DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th October 2026

Government Policies & Interventions; Youth Development

Why in the news? MY Bharat organised neighbourhood Youth Parliaments and Yuva Melas across 1,469 locations under the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Abhiyan, mobilising young people for a drug-free India. 

Key facts

• Full name: Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat).
• Launched: 31 October 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through its Department of Youth Affairs.
• Institutional status: Autonomous body registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Target group: Youth aged 15–29 years.
• Official portal: mybharat.gov.in

Objectives and major features

• Equitable access: Connects young people with opportunities across government departments, businesses and non-profit organisations.
• Experiential learning: Offers practical exposure through structured learning programmes and field activities.
• Volunteering and civic participation: Encourages community service, leadership and youth-led development.
• Digital profile and CV builder: Enables youth to document skills, activities and experience.
• Mentorship and networking: Connects participants with mentors, peers and potential industry opportunities.
• Youth-led governance: Supports initiatives such as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue and youth-parliament activities. 

Recent milestone

As of 23 September 2026, MY Bharat had crossed 3 crore registered youth, according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. 

Sources:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2322125&reg=48&lang=1

Indian Economy; Global Economy and International Institutions

Why in the news? The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its October 2026 World Economic Outlook on 13 October 2026. It slightly raised its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1%, citing resilience supported partly by investment in artificial intelligence, while warning of energy-price shocks, rising debt and uneven growth across countries. 

Key facts

• Published by: International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• Frequency: Generally twice a year, in April and October, with updates often released in January and July.
• Purpose: Analyses global economic trends and provides projections for output, inflation, trade and other macroeconomic indicators.
• October 2026 global growth projections:
  • 2026: 3.1%
  • 2027: 3.4%
• Global headline inflation: Projected at 4.7% in 2026 and 4.1% in 2027. 

India and the global outlook

• India’s growth forecast: 7.0% for FY 2026–27, raised from 6.4% in the July projection.
• Key growth drivers: Resilient domestic demand, strong services activity and continued structural reforms.
• Major global risks: Prolonged geopolitical conflict, higher energy prices, rising government borrowing costs, extreme weather events and possible correction in AI-related investment. 

Sources: 

https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/imf-slightly-raises-forecast-for-2026-global-growth-to-31-citing-resilience-to-shocks/article71577836.ece#google_vignette

Science & Technology; Economy; Government Schemes

Why in the news? On 12 October 2026, the Government announced the first cohort of 19 Second-Level Fund Managers (SLFMs) under RDIF. The Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) approved 14 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and 5 Focused Research Organisations (FROs), with a total commitment of ₹7,131 crore. 

Key facts

• Full name: Research, Development and Innovation Fund.
• Approved: Union Cabinet, 1 July 2025.
• Launched: November 2025.
• Total outlay: ₹1 lakh crore over six years.
• Nodal department: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Management: An independent business unit within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). 

Objectives

• Mobilise greater private-sector investment in R&D.
• Provide long-term, affordable capital for high-risk, high-impact innovation.
• Support indigenous technology development and commercialisation.
• Strengthen strategic technologies and reduce dependence on imported technologies.
• Promote deep-tech innovation and technological self-reliance.

Funding mechanism

• Special Purpose Fund (SPF): Maintains the ₹1 lakh crore corpus within ANRF.
• Second-Level Fund Managers (SLFMs): Channel funds to eligible technology enterprises through mechanisms such as AIFs and Focused Research Organisations.
• Financial instruments: Long-term loans, low- or nil-interest financing and equity, as permitted under the scheme.
• Technology readiness: Supports eligible projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above.
• SLFMs are expected to mobilise private capital equivalent to RDIF contributions. 

Priority areas

• Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, robotics and space technology.
• Energy security, energy transition and climate action.
• Biotechnology, biomanufacturing, pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
• Digital economy, including digital agriculture.
• Other technologies important for strategic or economic security. 

Sources:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2322295&reg=48&lang=1

Indian Geography; Himalayan Mountains

Why in the news? A 17-member Indian Coast Guard (ICG) mountaineering team successfully scaled Mount Mukut (7,045 metres) on 7 October 2026. The expedition was conducted under the guidance of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling, as the final phase of preparations for a planned Mount Everest expedition in 2027. 

Key geographical facts

• Location: Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India.
• Mountain region: Western Garhwal Himalayas, near Mount Kamet.
• Elevation: 7,045 metres.
• Relief: High-altitude terrain featuring exposed rock, permanent snow, glaciers and steep ridges.
• Name: “Mukut” means crown in Hindi, referring to the peak’s crown-like shape. 

Expedition: Important facts

• Organisation: Indian Coast Guard, with expert guidance from HMI, Darjeeling.
• Team strength: 17 members.
• Expedition began: 15 September 2026.
• Summit achieved: 7 October 2026.
• Significance: Completed Phase V of an 18-month preparatory training programme for the proposed 2027 Everest expedition, linked to the Coast Guard’s Swarnim Jayanti celebrations. 

Sources:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2322315&reg=19&lang=1

International Relations; GS III – Security

Why in the news? The Indian Navy’s INS Tarkash deployed to South Africa to participate in the ninth edition of the India–Brazil–South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) Exercise. The Ministry of Defence announced the deployment on 12 October 2026. 

Key facts

• Full form: India–Brazil–South Africa Maritime Exercise.
• Participating countries: India, Brazil and South Africa.
• First conducted: 2008.
• Frequency: Biennial (every two years).
• Framework: India–Brazil–South Africa (IBSA) trilateral cooperation.
• Host: South Africa.
• Theme: “Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain.” 

Participating assets

• India: INS Tarkash, a Talwar-class guided-missile stealth frigate, with an integral Chetak helicopter.
• Brazil: BNS Barroso, with an integral Lynx helicopter.
• South Africa: SAS Amatola, SAS King Sekhukhune I, SAS Adam Kok III and SAS Manthatisi submarine. 

Major objectives and activities

• Enhance interoperability and coordinated naval operations.
• Strengthen maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
• Conduct drills in surface warfare, anti-air warfare and anti-submarine warfare.
• Practise maritime interdiction, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and anti-piracy operations.
• Improve coordination in search and rescue, damage control and firefighting. 

Sources:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2322377&reg=48&lang=1

Science & Technology; Environment; Agriculture

Why in the news? On 11 October 2026, an ISRO official stated that the Indo-French TRISHNA satellite had reached an advanced stage of development and was expected to launch within the next 12–16 months. The mission is being developed jointly by ISRO and France’s space agency, CNES. 

Key facts

• Full form: Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment.
• Agencies: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), France.
• Launch: Planned for 2027; the exact launch date is not confirmed.
• Orbit: Sun-synchronous orbit, approximately 761 km altitude.
• Planned mission life: 5 years.
• Revisit frequency: Approximately every 3 days at the equator. 

Payloads and functions

• Thermal Infrared (TIR): Supplied by CNES; four long-wave infrared channels measure surface temperature and emissivity.
• Visible–Near Infrared–Shortwave Infrared (VNIR–SWIR): Developed by ISRO; seven spectral bands measure surface reflectance and help derive vegetation and radiation-related parameters.
• Planned spatial resolution: Around 57–60 metres for land and coastal observations. 

Major applications

• Agriculture: Detect crop water stress and improve irrigation scheduling.
• Water management: Estimate evapotranspiration and monitor water use.
• Climate and ecosystems: Study surface-energy balance, vegetation health and urban heat islands.
• Hydrology and cryosphere: Monitor coastal and inland waters, snow cover and snowmelt.
• Other uses: Help identify thermal anomalies, subsurface fires and geothermal resources. 

Sources: 

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/trishna-satellite-is-in-advanced-stage-of-realisation-says-isro-official/article71571635.ece

GS III – Economy
Inflation, Monetary Policy, and External Sector Vulnerabilities

Introduction

September’s retail inflation, at 5.54%—an almost two-year high—marks the fourth consecutive month that headline CPI has stayed above the RBI’s 4% target. The impact has been particularly severe for rural Indians, whose inflation rate reached 6.08%. Rural food inflation rose almost two percentage points between August and September, touching 8.06%. Onion (108.09%), garlic (54.62%), and ginger (62.85%) drove the surge. Headline CPI is now just 0.46 percentage points below the RBI’s upper tolerance limit of 6%. The MPC raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% in October, ending a pause; another increase in December cannot be ruled out.

The Inflation Dynamics

Rural Distress

• Rural Inflation: 6.08% (vs. headline 5.54%).
• Rural Food Inflation: 8.06% (up ~2 percentage points from August).
• Drivers: Onion, garlic, ginger.
• Context: Deficient monsoon, El Niño risks, unusually high temperatures.
• Festive Season: Will be expensive for rural households.

Broadening Price Pressures

• Core Inflation: Rose to 4.6% (September) from 4.16% (August).
• Transport Services for Goods: 14.73% (up from 14.64%).
• Restaurant and Accommodation Services: 9.36%.
• Personal Care, Social Protection, Miscellaneous: 13.75% (moderated).

The External Drivers

Crude Oil

• Indian Crude Basket: $82.04/barrel (July) → $116.09 (September)—41% increase.
• Implications: Freight, production, distribution costs.
• RBI Facility: Special dollar facility for oil marketing companies—temporary relief.

Rupee Depreciation

• Weakening: ~7% against the dollar over the year to early October.
• FPI Outflows: Record ₹3.08 trillion ($32.73 billion) in nine months ending September—almost double all of CY2025.
• Net Sellers: Six of past nine months; selling resumed in October.
• RBI Interventions: Direct dollar sales, attracting foreign-currency inflows—helped recovery, but cannot resolve underlying pressures.

Geopolitical Context

• West Asia Conflict: No clear end.
• Imported Inflation: Likely to continue shaping domestic prices.

Challenges

• Supply-Side Shocks: Food and fuel inflation not easily addressed by monetary policy.
• Rupee Vulnerability: FPI outflows; dollar strength; import dependence.
• Rural Distress: Festive season; deficient monsoon; El Niño risks.
• Broadening Pressures: Core inflation rising; transport services elevated.

Way Forward

• Monetary Policy: Data-dependent; ready to act if pressures broaden.
• Supply-Side Measures: Release buffer stocks; import management; logistics efficiency.
• Energy Security: Diversify suppliers; long-term contracts; strategic reserves; renewables.
• Rupee Defence: Earn more dollars; export-surplus sectors; FDI; tourism.
• Rural Support: MGNREGA; food security; income support.

Conclusion

September’s retail inflation at 5.54%—a nearly two-year high—marks the fourth consecutive month above the RBI’s 4% target. Rural households have felt the greatest impact (6.08%); rural food inflation touched 8.06%, driven by onion, garlic, and ginger. Core inflation rose to 4.6%, suggesting broadening pressures. Crude oil rose 41% ($82.04 to $116.09/barrel), and the rupee weakened ~7% against the dollar. FPI outflows reached a record ₹3.08 trillion. The MPC raised the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50%; another increase in December cannot be ruled out. With crude prices elevated, the rupee vulnerable, and no clear end to the West Asia conflict, imported inflation will continue shaping domestic prices. The RBI’s steps have helped, but cannot resolve underlying pressures—energy security, export diversification, and rural support are essential complements.

Practice Question

5. September’s retail inflation at 5.54%, a nearly two-year high, marks the fourth consecutive month above the RBI’s target, with rural households bearing the greatest burden. Critically examine the drivers of inflation and suggest a comprehensive policy response. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/india-retail-inflation-september-2026-10920532/

GS II – Health / GS II – Social Justice
Tuberculosis Elimination, Public Health, and Community Mobilisation

Introduction

India’s fight against tuberculosis has achieved significant milestones. New TB cases emerging yearly dipped by 21% (2015-2024), compared to the global decline of 12% (WHO Global TB Report 2025). India’s treatment coverage is 92% versus the global 78%; TB deaths declined by 28% during the same period. Driven by the intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, cumulative screenings crossed 28.1 crore, with over 20 lakh provided TB Preventive Treatment (TPT), 5.7 lakh new Nikshay Mitras, and 46,118 Gram Panchayats awarded TB-free certification. The JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) campaign, launched on 13 October 2026 across 11 states and 55 districts, mobilises youth towards TB awareness, early detection, and stigma-free communities.

India’s TB Burden and Symptoms

What is Tuberculosis?

• Cause: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; usually impacts the lungs; can affect brain, kidneys, spine.
• Latent vs. Active TB: Inactive TB cases exist; may develop active TB anytime.
• Vulnerable Groups: Babies, children, immunocompromised.

Transmission and Symptoms

• Spread: Through air—coughing, sneezing, speaking; droplets inhaled in poorly ventilated spaces.
• Not Spread Through: Handshakes, public toilets, sharing food/utensils, everyday social interactions.
• Contagiousness: Lung TB patients stop being contagious after ~2 weeks of appropriate medicines.

Strategic Framework

National Strategic Plan (2020-25)

• Four Pillars: Build, Prevent, Detect, Treat.
• Focus: Early diagnosis, reduced transmission, appropriate drugs, patient support systems.

National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)

• Renamed: 2020 (from RNTCP); reflects goal to eliminate TB before global target of 2030.
• Key Activities: Early diagnosis; prompt treatment; private sector engagement; patient-centric support; contact tracing and TPT; airborne infection control; multi-sectoral response.

Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (2022)

• Launched: September 9, 2022; additional component of NTEP.
• Objectives: Additional support to TB patients; augment community involvement; leverage CSR.

Nikshay Poshan Yojana and Ni-kshay Mitra

• Nikshay Poshan Yojana (2018): ₹1,000/month per notified TB patient; ₹4,454.68 crore disbursed to 1.38 crore beneficiaries.
• Ni-kshay Mitra: “TB Friend”—individuals, NGOs, corporations provide food baskets, psychosocial support, vocational support.
• Achievements (November 12, 2025): 6,77,541 Ni-kshay Mitras; 45+ lakh food baskets distributed; 2+ lakh MY Bharat volunteers.

Intensified Campaigns and Milestones

100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

• Launched: December 7, 2024; 347 high-priority districts across 33 States/UTs.
• Approach: Vulnerability mapping; systematic screening; Jan Andolan; 30,000+ elected representatives; 24 line ministries.
• Milestones (June 2026): 28.1 crore screened; 20 lakh TPT; 5.7 lakh new Nikshay Mitras.

Phase 2 (March 2026)

• Ayushman Arogya Shivirs: 1.7 lakh+ held across 1.2 lakh high-risk villages/wards.
• Participation: 32 lakh students; 1.9 lakh MY Bharat volunteers.
• Treatment Success Rate: 90% (global average: 88%).

New Initiatives

BPaLM Regimen

• Components: Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, Moxifloxacin.
• Benefit: Shorter, safer, highly effective; reduces treatment duration to 6 months.
• Progress: 15,000+ MDR/RR-TB patients initiated.

TB Preventive Treatment (TPT)

• Eligible Beneficiaries: Household contacts, PLHIV, vulnerable groups.
• Integration: Active and intensive case-finding campaigns.

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

• Number: 1,87,250 (as of October 13, 2026).
• Function: Free TB diagnosis and screening.

Technological Infrastructure

Diagnostic Network

• Rapid Molecular Testing: 9,800+ facilities.
• Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing: 107 laboratories—world’s largest network.
• Handheld X-ray Units: 500+ AI-enabled; 1,500 being delivered.
• 34-Fold Surge: In X-ray screening.

Digital Platforms

• Ni-kshay Platform: DBT of nutritional support.
• TB Mukt Bharat App: AI chatbot ‘Khushi’; tracks progress; guides on symptoms; locates diagnostic centres.
• TB Aarogya Sathi App: Locates centres; guidance on side effects, nutrition.
• Ni-kshay Sampark Helpline: 1800-11-6666.

AI-Led Initiatives

• CATB (Cough Against TB): Acoustic AI—3-second cough recording; 1.62 lakh+ screened; 12-16% extra yield.
• Adverse Outcome Prediction: Predictive analytics; 27% decline in adverse outcomes.
• DeepCXR: Radiology AI for automated X-ray reading; deployed in 8 States/UTs; free to government.

Case Study: Finding TB Cases in Remote Kashmir

• Location: Gurez valley, Bandipora District, Kashmir—2,400 metres high; cut off during winter.
• Approach: Mobile testing vans with advanced diagnostic machines and portable X-ray equipment.
• Outcome: 1,250 people screened over three days; 250+ potential TB cases identified.
• Awareness: Sessions with Indian Army, local health workers, village representatives, religious leaders.

Conclusion

India’s steady decline in TB incidence—21% vs. global 12%—reflects sustained commitment, community participation, and strong public health initiatives. With 28.1 crore screened, 20 lakh on TPT, 5.7 lakh new Nikshay Mitras, and 46,118 TB-free Gram Panchayats, India is moving closer to a TB-free future. The JOSH campaign mobilises youth towards awareness, early detection, treatment adherence, and stigma-free communities. Through healthcare institutions at all levels, youth, and communities, India is gearing towards eliminating TB to create a Viksit Bharat 2047.

Practice Question

1. India’s TB elimination strategy combines technological innovation, community participation, and political commitment to achieve a TB-free India. Critically examine the progress, innovations, and challenges in India’s fight against tuberculosis. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2322820&reg=3&lang=1