UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 7 October 2026

Maldharis

October 7, 2026

Maldharis Latest News

The Gujarat government recently announced a scheme for the voluntary relocation of maldharis (semi-nomadic pastoralists) from the Barda sanctuary in Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, being developed as a ‘second home’ for Asiatic lions.

About Maldharis

They are a semi-nomadic pastoralist community primarily residing in Gujarat’s Banni grasslands, Gir Forest, and parts of Rajasthan.
The term “Maldhari” translates to “keeper of livestock,” reflecting their deep-rooted tradition of herding cattle, sheep, goats, and camels.
Their livelihoods revolve around the production of milk, ghee, wool, and artisanal crafts, which they trade in local markets.
Women play a significant role in livestock rearing, while men typically handle foraging, selling milk to dairies, and selecting grazing routes.
Maldhari women are known for their artistic skills, particularly their unique embroidery, which varies by caste and is passed down through generations.
Language: They speak Kachchhi in the Sindhi dialect.
Religion: They are predominantly Muslim, accounting for about 90% of the population, while the remaining 10% belong to Hindu communities.

News: TP

Maldharis FAQs

Q1: Who are the Maldharis?

Ans: A semi-nomadic pastoralist community primarily residing in Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan.

Q2: What does the term “Maldhari” mean?

Ans: Keeper of livestock.

Q3: Which traditional occupation is associated with the Maldhari community?

Ans: Livestock herding and pastoralism.

Q4: What are Maldhari women particularly known for?

Ans: Their unique embroidery and artistic skills.

Q5: Which language do the Maldharis traditionally speak?

Ans: Kachchhi, in the Sindhi dialect.

M51.3 Missile

October 7, 2026

M51.3 Missile Latest News

France recently test-fired for the first time its new M51.3 nuclear-capable ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine.

About M51.3 Missile

It is a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile developed by France.
The M51.3, built by ArianeGroup, entered service on 24 October 2025.
It was developed as a further evolution of the M51 missile family.
It is being considered as the primary weapon system for France’s next-generation SNLE 3G strategic nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, which are expected to gradually replace the Le Triomphant-class submarines after 2035.

M51.3 Missile Features

It is a solid-propellant, three-stage launcher weighing over 50 metric tons and measuring 12 meters long.
It is equipped with new oceanic nuclear warheads (TNO-2).
Public estimates for the wider M51 family put its range at around 9,000 km (5,600 miles) or more, while French officials have indicated that the latest variant has a greater reach.
For navigation, the missile uses, among other systems, Europe’s Galileo satellite navigation system.

News: HBL

M51.3 Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the M51.3 missile?

Ans: A submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile.

Q2: Which country developed the M51.3 missile?

Ans: France.

Q3: What type of propulsion does the M51.3 missile use?

Ans: Solid propellant.

Q4: What is the estimated range of the wider M51 missile family?

Ans: Around 9,000 km or more.

Chamkharchhu-I Hydropower Project

October 7, 2026

Chamkharchhu-I Hydropower Project Latest News

Adani Power and Bhutan’s state-owned generation utility, Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC), have signed a Shareholders Agreement to develop the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan.

About Chamkharchhu-I Hydropower Project

It is a 770 MW run-of-river hydropower project planned on the Chamkharchhu River in the Zhemgang district of central Bhutan.
The project will be developed through a 49:51 equity partnership, with Adani Power holding 49% and Bhutan’s state-owned DGPC holding 51%.
It will be implemented under the Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model and will have a 30-year concession from the date of commercial operation (COD).
Key project components include a 108-m concrete gravity dam, a 19.2-km headrace tunnel, and an underground powerhouse.
Chamkharchhu-I is expected to help meet Bhutan’s peak winter electricity requirements while enabling surplus generation to be exported to India during the summer.

News: HBL

Chamkharchhu-I Hydropower Project FAQs

Q1: Where is the Chamkharchhu-I Hydropower Project located?

Ans: Zhemgang district of central Bhutan.

Q2: On which river is the Chamkharchhu-I Hydropower Project planned?

Ans: Chamkharchhu River.

Q3: What is the installed capacity of the Chamkharchhu-I Hydropower Project?

Ans: 770 MW.

Q4: What is the equity-sharing arrangement for the Chamkharchhu-I Hydropower Project?

Ans: 49:51, with Adani Power holding 49% and Bhutan’s DGPC holding 51%.

SME Growth Fund

October 7, 2026

SME Growth Fund Latest News

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the Government of India’s commitment of Rs.10,000 crore towards the establishment of the SME Growth Fund (SGF).

About SME Growth Fund

It is aimed at catalysing growth-oriented capital for India's Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
It enables the emergence of champion Indian enterprises across manufacturing, services, technology, innovation-driven sectors, and strategic value chains.
It is envisioned as a transformational instrument to support enterprises at critical inflection points in their growth journey.
Strategic Focus of the SME Growth Fund
- Manufacturing at the Core: A major share of the SME Growth Fund’s allocations will be directed towards small and medium manufacturing-focused enterprises.
- Extending Growth to Industrial Clusters: It will consider SMEs operating in industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
It is designed as a direct equity investment fund Rs.10,000 crore and will operate in the form of Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) established under the SGF framework.
Significance
- The Fund is intended to support firms seeking to expand manufacturing capacity, adopt advanced technologies, improve productivity and strengthen export competitiveness.
- This is expected to support balanced regional industrial development, strengthen local supply chains and generate quality employment opportunities.

Source: PIB

SME Growth Fund FAQs

Q1: What is the aim of SME Growth Fund?

Ans: It is aimed at catalysing growth-oriented capital for India's Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Q2: SME Growth Fund focuses on which cities?

Ans: It will consider SMEs operating in industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority

October 7, 2026

Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority Latest News

Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India has approved the setting up of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) — Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA).

About Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority

It will function as a specialised institutional mechanism for research, planning, project appraisal, monitoring and impact assessment across transportation and logistics.

Key Responsibilities of Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority

National Apex Institution: ITLA will function as the apex body for integrated transport and logistics planning, research, project appraisal and monitoring, policy support and data analytics.
Long-Term National Transport Master Plan: ITLA will prepare a comprehensive National Transport Master Plan with a planning horizon of ten years or more,
- It covers roads, railways, ports and shipping, civil aviation, inland waterways, coastal shipping, urban mobility and logistics.
Integrated Planning Framework: ITLA will evaluate short-term sectoral plans (5 years or so) and annual plans of transport Ministries to ensure their alignment with the National Transport Master Plan and promote multi-modal infrastructure development.
Technical Appraisal of Major Projects: It will undertake technical appraisal of infrastructure projects of Government of India, costing Rs.500 crore or more.
Monitoring and Impact Assessment: It will monitor implementation of transport & infrastructure projects above Rs.500 crore and provide a coordinated mechanism to resolve issues.
National Transport Data Repository (NTDR): The repository will integrate transport and logistics data from multiple sources, including GSTN e-way bills, FASTag, Vahan, GPS-based systems and urban traffic management systems.
- The authority will use the integrated data for analytics, including freight-flow and origin-destination analysis, to support planning, project monitoring and impact assessment.
It advises and assists for review and updation of National Logistics Policy (2022)
Promote Research & Innovations in transport and logistics sectors.

Source: PIB

Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority FAQs

Q1: What is the function of Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority?

Ans: It will function as a specialised institutional mechanism for research, planning, project appraisal, monitoring and impact assessment across transportation and logistics.

Q2: Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority collects data from which all sources?

Ans: It collects data including GSTN e-way bills, FASTag, Vahan, GPS-based systems and urban traffic management systems.

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

October 7, 2026

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve Latest News

Madhya Pradesh is planning to establish its third cheetah habitat at Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (VDTR), earlier known as Nauradehi, with the first pair of cheetahs scheduled for release into the reserve.

About Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

It is spread across three districts i.e. Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur, of Madhya Pradesh.
It encompasses areas within the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary.
The entire Sanctuary is situated on a plateau, forming part of the upper Vindhyan range.
The Reserve is classified under the Deccan peninsula biogeographic region.
It covers an area of 2,339 sq.km.
It is named for Rani Durgavati, the queen of the Gondi people.
The reserve boasts a diverse landscape, with hills, valleys, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and grasslands.
Rivers:
- It straddles parts of the Narmada and Yamuna River basins.
- The north flowing Kopra River, Bamner River, Bearma River, which are tributaries of the Ken River, are the major rivers of this protected area.
- Some smaller streams flow southerly to the Narmada River in the south of the Reserve.
The Singorgarh Fort is located within the reserve.
Vegetation: It mainly consists of Dry deciduous type vegetation.
Flora: The chief floral elements include Teak, Saja, Dhaora, Ber, Amla, etc.
Fauna:
- Tiger, leopard, wolf, jackal, Indian fox, striped hyena, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, Sambhar, Black Buck, Barking deer, Commom Langur, Rhesus Macaque, etc.
- It is one of the few remaining strongholds for the White-Rumped and the Indian Vultures, critically endangered raptors of India.

News: TOI

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve FAQ's

Q1: Where is Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: Madhya Pradesh.

Q2: Which two wildlife sanctuaries are encompassed by Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q3: After whom is Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve named?

Ans: Rani Durgavati, the queen of the Gondi people.

Q4: Which major river basins does Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve straddle?

Ans: Narmada and Yamuna river basins.

Q5: What type of vegetation predominantly occurs in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Dry deciduous vegetation.

Advanced High-Altitude Parachute

October 7, 2026

Advanced High-Altitude Parachute Latest News

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted the maiden live jump of the indigenously developed Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) at Nyoma (Mudh DZ) in Ladakh.

About Advanced High-Altitude Parachute

It is a static-line parachute system for the mass drop of paratroopers.
Developed By: It has been designed and developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra.
The system has been manufactured by Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF), Kanpur and certified by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), RCMA Kanpur.
Features: The parachute offers multiple deployment modes and an operational altitude range of up to 18,000 feet, with a rate of descent suited to the tactical requirements of the Indian Defence Forces in high-altitude terrain.
Static-line parachute jumps at such altitudes pose significant challenges due to high opening shock and rate of descent.

What is the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification?

It is the certification agency of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Function
- Its primary function is the certification of military aircraft and airborne systems.
- The Airworthiness function is implemented through the fourteen Regional Centres of Military Airworthiness (RCMAs) located across India.
- CEMILAC along with RCMA with a specific core competence carries out airworthiness certification of military airborne products designed and developed by DRDO laboratories, other government agencies, ordnance factories, defence public sector units and private industries.

Source: PIB

Advanced High-Altitude Parachute FAQs

Q1: What is Advanced High-Altitude Parachute?

Ans: It is a static-line parachute system for the mass drop of paratroopers.

Q2: What is Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification?

Ans: It is the certification agency of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Nameri Tiger Reserve

October 7, 2026

Nameri Tiger Reserve Latest News

Recently, a significant improvement has been observed in the tiger population of Nameri Tiger Reserve, with their numbers increasing from three to 12 in three years.

About Nameri Tiger Reserve

Location: It is situated in the northern part of the Sonitpur district of Assam.
Borders: It shares its northern boundary with the Pakke Tiger Reserve of Arunachal Pradesh.
It has been carved out of two protected areas: Nameri National Park & Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, and two Reserve Forests: Naduar Reserve Forest & Balipara Reserve Forest.
Rivers: The area is drained by the Jia Bhoroli and its tributaries namely the Diji, Dinai, Doigurung, Nameri, Dikorai, Khari etc.
- Jia Bhoroli river of Assam is famous for the Golden Mahseer fish– The Tiger of Indian rivers.
Vegetation: It mainly consists of of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests, cane brakes and grassland type of vegetation.
Flora: It consists of Hollong, Nahor, Simul, Orchids and Medicinal Plants are found here.
Fauna: It is home to Leopard, Clouded leopard and Wild dog, Asian Elephant etc.

Source: ETV

Nameri Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1: Where is Nameri Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: Assam

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

Ans: Tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests type of vegetation

Press Council of India

October 7, 2026

Press Council of India Latest News

Recently, it was observed that the Press Council of India (PCI), has been operating at half its sanctioned strength for nearly a year now and without a single working journalist or newspaper editor.

About Press Council of India

It is a statutory quasi-judicial autonomous authority, re-established in 1979 under the Press Council Act, 1978.
Objectives
- Preserving the freedom of the press.
- Maintaining and improving the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India.

Composition of Press Council of India

Chairman: The Chairman, typically a retired Supreme Court judge, is nominated by a committee that includes the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and an elected representative from the 28 members.
Other Members: Of the 28 members, 13 represent working journalists, which include six editors and seven other working journalists, other than editors of newspapers.
- 6 members represent newspaper owners or managers, with two each from large, medium, and small newspapers.
- One member comes from the news agency sector.
- In addition, the Press Council of India comprises 5 representatives from Parliament—3 nominated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and 2 by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- 3 members representing education, law, and literature are nominated by the University Grants Commission, Bar Council of India, and Sahitya Akademi.

Powers of Press Council of India

Helping newspapers to maintain their independence;
Building up a code of conduct for journalists and newspapers according to high professional standards;
Reviewing any development which is likely to restrict the supply and dissemination of news of public interest and importance;
Reviewing such cases where assistance has been received by any newspaper or news agency in India from foreign sources, as referred to it by the Central Government;
It adjudicates the complaints either against the Press for violation of journalistic ethics or by the Press for interference with its freedom.

Source: IE

Press Council of India FAQs

Q1: What is Press Council of India ?

Ans: It is a statutory quasi-judicial autonomous authority, re-established in 1979 under the Press Council Act, 1978.

Q2: What is the objective of Press Council of India ?

Ans: Maintaining and improving the standards of newspapers and news agencies in India.

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

October 7, 2026

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Latest News

The full operation of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has shattered Egypt’s historic water hegemony, transforming a regional resource dispute into a high-stakes geopolitical battle over sovereignty, security, and sustainable development.

About Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

The GERD, formerly known as the Millennium Dam, is situated in the Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia, near the border with Sudan.
It is located on the Blue Nile, one of the main tributaries of the Nile River.
Capacity: At 6.45 Gigawatts, it is the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa.
Construction Started: April 2011
The project is owned by Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCO).
Features:
- It features a 170-meter-high main gravity dam built using roller-compacted concrete (RCC), flanked by two hydroelectric power stations at its base, and a 5-kilometer-long secondary rockfill dam with a concrete facing.
- The dam forms a reservoir covering 1,875 sq.km, which can hold up to 74 billion cubic metres of water.
- The GERD reservoir is in a deep gorge, so its surface area is relatively small compared to its volume.
- The powerhouses include 16 generating units of 375 MW each.
Dispute: Egypt and Sudan fear the massive $4.2bn GERD will severely reduce the share of Nile water they receive and have repeatedly asked Ethiopia to stop filling it until they have all reached agreement on how it should work.

News: EAR

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam FAQs

Q1: Where is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) located?

Ans: It is situated in the Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia, near the border with Sudan.

Q2: What was the former name of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam?

Ans: Millennium Dam.

Q3: On which river is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam built?

Ans: It is located on the Blue Nile, one of the main tributaries of the Nile River.

Q4: What is the installed capacity of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam?

Ans: 6.45 GW.

Bubonic Plague

October 7, 2026

About Bubonic Plague

Plague is an infectious disease caused by a specific type of bacterium called Yersinia pestis, a zoonotic bacterium usually found in small mammals and their fleas.
Y. pestis can affect humans and animals and is spread mainly by fleas.
Bubonic plague is one type of plague. It gets its name from the swollen lymph nodes (buboes) caused by the disease.
- Called the Black Death, it killed millions of Europeans during the Middle Ages.
The other types of plague are:
- Septicemic plague, which happens when the infection goes all through the body.
- Pneumonic plague, which happens when the lungs are infected.
Plague can be a very severe disease in people, with a case-fatality ratio of 30% to 60% for the bubonic type, and is always fatal for the pneumonic kind when left untreated.
Symptoms: Bubonic plague symptoms include
- Sudden high fever and chills.
- Pains in the areas of the abdomen, arms, and legs.
- Headaches.
- Large and swollen lumps in the lymph nodes (buboes) that develop and leak pus.
Transmission:
- Y. pestis is spread mostly by fleas on rodents and other animals.
- It is transmitted between animals and humans by the bite of infected fleas, direct contact with infected tissues, and inhalation of infected respiratory droplets.
The incubation period of bubonic plague is usually 2 to 8 days.
Treatment:
- It can be treated and cured with antibiotics.
- Antibiotics that treat bubonic plague include Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, Gentamicin and Doxycycline.
- It can be fatal if it’s not treated.

Source: NDTV

Bubonic Plague FAQs

Q1: What are antibiotics?

Ans: Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply.

Q2: What are Lymph nodes?

Ans: Lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, are small, bean-shaped structures located throughout the body as part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels, nodes, and organs that plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, filtering out harmful substances, and supporting the immune system's functions.