Why in News?

Union Cabinet approved VISTAR(Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research) for FY 2026–27 to 2030–31.

Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

Objectives

• Modernise India's statistical system.

• Promote digitalisation, AI/ML(Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Language) and real-time data.

• Support evidence-based policymaking and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Three Components

• Comprehensive Statistical Operations: 59 proposed surveys; AI/ML integration and new statistical indices.

• Statistical Strengthening (SSS 2.0): Financial and technical support to States/UTs for district-level data.

• Economic Census: Conduct the 8th Economic Census to cover non-farm establishments and workers up to Gram Panchayat/Ward level.

Why in News?

• Recently, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced the organization of Bihar Business Connect-2027. This investment summit will be held in February next year.

• On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the new website of the Bihar Foundation and the Business Connect-2027 portal.

Investment and Employment to Get a Boost

• The main objective of this initiative is to attract domestic and foreign investors and entrepreneurs to Bihar. The Chief Minister appealed to Non-Resident Biharis (NRBs) to connect entrepreneurs and investors from their respective countries and regions with this event.

• He stated that Bihar has immense potential for development and investment. It is also essential to develop a skilled human resource base so that the state's youth can access better employment opportunities in India and abroad.

All 55 Chapters of Bihar Foundation to Participate

• Currently, 55 chapters of the Bihar Foundation are operational. These include 31 international chapters and 24 national chapters. The government aims to increase their number in the coming years.

  Non-Resident Biharis (NRBs) are the brand ambassadors of Bihar across India and abroad. They can play an important role in building a positive image of the state and promoting investment opportunities.

Why in News?

Recently, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N.S. Raja Subramani announced a new arrangement regarding the service tenure of Agniveers. Under this arrangement, the remaining 75% of Agniveers who complete four years of service will be given an opportunity to serve for an additional two years.

What Will Change in the Agnipath Scheme?

• Under the Agnipath Scheme, launched in June 2022, young people were recruited into the armed forces for a period of four years. After this period, a maximum of 25% of Agniveers were eligible for permanent enrollment in the regular cadre on the basis of merit, while the remaining 75% had to be released from service.

• Under the new arrangement, these 75% of Agniveers will get an opportunity to serve for an additional two years. During this period, they will also receive increased salaries and allowances. This extension of service will be subject to their consent.

Opportunity for Regular Employment Even After Six Years

• After completing the additional two years of service, Agniveers will get another opportunity to become regular soldiers. However, they will have to meet the prescribed selection criteria and merit standards.

• In addition, certain changes have also been announced in the recruitment process, such as conducting the written examination before the physical efficiency test and providing skill certificates based on military training.

Significance of This Change

• The objective of this decision is to make better use of the experience gained by trained Agniveers and provide them with an opportunity to continue serving in the armed forces for a longer period.

• However, official notification needs to be verified for the final rules regarding eligibility, selection procedures, and the impact on reservation under the new arrangement.

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the extension of the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) Scheme for five years, i.e., until 31 March 2031, to ensure speedy trials in rape and POCSO cases. The center's share will be provided through the Nirbhaya Fund.

850 Special Courts to Be Operational

• The government aims to operate a total of 850 Fast Track Special Courts across the country, including exclusive POCSO courts. Currently, 779 courts are operational, of which 399 are exclusive POCSO courts.

• These courts will be provided with dedicated judicial officers, special public prosecutors, and six supporting staff members to reduce delays in the trial of cases.

How Will Women and Children Benefit?

• The objective of this scheme is to ensure the speedy disposal of pending cases related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

• Under this scheme, child-friendly courtrooms and special facilities for recording the statements of witnesses will be developed so that victims do not face unnecessary difficulties during the judicial process.

• The scheme will be implemented by the Department of Justice in collaboration with state governments and union territory administrations. Its objective is to strengthen the capacity of the judiciary and ensure timely justice for women and children.

What Is the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) Scheme?

• It is a scheme of the Central Government implemented by the Ministry of Law and Justice. Its main objective is to establish dedicated fast-track courts for serious cases such as rape and offenses under the POCSO Act so that victims can get justice quickly. The scheme is funded through the Nirbhaya Fund.

• In 2019, the Supreme Court observed that a large number of POCSO cases were pending and needed to be disposed of quickly. Following this direction, the FTSC Scheme was launched on 2 October 2019.

Cost-Sharing Pattern

• General States: Center 60%, State 40%

• Northeastern States, Sikkim, and Hill States: Centre 90%: State 10%

• Union Territories with Legislatures: 60:40

• Union Territories without Legislatures: 100% funding by the Central Government

Merely making laws stricter does not prevent crimes. Crimes can be deterred only when trials are conducted quickly and the guilty are punished in a timely manner.

Why in News?

• Indian shooters won team gold in the men's 50m pistol event at the ongoing ISSF World Championship.

• Ravinder Singh , Saurabh Chaudhary and Amanpreet Singh belonged to Indian Team

• Ravinder Singh also won individual silver with 559 points.

Medal Standings – Men’s 50m Pistol Team Event

Position Country

Gold India

Silver China

Bronze South Korea

Individual Event

Gold: Anton Aristarkhov (Russia)

Silver: Ravinder Singh (India)

Bronze: Luca Joldea (Romania)

Why in News?

Democrat Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat on November 4, 2026, according to media projections. His victory makes him the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate while helping Democrats retain a crucial seat in their fight for control of the chamber.

Public Health and Leadership

• Although trained as a physician, El-Sayed moved into public service to address wider political and social factors affecting public health.

• Developed a program projected to cancel up to $700 million in medical debt for 300,000 residents.

He also authored Medicare for All: A Citizen’s Guide and contributed to former President Joe Biden’s 2020 Unity Task Force for Healthcare.

First Muslim U.S. Senator-Elect

• El-Sayed defeated Republican candidate Mike Rogers, a former Congressman and FBI agent. His campaign focused on reducing living costs for working families, strengthening public services, and limiting corporate influence in politics.

• El-Sayed’s victory marks a milestone in American political representation. It brings a Muslim representative into the U.S. Senate for the first time and highlights the growing visibility of diverse communities in American public life.
  

Why in News?

• The Kerala Cabinet has approved the documents related to the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to fast-track the International Maritime Museum and Oceanarium projects.

• Both projects are part of the state's Mission Samudra initiative.

What is a Maritime Museum?

• A museum where information and objects related to maritime history, ships, maritime trade, navigation and maritime heritage are displayed.

• To showcase approximately 2,000 years of Kerala's maritime history.

• To highlight the ancient port of Muziris, the Quilon trade route and the traditional shipbuilding art of Beypore.

• To promote the preservation of maritime heritage and tourism.

What is an Oceanarium?

It is a large marine life exhibition centre where marine organisms and their natural ecosystems are displayed.

Main Objectives:

• To raise awareness about marine biodiversity.

• To encourage the conservation of marine life.

• To promote education, research and tourism.

• To provide an opportunity to understand the marine world through modern technology.

Why in News?

• APEDA facilitated two agricultural export initiatives to Dubai, UAE, promoting horticultural produce from Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh.

• Sinduri Pomegranate Export – Himachal Pradesh

• Other pomegranate varieties grown in Himachal Pradesh: Bhagwa and Kandhari.

• Kiwi Trial Export – Arunachal Pradesh

• Implemented under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), in collaboration with state departments.

• Major Kiwi varieties: Hayward, Monty, Allison and Bruno.

Important Facts about APEDA

• Full Form: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

• Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

• Role: Promotes exports of agricultural and processed food products and facilitates farmers' and FPOs' access to international markets.

Why in News?

• Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar launched the Vayo Samman Rashtriya Abhiyan (National Intergenerational Bonding Campaign).

• Implemented under Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Objectives

• Promote intergenerational bonding between youth and senior citizens.

• Mobilise citizens aged 18 years and above as volunteers.

• Address social isolation and promote dignified ageing.

• Recognise senior citizens as mentors and contributors to society.

India’s Ageing Population

• Population aged 60 years and above:

• 2011: Approximately 10 crore (8.4%).

• 2036 (projected): 23 crore (14.9%).

• Challenges: Urbanisation, migration, changing family structures and reduced interaction between generations.

5C Model

The campaign follows the 5C framework:

• Connect: Create interaction opportunities between generations.

• Converse: Promote dialogue and exchange of experiences.

• Co-create: Undertake joint activities and projects.

• Contribute: Share knowledge, skills and resources.

• Continue: Ensure sustained community participation.

Why in News?

• NITI Aayog and TEXMiN signed a Joint Statement of Intent (SoI) to strengthen India's critical and strategic minerals ecosystem.

• TEXMiN is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Key Objectives

• Develop indigenous technological capabilities.

• Promote research, innovation and technology translation.

• Build resilient and sustainable critical mineral value chains.

• Support the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Four Areas of Cooperation

• Collaborative research and technology development.

• Technical and strategic studies.

• Policy and institutional support.

• Capacity building and knowledge exchange.

Why in News?

• CSIR-NIScPR successfully concluded the third International Conference on Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK-2026) on 3 November 2026.

• First two such conference were held in 2023(New Delhi) and 2024( Haryana) respectively.

• The conference marked 25 years of the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK).

Key Highlights

• Focus on scientific validation, documentation and global dissemination of traditional knowledge.

• Emphasis on community ownership and participatory research.

• Popularising Traditional Knowledge

• Highlighted India's contributions to Mathematics, including the Kerala School of Mathematics and keralam's ancient mathematician Madhava's work on calculus.

• Emphasised indigenous knowledge frameworks such as Panchamahabhuta and Panchikarana.

Why in News?

• The Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 brought together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders to promote renewable energy cooperation and investment.

• Indian Participation: 13 States and Union Territories showcased renewable energy potential and investment opportunities.

The Next Terawatt Plenary

• Convened by the International Solar Alliance (ISA), CEEW(Council on Energy, Environment and Water) and Energiva Ventures.

• A high-level plenary meeting held to discuss strategies for expanding renewable energy at the terawatt scale(1000 Gw) in the future.

Key priority areas:

• Integrated energy planning, supply and storage.

• Energy infrastructure expansion and resilience.

• Terawatt-scale financing.

• Digitalisation and AI for secure and affordable energy.

• Roadmap: Present to 2050, aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.

Why in News?

• The opening ceremony of the 5th edition of Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 was held on 2 November 2026 at the Maritime Warfare Centre, Visakhapatnam.

Key Highlights

• Nature: India–US Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise.

• Format (2026): Tabletop Exercise (TTX).

• Objective: Enhance joint planning, coordination and interoperability during large-scale HADR operations.

• Focus on Combined Joint All-Domain Operations.

.

Participation

India:

• Indian Navy, Indian Army and Indian Air Force.

• Special Forces personnel from all three Services.

• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) participating for the first time in this edition.

USA:

• US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy.

• Specialists from Space, Cyber, Medical and Explosive Ordnance Disposal domains.

Why in News?

• IPRD-2026 commenced on 3 November 2026 in New Delhi.

• Organised by the Indian Navy in association with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF).

• Theme: Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Highlights

• Focus on converting scientific advancements and technological innovations into regional cooperation.

• Strengthening maritime capabilities, institutional partnerships and regional resilience.