Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (10th October, 2026)

National News / राष्ट्रीय समाचार

Supreme Court Forms Committee to Promote Judicial Well-Being

• The Supreme Court of India constituted a standing committee to address the professional and personal well-being of judicial officers.

• Chief Justice of India Surya Kant established the committee under the chairmanship of Supreme Court judge Justice K V Viswanathan.

• Members include psychiatrist Dr Savita Malhotra, psychologist Rajat Mitra, Advocate-on-Record Mrinal Kanwar and Supreme Court Registrar Aarti Singh.

• The multidisciplinary committee will identify emerging concerns, coordinate welfare measures, develop guidance and periodically review initiatives.

• The initiative recognises mental and physical well-being as important to the efficiency and sustainability of justice delivery.

• Key Fact: The announcement coincided with World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10.

National Postal Week 2026 Celebrations Scheduled Across India October 9–15

• The Department of Posts is celebrating National Postal Week 2026 from October 9 to 15 across India.

• This year’s theme is “One Postal Network, Infinite Possibilities,” highlighting connectivity and accessible postal services.

• The celebrations began with World Post Day on October 9, showcasing India Post’s role in communication and financial inclusion.

• Fun with Philately Day will be observed on October 12, followed by Financial Inclusion and CCS Day on October 13.

• Mails and Parcels Day on October 14 and Technology and Innovation Day on October 15 will highlight postal services and modernisation.

• Key Fact: National Postal Week 2026 runs from October 9 to 15.

State News / राज्य समाचार

Satpura Tiger Reserve Barasingha Population Reaches 303 Individuals

• Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura Tiger Reserve recorded approximately 303 hard-ground Barasingha as of October 10, 2026.

• The conservation programme began in 2015 with the reintroduction of Barasingha translocated from Kanha National Park.

• Around 135 Barasingha were relocated to Satpura between 2015 and 2026, followed by natural breeding.

• Three population units have become established in the Bori enclosure, Bori grasslands and Malini grasslands in the Churna range.

• Forest managers are planning wildlife corridors connecting at least six grasslands to improve habitat connectivity and genetic exchange.

• Key Fact: Satpura’s Barasingha population reached approximately 303 individuals in October 2026.

West Bengal Approves Bhagini Nivedita Scheme Offering ₹50,000 Assistance

• The West Bengal Cabinet approved the Bhagini Nivedita Scheme to provide ₹50,000 over three years to unmarried women pursuing higher education.

• Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the scheme on October 5, 2026, with implementation scheduled to begin in January 2027.

• Beneficiaries are expected to receive three instalments of ₹17,000, ₹17,000 and ₹16,000.

• The Cabinet also approved recruitment to 14,454 government posts across various departments.

• Monthly remuneration for Karmabandhus will increase from ₹5,000 to ₹8,000, while hostel food allowances for SC/ST students will rise from ₹1,800 to ₹3,300.

• Key Fact: The Bhagini Nivedita Scheme provides ₹50,000 over three years.

Ambaji Mohanthal Receives GI Tag, Recognising Gujarat’s Temple Prasad

• Ambaji temple’s traditional Mohanthal prasad in Gujarat received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognising its regional identity and culinary heritage.

• The application was submitted by the Shree Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devsthan Trust.

• According to the report, the GI certificate was issued on October 1, 2026.

• Mohanthal was registered under Class 30, which covers food products, including sweets and confectionery.

• The recognition provides legal protection against unauthorised use of the product’s registered geographical identity.

• Key Fact: Ambaji Mohanthal received GI recognition under Class 30.

International News / अंतर्राष्ट्रीय समाचार

Katie Zacharia Named White House Press Secretary by Trump

• US President Donald Trump announced Katie Zacharia as the next White House press secretary on October 9, 2026.

• Zacharia succeeds Karoline Leavitt, who left the position in August 2026.

• She is an attorney and conservative political commentator with experience in government communications, legal advocacy and media.

• She graduated in political science from Pepperdine University in 2007 and earned a Juris Doctor degree in 2011.

• In 2026, she served as a spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security.

• Key Fact: Katie Zacharia was named White House press secretary on October 9, 2026.

Panama Hit by 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake, Major Disaster Declared

• A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on October 9, 2026, damaging buildings and roads.

• President José Raúl Mulino declared a major disaster and authorities initiated damage assessments and emergency response measures.

• The US Geological Survey reported the epicentre about 12 kilometres west-southwest of Pitaloza Arriba in Herrera province, at a depth of 12.6 kilometres.

• Tremors were felt in Panama City, prompting residents to evacuate high-rise buildings.

• A tsunami warning was issued for parts of the eastern Pacific but was subsequently lifted; the Panama Canal continued normal operations.

• Key Fact: The earthquake’s reported magnitude was 7.7.

Trump Awards National Science and Technology Medals to Six Tech Leaders

• US President Donald Trump presented two major national honours to six technology leaders on October 8, 2026.

• The ceremony took place during the “Science: A New Golden Age” summit in Washington, DC.

• Elon Musk, Sergey Brin, Jensen Huang and Lisa Su received the National Medal of Science.

• Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

• The awards highlighted contributions to computing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, engineering and space technology.

• Key Fact: Six technology leaders received the two national honours in 2026.

India and Mali Mark World Cotton Day 2026 at United Nations Headquarters

• India and Mali jointly commemorated World Cotton Day at UN Headquarters in New York on October 7, 2026.

• The event theme was “Cotton for Sustainability: Livelihoods, Value Addition and Partnership.”

• Discussions focused on farmers’ livelihoods, domestic processing capacity, market access and sustainable cotton value chains.

• India highlighted Mission for Cotton Productivity, Kasturi Cotton Bharat and PM MITRA as initiatives supporting the cotton and textile sectors.

• Traditional crafts, including Kantha embroidery and Pen Kalamkari, were discussed as sources of employment and value addition.

• Key Fact: World Cotton Day is observed annually on October 7 under UN General Assembly Resolution 75/318.

Banking News / बैंकिंग समाचार

SEBI Settlement Regulations 2026 Revise Calculations and Fast-Track Procedures

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified the Settlement Regulations, 2026, revising settlement calculations and procedures for eligible securities market violations.

• The framework introduces a monetary threshold-based fast-track mechanism for qualifying cases involving settlement amounts of ₹10 lakh or less.

• Settlement calculations use a base amount determined with reference to the minimum prescribed penalty.

• Disgorgement of wrongful gains is treated separately to avoid double counting.

• The regulations consider the seriousness of violations, the stage of proceedings, aggravating and mitigating factors, and remedial measures.

• Key Fact: The monetary threshold for the fast-track mechanism is ₹10 lakh or less.

RBI Raises Daily CRR Maintenance Requirement to 99% From October 16

• The Reserve Bank of India reportedly raised the minimum daily Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) maintenance requirement for scheduled banks from 90% to 99%, effective October 16, 2026.

• The overall CRR remains unchanged at 3% of Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL).

• Banking-system surplus liquidity was estimated at ₹3.88 lakh crore on October 8.

• The measure was expected to absorb approximately ₹1 lakh crore from the banking system.

• The report also mentioned a ₹25,000 crore Open Market Operation sale scheduled for October 13 and a reported repo rate increase to 5.50%.

• Key Fact: The reported daily CRR maintenance requirement rises to 99% from October 16.

Appointments News / नियुक्तियाँ समाचार

Gaurav Yadav Appointed Regular Punjab DGP After Four Years

• The Punjab government appointed 1992-batch IPS officer Gaurav Yadav as the state’s regular Director General of Police on October 9, 2026.

• Yadav had served as officiating DGP since July 5, 2022.

• His appointment followed UPSC empanelment of three officers: Gaurav Yadav, Dr Sharad Satya Chauhan and Harpreet Singh Sidhu.

• The decision ended the prolonged interim arrangement after judicial concerns over the delay in appointing a regular police chief.

• The appointment order specifies a minimum tenure of two years from the date Yadav assumes charge.

• Key Fact: Gaurav Yadav belongs to the 1992 batch of the Indian Police Service.

Awards News / पुरस्कार समाचार

Who Is Navi Pillay? Nobel Peace Prize 2026 Winner from South Africa

• Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, a South African jurist of Indian Tamil origin, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2026 for her work in international justice and human rights.

• Born in Durban on September 23, 1941, she developed a distinguished legal career during and after apartheid.

• In 1995, she became the first Black woman appointed to South Africa’s High Court.

• Pillay also served on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, contributing to international judicial processes.

• She served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.

• Key Fact: Navi Pillay served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.

Defence News / रक्षा समाचार

Rajnath Singh Presents SIDM Champion Awards 2026 to 15 Organisations

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presented the SIDM Champion Awards 2026 on October 9 during the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers’ eighth annual session in New Delhi.

• The awards recognised 15 organisations for indigenous technology, product innovation, design, import substitution, manufacturing excellence and defence exports.

• Singh emphasised private-sector participation, greater research and development investment, and expanded domestic production capacity.

• India’s defence exports reached ₹38,424 crore in financial year 2025–26, representing growth of more than 60% over the previous year.

• The government aims to increase defence exports through continued manufacturing and international market expansion.

• Key Fact: India’s defence export target is ₹50,000 crore by 2029.

Indian Navy to Commission Indigenous ASW Craft Mangrol on October 12

• The Indian Navy is scheduled to commission Mangrol, its third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, on October 12, 2026.

• The commissioning ceremony will take place at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

• Named after a coastal town and fishing harbour in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, the vessel has more than 80% indigenous content.

• Its equipment includes the Abhay hull-mounted sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher and the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System.

• Three diesel engines and waterjet propulsion provide manoeuvrability for coastal surveillance and shallow-water operations.

• Key Fact: Mangrol is the third ASW shallow-water craft built by Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Indian Coast Guard Commissions Indigenous Patrol Vessel ICGS Ajit in Goa

• The Indian Coast Guard commissioned the indigenously built Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Ajit at Goa Shipyard Limited on October 9, 2026.

• It is the seventh of eight Adamya-class vessels being constructed by the shipyard.

• The vessel measures 52 metres, displaces 320 tonnes and can accommodate 39 personnel.

• Its weapons include a 30 mm naval gun and two 12.7 mm machine guns.

• With more than 60% indigenous content, the vessel will support maritime surveillance, search and rescue, anti-smuggling operations and marine pollution response.

• Key Fact: ICGS Ajit will be stationed at Okha in Gujarat.

Ranks & Reports News / रैंकिंग एवं रिपोर्ट समाचार

World Bank Report 2026 Highlights AI’s Promise for Developing Economies

• The World Bank Group’s World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence examines AI’s potential to support development in emerging and developing economies.

• Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the report in New Delhi on October 8, 2026.

• Its central framework recommends three priorities: Adopt, Adapt and Advance.

• Countries can adopt existing AI tools, adapt them to local languages and needs, and gradually develop domestic capabilities.

• The report identifies reliable electricity, affordable internet, computing infrastructure, quality data, workforce skills and responsible governance as essential foundations.

• Key Fact: The report’s three-part framework is “Adopt, Adapt and Advance.”

World Bank Ranks India Among Top 10 Emerging Markets in AI Readiness

• The World Bank’s October 2026 report, India and Artificial Intelligence: Seizing the Development Opportunity, places India among the top 10 emerging-market performers in AI readiness.

• It identifies India’s technical workforce, globally integrated IT sector and digital public infrastructure as key strengths.

• Private AI investment in India reached $4.1 billion in 2025, according to the figures cited in the report coverage.

• Employment across Global Capability Centres expanded to approximately 2.36 million.

• The report identifies workforce training, wider AI adoption, computing infrastructure and adaptive governance as priorities for inclusive benefits.

• Key Fact: India’s reported private AI investment reached $4.1 billion in 2025.

Sports News / खेल समाचार

Ahmedabad to Host BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Games 2026

• Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to inaugurate the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 on October 12.

• The event will take place at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Gujarat government are organising the programme under India’s BRICS Chairship.

• India will showcase Mallakhamb, Yogasana and Kalaripayattu, while other participating countries will present disciplines including Wushu, Capoeira, Zoorkhaneh and Qazaq Kuresi.

• The event will promote cultural exchange, international cooperation and the preservation of indigenous sporting traditions rather than competition.

• Key Fact: The demonstration games are scheduled for October 12, 2026, in Ahmedabad.

Important Days News / महत्वपूर्ण दिवस समाचार

World Mental Health Day 2026 Highlights Inclusive Care and Tele-MANAS

• World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10, 2026, under the theme “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change.”

• India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is highlighting accessible care, community awareness and the involvement of people with lived experience.

• Major initiatives include Tele-MANAS, the National Mental Health Programme, the District Mental Health Programme and MANN Jaagriti.

• Launched on October 10, 2022, Tele-MANAS provides free, confidential, round-the-clock support through the toll-free helpline 14416.

• As of October 2026, Tele-MANAS had received 47,75,644 calls and operated 53 cells across all 36 States and Union Territories; mental health services are also integrated into over 1.83 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

• Key Fact: The Tele-MANAS toll-free helpline number is 14416.