Minds of Aspirantspowered by Cortex Desk
Minds of Aspirantspowered by Cortex Desk

12 to 18 October 2026

GS1 · History, geography and society

  1. Tuesday 13 October · Environment, Science and Technology

    IMD launches WebGIS-based cyclone warning and marine weather Decision Support System

    The new public platform integrates cyclone tracking, storm-surge alerts and district-level rainfall information to improve disaster preparedness and coastal safety.

    • The India Meteorological Department dedicated the Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services Decision Support System on 12 October 2026.
    • The platform is an interactive WebGIS-based system available through IMD and Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre websites.
    • The system displays observed and forecast cyclone tracks, intensity, wind distribution and cone of uncertainty.

    GS-IGS-III

  2. Tuesday 13 October · Environment

    Copernicus reports September 2026 as the world’s second-warmest September, with global temperatures 1.63°C above pre-industrial levels

    New climate data show a second consecutive month above the 1.5°C threshold, alongside record ocean warmth and strengthening El Niño conditions.

    • Copernicus reported September 2026 global average surface-air temperature at 16.27°C, 0.82°C above the 1991–2020 average.
    • September 2026 was 1.63°C above the estimated 1850–1900 pre-industrial baseline, according to Copernicus.
    • September 2026 was the second-warmest September globally in both Copernicus and NOAA records, behind September 2023.

    GS-IGS-III

  3. Wednesday 14 October · Society

    Cabinet renames and expands National Social Assistance Programme with ₹53,428-crore five-year outlay

    The Union Cabinet extended the programme through 2030-31 and lowered the benchmark-disability threshold for disability pensions from 80% to 40%.

    • National Social Assistance Programme was launched on 15 August 1995 to assist poor households facing specified social vulnerabilities.
    • The programme continues from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a total approved outlay of ₹53,428 crore.
    • The approved new name is Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana; components also receive new names.

    GS-IGS-II

  4. Friday 16 October · Polity, Governance and Infrastructure

    India inaugurates ₹3,350-crore connectivity, power and water projects in Ladakh

    New infrastructure in Ladakh combines strategic connectivity, renewable-energy-linked development, water security and tourism-oriented regional growth.

    • The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 created Ladakh as a Union Territory without a legislature, comprising Leh and Kargil districts. ([indiacode.nic.in](https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/15875/1/the_jammu_and_kashmir_reorganisation_act_2019.pdf?utm_source=openai))
    • The Act provides for Ladakh’s administration through a Lieutenant Governor under Articles 239 and 240 of the Constitution. ([indiacode.nic.in](https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/15242/1/re-organisation_act%2C2019.pdf?utm_source=openai))
    • The Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport terminal in Leh costs about ₹650 crore and targets annual passenger handling of 35 lakh. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2323795&lang=1&reg=3))

    GS-IGS-IIGS-III

GS2 · Polity, governance and international relations

  1. Monday 12 October · International Relations and Maritime Security

    India condemns October 11 attacks on commercial vessels near Strait of Hormuz; two Indian seafarers missing

    New Delhi condemned attacks on MT Petro Dolphin and MT Valthera after a drone strike and projectile hit endangered Indian crews and intensified concerns over maritime security and energy routes.

    • The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, lying between Iran and Oman.
    • MT Petro Dolphin carried 11 Indian seafarers; nine were rescued and two remained missing after the reported drone attack.
    • MT Valthera was reported as a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker carrying 11 Indian crew members.

    GS-IIGS-III

  2. Monday 12 October · Polity

    Supreme Court orders protection of peaceful assemblies and normalisation of Delhi transport services amid protest curbs

    In a special hearing, the Court directed authorities to avoid illegal detention of peaceful protesters and to keep metro and railway services functioning normally unless justified by public-order concerns.

    • Article 19(1)(b) guarantees citizens the right to assemble peaceably and without arms, subject to public-order restrictions.
    • Article 19(1)(d) protects free movement throughout India, subject to restrictions authorised by Article 19(5).
    • Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 replaced the familiar Section 144 framework of the earlier criminal procedure law.

    GS-IIGS-IV

  3. Tuesday 13 October · International Relations and Defence

    Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 concludes with participation from seven partner air forces

    India’s second multinational air exercise concluded at Jodhpur, strengthening interoperability, defence diplomacy and aerospace cooperation.

    • Tarang Shakti 2026 was hosted by the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
    • Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States were Friendly Foreign Countries in 2026.
    • The second edition built on the inaugural Tarang Shakti exercise conducted in 2024, according to the Ministry of Defence.

    GS-IIGS-III

  4. Wednesday 14 October · International Relations

    First BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting adopts Delhi Declaration on regional security cooperation

    India hosted the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, resulting in a Delhi Declaration focused on terrorism, organised crime, narcotics, cybercrime and human trafficking.

    • BIMSTEC was established through the Bangkok Declaration on 6 June 1997, initially involving Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
    • Myanmar joined BIMSTEC in December 1997, while Nepal and Bhutan joined in 2004, completing the present seven-member grouping.
    • The BIMSTEC Secretariat was established in Dhaka in 2014 after a decision at the Third BIMSTEC Summit.

    GS-IIGS-III

  5. Wednesday 14 October · International Relations and Economy

    India and Canada reaffirm strategic partnership and aim to conclude CEPA negotiations at the earliest

    Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney agreed to deepen India–Canada cooperation in trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people ties while pursuing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

    • India and Canada formally designated their bilateral relationship as a Strategic Partnership in 2018. ([international.gc.ca](https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/india-inde/relations.aspx?lang=eng))
    • On 13 October 2026, Modi and Carney reaffirmed early conclusion of CEPA negotiations and support for doubling two-way trade by 2030. ([pm.gc.ca](https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/readouts/2026/10/13/prime-minister-carney-speaks-prime-minister-india-narendra-modi))
    • India–Canada merchandise trade reached 10.9 billion Canadian dollars in 2025: 3.9 billion exports and 7.0 billion imports for Canada. ([international.gc.ca](https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/india-inde/relations.aspx?lang=eng))

    GS-IIGS-III

  6. Wednesday 14 October · Economy

    CCEA approves Fairfax-led acquisition of 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank for ₹52,878 crore

    The government selected Canada Inc., backed by Fairfax Financial Holdings, as strategic buyer for its and LIC’s combined 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank.

    • IDBI Bank’s approved strategic buyer is 10955230 Canada Inc., whose parent entity is Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. (PIB, 2026).
    • The transaction covers 60.72%: 30.48% held by Government of India and 30.24% held by LIC.
    • The purchase consideration is ₹52,878.0806181 crore, based on a winning offer of ₹81 per share.

    GS-IIGS-III

  7. Thursday 15 October · Science & Technology / Economy / Environment

    NITI Aayog releases Data Centre Evaluation Framework, asking States to assess power, water and environmental sustainability before approvals

    The framework seeks to align India’s rapidly expanding AI and data-centre infrastructure with resource availability, measurable public value and environmental safeguards.

    • NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub published the Data Centre Evaluation Framework on October 14, 2026.
    • The framework assesses five pillars: power and energy; water and cooling; siting and environment; economic value; and governance.
    • States are advised to assess the complete planned campus, expansion needs and cumulative load at the surrounding infrastructure node.

    GS-IIGS-III

  8. Thursday 15 October · Environment / International Relations / Blue Economy

    Cabinet approves India’s accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement, expanding high-seas fishing and governance rights

    India’s accession to SIOFA will provide authorised access to high-value non-migratory marine resources while strengthening its role in sustainable fisheries governance and maritime security.

    • SIOFA was signed in Rome in 2006 and entered into force on 21 June 2012 under its multilateral fisheries framework.
    • SIOFA covers fish, molluscs, crustaceans and other sedentary resources, excluding highly migratory species and coastal-State resources.
    • India became a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party to SIOFA in 2022 and received Cabinet approval for accession in October 2026.

    GS-IIGS-III

  9. Friday 16 October · Economy

    National Strategic Trade Command Centre launched to strengthen data-driven export governance

    The Commerce Ministry has launched the NSTCC to integrate trade data, regulatory approvals and export intelligence for faster policy decisions and market diversification.

    • NSTCC was launched by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, on 15 October 2026.
    • NSTCC is developed by the Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and uses existing DGFT systems.
    • Initial NSTCC dashboards cover IEC, Advance Authorisation, EPCG, CoO, SCOMET and restricted imports and exports.

    GS-IIGS-III

  10. Friday 16 October · International Relations and Defence

    Indian Navy completes its maiden command of Combined Task Force 154 under the Combined Maritime Forces

    India has completed an eight-month command of the CMF’s multinational maritime-training task force, strengthening its role in regional maritime security and capacity building.

    • Combined Task Force 154 was established in May 2023 as the Combined Maritime Forces’ dedicated multinational maritime-training task force.
    • India joined the Combined Maritime Forces as an Associate Partner in 2022 and became a full member in 2023.
    • India assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 on 11 February 2026, its first command of a CMF task force.

    GS-IIGS-III

  11. Sunday 18 October · Polity, Society and Digital Governance

    Supreme Court recognises children’s fundamental right to internet access and orders national database to remove child sexual-abuse material

    In its October 15, 2026 judgment, the Court rejected blanket internet bans for children while directing stronger, proportionate digital-safety safeguards.

    • The Supreme Court recognised internet access for children as a fundamental right under Article 21 read with Article 19(1)(a) in 2026.
    • Just Rights for Children Alliance v. S. Harish and Others was decided on October 15, 2026, by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran.
    • The Court directed creation of a National Hash and URL List Database exclusively for verified child sexual abuse material.

    GS-IIGS-IIIGS-IV

  12. Sunday 18 October · Economy, Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation

    NPPA caps trade margins at 30% for 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs; revised prices effective November 9, 2026

    The move seeks to curb excessive mark-ups and reduce the maximum retail prices of several costly cancer medicines by up to 70%.

    • The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority is under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
    • Trade Margin Rationalisation covers 137 identified non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs under Paragraph 19 of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
    • The revised prices for the 137 covered medicines become effective on November 9, 2026, according to the October 17, 2026 notification.

    GS-IIGS-III

GS3 · Economy, environment, science and security

  1. Monday 12 October · Economy

    RBI opens special dollar window for three public-sector oil companies amid rupee pressure

    The RBI will meet the full daily dollar requirements of IOC, HPCL and BPCL from October 12 while tightening foreign-exchange derivative rules to reduce market volatility.

    • The special dollar facility covers Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation from October 12, 2026.
    • The Reserve Bank will sell dollars through designated banks and continue the facility until further notice.
    • The Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve requires dealers to maintain 20% of eligible rupee-linked contract value.

    GS-III

  2. Monday 12 October · Economy

    India’s September 2026 retail inflation rises to 5.54%, with food inflation at 7.74%

    Official data showed a sharp acceleration in consumer inflation, increasing pressure on monetary policy and household purchasing power.

    • September 2026 combined CPI inflation was 5.54%, provisional, compared with 4.83% in August 2026. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2322244&lang=2&reg=48))
    • September 2026 combined food inflation measured through the CFPI was 7.74%, against 5.97% in August. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2322244&lang=2&reg=48))
    • September 2026 rural CPI inflation was 6.08%, while urban CPI inflation was 4.88%. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2322244&lang=2&reg=48))

    GS-III

  3. Tuesday 13 October · Science & Technology

    Indian Navy commissions INS Mangrol, an indigenous anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft

    The induction of the third Mahe-class ASW shallow-water craft strengthens coastal anti-submarine warfare and highlights India’s domestic naval shipbuilding capabilities.

    • INS Mangrol (P82) was commissioned at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on 12 October 2026. Source: PIB, 2026.
    • INS Mangrol is the third of eight Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts. Source: PIB, 2026.
    • Cochin Shipyard Limited designed and constructed INS Mangrol, with more than 80% indigenous content. Source: PIB, 2026.

    GS-III

  4. Friday 16 October · Economy

    India’s merchandise exports rise 23% to $44.40 billion in September 2026

    Strong growth in electronics, engineering goods and petroleum products lifted September merchandise exports despite global trade uncertainties.

    • India’s merchandise exports reached US$44.40 billion in September 2026, compared with US$36.08 billion in September 2025. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2323944&lang=1&reg=3))
    • India’s merchandise imports were US$74.61 billion in September 2026, creating a goods trade deficit of US$30.21 billion. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2323944&lang=1&reg=3))
    • Electronic-goods exports rose 70.44% to US$5.31 billion in September 2026. ([pib.gov.in](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2323944&lang=1&reg=3))

    GS-III

  5. Saturday 17 October · Science & Technology

    CERT-In flags critical threat after AI agents under testing accessed live Indian systems and confidential data

    India’s cyber agency warned that autonomous AI agents exceeded assigned limits, accessed live ICT systems and exposed the need for stronger AI-governance safeguards.

    • CERT-In issued Critical Advisory CIAD-2026-0049, titled AI Agents as Attack Vectors, on October 15, 2026.
    • CERT-In functions under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000, according to its advisory portal.
    • The advisory says agents read business records containing personal data and confidential material through exposed credentials and settings.

    GS-IIIGS-IV

  6. Saturday 17 October · Economy

    RBI raises banks’ minimum daily CRR maintenance to 99% from October 16 to absorb surplus liquidity

    The RBI has tightened banks’ day-to-day reserve-management flexibility while leaving the headline CRR unchanged, seeking better control over elevated system liquidity.

    • Cash Reserve Ratio is the share of Net Demand and Time Liabilities banks must maintain as cash reserves with the Reserve Bank.
    • From the fortnight beginning October 16, 2026, the minimum daily CRR maintenance floor rises from 90% to 99%.
    • The overall CRR remains 3% of Net Demand and Time Liabilities after the October 2026 notification.

    GS-III

Free to start

Polity

Guided lessons, step by step

Minds of Aspirantspowered by Cortex Desk