Current Affairs 13 October 2026
Current affairs of 31 for UPSC, RBI, SEBI, NABARD, EPFO and PFRDA aspirants: BIMSTEC Home Ministers' meeting, economic and infrastructure updates, EPFO amnesty scheme, defence 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 |
|---|---|---|
| BIMSTEC HMM | First meeting; Delhi Declaration | PIB |
| Bloomberg NEF | First edition in India | PIB |
| Samarthak | 1st of 4 MPVs; L&T; 16 Oct | PIB |
| Offshore blocks | Sewell Rise-01, West Sewell Ridge-01 (1,632 sq km) | PIB |
| EPFO amnesty | PF Trusts; deadline 28 Dec 2026 | PIB |
| Rail freight Sept | 135.35 MT, +6.14% | PIB |
| MSDC | 21st meeting; statutory under Indian Ports Act, 2025 | PIB |
| GatiShakti | 5 years; 1,800+ data layers | PIB |
| CPGRAMS Sept | 2,38,579 redressed; 13 days average | PIB |
| NRC 268/270 | ~20 q/ha soybean | PIB |
Economy
5 storiesOutreach on auction of offshore mineral blocks
The Ministry of Mines held an outreach programme on the auction of offshore mineral blocks in New Delhi on 13 October 2026. The Notice Inviting Tender dated 1 October 2026 covers two blocks in the Andaman Sea. They are Sewell Rise-01 (632 sq km) and West Sewell Ridge-01 (1,000 sq km). Both contain polymetallic nodules and crusts and are offered for a Composite Licence. Mines Secretary Shri Keshav Chandra stressed the need for secure mineral supply chains.
Railway freight loading up 6.14% in September
Indian Railways loaded 135.35 million tonnes of freight in September 2026. This was 6.14% higher than 127.52 MT in September 2025. Food grain loading grew 25% and clinker 20%. Domestic containers rose 10% and coal 9%. Mineral oil loading rose 6%, finished steel 5.5% and iron ore 5.2%. Railways also stepped up coal supply to power houses during the month. Freight loading in the first half of the year also showed sustained growth.
21st Maritime State Development Council meets in Mumbai
The 21st Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting concluded in Mumbai under Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. It was the first meeting since the MSDC became a statutory consultative body under the Indian Ports Act, 2025, notified on 15 May 2026. The Council was originally set up in 1997. It resolved that States, with MoPSW, will develop port-linked industrial clusters. Ministers of coastal States and UT Administrators took part.
PM GatiShakti National Master Plan completes five years
The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, launched by the Prime Minister in October 2021, is completing five years. Its geospatial digital platform was developed by BISAG-N. The platform has integrated more than 1,800 data layers. It covers 58 Central Ministries and Departments and all 36 States and UTs. It supports a whole-of-government approach to infrastructure planning. It also strengthens multimodal and last-mile connectivity.
NLMC's first e-auction of RINL land raises ₹366 crore
The National Land Monetization Corporation held Day 1 of the e-auction of land parcels of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited. RINL runs the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. A total of 150 plots were sold for ₹366.33 crore against a reserve price of ₹312.48 crore. Bids were on average 17.23% above the reserve price. It was NLMC's first end-to-end e-auction. The highest price crossed ₹1.80 lakh per square yard. NLMC works under the Department of Public Enterprises.
Polity & Governance
1 storyTwo Additional Judges appointed to Madras High Court
The President appointed two Judicial Officers as Additional Judges of the Madras High Court. They are Shri Dharmalingam Lingeswaran and Shri Balathandayutham Karthikeyan. The appointments were made in consultation with the Chief Justice of India. They were notified by the Ministry of Law and Justice. Additional Judges are appointed under Article 224 of the Constitution. They can hold office for up to two years.
International Relations
3 storiesFirst BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting adopts Delhi Declaration
The first BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting was held in New Delhi on 13 October 2026 under Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. It concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration. Home Ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand took part. They reaffirmed cooperation for a connected, secure and prosperous BIMSTEC region. The declaration said security cooperation is based on sovereign equality, territorial integrity and non-interference.
PM addresses Bloomberg New Economy Forum
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on 13 October 2026. It was the first edition of the forum held in India. He thanked Mr. Michael Bloomberg and said the organisers had chosen the right place at the right time. The forum discusses global themes such as the economy, technology, energy and international affairs. The Prime Minister also welcomed Bloomberg's plans to expand its presence in India.
PM speaks with Canadian Prime Minister
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Mark Carney. The two leaders agreed to build on the positive momentum in India-Canada ties. They will work for concrete outcomes in trade, energy, technology, security and people-to-people ties. These are key areas of the India-Canada Strategic Partnership. India and Canada are also negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Schemes & Missions
10 storiesEPFO urges PF Trusts to use Amnesty Scheme, 2026
EPFO has urged eligible establishments to apply under the Amnesty Scheme for PF Trusts before 28 December 2026. Amnesty provisions were introduced as a transitional measure in the EPF Scheme 2026, notified on 29 June 2026. They allow one-time regularisation of exempt status of PF Trusts recognised under the Income Tax Act but lacking a formal exemption order. Such orders are issued under section 17 of the EPF&MP Act, 1952 or section 143 of the Code on Social Security, 2020. The window is open for six months from notification.
Ayush guidelines for skin disorders
The Ministry of Ayush issued Standard Treatment Guidelines on managing dermatological disorders. They cover Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy, along with Yoga. The guidelines were prepared by the Ayush Vertical of the Directorate General of Health Services. They aim to bring uniformity, quality and evidence-informed practice. Minister of State Shri Prataprao Jadhav released them.
Improved soybean varieties yield about 20 quintals per hectare
ICAR-National Soybean Research Institute, Indore, held a Soybean Harvest Day on 9 October 2026. The yield of new varieties NRC 268 and NRC 270 was assessed. Early data showed yields of about 20 quintals per hectare. The varieties performed well despite adverse weather conditions. The present average soybean productivity in India is about 10 to 11 quintals per hectare. Madhya Pradesh is India's leading soybean-producing State.
10th National Convention of Agrivision-2026
The 10th National Convention of Agrivision-2026 is being held on 13 and 14 October at the ICAR-NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. About 450 agriculture students from 25 States are taking part. DARE Secretary and ICAR Director General Dr. M. L. Jat was the Chief Guest. Scientists, entrepreneurs and farmers are also participating. It is held under the ICAR Agricultural Education Division.
Seaweed farming promoted at Mandapam
Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi visited a seaweed cultivation site at Munnaikadu, Mandapam Camp, Tamil Nadu. He interacted with seaweed farmers from Self-Help Groups. The visit is part of efforts to promote seaweed farming and coastal livelihoods. Seaweed farming is supported under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana. The Gulf of Mannar region is a major seaweed area. Seaweed farming offers income to coastal women's groups.
India-Canada roundtable on pulse protein at NIFTEM-K
NIFTEM-Kundli organised a roundtable on 'Pulse Protein Innovation, Value Addition and Strategic Partnerships' on 13 October 2026. It brought together government, academia, industry and research bodies from India and Canada. Discussions focused on value addition in pulses. Canada is a major exporter of pulses to India. NIFTEM-K is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. Pulses are an important source of plant protein.
IndiaSkills 2026-27 registration reopened
MSDE reopened registration for the IndiaSkills Competition 2026-27 till 19 October 2026. The step follows requests from institutions and aspirants. At WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, Team India finished 10th globally. India won six silver medals and 20 Medallions for Excellence. IndiaSkills selects candidates for the next WorldSkills. The Prime Minister had hosted the WorldSkills team on 9 October.
Mission Karmayogi platform for Adi Karmayogi volunteers
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Karmayogi Bharat signed an MoU to develop a Tribal Affairs Capacity Building Platform on iGOT Karmayogi. A dedicated microsite will train and certify village-level volunteers for tribal development. The MoU extends Mission Karmayogi beyond civil servants. It will support the Adi Karmayogi initiative. The aim is a trained and certified cadre at the grassroots. Karmayogi Bharat runs the iGOT Karmayogi learning platform.
Geriatric caregivers training concludes in Diu
The five-day Geriatric Caregivers Training Programme of the National Institute of Social Defence concluded in Diu. It was organised with the Diu district administration. It trained caregivers to look after elderly people. The programme was inaugurated by Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Sudhansh Pant. NISD works under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is the nodal training body for senior citizens' welfare.
President to grace National SARAS Mela in Vijayawada
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu will grace the National SARAS Mela in Vijayawada. The Mela is being held from 13 to 31 October 2026 at Punnami Ghat. It is organised by the Ministry of Rural Development with SERP, Andhra Pradesh. More than 1,500 women from Self-Help Groups are taking part. It is the first National SARAS Mela outside Delhi-NCR. Rural crafts, handloom products and regional cuisines are on display.
Environment
2 storiesJoint review of stubble management by Agriculture and Environment Ministers
Union Ministers Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Shri Bhupender Yadav co-chaired a review on crop residue management at Krishi Bhawan. The aim is to tackle stubble burning in mission mode during the paddy harvest. Agriculture Ministers of Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh attended. Minister of State Shri Bhagirath Choudhary was also present. Union Agriculture Secretary Shri Atish Chandra and Environment Secretary Shri Narendra Bhushan attended with State officials.
Review of air pollution steps at Anand Vihar; 150 e-buses flagged off
Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav and Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta reviewed air pollution measures at the Anand Vihar hotspot. They visited the AI-enabled command and control centre of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. They flagged off 150 new electric buses at ISBT Anand Vihar. Public EV charging stations at several depots were inaugurated. New continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations were also opened.
Science & Tech
4 storiesNorth East Bankers' Conclave 3.0 in Aizawl
Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the North East Bankers' Conclave 3.0 at Mizoram University, Aizawl. The conclave focused on banking access, financial inclusion and economic growth in the North East. Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma attended. Representatives of the RBI, public sector banks and India Post Payments Bank took part. NABARD and SIDBI were also represented.
DRDO to lead semiconductor session at ESTIC-2026
DRDO will lead a thematic session on 'Semiconductors and Next-Gen Chips' at ESTIC-2026. The conclave will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 27 to 29 October 2026. It is being organised by 12 ministries and departments. The effort is guided by the Principal Scientific Adviser. ESTIC stands for Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave. Semiconductors are a priority area under the India Semiconductor Mission.
CEA conclave on AI in the power sector
The Central Electricity Authority will hold a two-day conclave on 'Making Indian Power Sector AI Enabled' on 14 and 15 October 2026. It will be held at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. Union Ministers, policymakers, industry leaders and technology experts will attend. It is an international conference-cum-exhibition. CEA works under the Ministry of Power. Senior officials, researchers and technology experts will also take part.
DAHD launches DBIM-compliant website
Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh launched the new website of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. It follows the Digital Brand Identity Manual Version 3.0 of MeitY. The step is aimed at strengthening digital governance. DBIM sets a common design for government websites. It improves user experience and accessibility. DAHD works under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Defence
2 storiesRaksha Mantri meets Czech First Deputy Prime Minister
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held talks with Czech First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Karel Havlíček in New Delhi on 13 October 2026. They reviewed defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. Both sides welcomed the joint ventures already set up. They agreed to expand cooperation further. The talks covered defence manufacturing and technology partnerships.
Navy to commission multi-purpose vessel 'Samarthak'
The Indian Navy will commission Samarthak at Naval Base, Karwar, on 16 October 2026. Built by Larsen and Toubro under Make in India, it is the first of four Multi-Purpose Vessels for the Navy. It is designed mainly for maritime surveillance and patrol. It can also serve as a target-deployment platform, a mothership for unmanned systems and a limited hospital ship. Its crest shows an Indian elephant emerging from the waves.
Reports & Indices
1 storyCPGRAMS report: 2.38 lakh grievances redressed in September
DARPG released its 53rd monthly CPGRAMS report for Central Ministries and Departments. In September 2026, 2,38,579 grievances were redressed. The average disposal time in 2026 is 13 days. A total of 92,822 new users registered, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for 17%. The reports are part of a 10-step CPGRAMS reform process. DARPG also released its 50th report for States and UTs.
Sports
1 storyNSDF, SAI and Indian Oil partner for boxing
The National Sports Development Fund, Sports Authority of India and Indian Oil Corporation entered into a partnership to strengthen boxing. The programme will focus on talent identification and athlete development. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stressed strategic use of CSR for sport. NSDF channels funds from companies and individuals into sports. It was set up in 1998 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Important Days
2 storiesHAL to fund conservation at Hampi, Taj Mahal and Bekal Fort
HAL, the National Culture Fund and the Archaeological Survey of India signed an agreement for conservation works at three heritage sites. The sites are Hampi in Karnataka, the Taj Mahal in Agra and Bekal Fort in Kerala. HAL has given in-principle approval for ₹23.60 crore for 2026-27 to 2028-29. The agreement was signed in the presence of Culture Secretary Shri Vivek Aggarwal. Hampi and the Taj Mahal are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
India Post and IndiGo run Digital Detox Campaign
The Department of Posts and IndiGo held a Digital Detox Campaign on 12 October 2026, observed as Philately Day. Travellers were encouraged to put down their devices and write postcards. The campaign was part of National Postal Week from 9 to 15 October. It aimed to revive the joy of handwritten messages. Passengers on selected IndiGo flights from Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai received Digital Detox kits with postcards.
Quick-revision MCQs
Tap an option to check it. Every question comes from the stories above.
Q1.The first BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting adopted the:
Answer: B. The Delhi Declaration.
Q2.Samarthak is being built by:
Answer: C. Larsen and Toubro.
Q3.The offshore mineral blocks offered for auction are in the:
Answer: B. Andaman Sea.
Q4.The EPFO Amnesty Scheme deadline for PF Trusts is:
Answer: C. 28 December 2026.
Q5.Rail freight loading in September 2026 grew by:
Answer: B. 135.35 MT, up 6.14%.
Q6.MSDC became a statutory body under the:
Answer: B. Indian Ports Act, 2025.
Q7.The PM GatiShakti platform was developed by:
Answer: C. BISAG-N.
Q8.Average grievance disposal time for Central Ministries in 2026 is:
Answer: B. 13 days.
Q9.HAL's heritage funding covers Hampi, Taj Mahal and:
Answer: B. Bekal Fort in Kerala.
Q10.ESTIC-2026 will be held at:
Answer: B. Bharat Mandapam, 27-29 October.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) and All India Radio (News On AIR).
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