Recently, President Droupadi Murmu visited the historic Hidimba Temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, on the second day of her visit to the state. The President offered prayers and learned about the temple’s history and religious significance. Hidimba Temple is located in Manali in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, and is dedicated to Hidimba Devi. Hidimba is associated with the Mahabharata and was the wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandavas. Bhima and Hidimba had a son named Ghatotkacha, who played an important role in the Mahabharata. Hidimba is revered as an important local deity of the Kullu region and is traditionally associated with the Kullu royal family.

Indian Air Force Day is celebrated every year on 8 October to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Air Force (IAF). In 2026, the IAF celebrated its 94th Air Force Day. The theme of this year is “Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise.” Air Force Station Leh is located at an altitude of around 10,300 feet and is known for its challenging geographical and climatic conditions. Major milestones of this year are Exercise Vayushakti, bilateral exercises, Dronathon, and the multilateral air exercise Tarang Shakti. These exercises are helping the IAF test its combat readiness and rapidly incorporate niche technologies into operational planning.

Recently, Ladakh launched India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari focused on Snow Leopard conservation during Wildlife Week 2026. The initiative is implemented by the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation (SHAN) Society in collaboration with the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, UT Ladakh. Initially, the safari will operate in Rumbak, Shang and Uley, which are known for frequent snow leopard sightings. The programme will use open-back vehicles, trained local drivers and wildlife guides along designated routes.

Recently, Team AgniRath from IIT Madras secured 3rd place overall in the Sasol Solar Challenge 2026 held in South Africa. The team’s solar-powered vehicle Aagneya covered 1,192.6 km in eight days, travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town via Jeffreys Bay. Team AgniRath became the first Indian team to participate in the Sasol Solar Challenge and win a trophy. Aagneya is the team’s second-generation solar race car, designed, engineered and manufactured entirely by its student members. The Sasol Solar Challenge is a biennial competition that tests solar-vehicle technology, innovation, engineering, manufacturing and strategy.

Recently, the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) was highlighted for strengthening entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST)-owned Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). It was launched on 18 October 2016 and is implemented through the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). The scheme provides training, mentoring, financial assistance, technology support and market linkages, with public procurement as a major focus. By July 2026, it had assisted 1,90,414 beneficiaries and trained 54,499 candidates. Under the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS), eligible enterprises receive 25% capital subsidy up to ₹25 lakh.