### Today’s Current Affairs – 12 October 2026

 GradeYou.in | Radhakrishnan Academy | Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Exams

12 October 2026India & AssamAPSC • ADRE • SSC • RRB

### Introduction

Daily current affairs are essential for competitive examinations because they connect recent government decisions and developments with static subjects such as Indian Polity, Economy, Geography, Science and Technology, Environment, and International Relations. Today’s important topics include the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, artificial intelligence in drug discovery, agricultural self-reliance, skill development, and government initiatives related to youth participation.

### 1\. PM GatiShakti National Master Plan: Five Years of Infrastructure Planning

Category: Economy, Infrastructure and Governance

The Press Information Bureau published a backgrounder on 12 October 2026 reviewing five years of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. The initiative was launched on 13 October 2021 to improve coordination among infrastructure projects and support integrated planning across different sectors.

PM GatiShakti uses a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based digital platform to bring together infrastructure and geographical data. It supports coordinated planning for roads, railways, ports, waterways, airports, mass transport and logistics infrastructure.

According to the government backgrounder, the platform covers 58 Central Ministries and Departments and all 36 States and Union Territories. It also provides access to approved datasets for connectivity mapping, site selection and infrastructure planning.

The programme is relevant to the vision of Viksit Bharat because better coordination can help improve connectivity, logistics efficiency and the movement of goods and passengers. The backgrounder also discusses the planned Dhubri–Phulbari bridge over the Brahmaputra, which is expected to reduce the travel distance between the two sides from approximately 205 km to 20 km.

Exam relevance: Remember the launch date, GIS technology, seven infrastructure engines and the role of integrated planning in reducing logistical bottlenecks.

### 2\. Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery: ₹86 Crore Support

Category: Science and Technology, Biotechnology and Economy

On 12 October 2026, the Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based Peptris Technologies Private Limited to provide ₹86 crore in support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

The programme, titled VIGOR: Advancing AI-Discovered Molecules from Bench to Clinic, has a total project cost of ₹172 crore. It aims to advance four AI-discovered drug candidates through preclinical development, scientific validation and preparation for clinical trials.

Artificial intelligence can help researchers identify promising molecules and investigate potential treatments. However, AI-generated discoveries must undergo rigorous laboratory testing, preclinical assessment and the required regulatory processes before they can become approved medicines.

The initiative illustrates how government-supported research funding can help bridge the gap between scientific discovery and the development of potential medical treatments.

Exam relevance: TDB, DST, RDI Fund, AI-driven drug discovery and the distinction between preclinical development and clinical trials.

### 3\. Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

Category: Agriculture and Food Security

The Government of India highlighted the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses in a PIB backgrounder published on 11 October 2026, marking one year of the initiative. Its central objective is to strengthen domestic pulse production and reduce dependence on imports.

Pulses are an important source of protein in the Indian diet. Increasing domestic production can support farmers, improve the availability of essential food commodities and strengthen food security.

Important areas for examination include improved seeds, productivity, agricultural research, procurement arrangements and the relationship between domestic production and import dependence. Candidates should distinguish the mission's policy objectives from any claim that India has already achieved complete self-sufficiency.

Exam relevance: Agriculture, food security, farmer income, imports and the meaning of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance).

### 4\. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Completes One Year

Category: Government Schemes and Rural Development

The Press Information Bureau reported on 12 October 2026 that the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana had completed one year. The scheme was also featured in a government backgrounder dated 10 October 2026.

The scheme is associated with improving agricultural outcomes through coordinated development efforts in selected districts. Its broader relevance lies in addressing differences in agricultural productivity and improving access to essential agricultural support.

For competitive examinations, candidates should connect this topic with agricultural infrastructure, irrigation, credit, productivity, district-level planning and rural livelihoods. The scheme should also be studied alongside wider government efforts to strengthen agriculture and food security.

Exam relevance: Agriculture, rural development, government schemes and district-level development planning.

### 5\. PM-SETU: Upgradation of Government ITIs

Category: Skill Development and Employment

On 12 October 2026, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship reported a new milestone under the PM-SETU initiative. Shareholders’ agreements were signed for the Surat and Visakhapatnam clusters, and ₹440 crore was approved for upgrading nine government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

Industrial Training Institutes provide vocational and technical training to help students acquire practical skills relevant to employment and industry. Upgrading ITIs can improve training infrastructure and strengthen the connection between technical education and workplace requirements.

Exam relevance: Vocational education, employability, technical training, industrial development and government skill-development initiatives.

### 6\. MY Bharat Organises Youth Parliaments and Yuva Melas

Category: Youth Affairs and Governance

According to a PIB release dated 12 October 2026, MY Bharat organised neighbourhood youth parliaments and Yuva Melas at 1,469 locations under the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Abhiyan.

Youth parliaments provide opportunities for young people to discuss public issues, understand democratic institutions and develop leadership and communication skills. Yuva Melas can also encourage participation in community activities and awareness initiatives.

The development is relevant to democratic participation, youth engagement, public awareness and efforts to prevent substance abuse.

Exam relevance: MY Bharat, youth participation, democratic values and the role of youth in nation-building.

### 7\. Coal Stocks at Power Plants Remain Above 18 Million Tonnes

Category: Energy and Economy

A Ministry of Coal release listed by the Press Information Bureau on 12 October 2026 reported that coal stocks at power plants remained above 18 million tonnes, with supply strengthening and stock depletion easing during October.

Coal remains an important source of electricity generation in India. Adequate coal availability at power plants is relevant to electricity supply, energy security, industrial activity and the management of seasonal demand.

For examination purposes, candidates should understand the relationship between coal production, transportation, power generation and energy security. Coal-based electricity also raises environmental concerns because burning coal produces carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Exam relevance: Ministry of Coal, thermal power, energy security, electricity generation and environmental impacts.

### 8\. Vice-President Addresses the National Defence College

Category: Defence and National Affairs

On 12 October 2026, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the 66th course of the National Defence College, according to the official Press Information Bureau release.

The National Defence College is associated with higher-level professional education in national security, strategic studies and defence management. Its courses are relevant to understanding the relationship between defence preparedness, national security and strategic decision-making.

Exam relevance: Vice-President of India, National Defence College, national security and strategic studies.

### 9\. Indian Forest Service and Environmental Conservation

Category: Environment and Biodiversity

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reported an interaction with mid-career training participants of the Indian Forest Service on 12 October 2026. The discussion highlighted conservation achievements and emerging challenges.

The Indian Forest Service plays an important role in forest administration, biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection and the implementation of environmental policies. Forest conservation is particularly relevant to India because forests support biodiversity, regulate water systems, store carbon and sustain the livelihoods of many communities.

For Assam and Northeast India, this topic connects with forest management, wildlife conservation, human–wildlife conflict and the protection of ecologically sensitive areas.

Exam relevance: Indian Forest Service, biodiversity, forest conservation, climate change and environmental governance.

### 10\. Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia

Category: Important Personalities and Indian Political History

On 12 October 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia, as recorded in the Prime Minister’s Office releases.

Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia was an Indian political figure associated with public life in the former princely state of Gwalior and later national politics. Her life is relevant to the study of political leadership, the transformation of princely-state politics after independence and the development of party politics in India.

Exam relevance: Modern Indian political history, women in politics and post-independence political developments.

### Important Current Affairs One-Liners

* PM GatiShakti was launched: 13 October 2021.

* PM GatiShakti uses: GIS-based integrated infrastructure planning.

* PM GatiShakti coverage: 58 Central Ministries and Departments and all 36 States and Union Territories, according to the 12 October 2026 government backgrounder.

* AI drug-discovery project: VIGOR.

* Company receiving TDB–DST support for the VIGOR project: Peptris Technologies Private Limited.

* Financial support announced for the VIGOR project: ₹86 crore.

* Total cost of the VIGOR project: ₹172 crore.

* PM-SETU development reported today: ₹440 crore approved for upgrading nine government ITIs.

* Youth engagement initiative: Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Abhiyan.

* Youth parliaments and Yuva Melas: Organised by MY Bharat at 1,469 locations, according to the 12 October PIB release.

* Coal stock update: Power-plant coal stocks were reported above 18 million tonnes.

* National Defence College event: The Vice-President addressed its 66th course.

* PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: The government reported that it completed one year.

* Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: Focuses on strengthening domestic pulse production and self-reliance.

### Practice MCQs for Competitive Examinations

1. In which year was PM GatiShakti launched?

A. 2019

B. 2020

C. 2021

D. 2023

2. Which technology is central to the PM GatiShakti planning platform?

A. GIS

B. Blockchain only

C. Quantum computing

D. Biometrics

3. What is the name of the AI-driven drug-discovery project supported by TDB–DST?

A. BHASHINI

B. VIGOR

C. ULIP

D. PM-SETU

4. Peptris Technologies is based in which city?

A. Guwahati

B. Jaipur

C. Bengaluru

D. Lucknow

5. Which initiative was associated with upgrading nine government ITIs in the 12 October 2026 PIB update?

A. PM-SETU

B. PM-KISAN

C. PMAY-G

D. PMGSY

6. Which organisation held youth parliaments and Yuva Melas at 1,469 locations?

A. NITI Aayog

B. MY Bharat

C. UPSC

D. Election Commission of India

7. The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses is primarily related to which sector?

A. Telecommunications

B. Agriculture

C. Space research

D. Tourism

8. Which institution's 66th course was addressed by the Vice-President on 12 October 2026?

A. National Defence College

B. Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration

C. Indian Institute of Public Administration

D. National Police Academy

### Official Sources for Further Reading

* [Press Information Bureau – Releases dated 12 October 2026](https://www.pib.gov.in/AllReleasem.aspx?lang=1&reg=3)

* [PM GatiShakti: Five Years of Infrastructure Planning](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?ModuleId=3&NoteId=160423&id=160423&lang=2&reg=48)

* [TDB–DST and Peptris: AI-Driven Drug Discovery](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2322077&lang=1&reg=3)

* [PIB – Government Press Releases and Backgrounders](https://www.pib.gov.in/AllRelease.aspx?lang=1&reg=1)

### Conclusion

The current affairs of 12 October 2026 highlight infrastructure planning, agricultural self-reliance, scientific innovation, technical education, youth engagement and environmental conservation. Aspirants should prepare both the factual details and their links to static subjects, especially for APSC, ADRE, SSC, RRB NTPC, Banking and other competitive examinations.

 Title: Today Current Affairs 12 October 2026 – India GK for APSC, ADRE, SSC and RRB

Description: Read 12 October 2026 current affairs with government updates on PM GatiShakti, AI drug discovery, agriculture, PM-SETU, youth initiatives and exam-oriented MCQs.

Focus keywords: Today Current Affairs 12 October 2026, daily current affairs, Assam competitive exams, APSC current affairs, ADRE GK, India current affairs, government schemes, current affairs MCQ.