Current Affairs

WHO Global Health Estimates (2000-2023) released data on life expectancy, healthy life expectancy (HALE), causes of death and disease burden. India’s expected lifespan rose by 2.9 years in the two years after pandemic lows; HALE (years in full health) increased from 58.4 (2021) to 60.6 (2023). Globally, life expectancy was 73.3 (2023) vs 73.4 (2019); HALE 62.8 (2023), 0.4 lower than 2019. Non-communicable diseases caused 74% of global deaths in 2023 (58% in 2000); 8 of top 10 causes are NCDs, including ischaemic heart disease and COPD. India’s leading causes of death in 2023 included diarrhoeal diseases, tuberculosis and lower respiratory infections.

Climate scientists introduced Carbon Impacts Tracer (CIT), an open-source spatial modelling framework developed by the International Finance Corporation, World Group, to quantify mine-linked climate, health and biodiversity impacts. It isolates a mine’s footprint over its lifespan using integrated multi-pollutant modelling, estimating direct CO2 and fugitive CH4 emissions, and PM5/SO2/NOx dispersion at 1-km grid for health outcomes. It integrates satellite land-use data for canopy loss, groundwater depletion and habitat fragmentation, supports EIAs/environmental clearances, climate litigation evidence, financialized social costs, and just-transition phase-out prioritisation.

Dr Bimal N. Patel took oath as Judge, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), elected at the 36th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS at UN Headquarters, New York (7 members elected). ITLOS is an independent judicial body under UNCLOS, headquartered at Hamburg, Germany; 21 members elected by States Parties for 9 years, ensuring equitable geographical distribution and major legal systems. It adjudicates UNCLOS disputes: maritime boundaries, navigation, marine environment, resources, deep seabed, peaceful settlement. Vision MAHASAGAR (“Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions”) was articulated in March 2025 as an evolution of SAGAR.

2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to Karl Deisseroth (Howard Hughes Medical Institute/Stanford University, USA), Peter Hegemann (Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany) and Georg Nagel (University of Würzburg, Germany) for discoveries on light-gated ion channels enabling optogenetics (opsins inserted to switch neurons). Channelrhodopsins from Chlamydomonas (0.5 ms) include ChR-2 (0.2 ms). Milestones: 2003, 2005; term coined 2006. Adult brain ~90 billion neurons; circuits for pain, reward, circadian rhythm identified. Retinitis pigmentosa trials restored partial vision; safeguards: genetic modification, skull blocks light, no mind-control.

Exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 began at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, as a joint India-UAE military exercise focused on mountain warfare and interoperability. The Indian contingent includes troops from a Bhairav Battalion, with women officers and combatants; women personnel from both sides participate in specialist roles. Training covers joint planning, tactical drills, firing, surveillance grids, drone operations, endurance, rock climbing, obstacles and integrated field exercises, strengthening military cooperation.

A study links ants’ post-dinosaur diversification to “jumping genes” (transposable elements/transposons), DNA sequences moving within genomes. TEs occur in prokaryotes/eukaryotes, form ~50% of human and up to 90% of corn genome; classified as retrotransposons/DNA transposons and autonomous/non-autonomous. They drive diversity but disrupt genes (hemophilia, hypercholesterolemia, cancers). Activity is regulated via epigenetics (heterochromatin: histone modification, cytosine DNA methylation) and RNAi (piRNA/miRNA/siRNA); mostly in gene deserts, also near genes; useful in mutagenesis, transgenesis, gene therapy; plant stress can activate TEs.

Early Oct 2026, Indonesia’s Geological Agency (PVMBG) reported two new offshore islets near Mount Anak Krakatau, Sunda Strait (between Java and Sumatra): ~760 m NW and ~495 m SE of the island. Emergence is linked to low-viscosity magma extruding from a NW-SE seafloor fissure, rapidly piling tephra/debris and lava above sea level, but prone to erosion/collapse. Area lies on Indo-Australian-Sunda/Eurasian subduction; 1883 Krakatoa caldera collapse caused tsunamis and global cooling; 1927-30 eruptions formed Anak Krakatau (permanent land by 1930); 2018 flank collapse triggered a deadly tsunami, lowering height ~338 m to ~110 m.

Researchers identified a new subterranean caecilian, Gegeneophis chandgadi, from the Northern Western Ghats, a micro-endemic hotspot. It belongs to family Grandisoniidae (order Gymnophiona, class Amphibia) and is named after the Chandgadi Marathi dialect of Chandgad. Limbless, cylindrical, pinkish-brown, it is often mistaken for earthworms/snakes and inhabits non-protected agri-residential landscapes. India has 42 caecilians of 458 amphibians; of 12 Gegeneophis species, 11 are Western Ghats-endemic, clustered near Maharashtra-Goa-Karnataka. Underground life limits surveys; fragmentation, pesticides, soil compaction and rural development risk “silent extinction”, underscoring TEK and citizen-science partnerships.

CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, developed India-specific Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) severity scoring models ISS1 and ISS2, as international Paediatric Severity Score (PSS) shows ~67% concordance in India. ISS1 integrates Indian complications (severe anaemia, frequent transfusions, febrile episodes); ISS2 uses bedside indicators for PHCs. Concordance: ISS1 ~83%, ISS2 ~85% (100% mild cases). Tools aid Hydroxyurea dosing and National SCA Elimination Mission (2023-2047).

G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, US) agreed to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude from emergency reserves. Founded in 1975 after the oil crisis; became G8 with Russia (1998) but reverted in 2014. Informal grouping lacks secretariat and procedures; presidency rotates yearly (EU excluded). Agenda set by presidency; decisions usually by consensus; focus now includes economy, security and climate.

Kakatiya Heritage Trust flagged potential risks from Singareni’s proposed open-cast mining near Telangana’s UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple and Ramappa Lake. Built in 1213 AD under the Kakatiya Empire by Recharla Rudra (general of Ganapati Deva), the Rudreswara (Ramappa) Temple is dedicated to Ramalingeswara Swamy and named after sculptor Ramappa. It was inscribed in 2021 and features granite/dolerite pillars, a porous-brick pyramidal vimana, and sandbox technique.

Scientists warn Tuvalu (formerly Ellice Islands), a Polynesian island country in the west-central Pacific Ocean, may become unliveable by 2100 due to climate change. It lies about halfway between Australia and Hawaii; neighbours are Kiribati (north) and Fiji (south). The world’s 4th smallest country (26 sq km), it has 9 islands (4 reef islands, 5 coral atolls); main islands include Nanumanga, Niutao, Niulakita. Capital is Funafuti atoll (most populous). No rivers; hot, rainy climate. Economy: limited copra exports, stamp sales, fees from foreign fishing fleets; heavy dependence on foreign aid.

A Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) assessment says India is modernising and expanding nuclear-weapon delivery systems, while retaining its no-first-use doctrine. BAS is an independent nonprofit founded in September 1945 at the University of Chicago by Atomic Scientists of Chicago; founders included Manhattan Project scientists Albert Einstein, J. Robert Oppenheimer and Eugene Rabinowitch. It focuses on nuclear risk, climate change and disruptive technologies. BAS devised the Doomsday Clock (1947): a symbolic clock (midnight=annihilation), originally 7 minutes to midnight, reset 27 times; in January 2026 it stands at 85 seconds to midnight.

A 12-week study found creatine improved muscle and strength in middle-aged adults even without a structured workout. Creatine is a naturally occurring nitrogen-containing organic compound and dietary supplement, mainly as creatine monohydrate. About half comes from diet (red meat, seafood, animal milk) and half is synthesised in liver, kidneys and pancreas from arginine, glycine and methionine. About 95% is stored in skeletal muscles as phosphocreatine, aiding ATP production.

Delhi High Court dismissed a Turkmenistan citizen’s petition after she was stopped at Indira Gandhi International Airport despite a valid business visa, holding visa grant and admission are distinct and no legally enforceable entry right arises. Citing “adverse inputs”, entry refusal was upheld on national security/public order. Visa/immigration clearance are sovereign functions. Article 14 plea failed; no writ under Article 226. Referred to Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 (Sections 3, 7), repealed Foreigners Act, 1946, and SC precedents Hans Muller (1955) and Louis De Raedt (1991).

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said India’s financial system shows no imminent stress but warned prolonged stability can spur leverage and vulnerability build-up (as seen in early-2000s excessive lending/NPA legacy). Financial stability covers banks, NBFCs, markets, payment and tech infrastructure. Priorities: systemic resilience, identify new risks (geopolitics, cyber, climate), granular data on NBFIs/exposures, system-wide oversight, and innovation (AI, tokenisation) without eroding trust. West Asia conflict shocks were absorbed; capital-flow volatility persists: net FDI in 2026-27 (first 4 months) $13.43 bn (+38% YoY); 2024-25+2025-26 $7.7 bn; foreign investors sold $10.35 bn (2026-27) and $16.59 bn (2025-26).

An Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by the Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, will attend the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania. IPU, an international organisation of parliaments, was established in 1889 (Paris) and shifted headquarters to Geneva in 1921. It has 183 members and 15 associates, funded mainly by members. Its Assembly is the principal statutory body; Governing Council (3 representatives per member) is the plenary policymaking body; Executive Committee includes the President and 15 elected members (4-year term); it has three Standing Committees.

NLEP annual report 2025-26 records 3,832 new leprosy cases among children, including 37 with Grade-2 Disability (G2D); child caseload is 91.6% above the 2,000 target. Total new cases: 91,783; prevalence 0.56/10,000; 1,945 G2D (2.12%); national G2D 1.34/million. National Strategic Plan 2023-27 targets district-level interrupted transmission by 2027 (zero indigenous child cases for 5 consecutive years), MDT-based control via active detection and contact surveys in high-burden districts.

Mumbai Port Authority declared Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal plastic-free, making it India’s first marine oil terminal to eliminate single-use plastics. Also called Butcher Island, it is a restricted island off Mumbai, Maharashtra, about 8.25 km from the Gateway of India, with thick vegetation and a central hillock. A key Mumbai Port facility, it has five jetties, automated liquid bulk handling, crude storage, and pipelines to Wadala for refining.

Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment distributed 662 aids/assistive devices worth over ₹10 lakh to senior citizens under Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY). RVY is a 2017 Central Sector Scheme, fully Centrally funded, providing free assisted-living devices to BPL senior citizens with monthly income ≤₹15,000; those aged 80+ get doorstep delivery. Implemented by ALIMCO; funded from Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund; beneficiaries identified by district committees chaired by Deputy Commissioner/District Collector.

Researchers discovered a new earthworm species, Drawida incomparabilis, from evergreen and deciduous forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It measures 217-392 mm and shows distinctive glandular prostates with unusually posterior gizzards. It belongs to family Moniligastridae, comprising 194 valid terrestrial megadrile earthworm species across five genera; genus Drawida is the most species-rich and prominent in Asian subterranean ecosystems.

Shatabdi Samaroh-Manthan, a 2-day national centenary event at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (30 Sept-1 Oct 2026), marks 100 years of UPSC; the Prime Minister releases a Centenary Commemorative Coin, postage stamp and the book “100 Landmark Judgements…”. UPSC roadmap: Trust, Transparency (grievance redressal, biometrics, digital evaluation) and Technology (AI logistics, paperless committees). Lee Commission (1924) led to creation under Government of India Act, 1919; set up 1 Oct 1926 via Public Service Commission (Functions) Rules, 1926 with Sir Ross Barker (Chairman) and 4 members; reconstituted under GoI Act, 1935; became UPSC under Article 315 (26 Jan 1950). Articles 316, 317, 319, 320, 322, 323 cover appointment/tenure, removal, post-tenure bar, functions, financial autonomy (CFI) and annual reporting to President/Parliament.

In 2026, Switzerland’s Aletsch Glacier, Europe’s largest by area and ice volume, recorded its biggest single-year melt, linked to very low winter snowpack and record June-August heatwaves. Swiss glaciers lost 2.5-4 m average thickness (up to 10 m on tongues); Bella Tola (Valais) and Griessfirn (Glarus) vanished. National ice volume fell 5.5% (second-worst after 2022); nearly 20% in five years. May-September meltwater was ~2.2 trillion litres (>4× household drinking water). Aletsch lies in the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO site; impacts hydrology, navigation, hydropower and “peak water”.

Union Cabinet approved PM-DHARA (PM-Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access) to strengthen intra-State transmission for renewable energy, providing Central Financial Support to offset intra-State transmission charges. It targets evacuation of up to 135 GW by FY 2032-33, with ₹54,082 crore support. It enables 50 GWh Battery Energy Storage Systems at RE developer/generator sites and other critical locations to mitigate intermittency, reduce congestion/curtailment, enhance grid flexibility, and aid 900 GW non-fossil capacity target by 2035.

Koder House, a Fort Kochi heritage landmark functioning as a luxury hotel, suffered a major fire; Kerala Fire Service said only the top floor (ancient roof and columns) was gutted and flames did not spread to the guest house, Mikvah and connecting wooden bridge. Built during Dutch occupation (1663-1795), it was renovated in the 19th century by SS Koder (Paradesi Jewish); Portuguese-origin claims are disputed. Mikvah is believed unique in Ernakulam. Losses included family photographs, paintings, furniture and tapestry. Samuel Koder served as Honorary Consul to the Netherlands for Cochin and Fort Kochi municipal chairman; the Koder family is linked to coal-based Cochin Electric Company supplying Fort Kochi and Mattanchery.

Status of Policing in India Report (SPIR) 2026 examines how cybercrime victims seek police redressal. Based on a citizen survey by Lokniti-CSDS and Common Cause across 16 States (8,306 respondents), it studies informal mechanisms such as bribery and personal influence, used more by women, poor and rural groups. It highlights FIR registration, police response, bank-police coordination and formal enforceable mechanisms. Informal interventions correlate with higher fund recovery, without proving causality.