Why in News?

The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, generated over 31.69 crore person-days of employment during the financial year 2026–27, according to government .

Key Highlights

Legal Framework: The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, came into force on 1 July 2026, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), according to the report.

Employment Guarantee: Provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per financial year to eligible rural households whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work.

Wage Rates: Daily wages range from ₹300 to ₹450, depending on the applicable rate.

Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs)

• Prepared through participation by Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats.

• Use GIS tools, Yuktdhara and PM Gati Shakti to identify infrastructure gaps and coordinate rural development.

• Identify 318 types of permissible works under four thematic areas:

• Water security.

• Core rural infrastructure.

• Livelihood-related infrastructure.

• Mitigation of extreme weather events.

Why in News?

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have studied how plants modify their internal water transport system under drought-induced water stress. The findings were published in the journal Applied Physics Reviews.

Key Highlights

Plant Studied: Indian mustard.

Research Methodology: Combined experiments, advanced imaging, microscopic force measurements, chemical tracking and realistic 3D computer simulations.

Xylem: Microscopic tubes in plant stems that transport water and dissolved minerals from roots to leaves.

Pits: Tiny openings connecting adjacent xylem vessels, enabling water movement between them.

Major Findings

Narrower Xylem: During acute water stress, xylem tubes become narrower, increasing resistance to water flow.

Smaller Pits: The connecting openings also become smaller, changing the movement of water within the plant.

Reduced Water Loss: These changes restrict water transport towards the leaves, helping reduce water loss through transpiration.

Lateral Water Movement: Water can move sideways through pits between adjacent xylem vessels, helping maintain water balance and preserve the transport network.

Improved Modelling: Unlike earlier models that treated xylem as rigid pipes, the study incorporated changes in vessel dimensions, wall elasticity and fluid movement.

Significance

The findings could help scientists develop drought-tolerant crop varieties and improve water-use efficiency in agriculture. They may also support strategies to reduce crop losses and maintain agricultural productivity under climate change and water scarcity.

Why in News?

A study published in Nature Communications, led by researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Leeds (UK), found that glaciers terminating in lakes, oceans or ice shelves account for just 3.2% of the world’s glaciers but contribute over half of global glacier ice loss.

Key Highlights

Study Period: 2000–2019.

Annual Ice Loss: Lake, ocean and ice-shelf terminating glaciers lost approximately 134 billion tonnes of ice annually during the study period.

Glacier Area: These glaciers collectively cover more than half of the world’s glacier area.

Lake-terminating glaciers flow approximately 10% faster.

Ocean-terminating glaciers flow approximately 44% faster.

Ice Loss by Glacier Type: Lake-terminating glaciers lose around 57% more ice relative to their size than land-terminating glaciers.

Mechanisms of Ice Loss:

Calving: Large chunks of ice break off the glacier front, forming icebergs.

Subaqueous Melting: Water in lakes melts the submerged portions of glaciers.

Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures are causing some land-terminating glaciers to become lake-terminating glaciers as glacier lakes expand. Some ocean-terminating glaciers in the Arctic are retreating onto land.

Why in News?

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), in collaboration with the Government of Delhi, will organise a Transport Mela on 28 October 2026 at Burari, North Delhi, to encourage the replacement of old trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR with cleaner vehicles.

Key Highlights

Date: 28 October 2026.

Target Beneficiaries: Owners of old trucks and buses.

Incentives under the PARIVARTAN Scheme

The scheme promotes the replacement of old commercial vehicles with cleaner alternatives through the following incentives:

Progress and Significance

Approximately 40,000 beneficiaries have registered on the PARIVARTAN portal.

The scheme aims to accelerate the adoption of cleaner commercial vehicles, reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality in Delhi-NCR.

Why in News?

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is promoting ‘The AABHAR Collection’, a digital storefront showcasing Indian handicrafts, handlooms and regional products to promote cultural heritage and support local artisans.

Key Highlights

Product Listings: The collection features 294 product catalogue listings from 10 State and Central Handloom and Handicraft Emporiums.

Products Offered: Handicrafts, handlooms, artisanal foods, pantry products, personal care items and curated gift hampers.

Future Expansion: Seven additional government emporiums and organisations are at an advanced stage of seller onboarding, including the Coffee Board, Biswa Bangla, Manjusha, Utkalika (Odisha) and Panthoibi (Manipur).

Key Initiatives Supported:

One District, One Product (ODOP): Promotes distinctive products associated with different districts.

Geographical Indication (GI): Highlights products associated with specific geographical origins.

Vocal for Local: Encourages the procurement and promotion of indigenous products.

Launch: The AABHAR Collection was launched in July 2024.

Significance

The initiative strengthens market access for artisans, weavers, rural entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises by connecting them with government procurement. It also promotes India's traditional crafts, regional products and cultural heritage.

Why in News?

The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited to provide ₹116 crore in financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

The project aims to develop advanced, indigenous, and environmentally safer propulsion systems for satellites and launch vehicles, strengthening India's capabilities in space technology.

What Is the Green Propulsion Technology Project?

• The project has a total estimated cost of ₹277.63 crore and focuses on developing a scalable propulsion system suitable for different space applications, from small satellites to launch vehicles.

• The technology is designed to reduce the operational challenges associated with conventional propellants while improving performance, safety, and cost efficiency.

What Is Green Propulsion Technology?

Green propulsion is a safer and cleaner alternative to conventional rocket fuels. Traditional propellants are often highly toxic, difficult to handle and store, and pose operational risks. Green propulsion aims to reduce these risks.

Example—Manastu Space:

An Indian startup, Manastu Space, is developing a green propulsion system that uses hydrogen peroxide with additives. It comes with its own integrated engine, propellant-feed system, and catalyst technology.

The key innovation is an ultra-high-temperature ceramic catalyst, which can work reliably even in extreme conditions. Such systems can be used for a wide range of purposes, from moving and controlling satellites in orbit to supporting launch vehicle propulsion needs.

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 on 27 October at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Key Highlights

1. Participants: Scientists, researchers, academicians, policymakers, industry leaders, startups and international experts.

2. Thematic Areas: The Conclave will cover 12 areas, including:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Biotechnology

Advanced Materials

Manufacturing

Healthcare

Energy

Climate Science

Ocean Sciences

1. Technology Exhibition: An exhibition will showcase indigenous scientific achievements and emerging technologies.

2. Startup Participation: Around 150 deep-tech startup stalls will display technological innovations and potential applications.

3. Global Connect Networking Event: A new initiative expected to bring together over 300 participants from academia, research institutions and industry in India and abroad.

Major Objectives:

Identify national research and innovation priorities.

Strengthen international research partnerships.

Promote industry-academia collaboration.

Accelerate the translation of laboratory research into market-ready technologies.

चर्चा में क्यों?

भारत के रक्षा मंत्री राजनाथ सिंह 28–29 अक्टूबर को सेबू (फिलीपींस) में आयोजित होने वाली 13वीं ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) में भारतीय प्रतिनिधिमंडल का नेतृत्व करेंगे।

इस बैठक में वे क्षेत्रीय और अंतरराष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा मुद्दों पर विचारों के आदान-प्रदान विषय पर संबोधन देंगे।

इन वार्ताओं का उद्देश्य रक्षा सहयोग की समीक्षा करना और रणनीतिक साझेदारी को मजबूत करने के नए अवसर तलाशना है।

ADMM क्या है?

पूरा नाम: ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting

यह ASEAN के सदस्य देशों के रक्षा मंत्रियों की बैठक है।

इसे ASEAN के भीतर रक्षा संबंधी परामर्श और सहयोग का सर्वोच्च तंत्र माना जाता है।

इसके अंतर्गत सदस्य देश रक्षा नीतियों, क्षेत्रीय सुरक्षा, सैन्य सहयोग और साझा चुनौतियों पर चर्चा करते हैं।

ADMM-Plus क्या है?

ADMM-Plus, ADMM का विस्तारित स्वरूप है। इसमें ASEAN के सदस्य देशों के साथ आठ अतिरिक्त भागीदार देश शामिल होते हैं। इन आठ देशों को Plus Countries या संवाद भागीदार कहा जाता है। ये देश हैं भारत, अमेरिका, चीन, रूस,जापान,दक्षिण कोरिया,ऑस्ट्रेलिया और न्यूजीलैंड

Why in News?

On October 25, 2026, Serbian leader Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat to the student-led Student List movement in a historic election, potentially ending his long dominance of Serbian politics.

Key Highlights

Background: Vučić had dominated Serbian politics as president or prime minister since 2014.

Trigger for Protests: Student demonstrations began after a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad in 2024, killing 16 people. Protesters demanded accountability and action against corruption.

Record Turnout: Voter turnout was close to 70%, reportedly the highest since the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1992.

Student Agenda: The movement aims to combat corruption, strengthen the rule of law and improve education.

International Response: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated the Student List and expressed readiness to work towards Serbia’s future in the European Union.

Foreign Policy Challenge: The incoming leadership will need to balance relations with China (major investor), Russia (traditional ally and key natural gas supplier), and the European Union (Serbia’s largest trading partner).

Significance

The result marks a major political shift in Serbia and highlights the potential influence of youth-led movements in demanding accountability, transparency and democratic reforms.

About Serbia

Capital: Belgrade

Region: Southeast Europe (Balkans)

Political System: Parliamentary republic

Currency: Serbian dinar

EU Status: Candidate country for European Union membership

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian para-athletes for their best-ever performance at the Asian Para Games 2026, where India won a record 114 medals in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

China secured rank 1 (total 435 medals), Japan got 2nd position and Uzbekistan achieved 3rd rank.

Key Highlights

Overall Ranking: India finished fourth in the medal standings.

Total Medals: 114 — 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze.

Previous Record: India surpassed its earlier best of 111 medals at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games, where it finished fifth.

Top Medal Contributor: Para athletics contributed 65 medals, including 22 gold.

Outstanding Performers:

Sheetal Devi: Three medals — two gold and one silver.

Thulasimathi Murugesan: One gold and two silver.

Ravi Karthik: Two silver and one bronze.

Himanshu Nandal: Three bronze medals.

World Records: Haney set a world record with a 60.49-metre javelin throw in the men's F37/38 event. Sandeep set a world record in the men's 400-metre T64 event with a time of 52.28 seconds. Mona Agarwal also set a world record in the women's 50-metre rifle three positions SH1 event.

Para Archery: Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar recorded a world-best score of 1,402 points in the compound mixed team qualification round.

Sumit Antil: Successfully defended his para javelin throw title. India also swept gold, silver and bronze in the event.

Participation: The Games featured athletes from 45 National Paralympic Committees competing across 18 sports. India participated in 11 sports.

Significance

India’s record medal haul highlights the growing achievements of Indian para-athletes and the importance of inclusive sports, athlete development and support for persons with disabilities.

Why in News?

Ladakh has been declared India’s first fully organic Union Territory following a phased transition to organic farming across its two districts, Leh and Kargil.

Key Highlights

Organic Transition: The initiative involved phasing out synthetic fertilisers, chemical pesticides and other harmful agricultural inputs.

Key Crops: Apricots, sea buckthorn, buckwheat, barley and vegetables could benefit from improved branding and market access.

Environmental Benefits: Organic farming can help improve soil health, reduce chemical pollution and support the conservation of Ladakh’s fragile mountain ecosystem.

Economic Benefits: Organic certification may improve the market value of local produce, strengthen rural livelihoods and create opportunities in premium agricultural markets.

Significance

Ladakh’s achievement could provide a model for sustainable agriculture in ecologically sensitive, high-altitude regions. Its long-term success will depend on whether farmers receive better market access and higher incomes while maintaining organic farming standards.

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the achievements of e-Sanjeevani, India's national telemedicine service, which has facilitated nearly 50 crore teleconsultations, during the Mann Ki Baat programme.

Key Highlights

Objective: To provide remote access to medical consultations, particularly for people living in rural, remote and geographically isolated areas.

Developed By: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

Launched By: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Two Modes of Operation:

Doctor-to-Doctor: Connects healthcare professionals through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

Doctor-to-Patient: Enables patients to consult doctors remotely from home.

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Nearly 1.90 lakh centres are operating across the country, promoting primary healthcare, wellness and preventive health check-ups.

Examples of Benefits: The platform has helped patients in remote areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Ladakh and Nagaland access specialist medical advice.

Significance: It reduces the need to travel long distances for medical consultations and improves access to healthcare expertise.

Why in News?

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in coordination with Mizoram Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), launched Operation Trident on October 23, 2026, to dismantle an alleged transnational drug trafficking network operating across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur.

Key Highlights

Multi-Agency Operation: 38 teams conducted simultaneous searches at 38 locations across three northeastern states.

Financial Action: Authorities identified hawala transactions worth nearly ₹100 crore, froze 1,424 bank accounts and attached properties worth ₹17.82 crore.

Drug Trafficking Routes: The network allegedly trafficked methamphetamine and heroin through routes connecting Myanmar, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam and Tripura, with onward movement towards mainland India and Bangladesh.

Investigation: Agencies used intelligence-sharing, financial profiling and digital forensics to identify alleged facilitators, shell entities and illicit financial networks.

Government Objective: The operation supports the government's strategy of dismantling drug syndicates by targeting their financial and logistical networks, alongside drug seizures.

Target: The Vision Document on Narcotics Control for 2026–2029 aims to strengthen coordinated enforcement, with the government targeting the elimination of drug networks by December 31, 2029.

Significance

Operation Trident highlights the importance of inter-agency coordination and financial investigations in tackling cross-border drug trafficking, hawala transactions and organised criminal networks in Northeast India.

Why in News?

Odisha has intensified disaster preparedness as Cyclone Arnab is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast around October 27–28, 2026, according to the reports.

Key Highlights

The name Arnab was proposed by Bangladesh. The name Arnab is commonly associated with the Bengali word for the ocean or sea.

It is included in the official list of tropical cyclone names adopted in April 2020 by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Panel on Tropical Cyclones.

The list contains names submitted by 13 countries: Bangladesh, India, Iran, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Each country contributed 13 names, bringing the total to 169. These names are used in sequence as tropical cyclones develop over the North Indian Ocean, which includes the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

IMD Warning: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the system over the Bay of Bengal had intensified into Cyclonic Storm Arnab, with the possibility of further intensification.

Significance

The preparations aim to minimise casualties and property damage through early deployment of rescue teams, inter-agency coordination, emergency communication and rapid evacuation where necessary.