Current Affairs
Daily developments, reduced to what matters for the UPSC syllabus and your next answer.
- GS3Science & Technology
Assam gets ISRO radar facility to track objects in space
Assam's Chief Minister has laid the foundation of an ISRO radar facility at Chandrapur, near Guwahati. Part of Project NETRA, it will help India track satellites and space debris. Its first radar, meant for cloud research, is expected by February.
Read brief → - GS3Environment
Karnataka opposes Western Ghats eco-sensitive plan over livelihood fears
Karnataka says the Kasturirangan report's plan for the Western Ghats could hurt farmers living inside the proposed eco-sensitive area. Its Assembly has now rejected the report in its present form. The State wants ground surveys to separate forests from farms and villages.
Read brief → - GS2Polity
Supreme Court strikes down Maharashtra's methanol additive rules
The Supreme Court has struck down Maharashtra rules that forced sellers to dye industrial methanol and make it bitter. The rules aimed to stop deadly hooch, but the court found they burdened industry without stopping illegal diversion. It has suggested tighter tracking of methanol instead.
Read brief → - GS2Social Justice
Study says parental demands carry majoritarian ideas into private schools
A study in the Economic and Political Weekly argues that majoritarian ideas are entering private schools through parents, not only through the state. It says schools, keen to keep fee-paying families happy, accommodate such demands. That raises questions about equality, religious freedom and minority rights in schools.
Read brief → - GS3Environment
Tiny Bolivian cat is the first new living cat species in a century
A small spotted wild cat from Bolivia's cloud forests has been named a new species, Leopardus tilcayo. It is the first new living cat species described in more than a century. DNA tests showed that what scientists called one "tiger cat" species is really five.
Read brief → - GS3Science & Technology
How Gaganyaan's crew module will slow down using ten parachutes
A returning Gaganyaan capsule must slow from very high speed to a gentle sea landing. After air friction does most of the braking, ten parachutes opening in a fixed order finish the job. ISRO has tested this system through rocket-sled runs and helicopter drops.
Read brief → - GS2International Relations
India–New Zealand free trade agreement to take effect on 20 October
India's free trade agreement with New Zealand comes into force on 20 October 2026. New Zealand will remove duties on every Indian export from day one. India opens its market in stages and keeps core dairy products such as milk, cheese and butter out.
Read brief → - GS3Economy
Floating solar scheme approved as India's solar capacity crosses 162 GW
India's installed solar capacity has grown from about 3 GW in 2014 to 162.15 GW in June 2026. The government has now approved a ₹5,070 crore scheme to put 5,000 MW of solar panels on reservoirs, with energy storage built in. The next test is storing solar power and moving it to where it is needed.
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