Daily filter — 31 October 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
💰 Economy · UPSC track
Union Government Releases Advance Tax Devolution to States
The Union Government released an additional tax devolution installment to states on October 31, 2026, ahead of the festive season.
- Union Government released ₹1,09,019 crore to State Governments.
- This was an advance installment on October 31, 2026.
- It is the second additional installment this financial year.
- Aimed to accelerate capital spending and finance welfare.
💡 For the exam: Remember the amount ₹1,09,019 crore for advance tax devolution, released on October 31, 2026 as a second additional installment.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2330997
🚫 Defence & Security · LAW track
Central Bureau of Narcotics Seizes Poppy Straw in MP
The **CBN Madhya Pradesh Unit** conducted three major anti-drug operations, seizing 2,774.650 kg of poppy straw and arresting four persons.
- CBN Madhya Pradesh Unit conducted three operations recently.
- Total of 2,774.650 kg illicit poppy straw seized.
- Five vehicles were confiscated during the operations.
- Four persons were arrested under NDPS Act, 1985.
- Operations occurred on Oct 27, 28, 29, 2026.
💡 For the exam: Remember CBN MP Unit seized 2774.650 kg poppy straw and arrested 4 on Oct 2026 under NDPS Act.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2331051
🧵 Economy · LAW track
Customs Duty Exemption on Cotton Imports Extended to December 2026
Government of India extended customs duty exemption on cotton imports to support the domestic textile industry.
- Exemption on cotton imports extended until 31st December 2026.
- Previously, exemption was valid only until 31st October 2026.
- Extension notified by Department of Revenue via Notification No. 35/2026-Customs.
- Aims to augment availability and ensure competitive prices for textile sector.
💡 Remember: The cotton import customs duty exemption was extended by two months to December 31, 2026, for the textile industry.
Source: Ministry of Textiles · PIB PRID 2330823
🛡️ Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
India Boosts Social Security with Expanded EPFO Coverage
India's social security framework expanded, increasing coverage from 19% in 2015 to 68.4% in 2026, benefiting over one billion people.
- Mandatory EPFO coverage wage ceiling increased to ₹25,000 in September 2026, adding 51 lakh employees.
- EPFO is one of the world's largest social security institutions.
- EPFO now settles 6.42 crore claims annually, up from 1.30 crore in 2014-15.
- Partial withdrawal rules simplified, allowing up to 10 withdrawals for education and 5 for marriage.
- New schemes, EPF 2026, EPS 2026, and EDLI 2026, replaced older ones under the Social Security Code, 2020.
- EDLI 2026 provides insurance up to ₹7 lakh without separate premium.
💡 For the exam: Remember the EPFO wage ceiling hike to ₹25,000, EPF/EPS/EDLI 2026 schemes, and increased social security coverage to 68.4% by 2026.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2330727
⚓ Defence & Security · UPSC track
Inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise held in Bay of Bengal
The first BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise enhances cooperation and operational linkages among member states in the Bay of Bengal.
- The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise took place from 30 Oct to 03 Nov 2026.
- Participating nations included Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
- The exercise was held in the Bay of Bengal region.
- It highlights the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC).
💡 Remember: The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise (30 Oct-03 Nov 2026) involved all 7 members in the Bay of Bengal.
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2330850
🛣️ Economy · UPSC track
Mizoram Road Works Approved Under PMGSY-IV
New road projects in Mizoram will enhance rural connectivity, approved under PMGSY-IV to boost social and economic development.
- Mizoram approved 45 road works (509.54 km) under PMGSY-IV (Batch–1, FY 2026-27).
- Total estimated cost for these projects is ₹710.40 crore.
- These projects will provide all-weather road connectivity to 48 habitations for the first time.
- As of 2026-10-31, 367 road works (4,935 km) and 7 bridges were sanctioned to Mizoram.
💡 Remember PMGSY-IV Batch–1, FY 2026-27 approval for Mizoram's 45 road works (509.54 km) costing ₹710.40 crore for 48 habitations.
Source: Ministry of Rural Development · PIB PRID 2330725
🤝 Schemes & Welfare · LAW track
MAPCET Payments For Skill Development Under Central Assistance Scheme
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment clarified payments made by **MAPCET** under a skill development scheme for **SC** beneficiaries.
- MAPCET received Rs. 2,945.37 lakh during 2021–22 under 'Special Central Assistance for SC Sub-Plan'.
- 28 institutions trained 4,952 trainees from BPL SC families.
- Payments are in three instalments: 30% (commencement), 40% (certification), 30% (verified 70% employment).
- Only first and second instalments have been paid, as the third requires verified employment data on the portal.
- The claim of payments without verifying placement data is 'entirely incorrect and baseless'.
💡 For the exam: Remember MAPCET skill development for SC beneficiaries, MSDE payment criteria, and that only first/second instalments (not placement-linked) were disbursed.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · PIB PRID 2331004
🤝 Economy · LAW track
CCI Approves **MIH Payments Holdings B.V.** Acquisition in **Navi Ltd**
The **Competition Commission of India (CCI)** has approved the acquisition of shareholding in **Navi Limited** by **MIH Payments Holdings B.V.**
- MIH Payments Holdings B.V. is the Acquirer in this transaction.
- Navi Limited is the Target company, offering financial services.
- Acquirer is an indirect subsidiary of Prosus N.V.
- Navi Ltd offers services via a single consumer-facing mobile app.
💡 For the exam: Remember CCI approved MIH Payments (a Prosus subsidiary) acquiring a stake in financial services provider Navi Ltd.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2330818
🤝 Economy · LAW track
CCI Approves Adani Energy's IntelliSmart Infrastructure Acquisition
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of IntelliSmart Infrastructure by Adani Energy Solutions.
- CCI approved Adani Energy Solutions Ltd.'s acquisition of IntelliSmart Infrastructure.
- Adani Energy will acquire 100% equity from NIIF and EESL.
- Adani Energy transmits and distributes electricity, and deploys advanced metering.
- IntelliSmart is involved in advanced electricity and smart gas metering.
💡 For the exam: Remember CCI approved Adani Energy (Adani Group) buying 100% of IntelliSmart (from NIIF/EESL), consolidating advanced metering infrastructure.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2330819
🍔 Economy · LAW track
CCI Approves Merger of Sapphire Foods into Devyani International
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved a significant merger in the Quick Service Restaurant sector.
- CCI approved the merger of Sapphire Foods India Limited into Devyani International Limited.
- Devyani operates KFC and Pizza Hut franchise outlets across India.
- Sapphire also operates KFC and Pizza Hut franchise outlets in India.
💡 Remember: CCI cleared the Sapphire-Devyani merger, both operate KFC and Pizza Hut.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2330817
🤝 Economy · LAW track
CCI Approves Aditya Birla Renewables' Solenergi Power Acquisition
The **CCI** has greenlit the acquisition of **Solenergi Power** by **Aditya Birla Renewables Ltd**.
- CCI approved acquisition of 100% of Solenergi Power share capital.
- Aditya Birla Renewables Ltd is the Acquirer.
- Acquisition from Shell Overseas Investment B.V. (Seller).
- Acquirer engaged in renewable power generation (solar, wind) and EPC.
💡 For the exam: Remember CCI approved Aditya Birla Renewables acquiring Solenergi Power from Shell in renewable energy sector.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2330816
🤝 Economy · LAW track
CCI Approves Vodafone Group PLC Stake Acquisition by Vega SAS
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved a significant stake acquisition in **Vodafone Group PLC**.
- CCI approved the acquisition on 31 OCT 2026.
- Vega SAS will acquire 16.2% of Vodafone Group PLC.
- Vega SAS is a holding company under Maya SAS of France.
- Vodafone Group PLC offers fixed/mobile services in Europe/Africa.
- Vodafone Group PLC is present in India via Vodafone Idea Limited.
💡 For the exam: Remember CCI approved Vega SAS's 16.2% stake in Vodafone Group PLC, impacting its Indian presence.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2330815