Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting announced on 21 October 2026 that the NFDC-National Film Archive of India (NFDC-NFAI) will host a four-day film festival titled “GHATAK: A RETROSPECTIVE”. The event will take place from 22 to 25 October 2026 at the NFDC-NFAI auditorium on Law College Road, Pune.
- Who it affects
- general public
- When · Where
- On 22 October 2026: GHATAK: A RETROSPECTIVE film festival · Pune
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 21 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Press Information Bureau stated on 21 October 2026 that the Namami Gange Programme (NGP), launched in 2014, is using a technology-neutral approach to treat wastewater across 10 Ganga basin states. The programme has undertaken 219 projects worth an estimated ₹35,664 crore, creating 4,341 MLD of sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity out of a target of 6,603 MLD.
- Who it affects
- 10 Ganga basin states
- When · Where
- From 1 January 2014: Namami Gange Programme · 10 Ganga basin states
Source details
- Issued by
- PIB Delhi
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 21 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced on 19 October 2026 that the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on 20 October 2026. The agreement provides 100% duty-free access to the New Zealand market for Indian goods, benefiting MSMEs, farmers, and women entrepreneurs, though sensitive items like dairy and sugar remain excluded.
- Who it affects
- Indian exporters, including MSMEs, artisans, farmers, and women entrepreneurs; Indian youth and professionals
- When · Where
- From 20 October 2026: India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement entry into force (+1 more) · New Zealand
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Commerce & Industry
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 19 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, announced on 18 October 2026 the progress of Special Campaign 6, which runs from 2 to 31 October 2026. The campaign focuses on cleanliness, reducing pending work, and e-waste disposal across postal establishments nationwide.
- Who it affects
- postal establishments
- When · Where
- From 2 October 2026: Special Campaign 6 (+1 more) · nationwide
Source details
- Issued by
- Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 18 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Prime Minister's Office announced on 17 October 2026 that financial assistance will be provided to victims of a stampede in Kolkata. From the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), Rs. 2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of each deceased person, and Rs. 50,000 will be given to each injured person.
- Who it affects
- injured persons; next of kin of those who lost their lives
- When · Where
- Not stated in the document · Kolkata
Source details
- Issued by
- Prime Minister's Office
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 17 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced on 17 October 2026 that the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has disbursed Rs 1.19 crore to 29 State Biodiversity Boards and one Union Territory Biodiversity Council. These funds, collected from companies using agricultural biological resources like maize, rice, pearl millet, and cotton, are intended for biodiversity conservation and community welfare.
- Who it affects
- State Biodiversity Boards and the Union Territory Biodiversity Council
- When · Where
- On 19 October 2026: seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 17) · Several states
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 17 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises announced on 16 October 2026 that the KVIC Chairman inaugurated 'Khadi Mahotsav-2026' in Mumbai on 15 October 2026. The exhibition, running from 2 October to 31 October 2026, features 77 units from 12 states and offers discounts of 20% on Khadi products and 10% on Village Industries products.
- Who it affects
- consumers
- When · Where
- From 2 October 2026: Khadi Mahotsav exhibition (+2 more) · Mumbai
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 16 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution announced on 16 October 2026 that it is expanding the distribution of buffer onions from the Price Stabilization Fund to the North-East. A shipment of approximately 440 MT of onions is expected to reach Agartala, Tripura, by 18 October 2026 to ensure affordable prices before the festive season.
- Who it affects
- consumers
- When · Where
- On 18 October 2026: expected arrival of 440 MT onion consignment in Agartala · Agartala, Tripura
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 16 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Defence announced on 15 October 2026 that the government intends to expand the National Cadet Corps (NCC) from approximately 17 lakh to 20 lakh cadets. During a conference in Guwahati, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth called on nine states—including those in the North Eastern Region, West Bengal, and Sikkim—to implement plans for improving training facilities and infrastructure.
- Who it affects
- NCC cadets
- When · Where
- On 15 October 2026: Special Joint State Representatives and Additional Director General’s Conference 2026 · Several states
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Defence
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 15 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) announced on 15 October 2026 the findings of network quality tests conducted in August 2026 across the South Andaman district and the coastal route from Port Blair to Havelock. The tests assessed voice and data performance, including coverage gaps, call drop rates, and download/upload speeds for various telecom providers.
- Who it affects
- Telecom Service Providers
- When · Where
- On 17 August 2026: drive tests across City, Hotspot, Walk and Coastal routes (+1 more) · South Andaman district and coastal route from Port Blair to Havelock
Source details
- Issued by
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 15 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways announced on 13 October 2026 that the 21st Maritime State Development Council meeting in Mumbai has set new targets for maritime growth. The government launched two credit risk insurance products, the Shipbuilding Project Credit Risk Insurance Policy for export projects and the Business Credit Shield Policy–Shipbuilders for domestic projects, to protect shipyards from payment delays.
- Who it affects
- all ports; shipbuilders
- When · Where
- By 1 March 2027: implementation of ONOP reforms and integration with Maritime Single Window (+2 more) · Several states
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 13 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released a report on 13 October 2026 detailing public grievance (PG) redressal for September 2026. In that month, 99,134 PG cases were received for States/UTs and 1,15,168 cases were redressed, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number of disposals.
- Who it affects
- West Bengal
- When · Where
- From 1 April 2022: Sevottam Scheme training period (+3 more) · West Bengal
Source details
- Issued by
- Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 13 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched the Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services Decision Support System (DSS) on 12 October 2026. This interactive WebGIS-based platform provides critical information on cyclone tracks, intensity, wind, and rainfall to help disaster management authorities and the public make informed decisions.
- Who it affects
- general public, disaster management authorities, and government agencies
- When · Where
- From 1 October 2026: post-monsoon season (+2 more) · Several states
Source details
- Issued by
- India Meteorological Department (IMD)
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 12 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Science & Technology announced on 12 October 2026 that researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have discovered a way to influence how peptide-based molecules organize. By adding a single methylene spacer, the team altered the molecular geometry and self-assembly behavior without changing the basic peptide framework.
- Who it affects
- researchers and developers of biomaterials
- When · Where
- Not stated in the document · Across West Bengal
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Science & Technology
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 12 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation announced on 12 October 2026 that provisional retail inflation for September 2026 was 5.54% year-on-year. Food inflation was higher at 7.74%, with rural inflation at 8.06% and urban at 7.18%.
- Who it affects
- general public
- When · Where
- On 12 November 2026: release of CPI for October 2026 · Several states
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 12 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Finance announced on 11 October 2026 that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized approximately 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at over Rs. 11.50 crore. The operations, conducted on 8 and 9 October 2026, targeted a smuggling syndicate using road and rail networks to move gold from the Bangladesh border toward Kolkata.
- Who it affects
- smugglers
- When · Where
- On 8 October 2026: intelligence-led operations to seize gold · eastern region
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Finance
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 11 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced on 10 October 2026 that the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has disbursed Rs 2.02 crore to 27 State Biodiversity Boards and 3 Union Territory Biodiversity Councils. These funds, collected as Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) contributions from seed-sector companies for using biological resources like rice and tomato, are intended to support biodiversity conservation and local community livelihoods.
- Who it affects
- State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils
- When · Where
- On 19 October 2026: seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 17) · Several states
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 10 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs announced on 10 October 2026 that it held a review conference in Kolkata on 9 October 2026 to assess the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in eight states. As of 31 August 2026, over 54 lakh claims were received nationally, with 25 lakh titles distributed and 11 lakh claims pending.
- Who it affects
- States
- When · Where
- On 9 October 2026: Second Regional Review Conference on implementation of the FRA (+1 more) · West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 10 October 2026
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