Why in News?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs will organise Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada nationwide from 1–15 November 2026, culminating in Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on 15 November, the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Key Highlights

Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas: Declared in 2021 to honour tribal freedom fighters and recognise tribal communities' contributions to India's history and culture.

Digital Initiatives:

Jan-HIT Portal: Developed with ICMR to provide tribe-disaggregated health data covering 20 States.

National FRA Digital Platform: Digitises the forest rights claims process under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

Major Events: National Tribal Literary Festival, Rani Durgavati Adivasi Mahila Sammelan and interaction between Eklavya Model Residential School students and the President.

Tribal Healthcare: Training of traditional healers and health and nutrition camps for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Livelihood and Education: Scholarship access camps, support for tribal women entrepreneurs and conservation of medicinal plants.

State-Level Activities: More than 160 activities planned across 19 States/UTs.

Significance

Cultural Preservation: Recognises tribal heritage, traditions, languages and freedom fighters.

Inclusive Development: Improves awareness and access to government schemes in tribal areas.

Healthcare: Strengthens tribal health monitoring and access to nutrition services.

Forest Rights: Promotes digital processing of claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

Women’s Empowerment: Encourages tribal women-led enterprises and market linkages.

Important Schemes

PM-JANMAN: Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan; focuses on the socio-economic development of PVTGs.

Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: Aims to address gaps in infrastructure and essential services in tribal-majority villages.

EMRS: Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe students.

Forest Rights Act, 2006: Recognises and vests forest rights in eligible forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers, subject to the Act.

Why in News?

The Supreme Court Collegium, in its resolution dated 26 October 2026, recommended four judges for appointment as Chief Justices of the High Courts of Delhi, Gujarat, Telangana and Uttarakhand.

Key Recommendations

Judge Recommended High Court

Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak Gujarat

Justice P. Sam Koshy Delhi

Justice Tapabrata Chakrabarty Telangana

Justice Sudhir Singh Uttarakhand

About the Supreme Court Collegium

Composition: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the four senior-most Supreme Court judges.

Function: Recommends appointments and transfers of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts.

Constitutional Basis: The collegium system evolved through the Second (1993) and Third (1998) Judges Cases.

Appointment Process: The collegium recommends names; appointments are formally made by the President of India under the relevant constitutional provisions.

Constitutional Provisions

Article 217: Appointment and conditions of office of High Court judges.

Article 222: Transfer of a High Court judge from one High Court to another.

Article 124: Appointment of Supreme Court judges.

Why in News?

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi has urged former CM Naveen Patnaik to offer constructive suggestions for resolving the Kotia dispute and reiterated Odisha’s territorial claim.

Background

Location: Kotia Gram Panchayat, Koraput district, Odisha.

Disputed Villages: Both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh claim 21 villages.

Historical Context: Odisha maintains that the villages belong to it since the formation of the separate province in 1936.

Recent Development: Andhra Pradesh’s announcement of elections in the disputed region renewed tensions.

Constitutional Provision: Article 131 provides for the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction in specified disputes between states.

About the Kotia Tribal Community

Region: Tribal areas of Koraput district and adjoining parts of Andhra Pradesh.

Livelihood: Agriculture and agricultural labour are important occupations.

Cultural Identity: The community follows traditional customs and social practices.

Major Concerns: Access to education, healthcare, welfare schemes, infrastructure and livelihood opportunities.

Key Issue: Overlapping administrative claims can complicate the delivery of public services to border residents.

Why in News?

The 11th edition of Exercise Garuda Shakti, a joint Special Forces exercise between India and Indonesia, commenced at Banyuwangi, Indonesia, on 27 October . It will continue until 6 November 2026.

Key Highlights

Participating Countries: India and Indonesia.

Focus: Special operations in jungle environments.

Training Activities: Combat marksmanship, obstacle crossing, mountaineering, air assault and combat-hardening exercises.

Objectives

• Enhance interoperability and coordination between the two Special Forces.

• Exchange expertise in weapons, equipment and operational tactics.

• Improve capabilities for conducting joint special operations.

• Strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.

Significance

Defence Cooperation: Strengthens India–Indonesia military ties.

Regional Security: Enhances cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Operational Readiness: Improves preparedness for complex operations in challenging terrain.

Bilateral Relations: Promotes mutual trust and strategic partnership.

Why in News?

The Indian Navy’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), named Srishti, was launched on 27 October 2026 at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa.

Key Highlights

Vessel Name: Srishti, meaning “creation” or “act of creating” in Sanskrit.

Vessel Type: Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV).

Shipyard: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa.

Indigenous Construction: Designed and built in India to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing.

Major Operational Roles:

• Maritime surveillance.

• Search and Rescue (SAR).

• Protection of offshore assets.

• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

• Anti-piracy operations.

Significance

Maritime Security: Strengthens India's ability to monitor maritime areas and protect offshore installations.

Defence Indigenisation: Supports domestic shipbuilding and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Advances self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Make in India: Encourages domestic industrial development and supports economic growth.

Multi-Domain Operations: Enhances the Indian Navy's capacity to perform diverse maritime security and humanitarian missions.

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has approved the establishment of the PRAGATI Park (Platform for Robotics and AI Growth Through Technology and Innovation) in Greater Noida.

Key Highlights

Location: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Focus Areas: Robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced technology, industrial innovation and robotics manufacturing.

Employment Generation: Expected to generate more than 1 lakh jobs.

Objective: Establish Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub for robotics, AI and advanced technology.

Significance

Employment Opportunities: Expected to create jobs in technology, manufacturing and allied sectors.

Technological Innovation: Encourages AI-based solutions, robotics manufacturing and industrial research.

Industrial Development: May attract investment and strengthen the state's technology ecosystem.

Economic Growth: Supports economic diversification and the development of high-value industries.

Digital India: Contributes to India's broader push towards advanced technologies and technology-led development.

चर्चा में क्यों ?

हाल ही में आंध्र प्रदेश को पर्यटन क्षेत्र में उत्कृष्ट कार्यों और नई पहलों के लिए दो राष्ट्रीय सम्मान मिले हैं। ये पुरस्कार कोलकाता में आयोजित 69वें इंडियन ट्रैवल कांग्रेस (Indian Travel Congress) के दौरान प्रदान किए गए।

महत्त्वपूर्ण तथ्य

आंध्र प्रदेश को निम्नलिखित सम्मान मिले हैं:

1. Excellence in Tourism Leadership Award — पर्यटन क्षेत्र में नेतृत्व और विकास के प्रयासों के लिए।

2. Award of Merit – Outstanding Tourism State of India — पर्यटन क्षेत्र में नवाचार और सुधारों के लिए।

इंडियन ट्रैवल कांग्रेस क्या है?

इंडियन ट्रैवल कांग्रेस (Indian Travel Congress) पर्यटन और यात्रा उद्योग से जुड़ा एक सम्मेलन है, जहाँ पर्यटन क्षेत्र से जुड़े प्रतिनिधि, ट्रैवल एजेंसियाँ, पर्यटन व्यवसायी और अन्य संबंधित पक्ष शामिल होते हैं। ऐसे आयोजनों में पर्यटन के विकास, यात्रा उद्योग की चुनौतियों, नए अवसरों और पर्यटन को बढ़ावा देने के तरीकों पर चर्चा की जाती है।

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.