current Affairs- 12th october 2026

Current Affairs – 12 October 2026

Important National, International, Defence and Sports News for NDA, CDS and AFCAT Aspirants

1. Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 Concludes in Jodhpur

The second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur on 12 October 2026. The exercise was conducted from 26 September to 12 October 2026.

Key Highlights:

Host: Indian Air Force
Venue: Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Participating countries: Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Additional participation: 32 observer nations.
Objective: To improve interoperability, strengthen international cooperation and facilitate the exchange of operational experience among participating air forces.

Exam Point: Exercise Tarang Shakti is a multinational air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force.

2. Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford Win the 2026 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics

American economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford were reported to have received the 2026 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for their work on the microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation.

Robert E. Hall: Affiliated with Stanford University, California.
Michael Woodford: Affiliated with Columbia University, New York.
Field: Economic Sciences.
Significance: Their work concerns the theoretical foundations used to understand and analyse macroeconomic stabilisation policies.

Exam Point: The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences is distinct from the original Nobel Prizes established under Alfred Nobel's will.

3. Sunil Bharti Mittal Receives France's Highest Civilian Honour

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been conferred the Chevalier de l'Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour).

The honour was conferred by French President Emmanuel Macron in recognition of Mittal's contributions to strengthening India–France relations and promoting business cooperation.

Key Facts:

Award: Legion of Honour
Country: France
Recipient: Sunil Bharti Mittal
Position: Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises

Exam Point: The Legion of Honour is France's highest national order of merit.

4. India–Russia Naval Exercise INDRA 2026

Indian Naval Ship INS Sahyadri arrived in Vladivostok, Russia, on 10 October 2026 ahead of the bilateral naval exercise INDRA 2026, scheduled from 13 to 18 October.

Key Highlights:

Participants: Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy
Location: Vladivostok, Russia
Dates: 13–18 October 2026
Objective: To enhance maritime cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability between the two navies.

The exercise reflects the continuing defence partnership between India and Russia and provides opportunities for both navies to exchange professional expertise.

Exam Point: INDRA is a bilateral military exercise between India and Russia.

5. Defence Services Athletes Win 27 Medals at the 2026 Asian Games

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated athletes representing the three Defence Services on 12 October 2026 for their achievements at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

The Services athletes collectively won 27 medals, making a significant contribution to India's performance.

Medal Category

Number

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Total

Felicitating authority: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Event: 2026 Asian Games, Japan
Reported share of India's total medals: Approximately 32% of the reported national tally of 85 medals.

Exam Point: The achievement highlights the contribution of India's Army, Navy and Air Force personnel to national sporting success.

6. Important Day – World Arthritis Day

Date: 12 October

World Arthritis Day is observed annually on 12 October to raise awareness about arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions.

Objectives:

Promote awareness of arthritis and related conditions.
Encourage early recognition and appropriate medical care.
Improve the quality of life of people affected by these conditions.

Exam Point: World Arthritis Day is observed every year on 12 October.

7. Historical Event – Christopher Columbus Reaches the Caribbean

Date: 12 October 1492

On 12 October 1492, Christopher Columbus reached an island in the Caribbean during his first transatlantic expedition, undertaken under the sponsorship of the Spanish Crown.

His voyage marked a major turning point in the history of contact between Europe and the Americas, followed by extensive exploration, colonisation and profound consequences for Indigenous peoples.

Exam Point: The year 1492 is associated with Columbus's first voyage across the Atlantic and his arrival in the Caribbean.

8. Important Day – International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

Date: 13 October

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed annually on 13 October to promote awareness of disaster risks and encourage measures that reduce the impact of natural and human-induced hazards.

Objectives: