29 October 2026 Current Affairs: Green Hydrogen Offtake – Daily GK for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railway Exams

Key current affairs developments for Thursday, 29 October 2026 included India’s green hydrogen offtake commitments exceeding 5.5 lakh MTPA, the ESIC New Amnesty Scheme extension to 31 December 2026, and Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh’s address at the 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu. World Stroke Day was observed, with the World Stroke Organisation continuing its campaign focus on recognising symptoms under “Every M1nute Counts” and #ActFAST.

Read time: ~10 minutes

Source labels: Each item’s source line ends with one of these labels.

• [Official] — primary or official body (PIB, ministry, regulator, court, official federation); linked where a direct URL was found.
• [Secondary] — reputable report; primary source not located.
• /Developing — a suffix, as in [Official/Developing]: same-day figures or outcomes may still change.

Economy

MoSPI Releases Trial Index of Services Production for August 2026

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the Sub-Sectoral Trial Index of Services Production for August 2026 (base year 2024–25). 17 of 19 sub-sectors recorded positive year-on-year growth. 13 recorded double-digit growth. Retail trade led at 19.9 per cent, followed by real estate and repair services at 17.6 per cent each. Air transport contracted 9.6 per cent.

Source: PIB – Release of Sub-Sectoral Trial Index of Services Production for August 2026, 29 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• Base year: 2024–25
• 17 of 19 sub-sectors positive growth
• Retail trade highest at 19.9%
• Air transport contracted 9.6%

Banking & Markets

India Post and UTI Mutual Fund Extend Doorstep KYC Partnership

India Post and UTI Mutual Fund signed an MoU extending their partnership for Pan-India KYC verification. The agreement was signed in Mumbai by Adnan Ahmed of the Department of Posts and Vetri Subramaniam of UTI AMC. India Post will use its postal network for doorstep KYC in remote areas. The move supports financial inclusion and mutual fund access.

Source: PIB – India Post and UTI Mutual Fund Strengthen Partnership for KYC, 29 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• MoU signed in Mumbai on 29 October
• Doorstep KYC via India Post network
• Aims at remote and underserved areas
• Builds on earlier KYC remediation

Static Link: Department of Posts functions under the Ministry of Communications.

International Relations

Rajnath Singh Addresses 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu on Counter-Terrorism

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh addressed the 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu, Philippines, on 29 October. He offered India’s battle-tested counter-terrorism expertise, citing Operation Sindoor. India and Malaysia co-chair the Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for 2024–2027. He proposed an India-ASEAN Youth Bridge for digital innovation and capacity building. The theme was “Navigating Our Future, Together”.

Source: PIB – India committed to collective regional security, ready to share battle-tested expertise, 29 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• Venue: Cebu, Philippines
• India-Malaysia co-chair CT EWG 2024–27
• Operation Sindoor cited as an example
• Youth Bridge proposed for people-to-people links

Static Link: ADMM-Plus comprises ASEAN members and eight dialogue partners including India; inaugural meeting held in Hanoi in 2010.

Schemes & Missions

ESIC Extends New Amnesty Scheme 2025 to 31 December 2026

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation extended the New Amnesty Scheme 2025 for three months, from 1 October to 31 December 2026, on existing terms. The one-time scheme aims to reduce court cases under the erstwhile ESI Act. Ad hoc assessments can be settled by paying actual contributions and interest without damages. Cases filed up to 31 March 2025 are eligible.

Source: PIB – ESIC Extends the New Amnesty Scheme 2025 till 31 December 2026, 29 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• Extended to 31 December 2026
• Covers court cases filed up to 31 March 2025
• Settlement of ad hoc assessments without damages
• 10% of disputed damages for case withdrawal

Static Link: ESIC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment; established under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948.

Amit Shah Chairs 93rd NCDC General Council Meeting

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired the 93rd General Council meeting of the National Cooperative Development Corporation in New Delhi. He directed the preparation of a 25-year roadmap for NCDC’s expansion. A target was set to make the Northeast self-reliant in animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries through cooperatives by 2030. NCDC recorded a net profit of ₹1,475 crore in FY 2025–26 with zero net NPA.

Source: PIB – 93rd Meeting of the General Council of the National Cooperative Development Corporation, 29 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• 25-year roadmap directed for NCDC
• Northeast self-reliance target by 2030
• FY 2025–26 net profit ₹1,475 crore
• Zero net NPA and 99.84% recovery

Static Link: NCDC was established in 1963 under the Ministry of Cooperation (created in 2021).

Health & Nutrition

Ayushman Vay Vandana Completes Two Years with 23.46 Lakh Admissions

Ayushman Vay Vandana completed two years on 29 October. Launched on 29 October 2024, it extends AB PM-JAY benefits to all citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of income, with up to ₹5 lakh cashless cover. As of 20 October 2026, it recorded 23.46 lakh authorised hospital admissions valued at ₹5,668.80 crore. Cataract surgery was the most common procedure.

Source: PIB – Advancing Universal and Inclusive Senior Care: Ayushman Vay Vandana Marks Two Years, 29 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• Launched 29 October 2024
• Coverage for all 70+ irrespective of income
• 23.46 lakh admissions as of 20 October 2026
• Value ₹5,668.80 crore

Static Link: Implemented by the National Health Authority under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as an extension of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.

AIIA-iCAINE Launches National Ayurveda AI Challenge on Sixth Foundation Day

The All India Institute of Ayurveda’s incubation centre AIIA-iCAINE marked its sixth Foundation Day. It launched AyushTech Innovate: National Open Ayurveda AI Challenge in collaboration with Techfest, IIT Bombay, using the AyurParam open-source model. Two MoUs were signed, and an IPR Facility for Ayurveda was inaugurated. The grand finale is scheduled for 15–18 December 2026 at IIT Bombay.

Source: PIB – AIIA-iCAINE Marks Sixth Foundation Day with Launch of National Ayurveda AI Challenge, 29 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• AIIA-iCAINE sixth Foundation Day
• National Ayurveda AI Challenge with IIT Bombay
• Grand finale 15–18 December 2026
• IPR Facility for Ayurveda launched

Environment

India Leads with Green Hydrogen Offtake Commitments of 5,55,610 MTPA

As of October 2026, Indian companies signed the world’s largest green hydrogen offtake commitments totalling 5,55,610 MTPA. This is about 11 per cent of the National Green Hydrogen Mission target. 23 contracts have been signed since the mission’s 2023 launch, including 18 in 2026 covering over 4 lakh MTPA. Over 70 per cent are earmarked for exports. Projects are expected to attract around ₹90,000 crore.

Source: PIB – India Leads Globally with Green Hydrogen Offtake Commitments Exceeding 5.5 Lakh MTPA, 29 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• Total commitments: 5,55,610 MTPA
• 23 contracts since 2023; 18 in 2026
• Over 70% for exports
• Expected investment ~₹90,000 crore

Static Link: National Green Hydrogen Mission launched in January 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Amit Shah Assures Assistance to States After Cyclone Arnab

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Odisha and Chhattisgarh in the wake of Cyclone Arnab. He assured every state of assistance. NDRF and SDRF teams are conducting rescue and relief on a war footing. Inter-Ministerial Central Teams will soon assess impact. The cyclone made landfall earlier along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast.

Source: PIB – Amit Shah speaks to the Chief Ministers in the wake of Cyclone Arnab, 29 October 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• Spoke to CMs of AP, Puducherry, Odisha, Chhattisgarh
• NDRF and SDRF on war footing
• IMCTs to assess impact
• Centre assures full support

State-Specific News

14th International Tourism Mart Inaugurated in Tawang

The 14th International Tourism Mart for the North Eastern Region began in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, on 29 October. The Ministry of Tourism, along with the Arunachal Pradesh government and other North Eastern states, organised it. The event features 43 international buyers from 22 countries. It marks the Mart’s return to Tawang after 13 years.

Secondary reporting: The Hindu / PTI and other outlets, 29 October 2026; primary inauguration release not separately located beyond pre-event PIB · [Secondary]

Exam Points:

• Venue: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
• 14th edition; 29–31 October
• 43 international buyers from 22 countries
• Return after 13 years (last in 2013)

Important Day / Theme

World Stroke Day

29 October is observed as World Stroke Day by the World Stroke Organisation. The 2026 campaign continues the focus on “Every M1nute Counts” and #ActFAST to promote recognition of stroke symptoms and the need for emergency care. Stroke is a major global cause of death and disability; one in four adults faces lifetime risk.

Source: World Stroke Organisation – World Stroke Day 2026 campaign, 2026 · [Official]

Exam Points:

• Observed on 29 October
• Organised by World Stroke Organisation
• Campaign: Every M1nute Counts / #ActFAST
• Focus on symptom recognition and rapid response

29 October 2026 Current Affairs: One-Liner Revision

• India’s green hydrogen offtake commitments reached 5,55,610 MTPA as of October 2026, the world’s largest.
• ESIC extended the New Amnesty Scheme 2025 to 31 December 2026 on existing terms.
• Amit Shah directed a 25-year roadmap for NCDC and a 2030 target for Northeast cooperative self-reliance.
• MoSPI’s trial ISP showed 13 of 19 services sub-sectors with double-digit growth in August 2026; retail trade led at 19.9%.
• Ayushman Vay Vandana completed two years with 23.46 lakh hospital admissions worth ₹5,668.80 crore.
• Rajnath Singh offered battle-tested counter-terrorism expertise at the 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu and proposed an India-ASEAN Youth Bridge.
• India Post and UTI Mutual Fund extended their MoU for pan-India doorstep KYC verification.
• AIIA-iCAINE launched the National Open Ayurveda AI Challenge with IIT Bombay on its sixth Foundation Day.
• The 14th International Tourism Mart opened in Tawang with 43 international buyers from 22 countries.
• Amit Shah assured full central assistance to Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Odisha and Chhattisgarh after Cyclone Arnab.
• World Stroke Day was observed on 29 October with the WSO campaign “Every M1nute Counts” and #ActFAST.

India’s green hydrogen offtake commitments reached 5,55,610 MTPA, the ESIC amnesty window was extended to 31 December 2026, and Rajnath Singh addressed the 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu, offering counter-terrorism expertise.