UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 4 October 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 4 October 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 4 October 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

3D Concrete Printing Technology

October 4, 2026
3D Concrete Printing Technology

3D Concrete Printing Technology Latest News

Andhra Pradesh government is set to use 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) technology to construct houses for beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme.

About 3D Concrete Printing Technology

  • It is an innovative construction technique that enables the creation of complex and customized structures. 
  • It is a construction-scale additive manufacturing—commonly called 3D Concrete Printing—replaces traditional masonry and sequential manual labour with a computer-controlled system.
  • Working
    • A robotic printer directly translates a digital Building Information Modelling (BIM) design into a physical structure by extruding specially formulated cementitious materials through a nozzle in successive horizontal layers.
    • It heavily relies on material science and automation to ensure that the wet mix maintains precise extrudability, buildability, and rapid setting times without collapsing under its own weight.
  • Advantage
    • The primary advantages of 3D printing lie in its unprecedented speed, reduced material waste, and elimination of traditional timber or steel formwork. 
    • Low-carbon inks and materials reuse are being developed to mitigate the environmental impact associated with increased cement usage.
  • Applications: In India, the technology is tailored for affordable housing missions, disaster-relief shelters, remote-area deployments, defense fortifications, and rapidly erected public facilities.

Source: TH

3D Concrete Printing Technology FAQs

Q1: What is 3D Concrete Printing Technology?

Ans: It is an innovative construction technique that enables the creation of complex and customized structures. 

Q2: What are the applications of 3D Concrete Printing Technology?

Ans: It is tailored for affordable housing missions, disaster-relief shelters, remote-area deployments, defense fortifications.

Jawahar Dweep

October 4, 2026
Key Facts about Jawahar Dweep

Jawahar Dweep Latest News

The Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal has been declared plastic-free by the Mumbai Port Authority , becoming the first in India to eliminate single-use plastics.

About Jawahar Dweep

  • Jawahar Dweep, or the Butcher Island, is an island off the coast of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. 
  • It is located 8.25 kilometers from the Gateway of India. 
  • It is a restricted area, and most of the island is covered with thick vegetation. 
  • A hillock rises from the center of the Butcher Island. 
  • It is one of Mumbai Port’s key marine oil terminals and handles crude oil and petroleum products. The terminal currently has five jetties. 
    • The terminal is also supported by automated systems for liquid bulk handling. 
    • The crude oil is stored in oil containers on the island. From there they are piped to Wadala, in Mumbai, where they are refined. 
    • It is the first oil terminal in India to eliminate single-use plastics.

News: WEEK

Jawahar Dweep FAQs

Q1: Where is Jawahar Dweep located?

Ans: It is located off the coast of Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Q2: What is the main industrial importance of Jawahar Dweep?

Ans: It is one of Mumbai Port's key marine oil terminals.

Q3: What does the Jawahar Dweep oil terminal handle?

Ans: It handles crude oil and petroleum products.

Q4: What distinction does Jawahar Dweep's oil terminal hold regarding single-use plastics?

Ans: It is the first oil terminal in India to eliminate single-use plastics.

Coppersmith barbet

October 4, 2026
What is Coppersmith barbet

Coppersmith barbet Latest News

A rare colour variant of the coppersmith barbet, a commonly seen green bird, has been recently photographed on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

About Coppersmith barbet

  • The coppersmith barbet, also called the crimson-breasted barbet, is a small, brightly coloured Asian bird belonging to the barbet family (Megalaimidae). 
  • It is known for its metronomic call that sounds similar to a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer.  
  • Scientific Name: Psilopogon haemacephalus 

Coppersmith barbet Habitat and Distribution

  • It is a resident bird in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.  
  • They inhabit gardens, groves, and sparse woodland. 
  • In northern India, they occur in the valleys of the outer Himalayas and are rare in northwestern Indian states and in wet forests in Assam. 
  • It carves out holes inside a tree to build its nest.  

Coppersmith barbet Features

  • Somewhat larger than a sparrow, it is a relatively small barbet at 17 cm. 
  • It is a plump bird, with a short neck and large head. 
  • It is brightly coloured, with a black-bordered yellow face, red forecrown, and throat patch. 
  • Upper parts are grass green and underparts are yellowish-green, diffusely streaked with darker green. 
  • The heavy bill is black, bordered at base with conspicuous bristles. 
  • Eyes are brown, with a red eye-ring. Legs and feet are pinkish-red. 
  • The short, truncated tail is distinctively triangular in flight. 

Coppersmith barbet Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List. 

News: NIE

Coppersmith barbet FAQs

Q1: What is the Coppersmith Barbet?

Ans: The Coppersmith Barbet is a small, brightly coloured Asian bird belonging to the barbet family (Megalaimidae).

Q2: Why is the Coppersmith Barbet named after a coppersmith?

Ans: Its metronomic call sounds like a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer.

Q3: Where is the Coppersmith Barbet found?

Ans: It is a resident bird of the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.

Q4: What are the distinctive facial features of the Coppersmith Barbet?

Ans: It has a black-bordered yellow face, red forecrown and red throat patch.

Q5: What is the conservation status of the Coppersmith Barbet?

Ans: It is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

October 4, 2026
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana Latest News

Recently, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment distributed 662 aids and assistive devices, costing over ₹10 lakh to senior citizens under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY).

About Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

  • It is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Central Government launched in 2017.
  • It provides free assisted-living devices to senior citizens belonging to BPL categories.
  • Assisted living devices are provided to the senior citizens belonging to the BPL category and with monthly income not more than Rs. 15000/-.
  • Under this scheme, senior citizens aged 80 years or older are eligible to receive free assisted-living devices directly at their doorstep.
  • Assistive Devices: Eligible elders receive items like walking sticks, wheelchairs, hearing aids, spectacles, artificial dentures, and crutches based on their specific physical needs.
  • Funding: The expenditure for implementation of the scheme is being met from the "Senior Citizens' Welfare Fund".
  • Selection: Beneficiaries in each district will be identified by the State Governments/UT Administrations through a Committee chaired by the Deputy Commissioner/District Collector.
  • Implementation: The Scheme is being implemented by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), a PSU under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • Nodal Ministry:  Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Source: PIB

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana FAQs

Q1: What is Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana?

Ans: It is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Central Government launched in 2017.

Q2: Which is the nodal ministry for Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana?

Ans: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System

October 4, 2026
What is the NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System)

Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System Latest News

The U.S. military will deploy its NMESIS anti-ship missile launcher to Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost inhabited island and about 107 km from Taiwan, during a major U.S.-Japanese exercise this month.

About Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System

  • It is a ground-based anti-ship missile system developed for the US Marine Corps (USMC) to support land-to-sea attacks performed by the US Navy.
  • Country of Origin: United States. 
  • It entered service in 2021, providing the Marine Corps with a critical tool for anti-ship warfare in remote and distributed operational environments. 
  • It features the US Navy’s latest anti-ship missile, the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), mounted atop the chassis of an unmanned variant of the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).
  • The ground vehicle platform, known as the Remotely Operated Ground Unit for Expeditionary (ROGUE) Fires vehicle, is supplied by Oshkosh Defense, United States, while the NSM is jointly manufactured by Raytheon Missiles & Defense (Raytheon), United States, and Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
  • NMESIS is not considered an autonomous launcher, as its fire control system is not controlled by the self-driving system and autonomy technology.
  • The system is operated by a marine who is responsible for mission planning and firing of the missile.
  • Features of ROGUE Fires:
    • It incorporates advanced autonomous vehicle technologies, off-road mobility, and high payload carrying capacity.
    • The vehicle is remotely operated using the teleoperator or leader-follower modes. 
    • The vehicle lacks a crew cab/body. It is integrated with sensors and cameras, with a launcher mounted atop the vehicle.
    • The vehicle has a range of 480-640 km depending on terrain and operational conditions, allowing it to cover large areas in a single mission.
    • The flexible design of the platform allows it to be configured to meet different mission requirements. 
  • Features of NSM:
    • It is a multi-mission cruise missile that can ably neutralise highly secure maritime and land targets.
    • It has a firing range of approximately 185 km (100 nautical miles), and flies at a subsonic speed of around 0.9 Mach. 
    • Its multi-mode guidance system incorporates inertial navigation, GPS, and active radar homing.
    • The missile’s low radar cross-section makes it difficult to detect, and its sea-skimming flight profile allows it to avoid detection by enemy radar systems.
    • It carries a 226.79 kg-class warhead and programmable fuse.

News: DEF

NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System) FAQs

Q1: What is NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System)?

Ans: It is a ground-based anti-ship missile system developed for the US Marine Corps (USMC) to support land-to-sea attacks.

Q2: Which country developed NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System)?

Ans: United States.

Q3: What is the primary role of NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System)?

Ans: Its primary role is anti-ship warfare, particularly in remote and distributed operational environments.

Q4: Which missile is used by the NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System)?

Ans: NMESIS uses the Naval Strike Missile (NSM).

Q5: What vehicle platform is used by NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System)?

Ans: It uses the ROGUE Fires vehicle, an unmanned variant of the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).

Drawida Incomparabilis

October 4, 2026
Drawida Incomparabilis

Drawida Incomparabilis Latest News

Researchers have announced the discovery of a new earthworm species, Drawida incomparabilis. 

About Drawida Incomparabilis

  • It is a new earthworm species.
  • It was found deep within the evergreen and deciduous forests of the Western Ghats mountain chain across the southern states of Keralam and Tamil Nadu.
  • Features: It is a relatively large worm, measuring between 217 and 392 millimetres in length, and possesses distinctive glandular prostates coupled with an unusually posterior location for its gizzards.
  • The species belongs to the family Moniligastridae.
    • Moniligastridae is a diverse group of terrestrial megadrile earthworms that currently contains 194 valid species distributed across five genera.
    • Among them, the genus Drawida is the most species-rich and a prominent component of Asian subterranean ecosystems.

What are Earthworms?

  • Earthworms are harmless, often beneficial residents of the soil.
  • They occur in virtually all soils of the world in which the moisture and organic content are sufficient to sustain them.
  • Features
    • The earthworm body is divided into ringlike segments. Some internal organs, including the excretory organs, are duplicated in each segment.
    • They don’t have lungs; they breathe through their skin. 
    • Earthworms lack eyes and instead use specialized receptor cells in their skin to detect light, touch, vibrations, and chemicals
    • Earthworms have five “hearts” that pump blood through their bodies.
    • Their food consists of decaying plants and other organisms; as they eat.

Source: RM

Drawida Incomparabilis FAQs

Q1: What is Drawida Incomparabilis?

Ans: It is a new earthworm species.

Q2: Where was Drawida Incomparabilis discovered?

Ans: It was found deep within the evergreen and deciduous forests of the Western Ghats.

Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

October 4, 2026
Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Latest News

Recently, during an inspection deep inside the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) it was found that a number of trees, a majority of them Sal, Bija and Tendu, were found girdled in the Karka area. 

About Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve   

  • Location: It is located in the state of Chhattisgarh.
  • It was established by joining the regions represented by Sitanadi and Udanti wildlife sanctuaries. 
  • Geographically, the reserve forms a significant part of the Eastern Highlands of Central India. 
  • Rivers: The drainage system of the reserve consists of the Mahanadi as the main river, along with the Udanti, Sitanadi, Indravan, and Pairi Rivers as tributaries.
  • There are 19 named mountains in the reserve. Deo Dongri is the highest point. The most prominent mountain is Atānga Dongar.
  • Vegetation: The forest type here is predominantly tropical dry and moist deciduous.
  • Flora: The forest is dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta), which forms dense patches across the landscape. It also consists of Teak (Tectona grandis), Bamboo, Tendu, Mahua, Bija, and Harra contribute to the green diversity of the region.
  • Fauna: It is home to Wild Buffalo, tiger, Indian Wolf, Leopard, Sloth Bear, and Mouse Deer etc.

Source: IE

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Where is Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: Chattisgarh

Q2: What type of vegetation is found in Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve?

Ans: It is predominantly tropical dry and moist deciduous.

Inter-Parliamentary Union

October 4, 2026
What is the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)?

Inter-Parliamentary Union Latest News

The Indian Parliamentary Delegation, led by the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha has departed for Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, to participate in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). 

About Inter-Parliamentary Union

  • It is the international organization of Parliaments which was established in 1889 in Paris to promote representative democracy and world peace.
  • The IPU promotes democratic governance, institutions and values, working with parliaments and parliamentarians to articulate and respond to the needs and aspirations of the people.
  • It works for peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, climate action and sustainable development through political dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary action.
  • Members: It comprises 183 member parliaments and 15 associate members. 
  • It also defends the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee made up of MPs from around the world.
  • The IPU moved its headquarters to Geneva in 1921.
  • Funding: It is financed primarily by its members out of public funds.

Governance Structure of Inter-Parliamentary Union

  • IPU Assembly: It is the principal statutory body that expresses the views of the IPU on political issues. It brings together parliamentarians to study international problems and make recommendations for action.
  • Governing Council: It is the plenary policymaking body of the IPU. It is composed of three representatives from each member parliament. The President of the IPU is ex-officio President of the Governing Council.
  • The Council establishes the annual programme and budget of the IPU.
  • Executive Committees
    • It is made up of the President, 15 elected members from different geopolitical groups, the President of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians and the President of the Board of the Forum of Young Parliamentarians.
    • The 15 members of the Executive Committee are elected by the Council for a four-year term.
    • The President of the IPU is an ex officio member and President of the Committee.
  • Standing Committees: There are three Standing Committees set up by the IPU Governing Council to assist the Assembly in its work.

Source: PIB

Inter-Parliamentary Union FAQs

Q1: What is Inter-Parliamentary Union?

Ans: It is the international organization of Parliaments which was established in 1889 in Paris to promote representative democracy and world peace.

Q2: How many member countries are part of Inter-Parliamentary Union?

Ans: It comprises 183 member parliaments and 15 associate members. 

Sewa-II Hydroelectric Project

October 4, 2026
Sewa-II Hydroelectric Project

Sewa-II Hydroelectric Project Latest News

Four CISF personnel, posted at the Sewa-II Hydroelectric Project unit in J&K’s Kathua district, were allegedly shot dead by a colleague in an apparent case of fratricidal violence recently.

About Sewa-II Hydroelectric Project

  • It is a 120 MW run-of-the-river hydro power project located in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • It is located on the Sewa River, a tributary of the Ravi River.  
  • It is a concrete gravity-type dam. The height and length of the dam are 53 m and 114 m, respectively. 
  • The Headrace tunnel is horseshoe-shaped with a diameter of 3.3 m and a length of 10.084 km.  
  • The surface powerhouse, with an installed capacity of 120 MW, houses three units of 40 MW capacity each.
  • The project construction commenced in 2003 and subsequently entered into commercial operation in 2010. 
  • It is being operated and maintained by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC).

News: TH

Sewa-II Hydroelectric Project FAQs

Q1: What is the installed capacity of the Sewa-II Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: 120 MW.

Q2: Where is the Sewa-II Hydroelectric Project located?

Ans: It is located in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Q3: On which river is the Sewa-II Hydroelectric Project located?

Ans: It is located on the Sewa River, a tributary of the Ravi River.

Q4: Which organisation operates and maintains the Sewa-II Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) operates and maintains the project.

Rapunzel Syndrome

October 4, 2026
What is Rapunzel Syndrome

Rapunzel Syndrome Latest News

Kerala doctors recently removed a One-kg hair mass from a nine-year-old girl's stomach and small intestine in a rare Rapunzel syndrome surgery.

About Rapunzel Syndrome

  • Rapunzel syndrome is a very rare condition in which a large hair ball (trichobezoar) gets lodged in your stomach and extends into your small intestine.  
  • The condition was first described in 1968. It’s named after a fairy-tale character, Rapunzel, who was known for her long hair. 
  • This condition is much more common among women than men. And in about 8 out of 10 cases, it’s seen among children, adolescent girls, and young women under 30. 
  • What Causes Rapunzel Syndrome?
    • The condition is strongly linked to trichotillomania and trichophagia. 
    • Trichotillomania is a disorder wherein a person repeatedly feels the urge to pull out their own hair, and trichophagia is a condition wherein the pulled or loose hair is swallowed.
    • These behaviours can occur alongside psychological or emotional difficulties, although not every person with hair-eating behaviour has an underlying psychiatric disorder. 
    • Over time, repeatedly swallowed hair can collect in the stomach because it cannot be broken down or digested. 
    • More hair gradually gets trapped in the existing mass, making it larger and harder. 
    • In some cases, the mass eventually extends into the small intestine, resulting in Rapunzel syndrome. 
  • Symptoms are usually caused by the blockage or related health problems. This can include:
    • Stomach pain
    • Bloating
    • Feeling full
    • Weight loss
    • Nausea
    • Low weight and intense fear of weight gain (anorexia nervosa)
    • Vomiting after meals
    • Pain or discomfort under your ribcage (acute epigastric pain)
    • Patchy hair loss on your scalp (alopecia)
    • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Treatment:
    • Endoscopy can sometimes be used to remove smaller hairballs, but very large masses or those causing obstruction generally require surgery.  
    • Surgery involves removing the hair mass from the stomach and, when necessary, the intestine.

News: MID

Rapunzel Syndrome FAQs

Q1: What is Rapunzel Syndrome?

Ans: Rapunzel Syndrome is a rare condition in which a large hairball (trichobezoar) forms in the stomach and extends into the small intestine.

Q2: In whom is Rapunzel Syndrome more commonly seen?

Ans: It is more common among women, particularly children, adolescent girls and young women under 30.

Q3: What is trichotillomania?

Ans: Trichotillomania is a disorder in which a person has a repeated urge to pull out their own hair.

Q4: What are the common symptoms of Rapunzel Syndrome?

Ans: Symptoms may include stomach pain, bloating, feeling full, weight loss, nausea and vomiting after meals.

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