Daily Current Affairs October 15

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October 15 | Daily Current Affairs 2026

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs October 15

1. World Students’ Day 2026 was observed on 15 October to commemorate the 95th birth anniversary of which Indian personality?
A) Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
B) Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
C) Dr. Homi J. Bhabha
D) Dr. C. V. Raman
E) Dr. Satish Dhawan
Answer: B) Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.

Event and Location:

• Event: World Students’ Day 2026 was observed to commemorate the 95th birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th President and an eminent aerospace scientist.
• Location: India and educational institutions worldwide, with Dr. Kalam’s birthplace being Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
• Date: 15 October 2026 (Thursday).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: World Students’ Day is observed to honour Dr. Kalam’s contributions to education, scientific research, space technology and national development. Educational institutions organize seminars, debates, science exhibitions and interactive sessions. The observance is not officially recognized as an international day by the United Nations, and no globally official theme was announced for 2026.
• Objectives: To promote scientific temper, creativity, independent thinking, leadership and youth empowerment while encouraging students to contribute to national development through education, research and technological innovation.

Important Terms Explained:

• Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam: Born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, he served as India’s 11th President from 25 July 2002 to 25 July 2007. Popularly known as the Missile Man of India and People’s President, he received the Bharat Ratna in 1997 and passed away on 27 July 2015 while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong.
• Satellite Launch Vehicle-III (SLV-III): India’s first indigenously developed satellite launch vehicle, successfully placed the Rohini satellite into orbit in July 1980 under Dr. Kalam’s leadership as Project Director at ISRO.
• Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP): A defence research programme undertaken by DRDO to develop indigenous guided missile systems, including Agni and Prithvi, with Dr. Kalam playing a leading role in its implementation.
• Pokhran-II Nuclear Tests: A series of nuclear tests conducted by India in Pokhran, Rajasthan, in May 1998, with Dr. Kalam contributing to scientific coordination and implementation alongside the Department of Atomic Energy.
• Technology Vision 2020: A national development roadmap prepared with Dr. Kalam’s involvement as TIFAC Chairman, focusing on technological advancement, agricultural productivity, healthcare, education and national self-reliance.
• Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA): A rural development concept promoted by Dr. Kalam to improve infrastructure, connectivity, essential services and economic opportunities in rural areas.
• Kalam-Raju Stent and Kalam-Raju Tablet: Healthcare innovations developed through the collaboration of Dr. Kalam and cardiologist Dr. B. Soma Raju to improve the affordability and accessibility of cardiac care and healthcare services.
• Bharat Ratna: India’s highest civilian award, conferred on Dr. Kalam in 1997 in recognition of his exceptional contributions to science, technology and national service.
• International Day of Rural Women: A United Nations-recognized international observance held annually on 15 October under UN General Assembly Resolution 62/136 of 2007, distinct from World Students’ Day.

Tabular Summary:

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2. What is the theme of Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026, observed on 15 October 2026 in New Delhi?
A) Women Empowerment through Sustainable Agriculture
B) Role of Women Farmers in Developing Agriculture and Developed India
C) Empowering Rural Women for Food Security
D) Women Farmers and Agricultural Innovation
E) Sustainable Farming for Viksit Bharat
Answer: B) Role of Women Farmers in Developing Agriculture and Developed India.

Event and Location:

• Event: Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 was celebrated to recognize the contributions of women farmers to Indian agriculture, rural development and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
• Location: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, India.
• Date: 15 October 2026 (Thursday).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, organized the national-level celebration with the theme “Role of Women Farmers in Developing Agriculture and Developed India.” The event coincided with the International Day of Rural Women and formed part of the United Nations-declared International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. Participants included women farmers from States and Union Territories, agricultural officers, extension workers and government officials.
• Objectives: To recognize women’s contributions to agricultural production, livestock management, biodiversity conservation and rural entrepreneurship while promoting modern agricultural technologies, sustainable farming practices and improved access to finance, productive resources, training and markets. The initiative also aims to strengthen women’s participation in agricultural decision-making and support India’s vision of becoming a developed nation.

Important Terms Explained:

• International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026): A United Nations-declared international observance for 2026 that recognizes women farmers’ contributions to agrifood systems and promotes their empowerment through improved access to technology, finance, education, markets and agricultural resources.
• International Day of Rural Women: A United Nations-recognized observance celebrated annually on 15 October, established through UN General Assembly Resolution 62/136 in 2007 to acknowledge rural women’s contributions to agricultural development, food security and poverty eradication.
• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): A labour market survey conducted by the National Statistical Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. According to the January–December 2025 survey figures cited, women accounted for 59.8% of India’s total agricultural workforce.
• National Statistical Office (NSO): An organization under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation responsible for collecting, compiling and disseminating official statistics, including employment and labour force data through PLFS.
• Viksit Bharat: India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing economic growth, technological advancement, sustainable development, inclusive opportunities and stronger agricultural productivity.
• Agricultural Extension Services: Services that connect agricultural research with farming communities by providing training, scientific farming knowledge, information about modern technologies and awareness of government schemes to improve agricultural productivity.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Farming practices that maintain agricultural productivity while conserving soil, water, biodiversity and natural resources to support long-term food security and environmental sustainability.

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs October 15

3. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for September 2026, what was the urban female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), the highest since October 2025?
A) 23.5%
B) 24.8%
C) 25.4%
D) 25.9%
E) 26.5%
Answer: D) 25.9%.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin for September 2026, reporting an overall unemployment rate of 5.0%, a Labour Force Participation Rate of 55.5% and urban female LFPR of 25.9%, its highest level since October 2025.
• Location: India, covering rural and urban areas across the country.
• Date: 15 October 2026, reporting labour market statistics for September 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI released the eighteenth monthly PLFS bulletin under the methodology introduced in January 2025, using the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach for persons aged 15 years and above. The survey reported an overall LFPR of 55.5%, Worker Population Ratio of 52.7% and unemployment rate of 5.0%. Urban female LFPR increased from 25.4% in August to 25.9% in September 2026, while rural female LFPR reached 38.9% and overall female LFPR stood at 34.6%.
• Objectives: To monitor employment, unemployment and labour force participation across rural and urban India, assess gender-based workforce trends and provide reliable statistics for labour market analysis and policymaking. The survey also helps identify changes in women’s economic participation, employment opportunities and regional labour market conditions.

Important Terms Explained:

• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): An official labour market survey conducted by the National Statistical Office under MoSPI to estimate employment, unemployment, labour force participation and workforce participation across rural and urban India.
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): The percentage of people in a specified age group who are either employed or unemployed but seeking or available for work. India’s overall LFPR for persons aged 15 years and above stood at 55.5% in September 2026, compared with 55.6% in August 2026.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR): The percentage of people in a specified age group who are employed. India’s overall WPR stood at 52.7% in September 2026, compared with 52.8% in August and 52.4% in September 2025.
• Unemployment Rate (UR): The percentage of unemployed persons within the total labour force. India’s overall unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.0% from August to September 2026, while rural unemployment stood at 4.2% and urban unemployment at 6.9%.
• Current Weekly Status (CWS): A labour force measurement approach that determines a person’s employment or unemployment status based on activities during the seven days preceding the survey, providing short-term labour market estimates.
• Urban Female Labour Force Participation: The proportion of urban women aged 15 years and above who are employed or actively participating in the labour market. The rate increased from 25.4% in August to 25.9% in September 2026, reaching its highest level since October 2025.
• Rural Female Labour Force Participation: The proportion of rural women participating in the labour force. It increased from 37.9% in September 2025 to 38.9% in September 2026, representing an annual rise of 1.0 percentage point.
• Percentage Point: A unit used to express the arithmetic difference between two percentages. For example, an increase in urban female LFPR from 25.4% to 25.9% represents a rise of 0.5 percentage points.

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs October 15

4. What is the total financial outlay approved by the Union Cabinet for the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) from 2026–27 to 2030–31?
A) ₹43,428 crore
B) ₹48,428 crore
C) ₹53,428 crore
D) ₹58,428 crore
E) ₹63,428 crore
Answer: C) ₹53,428 crore.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years with an outlay of ₹53,428 crore and its renaming as Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
• Location: New Delhi, India, with implementation across all 36 States and Union Territories.
• Date: 14 October 2026, covering the financial years 2026–27 to 2030–31.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Union Cabinet approved the five-year continuation of NSAP under the Department of Rural Development, benefiting approximately 3.20 crore people. The programme and its four major sub-schemes will be renamed, while the disability pension eligibility threshold will be reduced from 80% to 40%, with eligibility beginning from birth. Revised disability pension assistance will be ₹375 for beneficiaries aged 0–79 years and ₹625 for those aged 80 years and above, with operational guidelines to be issued within three months.
• Objectives: To strengthen financial assistance for economically vulnerable groups, including elderly persons, widows, persons with disabilities and poor families. The revised disability eligibility provisions aim to expand social protection in alignment with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, while maintaining existing provisions for old-age pensions, widow pensions and family benefits.

Important Terms Explained:

• Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana: The approved new name of NSAP, a centrally supported social assistance programme originally launched on 15 August 1995 to provide financial support to vulnerable individuals and families.
• Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana: The renamed Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), providing pension assistance to eligible elderly persons from economically disadvantaged households without changes to existing benefits.
• Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana: The renamed Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), providing financial assistance to eligible widows from poor households under the existing provisions.
• Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana: The renamed Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS), with the disability eligibility threshold reduced from 80% to 40%, eligibility starting from birth and revised assistance of ₹375 for persons aged 0–79 years and ₹625 for those aged 80 years and above.
• Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana: The renamed National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), providing financial assistance to eligible poor families following the death of their primary breadwinner, with existing provisions remaining unchanged.
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016: Indian legislation protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and defining benchmark disability as at least 40% of a specified disability, certified by the competent authority.
• Article 41 of the Indian Constitution: A Directive Principle of State Policy under Part IV directing the State, within its economic capacity and development, to make provisions for public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 15

5. How many days of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) were approved by the Union Cabinet for eligible Indian Railways employees in October 2026?
A) 60 days
B) 65 days
C) 70 days
D) 75 days
E) 78 days
Answer: E) 78 days.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) worth ₹2,009.61 crore for 11,40,770 eligible Indian Railways employees.
• Location: New Delhi, India, with benefits applicable to eligible non-gazetted employees across Indian Railways.
• Date: 14 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Union Cabinet sanctioned ₹2,009.61 crore for the payment of a 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus to approximately 11.40 lakh eligible non-gazetted railway employees, with a maximum payment of ₹17,951 per employee. The bonus is intended to be distributed before Durga Puja and Dussehra and covers eligible personnel, including track maintainers, locomotive pilots, train managers, station masters, supervisors, technicians, pointsmen, ministerial staff and Group C employees.
• Objectives: To recognize and reward railway employees for their contributions to operational efficiency, freight transportation, passenger services and overall railway performance during 2025–26. The incentive aims to improve employee motivation, productivity and service delivery while acknowledging Indian Railways’ achievements in freight loading and passenger transportation.

Important Terms Explained:

• Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB): A performance-related financial incentive provided to eligible employees based on organizational productivity. Under the 2026 approval, eligible railway employees will receive a bonus equivalent to 78 days’ wages, subject to a maximum payment of ₹17,951 per employee.
• Indian Railways: India’s national railway system, operating under the Ministry of Railways and responsible for passenger transportation, freight movement, railway infrastructure and associated services across the country.
• Non-Gazetted Railway Employees: Railway personnel who do not hold gazetted officer status and serve in operational, technical, maintenance, supervisory and administrative positions, including eligible Group C employees covered under the PLB scheme.
• Freight Loading: The total quantity of goods loaded onto railway wagons for transportation during a specified period. Indian Railways reported freight loading of 1,670 million tonnes during the financial year 2025–26.
• Passenger Traffic: The total number of passenger journeys recorded by a transport system during a specified period. Indian Railways reported approximately 7.41 billion passenger journeys during 2025–26.
• Dearness Allowance (DA): An allowance provided to eligible government employees and pensioners to help offset the impact of inflation. Unlike PLB, Dearness Allowance is linked to changes in the cost of living rather than organizational productivity.

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6. From which date has the Supreme Court directed Indian Railways to extend travel insurance coverage to tickets booked at railway station counters?
A) 15 October 2026
B) 20 October 2026
C) 25 October 2026
D) 27 October 2026
E) 1 November 2026
Answer: D) 27 October 2026.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Supreme Court directed Indian Railways to extend travel insurance coverage to railway station counter-booked tickets from 27 October 2026, ensuring benefits comparable to those available for eligible online bookings.
• Location: India, covering railway station ticket counters across the Indian Railways network.
• Date: 6 October 2026 (Supreme Court order), with implementation scheduled from 27 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: A Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan directed Indian Railways to provide insurance coverage for tickets booked through railway station counters from 27 October 2026. The Railway Board is responsible for implementation. Under the existing online insurance scheme, coverage includes ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability, ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, ₹2 lakh for hospitalization expenses and ₹10,000 for transportation of mortal remains. The reported online insurance premium is 45 paise per passenger, including taxes, while the premium collection process and other operational arrangements for counter bookings remain to be clarified.
• Objectives: To eliminate disparities in insurance protection between online and offline railway ticket bookings, strengthen passenger financial security and ensure equitable compensation in the event of railway accidents. The direction also aims to improve passenger welfare and accountability in railway safety measures following concerns raised after the Odisha train accident of June 2023.

Important Terms Explained:

• Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC): A public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways that provides online railway ticket booking, catering and tourism services. Its website and mobile application offer eligible passengers the option to purchase travel insurance during booking.
• Optional Travel Insurance Scheme: An insurance facility available to eligible passengers booking railway tickets online through IRCTC, providing financial protection against specified railway accidents and related injuries, disabilities or death, subject to policy conditions.
• Insurance Premium: The amount paid to obtain insurance protection. The existing optional online railway travel insurance scheme reportedly charges 45 paise per passenger, including taxes, while the payment procedure for counter-booked tickets has not been specified.
• Insurance Coverage: The maximum financial protection available under an insurance policy for specified events. The existing railway travel insurance scheme provides up to ₹10 lakh for death or permanent total disability, ₹7.5 lakh for permanent partial disability, ₹2 lakh for hospitalization and ₹10,000 for transportation of mortal remains.
• Permanent Total Disability: A condition in which an insured person suffers permanent disability meeting the policy’s criteria for total disablement. The existing railway insurance scheme provides coverage of up to ₹10 lakh for this category.
• Permanent Partial Disability: A lasting disability that partially affects a person’s physical functioning according to the applicable insurance policy. The existing railway insurance scheme provides coverage of up to ₹7.5 lakh for this category.
• Railway Board: The apex administrative body responsible for the management and policy implementation of Indian Railways under the Ministry of Railways. It has been assigned responsibility for implementing the Supreme Court’s insurance direction.
• Kavach Train Protection System: An indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection system designed to improve railway safety by helping prevent train collisions and signal-passing incidents through automatic braking and other safety functions.

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7. What is the installed capacity of the solar power project with battery energy storage inaugurated at Rongtong in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley?
A) 1 MW
B) 2 MW
C) 3 MW
D) 4 MW
E) 5 MW
Answer: B) 2 MW.

Event and Location:

• Event: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the state’s first solar power project with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Rongtong, with an installed capacity of 2 MW and an expected annual electricity generation of 36 lakh units.
• Location: Rongtong, Kaza region, Spiti Valley, Lahaul-Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh.
• Date: Inauguration reported on 15 October 2026, with construction commencing on 30 May 2023 and commissioning completed in December 2024.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Himachal Pradesh government inaugurated the 2 MW Rongtong solar power project, developed at a cost of ₹4.42 crore and equipped with a 1 MWh battery storage facility. The project is expected to generate approximately 36 lakh units of electricity annually. During the visit, the Chief Minister also inaugurated or initiated development works worth ₹116.28 crore, laid foundation stones for two 66/22 kV substations at Sumdo and Kaza costing ₹47.95 crore, and announced ₹6 crore for making the Rongtong Hydel Power Project functional.
• Objectives: To strengthen renewable energy infrastructure, improve electricity reliability in the remote and high-altitude Spiti Valley, reduce dependence on conventional energy sources and support sustainable regional development. The battery storage facility aims to store surplus solar electricity for later use, improve energy availability and address fluctuations in solar power generation.

Important Terms Explained:

• Rongtong Solar Power Project: A 2 MW solar electricity generation facility developed at Rongtong in Spiti Valley at a cost of ₹4.42 crore, integrated with a 1 MWh battery storage system and designed to generate approximately 36 lakh units of electricity annually.
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): A technology that stores electrical energy in rechargeable batteries and releases it when required, helping manage fluctuations in renewable energy generation and improving electricity supply flexibility.
• Megawatt (MW): A unit of electrical power equal to one million watts, commonly used to measure the installed generation capacity of power plants. The Rongtong solar project has a capacity of 2 MW.
• Megawatt-hour (MWh): A unit of electrical energy equivalent to one megawatt of power supplied for one hour. The Rongtong project’s battery storage capacity is 1 MWh, representing energy storage rather than electricity generation capacity.
• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology: A renewable energy technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor-based solar cells, enabling electricity generation without burning conventional fuels.
• 66/22 kV Substation: An electrical infrastructure facility that steps down voltage from 66 kilovolts to 22 kilovolts for power distribution. Two such substations are planned at Sumdo in Kinnaur district and Kaza in Spiti Valley at a combined cost of ₹47.95 crore.
• Rongtong Hydel Power Project: A hydroelectric power project in the Rongtong area for which the Himachal Pradesh government announced an allocation of ₹6 crore to make the facility operational.

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8. From which date has India proposed implementing Phase 1 of the Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) emission standards for new cars and SUVs?
A) 1 April 2027
B) 1 April 2028
C) 1 April 2029
D) 1 April 2031
E) 1 April 2035
Answer: C) 1 April 2029.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) proposed introducing stricter Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) emission standards for new cars and SUVs through a three-phase implementation plan aimed at reducing harmful vehicle emissions.
• Location: India, covering new vehicles subject to the proposed national emission regulations.
• Date: 12 October 2026 (draft notification), with implementation proposed from 1 April 2029.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: MoRTH issued a draft notification proposing the phased implementation of BS-VII emission standards from 1 April 2029, followed by subsequent phases on 1 April 2031 and 1 April 2035. The proposed standards aim to introduce stricter limits on pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulate matter. New cars and SUVs are targeted under the initial phase, while detailed technical requirements, vehicle categories and compliance conditions remain subject to final government notification.
• Objectives: To reduce vehicular air pollution, improve public health, encourage advanced emission-control technologies and support cleaner transportation. The phased implementation is intended to provide automobile manufacturers sufficient time to upgrade vehicle technologies, conduct research and development, and comply with stricter environmental regulations without automatically affecting the operational lifespan of existing vehicles.

Important Terms Explained:

• Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards: Government-prescribed regulations that establish permissible limits for harmful pollutants emitted by motor vehicles, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulate matter.
• Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI): Vehicle emission standards implemented nationwide in April 2020, introducing stricter pollutant limits and cleaner fuel requirements. India directly transitioned from BS-IV to BS-VI, bypassing BS-V to accelerate emission reduction.
• Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII): Proposed next-generation vehicle emission standards intended to impose tighter pollution-control requirements than BS-VI, with implementation planned in three phases during 2029, 2031 and 2035, subject to final regulatory approval.
• Phase-wise Implementation: A regulatory approach in which new standards are introduced gradually over different dates. The proposed BS-VII rollout consists of Phase 1 on 1 April 2029, Phase 2 on 1 April 2031 and Phase 3 on 1 April 2035.
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Harmful gases produced during high-temperature fuel combustion in vehicle engines that contribute to air pollution, ground-level ozone formation and respiratory health problems.
• Hydrocarbons (HC): Organic compounds released through incomplete fuel combustion and evaporation that can contribute to photochemical smog and ground-level ozone formation.
• Particulate Matter (PM): Tiny solid particles and liquid droplets released from vehicle exhaust and other sources that can penetrate the respiratory system and cause adverse health effects.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): A colourless, odourless and poisonous gas produced through incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, reducing the blood’s ability to transport oxygen.
• Low-Sulfur Fuel: Petrol or diesel containing reduced sulfur levels, supporting cleaner combustion and the effective operation of advanced vehicle emission-control technologies.

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9. In which wildlife sanctuary of Gujarat have Asiatic lions returned after approximately 144 years, establishing a second habitat beyond the Gir forest region?
A) Wild Ass Sanctuary
B) Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary
C) Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
D) Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary
E) Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Answer: C) Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Event and Location:

• Event: Asiatic lions have returned to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary after approximately 144 years, establishing an important second habitat beyond the Gir forest region, with 17 lions recorded in the 2025 population estimate.
• Location: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
• Date: 15 October 2026 (reported), with natural lion dispersal beginning in January 2023 and a population of 17 recorded in 2025.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Gujarat Forest Department has supported the establishment of Barda as an additional Asiatic lion habitat following the natural dispersal of a male lion from the Gir landscape in January 2023 and the subsequent introduction of five female lions. The 2025 population estimate recorded 17 lions, comprising six adults and 11 cubs. Conservation activities include scientific habitat monitoring, prey-base enhancement through the relocation of spotted deer and sambar, habitat protection and measures to reduce human-lion conflict.
• Objectives: To establish a sustainable second habitat for Asiatic lions outside the core Gir forest region, reduce the species’ dependence on a single habitat, strengthen long-term population security and support biodiversity conservation. The initiative also aims to improve prey availability, maintain ecological balance and encourage the natural expansion of Asiatic lions across the Saurashtra landscape.

Important Terms Explained:

• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected wildlife habitat covering approximately 192.31 skm across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts in Gujarat. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1979, it is situated approximately 15 km from Porbandar and is emerging as an additional habitat for Asiatic lions.
• Gir Forest Landscape: The principal natural habitat of India’s wild Asiatic lions, located in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region. It includes Gir National Park, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas into which lion populations have expanded.
• Gir-Barda Conservation Programme: A conservation initiative associated with efforts beginning in 1979 to develop Barda as an alternative habitat for Asiatic lions, supporting habitat expansion and reducing dependence on the Gir region.
• Natural Dispersal: The movement of wild animals from their original habitat to new areas without direct human relocation. The expansion into Barda began when a male Asiatic lion naturally moved from the Gir landscape in January 2023.
• Prey-Base Enhancement: A wildlife conservation measure aimed at improving the availability of prey animals for predators. In Barda, efforts have included relocating spotted deer and sambar from the Gir protected area to support the lion population.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Interactions between wild animals and human populations that may result in livestock losses, property damage or threats to safety. Managing human-lion conflict is essential for the long-term conservation of lions in Barda.
• Habitat Conservation: The protection and management of natural environments to support the survival of wildlife species. Barda contains vegetation such as babul, dhav, rayan, ber, jamun, bamboo and guggal, and supports animals including leopards, hyenas, jackals and deer.

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10. Who inaugurated the third international KAUMARACON-2026 conference organized by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi?
A) Narendra Modi
B) J. P. Nadda
C) C. P. Radhakrishnan
D) Droupadi Murmu
E) Prataprao Jadhav
Answer: C) C. P. Radhakrishnan.

Event and Location:

• Event: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated KAUMARACON-2026, the third international conference on Kaumarabhritya, organized by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), and launched digital initiatives to strengthen Ayurveda research, innovation and healthcare services.
• Location: All India Institute of Ayurveda campus, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi, India.
• Date: 15 October 2026, with the conference scheduled from 15 to 17 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Ayush, organized the third international KAUMARACON conference with the theme “Shaping the Future of Child Health: Global Perspectives, Research Innovations, and Clinical Frontiers in Kaumarabhritya.” The Vice-President unveiled digital initiatives including the AYUSH Start-up Portal, Ayurveda Digital Innovation and Venture Acceleration Facility (AyuDIVA), Vamana App and Panchakarma Assessment App. The programme also featured the AIIA–iCAINE website initiative and an international Memorandum of Understanding between AIIA and Maharishi International University, USA.
• Objectives: To promote research, clinical innovation and international collaboration in Ayurvedic child healthcare while strengthening scientific discussions on child nutrition, growth, development and disease prevention. The conference also aims to encourage AYUSH entrepreneurship, digital healthcare solutions, institutional cooperation and the integration of traditional medical knowledge with modern research practices.

Important Terms Explained:

• KAUMARACON-2026: The third international conference on Kaumarabhritya, held from 15 to 17 October 2026 at AIIA, New Delhi, bringing together scientists, clinicians, academicians and healthcare professionals to discuss research and clinical advancements in Ayurvedic child healthcare.
• Kaumarabhritya: A specialized branch of Ayurveda focusing on child healthcare, including infant and child development, nutrition, disease prevention and the management of childhood health conditions.
• AYUSH Start-up Portal: A digital platform launched to enhance the visibility, development and growth of start-ups operating in traditional Indian healthcare systems covered under AYUSH.
• Ayurveda Digital Innovation and Venture Acceleration Facility (AyuDIVA): An initiative introduced to promote digital innovation, entrepreneurship and venture development in Ayurveda, supporting technology-based approaches to traditional healthcare services.
• Vamana App: A digital application associated with Vamana, an Ayurvedic therapeutic procedure involving medically supervised therapeutic emesis as part of traditional cleansing practices.
• Panchakarma Assessment App: A digital application associated with the assessment of Panchakarma, a group of traditional Ayurvedic therapeutic procedures used in individualized treatment approaches.
• AIIA–iCAINE Website: A digital initiative presented in connection with AIIA and iCAINE, supporting institutional digital development, with specific operational features not detailed in the provided information.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): A formal agreement outlining cooperation between institutions. During the conference, AIIA, New Delhi, and Maharishi International University (MIU), USA, exchanged an international MoU in the presence of the Vice-President.
• Ministry of Ayush: A Government of India ministry responsible for promoting education, research and development in Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy.

Tabular Summary:

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