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Daily edition · Thursday

UPSC Current Affairs, 29 October 2026

9 stories from the news of the day, each in short with why it matters for Prelims and Mains. Practise their UPSC-style questions and take the daily quiz in CAShorts.

  1. EconomyGS3Prelims

    Cabinet approves Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme with manufacturing zones

    The Union Cabinet on 28 October 2026 approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme, with an outlay of Rs 1,856.67 crore for 2026 to 2033-34. It will set up Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones for cluster-based production. Makers, suppliers and testing centres will work side by side there. The scheme also funds research, skilling and export branding.

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  2. PolityGS2Prelims

    Cabinet approves PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana to strengthen Panchayat governance

    The Union Cabinet on 28 October 2026 approved a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM VGSY), for Panchayat planning, capacity building and audits from 2026-27 to 2030-31. Its outlay is Rs 7,395.55 crore. The Government counts about 32 lakh elected representatives in over 2.55 lakh Panchayats and Traditional Local Bodies as direct beneficiaries.

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  3. EconomyGS3Prelims

    Cabinet approves Rs 10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme

    The Union Cabinet on 28 October 2026 approved the Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme (CMPS), with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore up to FY 2039-40. It offers interest subvention on loans, support for containers built to global shipping standards and sold, and testing facilities. The government aims to lift domestic capacity about ten-fold, to 7.5 lakh TEUs a year.

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  4. NationalPrelimsGS2

    DRI seizes 55,000 e-cigarettes banned under 2019 Act at Kolkata port

    The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized about 55,000 e-cigarettes worth Rs 13.50 crore at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, on 24 October 2026. The devices were hidden in two Nepal-bound containers declared as water glass and ceramic mugs. Electronic cigarettes are banned in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019.

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  5. World & IRGS3Prelims

    India, Mexico sign Terms of Reference launching Preferential Trade Agreement talks

    India and Mexico have signed Terms of Reference for negotiating a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), the Commerce Ministry announced on 28 October 2026. The document fixes the framework, scope, modalities and roadmap of the talks, formally opening them. Its agenda spans goods market access, rules of origin, customs, dispute settlement, health and technical standards and trade remedies.

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  6. EnvironmentPrelimsGS2

    CAQM direction: buses entering Delhi must be BS-VI, CNG or electric

    From 1 November 2026, buses entering Delhi on contract carriage, school bus, All India Tourist and similar permits must run on BS-VI diesel, CNG or electric power. The rule is Direction No. 93 of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Buses registered in Delhi are exempt. Outside goods vehicles face a similar rule, Direction No. 88.

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  7. EnvironmentPrelimsGS2

    Lancet Countdown finds climate's health harms outpacing action, urges emergency declaration

    The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change released its 10th indicator report in October 2026. It finds climate-linked health harms growing faster than the global response. Heat was linked to a record 710,000 estimated deaths in 2023, about 71% attributed to climate change. India ranked among the top countries for heatwave exposure of infants and older adults.

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  8. EnvironmentPrelimsGS3

    Central Empowered Committee seeks carrying capacity studies for Himachal's tourist hubs

    The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court has recommended carrying capacity studies for Himachal Pradesh's major tourist destinations. It also wants mandatory environmental clearance considered for hill roads of two or more lanes and railway lines. It found compensatory afforestation 3,707 hectares behind target. On 27 October, the Court gave the State time to respond.

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  9. PolityPrelimsGS2

    Karnataka's final electoral roll after SIR: 4.55 crore electors, 17.92% fewer

    Karnataka's final electoral roll after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), published on 27 October 2026, has 4,55,00,011 electors, according to the State's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). That is 99.32 lakh, or a reported 17.92%, below the 5,54,32,314 electors on the roll of 16 June 2026. The total includes 44,322 service electors.

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