National Daily Current Affairs: 19/10/2026

National Schemes & Policies in News 🏛️

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment remains in focus with the promotion of the PM-DAKSH Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana). This scheme facilitates skill development and economic empowerment of marginalized sections, including SCs, OBCs, and Safai Karamcharis. During his visit to the Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 in Mysuru, Secretary Shri Sudhansh Pant emphasized the role of such platforms in marketing the products of artisans trained under these national schemes.

Exam-Oriented Current Affairs & Key Facts 📝

• Governance: Union Social Justice Empowerment Secretary Shri Sudhansh Pant visited the Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 in Mysuru, Karnataka, to review artisan empowerment and market exposure.
• Science & Technology (Agriculture): India is promoting a new Nutrient-Rich Purple Potato variety, aimed at increasing the antioxidant intake and nutritional security in the Indian diet.
• Internal Security: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized a massive 137 kg consignment of crystal meth in Tamil Nadu, dismantling a major coastal drug trafficking network and arresting four individuals.
• Public Health & Safety: FSSAI has proposed science-based pesticide residue limits for Tea to ensure better consumer safety and align Indian exports with international standards.

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One-Liner Revision Notes ⚡

• 1. Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 was organized in Mysuru, Karnataka to showcase artisan products.
• 2. Shri Sudhansh Pant is the current Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• 3. The DRI seized 137 kg of Crystal Meth in a major coastal network bust in Tamil Nadu.
• 4. FSSAI is setting new science-based pesticide residue limits specifically for the Tea industry.
• 5. The nutrient-rich Purple Potato is a new bio-fortified variety being highlighted for health benefits.
• 6. DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence) operates under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance.

MCQs from Current Affairs ❓

Q1: In which city was the Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 held?

• A) Bengaluru
• B) Mysuru
• C) Chennai
• D) Kochi

Q2: Which agency seized 137 kg of crystal meth in Tamil Nadu?

• A) NCB
• B) CBI
• C) DRI
• D) NIA

Q3: FSSAI has proposed new pesticide residue limits for which commodity?

• A) Rice
• B) Tea
• C) Wheat
• D) Coffee

Q4: What is the primary characteristic of the new potato variety in the news?

• A) Low starch
• B) Nutrient-rich/Purple
• C) High sugar
• D) Pest-resistant

Q5: Who is the Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment as of October 2026?

• A) Shri Rajiv Gauba
• B) Shri Sudhansh Pant
• C) Shri T.V. Somanathan
• D) Shri Amit Khare