Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with South Korean Minister of National Defense Mr. Kang Shin-chul on the margins of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines. The leaders reviewed expanding bilateral defense cooperation, discussed pathways to strengthen regional security in the Indo-Pacific based on a shared vision for an open, free, and inclusive region, and explored opportunities to co-develop military technologies, enhance joint industry collaborations, and promote maritime security.

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal interacted with representatives of Export Promotion Councils in New Delhi to review the prevailing export scenario, discuss global trade challenges, and deliberate on strengthening India's export competitiveness. The Minister emphasized the need for product and market diversification, quality improvement, compliance with international standards, and effective utilization of Free Trade Agreements. He highlighted government initiatives like the Export Promotion Mission to assist Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and called for a data-driven approach, enhanced collaboration between stakeholders, and better outreach to emerging export clusters.

Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and built guided missile stealth frigate, arrived at Busan Naval Harbour in the Republic of Korea on October 26, 2026, to participate in the India-Republic of Korea Navy (IN-RoKN) Bilateral Exercise. The visit aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies in the Indo-Pacific. The exercise comprises a harbour phase involving professional interactions, cross-deck visits, cross-training, and sporting events, followed by a sea phase involving coordinated maritime activities between INS Sahyadri and ROKS Munmu the Great.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) Scheme has facilitated the comprehensive rehabilitation and livelihood support of an individual named Meera Thakur. Rescued from homelessness and begging in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, through an implementing partner organization, she received medical care, psychological counseling, institutional shelter, and skill development training. Through the scheme's interventions, she transitioned from depending on alms to earning a structured income through handicrafts, kitchen management responsibilities at the rehabilitation center, and participation in public markets, illustrating the scheme's approach to holistic rehabilitation, dignity, and self-reliance.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment highlights the impact of the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme through the journey of a Scheduled Caste student who pursued a Master of Science degree at Brown University, USA. The beneficiary received US$ 89,816 in financial assistance during the financial year 2023–24, covering tuition, maintenance, visa fees, medical insurance, and travel expenses. The source notes that the scheme assists eligible students from Scheduled Castes and other specified categories in overcoming financial barriers to access higher education abroad, thereby strengthening their professional capabilities and supporting entrepreneurial aspirations.

The Union Minister of State for Education felicitated the winners of the Viksit Bharat Buildathon (VBB) 2025, which entered the Guinness World Records as the 'Largest Innovation Solution Competition' with 2,87,967 project submissions. Organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy in collaboration with AIM, NITI Aayog, and AICTE, VBB 2025 focused on creative problem-solving under foundational pillars like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swadeshi. Additionally, the event marked the launch of 'Guidelines for Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) under ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram,' which enlists student teachers as volunteer teachers to facilitate adult literacy, alongside initiatives addressing e-waste management.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is organizing the nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan–Rabi 2026' campaign from October 22 to November 30, 2026. Implemented through its departments and local bodies such as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ujwa, Delhi, the initiative puts the 'Lab to Land' concept into practice by facilitating direct interaction between agricultural scientists and farmers in rural areas. Teams comprising subject-matter experts, scientists, and innovative farmers are visiting selected locations to raise awareness on rabi crop management, balanced fertiliser use based on soil health, natural farming, high-yielding wheat varieties, pest and disease monitoring in mustard crops, and the adoption of modern agricultural technologies to improve productivity and sustainability.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has reported outcomes from its 'Special campaign 6.0' cleanliness and operational drive. The ministry conducted 75 planned cleanliness campaigns ahead of time, freeing up 15,740 square feet of office space. It generated a revenue of Rs. 10,50,520 through e-waste management and recycling initiatives. Additionally, the campaign involved reviewing 8,823 physical files out of 9,309 targeted files, weeding out 850 physical files, and addressing public grievances by resolving 316 out of 330 pending CPGRAMs and clearing 217 public grievance appeals.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), along with its Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and Autonomous Bodies (ABs), observed the nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign and Special Campaign 6 for the disposal of pending matters. The SHS 2026 campaign featured the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat,” under which 81 Cleanliness Target Units were transformed and 85 public places were cleaned. Furthermore, implementation of Special Campaign 6 resulted in 1,424 cleanliness campaigns, the freeing of 47,97,239 square feet of space through scrap disposal, the review and weeding out of physical files, the review and closure of e-files, and the disposal of e-waste items. Various CPSEs like BHEL, CCIL, NAB, HMT Machine Tools, and Bridge and Roof Co. undertook plantation drives, awareness sessions, and health camps.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), alongside the Air Intelligence Unit at Trichy, intercepted a wildlife smuggling attempt at Trichy International Airport. Acting on intelligence, officials searched two Indian passengers arriving from Bangkok via Colombo on October 26, 2026. The operation led to the recovery of 45 live, sedated reptiles concealed inside 27 food packets within the passengers' baggage. The seized species included 23 Corn Snakes, 16 Ball Pythons, 5 Argentine Black and White Tegus, and 1 Snow White Iguana. Both passengers were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and the wildlife was handed over to Customs authorities for further action.

The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, together with its Central Public Sector Enterprises and other organizations, is implementing Special Campaign 6. The campaign focuses on cleanliness, efficient record management, disposal of scrap and e-waste, and the optimum utilization of office space. According to progress figures, the Ministry and its Oil & Gas CPSEs freed over 3.42 lakh square feet of space—a 13.20% increase over the previous year. Additionally, the campaign generated ₹49.46 crore through scrap and e-waste disposal against a target of ₹41 crore, achieving 120.63% of its target.

The Department of Posts, Goa Division, in collaboration with India Post Payments Bank, is launching the Digital Life Certificate service via the Jeevan Pramaan service across Goa starting November 1, 2026. Part of the nationwide Digital Life Certificate 5.0 Campaign, the service enables Central Government, Goa State Government, and EPFO pensioners to submit annual life certificates either at post offices or from home. Using Aadhaar-based biometric authentication (fingerprints or face authentication), the verification generates a digital certificate sent via SMS to the pensioner and forwarded to the Pension Disbursing Authority. A doorstep service is available via postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks for a fee of ₹70.

The Ministry of Tourism, in association with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and other North Eastern States, is organising the 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM) from 29–31 October 2026 at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The annual flagship event aims to showcase the tourism potential, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage of the North Eastern Region to domestic and international markets. Over 200 participants, including international buyers from 22 countries and domestic tourism stakeholders, are expected to attend. The event features B2B sessions, technical discussions involving multiple ministries on areas like the concert economy and Protected Area access, a Regional Meeting of Tourism Ministers of North Eastern States, and the North East Bazaar.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is undertaking focused efforts for the effective collection, segregation, and disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) as part of Special Campaign 6 for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM 6). Under this campaign, the Ministry has identified 5,337 obsolete and e-waste items for disposal through auction. These actions aim to institutionalise Swachhata, promote efficient resource management, and improve workplace organisation. The disposal process has generated revenue of ₹11,40,220/- and cleared approximately 600 sq. ft. of space.

Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, organized a street play (nukkad natak) at its headquarters under Special Campaign 6. The initiative aimed to spread awareness regarding e-waste management, responsible electronic waste disposal, and allied environmental issues. The event emphasized environmentally responsible collection, segregation, scientific disposal, and the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling electronic items through authorized systems. Held as part of Special Campaign 6 observed from October 2 to October 31, 2026, the programme sought to promote workplace sustainability, environmental responsibility, and collective participation in waste-management initiatives.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the release of an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners with effect from July 1, 2026. This represents a 3% increase over the existing rate of 60% of the Basic Pay or Pension, aimed at compensating against price rises. The decision will benefit about 48.54 lakh Central Government employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners, with a combined financial impact on the exchequer amounting to Rs. 10,016.10 crore per annum. The increase follows the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

The Legislative Department under the Ministry of Law and Justice organized a Workshop on Best Practices as part of 'Special Campaign 6' at Kartavya Bhawan-II, New Delhi. Chaired under the guidance of Secretary Dr. Rajiv Mani and attended by Joint Secretary Shri G. Panmei, the workshop featured resource person Dr. Devendra Prasad Majhi facilitated by INDIA AIDS NGO. The sessions focused on promoting effective administrative practices, streamlining official procedures, improving workflow management, systematic record maintenance, optimum resource utilization, and minimizing procedural delays to enhance institutional transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government functioning.

A three-day workshop on 'Telugu Ayurvedic Manuscripts Transcription and Editing' concluded at the National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH) in Hyderabad. Organised by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)–NIIMH under the Ministry of Ayush, the programme aimed at capacity building and human resource development for preserving India's medical heritage. Over 37 delegates, faculty members, and postgraduate scholars participated in practical training sessions. The workshop achieved the transcription, primary proofreading, and editing of 2,040 folios across 30 Telugu Ayurveda manuscripts.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized around 55,000 smuggled e-cigarettes valued at over Rs. 13.5 crore in two separate operations at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata on 24th October 2026. The Nepal-bound transshipment containers were intercepted based on specific intelligence and had been mis-declared as 'water glass' and 'ceramic mugs'. The seized items included various brands like IGET, VTV, VOKO, Bang, and Ejoy. The seizures were executed under relevant sections of the Customs Act. The release notes that electronic cigarettes and all Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) are prohibited in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019. Additionally, the DRI has seized around 3,00,000 e-cigarettes worth more than Rs. 120 crore across various Indian ports, airports, and ICDs during the financial year 2026-27.

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, surpassed key targets under Special Campaign 6. Operating across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, SECL conducted cleanliness activities at 226 sites covering over 47 lakh square feet and disposed of 4,602 metric tonnes of scrap, generating approximately ₹26.17 crore in revenue. The company also exceeded its targets for physical and electronic file review, weeding out, and closure. Additional initiatives included e-waste collection drives using waste-to-wealth concepts, public participation campaigns, and plantation activities.