DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd November 2026

Science & Technology – Human Physiology / Neuroscience

Why in the news?
A study published in Neuroscience (October 2026) found that excessive exercise without adequate recovery can disrupt dopamine regulation in the hippocampus. The research, conducted on mice by scientists associated with the University of São Paulo (USP) and the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), highlights the importance of rest in preventing overtraining. 

What is Dopamine?

• A neurotransmitter and catecholamine produced primarily by neurons in the brain.
• Transmits signals between nerve cells.
• Plays a role in motivation, reward, pleasure, attention, learning, movement and alertness.
• Also functions as a precursor to noradrenaline (norepinephrine).

Key findings of the study

• Mice underwent either a single exhaustive exercise session or an eight-week progressively intensified training programme.
• Acute exercise temporarily increased hippocampal dopamine.
• Chronic excessive training led to elevated dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase (TyrH)—an enzyme involved in dopamine synthesis—even during the animals’ resting phase.
• Serotonin levels showed no significant change.
• The study did not directly measure sleep or anxiety; possible links to these symptoms in humans require further research. 

Important terms

• Hippocampus: Brain region associated with memory formation and emotional regulation.
• Tyrosine hydroxylase: Rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis.
• Overtraining syndrome: Condition associated with excessive training and inadequate recovery, causing persistent fatigue and declining performance.

Sources:

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20261030/Excessive-exercise-disrupts-dopamine-regulation-in-the-brain-study-finds.aspx

Science & Technology – Space Exploration / Astrobiology

Why in the news?
NASA’s BioSentinel spacecraft recently drew attention after reports confirmed that its yeast samples failed to grow during experiments in deep space. The likely reason was that the yeast had expired during prolonged storage before launch—not exposure to space radiation. Its radiation detector, however, continues to provide useful data. 

Key facts

• Agency: NASA, developed at Ames Research Center.
• Launch: 16 November 2022, aboard the Artemis I mission.
• Type: 6U CubeSat (small satellite).
• Trajectory: Flew past the Moon and entered an orbit around the Sun.
• Primary objective: Study the biological effects of deep-space radiation on living organisms.
• Model organism: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast), commonly used in baking and brewing.
• Experiment: Compared normal yeast with a genetically modified strain deficient in DNA-damage repair (RAD51 deletion).
• Technology: Miniaturised microfluidic cards to store and activate yeast samples and monitor their growth and metabolism. 

Scientific significance

• Deep-space radiation includes:
  • Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR): High-energy particles originating outside the Solar System.
  • Solar Particle Events (SPEs): Bursts of energetic particles released by the Sun.
• Such radiation can cause DNA damage, including double-strand breaks.
• BioSentinel also carries a Linear Energy Transfer (LET) spectrometer to measure radiation dose and characterise incoming particles.
• Findings can help develop radiation-protection measures for future Moon and Mars missions. 

Sources: 

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/nasas-biosentinel-probe-flew-past-the-moon-with-yeast-to-measure-deep-space-radiation-the-cells-failed-to-grow-likely-expiring-before-launch-101793175949479.html

Environment – Biodiversity / Taxonomy

Why in the news?
Researchers formally described a new damselfly species, Dysphaea assamensis, from Karbi Anglong district, Assam. The discovery resolves decades of taxonomic confusion, as the species had earlier been misidentified as Dysphaea walli, described from Myanmar in 1927. The findings were published in the journal Zootaxa in October 2026. 

Key facts

• Order: Odonata.
• Suborder: Zygoptera (damselflies).
• Family: Euphaeidae.
• Genus: Dysphaea.
• Identification: Distinctive blue abdominal markings and characteristic black wing-base patterns.
• Habitat: Partially shaded, lowland forest streams.
• Discovery: Five male specimens were collected during field surveys in May–June 2026; the female was described using photographs.
• Research institutions: Dibrugarh University, Dr Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Zoological Survey of India and Debraj Roy College.
• Its description brings the number of recognised global Dysphaea species to 10. 

About Damselflies

• Belong to the order Odonata, along with dragonflies.
• Generally have slender bodies and delicate wings.
• Usually hold their wings folded together over the abdomen while resting, unlike most dragonflies, which hold their wings horizontally.

Conservation significance

• Indicates the rich but incompletely documented biodiversity of the Indo-Burma region.
• Forest degradation and agricultural expansion threaten its stream habitats.
• Highlights the role of citizen-science photographs in supporting taxonomic research. 

Sources: 

https://researchmatters.in/news/new-damselfly-species-from-assam-clarifies-decades-of-confusion

Geography – River Systems / Inter-State Water Disputes

Why in the news?
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that 2,500 acres of land have been identified for the proposed Mekedatu project. Around 500 acres of private agricultural land are expected to be acquired. A committee headed by the Mandya Deputy Commissioner has been constituted to coordinate land and compensatory forest-land arrangements. 

Key facts

• Location: Near Kanakapura, Karnataka, close to the Karnataka–Tamil Nadu border.
• River: Cauvery; proposed near its confluence with the Arkavathi tributary.
• Nature: Multipurpose balancing reservoir and drinking-water project.
• Proposed storage capacity: Approximately 67 TMC (thousand million cubic feet).
• Objectives:
  • Supply drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding areas.
  • Generate approximately 400 MW of hydropower.
  • Store water to help regulate releases during periods of water distress. 

Why is it controversial?

• Tamil Nadu’s concerns: The downstream state fears the reservoir could affect its share of Cauvery water and the existing water-sharing arrangements.
• Environmental concerns: The project is expected to submerge more than 5,000 hectares of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Clearances: The project requires technical, environmental and forest-related approvals.

Current status

• The Central Water Commission (CWC) accorded in-principle clearance to the feasibility report in October 2018, subject to conditions.
• The DPR submitted in January 2019 was referred to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
• In February 2024, CWMA referred it back to CWC for further technical and economic examination.
• As of November 2026, construction has not commenced; necessary approvals remain pending. 

Sources:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/states/karnataka/2026/Nov/01/2500-acres-identified-for-mekedatu-project-cm-dk-shivakumar

Science & Technology – Biotechnology / Plant Genomics

Why in the news?
Scientists at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, identified a previously uncharacterised calcium channel protein, CNGC13, which helps plants transmit insect-attack signals from damaged leaves to undamaged leaves. The research was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in 2026. 

Key findings

• Model plant: Arabidopsis thaliana.
• Insect pest: Spodoptera litura (tobacco caterpillar).
• CNGC13: Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channel 13; helps transmit calcium signals through plant vascular tissues.
• The calcium signal activates jasmonate signalling, which stimulates plant defence responses.
• It also promotes the production of glucosinolates, defensive chemical compounds.
• Plants lacking functional CNGC13 showed weaker defence responses and greater insect damage. 

About NIPGR

• Established: 1998; began functioning as an autonomous institution.
• Location: New Delhi.
• Administrative control: Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Mandate: Research, training and innovation in plant genomics and molecular biology, particularly for crop improvement.
• Research areas: Genome analysis, molecular breeding, plant immunity, nutritional genomics, stress tolerance and genetic engineering. 

Sources:

https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader

International Relations – Regional Groupings / Maritime Security

Why in the news?
India is hosting the first-ever BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise from 30 October to 3 November 2026 at Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The exercise was announced by the Prime Minister at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in April 2025. 

Key facts

• • Participating countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand—all seven BIMSTEC members.
  • Theme: “Shared Seas, Shared Security and Shared Prosperity”.
  • Host: Indian Navy, with the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC).
  • Phases: Tabletop exercises and harbour-based professional interactions, followed by maritime operational activities at sea.

• Objectives:

• • Enhance maritime interoperability and domain awareness.
  • Improve coordination among naval and maritime law-enforcement agencies.
  • Strengthen cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), search and rescue, and maritime security. 

About BIMSTEC

• Established: 6 June 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration.
• Full form: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
• Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
• Evolution: Initially formed as BIST-EC; Myanmar joined in 1997 and Nepal and Bhutan in 2004.
• Regional significance: Connects South Asia with Southeast Asia through cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy and security. 

Sources:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2330850&reg=48&lang=2

Defence – Indian Navy / Maritime Security

Why in the news?
Water ingress was reported onboard INS Kesari on 31 October 2026, while the vessel was berthed at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. No injuries or loss of life were reported. Pumping operations were initiated, and the Navy announced a formal inquiry to determine the cause. 

Key facts

• Pennant number: L15.
• Class: Shardul-class Landing Ship Tank (LST).
• Built by: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• Commissioned: 5 April 2008.
• Role: Amphibious operations, troop and equipment transportation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
• Capacity: Can carry approximately 500 personnel, along with tanks, armoured vehicles and other equipment.
• Design: Can transport troops and vehicles directly to shore, including beach landings. 

Shardul-class ships
The class comprises three vessels:

1. INS Shardul
2. INS Kesari
3. INS Airavat

Operational significance

• Supports amphibious warfare and military logistics.
• Provides assistance during natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
• Strengthens India’s maritime presence and regional outreach.

Sources:

https://dailypioneer.com/india/water-ingress-reported-on-indian-navy-ship-ins-kesari-at-visakhapatnam-dockyard

GS III – Agriculture / GS III – Economy
Agricultural Inputs, Subsidy Reform, and Climate Resilience

Introduction

Sales of all fertilisers are down in April-September 2026 compared to the same period in 2025—including urea, the most widely used and cheapest fertiliser. The drop in sales—despite higher year-on-year production and imports—is a clear indication of subdued farmer demand because of El Niño-induced dry weather conditions. All-India rainfall was 12.6% below normal during the southwest monsoon (June-September), with significant shortfalls across the South, Marathwada and Vidarbha, Saurashtra and Kutch, Rajasthan, Bihar, and the Northeastern states. Nutrient offtake was low because the monsoon rains weren’t adequate for farmers to buy and apply these on their crops. While overall kharif acreages may not have fallen much, reduced fertiliser application could translate into lower crop yields.

The Climate Context

Monsoon Deficit

• June-September Rainfall: 12.6% below normal.
• Regional Shortfalls: South, Marathwada and Vidarbha, Saurashtra and Kutch, Rajasthan, Bihar, Northeastern states.

October and Rabi

• October Rainfall Deficit: 31.4%.
• El Niño: Strong-to-very strong event projected to persist through January-March, turning moderate-to-weak towards April-May 2027.
• Rabi Impact: Subpar precipitation means less soil moisture for winter-spring crops; El Niño also results in warmer-than-usual winters.
• Projection: Both acreages and yields to take a hit in rabi season.

Food Inflation

• Consumer Food Inflation: Climbed from 4.2% to over 7.7% year-on-year between April and September.
• Previous Episode: July 2023 to December 2024—averaged 8.5%+; villain was a long and strong El Niño.
• Current: A “super strong” El Niño.

Immediate Policy Options

Duty-Free Imports

• Pulses: Masoor, chana, yellow peas—till March 31.
• Raw Sugar and Cotton: Till March 31.

Customs Duty on Edible Oils

• Scrap Basic Customs Duty: On crude palm and soyabean oil.
• Extended Zero/Low Duty Window: Greater confidence for importers to contract sizeable quantities.

Rationale

• Domestic Production Shortages: Inevitable due to climate impacts.
• Price Stability: Imports can bridge the gap.

Longer-Term Imperatives

Climate Change as Baseline Reality

• Not Temporary “Risks”: Climate change and geopolitical tensions are baseline “default” realities.
• Implication: Policy must be designed for a world of recurring shocks.

Climate-Smart Breeding

• Invest More: Drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, short-duration crop varieties.
• Resilience: Breed for climate variability.

Resource Efficiency

• Water: More efficient use.
• Fertilisers: Balanced application; precision farming.
• Energy: Efficient irrigation; renewable energy.

Subsidy Reform

• Current Regime: Inefficient; distorts farmer behaviour.
• Need: Fundamental reordering of subsidy regime and fiscal priorities.
• Political Challenge: More political than economic.

Challenges

• El Niño Uncertainty: Duration and intensity uncertain.
• Food Inflation: Already above 7.7%; could rise further.
• Fiscal Pressure: Subsidy burden; import duties foregone.
• Farmer Distress: Lower yields; higher input costs.

Way Forward

• Short-Term: Duty-free imports; monitor prices; release buffer stocks.
• Medium-Term: Climate-smart breeding; resource efficiency; irrigation.
• Long-Term: Subsidy reform; invest in climate resilience; diversify food sources.

Conclusion

The fertiliser sales dip is a lesson for policymakers. El Niño-induced dry weather—12.6% monsoon deficit, 31.4% October deficit—has subdued farmer demand despite higher production and imports. Rabi prospects are uncertain; food inflation has climbed from 4.2% to over 7.7%. Immediate options include duty-free imports of pulses, raw sugar, and cotton till March 31, and scrapping customs duty on crude palm and soyabean oil. For the longer term, policymakers must accept climate change and geopolitical tensions as baseline realities—investing in climate-smart breeding, resource efficiency, and a fundamental reordering of the inefficient subsidy regime. That is a political, more than an economic, challenge.

Practice Question

1. The fertiliser sales dip is a lesson for policymakers; climate change must be treated as a baseline reality, not a temporary risk. Critically examine the impact of El Niño on Indian agriculture and suggest short-term and long-term policy responses. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/el-nino-india-food-inflation-fertiliser-sales-10946420/

GS III – Science & Technology / GS III – Economy
Satellite Navigation, Indigenous Technology, and Space Sovereignty

Introduction

ISRO successfully accomplished the GSLV-F18/NVS-03 mission on 30 October 2026 at 23:51 hours from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The GSLV-F18 launch vehicle injected NVS-03 into a precise Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The first orbit manoeuvre was completed on 31 October 2026; further manoeuvres are planned to place it in its designated geosynchronous orbital slot at 111.75° East. NVS-03 is the third in India’s series of five next-generation Navigation satellites and is designed to strengthen the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)—enhancing India’s capabilities in satellite-based navigation.

Key Highlights of the Mission

Successful Launch

• GSLV-F18: Placed NVS-03 into its intended GTO—another milestone in India’s satellite navigation infrastructure.

20th GSLV Flight

• Milestone: 20th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle; demonstrates continued operational use for strategic space missions.

Next-Generation Series Satellite

• NVS-03: Third satellite of second-generation NavIC satellites (NVS-01 to NVS-05); designed to strengthen coverage, accuracy, and reliability.

Enhanced Navigation Signals

• Payloads: L1, L5, and S frequency bands.
• Compatibility: L1 alongside L5 and S enhances NavIC’s capabilities; supports navigation across India’s landmass and 1,500 km beyond.
• Multi-Frequency: Compatible receivers access signals at different frequencies; options for different applications and operating conditions.

Indigenous Technology

• Atomic Clocks: NVS-03 carries an indigenously developed atomic clock alongside procured atomic clocks; precise time references for navigation signal generation.

Wider Applications

• PNT Capabilities: Supports transportation, maritime operations, aviation, disaster management, precision agriculture, strategic services.

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)

Vehicle Configuration

• Three-Stage: Developed by ISRO for GTO and LEO.
• Cryogenic Upper Stage: Indigenous; liquid hydrogen (LH₂) fuel; liquid oxygen (LOX) oxidiser—replaced Russian-supplied stage.
• Boosters: Liquid-powered (L-40); hypergolic combination of Nitrogen Tetroxide (N₂O₄) and UH25.
• Dimensions: ~50 metres tall; lift-off mass ~420 tonnes; 3.4-metre payload fairing.
• Payload: ~2,250 kg NVS-03.

Understanding NavIC: India’s Indigenous Navigation System

Overview

• Definition: India’s regional satellite navigation system, developed by ISRO; earlier known as IRNSS.
• Services: Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT).
• Constellation: Originally seven satellites—three in geostationary orbit, four in inclined geosynchronous orbit; NVS series augments and ensures continuity.
• Coverage: Indian landmass and ~1,500 km beyond geopolitical boundary.
• NVS Series: Adds L1 to legacy L5 and S signals.

Two Types of Navigation Services

• Standard Positioning Service (SPS): Open to civilian users; interoperable with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
• Restricted Service (RS): Encrypted; exclusively for strategic users.

Progress of the NVS Series

NVS-01 (Launched 29 May 2023)

• GSLV-F12: 15th flight of GSLV.
• Payloads: L1, L5, S bands.
• Lift-Off Mass: ~2,232 kg.
• Mission Life: 12 years.
• Atomic Clock: Indigenous Rubidium atomic clock, built by Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad.

NVS-02 (Launched 29 January 2025)

• GSLV-F15: Payloads—L1, L5, S bands, plus C-band ranging payload.
• Lift-Off Mass: 2,250 kg.
• Atomic Clocks: Mix of indigenous and procured.
• Issue: Orbit-raising could not be carried out because oxidiser valves did not open; satellite could not reach intended orbital slot.

NVS-04 and NVS-05 (Upcoming)

• Expected: L1 alongside L5 and S; enhanced navigation capabilities.

Way Forward

Strengthen NavIC Constellation

• Complete NVS Series: Launch NVS-04 and NVS-05.
• Replace/Repair: Address NVS-02 anomaly; ensure continuity.
• Ground Stations: Expand network; 24×7 operations.

Expand Applications

• Transportation: Vehicle tracking; fleet management.
• Maritime: Vessel monitoring; distress alerts.
• Aviation: Aircraft navigation.
• Disaster Management: Early warnings; emergency response.
• Precision Agriculture: Crop monitoring; soil management.
• Strategic Services: Defence; security.

Technological Self-Reliance

• Atomic Clocks: Scale indigenous production; reduce imports.
• Chipsets: Integrate NavIC into mobile chipsets (Qualcomm partnership).
• Receivers: Affordable, multi-frequency receivers.

Global Compatibility

• Interoperability: With GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
• International Recognition: Promote NavIC as global navigation system.
• Standards: Participation in international standards bodies.

Conclusion

The GSLV-F18/NVS-03 mission marks another milestone in India’s journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in advanced space technology. NVS-03—the third in the five-satellite NVS series—carries L1, L5, and S band payloads and an indigenously developed atomic clock. The 20th GSLV flight demonstrates continued operational use of India’s launch vehicle for strategic missions. NavIC provides SPS (civilian) and RS (strategic) services across India and 1,500 km beyond. The NVS series adds L1 to legacy L5 and S signals, enhancing compatibility. By strengthening indigenous satellite navigation capabilities, India is enhancing its ability to provide reliable PNT services independently—reducing dependence on foreign systems, strengthening space sovereignty, and reinforcing technological self-reliance. These efforts reinforce India’s growing role in the global space sector.

Practice Question

1. The GSLV-F18/NVS-03 mission strengthens India’s indigenous navigation capabilities and space sovereignty. Critically examine the significance of NavIC, the NVS series, and the challenges in achieving self-reliance in satellite navigation. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2331077&reg=3&lang=1