Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (28th October, 2026) |

National News

BRO Project Arunank Celebrates 19th Raising Day in Arunachal Pradesh

The Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) Project Arunank celebrated its 19th Raising Day at Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh, on October 24, 2026.
Established in October 2008, the project develops and maintains strategic roads in challenging mountainous terrain.
It operates across Upper Subansiri, Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey and Kra Daadi districts.
Its work improves military mobility, connects remote communities and provides access to markets and essential services.
The project uses geocells, slope protection and alternative construction materials to strengthen road infrastructure.
Key Fact: Project Arunank was established in October 2008.

Government Introduces Annual Concessional Local Pass for Highway Toll Users

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced the Concessional Local Pass on October 27, 2026.
The pass will become effective from November 1, 2026, for eligible non-commercial vehicle owners residing within 20 km of a National Highway fee plaza.
The annual fee is ₹1,500 outside municipal or local town limits and ₹3,000 within these limits.
Applicants must have a valid, functional FASTag, and the pass applies to only one specified toll plaza.
The pass excludes closed toll systems and locations with service or alternative roads; online access through the Rajmargyatra app is planned from December 1.
Key Fact: The pass is governed by the National Highways Fee (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026.

DGHS Prohibits Reuse of Single-Use Medical Devices to Protect Patients

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) prohibited the reuse of single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items on October 16, 2026.
The prohibition applies to public and private healthcare facilities, even if the devices have been sterilised.
Covered items include cardiac catheters, guidewires, dialysis equipment, surgical staplers, syringes and needles.
The directive aims to prevent infections, device malfunction, reduced performance and the risks associated with reused medical equipment.
Healthcare providers must follow Original Equipment Manufacturer instructions, while authorities have been directed to inspect facilities and enforce compliance.
Key Fact: Enforcement is based on the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Medical Devices Rules, 2017.

India Chairs UNESCO Anti-Doping Meetings to Strengthen Global Sports Integrity

Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired two UNESCO anti-doping-related meetings in New Delhi for 2026–27.
Discussions covered anti-doping education, research, funding and implementation of the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport.
The convention was adopted in 2005 and entered into force in 2007.
India, representing Group IV as Vice-Chairperson, highlighted its National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, and the 2025 Amendment.
NADA India conducted over 7,000 tests and 350 awareness sessions in 2025–26, reaching 27,000 participants.
Key Fact: The Know Your Medicine app recorded over 500,000 searches.

Cabinet Approves 3% DA and DR Hike for Employees, Pensioners

The Union Cabinet approved a 3% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners.
The revised rates will rise from 60% to 63% of Basic Pay and Basic Pension, effective July 1, 2026.
The increase aims to offset the impact of inflation on employees and pensioners.
Approximately 48.54 lakh employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners are expected to benefit.
The revision is estimated to increase annual government expenditure by ₹10,016.10 crore.
Key Fact: The revised DA and DR rate is 63%, under the framework associated with the 7th Central Pay Commission.

State News

Chhattisgarh Selects Orange Oakleaf as Proposed State Butterfly

Chhattisgarh selected the Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus) as its proposed first state butterfly following an online poll held from July 31 to August 31, 2026.
The species received 3,000 votes out of 5,813, ahead of the Common Banded Peacock and Spot Swordtail.
Its folded wings resemble a dry leaf, providing camouflage against predators.
The proposal was finalised at the 15th State Wildlife Board meeting and forwarded for government notification.
A 2025 survey recorded 201 butterfly species in the state.
Key Fact: The Orange Oakleaf received 3,000 votes, but its official designation awaits notification.

Uttar Pradesh Approves PRAGATI Park to Boost AI and Robotics

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the Platform for Robotics and AI Growth Through Technology and Innovation (PRAGATI) Park in Greater Noida on October 27, 2026.
The proposed technology hub will cover 69.52 acres and support artificial intelligence, robotics, prototyping, product testing and startups.
An eight-acre zone will operate through a public-private partnership, while 61.52 acres will be designated for private investment.
The PPP special-purpose vehicle will have 26% equity from the Greater Noida Authority and 74% from an industrial partner.
The project aims to promote technology development, innovation and investment in Uttar Pradesh.
Key Fact: PRAGATI Park is projected to generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and approximately ₹2,000 crore in annual Gross Value Added.

International News

India and Mexico Launch Preferential Trade Agreement Negotiations

India and Mexico signed the Terms of Reference for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), formally launching negotiations.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Mexican Undersecretary of Foreign Trade Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez Romano signed the framework in Mexico.
The proposed agreement aims to expand bilateral trade, increase investment and create business opportunities.
Negotiation areas include market access for goods, rules of origin, customs procedures, trade facilitation and dispute settlement.
The initiative follows discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the G7 Summit in Canada in June 2025.
Key Fact: The agreement is at the negotiation stage, following the signing of its Terms of Reference.

COP31 2026 to Be Held in Türkiye for Global Climate Action

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9–20, 2026.
Türkiye will host the summit, with Environment Minister Murat Kurum serving as president.
Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen will lead official negotiations.
Key issues include emissions reduction, climate adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, and technology.
The World Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for November 11–12, alongside COP31-related meetings CMP21 and CMA8.
Key Fact: India hosted COP8 in New Delhi in 2002.

Economy News

India’s Soybean Imports Hit Record 1.1 Million Tonnes in 2025–26

India’s soybean imports reached a record 1.1 million metric tonnes in the 2025–26 marketing year, compared with approximately 2,000 tonnes in the previous year.
Rising domestic prices encouraged processing mills to purchase overseas supplies.
Niger was the largest reported supplier, with estimated shipments exceeding 430,000 tonnes.
Customs authorities investigated suspicions that some shipments declared as originating in Niger may have come from Nigeria to avoid import tariffs.
Meanwhile, India’s soymeal exports halved to approximately 1 million tonnes.
Key Fact: Soybean imports increased to 1.1 million tonnes in 2025–26.

Awards News

National Startup Awards 6.0 Expands Recognition Across Emerging Sectors

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) launched the sixth edition of the National Startup Awards under the Startup India initiative.
The awards recognise startups for innovation, scalability, sustainability and socio-economic impact.
NSA 6.0 includes 20 sectoral categories, three special categories and 12 newly introduced sectors.
Special categories recognise women-led startups, North-Eastern startups and student innovators.
Winners in 22 sectoral and startup-focused categories will receive ₹25 lakh each, while student innovators will share a separate ₹25 lakh prize pool.
Key Fact: The National Startup Awards were initiated in 2019.

Earthshot Prize 2026 to Hold First Indian Event in Mumbai

The Earthshot Prize 2026 will take place in Mumbai on November 16–17, marking the initiative’s first event in India.
Founded by Prince William in 2020, the prize supports innovative solutions to environmental challenges by 2030.
Its five categories cover nature restoration, clean air, ocean protection, waste reduction and climate solutions.
Fifteen finalists compete, with five winners receiving £1 million each.
Indian finalists include Mahindra Last Mile Mobility and Mahila Housing Trust; Karan Johar will host the ceremony, which will stream on Prime Video.
Key Fact: Each Earthshot Prize winner receives £1 million.

UAE Honours Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar for Courage During Flight Emergency

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and involved flydubai crew members on October 27, 2026.
The honour recognised their courage and commitment to passenger safety during a cockpit incident on September 30.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when Machchhar was seriously injured by his co-pilot.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, enabling others to restrain the attacker.
The aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.
Key Fact: The flight involved was flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

NIF Book Prize 2026 Shortlists Five Non-Fiction Books on India

The New India Foundation shortlisted five books for the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2026.
All shortlisted books were published in 2025 and explore modern and contemporary India.
Their subjects include constitutional history, post-independence development, the Partition of South Asia, diplomat K. M. Panikkar and classical singer Arun Kashalkar.
A seven-member jury chaired by political scientist Niraja Gopal Jayal selected the books.
The award ceremony is scheduled for December 12, 2026, at the Bangalore Literature Festival.
Key Fact: The NIF Book Prize carries an award of ₹15 lakh and was established in 2018.

Defense News

SIMBEX 2026 Concludes in Visakhapatnam, Strengthening India-Singapore Naval Cooperation

The 33rd Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) concluded in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on October 26, 2026.
Hosted by the Indian Navy from October 21–26, the exercise involved the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy.
The harbour phase included professional exchanges, cross-deck visits and joint planning.
The sea phase in the Bay of Bengal covered anti-submarine, anti-air and anti-surface warfare, maritime interdiction and cross-deck flying operations.
Participating assets included INS Nilgiri, INS Kamorta, RSS Supreme, P-8I aircraft and MH-60R helicopters.
Key Fact: SIMBEX began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King.

Air Marshal Vikram Gaur Reportedly Appointed DMA Additional Secretary

Air Marshal Vikram Gaur has reportedly been appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), under the Ministry of Defence.
If officially confirmed, he would become the first Indian Air Force officer to hold the position.
Gaur previously served as Joint Secretary (Air & Staff Duties) in the DMA from October 2024.
He was promoted to Air Marshal with effect from July 1, 2026.
The DMA promotes jointness, integration, joint training and coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Key Fact: The DMA was established on January 1, 2020. Gaur’s reported appointment awaits official confirmation.

Goa Shipyard Launches INS Srishti for Indian Navy Maritime Security

Goa Shipyard Limited launched INS Srishti (Yard 1283) on October 27, 2026, at Vaddem, Goa.
The vessel is a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel being built for the Indian Navy.
Offshore patrol vessels support maritime surveillance, protection of offshore installations, anti-piracy operations, search and rescue, and emergency response.
The vessel must undergo further outfitting, equipment installation, testing and sea trials before commissioning.
The launch marks progress in indigenous naval shipbuilding and supports the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Key Fact: INS Srishti is a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV).

Exercise Garuda Shakti 2026 Begins in Indonesia with Indian Special Forces

The 11th edition of Exercise Garuda Shakti commenced in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, on October 27, 2026.
The joint exercise involves the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Indonesian Special Forces.
It will continue until November 6, 2026, to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and interoperability.
Training includes jungle warfare, obstacle crossing, combat marksmanship, mountaineering, air assault and combat-hardening sessions.
A final validation exercise will assess coordination, endurance and combat readiness under realistic operational conditions.
Key Fact: Exercise Garuda Shakti is a joint India–Indonesia Special Forces exercise.

Schemes News

Cabinet Approves ₹10,000 Crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme (CMPS) with an allocation of ₹10,000 crore through FY 2039–40.
Announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, it aims to establish a globally competitive domestic shipping-container industry.
The scheme supports new manufacturing units, expansion of existing plants, operational expenditure, and testing and certification facilities.
It aims to reduce import dependence and strengthen maritime logistics.
The scheme is expected to create around 3,000 direct jobs and over 50,000 indirect jobs.
Key Fact: The scheme targets annual manufacturing capacity of up to 7.5 lakh TEUs.

Cabinet Approves ₹7,395 Crore PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana

The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM VGSY) for 2026–27 to 2030–31.
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme has a total outlay of ₹7,395.55 crore to strengthen Gram Panchayats.
Funding comprises a central share of ₹4,869.48 crore and a state share of ₹2,526.07 crore.
The scheme focuses on integrated development planning, digital governance, capacity building, citizen participation and financial accountability.
It targets 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayat Development Plans annually and capacity building for approximately 32 lakh elected representatives and officials.
Key Fact: PM VGSY includes online audits through AuditOnline.

Summits & Conferences News

PM Modi Inaugurates ESTIC 2026 to Boost India’s Scientific Innovation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on October 27.
Organised by CSIR under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, the conclave runs until October 29.
Its theme is “Creative Minds, Catalyzing Science, Empowering Technologies.”
The event highlighted a combined ₹24,000 crore commitment from the government and private investors for research and development.
Key areas include nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space, quantum technology and clean energy.
Key Fact: ESTIC 2026 announced a combined ₹24,000 crore public-private R&D commitment.

Important Days News

Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada 2026 to Honour Tribal Heritage

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs will observe Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada from November 1–15, 2026.
The fortnight will culminate in Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on November 15, commemorating the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The observance honours tribal communities’ contributions to India’s freedom struggle and cultural heritage.
Planned initiatives include over 300 projects, the Jan-HIT tribal health portal, a National Forest Rights Act digital platform, cultural festivals and health camps.
The programme will also promote scholarships, women’s entrepreneurship and awareness of forest rights.
Key Fact: Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas was designated in 2021 and is observed on November 15, Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary.