Pralhad Joshi Inaugurates CBSE Experience Centre in New Delhi to Promote Experiential Learning

Union Minister for Education Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the CBSE Experience Centre at the CBSE Integrated Complex in Dwarka, New Delhi, to promote experiential learning and future-ready education. Established at CBSE headquarters, the Centre offers students an immersive learning environment beyond textbooks. It allows them to explore the evolution of education, engage with emerging technologies and gain insights into future career opportunities. Referring to the role of Atal Tinkering Labs in encouraging innovation and scientific temper, 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs were already operational across the country and the government had decided to establish 50,000 additional labs. The Centre houses 12 broad zones and 21 exhibits spread across 6,000 square feet. RFID-enabled smart cards allow visitors to interact with exhibits, participate in activities and access personalised takeaways and game-based leaderboards.

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Pralhad Joshi Inaugurates CBSE Experience Centre in New Delhi to Promote Experiential Learning

The experience opens with ‘Shiksha Ki Kahani’, a film narrated using a representational voice personifying river Saraswati. It traces the evolution of knowledge and education in India, from the gurukul system and historic learning centres such as Nalanda to modern schools and digital classrooms. The Centre features interactive exhibits such as ‘Career Explorer’, ‘Future of Professions’ and ‘Magic Mirror: Future You’, which enable visitors to explore different career options and understand how the nature of work may change in the years ahead. A dedicated kiosk on ‘Exam Warriors’, the book by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focuses on encouraging students to develop a healthier approach to examinations. The Centre’s final experience, ‘Eduverse’, combines motion-based interaction and multisensory elements to take visitors across various natural landscapes, from forests, oceans and the Himalayas to the Moon and other planets.

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Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise Concludes, Strengthens Maritime Cooperation

The 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026), hosted by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam, concluded on 26 October 2026, further strengthening longstanding maritime cooperation and operational engagement between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

As part of the bilateral engagement, Colonel Bertram Ang, Fleet Commander of the RSN, called on RAdm Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. The two exchanged professional views on strengthening maritime cooperation between the countries and discussed matters of mutual interest.

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Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise Concludes, Strengthens Maritime Cooperation

SIMBEX-2026 was conducted in two phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase.

The Harbour Phase featured Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, professional interactions, sporting engagements and planning conferences. These activities facilitated the exchange of operational knowledge and enhanced mutual understanding.

The Sea Phase, conducted in the Bay of Bengal, involved Maritime Interdiction Operations, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Air Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare drills, seamanship evolutions and cross-deck flying operations. These activities enhanced coordination and interoperability between the participating forces, according to a press release by the Ministry of Defence.

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Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise Concludes, Strengthens Maritime Cooperation

The exercise witnessed the participation of RSN ship RSS Supreme, a Formidable-class stealth frigate with an embarked SH-70B helicopter.

The Indian Navy was represented by the indigenously built stealth frigate INS Nilgiri, ASW corvette INS Kamorta and participating aviation assets, including P-8I and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and MH-60R helicopters.

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Ministry of Culture Signs MoU with France’s National Library to Preserve India’s Manuscript Heritage

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), or National Library of France, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Paris on 26 October 2026 to strengthen institutional cooperation in the preservation, digitisation, research and dissemination of manuscript and documentary heritage.

The MoU was signed and exchanged under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, by Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Gilles Pécout, President of BnF. The partnership brings together the Ministry of Culture, through Gyan Bharatam, the National Archives of India, New Delhi, the National Library, Kolkata, and BnF. It establishes a framework for cooperation across five key areas: digitisation; cross-sharing on the National Digital Repository; technology exchange; conservation; and research and development.

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Ministry of Culture Signs MoU with France’s National Library to Preserve India’s Manuscript Heritage

Gyan Bharatam Mission is the Ministry of Culture’s flagship initiative dedicated to the identification, documentation, conservation, digitisation, translation, research and dissemination of India’s manuscript heritage.

Its National Digital Repository is envisaged as a secure digital repository for Indian-origin manuscripts and Indian Knowledge Systems held in India and across the world. It will enable structured, permission-based access for research and study, according to a press release by the Ministry of Culture.

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Mobile PLI scheme generates Rs. 25,000 crore in direct taxes

The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for mobile phone manufacturing has generated Rs.25,000 crore in direct tax collections against an incentive payout of Rs.19,000 crore. The scheme had also contributed Rs.3,000 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections. Electronics manufacturing employs 25 lakh people, with mobile manufacturing alone accounting for 12 lakh jobs. In July, the Union Cabinet approved the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 62,500 crore. The scheme will run from the financial year 2026–27 to 2030–31 and aims to scale up production, deepen domestic value addition, strengthen supply chains and improve global competitiveness. Under the scheme, incentives ranging from 2.25 per cent to 5 per cent will be provided on eligible mobile phone sales, with an additional incentive of up to 1.5 per cent linked to domestic sourcing of key components and sub-assemblies.

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Mobile PLI scheme generates Rs. 25,000 crore in direct taxes

The scheme also provides support for Indian mobile brands, including incentives linked to design and research and development.

The new scheme follows the conclusion of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing on March 31, 2026. The government aims to sustain manufacturing growth while encouraging deeper domestic sourcing, greater value addition and the development of Indian-owned mobile brands.

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Viksit Bharat Buildathon enters Guinness World Records; winners to be felicitated on October 28

The Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 has received Guinness World Records certification as the “Largest Innovation Solution Competition” after recording 2,87,967 project submissions from across India. Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi will felicitate the winning student innovators at the initiative’s culmination ceremony in New Delhi on October 28. Ten national-level winning teams and innovators will be recognised at the event, where their solutions and models will be displayed. Organised by the Department of School Education and Literacy in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog and the All India Council for Technical Education, the Buildathon was launched to encourage creative problem-solving, entrepreneurship and scientific curiosity among school students.

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Viksit Bharat Buildathon enters Guinness World Records; winners to be felicitated on October 28

The initiative centred on four pillars—Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local and Samriddh Bharat. Submissions were received under both the Idea and Prototype tracks.

The ministry will also launch guidelines for Teacher Education Institutions under ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram at the event. Initiatives undertaken by its school education and higher education departments under Special Campaign 6.0, including efforts to raise awareness about and collect electronic waste, will also be presented.

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IFSCA sets “financial soundness” norms for payment system operators in GIFT City

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has prescribed “financial soundness” criteria for payment system operators in GIFT IFSC, giving existing operators six months to comply and requiring new applicants to meet the norms while applying for authorisation.

Under the circular issued on October 27, Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) operators must maintain a minimum net worth of $1 million (about Rs 9.5 crore), while issuers of Legal Entity Identifiers (LEIs) must maintain a minimum net worth of $200,000 (about Rs 1.9 crore). Trade Repositories must maintain net worth equivalent to at least one year’s operating costs, calculated on a half-yearly basis. Large-value payment systems and card payment networks must maintain a sound financial status, although the circular does not specify a fixed minimum net-worth requirement for these categories.

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IFSCA sets “financial soundness” norms for payment system operators in GIFT City

The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, requires the regulator to consider an applicant’s financial status, management experience and integrity while granting authorisation to operate a payment system. However, the term “financial status” is not defined in the Act or the associated laws, including the Reserve Bank of India Act and the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. IFSCA therefore decided to prescribe net-worth criteria for both existing operators and new applicants to provide greater regulatory clarity. On the consequences of non-compliance, the official said IFSCA does not expect existing operators to fall short of the prescribed requirements. However, if an operator fails to comply, the regulator can take action under Chapter VII of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, which deals with offences and penalties. The action would depend on the nature and extent of the failure and other relevant factors.

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IFSCA sets “financial soundness” norms for payment system operators in GIFT City

When asked if the new norms could make it harder for smaller fintech companies to enter GIFT IFSC, the official said the payment system categories covered by the circular largely comprise established players, such as Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL) in large-value payment systems and global card payment networks. For fintech companies and smaller payment infrastructure providers looking to offer cross-border payment services in GIFT IFSC, a separate framework is already in place under the IFSCA (Payment Services) Regulations, 2024. These regulations prescribe an initial net-worth requirement of $100,000 (about Rs 95 lakh) for such services. Under the new circular, existing payment system operators must submit certificates from their statutory auditors confirming compliance with the prescribed criteria for the preceding financial year by September 30 each year. Trade Repositories must also provide half-yearly computations of their financial position. New applicants must submit a statutory auditor’s certificate confirming compliance with the financial soundness criteria along with their application. The circular has come into immediate effect.

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PhonePe launches Tatkal NPS, lets users open pension accounts for Rs 250

PhonePe launched ‘Tatkal NPS’ on its platform, allowing users to open a National Pension System account digitally in minutes with an initial contribution as low as Rs 250. The service is live in partnership with select leading banks, with the company saying it plans to expand banking coverage over time.

The feature leverages Tatkal NPS, a framework developed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), which allows existing bank KYC data to be reused via an OTP. This removes the need for fresh document uploads, enabling users to generate a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) entirely within the PhonePe app.

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PhonePe launches Tatkal NPS, lets users open pension accounts for Rs 250

The onboarding process runs in four steps: searching for NPS in the app, selecting a linked bank account, authenticating via bank OTP, and completing an initial UPI payment. PhonePe said the end-to-end journey is paperless and requires no prior interaction with a bank branch or pension office. The company is positioning the product for gig workers, freelancers and small business owners who fall outside employer-linked retirement schemes, as well as younger users making their first retirement investment. PhonePe, which reported approximately 73 crore registered users as of September 2026, already offers mutual funds, stock broking, insurance, and lending through its platform.

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Tata Communications to invest $400-450 million for India’s AI fibre network

Tata Communications will invest close to $450 million to build a high-speed, low-latency AI network fabric connecting India’s key AI data-centre corridors. The company will build around 10,000 kilometers of the new long-haul fiber across India, creating one of the country’s largest AI-ready connectivity network. Dubbed as the AI super highway the network will cater to next-generation AI workloads. Initial deployment during Phase 1 prioritises the high-density Mumbai–Pune–Hyderabad–Chennai route, establishing direct links between key data center clusters and subsea landing hubs. Phase 2 will subsequently broaden regional coverage across Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam (Vizag), and Chennai. Later phases will stretch network reach further east toward Bhubaneswar and west into Gujarat, connecting strategic nodes such as GIFT City and Jamnagar

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Tata Communications to invest $400-450 million for India’s AI fibre network

It will provide direct DC-to-DC (data center-to-data center) fabrics, custom SLAs, ultra-low latency, diverse routing, and a massive capacity of 7.2 petabytes across the length of the AI super highway. The network will also be integrated into Tata Communications’ existing infrastructure, spanning over 500,000 km of subsea fiber and over 200,000 km of terrestrial fiber—connecting India’s AI corridors directly to global AI hubs.

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Indian Overseas Bank appoints Akshit Choudhary as CFO from Nov 1

The Board of Indian Overseas Bank has appointed Akshit Choudhary, General Manager as Chief Financial Officer of the Bank with effect from November 1, 2026. This appointment is in place of Madhaw Chandra Jha, Deputy General Manager.

Choudhary is a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of professional experience across banking, financial services, auditing, treasury, and business operations. His professional journey includes stints with the Punjab & Sind Bank, PwC SDC and State Bank of India.

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India, Liechtenstein working to fast-track double taxation avoidance pact

India and Liechtenstein are working to expedite a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) that could strengthen investment flows into India, with the European country sharing a draft that will be examined by the Finance Ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois, the country’s acting head of State, who is on an official visit to India from October 25-28, discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, science and technology, innovation and skill development. The talks focused on implementing the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). The visit provides an important opportunity to promote economic ties by greater G2G and B2B engagements.

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India, Liechtenstein working to fast-track double taxation avoidance pact

Liechtenstein’s cumulative investment in India stands at $110 million, which officials see as leaving considerable room for growth. Bilateral trade totalled about $3.3 million in FY26, with India’s exports less than $1 million.

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Swiggy renews insurance cover for 25 lakh delivery partners with IndusInd General Insurance

Swiggy has renewed its comprehensive insurance programme for delivery partners with IndusInd General Insurance Company Ltd, covering over 25 lakh gig workers in FY26 under accident and health insurance benefits.

Under the renewed programme, delivery partners receive accidental death cover of Rs 10 lakh, in-patient hospitalisation cover of up to Rs2 lakh, and family health coverage of up to Rs 1 lakh. The policy covers pre-existing diseases from Day 1 with no waiting period and extends maternity benefits to women delivery partners as well as spouses of male partners where family cover applies. In the previous policy period, 75 per cent of maternity claims were made by spouses of delivery partners.

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Swiggy renews insurance cover for 25 lakh delivery partners with IndusInd General Insurance

The programme includes cashless and reimbursement facilities for hospitalisation, day care procedures, and outpatient treatment. Additional benefits cover emergency ambulance services up to Rs 10,000, OPD treatment up to Rs 10,000, child education support in case of accidental death or permanent total disability, and loss-of-pay support. All covered partners and their families also get round-the-clock free teleconsultations with general physicians and specialists.

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Tawang to Host 14th International Tourism Mart from 29–31 October 2026

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and other North Eastern States, is organising the 14th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the North Eastern Region from 29–31 October 2026 at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Over 200 participants, including domestic and international buyers and sellers, are expected to participate in the 14th International Tourism Mart. The event is expected to witness participation from 43 international buyers representing 22 countries, including Australia, Bhutan, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States, among others.

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Tawang to Host 14th International Tourism Mart from 29–31 October 2026

The event will also feature Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions on 30 October 2026, facilitating structured interactions between domestic and international buyers and tourism service providers from the North East. A presentation by Royal Enfield on 'Beyond Destinations: Creating Immersive Journeys in North East India' will explore opportunities for experience-based tourism in the region. As part of the Mart, technical visits have been planned to prominent tourist attractions in and around Tawang, including Tawang Monastery, Jaswant Garh War Memorial, Jang Waterfall, Tawang War Memorial, Urgelling Gompa—the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama—Buddha Park, Pankang Teng Tso (PTSO) Lake and Shernup Village. These visits will provide participants with first-hand exposure to the region's spiritual heritage, natural landscapes, local traditions and rural tourism experiences. The 14th edition of the International Tourism Mart marks its return to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, after 13 years, with it having last hosted the 2nd edition in 2013. The previous edition of the Mart was held in Gangtok, Sikkim, in November 2025.

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BRO Celebrates Project ARUNANK’S 19th Raising Day in Arunachal Pradesh

Project Arunank of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 19th Raising Day at Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh, on October 24, 2026, marking nearly two decades of dedicated service in strengthening strategic infrastructure and improving connectivity across the challenging terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.

Raised in 2008, Project Arunank has been instrumental in developing and maintaining vital border infrastructure amid rugged mountains, dense forests and difficult climatic conditions. Its efforts have contributed to enhancing the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces while improving accessibility, mobility and opportunities for communities residing in remote areas.

The Project continues to focus on engineering excellence and sustainable infrastructure development through the adoption of modern technologies and innovative construction practices.

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BRO Celebrates Project ARUNANK’S 19th Raising Day in Arunachal Pradesh

The use of alternative construction materials, geocells, slope-protection measures and other engineering solutions has helped improve the durability, resilience and long-term performance of infrastructure in demanding terrain.

The Project has also accorded special attention to the welfare of Casual Paid Labourers (CPLs) by providing improved shelters, protective clothing, sanitation facilities and regular medical camps. It remains committed to community welfare and environmental sustainability through cycling and yoga events, cleanliness drives, cyber-awareness programmes and the planting of 25,815 trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Through its sustained efforts, Project Arunank continues to support the operational requirements of the Defence Forces while facilitating connectivity and progress in remote communities of Arunachal Pradesh.

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India - Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise

The 11th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI has commenced at Banyuwangi, Indonesia. The exercise is being conducted from 27 October to 06 November 2026. The Indian contingent comprises troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Indonesian contingent comprises personnel from the Indonesian Special Forces. The exercise aims to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces of the two nations. The training focuses on tactics, techniques and procedures for special operations in jungle environments, including obstacle crossing, combat marksmanship, mountaineering, air assault training and combat-hardening sessions. It also includes the exchange of expertise and information on weapons, equipment and operational practices.

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Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2026 | 1 to 15 November

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs will observe Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada across the country from 1 to 15 November 2026, culminating in Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on 15 November, the birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The Government of India designated 15 November as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in 2021 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas has grown into a national movement that celebrates the resilience and cultural diversity of India’s tribal people, and has given momentum to transformative programmes such as PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. During the previous 5 years, JJGD has been celebrated at Ranchi-2021, Khunti-2022 & 2023, Jamui-2024, and Dediapada-2025.

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Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 2026 | 1 to 15 November

Two national digital initiatives will also be launched. The Jan-HIT (Janjatiya Health Intelligence and Technology) Portal, developed with ICMR, is India's first platform for tribe-disaggregated health data, covering 20 States. The National FRA Digital Platform will bring the entire process of forest rights claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, from Gram Sabha submission to digitally signed titles, onto a single system.

Highlights include a statewide tribal carnival in Andhra Pradesh, the Adivasi Kala and Khel Samagam in Goa, a Bhagwan Birsa Munda Pavilion in Odisha, a Tribal Music Festival in Shillong and a tribal art and craft fair at Amdavad Haat, Gujarat. States will also hold Aadhaar and scholarship camps, sickle cell screening, Ayushman card camps for PVTGs, and legal literacy camps on forest rights.

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Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana

India is witnessing a steady rise in its elderly population, making healthy, secure and dignified ageing an important public policy priority. The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) provides an integrated framework that combines institutional care, healthcare, assistive devices, skill development, active ageing and technological interventions to improve the quality of life of senior citizens. India is undergoing a quiet demographic shift. As per Census 2011, the total population of Senior Citizens (aged 60 and above) is 10.38 crores. Out of this, population of males and females are 5.11 crore and 5.27 crore respectively. The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), highlights that a substantial proportion of elderly individuals experience functional limitations.

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Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana

Launched in 2021, the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) subsumed and expanded the earlier National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC), bringing multiple senior citizen welfare interventions under a single umbrella scheme. The scheme aims to provide functional support and promote active ageing of senior citizens. The scheme reflects the Government's strong commitment towards "Ageing with Dignity" and "Ageing at Place”.

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