{"id":87039,"date":"2026-10-19T18:31:44","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T13:01:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=87039"},"modified":"2026-10-19T18:32:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T13:02:20","slug":"news-in-brief-19-10-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/19-10-2026\/news-in-brief-19-10-2026","title":{"rendered":"News In Brief 19-10-2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>India\u2019s Nutrient-Rich Purple Potato<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An important outcome of<strong> biofortification research<\/strong> has been the development of <strong>coloured potato varieties with enhanced nutritional value.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hidden hunger<\/strong> remains a <strong>major public health challenge<\/strong> despite adequate calorie intake.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It occurs when <strong>people consume sufficient food<\/strong> but <strong>lack essential vitamins and minerals in their diet.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To address this challenge,<strong> scientists are increasingly developing biofortified crops<\/strong> with enhanced nutritional value.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Biofortification improves <\/strong>the nutrient content of crops through plant breeding, enabling food to naturally provide higher levels of essential nutrients.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ICAR-CPRI (Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central Potato Research Institute) developed nutrient-rich coloured potato varieties, <strong>including Kufri neelkanth, Kufri manik, and Kufri jamunia.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These varieties contain important antioxidants and micronutrients, such as <strong>anthocyanins, iron, and zinc.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Kufri jamunia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kufri jamunia<\/strong> was released in <strong>2024<\/strong>, the variety contains higher levels of<strong> ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, and carotenoids than Kufri manik and Kufri neelkanth.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Its purple flesh indicates high antioxidant content and better nutritional quality including enhanced levels of zinc and iron.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"e8f1f9\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"855\" height=\"189\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-125.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-87040\" style=\"--dominant-color: #e8f1f9; aspect-ratio:4.524110073213835;width:610px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-125.png 855w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-125-300x66.png 300w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-125-768x170.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 855px) 100vw, 855px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kufri jamunia has demonstrated stable performance in multi-location trials and has been recommended for <strong>cultivation in the North Indian plains.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"b7dbed\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"542\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-126.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-87041\" style=\"--dominant-color: #b7dbed; width:399px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-126.png 533w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-126-295x300.png 295w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=160494&amp;ModuleId=3&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>PIB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Global Rate-Hike Cycle as Central Banks Tackle Inflation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Central banks around the world are raising borrowing costs as rising energy prices caused by the US-Iran war are increasing inflation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reasons for Increasing Interest Rates<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher crude oil prices trading at around $105 per barrel is a major concern, particularly for energy-importing economies such as India. It is increasing fuel, transportation and production costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rising long-term bond yields: <\/strong>Inflation uncertainty and higher government borrowing are pushing bond yields upwards.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As bond prices fall, yields rise, increasing borrowing costs for governments and businesses. Central banks face pressure to contain inflation expectations and maintain policy credibility, potentially prompting further rate hikes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Do Rate Hikes Control Inflation?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Demand management: <\/strong>Higher policy rates increase borrowing costs for households and businesses, moderating consumption and investment.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lower aggregate demand<\/strong> reduces the ability of businesses to raise prices, helping contain demand-driven inflation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exchange-rate channel:<\/strong> Higher domestic returns may attract foreign capital and support the currency, potentially lowering the cost of imports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/business\/Economy\/why-have-central-banks-around-the-world-started-hiking-rates-explained\/article71579351.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Organic Palmyra Jaggery Powder Export to Bulgaria<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India exported its first consignment of <strong>organic Palmyra Jaggery Powder to Bulgaria.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is a traditional natural sweetener prepared from the<strong> nectar of Palmyra palm blossoms.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The recent export consignment originated from <strong>Gobichettipalayam, Erode district, Tamil Nadu.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The exported product is certified under<strong> India&#8217;s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)<\/strong> and European Union organic standards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>(APEDA)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Established:<\/strong> 1986 under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nature:<\/strong> Statutory authority.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ministry:<\/strong> Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Headquarters<\/strong>: New Delhi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: PIB<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>CRPF Considers Restoring Lance Naik and Naik Ranks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Internal Security<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is reintroducing the <strong>military ranks of lance naik and naik <\/strong>to address delayed promotions and accommodate <strong>Agniveers retiring from the Army.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Background<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>lance naik and naik ranks<\/strong> were <strong>abolished in the force in 1997<\/strong> and merged with the police ranks of constable and head constable through a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) order.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The two ranks are <strong>still operational in the Army.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotion structure: <\/strong>According to the hierarchy, a jawan who joins the force as a constable gains the first promotion of lance naik in five years, followed by the promotion to <strong>naik in 10 years<\/strong> and subsequently <strong>head constable in 20 years.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Currently, the about 3.25 lakh personnel-strong CRPF is facing acute stagnation in promotions in these ranks, as a constable gets his first promotion in 22-25 years on average.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reasons for Restorations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Its aim is to provide <strong>two more promotions to the constabulary <\/strong>before they reach the head constable rank, which will help address their grievances along with boosting their morale.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also wants to make the<strong> CRPF service attractive for the Agniveers from the Army, <\/strong>whose first batch will begin retiring later this year, and will be eligible to join the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the CRPF.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Agniveers are short-term military personnel<\/strong> recruited into the three forces for <strong>four years <\/strong>under the Centre\u2019s Agnipath scheme.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>About Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Central Reserve Police Force, initially established as the <strong>Crown Representatives Police in 1939,<\/strong> assumed its current name under the <strong>CRPF Act 1949.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It operates under the <strong>Ministry of Home Affairs.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mission:<\/strong> Empower the government to maintain the rule of Law, Public Order, and Internal Security. Safeguard the nation&#8217;s integrity, while fostering Social Harmony and Development by upholding the supremacy of the Constitution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Headquarters: <\/strong>New Delhi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Specialized Units:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CoBRA <\/strong>(Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) for guerrilla and anti-Naxal operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rapid Action Force (RAF)<\/strong> for riot and crowd control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mahila Battalions<\/strong> (women&#8217;s battalions).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>VIP Security<\/strong> and Parliament Duty groups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/crpf-mulls-restoring-army-ranks-abolished-30-years-ago-promotions-agniveers-in-focus\/article71595865.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Exercise Konka- 26<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Defence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Context<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The India-UK bilateral maritime <strong>exercise KONKAN-26<\/strong> concluded off Plymouth, United Kingdom.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Exercise KONKAN<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>KONKAN, which began in <strong>2004<\/strong>, is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Indian Navy was represented by the stealth frigate <strong>INS Trishul<\/strong>, while the Royal Navy deployed<strong> HMS Sutherland<\/strong>, a Duke-class anti-submarine warfare frigate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exercise KONKAN reinforces the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under the <strong>India\u2013UK Vision 2035<\/strong>, highlighting a shared commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Other India-UK Bilateral Exercises<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&nbsp;AJEYA WARRIOR (Army), Exercise Indradhanush (Air Force), and Exercise Cobra Warrior (multinational air exercise hosted by the UK).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2324800&amp;reg=48&amp;lang=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PIB<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong> Context <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> An important outcome ofbiofortification research has been the development of coloured potato varieties with enhanced nutritional value. <\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong> About <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> Hidden hunger remains a major public health challenge despite adequate calorie intake. <\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> It occurs when people consume sufficient food but lack essential vitamins and minerals in their diet.\u00a0 <\/li>\n<p><a href=\" https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/19-10-2026\/news-in-brief-19-10-2026 \" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm float-end\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-87039","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87039","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87039"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87039\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":87062,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87039\/revisions\/87062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87039"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87039"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87039"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}