In October 2026, India’s Ministry of Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) in Paris under the Gyan Bharatam Mission. Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal and BnF President Gilles Pécout signed the agreement. The collaboration focuses on manuscript digitisation, digital repository sharing, technology exchange, conservation, and research to preserve India’s manuscript heritage. The agreement supports digitisation efforts, enhances access to cultural resources, and promotes research and education. It underscores India's commitment to safeguarding its archival legacy while fostering scholarly exchange with international partners.
MoU signed with BnF under Gyan Bharatam Mission
Key signatories: Vivek Aggarwal and Gilles Pécout
Focus on digitisation and digital repositories
Conservation, technology exchange, and research emphasis
Strengthens international cultural collaboration
Oct 27, 2026
Maharashtra Launches Mission Murghas to Address Fodder Shortages
The Maharashtra government launched Mission Murghas in October 2026 to address drought-related fodder shortages affecting livestock farmers. The initiative focuses on increasing the production and distribution of silage, a fermented and preserved fodder used to feed cattle and other livestock during dry periods. The scheme supports dairy farming and livelihoods by improving fodder availability and stabilizing animal health. It complements the state's Fodder Development Policy by expanding access to fodder resources, reducing cattle distress, and sustaining rural economies amid climatic stress. Officials say Mission Murghas aligns with broader agricultural resilience and water conservation efforts.
Mission Murghas launched in Oct 2026 to tackle fodder shortages.
Focus on silage production and distribution for livestock feed.
Supports dairy farming and rural livelihoods in Maharashtra.
Pairs with the Fodder Development Policy for enhanced access.
Part of broader climate resilience and water conservation efforts.
Oct 26, 2026
PM Modi inaugurates RBI data centre and cybersecurity institute in Odisha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Odisha on 25 October 2026. The facility is located at Jatni in Khordha district near Bhubaneswar. It aims to strengthen India's digital financial infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, and improve banking-system resilience. The data centre will support RBI operations continuity and better protect the financial sector from cyber threats. The training institute will equip public and private sector staff with skills in cyber defense, data management, and incident response. The event underscores ongoing efforts to modernize financial services and safeguard digital payments nationwide.
Date of inauguration: 25 October 2026
Location: Jatni, Khordha district, Odisha
Purpose: strengthen digital infrastructure and cybersecurity
Impact: RBI operations continuity and financial resilience
Training: Institute for cyber defense and data management
Policy signal: Modi government’s digital safeguard agenda
Ladakh becomes India's first fully organic Union Territory
Ladakh was declared India's first 100% organic Union Territory on 25 October 2026 by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The move followed years of policy work to phase out chemical fertilizers and promote organic farming in Leh and Kargil. Officials say the initiative will improve soil health, protect the fragile Himalayan environment, and support sustainable farming practices. Individual farmer certification is expected to follow, enabling broader adoption. The declaration aligns with national climate and sustainable agriculture goals, with potential benefits to local livelihoods and tourism. The policy will require monitoring of inputs and capacity-building programs for farmers.
The Centre launched Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026 from Karnal, Haryana on 22 October 2026. The nationwide campaign runs until 30 November 2026 and promotes soil health, balanced fertilizer use, crop diversification and proper residue management. It involves Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ICAR institutes and agricultural universities, delivering field demonstrations and farmer outreach through state and district programs. The initiative builds on earlier campaigns to strengthen sustainable farming and soil conservation across the country.
Launch date: 22 October 2026 from Karnal, Haryana.
Part of nationwide efforts to promote sustainable farming.
Union Minister J.P. Nadda Inaugurates 14th India Chem 2026 in Mumbai
Union Minister J. P. Nadda inaugurated the 14th India Chem 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, in October 2026. The three-day international exhibition and conference is organized by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals in partnership with FICCI under the theme 'Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub.' The event aims to strengthen global partnerships, attract investments and promote sustainable growth in chemicals and petrochemicals. The Prime Minister's message was read at the opening, emphasising an enabling environment for the sector and BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme as a potential game changer. The Indian chemical industry is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1 trillion by 2040.
Inauguration by Union Minister J.P. Nadda.
14th India Chem 2026 held in Mumbai (Oct 2026).
Theme: Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub.
BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme highlighted as a game changer.
Connectivity and integrated value chains stressed for hubs.
Industry projections: USD 300 billion by 2030; USD 1 trillion by 2040.
Oct 23, 2026
OpenAI Academy tie-up expands AI training for Indian civil servants
OpenAI Academy and Karmayogi Bharat, the government-owned SPV that runs the iGOT Karmayogi platform, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2026 to broaden AI training for India's civil servants. The agreement will integrate approved AI learning resources from OpenAI Academy into the iGOT Karmayogi portal, enabling practical AI education for public sector staff. The collaboration supports Mission Karmayogi's aim to develop a skilled, efficient and future‑ready civil service by helping personnel apply AI in daily work. The iGOT platform already hosts courses for over 1.7 crore registered government employees nationwide. Officials say the program will translate AI knowledge into improved public service delivery.
MoU signed in October 2026 between OpenAI Academy and Karmayogi Bharat.
OpenAI Academy resources to be integrated into iGOT Karmayogi.
Aim: upskill civil servants in practical AI applications.
Targets central and state government employees.
iGOT Karmayogi has over 1.7 crore registered learners.
Supports Mission Karmayogi's vision for a future-ready civil service.
OpenAI to train Indian civil servants in AI via Mission Karmayogi
On 21 October 2026, reports from The Times of India and Economic Times confirmed that OpenAI and Karmayogi Bharat signed an MoU to widen artificial intelligence training for India's government workforce. The arrangement will bring approved AI learning resources from OpenAI Academy to the iGOT Karmayogi platform, enabling civil servants to develop practical AI skills. The initiative aligns with Mission Karmayogi's effort to improve public service delivery through capacity building and responsible technology use. iGOT Karmayogi already hosts courses for more than 1.7 crore learners, and the partnership will broaden access to AI content across central and state departments.
MoU signed on 21 October 2026 between OpenAI and Karmayogi Bharat.
OpenAI Academy resources integrated into iGOT Karmayogi.
Aims to upskill civil servants in practical AI applications.
Targets central and state government employees.
iGOT Karmayogi has over 1.7 crore learners.
Supports responsible AI adoption in public services.