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TOPPER IAS · CURRENT AFFAIRS INTELLIGENCE

29 October 2026

28 developments → 8 GS areas → 20 minutes · all editions · Read in: English · हिन्दी · ಕನ್ನಡ · తెలుగు · தமிழ் · മലയാളം · मराठी · ગુજરાતી · ଓଡ଼ିଆ · ਪੰਜਾਬੀ

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Today's 20-minute UPSC session

29 October 2026 · read the priority topics, take the test, revise what you missed

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Today's UPSC priority

5 topics you cannot afford to miss — and why

  1. Quick scan: small hydro powerEconomy · asked in UPSC 2008; factual, Prelims-type
  2. Union Cabinet approves ₹7,396 crore till FY31 for PM Viksit Gram Swaraj YojanaPolity · asked in UPSC 2018
  3. Quick scan: El Nino and the strength of Cyclone ArnabEnvironment · asked in UPSC 2011; factual, Prelims-type
  4. NPPA issues revised MRPs for 543 anti-cancer drug brands; Supreme Court reserves order on medicine pricesPolity · factual, Prelims-type
  5. Factory output growth slows to 6.7% in September as mining contractsEconomy · factual, Prelims-type
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Personalise: exam · Prelims / Mains · subject
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Must read 5 · Important 8 · Quick scan 15

High Prelims + Mains value · PYQ-linked · read fully

EconomyGAPrelims ★★★★★ Mains ★★★☆☆

Where does small hydro end and large hydro begin? The 25 MW line GS3 energy answers rely on

Quick scan: small hydro power

খবরে কেন? Hydro projects up to 25 MW are classed as small hydro in India.

প্রিলিমস Statement: In India, hydro projects with capacity up to 25 MW are classified as small hydro power projects. (Correct)

মেইনস GS3 (Energy - renewable sources): India's renewable mix includes small hydro, defined as projects up to 25 MW and overseen by MNRE, while larger stati…

🔁 PYQ · UPSC 2008Read · 2 min →Test
PolityGAPrelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★★★☆☆

₹7,396 crore for Panchayats till FY31: the 73rd Amendment and Part IX facts GS2 tests

Union Cabinet approves ₹7,396 crore till FY31 for PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana

খবরে কেন? Cabinet clears ₹7,396 crore till FY31 for PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana, with training for elected Panchayat representatives.

প্রিলিমস Part IX of the Constitution, inserted by the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, deals with Panchayats.

মেইনস GS2 (Governance, Panchayati Raj): Despite constitutional status under Part IX, Panchayats often lack funds, functions and functionaries. Schemes like …

🔁 PYQ · UPSC 2018Read · 2 min →Test
EnvironmentGAPrelims ★★★★★ Mains ★★☆☆☆

El Nino weakens the monsoon, but how? The Pacific warming concept GS1 climatology tests

Quick scan: El Nino and the strength of Cyclone Arnab

খবরে কেন? El Nino is abnormal Pacific warming; an explainer links it to Cyclone Arnab's intensity.

প্রিলিমস El Nino involves warming of surface waters of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

মেইনস GS1 (Geography - climatology) and GS3 (disaster management, agriculture). El Nino alters Pacific atmospheric circulation, often weakening the monsoon …

🔁 PYQ · UPSC 2011Read · 2 min →Test
Polity
PolityGAPrelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★★★☆☆

Which ministry controls drug ceiling prices? NPPA and the DPCO 2013 route, explained for GS2 health

NPPA issues revised MRPs for 543 anti-cancer drug brands; Supreme Court reserves order on medicine prices

খবরে কেন? NPPA revises MRPs of 543 cancer-drug brands; Supreme Court reserves order on medicine pricing petitions.

প্রিলিমস The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) functions under the Department of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, not the Health Ministry.

মেইনস GS2 (Health, regulatory bodies) and GS3 (Economy). Cancer drugs are costly and out-of-pocket spending is high, so the State regulates prices through D…

Read · 2 min →Test
Economy
EconomyGAPrelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★★★☆☆

Factory output slowed to 6.7%, mining shrank 6.2%: who compiles the IIP, GS3 asks

Factory output growth slows to 6.7% in September as mining contracts

খবরে কেন? IIP growth eases to 6.7% in September; mining falls 6.2% on a late monsoon.

প্রিলিমস The Index of Industrial Production is compiled and released by the National Statistics Office under MoSPI.

মেইনস GS3 (Economy - industry; economic indicators). The IIP is the main short-term gauge of industrial activity, and the September slowdown shows how weath…

Read · 2 min →Test

Next: Important →

Know the fact and the angle · 1 minute each

Economy
EconomyGAPrelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★★★☆☆

PLI pays for production, not promises: the Textiles scheme logic GS3 industrial policy answers need

Textiles PLI scheme: application portal reopens from 1 November

খবরে কেন? Textiles PLI portal reopens on 1 November with revised eligibility to widen participation.

প্রিলিমস A Production Linked Incentive scheme rewards firms with incentives on incremental production or sales, subject to investment thresholds.

মেইনস GS3 (Industrial policy): India's textile sector is labour-intensive but has been slow to scale in man-made fibres and technical textiles. PLI ties inc…

Read · 2 min →Test
EconomyGAPrelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★★★☆☆

$220 billion by FY30: the 500 GW non-fossil target every GS3 Energy answer must cite

PM to open Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo on 2 November; India needs $220 billion for green power by FY30

খবরে কেন? PM to open the renewable energy expo on 2 November; $220 billion needed for green power by FY30.

প্রিলিমস India's target is 500 GW of non-fossil fuel based installed electricity capacity by 2030, which includes solar, wind, hydro and nuclear, not only solar and wind.

মেইনস GS3 (Energy, Infrastructure, Environment): India's 500 GW non-fossil target by 2030 requires an estimated $220 billion for the green power transition …

Read · 2 min →Test
Society & SportsGAPrelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★☆☆☆☆

Why 15 November? The Birsa Munda day instituted in 2021 that GS1 and GS2 both cover

Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada to be observed from 1 to 15 November

খবরে কেন? Tribal Affairs Ministry to observe Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada, ending with Gaurav Diwas on 15 November.

প্রিলিমস Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is observed on 15 November, the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.

মেইনস GS1 (modern history) and GS2 (tribal welfare). Tribal resistance such as the Munda Ulgulan was long under-represented in the freedom struggle narrativ…

🔁 PYQ · KPSC 2023Read · 2 min →Test
EconomyGAPrelims ★★★☆☆ Mains ★★★☆☆

India-Mexico PTA talks begin: the tariff-list difference from an FTA that Prelims statements test

India and Mexico sign Terms of Reference to begin Preferential Trade Agreement talks

খবরে কেন? India and Mexico formally launch PTA negotiations after signing Terms of Reference.

প্রিলিমস A Preferential Trade Agreement lowers or removes tariffs on a negotiated list of products, not on all goods.

মেইনস GS2 (international relations) and GS3 (external trade): India is diversifying export markets beyond traditional partners, and a PTA with Mexico is a l…

Read · 2 min →Test
EconomyGAPrelims ★★★☆☆ Mains ★★★☆☆

Even an FTA gives no exemption: the UK carbon border tax and CCTS question GS3 now asks

UK CBAM: India seeks further talks ahead of 1 January carbon tax rollout

খবরে কেন? India seeks talks on the UK carbon border tax, which offers no exemption to FTA partners.

প্রিলিমস A carbon border adjustment mechanism places a carbon-linked charge on imports of selected carbon-intensive goods.

মেইনস GS3 (environment and trade) and GS2 (bilateral relations): unilateral carbon border taxes by the EU and UK raise the cost of Indian exports of steel, …

Read · 2 min →Test
EnvironmentGAPrelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★★☆☆☆

Who names Cyclone Arnab? The WMO/ESCAP panel list Prelims tests, with India's Murasu next

Cyclone Arnab landfall near Yanam: how North Indian Ocean cyclones are named

খবরে কেন? Cyclone Arnab, named by Bangladesh, hit near Yanam; the panel's next name is Murasu from India.

প্রিলিমস Names of tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean are drawn from a rotating list maintained by the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones.

মেইনস GS1 (Geography: cyclones) and GS3 (Disaster management). Cyclone naming under the WMO/ESCAP Panel gives a common, unambiguous label that aids early wa…

Read · 2 min →Test
EnvironmentGAPrelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★★☆☆☆

Extinct in India since 1952, reintroduced in 2022: the Project Cheetah facts Kuno's cub death revives

Kuno cheetah cub dies of gunshot injuries; Centre orders probe

খবরে কেন? Centre orders a probe after a Kuno cheetah cub is found dead of gunshot injuries.

প্রিলিমস Statement: The cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952. (Correct)

মেইনস GS3 (Environment - conservation): The death of a cub from gunshot injuries raises questions about protection of a flagship reintroduction programme. E…

Read · 2 min →Test
Environment
EnvironmentGAPrelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★★☆☆☆

What does '30 by 30' actually protect? The Kunming-Montreal target behind India's CBD COP-17 stand

India reaffirms biodiversity framework commitment at CBD COP-17

খবরে কেন? India restates its commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework at CBD COP-17 in Yerevan.

প্রিলিমস The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

মেইনস GS3 (Environment): biodiversity loss has pushed countries to a global conservation target, the Kunming-Montreal Framework, whose '30 by 30' goal depen…

Read · 2 min →Test

Next: Quick scan →

Headlines only · open if it is your optional or state

⚡ Quick facts 25

One line each · the facts exams ask

  1. SchemeThe 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, by Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Pralhad Joshi.
  2. ReportThe Prime Minister noted at ESTIC 2026 that India's 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor has recently achieved first criticality.
  3. SchemePM-DAKSH has trained 1.87 lakh candidates and enabled 96,162 job opportunities, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said.
  4. DefenceThe Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Rajnath Singh, approved capital acquisition proposals worth ₹2.12 lakh crore.
  5. DefenceRajnath Singh released the Land Warfare Doctrine at the Army Commanders' Conference in New Delhi.
  6. DayIndia marked the 80th Infantry Day on 27 October, recalling the landing of Indian troops at Srinagar airfield in 1947.
  7. SportsHarry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, and Alexia Putellas won the women's award for the third time.
  8. SportsYuki Bhambri and Ryan Seggerman won the Almaty Open doubles title, Bhambri's fifth ATP doubles title.
  9. WorldThe Culture Ministry signed an MoU with the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris under the Gyan Bharatam Mission to digitise Indian manuscripts held in France.
  10. WorldIndia will host the first SCO Civil Forum at Purana Qila, New Delhi, from 20 to 22 November 2026.
  11. WorldAt the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla handed the forum's chairmanship to the Chinese delegation.
  12. AppointedThe Union Home Ministry appointed Dr Sajjan Singh Yadav, a 1995-batch IAS officer, as the new Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir.
  13. ReportIIT Bombay researchers developed a low-cost blood-smear device to screen for sickle cell disease and anaemia, licensed to the start-up Rheoheme.
  14. ReportThe Railway Board approved commercial operation of an Alstom-powered 16-coach Vande Bharat chair-car rake, built at RCF Kapurthala, at up to 160 km/h.
  15. WorldHereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein was welcomed in India on an official state visit.
  16. ReportUnion Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated AATAL, billed as the world's first integrated atmospheric chemistry and aerosol toxicity analysis laboratory, at the IITM extension centre in New Delhi.
  17. SchemeDPIIT launched the sixth edition of the National Startup Awards in New Delhi on 27 October 2026.
  18. ReportCBIC Circular No. 257/03/2026-GST of 26 October 2026 sets timelines and procedures for GST registration, including deemed approval.
  19. SchemeA concessional local pass has been introduced for eligible non-commercial vehicle owners living within 20 km of a national highway fee plaza.
  20. ReportNLC India signed MoUs worth about ₹37,000 crore with IPICOL for power, coal gasification and mineral-processing projects in Odisha.
  21. KarnatakaUnder the PM E-DRIVE conference held in Bengaluru, Karnataka received approval for 1,243 EV chargers at a cost of ₹123.26 crore.
  22. KarnatakaOver 30 lakh devotees are expected in Hassan as the Hasanamba Jatra begins.
  23. KarnatakaWard-wise voter rolls for the Bengaluru civic polls are to be published soon.
  24. KarnatakaK-RIDE has launched open web girders on NH-44 to ease traffic congestion.
  25. KarnatakaA UNESCO expert committee has sought stronger community participation in the conservation of Hampi.

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More

PYQ connections · weekly & monthly tests · past editions

🔁 Today's PYQ connections (4)

Union Cabinet approves ₹7,396 crore till FY31 for PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana
🔁 PYQ CONNECTION · UPSC 2018

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. …

Quick scan: small hydro power
🔁 PYQ CONNECTION · UPSC 2008

Consider the following pairs regarding current power generation in India: 1. Solar energy : India has the fifth-largest solar power capacity in the world 2. Win…

Quick scan: El Nino and the strength of Cyclone Arnab
🔁 PYQ CONNECTION · UPSC 2011

La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? 1. La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean tempe…

Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada to be observed from 1 to 15 November
🔁 PYQ CONNECTION · KPSC 2023

The Government of India declared 15th November as "Janjatiya Gaurav Divas" dedicated to the memory of brave tribal freedom fighters. 15th November is the birthd…

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