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 CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Securities and Exchange Board of India and Bank of England Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Regulatory Cooperation and Information Sharing on Clearing Corporations

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Bank of England (BoE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen regulatory cooperation and information exchange concerning SEBI-recognised Clearing Corporations.
• The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two authorities on matters relating to Central Counterparties (CCPs), in accordance with their respective laws and regulations.
• The MoU enables the Bank of England to rely on SEBI’s regulatory and supervisory activities while safeguarding the financial stability of the United Kingdom.
• The agreement aims to improve cross-border regulatory cooperation and facilitate the exchange of information between Indian and UK financial regulators.
• The MoU supports international clearing activities by strengthening cooperation between the two financial regulatory authorities.
• The Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom.

Note :

• In India, Clearing Corporations (CCs) are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA), and SEBI (Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations) Regulations, 2018.
• Clearing Corporations (CCs) in India act as Central Counterparties (CCPs) to guarantee trade settlement, eliminate counterparty risk, and enforce robust risk management across the capital markets.

About SEBI :

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

India’s Industrial Production Growth Falls to a Four-Month Low of 6.7% in September

• India’s industrial output growth slowed to a four-month low of 6.7% in September 2026, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Key Highlights :

• The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 5% in May 2026, making September’s 6.7% growth the weakest since May.
• Industrial output growth for August 2026 was revised downward to 7.8% from the earlier estimate of 8%, while it stood at 1% in September 2025.
• The IIP index stood at 3 in September 2026, compared with 123.1 in August 2026.
• The slowdown was broad-based, with manufacturing, electricity and gas supply, water supply, sewerage and waste management recording slower growth, while mining and quarrying experienced a deeper contraction.
• Manufacturing, which accounts for approximately 76% of the IIP weight, recorded growth of 6% in September, down from a revised 8.6% in August.
• Manufacturing growth in September was the slowest since May 2026, when the sector grew by 5.2%, ending its three-month run of growth above 8%.
• Of the 23 manufacturing industry groups, 17 recorded positive growth, while eight sub-segments registered double-digit growth.
• The leading contributors to manufacturing growth were electrical equipment (33.9%), rubber and plastics products (19.9%), and motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers (19%).
• Among the contracting manufacturing industries, wood and wood products declined by 5%, pharmaceuticals declined by 8.9%, and wearing apparel declined by 5.2%.
• Electricity and gas supply remained the fastest-growing broad sector, recording 2% growth in September, compared with a revised 12.3% in August.
• Electricity generation from non-renewable sources grew by 5%, while growth in renewable electricity generation slowed to 4.3% from 15.4% in August.
• Gas supply contracted by 7% in September 2026.
• Water supply, sewerage and waste management recorded growth of 8%, down from 6.3% in August, marking its slowest growth since May 2026.
• Mining and quarrying contracted by 2% in September, registering its sharpest decline since September 2023, when it contracted by 17%, and marking the sector’s third consecutive month of contraction.
• Under the use-based classification of IIP, five of the six categories recorded slower growth in September compared with August, while consumer non-durables returned to positive growth.
• Capital goods growth declined to 4% from 15.9% in August, marking its slowest pace in FY2026–27 (FY27).
• Consumer durables growth nearly halved to 6% from 5% in August, reaching its weakest level since April 2026 despite the beginning of the festive season.
• Growth in intermediate goods, infrastructure and construction goods, and primary goods also moderated in September.
• Consumer non-durables recorded modest growth of 4%, reversing two consecutive months of contraction.
• During April–September 2026, India’s industrial output grew by 8%, compared with 4.4% during April–September 2025.

India’s Net Foreign Direct Investment Reaches $3.3 Billion, Remaining Positive for Third Straight Month in September 2026

• According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). India’s net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remained positive for the third consecutive month in August 2026, with inflows exceeding outflows by US$3.3 billion.
• Net FDI was positive in seven of the last eight months, marking a significant recovery from the five consecutive months of negative net FDI from August to December 2025.
• Gross FDI inflows into India stood at US$11.1 billion in August 2026, declining by 24% month-on-month but increasing by nearly 68% year-on-year.
• The United States, Singapore and Mauritius were the major source countries, accounting for approximately 72% of India’s gross FDI inflows in August 2026.
• Total FDI outflows increased marginally to US$7.7 billion in August 2026, compared with US$7.2 billion in July 2026 and US$6.7 billion in August 2025.
• Repatriation by foreign companies operating in India was the main driver of outflows, rather than outward investment by Indian companies.
• Repatriation increased to US$5.8 billion in August 2026, rising nearly 52% month-on-month and 28% year-on-year.
• Outward FDI by Indian companies fell to US$1.9 billion in August 2026, declining by more than 43% month-on-month and 11% year-on-year.
• During April–August 2026, both gross inward FDI and net FDI flows were higher, according to the RBI.
• The RBI stated that sustained gross FDI inflows and a slowdown in outward FDI supported the improvement in net FDI flows.
• Financial services, communication services, computer services and manufacturing together accounted for approximately 73% of total FDI equity inflows during April–August 2026.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS           

Ayushman Vay Vandana Completes Two Years of Providing Health Coverage to Senior Citizens Aged 70 Years and Above

• Ayushman Vay Vandana completed two years on 29 October 2026.
• It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 October 2024 to extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
• The initiative is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• It aims to strengthen healthcare access and financial protection for approximately 6 crore senior citizens from around 4.5 crore families across India.

Key Highlights

• Eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
• Senior citizens aged 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY are entitled to an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year, exclusively for themselves. This cover is separate from the coverage available to family members below 70 years of age.
• As of 20 October 2026, the initiative recorded 23.46 lakh authorised hospital admissions, with a total authorised treatment value of ₹5,668.80 crore.
• Cataract surgery was the most frequently availed procedure, accounting for 4.71 lakh treatments, or approximately 20.1% of all authorised treatments.
• Chronic haemodialysis ranked second, with approximately 2.90 lakh treatments, supporting beneficiaries requiring regular hospital-based treatment for kidney disease.
• In terms of authorised treatment value, Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) accounted for the largest share, amounting to approximately ₹649 crore, highlighting the scheme’s role in providing financial protection against specialised cardiac treatment costs.
• Other major treatment categories included total knee replacement, management of acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), acute febrile illness, and acute kidney injury and renal failure.
• Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Authority, stated that the initiative ensures dignity, financial security and access to essential hospital care for senior citizens, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
• As Ayushman Vay Vandana enters its third year, it continues to support the expansion of publicly funded healthcare coverage and reduce the financial burden of hospitalisation on senior citizens and their families.

World Bank Report Estimates 496 million People Lifted Out of Poverty in India Between 2011 and 2023

• According to the World Bank’s October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief, India lifted an estimated 496 million people out of poverty between 2011 and 2023.
• The extreme poverty rate declined from 27.1% in 2011 to 2.6% in 2023.
• The World Bank described India’s achievement as “one of the fastest poverty declines in the world”, highlighting improvements in both monetary and non-monetary poverty indicators.
• The proportion of people living below the lower-middle-income poverty threshold of USD 4.20 per day, measured at 2021 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), declined from 57.7% in 2011 to 16.1% in 2023.
• The major factors contributing to poverty reduction included strong consumption growth, increased employment, particularly among women, and expanded social transfers, including food subsidies.

Key Highlights

• The World Bank projected that poverty would continue to decline, although at a slower pace. The poverty rate at the USD 4.20-a-day threshold is estimated to fall from 14.2% in 2026 to 12.1% by 2028.
• These projections are indicative, based on microsimulations, and may change with the availability of new labour market and macroeconomic data.
• According to the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), India’s multidimensional poverty rate declined from 53.8% in 2005–06 to 16.4% in 2019–21.
• The World Bank’s own multidimensional poverty measure for India stood at 15.5% in 2022–23, indicating further progress in reducing non-monetary deprivation.
• Despite the progress, regional disparities remain significant. Around 57% of India’s poor population is concentrated in a contiguous geographical belt extending from Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal, highlighting the need to expand productive employment opportunities in these states.
• Employment increased by approximately 134 million people between 2017 and 2023, nearly twice the growth in the working-age population. A substantial part of this increase was driven by rural women entering paid employment.
• However, youth unemployment increased from 14.6% in the first quarter of Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26) to 15.9% in the corresponding quarter of FY27, with rural young women particularly affected.
• The report noted that real earnings remained broadly unchanged, while much of the employment growth was concentrated in relatively low-productivity activities.
• The World Bank cautioned that poverty estimates are based on household consumption surveys. Some recent improvements may reflect changes in measurement methods alongside actual improvements in household welfare.

Ministry of Culture to Organise Second India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale in New Delhi

• The Ministry of Culture will organise the second edition of the India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB), now named The India Biennale, beginning on 4 December 2026.
• The four-month-long event will transform Delhi’s historic monuments, institutional spaces and heritage precincts into exhibition venues.
• The Purana Qila, a 16th-century fort, has been selected as the principal venue.
• It will host the flagship exhibition curated by the Ministry of Culture.

Key Highlights

• For the first time, a wide range of heritage monuments and institutional spaces across New Delhi will be made available to artists, curators and cultural partners for exhibitions and site-specific art projects.
• Proposed venues include the Red Fort, Qutub Minar complex, Humayun’s Tomb, Hauz Khas and Chandni Chowk, along with the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), National Crafts Museum and Pradhanmantri Museum and Library (PMML). More than 20 other prominent heritage sites and institutions will also be included.
• The Biennale will bring together artists, curators, museums, private collectors, studios, students and cultural institutions. Its programme will feature traditional artistic practices as well as digital and new-media art.
• Curators and corporate partners will be allowed to adopt selected heritage sites for the duration of the Biennale and commission or install site-specific artworks in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
• These artworks will reflect the history, architecture and character of the respective locations.
• Selected States and Union Territories will be provided dedicated pavilion spaces at Purana Qila. They will independently design, curate and construct their pavilions to showcase their respective cultural identities and heritage.
• Foreign embassies have also been invited to host artworks and cultural programmes within their premises, bringing international artists, curators and cultural perspectives into the event.
• Artist studios, private collectors and institutions holding private art collections will have opportunities to exhibit their collections as part of the Biennale.
• The National School of Drama (NSD) and Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA) have been identified as venues for the Student Biennale.
• The Ministry of Culture has invited proposals from artists, curators, embassies, private collectors, museums, studios and students. Venue capacities and other details will be communicated after proposals are received.
• The first edition of the India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB) was held at the historic Red Fort in December 2023.

About Ministry of Culture:

• Cabinet Minister: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
• Constituency: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
• Minister of State: Rao Inderjit Singh

Ministry of Labour and Employment Constitutes National Social Security Board for Unorganised, Gig and Platform Workers

• The Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the constitution of the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers under the Code on Social Security.
• The Board will be chaired by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment and comprise representatives from the Central and State Governments, aggregator companies, employers, civil society organisations, workers’ unions, and gig and platform worker associations.

Key Highlights

• The Board will recommend social security schemes for different categories of unorganised, gig and platform workers to the Central Government.
• It will advise the Central Government on the administration of the Code on Social Security and monitor and review welfare schemes implemented by the Centre for these categories of workers.
• Other responsibilities include reviewing State-level record-keeping arrangements, examining expenditure from the relevant fund and account, and performing additional functions assigned by the Central Government.
• The Board will meet at least three times a year, as specified in the Ministry’s notification issued on 30 October 2026.
• Its formation establishes an institutional framework to address the social security needs of workers in the unorganised sector, including those engaged through digital platforms and aggregators.
• The representation of aggregator companies, worker associations, government bodies, employers and civil society organisations will enable different stakeholders to participate in recommending and reviewing social security and welfare measures.

About Ministry of Labour and Employment:

• Cabinet Minister: Mansukh Mandaviya
• Constituency: Gujarat
• Ministers of State (MoS): Sushri Shobha Karandlaje

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

14th International Tourism Mart to Be Held in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, from 29–31 October 2026

• The 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2026 is being held from 29–31 October 2026 at Hotel Vivanta, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
• The event is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and other North Eastern States.
• Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum & Natural Gas, and Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, are attending the inaugural programme on 29 October 2026.

Key Highlights :

• The International Tourism Mart is an annual flagship event of the Ministry of Tourism that promotes the North Eastern Region as a tourism destination in domestic and international markets.
• The event is expected to attract over 200 participants, including 43 international buyers from 22 countries, along with domestic buyers, sellers and tourism stakeholders.
• The Mart will showcase tourism products and destinations from all eight North Eastern States, collectively known as Ashta Lakshmi: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
• Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions will take place on 30 October 2026 to encourage tourism partnerships and improve market access for tourism businesses in the North East.
• Technical sessions will cover the live events and concert economy, led by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and tourist access to Protected and Restricted Areas, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Royal Enfield will present “Beyond Destinations: Creating Immersive Journeys in North East India” to explore experience-based tourism.
• The North East Bazaar will showcase the region’s traditional arts, handicrafts, textiles, cultural heritage and regional cuisines.
• Technical visits will include Tawang Monastery, Jaswant Garh War Memorial, Jang Waterfall, Tawang War Memorial, Urgelling Gompa, Buddha Park, Pankang Teng Tso (PTSO) Lake and Shernup Village.
• Urgelling Gompa is known as the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama.
• A Regional Meeting of Tourism Ministers of the North Eastern States will be held on 30 October 2026, chaired by the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture.
• Tawang, located in the Eastern Himalayas in western Arunachal Pradesh, is known for its high-altitude landscapes, Buddhist monasteries and borderland geography.
• The 14th ITM marks the event’s return to Tawang after 13 years; the 2nd edition was held there in 2013.
• The 13th International Tourism Mart was held in Gangtok, Sikkim, in November 2025.
• Familiarisation tours for international delegates are scheduled to begin from Guwahati on 1 November 2026.

Pentagon Launches FORTRESS Plan to Keep US Military Bases Operational for 90 Days

• The FORTRESS America initiative was formally launched by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on 30 September 2026.
• FORTRESS stands for Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy, Supply, and Survivability.
• The initiative requires major US military installations in the continental United States to sustain essential operations independently for at least 90 days, without relying on civilian infrastructure.
• The 90-day resilience requirement covers power generation, water, fuel and communications.
• The initiative addresses threats such as cyberattacks, sabotage, drone threats, power-grid disruptions and global supply-chain interruptions.
• The key pillars of FORTRESS America include installation hardening, cyber resilience, energy independence, supply-chain resilience, and resilience in space and spectrum.
• The initiative aims to strengthen the US defence industrial base and establish a strategic defence reserve covering critical supplies such as munitions, fuel and medical items.
• The Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network is intended to prepare civilian factories to shift to defence production during a crisis.
• Energy independence measures include portable nuclear reactors, large-scale battery storage and microgrids.
• A microgrid is a local electricity network capable of operating independently of the wider power grid.
• Richard “Matt” O’Malley was designated Interim Director of the FORTRESS America Program Office.
• Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, directed that the programme office be established within 30 days of 6 October 2026.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Sunil Bharti Mittal Receives France’s Highest Civilian Honour, the Legion of Honour

• Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was conferred the Chevalier de l’Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour), France’s highest civilian honour.
• The French government recognised his contributions to India–France economic relations and his work in telecommunications, digital infrastructure and satellite communications.

Key Highlights

• Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, presented the insignia to Mittal at a ceremony held at the Residence of France on 28 October 2026.
• The French Ambassador highlighted Mittal’s business partnerships with French companies, including AXA, an insurance group, and Alcatel-Lucent, a telecommunications equipment manufacturer.
• His investment in Eutelsat, a Paris-headquartered satellite communications company, was also recognised.
• The honour acknowledged Mittal’s role in strengthening bilateral business relations and supporting France’s strategic ambitions in satellite communications through investments and partnerships.
• The National Order of the Legion of Honour was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.
• It recognises exceptional service and contributions, irrespective of the recipient’s nationality. The President of France serves as the Grand Master of the order.
• Mittal stated that his association with France began in 1992, when Bharti partnered with Compagnie Générale des Eaux to introduce mobile telephony in India. The association continues through his position as Vice-Chairman of Eutelsat.
• The recognition comes amid expanding cooperation between India and France in space and digital technologies under the India–France Special Global Strategic Partnership.
• Bharti Enterprises, founded by Mittal in 1976, has business interests in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, financial services and space communications.
• Its flagship company, Bharti Airtel, operates in 17 countries. Bharti Enterprises is also the largest private shareholder in Eutelsat and the United Kingdom’s BT Group.
• Mittal was also scheduled to attend the Choose France Summit for the fourth time.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Sarvam AI Signs Five-Year Memorandum of Understanding with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff to Develop Artificial Intelligence Tools for Armed Forces

• Sarvam AI, an Indian artificial intelligence company, signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) to develop and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
• The agreement was signed on 26 October 2026 and announced publicly by Sarvam on 28 October 2026.
• HQ IDS functions under the Ministry of Defence; the MoU was signed with HQ IDS and not directly with the Ministry of Defence.

Key Highlights

• The agreement establishes a common framework for AI projects across the three armed services and other joint defence organisations, enabling them to share AI models, tools and capabilities.
• Sarvam will develop and deploy AI applications for military operations, training and decision-making, provide technical support after deployment, and work with HQ IDS, which will coordinate implementation across the three services.
• The proposed AI applications will focus on:
• Decision support for military personnel.
• Target acquisition.
• Integration and analysis of information from multiple sensors.
• Analysis of maps and images.
• Agent-based AI systems to improve coordination among the three services.
• The common framework is intended to reduce duplication of AI development across the armed forces, encourage the sharing of knowledge and improve coordination and operational decision-making.
• Sarvam’s Chanakya division, established to handle national security and defence-related projects, will lead the initiative. It focuses on developing AI systems capable of operating in secure and offline environments, including military networks handling sensitive information.
• The division will use Sarvam’s AI technology, including its Sarvam 105B foundation model, developed as part of the company’s efforts to build indigenous AI capabilities.
• The agreement also envisages developing a dedicated AI-enabled network connecting different components of India’s defence establishment. However, the financial details, number of projects and implementation timelines have not yet been disclosed.
• The agreement builds on Sarvam’s earlier collaboration with the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington:
• DSSC introduced DRONA 2.0, a generative AI platform for training, research and strategic studies, in August 2026.
• The platform uses Sarvam 105B along with other open-source AI models.
• It operates on a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) server within the college’s secure network.
• The platform was first introduced on the college’s network in June 2025. Its upgraded version, DRONA 2.0, was launched on 18 August 2026, alongside an agreement to continue developing the platform and explore additional AI applications.
• The source reported that the system underwent security assessments and received approvals from relevant defence organisations, including HQ IDS and the Defence Cyber Agency.
• Sarvam AI was founded in 2023 by Pratyush Kumar and Vivek Raghavan. It develops AI models and infrastructure tailored to Indian requirements.
• The company was selected under the IndiaAI Mission in 2025 to develop a sovereign AI model. It also announced the first close of its USD 300 million Series B funding round in June 2026, followed by additional investment in August to complete the round.
• The agreement comes amid India’s efforts to expand indigenous AI capabilities in defence, supported by initiatives such as the Defence AI Council and the Defence AI Project Agency.

Ministry of Culture Signs Memorandum of Understanding with France’s National Library under Gyan Bharatam Mission

• The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), or National Library of France, in Paris, under the Gyan Bharatam Mission.
• The agreement aims to strengthen institutional cooperation in the preservation, digitisation, research and dissemination of manuscript and documentary heritage.
• The MoU was signed by Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, and Gilles Pécout, President of the National Library of France.
• The partnership brings together the Ministry of Culture through Gyan Bharatam, the National Archives of India, New Delhi, the National Library, Kolkata, and the National Library of France.

Key Highlights

• The agreement establishes cooperation across five key areas:
• Digitisation of manuscripts and documentary collections.
• Cross-sharing through the National Digital Repository.
• Technology exchange.
• Conservation of manuscripts and documentary heritage.
• Research and Development (R&D).
• The two institutions will identify and digitise Indic-origin manuscripts and collections held by the National Library of France.
• The partnership also provides for the exchange of expertise in digitisation and preservation technologies, cataloguing standards, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) tools for Indian scripts, digital humanities and manuscript conservation.
• Joint activities will include workshops, capacity-building programmes, research initiatives, publications, exhibitions, and exchanges of scholars and experts.
• Gyan Bharatam Mission is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture aimed at the identification, documentation, conservation, digitisation, translation, research and dissemination of India’s manuscript heritage.
• Its National Digital Repository is envisaged as a secure digital platform for Indian-origin manuscripts and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) held in India and abroad. It will provide structured, permission-based access to support research and study.
• The partnership is expected to strengthen international cooperation in preserving, studying and disseminating India’s manuscript heritage while creating opportunities for scholarly and technological collaboration.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Defence Research and Development Organisation Launches Special Campaign 6.0 to Clear Pending Matters and Improve Administrative Efficiency

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM 6.0) across its headquarters, laboratories and establishments.
• The campaign is coordinated by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• SCDPM 6.0 focuses on reducing administrative pendency, expediting public grievance redressal, digitising records, improving cleanliness and optimising workspace.
• DRDO has achieved 100% of its targets for clearing pending public grievances, Parliamentary Assurances and inter-ministerial references.
• Around 20,000 files identified for weeding out are being disposed of according to prescribed record retention schedules.
• Shredded paper from the disposal of records is being sent to the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) for recycling.
• Approximately 5 lakh historical pages and records have been digitised to improve administrative transparency.
• Cleanliness and space optimisation drives are being conducted across DRDO campuses, residential complexes and research testing ranges.
• The campaign includes clearing obsolete equipment, redundant furniture and scrap materials from DRDO premises.
• The eco-friendly disposal of scrap and obsolete hardware has generated approximately ₹35 lakh in revenue.

Indian Navy’s Indigenous Air Independent Propulsion System Reaches Key Milestone with STW-2 Testing of Energy Module

• The Indian Navy’s indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system achieved a major development milestone on 24 October 2026 with the inauguration of the Setting to Work Phase-2 (STW-2) activity for its Energy Module.
• The inauguration ceremony took place at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat.
• The AIP system was developed by the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The STW-2 phase involves energising the AIP Energy Module for power generation and testing its performance according to Indian Navy protocols.
• Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman, inaugurated the activity virtually.
• After successful completion of testing, the Energy Module is scheduled to be handed over to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for integration into a Kalvari-class submarine in early 2027.
• Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) is a technology that enables conventional submarines to remain underwater for longer periods without drawing atmospheric oxygen for propulsion.
• Conventional diesel-electric submarines generally need to surface or use a snorkel to operate diesel engines, recharge batteries and obtain air.
• The indigenous AIP system reduces submarines’ dependence on surfacing and is designed to extend their underwater endurance for weeks.
• AIP propulsion is different from nuclear propulsion, as it does not use a nuclear reactor and does not make a conventional submarine nuclear-powered.
• AIP-equipped conventional submarines continue to rely on their batteries and diesel-electric systems for operations.
• The Kalvari class comprises diesel-electric attack submarines built in India under Project 75.
• The Kalvari-class submarines are based on the French Scorpène design and are built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for the Indian Navy.
• The development of the indigenous AIP system strengthens India’s efforts towards self-reliance in defence technology by combining DRDO’s research capabilities, industrial manufacturing expertise and the Navy’s operational requirements.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Jal Shakti Ministry Introduces Punah Bharan App for Scientific Groundwater Recharge Planning

• The Union Minister of Jal Shakti launched the Punah Bharan Mobile Application to promote scientific groundwater recharge planning and sustainable water management.
• The application was developed by BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics) in collaboration with the National Water Mission (NWM).
• The initiative comes under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• The mobile application enables users to identify potential artificial groundwater recharge zones within a radial distance of up to 3 km.
• It helps users explore and select suitable Artificial Recharge Structures (ARS) based on local geographical and environmental conditions.
• The accompanying web portal provides village-level Artificial Recharge Structure (ARS) zonation maps, Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and thematic layers for informed planning.
• The platform uses geospatial datasets, including rainfall, groundwater levels, groundwater yield, slope and drainage, to identify potential groundwater recharge areas.
• The application supports planners, local authorities and other stakeholders in selecting appropriate artificial recharge interventions using scientific data and geospatial technology.

About Ministry of Jal Shakti :

• Cabinet Minister : C. R. Patil
• Minister of State : V. Somanna, Raj Bhushan Choudhary

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

HCLTech Partners with Amazon Web Services to Launch AI-Powered Nano GCC Offering for Faster Enterprise AI Deployment

• HCLTech has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch an AI-powered nano Global Capability Centre (GCC) offering to help enterprises move from AI experimentation to business deployment and high-value business outcomes.
• The offering is part of HCLTech’s GCC 360 solution suite and combines HCLTech’s GCC advisory expertise and AI platforms, including AI Force, with AWS cloud infrastructure and agentic AI services.
• The AWS services included in the offering are Amazon Bedrock, Kiro and AWS Transform.
• Unlike traditional GCCs built around large-scale operations and broad mandates, the nano GCC model focuses on compact, product-centric teams, AI-enabled workflows and phased expansion.
• The offering covers AI-native engineering, autonomous IT operations, advanced data analytics and intelligent business operations, with responsible AI governance integrated into the model.
• HCLTech will lead the design and implementation of the operating model, while AWS will provide joint go-to-market support and access to its cloud and AI services.
• The offering targets two major enterprise segments: existing GCCs seeking AI-led transformation without disrupting conventional operations and mid-market companies seeking an in-country presence without establishing a large-scale centre.
• For existing GCCs, the model follows a hub-and-spoke structure anchored at HCLTech’s Lucknow campus.
• Delivery will be supported by HCLTech’s India-based delivery organisation and its Centre of Excellence in Lucknow.
• The nano GCC model follows a land-and-expand approach, allowing enterprises to begin with a targeted scope, demonstrate value and progressively scale their operations.
• The model aims to reduce setup cycles, accelerate AI adoption and enable the development of AI-native operating models.
• HCLTech primarily provides IT and business services, engineering and research and development (R&D) services, modernised software products and IP-led offerings.

Indian Institute of Technology Mandi Introduces ‘Science on Wheels’ Programme to Promote Practical Science Learning in Himachal Pradesh Schools

• The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi launched the Science on Wheels programme in Himachal Pradesh to promote practical science education among school students, particularly those in rural areas.
• The programme was launched in partnership with Plaksha University and the Igniting Dreams of Young Minds (IDYM) Foundation.
• The initiative is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
• Professor Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, inaugurated the Himachal Pradesh segment at IIT Mandi Campus School.
• The programme aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical scientific experiments through hands-on learning activities.
• The initiative is designed for students from Classes VI to XII, with approximately six hours of learning activities at each school.
• The programme covers four major themes: Space Technology, Robotics, Sustainability and Water Filtration.
• The initiative plans to cover 50 schools across five districts of Himachal Pradesh, namely Mandi, Kullu, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Kangra.
• Before reaching Himachal Pradesh, Science on Wheels had reached more than 7,500 students across 70 schools in Chhattisgarh and Punjab.
• Following its launch, the programme began school visits in Mandi district, covering government senior secondary schools in Badog, Baggi (K), Bari Gumanu, Batheri and Deori.
• The programme brings practical science education directly to participating schools, helping students understand scientific concepts through observation, experimentation and hands-on activities.

NATO Partnership Enables Ukrainian Defence Companies to Access Procurement Contracts

• Ukraine joined NATO Support and Procurement Agency’s (NSPA) Security Cooperation Support Partnership (SCSP) on 22 October 2026, enabling Ukrainian defence companies to access NATO procurement contracts and tenders.
• The NSPA is NATO’s agency responsible for multinational procurement, logistics, supply-chain management and operational support.
• Ukraine is the first and only non-NATO member country to have a separate partnership serving as a single entry point to NSPA operations.
• The SCSP was established in 2025 to provide sustainable support to Ukraine through a structured procurement framework.
• In April 2026, the North Atlantic Council (NAC) authorised the NSPA to issue solicitations and sign contracts directly with Ukrainian defence industries.
• Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers approved the partnership on 13 August 2026, and Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhen Khmara signed the agreement on 14 October 2026.
• The NSPA held Ukraine Industry Day in Kyiv on 14 October 2026, which was attended by approximately 150 Ukrainian companies.
• The SCSP participants include Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, NATO Headquarters and Ukraine.
• The partnership aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defence industrial base and promote cooperation between Ukrainian defence companies and NATO member countries.
• The NSPA has mobilised approximately €400 million through the Ukraine Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) Trust Fund for essential supplies.
• The IT Capability Coalition has contributed €219 million towards Ukraine’s digital defence modernisation; this is a separate support mechanism from the CAP Trust Fund.
• The initiative marks a significant procurement cooperation development since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Aditya Wins Gold at World Under-19 Boxing Championships in Budva, Montenegro

• The World Under-19 Boxing Championships 2026 were held in Budva, Montenegro, with the bouts taking place at the Mediterranean Sports Center.

Key Highlights

• Aditya won the gold medal, defeating Russia’s Islam Magomedov 4–1 in the men’s 55 kg final to claim the world title.
• This marked India’s first gold medal at the 2026 edition of the Under-19 World Boxing Championships.
• India’s Harshika won a bronze medal in the women’s 65 kg category, while Prachi Tokas secured bronze in the women’s over-80 kg category.
• India’s Megha Sheokand was scheduled to face Russia’s Ekaterina Frolova in the women’s 80 kg final later.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Three-Time Asian Para Games Gold Medallist and Indian Paralympian Neeraj Yadav Passed Away in New DelhI

• Neeraj Yadav,a 42-year-old Indian Paralympian, javelin thrower and three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist in para-athletics passed away in New Delhi, Delhi.
• He was born on 10 February 1984 in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (UP), India.
• He was diagnosed with post-polio residual paralysis following neural damage at the age of seven.
• Despite his physical challenges, he remained determined to pursue a professional sports career.
• He competed in wheelchair tennis from 2005 to 2012.
• Around 2013–2015, he transitioned to seated para-athletics field events in the F55 category.
• He won silver medals in shot put and discus at the 2016 Fazza Grand Prix.
• He achieved a breakthrough at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games with his record-setting javelin throw.
• At the 2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games, he won gold in Men’s Javelin Throw (F55) with an Asian record of 29.84 metres.
• On 24 October 2023, he won gold in Men’s Discus Throw (F54/F55/F56) at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
• On 28 October 2023, he won gold in Men’s Javelin Throw (F55) at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
• He won a total of three Asian Para Games gold medals in 2018 and 2023.

CURRENT AFAFIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage 2026 – 27 October

• World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (WDAH) is observed annually on 27 October to raise awareness about the importance of preserving audiovisual materials, including films, television and radio recordings, and other moving images and sound documents.
• The 2026 theme is “Your Window to the World”.
• The day commemorates the adoption of the Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images by the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1980.
• UNESCO established the observance to highlight the cultural and historical value of audiovisual heritage and encourage its preservation for future generations.
• The observance also provides an opportunity for UNESCO Member States to review their progress in implementing recommendations on preserving and providing access to documentary heritage in digital form.
• The day highlights the need to protect audiovisual records against deterioration, technological obsolescence and loss, ensuring that they remain accessible as part of the world's cultural memory.

Daily CA One- Liner: 31^st October

• Ayushman Vay Vandana completed two years on 29 October 2026.
• According to the World Bank’s October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief, India lifted an estimated 496 million people out of poverty between 2011 and 2023
• The Ministry of Culture will organise the second edition of the India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB), now named The India Biennale, beginning on 4 December 2026
• The Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the constitution of the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers under the Code on Social Security
• Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was conferred the Chevalier de l’Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour), France’s highest civilian honour
• Sarvam AI, an Indian artificial intelligence company, signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) to develop and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force
• The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), or National Library of France, in Paris, under the Gyan Bharatam Mission
• The World Under-19 Boxing Championships 2026 were held in Budva, Montenegro, with the bouts taking place at the Mediterranean Sports Center
• World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (WDAH) is observed annually on 27 October to raise awareness about the importance of preserving audiovisual materials, including films, television and radio recordings, and other moving images and sound documents
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Bank of England (BoE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen regulatory cooperation and information exchange concerning SEBI-recognised Clearing Corporations.
• India’s industrial output growth slowed to a four-month low of 6.7% in September 2026, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).
• According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). India’s net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remained positive for the third consecutive month in August 2026, with inflows exceeding outflows by US$3.3 billion.
• The 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2026 is being held from 29–31 October 2026 at Hotel Vivanta, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
• The FORTRESS America initiative was formally launched by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on 30 September 2026.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM 6.0) across its headquarters, laboratories and establishments.
• The Indian Navy’s indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system achieved a major development milestone on 24 October 2026 with the inauguration of the Setting to Work Phase-2 (STW-2) activity for its Energy Module.
• The Union Minister of Jal Shakti launched the Punah Bharan Mobile Application to promote scientific groundwater recharge planning and sustainable water management.
• HCLTech has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch an AI-powered nano Global Capability Centre (GCC) offering to help enterprises move from AI experimentation to business deployment and high-value business outcomes.
• The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi launched the Science on Wheels programme in Himachal Pradesh to promote practical science education among school students, particularly those in rural areas.
• Ukraine joined NATO Support and Procurement Agency’s (NSPA) Security Cooperation Support Partnership (SCSP) on 22 October 2026, enabling Ukrainian defence companies to access NATO procurement contracts and tenders.
• Neeraj Yadav,a 42-year-old Indian Paralympian, javelin thrower and three-time Asian Para Games gold medallist in para-athletics passed away in New Delhi, Delhi.