Background
In the news: Australia marked 25 years since Operation Slipper, its first military contribution to the war in Afghanistan. ANZUS is the Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America, in effect since 1952. Article IV states that an armed attack in the Pacific Area on any of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety. On 14 September 2001, after the 11 September attacks, Prime Minister John Howard announced, after consulting the United States, that Article IV applied. The Parliamentary Library describes this as the first, and so far the only, invocation of the treaty. The first Australian troops departed on 22 October 2001 to join US-led operations, and all ADF personnel had left Afghanistan by July 2021.
In effect since:
1952
Article invoked:
Article IV
Invocation announced:
14 September 2001
Why it matters for exams: ANZUS is the foundation of Australia's alliance with the United States; its sole invocation is a standard question.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
ANZUS Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty — The 1950s security treaty linking Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
11 October 2026
On 11 October 2026 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles and Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh marked 25 years since the start of Operation Slipper. Operation Slipper was Australia's first military contribution to the war in Afghanistan, launched after the 11 September 2001 attacks in the United States. More than 35,000 Australian Defence Force members deployed in support of Afghanistan over two decades, in missions that began with counterterrorism and later expanded to reconstruction, training and humanitarian work. The joint statement remembered the 47 ADF members listed on the Australian War Memorial's Roll of Honour. According to the Parliamentary Library, all ADF personnel had left Afghanistan by July 2021, closing Australia's longest war.
Personnel deployed:
more than 35,000
ADF members on Roll of Honour:
47
Why it matters for exams: Australia's Afghanistan deployment links to the 9/11 attacks, the ANZUS alliance and its longest war.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
ADF Australian Defence Force — The combined Navy, Army and Air Force of Australia.
11 October 2026
Canada's official travel advice for Saudi Arabia, updated on 11 October 2026, says to avoid all travel to King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh because of ongoing military activity; the airport is currently closed.
For Saudi Arabia as a whole, the advice is to avoid non-essential travel because of the volatile security situation in the region.
It also says to avoid all travel to the provinces of Asir, Jazan and Najran and to areas within 30 km of the border with Yemen.
Canada's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Jean-Philippe Linteau, said in a video on Sunday that the embassy in Riyadh remains open for Canadians needing consular help.
A missile attack on a passenger terminal at the airport had killed 12 people the day before, and the Saudi-led coalition said another projectile hit the terminal on Sunday.
Prime Minister Mark Carney called the Houthis' attacks on civilian infrastructure "abhorrent".
Airport under 'avoid all travel':
King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
Advice for Saudi Arabia overall:
Avoid non-essential travel
Buffer zone along Yemen border:
30 km
Deaths in the earlier terminal attack:
12
Why it matters for exams: Explains how Canada's travel advisory levels work and links to the Houthi–Saudi conflict in West Asia.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
RUH King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh — The main international airport of the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
11 October 2026
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke separately with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald J. Trump on 11 October 2026.
To Zelenskyy, he said the new agreement for Russia to supply millions of tonnes of diesel to the United States is in direct opposition to the peace efforts of Ukraine, Canada and their allies, and will give Russia additional revenue.
Canada has imposed over 3,500 sanctions over Russia's violations of Ukraine's sovereignty, and Carney said Canada will maintain and, where effective, tighten them.
Canada has committed over $8.5 billion in military support and over $750 million for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction; $355 million for Ukraine's air defences was announced during Zelenskyy's recent visit to Canada.
In the call with Trump, Carney thanked the President for his leadership toward an energy ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
He added that Canada will keep maximising its oil and diesel exports to the United States.
Canadian sanctions over Russia's violations of Ukraine's sovereignty:
over 3,500
Canadian military support to Ukraine:
over $8.5 billion
Support for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction:
over $750 million
Support for Ukraine's air defences:
$355 million
Why it matters for exams: Shows Canada's position on the Russia–Ukraine war, its sanctions policy and its aid figures — standard material for questions on G7/NATO members.
Kerala PSCUPSC
11 October 2026
East Coast Railway (ECoR) plans to double its drone fleet from 11 to 22 by March 2027 to strengthen railway security.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) uses the drones under its 'DROAWK EYE – Observation, Detection, Prevention' initiative.
The present fleet comprises four drones in Khurda Road division, six in Sambalpur and one in Rayagada.
They are backed by 160 DGCA-certified drone pilots.
The drones help prevent sabotage and stone pelting and detect theft and intrusion on vulnerable stretches; they were also used for crowd management during the Puri Rath Yatra.
Drones now:
11
Target fleet:
22 by March 2027
By division:
Khurda Road 4, Sambalpur 6, Rayagada 1
DGCA-certified drone pilots:
160
Why it matters for exams: Use of drones and technology by the RPF for railway security is a science-and-security current affairs theme.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
RPF Railway Protection Force — The armed force of the Union responsible for the security of railway property and passengers.
DGCA Directorate General of Civil Aviation — India's civil aviation regulator, which certifies drone pilots.
11 October 2026
Russian technology company Yandex said on 11 October 2026 that its data centre in the Vladimir region, east of Moscow, had been shut down after a drone attack.
No one was injured, but some Yandex services were unavailable to users.
It was the third attack on Yandex data centres in about a week.
On 9 October a data centre in the Kaluga region was struck by Ukrainian drones and partly put out of action.
On 8 October an attack shut down the Sasovo hub, which houses two of the three supercomputers used to develop the company's AI model.
Yandex is heavily involved in Russia's artificial intelligence development.
Data centre shut:
Vladimir region
Earlier attacks:
Sasovo (8 October), Kaluga region (9 October)
Injuries:
None
Why it matters for exams: Attacks on digital infrastructure such as data centres show how the Russia–Ukraine war now targets technology and AI capacity.
Kerala PSCUPSC
11 October 2026
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned a Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that Saudi authorities say killed 12 people.
Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority said on 11 October 2026 that 309 people were wounded, some critically.
In a statement issued late on 10 October, Guterres said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international law: 'These attacks must cease immediately.'
The dead included at least four Saudis, two Bangladeshis and a US citizen, plus people from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.
It was the third Houthi attack on the airport that week; the Houthis have fought Yemen's Saudi-backed government since 2014.
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg had told the Security Council that Yemen had slid back into full-scale war.
Killed:
12
Wounded:
309
Airport:
King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
Why it matters for exams: The Yemen conflict, the Houthis, the Bab al-Mandab strait and UN responses are recurring West Asia questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Houthis Ansar Allah (the Houthi movement) — The Iran-backed movement that controls Sana'a and much of northern Yemen.
11 October 2026
Two Indian seafarers went missing on 11 October 2026 after a drone struck the tanker MT Petro Dolphin, which had 11 Indian crew on board.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the vessel was attacked at Oman's Sohar Anchorage and that nine Indian crew had been rescued.
The same day the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT Valthera was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz; all 11 Indian seafarers on it were safe.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the Embassy of India in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities and the ship management companies.
The MEA said the safety of Indian seafarers is a priority and that attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease.
Indian crew on MT Petro Dolphin:
11 (9 rescued, 2 missing)
Place of attack:
Sohar Anchorage, Oman
Indian crew on MT Valthera:
11, all safe
Why it matters for exams: The safety of Indian seafarers in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and India's maritime diplomacy are live topics for national and international papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Strait of Hormuz Strait of Hormuz — The narrow sea passage between Iran and Oman that links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
11 October 2026
The Finance Ministry said on 11 October 2026 that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mangalore Regional Unit, intercepted a passenger travelling by train from Delhi to Bengaluru on 08–09 October 2026.
Three packets with 5.753 kg of white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine (crystal meth) were recovered from his trolley bag.
The substance was seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the passenger was arrested and remanded to judicial custody.
The ministry said 5.753 kg is far above the notified commercial quantity of 50 grams for methamphetamine.
A commercial-quantity offence attracts rigorous imprisonment of 10–20 years and a fine of Rs. 1–2 lakhs.
Quantity seized:
5.753 kg
Commercial quantity for methamphetamine:
50 grams
Punishment:
10–20 years RI and Rs. 1–2 lakhs fine
Why it matters for exams: The NDPS Act, 1985, the idea of commercial quantity and the role of the DRI are asked in polity and internal security papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
DRI Directorate of Revenue Intelligence — The anti-smuggling intelligence agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Ministry of Finance.
NDPS Act Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 — India's main law on narcotic drugs, with punishment graded by small, intermediate and commercial quantity.
11 October 2026
Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri arrived at Vladivostok, Russia, on 10 October 2026 to take part in Exercise INDRA 2026, the Defence Ministry said on 11 October.
INDRA 2026 is a bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy, scheduled from 13 to 18 October 2026.
It will have a harbour phase followed by coordinated operational activities at sea.
The ministry linked the deployment to India's MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
It also said the deployment carries forward the momentum of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit held on 04–05 December 2025.
Ship:
INS Sahyadri
Port:
Vladivostok, Russia
Exercise dates:
13 to 18 October 2026
Why it matters for exams: Names of bilateral military exercises and their partner countries are among the most frequently asked defence questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
MAHASAGAR Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — India's maritime outlook that succeeded SAGAR as the frame for its regional maritime cooperation.
11 October 2026
Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, said on Sunday 11 October that the achievements of Iran's indigenous nuclear industry "cannot be stopped", citing electricity generation as a main use, and criticised the IAEA for not condemning repeated US threats to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities again, according to Al Jazeera. Organization spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said Iran will pursue its interests through diplomacy if possible and "in the field of battle" if not. Al Jazeera adds that Iran says a deal could involve diluting its high-enriched uranium in later stages but that it will not abandon enrichment, while US Vice President JD Vance said last week that Iran must make a "meaningful" reduction in enrichment capacity. TASS reported on 8 October that Eslami told the portal Es-Siyasa that inspections of nuclear facilities that have been attacked or are under threat are impossible, and that cooperation with the IAEA is prohibited by law.
Speaker:
Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
Organization spokesman:
Behrouz Kamalvandi
Iran's position on enrichment:
Will not abandon enrichment
Why it matters for exams: The IAEA's access to Iran's nuclear sites and the enrichment question are core nuclear-diplomacy topics for UPSC.
UPSC
In plain words
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency — The UN nuclear watchdog that inspects nuclear facilities.
11 October 2026
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that on Saturday 10 October a US military fighter jet struck the stern of the Panama-flagged cargo ship M/V Ocean Molica, also known as the Arika Sun, in the Gulf of Oman with a precision munition, "fully disabling the ship's propulsion without harming the crew". CENTCOM said the vessel had previously departed an Iranian port and that its crew "ignored repeated warnings and attempted to run the ongoing naval blockade against Iran". CENTCOM said it resumed the blockade of ships entering or departing Iranian ports on 14 July and that, over "three months of strict enforcement", it has disabled four commercial vessels and turned around 135 ships; it also said US forces destroyed 10 tankers linked to the IRGC's "multibillion-dollar shadow network". The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said it had received a report of an incident involving a tanker and military forces in the Gulf of Oman and that authorities were investigating.
Vessel:
M/V Ocean Molica (Arika Sun), Panama flag
Location:
Gulf of Oman
Ships turned around (CENTCOM):
135
Tankers destroyed (CENTCOM):
10
Why it matters for exams: The US naval blockade and Gulf of Oman / Strait of Hormuz shipping are central to West Asia questions in international affairs papers.
UPSC
In plain words
CENTCOM United States Central Command — The US military command responsible for West Asia.
11 October 2026
US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday 11 October 2026 that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop attacking each other's energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine supports an energy ceasefire but that such steps must be real and not just announced on social media; he said at least six Ukrainian energy facilities were hit after the announcement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov rejected any pause in fighting. The announcement came two days after Trump temporarily eased US sanctions on Russian diesel. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said copying that diesel deal was out of the question for Europe, and French President Emmanuel Macron said there was no factual reason to change the position.
Announced:
Donald Trump, 11 October 2026
Russian response:
Sergey Lavrov rejected any pause
Energy facilities hit after announcement:
at least six
Why it matters for exams: The Russia-Ukraine war and the sanctions and diplomacy around it are core world-affairs topics for UPSC and Kerala PSC.
Kerala PSCUPSC
10 October 2026
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan visited the Sainya Sampark Mela – Sadaiv Aapke Saath in Deoghar, Jharkhand, on 10 October 2026. The Mela was organised by the Indian Army with the Deoghar District Administration to provide welfare services and grievance redressal to ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their dependents across the Santhal Pargana region. He said that while soldiers have always stood with the Nation, the Nation must always stand with them and their families. He paid tribute to Param Vir Chakra awardee Lance Naik Albert Ekka and to tribal freedom fighters including Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Tilka Manjhi, and Sidhu and Kanhu. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar attended the event.
Event:
Sainya Sampark Mela – Sadaiv Aapke Saath
Venue:
Deoghar, Jharkhand
Why it matters for exams: Links veterans' welfare with Jharkhand's Param Vir Chakra awardee and tribal freedom fighters, all common exam facts.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
In plain words
Veer Nari Veer Nari — The widow of a soldier killed in action or in service.
10 October 2026
On 10 October 2026 Australia's Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Australia will keep its ban on Russian fuel imports. He spoke after US President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russia to supply Russian diesel to US and global markets. "We don't need or want Russian fuel in Australia," Bowen told reporters in western Sydney, adding that Australia does not want Vladimir Putin to benefit from the war in the Middle East. He said Australia's arrangements with trading partners to keep Russian fuel out would stay. Australia had 43 days' worth of petrol and 31 days of diesel. Fuel prices in Australia have been under pressure since the Iran war began in February 2026.
Petrol stocks:
43 days
Diesel stocks:
31 days
Why it matters for exams: Shows Australia's energy security and sanctions policy towards Russia over the Ukraine war.
Kerala PSCUPSC
10 October 2026
A Russian attack on 10 October 2026 killed 20 people, including three children, in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia dropped five glide bombs on residential buildings. It was the third mass-casualty strike in four days, after strikes that killed at least 30 people in Kramatorsk and 22 in Pryluky. The same day US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that it was time for Ukraine to get a new president. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha replied that Zelenskyy has the support of the Ukrainian people, who have the right to decide.
Killed in Zaporizhzhia:
20, including three children
Glide bombs:
five
Why it matters for exams: The Russia-Ukraine war and the geography of Ukrainian cities remain core world-affairs topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
10 October 2026
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Goa International Airport, Dabolim, intercepted two domestic departure passengers carrying concealed Bluetooth devices meant for malpractice in competitive examinations on 10 October 2026. The first passenger, booked on Air India Express flight IX-1340 from Goa to Delhi, was found with three electronic devices, two SIM cards and three Bluetooth earpieces at X-ray screening. His associate was offloaded from the same flight and was carrying a similar device and an admit card for the post of Administrative Assistant in the IIT Goa Non-Teaching Staff Recruitment examination held that day. Both were handed over to the local police and a case has been registered.
Flight:
Air India Express IX-1340
Examination:
IIT Goa Non-Teaching Staff Recruitment
Why it matters for exams: Exam integrity and the role of CISF in aviation security are relevant to recruitment-exam aspirants.
Kerala PSCSSC
In plain words
CISF Central Industrial Security Force — A Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs that guards airports and key installations.
10 October 2026
Amritsar Rural Police busted two arms and narcotics supply networks and arrested four men, recovering a US-made M16 rifle, nine pistols, 25 live cartridges and 15 kg of opium, it was reported on 10 October 2026. Gharinda police arrested Malkit Singh and Gurjit Singh with the opium and the M16 rifle; Border Range IGP Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said they owned about 15 acres of farmland next to the India-Pakistan border. In the second operation, Amritpal Singh and Satnam Singh were held near Dana Mandi in Lopoke with five foreign pistols, and four more were recovered later. DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigation showed links to foreign-based smugglers. Cases were registered under the NDPS Act, the Arms Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Opium seized:
15 kg
Pistols recovered:
nine
Live cartridges:
25
Why it matters for exams: Cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling in Punjab and the laws used against it are internal security topics.
UPSCSSC
In plain words
NDPS Act Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 — The central law under which the opium case was registered.
10 October 2026
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te delivered the National Day address at the 115th Double Tenth National Day Celebration in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei on 10 October 2026.
The address was titled 'Taiwan's Future: A City upon a Hill, the Salt and Light of the World'.
He said: 'Our aim by increasing investment in national defense is not to provoke; rather, it is to deter war', and 'We are open to exchanges, but will not accept subordination.'
He said first-half growth was 14.15 percent and per capita GDP is projected to reach US$45,332 this year.
Al Jazeera reported a record NT$1.1 trillion (US$34.5 billion) set aside for defence for 2027, more than 3 percent of GDP.
King Mswati III of Eswatini was among the guests; China's Taiwan Affairs Office criticised the speech.
Occasion:
115th Double Tenth National Day, 10 October 2026
First-half 2026 growth:
14.15 percent
Projected per capita GDP:
US$45,332
2027 defence allocation (Al Jazeera):
NT$1.1 trillion
Why it matters for exams: Cross-strait relations, Taiwan's Double Tenth day and its few remaining diplomatic allies such as Eswatini are recurring world-affairs topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Double Tenth Double Tenth Day (10 October) — Taiwan's National Day, marking the Wuchang Uprising of 10 October 1911.
10 October 2026
c0c0n 2026, the cyber security and hacking conference organised under the leadership of the Kerala Police, concluded in Kochi on Saturday, 10 October.
It was the 19th edition of the two-day conference, held at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had inaugurated it on 9 October; over 200 speakers and 3,000 participants were expected across six tracks.
Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan inaugurated the valedictory session and distributed prizes.
The next edition is scheduled for September 21–28, 2027.
State Police Chief Ravada Azad Chandrasekhar is the c0c0n chairman.
Edition:
19th
Venue:
Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
Duration:
Two days (9–10 October 2026)
Next edition:
September 21–28, 2027
Why it matters for exams: Cyber security initiatives of State police forces and their flagship events are asked in internal security and State GK papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
c0c0n c0c0n (pronounced 'cocon') — An annual international cyber security and hacking conference organised with the Kerala Police in Kochi.