TNPSC Current Affairs – 30 October 2026

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the constitution of the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020.

This development is significant because India’s employment sector increasingly includes people working through digital platforms and app-based services. Such workers may include delivery partners, ride-hailing drivers and other platform-based service providers.

The Board provides an institutional framework for discussing and addressing social security requirements of unorganised, gig and platform workers.

The Board will be presided over by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment. Its representation includes members from Central and State Governments, aggregator companies, employers, civil society organisations, workers’ unions and gig and platform worker associations.

Why Is This Important for TNPSC?

• Connects with labour welfare and social security.

• Helps understand the changing nature of employment in the digital economy.

• Links to the Code on Social Security, 2020.

• Relevant to questions on unorganised workers and platform-based employment.

Quick Facts

Official Source: PIB – National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig & Platform Workers

The 24th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) was scheduled for release on 30 October 2026 at Banaskantha in Gujarat.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, more than ₹18,690 crore was to be transferred directly to the bank accounts of over 9.34 crore farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The programme also highlighted investments in agricultural infrastructure and horticulture development.

Other Important Agricultural Initiatives

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

A total of 521 projects developed under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund were to be dedicated to the nation. These projects support facilities such as:

• Warehouses and storage facilities.

• Cold storage and cold chains.

• Primary agricultural processing centres.

• Silos and other post-harvest infrastructure.

Horticulture Clusters

Twelve horticulture clusters were also scheduled for inauguration to encourage the production and marketing of high-value horticultural crops. These clusters cover approximately 1.46 lakh hectares and are expected to benefit more than 1.3 lakh farmers.

Why Is This Important for TNPSC?

• Important for agriculture and rural development.

• Connects with Direct Benefit Transfer.

• Highlights agricultural infrastructure and post-harvest management.

• Relevant to government schemes supporting farmers’ income.

Quick Facts

Official Source: PIB – 24th Instalment of PM-KISAN

India observes Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) every year on 31 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

In 2026, the country marks the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The occasion recognises his contribution to India’s freedom struggle and, particularly, the integration of princely states into the Indian Union after independence.

The celebrations in 2026 are scheduled to take place at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, near the Statue of Unity.

Important Highlights of the 2026 Celebrations

• The celebrations will feature the Ekta Parade.

• The parade will highlight the contribution of security forces.

• Special emphasis will be placed on achievements in combating Left-Wing Extremism.

• The theme of Vande Mataram will feature prominently in the celebrations.

• Bharat Parv 2026 will showcase India’s cultural diversity, handicrafts, regional cuisines and traditional performances.

Why Is This Important for TNPSC?

• Important for Indian history and national integration.

• Connects with the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

• Relevant to national symbols, cultural heritage and important days.

• Helps in understanding post-independence integration of princely states.

Quick Facts

Official Source: PIB – Prime Minister’s Gujarat Visit and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Celebrations

The Tamil Nadu Government has expanded the Vettri Payanam free bus travel facility for persons with disabilities.

Under the revised arrangements, eligible persons with disabilities can travel free of charge on several categories of state-run buses. One accompanying escort is also eligible for free travel when required.

The scheme uses the 16-digit Unique Disability ID (UDID) card to verify eligible beneficiaries. Transport conductors issue zero-value tickets to record the journeys made by beneficiaries and their escorts.

The revised concession covers regular city and town buses, low-floor buses, express buses, Limited Stop Services, Deluxe buses and ordinary-fare mofussil and hilly-area services. Air-conditioned buses are excluded.

The estimated allocation for fare concessions has been increased from ₹95 crore to ₹114 crore for the 2026–27 financial year.

Why Is This Important for TNPSC?

• Relevant to social welfare and inclusive development.

• Connects with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

• Highlights the use of digital identity for public service delivery.

• Important for Tamil Nadu government schemes and transport initiatives.

Quick Facts

Sources: The New Indian Express – Tamil Nadu Free Bus Travel Expansion

The Tamil Nadu Cabinet has approved the formation of a commission to prepare the framework for a proposed Social Justice Survey across the State.

The proposed commission will be headed by a retired High Court judge, with officials including IAS officers involved in developing the survey framework.

The survey is expected to examine the socio-economic conditions of communities. Areas under consideration include family income, occupation, land ownership, educational status, school and college enrolment, dropout rates and access to welfare schemes.

The proposed survey is expected to be undertaken after the completion of the ongoing Union Census process. The commission is expected to be constituted around February or March 2027.

Why Is This Important for TNPSC?

• Connects with social justice and equality.

• Relevant to reservation policy and welfare administration.

• Helps understand the relationship between socio-economic data and public policy.

• Important for Tamil Nadu administration and social development.

Quick Facts

Source: The Print – Tamil Nadu Social Justice Survey Commission

Bharat Parv 2026 is scheduled to be inaugurated at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat as part of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.

The festival aims to showcase India’s cultural diversity and promote the idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

It provides a platform for States and Union Territories to present their traditional art forms, folk performances, regional cuisines, handicrafts and tourism attractions.

The festival is scheduled to continue until 15 November 2026.

Quick Facts

Official Source: PIB – Bharat Parv 2026