Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for October 21, 2026.
This comprehensive compilation covers all important events across national politics,
international relations, science & technology, economy, sports, and more.
Sourced from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and other reputed media.
Perfect for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 exam preparation.

📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்

🏛️ National Politics & Government

1. NSC Approves Rs. 1,194.92 Crore for Five ITI Clusters under PM-SETU Scheme

In October 2026, the 6th National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme approved five Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth Rs 1,194.92 crore to upgrade Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters in Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), raising the total sanctioned investment to Rs 3,687 crore.

Key points:

• About 5 ITI Clusters: Framework: The NSC approved five investment plans, each comprising one hub ITI and four associated spoke ITIs, to be implemented through partnerships among State Governments, industry partners, and participating ITIs.
• 5 Clusters.
• The meeting was chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Kataka Cluster, Odisha: With an investment of Rs. 240.50 crore and Tata Steel Foundation as the industry partner.
• Pune ITI Cluster, Maharashtra: With an investment of Rs. 241 crore and BVG India Limited, in consortium with BVG Foundation as the industry partner.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches World Bank Group’s ‘World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence’

In October 2026, the Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the World bank (WB) Group’s World Development Report (WDR) 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence at an event held in Delhi, New Delhi.

Key points:

• Objective: The report analyses the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for developing economies and provides a framework to leverage AI for development through adoption, adaptation and advancement.
• Organised by: The IndiaAI Mission under the MeitY, in collaboration with the World Bank Group (WBG).
• Key Recommendations: The report recommends an “Adopt, Adapt and Advance” approach, prioritising affordable AI solutions, strengthening digital infrastructure and skills, scaling AI applications in public services, introducing risk-based regulations, and promoting fair labour practices, shared computing resources and digital literacy to ensure inclusive AI development.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. MoSJE: PM-AJAY Declared 18,093 Adarsh Grams and Released Rs.1,730 Crore to States Till FY26

In October 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) announced that 18,093 villages had been declared Adarsh Grams under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), which had covered over 47,200 villages.

Key points:

• Key Components and Achievements of PM-AJAY: Coverage: The scheme covers over 47,200 villages, benefiting more than 47.79 lakh citizens and promoting the socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities.
• Development: A total of 46,944 development works have been completed, and 27,032 Village Development Plans (VDPs) have been prepared.
• Hostels: As of September 2026, 785 student hostels had been completed under the scheme.
• For FY 2026–27, Rs.
• 61.46 crore in central assistance was allocated for two hostel projects, one for girls and one for boys, to accommodate 264 students.
• About KAUMARACON-2026: Theme: The conference was organised by AIIA under the theme “Shaping the Future of Child Health: Global Perspectives, Research Innovations, and Clinical Frontiers in Kaumarabhritya,” emphasising research, international collaboration and improvements in Ayurvedic paediatric care.
• Collaboration: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Maharishi International University (MIU), United States of America (USA), and AIIA, New Delhi, was exchanged during the event to strengthen academic and research collaboration.
• Key Highlights: Key Dignitaries: Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Member of Parliament (MP) of Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) attended the Foundation Day celebrations ceremony as Chief Guest; while Padma Bhushan Vaidya Devendra Triguna and Prof.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. ICAR-CPRI Develops Nutrient-Rich Purple Potato ‘Kufri Jamunia’

In October 2026, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) highlighted Kufri Jamunia, a nutrient-rich purple potato variety containing Vitamin C, anthocyanins, carotenoids, zinc and iron, aimed at improving nutritional security and combating hidden hunger.

Key points:

• About Kufri Jamunia: Characteristics: It is a medium-maturing potato variety with medium-tall plants, a semi-compact canopy, and oblong tubers, recommended for cultivation in the North Indian plains due to its stable performance in multi-location trials.
• Features: It has dark purple skin and flesh, shallow eyes, a mealy texture, and a pleasant flavour.
• Crop Duration: Approximately 90 days, producing around 10–12 medium to large tubers per plant.
• Kufri Neelkanth: ICAR-CPRI’s first purple-skinned speciality potato variety, known for its high antioxidant content.
• Kufri Manik: A deep red-skinned potato variety with yellow flesh, rich in anthocyanins, zinc and iron.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

5. GoI Unveiled Rs.100 Commemorative Coin and Rs.5 Postage Stamp Honouring Ghanshyam Dass Jain

In October 2026, the Government of India (GoI) unveiled a Rs.

Key points:

• 100 commemorative coin and a Rs.5 postage stamp honouring renowned musician, composer, philanthropist and cultural personality Ghanshyam Dass Jain during the National Annual Cultural Conclave held at the Dr.
• Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
• Key Highlights of the Commemoration Event: Coin: A non-circulating commemorative coin made of 99.9% pure silver, weighing 40 grams (g) and measuring 44 millimetres (mm) in diameter, features the Lion Capital of Ashoka and the Rs.100 denomination on the obverse Stamp: The Rs.5 commemorative postage stamp features an illustrated portrait of Ghanshyam Dass Jain, highlighting his signature association with the violin.
• Publications: The archival book “Sangeetmay Virasat: Ek Shatabdi” documents Ghanshyam Dass Jain’s life and works, featuring 101 handwritten compositions, ghazals, melodies, songs, and plays, and was released alongside the launch of the annual cultural initiative themed “Shakti, Sadhana aur Samarpan.” Organisers: The event was organised by the Ghanshyam Dass Bhagya Devi Jain Trust in collaboration with the Shri Jin Kushal Suri Jain Khartargachh Dadabari Trust, Jain Kushal Yuvak Mandal, Sargam Mandal, and Jin Kushal Suri Jain Mahila Mandal.
• Legacy: Ghanshyam Dass Jain, popularly known as Sangeet Samrat and Sur Samrat, contributed to devotional music, theatre, Indian cinema and philanthropy, supporting education, religion and social welfare.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

6. CJI Surya Kant Inaugurates Ladakh High Court Bench and Launches Four Initiatives, Including Green Wall

In October 2026, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant inaugurated the newly established Ladakh Bench of the High Court(HC) of Jammu & Kashmir(J&K) and Ladakh at Melongthang, Leh, in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh.

Key points:

• Key Highlights: Inauguration: The CJI inaugurated the Ladakh Bench in the presence of Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice of the J&K and Ladakh High Court, and Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Ladakh.
• Highest-Altitude Bench: The newly inaugurated judicial facility is recognised as India’s highest-altitude High Court bench, aimed at improving access to justice for residents of Leh, Kargil and other remote areas.
• Four Initiatives Launched: Green Wall Initiative: The virtual inauguration of the initiative symbolises the judiciary’s commitment to environmental conservation and ecological sustainability in Ladakh.
• e-Filing Portal: The new digital platform will enable advocates and litigants, particularly those living remote areas of the UT, to file cases electronically without travelling to the court.
• Document Management System (DMS): Facilitates digital management and maintenance of judicial records.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

🌍 International Affairs

7. India–Russia Conduct Joint Military Exercise INDRA 2026 in Russia

In October 2026, India and Russia conducted the 15th edition of the bilateral Naval Exercise INDRA-2026 at Vladivostok and the Sea of Japan (East Sea), Russia, to strengthen maritime cooperation, operational interoperability and coordination between the two navies.

Key points:

• Key Highlights of INDRA-2026: Naval Harbour Phase: The harbour phase commenced in Vladivostok, Russia, with planning conferences, cross-deck visits, protocol meetings and professional interactions between Indian and Russian naval personnel.
• Naval Sea Phase: Scheduled for October 16–17, 2026, in the Sea of Japan, the practical phase includes tactical manoeuvres, artillery firing against sea and aerial targets, boarding operations and rehearsals to rescue a vessel simulated to have been seized by terrorists.
• Land-Based Phase: Conducted in Russia’s Chelyabinsk Region and the Far East, the land component includes joint operations to eliminate illegal armed groups and training in unit command and control.
• The activities are scheduled to continue until October 23, 2026.
• Overview of World Health Summit 2026 Held in Berlin, Germany The World Health Summit (WHS 2026), a leading platform for global health, was held under the theme of “From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health” from October 11 to 13, 2026 in Berlin, Germany.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

🔬 Science & Technology

8. Japan Launches ‘MMX Mission’ to Collect Samples from Mars moon Phobos

In October 2026, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the uncrewed spacecraft, part of the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, aboard an H3 rocket from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at Tanegashima Space Center, Japan, to collect samples from Phobos, a moon of Mars.

Key points:

• About Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission: Timeline: The MMX spacecraft is projected to reach planet Mars in August 2027 and return with samples to Earth in 2031.
• Global Space Agencies Involved: Other than JAXA, the mission involves 04 international space agencies namely: the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America (USA), the European Space Agency (ESA), National Center for Space Studies (CNES) of France, and German Aerospace Center (DLR) of Germany.
• Key Equipments: The spacecraft carries a small rover named IDEFIX, developed by CNES and German Aerospace Center.
• It will be deployed in early 2029 to orbit Phobos for about 3 years.
• Key Target: It aims to collect at least 0.4 ounces or 10 grams (gms) of material from its surface and return it to Earth for analysis.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

9. Pakistan Test-Fires Extended-Range Variant of Fatah-II Missile

In October 2026, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan’s armed forces, announced that the Pakistan Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC) successfully test-fired the extended-range (ER) variant of the Fatah-II surface-to-surface missile (SSM), featuring advanced navigation and state-of-the-art avionics for high-precision targeting.

Key points:

• Key Details of the Fatah-II ER Missile Test: Category: The Fatah-II is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by Pakistan’s National Engineering & Scientific Commission (NESCOM), with Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) also associated with its development in defence reporting.
• Specifications: The Fatah-II has a reported range of approximately 400 kilometres (km) and carries a reported 365-kilogram (kg) warhead designed for precision strikes against military targets.
• Capability: The upgraded missile is designed to strike targets deeper inside adversary territory, with the Pakistani military claiming that its trajectory and manoeuvrability help overcome enemy missile defence systems.
• Background: Pakistan’s Fatah missile programme began with the Fatah-I in August 2021, followed by the 400-km-range Fatah-II in December 2023 and its reported operational deployment in April 2026 under ARFC.
• The launch was attended by Lieutenant General Nauman Zakaria, Commander of the Army Rocket Force Command, as well as senior military officers, scientists and engineers.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

💰 Economy & Banking

10. SEBI Issues Circular Revising Closing Auction Session Framework in Equity Cash Segment; Effective December 7, 2026

In October 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) released a Circular announcing a comprehensive overhaul of the Closing Auction Session (CAS) Framework in the equity cash market segment of the Stock Exchanges.

Key points:

• CAS Framework Overhaul Details: Separate session: The CAS shall be implemented as a separate session of 10 minutes from 3:30 PM to 3.40 PM on all trading days.
• Three sessions: The new session has three phases: Closing: The order entry session shall close randomly anytime between 3:38 PM to 3:40 PM.
• The revised framework shall come into effect from December 07, 2026.
• It currently runs from 3:15 PM to 3:35 PM.
• Phase 1 (3.30 PM to 3.31 PM): The reference price is calculated and trading moves from the Continuous Trading Session (CTS) to CAS.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

11. 1 Finance Receives SEBI In-Principle Approval for MF Lite AMC Licence

In October 2026, 1 Finance Private Limited, an advisory and wealth-tech firm, received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to establish an Asset Management Company (AMC) under the Mutual Funds Lite (MF Lite) framework, potentially becoming the first AMC to operate under this framework.

Key points:

• About 1 Finance’s SEBI Approval: Timeline: The company is targeting a launch in the fourth quarter of Financial Year 2026–27 (Q4 FY27), subject to fulfilling regulatory and operational requirements and obtaining SEBI’s final registration.
• Product: The proposed AMC will exclusively offer passive investment products, primarily index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), expanding 1 Finance’s existing personal finance advisory platform, which manages over Rs.17,000 crore in Assets Under Advice (AUA).
• MF Lite AMC Eligibility: Introduced by SEBI on December 31, 2024, and governed by the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 2026, it requires AMCs to maintain a net worth of Rs.35 crore (reducible to Rs.25 crore after five consecutive profitable years), ensure a minimum 40% sponsor stake, and follow standard AMC net-worth norms if passive Assets Under Management (AUM) exceeds Rs.1 lakh crore.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

12. Canara HSBC Life Insurance Launches USD-Denominated Global Wealth Plan Through GIFT City

In October 2026, Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited launched the Global Wealth Plan, a USD-denominated, unit-linked, non-participating life insurance-cum-savings plan through Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat, offering Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) market-linked global investment opportunities and life insurance protection.

Key points:

• About Global Wealth Plan: Investment Options: The plan offers market-linked investments in global equities, precious metals such as gold and silver, and debt funds, with investments and benefits denominated in USD, subject to policy terms and conditions.
• Plan Variants: The plan offers three variants, Wealth for long-term wealth creation, Wealth Plus with a Premium Funding Benefit, and Wealth Forever, a whole-life option for legacy planning and wealth transfer, with all three providing life cover.
• Key Benefits: Wealth Plus provides a death benefit and funds future premiums upon the insured’s death, along with Loyalty Additions, Maturity Boosters and zero premium allocation and administration charges.
• Distribution and Risk: Offered exclusively through Policybazaar under GIFT City’s IFSC framework, the s Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) provides access to global investments, with market-linked, non-guaranteed returns.
• About Canara HSBC Life Insurance: Incorporated in 2007 and headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, led by Anuj Dayal Mathur as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

13. CARE Ratings Signs Agreements to Sell 19.8% Stake in CareEdge Global IFSC to SBI and NSEIX

In October 2026, CareEdge Ratings (CARE Ratings Limited) executed share purchase agreements and shareholders’ agreement to sell 19.8% stake in its wholly-owned subsidiary CareEdge Global International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Limited (CGIL) to State Bank of India (SBI) and NSE IFSC (NSEIX).

Key points:

• Key Details of Agreement: Transaction Arrangement: As per the share purchase agreement, Care Edge Ratings will sell 9.9% of its equity stake each in CGIL to SBI and NSEIX.
• Key Change: Once the transaction is completed, CGIL will cease to be a 100% subsidiary of CARE Edge Ratings.
• Also, CARE Ratings will continue to be the majority shareholder in CGIL, retaining 80.2% stake.
• Previous Development: On 12 November 2025, CARE Ratings had approved the proposed partial divestment in its subsidiary, preceding the execution of the agreements.
• Care Ratings Ltd.: Established in 1993, Care Ratings is India’s 2nd largest credit rating agency which provides services in credit ratings, analytics, consulting and sustainability with headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

14. Renowned Fisheries Scientist and Founding KUFOS VC B. Madhusoodana Kurup Passed Away

In October 2026, renowned fisheries scientist B. Madhusoodana Kurup, the founding Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), passed away at the age of 71 in Kochi, Kerala.

Key points:

• He was born on 28 November 1954 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• Madhusoodana Kurup: Profile: He was a renowned fisheries scientist and academician known for his contributions to aquatic biodiversity, aquaculture, fisheries education and research.
• Leadership Roles: He served as the founding Vice-Chancellor (VC) of KUFOS, India’s first university dedicated to fisheries and ocean studies; VC of Shri Venkateshwara University, Uttar Pradesh (UP); and Director and Professor at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) for 18 years.
• Research Contributions: He discovered eight freshwater fish species in the Western Ghats, guided 22 doctoral scholars and published over 250 research papers and 11 edited books.
• Key Projects: His contributions included the Kuttanad Water Balance Study, Indo-Vietnam South-South Cooperation Programme and Ashtamudi Management Plan.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

15. World Osteoporosis Day 2026 – October 20 World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) is observed annually worldwide

on 20 October to raise awareness about the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases.

Key points:

• Background: Origin: WOD was launched in 1996 by the United Kingdom (UK)’s National Osteoporosis Society, with support from the European Commission.
• First Observance: WOD was first observed on 20 October 1996, making 2026 its 31st observance.
• Global Campaign: WOD is coordinated by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), with support from its member societies and healthcare organisations worldwide.
• WHO Support: The World Health Organization (WHO) co-sponsored World Osteoporosis Day campaigns in 1998 and 1999.
• 2026 Theme: “Build, Protect, Strengthen Your Bones for Life”.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.