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13 October 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs covers all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exam.

India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

Why in News?

France’s Special Envoy for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) called for developing alternative routes amid growing shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the need to improve the corridor’s resilience to geopolitical disruptions.

About IMEC

Nature: A proposed multimodal connectivity and economic corridor integrating maritime transport, railways, energy infrastructure and digital connectivity.
Announcement: G20 Leaders’ Summit, New Delhi, September 2023.
Objective: Improve trade and connectivity between India, the Gulf region and Europe while reducing logistical barriers and transit time.

1. Route and Structure

IMEC consists of two main corridors:

Eastern Corridor: Connects India to the Arabian Gulf through maritime shipping.
Northern Corridor: Connects the Gulf region to the eastern Mediterranean, with a proposed rail route through Saudi Arabia and Jordan to Haifa, Israel, followed by maritime transport to Europe.

2. Participating Countries and Organisations

India, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, European Union, United States
Jordan and Israel are not signatories to the original MoU, despite their relevance to the proposed northern route.

3. Financing Framework

Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII): A G7-backed initiative launched in 2022 to mobilise infrastructure investment in developing and emerging economies.
Target: The G7 announced an ambition to mobilise up to $600 billion by 2027.
Important qualification: PGII is a broader infrastructure initiative, not a dedicated funding commitment covering all IMEC projects. The original IMEC MoU does not itself guarantee financing for the corridor’s construction.

Significance of IMEC

1. Trade and Logistics

Integrates maritime and rail transport to create an alternative India–Europe trade route.
Could reduce transit time and logistics costs compared with some existing shipping routes, depending on infrastructure completion and operating conditions.

2. Strategic Connectivity

Could reduce dependence on the traditional Red Sea–Suez Canal route for portions of India–Europe trade.
Offers an additional connectivity framework alongside China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

3. Geopolitical Importance

Strengthens India’s economic and strategic engagement with Gulf countries and European partners.
Could deepen cooperation among India, the Gulf states, Europe and the US.

4. Energy and Digital Connectivity

The original framework envisages cooperation in areas such as Electricity interconnectors, Digital connectivity and data infrastructure, Clean hydrogen transportation and related infrastructure.
These links could support cross-border energy trade and digital integration, subject to technical feasibility and investment.

5. Haifa Port and Indian Participation

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) acquired a 70% stake in the Haifa Port Company in 2023.
Haifa could serve as a Mediterranean gateway for the proposed corridor.
However, the port investment alone does not establish that the entire IMEC route is operational.

Challenges Facing IMEC

1. Regional Conflicts

The Israel–Hamas war, which began in October 2023, and wider regional hostilities have complicated the political and security environment.
Conflict-related risks can delay infrastructure investment and disrupt cross-border transport planning.

2. Political Coordination

The proposed rail route requires coordination among multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel.
Normalisation challenges in Saudi–Israeli relations and tensions affecting Jordan–Israel relations complicate the development of a seamless corridor.

3. Financing and Infrastructure Gaps

The original MoU is a framework for cooperation, not a binding construction or financing agreement.
Missing rail links, border infrastructure and associated logistics facilities require substantial investment and coordinated implementation.

4. Strait of Hormuz Vulnerability

Gulf ports such as Jebel Ali and Dammam remain exposed to disruptions affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
IMEC’s eastern maritime leg therefore cannot completely eliminate maritime chokepoint risks.

5. Commercial Viability

Rail–sea transfers, customs procedures and multiple handling stages could increase costs.
The corridor must demonstrate reliable freight demand, competitive pricing and predictable transit times to compete with established maritime routes.

6. Security and Technical Challenges

Cross-border railway standards, customs integration, insurance costs and security arrangements require harmonisation.
Political instability or disruptions at any major segment could affect the reliability of the entire route.

Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

Why in News?

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, all 100 PMDDKY districts improved their average performance score from 18.85 in April 2026 to 46.89 in August 2026, indicating progress in implementing the scheme's agricultural development priorities.

About PMDDKY

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW).
Nature: A convergence-based scheme designed to improve agricultural productivity and allied activities in underperforming districts.
Implementation period: Six years, from 2025–26 to 2030–31.
Coverage: 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts.
Policy inspiration: The convergence, collaboration and competition framework of NITI Aayog's Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), adapted to agriculture and allied sectors.

Objectives

Agricultural productivity: Improve crop yields and overall farm performance.
Crop diversification: Encourage diversified cropping patterns and sustainable agricultural practices.
Post-harvest infrastructure: Strengthen storage facilities at the panchayat and block levels to reduce post-harvest losses.
Irrigation: Improve access to irrigation and water-use efficiency.
Agricultural credit: Expand access to short-term and long-term credit for farmers.
Allied activities: Promote development across agriculture and related livelihood sectors.

Identification of Districts

Districts are identified using three key indicators:

Low agricultural productivity.
Low cropping intensity: The ratio of gross cropped area to net sown area, expressed as a percentage.
Low agricultural credit disbursement.

The allocation of districts among States considers their respective shares of net cropped area and operational holdings, while ensuring representation of at least one district from each State.

Implementation Framework

1. Convergence-Based Model

Converges 36 Central schemes across 11 Ministries and Departments with State-level schemes.
Encourages private-sector participation wherever relevant.
Allows interventions to be tailored to the agricultural needs and development gaps of individual districts.

2. Institutional Structure

Institution	Role
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare	Nodal ministry responsible for scheme implementation
NITI Aayog	Reviews and guides District Action Plans
National Executive Committee	Chaired by the Union Agriculture Minister; provides high-level oversight
National Monitoring Committee	Chaired by the Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
State-level Samitis	Chaired by State Chief Secretaries; review district plans
District Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Samitis	Chaired by District Collectors; prepare District Action Plans

3. Monitoring and Ranking

A dedicated PM-DDKY dashboard tracks performance across 121 indicators.
The indicators comprise 74 output indicators and 47 outcome indicators
Monitoring covers 36 converging schemes.
Districts are ranked monthly on the basis of output performance, encouraging competition and accountability.

Link with the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)

Launched: January 2018.
Nodal institution: NITI Aayog.
Coverage: 112 aspirational districts.
Objective: Accelerate development in relatively underdeveloped districts.
Core approach: Convergence of Central and State schemes, collaboration among administrators and development partners, and competition through monthly delta rankings.

Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024

Why in News?

Mobile internet services were suspended for 24 hours in parts of central Delhi ahead of a protest at Jantar Mantar, bringing attention to the legal framework governing temporary suspension of telecommunications services.

About the 2024 Rules

Legal framework: The Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, framed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Purpose: To regulate the procedure for temporarily suspending telecommunications services on specified public-safety and security grounds.
Predecessor: Replaced the 2017 suspension rules framed under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
Scope: Covers temporary suspension of telecommunication services, including internet services.

Legal Basis and Competent Authority

Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023: Provides the legal basis for suspending telecommunication services during a public emergency or in the interest of public safety, subject to the statutory grounds and safeguards.
Issuing authority: The Union Home Secretary or the State Home Secretary, as applicable.
Emergency arrangements: Where unavoidable circumstances prevent the designated Home Secretary from issuing the order, an authorised officer of at least Joint Secretary rank may issue it, subject to confirmation within 24 hours.

Key Safeguards under the Rules

1. Written and Reasoned Orders

Every suspension order must specify: Every suspension order must specify the reasons for suspension, the geographical area covered, the telecommunication services affected, the duration of the suspension.

2. Maximum Duration

A suspension order cannot remain in force for more than 15 days.
Any continuation beyond the permitted period requires a fresh order in accordance with the Rules.

3. Proportionality

Authorities must assess whether other reasonable means are available to achieve the intended objective.
The measure should be necessary and proportionate to the circumstances rather than imposed indiscriminately.

4. Publication of Orders

Suspension orders must be published so that affected persons can access the reasons and conditions.
Publication supports transparency and enables affected citizens to seek judicial review.

5. Review Mechanism

Orders must be submitted to the designated Review Committee by the next working day.
The committee must meet within five days of the issuance of the order.
It examines compliance with statutory requirements and can find an order inconsistent with the law.

Review Committees

Jurisdiction	Chairperson
Central Government	Cabinet Secretary
State Government	Chief Secretary

The committee's role is to examine whether the suspension order complies with the applicable law and prescribed conditions.

Supreme Court Judgment: Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020)

Context: The case arose from restrictions imposed in Jammu and Kashmir, including restrictions on internet access.
Constitutional provisions: Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) protect freedom of speech and expression and the freedom to practise a profession or carry on an occupation, trade or business, respectively.

Key rulings:

Indefinite suspension of internet services is impermissible under the suspension framework considered by the Court.
Suspension orders must be published and made available for judicial scrutiny.
Restrictions must satisfy the requirements of necessity and proportionality.
Periodic review of suspension orders is required.

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967

Why in News?

Experts have raised concerns about the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, highlighting the need to balance national security and counter-terrorism objectives with constitutional liberties, procedural fairness and fundamental rights.

About UAPA

Enactment: 1967.
Nature: India's principal legislation for preventing unlawful activities and addressing terrorism-related offences.
Objective: To protect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity and provide a legal framework to combat terrorist activities.
Constitutional basis: Parliament's legislative competence under the Constitution, including relevant entries in the Union List. Entry 3 of the Union List concerns preventive detention for reasons connected with the security of the State, maintenance of public order, and essential supplies and services; UAPA also draws upon other applicable legislative powers.
Implementing agencies: Central and State law enforcement agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), depending on the case.

Important Amendments

2004 Amendment: Brought terrorism-related offences into the UAPA framework following the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), 2002.
2019 Amendment: Empowered the Central Government to designate an individual as a terrorist under specified statutory conditions, in addition to its existing powers concerning terrorist organisations.

Key Concerns Associated with UAPA

1. Broad Definitions and Scope

Broadly framed provisions concerning unlawful activities, terrorist acts and organisational membership may create scope for differing interpretations.
Concerns arise when the application of these provisions affects peaceful dissent, journalism or academic activity.

2. Stringent Bail Provisions

Section 43D(5) places significant restrictions on bail in cases involving specified UAPA offences.
Bail cannot ordinarily be granted where, after examining the case diary or report under the relevant statutory provision, the court finds reasonable grounds for believing that the accusation is prima facie true.
This threshold makes pre-trial release particularly difficult in many cases.

3. Prolonged Pre-trial Detention

Complex investigations and lengthy trials can result in accused persons spending extended periods in custody before a final verdict.
This raises concerns about the presumption of innocence, personal liberty under Article 21 and the right to a speedy trial.

4. Judicial Interpretation

Courts must assess the statutory restrictions on bail while also protecting constitutional rights.
Differences in how courts evaluate prosecution material, trial delays and prolonged incarceration can create uncertainty in the application of the law.

5. Potential Chilling Effect on Fundamental Rights

Concerns arise that overly broad or disproportionate application may discourage legitimate political expression, journalism, research and peaceful protest.
Such concerns involve the freedoms protected under Article 19(1)(a), subject to constitutionally permissible restrictions under Article 19(2).

Important Judicial Developments

1. Arup Bhuyan v. State of Assam (2011; reconsidered in 2023)

The Supreme Court initially adopted a restrictive interpretation of membership of a banned organisation in the context of the provisions then under consideration.
In 2023, a larger Bench revisited the earlier approach and held that the statutory provision concerning membership of an unlawful association could not be read as requiring an additional test of violence or incitement in every case.
Significance: Demonstrates how judicial interpretation of organisational membership under anti-terror legislation has evolved.

2. NIA v. Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali (2019)

The Supreme Court explained the approach to examining prosecution material when considering bail under Section 43D(5).
The ruling has significantly influenced subsequent UAPA bail proceedings.

3. Union of India v. K.A. Najeeb (2021)

The Supreme Court held that statutory restrictions on bail do not eliminate the constitutional courts' power to grant bail where prolonged incarceration and the likely delay in trial violate fundamental rights.
Significance: Constitutional protections remain relevant even in cases involving stringent anti-terror legislation.

4. Vernon v. State of Maharashtra (2023)

The Supreme Court examined the requirements for applying UAPA provisions concerning membership of unlawful organisations.
Significance: Authorities must establish the statutory ingredients of the alleged offence; mere association cannot automatically substitute for the legal requirements of the provision invoked.

Civil Society Groups Urge UN to Suspend First Carbon Credits under the Paris Agreement

Why in News?

At least 130 civil society organisations urged the United Nations carbon-market body to suspend carbon credits issued to a cookstove project in Myanmar, raising concerns about its environmental integrity, verification procedures and human-rights safeguards.

The issue arose as the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body held its 23rd meeting in Bonn.
The Myanmar cookstove project, managed by South Korea’s Climate Change Center (CCC), became the first project to receive credits under the mechanism in February 2026, according to the supplied report.

About Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement

Nature: Establishes a UN-supervised mechanism for generating carbon credits from eligible activities that reduce or remove greenhouse-gas emissions.
Official name: Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM).
Objective: Promote emissions reductions, support sustainable development and facilitate international cooperation towards climate goals.
Legal basis: Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement.
Rule-making milestone: Key rules were further developed at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2024.

How Does the Mechanism Work?

Project implementation: An eligible activity reduces or removes greenhouse-gas emissions.
Monitoring: The project’s emissions performance is monitored according to approved methodologies.
Validation and verification: Independent assessment procedures examine whether the activity meets the applicable requirements.
Supervision and issuance: The mechanism's institutions oversee compliance, and eligible emission reductions can receive authorised credits.
Use of credits: Credits may be used or transferred in accordance with the mechanism's rules and applicable accounting requirements.

Carbon credit: A tradable unit generally representing one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent reduced or removed, subject to the relevant mechanism's rules.

Article 6.4 Supervisory Body

Role: Develops and supervises the rules, methodologies and processes needed to operate the crediting mechanism.
Functions: Establishes requirements for project activities, emissions monitoring, verification, credit issuance and environmental integrity.
Accountability: Operates under the authority and guidance of the Parties to the Paris Agreement.

Why Is the Myanmar Cookstove Project Controversial?

1. Environmental Integrity

Concerns have been raised about whether the credited emissions reductions are robustly calculated and adequately demonstrated.
Credible carbon credits require transparent methodologies and reliable evidence that claimed reductions have occurred.

2. Monitoring and Verification

The quality of monitoring data and independent verification is essential to prevent over-crediting.
Weak verification can undermine confidence in the international carbon market.

3. Human Rights and Safeguards

Civil society organisations have called for scrutiny of whether the project adequately addresses human-rights risks and protects affected communities.
Effective safeguards should include meaningful participation, transparency and accessible grievance mechanisms.

4. Credibility of the UN Carbon Market

The first projects approved under a new mechanism can establish precedents for future activities.
Any weaknesses in oversight may affect trust in carbon credits and international climate cooperation.

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement: Key Distinction

Provision	Main purpose
Article 6.2	Accounting and cooperation arrangements for internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs)
Article 6.4	UN-supervised crediting mechanism for eligible emissions-reduction and removal activities
Article 6.8	Non-market approaches to international climate cooperation

United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Why in News?

India rejected remarks made by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) concerning the detention of protesters in Delhi, according to All India Radio (AIR).

About OHCHR

Established: 1993, following the World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
Parent organisation: United Nations Secretariat.
Mandate: To promote and protect human rights for all, in accordance with international human rights law.
Head: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, appointed by the UN Secretary-General and approved by the UN General Assembly.

Key Functions

Monitoring human rights: Tracks and reports on human-rights situations worldwide and raises concerns about alleged violations.
Technical assistance: Helps countries strengthen institutions, laws and policies for human-rights protection.
Support for UN mechanisms: Assists the Human Rights Council, treaty bodies and other international human-rights mechanisms.
Promotion of international standards: Encourages the implementation of international human-rights treaties and principles.
Engagement with stakeholders: Works with governments, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to improve human-rights protection.

Important Distinction

Organisation	Key role
OHCHR	Promotes and protects human rights; supports UN human-rights mechanisms
UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)	Intergovernmental body responsible for addressing human-rights situations and making recommendations
UN Human Rights Committee	Treaty body that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) by States Parties

World’s First Working Nuclear Clocks

Why in News?

Scientists from Europe and China reported progress towards the world’s first working nuclear clocks based on thorium-229, using thorium nuclei embedded in calcium fluoride crystals.

About Nuclear Clocks

Definition: A nuclear clock is a timekeeping device that measures time using transitions between energy states of an atomic nucleus, rather than transitions involving electrons.
Thorium-229: Its nucleus has an unusually low-energy excited state, making it a promising candidate for nuclear clock development.
Excitation energy: Approximately 8.4 eV, accessible using vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) laser technology.
Solid-state approach: Embedding thorium-229 in calcium fluoride crystals may help make the system more compact and practical.

Why is Thorium-229 Suitable?

In most nuclei, transitions between nuclear energy states require very high-energy radiation.
Thorium-229 has an exceptionally low-energy nuclear transition, allowing researchers to probe it with specialised ultraviolet laser systems.
Because nuclear transitions are generally less affected by external electromagnetic disturbances than electronic transitions, nuclear clocks may offer improved stability and precision.

Potential Applications

Navigation and timing: More compact, accurate timekeeping systems for navigation & synchronisation.
Fundamental physics: Testing whether fundamental constants vary over time and examining interactions between fundamental forces.
Dark matter research: Searching for possible effects of dark matter on nuclear energy levels.
Portable precision instruments: Developing smaller clocks for use beyond specialised laboratory settings.

Basis	Atomic clock	Nuclear clock
Transition measured	Transitions between electronic energy levels	Transitions between nuclear energy levels
Reference systems	Caesium-133, rubidium, strontium and ytterbium	Thorium-229
Radiation used	Microwaves in caesium clocks; lasers in optical atomic clocks	Vacuum-ultraviolet laser, around 148 nm
Sensitivity to environment	Electronic transitions can be affected by external electromagnetic fields and environmental conditions	Nuclear transitions may be less sensitive to external disturbances
Development status	Established technology with highly advanced precision	Emerging technology; precision and stability continue to improve
Applications	GPS, telecommunications, scientific measurements and defining the SI second	Potentially improved navigation, fundamental physics tests and dark matter searches

Thorium-229: Quick Facts

Isotope: Thorium-229
Key property: An unusually low-energy nuclear excited state of approximately 8.4 eV.
Proposed laser wavelength: Around 148 nm, in the vacuum-ultraviolet region.
Research significance: Offers a practical route to investigating nuclear transitions for precision timekeeping.

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV)

Why in News?

A recent analysis by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the widespread prevalence of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and its association with several diseases, including certain cancers.

About Epstein–Barr Virus

Nature: EBV is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the herpesvirus family.
Alternative name: Human Herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4).
Discovery: Identified in 1964 by Anthony Epstein, Yvonne Barr and Bert Achong in cells from Burkitt lymphoma.
Historical significance: It was the first virus linked to cancer.
Prevalence: More than 90% of adults worldwide have been infected with EBV.
Typical infection pattern: Infection commonly occurs during childhood and is often asymptomatic or causes mild symptoms. Primary infection during adolescence or adulthood may cause infectious mononucleosis.

INS Shreyas

Why in News?

The Indian Navy launched INS Shreyas, the third of four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), in Kolkata.

Key Facts

Name: Shreyas, a Sanskrit word meaning “excellence” or “the highest good”.
Shipbuilder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
Programme: Indian Navy’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) programme.
Indigenous development: Designed and built in India by GRSE.

World Mental Health Day

Why in News?

World Mental Health Day was observed globally on 10 October to promote awareness of mental health, address stigma and encourage access to mental health care.

Established: 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH).
Observance: 10 October every year.
Theme for 2026: “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”.

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