadron visited the Girifushi Training Centre in the Maldives.
• Planned activities during the visit include cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, social interactions, and outreach activities to strengthen camaraderie and mutual understanding between the Indian and Maldivian forces.
• The visit aims to enhance operational interoperability between the Indian Navy and the MNDF and strengthen maritime cooperation between the two countries.
• The deployment aligns with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Perseverance Rover Breaks Mars Driving Record, Covering 45.22 Kilometres

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that its Perseverance rover set a new extraterrestrial driving record by travelling 22 kilometres (28.06 miles) on Mars on 11 October 2026, surpassing the previous record of 45.16 kilometres held by NASA’s Opportunity rover.
• Perseverance achieved this milestone on the 2,006th Martian day (sol) of its mission, covering the distance in approximately five and a half years, compared with nearly 15 years taken by Opportunity.
• The Perseverance rover mission aims to study Mars’ geology, search for signs of ancient microbial life, and collect rock samples for possible return to Earth.
• Perseverance’s driving record was made possible by its Autonomous Navigation (AutoNav) system, which uses onboard cameras and computing to detect hazards, create 3D maps of terrain, plan routes, and drive independently with reduced reliance on instructions from Earth.
• Perseverance can travel up to 1,351 feet (412 metres) in a single Martian day and has used AutoNav to assess terrain for more than 90% of its total driving distance.
• In comparison, the AutoNav system used on NASA’s earlier Opportunity and Spirit rovers was responsible for approximately 5% of their driving.
• NASA’s first Mars rover, Sojourner, assessed the path ahead using 20 measurement points, whereas Perseverance processes approximately 600,000 measurement points each time it examines terrain.
• The record was achieved as Perseverance travelled towards an area called Idubi, through Lac de Charmes, near the western rim of Jezero Crater, where it is investigating some of the oldest terrain explored in the Solar System.
• NASA approved the first extension of the Perseverance mission, beginning in October 2026, allowing the rover to continue exploring the rim of Jezero Crater until approximately the end of 2028.
• NASA selected Indian astronomer Ramya Manjunath Anche of the University of Arizona as the Principal Investigator of its Polarimetry in the Ultraviolet to Find Features in Interstellar Dust (PUFFINS) mission under the Astrophysics Pioneers programme.
• The PUFFINS mission has an estimated budget of ₹168 crore (US$20 million) and is targeted for launch in 2030.
• The PUFFINS mission will involve collaboration with the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru.

About NASA :

• Formed : July 29, 1958
• Headquarters : Washington, D.C
• Administrator : Jared Isaacman

Centre for Development of Telematics Sets Up Its Sixth Centre of Excellence at Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi to Promote Next-Generation Telecom Technologies

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecommunications Research and Development (R&D) centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, to establish C-DOT’s sixth Centre of Excellence (CoE).
• The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s indigenous telecommunications innovation ecosystem by combining C-DOT’s expertise in telecom R&D with the academic and research capabilities of IIT (BHU), Varanasi.
• The partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world technological requirements, promote innovation, and develop a pipeline of skilled professionals for the evolving telecommunications sector.
• The initiative will facilitate joint research and sustained knowledge exchange among researchers, faculty members, students, and technology experts from C-DOT and IIT (BHU).
• The Centre of Excellence will focus on Wireless Communications, Quantum Technologies, Cybersecurity, and AI-driven Communication Systems.
• The CoE will undertake advanced research in emerging technologies, including 5G Advanced and 6G Technologies, very large-scale Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems, Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), AI-Native Communication Networks and Devices, and Quantum and Post-Quantum Communication Technologies.
• The initiative aims to develop indigenous technologies critical to India’s digital and communication infrastructure and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
• The MoU was signed in the presence of Pankaj Kumar Dalela, Executive Vice President (EVP) of C-DOT, and Professor Amit Patra, Director of IIT (BHU), Varanasi, along with faculty members and senior officials from both institutions.
• The signing ceremony was followed by the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence, dedicated to advancing communication technologies through collaborative research and innovation.
• With the establishment of the new CoE at IIT (BHU), Varanasi, C-DOT’s national network of Centres of Excellence has expanded to six.
• C-DOT’s existing Centre of Excellence collaborations include IIT Kanpur, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Roorkee, IIT Hyderabad, and IISc Bengaluru, with the latter collaboration established through the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID).
• C-DOT’s Centres of Excellence aim to develop future-ready communication technologies, promote knowledge exchange, and nurture specialised talent to support India’s telecommunications sector.

Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Armament Research and Development Establishment Selects SSS Defence and Kalyani Group to Develop India’s First Indigenous Aviation Gun System

• The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), shortlisted SSS Defence and the Kalyani Group as Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) for developing India’s first indigenous 20 mm aviation gun and turret system.
• The indigenous 20 mm aviation gun and turret system will be developed for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-IV, also known as Rudra, and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.
• The project aims to promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing and reduce India’s dependence on foreign weapon systems.
• The design and development phase is expected to take approximately two years, with production orders to be placed after the acceptance phase.
• The production order will be divided between SSS Defence and the Kalyani Group based on cost calculations, with the lowest bidder (L1) receiving 60% of the order and the other company receiving the remaining 40%.
• The project represents India’s first design and development initiative for an indigenous medium-calibre aviation gun.
• The 20 mm turret gun is an important component of armed helicopters’ weapon systems, enabling them to engage ground targets in combat operations and support ground troops.
• The ALH Mk-IV Rudra, the weaponised version of HAL’s Dhruv helicopter, can carry weapons including a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods, and missiles.
• The LCH Prachand, India’s indigenous attack helicopter, is equipped with a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rockets, and anti-tank guided missiles.
• The Indian Army has previously conducted day and night firing trials of the LCH’s 20 mm turret gun.
• The existing 20 mm turret gun integrated with the LCH Prachand is supplied by KNDS, a European defence company.

About ARDE :

• Established : 1958 and specialises in the research, design, and development of conventional armaments, artillery systems, small arms, ammunition, and warheads for the Indian Armed Forces.
• Headquarters : Pune, Maharashtra.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India Approves Maybach Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd.’s Acquisition of 100% Stake in Sahrudaya Health Care

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of 100% of the equity share capital of Sahrudaya Health Care Private Limited by Maybach Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd.
• Maybach Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd. is the acquirer and a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) incorporated solely for the proposed transaction.
• The acquirer is indirectly owned by investment funds, vehicles, and/or accounts advised and managed by various subsidiaries of KKR & Co. Inc.
• Sahrudaya Health Care Private Limited is the target company and operates a multispecialty hospital network directly and through its subsidiaries.
• The target company operates 28 hospitals/units with approximately 4,800 beds across South and West India.
• Sahrudaya Health Care provides comprehensive medical services across more than 80 clinical specialties, including cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, nephrology, oncology, orthopaedics, critical care, and women’s health, along with other medical and surgical specialties.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

India Hosts the 2026 Agrivoltaics World Conference for the First Time in the Global South

• The 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference (AWC) 2026 was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 21 to 23 October 2026, under the theme “Powering the Global South.”
• The conference was hosted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, with support from Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, in partnership with Conexio-PSE.
• Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi jointly inaugurated the conference on 21 October 2026.
• India hosted the AgriVoltaics World Conference for the first time in the Global South, bringing together international experts to promote agricultural and renewable-energy integration.
• Agrivoltaics, also known as AgriPV, refers to the combined use of the same land for agricultural activities and solar photovoltaic power generation, allowing farming to continue beneath or around solar panels.
• The core principle of agrivoltaics is “One land, two harvests,” enabling farmers to produce both food and solar energy and become Annadatas (food providers) and Urjadatas (energy providers).
• The conference discussions focused on crop productivity, policy frameworks, financing models, and farmer-centred business models for combining food production with clean energy generation.
• More than 1,200 delegates, including over 150 international participants, attended the conference in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online participation.
• The opening ceremony featured the launch of the MNRE’s AgriPV Policy Handbook, a Decision-Making Tool by the India Agrivoltaics Alliance (IAA), and a Book of Abstracts by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
• India’s non-fossil-fuel electricity capacity reached 03 GW, accounting for over 55% of the country’s total installed electricity capacity.
• India’s agricultural exports reached a record USD 52.55 billion, while over 85% of Indian farmers are small and marginal farmers, highlighting the importance of farmer-focused agrivoltaic policies.
• According to The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), approximately 5 million hectares of Indian cropland are technically suitable for agrivoltaics.
• According to the deployment scenario cited in the conference material, developing agrivoltaic systems across 16 million hectares could generate approximately 12,775 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually.
• The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) supports solar energy in agriculture through components that include decentralised solar power plants and solarisation of agricultural pumps.
• The next phase of PM-KUSUM is expected to provide further support for the adoption of agrivoltaics in India.
• Agrivoltaics can help promote dual land use, clean-energy generation, agricultural productivity, and additional income opportunities for farmers, while supporting India’s renewable-energy transition.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar Win Compound Mixed Team Gold as Swati Chaudhary Secures India’s First W1 Medal at the Asian Para Games

• Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar won the gold medal in the compound mixed team event at the 2026 Asian Para Games, defeating Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang 151–148 in the final Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• The victory secured India’s first archery gold medal at the ongoing Games.
• Both Sheetal and Toman are reigning world champions in their respective individual categories.

Key Highlights

• The Indian pair also established a world record in the qualification round, surpassing the previous record by two points.
• In the final, India scored 38 points against Indonesia’s 37 in the opening end and extended its lead to 77–73 in the second end. Indonesia narrowed the gap in the third end, but the Indian pair maintained a three-point advantage to win the title.
• The victory marked Sheetal Devi’s second consecutive Asian Para Games gold medal in the mixed team event. She had won the same title with Rakesh Kumar at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
• In the semifinal, Sheetal and Toman defeated Chinese Taipei’s Lee Yun-Hsien and Yang Jyun-Kai 142–141. Despite Toman’s final arrow missing the scoring zone, Sheetal’s accuracy helped India remain in contention and secure the narrow victory.
• Sheetal Devi was born without arms and uses her feet and legs to position the compound bow, while using her shoulder and jaw to draw and release the bowstring.
• Toman Kumar, a 31-year-old Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable and former CoBRA commando from Chhattisgarh, took up para archery after losing his left leg in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast during an anti-Maoist operation in Lohardaga district, Jharkhand, in February 2022. He became a world champion in 2025 and reached the top of the world rankings in men’s compound archery.
• Swati Chaudhary won the silver medal in the women’s individual W1 category, securing India’s first-ever medal in the W1 category at the Asian Para Games. She lost 4–6 to China’s Cen Mengkan in the final.
• Swati had previously won bronze at the World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad in September 2026.
• The W1 category is for archers with significant impairments affecting both the upper and lower limbs. Swati’s silver medal marked a historic milestone for Indian para archery.

Yashaswini Ghorpade and Harmeet Desai Secure Mixed Doubles Medal at the 29th Asian Table Tennis Championships 2026

• Indian table tennis players Yashaswini Ghorpade and Harmeet Desai secured a mixed doubles medal at the 29th International Table Tennis Federation–Asian Table Tennis Union (ITTF–ATTU) Asian Championships 2026, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Key Highlights

• The Asian Table Tennis Championships is a continental competition for national teams and players in Asia, organised by the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU), the continental body affiliated with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
• The 2026 edition was the 29th championship. International table tennis championships can include singles, doubles and team events.
• In mixed doubles, each pair consists of one male and one female player representing the same national association.
• The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) establishes international rules and equipment standards, while the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) organises continental-level competitions for its member associations.

India’s Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar Win Gold in Men’s Singles SL3 and SL4 Badminton at Asian Para Games 2026

• Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar of India won gold medals in the men’s singles SL3 and SL4 categories, respectively, in para badminton at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.
• In the men’s singles SL3 final, Nitesh Kumar, the Paris Paralympic gold medallist, defeated compatriot Pramod Bhagat, another Paralympic gold medallist, by 21–18, 21–16.

Key Highlights

• Naveen Sivakumar, making his Asian Para Games debut, won the men’s singles SL4 gold medal by defeating Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan 21–9, 21–17 in 36 minutes.
• Naveen’s previous international achievements include:
• Gold medal at the Uganda Para Badminton International 2022.
• Silver medal at the 2026 Badminton World Federation (BWF) Para Badminton World Championships in Bahrain.
• Silver medal at the French Para Badminton International in June 2026.
• Pramod Bhagat secured the silver medal in men’s singles SL3. He had won gold medals in the 2018 and 2022 editions and was aiming for a third consecutive Asian Para Games title. The Tokyo Paralympic gold medallist attributed his loss to errors in some strokes and slightly inaccurate judgement.
• India’s Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan won silver in the women’s singles SH6 final after losing 12–21, 13–21 to China’s Li Fengmei.
• Thulasimathi Murugesan, a Paris Paralympics silver medallist, lost 18–21, 11–21 to China’s Yang Qiuxia in the women’s singles SU5 final at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium.
• Thulasimathi remained in contention for two additional gold medals:
• Mixed doubles SL3–SU5: She partnered Nitesh Kumar to face Indonesia’s Leani Ratri Oktila and Hikmat Ramdani in the final.
• Women’s doubles SL3–SU5: She teamed up with Manasi Girishchandra Joshi to face China’s Yang Qiuxia and Xiao Zuxian in the final.
• The para badminton sport classes are defined as follows:
• SL3: For players with significant lower-limb impairments who compete on a half court.
• SL4: For players with lower-limb impairments who have better walking and running balance.
• SU5: For players with upper-limb impairments.
• SH6: For athletes with short stature.

Harry Brook Creates Record for Fastest Double Century in One-Day International Cricket in 114 Balls

• Harry Brook, England’s limited-overs captain, scored the fastest double century in One-Day International (ODI) cricket, reaching the 200-run milestone in just 114 balls against Sri Lanka in the third match of the tri- series in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
• Brook broke the previous record of 117 balls, held by Indian batter Shubman Gill, who scored an ODI double century against the West Indies earlier in 2026.

Key Highlights

• Brook also became the first England batter to score a double century in ODI cricket, surpassing the previous England record of 182 runs, scored by Ben Stokes against New Zealand in 2023.
• Gill had earlier broken the record held by fellow Indian batter Ishan Kishan, who reached an ODI double century in 126 balls against Bangladesh in 2022.
• Fastest double centuries in ODI cricket by balls faced

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS AND AUTHOR

Former Prasar Bharati Chairman Surya Prakash Releases Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey’s Book on the Evolution of Television News in India

• Former Prasar Bharati Chairman Surya Prakash released the book “The Evolution of TV News in India: From Doordarshan to Digital Disruption – An Insider’s Account”, authored by veteran broadcaster and former Doordarshan producer Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey.

Key Highlights

• The book was released at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, Delhi.
• The book was published by Om Books International.
• It chronicles nearly five decades of Indian television journalism, tracing its development from the early years of Doordarshan and the expansion of television services to satellite television, private news channels, 24-hour news broadcasting and digital media platforms.
• The book examines television coverage of several significant historical events, including:
• The Emergency (1975–1977).
• The Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) Movement.
• Operation Blue Star.
• The assassinations of Indira Gandhi and John Lennon.
• The evolution of election broadcasting in India.
• The book documents India's media history, records developments in broadcasting technology, recognises pioneering journalists and broadcasters, supports journalism education, and highlights the role of international communications.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Vummidi Ethiraj, Celebrated Jeweller Who Helped Craft the Historic Sengol, Passed away at 99

• Renowned jeweller and craftsman Vummidi Ethiraj passed away at the age of 99 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Vummidi Ethiraj was born on 25 November 1926 in Chennai and was the patriarch of the Vummidi family, which owns the 125-year-old Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers.
• He played a key role in crafting the historic Sengol at the age of 20, in 1947, at the time of India’s Independence.
• The Sengol is a gold-plated silver sceptre that symbolises the transfer of power from British rule to independent India.
• The Sengol was crafted by Vummidi Jewellers using silver coated with gold, with a Nandi (bull) figure at the top.
• On the night of 14 August 1947, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, received the Sengol from the Adheenams (priests) of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, Tamil Nadu.
• On 28 May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially installed the Sengol in the new Parliament building, recognising it as a symbol of India’s civilisational heritage and the transfer of power at Independence.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Iodine Deficiency Day 2026 Observed on 21 October

• World Iodine Deficiency Day (WIDD), also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day, is observed annually on 21 October to raise awareness about iodine deficiency, its health effects and the importance of adequate iodine intake.
• Global efforts to eliminate iodine deficiency gained momentum at the World Summit for Children in 1990, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
• The day was formally declared World Iodine Deficiency Day in 2002.
• Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth and brain development.
• The two major thyroid hormones that require iodine for their production are:
• Triiodothyronine (T3)
• Thyroxine (T4)

Daily CA One- Liner: October 24

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will conduct the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026 from 22 October to 30 November 2026 to promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil health and encourage the judicious use of agricultural resources.
• The Punjab Government launched SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 colleges across the state to strengthen mental health awareness among young people, encourage early intervention and help prevent substance abuse under its flagship campaign Yudh Nashean Virudh
• Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was included in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027 list of destinations worth visiting in the coming year
• The Digital India BHASHINI Division and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, jointly developed text-to-speech (TTS) models for Sourashtra, a minority Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly by the Sourashtra community in Tamil Nadu
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, approved the operationalisation of Ladakh’s first Government Medical College in Leh from the academic year 2027–28, following the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena
• Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor (LG) of the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, notified 100 constituencies for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs), nearly doubling the existing strength of 52 constituencies
• Ameena Nazreen A S received a US$500 cash award at the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
• A Kochi-based architecture student won the 28th Charles Correa Gold Medal in Mumbai for the undergraduate thesis titled “Energy Commons: Reimagining Energy Infrastructure as a Place for Civic Engagement.
• India and Poland agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy and emerging technologies during comprehensive discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in New Delhi
• Karmayogi Bharat and OpenAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning opportunities for India’s government workforce by integrating approved OpenAI Academy resources into the iGOT Karmayogi digital learning platform
• Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar won the gold medal in the compound mixed team event at the 2026 Asian Para Games, defeating Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang 151–148 in the final Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
• Indian table tennis players Yashaswini Ghorpade and Harmeet Desai secured a mixed doubles medal at the 29th International Table Tennis Federation–Asian Table Tennis Union (ITTF–ATTU) Asian Championships 2026, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
• Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar of India won gold medals in the men’s singles SL3 and SL4 categories, respectively, in para badminton at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan
• Harry Brook, England’s limited-overs captain, scored the fastest double century in One-Day International (ODI) cricket, reaching the 200-run milestone in just 114 balls against Sri Lanka in the third match of the tri- series in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• Former Prasar Bharati Chairman Surya Prakash released the book “The Evolution of TV News in India: From Doordarshan to Digital Disruption – An Insider’s Account”, authored by veteran broadcaster and former Doordarshan producer Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey
• World Iodine Deficiency Day (WIDD), also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day, is observed annually on 21 October to raise awareness about iodine deficiency, its health effects and the importance of adequate iodine intake.
• AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) partnered with Paytm (One 97 Communications Ltd.) to launch the Paytm AU SFB Credit Card, described as India’s first Family Lounge Access RuPay Credit Card.
• Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched its festive campaign “bob Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang – Shubh bhi, Labh bhi”, offering benefits on home loans, car loans, MSME financing, savings products, and debit card spending.
• The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) launched a nationwide Financial Inclusion (FI) Saturation Campaign from 21 October to 31 December 2026.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clarified that banks must maintain a Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR) equal to 20% of the rupee value of eligible foreign exchange derivative contracts in their Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) accounts, over and above the mandatory CRR balance.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released the 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Gender Report, titled “Gender Equity in Access to Education”, on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child (11 October 2026).
• The 33rd edition of the Singapore–India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) commenced on 21 October 2026 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), involving the Indian Navy (IN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
• Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi, arrived off Malé, Maldives, on 21 October 2026 as part of the squadron’s Long Range Training Deployment.
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that its Perseverance rover set a new extraterrestrial driving record by travelling 22 kilometres (28.06 miles) on Mars on 11 October 2026, surpassing the previous record of 45.16 kilometres held by NASA’s Opportunity rover.
• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecommunications Research and Development (R&D) centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, to establish C-DOT’s sixth Centre of Excellence (CoE).
• The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), shortlisted SSS Defence and the Kalyani Group as Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) for developing India’s first indigenous 20 mm aviation gun and turret system.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of 100% of the equity share capital of Sahrudaya Health Care Private Limited by Maybach Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd.
• The 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference (AWC) 2026 was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 21 to 23 October 2026, under the theme “Powering the Global South.”
• Renowned jeweller and craftsman Vummidi Ethiraj passed away at the age of 99 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.