DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 31st October 2026

Science & Technology – Microbiology / Biodiversity

Why in the news?
A team of microbiologists led by Manipur scientist Dr. Laishram Shantikumar Singh discovered a new fungal species, Mollisia sokpayensia, associated with the rare medicinal plant Panax sokpayensis in the Sikkim Himalaya. The discovery was published in the 2026 volume of the journal Fungal Diversity. 

Key facts

• Type: Fungal endophyte—a fungus living inside healthy plant tissues without causing visible disease symptoms.
• Host plant: Panax sokpayensis, a rare medicinal plant of the Sikkim Himalaya.
• Location: Jorbotay, Uttarey, West Sikkim, at an altitude of 1,800–2,300 metres.
• Identification: The fungus was isolated from the plant’s rhizome using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), a medium used for fungal cultivation.
• Research support: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. 

Significance

• Adds to the documentation of fungal diversity in the Indian Himalaya.
• Fungal endophytes are studied for their potential to produce bioactive compounds useful in medicine, agriculture and biotechnology.
• Further research is required to establish any medicinal or commercial applications of this newly identified species.

Sources:

https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-microbiologist-leads-discovery-of-new-fungal-species-in-rare-sikkim-medicinal-plant-1468992-2026-10-29

Economy – Cooperative Sector

Why in the news?
The 93rd General Council meeting of NCDC was held on 29 October 2026 in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. The meeting reviewed its financial performance and discussed a 25-year institutional roadmap. 

Key facts

• Established: 1963, under the National Cooperative Development Corporation Act, 1962.
• Type: Statutory corporation under the Ministry of Cooperation.
• Objective: Plan, promote and finance cooperative development.
• Areas covered: Agriculture, processing, storage, marketing, dairy, fisheries, poultry, handloom, sericulture and other rural income-generating activities.
• Financial assistance: Provided through State Governments and directly to eligible cooperative societies. 

Recent developments (FY 2025–26)

• Financial assistance disbursed: ₹1.27 lakh crore.
• Net profit: ₹1,475 crore.
• Loan recovery rate: 99.84%.
• Net NPAs: Zero.
• Cumulative disbursement since the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation: ₹4.14 lakh crore (up to October 2026). 

Important initiatives

• Sahakar Navachar Yojana: Up to ₹25 lakh grant assistance for eligible cooperative innovations.
• Nandini Sahakar: Supports women-led cooperatives.
• Yuva Sahakar: Encourages young and innovative cooperatives.
• Ayushman Sahakar: Supports healthcare infrastructure through cooperatives. 

Sources:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2330122&reg=3&lang=1

Environment – Biodiversity and Conservation

Why in the news?
UNEP recognised India’s Ganges River Dolphin recovery programme as one of 35 UN World Restoration Flagships in its report Nature’s Comeback – Scaling Ecosystem Restoration for People and Planet. The programme was acknowledged for biodiversity recovery, ecosystem restoration and green job creation. 

Key facts

• Scientific name: Platanista gangetica.
• National status: India’s National Aquatic Animal (declared in 2009).
• Habitat: Freshwater river systems of the Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna and Karnaphuli–Sangu basins across India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
• IUCN status: Endangered.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
• CITES: Appendix I.
• Special features: Functionally blind; uses ultrasonic echolocation to navigate and locate prey. Locally known as Susu.
• Ecological role: Indicator of river health. 

India’s conservation measures

• Project Dolphin: Launched in 2020 to conserve river and marine dolphins.
• Comprehensive Action Plan (2022–2047): Long-term strategy for dolphin conservation and habitat protection.
• Community participation: Involves local communities and Ganga Praharis in monitoring, rescue and conservation activities.

Global context

• The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) is led by UNEP and FAO.
• The report documents restoration efforts across 252 million hectares in 149 countries, generating over one million green jobs. 

Sources:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Oct/29/unep-honors-indias-ganges-dolphin-recovery-and-job-creation-program

International Relations – Defence Cooperation

Why in the news?
INS Sahyadri arrived at Busan, South Korea, on 26 October 2026 to participate in the India–Republic of Korea Navy (IN-RoKN) bilateral naval exercise. It is the second edition of the exercise, following its inaugural edition in October 2025. 

Key facts

• Participants: Indian Navy and Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN).
• Indian ship: INS Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and built Shivalik-class guided-missile stealth frigate.
• Commissioned: 2012; third ship of the Shivalik class.
• Harbour phase: Professional interactions, cross-deck visits, cross-training and sporting activities.
• Sea phase: Coordinated maritime operations involving INS Sahyadri and South Korean ship ROKS Munmu the Great. 

Significance

• Enhances naval interoperability and operational coordination.
• Strengthens India–South Korea strategic partnership.
• Promotes maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Sources:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2329562&reg=3&lang=1

Geography – Traditional Water Harvesting / Groundwater Conservation

Why in the news?
A project has been initiated to restore traditional Surangams in eight gram panchayats of Kasaragod district, Kerala, to improve groundwater recharge, conserve rainwater and sustain river flows. The initiative will involve workers under the VB-G RAM G rural employment programme, with technical support from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). 

Key facts

• Meaning: Surangams are traditional underground horizontal tunnels, also called tunnel wells.
• Location: Mainly Kasaragod (Kerala) and parts of Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka).
• Construction: Dug horizontally into laterite hills and hillocks.
• Working: Groundwater seeps through the porous rock into the tunnel and flows out naturally under gravity.
• Uses: Drinking water and irrigation.
• Features: Do not require pumps or electricity; some tunnels extend up to 300 metres.
• Historical comparison: Similar in principle to the Qanat system of Persia, though their precise historical origins remain uncertain. 

Revival initiative

• Covers eight panchayats: Kayyur-Cheemeni, Kodom-Belur, Kallar, Pallikkara, Bedadka, Puthige, Chengala and Kumbla.
• Includes tunnel repairs, rainwater infiltration measures, recharge points and water-storage structures.
• A survey will document the location, condition and water availability of existing Surangams. 

Sources: 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/eight-panchayats-in-keralams-kasaragod-to-revive-traditional-surangam/article71641224.ece

Social Sector – Health / Welfare Schemes

Why in the news?
The Ayushman Vay Vandana initiative completed two years on 29 October 2026. It has facilitated 23.46 lakh authorised hospital admissions worth ₹5,668.80 crore, benefiting senior citizens aged 70 years and above. 

Key features

• Launch: 29 October 2024.
• Parent scheme: Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
• Eligibility: All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of socio-economic status or income.
• Coverage: Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
• Additional cover: Senior citizens in families already covered under AB PM-JAY receive an additional top-up of up to ₹5 lakh annually, exclusively for themselves.
• Implementing agency: National Health Authority (NHA), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Beneficiary reach: Approximately 6 crore senior citizens belonging to 4.5 crore families. 

Performance (as of 20 October 2026)

• 23.46 lakh authorised hospital admissions.
• Treatment value: ₹5,668.80 crore.
• Cataract surgery was the most frequently availed procedure (4.71 lakh treatments).
• Chronic haemodialysis accounted for around 2.90 lakh treatments. 

Sources: 

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2330009&reg=21&lang=1

Geography – Indian Drainage System / Himalayan Rivers

Why in the news?
A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) from Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan on 29 October 2026 triggered flood alerts along the Sankosh River in West Bengal and Assam. Around 10,000–12,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas of West Bengal as a precaution. The flood surge passed through the river without causing major inundation. 

Key geographical facts

• Type: Transboundary river shared by Bhutan and India.
• Name in Bhutan: Puna Tsang Chhu (Punatsangchhu).
• Origin: Northern Bhutan, in the eastern Himalayas.
• Formation: The Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet near Punakha to form the Punatsangchhu.
• Course: Flows south through Bhutan, enters India and passes through Assam before joining the Brahmaputra system.
• Length: Approximately 321 km (214 km in Bhutan and 107 km in India).
• Significance: Forms part of the Assam–West Bengal inter-state boundary in its lower course. 

GLOF and its impact

• A GLOF occurs when water stored in a glacial lake is suddenly released due to the failure of its natural dam.
• The Shintaphu Lake breach released an estimated 7.4 million cubic metres of water into the Mo Chhu river system.
• The Central Water Commission issued a flood advisory for Alipurduar (West Bengal) and Dhubri (Assam). 

Sources: 

https://www.thestatesman.com/bengal/bhutan-glacial-lake-outburst-over-10000-moved-to-safety-in-bengal-sankosh-on-red-alert-1503656873.html#google_vignette

GS II – Governance / GS II – Social Justice
Social Security, Labour Welfare, and Formalisation

Introduction

India’s social security framework has expanded significantly—social protection coverage increased from 19% in 2015 to 68.4% in 2026, bringing more than one billion people within the framework. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)—one of the world’s largest social security institutions—provides provident fund savings, pension, and insurance benefits. The increase in the mandatory coverage wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 is expected to bring over 51 lakh additional employees within its ambit. Beyond EPFO, initiatives such as e-Shram, PM-SYM, and the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana extend support to unorganised workers and vulnerable groups across employment categories and stages of life.

The Three Pillars of EPFO Social Security

Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 2026 (EPF)

• Replaced: Erstwhile EPF Scheme.
• Features: Retirement savings through contributions and accrued interest; partial withdrawals for housing, higher education, marriage, and medical treatment.

Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026 (EPS)

• Replaced: Erstwhile EPS 1995.
• Features: Monthly pension on superannuation, retirement, or disability; pension to eligible dependents (spouses, children, family members).

Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 2026 (EDLI)

• Replaced: Erstwhile EDLI 1976.
• Features: Insurance protection up to ₹7 lakh in event of death while in service; no separate premium.

Expanding EPFO Coverage

Membership Growth

• Contributing Members: 3.49 crore (2014-15) → ~7.98 crore (September 16, 2026)—increase of ~4.49 crore.
• Establishments: 7.68 lakh contributing (September 2026).

Pension Support

• Pensioners (2014-15): 51.04 lakh.
• Pensioners (September 2026): ~82 lakh—increase of over 31 lakh.

Claims Settlement

• 2014-15: 1.30 crore claims.
• Last One Year (October 2026): 6.42 crore claims—reflecting increasing scale.

Digital and Service Reforms

Wage Ceiling Revision

• Previous Revision: September 2014 (₹6,500 to ₹15,000).
• September 2026: Increased to ₹25,000 per month.
• Impact: Over 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory coverage.

Simplified Partial Withdrawals

• Consolidation: 13 provisions into three categories—Essential Needs, Housing Needs, Special Circumstances.
• Liberalised Limits: Up to 10 withdrawals for education; 5 for marriage (earlier combined limit of 3); up to 75% of PF balance; minimum service standardised at 12 months (October 2025).

Automated Claim Settlement

• Auto-Settlement Limit: Increased to ₹5 lakh.
• Simplified Bank Verification: No cheque-leaf images or attested passbooks for eligible online claims.

Compliance and Ease of Doing Business

VISHWAS, 2026

• Purpose: One-time settlement of eligible disputes involving damages/penalties.
• Benefit: Reduced monthly damage rates (0.25%, 0.50%, 1%); digital, time-bound process.
• Exclusions: Fraud, misappropriation, deliberate falsification, fully recovered damages.

AMNESTY, 2026

• Purpose: Regularise PF trusts lacking formal exemption.
• Open Until: 28 December 2026.
• Benefit: Retrospective exemption; waiver of minimum employee strength and fund requirements.

Digital Access and Registration

Automatic Registration

• Since February 2020: Eligible companies through MCA portal (SPICe+ and AGILE-PRO forms).

Self-Generation of UAN

• Since November 2019: Workers generate UAN independently.
• April 2025: UAN generation/activation through Aadhaar-based Face Authentication on UMANG.
• Self-Generated UAN (October 2026): 1.74 crore.
• UMANG Transactions (January 2017-October 2026): ~709 crore.

Simplified Aadhaar Seeding

• Since August 2025: Seed/correct Aadhaar details through UAN Member Portal; employer approval when details match.

Digital Transformation of EPFO Services

Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS)

• Benefit: Pension disbursement through any bank branch; no PPO transfer needed.

Doorstep Digital Life Certificate

• Partnership: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB); EPFO bears ₹50 per certificate—free for pensioners.

Redesigned Website

• Launched: 1 November 2025; mobile-responsive; unified interface.

EPFO 3.0

• Features: Core banking solution; cloud-native, API-first, microservices; risk-validated claims auto-processed; settlement time from up to 20 days to under 3 days; support for 30 crore+ members.

Beyond EPFO: Wider Social Security Framework

Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (October 2026)

• Revised From: NSAP; continues 2026-27 to 2030-31.
• Disability Pension: ₹375 (below 80 years); ₹625 (80+); disability threshold reduced from 80% to 40%; minimum age removed.
• Old Age Pension: ₹200 (60-79 years); ₹500 (80+).
• Widow Pension: ₹300 (40-79 years); ₹500 (80+).
• Family Benefit: ₹20,000 one-time on death of primary breadwinner (18-59 years).

Code on Social Security, 2020

• Consolidates: Nine central labour laws.
• Coverage: Organised and unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers.
• Gratuity: Fixed-term employees after one year.
• Women-Centric: 26 weeks maternity benefits; work from home; crèche facilities.

e-Shram

• Launched: August 2021; Aadhaar-seeded National Database of Unorganised Workers.
• Registrations (August 2026): 31.89 crore.
• e-Shram One-Stop Solution (October 2024): Integrates 15 schemes; links to National Career Service, Skill India Digital Hub, myScheme.

PM-SYM

• Target: Unorganised workers aged 18-40; monthly income up to ₹15,000.
• Pension: Minimum assured ₹3,000/month after 60.
• Contribution: ₹55-200/month (depending on age); equal Central Government contribution.

Conclusion

India’s social security framework has expanded significantly—from 19% coverage (2015) to 68.4% (2026), bringing over one billion people within its ambit. EPFO’s contributing members rose from 3.49 crore to ~7.98 crore; pensioners from 51.04 lakh to ~82 lakh; claims settled from 1.30 crore to 6.42 crore. The wage ceiling increase to ₹25,000 brings 51 lakh additional employees. Digital reforms—self-generated UAN (1.74 crore), UMANG transactions (709 crore), EPFO 3.0 (settlement under 3 days)—simplify access. Beyond EPFO, e-Shram (31.89 crore registrations), PM-SYM, and the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana extend support to unorganised workers. The Code on Social Security, 2020 consolidates nine laws, covering gig and platform workers. Together, these measures contribute to a more inclusive and accessible social security system.

Practice Question

68. India’s social security coverage has expanded from 19% in 2015 to 68.4% in 2026, bringing over one billion people within the framework. Critically examine the initiatives, achievements, and challenges in strengthening worker protection in India. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2330727&reg=3&lang=1

GS II – Governance / GS II – Social Justice
Social Security, Unorganised Workers, and Labour Federalism

Introduction

One year after the implementation of the Code on Social Security, the Union Labour Ministry has constituted the National Social Security Boards for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers. The constitution of the boards, though delayed, is a welcome step. However, the highly centralised nature of this mechanism may hinder its optimal outcomes. By design, the Union Government controls both Boards—they will be chaired by Union Minister for Labour Mansukh Mandaviya. Labour is in the Concurrent List; both States and the Union must work together to improve living standards of workers. The Union Government claims social security coverage increased from 19% (2015) to 64.3% (2025)—around 94 crore citizens. However, unorganised and gig and platform workers, who make up more than 92% of the country’s total workforce, are far from enjoying any social security under the ILO definition.

The New Boards: Composition and Concerns

Board for Unorganised Sector Workers

• Members: 40, nominated by Union Government.
• Representation: Seven members representing unorganised sector workers; seven representing employers.

Board for Gig and Platform Workers

• Members: 22.
• Representation: Five representatives each from aggregators and workers.

The Centralisation Concern

• Union Government Control: Both Boards chaired by Union Labour Minister; members nominated by Centre.
• No Significant Representation: Central Trade Unions from Opposition; State Governments ruled by Opposition.
• Federal Principle: Labour is in Concurrent List; States must be partners.

The Definitional Gap

ILO Definition

• Social Security: “Protection that a society provides to individuals and households to ensure access to health care and to guarantee income security, particularly in cases of old age, unemployment, sickness, invalidity, work injury, maternity or loss of a breadwinner.”

The Coverage Claim vs. Reality

• Government Claim: 64.3% coverage (94 crore citizens).
• Reality: Unorganised and gig and platform workers—92%+ of workforce—far from enjoying social security under this definition.

Unaddressed Recommendations

National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector (NCEUS)

• Headed By: Economist Arjun Sengupta.
• Recommendations: Slew of measures to improve social security of informal sector workers.
• Status: Issues raised nearly two decades ago remain unaddressed.

Justice V. Gopala Gowda Report (Kerala, March 2026)

• Flagged: Anti-federal and anti-worker characteristics in the Social Security Code.
• Suggested: Amendments.
• Implication: Concerns about centralisation and worker protection persist.

Way Forward

Inclusive Composition

• Trade Unions: Include Central Trade Unions from all sides.
• State Governments: Ensure representation of States, including Opposition-ruled.
• Federal Partnership: Labour is in Concurrent List; States must be co-owners.

Address Definitional Gaps

• Universal Social Security: Move beyond the current narrow coverage claim.
• Unorganised Workers: 92%+ of workforce needs meaningful protection—health, income security, old age, maternity.

Implement Recommendations

• NCEUS: Revive and implement Sengupta Commission recommendations.
• Gowda Report: Consider amendments to address anti-federal and anti-worker provisions.
• State Consultations: Engage States before creating new systems.

Strengthen Delivery

• e-Shram: Leverage 31.89 crore registrations for targeted delivery.
• Digital Platforms: Simplify access; reduce exclusion errors.
• Awareness: Inform workers of entitlements.

Conclusion

The constitution of National Social Security Boards for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers is a welcome step—but delayed and highly centralised. The Union Government controls both Boards; there is no significant representation of Opposition trade unions or Opposition-ruled States. Labour is in the Concurrent List; both States and the Union must work together. The Union Government claims 64.3% coverage (94 crore citizens), but unorganised and gig and platform workers—92%+ of the workforce—are far from enjoying social security under the ILO definition. The NCEUS (Sengupta Commission) recommendations remain unaddressed; the Gowda Report flagged anti-federal and anti-worker characteristics in the Code. The Union Government should take trade unions and State Governments on board while creating new systems to address the social security concerns of the vast majority of workers.

Practice Question

1. The National Social Security Boards for unorganised, gig, and platform workers are a welcome step, but their highly centralised nature may hinder optimal outcomes. Critically examine the composition, concerns, and way forward for social security of unorganised workers in India. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/suboptimal-outcomes-on-social-security-boards-for-unorganised-gig-platform-workers/article71646647.ece