Daily filter — 24 September 2026
10 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
🛰️ Science & Tech · UPSC track
TDB-DST supports multisensor satellite for advanced Earth observation
The Technology Development Board (TDB) has funded GalaxEye to develop a multisensor satellite with OptoSAR technology.
- TDB-DST signed an agreement with GalaxEye Space Solutions Private Limited for ₹63.84 crore RDI support.
- The project aims to develop a multisensor satellite with OptoSAR imaging (SAR + optical) for high-resolution Earth observation.
- The technology will move from TRL-6 to TRL-9, providing sub-0.5 meter imaging for diverse applications.
- OptoSAR combines SAR (all-weather) and Electro-Optical (detailed visual) imaging for continuous data.
💡 Remember: TDB-DST funds GalaxEye's OptoSAR satellite for advanced, all-weather Earth observation.
Source: Ministry of Science & Technology · PIB PRID 2314385
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NCSC investigates **IIT Bombay** student's death, alleges caste discrimination
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (**NCSC**) Chairman conducted a spot inquiry into the death of a **Scheduled Caste** student at **IIT Bombay**.
- NCSC Chairman Shri Kishor Makwana conducted a spot inquiry at IIT Bombay.
- The inquiry concerned the death of Shri Sahil Wakode, a Scheduled Caste student.
- The NCSC is examining allegations of caste-based discrimination and harassment.
- An incident of alleged academic malpractice occurred on 18 September 2026.
- The NCSC directed preservation of all relevant evidence, including CCTV footage.
- A detailed Action Taken Report was requested from investigating authorities.
💡 Remember NCSC involvement in the IIT Bombay case for Scheduled Caste student welfare.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · PIB PRID 2314585
🏭 Economy · UPSC track
Make in India: Twelve Years Transforming Manufacturing Landscape
The 'Make in India' initiative, launched on 25 September 2014, has completed twelve years, significantly enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities across various sectors.
- Make in India 2.0 now focuses on 27 sectors, including 15 manufacturing and 12 services.
- Manufacturing GVA grew at a 10.88% CAGR between 2022-23 and 2025-26.
- Electronics production increased nearly sevenfold from ~₹1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ~₹13.11 lakh crore in 2025-26.
- India is the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer by volume.
- Indigenous defence production reached a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, nearly four times its 2014-15 level.
💡 For the exam: Remember 'Make in India' milestones—launched in 2014, expanded to 27 sectors, strong GVA growth, and significant increases in electronics and defence production.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2314447
🧑🎓 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
DDU-GKY: Skill Development for Rural Youth Since 2014
The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) offers placement-linked skill training to marginalized rural youth.
- DDU-GKY launched on 25 September 2014 under DAY-NRLM.
- It targets rural youth aged 15 to 35 years for skill training and employment.
- As of June 2026, 18.45 lakh youth trained, 12.35 lakh placed.
- The DDU-GKY 2.0 framework emphasizes industry-led training and digital systems.
💡 Remember DDU-GKY: started 2014, for 15-35 rural youth, with millions trained/placed by 2026.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2314280
🌱 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
DDU-GKY 2.0: Skilling Rural Youth for Sustainable Employment
The **Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)**, launched in 2014, has been upgraded to DDU-GKY 2.0 to enhance rural skilling and employment outcomes.
- DDU-GKY was launched on 25 September 2014 under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
- DDU-GKY 2.0 Guidelines were notified in May 2025, extending minimum placement to six months.
- It targets rural youth aged 15-35 years and mandates 50% SC/ST, 33% women, and 5% PwD coverage.
- The Union Budget 2026–27 allocated ₹ 750 crore to DDU-GKY.
- Special initiatives include Roshni for LWE-affected districts and Himayat for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Placed candidates receive ₹ 7,620 financial assistance for six months and ₹ 5,000 retention support after 365 days.
- Training includes 396 hours domain and 180 hours non-domain (English, Life Skills, Computer, Entrepreneurship).
💡 Remember DDU-GKY 2.0 for its 2025 upgrade, 6-month placement, and special focus on LWE/J&K/Ladakh youth.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2314249
⚠️ Economy · LAW track
MCA Cautions Public Against Non-Compliant Nidhi Companies
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued an advisory warning the public about non-compliant Nidhi Companies promising high returns.
- Many Nidhi Companies are not complying with Companies Act, 2013 and Nidhi Rules, 2014.
- Only 395 firms have been declared as Nidhis by the Central Government.
- Deposits in Nidhi Companies are NOT insured by DICGC.
- Companies must file NDH-4 application to be declared a Nidhi.
💡 For the exam: Remember Nidhi Companies are regulated by MCA, require NDH-4 filing, and their deposits are NOT DICGC-insured.
Source: Ministry of Corporate Affairs · PIB PRID 2314436
⚛️ Science & Tech · UPSC track
DRDO inks deep tech deal for quantum refrigerator
DRDO partnered with a startup under the TDF scheme to indigenously develop a dilution refrigerator for quantum applications.
- DRDO signed its first high-value deep tech project agreement with Zero mK India Private Limited.
- The project is for indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator for Quantum Applications.
- This is the first agreement under the Rs 500 crore corpus for deep-tech projects.
- It aligns with the National Quantum Mission to reduce import dependence.
- The agreement was signed in New Delhi on 24 SEP 2026.
💡 DRDO and Zero mK India will indigenously develop a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator, the first Rs 500 crore TDF deep-tech project, supporting the National Quantum Mission.
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2314536
🧀 Schemes & Welfare · LAW track
FSSAI proposes ban on 'Paneer' for non-milk products
FSSAI has proposed an amendment to prevent misleading marketing of analogue products as 'Paneer' to protect consumers.
- FSSAI proposed a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
- The 2026 amendment aims to restrict manufacture and sale of analogue products as “Paneer”.
- Products currently licensed as 'Analogue in Dairy Context' must discontinue using "Paneer".
- The draft regulations will be considered after 60 days from gazette notification.
💡 Remember: FSSAI's 2026 amendment targets misrepresentation of paneer-like products, impacting 2011 regulations.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2314542
🌱 Science & Tech · UPSC track
India Launches Commercial Bio-based Biodegradable Plastic (PLA)
India has launched a new commercial bio-based biodegradable plastic (PLA) project, marking a shift towards next-generation sustainable manufacturing.
- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh formalized the commercial launch of Polylactic Acid (PLA) based biodegradable plastic.
- The initiative is supported by a ₹75 crore BioE3 grant from BIRAC under the DBT.
- A 100 TPA pilot facility for PLA and co-polymers is being established by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML).
- India's bioeconomy has grown from US$10 billion in 2014 to nearly US$195 billion.
- The facility will be at BCML's integrated complex at Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh.
💡 For the exam: Remember PLA is a bio-based biodegradable plastic, launched under BioE3 with ₹75 crore grant for BCML.
Source: Ministry of Science & Technology · PIB PRID 2314491
🏛️ Law & Judiciary · UPSC track
NCST reviews safeguards for Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) reviewed the implementation of constitutional safeguards and development schemes for STs in Karnataka.
- The review meeting was chaired by Shri Antar Singh Arya, Hon’ble Chairperson, NCST, on 24 SEP 2026.
- NCST examined issues like ST Component fund utilisation, tribal land rights, and Forest Rights Act, 2006.
- It emphasized reviewing rejected and pending claims under the Forest Rights Act.
- Discussions included establishing a Karnataka State Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
- Special focus was on PVTGs like Koraga and Jenu Kuruba communities.
💡 Remember: NCST reviewed Karnataka's ST safeguards, focusing on the Forest Rights Act and a proposed state commission.
Source: Ministry of Tribal Affairs · PIB PRID 2314432