Current Affairs - National

KAUMARACON-2026 is the third international conference on Kaumarabhritya, a specialised branch of Ayurveda concerned with child healthcare. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the conference on October 15, 2026, in New Delhi. Organised by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), the conference was scheduled from October 15 to 17, 2026, at the institute’s Sarita Vihar campus. Its theme focuses on advancing child health through global perspectives, research innovations and clinical developments. The conference brings together scientists, clinicians, academics and medical professionals to discuss child nutrition, development, disease prevention and improvements in traditional medical practices.

The redeveloped websites of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) provide access to scientific content in 22 languages through integration with the Bhashini platform. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched these websites on October 9, 2026, to improve public access to scientific information and government services. The websites were jointly redeveloped by DST and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), following government website standards. They offer single-window access to research grants, fellowships and scientific schemes for students, researchers and start-ups. Accessibility features include screen-reader compatibility, adjustable font sizes and high-contrast modes, helping users access information across different devices.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is hosting the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex under India’s BRICS Chairship. The event is organised by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat. It provides a non-competitive platform for demonstrating and documenting traditional and indigenous sporting practices and encouraging interaction among practitioners from participating countries. Indian sports featured include Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu. International demonstrations include Wushu from China, Gorodki from Russia and Belarus, Capoeira from Brazil, and traditional sports from Iran and Ethiopia. The initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote international sports cooperation.

Lakshadweep became India’s first 100% literate Union Territory on October 11, 2026, under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a centrally sponsored adult education programme. The achievement followed the successful completion of the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) by all eligible learners. An initial survey identified 1,113 adult non-literate individuals in the territory. The Education Department organised teaching programmes and assessments to help learners acquire basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills. Teachers and supervisors also conducted assessments at learners’ homes when they could not visit examination centres. ULLAS promotes adult education and lifelong learning.

Tukaram Mundhe, Maharashtra’s Food and Drugs Administration Commissioner, was appointed as the secretary of the committee constituted by the Maharashtra government to recommend reforms to the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). The committee was formed on October 11, 2026, following a 10-day protest by MPSC aspirants in Pune. Retired judge Dilip Bhosale was appointed as the committee’s chairman. The five-member committee was tasked with examining recruitment-related concerns, examination irregularities, and allegations of question paper leaks. It was given a two-month period to investigate these issues and recommend measures to improve transparency and efficiency in the state’s recruitment process.