Daily Current Affairs 10 October 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 10 October 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

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India’s Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs)

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and affecting India’s interests; GS III: Indian Economy- mobilization of resources, investment and economic growth

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Why in the News?

India is reviewing its 2016 Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to make the framework more investor-friendly and attract sustained foreign investment.

News in Brief

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• India is reviewing its 2016 Model BIT to balance investor protection with the government’s regulatory powers.
• The government plans to sign 4-5 investment agreements by the end of 2026.
• Recent agreements with countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel indicate India’s efforts to build its investment treaty network.
• India is reconsidering provisions relating to the exhaustion of local remedies and access to international arbitration.

What is a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)?

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• A BIT is an agreement between two countries that establishes rules for protecting investments made by investors of one country in the other.
• It aims to promote investment by providing legal certainty and protection against unfair treatment.

India’s 2016 Model BIT

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• India introduced its Model BIT in 2016 after concerns over several investor claims under earlier investment agreements.
• Its key provisions include:
  • Protection of investments: Establishes conditions for the treatment of foreign investors.
  • Exhaustion of local remedies: Generally requires investors to approach domestic courts or administrative authorities before initiating international arbitration, subject to the treaty’s terms.
  • Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS): Provides a mechanism for foreign investors to bring claims against host states for alleged treaty violations.
    • It seeks to provide an independent mechanism for resolving investment disputes.
  • Protection of regulatory space: Seeks to preserve the government’s ability to regulate in the public interest.

Why is India reviewing the framework?

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• Attracting foreign investment- A predictable legal framework can improve investor connfidence.
• Balancing interests- India seeks to protect investors while retaining the authority to regulate in the public interest.
• Improving dispute resolution- Lengthy domestic legal proceedings before internatinal arbitration may discourage investors.
• Changing investment needs- India wants its treaty framework to support sustained foreign investment and economic growth.

Key concerns highlighted in the report

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• Exhaustion of local remedies (ELR)- The requirement to pursue domestic remedies before international arbitration can delay dispute resolution.
• Access to international arbitration- India is considering greater flexibility in the conditions governing access to arbitration.
• Investor- State Dispute Settlement-  The framework must protect investors without unnecessarily restricting the government’s policy space.
• Consistency in treaty practice- Experts have suggested adopting a more uniform approach to investment treaties.

India’s approach to new investment agreements

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• India has signed new agreements with countries including Saudi Arabia, Israel and the UAE.
• The proposed approach seeks to:
  • Provide greater clarity on investment protection.
  • Reconsider the time investors must spend pursuing local remedies.
  • Improve access to dispute-resolution mechanisms.
  • Maintain safeguards against unmerited investment claims.

Challenges

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• India faces the challenge of balancing foreign investor protection with its sovereign right to regulate in the public interest.
• Lengthy domestic legal proceedings can delay access to international arbitration, while frequent changes in treaty provisions may create uncertainty for investors.
• Further, broad investment protection clauses may expose the government to costly disputes over legitimate policy decisions, affecting both investor confidence and regulatory flexibility.

Way Forward and Conclusion

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India should adopt a balanced approach to BITs by clearly defining investor rights and state obligations, simplifying dispute resolution and ensuring consistency across investment agreements. Regular reviews can help assess their effectiveness in attracting investment while safeguarding public interest and reducing unnecessary litigation.

A stable and transparent investment treaty framework can strengthen investor confidence, promote foreign investment and support economic growth. The objective should be to make India an attractive investment destination without compromising its regulatory autonomy.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

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Consider the following statements about Bilateral Investment Treaties:

1. BITs establish rules for protecting investments made by investors of one country in another.
2. Investor-State Dispute Settlement allows foreign investors to bring claims against host states for alleged treaty violations.
3. India’s 2016 Model BIT generally requires exhaustion of local remedies before international arbitration, subject to the applicable treaty provisions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Mains Practice Question

Q) Discuss the role of bilateral agreements in promoting foreign investment while safeguarding national interests. (150 words)

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Great Indian Bustard Conservation

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Environment and Biodiversity, Wildlife Conservation, Grassland Ecosystems, Renewable Energy and Environmental Impact

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Why in the News?

On October 4, 2026, two captive-bred male Great Indian Bustards (GIBs) were released into the wild for the first time in Rajasthan’s Desert National Park near Jaisalmer. The release is part of a conservation project led by the Centre, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the governments of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

News in Brief

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• The Great Indian Bustard population has declined from an estimated 1,260–1,400 in the early 1970s to around 150 birds today.
• The Centre and Rajasthan government launched a long-term conservation and lesser florican breeding project in 2012–13.
• Captive breeding began in 2019, with 98 chicks successfully bred at conservation centres in Rajasthan.
• Rewilding aims to restore the wild population, but habitat degradation and collisions with overhead power lines remain major challenges.

About the Great Indian Bustard

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• The Great Indian Bustard is a large, ground-dwelling bird found in India’s grasslands, savannahs and arid regions.
• Historically, it was distributed across 11 states, from Haryana and Tamil Nadu to Rajasthan and Odisha.
• Its population has declined due to hunting, poaching, habitat conversion into agricultural land, mining and collisions with renewable energy power lines.
• Its poor frontal vision and heavy body make it particularly vulnerable to collisions with overhead power lines.

Conservation status

• IUCN Red List- Critically Endangered
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Schedule I
• CITES – Appendix I

Conservation and Captive Breeding

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• The Centre and Rajasthan government initiated a long-term conservation and breeding project in 2012–13, which was expanded in 2014.
• In 2019, eggs collected from the wild were artificially incubated at breeding centres in Sam and Ramdevra, Rajasthan.
• The chicks were raised in captivity to support population recovery.
• Of the 98 birds bred so far, two were released into the wild in October 2026, while 11 others were earmarked for future release.
• The remaining birds continue to support captive breeding.

What does Rewilding involve?

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• Rewilding is the process of reintroducing captive-bred or previously captive animals into their natural habitats to establish or strengthen wild populations.
• The rewilding programme involves;
  • Soft-release facility: A facility was established at the Ramdevra centre to prepare birds for release.
  • Gradual adaptation: Birds were released after being raised in captivity and prepared for survival in natural conditions.
  • Satellite tracking: Released birds are fitted with transmitters that send location data three times a day.
  • Monitoring: Conservation teams track their movements and assess their adaptation to the wild.
• The birds released in Rajasthan were selected because the Desert National Park contains suitable grasslands with relatively fewer human and technological disturbances.

Challenges in Rewilding

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Habitat degradation

• Grasslands are frequently converted into agricultural land or mining areas.
• Unlike forests, grasslands are not widely recognized as valuable ecosystems, leaving them vulnerable to degradation.
• Protecting and restoring grasslands is essential for the long-term survival of the species.

Power-line collisions

• Overhead transmission lines pose a major threat to the Great Indian Bustard.
• Renewable energy infrastructure in Rajasthan and Gujarat has increased concerns about bird mortality.
• Undergrounding power lines in priority areas and installing bird diverters along selected routes can help reduce collisions.

Long-term Survival

• Captive-bred birds must learn to survive independently in the wild.
• Rewilding requires continuous monitoring, suitable habitats and protection from human disturbances.
• Similar experiments may be necessary in states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, but only after habitat improvement.

Mining and land-use pressures

• Limestone mining and other activities threaten the open, flat grasslands required by the species.
• Experts warn that rewilding alone will not succeed unless habitat loss and infrastructure-related threats are addressed.

Supreme Court’s Role in GIB Conservation

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• In a landmark case concerning the protection of the Great Indian Bustard, the Supreme Court accepted recommendations from an expert panel and directed measures to protect the species and its habitat in Rajasthan and Guajrat.
• Key measures include,
  • Identifying priority areas for protection.
  • Directing that approximately 80 km of power lines in Rajasthan’s priority areas be buried underground.
  • Providing for power-line corridors that accommodate rerouting of overhead transmission lines.
• However, experts have warned that undergrounding all power lines may not be technically or economically feasible in the short term.
• Mining and other habitat-related threats also remain concerns.

Grasslands and Conservation Policy

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• Grassland are important ecosystems that support specialized wildlife and maintain ecological balance in arid and semi-arid regions.
• They provide habitat for the Great Indian Bustard and other grassland-dependent species.
• Treating grasslands merely as degraded or wasteland areas can lead to their conservation for infrastructure and commercial activites.
• Conservation efforts must focus on restoring native grassland ecosystems rather than converting them into plantations or artificial water bodies that may not suit the species.

Way Forward and Conclusion

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Protecting grasslands, reducing power-line collisions and strengthening scientific monitoring are essential for the Great Indian Bustard’s recovery. Collaboration among governments, scientists and local communities can improve coservation efforts.

Ultimately, habitat protection alongside captive breeding and rewilding is crucial for the species’ long-term survival.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

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Consider the following statements about the Great Indian Bustard:

1. It is a ground-dwelling bird associated with grasslands and arid regions.
2. Habitat degradation and collisions with power lines are major threats to its survival.
3. Captive breeding and rewilding alone can ensure its long-term conservation, even without habitat protection.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) Rewilding offers a way to restore endangered species, but its success depends on suitable habitats and the mitigation of human-induced threats. Discuss (150 words)

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Right To Protest In India And Constitutional Safeguards

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Fundamental Rights, Indian Constitution, Judiciary, Governance And Civil Liberties

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Why in the News?

The Delhi Police denied permission for a Congress protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, citing short notice. The incident has raised questions about the constitutional right to protest, police powers to regulate demonstrations and the remedies available when permission is denied.

News in Brief

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• Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(b) protect freedom of speech and expression and the right to assemble peacefully without arms.
• These rights are subject to constitutional restrictions in the interests of public order and other specified grounds.
• Delhi Police guidelines require organizers to apply for permission in advance, generally at least 10 days before a proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
• Organizers can seek reconsideration from the police or approach the High Court under Article 226 if the refusal is arbitrary or unconstitutional.

Constitutional Right to Protest

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• Article 19(1)(a): Guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
• Article 19(1)(b): Guarantees the right to assemble peacefully and without arms.
• Article 19(2): Permits reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression on specified grounds.
• Article 19(3): Permits reasonable restrictions on peaceful assembly in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India and public order.
• Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty
• Article 32: Right to approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
• Article 226: Power of High Courts to issue writs.
• The right to protest is an important means of expressing dissent in a democracy.
• However, it is not absolute and must be exercised within the constitutional and legal framework.

Police Powers and Permission Requirements

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Delhi Police guidelines regulate demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.

• Organizers are generally required to submit applications to the Deputy Commissioner of Police at least 10 days before the proposed event.
• Late applications may be considered depending on the availability of space and other circumstances.
• Authorities assess the potential impact on traffic, public safety, law and order and public tranquility.
• Permission may also be subject to  security requirements and unforeseen developments.
• Demonstrations at Jantar Mantar are subject to prescribed conditions, including limits on the number of participants.
• Key Concern
  • Permission requirements should regulate protests rather than become an arbitrary means of preventing peaceful demonstrations.

Supreme Court’s Position

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• In Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union Of India (2018), the Supreme Court examined the balance between the right to protest and the rights of residents affected by demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
• The court recognized the importance of peaceful protest while emphasizing the need to balance it with public order and the rights of others.

Key observations

• Authorities must balance protesters’ rights with the interests of residents and the general public.
• Protests may be regulated through reasonable measures rather than prohibited altogether.
• Restrictions should be proportionate to the circumstances.
• Authorities should consider appropriate arrangements for peaceful demonstrations.

The judgment highlights that regulation should not unnecessarily  undermine the constitutional right to protest.

What Happens When Permission Is Denied?

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Organizers have several possible remedies when the police refuse permission.

Administrative remedy

• Organizers may approach the police to seek reconsideration.
• They can request reasons for the refusal and propose alternatives, such as a different venue, date or duration.

Judicial remedy

• Organizers may approach the High Court under Article 226 if the refusal appears arbitrary, discriminatory or unconstitutional.
• The court can examine whether the authorities have exercised their powers lawfully.

The police are expected to record and communicate the reasons for their decisions in accordance with the applicable rules and guidelines.

Consequences of Violating Restrictions

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• Holding a demonstration despite a lawful prohibitory order may attract legal consequences.
• Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, empowers the component Executive Magistrate to issue urgent orders in cases covered by the provision.
• Violation of a lawful order may attract penalties under the applicable law.
• Organizers and participants must comply with legal restrictions while pursuing available remedies against an unjustified refusal.
  • A refusal of permission and the imposition of a prohibitory order are distinct situations.
  • Their legal implications depend on the circumstances and the applicable provisions.

Important Supreme Court Judgments

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• Himat Lal K. Shah v. Commissioner of Police (1973): Recognized that public meetings in streets may be regulated, but the power to regulate cannot be exercised arbitrarily.
• Ramlila Maidan Incident v. Home Secretary, Union of India (2012): Emphasized the importance of peaceful assembly and the need for lawful, proportionate police action.
• Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India (2018): Highlighted the need to balance the right to protest with public order and the rights of residents.
• Amit Sahni v. Commissioner of Police (2020): The Supreme Court held that public ways and public spaces cannot be occupied indefinitely for protests, emphasizing the need to balance dissent with the rights of commuters and the general public.

Challenges

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• The right to protest in India faces several challenges.
• Authorities must balance peaceful dissent with public order, while arbitrary denial of permission can restrict citizens’ constitutional rights.
• Protests may also cause traffic congestion, noise and inconvenience to residents.
• The shortage of accessible and suitable protest spaces further complicates the exercise of this right.
• Ensuring transparent police decisions, accountability and effective judicial review is essential protect peaceful demonstrations while safeguarding public interest.

Way Forward and Conclusion

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The government should ensure transparent permission procedures, provide suitable protest spaces and adopt proportionate crowd-control measures while allowing judicial review of arbitrary restrictions.

The right to protest is vital to democracy. Balancing peaceful dissent with public order is essential to protect constitutional values and democratic freedoms.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

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Consider the following statements:

1. Article 19(1)(b) guarantees the right to assemble peacefully and without arms.
2. The right to assemble under Article 19(1)(b) is absolute and cannot be restricted by the State.
3. High Courts can examine the legality of restrictions on peaceful protests under Article 226.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) The right to protest is an essential feature of a democratic society, but it is subject to reasonable restrictions. Discuss in the light of judicial pronouncements. (150 words)

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India’s Share Of Global Greenfield Investment

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Indian Economy- Investment Models, Industrial Growth, Liberalization and Changes in Industrial Policy

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Why in the News?

According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India accounted for a larger share of global greenfield investment than China during 2020–2025, highlighting India’s growing attractiveness as an investment destination.

News in Brief

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• India accounted for 5.7% of global greenfield investment, compared with China’s 2.8%, according to UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Report 2026.
• Greenfield investments are increasingly directed towards strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and clean energy.
• Strategic sectors accounted for a growing share of global greenfield investment, reflecting the importance of technology, energy security, and supply-chain resilience.
• However, strategic investments remain concentrated in Europe and North America, creating challenges for developing countries.

Greenfield Investment

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• Greenfield investment involves establishing a new business, factory or production facility in a foreign country.
• It creates fresh productive capacity and can contribute to employment generation, technology transfer and industrial development.
• In contrast, brownfield investment involves acquiring or expanding existing facilities.

Emerging Investment Trends

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• India is attracting global investors seeking to diversify their manufacturing operations and supply chains.
• This trend reflects India’s growing role in global production networks and efforts by multinational companies to reduce excessive dependence on a single country.
• Sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing, data centres and clean energy are emerging as important destinations for investment.
• These industries require advanced technology, reliable infrastructure and skilled workers.
• Investments in these areas can strengthen India’s technological capabilities and improve its position in global value chains.
• Greenfield projects can also support domestic industries by creating demand for raw materials, components, logistics and other business services.
• This can encourage the development of local supplier networks and increase manufacturing competitiveness.

Challenges

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• Despite its potential, attracting and implementing greenfield investments involves several challenges.
• Delays in land acquisition, infrastructure gaps, regulatory complexities and shortages of skilled workers can increase project costs and affect implementation.
• Investment announcements do not necessarily result in actual capital inflows or operational facilities.
• Projects may face financing difficulties, changing market conditions or delays in obtaining approvals.
• Therefore, announced investments must be distinguished from investments actually realized.
• Developing countries also face difficulties in attracting investment into advanced industries because of technological constraints, limited research capabilities and competition from established investment destinations.
• Ensuring that foreign investment generates domestic value addition rather than relying heavily on imported components remains another important concern.

Significance for India

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• Economic growth
  • Greenfield investment expands productive capacity, encourages capital formation and supports industrial growth.
  • New facilities can improve productivity and contribute to long-term economic development.
• Employment generation
  • New factories, technology centres and infrastructure facilities create direct employment.
  • They can also generate indirect jobs in transportation, logistics, maintenance and supporting industries.
  • Skill development associated with these projects can improve workforce capabilities.
• Technology transfer
  • Foreign investors can introduce advanced machinery, production techniques and managerial practices.
  • Collaboration with domestic firms can strengthen research, innovation and technological capabilities.
• Manufacturing competitiveness
  • Greenfield investment can support domestic manufacturing and help Indian firms participate in global value chains.
  • Investments in sectors such as electronics, semiconductors and renewable energy can strengthen domestic production capabilities and reduce dependence on imports.
• Export potential
  • New production facilities can expand India’s export capacity, diversify its export basket and improve access to international markets.
  • Integration with global supply chains can also help domestic enterprises reach international customers.
• Overall, greenfield investment offers India an opportunity to strengthen manufacturing, generate employment and improve technological capabilites.
• However, its long-term benefits depend on effective implementation, domestic value addition, skill development and a stable investment environment.

Way Forward and Conclusion

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India should improve the ease of doing business, strengthen infrastructure, develop skilled workers and promote domestic value addition to attract investment. Environmental sustainability and quality employment must remain key priorities.

Greenfield investment can strengthen India’s manufacturing sector, generate jobs and integrate the country into global value chains. Effective implementation and a stable policy environment are essential to ensure long-term economic benefits.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

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Consider the following statements:

1. Greenfield investment involves establishing new business operations in another country.
2. Brownfield investment exclusively refers to the establishment of entirely new production facilities.
3. UNCTAD works on issues relating to trade, investment and development.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) India’s growing share of global greenfield investment presents an opportunity to strengthen its manufacturing base and integrate with global value chains. Discuss the opportunities and challenges. ( 250 Words)

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