DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 29th October 2026

Science & Technology | Health

Why in the news?

A recent The Hindu article examines the increasing use of coronary stents in India and questions whether all detected arterial blockages require angioplasty. 

What is Angioplasty?

• A minimally invasive procedure to open narrowed or blocked arteries.
• Also called Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) when performed on coronary arteries.
• A balloon catheter widens the artery; a stent (small mesh tube) may be inserted to keep it open.

When is it required?

• Acute heart attack (STEMI): Emergency angioplasty can restore blood flow and limit heart-muscle damage.
• Unstable angina: May be required depending on clinical risk.
• Stable coronary artery disease: Usually considered when symptoms persist despite medication or specific high-risk blockages are present.

Why is every blockage not treated with a stent?

• Angiographic narrowing does not always mean significantly reduced blood flow.
• Medicines and lifestyle changes can manage many cases of stable coronary artery disease.
• The ISCHEMIA Trial (2020) found no significant reduction in major cardiovascular events or mortality from an initial invasive strategy compared with conservative medical treatment in patients with stable coronary disease.
• Stents treat a specific blockage; they do not cure underlying atherosclerosis. 

Concerns in India

• Possible overuse of stents and commercial pressures.
• Information asymmetry and inadequate informed consent.
• Need for clinical audits, transparent treatment protocols and second opinions in non-emergency cases.

Sources: 

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/are-coronary-stents-necessary/article71633062.ece

Science & Technology | Biotechnology | Human Health

Why in the news?

Research on ageing immune cells suggests that senescent alveolar macrophages can promote early-stage lung tumour development by suppressing anti-tumour immune responses. The findings are based largely on experimental mouse models, with supporting observations in human lung tissue. 

What are macrophages?

• Macrophages are specialised white blood cells belonging to the innate immune system.
• They engulf pathogens, dead cells and cellular debris through phagocytosis.
• They also regulate inflammation, tissue repair and antigen presentation.
• Alveolar macrophages are found in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs and help clear inhaled particles and microbes.

How can ageing macrophages promote cancer?

• With ageing, some macrophages undergo cellular senescence—a state in which cells stop dividing but remain metabolically active.
• These cells may release inflammatory molecules collectively called the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP).
• Senescent alveolar macrophages can suppress cytotoxic T-cell activity, weakening immune surveillance.
• This may create a local environment favourable to early tumour development. 

Key research findings

• Senescent alveolar macrophages expressing markers such as p16INK4a and CXCR1 accumulated in ageing and tumour-bearing mouse lungs.
• Their removal using senolytic approaches reduced early lung tumour development in mouse models.
• Similar macrophage characteristics were observed in human lung adenocarcinoma in situ.
• These findings do not establish an approved preventive treatment for human lung cancer. 

Important terms

• Cellular senescence: Permanent or prolonged cell-cycle arrest, often associated with ageing and cellular stress.
• SASP: Inflammatory and signalling molecules secreted by senescent cells.
• Senolytics: Experimental drugs designed to selectively eliminate senescent cells.
• Cytotoxic T cells: Immune cells that destroy infected or abnormal cells.
• Phagocytosis: Process through which cells engulf and digest foreign particles or debris.

Sources: 

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41423-026-01486-9

International Relations | Sports Governance | International Organisations

Why in the news?

India was re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau representing Asia-Pacific (Group IV) under UNESCO’s International Convention against Doping in Sport for the 2025–2027 term. India also hosted key Bureau and Fund Approval Committee meetings in New Delhi in October 2026. 

International Convention against Doping in Sport

• Adopted: 19 October 2005 by UNESCO.
• Entered into force: 1 February 2007.
• Nature: The only legally binding international treaty specifically dedicated to combating doping in sport.
• Objective: Promote fair play, protect athletes’ health and harmonise anti-doping policies globally.
• Implementation: Countries align domestic laws and policies with the Convention and cooperate with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Institutional framework

• Conference of Parties (COP): Governing body of the Convention; brings together States Parties to review implementation and take decisions.
• COP Bureau: Provides oversight and facilitates the work of the Conference of Parties.
• Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport: Supports anti-doping education, capacity-building, research and implementation, particularly in developing countries.
• WADA: Independent international agency that coordinates the global fight against doping; works with governments and sports organisations.

India’s role and initiatives

• India represents Asia-Pacific (Group IV) as Vice-Chairperson for 2025–2027.
• National Anti-Doping Act, 2022, along with its 2025 Amendment, came into force in July 2026.
• NADA conducted over 7,000 tests and 350+ awareness sessions during 2025–26, reaching around 27,000 participants.
• The Know Your Medicine mobile application helps athletes check medicines for prohibited substances. 

Sources:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2328940&reg=3&lang=1

International Relations | Defence Cooperation

Why in the news?

The 10th edition of Exercise Garuda Shakti was conducted from 3–12 December 2025 at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The latest edition, the 11th, commenced on 27 October 2026 at Banyuwangi, Indonesia. 

Key facts

• Participating countries: India and Indonesia.
• Nature: Bilateral joint Special Forces exercise.
• Indian contingent: Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
• Indonesian contingent: Indonesian Special Forces.
• Frequency: Conducted on a reciprocal basis.
• First edition: 2012.

Focus areas

• Special operations in jungle and semi-mountainous terrain.
• Counter-terrorism tactics and combat shooting.
• Sniping, unarmed combat and heliborne operations.
• Drone and counter-drone operations.
• Mountaineering, air assault and tactical coordination.
• Exchange of expertise on weapons, equipment and operational practices. 

Significance

• Enhances interoperability and coordination between Special Forces.
• Strengthens counter-terrorism and specialised combat capabilities.
• Promotes defence cooperation and strategic partnership between India and Indonesia.
• Improves preparedness for complex operational environments.

Sources: 

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2328954&reg=48&lang=1

Science & Technology | Research & Development | Innovation

Why in the news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 27 October 2026. The three-day conclave (27–29 October) focuses on 12 priority areas of science and technology. 

Key facts

• Theme: “Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Technologies.”
• Organiser: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Guidance: Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
• Organising partner: CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST).
• Participants: Scientists, Nobel laureates, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and deep-tech startups.
• Participation: Over 5,000 delegates on the inaugural day; around 150 deep-tech startup stalls. 

Twelve thematic areas

1. Advanced Manufacturing
2. Energy Technologies
3. System and Synthetic Biology
4. Ocean Science and Maritime Technologies
5. Intelligent Networks and Quantum Communication
6. Semiconductors and Next-generation Chips
7. Agri-Tech, Food Systems and Nutrition
8. Generative and Autonomous AI
9. Autonomous Systems, Physical AI and Robotics
10. Preventive Medicine and Advanced Healthcare
11. Immersive Technologies: Generative XR and Spatial Computing
12. Space Science and Technologies. 

Key initiatives and significance

• Global Connect Networking Event: Brings together 300+ participants to promote international research partnerships and industry–academia collaboration.
• Deep-tech showcase: Provides startups a platform to demonstrate indigenous technological innovations.
• Research-to-market linkages: Promotes translation of laboratory research into commercial products.
• Strategic self-reliance: Strengthens indigenous capabilities in semiconductors, AI, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
• Viksit Bharat@2047: Aligns scientific research with national development priorities. 

Sources: 

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/pm-modi-estic-2026-science-technology-innovation-speech-3026269-2026-10-27

GS III – Science & Technology / GS III – Economy
Space Technology, Indigenous Innovation, and Space Economy

Introduction

India’s space journey began in 1963 with a sounding rocket launched from Thumba, Kerala. It now looks ahead to the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station. New technologies—reusable launch vehicles, electric, green and nuclear propulsion, and in-orbit servicing—are driving this progress. Through SpaDeX, India became the fourth country to achieve autonomous docking of two spacecraft in orbit. Gaganyaan is advancing human spaceflight goals. India’s space economy is targeted to reach US$44 billion by 2033**; cumulative investment in space start-ups reached approximately **US$618.5 million (31 March 2026), with NSIL signing 118 Technology Transfer Agreements for 83 ISRO technologies.

Historical Foundation

Early Milestones

• INCOSPAR (1962): Established under Dr Vikram A. Sarabhai’s vision.
• First Sounding Rocket: 21 November 1963, Thumba, Kerala.
• ISRO Formed: 15 August 1969; brought under Department of Space in 1972.
• Philosophy: Development-first—using space technology to solve problems on the ground.

Applications Today

• Communication Satellites: Connectivity to remote areas.
• Earth Observation: Agriculture, disaster assessment, planning, environmental monitoring.
• Weather Satellites: Cyclone/monsoon tracking; early warnings.
• National Security: Space-based communication systems.

Next-Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV)

Current Launch Vehicles

• PSLV: Up to 1,750 kg to 600-km SSPO; 1,425 kg to Sub-GTO.
• GSLV: Indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage; 2-tonne class to GTO.
• LVM3: 4-tonne class to GTO; 10-tonne class to LEO.
• SSLV: Three-stage, ~120 tonnes; ~500-kg class to 500-km planar orbit.

NGLV (Approved September 2024)

• Outlay: ₹8,240 crore.
• Capacity: 30 tonnes to LEO—triples current capability.
• Reusable Variant: 14-tonne LEO payload; lower-cost access.
• Applications: Human spaceflight to Bharatiya Antariksh Station; lunar/interplanetary exploration; communication and earth observation constellations.

Key Terms

• SSO: Near-polar orbit; same local solar time; comparable illumination.
• GTO: Elliptical intermediate orbit; perigee few hundred km; apogee ~35,786 km; satellite fires apogee motor to circularise.
• Cryogenic Upper Stage: Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) fuel; liquid oxygen (LOX) oxidiser; replaced Russian-supplied stage.

Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)

Pushpak Demonstrations

• RLV Landing Experiments: 2 April 2023; 22 March 2024; 23 June 2024.
• LEX-03: Validated autonomous landing under challenging cross-range and wind conditions.
• Technologies: Controlled atmospheric re-entry; autonomous navigation; aerodynamic flight; precision landing.

Scramjet Technology

• Definition: Air-breathing jet engine; carries only fuel; draws oxygen from air; lighter than conventional rockets.
• Speed: Mach 5+ is hypersonic.
• India’s Test: 28 August 2016—Mach 6; fourth country to demonstrate.
• Recent: 22 July 2024—RH-560 sounding rocket flight for air-breathing propulsion.

Indigenous Space Hardware and Critical Technologies

Electric Propulsion

• Principle: Electrical energy accelerates propellant; much less propellant than chemical propulsion.
• Achievement: 27 March 2025—1,000-hour life test of indigenous 300 mN stationary plasma thruster.
• Efficiency: Specific impulse at least six times conventional propulsion.
• Validation: Planned aboard Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS-01); orbit raising and station keeping.

Green Propulsion

• ISROSENE: Rocket-grade kerosene; LOX-kerosene for semicryogenic engines.
• Bellatrix Aerospace: 1 N-class green monopropellant thruster; demonstrated on PSLV-C58 (January 2024).

Radioisotope Heating and Power

• RHU (Radioisotope Heater Units): Supply heat.
• RTG (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators): Convert heat into electrical power.
• Collaboration: ISRO-DAE; possible future Chandrayaan and Mars missions.

In-Space Operations and Human Spaceflight

SpaDeX Mission

• First Docking: 16 January 2025.
• Second Docking (Full Autonomy): 20 April 2025; from 15 m inter-satellite distance.
• Power Transfer: 21 April 2025—bidirectional between docked satellites.
• Significance: India became fourth country after US, Russia, China.
• Applications: Sample return from Moon; Bharatiya Antariksh Station; in-orbit servicing (refuelling, repair, upgrading).

Next-Generation Navigation and Communications

NavIC

• Coverage: India and up to 1,500 km beyond.
• Services: Standard Positioning Service (civilian); Restricted Service (encrypted, authorised).
• Applications: Terrestrial, aerial, maritime navigation; surveying; vehicle tracking; precise timing; emergency warnings for fishermen.

Communication Satellites

• GSAT-24: Launched 23 June 2022 (Ariane-5); DTH television.
• GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20): Launched 19 November 2024; ~48 Gbps; broadband and in-flight connectivity.
• CMS-03 (GSAT-7R): Launched 2 November 2025; dedicated Indian Navy communication satellite.

Advanced Earth Observation Satellites

Recent Launches

• 22 Satellites (Dec 2020-Dec 2025): Including seven Earth observation satellites.

NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)

• Launched: 30 July 2025 (GSLV-F16, Sriharikota).
• First Dual-Frequency: NASA’s L-band + ISRO’s S-band.
• Capabilities: All-weather, day/night; observes land and ice every 12 days.
• Applications: Ground deformation, glacier movement, vegetation changes, soil moisture, natural hazards, coastal monitoring.

HysIS (Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite)

• Launched: 29 November 2018.
• Wavelengths: Visible, near-infrared, shortwave-infrared.
• Applications: Agriculture, forestry, soil/geological studies, coastal zones, inland waters.
• Launch: Alongside 30 foreign satellites from eight countries; 23 from US; demonstrated PSLV’s multi-satellite deployment capability.

Way Forward: Building a US$44 Billion Space Economy

Economic Targets

• Space Economy: US$44 billion by 2033 (Department of Space).
• Technology Transfers: NSIL signed 118 agreements for 83 ISRO technologies.
• Start-up Investment: ~US$618.5 million (31 March 2026); shift from seed to growth-stage.

Key Priorities

• Self-Reliance: Indigenous propulsion, launch vehicles, navigation, communication.
• Private Participation: Start-ups; technology transfer; commercial missions.
• Human Spaceflight: Gaganyaan; Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
• Global Competitiveness: NGLV; reusable systems; in-space servicing.

Conclusion

India’s space journey—from Thumba (1963) to the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station—reflects a development-first philosophy that has grown into a self-reliant, globally respected space programme. Emerging technologies—NGLV (30 tonnes to LEO; ₹8,240 crore), RLV (Pushpak), scramjet (Mach 6), electric propulsion (300 mN thruster; 6x efficiency), green propulsion, radioisotope power, SpaDeX docking (fourth country), NavIC, GSAT-N2, NISAR, and HysIS—are building capability. The space economy targets US$44 billion by 2033; NSIL has signed 118 technology transfer agreements; start-up investment reached ~US$618.5 million. India’s new-age space technologies are not only advancing national capability but also building a strong, enterprise-led space economy for the years ahead.

Practice Question

2033. India’s new-age space technologies—NGLV, reusable launch vehicles, electric propulsion, and in-orbit docking—are advancing self-reliance and building a US$44 billion space economy by 2033. Critically examine the technologies, achievements, and challenges in India’s space sector transformation. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2329355&reg=3&lang=1

GS III – Environment / GS II – International Relations
Climate Policy, Nationally Determined Contributions, and Energy Transition

Introduction

At the historic Paris Agreement in 2015, India promised 40% non-fossil power capacity by 2030—achieved in 2021, nine years early. It pledged to cut emissions intensity by 33-35% from 2005 levels—met with a decade to spare. In 2022, it raised the bar to 50% clean energy capacity—cleared in 2025, five years ahead of schedule. Few major economies can boast such a record. But the problem is: India’s pledges ask little more than what the country is already on track to do. India is gaming a system that only works if countries push themselves. With the Hormuz crisis sending oil back above $100 a barrel, and ahead of COP31 in Antalya (opening November 9), it is time for India to set ambitious climate targets—because this is now the cheaper, safer path for India itself.

The Problem: Weak Targets

March 2026 Pledge

• 60% Clean Energy Capacity by 2035: Despite already reaching nearly 53% in February 2026.
• 47% Emissions Intensity Cut by 2035: A tiny two-point increase from its 2030 target.
• Pace Required: Less than half the annual pace of improvement India has managed so far.
• Intensity Metric Skewed: If an economy doubles while cutting intensity by 40%, it still emits 20% more.

No Absolute Limits

• UN Announcement (September): Failure to limit global warming to 1.5°C; called for mass carbon removal, with no feasible ways to do so.
• India’s Pledges: Place no limit on how much it can emit; total emissions keep rising.
• Most Major Economies: Committed to absolute limits, including China (first absolute target last year).
• India: Now the largest emitter still in the Paris Agreement without an absolute target.

Fossil Fuel Expansion

• Coal Capacity Target: 307 GW by 2035—46% more than 2025.
• Coal Generation: More than two-thirds of India’s electricity.
• Clean Sources: Supplied just 29% of power last year, despite >50% capacity.
• Coal Plant Lifespan: Approved this decade could run into the 2060s.

The Energy Security Case

Hormuz Vulnerability

• Crude Imports: ~half pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
• LNG: Qatar and UAE supply more than half of India’s LNG.
• Import Dependence: 88% of crude oil.

Coal Cannot Solve It

• Oil and Gas: Fuel cars and kitchens.
• Way Out: Electrify them.
• Cheapest Source: Increasingly the sun.

Cost Competitiveness

• Madhya Pradesh: Solar with batteries at ₹2.70/kWh—India’s lowest for such a project.
• Round-the-Clock Clean Power Auction: Winning bids at ₹5.25/kWh, fixed for 25 years.
• Coal Contracts (2025): ₹5.38-6.30/kWh, rising with fuel costs.
• IEA Estimate: Clean-energy path would cut India’s oil import bill by $1.4 trillion over two decades—enough to pay for extra investment.

Way Forward: Three Steps

Set Absolute Targets

• Name the Year: Power-sector emissions will peak.
• Absolute Limit: Rather than intensity goals—the kind the Paris Agreement encourages developing countries to move toward.

Measure What Matters

• Clean Electricity Generated: Not just installed capacity.
• Chile’s Example: Renewables law required 20% of electricity generation from new renewables by 2025; hit target six years early; raised goal to 70% by 2030.

Build the Grid

• Problem: Not generating clean power—delivering it.
• Curtailment: India curbed clean power output in most months of 2025 because the grid couldn’t absorb it.
• Transmission: Built only ~80% of planned capacity over five years; lost enough renewable power on a single day in March to supply five million urban households.
• China’s Example: After investing in power lines linking windy/sunny north to cities in south/east, cut wind and solar curtailment from 16% (2012) to under 3% (2022).

Conclusion

India has made a habit of beating the climate promises it files at the UN. It got to 40% non-fossil capacity nine years early, met its emissions intensity goal a decade early, and cleared 50% clean capacity five years ahead of schedule. But its pledges ask little more than what it is already on track to do. With Hormuz disrupted, oil above $100, and COP31 approaching, India should set ambitious targets: name the year power-sector emissions will peak; set an absolute limit; measure clean electricity generated, not just capacity; and build the grid. A clean-energy path would cut India’s oil import bill by $1.4 trillion over two decades—enough to pay for the extra investment. India should be more ambitious. It is time to file promises worth beating.

Practice Question

1. India has consistently beaten its climate targets but its pledges ask little more than what it is already on track to do; it must set absolute limits and measure clean electricity generated. Critically examine India’s climate commitments and suggest a more ambitious pathway. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-climate-targets-clean-energy-net-zero-emissions-10942538/