National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concludes in Ghaziabad
The National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 concluded at the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) grounds in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. NDRF Director General Piyush Anand announced that the event, launched two years ago to strengthen SDRF capabilities, saw 19 teams participate. The competition tested response, decontamination, and hazard mitigation skills across chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear scenarios. The exercise aligns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directions to enhance training and preparedness of SDRF personnel. The event underscores India’s focus on disaster management, safety protocols and rapid mobilization in response to evolving hazards.
Event: National SDRF CBRN Competition 2026 in Ghaziabad.
Participants: 19 teams; duration not specified.
Purpose: strengthen SDRF capabilities and readiness.
Leadership: DG Piyush Anand; directives from Amit Shah.
Tamil Nadu tops NITI Aayog’s India S&T Scoreboard in publications
Tamil Nadu has topped NITI Aayog’s India S&T Scoreboard for 2024-25 in research publications, with 44,611 papers. Uttar Pradesh follows with 29,298 and Maharashtra with 28,947. The scoreboard, released by NITI Aayog, aims to measure state-level science and technology performance and promote cooperative and competitive federalism. NITI Aayog vice chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri said the platform helps states identify strengths and gaps and design better programmes and policies in science and technology. NITI Aayog member (S&T) Abhay Karandikar emphasised that reliable, comparable evidence underpins sound policy, noting fragmentation of data across sources. The release underscores a push for stronger state-level S&T policy coordination and capacity building.
Tamil Nadu: 44,611 research publications (2024-25).
Uttar Pradesh: 29,298; Maharashtra: 28,947.
Scoreboard aims to map state strengths and gaps in S&T.
Emphasis on cooperative and competitive federalism.
Data reliability highlighted to improve policy design.
Nov 02, 2026
Dinesh V. Ganvir becomes 55th Director General of GSI
Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir assumed charge as the 55th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in November 2026. Previously the Additional Director General and Head of the Central Region in Nagpur, Ganvir brings more than 32 years of experience in geological investigations, mineral exploration, and administration. GSI operates as an attached office under the Ministry of Mines and plays a vital role in mineral exploration, geological research, and mapping. His appointment signals a focus on mineral security, scientific excellence, and the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance India’s resource base and regulatory capabilities.
Appointment: 55th Director General of GSI, November 2026.
Previous role: Additional Director General, Central Region, Nagpur.
Experience: 32+ years in geology and mineral exploration.
GSI role: mineral exploration, mapping, and research under the Mines Ministry.
Strategic aim: strengthen mineral security and technology adoption.
Chandigarh Police received the President's Police Colour on 1 November 2026 during its 60th Raising Day and Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Police Lines, Sector 26, Chandigarh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the honour in recognition of the force’s sustained service, dedication to maintaining law and order, and contribution to public safety. Shah also announced additional AI-enabled surveillance cameras to strengthen security in the city as part of a broader modernization of policing infrastructure. The award reflects Chandigarh’s evolving security framework and its focus on advanced surveillance and community policing.
Date: 1 November 2026 during 60th Raising Day and Diamond Jubilee.
President's Police Colour awarded to Chandigarh Police.
Presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Announcement of AI-enabled surveillance cameras for security enhancement.
Recognition of service, law and order maintenance, and public safety.