Current Affairs, 23 October 2026

Nodal body

The DGFSCDHG under the Ministry of Home Affairs runs the pilot, in coordination with the Indian Army.

Participating States/UTs

Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Training content

The course covers threat awareness (hybrid warfare, drones, air raids), protection and emergency response (including CBRN awareness), and communication and coordination.

Don’t confuse with Civil Defence vs Home Guards: Both are under the same Directorate General, but they are separate volunteer forces. Civil Defence is mainly about protecting civilians from hostile attack and disasters; Home Guards assist the police.

Don’t confuse with Civil Defence vs NDRF: The NDRF is a specialised, full-time force for disaster response. Civil Defence relies on trained volunteers in the community.

Defence: Prelims tests exercises (with whom), equipment (who makes it) and firsts.

1. 2025Mains GS4 · Q12Administrator's response to civilian casualties from nearby military-rebel fighting
2. 2025Mains GS4 · Q7Deputy Commissioner's administrative response to cloudburst disaster and displaced people
3. 2023Prelims Q91Statements on Home Guards' legal basis, auxiliary police role, and border battalions
4. 2026Prelims Q64Which listed conventions India has not ratified, including Geneva Civilian Persons Convention

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Who leads it

The Union Department of Fisheries leads the plan, working with BOBP-IGO.

Framework

The plan is developed under the framework of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

Coverage

The plan covers many inland water systems, from rivers to cold-water systems.

Production data

India's annual fish production is 19.7 million tonnes, about three-fourths of it from inland fisheries.

Timeline

The plan will be finalised after stakeholder consultations and launched publicly the next month.

FAO

FAO is a UN specialised agency headquartered in Rome.

Don’t confuse with Inland vs marine fisheries: This plan is for inland waters such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, not for sea fisheries.

Don’t confuse with BOBP-IGO vs FAO: BOBP-IGO is an intergovernmental body of Bay of Bengal countries that supports the work. FAO is the UN agency whose framework is used.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

1. 2017Mains GS1 · Q16Converting floods into sustainable irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India.
2. 2018Mains GS1 · Q15Define blue revolution; explain problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.
3. 2025Mains GS1 · Q5Non-farm primary activities and their links to India's physiographic features.
4. 2012Prelims Q46Statements on wetland area: Gujarat's extent and coastal versus inland wetlands.
5. 2026Prelims Q38FAO's Four Betters for Blue Transformation: which combination is correct?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Who did the study

Scientists at ARIES, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, led the work. Researchers from Poland and MJP Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, also took part.

Key mechanism

When the viscosity of the accretion flow exceeds a critical value, the normally stable shock in the disc becomes unstable and oscillates. This produces QPOs.

Effect of spin

In slowly spinning black holes the shock sits farther out and gives mainly low-frequency QPOs. Rapid spin pulls the shock closer and gives QPOs over a much wider range of frequencies.

Predicted frequency

For very high spin and a black hole about ten solar masses, predicted QPO frequencies can exceed 100 Hz, similar to those observed in X-ray binaries.

Claimed first

The researchers say it is the first numerical study of an accretion flow with viscosity that also uses the thermodynamic relations of a relativistic fluid.

Don’t confuse with QPOs vs black hole spin: Spin is a property of the black hole. QPOs are variations in the brightness of the emitted radiation, which the study links to spin through the shock position.

Don’t confuse with Accretion disc vs event horizon: The accretion disc is the infalling matter around the black hole. The event horizon is the boundary beyond which even light cannot escape.

Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Implementing ministry

AVYAY is run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Grants-in-aid go to NGOs, State Governments, Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies.

Facilities supported

IPSrC supports 764 Senior Citizen Homes, 13 Continuous Care Homes, 17 Mobile Medicare Units and 3 Physiotherapy Clinics.

Components

IPSrC is one of three key components, along with the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC) and Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs).

RRTC support

Each RRTC gets annual financial support of ₹19.58 lakh under the scheme guidelines.

RRTC role

RRTCs are regional nodal agencies for capacity building, training, research, documentation, awareness and advocacy on ageing.

State flexibility

States and UTs may use up to 20 per cent of allocated funds for state-specific programmes, and are expected to add their own resources.

Senior Citizen Homes

142 new homes have been sanctioned to expand institutional care across the country.

Beneficiaries of care services

More than 2.88 lakh senior citizens received shelter, food, healthcare, physiotherapy and recreation support.

Assistive device camps

228 camps covered over 4.91 lakh beneficiaries; around 23.93 lakh free devices were distributed, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking sticks and spectacles.

Eligibility for devices

Devices go to eligible senior citizens in BPL categories and low-income groups.

Senior Citizen's Welfare Portal

Launched by the President of India as a one-stop platform for information on senior citizens' welfare.

Legal basis

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 makes maintenance of parents a legal duty of children and relatives.

Don’t confuse with AVYAY vs Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana: AVYAY is the umbrella scheme for care homes, state plans and training centres. RVY separately gives free assistive devices to elderly people from BPL families.

Don’t confuse with AVYAY vs the 2007 Act: AVYAY is a welfare scheme giving grants. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is the law on maintenance.

Don’t confuse with RVY vs IGNOAPS: Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana gives free assistive devices to elderly BPL persons (Social Justice Ministry). The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme gives monthly pension to elderly BPL persons (Rural Development Ministry, under NSAP).

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2018Mains GS4 · Q7Ethical dilemma in identifying beneficiaries of a healthcare scheme for senior citizens
2. 2013Mains GS1 · Q17Critically examine the effect of globalization on India's aged population
3. 2020Mains GS2 · Q6Discuss need for health care policies in geriatric and maternal health for social development
4. 2016Mains GS4 · Q11Officer dilemma helping an old destitute illiterate woman without eligibility documents
5. 2004Prelims Q9Which statement is incorrect about Annapurna scheme for indigent senior citizens and food grains
6. 2020Prelims Q9Which citizens get free legal services from Legal Services Authorities, including senior citizens
7. 2024Prelims Q100Statements on PM-SYM pension eligibility, contributions, minimum pension and family pension

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Committee chair

Dr. M. Srinivas, Member of NITI Aayog, chairs the committee. Preeti Sudan and Dr. Naresh Trehan are members.

Deadline

The committee has two months from its first meeting to submit recommendations, after consultations.

Nature of UCPMP 2015

The 2015 code was voluntary and industry-led, a self-regulatory mechanism.

UCPMP 2024

UCPMP 2024 replaced the 2015 version and is the code now in operation.

Statutory option

The terms of reference ask the committee to suggest regulatory or statutory measures and a legal framework if needed. This points to a possible move beyond voluntary compliance.

Don’t confuse with UCPMP vs IMC Regulations: The UCPMP is a code for pharma companies and their agents. The Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 bind doctors and bar them from accepting gifts and similar benefits from companies.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2015Mains GS4 · Q11Ethical dilemma of a pharma firm on developing a costly drug for tribal disease
2. 2018Mains GS4 · Q1Distinguish code of ethics from code of conduct, with suitable examples
3. 2024Mains GS4 · Q12Ethical handling of pressure to rush a pharma company's drug trials

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Wage guarantee

The Act guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household. It came into force on 1 July 2026.

Works for fodder

22 works out of 375 permissible works relate to fodder and livestock infrastructure, such as fodder banks, silage units, pastures, shelters, milk collection centres and veterinary centres.

5% spending target

States are encouraged to raise spending on fodder and livestock works progressively towards at least 5% of total programme expenditure, where local needs and plans support it.

Planning route

Fodder works are to be integrated into Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans approved through the Gram Sabha. ICAR–IGFRI state-wise Fodder Resource Development Plans can guide district and block planning.

Statutory safeguards

Safeguards include compulsory social audit, a district-level 40% ceiling on the material component, weekly public disclosure and grievance redressal.

Livestock-dependent focus

Gram Panchayats with more than 30% livestock-dependent population may get particular attention.

Levels of redress

State Governments must set up the mechanism at Gram Panchayat, Block and District levels, each with designated Grievance Redressal Officers.

District role

The District Programme Coordinator oversees grievance redressal at the district level.

No refusal

A grievance cannot be refused registration for its format, language, manner of submission or any procedural deficiency.

Escalation

A grievance unresolved within 15 days goes to the next higher level in the State's mechanism and is monitored electronically until resolved.

Appeals

Appeals against orders under the mechanism are filed and disposed of as per Schedule I to the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025.

Start of nationwide implementation

The scheme has been implemented across all rural areas from 1 July 2026.

Face authentication

Face authentication was added to the NMMS app in March 2026 to curb fake attendance and wages claimed in others' names.

Technical partner and new features

The upgraded app was built with IIT Madras support. It adds device-level security, AI-based verification and anti-tampering safeguards.

Wage payment safeguards

Wages follow measurement in the electronic Measurement Book and are paid by DBT to bank accounts. Suspicious photo entries lead to the wage list and Fund Transfer Order being withheld.

Livelihood share

Livelihood-related works are 26 percent of the total, against 1.1 percent earlier.

Disaster category

A dedicated disaster preparedness and extreme weather category of 38 works is included for the first time.

Don’t confuse with DoRD vs DAHD: DoRD sits in the Ministry of Rural Development and runs the employment Act. DAHD sits in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and handles livestock policy.

Don’t confuse with Material ceiling vs spending target: The 40% ceiling on the material component is a binding district-level safeguard. The 5% fodder spending level is only an encouraged target.

Don’t confuse with Enquiry time vs resolution time: Enquiry must finish in seven working days; the full grievance must be resolved within 15 days of receipt.

Don’t confuse with NMMS app vs e-MB: The NMMS app records worker attendance. The electronic Measurement Book records the work actually done, as measured by technical engineers, and wages are based on it.

Don’t confuse with VB–G RAM G vs the previous scheme: VB–G RAM G is the 2025 Act whose Schedule has 375 works; the 'previous framework' had 266 works.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2025Mains GS4 · Q11Describe MGNREGA's objective of legal wage employment guarantee
2. 2020Mains GS2 · Q17Role of SHGs in rural asset creation and income security
3. 2020Mains GS4 · Q9Case study on tribal rural poverty, welfare gaps and youth migration for employment
4. 2019Mains GS2 · Q18Why welfare schemes fail without beneficiary awareness and involvement
5. 2006Prelims Q73Whether 100-day rural employment is a fundamental right and women's priority
6. 2011Prelims Q41Who is eligible to benefit under the MGNREGA employment guarantee
7. 2006Prelims Q22Whether NREGA mandates statutory minimum wage for agricultural workers

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Chair

The Union Finance Minister chairs the FSDC. Its members include heads of the financial regulators and senior Finance Ministry officials.

Sub-Committee

An FSDC Sub-Committee is chaired by the RBI Governor. It reports on its activities and on action taken on past decisions.

Cyber strategy

The Council took note of the Financial Sector Cyber Security Strategy, prepared by an Inter-Ministerial Group of regulators and cybersecurity agencies.

Unclaimed assets

The Finance Minister urged faster refund of unclaimed assets such as bank deposits, dividends, shares, insurance and pension funds.

Meeting frequency

The Minister asked that FSDC meetings be held more often, on a fixed schedule.

Legal basis

The FSDC was set up in 2010 by government decision and has no statutory backing.

Don’t confuse with FSDC vs FSDC Sub-Committee: The FSDC is chaired by the Finance Minister. Its Sub-Committee is chaired by the RBI Governor.

Don’t confuse with FSDC vs Financial Stability Report: The FSDC is a coordination body. The Financial Stability Report is a half-yearly RBI publication.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2015Mains GS2 · Q16Discuss the need for autonomous regulatory institutions, recent experiences.
2. 2013Mains GS2 · Q8Justify merging SEBI and IRDA due to product overlap.
3. 2016Prelims Q56Which statements about FSDC are correct? Tests its composition and mandate.
4. 2016Prelims Q75Which body prepares the Global Financial Stability Report?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.