The Ministry of Rural Development organised the National SARAS Mela 2026 in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, from 13 to 31 October 2026. This is the first National SARAS Mela in Vijayawada outside the Delhi–National Capital Region (NCR). The mela is organised in collaboration with the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) and the Andhra Pradesh Government. More than 1,500 women entrepreneurs from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across 30 States and Union Territories are participating. The mela showcases traditional handicrafts, handloom products, regional cuisines and rural enterprises. It promotes women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods and financial independence under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted an indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III, designated CG 875, at Coast Guard Air Station, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The helicopter was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute at the Coast Guard Region (West). It is equipped with advanced radar, an Electro Optical Pod (EOP) for long-range imaging and identification, and an Automatic Identification System (AIS). The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III, also known as the HAL Dhruv Mk-III, is an indigenous multi-role helicopter developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The helicopter is designed for multiple roles, including search and rescue, reconnaissance, surveillance, transport and maritime security.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its World Economic Outlook (WEO) report on 13 October 2026 during the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. According to the provided information, global economic growth is projected at 3.1% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027. Global inflation is forecast at 4.7% in 2026, declining to 4.1% in 2027. India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is projected at 7.0% for both years, supported by domestic demand and services. The United States is projected to grow by 2.3% in 2026 and 2027, while China’s growth is forecast at 4.5% and 4.0%, respectively. Artificial Intelligence (AI) investment supports growth, while geopolitical conflicts and energy shocks create risks.

A 17-member expedition team of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully climbed Mount Mukut on 7 October 2026, reaching a reported elevation of 7,045 metres. Mount Mukut, also known as Mukut Parbat, is located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, near the India–Tibet border. It forms part of the Garhwal Himalayas and is associated with the Kamet mountain group in the Zanskar Range. The expedition was conducted under the technical supervision and training guidance of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), located in Darjeeling, West Bengal. The name Mukut means crown in Sanskrit and Hindi, referring to the mountain’s crown-like summit.

TRISHNA stands for Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment. It is a joint satellite mission developed by India and France for high-resolution thermal infrared observation of the Earth. According to recent report, the satellite is expected to be launched within the next 12–16 months. TRISHNA is the third Indo-French satellite collaboration after Megha-Tropiques and SARAL. The mission is designed to monitor land-surface temperature, water stress, evapotranspiration and natural resources, supporting agriculture, water management and environmental monitoring.