Why in News?

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan has announced that India aims to have four functional launch pads by 2029 to expand its space-launch capabilities and meet the growing demand for satellite deployment.

The plan includes developing a dedicated Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) complex at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.

Key Highlights

• Four launch pads by 2029: ISRO plans to expand its launch infrastructure to support more frequent space missions and commercial launches.

• Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport: A dedicated 2,000-acre facility is planned in the Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district of Tamil Nadu for SSLV missions.

• Essential infrastructure: The spaceport will include integration buildings, launch pads, rail-track systems, and telemetry, tracking, and command facilities.

• Private-sector participation: ISRO will support startups and private companies by sharing technological expertise and encouraging their participation in commercial space activities. Narayanan clarified that ISRO itself would not be privatized.

Gaganyaan Mission: Upcoming Tests

ISRO plans to conduct the first uncrewed Gaganyaan test within the next two months, followed by two more uncrewed tests before the crewed mission.

These tests will assess key systems, including environmental control, crew escape mechanisms, safety systems, and the crew module's performance under different pressure, temperature, and humidity conditions.

According to the ISRO chairman, around 8,000 ground-based experiments have been conducted for the mission. Four astronaut-designates are undergoing specialized training.

Chandrayaan-5: India–Japan Collaboration

ISRO is also planning Chandrayaan-5, a collaborative lunar mission with Japan's space agency. The mission is expected to feature a 350-kg rover designed to conduct scientific experiments on the lunar surface over 100 days.

Why in News?

The fifth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 5.0) will be held from November 28 to December 12, 2026, to strengthen the historical, cultural, and civilizational links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh.

Organized under the Ministry of Education, the program promotes the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by connecting people from different parts of India.

Theme of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0

The theme is “Thirukkural Payilvom—Thirukkural Abhyas Karen,” meaning “Let us learn the Thirukkural.”

The theme highlights the teachings of the Thirukkural, the classical Tamil text attributed to the poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, which covers ethics, governance, social conduct, and human values.

Objectives of Kashi Tamil Sangamam

• Strengthen the cultural and civilizational ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.

• Promote India’s classical languages, literature, and knowledge traditions.

• Encourage youth participation in cultural exchange.

• Celebrate India’s linguistic diversity and shared heritage.

• Advance the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Significance

Kashi Tamil Sangamam provides a platform for people from different regions to learn about each other’s traditions, literature, and cultural practices. Its focus on the Thirukkural also highlights the relevance of classical Indian literature in contemporary life.

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has created 11 crore unique digital Farmer IDs as of October 23, 2026, achieving the target around five months ahead of the March 31, 2027 deadline.

The milestone was announced by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on October 24, 2026.

What Is a Farmer ID?

A Farmer ID is a unique digital identity designed to help farmers access agricultural services and government benefits more easily. The initiative is being implemented under the Digital Agriculture Mission.

Key Highlights

• 11 crore Farmer IDs created: The target was achieved ahead of schedule through coordination between the Union Agriculture Ministry, state governments, and field-level officials.

• Simplified access to benefits: Farmer IDs are expected to facilitate access to government schemes, bank credit, crop insurance, and disaster relief.

• Reduced paperwork: Farmers may no longer need to submit the same documents repeatedly for different agricultural services.

• Improved transparency: Digital identification is intended to strengthen accountability and make agricultural service delivery more efficient.

• Technology-driven agriculture: The initiative aims to use digital systems to simplify administrative processes and improve access to government support.

Significance of Farmer IDs

The Farmer ID initiative can help reduce procedural delays and the time and money farmers spend accessing public services. It may also make the delivery of agricultural benefits more transparent and efficient by simplifying identification and verification.

Why in News?

Recently, At Gangaramaya Temple in Sri Lanka, SAMHiTA Project launched to strengthen Indo-Sri Lanka cultural relation, specially to emphasise shared buddhist heritage.

Note: This initiative pays attention to create a relational database and digital archive of Indian and broadly South Asian manuscripts housed in libraries, archives and repositories outside India — through collaboration with institutional partners worldwide.

Important Facts

1. Here, SAMHiTA stands for South Asian Manuscript Histories and Textual Archive.

2. It aims to digitise ancient manuscripts and preserve their historical, religious and cultural knowledge for future generations.

3. India International Centre, New Delhi is playing important role for this project.

4. Gangaramaya Temple has become the first institution in Sri Lanka to partner with the project.

Why in News?

According to the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026, India ranked 100th out of 122 countries, while Pakistan ranked 106th. The report highlights persistent nutritional challenges in India, particularly child stunting and wasting.

About the Global Hunger Index

• Released by: Jointly published by Welthungerhilfe (Germany) and Concern Worldwide (Ireland), in collaboration with partner institutions.

• Frequency: The index is published annually, not once every six years.

• Objective: Measures and tracks hunger and undernutrition across countries.

Four Indicators Used in GHI

1. Undernourishment: Share of the population unable to obtain sufficient dietary energy.

2. Child Stunting: Children under five with low height for their age, indicating chronic undernutrition.

3. Child Wasting: Children under five with low weight for their height, indicating acute undernutrition.

4. Child Mortality: Mortality rate among children below five years of age.

Global and Regional Comparison

• South Asia: GHI score of 23.5.

• World: GHI score of 18.1.

• South Asia's higher score indicates a greater hunger burden compared with the global average.

There is no single country that holds the absolute first rank. Instead, 24 countries are collectively tied for the first rank (Rank 1–24) because they all achieved the lowest possible hunger tier with individual scores below 5.0.

Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Paraguay, Romania, the Russian Federation, Serbia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan

The last 122nd rank is given to Sudan.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger by 2030

The Global Hunger Index 2026 is a wake-up call for India. Despite being a food surplus, India still faces hidden hunger—malnutrition, stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiency. Achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger by 2030 needs more than just grain distribution.

Why in News ?

1. Every year, 24th October is observed as World Polio Day.

2. This year's theme : One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio"

Important Facts

1. Rotary International, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) organise the day every year.

2. India was certified polio-free by the WHO in 2014, having recorded its last wild polio case in 2011.

3. Polio (poliomyelitis) is caused by the poliovirus, an enterovirus from the Picornaviridae family.

4. There is no cure for polio once contracted; This disease mainly affects children under five years of age. It attacks the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis

5. The polio vaccine is the only effective defense.

The major causes and risk factors include:

1. Contaminated water

2. Contaminated food

3. Poor sanitation

4. Poor personal hygiene

5. Lack of vaccination

चर्चा में क्यों?

1. हर साल 23 अक्टूबर को अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हिम तेंदुआ दिवस के रूप में आयोजित किया जाता है.

2. संयुक्त राष्ट्र महासभा ने वर्ष 2024 में 23 अक्टूबर को अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हिम तेंदुआ दिवस के रूप में घोषित किया। इसका उद्देश्य हिम तेंदुए के संरक्षण के प्रति जागरूकता बढ़ाना तथा इसके संरक्षण के लिए विभिन्न देशों के बीच सहयोग को मजबूत करना है।

3. 23 अक्टूबर 2013 को किर्गिस्तान की राजधानी बिश्केक में हिम तेंदुए के संरक्षण के लिए एक महत्त्वपूर्ण अंतरराष्ट्रीय पहल की गई थी। इसी दिन को ध्यान में रखते हुए यह दिवस मनाया जाता है।

हिम तेंदुए की छह रोचक विशेषताएँ

1. एक छलांग में लगभग 15 मीटर(लगभग 50 फीट) तक जाने की क्षमता

2. हिम तेंदुआ सामान्यतः एकांतप्रिय जानवर है

3. हिम तेंदुए के शरीर पर धूसर-सफेद फर और काले धब्बे होते हैं। यह रंग उसे चट्टानों, बर्फ और पहाड़ी वातावरण में छिपने में सहायता करता है।

4. हिम तेंदुआ जंगल में लगभग 15 से 18 वर्ष तक जीवित रह सकता है।

5. हिम तेंदुआ मध्य और दक्षिण एशिया के 12 देशों के पर्वतीय क्षेत्रों में पाया जाता है।

   इन देशों में भारत, नेपाल, भूटान, चीन, मंगोलिया, पाकिस्तान, अफगानिस्तान, रूस, कजाकिस्तान, किर्गिस्तान, ताजिकिस्तान और उज्बेकिस्तान शामिल हैं।

6. हिम तेंदुआ शेर और बाघ की तरह दहाड़ नहीं सकता। यह गुर्राने, म्याऊँ जैसी आवाजें निकालने, फुफकारने तथा अन्य ध्वनियों के माध्यम से संवाद करता है।

Why in News?

Recently, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has inaugurated the Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL) under The Ministry of Earth Sciences at the Delhi branch of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The facility has been established to identify the real-time sources, chemical composition, and potential health impacts of air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

Note: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh holds different portfolios, such as Ministry of Science and Technology: Minister of State (Independent Charge) and Ministry of Earth Sciences: Minister of State (Independent Charge), as well.

Key Features

• Source Identification: Identifies major pollution sources, including vehicular emissions, industries, crop-residue burning, construction activities, and road dust.

• Chemical Analysis: Analyzes PM2.5, metals, toxic elements, and other atmospheric pollutants to understand their composition and potential health effects.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Goes beyond AQI measurements to identify what is polluting the air and where it is coming from.

• AIRWISE Integration: Integrated with IITM's AIRWISE (Air Quality Warning and Integrated Decision Support System for Emissions) to strengthen air-quality forecasting and source identification.

• Forecasting Capability: AIRWISE provides air-quality forecasts at a spatial resolution of 400 meters for the next 72 hours.

• Policy Support: Provides scientific data to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and other agencies to plan targeted pollution-control measures and assess their effectiveness.

चर्चा में क्यों?

1. प्रोफेसर अशोक सेन को ऑस्कर क्लेन मेडल 2026 देने कि घोषणा की गई है.

2. यह सम्मान पाने वाले वह पहले भारतीय भौतिक विज्ञानी हैं।

3. श्री सेन की सैद्धांतिक भौतिकी (Theoretical Physics) में विशेषज्ञता है.

4. इनका जुड़ाव इंटरनेशनल सेंटर फॉर थियोरेटिकल साइंसेज (ICTS), बेंगलुरु से है.

5. इन्होंने स्ट्रिंग थ्योरी, S-duality, ब्लैक होल एंट्रॉपी की गणना और स्ट्रिंग फील्ड थ्योरी के क्षेत्र में महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान दिया है.

6. अशोक सेन को यह सम्मान उनके उन शोध कार्यों के लिए दिया गया है, जिन्होंने आधुनिक स्ट्रिंग थ्योरी को विकसित करने और गुरुत्वाकर्षण, क्वांटम भौतिकी तथा ब्लैक होल से जुड़े मूलभूत प्रश्नों को समझने में महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान दिया है।

ऑस्कर क्लेन मेडल क्या है?

1. स्वीडिश सैद्धांतिक भौतिक विज्ञानी ऑस्कर क्लेन के नाम पर इस मेडल का नाम पड़ा.

2. स्टॉकहोम विश्वविद्यालय तथा रॉयल स्वीडिश एकेडमी ऑफ साइंसेज की नोबेल समिति फॉर फिजिक्स मिलकर यह पुरस्कार प्रदान करते हैं.

स्ट्रिंग थ्योरी (String Theory)

यह आधुनिक सैद्धांतिक भौतिकी का एक ऐसा विचार है, जिसके अनुसार प्रकृति के सबसे सूक्ष्म स्तर पर मौलिक कणों को बिंदु जैसे कणों के बजाय अत्यंत सूक्ष्म, कंपन करने वाली स्ट्रिंग (तार जैसी संरचना) के रूप में समझा जा सकता है।

Why in News?

1. Om Prakash Mathur was sworn in as the 29th Governor of Keralam at Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.

2. Keralam High Court Chief Justice Soumen Sen administered the oath of office.

Key Highlights

Predecessor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who was transferred to Tamil Nadu.

Constitutional Role: According to Art. 154(1) The executive power of the State shall be vested in the Governor and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with this Constitution.

Legislative Powers: The Governor can summon and prorogue the State Legislature and grant assent to bills, in accordance with the Constitution.

Significance

The appointment marks a transition in Keralam’s gubernatorial office. The Governor plays an important constitutional role in state governance, legislative proceedings and the functioning of democratic institutions.

Why in News?

India’s first Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) estimated 718 snow leopards across the Indian Himalayas, according to Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh.

Key Highlights

Total Population: 718 snow leopards across the Indian Himalayan region.

Ladakh: Recorded the highest number, with 477 snow leopards.

Common Name: Popularly known as the “Ghost of the Mountains.”

Conservation Measures: Schedule I under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972; World Wild Life Status: Vulnerable

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): India extended privileges and immunities to the IBCA, its representatives and officials under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947.

Significance

The SPAI assessment provides an important baseline for snow leopard conservation and habitat management in India. Meanwhile, the recognition granted to IBCA strengthens international cooperation for protecting big cats and their ecosystems.

Why in News?

1. Scientists at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, have discovered a protein called DZIP3.

2. This protein detects viral RNA and activates the body's immune response against viral infections.

Key Highlights

DZIP3 Protein: Acts as both a viral RNA sensor and an activator of the cell's antiviral immune defence.

Mechanism: After detecting viral RNA, DZIP3 changes its shape and moves to the mitochondria, where it activates key immune defence proteins.

Type-I Interferons: The pathway triggers the production of Type-I interferons, signalling molecules that help inhibit viral multiplication.

Viruses Studied: The research demonstrated protection against several viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, Chikungunya and Japanese Encephalitis.

Significance

The discovery improves scientific understanding of how human cells recognise viral infections and activate early immune defences. Targeting DZIP3 could potentially support the development of broad-spectrum antiviral therapies against multiple viral diseases.

Why in News?

The bilateral naval exercise INDRA 2026 between the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) concluded successfully. Indian Naval Ship INS Sahyadri departed Vladivostok, Russia, on 20 October 2026 following the exercise.

Key Highlights

• Participating Navies: Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy.

• Location: Vladivostok, Russian Federation.

• Two Phases: The exercise comprised the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase.

• Harbour Phase: Included senior-level interactions, cross-deck visits, expert exchanges, operational coordination activities, sports and cultural events.

• Sea Phase: Featured coordinated manoeuvring, integrated communications, helicopter operations and medical evacuation drills.

• Operational Cooperation: The exercise enhanced communication, coordination and interoperability between the two navies.

Significance

INDRA 2026 reinforces the longstanding defence and maritime partnership between India and Russia. The exercise promotes naval interoperability, professional cooperation and mutual understanding while contributing to maritime security and a stable maritime environment.

Why in News?

The Indian Navy’s INS Trishul concluded its port call at Lisbon, Portugal, on 21 October aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and operational coordination between the Indian and Portuguese navies.

Key Highlights

Professional Engagement: The visit facilitated knowledge-sharing and the exchange of best practices between the two navies.

Diplomatic Engagement: India’s Ambassador to Portugal visited the ship and interacted with its officers and crew.

Cultural Exchange: An onboard event brought together Portuguese and Brazilian naval officers, diplomats, members of the Indian diaspora and other dignitaries.

Overseas Deployment: The port call formed part of INS Trishul’s overseas deployment, promoting professional engagement and friendly relations with maritime partners.

Significance

The visit reinforces India–Portugal maritime relations through naval diplomacy, professional cooperation and cultural exchange.