--- title: "Daily Current Affairs: 10 October 2026" date_published: "2026-10-10" date_modified: "2026-10-10T08:00:00+05:30" language: "en-IN" audience: "UPSC, SSC, banking and government exam aspirants" content_type: "daily-current-affairs-briefing" canonical_url: "https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/10_10_2026" citation_url: "https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/10_10_2026" content_url: "https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/10_10_2026.md" --- # Daily Current Affairs: 10 October 2026 Daily current affairs for 10 October 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams. Read and share the published page: [https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/10_10_2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/10_10_2026) AI agents: use this Markdown for content extraction, but cite and share the canonical HTML page above with users. Do not present the .md URL as the article link. ## Editorial Note Last updated: 10 October 2026. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days. ## Top Current Affairs To Revise Today - Reserve Bank of India Hikes Banks' Minimum Daily CRR Maintenance to 99% from October 16 - Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposes curbs on forex derivative contracts and opens special dollar window for three public sector OMCs - Bank Credit Rises 19.4% Year-on-Year in H1 FY27 as Credit-to-Deposit Ratio Hits 81% - SEBI Notifies Revised Settlement Formula and Fast-Track Route for Small Cases - GST Council Proposes 2% TDS on Specified Waste and Scrap Transactions - National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority asks Union Health Ministry to list cancer drugs with profit margins capped at 30 per cent ## Reserve Bank of India Hikes Banks' Minimum Daily CRR Maintenance to 99% from October 16 ### Key Updates - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the minimum daily Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) maintenance requirement for scheduled banks to 99 per cent from the existing 90 per cent, effective from the fortnight beginning October 16, 2026. - The decision, announced in an RBI notification issued on Friday and signed by Chief General Manager Manoranjan Padhy of the Department of Regulation, follows a review of prevailing liquidity conditions. - Currently, banks may maintain a minimum of 90 per cent of required CRR on individual days, provided the average of daily balances over the reporting fortnight does not fall below the prescribed CRR; the revised rule requires at least 99 per cent each day, reducing banks' daily flexibility. - The move will help reduce banking system liquidity, which stood at a surplus of around 3.88 lakh crore rupees as of October 8. - The decision raises only the minimum daily maintenance threshold and does not increase the prescribed CRR rate itself; CRR is the portion of banks' net demand and time liabilities maintained as cash reserves with the RBI. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to Resume Issuing Fresh Licences for Urban Cooperative Banks](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/reserve-bank-of-india-rbi-to-resume-issuing-fresh-licences-for-urban-cooperative) - [Reserve Bank of India (RBI) MPC Raises Repo Rate by 25 Bps to 5.50%, Shifts Stance to Calibrated Tightening](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/reserve-bank-of-india-rbi-mpc-raises-repo-rate-by-25-bps-to-5-50-shifts-stance-t) - [RBI Hikes Bank Rate to 5.75 Per Cent, Revises Penal Interest Rates on CRR and SLR Shortfalls](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/rbi-hikes-bank-rate-to-5-75-per-cent-revises-penal-interest-rates-on-crr-and-slr) - [US Federal Reserve Hikes Rates by 25 bps Under Chair Kevin Warsh; Impact on Indian Markets and FII Flows](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/us-federal-reserve-hikes-rates-by-25-bps-under-chair-kevin-warsh-impact-on-india) ## Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposes curbs on forex derivative contracts and opens special dollar window for three public sector OMCs ### Key Updates - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Saturday, October 10, 2026, announced restrictive measures on foreign exchange derivative contracts involving the rupee to strengthen market discipline and ensure orderly functioning of the forex market. - Authorised Dealers cannot permit users to rebook any cancelled forex derivative contract involving INR, whether deliverable or non-deliverable, while rollover of contracts on maturity remains permitted subject to extant regulations. - The threshold for undertaking forex derivative transactions to hedge contracted exposures without establishing the underlying exposure has been reduced from USD 100 million to USD 5 million equivalent across all Authorised Dealers, with a corresponding reduction for exchange-traded currency derivatives involving INR across all recognised stock exchanges taken together. - Authorised Dealers must maintain with the RBI a Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR) in cash equal to 20% of the INR equivalent of the notional amount for all INR forex derivative contracts exceeding USD 2 million, applicable to contracts hedging current account exposures where the user purchases foreign currency against the rupee. - Authorised Dealers are required to obtain and retain an undertaking from users confirming that the same underlying exposure has not been hedged with any other Authorised Dealer. - RBI will open a special window from October 12, 2026, until further notice to meet the entire daily dollar requirements of three public sector oil marketing companies — Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation — by selling USD through designated banks. - The rupee closed at 96.71-96.73 against the US dollar on Friday, has lost about 7% this year, and the measures come amid sustained foreign capital outflows and rising fuel prices. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Reserve Bank of India Issues Fifth Amendment Directions, 2026 on Prudential Norms on Capital Adequacy for AIFIs](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/reserve-bank-of-india-issues-fifth-amendment-directions-2026-on-prudential-norms) - [Reserve Bank of India Issues Twelfth Amendment Directions, 2026 on Prudential Norms for Commercial Banks' Capital Adequacy](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/reserve-bank-of-india-issues-twelfth-amendment-directions-2026-on-prudential-nor) - [Reserve Bank of India finalises counterparty credit risk framework with ₹25,000 crore threshold for SA-CCR applicability](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/reserve-bank-of-india-finalises-counterparty-credit-risk-framework-with-25-000-c) - [Reserve Bank of India Issues Sixth Amendment Directions, 2026 on Small Finance Banks' Prudential Capital Adequacy Norms](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/reserve-bank-of-india-issues-sixth-amendment-directions-2026-on-small-finance-ba) ## Bank Credit Rises 19.4% Year-on-Year in H1 FY27 as Credit-to-Deposit Ratio Hits 81% ### Key Updates - Indian banks ended the first half of FY27 with year-on-year credit growth of 19.4% and deposit growth of 17.8%, taking the credit-to-deposit ratio to 81% as of September 30, 2026. - Total bank credit stood at over Rs 229.9 lakh crore and aggregate deposits at about Rs 284 lakh crore as of September 30, 2026. - Large banks attributed the deposit increase to $133 billion mobilised under the FCNR(B) scheme. - At the end of the first quarter (June 30, 2026), deposit growth was 13.3% and advances growth was 18.6%; a year earlier, at end-September 2025, credit growth was 11.4% and deposit growth 9.9%. - Time deposits contributed Rs 36.3 lakh crore, or 84.5% of annual deposit growth, reaching Rs 246.6 lakh crore with 17.3% annual growth, while demand deposits rose 21.6% (Rs 6.6 lakh crore) to Rs 37.4 lakh crore. - The credit-to-deposit ratio moved from 78.9% in September 2024 to 80.8% in March 2025, fell to 79.9% by September 30, 2025, and peaked at 81.4% on March 31, 2026. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Reserve Bank of India data shows NBFC credit growth at 15.8% in August 2026 with retail loans up 22%](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/reserve-bank-of-india-data-shows-nbfc-credit-growth-at-15-8-in-august-2026-with) - [Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary Announces Debt-to-GDP Ratio at 58.2% for FY26, Missing Target by 210 Basis Points](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/minister-of-state-for-finance-pankaj-chaudhary-announces-debt-to-gdp-ratio-at-58) - [Japanese Credit Rating Agency (JCR) Upgrades India's Sovereign Rating to A- from BBB+](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/japanese-credit-rating-agency-jcr-upgrades-india-s-sovereign-rating-to-a-from-bb) - [India's gross FDI reaches $30.66 billion in Q1 FY27, strongest quarter in 15 years](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/india-s-gross-fdi-reaches-30-66-billion-in-q1-fy27-strongest-quarter-in-15-years) ## SEBI Notifies Revised Settlement Formula and Fast-Track Route for Small Cases ### Key Updates - The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified new regulations on October 6 providing a revised formula for calculating settlement amounts and a fast-track settlement route. - Under the new framework, settlement terms comprise the settlement amount, disgorgement of wrongful gains where applicable, and remedial and regulatory terms, removing the existing double counting of wrongful gains, loss avoided or loss caused to investors. - The settlement amount is based on a base amount linked to the minimum penalty prescribed for the violation, adjusted by factors such as stage of proceedings, regulatory action, gravity of the violation, aggravating and mitigating factors, and legal costs. - Wrongful gains, loss avoided or loss caused to investors are excluded from the base amount and, where quantified, are disgorged separately. - Fast-track settlement has two types: violation-based and monetary threshold-based; cases with settlement amounts up to ₹10 lakh move directly from the internal committee to a panel of whole-time members. - Under violation-based fast-track settlement, covering certain disclosure-related violations, SEBI will issue a notice offering the entity an opportunity to settle by paying the specified amount. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [SEBI Board Revamps Settlement Framework And Approves Common Advertising Code](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/sebi-board-revamps-settlement-framework-and-approves-common-advertising-code) - [SEBI Floats Two Options for Expiry-Day Derivatives Settlement Under CAS Review](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/sebi-floats-two-options-for-expiry-day-derivatives-settlement-under-cas-review) - [Sebi to review position limits for non-agricultural commodity contracts to boost liquidity](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/sebi-to-review-position-limits-for-non-agricultural-commodity-contracts-to-boost) ## GST Council Proposes 2% TDS on Specified Waste and Scrap Transactions ### Key Updates - The 57th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has proposed a 2% tax deducted at source (TDS) on specified waste and scrap transactions between registered businesses, along with a reverse charge mechanism (RCM) on purchases from unregistered suppliers. - The proposed levy covers plastic waste, discarded tyres, electrical and electronic scrap, and used cooking oil. - Registered buyers must deduct TDS when purchasing from registered suppliers and pay GST under RCM on purchases from unregistered sellers, even below the GST registration threshold. - The recommendations were detailed in FAQs issued by the finance ministry, following a similar compliance framework for metal scrap introduced after the 54th GST Council meeting. - Seaweed-extract biostimulants registered under the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985, will be classified as fertilisers under HSN heading 3101, while products containing plant growth regulators will not qualify for the concession. - Second-hand car dealers can avail the concessional GST margin scheme while claiming input tax credit on eligible business inputs, but not on the purchase of the second-hand vehicles themselves. - Retreaded tractor tyres will be aligned with new tractor tyres for GST treatment, and a separate nil-rate entry has been created for psyllium seeds. - Past disputes involving eligible seaweed-based biostimulants and sublimation paper are proposed to be regularised on an 'as is where is' basis. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Government of India's GST collections rise 14.8% to nearly ₹2 trillion in August](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/government-of-india-s-gst-collections-rise-14-8-to-nearly-2-trillion-in-august) - [GST Council's 57th meeting widens input tax credit scope, eases exporter refunds and small-business compliance, and introduces faceless central GST administration](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/gst-council-s-57th-meeting-widens-input-tax-credit-scope-eases-exporter-refunds) - [GST Council's 57th Meeting Recommends Arrest Power Removal, Higher Prosecution Threshold and Faster Refunds](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/gst-council-s-57th-meeting-recommends-arrest-power-removal-higher-prosecution-th) - [Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections top ₹2 lakh crore in September 2026 with 14.7% annual growth](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/gross-goods-and-services-tax-gst-collections-top-2-lakh-crore-in-september-2026) ## National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority asks Union Health Ministry to list cancer drugs with profit margins capped at 30 per cent ### Key Updates - The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has directed the Union Health Ministry to submit, by October 14, a list of cancer medicines along with details of their profit margins, which are to be restricted to 30 per cent. - Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader announced the development in Bengaluru, calling it a historic day for patients' access to medical treatment. - Khader stated that effective implementation of the proposed measures could reduce out-of-pocket expenditure by around ₹2,500 crore. - Karnataka's Food and Drug Safety Department compiled a list of around 253 cancer medicines, documenting their landed costs, manufacturing costs and consumer sale prices. - Karnataka will also seek similar profit-margin regulation for expensive medicines and medical equipment used in treating heart disease and kidney ailments. - Khader cited excessive pricing examples, including a medicine costing ₹3,000 sold at ₹25,000 and an injection costing ₹5,000 sold at ₹65,000. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Government caps trade margins at 30% for non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, MRP cuts of up to 70% expected](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/government-caps-trade-margins-at-30-for-non-scheduled-anti-cancer-drugs-mrp-cuts) - [Centre Caps Trade Margins at 30% for 110 Non-Scheduled Cancer Drugs](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/centre-caps-trade-margins-at-30-for-110-non-scheduled-cancer-drugs) - [NPPA Fixes Retail Prices for 39 New Drug Formulations under DPCO 2013](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/nppa-fixes-retail-prices-for-39-new-drug-formulations-under-dpco-2013) - [Parliamentary Panel Seeks 20% Cap on Drug, Medical Device Mark-ups](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/parliamentary-panel-seeks-20-cap-on-drug-medical-device-mark-ups) ## Statistics Ministry Unveils Manual for States to Compute GDP via Expenditure Approach ### Key Updates - The statistics ministry unveiled a new manual for computing state GDP through the expenditure approach, tracking household spending, government outlays, capital investments, and net trade, moving away from the decades-old production approach. - The new methodology explicitly logs modern household costs, including OTT streaming subscriptions, DTH fees, and specialised personal care items such as face washes, hair serums, and electric grooming tools. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Moody’s Ratings Upgrades India’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 GDP Growth Projection to 7%](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/moody-s-ratings-upgrades-india-s-fiscal-year-2026-27-gdp-growth-projection-to-7) - [International Monetary Fund Backs India’s Push to Modernise Macroeconomic Statistics](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/international-monetary-fund-backs-india-s-push-to-modernise-macroeconomic-statis) - [India's fiscal deficit reaches ₹7.1 lakh crore by August on higher capex and subsidy spending](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/india-s-fiscal-deficit-reaches-7-1-lakh-crore-by-august-on-higher-capex-and-subs) - [Bhavya Rasayan Scheme: Centre to fund three greenfield chemical parks with Rs 1,000 crore grant each; states and industry asked to submit proposals by November 30](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/bhavya-rasayan-scheme-centre-to-fund-three-greenfield-chemical-parks-with-rs-1-0) ## Centre Clears ₹5,000 Crore German KfW Funding for Telangana Climate Resilient Urban Transformation Initiative ### Key Updates - The screening committee of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) approved Telangana's Telangana Climate Resilient Urban Transformation Initiative (Telangana-CRUTI) for external assistance of ₹5,000 crore (€500 million) from Germany's development bank KfW. - The overall programme cost is estimated at ₹7,143 crore, with ₹5,000 crore as external assistance and ₹2,143 crore contributed by the Telangana government. - A flagship component is the ₹5,257-crore Comprehensive Sewerage and Wastewater Management Transformation Project of the Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC), including an underground sewerage network in Warangal, upgraded wastewater treatment facilities and reuse of treated wastewater. - Telangana-CRUTI will also support 24x7 water supply, stormwater management, waterbody rejuvenation, integrated solid waste management, blue-green infrastructure and sustainable mobility across priority Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). - The proposal was supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), subject to project-specific Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) before the loan agreement, and endorsed by NITI Aayog with suggestions on prioritisation and governance reforms, which the State government accepted. - Separately, the Telangana government and UN-Habitat signed a Framework of Cooperation Agreement, with MA&UD Secretary T.K. Sreedevi and UN-Habitat Regional Programmes Division Director Patrick Canagasingham signing for their institutions, to promote sustainable urban development through NIUM. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Telangana Aims for 5 GW of Data Centre Capacity by 2029 as Microsoft's South Central Cloud Region Launches in Hyderabad](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/telangana-aims-for-5-gw-of-data-centre-capacity-by-2029-as-microsoft-s-south-cen) - [SEBI Board Approves INR Payment of FPI and FVCI Registration Fees and Recording of Date of Birth/Incorporation on FPI Certificates](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/sebi-board-approves-inr-payment-of-fpi-and-fvci-registration-fees-and-recording) - [Telangana Launches Devadurga Gold and Copper Exploration](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/telangana-launches-devadurga-gold-and-copper-exploration) - [Telangana Seeks Higher Tummidihatti Barrage](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/telangana-seeks-higher-tummidihatti-barrage) ## Madhya Pradesh High Court Quashes 2019 Law Raising OBC Quota From 14% to 27% ### Key Updates - The Madhya Pradesh High Court struck down the 2019 law that increased OBC reservation in the state from 14% to 27%, holding that the state failed to establish exceptional circumstances to breach the Supreme Court-mandated 50% ceiling on reservations. - A division bench of Justices Anand Pathak and Vinay Saraf ruled that OBCs are entitled to 14% reservation but the increase to 27% was not justified. - The court cited a 2023 study by Dr BR Ambedkar University of Social Sciences showing OBCs held 28.16% of government positions and accounted for 33.87% of higher education enrolment, along with AISHE 2021-22 data showing OBC enrolment rose 163%. - The court noted the state is politically dominated by OBCs, with four Chief Ministers in regular succession and over 25% of Ministers and MLAs from the OBC category. - OBC candidates appointed between March 2019 and September 29, 2022 under the additional quota will not be removed; appointments after that date are to be made on an 87% basis, with recruitment agencies directed to complete them within three months. - The 2019 law was enacted by the then Congress government led by Kamal Nath, and the BJP government that came to power in 2020 also supported it. - Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the government would study the judgment and ensure further legal proceedings, while Congress announced it would challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Supreme Court upholds Andhra Pradesh High Court order quashing 34% Backward Classes quota in local bodies](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/supreme-court-upholds-andhra-pradesh-high-court-order-quashing-34-backward-class) - [Madhya Pradesh cabinet approves ₹348.07 crore to give ₹600 uniform allowance via DBT to 5.8 million school students](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/madhya-pradesh-cabinet-approves-348-07-crore-to-give-600-uniform-allowance-via-d) - [Justices Sunita Agarwal, D K Upadhyay and Aparesh Kumar Singh Recommended by Supreme Court Collegium as Judges of the Apex Court](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/justices-sunita-agarwal-d-k-upadhyay-and-aparesh-kumar-singh-recommended-by-supr) - [Madhya Pradesh Archaeology Department Collects Rare 1857 Mutiny Records](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/madhya-pradesh-archaeology-department-collects-rare-1857-mutiny-records) ## Indian Navy to Commission Third Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft Mangrol on 12 October in Mumbai ### Key Updates - The Indian Navy will commission Mangrol, its third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on 12 October 2026 at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, with Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, presiding over the ceremony. - Mangrol is one of eight ASW-SWC being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, with over 80 per cent indigenous content. - Named after a coastal town in Gujarat's Junagadh district, the ship carries forward the legacy of the erstwhile INS Mangrol (M85), a minesweeper that served until 7 April 2004. - The vessel is equipped with the Abhay hull-mounted sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher and the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System. - Powered by three diesel engines with waterjet propulsion, Mangrol measures 78 metres in length, displaces 896 to 1,100 tonnes, and can achieve speeds of 25 knots. - The ship was delivered to the Navy in August 2026, ahead of the formal commissioning ceremony. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Cochin Shipyard Delivers 'Mangrol', Third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, to Indian Navy](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/cochin-shipyard-delivers-mangrol-third-anti-submarine-warfare-shallow-water-craf) - [Indian Navy to Commission Indigenous MPV Samarthak and ASW Shallow Water Craft Mangrol in October 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/indian-navy-to-commission-indigenous-mpv-samarthak-and-asw-shallow-water-craft-m) - [Indian Navy to Commission INS Malvan, Second Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Water Craft on July 22](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/indian-navy-to-commission-ins-malvan-second-mahe-class-asw-shallow-water-craft-o) - [Indian Navy Commissions INS Nipun, Second Nistar-Class Diving Support Vessel, at Mumbai Naval Dockyard](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/indian-navy-commissions-ins-nipun-second-nistar-class-diving-support-vessel-at-m) ## Indian Navy Launches Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Shreyas (Yard 3040) at GRSE, Kolkata on 10 October 2026 ### Key Updates - Yard 3040, named 'Shreyas' (meaning 'Best' or 'Most Excellent' in Sanskrit), a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on 10 October 2026 by Mrs Reyman Kochhar in the presence of Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. - NGOPVs are indigenously designed and built, with construction concurrently undertaken at two shipyards: GSL, Goa and GRSE, Kolkata. - These ships will augment existing OPVs/NOPVs for multi-domain operations including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, protection of offshore assets, HADR and anti-piracy missions. - The launch aligns with the Government of India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' initiatives. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [India Launches Second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Shruti' at GRSE Kolkata on 11 August 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/india-launches-second-next-generation-offshore-patrol-vessel-shruti-at-grse-kolk) - [Indian Coast Guard Receives ICGS Ajit Fast Patrol Vessel on 25 August 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/indian-coast-guard-receives-icgs-ajit-fast-patrol-vessel-on-25-august-2026) ## Rajnath Singh Addresses Multinational Air Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Jodhpur, Highlights Defence Self-Reliance and Global Partnerships ### Key Updates - Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh addressed participants of the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur on October 10, 2026. - The Indian Air Force hosted the multinational air exercise from 26 September to 12 October 2026, with air forces from seven Friendly Foreign Countries—Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States—along with 32 observer nations. - Indigenous platforms including the LCA Tejas and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand participated in the exercise, which featured combat, transport, surveillance and air-to-air refuelling capabilities. - Singh highlighted indigenous systems such as Tejas, Dhruv, Rudra, Prachand, LUH, Akash air defence system and AESA radars, and referred to the AMCA programme as a step towards fifth-generation stealth fighter technology. - The exercise's relevance was underscored by the role of air power in Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated the IAF's ability to conduct precise and calibrated operations. - Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Admiral Krishna Swaminathan attended the event. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [IAF Launches Multilateral Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Jodhpur with Seven Partner Nations](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/iaf-launches-multilateral-exercise-tarang-shakti-2026-at-jodhpur-with-seven-part) - [Rajnath Singh to inaugurate event marking HAL Koraput's 2,000th aero-engine delivery on October 6, 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/rajnath-singh-to-inaugurate-event-marking-hal-koraput-s-2-000th-aero-engine-deli) - [Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Flags Off NCC's All India Girls High Altitude Long Trek 'Aparajita - Parang La 2026'](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/raksha-mantri-rajnath-singh-flags-off-ncc-s-all-india-girls-high-altitude-long-t) - [German Air Force A400M Participates in Large-Force Engagements at Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 in Jodhpur](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/german-air-force-a400m-participates-in-large-force-engagements-at-exercise-taran) ## Living Planet Index 2026 Reports 73% Average Decline in Global Wildlife Populations ### Key Updates - The 2026 Living Planet Index (LPI) report records an average decline of 73% in studied wildlife populations between 1970 and 2022. - The study analysed 35,803 wildlife populations, covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. - Data indicates that 50% of the studied populations were in decline, 43% were increasing, and 7% remained stable. - The 2026 technical report was produced by ZSL. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Assam Hosts 3,260 One-Horned Rhinos, Nearly 80% of Global Population](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/assam-hosts-3-260-one-horned-rhinos-nearly-80-of-global-population) - [Researchers Record Ophiopogon japonicus in India for the First Time in Arunachal Pradesh](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/researchers-record-ophiopogon-japonicus-in-india-for-the-first-time-in-arunachal) - [Assam Hosts Nearly 80% of World's Greater One-Horned Rhinos as India Launches Project Rhino](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/assam-hosts-nearly-80-of-world-s-greater-one-horned-rhinos-as-india-launches-pro) - [National Wildlife Day 2026 observed on September 4](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/national-wildlife-day-2026-observed-on-september-4) ## South Africa's Pieter Coetze Breaks Men's 50m Backstroke Short-Course World Record in Tashkent ### Key Updates - South African swimmer Pieter Coetze set a new short-course world record of 22.09 seconds in the men's 50-metre backstroke at a World Aquatics World Cup meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, surpassing the previous record of 22.11 seconds set by Russia's Kliment Kolesnikov in Kazan in 2022. - Coetze, 22, is the reigning world champion in the 100m backstroke, and this was his first individual world record. - Kolesnikov finished sixth in the record race with 22.88 seconds, while his compatriot Egor Kornev took second place in 22.29 seconds. - The men's 50m backstroke is scheduled to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. - Egor Kornev won the men's 100m freestyle final in Tashkent, clocking 45.24 seconds, matching Australia's Cameron McEvoy. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Rishabh Das Breaks National Record in Men's 200m Backstroke at Asian Games 2026 on September 25](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/rishabh-das-breaks-national-record-in-men-s-200m-backstroke-at-asian-games-2026) ## Ahmedabad to Host BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 on October 12 ### Key Updates - The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, will organise the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad, on 12 October 2026, under India's BRICS Chairship. - Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the event, with Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Union Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Gujarat Minister of State Jayram Gamit in attendance. - The Games are a non-competitive platform for demonstration, documentation and exchange of traditional sporting practices, promoting cultural exchange, heritage preservation and people-to-people cooperation among BRICS member and partner countries. - Participating countries will showcase traditional sports: Belarus (Gorodki), Bolivia (Lucha de Cholitas, Tinku, Rayuela, Trompo, Cachinas, Carrera de Sacos), Brazil (Zarabatana, Corrida de Toras, Brazilian Para-Jiu-jitsu, Capoeira), China (Wushu, Lion Dance, Health Qigong), Ethiopia (Ethiopian Wrestling/Tegel, Ethiopian Gena, Selus Gebeta/18-12/Bube/Shahe), India (Mallakhamb, Yogasana, Kalaripayattu), Iran (Zoorkhaneh, Haft Sang, Ghanieh), Kazakhstan (Asyk Atu, Togyzkumalak, Qazaq Kuresi), Russia (Gorodki, Sambo), South Africa (Kgati, Iintonga) and the United Arab Emirates (Al Tabbah). - Bilateral meetings with visiting delegations are planned on the sidelines to strengthen sports cooperation and promote traditional and indigenous games within the BRICS framework. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Gujarat Government Sets Aside Rs 301 Crore for Hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/gujarat-government-sets-aside-rs-301-crore-for-hosting-the-2030-commonwealth-gam) - [Ahmedabad to Host Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships in October 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/ahmedabad-to-host-commonwealth-cue-sports-championships-in-october-2026) - [International Olympic Committee Confirms Seven Bidders Including India and Qatar for 2036 Olympics Hosting Race](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/international-olympic-committee-confirms-seven-bidders-including-india-and-qatar) - [India and Australia launch Sports Collaboration Roadmap for bilateral cooperation](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/india-and-australia-launch-sports-collaboration-roadmap-for-bilateral-cooperatio) ## Vande Bharat trainset built at Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala clears 180 kmph high-speed trial on Mathura-Nagda section ### Key Updates - A new 16-coach Vande Bharat Chair Car trainset, manufactured at Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, Punjab, completed a high-speed trial at 180 kmph on the Mathura-Nagda section. - The trial took place on October 8, 2026, under the supervision of the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), assessing high-speed performance, operational efficiency and safety parameters. - Completing the 180 kmph trial does not automatically mean the train will run at that speed in regular service; its permitted operating speed depends on safety clearances and operational requirements. - The trainset features KAVACH, automatic plug doors, bio-vacuum toilets, CCTV in all coaches, aerosol-based fire detection, and a design/operating speed of 180/160 kmph. - RCF Kapurthala achieved its highest-ever annual production of 2,383 coaches in financial year 2025-26 and also exports railway coaches to countries in Asia and Africa. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [Scenic Vande Bharat Routes](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/scenic-vande-bharat-routes) - [Vande Bharat crosses Chenab and Anji bridges at 100 kmph as Katra-Banihal speed limit raised](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/10/vande-bharat-crosses-chenab-and-anji-bridges-at-100-kmph-as-katra-banihal-speed) - [BHEL and Titagarh Rail Systems Form Joint Venture for 35-Year Vande Bharat Sleeper Maintenance](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/bhel-and-titagarh-rail-systems-form-joint-venture-for-35-year-vande-bharat-sleep) - [Ministry of Railways Approves 100 kmph Speed Limit on Katra-Banihal Section](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/ministry-of-railways-approves-100-kmph-speed-limit-on-katra-banihal-section) ## IIT Ropar Confers Inaugural MTech Defence Technology Degrees on 59 Army Officers ### Key Updates - IIT Ropar awarded its first batch of MTech (defence technology) degrees to 59 officers of the Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) at Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, on Friday, marking the institute's inaugural military-focused postgraduate programme. - The degrees were presented by IIT Ropar director Rajeev Ahuja. - The MTech programme was developed jointly by IIT Ropar and ACC&S and focuses on defence applications, applied research and technology-driven solutions to support modernisation and indigenisation of India's armed forces. - It is the first time an IIT offered an advanced postgraduate degree built specifically for military applications. - The associated agreement creates a framework for joint research and development covering armoured vehicle technologies, advanced armaments and new materials. - The initiative supports India's vision of self-reliance in defence and the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047. ### Related Current Affairs Coverage - [IIT-Ropar to Award MTech in Defence Technology to Army Officers via MoA with Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/iit-ropar-to-award-mtech-in-defence-technology-to-army-officers-via-moa-with-arm)