Daily filter — 17 October 2026
6 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Supreme Court's HPEC launches portal for Jantar Mantar violence enquiry
A High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) formed by the Supreme Court launched a portal to collect information on violence during July 2026.
- The Supreme Court constituted the HPEC for violence at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, in July 2026.
- The HPEC portal http://hpec.nic.in launched for convenience of affected people.
- The HPEC will examine issues from Supreme Court Orders dated 18 August 2026 and 10 September 2026.
- Priority includes pellet gun use, targeted violence, harassment of female protestors.
- The portal ensures confidentiality and protection for vulnerable witnesses.
💡 The Supreme Court's HPEC portal on hpec.nic.in collects complaints about July 2026 Jantar Mantar violence, protecting witnesses.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2324691
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Government's IDBI Stake Dilution: Court Dismisses Promissory Estoppel
The Ministry of Finance clarified the government's ability to dilute its **IDBI Bank** stake, citing a **Delhi High Court** judgment from **2018**.
- The IDBI (Repeal) Act, 2003 did not restrict the government's stake dilution.
- Delhi High Court dismissed a petition in 2018 regarding this matter.
- The court ruled that 'promissory estoppel' cannot prevent stake dilution.
- Legislative statements cannot override enacted Parliament statutes.
- Successive Union Budgets (2016-17, 2021-22) reaffirmed disinvestment intent.
💡 For the exam: The IDBI (Repeal) Act, 2003 allows government stake dilution; Delhi High Court rejected promissory estoppel arguments in 2018.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2324612
🚀 Economy · UPSC track
India's Space Economy Projected for Significant Growth
India's space economy, currently at **USD 9 billion**, is set to reach **USD 40-45 billion** in the next **seven to eight years**.
- India's space sector opened to private participation in 2019–2020.
- Emphasis is on building globally competitive commercial space companies.
- Key factors for growth include predictable demand, faster approvals, and sustainable business models.
- Space technology is widely used on Earth for infrastructure, agriculture, and disaster management.
💡 For the exam: Remember the USD 9B to USD 40-45B growth in 7-8 years driven by private sector reforms since 2019–2020.
Source: Department of Space · PIB PRID 2324662
🌱 Environment · UPSC track
NBA Disburses Rs 1.19 Crore for Biodiversity Conservation
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) disbursed funds to 29 State Biodiversity Boards and one UT Council under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism.
- NBA disbursed Rs 1.19 crore under the ABS mechanism on 17 OCT 2026.
- Funds went to 29 State Biodiversity Boards and one UT Biodiversity Council.
- The amount supports biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.
- Allocations based on estimated cultivation areas for agricultural biological resources.
- Maharashtra received the highest share: Rs 19,46,149.00.
- ABS contributions came from companies utilizing maize, rice, pearl millet, and cotton.
💡 Remember: NBA disbursed Rs 1.19 crore via ABS to 29+1 for biodiversity, with Maharashtra topping the list.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2324757
🍵 Law & Judiciary · LAW track
FSSAI Proposes New Pesticide Residue Limits for Tea
The **FSSAI** has proposed draft amendments to set Maximum Residue Limits for two pesticides in tea.
- FSSAI notified draft amendments for Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid in tea.
- Proposed MRLs are 20 ppm for Acetamiprid and 50 ppm for Imidacloprid in tea.
- The Acetamiprid MRL of 20 ppm is lower than Japan's 30 ppm and the USA's 50 ppm.
- India's average pesticide use is less than 0.5 kg per hectare, below the global average of 2.38 kg.
💡 Remember: FSSAI sets MRLs for Acetamiprid (20 ppm) and Imidacloprid (50 ppm) in tea, with India's Acetamiprid MRL being lower than Japan and the USA.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2324656
👶 Schemes & Welfare · LAW track
FSSAI Proposes Restricting Sugars in Infant Food for First Six Months
The **FSSAI** has drafted an amendment to prohibit added sucrose and fructose in food products for infants up to six months.
- The FSSAI published a draft amendment to existing Infant Nutrition Regulations, 2020.
- It proposes prohibiting sucrose and fructose in products for infants up to six months.
- The draft amendment was published in the Gazette of India on 16 October 2026.
- Current regulations allow sucrose/fructose under limits, with lactose as preferred carbohydrate.
- The public has 60 days from publication for suggestions on the draft notification.
💡 Remember: FSSAI aims to ban sucrose and fructose in infant foods for the crucial first six months of life.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2324637