DAILY GK 21-23 OCT 2026
1.
WORLD STUDENTS’ DAY 2026 – OCTOBER 15· World Students’ Day (WSD) is observed annually on 15 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th President (2002–2007), popularly known as the ‘Missile Man of India,’ and to recognise the importance of students and education in society.
· Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam contributed to the development of SLV-III (1980), Pokhran-II nuclear tests (1998) and Prithvi and Agni missiles under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
· Received the Padma Bhushan in the field of Civil Service and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990 in the field of Science, and Engineering.
· He was also honoured with Bharat Ratna India’s highest civilian award in 1997 for contributions to science and engineering.
2. WORLD FOOD DAY 2026 – OCTOBER 16
· The United Nations (UN)’s World Food Day (WFD) is observed annually on 16 October to raise awareness about food security, healthy diets and access to safe and nutritious food worldwide.
· 2026 Theme: “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”
· World Food Day (WFD) was instituted in 1979 during the 20th Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference in Rome, Italy.
· On 5 December 1980, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), declaring 16 October as World Food Day.
· WFD was first observed on 16 October 1981.
· The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) leads the global observance of WFD.
3. INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY 2026 – OCTOBER 17
· The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP) is observed annually across the globe on 17 October to raise awareness about poverty, promote human dignity and human rights, and encourage global efforts to eradicate poverty in all its forms.
· 2026–2028 Theme: “United for Peace and Human Rights”
· On 17 October 1987, over 100,000 people gathered at Trocadéro Plaza in Paris, France, to honour victims of extreme poverty, hunger and violence, recognising poverty as a violation of human rights.
· On 22 December 1992, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially declaring 17 October as IDEP.
· The first UN-recognised IDEP was observed on 17 October 1993.
4. WORLD TRAUMA DAY 2026 – OCTOBER 17
· World Trauma Day is observed annually worldwide on 17 October to raise awareness about physical and emotional trauma and highlight the importance of timely medical care, injury prevention and rehabilitation.
· World Trauma Day was first observed in 2011 in New Delhi.
· World Trauma Day is observed as part of Bone & Joint Action Week, held annually worldwide from 12 to 20 October.
5. 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.
· 2026 Theme: “Build, Protect, Strengthen Your Bones for Life”
· WOD was launched in 1996 by the United Kingdom (UK)’s National Osteoporosis Society, with support from the European Commission.
· WOD was first observed on 20 October 1996, making 2026 its 31st observance.
6. NATIONAL SOLIDARITY DAY 2026– OCTOBER 20
· National Solidarity Day is observed annually across India on 20 October to honour soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1962 Sino-Indian War (20 October–21 November 1962).
· In 1966, a committee constituted by then Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi designated 20 October as National Solidarity Day.
· The first National Solidarity Day was observed on October 20, 1966.
7. POLICE COMMEMORATION DAY 2026 – OCTOBER 21
· Police Commemoration Day (PCD) is observed annually across India on 21 October to honour police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
· The day commemorates the sacrifice of 10 police personnel killed by Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, on 21 October 1959.
· The day was first observed on 21 October 1960.
8. WORLD IODINE DEFICIENCY DAY 2026 – OCTOBER 21
· World Iodine Deficiency Day (WIDD), also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day, is observed annually worldwide on 21 October to raise awareness about iodine deficiency, its health impacts and the importance of adequate iodine intake.
· Global efforts to eliminate iodine deficiency gained momentum at the World Summit for Children in 1990, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
· In 2002, it was formally declared as WIDD.
· Iodine: It is an essential micronutrient required to produce thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which regulate metabolism, growth and brain development.
9. RBI APPROVES MERGER OF EMIRATES NBD’S INDIAN BRANCHES WITH RBL BANK
· The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the Scheme of amalgamation to merge the Indian branches of Dubai-based Emirates NBD Bank (National Bank of Dubai) P.J.S.C. (Public Joint Stock Company) with RBL Bank Limited, effective December 1, 2026.
· Emirates NBD operates three branches in India, located in Mumbai, Maharashtra; Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN); and Gurugram, Haryana.
· Emirates NBD acquired a 60% stake in RBL Bank on June 18, 2026, by purchasing 929.1 million shares at Rs. 280 each through a primary capital infusion of approximately USD 2.75 billion (around Rs. 26,016 crore).
· RBI Established on April 1, 1935, is headquartered in Mumbai, and is headed by Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
10. INDIA APPROVES ROLLOVER OF RS 3,000 CRORE CURRENCY SWAP FACILITY TO MALDIVES
· The Government of India (GoI) approved the rollover of a Rs 3,000 crore (Rs 30 billion) currency swap facility to the Maldives under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Currency Swap Framework, to support the island nation’s financial stability and address its short-term liquidity requirements.
· Treasury Investments: India subscribed to Maldivian Treasury bonds worth USD 250 million and USD 100 million and three Treasury bills worth USD 150 million, which have since been settled. The Government of India paid USD 42.8 million towards interest.
