Daily Current Affairs & Analysis: PIB UPSC 08 October 2026
Comprehensive Prelims-cum-Mains 10-Topic Dossier covering official government releases, inclusive entrepreneurship, energy diplomacy, river rejuvenation, TB elimination, and defense indigenisation.
Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
🏢 1. National SC-ST Hub (NSSH): Inclusive Entrepreneurship & Public Procurement
⚡ Key Highlights:
- Procurement Surge: Public procurement from SC/ST-owned MSEs expanded nearly 39-fold from ₹99.37 crore in 2015–16 to ₹4,013.42 crore in 2025–26 across 12,524 MSEs, detailed in the official PIB UPSC 08 October 2026 release. Leading states include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Assam.
- Beneficiary Outreach: Since launch in October 2016, NSSH has assisted 1,90,414 beneficiaries and trained 54,499 candidates (with women comprising 55% of candidates trained in 2025–26).
- Key Sub-Schemes:
- Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS): 25% capital subsidy (capped at ₹25 lakh) for institutional credit-financed plant and machinery.
- Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS): Free tender sets and exemption from Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) via NSIC.
- Reimbursement Verticals: 80% reimbursement (up to ₹1 lakh) for bank loan processing fees, performance bank guarantees, and BIS/NABL testing fees; 90% management fee reimbursement (up to ₹1 lakh) for NIRF top-50 institutes.
🧠 Prelims Static Pointers:
- Mandatory Public Procurement Policy: Central Ministries, Departments, and CPSEs are mandated to procure a minimum of 25% of their annual purchases from MSEs, with 4% earmarked specifically for SC/ST-owned MSEs and 3% for Women-owned MSEs.
- Implementing Agency: National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), a Mini Ratna CPSE under the Ministry of MSME.
⚡ Practice MCQ 1: National SC-ST Hub
With reference to the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) and Public Procurement Policy in India, consider the following statements:
1. The scheme is implemented through the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).
2. Under the Public Procurement Policy, 4% of total procurement by CPSEs is specifically earmarked for SC/ST-owned MSEs.
3. SCLCSS provides a 100% unconditional capital grant for any unregistered informal micro business.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. The scheme is implemented through the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).
2. Under the Public Procurement Policy, 4% of total procurement by CPSEs is specifically earmarked for SC/ST-owned MSEs.
3. SCLCSS provides a 100% unconditional capital grant for any unregistered informal micro business.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
🏛️ PYQ: UPSC CSE 2020 (Economy & Social Justice)
Which of the following portals/initiatives is designed specifically to promote government public procurement from Micro and Small Enterprises in India?
Ministry of Power / New & Renewable Energy
⚡ 2. 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) Energy Ministers’ Meeting & Regional Grids
⚡ Key Highlights:
- EAS Energy Meeting in Manila: India participated in the 20th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers’ Meeting in the Philippines, highlighted in the PIB UPSC 08 October 2026 energy dossier, endorsing the ASEAN-India Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026–2030.
- Historic Non-Fossil Milestone: India’s total installed electricity capacity reached 558.8 GW (as of 30 Sept 2026), with 308 GW from non-fossil sources (55%)—achieving its 50% non-fossil NDC target in June 2025, five full years ahead of the 2030 timeline.
- PM Surya Ghar Progress: Over 5.01 million rooftop solar installations completed, benefiting 5.95 million households.
- Cross-Border Power Grid: India and Singapore are exploring a 2,000 MW cross-border interconnection via an approximate 3,000 km land corridor linking Imphal (India) to Singapore through Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia.
🧠 Prelims Static Pointers:
- East Asia Summit (EAS): Established in 2005, comprising 18 members: 10 ASEAN nations + 8 dialogue partners (Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the USA).
- One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG): Global initiative launched by India and the UK at COP26 to interconnect regional power grids across continents for 24x7 solar energy sharing.
⚡ Practice MCQ 2: Regional Energy Grids & EAS
Regarding India's renewable energy milestones and the East Asia Summit (EAS), consider the following statements:
1. India achieved its Paris NDC target of 50% installed power capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of the 2030 deadline.
2. The East Asia Summit consists of 18 member countries, including India, China, the US, and ASEAN members.
3. The proposed 2,000 MW India-Singapore power transmission corridor is envisioned as an exclusively undersea subsea cable through the Arabian Sea.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. India achieved its Paris NDC target of 50% installed power capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of the 2030 deadline.
2. The East Asia Summit consists of 18 member countries, including India, China, the US, and ASEAN members.
3. The proposed 2,000 MW India-Singapore power transmission corridor is envisioned as an exclusively undersea subsea cable through the Arabian Sea.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
🏛️ PYQ: UPSC CSE 2018 (International Relations)
Consider the following countries:
1. Australia
2. Canada
3. China
4. India
5. Japan
6. USA
Which of the above are among the 'free-trade partners' of ASEAN and participate in the East Asia Summit?
1. Australia
2. Canada
3. China
4. India
5. Japan
6. USA
Which of the above are among the 'free-trade partners' of ASEAN and participate in the East Asia Summit?
Ministry of Jal Shakti / NMCG
🌊 3. 20th Empowered Task Force (ETF) on Ganga Rejuvenation
⚡ Key Highlights:
- Namami Gange Project Metrics: As of August 2026, 527 projects have been sanctioned at ₹43,266 crore (368 completed). Sewerage infrastructure covers 219 projects creating 6,603 MLD capacity across 5,245 km of sewer networks.
- Small River Rejuvenation: Approved Master Plan for Gomti Udgam Sthal (Pilibhit, UP) with a 1 MLD Nature-Based Solutions STP and turtle habitat conservation; prioritized restoration of Niranjana/Falgu River (Bihar) via aquifer recharge and afforestation.
- Safe Reuse of Treated Wastewater (SRTW): Bihar and West Bengal have formally notified SRTW policies; Jharkhand Cabinet approval underway.
- River-Centric Curricula: River City Alliance and NIUA rolled out higher education courses on *Principles of Urban River Management* and *Eco-friendly Waterfront Development* at Surat, OP Jindal, and SPA Bhopal.
🧠 Prelims Static Pointers:
- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): Registered society under MoJal Shakti acting as the implementation arm of National Ganga Council (chaired by the Prime Minister under Environment Protection Act, 1986).
- Ecological Task Force (CETF Bn TA): Specialized Territorial Army battalions (e.g., 137 CETF BN) deployed for afforestation, river patrolling, and wetland conservation along the Ganga basin.
- Gomti River: Originates from Gomat Taal (Fulhar Jheel) near Madhotanda in Pilibhit, UP; it is an alluvial, ground-water fed tributary of the Ganga.
⚡ Practice MCQ 3: Ganga River Basin Rejuvenation
With reference to the Namami Gange Programme and Ganga basin geography, consider the following statements:
1. The Gomti River is a snow-fed Himalayan tributary originating in the Uttarakhand glaciers.
2. The National Ganga Council is chaired by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti.
3. Safe Reuse of Treated Wastewater (SRTW) policies are notified by states to encourage industrial and non-potable use of recycled water.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. The Gomti River is a snow-fed Himalayan tributary originating in the Uttarakhand glaciers.
2. The National Ganga Council is chaired by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti.
3. Safe Reuse of Treated Wastewater (SRTW) policies are notified by states to encourage industrial and non-potable use of recycled water.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
🏛️ PYQ: UPSC CSE 2016 (Environment & River Conservation)
Which of the following bodies/authorities was established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for the conservation of River Ganga?
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare / MoYAS / MoD
🩺 4. JOSH Teams Launched for Youth-Led Community Action Against Tuberculosis
⚡ Key Highlights:
- JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Initiative: Launched under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Each JOSH team comprises 5 MY Bharat Volunteers and 5 NCC Cadets led by a designated Class-I Block/Ward Officer.
- Phased Rollout: Phase 1 deployed across 55 districts in 11 States/UTs, with virtual participation across all 804 districts nationwide.
- National Progress Against TB: India recorded a 21% decline in TB incidence (vs 12% global decline) and 92% treatment coverage (vs 78% global). 67,933 Panchayats across 697 districts recognized as TB Mukt Panchayats in 2026.
- Digital Enablement: Launched the Khushi Avatar (e-Sangini) AI multilingual assistant in 12 languages, portable AI-supported X-ray screening, and dedicated JOSH tracking on the TB Mukt Bharat App.
🧠 Prelims Static Pointers:
- National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination: India set a target to end TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3.3) target of 2030.
- Direct Nutritional Support: *Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana* provides ₹500/month direct benefit transfer (DBT) to every notified TB patient for nutritional support throughout treatment.
- Diagnostic Modality: CBNAAT (Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) and Truenat machines deployed for rapid molecular diagnosis and detecting Rifampicin drug resistance.
⚡ Practice MCQ 4: TB Elimination & JOSH Teams
Regarding India's Tuberculosis elimination programmes, consider the following statements:
1. JOSH Teams integrate MY Bharat youth volunteers and NCC cadets under inter-ministerial convergence.
2. Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana provides direct monthly financial assistance for nutritional support to TB patients.
3. Tuberculosis is caused by an airborne viral pathogen that cannot be diagnosed via molecular assays.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. JOSH Teams integrate MY Bharat youth volunteers and NCC cadets under inter-ministerial convergence.
2. Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana provides direct monthly financial assistance for nutritional support to TB patients.
3. Tuberculosis is caused by an airborne viral pathogen that cannot be diagnosed via molecular assays.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
🏛️ PYQ: UPSC CSE 2019 (Health & Biotechnology)
What is the significance of using 'Truenat' and 'CBNAAT' in public health diagnostics in India?
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
🌏 5. India at Pre-COP31: Pragmatism, Article 9.1 Finance & Article 6 Carbon Markets
⚡ Key Highlights:
- Plenary in Fiji: Minister for MoEFCC addressed the Pre-COP31 session on Political Landing Zones, urging parties to move beyond rhetoric towards implementation and consensus before COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
- Key Landing Zone Anchors: Shared commitment to the 1.5°C global warming guardrail; proportional scaled-up climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building; and respect for nationally determined developmental pathways.
- Operationalizing Treaty Tools: Advocated formal inclusion of Article 9.1 on the agenda to match climate finance with developing nation needs, and strategic deployment of Article 6 market and non-market mechanisms to unlock global private capital for sustainable transitions.
🧠 Prelims Static Pointers:
- Paris Agreement Article 9.1: Mandates that developed country Parties shall provide financial resources to assist developing country Parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation.
- Paris Agreement Article 6: Covers cooperative approaches for greenhouse gas emission reductions: Article 6.2 (bilateral trading of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes - ITMOs) and Article 6.4 (centralized UN carbon crediting mechanism).
- New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG): Post-2025 global climate finance target succeeding the unmet $100 billion per year baseline commitment.
⚡ Practice MCQ 5: Paris Agreement Article 6 & Finance
With reference to the Paris Climate Agreement, consider the following statements:
1. Article 6 establishes frameworks for voluntary carbon trading and cooperative international mitigation outcomes.
2. Article 9.1 obligates developed country Parties to provide financial resources to developing country Parties.
3. All developing countries are legally prohibited from creating domestic carbon credit trading schemes.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. Article 6 establishes frameworks for voluntary carbon trading and cooperative international mitigation outcomes.
2. Article 9.1 obligates developed country Parties to provide financial resources to developing country Parties.
3. All developing countries are legally prohibited from creating domestic carbon credit trading schemes.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
🏛️ PYQ: UPSC CSE 2022 (Environment & Climate Change)
"Climate Action Tracker" which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:
Ministry of Education / DoSEL
📚 6. PRASHAST Module: Whole-School Sensitization for Children with Special Needs
⚡ Key Highlights:
- Nationwide Screening Initiative: Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL) organized a nationwide screening of a 30-minute orientation module on Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) through the PRASHAST Portal across 60,000+ schools.
- Capacity Building Scale: Over 72 lakh general teachers and school personnel (including special educators, transport staff, and administrators) sensitized across 12 Indian languages.
- PRASHAST Digital Architecture: Operates as a mobile/web screening app implementing a 2-part checklist to identify observable behavioral/cognitive indicators for 21 disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
- Policy Alignment: Implements the inclusive whole-school vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
🧠 Prelims Static Pointers:
- PRASHAST Acronym: Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool for Schools, developed indigenously by NCERT under the Department of School Education and Literacy.
- RPwD Act, 2016: Expanded recognized disabilities from 7 to 21 categories (including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disabilities, Multiple Sclerosis, and Acid Attack Victims). It mandates 4% reservation in government jobs and 5% in higher education for benchmark disabilities.
⚡ Practice MCQ 6: PRASHAST & RPwD Act 2016
Consider the following statements regarding the PRASHAST initiative and disability rights in India:
1. PRASHAST is a digital screening tool developed by NCERT for early identification of disabilities in school children.
2. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 recognizes 21 specified categories of disabilities.
3. PRASHAST serves as a legally certified medical disability certificate replacing hospital medical boards.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. PRASHAST is a digital screening tool developed by NCERT for early identification of disabilities in school children.
2. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 recognizes 21 specified categories of disabilities.
3. PRASHAST serves as a legally certified medical disability certificate replacing hospital medical boards.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
🏛️ PYQ: UPSC CSE 2011 / 2017 (Social Justice & Education)
With reference to the 'Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009', consider the following statements:
1. It includes children with disabilities under the definition of children belonging to disadvantaged groups.
2. It mandates private unaided schools to reserve 25% of entry-level seats for children from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. It includes children with disabilities under the definition of children belonging to disadvantaged groups.
2. It mandates private unaided schools to reserve 25% of entry-level seats for children from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Ministry of Communications / Department of Telecommunications
📡 7. India’s Regulatory Framework for Satellite Communication Services
⚡ Key Highlights:
- Non-Discriminatory Licensing: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) clarified that India maintains a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory authorization framework for satellite broadband providers.
- GMPCS Authorization: Telecom authorizations granted to three Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) entities operating Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO / LEO) constellations.
- Mandatory Security Compliance: Licensees must fulfill mandatory national security conditions and demonstrate local gateway compliance before moving to the administrative assignment of satellite spectrum.
🧠 Prelims Static Pointers:
- Telecommunications Act, 2023: Replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. Schedule 1 of the Act permits administrative allocation of spectrum for satellite-based services (point-to-point and GMPCS) without competitive auctioning, aligning with international ITU practices.
- LEO vs GEO Satellites: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites orbit at 500–2,000 km altitude, offering ultra-low latency (20–40 ms) compared to Geostationary (GEO) satellites located at ~35,786 km (latency ~500 ms).
⚡ Practice MCQ 7: Satellite Communications & Telecom Act
With reference to satellite broadband and communication regulatory frameworks in India, consider the following statements:
1. The Telecommunications Act, 2023 enables administrative allocation of spectrum for satellite communication services.
2. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations provide lower latency communications compared to Geostationary (GEO) satellites.
3. Foreign satellite broadband operators are completely exempt from maintaining local security gateways in India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. The Telecommunications Act, 2023 enables administrative allocation of spectrum for satellite communication services.
2. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations provide lower latency communications compared to Geostationary (GEO) satellites.
3. Foreign satellite broadband operators are completely exempt from maintaining local security gateways in India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
🏛️ PYQ: UPSC CSE 2023 (Science & Technology)
Consider the following statements regarding Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications:
1. They can provide high-speed internet access to remote and isolated geographical terrains.
2. A constellation of multiple LEO satellites is required to maintain continuous uninterrupted global communication coverage.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. They can provide high-speed internet access to remote and isolated geographical terrains.
2. A constellation of multiple LEO satellites is required to maintain continuous uninterrupted global communication coverage.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Prime Minister's Office / Ministry of Defence
✈️ 8. 94th Indian Air Force Day & Strategic Aerospace Modernization
⚡ Key Highlights:
- Observance: Celebrated annually on 8th October to commemorate the official establishment of the Indian Air Force in 1932.
- Indigenous Induction Milestones: Acceleration of 4.5-generation Light Combat Aircraft LCA Tejas Mk1A, indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft manufactured in Vadodara, and Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles.
- Integrated Air Defence: Operationalization of indigenous Netra AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) systems and MRSAM (Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile) networks.
🧠 Prelims Static Pointers:
- Historical Genesis: Established on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire; first operational flight took place on 1 April 1933 with four Westland Wapiti biplanes.
- Motto: 'Nabhaḥ Sprśaṁ Dīptam' (Touch the Sky with Glory), taken from Chapter 11, Verse 24 of the Bhagavad Gita.
- Supreme Commander: Under Article 53(2) of the Constitution, the President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
⚡ Practice MCQ 8: Indian Air Force & Defence Tech
Regarding India's indigenous aerospace and defence platforms, consider the following statements:
1. The LCA Tejas is an indigenously developed, single-engine, delta-wing multirole light fighter aircraft.
2. The motto of the Indian Air Force 'Nabhaḥ Sprśaṁ Dīptam' is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.
3. 'Astra' is an indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile developed by DRDO.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. The LCA Tejas is an indigenously developed, single-engine, delta-wing multirole light fighter aircraft.
2. The motto of the Indian Air Force 'Nabhaḥ Sprśaṁ Dīptam' is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.
3. 'Astra' is an indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile developed by DRDO.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
🏛️ PYQ: UPSC CSE 2018 (Defence & Technology)
What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news?
Prime Minister's Office
📜 9. Sanskrit Subhashitam on 'Self-Rule & Selfless Devotion'
⚡ Key Highlights:
- Ancient Wisdom in Modern Governance: Prime Minister highlighted a classical Sanskrit Subhashitam: "भस्मीकृतस्वार्थसौख्यपरिचर्चितविग्रहाः। स्वराज्ययोगनिर्मग्ना धन्यास्ते वीरयोगिनः॥"
- Philosophical Context: Honors those heroic spiritual practitioners (*Veer Yogis*) and public servants who renounce personal comforts and selfish desires to dedicate their existence to the higher duty of self-rule (*Swarajya*), public welfare, and sovereign nation-building.
🧠 Prelims Static Pointers:
- Nishkama Karma: Core doctrine of the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47: *Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana*), emphasizing action performed without selfish attachment to the fruits of labour—a cornerstone of administrative ethics (GS Paper IV).
- Nolan Principles of Public Life: Seven fundamental values for civil servants: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Leadership.
⚡ Practice MCQ 9: Ethics & Philosophy
In Indian philosophical tradition and modern administrative ethics, the concept of 'Nishkama Karma' fundamentally advocates:
(a) Complete renunciation of all worldly duties and withdrawal into solitude.
(b) Performing righteous duty with dedication without selfish attachment to personal gains or outcomes.
(c) Maximizing personal material wealth as a sign of divine virtue.
(d) Blind adherence to bureaucratic procedures without moral accountability.
(a) Complete renunciation of all worldly duties and withdrawal into solitude.
(b) Performing righteous duty with dedication without selfish attachment to personal gains or outcomes.
(c) Maximizing personal material wealth as a sign of divine virtue.
(d) Blind adherence to bureaucratic procedures without moral accountability.
🏛️ PYQ: UPSC CSE 2014 (Ethics & Philosophy)
Which of the following is considered one of the 'Seven Principles of Public Life' formulated by the Nolan Committee?
Ministry of Science & Technology / DBT / DARPG
♻️ 10. Special Campaign 6.0: E-Waste Management & Workplace Swachhata
⚡ Key Highlights:
- Special Campaign 6.0 (2–31 October 2026): Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the aegis of DARPG, accelerated campaign targets to eliminate institutional pendency, dispose of e-waste, and free up office spaces.
- Key Outcomes: Reviewed 18,741 e-files and 7,773 physical files; cleared 156 sites creating 46,486 sq. ft. of usable office space; safely disposed of 1,694 e-waste items generating ₹39.33 lakh revenue.
- Sanitation Worker Welfare: Organized *SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs* for preventive health check-ups and medical consultations for sanitation workers.
- Creative Circularity: Implemented *Kabbad Se Kala (Waste to Art)* under the theme *Swachhata Se Samridhi* to institutionalize 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) practices across central government desks.
🧠 Prelims Static Pointers:
- E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022: Notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Mandates Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets for electronic equipment manufacturers and restricts hazardous substances (RoHS) such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
- SCDPM Portal: Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters portal managed by DARPG to monitor real-time file reviews, scrap revenue, and space clearance across Union Ministries.
⚡ Practice MCQ 10: E-Waste Management Rules
With reference to the E-Waste (Management) Rules in India, consider the following statements:
1. The rules are notified under the statutory framework of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legally obligates electronics producers to ensure recycling of electronic waste.
3. Disposal of government e-waste through open unscientific landfilling is legally mandated under Special Campaigns.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. The rules are notified under the statutory framework of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legally obligates electronics producers to ensure recycling of electronic waste.
3. Disposal of government e-waste through open unscientific landfilling is legally mandated under Special Campaigns.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
🏛️ PYQ: UPSC CSE 2019 (Environment & Pollution)
As per the E-Waste (Management) Rules, which of the following is an obligation of the producer under 'Extended Producer Responsibility' (EPR)?
| ⚡ Prelims Quick Recall Fact Matrix (PIB UPSC 08 October 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Topic / Initiative | Nodal Body / Statutory Basis | Key High-Yield Fact |
| National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) | Ministry of MSME / NSIC | ₹4,013.42 Cr procurement from SC/ST MSEs (39-fold rise); SCLCSS 25% capital subsidy. |
| 20th EAS Energy Meeting | Ministry of Power / ASEAN | 308 GW (55%) non-fossil capacity; proposed 2,000 MW Imphal-Singapore overland grid. |
| 20th Ganga Task Force Meeting | Ministry of Jal Shakti / NMCG | 527 projects sanctioned (₹43,266 Cr); Gomti Udgam Sthal NBS STP & Falgu rejuvenation. |
| JOSH Teams (TB Mukt Bharat) | MoHFW / MoYAS / MoD | 5 MY Bharat + 5 NCC cadets per team; India TB incidence down 21% (treatment coverage 92%). |
| Pre-COP31 Landing Zones | MoEFCC (Fiji Meeting) | Pushes Article 9.1 climate finance and Article 6 carbon markets for COP31 Antalya. |
| PRASHAST Inclusive Module | Ministry of Education / NCERT | Screening tool across 21 RPwD Act disabilities; over 72 lakh teachers sensitized. |
| Satcom Regulatory Framework | DoT / Telecommunications Act 2023 | Administrative allocation for GMPCS/NGSO; mandatory security vetting & local gateways. |
| 94th Air Force Day | Indian Air Force (Est. 1932) | Motto from Bhagavad Gita Ch 11; induction of LCA Tejas Mk1A, Prachand LCH, C-295. |
| Sanskrit Subhashitam | Prime Minister's Office | Philosophical foundation of Nishkama Karma & selfless devotion to Swarajya (GS IV Ethics). |
| Special Campaign 6.0 | DBT / DARPG | 46,486 sq ft space created, 1,694 e-waste items disposed of under EPR compliance. |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Prelims & Mains High-Yield)
NSSH provides an integrated package: the Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS) offering a 25% capital subsidy (up to ₹25 lakh) for machinery; the Single Point Registration Scheme (SPRS) offering tender fee waivers and EMD exemptions; 80% reimbursement for loan processing, bank guarantees, and BIS testing fees; and up to ₹1 lakh management fee support for NIRF top-50 business training.
JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams are youth-led community task forces comprising 5 MY Bharat Volunteers and 5 NCC Cadets, led by a designated Class-I Block/Ward Officer. They conduct door-to-door symptom screening, counter social stigma, promote timely diagnostic testing, and support adherence to treatment regimens at the village and urban ward level.
Announced at the 20th EAS Energy Ministers’ Meeting, the proposed cross-border transmission corridor would span approximately 3,000 km, connecting Imphal in Northeast India to Singapore via Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. It operationalizes regional multilateral power trade and integrates renewable energy grids across South and Southeast Asia.
PRASHAST (Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool) is an NCERT-developed digital tool that enables general teachers to screen and identify students showing indicators of any of the 21 disabilities recognized under the RPwD Act, 2016. It facilitates early intervention, special educator validation, and formal medical assessment referrals.
Under Schedule 1 of the Telecommunications Act 2023, spectrum for satellite-based communication services (GMPCS and point-to-point satcom) is assigned through administrative allocation rather than competitive auction. However, all operators must satisfy mandatory national security and domestic gateway requirements before authorization.
