अक्टूबर 2026 करंट अफेयर्स

ATMA Scheme invites award applications for outstanding farmers, deadline 30 October

Under ATMA scheme, farmers with outstanding work in agriculture will be awarded at three levels for the year 2026-27. Free applications can be submitted till 30 October 2026.

New Discovery Track announced for Startups and MSMEs under PRIP Scheme with financial assistance up to ₹50 crore

Department of Pharmaceuticals announced a New Discovery Track under PRIP Scheme to encourage discovery, development and commercialisation of new medicines for startups and MSMEs.

₹1,600 Crore Approved for 41 Pharma & MedTech Projects under PRIP Scheme

Under the first call of Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP), 41 projects received approval for around ₹1,600 crore financial assistance, expected to attract ₹3,020 crore additional private investment.

5th Kautilya Economic Conclave to be held in New Delhi from 3-5 October 2026

The 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave will be held in New Delhi from 3-5 October 2026. Over 180 policymakers, economists and experts from 30 countries will participate.

INS Trishul participates in 24th edition of India-France bilateral maritime exercise Varuna

INS Trishul participated in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna, the annual bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and French Navy, at Toulon, France, on 22 September 2026.

70th State-level Basketball Tournament inaugurated in Ajmer

Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani inaugurated the 70th state-level basketball tournament (maximum 14 years category) at Rajkiya Jawahar Higher Secondary School, Ajmer. Players from 40 districts are showcasing their skills in the competition.

Union Petroleum Minister launches GOBARdhan Scheme

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep Singh Puri launched the GOBARdhan Central Sector Scheme for development of the Compressed Biogas (CBG) sector on 1 October 2026.

Agreement Signed for Implementation of Amended BharatNet Program in Maharashtra

Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), Department of Telecommunications signed an agreement on 1 October 2026 with Government of Maharashtra, MDIL, BSNL and MahaIT for implementation of the Amended BharatNet Program.

Timing of veterinary hospitals in Rajasthan changed from 1 October

Timing of all government veterinary hospitals and institutions in Rajasthan has been fixed from 9 AM to 3 PM from 1 October to 30 March.

ICAR and FCI sign MoU for Foodgrain Storage

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed an MoU to research alternative fumigation technologies for safe and sustainable management of storage pests in wheat and rice.

Government of India identifies 28 places/features in UT of Ladakh by standard names on Survey of India official map

Government of India, in consultation with UT of Ladakh, has formally identified 28 places and geographical features by standard names on the Survey of India official map.

Sikkim Delegation Explores Rajasthan's Heritage under Yuva Sangam Phase VII

Yuva Sangam Phase VII Sikkim-Rajasthan exchange, organised by Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, commenced on 25 September 2026 from Sikkim University. The Sikkim delegation arrived in Jodhpur on 29 September and visited Mehrangarh Fort and interacted with Shri Gaj Singh II on 1 October 2026.

Sapno Ki Udaan–Sashakt Yuva Samvad Programme, Jaipur

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma addressed the 'Sapno Ki Udaan, Sashakt Yuva Samvad' programme at Bhawani Niketan campus, Jaipur, on October 2. He launched the 'Nayi Kiran' de-addiction programme and distributed 4,091 appointment letters.

Rajasthan to participate as Partner State in IITF-2026

The 45th India International Trade Fair-2026 will be held from 14 to 27 November, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, with Rajasthan participating as Partner State.

Piyush Goyal Calls for WTO-Compliant Approach at G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Milwaukee

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal participated in the concluding day of the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spoke on structural excess capacity, Most-Favoured-Nation principle, and ending forced labour in global supply chains.

Aman Sehrawat wins Gold in Men's 57 kg Freestyle Wrestling at Asian Games

Aman Sehrawat scripted history by winning India's first-ever Asian Games Gold in Men's 57 kg Freestyle Wrestling. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on this achievement.

NABKISAN Lists India's First WASH-Focused Social Bond, Raises ₹180 Crore

NABKISAN Finance Limited, a NABARD subsidiary, listed India's first Social Bond exclusively for the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector on NSE Mumbai on 1 October 2026, raising ₹180 crore.

Indian Men's Hockey Team retains Gold at Asian Games, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Men's Hockey Team on retaining Gold at the 2026 Asian Games with a commanding victory in the final.

India-UAE Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 Commences in Uttarakhand

India-UAE joint military exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 commenced on 5 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. The exercise will continue till 18 October and focuses on Mountain Warfare.

Raksha Mantri to Launch First Fleet Support Ship and Inaugurate Upgraded Shipyard Facilities at Visakhapatnam

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will launch FSS-1, lay keel of FSS-5, and inaugurate upgraded Slipway-4 and 300-tonne Goliath Crane at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam on October 06, 2026.

Indian-born Cheetah gives birth to 5 cubs at Kuno National Park; India's Cheetah Population reaches 60

On 5 October 2026, Indian-born female cheetah KJP21 gave birth to 5 cubs at Kuno National Park. With this, India's total cheetah population reached 60, including 41 Indian-born cheetahs.

TDB-DST signs ₹130 crore RDI agreement with BigEndian Semiconductors for indigenous AI Vision SoC development

Technology Development Board, DST, signed agreement with BigEndian Semiconductors, Bengaluru, for ₹130 crore RDI support. Project VeerAI has total cost of ₹260 crore.

Jaipur Air Cargo Complex records ₹1.93 crore monthly turnover in September 2026

Jaipur Air Cargo Complex operated by Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation achieved a record monthly turnover of ₹1.93 crore in September 2026. The complex handled 276.807 metric tonnes of cargo worth ₹2,776.91 crore during the month.

Seva Setu Abhiyan-2026: Service camps for urban citizens in Jaipur from 7 to 16 October

Under CM Bhajan Lal Sharma's good governance vision, the state government is organising Seva Setu Abhiyan from 7 to 16 October 2026. Jaipur Development Authority will hold zone-wise camps at the Citizen Service Centre.

Rajasthan 'Eat Right' Awareness Campaign: Food Safety Training to 80,000 Students in 270 Schools

The Food Safety and Drug Control Department is conducting an awareness campaign under 'Eat Right Initiative' from 3 to 16 October across the state. In three days, over 80,000 students in more than 270 schools were informed about safe eating habits.

CAQM deploys Flying Squads to prevent paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana

CAQM has deployed Flying Squads in 18 districts of Punjab and 16 districts of Haryana to prevent paddy stubble burning incidents. These squads will operate from 1 October to 30 November 2026.

India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism Operational Manual Launched

Japanese Ambassador Mr. Keiichi Ono and then MoEFCC Secretary Shri Tanmay Kumar jointly launched the Operational Manual for India-Japan JCM.

Chief Minister Meets Newly Elected Urban Body Heads; Directs Transformation of Cities in 100 Days

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on October 5 interacted with newly elected heads and deputy heads of urban bodies on a 100-day roadmap for city development, directing completion of cleaning, roads, electricity, sewerage, and beautification works within a month before Diwali.

State War Book and Civil-Military Coordination Committee review meeting held

A review meeting of the State War Book and Civil-Military Coordination Committee was held on 6 October in Jaipur, chaired by Chief Secretary V. Srinivas and Lieutenant General Padam Singh Shekhawat, Chief of Staff of South Western Command.

MoD signs Rs 661 crore contract to procure BrahMos Fire Control System and Launchers for Indian Navy ships

The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 661.50 crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited on October 6, 2026 in New Delhi for procurement of BrahMos Fire Control System and Launchers for Indian Navy ships.

HAL Koraput Delivers 2,000th Aero-Engine, Marking Six Decades of Propulsion Manufacturing

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by HAL Koraput Division on October 06, 2026, and announced establishment of a second Shakti engine production line.

RIICO allots 1491 plots in five months

RIICO recorded significant progress in industrial development from 1 April to 31 August 2026-27, allotting 1491 plots and opening 14 new industrial areas.

Union Cabinet approves setting up of Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA)

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved setting up of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA).

Approval for establishment of Rs.10,000 Crore SME Growth Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises

Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved Rs.10,000 crore commitment for SME Growth Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises as per Para 28 of Union Budget 2026-27.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit appointed Chief of the Air Staff

The Government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, presently Vice Chief of the Air Staff, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff with effect from October 31, 2026.

Metal-free porous material can help produce affordable clean energy

Scientists from Department of Science and Technology institutes developed a metal-free porous material that could reduce the cost of clean-energy technologies.

PM to inaugurate 10th edition of India Mobile Congress on 8 October

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress on 8 October 2026 at 10 AM at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The theme of IMC 2026 is 'Scale Without Boundaries'.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Holds Meetings with U.S. Companies in New York

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held meetings with senior leaders of U.S. companies in New York to discuss investment opportunities in India.

India-UK Financial Markets Dialogue 2026, held in London

The fourth India-UK Financial Markets Dialogue took place on 29 September 2026 in London, discussing capital markets, insurance, pensions, asset management and fintech cooperation.

Sagarmanthan 2026: India presents trust-based vision for global maritime order

The 3rd edition of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue, organised by MoPSW and ORF, opened on 7 October 2026, with PM Narendra Modi calling for a free, open and rules-based maritime order.

Two-month ban on 13 packaged food products, licenses of 19 food establishments suspended

The Food Safety and Drug Control Department imposed a two-month ban on 13 packaged food products and suspended licenses of 19 food establishments after testing samples collected in September 2026 under the 'Shuddh Aahar–Milavat Par Vaar' campaign.

Indian Coast Guard conducts 12th National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off Paradip coast in Odisha

Indian Coast Guard conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off Paradip, Odisha on October 08, 2026, with participation from various maritime and aeronautical agencies including 32 observers from 30 countries.

Women Account for 43% of Ayush Services Workforce, Over 50% in Organised Segments

Women account for 43% of the Ayush services workforce, exceeding 50% in hospitals, day-care centres, educational institutes and wellness establishments. The sector supports 1.76 million livelihoods.

Union Health Minister Launches Youth-Led JOSH Teams for TB Elimination

The Union Health Minister launched youth-led JOSH Teams at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to accelerate TB elimination efforts. The initiative will harness youth energy to spread messages of TB prevention, early diagnosis and stigma reduction across communities.

57th GST Council Meeting Recommends Process Reforms and Trade Facilitation

The 57th GST Council meeting was held on 8 October 2026 in New Delhi under Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The meeting recommended reforms in registration, returns, refund and adjudication processes, clarifications on GST applicability on certain goods and services, and measures for trade facilitation.

Rajasthan Government, BSDU Sign MoC to Strengthen Skill Training

On October 9, the Department of Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship, Rajasthan, and Bhartiya Skill Development University (BSDU), Jaipur, signed an MoC to strengthen vocational education, promote industry-oriented training and enhance employment opportunities for youth across the State.

Rajasthan Police forms country's first police polo team

Rajasthan Police created the country's first police polo team to encourage sports talent. DGP Rajiv Kumar Sharma inaugurated the opening match on 8 October at Rajasthan Police Academy hockey ground.

Margin Cap on Non-Scheduled Cancer Drugs; Patients Expected to Save ₹2,500 Crore Annually

Government has approved capping margins on non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs at 30% of MRP, expected to reduce medicine prices by up to 70% and save cancer patients ₹2,500 crore annually.

India Targets 10% of Global 6G Patents and Standards

Union Minister of State for Communications outlined India's goal to lead in 6G and announced the target of securing at least 10% of global 6G patents and standards during IMC 2026.

Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft 'Mangrol' to be Commissioned in Indian Navy

The third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft 'Mangrol' built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi, will be commissioned into the Indian Navy on 12 October 2026 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

Diya Kumari shared achievements of 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' and 'Mahila Sashaktikaran Kendra' in Delhi

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari represented the state at a departmental summit chaired by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi in New Delhi on 9 October and presented achievements of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' and 'Mahila Sashaktikaran Kendra'.

Written Result of National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 Declared

Union Public Service Commission announced the written result of National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026. Successful candidates have qualified for interview by Services Selection Board (SSB) of Ministry of Defence.

MY Bharat–NSS Concludes First Month of Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan; Engages Over 1.06 Lakh Participants

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised 'Yuva Sanwad Mela' on October 9, 2026, through MY Bharat and NSS, engaging 1,06,855 participants in substance abuse prevention awareness.

Raksha Mantri Addresses Participants of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Jodhpur

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh addressed participants of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Jodhpur on October 10, 2026. The multinational air exercise, hosted by the Indian Air Force from September 26 to October 12, 2026, included air forces from seven countries and 32 observer nations.

RIICO decides to implement e-Lease system for industrial plots

RIICO has decided to implement an e-Lease system to make the execution and registration process of lease agreements for industrial plots simple, transparent and time-bound.

Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) Completes First Year

Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana completes its first year on 11 October 2026. This six-year scheme works to improve agricultural productivity, irrigation, credit access and post-harvest infrastructure in 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts.

Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Shreyas' launched at Kolkata

Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Shreyas' was launched at GRSE, Kolkata on 10 October 2026. This indigenously designed and built ship is part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

Second Meeting of Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems held in New Delhi

TEC, DoT and ICAR hosted the second meeting of UN Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems alongside India Mobile Congress 2026.

Prompt Grievance Redressal through Rajasthan Sampark Helpline 181

Citizens' grievances are being promptly resolved through Rajasthan Sampark Helpline 181. A record 28.08 lakh grievances were disposed of between April and September 2026, representing a 65 per cent increase over the previous six months.

Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri Arrives at Vladivostok, Russia, for Bilateral Exercise INDRA-2026

Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri arrived at Vladivostok, Russia, to participate in bilateral naval exercise INDRA-2026 scheduled from 13 to 18 October 2026.

Indian Railways Announces 3,548 Graduate-Level NTPC Vacancies

Indian Railways announced 3,548 graduate-level vacancies under Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC-Graduate) through CEN No. 06/2026 issued by Railway Recruitment Boards.

First Anniversary of Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

The first anniversary of Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was observed on October 11, 2026. This six-year mission runs from 2025-26 to 2030-31 with ₹11,440 crore allocation.

INS Trishul arrives at Plymouth, UK for Exercise KONKAN 2026

Indian Navy's guided missile stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived at Plymouth, UK to participate in the annual bilateral maritime Exercise KONKAN-26 with the Royal Navy.

DRI cracks down on gold smuggling from Bangladesh, seizes 7.8 kg gold, six arrested

DRI seized around 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at over ₹11.50 crore and arrested six persons in intelligence-led operations against gold smuggling from Bangladesh on 8-9 October 2026 in the eastern region.

Prime Minister lays foundation, inaugurates and dedicates development projects worth over ₹13,000 crore in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation, inaugurated and dedicated development projects worth over ₹13,000 crore in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on 11 October 2026, including a new stretch of Chennai Metro, a lubricant base oil project and other infrastructure projects.

State-level Amrita Haat organised at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur from 11 to 20 October

The Women Empowerment, Women and Child Development Department organised the state-level Amrita Haat from 11 to 20 October 2026 at Shilpgram premises, Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur.

133rd National Dussehra Mela inaugurated in Kota

The 133rd National Dussehra Mela was formally inaugurated at Shri Ram Rangmanch in Kota on 11 October. Education and Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar hoisted the flag to open the fair.

Gas-based 132 kV GSS to be built in Ajmer at cost of ₹147 crore

A gas-based 132 kV sub-station (GSS) will be constructed in Ajmer city at a cost of ₹147 crore to make the city self-reliant in electricity. Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani inspected various sites for land selection.

BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 held in Ahmedabad

BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Demonstration Games 2026 were held on 12 October 2026 at Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the event.

Bhiwadi Cluster approved for ₹241 crore under PM-SETU scheme in Rajasthan

Bhiwadi cluster in Rajasthan received approval for ₹241 crore under PM-SETU scheme, and the state signed shareholder agreement with central government and anchor industry partner.

Nagaur district secures second position nationally in Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana

Nagaur district secured second position nationally in Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan honoured the district at a programme in New Delhi on 12 October.

RIICO launches drone-based geo-spatial survey in industrial areas

RIICO announced drone-based geo-spatial survey for digital management of industrial areas, covering approximately 50 sq km in the initial phase.

NLMC's first e-auction sells 150 RINL land plots, generates ₹366.33 crore in bids

National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC) sold 150 plots of RINL land in Visakhapatnam for ₹366.33 crore in its first e-auction, recording 17.23% premium over reserve price.

Indian Railways Registers 6.14% Growth in Freight Loading in September 2026

Indian Railways recorded continued growth in freight loading during September 2026, with strong performance across major commodity categories including food grain, clinker, domestic containers and coal.

First BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting held in New Delhi under chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah

The first BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting was held in New Delhi on 13 October 2026 under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, reaffirming commitment to strengthen regional security, trust, and cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region.

Shuddh Aahar–Milawat Par Vaar Campaign for Diwali

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar, the 'Shuddh Aahar–Milawat Par Vaar' campaign is being conducted for Diwali.

Wheat MSP for Rabi 2027-28 announced at ₹2,585, Farmer ID made mandatory

The Central Government announced wheat MSP at ₹2,585 for Rabi marketing season 2027-28. Farmer ID under AgriStack digital platform has been made mandatory for farmer registration in the upcoming wheat procurement.

National Social Assistance Programme renamed as Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

Union Cabinet approved continuation of National Social Assistance Programme with new name Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana for five years.

Cabinet approves 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus for Railway Employees

Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi approved Rs.2009.61 crore as 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus for 11,40,770 railway employees.

TDB signs ₹151 crore agreement with ideaForge for YETI heavy-lift autonomous aerial logistics vehicle development

Technology Development Board, Department of Science & Technology, signed an agreement with ideaForge Technology Limited, Mumbai, for ₹151 crore financial support to develop YETI heavy-lift autonomous aerial logistics vehicle.

Government Approves Strategic Restructuring of IDBI Bank Ltd.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the sale of 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank to Fairfax Financial Holdings for Rs.52,878 crore on 14 October 2026.

Organisation of 'Nari Chaupal-Sashakt Balika-Surakshit Samaj' Week under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign

On International Day of the Girl Child, 'Nari Chaupal-Sashakt Balika-Surakshit Samaj' week was celebrated from 11 to 16 October in urban areas across the state under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.

Over 4.80 lakh Form-6 applications received under special voter registration drive in Rajasthan

A special registration drive for 18-19 year-old voters and eligible persons left out from voter lists is being conducted in Rajasthan from 1 October 2026 as per Election Commission of India directives.

India's Ramsar Site tally reaches 103 with addition of Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel

Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav announced on 15 October 2026 that India's Ramsar site tally has reached 103 with the addition of Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh.

India's total exports (merchandise & services) in April-September 2026-27 at US$ 476.20 billion, growth of 13.84%

According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, India's total exports (merchandise and services) during April-September 2026-27 stood at US$ 476.20 billion, a growth of 13.84% compared to US$ 418.31 billion in the same period last year.

MoD signs Rs 4,106 crore contracts for GSAT-7C communication satellite and Varunastra torpedoes

The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth approximately Rs 4,106 crore for acquiring GSAT-7C communication satellite for the Indian Air Force and Varunastra Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Indian Navy.

Prime Minister inaugurates five development projects worth ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated five development projects worth ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh on 15 October 2026 via video conferencing, including Leh airport terminal, Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, Hanu hydroelectric project, 40 reservoirs, and India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park.

Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas unveils preliminary version of IIAS Governance Index in Athens

Rajasthan Chief Secretary and IIAS President Shri V. Srinivas presented the preliminary version of the IIAS Governance Index in Athens, which assesses governance in 164 countries.

Vice-President Commissions Indian Navy's First Indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel INS Samarthak at Karwar

The Vice-President commissioned INS Samarthak, the Indian Navy's first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, at Karwar, Karnataka, marking a significant milestone in defence manufacturing self-reliance.

Revised operational guidelines issued for Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports issued revised operational guidelines for the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs) on 16 October 2026. The Scheme will continue for 2026-27 to 2030-31 (16th Finance Commission Cycle) with a total outlay of ₹7,386.74 crore.

₹1,194.92 Crore Approved Under PM-SETU for Five ITI Clusters in Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu & Kashmir

The National Steering Committee of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship approved Strategic Investment Plans worth ₹1,194.92 crore for five ITI clusters in Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu & Kashmir under PM-SETU, taking the cumulative approved investment to ₹3,687 crore.

TDB-DST signs ₹150 crore agreement with QNu Labs for quantum-secure technology

Technology Development Board under Department of Science & Technology signed an agreement with QNu Labs, Bengaluru, Karnataka for ₹150 crore financial support under Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024 and 2025 to be conferred on 106 young artists

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will confer the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the years 2024 and 2025 to 106 young artists on 19 October 2026 in New Delhi.

18,093 villages declared Adarsh Grams under PM-AJAY, 785 hostels completed

Under PM-AJAY implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 18,093 villages were declared Adarsh Grams as on September 8, 2026, covering over 47,200 villages and benefiting more than 47.79 lakh citizens.

E-lottery for 203 plots in 14th phase of RIICO Direct Allotment Scheme

E-lottery held for 203 industrial plots in 14th phase of RIICO Direct Allotment Scheme-2025. These plots are expected to generate over ₹850 crore investment and 2,500 jobs.

FSSAI Proposes Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Tea

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notified draft amendments proposing Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for two pesticides in tea.

FSSAI publishes draft to restrict sucrose and fructose in products for infants up to six months

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed to prohibit the addition of sucrose and fructose in food products intended for infants up to six months of age.

India's Space Economy Expected to Reach USD 40-45 Billion in 7-8 Years

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stated at a Bloomberg New Economy Forum roundtable in New Delhi that India's space economy will reach USD 40-45 billion in the next 7-8 years.

Yoga and Self-Defence Day observed in Month 2 of Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched Month 2 of the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan by observing Yoga and Self-Defence Day on October 16, 2026, through MY Bharat and NSS.

Department of Commerce Organises 'Leveraging FTAs' Outreach Programme in Jaipur

The Department of Commerce organised the 'Leveraging FTAs' outreach programme in Jaipur, Rajasthan, to create awareness among exporters about benefits available under India's Free Trade Agreements.

Vishisht Panjikaran Yojana-2026 launched for journalists

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma launched Vishisht Panjikaran Yojana-2026 for journalists on October 17 in Jaipur. Registration for flats commenced under Indira Gandhi Nagar Housing Scheme, Sector 9, Jagatpura, Jaipur.

Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari launches 'Shishu Sanjivani' nutrition supplement

Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Diya Kumari launched 'Shishu Sanjivani' nutrition supplement at Vidhyadhar Nagar Anganwadi in Jaipur on 17 October.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh to represent India at SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting in Tajikistan

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will represent India at the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on October 19-20, 2026.

NCRTC Celebrates Namo Bharat Diwas 2026, Marking Three Years

NCRTC celebrated Namo Bharat Diwas 2026 on 17 October 2026 in New Delhi, marking three years of Namo Bharat rapid rail operations.

Chief Secretary inspects Rajasthan Sampark Portal Call Centre

Chief Secretary V. Srinivas inspected the Rajasthan Sampark Portal Call Centre at the Secretariat on 18 October and heard complainants' problems via video call.

Commercial Tax Department's Special Enforcement Drive, Action Against 10 Establishments

Commercial Tax Department conducted action against 10 establishments in Jaipur, Ajmer, Beawar, Didwana-Kuchaman, Khairthal-Tijara and Phalodi on 12-13 October under a special drive against GST evasion, fake ITC and unaccounted transactions.

Prime Minister extends best wishes to Indian contingent for Asian Para Games 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended best wishes to the Indian contingent for the Asian Para Games 2026 beginning in Aichi-Nagoya, stating that para-athletes inspire 140 crore Indians.

IAF Conducts Short-Notice Casualty Evacuation from Leh

The Indian Air Force evacuated a critically ill 30-year-old civilian patient from Leh to Palam using a C-130J aircraft at short notice during night. The patient was transferred to AIIMS for treatment.

CM launches 100 new Kalika Patrolling Units, 48% drop in crimes against women

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma launched 100 new Kalika Patrolling Units in Jaipur on October 18 during Navratra. Crimes against women in 2026 have declined by approximately 48 per cent compared with 2023.

MY Bharat Organises 1,174 Programmes Across 36 States and UTs Under Fifth Week of Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan

Mera Yuva Bharat organised the fifth week of the 100 Weeks Campaign under Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Abhiyan on 17 October 2026. The initiative witnessed participation of 3,43,288 youth and citizens across 1,174 programmes in 36 States and UTs.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Upgraded Agri Welfare Portal

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the upgraded Agri Welfare Portal on 19 October 2026, providing farmers direct access to government schemes, financial assistance and agricultural information on mobile phones.

Mona Agarwal wins Gold at Asian Para Games 2026 and sets new Record

Mona Agarwal won Gold in Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at Asian Para Games 2026 and set a new Asian Para Games Record.

Saturation Campaign of Financial Inclusion Schemes from 21 October to 31 December 2026

A nationwide campaign for saturation of Financial Inclusion schemes will be organized by Department of Financial Services from 21 October to 31 December 2026 covering 2.70 lakh Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies across the country.

India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement to Come into Force on 20 October 2026

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement came into force on 20 October 2026 on Vijay Dashmi. Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Trade Minister jointly announced this through a virtual conference.

5th edition of India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND commences at Thiruvananthapuram

The 5th edition of India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 commenced on 19 October 2026 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with approximately 120 personnel each from both armies participating.