In short: Today’s Prelims current affairs cover cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’ and the NCMC’s review, the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum’s joint declaration, India hosting the 61st CIML meeting on legal metrology for the first time, a Technology Development Board-backed green propulsion project, and the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, with static links, a quick revision table and practice MCQs.
Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’: NCMC Reviews Preparedness, Odisha Evacuates 48,000
Why in news: Cabinet Secretary Dr. T.V. Somanathan chaired a National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) meeting on 27 October 2026 to review preparedness as the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into very severe cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said it was forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by the forenoon of 28 October 2026 with sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph. Odisha’s government announced the evacuation of 48,000 people from eight southern districts, including 11,000 each from Nabarangpur and Gajapati.
- About NCMC: a Cabinet Secretary-led committee that reviews preparedness and coordinates central and state response during a disaster of severe nature.
- Response measures: NDRF and SDRF teams kept on standby; Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard rescue assets readied; fishermen advised not to venture into the sea from 26-29 October.
- Odisha response: Rs. 19 crore disbursed from the State Disaster Relief Fund; 48 units of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, 8 NDRF teams and 225 fire services teams deployed; schools and colleges up to Class XII closed.
Source: Press Information Bureau; The Hindu · GS Paper 3: Disaster management
Prelims angle: Remember that the NCMC is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary (not the Prime Minister), and that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is a separate statutory body chaired by the Prime Minister under the Disaster Management Act, 2005; do not confuse the two.
Read more: National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) Explained
12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum: Joint Declaration on Terrorism and UNSC Reform
Why in news: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026 at Samvidhan Sadan, New Delhi, on 27 October 2026. The two-day conclave adopted a joint declaration condemning the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, rejecting double standards in countering terrorism, and supporting comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to make it more representative.
- About BRICS: a grouping of major emerging economies; founding members are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, since expanded to include additional partner countries.
- Venue significance: Samvidhan Sadan is the Parliament House Complex building that houses India’s old Parliament chamber.
- Key declaration points: condemnation of the Pahalgam attack of 22 April 2025; opposition to unilateral economic and secondary sanctions; call for an early, comprehensive international convention on terrorism.
Source: Press Information Bureau; The Hindu · GS Paper 2: International groupings and agreements
Prelims angle: Note that the BRICS Parliamentary Forum is a legislative/parliamentary-diplomacy track distinct from the BRICS Summit of Heads of State and Government; the 2026 BRICS Summit’s Joint Statement was separately adopted in New Delhi under India’s chairmanship.
61st CIML Meeting: India Hosts OIML’s Legal Metrology Forum for the First Time
Why in news: India is hosting the 61st Meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) from 26 to 28 October 2026 in New Delhi, the first time India has hosted this meeting of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). Department of Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare highlighted India’s Jan Vishwas reforms of 2023 and 2026, the expansion of Government Approved Test Centres (GATCs), the e-Maap National Portal, and India’s recognition as an OIML Certification System (OIML-CS) Issuing Authority.
- About OIML/CIML: OIML is the International Organization of Legal Metrology, which develops harmonised technical recommendations for measurement standards; CIML is its governing committee.
- Nodal authority in India: the Department of Consumer Affairs administers legal metrology, including verification and certification of weights and measures.
- Reform context: the Jan Vishwas reforms decriminalised specified offences and introduced graded penalties to make regulation more proportionate while retaining consumer safeguards.
Source: Press Information Bureau · GS Paper 3: Indian economy, consumer protection and international organisations
Prelims angle: Legal metrology in India is governed by the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs; OIML is headquartered in Paris and is distinct from the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), which sets scientific measurement standards.
TDB Backs Manastu Space’s Green Propulsion System With Rs. 116 Crore
Why in news: The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology, signed an agreement with Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited, Navi Mumbai, for financial support of Rs. 116 crore under its Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. The project, with a total cost of Rs. 277.63 crore, will develop a scalable green propulsion system for satellites and launch vehicles across the 5 mN to 300 N thrust class, advancing it from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-6 to TRL-9.
- About TDB: a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology that provides financial assistance to commercialise indigenous technology.
- Technology: a hydrogen peroxide-based green propellant system, seen as safer and more cost-efficient than conventional satellite propellants.
- Financing instrument: support is routed through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD) under the RDI Fund, a Deep Technology sector project with Space Technology as the sub-sector.
Source: Press Information Bureau · GS Paper 3: Science and technology, space technology, indigenisation
Prelims angle: Do not confuse the Technology Development Board (which funds the commercialisation of technology developed in India) with the Technology Development Fund under the Department of Defence Production, which funds defence-specific R&D by MSMEs and start-ups.
SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum: India to Host Pakistan’s Minister in November
Why in news: India will hold the first “Civilisational Dialogue Forum” of the 10-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) from 20-22 November 2026 in Delhi, organised by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of External Affairs. The forum, proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SCO Tianjin Summit, will be inaugurated at Purana Qila and will be the first time India hosts a Pakistani minister since the 2023 SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting, if Pakistan’s Culture Minister attends.
- About SCO: a 10-member Eurasian political, economic and security grouping including India, China, Russia, Pakistan and Central Asian states; India became a full member in 2017.
- Venue: Purana Qila (Old Fort), Delhi, a 16th-century fort built by Emperor Humayun, with archaeological layers spanning nearly 3,000 years from the Mauryan to Mughal periods.
- Context: India has continued to attend SCO-platform meetings, including SCO-Regional Anti-Terror Structure (RATS) sessions, even while declining to attend SAARC meetings hosted by Pakistan.
Source: The Hindu · GS Paper 2: International relations, India and its neighbourhood; GS Paper 1: Indian culture
Prelims angle: Static link: Purana Qila is associated with the ancient city of Indraprastha and excavations there have revealed Painted Grey Ware pottery; it is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
Quick Revision Table
| Item | Key fact to remember | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclone ‘Arnab’ | NCMC, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, reviewed preparedness; Odisha evacuated 48,000 people from 8 districts | Disaster Management (GS3) |
| 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum | Held at Samvidhan Sadan, New Delhi; joint declaration condemned the Pahalgam attack and backed UNSC reform | International Relations (GS2) |
| 61st CIML Meeting | India’s first time hosting this OIML meeting; nodal authority is the Department of Consumer Affairs | Economy/Governance (GS3) |
| TDB-Manastu Space agreement | Rs. 116 crore from the RDI Fund for a green propulsion system (TRL-6 to TRL-9) | Science & Technology (GS3) |
| SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum | First edition at Purana Qila, Delhi, 20-22 November 2026; first Pakistani minister visit since 2023 | International Relations (GS2) |
Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), consider the following statements:
1. It is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
2. It is a statutory body constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (a)
- Statement 1 is correct: the NCMC is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and reviews preparedness during severe disasters.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: the NCMC is an executive mechanism, not a body constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005; the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the statutory body under that Act, chaired by the Prime Minister.
Q2. Consider the following statements about the BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in New Delhi in October 2026:
1. It is a meeting of Heads of State and Government of BRICS countries.
2. Its joint declaration condemned the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
3. It supported a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Show answer
Answer: (b)
- Statement 1 is incorrect: the Parliamentary Forum brings together legislators/parliamentary delegations, not Heads of State and Government, who meet separately at the BRICS Summit.
- Statement 2 is correct: the joint declaration strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack.
- Statement 3 is correct: the forum supported comprehensive UN and Security Council reform.
Q3. With reference to the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), consider the following statements:
1. India hosted the Meeting of its International Committee (CIML) for the first time in October 2026.
2. Legal metrology in India is administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (c)
- Statement 1 is correct: the 61st CIML Meeting in New Delhi was India’s first time hosting this OIML meeting.
- Statement 2 is correct: the Department of Consumer Affairs is the nodal authority for legal metrology in India, under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
Q4. Consider the following statements about the Technology Development Board (TDB):
1. It functions under the Department of Science and Technology.
2. Its Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund supports only government research institutions, not private companies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (a)
- Statement 1 is correct: TDB functions under the Department of Science and Technology.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: the RDI Fund has supported private companies, such as Manastu Space Technologies and QNu Labs, through instruments like Optionally Convertible Debt.
Q5. With reference to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), consider the following statements:
1. India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.
2. The first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum is to be hosted by India in November 2026.
3. Pakistan is not a member of the SCO.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Show answer
Answer: (b)
- Statement 1 is correct: India became a full SCO member in 2017 at the Astana Summit.
- Statement 2 is correct: India is set to host the first Civilisational Dialogue Forum in Delhi from 20-22 November 2026.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: Pakistan has been a full SCO member since 2017, the same year as India.
FAQs
What is the National Crisis Management Committee and who heads it?
The National Crisis Management Committee is an executive body chaired by the Cabinet Secretary that reviews central and state preparedness during a severe disaster such as a cyclone.
Why is India hosting the CIML meeting on legal metrology significant?
It is the first time India has hosted this meeting of the International Organization of Legal Metrology, reflecting India’s growing role in setting global measurement and consumer-protection standards.
What does the Technology Development Board’s RDI Fund actually finance?
The RDI Fund finances the later-stage development and commercialisation of indigenous technologies by Indian companies, as seen in its recent support to Manastu Space Technologies and QNu Labs.
What is the SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum?
It is a new forum under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for cultural and civilisational exchange among member states, with its first edition to be hosted by India at Purana Qila in November 2026.
Is the BRICS Parliamentary Forum the same as the BRICS Summit?
No, the BRICS Parliamentary Forum is a separate track that brings together legislators from member and partner countries, distinct from the annual Summit of Heads of State and Government.
हिंदी सारांश
27 अक्टूबर 2026 के प्रीलिम्स करंट अफेयर्स में पांच मुख्य खबरें शामिल हैं। चक्रवाती तूफान अर्णब को लेकर कैबिनेट सचिव की अध्यक्षता वाली राष्ट्रीय संकट प्रबंधन समिति (एनसीएमसी) ने तैयारियों की समीक्षा की, और ओडिशा ने 48,000 लोगों को सुरक्षित स्थानों पर भेजा। नई दिल्ली में 12वें ब्रिक्स संसदीय मंच ने पहलगाम हमले की निंदा करते हुए संयुक्त राष्ट्र सुरक्षा परिषद में सुधार की मांग की संयुक्त घोषणा अपनाई। भारत पहली बार वैध माप विज्ञान की अंतर्राष्ट्रीय समिति (सीआईएमएल) की बैठक की मेज़बानी कर रहा है। प्रौद्योगिकी विकास बोर्ड ने मनास्तु स्पेस को हरित प्रोपल्शन प्रणाली के लिए 116 करोड रुपये की सहायता दी। साथ ही भारत नवंबर में दिल्ली में एससीओ सभ्यता संवाद मंच की मेज़बानी कर रहा है।
Sources: PIB — NCMC meeting on cyclone preparedness; The Hindu — Odisha evacuation; PIB — 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum; The Hindu — BRICS joint declaration; PIB — 61st CIML Meeting; PIB — TDB-Manastu Space agreement; The Hindu — SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum
Related reading on GSMitra: IBSAMAR: India-Brazil-South Africa Naval Exercise, TDB’s RDI Fund Support to QNu Labs, Daily Editorial Analysis: 27 October 2026.
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