November 5, 2026 - Current Affairs

Union Cabinet Approves VISTAR Scheme

Context

Cabinet has approved the ‘Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research’, VISTAR Scheme for 2026-27 to 2030-31.

About

It is a central sector scheme to overhaul India's official statistical system, bringing all of the statistics ministry's survey, data and economic census work under one umbrella.

Aim: To establish a dynamic, real-time and future-ready official statistical architecture for enhanced timeliness, data granularity, interoperability with harmonised and AI ready datasets.

Double-Fortified Salt (DFS) and India’s Anaemia Burden

In Context

India faces a high anaemia burden, prompting the proposal of Double-Fortified Salt (DFS) containing iron and iodine. However, concerns persist over its effectiveness, safety and compatibility with salt-reduction goals.

Double-Fortified Salt (DFS)

DFS is edible salt fortified with iron (haemoglobin formation) and iodine (thyroid function).

Salt is consumed by nearly every household, so fortification can reach large populations without changing dietary habits.

Falling Fertility Rate in India

Context

The Supreme Court held that laws penalising having more than two children have lost their relevance due to the falling fertility rate in India.

Total Fertility Rate

India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR), the average number of children a woman would have in her lifetime assuming she lives through her reproductive years (15-49 years), has dropped to 1.9 below the replacement level of 2.1.

Replacement rate is the number of child births a woman must go through to keep the population constant from one generation to the next without migration.

Cabinet Approves Two-year Extension for Agniveers

Context

The Union Cabinet has approved an additional two-year engagement period for the 75% of Agniveers who are not selected for regular service after their initial four-year tenure.

About Agnipath Scheme

It was introduced in 2022, and is also called the Tour of Duty scheme.

It is a short-term recruitment scheme for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

India to Add 500 GW of Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity in Next Decade

Context

PM Modi announced that India aims to add 500 GW of new non-fossil fuel-based power capacity over the next 10–11 years.

India’s Progress in Renewable Energy

India has achieved nearly 308 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity, accounting for approximately 55.1% of its total installed power capacity of 558.89 GW.

As per IRENA RE Statistics 2026, globally, India stands 3rd in Solar Power installed capacity, 4th in Wind Power capacity and 3th in total Renewable Energy capacity.

News In Brief 05-11-2026

In News

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO Courts, for a further period of five years.

Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts was launched in 2019 in pursuance of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, and in compliance with the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India.

The Supreme Court had directed the establishment of exclusive Special Courts in districts having more than 100 pending cases under the POCSO Act, 2012.