Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 11&12 October, 2026

Context of the News

The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) completed one year on 11 October 2026 — a scheme for focused agricultural development across 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts.

What Is the Scheme?

• Approved by the Union Cabinet on 16 July 2025, for six years
• Formally launched by the Prime Minister on 11 October 2025
• Begins with 2025-26
• Covers 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts

Major Objectives:

• Increase agricultural productivity.
• Promote crop diversification and sustainable farming.
• Improve post-harvest storage at the panchayat and block levels.
• Improve irrigation facilities.
• Expand access to short-term and long-term agricultural credit.

Implementation and Monitoring:

• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
• District-level plans are prepared according to local agricultural needs. District, state and national committees oversee implementation, with NITI Aayog providing guidance and review.

What Was the FPO Sangam?

• Held in December 2025
• Brought together over 72 FPOs from 15 States and 33 PM-DDKY districts
• Covered natural farming, oilseeds, beekeeping, protected cultivation, micro irrigation, institutional finance and digital agriculture

Context of the News

The Nanda Devi Biosphere Decadal Monitoring Campaign 2026, by the Uttarakhand Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), found that landslide-prone zones in the strictly protected core have nearly doubled over the past decade — along with the appearance of a new glacial lake.

What Is the Reserve?

• A high-altitude protected Himalayan landscape under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
• It has two core zones:
  • Nanda Devi National Park
  • Valley of Flowers National Park
• Both are inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Where Is It?

• In the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas
• Across three districts of Uttarakhand — Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar
• Area: 6,407 sq km
• In the upper catchment of the Alaknanda river system

Key Terms

• Biosphere Reserve: A protected area with three zones — a core (strictly protected), a buffer (limited activity) and a transition zone (human settlement and sustainable use)
• MAB Programme: UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, under which biosphere reserves are internationally recognised
• Ecotone: A transition zone between two ecosystems, usually rich in species from both
• Bugyal: A high-altitude alpine meadow in Uttarakhand
• Endemic species: Found naturally nowhere else
• GLOF: Glacial Lake Outburst Flood — a sudden release of water when a glacial lake’s natural dam breaks
• UNESCO World Heritage Site 1988, extended 2005; MAB listed 2004
• India has 18 biosphere reserves, of which 12 are in the UNESCO network; Nilgiri (1986) was the first

• Madhya Pradesh began reintroducing wild water buffaloes after nearly a century.
• Eight wild water buffaloes were released into a 17-hectare enclosure in the Supkhar range of Kanha Tiger Reserve on 11 October 2026.
• The initiative aims to support wildlife conservation and restore the wild water buffalo population.

• The government released the draft National Steel Policy 2047 to increase India’s steel production capacity, improve competitiveness and reduce import dependence.
• Crude Steel Capacity: Target of 604 million tonnes by 2047.
• Other Targets: Finished steel demand of 505 million tonnes, per capita steel consumption of 302 kg and steel exports of 45 million tonnes by 2047.
• Raw Material Challenge: Raw materials account for around 65–70% of steelmaking costs. India is largely self-sufficient in iron ore but imports nearly 92% of its coking coal requirement.

Context of the News

The RBI introduced the Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR) — a measure new to Indian markets, borrowed from China — as part of a package to defend the rupee, which had fallen close to its all-time low.

What Is FERR?

• Banks must set aside 20 per cent of any forex derivative contract above $2 million involving the rupee
• The amount is kept in cash with the RBI
• The RBI can change the percentage as conditions require
• It earns no return for the bank

What Does It Actually Do?

• It makes protection against a fall in the rupee more expensive
• Banks must lock up cash against every such contract, so they price the hedge higher or offer fewer of them

Why Discourage Hedging?

This is the point that needs careful understanding:

• Hedging is normally good practice — importers protect themselves from a falling rupee
• But to hedge, you must buy dollars forward
• That adds to dollar demand today
• Which pushes the rupee down further
• So when a currency is already under pressure, hedging activity deepens the fall
• FERR raises the cost of that activity, slowing it

How Is This the China Model?

• China has long used a Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve Ratio of 20 per cent
• In March 2026, China cut its ratio to zero — because the yuan was strengthening, and it wanted to remove the cost of betting against its own currency
• India has done the reverse, introducing the ratio because the rupee is weakening

Key Terms

• Forex derivative: A contract whose value depends on a future exchange rate — a forward, future, option or swap
• Hedging: Buying protection against an adverse future price or rate movement
• Underlying: The actual exposure a derivative is meant to protect — such as an import bill
• Rebooking: Cancelling a hedge and taking a fresh one at a better rate; often used to speculate rather than protect
• Speculative demand: Buying a currency to profit from its movement, not because it is needed for a transaction
• Structural demand: Regular, unavoidable demand — such as oil companies needing dollars every month

Context of the News

The GST Council held its 57th meeting in New Delhi under the chairpersonship of the Union Finance Minister, announcing a package of administrative and process reforms effective from 1 April 2027.

What Is the GST Council?

• A joint constitutional forum of the Centre and States
• Makes recommendations on all key GST issues
• Described as the institutional pillar of cooperative federalism in India’s fiscal structure

What Is Its Constitutional Basis?

• Inserted by the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016, under Article 279A
• The President was mandated to constitute it within 60 days of the Act’s commencement
• Notified on 12 September 2016

Who Are Its Members?

• TRISHNA stands for Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment.
• Partnership: It is a joint satellite mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES).
• Purpose: To monitor land surface temperature, water stress, vegetation health and energy exchanges using thermal infrared observations.
• Importance: The data will support agriculture, water-resource management, climate studies and environmental monitoring.

• Source: The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a United States-based organisation tracking political violence and demonstrations.
• Number of Demonstrations: India recorded 18,074 demonstrations through September 2026, accounting for 17.5% of the global total.
• Trend: The number increased from 11,020 in 2017. India reportedly recorded the largest share globally for five consecutive years.
• Other Countries: Pakistan, Mexico and France were among the other countries in the top five, each accounting for approximately 4–5%.

• Achievement: Indian bowls player Putul Sonowal, from Assam, reached the men’s singles semi-finals at the World Bowls Champion of Champions in Barham, Australia.
• Significance: According to the report, she assured India’s first-ever medal at the tournament.

• Event: Men’s 10-metre air pistol at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Cairo, Egypt.
• Gold Medal: India’s Udhayveer Sidhu scored 240.6 points in the final.
• Other Medalists: Germany’s Christian Reitz won silver with 240.1 points, while Italy’s Paolo Monna took bronze with 219.8 points.

• Development: Scientists from Europe and China reported the first working nuclear clocks in two papers published in the journal Nature.
• Difference: Atomic clocks measure time using transitions in an atom’s electrons, while nuclear clocks use transitions within an atom’s nucleus.
• Importance: Nuclear clocks could offer highly precise time measurement and help scientists study fundamental forces and possible changes in physical constants.
• Applications: Potential uses include advanced navigation, precision measurement and fundamental physics research.

• Vessel: INS Mangrol is the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
• Commissioning: Scheduled for 12 October 2026 at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
• Purpose: Designed to detect and counter enemy submarines and underwater threats in shallow coastal waters.
• Strategic Importance: These vessels strengthen the Indian Navy’s coastal defence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

• Project: Project Seabird is the Indian Navy’s major naval infrastructure project at Karwar, Karnataka, centred on INS Kadamba.
• Latest Development: Residential accommodation and essential utility infrastructure were inaugurated under Phase IIA.
• Objective: To expand naval facilities for basing, repair, maintenance and logistics for warships and submarines.
• Strategic Importance: The project strengthens India’s naval presence on the western coast and helps reduce pressure on Mumbai’s naval facilities.

• Vessel: Shreyas (Yard 3040) is a Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on 10 October 2026.
• Purpose: Offshore patrol vessels support maritime surveillance, coastal security and protection of offshore assets.
• Significance: The vessel’s launch advances India’s efforts to strengthen indigenous warship construction.

• Host: The Indian Air Force (IAF) hosted the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
• Participating Countries: Air forces from Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States participated, alongside 32 observer nations.
• Venue: The Defence Minister addressed participants at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on 10 October 2026.
• Objective: The exercise promotes joint training, interoperability, defence self-reliance and international cooperation.

• Ship: Indian Navy’s INS Sahyadri arrived at Vladivostok, Russia, on 10 October 2026.
• Exercise Dates: The bilateral Exercise INDRA 2026 is scheduled for 13–18 October 2026.
• Participants: The exercise involves the Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy.
• Objective: To improve operational coordination, professional exchanges and maritime interoperability.

• Ship: Indian Navy guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived at Plymouth, United Kingdom.
• Exercise: It is scheduled to participate in Exercise KONKAN-26, the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Navy.
• Objective: The exercise strengthens maritime cooperation, operational interoperability and mutual understanding between India and the United Kingdom.

• Appointment: Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana was named a celebrity advocate for UNICEF India.
• Focus Areas: She will promote equal opportunities, health and well-being for adolescent girls.
• Objective: The initiative aims to encourage girls’ participation in sports, leadership and decision-making and raise awareness of barriers affecting their rights.

• Achievement: Udhayveer Sidhu won the gold medal in the men’s 10-metre air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo.
• Final Score: He scored 240.6 points, ahead of Germany’s Christian Reitz (240.1) and Italy’s Paolo Monna (219.8).
• Significance: The result adds to India’s achievements in international shooting sports.

• Date: 9 October, observed to recognise the role of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
• Ministry: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed its commitment to serving India and advancing Viksit Bharat.
• Role of IFS: The service manages diplomatic relations, consular services and India’s engagement with other countries.

• Occasion: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the personnel, veterans and families of the Territorial Army.
• Motto: “Naagrik Bhi, Sainik Bhi”, meaning “Citizens as well as Soldiers.”
• Role: The Territorial Army supports the regular armed forces and assists during emergencies and national requirements.

• Documentary: Pandharpur Wari – In the Footsteps of the Saints was named India’s national winner in the Best Branded Programme category at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2026.
• Cultural Significance: The documentary highlights Pandharpur Wari, a major pilgrimage tradition in Maharashtra associated with Lord Vitthal.

• Organiser: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) established a pavilion at India Mobile Congress 2026 in Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
• Focus: It showcases Digital India initiatives, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and emerging technologies.
• Importance: The exhibition highlights the role of digital technologies in improving public services, connectivity and innovation.

• Dates: The fourth World Hindu Congress is scheduled for 18–20 December 2026 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex.
• Inaugural Address: Organisers announced that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat would deliver the inaugural address.
• Purpose: The event will bring together participants from different countries to discuss Hindu communities, culture and global engagement.

• UNICEF India appointed Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana as a celebrity advocate on 11 October 2026, marking the International Day of the Girl.
• She will promote gender equality and support the rights and opportunities of girls.
• The initiative aims to raise awareness about issues affecting girls.

• The Indian Army launched Bharat Rice for defence personnel in New Delhi on 12 October 2026.
• The launch was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
• The initiative focuses on providing affordable rice to defence personnel.

• French President Emmanuel Macron named Sunil Bharti Mittal a Chevalier (Knight) of the National Order of the Legion of Honour on 12 October 2026.
• The honour recognises his contributions to business and India–France relations.

• Indian shooter Udhayveer Sidhu won gold in the men’s 10-metre air pistol event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Cairo, Egypt.
• The event took place on 11 October 2026.

• Aditya Mehta won the men’s snooker gold medal at the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• He defeated fellow Indian player Dhvaj Haria by 3–0 in the final.

• Historian M.R. Raghava Varier was selected for the 2026 Prof. M.G.S. Narayanan Memorial Award.
• The award was jointly instituted by the Kerala History Congress and the Calicut Heritage Forum.