Why in News?

• Sacred relics of Lord Buddha, preserved at the National Museum, New Delhi, is being displayed in Arunachal Pradesh from 31 October to 21 November 2026.

• Exposition locations: Tawang, Bomdila and Namsai.

• Organised by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Government, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and National Museum.

• The exposition coincides with Lhabab Düchen, an important Tibetan Buddhist festival commemorating Buddha's descent from the heavenly realm.

Origin and Discovery of Relics

• Origin: Piprahwa, Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh.

• Associated with ancient Kapilavastu and the Shakya tradition.

• 1898: British engineer William Claxton Peppé excavated a stupa and discovered reliquaries containing bone fragments and precious objects.

Why in News?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Parv 2026 at Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, Gujarat.

• The festival marks the beginning of celebrations for the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

• Bharat Parv will continue until 15 November 2026.

Key Attractions

• Bharat Parv: Celebrates the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

• Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Celebrations

• Observed on 31 October, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

• Ekta Parade by security forces.

• Theatrical presentation on Naxal Mukt Bharat by the National School of Drama.

India’s Poverty Reduction: World Bank Report

• 496 million people lifted out of poverty between 2011 and 2023.

• Poverty rate (below $4.20/day) declined from 57.7% to 16.1%.

• Extreme poverty (below $2.15/day) fell from 27.1% to 2.6%.

• Rural-urban extreme poverty gap narrowed from 7.7 to 1.7 percentage points.

• Gini coefficient declined from 28.8 to 25.1, indicating reduced income inequality.

Five states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh—accounted for nearly two-thirds of extreme poverty reduction.

• Poverty is projected to decline further by 2028.

Significance: Rising disposable incomes can boost domestic demand, consumption, manufacturing and services.

Major concerns

• Housing affordability.

• Energy prices and inflation.

• Youth unemployment and underemployment.

• Stagnant real incomes and pressure on public services.

• Key contributing factors: COVID-19 disruptions, Russia–Ukraine war and US-driven trade tensions.

Suggested measures

Investment in education, healthcare, job quality and affordable housing.

Why in News?

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) enabled UPI payments for online bookings at:

• At the Top, Burj Khalifa (UAE)

• Resorts World Sentosa (Singapore)

Key Highlights

Attractions covered:

• Burj Khalifa observation experience.

• Universal Studios Singapore.

• Singapore Oceanarium.

• Adventure Cove Waterpark.

• Enables Indian tourists to book online using familiar UPI apps, reducing currency-related difficulties.

• Burj Khalifa is the first UAE attraction to accept UPI for e-commerce.

UPI International Expansion

UPI is accepted in 10 countries, according to the supplied report:

Singapore, UAE, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Greece.

Uzbekistan is expected to become the 11th country following a commercial agreement announced on 30 August 2026.

Earlier Initiative

UPI ticketing facility for the Eiffel Tower, France, was launched on 26 January 2024.

Why in News?

INS Tarkash arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, on 30 October during its operational deployment to the Southern Indian Ocean Region.

Key Highlights

Strengthening India–Mauritius maritime cooperation through:

• Joint training with Mauritius Coast Guard.

• Sharing operational experiences and best practices.

• Cultural exchanges and community outreach.

INS Tarkash will participate in 192nd Aapravasi Diwas on 2 November 2026.

Aapravasi Diwas

• It commemorates the arrival of the first batch of Indian indentured labourers at Aapravasi Ghat, Port Louis, on 2 November 1834.

• Honours their contributions to Mauritius's cultural and economic development.

• Their descendants constitute a significant part of Mauritian society.

Why in News?

India will host CGIAR Science and Partnership Week 2027 in New Delhi from 12–17 April 2027.

Key Highlights

Organisers: ICAR and CGIAR(CGIAR: Global agricultural research partnership)

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

First edition: Nairobi, Kenya (April 2025)

Major Focus Areas

• Climate-resilient and digital agriculture.

• Water management and soil health.

• Agricultural mechanisation and millets.

• Natural farming and sustainable agriculture.

• AgriStack and agricultural innovation.

• Startups, public-private partnerships, women and youth participation.

• South-South cooperation, particularly with African countries.

चर्चा में क्यों?

• केंद्रीय श्रम मंत्रालय ने दो सामाजिक सुरक्षा बोर्डों के गठन की अधिसूचना जारी की है।

• इनका उद्देश्य असंगठित श्रमिकों, गिग वर्कर्स और प्लेटफॉर्म वर्कर्स के लिए कल्याणकारी योजनाओं को बढ़ावा देना है।

• ये बोर्ड सामाजिक सुरक्षा संहिता (Code on Social Security) के तहत बनाए गए हैं।

दोनों बोर्डों के बारे में

क. राष्ट्रीय असंगठित श्रमिक सामाजिक सुरक्षा बोर्ड (National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers): 40 सदस्यों वाला यह बोर्ड असंगठित श्रमिकों के कल्याण और सामाजिक सुरक्षा के लिए योजनाओं की सिफारिश करेगा।

ख. राष्ट्रीय गिग एवं प्लेटफॉर्म श्रमिक सामाजिक सुरक्षा बोर्ड (National Social Security Board for Gig & Platform Workers): 22 सदस्यों वाला यह बोर्ड गिग और प्लेटफॉर्म श्रमिकों के लिए लक्षित कल्याणकारी योजनाओं की सिफारिश करेगा।

• अध्यक्ष: केंद्रीय श्रम एवं रोजगार मंत्री मनसुख मांडविया।

• उपाध्यक्ष: केंद्रीय श्रम सचिव।

• बोर्डों की बैठक कम-से-कम वर्ष में तीन बार होगी।

गिग वर्कर्स और प्लेटफॉर्म वर्कर्स कौन हैं?

गिग वर्कर्स: ऐसे लोग जो स्थायी नौकरी के बजाय छोटे कार्यों, अस्थायी काम या अनुबंध के आधार पर काम करते हैं। उदाहरण: स्वतंत्र रूप से काम करने वाले फ्रीलांसर और अस्थायी सेवा प्रदाता।

प्लेटफॉर्म वर्कर्स: ऐसे श्रमिक जो डिजिटल प्लेटफॉर्म या ऐप के माध्यम से काम प्राप्त करते हैं।

उदाहरण: Zomato और Swiggy के डिलीवरी पार्टनर तथा Rapido के ड्राइवर।

बोर्डों के प्रमुख कार्य

1. श्रमिकों के विभिन्न वर्गों के लिए उपयुक्त कल्याणकारी योजनाओं की सिफारिश करना।

2. सामाजिक सुरक्षा योजनाओं की निगरानी करना।

3. केंद्र सरकार को योजनाओं के प्रशासन और क्रियान्वयन पर सुझाव देना।

4. श्रमिकों के रिकॉर्ड रखने की व्यवस्था की समीक्षा करना।

5. योजनाओं पर होने वाले खर्च और खातों की समीक्षा करना।

6. केंद्र सरकार द्वारा सौंपे गए अन्य कार्य करना।

इन बोर्डों का महत्त्व

• सामाजिक सुरक्षा: श्रमिकों को सामाजिक सुरक्षा योजनाओं के दायरे में लाने में मदद।

• कल्याणकारी योजनाएँ: विभिन्न श्रमिक समूहों की जरूरतों के अनुसार योजनाएँ बनाने में सहायता।

• डिजिटल अर्थव्यवस्था: तेजी से बढ़ते ऐप-आधारित रोजगार को औपचारिक कल्याण व्यवस्था से जोड़ना।

• श्रमिकों का प्रतिनिधित्व: सरकार, नियोक्ताओं और श्रमिक संगठनों के बीच संवाद को बढ़ावा देना।

• समावेशी विकास: कमजोर और असंगठित श्रमिक वर्गों की सुरक्षा को मजबूत करना।

Why in News?

Indian wrestler Manisha Bhanwala created history by winning the gold medal in the 59 kg category at the World Wrestling Championships in Astana(Kazakhstan). She became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the World Wrestling Championships.

• She defeated the USA's Pan-American champion, Abigail Elizabeth Nette, 8–6, in the final at the World Wrestling Championships.

Key Highlights

• Historic achievement: Manisha became only the second Indian wrestler after Sushil Kumar to win a World Championships title. Sushil Kumar had won the 66 kg freestyle title in 2010.

• Remarkable comeback: She fought back from a 0–6 deficit to secure an 8–6 victory in the final.

• Weight-category change: After winning the Asian title in 62 kg, Manisha shifted to the competitive 57 kg category. At the Astana championships, she competed in the non-Olympic 59 kg category.

• Strong Indian performance: Neelam Sirohi (50 kg) and Kajal Dhochak (76 kg) won silver medals, while Tanu Sharma (72 kg) secured bronze.

• Team performance: Indian women recorded their best-ever performance at the World Championships, finishing fourth in the women's section.

Other Indian Performances

In men's freestyle, Vicky (97 kg) lost to Iran's Hassan Yazdani in the repechage round. Nikhil (61 kg), Pushpender Dalal (86 kg), and Jaspooran Singh (125 kg) also entered the repechage rounds.

About World Wrestling Championships 2026

The 2026 World Wrestling Championships are underway in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 24 October to 1 November 2026. The tournament is being held at the Barys Arena. This is the second time Kazakhstan is hosting the World Wrestling Championships, after the 2019 edition in Nur-Sultan.

Significance

Manisha’s victory marks an important milestone for Indian women’s wrestling. Her performance also strengthens her ambition to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Why in News?

Renowned Carnatic percussionist T.K. Murthy, a Padma Shri awardee and Sangeetha Kalanidhi, has been selected for the 2026 Sree Guruvayurappan Chembai Award. The award recognizes his extraordinary contribution to Carnatic music over nearly nine decades.

Key Highlights

• About T.K. Murthy: At 103, he is among India’s senior-most performing artistes and an eminent mridangam player and guru.

• Musical contribution: He has accompanied legendary Carnatic musicians, including Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, M. Balamuralikrishna, K.J. Yesudas, and Lalgudi Jayaraman. He has also trained several renowned mridangam artists.

• Other honors: His recognitions include the Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, and the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi title awarded by the Music Academy, Madras.

• Award presentation: The award will be presented on November 6, 2026, during the inaugural ceremony of the annual Chembai Sangeetholsavam at Guruvayur, held as part of the Guruvayur Ekadasi celebrations.

About the Sree Guruvayurappan Chembai Award

• Instituted in 2005 by the Guruvayur Devaswom, the award honors outstanding contributions to Carnatic music.

• It comprises a 10-gram gold medal featuring Lord Guruvayurappan, a cash prize of ₹50,001, a citation, a plaque, and a traditional shawl.

• Vocalist T.V. Gopalakrishnan was its first recipient.

• T.K. Murthy is the 22nd recipient of the award.

The recognition celebrates T.K. Murthy’s lifelong dedication to Carnatic music and his contribution to preserving and passing on India’s rich classical music tradition.

Why in News?

India has proposed $4 billion greenfield shipyard at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Key Highlights

Strategic investor: HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE).

Indian partner: National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park, Tamil Nadu Ltd. (NSHIP-TN).

Expected to become India's largest commercial shipyard.

Significance

• Strengthens India's domestic shipbuilding capacity.

• Promotes technology transfer and skilled workforce training.

• Supports localisation and employment generation.

• Helps meet demand for over 400 vessels expected from Indian public agencies.

• Creates opportunities for ship exports.

• Strengthens India–South Korea maritime partnership.

Why in News?

India secured 5,55,610 MTPA of green hydrogen offtake commitments as of October 2026.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

• Approved: 2023

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

• 2030 Targets:Green hydrogen production: 5 MMT annually.

Important Concepts

Green Hydrogen: Produced through electrolysis of water using renewable electricity.

Green Ammonia: Uses green hydrogen; applications include fertilisers and shipping fuel.

Green Methanol: Hydrogen-derived fuel used in shipping and industries.

Why in News?

Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative completed two years on 29 October 2026.

About Ayushman Vay Vandana

• It extends the benefits of Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above.

• Eligibility is irrespective of income or socio-economic status.

• Implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Key Features

• Provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

• Senior citizens aged 70+ in families already covered under AB PM-JAY:

• Receive an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh annually.

• This additional cover is exclusively for senior citizens.

• It is separate from the existing family cover for members below 70 years.

• Aims to reduce the financial burden of hospitalisation among elderly citizens.

Why in News?

Three ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron concluded their official visit to Sri Lanka .

The visit included a joint Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Sri Lanka Navy.

Key Highlights

Participating Indian ships: INS Tir; INS Sujata; ICGS Sarathi

Joint Passage Exercise (PASSEX): The three Indian ships conducted PASSEX with SLNS Nandimithra; Fast Attack Craft P 492

Important Terms

First Training Squadron: Indian Navy squadron involved in naval training and professional exposure for officer trainees.

PASSEX (Passage Exercise): A naval exercise conducted by ships of friendly navies, generally during passage through common waters, to practise coordination and interoperability.

Why in News?

The second edition of ARISE Cities Forum 2026 concluded in New Delhi on 28 October 2026 with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals.

The declaration will be taken forward to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, highlighting the role of cities in global climate governance.

Key Highlights of ARISE Cities Forum 2026

Organisers: ICLEI South Asia, in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), with support from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Theme: From Bharat to Antalya — Commit. Implement. Deliver.

Delhi Declaration 2026: Ten Key Commitments

1. Advance the global climate agenda from Pre-COP31 to COP31.

2. Accelerate climate adaptation and synergies across conventions.

3. Promote circularity through cooperation and collective action.

4. Accelerate the energy transition and support the 1.5°C pathway through subnational action.

5. Prioritise ambitious and just transitions.

6. Institutionalise multilevel climate finance.

7. Strengthen independent science and data systems.

8. Create systematic platforms for multilevel climate action.

9. Promote Global South leadership in urban climate action.

10. Strengthen youth and community leadership in climate action.

Important Concepts and Organisations

ARISE: A forum focused on strengthening the role of cities and local governments in climate action.

ICLEI: an international network of local and regional governments working towards sustainable development.

NIUA: National Institute of Urban Affairs, India.

LGMA Constituency: Local Governments and Municipal Authorities Constituency, representing local and regional governments in the UNFCCC process.

COP31: The 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled to be held in Antalya, Türkiye.