Current Affairs - National

Kakinada, located in Andhra Pradesh, will be the site of a large-scale renewable-powered green ammonia plant supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan. Financing agreements worth $100 million were signed on October 16, 2026, through the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2), funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and administered by ADB. The project is being developed by AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Ltd and aims to produce 1.1 million tonnes of green ammonia annually. The facility will convert an existing natural gas-based ammonia and urea plant into a renewable-powered production unit, supporting cleaner industrial processes and lower-carbon fertiliser supply chains.

October 30, 2026, is the scheduled launch date for the NVS-03 navigation satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite is planned to be launched aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk II from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. NVS-03 belongs to the second generation of NavIC satellites, designed to improve the continuity and reliability of India's indigenous satellite navigation system. NavIC provides Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services across India and surrounding areas. The satellite is expected to help address operational challenges caused by satellite failures and atomic clock issues.

₹15,000 is the maximum financial incentive available to eligible first-time employees under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY). Implemented through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the scheme aims to encourage formal employment and expand social security coverage in India. To qualify, employees must not have made EPF contributions before 1 August 2025, must join an eligible establishment between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2027, and have a monthly gross salary not exceeding ₹1 lakh. The incentive is paid in two instalments: up to ₹7,500 after six months of continuous service, with the remaining eligible amount subject to twelve months of service and completion of a financial literacy course.

₹50 Crore has been allocated as the initial budget for establishing the Go-Delhi Foundation to strengthen the startup and innovation ecosystem in the national capital. Approved by the Delhi Cabinet under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the initiative aims to help young innovators, scientists, entrepreneurs, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) transform ideas into marketable products and successful businesses. The foundation will provide support through product development, prototyping, mentorship, incubation, investor connections, market preparation, and intellectual property assistance. It will also connect entrepreneurs with educational institutions, research organisations, industries, and government departments to encourage innovation and collaboration.

October 27, 2026, is the date from which Indian Railways must extend insurance coverage to tickets booked at railway station counters, following a Supreme Court order issued on October 6, 2026. The directive aims to provide offline ticket passengers with insurance benefits similar to those available to eligible passengers booking tickets through the IRCTC website or application. Under the existing railway travel insurance scheme, coverage includes ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability, ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, and ₹2 lakh for hospitalisation expenses due to injuries. The Railway Board is responsible for implementing the directive.