UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 12 October 2026

Chocolate Mahseer

October 12, 2026

Chocolate Mahseer Latest News

Recently, Sikkim Chief Minister released ‘Chocolate Mahseer’ fish into the Rangeet river, underlining the importance of conserving indigenous fish species and protecting the state’s aquatic biodiversity.

About Chocolate Mahseer

Chocolate Mahseer or copper mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) is a freshwater fish species.
The fish species belonging to the genus Tor and Neolissocheilus under the family Cyprinidae are popularly known as ‘Mahseer’.
It is known by the local name ‘kha saw' in Meghalaya.
It was officially designated as the state fish of Meghalaya and Sikkim.
Distribution: It thrives in nearly all the major rivers and hill-streams of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura.
Habitat: The species inhabits clear, fast flowing streams and rivers with stony, pebbly or rocky bottoms.
Characteristics
- It possesses exceptional strength and agility, making it a prized catch.
- It is equipped with powerful pectoral and dorsal fins, it possesses the remarkable ability to swiftly navigate against strong river currents.
- Females of this species are larger in size when compared to males in the same age group.
It is prized by anglers and is considered an indicator of healthy river ecosystems.
Threats: Its populations are in decline due to habitat degradation, overfishing and environmental changes
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

Source: TP

Chocolate Mahseer FAQs

Q1: Where do we find Chocolate Mahseer?

Ans: It thrives in nearly all the major rivers and hill-streams of Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Q2: What is the conservation status of Chocolate Mahseer?

Ans: Near Threatened

Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems

October 12, 2026

Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems Latest News

Recently, the telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India hosted the Second meeting of the UN Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems (GI-AI4FS).

About Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems

It is a UN Global Initiative.
It is coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in close collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and World Food Programme (WFP).
This provided a platform for advancing dialogue on the responsible use of AI in agriculture and food systems by promoting trustworthy and interoperable farmer-centric AI solutions.
It strengthens international cooperation on governance and standards and identifies opportunities to translate innovation into practical applications.

What is the International Telecommunication Union?

It is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies.
Historical Background
- It was established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union.
- In 1947 the ITU became a specialized agency of the United Nations.
It is an intergovernmental organization that coordinates between governments and private sector bodies with respect to global telecommunication and information communication technology (ICT) services.
Member countries: It has a membership of 194 countries and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations.
India and ITU: India has been an active member of the ITU since 1869 and has been a regular member of the ITU Council since 1952.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Source: PIB

Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems FAQs

Q1: Which ministry organised Second meeting of the UN Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems (GI-AI4FS)?

Ans: Ministry of Communications, Government of India

Q2: What is International Telecommunication Union?

Ans: It is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies.

National Household Travel Survey

October 12, 2026

National Household Travel Survey Latest News

The National Statistics Office (NSO) has released the key indicators and findings from the first ever National Household Travel Survey (NHTS).

About National Household Travel Survey

It is published by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Primary objectives of the survey: To generate robust, data-driven insights into domestic travel patterns and dynamics to support regional transport planning, infrastructure development and evidence-based policy formulation.
The survey captures key aspects of domestic travel, including:
- Purpose of travel: Employment, education, social engagements, cultural and leisure activities, tourism, domestic work, caregiving and other purposes.
- Mode of transport: Modes of transportation used by different demographic groups for undertaking trips.
- Travel duration and distance: Average time taken and distances travelled during trips.

Major Findings of National Household Travel Survey

Student Mobility: Students in the 15-29 age group recorded the highest regular trip participation for daily travel to educational institutions, at 79.1 per cent in rural India and 73.3 per cent in urban India.
Workforce Mobility: Male workers recorded a higher share of daily work trips of more than 1 km, at 61.9 per cent, compared with 41.9 per cent among female workers nationwide.
Commuting costs: The average monthly expenditure on commuting to a fixed workplace stood at Rs 785 per worker. Urban workers incurred an average monthly expenditure of Rs 1,044, compared with Rs 612 for rural workers.

Source: PIB

National Household Travel Survey FAQs

Q1: Who published National Household Travel Survey ?

Ans: National Statistics Office

Q2: National Statistics Office works under which ministry ?

Ans: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

Exercise KONKAN-2026

October 12, 2026

Exercise KONKAN-2026 Latest News

Indian Navy’s guided missile stealth frigate INS Trishul is scheduled to participate in Exercise KONKAN-26 which is to be conducted in Plymouth, United Kingdom.

About Exercise KONKAN-2026

It is an annual bilateral maritime exercise conducted between India and the United Kingdom (UK).
It is fostering enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding in maritime operations between the two Navies.
Phases: The exercise is being conducted off Plymouth, UK, in two phases.
- Harbour Phase: It includes a broad spectrum of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, cultural engagements.
- Sea Phase: It will encompass complex maritime operational drills across all three domains – air, surface and sub-surface.
The exercise is a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to ensuring secure, open and free seas and exemplifies the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035.
The exercise stands as a testament to the enduring bonds between the Indian and UK Navies and their shared commitment to maritime peace and security.

Source: PIB

Exercise KONKAN-2026 FAQ's

Q1: Exercise KONKAN is conducted between which two countries?

Ans: India and the United Kingdom (UK)

Q2: Where is Exercise KONKAN-2026 is being counducted?

Ans: Plymouth, United Kingdom

Global Innovation Index 2026

October 12, 2026

Global Innovation Index 2026 Latest News

Recently, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India hosted the Second meeting of the UN Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems (GI-AI4FS).

About Global Innovation Index 2026

It is a ranking of countries as per their success and capacity in innovation.
It was first launched in 2007, and has become the leading global benchmark for measuring and comparing innovation performance.
It is published yearly by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
It is recognized by the UN General Assembly as an authoritative reference for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies.
It tracks global innovation trends through investment patterns, technological progress, adoption rates, and socioeconomic impacts.

Key Highlights of Global Innovation Index 2026

The 19th edition of the GII ranks the innovation performance of 139 economies, maps the world’s top 100 innovation clusters, and tracks the main global innovation trends.
For the 16th consecutive year, Switzerland is the most innovative economy in 2026 followed by Sweden and the United States.
The Republic of Korea and Singapore consolidate 4th and 5th place respectively, China remains 10th, Japan holds 12th and Hong Kong, China climbs to 14th.
India ranks 38th among the 139 economies featured in the GII 2026.
India ranks 1st among the 36 Lower middle-income group economies and among the 11 economies in Central and Southern Asia.

Source: IE

Global Innovation Index 2026 FAQs

Q1: Which organisation published Global Innovation Index 2026?

Ans: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Q2: What is India's rank in Global Innovation Index 2026?

Ans: India ranks 38th among the 139 economies featured in the GII 2026.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

October 12, 2026

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated five redeveloped railway stations in Tamil Nadu which have been modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).

About Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

It was launched in 2022.
It aims at development and upgradation of stations over the Indian Railways (IR) network.
It was launched to improve railway stations and make them cleaner, more comfortable and passenger-friendly.
The ABSS has a long-term vision that involves creating master plans, promoting multimodal connectivity, better station accessibility for passengers, etc.

Features of Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Design: One of the significant features of this scheme is that designs of redeveloped station buildings are inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture.
Amenities: Under the scheme, stations are being upgraded with better waiting halls, toilets, lifts, escalators, free Wi-Fi, executive lounges, improved access roads and landscaping. Some stations may also have designated spaces for business meetings.
The facilities are planned according to the needs of each station.
Local Economy Support: Local products will be sold at kiosks under the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme, and efforts will be made to make stations look greener and more attractive.

Source: IE

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is the aim of Amrit Bharat Station Scheme?

Ans: It aims at development and upgradation of stations over the Indian Railways (IR) network.

Q2: When was Amrit Bharat Station Scheme launched ?

Ans: It was launched in 2022.

Garba Dance

October 12, 2026

Garba Dance Latest News

The nine nights of the Navratri festival, marked by dancing the Garba outdoors to welcome the Goddess Ambe Maa, began in Gujarat.

About Garba Dance

It is a ritualistic and devotional dance performed throughout the State of Gujarat, and across India.
It is celebrated for nine days during the festival of Navaratri.
The festival is dedicated to the worship of the feminine energy or Shakti.
The cultural, performative, and visual expressions of this feminine energy are expressed through the Garba dance.
The performative and visual celebration of Garba takes place within homes and temple courtyards.
Social Impact: It promotes gender inclusivity, community bonding, and social equality across rural and urban spaces.
It continues to be inclusive and participative by diverse and marginalized communities, strengthening community bonds.
Garba of Gujarat was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.

Source: IE

Garba Dance FAQs

Q1: Garba Dance is mainly celebrated in which state?

Ans: Gujarat

Q2: What is the significance of Garba Dance?

Ans: It promotes gender inclusivity, community bonding, and social equality across rural and urban spaces.

Exercise INDRA 2026

October 12, 2026

Exercise INDRA 2026 Latest News

Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri is participating in Exercise INDRA 2026 which is to be conducted at Vladivostok, Russia.

About Exercise INDRA 2026

It is a bilateral exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy (RuFN).
Since its inception in 2003, Exercise Indra has epitomised the long-term strategic relationship between the Indian and Russian navies.
Phases: It will comprise engagements during the harbour phase followed by coordinated operational activities at sea.
Focus: The exercise will include a range of professional interactions and maritime evolutions aimed at enhancing mutual understanding, operational coordination and interoperability between the participating navies.
Participation: The participation of INS Sahyadri is in consonance with the Government of India’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Source: PIB

Exercise INDRA 2026 FAQs

Q1: Exercise INDRA is conducted between which two countries?

Ans: Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy (RuFN).

Q2: Which Indian naval ship is participating in Exercise INDRA ?

Ans: INS Sahyadri

Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

October 12, 2026

Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses Latest News

Recently, it was observed that the early momentum of the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is successfully bridging policy intent and ground-level execution.

About Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

It is aimed at boosting domestic production and achieving self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses.
Time Period: The Mission will be implemented over a six-year period, from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
It aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by significantly enhancing domestic production, reducing import dependence, and sustainably improving farmers’ incomes.
The Mission plans to expand the area under pulses cultivation by an additional 35 lakh hectares, targeting rice fallows and other suitable lands, while promoting intercropping and crop diversification.

Key Features of Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

Comprehensive strategy: The mission covers research, seed systems, area expansion, procurement, and price stability.
Focus on quality seeds: A key focus will be the development and dissemination of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient pulses varieties, supported by a robust seed system.
This includes the production and distribution of 126 lakh quintals of certified seeds and the free provision of 88 lakh seed kits to farmers.
Seed Production: To ensure availability of premium quality seeds, states will prepare five-year rolling seed production plans.
The breeder seed production will be supervised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Capacity building: Structured training programmes for farmers and seed growers to promote sustainable techniques and modern technologies.
Post-harvest infrastructure: To strengthen markets and value chains, the Mission will help develop 1000 processing units, thereby reducing crop losses, improving value addition.
A maximum subsidy of Rs. 25 lakhs will be available for setting up of processing, packaging units.
Cluster-Based Approach: Tailoring interventions to the specific needs of each cluster to enhance productivity, and promote geographic diversification of pulse production.
Procurement: Assured maximum procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor under Price Support Scheme (PSS) of PM-AASHA.
- NAFED and NCCF will undertake 100% procurement in participating states for the next four years from farmers who register with these agencies and enter into agreements.

Source: PIB

Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses FAQs

Q1: What is the aim of Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses?

Ans: It is aimed at boosting domestic production and achieving self-sufficiency (Aatmanirbharta) in pulses.

Q2: What is the time period of Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses?

Ans: The Mission will be implemented over a six-year period, from 2025-26 to 2030-31.

Palamu Tiger Reserve

October 12, 2026

Palamu Tiger Reserve Latest News

Recently, villagers from 25 villages in the Garu region of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), Latehar district, voluntarily surrendered 31 country-made guns to support wildlife protection.

About Palamu Tiger Reserve

Location: It is located on the Chhotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand.
The reserve forms a part of the Betla National Park.
It is one of the first 9 tiger reserves created in the country at the inception of ‘Project Tiger’.
It is the first reserve in the world in which a tiger census was carried out as a pugmark count, as early as 1932 under the supervision of J.W. Nicholson.
Terrain: The terrain is undulating with valleys, hills, and plains. The geological formation consists of gneiss and includes granite and limestone.
Rivers: It is drained by three rivers, namely North Koyal, Auranga, and Burha, flowing through the valleys.
Vegetation: The vegetation comprises moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests.
Flora: It mainly consists of Sal and bamboo as the major components.
Fauna: Some keystone and principal species found in the reserve include Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Grey wolf, Wild dog, Gaur, Sloth bear and four horned antelope.

Source: JSN

Palamu Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Where is Palamu Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: Jharkhand

Q2: Which type of vegetation is found in Palamu Tiger Reserve?

Ans: It comprises moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests.

Padma Awards

October 12, 2026

Padma Awards Latest News

Recently, the President of India conferred 4 Padma Vibhushan, 10 Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri Awards at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I at Rashtrapati Bhawan’s Ganatantra Mandap.

Padma Awards Historical Background

The Padma Awards were established in 1954 alongside the Bharat Ratna.
Initially, Padma Awards had three classes: Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg.
These were renamed in 1955 via Presidential Notification as: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri

Padma Awards Categories

Padma Vibhushan: Awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.
Padma Bhushan: Conferred for distinguished service of a high order.
Padma Shri: Recognises distinguished service in any field.

Eligibility Criteria

All persons, regardless of race, occupation, position or gender, are eligible for the award.
Government servants, including employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), are not eligible, except doctors and scientists.
Awards are normally not conferred posthumously, but in highly deserving cases, exceptions are allowed.
A minimum 5-year gap is required for conferring a higher category Padma award upon a previously awarded individual. However, this can be relaxed by the Awards Committee in exceptional cases.
Nominations are open to the public, and self-nomination is also allowed.

Selection Process

All nominations are evaluated by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted annually by the Prime Minister.
The Committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
Its recommendations are submitted to the Prime Minister and President for final approval.
The awards are presented by the President, usually in March or April.
Awardees receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.

Other Key Features

The total number of Padma awards per year is capped at 120, excluding:
- Posthumous awards
- Awards to NRIs, foreign nationals, and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
The award does not constitute a title and cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the awardee’s name.
Disciplines covered: Awards span across art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, among others.

Padma Awards FAQs

Q1. What are the Padma Awards?
Ans. The Padma Awards are civilian honours given by the Government of India to recognise exceptional service in various fields such as arts, education, public affairs, and science.

Q2. What are the three categories of Padma Awards?
Ans. The three categories are Padma Vibhushan (second-highest civilian award), Padma Bhushan (third-highest), and Padma Shri (fourth-highest).

Q3. Are Padma Awards given posthumously?
Ans. Yes, the awards can be conferred posthumously in deserving cases.

Source: PIB

Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)

October 12, 2026

About Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC):

It is an apex-level forum constituted by the Government of India in December 2010.
Status: FSDC is not a statutory body. No funds are separately allocated to the council for undertaking its activities.
Objective: Strengthening and institutionalizing the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-regulatory coordination and promoting financial sector development.
Composition:
- It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister of India.
- Its members include the heads of financial sector Regulators (RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, IRDA & FMC) Finance Secretary and/or Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, and Chief Economic Adviser.
- The Council can invite experts to its meeting if required.
Functions:
- It monitors macroprudential supervision of the economy, including the functioning of large financial conglomerates.
- It addresses inter-regulatory coordination and financial sector development issues.
- It also focuses on financial literacy and financial inclusion.
Sub-committee of FSDC:
- A sub-committee of FSDC has also been set up under the chairmanship of Governor RBI.
- It discusses and decides on a range of issues relating to financial sector development and stability, including substantive issues relating to inter-regulatory coordination.

Q1) What are Macroprudential policies?

Macroprudential policies are financial policies aimed at ensuring the stability of the financial system as a whole to prevent substantial disruptions in credit and other vital financial services necessary for stable economic growth.

Source: Nirmala Sitharaman chairs the 27th meeting of Financial Stability and Development Council, watch!

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act)

October 12, 2026

About Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act)

It was enacted in the year 2016 and came into force on 19th April, 2017.
It replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights, and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
The objective of the RPwD Act is to ensure that all persons with disabilities can lead their lives with dignity, without discrimination, and with equal opportunities.
The Act lays down specific provisions to uphold such rights.
It incorporates the rights of persons with disabilities covered under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which India is a signatory.
Under the Act, disability has been defined as an evolving and dynamic concept.
The types of disabilities have been increased from existing 7 to 21, and the Central Government will have the power to add more types of disabilities.
- The types of disabilities include Leprosy Cured Person, Cerebral Palsy, Acid Attack Victims, Blindness, Deaf, Specific Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, Haemophilia, etc.
Persons with "benchmark disabilities" are defined as those certified to have at least40 percent of the disabilities specified.
Rights and entitlements:
- Responsibility has been cast upon the appropriate governments to take effective measures to ensure that persons with disabilities (PwDs) enjoy their rights equally with others.
- Additional benefits have been provided for persons with benchmark disabilities and those with high support needs.
- Every childwith a benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education.
- 5% reservation in seats in Government and Government aided higher educational institutions for persons with benchmark disabilities.
- Stress has been given to ensure accessibility in public buildings (both Government and private) in a prescribed time-frame.
- 4% reservation in Government jobs for certain persons or class of persons with benchmark disability.
- Guardianship: The Act provides for the grant of guardianship by the District Courtor any authoritydesignated by the State Government under which there will be joint decision–making between the guardianandthe PwDs.
- Broad-based Central and State Advisory Boards on Disability to be set up as policy-making bodies.
- The Act provides for the strengthening of the Office of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities and the State Commissioners of Disabilities, which will act as regulatory bodies and Grievance Redressal agencies and also monitor the implementation of the Act.
These Offices will be assisted by an Advisory Committee comprising of experts in various disabilities.
- Creation of National and State Fund to provide financial support to the PwDs.
Penalties for offences:
- The Act provides for penalties for offences committed against PwDs and also for violations of the provisions of the new law.
- Any person who violates provisions of the Act, or any rule or regulation made under it, shall be punishable with imprisonment up to six months and/ or a fine of Rs 10,000, or both.
- For any subsequent violation, imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs five lakh can be awarded.
- Whoever intentionally insults or intimidates a PwD or sexually exploits a woman or child with a disability, shall be punishable with imprisonment between six months to five years and fine.
- Special Courts will be designated in each district to handle cases concerning violations of the rights of PwDs.

Q1: What is Leprosy?

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae. The disease predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. Left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities. It is more common in tropical and subtropical areas.

Source: Supreme Court aghast by dismal implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act