Why in News?

The ninth edition of the India–Brazil–South Africa Maritime Exercise (IBSAMAR IX 2026) concluded at Simon’s Town, South Africa, on 20 October 2026. The exercise brought together the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa to strengthen maritime cooperation and operational interoperability.

Key Highlights

• Participating Countries: India, Brazil and South Africa.

• Venue: Simon’s Town, South Africa.

• Duration: Ten days of joint activities.

• Activities: Professional exchanges, joint training, operational interactions and maritime exercises during harbour and sea phases.

• Indian Navy Participation: INS Tarkash participated in the exercise.

Main Objective: Enhance interoperability, exchange operational best practices and strengthen mutual understanding among the three navies.

Significance

IBSAMAR strengthens trilateral maritime cooperation, promotes coordinated responses to common maritime challenges and supports safe, secure and open seas. It also reinforces the commitment of India, Brazil and South Africa to a peaceful maritime environment and a rules-based international order.

Why in News?

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has launched ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026’ from 22 October to 30 November 2026. Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched the nationwide campaign from Karnal, Haryana, to promote sustainable farming and improve soil health.

Key Highlights

1. Balanced Fertilizer Use: Promote the judicious use of fertilizers and agricultural inputs based on soil testing, including awareness about green ammonia and biological products.

2. Crop Diversification: Encourage the cultivation of oilseeds, pulses and horticultural crops, along with intercropping and effective utilization of rice fallow fields.

3. Sustainable Farming: Promote natural farming, regenerative agriculture, integrated farming systems and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

4. Water Conservation: Encourage rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and efficient water use.

5. Farmer Support: Facilitate Farmer IDs, create awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and expand Kisan Credit Card (KCC) coverage.

6. Implementation: Farmers’ conferences, Kisan Chaupals, training sessions and field demonstrations will be organized at state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels.

Significance

The campaign aims to improve soil health, conserve water, reduce inefficient use of agricultural inputs and promote climate-resilient farming. It seeks to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen farmers’ economic well-being and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Why in the news?

The Maldives has thanked India for extending the first withdrawal of ₹30 billion (₹3,000 crore) under the India–Maldives currency swap agreement. The rollover is intended to support the Maldives’ financial liquidity and reflects continued bilateral cooperation under India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.

A currency swap agreement is a financial contract where two parties, such as corporations, financial institutions, or central banks, agree to exchange principal and interest payments in one currency for equivalent amounts in another currency.

What Is the India–Maldives Currency Swap Agreement?

Imagine the Maldives facing a temporary shortage of foreign currency to meet its financial obligations. In such a situation, a currency swap arrangement can provide access to another country’s currency and help ease short-term financial pressure.

Under this arrangement, India provides financial support to the Maldives through access to Indian rupees. This can help the island nation manage liquidity requirements and maintain financial stability.

The facility operates under the Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC Countries, signed between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024.

The first withdrawal of ₹30 billion was extended to the Maldivian government on 23 April 2025. India subsequently approved the Maldives’ request to roll over this facility.

Why Is the Currency Swap Facility Important?

For the Maldives, the arrangement provides financial flexibility during periods of liquidity pressure. For India, it supports economic cooperation with a strategically important neighbor in the Indian Ocean region.

The decision also reflects India’s continued engagement with neighboring countries through financial assistance and regional cooperation.

Why in News?

The Government of India has constituted a committee under Prof. Ramesh Chand, former member of NITI Aayog, to examine the concerns of sugarcane farmers and recommend measures to improve their financial returns and address issues in the sugar industry.

The decision follows discussions between representatives of sugarcane farmers from Karnataka and Maharashtra and Union Ministers responsible for Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.

Key Issues to Be Examined by the Committee

• Imagine a sugarcane farmer who spends heavily on cultivation but remains concerned about the price received for the crop. At the same time, sugar mills face production costs and market-related challenges. To address these concerns, the government has formed a committee to examine both sides of the issue.

• The committee will review the demand for higher remunerative returns for sugarcane farmers, taking cultivation costs and other relevant factors into account.

• It will also examine the demand to revise the ex-mill Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar, considering production costs, market realizations, and the financial viability of sugar mills.

• Another important issue is the transparency of sugar recovery testing, which determines how much sugar can be extracted from sugarcane.

• The committee will examine testing and reporting procedures, verification mechanisms, and sugarcane weighing practices at mills.

Committee Composition and Consultation

The committee includes officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Department of Food and Public Distribution, and the Department of Consumer Affairs. It will consult farmers, sugar mill associations, state governments, and other experts before submitting its recommendations.

Significance

The initiative aims to promote fairer returns for farmers, transparent weighing and sugar recovery practices, and greater financial stability for sugar mills. Its recommendations could help improve trust between sugarcane farmers and the sugar industry while supporting a more sustainable sugar sector.

Why in News?

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to reorganize its operational and administrative structure from 1 November 2026, following approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The move aims to improve security management through specialized sectors based on the type of establishment being protected.

What Is the CISF’s New Restructuring Plan?

Imagine a country where airports, power plants, coal mines, ports, and government buildings all require different security arrangements. Protecting each facility demands specialized knowledge and a distinct approach.

To address these needs, the CISF is shifting from a largely geographical supervisory system towards a more sector-specific approach. Several existing sectors will be reorganized to focus on areas such as power, coal, steel, petroleum and natural gas, ports, government buildings, museums, monuments and mass rapid transit systems.

This change is expected to improve supervision, develop specialized expertise, and strengthen coordination with ministries and installation authorities. Existing functional arrangements for aviation, atomic energy, and space establishments will continue.

Why Is CISF Restructuring Important?

The reorganization comes as the CISF takes on new security responsibilities. It has been designated a Recognized Security Organization (RSO) for port facilities under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. It has also been entrusted with security responsibilities at high-security correctional facilities in Jammu and Kashmir and designated as the nodal agency for aerial security of critical infrastructure.

CISF’s New Security Focus: Cybersecurity and Drone Protection

Alongside administrative changes, the Force is strengthening its cybersecurity, drone, and anti-drone capabilities through specialized training and collaboration with leading institutions.

चर्चा में क्यों ?

1. भारत-सिंगापुर के बीच 33वाँ द्विपक्षीय समुद्री नौसैनिक अभ्यास SIMBEX-2026 21 से 26 अक्टूबर 2026 तक विशाखापत्तनम में आयोजित किया जा रहा है।

2. इस अभ्यास में सिंगापुर की नौसेना का जहाज RSS Supreme भाग ले रहा है। उद्घाटन समारोह INS Nilgiri और INS Kamorta पर आयोजित किया गया।

3. यह अभ्यास भारत की समुद्री सुरक्षा, हिंद-प्रशांत क्षेत्र में सहयोग, नौसैनिक कूटनीति और भारत की Act East Policy के दृष्टिकोण से महत्त्वपूर्ण है।

महत्त्वपूर्ण पक्ष:

1. SIMBEX की शुरुआत 1994 में Exercise Lion King के नाम से हुई थी। समय के साथ यह दोनों देशों के बीच व्यापक समुद्री सहयोग का महत्त्वपूर्ण माध्यम बन गया।

2. इस अभ्यास को दो प्रमुख चरणों में आयोजित किया जाता है। दोनों का उद्देश्य केवल सैन्य अभ्यास करना नहीं, बल्कि एक-दूसरे की कार्यप्रणाली को समझना और संयुक्त अभियानों की क्षमता विकसित करना भी है। इनमें से एक का नाम हार्बर फेज(Harbour Phase) है और दूसरे का नाम सी फेज (Sea Phase) .

चर्चा में क्यों?

21 अक्टूबर 2026 को राष्ट्रपति द्रौपदी मुर्मु ने नई दिल्ली में 65वीं राष्ट्रीय कला प्रदर्शनी (65th National Exhibition of Art) के चयनित कलाकारों को ललित कला अकादमी पुरस्कार प्रदान किए हैं। इस अवसर पर उन्होंने 3rd Print Biennale India 2026 के ग्रैंड प्राइज विजेताओं और Honourable Mentions प्राप्त करने वाले कलाकारों को भी सम्मानित किया।

ललित कला अकादमी के बारे में

1. स्थापना: 5 अगस्त 1954

2. मुख्यालय: नई दिल्ली

3. प्रकृति: स्वायत्त संस्था

4. संबंधित मंत्रालय: संस्कृति मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार

5. मुख्य कार्य: दृश्य कलाओं को बढ़ावा देना तथा कलाकारों की रचनात्मक प्रतिभा को राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर पहचान दिलाना।

अकादमी किन कलाओं को प्रोत्साहित करती है?

• चित्रकला (Painting)

• मूर्तिकला (Sculpture)

• प्रिंटमेकिंग (Printmaking)

• रेखांकन (Drawing)

• मिश्रित माध्यम की कला (Mixed Media)

• अन्य समकालीन दृश्य कला माध्यम

अभ्यास प्रश्न

ललित कला अकादमी के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:

1. इसकी स्थापना 1954 में हुई थी।

2. यह भारत में दृश्य कलाओं को प्रोत्साहित करती है।

3. यह संगीत और नृत्य की राष्ट्रीय अकादमी है।

उपरोक्त में से कौन से कथन सही हैं?

a. केवल 1 और 2

b. केवल 2 और 3

c. केवल 1 और 3

d. 1, 2 और 3

Why in News ?

WWF-India Programme Centre – Resource Partner (PC-RP) under Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative has launched green diwali campaign 2026.

Key Highlights

1. Campaign urges citizens to celebrate cracker-free, clean and green Diwali.

2. Special focus on 130 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

3. Target groups include schools, colleges, educational institutions, resident welfare associations and local communities.

Green Diwali Pledge

Citizens are encouraged to:

1. Avoid firecrackers and motivate others to do the same.

2. Use diyas and energy-efficient lights.

3. Avoid single-use plastic.

4. Segregate waste.

5. Choose locally made products.

Objective: Reduce pollution and waste during Diwali while encouraging sustainable lifestyles and greater environmental awareness.

Why in News ?

1. Recently, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran stated that financial inclusion is central to central banking, not a peripheral objective.

2. He explained that India's experience shows that financial inclusion can help increase incomes and create economic opportunities.

3. He emphasised that the focus should shift from access to finance towards effective usage, empowerment, financial well-being, and economic resilience.

Important Points

According to CEA, for financial inclusion, major focus areas are

1. Consumer protection.

2. Digital financial tools.

3. Financial services for vulnerable sections.

4. Strengthening households' ability to manage financial risks.

Key Takeaway

Financial inclusion must progress from access to effective usage and empowerment, while responsible AI governance must ensure trust, privacy, accountability, and financial stability.

Why in News?

Bengaluru-born astronomer Dr. Ramya Anche has been selected as the principal investigator of NASA’s $20 million PUFFINS space telescope mission, under its Astrophysics Pioneers program.

Targeted for launch in 2030, the mission will investigate tiny interstellar dust particles to improve our understanding of how stars and planets form.

What Is NASA’s PUFFINS Mission?

PUFFINS stands for Polarimetry in the Ultraviolet to Find Features in Interstellar Dust. It will use a 10-inch telescope to observe ultraviolet light from around 70 distant stars.

The mission will study extremely tiny dust grains, roughly comparable in size to a common cold virus. Though difficult to observe, these particles influence how starlight travels through the galaxy and play an important role in understanding the formation of stars and planets.

PUFFINS will use ultraviolet spectro polarimetry, a specialized technique for studying the properties of light, to investigate these particles.

From Devanahalli to NASA: An Inspiring Journey

Growing up in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, Dr. Ramya Anche has journeyed from local classrooms to the forefront of international space research. She is an assistant research professor at Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, and previously joined the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in 2012.

Her selection followed a competitive process in which scientists and engineers submitted detailed mission proposals to NASA. The mission received $20 million in funding to design, build, and launch its telescope.

India’s Contribution to the PUFFINS Mission

The mission involves around 40 scientists, engineers, and researchers, with participation from the University of Arizona, McDonald Observatory, IUCAA Pune, and IIA Bengaluru.

By leading PUFFINS, Dr. Anche will help explore the universe at its smallest scales, bringing scientists closer to understanding how stars and planets take shape.

चर्चा में क्यों?

• सिरपुर को यूनेस्को की "अस्थायी सूची" (Tentative List) में शामिल कर लिया गया है।

• यह विश्व धरोहर दर्जा पाने की दिशा में पहला कदम है।

• अगला कदम: अधिकारियों के पास विस्तृत नामांकन डोजियर (Nomination Dossier) तैयार कर यूनेस्को को सौंपने के लिए एक वर्ष का समय है।

मुख्य विशेषता:

• सिरपुर (Sirpur), छत्तीसगढ़ के महासमुंद जिले में महानदी के पूर्वी तट पर स्थित है।

• समय अवधि: 5वीं शताब्दी से 12वीं शताब्दी ईस्वी तक।

• सिरपुर भारत के उन गिने-चुने पुरातात्विक परिदृश्यों में से एक है जहाँ हिंदू, बौद्ध और जैन तीनों धर्मों के स्मारक एक ही शहरी ढांचे के भीतर मौजूद हैं।

• यहाँ 22 शिव मंदिर, 5 वैष्णव मंदिर, 10 बौद्ध विहार और 3 जैन विहार हैं।

• यह भारत की "अनेकता में एकता" और धार्मिक सहिष्णुता का जीवंत प्रमाण है।

• यहाँ का लक्ष्मण मंदिर (भगवान विष्णु को समर्पित, 7वीं शताब्दी) भारत के सबसे बेहतरीन ईंट-निर्मित मंदिरों में से एक है। यह अपनी जटिल नक्काशी और निर्माण शैली के लिए प्रसिद्ध है।

• यहाँ राजमहल परिसर, बाजार संरचनाएँ, आवासीय क्षेत्र, ईंट और पत्थर के मंदिर, विहार, स्तूप, ध्यान कक्ष और जल प्रबंधन प्रणाली के अवशेष मिले हैं। यह दर्शाता है कि यह एक योजनाबद्ध और समृद्ध शहरी केंद्र था।

Why in News?

India will host the 61st Meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) for the first time from 26 to 28 October 2026 in New Delhi.

The meeting is being organized by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, in association with the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).

Focus Areas

The meeting will focus on developing and revising international recommendations, discussing technical activities, and strengthening the OIML Certification System (OIML-CS). It will also focus on capacity building and harmonizing legal metrology standards across countries.

Significance for India:

This is a big opportunity for India to showcase its legal metrology reforms to the world, including simplified compliance procedures, trust-based regulation, and ease of doing business.

Harmonizing measurement standards will help reduce technical barriers to trade. It will minimize duplication in testing and certification, improve export competitiveness, and strengthen consumer protection.

About OIML

The International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) is an intergovernmental body established in 1955 to harmonize legal metrology globally. Legal metrology applies laws to measurements and instruments used in trade, industry, healthcare, safety, and the environment.

OIML develops recommendations and standards for reliable measurements. Its main decision-making body is CIML; the 60th meeting was held in Paris in 2025. Its Certification System (OIML-CS) allows mutual acceptance of instrument testing, reducing duplication.

Why in News?

In a significant step towards preserving India’s linguistic diversity, the Digital India BHASHINI Division and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have developed text-to-speech (TTS) models for Sourashtra, a minority Indo-Aryan language spoken mainly by the Sourashtra community in Tamil Nadu.

What Is Sourashtra, and Why Does It Matter?

Sourashtra is one such language. Despite its cultural significance, it has limited representation in digital speech technologies. The new models aim to bridge this gap by allowing written Sourashtra text to be converted into speech.

Key Features of the Sourashtra Text-to-Speech Models

• Male and female voices: Users can listen to Sourashtra text in both voice options.

• Support for two scripts: The models can process text written in both Tamil and Sourashtra scripts.

• AI-powered speech generation: They use an end-to-end architecture based on Variational Inference with Adversarial Learning to convert text directly into spoken language.

How Will This Initiative Help?

The technology can support language learning, digital accessibility, documentation, and linguistic research. It may also help integrate Sourashtra into digital applications and make online content more accessible to its speakers.

Significance for India

India’s linguistic diversity is an important part of its cultural heritage. By developing speech technology for underrepresented languages, BHASHINI and IISc Bengaluru are helping reduce the digital language gap.

Its bigger role is that technology should not be limited to widely spoken languages. Every linguistic community should have an opportunity to participate in the digital age in its own language.

चर्चा में क्यों ?

1. हर साल 21 अक्टूबर को राष्ट्रीय पुलिस दिवस का आयोजन होता है.

2. 21 अक्टूबर 1959 को लद्दाख के हॉट स्प्रिंग्स क्षेत्र में, भारी हथियारों से लैस चीनी सेना ने भारतीय पुलिस दल पर घात लगाकर हमला किया था। इसमें 10 पुलिसकर्मी शहीद हुए थे ।

3. जनवरी 1960 में, देश भर के पुलिस महानिरीक्षकों (IGP) के वार्षिक सम्मेलन में यह तय किया गया कि हर साल 21 अक्टूबर को इन शहीदों की याद में "स्मृति दिवस" मनाया जाएगा ।

4. 2018 में इसी दिन, प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने नई दिल्ली के चाणक्यपुरी में राष्ट्रीय पुलिस स्मारक राष्ट्र को समर्पित किया था ।

महत्त्वपूर्ण पक्ष:

1. राष्ट्रीय पुलिस स्मारक में केंद्रीय शिल्पकृति के रूप में मौजूद एक 30 फुट ऊँचा ग्रेनाइट का एकल पाषाण खंड(monolith) पुलिस कर्मियों की शक्ति, विनम्रता और नि:स्‍वार्थ सेवा का प्रतीक है।

2. राष्ट्रीय पुलिस स्मारक केन्द्रीय गृह मंत्रालय के अंतर्गत संचालित होता है।