Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (12th October, 2026) |

National News

1. Paradip Port Sets New Single-Day Coal Loading Record

Paradip Port Authority’s Mechanised Coal Handling Plant (MCHP) in Odisha set a new single-day coal loading record on October 10, 2026.
The plant loaded 1,40,022 metric tonnes of coal aboard two vessels, M.V. APJ Indrani and M.V. Ripley Pinnacle.
It surpassed the previous record of 1,37,500 metric tonnes, set on May 29, 2022, by 2,522 metric tonnes.
Paradip Port Authority Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit congratulated the plant’s workers and officials on October 11.
Paradip Port is a major Indian port located on the Bay of Bengal in Odisha.
Key Fact: The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, provides the statutory framework for the administration of India’s major ports.

2. Pulses Self-Reliance Mission Targets 350 Lakh Tonnes by 2031

The Government of India launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses on October 11, 2025.
The mission has a budgetary outlay of ₹11,440 crore for the six-year period from 2025–26 to 2030–31.
It targets annual pulses production of 350 lakh tonnes across 310 lakh hectares by 2030–31.
The mission prioritises Tur, Urad and Masoor through improved seeds, climate-resilient farming and assured procurement at Minimum Support Price, subject to scheme conditions.
It plans to distribute 88 lakh free seed kits, provide 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds and establish 1,000 processing units.
Key Fact: NAFED and NCCF will support procurement under the mission.

3. Ayodhya Ram Temple Receives FSSAI Eat Right Certification

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, received the FSSAI ‘Eat Right Place of Worship’ certification.
FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani presented the certificate during a ceremony in Ayodhya on October 10, 2026.
The certification promotes food safety and hygiene in the preparation, storage and distribution of prasad and langar.
The process includes preliminary audits, training for food handlers and an independent third-party audit.
The initiative aims to prevent food contamination and adulteration while improving compliance with food safety standards.
Key Fact: The certification is valid until October 10, 2028.

4. Kautilya Economic Conclave 2026 Focuses on Economic Resilience

The fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave was held in New Delhi from October 3 to 5, 2026.
Its theme was “Resilience in an Age of Flux.”
The Institute of Economic Growth organised the event in partnership with the Ministry of Finance.
More than 200 policymakers, economists and financial experts participated, including over 80 international delegates from around 30 countries.
Discussions covered inflation, economic growth, financial stability, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, employment, climate finance and international cooperation.
Key Fact: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the conclave, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered the concluding address.

5. Delhi Police Replaces Jantar Mantar With Three Protest Venues

Delhi Police removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated venues for protests and demonstrations through a circular issued on October 12, 2026.
The decision followed recommendations from a Ministry of Home Affairs committee tasked with identifying alternative protest locations.
The three new designated venues are Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi.
Delhi Police will issue a separate revised Standard Operating Procedure for demonstrations at the new venues.
Jantar Mantar is located on Parliament Street in New Delhi and is known for its astronomical instruments.
Key Fact: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built Jantar Mantar in 1724.

6. India Targets 100 GW Wind Power Capacity by 2030

India aims to achieve 100 GW of installed wind power capacity by 2030.
Installed capacity reached 59.20 GW as of September 30, 2026.
The government reported record annual wind power installations of 6.05 GW in FY2025–26.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi inaugurated Windergy India 2026 in Chennai on October 8.
The event featured around 400 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and approximately 500 delegates.
Key Fact: Tamil Nadu highlighted its wind repowering policy at Windergy India 2026.

State News

7. PM Modi Launches Tamil Nadu Development Projects Worth ₹13,000 Crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and launched development projects worth over ₹13,000 crore in Tamil Nadu on October 11, 2026.
The projects included the Poonamallee–Vadapalani stretch of Chennai Metro Phase II, costing approximately ₹4,900 crore.
National Highway projects worth around ₹3,700 crore were also included in the package.
The metro stretch features a 3.7-km double-decker structure and advanced signalling designed to support driverless operations.
Modi also dedicated the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre at IIT Madras, which will support research using three-dimensional brain atlases.
Key Fact: The brain centre will support research involving atlases of more than 100 human brains.

International News

8. Pakistan Declares Emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dissolving Government

Pakistan declared an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11, 2026, citing security and governance concerns.
President Asif Ali Zardari issued the proclamation following federal cabinet approval.
The measure ended the tenure of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and other provincial officeholders, according to the supplied report.
An 11-member advisory council was established to assist the administration.
The decision intensified tensions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Key Fact: The proclamation reportedly invoked Articles 232(1) and 234(1) of Pakistan’s Constitution.

9. World Bank Considers Up to $100 Billion in Crisis Support

World Bank President Ajay Banga said the institution was discussing assistance with 30–40 countries affected by rising energy prices and economic shocks.
The Bank initially made $25 billion available through a crisis funding window.
Another $35 billion could potentially be mobilised by redirecting resources from approved projects, taking the initial potential support to $60 billion.
If conditions deteriorate, the total funding could reach $100 billion.
The Bank also mobilised a record $112 billion in private capital in FY2026 and is using measures such as financial guarantees and debt-for-development swaps.
Key Fact: The potential $100 billion support exceeds the $70 billion the Bank disbursed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

10. El Niño Intensifies as Pacific Ocean Temperatures Break Records

According to the supplied report, sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean’s Niño 3.4 region reached 29.70°C in September 2026.
The report stated that this exceeded peaks recorded during the strong El Niño events of 1982–83, 1997–98 and 2015–16.
On October 8, the World Meteorological Organization forecast further intensification before an expected December peak.
Copernicus reported a global sea surface temperature of 21.05°C and an average September air temperature of 16.27°C.
El Niño can disrupt rainfall patterns and increase drought risks, affecting agriculture, water availability and food prices.
Key Fact: India’s 2026 southwest monsoon recorded a rainfall deficit of 12.6%, according to the supplied report.

Banking News

11. SEBI Introduces Six-Colour Credit Risk-o-Meter for Debt Securities

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a Credit Risk-o-Meter through a circular dated October 7, 2026.
The framework uses six colour-coded categories to communicate the credit risk of debt securities.
Irish Green represents AAA-rated securities with the lowest credit risk, while Red covers ratings B+, B, B−, C and D.
It applies to specified listed and proposed-to-be-listed debt instruments, including non-convertible securities, commercial papers, securitised debt instruments and security receipts.
Issuers and online bond platforms must display the meter in prescribed disclosures and prominently identify unsecured securities.
Key Fact: Covered entities must update credit-rating changes within 24 hours.

Appointments News

12. Tukaram Mundhe Named Secretary of Maharashtra MPSC Reforms Committee

The Maharashtra government constituted a five-member committee on October 11, 2026, to examine irregularities and recommend reforms to the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).
Retired judge Dilip Bhosale will chair the committee.
Food and Drugs Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe was appointed secretary.
Other members include IPS officer Laxmi Gautam, former IAS officer Ganesh Patil and retired judge P. D. Naik.
The committee was formed following a ten-day protest by MPSC aspirants in Pune demanding transparent recruitment and action against examination irregularities.
Key Fact: The committee has two months to investigate recruitment concerns and recommend reforms.

13. Prakash Rajpurohit Appointed Deputy Election Commissioner Until 2030

The Centre appointed Prakash Rajpurohit, a 2010-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, as Deputy Election Commissioner.
His appointment was reported in a Personnel Ministry order dated October 10–11, 2026.
Rajpurohit succeeds Sanjay Kumar and previously served as Joint Secretary in the Department of Defence Production.
The appointment was part of a wider administrative reshuffle covering 27 civil servants at joint secretary-level and equivalent positions.
The Election Commission of India administers elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.
Key Fact: Rajpurohit’s tenure will continue until April 8, 2030, and the ECI derives its authority primarily from Article 324 of the Constitution.

Awards News

14. Robert Hall and Michael Woodford Win 2026 Economics Nobel Prize

American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford received the 2026 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, according to the supplied report.
They were recognised for work on the microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation.
Hall was affiliated with Stanford University, while Woodford was affiliated with Columbia University.
Their research explains how household and business decisions influence inflation, employment, output and economic growth.
Their work contributes to models used to assess monetary and fiscal policies, including interest rates and government spending.
Key Fact: The award is formally known as the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.

15. Sunil Bharti Mittal to Receive France’s Legion of Honour

Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was named a Knight of France’s National Order of the Legion of Honour.
French President Emmanuel Macron conferred the honour, with the ceremony scheduled for October 28, 2026, at the French Embassy in New Delhi.
The award recognises Mittal’s contributions to India-France economic and technological cooperation.
His areas of contribution include telecommunications, digital infrastructure and satellite communications.
Mittal’s association with France began in 1992 through a partnership to introduce mobile telephony in India.
Key Fact: Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour is France’s highest national distinction.

Defense News

16. INS Sahyadri Arrives in Russia for Naval Exercise INDRA-2026

The Indian Navy’s INS Sahyadri arrived in Vladivostok, Russia, on October 10, 2026.
The warship is participating in the bilateral naval exercise INDRA-2026, scheduled for October 13–18.
The exercise includes harbour-based engagements followed by coordinated maritime operations at sea.
Activities include operational drills, professional interactions and social and cultural exchanges.
The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability, mutual understanding and cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy.
Key Fact: India’s MAHASAGAR vision stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

17. INS Trishul Joins Royal Navy for Exercise KONKAN-2026

The Indian Navy’s guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived in Plymouth, United Kingdom, for Exercise KONKAN-2026.
The bilateral maritime exercise runs from October 8 to 15, 2026.
Its activities include cross-deck visits, air-defence drills, anti-submarine warfare exercises, firing serials and seamanship evolutions.
The exercise aims to improve operational coordination and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy.
INS Trishul is the second ship of the Talwar class and entered service with the Indian Navy in June 2003.
Key Fact: Exercise KONKAN supports the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and India-UK Vision 2035.

Sports News

18. Abhishek Sharma Becomes Fastest to 2,000 T20I Runs

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma became the fastest batter to reach 2,000 T20 International runs in terms of balls faced, according to the supplied report.
He achieved the milestone in 1,024 deliveries during the third T20I against the West Indies on October 11, 2026.
He surpassed Suryakumar Yadav’s previous record of 1,164 balls.
Abhishek scored 69 runs off 30 balls, including six fours and five sixes, reaching his half-century in 18 deliveries.
India scored 223 runs and defeated the West Indies by 14 runs to take a 2–1 lead in the five-match series.
Key Fact: Arshdeep Singh took three wickets for India in the match.

Important Days News

19. Sharad Navratri 2026: Dates, Nine Forms and Religious Significance

Sharad Navratri 2026 began on October 11 and is scheduled to conclude with Vijayadashami on October 20.
The nine-day Hindu festival honours Goddess Durga and her nine manifestations, collectively known as Navadurga.
Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of the festival through the installation of a sacred kalash.
Maha Ashtami falls on October 18, while Maha Navami falls on October 19, according to the supplied calendar.
Celebrations include Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, Durga Puja in West Bengal and Ramlila in northern India.
Key Fact: Navratri symbolises the victory of good over evil, including Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

20. World Arthritis Day 2026 Highlights Awareness and Achieving Dreams

World Arthritis Day is observed annually on October 12 to raise awareness about arthritis and rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).
The 2026 theme is “Achieve Your Dreams,” promoted by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR).
The campaign highlights the aspirations of people living with RMDs, including education, employment and family participation.
The observance promotes early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, rehabilitation and social inclusion.
Common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and restricted movement.
Key Fact: Arthritis and Rheumatism International established World Arthritis Day in 1996.

21. NHRC Celebrates 33rd Foundation Day on 12 October 2026

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, celebrates its 33rd Foundation Day on October 12, 2026, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant is the chief guest at the event.
The NHRC was established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Its functions include examining complaints, investigating human rights violations and recommending corrective action.
According to the supplied information, it has handled 24,33,716 cases, including 3,100 suo motu cases, and recommended compensation exceeding ₹274 crore in 9,085 cases.