Current Affairs 10 October 2026
Current affairs of 31 for UPSC, RBI, SEBI, NABARD, EPFO and PFRDA aspirants: RBI foreign exchange measures, liquidity steps, defence and diplomacy updates, World Mental Health Day and other key news.
On this page
Key facts at a glance
The numbers and names most likely to turn up in Prelims, Phase 1 or a GA section.
| Topic | What to remember | Source, date |
|---|---|---|
| Hedging threshold | Cut from $100 mn to $5 mn | RBI |
| FERR | 20% cash for INR derivatives > $2 mn | RBI |
| OMC window | From 12 Oct for IOC, HPCL, BPCL | RBI |
| Daily CRR | 99% from 16 Oct (was 90%) | AIR |
| Shreyas | 3rd NGOPV by GRSE | PIB |
| Tarang Shakti 2026 | 2nd edition; 7 air forces, 32 observers | PIB |
| Tele-MANAS | 48 lakh calls; 53 cells | AIR |
| NBA | ₹2.02 cr ABS to 27 States, 3 UTs | PIB |
| Top 2% list | 6,954 Indian researchers | PIB |
| KEC 2026 | 'Resilience in an Age of Flux' | PIB |
Banking & Markets
5 storiesRBI announces regulatory measures for forex market
The RBI issued two circulars on 10 October 2026 to ensure orderly functioning of the foreign exchange market. Authorised Dealers shall not allow users to rebook any cancelled INR foreign exchange derivative contract. Rollover of contracts on maturity will continue to be permitted. Users must also give an undertaking that the same exposure has not been hedged with another bank. The RBI said the steps aim to strengthen market discipline and risk management.
Threshold for hedging without underlying exposure cut to $5 million
The RBI has reduced the threshold for undertaking forex derivative transactions without establishing underlying exposure. The limit has been cut from $100 million to $5 million equivalent across all Authorised Dealers. The same reduction applies to exchange-traded currency derivatives involving INR. This limit is counted across all recognised stock exchanges together. The measure tightens checks on speculative positions in the rupee.
RBI introduces Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve
The RBI introduced a Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR) for forex derivative contracts involving INR. It applies to contracts with notional value above $2 million equivalent. Authorised Dealers must keep cash with the RBI equal to 20% of the INR value of the notional amount. The FERR applies to contracts hedging current account exposures where the user buys foreign currency against the rupee. It is part of the two circulars issued on 10 October 2026.
Special dollar window for public sector OMCs
The RBI has opened a special window to meet the entire daily dollar requirement of three public sector oil marketing companies. They are Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation. The RBI will sell US dollars to them through designated banks. The facility comes into effect on 12 October 2026 and will remain until further notice. The decision was based on an assessment of current market conditions.
Daily CRR maintenance raised to 99%
The RBI said banks must maintain 99% of the required Cash Reserve Ratio on a daily basis from 16 October 2026. The current daily requirement is 90%. The decision follows a review of liquidity conditions in the banking system. Banking system liquidity was in surplus of about ₹3.88 lakh crore on 8 October. The step will help reduce surplus liquidity. CRR is the share of deposits that banks must keep with the RBI as cash.
Polity & Governance
1 storyRegional review of Forest Rights Act in Kolkata
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs held the second Regional Review Conference on implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in Kolkata on 9 October 2026. Officials of tribal welfare, revenue and forest departments from eight States took part. The States were West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Tribal Research Institutes also participated. The FRA recognises rights of forest-dwelling communities over forest land and resources.
International Relations
3 storiesDefence Secretary to visit Cyprus and Greece
Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh will visit Cyprus and Greece from 12 to 15 October 2026. Maritime security and defence industrial cooperation will be the main themes. In Cyprus on 12 and 13 October he will meet Cypriot defence officials and leaders. The India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership has gained momentum after the Cypriot President's visit to India in May 2026. He will then travel to Greece.
EAM calls for fair representation of Africa in UNSC
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said India and Africa cannot remain under-represented in the UN Security Council. He spoke at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa. He recalled India's efforts during its 2023 G20 Presidency for permanent membership of the African Union. He said India is Africa's fourth-largest trading partner, with trade nearing $100 billion. He also called on Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Abiy Ahmed Ali.
FM meets Singapore President and Prime Minister
Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman called on Singapore President H.E. Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam at The Istana. She also met the Prime Minister of Singapore. The talks focused on advancing the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Global economic developments and investment opportunities were discussed. The visit runs from 9 to 11 October 2026. Ways to deal with the ongoing energy situation were also discussed.
Schemes & Missions
6 storiesNCCSR 2026 concludes
The Third National Conference and Exhibition on Corporate Social Responsibility (NCCSR 2026) concluded at The Ashok, New Delhi. It was organised by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs. The theme was 'Re-envisioning the Spirit of CSR for Viksit Bharat: From Compliance to Commitment'. The conference called for stronger partnerships for CSR impact. It was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Coal and Mines.
EPFO session on social security initiatives at Bongaigaon
EPFO held an interactive session at IOCL-Bongaigaon Refinery, Assam, on 9 October 2026. It was chaired by Additional Central PF Commissioner Shri Shishir Kant Jha. The session covered the proposed increase of the EPF wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 a month. PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, Employees' Enrolment Campaign 2026 and the VISHWAS Scheme were also explained. The Principal Employer Portal was also discussed.
PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana progress
A PIB backgrounder explained the progress of PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY). The scheme focuses on 100 districts with low farm productivity and weak access to credit and irrigation. District Action Plans and indicator-based monitoring are now in place in all 100 districts. Monthly rankings on output indicators began in November 2025. All districts have submitted data up to August 2026.
National plan for small-scale fisheries: Kerala consultation
A stakeholder consultation was held at ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, on 10 October 2026. It is part of formulating India's National Plan of Action for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries. The aim was to include the views of fishing communities in the plan. The process is led by the Department of Fisheries. Small-scale fisheries support the livelihoods of millions of coastal people. The consultation is part of a nationwide initiative.
Yuva Sanwad Mela marks first month of Sankalp Abhiyan
MY Bharat and NSS held a nationwide 'Yuva Sanwad Mela' on 9 October 2026. It marked the end of the first month of the 100-week Sankalp Abhiyan under the theme 'My Health, My Pride'. It was held in 200 institutions and their adopted villages. The outreach covered 1,06,855 participants. The campaign spreads awareness against drug abuse among youth. It is part of the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Vice-President at AIIMS Deoghar convocation
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the second convocation of AIIMS Deoghar, Jharkhand, on 10 October 2026. He congratulated the graduating doctors, nurses and health professionals. He described the event as a celebration of the aspirations of the Santhal Pargana region. He said AIIMS Deoghar brings new opportunities in health care to tribal and rural communities. He also visited a Sainya Sampark Mela in Deoghar.
Environment
2 storiesNBA disburses ₹2.02 crore ABS funds to States
The National Biodiversity Authority disbursed ₹2.02 crore among 27 States and 3 UTs. The amount is their share of Access and Benefit-Sharing contributions from seed companies. The contributions came from use of crops such as rice, eggplant, cauliflower, cucumber and hot pepper. The funds will support biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods. ABS is provided under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
CAQM reviews stubble burning in Amritsar and Tarn Taran
A CAQM team led by Member (Technical) Dr. S.D. Attri visited Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts of Punjab. These districts are hotspots for paddy stubble burning. The team held a review meeting with Deputy Commissioners and district officials on 10 October 2026. It also made field visits during the harvest season. The aim is to prevent farm fires that worsen air quality in north India.
Science & Tech
7 storiesIndia Mobile Congress 2026 concludes
The four-day India Mobile Congress 2026 concluded in New Delhi on 10 October. It began on 7 October under the theme 'Scale Without Boundaries'. The event stressed collaboration among governments, industry and global bodies. It called for affordable, reliable and inclusive digital connectivity. About 300 students from 13 States and UTs showcased robotics projects. IMC is organised by DoT and the Cellular Operators Association of India.
Robotics for Good Youth Challenge India 2026
The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge India 2026-27 was held at IMC 2026 in New Delhi. It was organised by the ITU and DoT with support from the I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics at IIT Delhi. A total of 57 teams took part, 28 in the junior and 29 in the senior category. The challenge is a flagship initiative under ITU's AI for Good programme. It encourages young innovators to solve real problems with robotics.
UN initiative on AI for agri-food systems meets at IMC
The second meeting of the UN Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems (GI-AI4FS) was held alongside IMC 2026. It was hosted by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre of DoT jointly with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The initiative is coordinated by the ITU in collaboration with the FAO. It aims to use AI for better agriculture and food systems. India's hosting supports its push for digital agriculture.
PSA chairs fourth All S&T Clusters' Meet
The Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood chaired the Fourth All S&T Clusters' Meet at Panjab University, Chandigarh, on 9 and 10 October 2026. It was hosted by the PU-IIT Ropar regional cluster, PI-RAHI. He called for stronger collaboration and technology translation. Heads of IIT Ropar, IIT Jodhpur and Panjab University attended. S&T clusters link academia, industry and government in each region.
Dr. Jitendra Singh urges industry to commercialise innovation
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh urged industry to speed up commercialisation of Indian innovation. He said research must turn into commercial ventures to meet the goals set for 2047. He said this will also strengthen strategic sovereignty. He was addressing an industry body's annual session. He called for scaling up India's technology capabilities. He said industry and research institutions must work more closely together.
CSIR Foundation Day; footwear design studio at CLRI
CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai, celebrated the 85th Foundation Day of CSIR on 9 October 2026. A Centre of Excellence Design Studio for the footwear and leather sector was inaugurated. DPIIT Secretary Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia was the Chief Guest. The studio is at the institute's Shoe and Product Design and Development Centre. CSIR was established in 1942. CSIR-CLRI is the world's largest leather research institute.
BRIC-ILS scientists in world's top 2% list
Two scientists of BRIC-Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Sahoo and Dr. Amaresh Chandra Panda, are again among the world's top 2% scientists. The list is compiled by Stanford University and published by Elsevier. Both have been on the list every year from 2019 to 2026. This year's edition includes 6,954 Indian researchers. BRIC is the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council under DBT.
Defence
2 storiesGRSE launches NGOPV 'Shreyas'
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. launched 'Shreyas', the third of four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels it is building for the Indian Navy. The launch took place in Kolkata on 10 October 2026. Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar was the Chief Guest. It is GRSE's third NGOPV launch in under five months. GRSE is a Navratna defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence.
Raksha Mantri addresses Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed participants of the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti at Air Force Station Jodhpur on 10 October 2026. The multinational air exercise is hosted by the IAF from 26 September to 12 October. Air forces of Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the UAE and the US are taking part. There are also 32 observer nations. He stressed self-reliance in defence.
Reports & Indices
1 storyFifth Kautilya Economic Conclave concludes
The Fifth Kautilya Economic Conclave concluded in New Delhi. It was held from 3 to 5 October 2026 under the theme 'Resilience in an Age of Flux'. It was organised by the Institute of Economic Growth with the Ministry of Finance. More than 200 policymakers, economists and experts took part. They included over 80 international participants from about 30 countries. The conclave discussed current economic and policy challenges.
Sports
2 storiesBRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Games in Ahmedabad
The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 will be held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad, on 12 October 2026. The event is organised under India's BRICS Chairship with the Government of Gujarat. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate it. The games will showcase traditional sports of BRICS countries. India holds the BRICS Chairship in 2026. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi will also attend.
Putul Sonowal assures India's first World Bowls medal
Putul Sonowal has assured India's first-ever medal at the World Bowls Champion of Champions in Barham, Australia. The 43-year-old from Assam reached the semi-finals of men's singles. He beat Singapore's Harriman Yuen in the quarter-finals. He is a member of the Assam Police. He won the men's singles gold at the 2026 Asian Lawn Bowls Championship. He also competed at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Important Days
2 storiesWorld Mental Health Day observed
World Mental Health Day was observed on 10 October 2026. The global theme this year is 'Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change'. Union Health Minister Shri J. P. Nadda said Tele-MANAS has received over 48 lakh calls. There are 53 Tele-MANAS cells in 36 States and UTs. He said the MANN Jaagriti campaign is helping break the stigma around mental health. He urged citizens to build a supportive society where people can seek help with dignity.
BIS Standards Conclave in Salem for World Standards Day
The BIS Coimbatore branch held the Standards Conclave 2026 in Salem on 10 October 2026 as part of World Standards Day celebrations. The conclave focused on SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. About 110 participants from industry, laboratories, academia and government attended. World Standards Day is observed on 14 October. BIS is India's national standards body under the BIS Act, 2016.
Quick-revision MCQs
Tap an option to check it. Every question comes from the stories above.
Q1.The new threshold for forex hedging without establishing underlying exposure is:
Answer: C. Reduced from $100 million to $5 million.
Q2.FERR must be maintained at what share of INR notional value?
Answer: C. 20% in cash with RBI.
Q3.The RBI special dollar window is for:
Answer: B. IOC, HPCL and BPCL.
Q4.From 16 October 2026 banks must maintain what share of required CRR daily?
Answer: C. Raised from 90% to 99%.
Q5.'Shreyas' is a:
Answer: B. Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel by GRSE.
Q6.Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is hosted by:
Answer: C. Hosted by the IAF at Jodhpur.
Q7.The theme of World Mental Health Day 2026 is:
Answer: B. As stated by the Health Ministry.
Q8.The Forest Rights Act was enacted in:
Answer: B. The FRA, 2006.
Q9.World Standards Day is observed on:
Answer: B. 14 October.
Q10.The proposed EPF wage ceiling discussed by EPFO is:
Answer: C. From ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 a month.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and All India Radio (News On AIR).
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