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Daily Current Affairs for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A and Group 4

Welcome to TNPSCPrepPro’s daily current-affairs revision series. Today’s edition covers important developments in human rights, science and technology, energy security, environmental conservation and Indian culture.

These topics are explained in simple, exam-oriented language to help aspirants understand the news, remember key facts and practise multiple-choice questions.

Exam focus: TNPSC Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 2A | Group 4
Current affairs date: 12 October 2026

Today’s Important Current Affairs

  1. National Human Rights Commission completes 33 years
  2. AI-driven drug discovery receives ₹86 crore support
  3. Coal stocks at thermal power plants remain above 18 million tonnes
  4. Indian Forest Service training highlights conservation and emerging technologies
  5. Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia’s birth anniversary
  6. Navratri: Maa Brahmacharini and her significance

1. National Human Rights Commission Celebrates Its 33rd Foundation Day

What is the news?

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, marks its 33rd Foundation Day on 12 October 2026. The Commission was established on 12 October 1993 to protect and promote human rights in India.

The Foundation Day programme at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, featured Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant as the chief guest. A national conference was also organised around the theme “Water as the Elixir of Life: Advancing Human Dignity through the Right to Water.”

The conference connects access to safe drinking water and the protection of water bodies with human dignity, public welfare and sustainable development.

Important facts

  • Organisation: National Human Rights Commission of India
  • Foundation date: 12 October 1993
  • Foundation Day in 2026: 33rd
  • Headquarters: New Delhi
  • Chief guest announced: Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant
  • Conference theme: Water as the Elixir of Life: Advancing Human Dignity through the Right to Water

The NHRC reported that, over its 33-year history, it had handled more than 24 lakh cases and recommended monetary relief exceeding ₹274 crore in cases involving human-rights violations.

TNPSC exam connection

Revise the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the purpose of the NHRC, the distinction between human rights and fundamental rights, and the role of national institutions in protecting vulnerable groups.

Official source: NHRC Foundation Day – Press Information Bureau

2. AI-Driven Drug Discovery Receives ₹86 Crore Support

What is the news?

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 financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

The programme, titled VIGOR: Advancing AI-Discovered Molecules from Bench to Clinic, aims to move four AI-identified drug candidates through further preclinical development and validation towards clinical development.

The total project cost is ₹172 crore. The initiative illustrates how artificial intelligence can support pharmaceutical research by identifying promising molecules and helping researchers prioritise potential drug candidates.

However, an AI-generated discovery is not automatically an approved medicine. Laboratory validation, preclinical evaluation and the required clinical and regulatory processes remain essential.

Why is this important?

  • AI can help researchers identify and analyse potential drug candidates.
  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation require long-term research funding.
  • Translating laboratory discoveries into treatments requires scientific validation.
  • The initiative supports India’s efforts to strengthen domestic research and innovation capabilities.

TNPSC exam points

  • Funding organisation: Technology Development Board
  • Parent department: Department of Science and Technology
  • Company: Peptris Technologies Private Limited
  • Project: VIGOR
  • RDI support: ₹86 crore
  • Total project cost: ₹172 crore
  • Number of drug candidates: Four
  • Location of the company: Bengaluru, Karnataka

Official source: PIB – TDB-DST and Peptris agreement

3. Coal Stocks at Power Plants Remain Above 18 Million Tonnes

What is the news?

The Ministry of Coal reported on 12 October 2026 that coal stocks at domestic coal-based power plants had remained above 18 million tonnes since 29 September 2026.

Stocks stood at 18.205 million tonnes on 10 October, compared with 18.932 million tonnes on 29 September. The ministry said the pace of stock depletion had slowed during the first ten days of October compared with September.

Improved railway rake loading and higher daily coal supplies contributed to the change. The government also stated that supplies to power plants with critically low stocks were being monitored and redistributed according to requirements.

Key figures

  • Coal stocks on 10 October 2026: 18.205 million tonnes
  • Coal stocks on 29 September 2026: 18.932 million tonnes
  • Average railway rake loading during 1–10 October: 469 rakes per day
  • Average rake loading in September: 426 rakes per day
  • Average coal supply during 1–10 October: 2.49 million tonnes per day

Why is this important?

Coal remains an important fuel for India’s electricity generation. Maintaining adequate stocks helps thermal power stations meet electricity demand and reduces the risk of supply disruptions.

The update also demonstrates the connection between railway freight operations, fuel supply chains and energy security.

TNPSC exam points

  • Nodal ministry: Ministry of Coal
  • Important transport partner: Indian Railways
  • Key concept: Energy security
  • Related sectors: Thermal power, railway freight and coal logistics

Official source: PIB – Coal stocks at power plants

4. Indian Forest Service Training Focuses on Conservation and Technology

What is the news?

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav interacted with participants of the Indian Forest Service Mid-Career Training Phase-III (19) in New Delhi on 12 October 2026.

The programme focuses on strengthening the leadership, policy implementation and field-governance capabilities of forest officers. It also addresses emerging challenges such as forest fires, climate change, human-wildlife conflict and the need to balance development with ecological protection.

The minister highlighted the importance of scientific methods and technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and artificial intelligence, in forest management.

Important details

  • Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • Training institution: Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA)
  • Training period: 12 October to 6 November 2026
  • Participants: 68 officers from 18 cadres
  • Main focus: Leadership, forest governance, biodiversity conservation and emerging technologies

The programme also covers landscape restoration, climate-resilient forestry, wildlife conservation and community participation.

Related conservation initiatives to revise

  • Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: A tree-planting and environmental awareness initiative.
  • MISHTI: Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes.
  • Nagar Van Yojana: Urban forestry initiative.
  • Aravalli Green Wall: An environmental restoration initiative associated with the Aravalli landscape.

TNPSC exam connection

Prepare the functions of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the role of the Indian Forest Service, forest and wildlife conservation, mangrove ecosystems, remote sensing and community-based environmental management.

Official source: PIB – Indian Forest Service mid-career training

5. Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia’s Birth Anniversary

Who was Vijayraje Scindia?

Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia was a prominent Indian political personality associated with public life in Madhya Pradesh and national politics. On 12 October 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to her on her birth anniversary, recalling her dedication to public service.

For TNPSC aspirants, this item is useful for general knowledge on important personalities, political history and the role of women in Indian public life.

Quick revision

  • Personality: Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia
  • Occasion: Birth anniversary
  • State association: Madhya Pradesh
  • Subject area: Indian polity and modern political history

Official source: PIB – Tribute to Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia

6. Navratri: Maa Brahmacharini

What is the significance?

On 12 October 2026, the Prime Minister offered prayers to Maa Brahmacharini on the second day of Navratri.

In Hindu tradition, Maa Brahmacharini is associated with penance, devotion, determination and self-discipline. She is worshipped during the second day of the nine-day Navratri observance dedicated to the different forms of Goddess Durga.

TNPSC exam points

  • Festival: Navratri
  • Form worshipped on the second day: Maa Brahmacharini
  • Associated qualities: Penance, devotion and self-discipline
  • Religious association: Goddess Durga

Festival-related questions often test the sequence of observances, the forms of the deity and regional cultural traditions.

Official source: PIB – Maa Brahmacharini on the second day of Navratri

Quick Revision Table

Topic Important fact
NHRC Foundation Day 12 October
NHRC established 12 October 1993
NHRC headquarters New Delhi
NHRC conference theme Right to water and human dignity
AI drug discovery project VIGOR
TDB-DST support to Peptris ₹86 crore
Total VIGOR project cost ₹172 crore
Drug candidates in VIGOR Four
Coal stocks on 10 October 18.205 million tonnes
Average October coal supply 2.49 million tonnes per day
Forest Service training institution Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy
Indian Forest Service training 12 October–6 November 2026
Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia Associated with Madhya Pradesh politics
Navratri, second day Maa Brahmacharini

TNPSC Practice MCQs – 12 October 2026

1. On which date was the National Human Rights Commission of India established?
A. 26 January 1950
B. 10 December 1948
C. 12 October 1993
D. 15 August 1995

Correct answer: C. 12 October 1993

2. The National Human Rights Commission functions primarily to:
A. Conduct parliamentary elections
B. Protect and promote human rights
C. Regulate commercial banks
D. Manage national highways

Answer: B. Protect and promote human rights

3. Which institution provided ₹86 crore in RDI support to Peptris Technologies?
A. Reserve Bank of India
B. Technology Development Board
C. Election Commission of India
D. National Human Rights Commission

Answer: B. Technology Development Board

4. What is the name of the AI-driven drug development programme involving Peptris?
A. VIGOR
B. MISHTI
C. PMDDKY
D. Nagar Van

Answer: A. VIGOR

5. What was the reported coal stock at power plants on 10 October 2026?
A. 8.205 million tonnes
B. 12.500 million tonnes
C. 18.205 million tonnes
D. 28.205 million tonnes

Answer: C. 18.205 million tonnes

6. Which ministry is responsible for coal-sector administration at the Union level?
A. Ministry of Power
B. Ministry of Coal
C. Ministry of Mines alone
D. Ministry of Heavy Industries

Answer: B. Ministry of Coal

7. Which institution organises the Indian Forest Service mid-career training programme mentioned in today’s news?
A. Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration
B. Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy
C. National Defence Academy
D. Indian Institute of Public Administration

Answer: B. Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy

8. Which technology can help forest officers map vegetation and monitor changes in land cover?
A. GIS
B. Barcode scanning alone
C. Audio compression
D. Word processing

Answer: A. GIS

9. MISHTI is associated with which environmental ecosystem?
A. Mangroves
B. Alpine glaciers
C. Desert minerals
D. Deep-sea mining

Answer: A. Mangroves

10. Which form of Goddess Durga is worshipped on the second day of Navratri?
A. Maa Shailputri
B. Maa Brahmacharini
C. Maa Chandraghanta
D. Maa Siddhidatri

Answer: B. Maa Brahmacharini

One-Minute Revision

  • NHRC: Established on 12 October 1993 to protect and promote human rights.
  • VIGOR: AI-driven drug development programme supported through the RDI Fund.
  • ₹86 crore: TDB support to Peptris Technologies.
  • Coal stocks: 18.205 million tonnes reported on 10 October 2026.
  • IGNFA: Institution associated with Indian Forest Service training.
  • GIS and remote sensing: Technologies useful in forest monitoring and conservation.
  • MISHTI: Mangrove conservation and restoration initiative.
  • Maa Brahmacharini: Worshipped on the second day of Navratri.

TNPSCPrepPro Study Tip

Focus on the numbers, institutions and their functions. After revising the six topics, attempt the MCQs without looking at the answers. Revisit the questions you miss and connect each news item to its relevant syllabus area: Indian polity, science and technology, environment, economy or culture.

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