Union Cabinet approves Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund
Key Updates:
- The Union Cabinet on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) approved the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Growth Fund (SGF) with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore to provide equity support to small and medium enterprises.
- The fund, first announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, aims to address the gap in long-term growth-stage equity capital available to SMEs, as existing funds largely focus on early-stage and micro enterprises.
- Under the scheme, the government will provide an aggregate commitment of Rs 10,000 crore to an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) established under the SGF framework, offering patient growth equity capital to high-potential SMEs with demonstrated business viability and scalability.
- A majority of the fund's allocation will be directed towards small and medium manufacturing enterprises, with a focus on SMEs in industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund in the Budget to create future champions, along with a Rs 2,000 crore top-up to the Self-Reliant India Fund set up in 2021 to support micro enterprises.
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SEBI Launches Nationwide Investor Awareness Campaign Project Jagrook Until March 2027
Key Updates:
- Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey launched the nationwide investor-awareness campaign 'Project Jagrook' in Chandigarh, which will run through March 2027.
- Project Jagrook brings SEBI, stock exchanges, depositories, the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) under a coordinated investor-education framework, propagating messages in several languages.
- SEBI will take investor education to universities through its MUST (Mentoring of University and College Students through Trainers) programme, training teachers, staff and senior students as 'Partner Trainers'.
- For rural India, SEBI will work with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on financial literacy, awareness of regulated products and fraud-prevention messages, and partner with state governments and local channels.
- SEBI will introduce a National Securities Market Awareness Curriculum supported by a free SEBI Investor Awareness Test.
- SEBI's Investor Survey 2025 found that only 36 per cent of investors had high or moderate knowledge of the securities market.
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Adani Power and Bhutan's DGPC Sign Agreement for 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I Hydroelectric Project
Key Updates:
- Adani Power and Bhutan's state-owned Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC) signed a Shareholders Agreement to develop the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I Hydroelectric Project on the Chamkharchhu River in Zhemgang district of central Bhutan.
- The project will be developed through a 49:51 equity partnership, with Adani Power holding 49% and DGPC holding 51%, under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model with a 30-year concession from the date of commercial operation.
- Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2027, with commissioning targeted within six years of groundbreaking.
- The peaking run-of-river project will help meet Bhutan's peak winter electricity requirements, with surplus generation exported to India during summer months.
- The agreement follows the 570 MW Wangchhu Hydroelectric Project pact signed in September 2025 and is part of a 5,000 MW hydropower partnership under an MoU signed with DGPC in May 2025.
- Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonchen Dasho Tshering Tobgay attended the signing ceremony, held on October 6, 2026.
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NABKISAN Finance Lists India's First WASH Social Bond Worth ₹180 Crore on NSE
Key Updates:
- NABKISAN Finance Limited, a subsidiary of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), listed India's first social bond dedicated to the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Mumbai on October 1, 2026.
- The ₹180 crore bond was oversubscribed 1.8 times and will fund clean water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in rural and underserved communities.
- The five-year bond carries an 8.10% coupon rate, matures in September 2031, and holds CRISIL AAA (Stable) and CARE AAA (Stable) credit ratings.
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Reserve Bank of India Issues Core Investment Company Certificate to Indiabulls Limited
Key Updates:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted Indiabulls Limited a Certificate of Registration as a Core Investment Company (CIC), bringing it under the central bank's regulatory framework for investment-holding entities.
- Indiabulls, formerly known as Yaari Digital Integrated Services Limited, disclosed the approval in a regulatory filing dated October 2, 2026.
- A Core Investment Company is a non-banking financial company that primarily holds investments in and provides funding to its own group companies rather than conventional lending.
- Under RBI norms, a CIC must keep at least 90 per cent of its net assets in investments or loans to group companies, with at least 60 per cent of net assets comprising equity investments in group companies.
- Indiabulls stated the certificate will be surrendered in the event of its non-applicability, which is being evaluated by the company, and it did not disclose any immediate financial impact.
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World Bank Places India Among Top 10 Emerging Markets on AI Readiness
Key Updates:
- The World Bank, in its report 'India and Artificial Intelligence: Seizing the Development Opportunity', placed India among the top 10 leading emerging-market performers on AI readiness.
- Private investment in AI in India more than tripled to $4.1 billion in 2025 from $1.2 billion in 2024.
- The number of professionals employed by Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India rose to 2.36 million in 2025 from 1.9 million a year earlier.
- The World Bank's latest South Asia Economic Update projects South Asia to grow 6.9 per cent in 2026, retaining its position as the world's fastest-growing region.
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Union Cabinet clears creation of ITLA as SPV for unified transport planning
Key Updates:
- The Union Cabinet on October 6, 2026 approved setting up a special purpose vehicle called the Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA) to strengthen research, planning, appraisal, monitoring and impact assessment of transport and logistics.
- ITLA will prepare a comprehensive National Transport Master Plan with a planning horizon of ten years or more, covering roads, railways, ports and shipping, civil aviation, inland waterways, coastal shipping, urban mobility and logistics.
- ITLA will evaluate short-term sectoral plans (about five years) and annual plans of transport Ministries for alignment with the National Transport Master Plan.
- ITLA will undertake technical appraisal of government infrastructure projects costing ₹500 crore or more, while financial appraisal remains with existing mechanisms.
- ITLA will build a National Transport Data Repository integrating datasets such as GSTN e-way bills, FASTag, Vahan, GPS and urban traffic systems for freight-flow and origin-destination analytics.
- ITLA will advise on review and updation of the National Logistics Policy, support capacity building, training and skilling, and promote research and innovation in transport and logistics.
- The approval aims to address challenges from fragmented planning across multiple transport Ministries and agencies, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announcing the decision at a media briefing.
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Centre notifies 375 permissible works under VB-G RAM G, widening the list by 41%
Key Updates:
- The Centre notified 375 permissible works under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) Gramin Act, 2025, expanding the list of works by 41% over the previous scheme.
- The works are divided into four categories: water security (128 works), core rural infrastructure (111), livelihood-related infrastructure (98) and disaster preparedness (38).
- Livelihood-related works account for 26% of the total, compared with 1.1% under the previous framework.
- For the first time, the framework has a dedicated category for disaster preparedness and extreme weather events, including flood relief shelters, embankment strengthening and forest-fire management measures.
- 181 works relate to agriculture and allied activities (including 52 individual-beneficiary works), 107 works are tagged for Antyodaya and vulnerable households, and 36 works each relate to women and youth.
- Works will be planned through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans approved by the Gram Sabha, with digital tracking through the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack.
- The VB-G RAM G Act came into force on July 1, 2025, replacing MGNREGA's demand-driven framework with 125 days of guaranteed wage employment per rural household annually and a 60:40 Centre-state funding ratio for most states.
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eSanjeevani National Telemedicine Service Records Over 50 Crore Teleconsultations Across India
Key Updates:
- India's National Telemedicine Service, eSanjeevani, crossed the landmark of 50 crore teleconsultations on September 15, recording a cumulative 50,00,92,730 consultations across all 36 States and Union Territories.
- eSanjeevani currently supports more than 1.42 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandir spokes, 19,473 medical hubs and 901 online OPDs, with 2,41,923 registered healthcare providers.
- Available in 15 languages, including English and 14 Indian languages, the platform facilitates approximately 2.5-3 lakh consultations every day, with its highest single-day utilisation reaching 6,30,315 consultations.
- Women account for 57.14 per cent of total utilisation, while 40.15 per cent of consultations are availed by citizens aged 46 years and above, including 16.25 per cent by senior citizens aged 60 years and above.
- eSanjeevani has integrated an Artificial Intelligence-powered Clinical Decision Support System (AI-CDSS) to support providers during consultations, and the innovation has won the Gold Award under the National Awards for e-Governance 2026.
- eSanjeevani has been integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS)-112 to enable stronger linkages between emergency response services and remote medical expertise.
- Patient-to-doctor teleconsultation services for select specialities have been rolled out at AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Jammu and AIIMS Patna, with progressive expansion envisaged to other premier government institutions, including AIIMS, JIPMER and PGIMER Chandigarh.
- eSanjeevani is a Made-in-India digital health solution developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), with C-DAC Mohali providing end-to-end technological development and engineering support, while the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has played a central role in guiding its evolution.
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PMAY-Gramin 2.0: Centre Sanctions 3 Lakh Houses Worth ₹3,600 Crore for Andhra Pradesh; Foundation Laid for India's First 3D Concrete-Printed Housing Project
Key Updates:
- Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over the first instalment of 3 lakh houses worth ₹3,600 crore to Andhra Pradesh under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin 2.0 at Burripalem village in Guntur district on October 4, 2026.
- The initial allocation of 76,000 houses was increased to 3 lakh following Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's request, and Naidu has also sought another 6 lakh houses.
- Chouhan laid the foundation stone for India's first pilot housing project using 3D concrete printing technology, comprising 177 houses at a cost of ₹14 crore, with construction expected to be completed within six months.
- The Centre passed legislation recognising Amaravati as the sole permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh with special financial assistance of ₹15,000 crore, and the Polavaram irrigation project is progressing with 100% grant assistance from the Centre.
- Under PM-KISAN's ₹6,000 annual assistance combined with Andhra Pradesh's ₹14,000 'Annadata Sukhibhava' scheme, farmers in the state will receive ₹20,000 annually.
- 23 lakh women in Andhra Pradesh have become Lakhpati Didis through self-help groups, with a target of 60 lakh; the national Saras Mela will be held in Andhra Pradesh on October 15, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, the first time outside Delhi.
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PM-SETU Completes First Year with 850 ITIs Identified for Upgradation Under ₹60,000 Crore Scheme
Key Updates:
- PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) was launched on October 4, 2025, with a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore — ₹30,000 crore from the Centre, ₹20,000 crore from States and ₹10,000 crore from industry.
- The scheme aims to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs through a Hub-and-Spoke model of 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs, and augment five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) as National Centres of Excellence.
- In its first year, 850 ITIs have been identified, comprising 172 Hub ITIs and 678 Spoke ITIs.
- Strategic Investment Plans for 14 ITI clusters across eight States and one Union Territory have been approved, involving an investment of ₹3,446 crore, covering sectors like steel, healthcare, defence, electronics and automotive.
- Under the SPV structure, the Anchor Industry Partner holds 51 per cent ownership, while the Centre and State Governments hold 24.5 per cent each.
- The Directorate General of Training has introduced 32 new-age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme, covering AI, Cyber Security, Electric Vehicles, Semiconductor Technology, Robotics, Green Hydrogen, Drones, IoT, Solar Energy, 5G and Software Testing.
- MoUs have been signed with Singapore for NSTI Chennai, France for NSTI Kanpur and Australia for NSTI Bhubaneswar, and a Joint Declaration of Intent exchanged with Germany for NSTI Hyderabad.
- The number of ITIs increased from 9,776 in 2014 to 13,888 in 2026 (42 per cent rise), and enrolment grew from 9.51 lakh in 2014-15 to 14.70 lakh in 2025-26 (54 per cent increase).
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Nalanda University Partners with CSIR-TKDL Through MoU on Traditional Knowledge and IPR Research
Key Updates:
- Nalanda University and the CSIR–Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (CSIR-TKDL) Unit signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in research, academic activities and capacity-building related to Traditional Knowledge, Intellectual Property Rights, people's rights and cultural heritage.
- The MoU was signed by Nalanda University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi and Dr Viswajanani J Sattigeri, Scientist-H and Head of the CSIR-TKDL Unit.
- The collaboration will focus on documenting and researching traditional cultural expressions and the cultural heritage of Bihar, and includes training programmes, student internships, exchange visits and networking initiatives.
- Established in 2001, the TKDL contains information on more than 5.2 lakh formulations and practices from Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Yoga.
- CSIR-TKDL evidence has contributed to more than 375 patent applications worldwide being revoked, rejected, amended, withdrawn or abandoned.
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India's Kaveri Dry Engine Clears High-Altitude and Flight Trials in Russia, Paving Way for Integration with Ghatak Stealth UCAV
Key Updates:
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-built Kaveri dry engine cleared high-altitude and flight trials in Russia, recording a peak dry thrust of 48.5 kilonewtons, exceeding the expected 46 kN.
- The next phase is certification of the engine and its integration with the Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), followed by flight trials, with induction expected in 2-3 years after flight trials with the Indian Air Force.
- The Kaveri engine, built by DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), underwent trials at two Russian institutes — the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM) and the Gromov Flight Research Institute.
- The Kaveri dry engine, or Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE), is a jet turbine built without an afterburner, and the Bengaluru-based Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) will review all test data before granting airworthiness clearance.
- Ghatak is an advanced, jet-powered stealth flying-wing combat drone designed for deep-strike missions.
- Ghatak has a tailless flying-wing configuration with curved air intake paths and shaped exhausts to reduce radar cross-section, is built using 80-90% carbon-fibre prepreg composite materials, and carries missiles, bombs and precision-guided munitions internally to maintain its stealth profile.
- The Kaveri engine project began in the late 1980s to power the indigenous LCA Tejas, but after falling short of the required thrust-to-weight ratio and facing weight issues, scientists removed its afterburner to create the KDE variant that will now power Ghatak.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launches first Fleet Support Ship 'Surya', lays FSS-5 keel and inaugurates upgraded Slipway-4 at Hindustan Shipyard, Visakhapatnam
Key Updates:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the first Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1) named 'Surya', laid the keel of FSS-5, and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam on October 6, 2026.
- FSS-1, the first of five fleet support ships being built for the Indian Navy, entered the waters of the Bay of Bengal just 18 months after steel cutting.
- The 43,500-tonne Fleet Support Ships will replenish warships at sea, extending the Navy's endurance and reach across the Indian Ocean Region.
- Designed and built indigenously by HSL, the Fleet Support Ships will feature enhanced cargo and fluid capacity, onboard first-line maintenance workshops, a helicopter deck for Multi-Role Helicopter operations and self-defence systems.
- The upgraded Slipway-4, with extended length and enhanced load-bearing capability, enables HSL to build and launch vessels of up to 45,000 DWT.
- The 300-tonne Goliath Crane spanning Slipways 3 and 4 was designed and manufactured by L&T Geostructure with Konecranes under Make in India, and features PLC controls, Variable Frequency Drives, tandem lifting, remote diagnostics and condition monitoring.
- In a separate event, Rajnath Singh witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Koraput Division, and announced a second production line for Shakti engines to power helicopters.
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German Air Force A400M Participates in Large-Force Engagements at Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur
Key Updates:
- Germany's Airbus A400M military transport aircraft of the German Air Force is taking part in large-force engagements alongside fighter aircraft during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Jodhpur, strengthening coordination and interoperability with the Indian Air Force.
- Tarang Shakti 2026 is being conducted at Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12 under the theme 'Power in Partnership', with Germany participating alongside six other foreign air forces.
- Australia, the United States, UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are participating with air assets, while other friendly foreign countries are joining as observers.
- The exercise features advanced combat aircraft including the US F-35 Lightning II, French Rafale and UAE F-16, with the A400M adding an airlift and support dimension.
- The exercise focuses on joint training, operational learning, aerospace safety and interoperability across different air-power capabilities.
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India and Japan Release Operational Manual for Joint Crediting Mechanism in New Delhi
Key Updates:
- India and Japan launched the Operational Manual for the India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) in New Delhi on September 30, 2026.
- The manual was jointly launched by Japan's Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono and Tanmay Kumar, then Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- The manual covers the JCM project cycle from Project Idea Note submission to issuance and authorization of JCM credits, supporting cooperation under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
- India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on August 7, 2025, and adopted the Rules of Implementation on June 8, 2026.
- The India-Japan JCM aims to promote advanced low-carbon technologies, mobilize climate finance, and facilitate technological cooperation between the two countries.
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India's Ministry of Defence Signs Rs 661.50 Crore BrahMos Systems Contract with BrahMos Aerospace for Navy Warships
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 661.50 crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for BrahMos fire control systems and launchers for Indian Navy frontline warships.
- The contract was signed on Tuesday in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category with a minimum 68 per cent indigenous content.
- BrahMos is the Indian Navy's primary surface-to-surface missile system for maritime strike operations, enabling engagement of sea and land targets at extended ranges and supersonic speeds.
- The programme is expected to involve Indian defence companies including MSMEs and generate employment over the next three years while advancing indigenisation of advanced military technology.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Koraput Division Marks 60 Years With 2,000th Aero-Engine Delivery as Rajnath Singh Announces ₹553 Crore Expansion of AL-31FP and Shakti Engine Production
Key Updates:
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivered its 2,000th aero-engine from its Koraput Division, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh witnessing the delivery on October 6, 2026, marking six decades of aero-engine manufacturing since the division's establishment in 1964.
- HAL will invest ₹335 crore to raise annual AL-31FP engine production capacity from 30 to 50 units; in 2024 the government ordered 240 AL-31FP engines for the Su-30MKI, and HAL has delivered 63 engines against a target of 60 by the end of the second year, with the first engine delivered ahead of schedule despite supply-chain disruptions.
- HAL will establish a second Shakti engine production line with an investment of ₹218 crore, to be fully established by 2028-29 with capacity of up to 100 engines annually, supporting indigenous helicopters including the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
- HAL Koraput has overhauled more than 9,000 engines, and its engines have powered frontline aircraft including the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI.
- The government is pursuing an indigenous high-thrust aero-engine programme with an investment of approximately ₹5,000 crore, relevant to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, including raw-material indigenisation with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) and India's first indigenous high-thrust engine testing facility.
- Rajnath Singh called on HAL to develop Koraput into a broader aerospace propulsion ecosystem by integrating MSMEs, start-ups, private industry, academic institutions and research organisations, and highlighted Odisha's defence manufacturing potential, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Integrated Test Range at Chandipur and the approved Aerospace and Defence Equipment Manufacturing Complex at Gajamara in Dhenkanal under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
- The event was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Tejpal Singh, HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K., MIDHANI Chairman and Managing Director Dr S.V.S. Narayana Murty, and Joint Secretary (Aerospace Wing and DOMW) Manisha Chandra.
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Assam's Dibrugarh Flags Off First International Cargo Shipment to Bangladesh via Brahmaputra Waterway
Key Updates:
- A barge carrying 540 metric tons of methanol left Bogibeel Terminal in Dibrugarh for Bangladesh, the first cargo shipped from upper Assam to a foreign port since India's independence in 1947.
- Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the vessel DLB Patkai, pushed by the tug Kushal Konwar, while Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma joined virtually.
- The methanol was produced by state-owned Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APCL) at Namrup and is bound for Pangaon Port in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- The vessel will travel about 768 kilometres on National Waterway-2 along the Brahmaputra to the Indo-Bangladesh border and then continue on the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, covering 1,300 kilometres from Bogibeel to Narayanganj, Dhaka.
- The shipment became possible after customs and immigration complexes were set up at Bogibeel and Dhubri, and regular methanol shipments to Bangladesh are planned.
- The 891-kilometre stretch of the Brahmaputra from Sadiya to Dhubri was declared National Waterway-2 in 1988, and regular cargo service began only in December 2017 when cement moved from Pandu to Dhubri.
- Dibrugarh Ghat, once a major river port, closed on October 15, 1956, after regular bookings stopped in 1954; the 1947 partition and a 1950 earthquake had disrupted river trade.
- The Bogibeel passenger and cargo terminal opened in February 2024, and the 'Jalvahak' cargo incentive program launched in December 2024.
- Cargo on India's national waterways rose from 18 million metric tons in fiscal 2013-14 to 218 million metric tons in 2025-26, and over 68 billion rupees (about $770 million) is being invested in Northeast waterways.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to Take Full Control of HATSOFF Helicopter Training Venture from CAE Canada
Key Updates:
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed an agreement on 2 October 2026, announced via regulatory filing, to acquire the remaining 50 per cent stake in HATSOFF Helicopter Training Private Limited from CAE, Canada, for nil consideration, converting the 50:50 joint venture into a wholly-owned subsidiary.
- The transaction involves the transfer of 3,84,04,205 equity shares with a face value of Rs 10 each, with no cash outlay required from HAL, and is expected to close within 60 days after regulatory formalities, with Ministry of Defence approval already received.
- HATSOFF, incorporated in January 2008 and based in Bengaluru, provides military and civil helicopter pilot training through advanced simulators to customers including the Indian Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Border Security Force, Pawan Hans Limited, and Global Vectra.
- HATSOFF has an authorised capital of Rs 76.84 crore and paid-up capital of Rs 76.80 crore, and reported a turnover of Rs 80.95 crore with net profits of Rs 20.07 crore in FY 2025-26.
- HAL stated the acquisition aims to gain full management control, streamline decision-making, and integrate HATSOFF's simulator training business with its core aerospace operations.
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India Women's Cricket Captain Harmanpreet Kaur Quits Leadership Role Across Formats
Key Updates:
- Harmanpreet Kaur has stepped down as captain of India's women's cricket team across all three formats, announcing her decision in an Instagram post on October 6, 2026.
- The 37-year-old led India to its maiden women's ODI World Cup title and captained India in five Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is.
- She first captained India in T20Is in 2012, took over full-time from Mithali Raj in 2018, and became all-format leader in 2023.
- Under her leadership, India reached the T20 World Cup semifinals in 2018 and finished runners-up in 2020; her last assignment was retaining the Asian Games gold medal in Nisshin.
- Her decision clears the way for Smriti Mandhana to take over, starting with India's home series against Zimbabwe.
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Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to take over as next Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force
Key Updates:
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, currently the Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has been appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff, the Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday.
- He will take charge after the current Air Chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, retires on October 31.
- An Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor, he has over 3,500 hours of flying experience on aircraft including the Mirage 2000, MiG variants, Kiran, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk and Tejas.
- Born on December 9, 1966, he was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on December 6, 1986, and is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College.
- In a four-decade career, he held key posts including Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command and Deputy Chief of Air Staff.
- He participated in Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor.
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Belgian-American Physicist Francis Halzen Awarded 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for IceCube Neutrino Discovery
Key Updates:
- Belgian-American particle physicist Francis Halzen won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics, announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.
- The prize carries an award of 12 million Swedish kronor, about $1.2 million.
- Halzen, born on March 23, 1944, in Tienen, Belgium, is an 82-year-old professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and principal investigator of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole in Antarctica.
- He has worked on Antarctic neutrino detection since 1987, starting with the AMANDA experiment, and pushed for IceCube, which became fully operational in 2010 and covers about one cubic kilometre of Antarctic ice.
- IceCube's major breakthrough came in 2013 with the first clear detection of high-energy neutrinos from sources beyond the Milky Way, with energies exceeding particles produced by the Large Hadron Collider.
- Mark Pearce, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, said Halzen's tenacity and scientific vision paved the way for a new kind of astronomy.
- Halzen studied at the University of Louvain, earning his master's degree in 1966 and PhD in 1969, worked at CERN from 1969 to 1971, and joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1972.
- His earlier honours include the Physics World Breakthrough of the Year Award (2013), the Balzan Prize and Cocconi Prize (2015), the Bruno Pontecorvo Prize (2018), the Yodh Prize (2019), the Homi Bhabha Medal and Prize (2021), election to the US National Academy of Sciences (2024), and the APS Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research (2026).
- He is co-author of the widely used particle physics textbook Quarks and Leptons.
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