DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 03rd October 2026

Environment & Ecology

Why in News?

The Kedarnath Wildlife Division, Uttarakhand, plans to restrict human activity in high-altitude meadows and undertake waste removal after surveys found visitors and locals feeding Himalayan tahrs. Food waste and artificial feeding are drawing the animals towards roads and settlements, altering their natural behaviour.

Himalayan Tahr – Key Facts

• Scientific name: Hemitragus jemlahicus; a large, wild, goat-like ungulate.
• Distribution: Southern Tibet, northern India, Nepal and western Bhutan.
• Indian range: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
• Altitude: Generally found at 2,500–5,000 m.
• Adaptations: Thick double-layered reddish-brown coat; males develop a dense winter mane.
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger and possess larger, backward-curving horns, reaching about 46 cm.
• IUCN Status: Near Threatened.

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS)

• Established in 1972; area: about 975 sq km.
• Located in Rudraprayag and Chamoli, Uttarakhand.
• Also known as Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary.
• Encompasses alpine meadows (bugyals) and upper catchments of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
• Important fauna include musk deer, Himalayan tahr, snow leopard and Himalayan black bear. 

Sources:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Oct/02/kedarnath-wildlife-sanctuary-to-restrict-human-activity-to-save-himalayan-tahr

Environment & Ecology

Why in News?

Scientists have discovered and formally described two new gecko species from Telangana: Hemidactylus cairnicola from Nalgonda and Hemidactylus koyaorum from Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, Warangal. The findings were published in the European Journal of Taxonomy. 

Key Facts

Hemidactylus cairnicola

• Associated with traditional stone cairns that provide shelter and a stable microclimate.
• Grows up to 49 mm.
• Has granular scales intermixed with enlarged keeled scales.
• Primarily nocturnal; feeds on insects and uses rock crevices for shelter.
• Found in rocky terrain of Nalgonda district.

Hemidactylus koyaorum

• Found in Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana.
• Grows up to 55.6 mm.
• Mostly homogeneous scales and lacks keeled scales.
• Grey dorsal colouration with four prominent white, flower-like patterns.
• Named in honour of the Koya tribal community, reflecting their association with the region. 

Taxonomic Significance

Researchers used an integrative taxonomic approach, combining morphology, morphometric analysis and mitochondrial DNA (ND2 gene) sequencing. Both species belong to the Hemidactylus murrayi clade and are closely related to H. treutleri. 

Sources/References: 

https://telanganatoday.com/telangana-gets-two-new-gecko-species-from-nalgonda-warangal

Science & Technology

Why in News?

TAPAS-1, India’s first dedicated commercial private thermal-imaging payload, was successfully deployed in orbit aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 during the Transporter-18 mission on 1 October 2026. It was developed by Ahmedabad-based Satleo Labs, highlighting the growing role of Indian private players in space technology. 

TAPAS-1: Key Facts

• Full form: Thermal Access Platform for Analytics & Solutions.
• Developer: Satleo Labs, Ahmedabad.
• Category: CubeSat-category payload; weight about 1.5 kg.
• Orbit: Approximately 500 km above Earth.
• Uses Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) sensing to detect thermal radiation/temperature variations that conventional optical imagery cannot capture.
• Designed as a commercial technology demonstrator for thermal intelligence and Earth observation. 

Applications

• Agriculture: Crop and water-stress monitoring.
• Disaster Management: Forest-fire and other thermal-anomaly detection.
• Urban Planning: Mapping urban heat islands and heat stress.
• Climate & Environment: Monitoring temperature patterns and thermal changes.

Sources:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/elon-musk-falcon-9-gujarat-satellite-uses-10903668/

Economy

Why in News?

The Government has extended the operational timeline of Component II of the RELIEF scheme amid continuing geopolitical disruptions in West Asia and their impact on maritime logistics. RELIEF was launched on 19 March 2026 under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM). 

RELIEF – Key Features

Full form: Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation

• Objective: Protect Indian exporters from extraordinary freight escalation, higher insurance premiums and war-related risks affecting shipments through the Gulf and wider West Asian maritime corridor.
• Nodal/Implementing agency: ECGC Ltd., under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Original financial outlay: ₹497 crore under EPM.
• Covers consignments for delivery or transshipment to specified West Asian destinations; Egypt and Jordan were subsequently added.
• Component I: Up to 100% additional risk coverage for eligible previously insured shipments.
• Component II: Government-supported ECGC cover of up to 95% risk coverage for upcoming shipments.
• Component III: Eligible non-ECGC-insured MSME exporters can receive reimbursement of up to 50% of extraordinary freight/insurance surcharges, subject to a ₹50 lakh ceiling per exporter. 

Current Extension

Component II encourages exporters to obtain ECGC cover for upcoming shipments, with the government ensuring that premiums do not rise beyond pre-disruption levels during the eligible period.

Source/Reference: 

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2318053&reg=3&lang=1

Economy

Why in News?

The Government has extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme up to 31 December 2026. The extension covers exports by Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) units, Advance Authorisation (AA) holders, SEZ units and Export Oriented Units (EOUs). Existing RoDTEP rates and value caps remain unchanged during this period.

RoDTEP – Key Facts

• Introduced: Effective from 1 January 2021 under the Foreign Trade Policy framework.
• Replaced: Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS).
• Objective: Remit embedded, un-refunded Central, State and local duties, taxes and levies borne on exported products, including prior-stage cumulative indirect taxes.
• Based on the principle that taxes and duties should not be exported, thereby creating a level playing field for Indian exporters.
• Benefits are provided through notified rates as a percentage of FOB value, subject to product-wise value caps.

Implementation & Eligibility

• Administered through the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, with Customs facilitating implementation through a digital system.
• Both manufacturer exporters and merchant exporters can benefit.
• Re-exported products are not eligible.
• Benefits are issued through transferable electronic duty-credit scrips (e-scrips).

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2318052&reg=3&lang=1

GS II – Governance / GS III – Economy
Skill Development, Vocational Training, and Employability

Introduction

India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) form an important part of the country’s vocational training ecosystem, providing youth with practical skills for employment and industry. Against this backdrop, PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) was launched on 4 October 2025, completing one year on 4 October 2026. The scheme has a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore (₹30,000 crore Centre, ₹20,000 crore States, ₹10,000 crore industry). It aims to transform Government ITIs into modern, industry-aligned training institutions through industry-led governance, infrastructure upgrade, and demand-driven courses. ITIs have grown from 9,776 (2014) to 13,888 (2026)—a 42% increase—with enrolment rising from 9.51 lakh to 14.70 lakh (54% increase).

How PM-SETU is Transforming ITIs

Component I: Government ITIs (1,000 ITIs)

• Structure: 200 Hub ITIs + 800 Spoke ITIs.
• Model: Hub-and-Spoke; each Hub connected with four Spokes on average.
• Hubs Provide: Innovation centres, training-of-trainers infrastructure, production units, placement services.
• Spokes Provide: Expanded access to training; connect learners with cluster resources.
• Upgradation: Smart classrooms, modern laboratories, digital content, industry-aligned courses.

Component II: National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs)

• Focus: Capacity augmentation of 5 NSTIs—Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Ludhiana.
• Includes: Sector-specific National Centres of Excellence; advanced training of trainers through global partnerships.

Implementation Framework

State, Industry, and Central Coordination

• States/UTs: Lead selection of ITIs in consultation with industry; submit proposals for upgradation.
• National Steering Committee (NSC): Chaired by Secretary, MSDE; provides policy direction, finalises guidelines, monitors implementation.
• Industry Participation: Prospective partners submit Strategic Investment Plan (SIP).

Industry-Led Governance through SPVs

• Ownership Structure: 51% Anchor Industry Partner; 24.5% Centre; 24.5% State.
• Role: Lead cluster development and operations; propose interventions in curriculum, training delivery, infrastructure, and industry exposure.

PM-SETU at One Year: Progress

Institutional Preparation and Identification

• ITIs Identified: 850 (172 Hub ITIs + 678 Spoke ITIs).
• States/UTs: 36 identified clusters and created dedicated State budget heads.
• State Steering Committees: 35 constituted.
• Industry Participation: 26 States/UTs initiated the process.
• NSC Approval: Transition from pilot phase to nationwide rollout across all 200 identified ITI clusters.

Approved Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs)

• Approved: 14 ITI clusters across 8 States and 1 UT.
• Total Investment: ₹3,446 crore.
• Sectors Covered: Steel & Metals, Diversified Manufacturing, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals, Infrastructure & Construction, Skill Development, Defence & Electronics, Automotive Industry, Integrated Facility Management.

Expanding the Scope of Skilling

New-Age Courses (32 Courses under CTS)

• Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Additive Manufacturing, Electric Vehicles, Semiconductor Technology, Robotics, Green Hydrogen, Drones, IoT, Solar Energy, 5G, Software Testing.
• Adoption: States can adopt these courses in their ITIs.

International Partnerships for Advanced Skilling

• Singapore: NSTI Chennai.
• France: NSTI Kanpur.
• Australia: NSTI Bhubaneshwar.
• Germany: Joint Declaration of Intent for NSTI Hyderabad.

Conclusion

PM-SETU is strengthening India’s vocational training ecosystem through modern infrastructure, industry participation, and demand-driven training. Its one-year progress includes identification of 850 ITIs, approval of 14 ITI clusters with ₹3,446 crore investment, constitution of State Steering Committees in 35 States/UTs, and introduction of 32 new-age courses. International partnerships with Singapore, France, Australia, and Germany are supporting advanced skilling at NSTIs. The initiative is bringing Government ITIs and NSTIs closer to evolving workforce requirements, expanding access to new-age skills, international expertise, and early vocational exposure—supporting a more connected and industry-responsive skilling pathway for India’s youth.

Practice Question

1. PM-SETU is transforming India’s ITIs through industry-led governance, modern infrastructure, and demand-driven courses, completing one year with significant progress. Critically examine the scheme’s design, achievements, and challenges in strengthening vocational training and employability. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2318631&reg=3&lang=1

GS III – Environment / GS III – Disaster Management
Climate Change, Ecological Monitoring, and Disaster Resilience

Introduction

India has become reasonably proficient in forecasting atmospheric disturbances that cause cyclones—the IMD issues alerts for extreme weather events. But in the coming months, the scientific community faces a different challenge. After a 12.6% rainfall deficit during the southwest monsoon, the IMD expects extremely dry conditions for the rest of the year. A strengthening El Niño can reduce water availability in rivers and wetlands and increase stress on farms, forests, and oceans, with cascading effects on lives and livelihoods. Two forests with similar rainfall deficits may respond differently due to differences in soil moisture, vegetation, groundwater, or human pressure. Such differences cannot be explained by warming intensity alone—they point to the importance of local ecological conditions. A Super El Niño may not cause an ecological shock by itself, but it can push an already stressed system past a threshold.

The Need for Micro-Monitoring

Why Ecological Nuances Matter

• Differential Responses: Two forests with similar rainfall deficits may respond differently.
• Wetland Capacities: Two wetlands may have different capacities to withstand prolonged dry spells.
• Threshold Effects: A Super El Niño can push an already stressed system past a threshold.
• Resource Allocation: Micro-monitoring helps direct scarce resources to imperilled ecosystems.
• Resilience Identification: Can identify which ecosystems are resilient.

Complementing Satellite Data with Field Observations

• Satellite Data: Continuous, high-level observations have transformed weather forecasting and disaster response.
• Field-Level Observations: Today need to complement satellite data.
• Example: Uttarakhand’s real-time monitoring of glacial lakes.

Key Monitoring Priorities

Glacial Lakes

• Uttarakhand Initiative: Real-time monitoring; sensors at Vasundhara Tal link water levels, snow depth, and other features with early-warning mechanisms.
• Significance: Especially vulnerable to GLOFs.

Forests

• Tracking: Soil moisture, vegetation stress, animal movement—to identify unusually dry patches early.
• Context: Warmer winters, erratic western disturbances, declining snow cover altering moisture cycle in the Himalaya.
• Consequence: Forests vulnerable to fires before spring.

Coral Reefs

• Thermal Distress: Identifying thermal distress in coral reefs provides insights into marine ecosystem health.
• Protection: Helps protect shorelines from waves and erosion.

Rivers and Wetlands

• Water Availability: El Niño can reduce water availability; monitoring is critical.
• Cascading Effects: Stress on farms, forests, and oceans; impacts on livelihoods.

The Coordination Framework

Need for Robust Response

• Coordination Framework: Among monitoring agencies can enable a robust response—not just to the immediate challenge, but to broader climate vagaries.
• Integration: Satellite data + field observations + early-warning systems.
• Resource Allocation: Micro-monitoring directs scarce resources to imperilled ecosystems.

Institutional Mechanisms

• IMD: Weather forecasting and alerts.
• Uttarakhand: Real-time glacial lake monitoring.
• Forest Departments: Soil moisture, vegetation stress tracking.
• Marine Agencies: Coral reef health monitoring.

Conclusion

India has entered a potentially difficult post-monsoon period—12.6% rainfall deficit, extremely dry conditions expected, strengthening El Niño. Two forests with similar rainfall deficits may respond differently due to local ecological conditions. A Super El Niño can push an already stressed system past a threshold. Micro-monitoring—complementing satellite data with field observations—can discern ecological nuances, direct scarce resources, and identify resilience. Uttarakhand’s glacial lake monitoring, forest moisture tracking, and coral reef thermal distress monitoring are important initiatives. A coordination framework among monitoring agencies can enable a robust response—not just to the immediate challenge, but to broader climate vagaries.

Practice Question

1. El Niño calls for wider monitoring of ecological stress, requiring micro-monitoring that complements satellite data with field observations. Critically examine the need for ecological monitoring in the context of climate vagaries and suggest a coordination framework for robust response. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/el-nino-calls-for-wider-monitoring-of-ecological-stress-10904459/