Current Affairs 28 October 2026
37 stories from 27–28 October 2026 for UPSC, RBI, SEBI, NABARD, EPFO and PFRDA aspirants: four Cabinet decisions including the PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana and a container manufacturing scheme, September's IIP data, the SEBI–Bank of England MoU, India–Mexico trade talks, defence meetings at ADMM-Plus, the landfall of Cyclone Arnab, ESTIC 2026 and the latest in cricket and hockey.
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Key facts at a glance
The numbers and names most likely to turn up in Prelims, Phase 1 or a GA section.
| Topic | What to remember | Source, date |
|---|---|---|
| PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana | CSS for 2026-27 to 2030-31; outlay ₹7,395.55 cr; ~32 lakh elected reps | Cabinet / PIB, 28 Oct |
| Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme | ₹10,000 cr up to FY 2039-40; target 7.5 lakh TEUs a year | Cabinet / PIB, 28 Oct |
| Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme | ₹1,856.67 cr for 2026 to 2033-34 | Cabinet / PIB, 28 Oct |
| DA / DR hike | +3 points to 63% from 1 Jul 2026; ₹10,016.10 cr a year | Cabinet / PIB, 28 Oct |
| IIP, September 2026 | 6.7% growth (base 2022-23); manufacturing 7.6% | MoSPI / PIB, 28 Oct |
| Textiles PLI Round 4 | Applications 1 Nov–31 Dec 2026; Part 2 turnover floor ₹100 cr | MoT / PIB, 28 Oct |
| BRESE 2026 | Bharat Mandapam, 2–5 Nov; with 9th ISA Assembly; 308 GW non-fossil | MNRE / PIB, 28 Oct |
| SEBI–Bank of England MoU | Cooperation on SEBI-recognised clearing corporations (CCPs) | SEBI, 28 Oct |
| T-bill cut-off yields | 91-day 5.9337%; 182-day 6.5493%; 364-day 6.6900% | RBI, 28 Oct |
| India–Mexico | Terms of Reference signed to launch PTA negotiations | MoCI / PIB, 28 Oct |
| India–EFTA TEPA | In force 1 Oct 2025; USD 100 bn FDI, 1 mn jobs over 15 yrs | MoCI / PIB, 28 Oct |
| Thoothukudi mega shipyard | ~USD 4 bn; ~2.5 mn GT a year; DPR in six months | MoPSW / PIB, 28 Oct |
| ADMM-Plus (13th) | Cebu, Philippines; RM met US and Japanese counterparts | MoD / PIB, 28 Oct |
| Cyclone Arnab landfall | SW of Yanam, ~20 km ENE of Narsapur; 125–135 kmph gusting 150 | IMD; Akashvani, 28 Oct |
| CBD COP-17 publications | I-OECM Guidelines 2026; 5th National Report on Cartagena Protocol | MoEFCC / PIB, 28 Oct |
| Cheetah KNG22 | Died 27 Oct of pellet injuries; central NTCA–WCCB team deputed | MoEFCC / PIB, 28 Oct |
| TFYC 4.0 | 60-day campaign; 5.8 lakh institutions, 73,000 villages tobacco-free so far | MoHFW / PIB, 28 Oct |
| Anti-cancer drug MRPs | 543 brands revised; effective 9 Nov 2026 | NPPA / PIB, 28 Oct |
| ESTIC 2026 | Bharat Mandapam, 27–29 Oct; inaugurated by Hon'ble PM | PIB, 28 Oct |
| ICC T20I batting rankings | Abhishek Sharma No. 1 (897 points) | The Hindu, 28 Oct |
| Asian Champions Trophy hockey | India 13-0 Bangladesh, Jalandhar; final in Mohali on 5 Nov | DD News, 27 Oct |
| 14th International Tourism Mart | Tawang, 29–31 Oct 2026; 43 buyers from 22 countries | MoT / PIB, 28 Oct |
Economy
5 storiesCabinet clears ₹10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme
The Union Cabinet approved the Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme (CMPS) on 28 October 2026 with a budgetary outlay of ₹10,000 crore up to FY 2039-40, following an announcement in the Union Budget 2026-27. The scheme offers interest subvention of 3 per cent a year on term loans for new and expanded container factories (₹859 crore), operational expenditure assistance for containers built to global shipping standards (₹8,891 crore) and support for common testing and certification facilities (₹150 crore). According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the aim is to raise India's annual container manufacturing capacity about ten-fold, from roughly 70,000 TEUs to 7.5 lakh TEUs. Domestic content under the scheme is required to rise from 70 per cent to 90 per cent, and land at major ports will be leased at 25 per cent of the notified rate. The scheme is expected to create about 3,000 direct jobs and more than 50,000 indirect jobs in steel, components and logistics.
Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme approved with an outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore
The Union Cabinet approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme on 28 October 2026 with a total outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for the period from 2026 to 2033-34. Announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 and aligned with the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, the scheme seeks to build a globally competitive sports goods industry and reduce dependence on imports. It envisages dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones developed in convergence with the BHAVYA Scheme and NICDC industrial parks, along with Anchor Investment Support and Turnover Linked Support components carrying a combined outlay of ₹1,130 crore. A further ₹105 crore has been set aside to help manufacturers obtain certification from International Sports Federations. The scheme also provides for Centres of Excellence in research institutions, start-up support, skilling with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and export promotion.
Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief raised by 3 percentage points from 1 July 2026
The Union Cabinet approved an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners on 28 October 2026, effective from 1 July 2026. The increase of 3 percentage points takes the rate from 60 per cent to 63 per cent of basic pay or pension. The combined annual cost to the exchequer is estimated at ₹10,016.10 crore. About 48.54 lakh Central Government employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners will benefit from the decision. The revision follows the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission, which links the allowance to price rise.
Textiles PLI Scheme to reopen for Round 4 applications with a lower turnover threshold
The Ministry of Textiles announced on 28 October 2026 that the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles will accept new applications under Round 4 from 1 November to 31 December 2026. The scheme promotes manufacturing of man-made fibre (MMF) apparel, MMF fabrics and technical textiles. To widen participation, the minimum turnover requirement under the Part 2 category has been cut from ₹200 crore to ₹100 crore, which is expected to help MSMEs and mid-sized units. The scheme tenure has been extended to FY 2033-34 only for applicants approved in Round 4. Existing participants of Rounds 1 to 3 that have not yet claimed any incentive may also migrate to Round 4 after withdrawing their earlier applications.
Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026 to be held at Bharat Mandapam from 2 November
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy announced on 28 October 2026 that the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo (BRESE) 2026 will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 2 to 5 November, with Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurating it on the opening day. The summit, themed ‘Invest. Innovate. Inspire.’, is expected to draw participants from more than 130 countries, with Australia, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom as country partners. It will be held alongside the 9th Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly and the 4th International Conference on Green Hydrogen. MNRE Secretary Shri Santosh Sarangi said India has 308 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity and needs about USD 220 billion of investment between 2027 and 2030 to reach its 500 GW target.
Banking & Markets
3 storiesSEBI and the Bank of England sign an MoU on SEBI-recognised clearing corporations
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Bank of England (BoE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation and exchange of information relating to SEBI-recognised Clearing Corporations, as announced on 28 October 2026. The MoU allows the two regulators to cooperate on central counterparties in line with their respective laws and regulations. It sets out a framework under which the Bank of England can rely on SEBI's regulation and supervision of these entities while safeguarding the financial stability of the United Kingdom. Clearing corporations act as central counterparties that guarantee settlement of trades on stock exchanges. SEBI had signed a similar MoU on central counterparties with the European Securities and Markets Authority in September 2026.
Treasury bill cut-off yields range from 5.93 to 6.69 per cent at the RBI auction
The Reserve Bank of India announced the results of the auction of 91-day, 182-day and 364-day Treasury Bills on 28 October 2026. The notified amounts were ₹8,000 crore each for the 91-day and 182-day bills and ₹7,000 crore for the 364-day bill, and the full notified amounts were accepted. The implicit yield at the cut-off price was 5.9337 per cent for the 91-day bill, 6.5493 per cent for the 182-day bill and 6.6900 per cent for the 364-day bill. Treasury Bills are short-term, zero-coupon instruments issued at a discount by the RBI on behalf of the Government of India. Their yields are closely watched as indicators of short-term interest rates and liquidity in the money market.
RBI extends directions on two co-operative banks till 30 January 2027
The Reserve Bank of India extended on 28 October 2026 its directions on Sonpeth Nagari Sahakari Bank Maryadit, Sonpeth (District Parbhani, Maharashtra), and Lokapavani Mahila Sahakari Bank Niyamitha, Mandya (Karnataka). Both directions were first issued on 29 July 2025 under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. They have now been extended by three months, from the close of business on 30 October 2026 to the close of business on 30 January 2027, subject to review. The RBI clarified that the extension should not by itself be taken to mean that it is satisfied with the financial position of either bank. All other terms and conditions of the original directions remain unchanged.
Polity & Governance
2 storiesNHRC issues an advisory on the rights of women prisoners and their children
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued an advisory on the ‘Protection of Human Rights of Female Inmates and their Children’ to nine Union Ministries and to the Chief Secretaries, Administrators and Directors General of Police of all States and Union Territories, as announced on 28 October 2026. The Commission called for a gender-responsive approach that goes beyond custodial safeguards to humane living conditions, maternal and child healthcare and access to justice. The advisory covers ten broad areas, ranging from arrest and admission records to health and mental health services, children living with or separated from their mothers, legal aid and post-release reintegration. It also includes provisions for foreign national inmates and family contact through mulakat. Authorities have been asked to submit action taken reports within two months.
DRI seizes about 55,000 e-cigarettes worth ₹13.5 crore at Kolkata port
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized around 55,000 e-cigarettes valued at about ₹13.50 crore at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, on 24 October 2026, the Ministry of Finance said on 28 October. The goods were hidden in two Nepal-bound transshipment containers that had been mis-declared as ‘water glass’ and ‘ceramic mugs’. Electronic cigarettes and all Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems are banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, which was enacted in the interest of public health. In FY 2026-27 so far, the DRI has seized about 3,00,000 e-cigarettes worth more than ₹120 crore at ports, airports and inland container depots. The seizure was made under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act.
International Relations
5 storiesIndia and Mexico sign Terms of Reference to launch negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement
India and Mexico signed the Terms of Reference for negotiating a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), as announced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 28 October 2026. The document sets out the framework, scope, modalities and roadmap for the talks, and formally launches the negotiations. The step follows the understanding reached between Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and H.E. Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada in June 2025. Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal held discussions with Mexico's Undersecretary of Foreign Trade, Mr. Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez Romano, during his visit. The negotiations will cover market access for goods, rules of origin, customs procedures, trade remedies, and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, with sectors such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals, electronics and critical minerals seen as promising.
Shri Piyush Goyal calls on H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal paid a courtesy call on H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein on 28 October 2026, during the Hereditary Prince's State Visit to India. The meeting focused on expanding investment under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which entered into force on 1 October 2025. Under TEPA, the EFTA States aim to raise foreign direct investment in India by USD 100 billion over 15 years and help generate one million direct jobs. Shri Goyal noted that India's cumulative FDI inflows reached USD 843 billion between FY 2014-15 and FY 2025-26, and invited Liechtenstein companies to explore partnerships in manufacturing, technology and research. The two sides also discussed cooperation in precision engineering, advanced manufacturing and industrial technologies.
Dr. S. Jaishankar holds talks with Austria's Foreign Minister in New Delhi
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held talks with H.E. Ms. Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria, in New Delhi on 28 October 2026. The two ministers reviewed the India-Austria enhanced partnership, covering trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, education and culture. They also discussed new areas of cooperation such as start-ups, space, skilling and mobility. Dr. Jaishankar said that India's ties with the European Union have intensified and that India looks forward to the entry into force of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement in the coming months. He congratulated Austria on becoming a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal meets HD Hyundai Chairman in Seoul on the Thoothukudi mega shipyard
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal met Mr. Chung Ki-sun, Chairman of HD Hyundai, in Seoul on 28 October 2026 to discuss the proposed greenfield shipyard at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) reiterated its intention to participate as a primary strategic investor in the project. A joint working group will oversee development, the partners will work on a joint venture structure, and the Detailed Project Report is expected within six months. The shipyard, planned with an investment of about USD 4 billion, is envisaged to have an annual capacity of around 2.5 million gross tonnage and could become India's largest commercial shipyard. The project builds on an MoU signed on 20 April 2026 between HD KSOE and the National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu.
Shri Shripad Yesso Naik leads India's delegation to Singapore International Energy Week 2026
Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shri Shripad Yesso Naik led the Indian delegation to the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2026, held from 26 to 28 October. He said India's installed electricity capacity stood at 558.9 GW on 30 September 2026, of which about 308 GW, or 55 per cent, came from non-fossil sources. India reached 50 per cent non-fossil installed capacity in June 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 target under its Nationally Determined Contribution. On the sidelines, he discussed the proposed India-Singapore cross-border electricity interconnection and reviewed progress on Bhutan's 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I hydroelectric project with H.E. Lyonpo Sonam Tashi. He also met the heads of the International Renewable Energy Agency and the International Energy Agency.
Schemes & Missions
3 storiesCabinet approves the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana for 2026-27 to 2030-31
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM VGSY) on 28 October 2026 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for 2026-27 to 2030-31, a period co-terminus with the Sixteenth Finance Commission. The scheme has an outlay of ₹7,395.55 crore, of which the Centre will bear ₹4,869.48 crore and the States ₹2,526.07 crore. It places the Gram Panchayat at the centre of local planning, with support for preparing about 2.55 lakh holistic Gram Panchayat Development Plans every year on the eGramSwaraj portal and an equal number of online audit plans through AuditOnline. Around 32 lakh elected representatives and Panchayat functionaries are to benefit from capacity building and digital handholding, and outreach through the AI-enabled PANCHAM platform in 17 languages will explain schemes to citizens. The scheme also covers traditional local bodies in non-Part IX areas where Panchayats do not exist.
Khet Bachao Abhiyan–Rabi 2026 brings scientists to farmers' fields
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare is conducting the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan–Rabi 2026’ across the country from 22 October to 30 November 2026, as highlighted in a release on 28 October. The campaign aims to give farmers direct information on modern agricultural technologies, rabi crop management and government schemes through village-level programmes. In Delhi, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ujwa is holding programmes at 25 locations across the South-West, North-West and North districts, with scientists from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, taking part. At Qazipur village on 27 October, farmers were advised on soil health, balanced fertiliser use, improved wheat varieties and pest monitoring in mustard. Natural farming and conservation of resources were also promoted during the sessions.
12th Sujal Gram Samvad focuses on Panchayat-led operation of rural water systems
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti held the 12th edition of the multilingual ‘Sujal Gram Samvad’ on 28 October 2026. Chaired by Secretary Shri Ashok K. K. Meena, the virtual dialogue connected officials with representatives of five Gram Panchayats on the operation and maintenance of rural drinking water systems under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. He stressed the role of Gram Panchayats envisaged by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment and urged them to use Sixteenth Finance Commission grants and collect user charges to keep water supply sustainable. Participants from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh described monthly water quality testing by trained women using field testing kits. A Panchayat in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, reported collecting a user charge of ₹62 per month per household.
Health & Nutrition
2 storiesTobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 launched with a focus on universities and colleges
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Prataprao Jadhav launched the fourth edition of the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign (TFYC 4.0) at ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi, on 28 October 2026. The 60-day nationwide campaign of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare aims to prevent tobacco use among young people, encourage quitting, strengthen enforcement of tobacco control laws and promote tobacco-free spaces. The previous three editions, held since 2023, led to more than 5.8 lakh educational institutions and over 73,000 villages being declared tobacco-free. This year, universities and colleges are a major focus of the campaign. The Minister called for the campaign to grow into a mass movement led by young people.
NPPA notifies lower MRPs for 543 brands of anti-cancer medicines from 9 November
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals released a list of 543 brands of anti-cancer medicines with revised Maximum Retail Prices on 28 October 2026. The revised prices will come into effect from 9 November 2026 and reflect information submitted by companies up to 27 October. The revision follows NPPA's decision of 17 October 2026 to apply Trade Margin Rationalisation to 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs in order to curb excessive trade margins. These drugs include immunotherapy medicines, denosumab, pegfilgrastim and bevacizumab. In one example listed by the NPPA, the MRP of a 10-tablet pack of an anastrozole brand fell from ₹695.76 to ₹73.
Environment
5 storiesCyclone ‘Arnab’ crosses the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast near Narsapur and weakens
Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts south-west of Yanam between 0200 and 0800 hours IST on 28 October 2026, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The landfall point lay about 20 km east-northeast of Narsapur, 40 km south-west of Yanam and 60 km south-west of Kakinada, with sustained winds of 125–135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph. After moving inland, the system weakened into a Severe Cyclonic Storm and was forecast to weaken further while moving north-northwestwards. Akashvani reported that more than 84,000 people had been evacuated to 290 relief shelters in Andhra Pradesh and that train and flight services were disrupted. The Hindu reported three deaths in Andhra Pradesh after the landfall.
India releases four biodiversity publications at CBD COP-17 in Yerevan
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav delivered the keynote address at an Indian side event at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP-17) in Yerevan, Armenia, on 28 October 2026. The event was organised with the National Biodiversity Authority and the United Nations Development Programme. Four publications were released, including Guidelines for the Designation of India's Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (I-OECMs) 2026 and India's 5th National Report on the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The other two were a handbook on the Convention with an Indian perspective and a book on India's success in Access and Benefit Sharing under the Nagoya Protocol. The Minister said progress should be measured by implementation and conservation outcomes rather than by announcements alone.
Centre sends a high-level team to probe the death of a Kuno cheetah from pellet injuries
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change deputed a high-level central team on 28 October 2026 to investigate the death of a 19-month-old male cheetah, KNG22, from Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The cheetah, an offspring of the cheetah Nirva, was found injured on 25 October in the territorial forests of Morena, outside the protected area, and died on 27 October despite surgery in Jabalpur. Five firearm pellets were recovered from its body during the operation. The team includes the Inspector General of Forests of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and officers of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, and will work alongside a Special Task Force set up by the State Government. It will also review the security, monitoring and protection protocols under Project Cheetah.
DRI foils an attempt to smuggle 45 live exotic reptiles through Trichy airport
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), working with the Air Intelligence Unit at Tiruchirappalli, stopped an attempt to smuggle 45 live reptiles into India through Trichy International Airport, the Ministry of Finance said on 28 October 2026. Two Indian passengers arriving from Bangkok via Colombo were intercepted on 26 October, and the animals were found sedated and concealed inside 27 food packets. The haul comprised 23 corn snakes, 16 ball pythons, five Argentine black and white tegus and one snow white iguana. Both passengers were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962. Trafficking in exotic species poses risks of disease spread and harm to native biodiversity.
Punah Bharan mobile app launched for scientific groundwater recharge planning
The Union Minister of Jal Shakti launched the Punah Bharan mobile application, as announced on 28 October 2026, to support scientific planning of groundwater recharge. The app was developed by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) with the National Water Mission of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. It helps users identify potential artificial recharge zones within a radius of up to 3 km and choose recharge structures suited to local conditions. An accompanying web portal provides village-level Artificial Recharge Structure zonation maps and GIS tools. The platform draws on geospatial data on rainfall, groundwater levels and yield, slope and drainage.
Science & Tech
2 storiesHon'ble Prime Minister inaugurates ESTIC 2026 and calls for measurable outcomes within three years
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 27 October 2026. More than 5,000 delegates, including scientists, policymakers and deep-tech start-ups, took part on the opening day of the conclave, which runs until 29 October. The Prime Minister urged researchers and young innovators to deliver concrete, measurable and scalable technological outcomes within a three-year horizon and to take breakthroughs beyond the laboratory. Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay K. Sood outlined the conclave's 12 thematic domains, including quantum communication, generative AI, semiconductor fabrication and the Deep Ocean Mission. Nobel Laureates Prof. Joachim Frank and Sir Richard J. Roberts delivered plenary talks on cryo-electron microscopy and split genes.
CSIR's high-protein ‘Designer Rice’ and an indigenous RISC-V microcontroller showcased at ESTIC
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh visited the start-up and technology exhibition at ESTIC 2026 and called for stronger links between start-ups and industry, the Ministry said on 28 October. The exhibition features 50 selected deep-tech start-ups, 13 departmental stalls and 10 departmental technologies. Among the exhibits was CSIR Designer Rice developed at CSIR-NIIST, which contains about 20 per cent protein and has a reported glycaemic index of 54, placing it in the low-GI category. Also displayed was JEET, the SCMC4212 microcontroller from Signalchip, powered by a Yati 32-bit RISC-V processor and an Avarta digital signal processor. Its possible uses include flight controllers, Internet of Things devices, robotics and industrial automation.
Defence
3 storiesRaksha Mantri reviews the 10-year India-US Defence Framework with the US Secretary of War at ADMM-Plus
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met H.E. Mr. Pete Hegseth, United States Secretary of War, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, on 28 October 2026. The two leaders reviewed progress under the India-US Major Defence Partnership and the 10-year India-US Defence Framework. They discussed military-to-military exchanges, maritime security cooperation and integrated defence supply chains to deepen defence-industrial collaboration. Both sides stressed a joint resolve to counter terrorism, and the US side reaffirmed its support to India against cross-border terrorism.
India and Japan review defence cooperation on the margins of ADMM-Plus
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Defense of Japan, on the margins of the ADMM-Plus in Cebu, Philippines, on 28 October 2026. The ministers welcomed progress since their meeting in August, including discussions on mine countermeasure capabilities and possible joint development in naval shipbuilding and design. They noted the first-ever visit of Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft to India during the bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian 26’. The India-Japan Defence Industry Forum, held at the Embassy of India in Tokyo with about 40 companies, was also welcomed. The two sides agreed to speed up preparations for the 4th India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and a Defence Ministers' meeting in Tokyo later this year.
INS Sahyadri reaches Busan for the India-Republic of Korea naval exercise
The Indian Navy's indigenously designed and built guided missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri arrived at Busan Naval Harbour, Republic of Korea, on 26 October 2026 for the India-Republic of Korea Navy bilateral exercise, the Ministry of Defence said on 28 October. During the harbour phase, personnel of the two navies will take part in professional interactions, cross-deck visits, cross-training and sports events. A sea phase with the Republic of Korea Navy ship ROKS Munmu the Great will follow, aimed at improving operational coordination and interoperability. The Commanding Officer of INS Sahyadri will also call on senior Korean naval officials. The exercise reflects the growing maritime partnership between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific.
Reports & Indices
1 storyIndustrial output grows 6.7 per cent in September 2026
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the Quick Estimates of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for September 2026 on 28 October, using the new base year 2022-23. Industrial output grew by 6.7 per cent year-on-year, compared with 8.0 per cent in August 2026, and the index stood at 124.3 against 116.5 a year earlier. Manufacturing grew by 7.6 per cent and electricity and gas supply by 11.2 per cent, while mining and quarrying contracted by 6.2 per cent. Within manufacturing, 17 of 23 industry groups recorded positive growth, led by motor vehicles, electrical equipment, and rubber and plastics products. Under the use-based classification, intermediate goods grew by 12.2 per cent and capital goods by 10.4 per cent.
Sports
3 storiesSports and Education Ministries sign an MoU with UNESCO to take clean sport values to classrooms
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Ministry of Education and UNESCO exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding on 28 October 2026 to introduce the ‘Sports Values in Every Classroom Toolkit’ in schools across India. The MoU was exchanged at the Clean Sport Conclave of the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) in the presence of Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of Education Shri Pralhad Joshi. The toolkit aims to build respect, integrity and fairness among children, and its video modules will be available in 13 Indian languages. Dr. Mandaviya said NADA conducted more than 7,000 tests and over 350 awareness sessions during 2025-26. He added that the Government is preparing to bring provisions to criminalise doping-related activities before Parliament.
Abhishek Sharma regains the No. 1 spot in ICC men's T20I batting rankings
India opener Abhishek Sharma returned to the top of the ICC men's T20 International batting rankings on 28 October 2026, a day after his 113 off 38 balls against New Zealand in Wellington. It was his fourth T20I century and helped India win the third match of the series by six wickets. He now has 897 rating points, ahead of Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan with 883 and India's Ishan Kishan with 866. Kishan had taken the top position from Abhishek in July after strong performances in Ireland. In the same update, South Africa's Marco Jansen became the top-ranked Test all-rounder, replacing India's Ravindra Jadeja, and also rose to No. 1 among Test bowlers.
India begin Asian Champions Trophy title defence with a 13-0 win over Bangladesh
The Indian men's hockey team began the defence of its Asian Champions Trophy title with a 13-0 win over Bangladesh at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar, on 27 October 2026. Mandeep Singh scored a hat-trick, while captain Harmanpreet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Hardik Singh scored two goals each. Midfielder Nilakanta Sharma, who also scored, announced that the tournament would be his last for India. The six-team event follows a single round-robin league in Jalandhar until 2 November, with the semi-finals and medal matches to be held in Mohali on 4 and 5 November. Punjab is hosting international hockey again with this edition of the tournament.
Art & Culture
3 stories14th International Tourism Mart for the North East to open at Tawang on 29 October
The Ministry of Tourism, with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the other North Eastern States, will hold the 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM) at Tawang from 29 to 31 October 2026, the Ministry announced on 28 October. The Mart is an annual flagship event to promote the North Eastern Region in domestic and international tourism markets. Over 200 participants are expected, including 43 international buyers from 22 countries such as Australia, Bhutan, Japan, Thailand and the United Kingdom. All eight North Eastern States will make destination presentations and hold business-to-business meetings with buyers. The inaugural programme will be attended by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and will include the opening of a North East Bazaar.
Indian Culinary Institute's BBA and MBA programmes to be recognised by JNU
The Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), an institution under the Ministry of Tourism, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi, on 28 October 2026. The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Under the agreement, JNU will recognise ICI's BBA in Culinary Arts and Food Business and MBA in Culinary Management and award degrees to students who complete them. The recognition will begin from the next academic year. The programmes aim to develop skilled chefs and hospitality professionals for the hotel and allied industries in India and abroad.
Media accreditation deadline for the 57th IFFI extended to 4 November
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting extended the last date for media accreditation for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026 to 4 November, as announced on 28 October 2026. The festival will be held in Panaji, Goa, from 20 to 28 November 2026. Started in 1952, IFFI is South Asia's oldest and largest film festival. It is jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Entertainment Society of Goa. Applications for accreditation are being accepted through the Press Information Bureau's accreditation portal.
Quick-revision MCQs
Ten questions drawn from today’s stories. Tap an option to check yourself.
Q1.The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana approved on 28 October 2026 will be implemented for which period?
Answer: C. The period is co-terminus with the Sixteenth Finance Commission, and the outlay is ₹7,395.55 crore.
Q2.The Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme aims to raise India's annual container manufacturing capacity to about:
Answer: B. The ₹10,000 crore scheme targets a roughly ten-fold rise from about 70,000 TEUs.
Q3.What was the year-on-year growth of the Index of Industrial Production in September 2026 (Quick Estimate)?
Answer: D. 8.0 per cent was August's figure; 7.6 per cent was manufacturing growth in September.
Q4.SEBI signed an MoU on 28 October 2026 with which foreign authority regarding SEBI-recognised clearing corporations?
Answer: A. The MoU lets the Bank of England rely on SEBI's supervision of these central counterparties.
Q5.The 13th ADMM-Plus, on whose sidelines the Raksha Mantri met his US and Japanese counterparts, was held in:
Answer: C. The Raksha Mantri reviewed the 10-year India-US Defence Framework with the US Secretary of War there.
Q6.Cyclone ‘Arnab’ crossed the coast on 28 October 2026 close to which town?
Answer: B. IMD placed the crossing about 20 km east-northeast of Narsapur and 40 km south-west of Yanam.
Q7.With which country did India sign Terms of Reference on 28 October 2026 to launch Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations?
Answer: D. The step follows an understanding reached on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in June 2025.
Q8.The revised prices of 543 brands of anti-cancer medicines notified by NPPA take effect from:
Answer: A. The revision follows Trade Margin Rationalisation of 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs.
Q9.The 14th International Tourism Mart for the North Eastern Region is being held at:
Answer: C. It runs from 29 to 31 October 2026 in Arunachal Pradesh.
Q10.The Punah Bharan mobile application launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti is meant for:
Answer: B. It identifies recharge zones within up to 3 km and suggests suitable recharge structures.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Reserve Bank of India, SEBI, India Meteorological Department, Akashvani (AIR), DD News and The Hindu.
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