साप्ताहिक करेंट अफेयर्स — 20 अक्टूबर से 26 अक्टूबर

PM Vishwakarma Yojana – A powerful medium for livelihood enhancement through skill development

Over 2 lakh 30 thousand artisans have been registered in Rajasthan under PM Vishwakarma Yojana, with basic training completed for 2,22,473 beneficiaries. More than 62 thousand loans have been sanctioned and 2,17,084 e-vouchers issued in the state.

WWF-India EIACP launches nationwide Green Diwali Campaign

WWF-India's Programme Centre – Resource Partner (PC-RP), supported by Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, launched a nationwide Green Diwali Campaign from 20 October to 8 November 2026.

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.

India's Nuclear Programme Dedicated to Peaceful Purposes, Says Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh; Nuclear Energy to Power AI-Driven Future

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh at Bloomberg Economy Forum 2026 stated India's nuclear programme is dedicated to peaceful purposes and nuclear energy will play a key role in meeting growing demand for AI and data centres.

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.

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.

Devender Kumar wins Gold in Discus Throw at Asian Para Games 2026

Devender Kumar won Gold medal in Men's Discus Throw F43/F44/F62/F64 event at Asian Para Games 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on this achievement.

Pranav Soorma wins Gold at Asian Para Games 2026

Pranav Soorma won Gold in Men's Discus Throw F51/52/53 at Asian Para Games 2026 with a record-breaking throw, setting a new Asian Record.

MoD signs ₹770 Cr contract to procure Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars for Indian Army

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on October 21, 2026, in New Delhi to procure Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR-I) for the Indian Army at a cost of approximately ₹770 Cr.

India and New Zealand sign MoC on Electronic Origin Data Exchange to Facilitate Bilateral Trade

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and New Zealand Customs Service signed an MoC on Electronic Origin Data Exchange of Trade in Goods on 19 October 2026.

President Droupadi Murmu presents Lalit Kala Akademi Awards to artists of 65th National Exhibition of Art

President Droupadi Murmu presented Lalit Kala Akademi awards to selected artists of the 65th National Exhibition of Art in New Delhi on October 21, 2026, and felicitated Grand Prize winners of the 3rd Print Biennale India, 2026.

Prime Minister's address at Vijayadashami celebrations in Delhi

The Prime Minister addressed the Vijayadashami celebrations in Delhi on 20 October 2026, speaking about the goals of Developed India and Self-Reliant India.

Simran wins Gold medal in Women's 200m T12 at Asian Para Games 2026

Simran won Gold medal with a new record in Women's 200m T12 event at Asian Para Games 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her on 20 October 2026.

Nishad Kumar wins two Gold medals at Asian Para Games

Nishad Kumar won two Gold medals at the Asian Para Games with exceptional performances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on 20 October 2026.

Union Government Launches 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026'

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026' from Karnal, Haryana on 22 October 2026, continuing till 30 November.

Conclusion of India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise IBSAMAR IX 2026

The ninth joint maritime exercise IBSAMAR IX involving Indian, Brazilian and South African Navies concluded at Simon's Town, South Africa, on 20 October 2026.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 to be organised from 28 November to 12 December 2026

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi launched the registration portal for Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 on 22 October 2026. The programme will be held from 28 November to 12 December 2026 in Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya.

Chief Secretary reviews implementation of PM e-Bus Sewa Yojana

Chief Secretary V. Srinivas chaired a coordination meeting on 22 October to review PM e-Bus Sewa Yojana implementation. Under the scheme, 675 electric buses are sanctioned for 8 Rajasthan cities, of which 250 have been delivered.

33rd edition of Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise SIMBEX-2026 commences at Visakhapatnam

The 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise SIMBEX-2026 is being held at Visakhapatnam from 21 to 26 October 2026. The exercise is being conducted in two phases.

India Post Creates History, Crosses ₹4,000 Crore Revenue Mark for Two Consecutive Quarters

Department of Posts achieved a historic milestone by crossing the ₹4,000 crore quarterly revenue mark for two consecutive quarters for the first time. The Department recorded revenue of ₹8,212.7 crore during H1 FY 2026-27 (April-September 2026).

Indian Railways Sets All-Time High Coal Loading Record in October 2026

Indian Railways achieved an all-time coal loading record in October 2026 (till 18th), registering 22.5% growth over last year.

Outcomes of Poland Prime Minister's Visit to India (October 2026)

During the official visit of Poland's Prime Minister to India (22 October 2026), four key outcomes were announced: target to double bilateral trade by 2030, Poland joining CDRI, establishment of Defence Industry Dialogue, and agreement on counter-terrorism dialogue.

Rajasthan secures 2nd rank nationally in Poshan Maah 2026, Jodhpur tops in state

Rajasthan achieved 2nd rank nationally in National Poshan Maah September 2026. During the 9th Poshan Maah held from 9 September to 8 October, the state recorded 113.66% target achievement.

Deadline for biometric attendance on scholarship portal extended to 30 November

Students in Rajasthan have been given additional time to record biometric attendance for scholarship schemes run by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department.

Central team appreciates progress of animal husbandry schemes in Rajasthan

A three-member central team reviewed National Livestock Mission schemes in Rajasthan from 16 to 22 October and termed mobile veterinary units, animal insurance and vaccination campaigns as excellent.

1,87,305 Trained and 96,162 Placed under PM-DAKSH Scheme from 2020-21 to 2023-24

Under PM-DAKSH Scheme, 1,87,305 candidates were trained and 96,162 placed during 2020-21 to 2023-24. The scheme was merged with PMKVY from 2024-25 onwards.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Reaches Over 35 Crore People, More Than 32 Lakh Educational Institutions Covered

Under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has reached over 35 crore people, including 13.94 crore youth and 10.86 crore women.

NSDC debuts on NSE Social Stock Exchange, NABARD subscribes ₹4 crore

Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary rang the bell at NSE Mumbai marking NSDC's debut on Social Stock Exchange. NABARD subscribed ₹4 crore for skilling 600 OBC youth from economically weaker households in Madhya Pradesh.

ICAR-CIRCOT Signs MoU for Technology Transfer of Protective Gloves for Cotton Picking Workers

ICAR-CIRCOT Mumbai signed an MoU with Trust ARS Rubber Private Limited, Chengalpattu, on 22 October 2026 for technology transfer of protective gloves for cotton picking workers.

Conclusion of India-Russia Bilateral Naval Exercise INDRA 2026

Bilateral naval exercise INDRA 2026 between Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy concluded. Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri departed Vladivostok, Russian Federation, on 20 October 2026.

C-DAC and Bank of India Sign MoU for Indigenous Quantum Technologies in Banking

C-DAC under MeitY and Bank of India signed an MoU to collaborate on quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, blockchain and cybersecurity for the banking sector through joint research and capacity building.

C-DOT Establishes Sixth Centre of Excellence at IIT (BHU) Varanasi

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) signed an MoU with IIT (BHU) Varanasi to establish its sixth Centre of Excellence.

India moves to development phase of national action plan for inland small-scale fisheries

Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi launched the development phase of the National Plan of Action for inland small-scale fisheries. A two-day national workshop in Bhopal identified key priorities.

Maharashtra Government's Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme

The Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme implemented by the Maharashtra Government encourages inter-caste marriages and promotes social equality.

Expansion of Facilities for Senior Citizens under Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana

Various facilities for senior citizens are operational under Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Under the IPSrC component, 764 Senior Citizen Homes, 13 Continuous Care Homes, 17 Mobile Medicare Units and 3 Physiotherapy Clinics are currently supported.

Investment proposals worth ₹11,739 crore registered on Raj Nivesh in September 2026

Chief Secretary V. Srinivas announced that investment proposals worth ₹11,739.27 crore were registered on Raj Nivesh in September 2026. Between April and September 2026, 31,892 applications were approved, exceeding the 29,536 approvals of the entire previous financial year.

NSS organises 'Gram Seva evam Parampragat Khel Diwas' under Week 6 of Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan

MY Bharat National Service Scheme organised Village Service and Traditional Sports Day as part of Week 6 of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat 100 Week Sankalp Abhiyan, mobilising over 80,000 participants.

World's first Air Pollution Analysis facility AATAL inaugurated for Delhi-NCR

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the world's first 'Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory' (AATAL) for Delhi-NCR, equipped to identify real-time air pollution sources.

Faceless and Contactless Testing System for Agricultural Inputs Launched in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Agriculture Department signed MoU with India Post on 23 October to make testing of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides digital, transparent and impartial through AgriQMS mobile app and Speed Post service.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma grants prosecution sanction against 27 officials

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma fulfilled his commitment to a corruption-free state by granting prosecution sanction against 27 officials in 21 cases.

Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) Disburses Rs 5,107 Crore, Targets Rs 60,205 Crore by 2031

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated SMFCL's corporate office in New Delhi. It is India's first dedicated maritime NBFC.

Indigenous AIP system for Indian Navy's diesel-electric submarines: Setting to Work Phase-2 inaugurated

The Setting to Work Phase-2 of the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system developed by DRDO's Naval Materials Research Laboratory was inaugurated on October 24, 2026, at Hazira, Gujarat, to enhance Indian Navy's underwater capabilities.

Swavlamban 2026: Indian Navy's Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar in New Delhi

The fifth Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar Swavlamban 2026 will be held on 26-27 October 2026 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.

NICDC Launches Bihar Integrated Manufacturing City Gaya Limited in Bihar

The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) formally launched Bihar Integrated Manufacturing City Gaya Limited (BIMCGL) to advance industrial development in Bihar.

12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum at Parliament House Complex on 26 October 2026

Parliament of India is hosting the two-day 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on 26 October 2026, concluding on 27 October 2026.

NCB launches 'Operation Trident' in Assam, Mizoram and Manipur

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) launched 'Operation Trident' on 23 October 2026, conducting simultaneous raids at 38 locations across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur. The operation resulted in 18 arrests, freezing of 1,424 bank accounts and attachment of properties worth ₹17.82 crore.

National Urban Conclave 2026 concludes in Bhubaneswar with recommendations to strengthen urban governance for Viksit Bharat 2047

National Urban Conclave 2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar. Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal delivered closing remarks. The Conclave presented recommendations on urban governance, planning and service delivery across seven technical sessions.

Shekhawati Heritage and Development Summit, Jaipur

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma addressed the Shekhawati Heritage and Development Summit in Jaipur on 24 October. He announced the Shekhawati Heritage Meet on 8 December and stated that Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu will benefit from the Yamuna water agreement.

Prime Minister inaugurates RBI's Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar

The Prime Minister inaugurated two new RBI facilities in Bhubaneswar that will strengthen the financial system against cyber threats and make digital banking more efficient.

MoU between Rajasthan Agriculture Department and Brahma Kumaris for Natural Farming

On 25 October, an MoU was signed between Rajasthan Agriculture Department and Brahma Kumaris' Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation at the Global Summit held at Shantivan campus, Abu Road, to promote natural farming.