UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 23 October 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 23 October 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 23 October 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Shamonda Virus

October 23, 2026
Shamonda Virus

Shamonda Virus Latest News

Recently, France has reported the first known human case of Shamonda virus in a patient who died.

About Shamonda Virus

  • It is an insect-borne virus from the Orthobunyavirus group.
  • It belongs to the same group as Schmallenberg virus, which causes reproductive disorders ​in livestock.
  • It was first detected in cattle in Nigeria in 1965, it has since been found in parts of Africa and Asia.
  • Transmission: It is transmitted by biting midges and mainly affects cattle, though infections have also been identified in sheep, goats, horses and alpacas.
  • Symptoms: Symptoms include fever, diarrhoea and reduced milk production.
     Reproductive disorder such as abortions and foetal malformations
    Neurologic disorders (reported less commonly and demonstrated in some horses)  
  • Treatment: There are currently no commercially available vaccines against Shamonda virus.  
  • First Human Infection: Shamonda virus has historically not been recognised as a cause of disease in humans. However, the first ever reported human infection with Shamonda virus was reported in October 2026 in France. 

Source: TH

Shamonda Virus FAQs

Q1: What is Shamonda Virus?

Ans: It is an insect-borne virus from the Orthobunyavirus group.

Q2: When was Shamonda Virus detected?

Ans: It was first detected in cattle in Nigeria in 1965.

Emissions Gap Report 2026

October 23, 2026
Emissions Gap Report 2026

Emissions Gap Report 2026 Latest News

The Emissions Gap Report 2026 warns that the 1.5°C warming threshold is now unattainable, intensifying climate risks.

About Emissions Gap Report 2026

  • Emissions Gap Report is an annual report published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  • The EGR series tracks our progress in limiting global warming well below 2°Cand pursuing 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement.
  • It is launched every year ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP).
  • The EGR is co-produced by UNEP, the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC) and partners.

Key Highlights of Emissions Gap Report 2026    

  • Global greenhouse gas emissions totaled 58.4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO₂e) in 2025, around 0.16 GtCO₂e lower than in 2024. 
  • More than two-thirds of all GHGs emissions are from fossil sources; rest being CO₂ from the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gas emissions (F-gases).
  • The world has lost the opportunity to keep warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels without, or with only limited, overshoot.
  • To reach the lowest-overshoot pathway, global greenhouse gas emissions would need to fall by: 18% by 2030, 45% by 2035 and 69% by 2040.
  • The full implementation of countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) would reduce emissions by only 5% to 8% by 2030 and 11% to 15% by 2035, relative to 2025.

Source: DTE

Emissions Gap Report 2026 FAQs

Q1: Which organisation publishes Emissions Gap Report?

Ans: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Q2: When is Emissions Gap Report is released?

Ans: It is launched every year ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP).

PM-DAKSH Scheme

October 23, 2026
PM-DAKSH Scheme

PM-DAKSH Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment said that a total of 1,87,305 candidates were trained and 96,162 placed under the Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) scheme between 2020–21 and 2023–24,

About PM-DAKSH Scheme

  • The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana, is a Central Sector Scheme that was launched during 2020-21.
  • Aim: To provide skills through good quality institutions so that candidates from its target group can find employment.
  • Target Group:  Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Castes, Economically Weaker Sections, and the De-notified Tribes in India (DNTs), ‘Safai Karamcharis’ or waste pickers.
  • Eligibility
    • Age: 18-45 years
    • Family Income: OBC and EWS candidates must have a family income below Rs. 3 lakh, while there is no income limit for SC, DNT, or Safai Mitras/Waste Pickers.
  • It has been merged with the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
  • There are four types of skill development training programmes under this namely, Up-skilling/Re-skilling, Short Term Training Programmes, Long Term Training Programmes, and Entrepreneurship Development Programme.
  • Implementation: It is implemented through the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Source: DD News

PM-DAKSH Scheme FAQs

Q1: Which is the nodal ministry of PM-DAKSH Scheme?

Ans: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Q2: What is the target group PM-DAKSH Scheme?

Ans: Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Castes, Economically Weaker Sections, and the De-notified Tribes in India (DNTs), ‘Safai Karamcharis’ or waste pickers.

Iodine

October 23, 2026
Iodine

Iodine Latest News

Recently, on the occasion of World Iodine Deficiency Day the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has advised citizens to choose iodised salt and use it in moderation for better health.

About Iodine

  • It is a chemical element and a member of the halogen elements, belonging to Group 17 (Group VIIa) of the periodic table.

Properties of Iodine

  • It is a nonmetallic, nearly black solid at room temperature with a glittering, crystalline appearance.
  • The molecular lattice of iodine contains discrete diatomic molecules, which are also present when iodine is molten or in a gaseous state.
  • Iodine is a bluish-black, lustrous solid. It volatilises at ambient temperatures into a pretty blue-violet gas.
  • It has ability to form stable compounds with both metals and nonmetals.
    • Example: For instance, iodine reacts with alkali metals to produce iodides.

Occurrence of Iodine

  • Iodine is a naturally occurring element that is essential for the good health of people and animals.
  • It is found in small amounts in sea water and in certain rocks and sediments.

Uses of Iodine

  • Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
    • Thyroid hormones regulate many important biochemical reactions, including protein synthesis and enzymatic activity, and are critical determinants of metabolic activity.
  • It is widely used in medical antiseptics, iodized salt for nutritional supplementation, photographic chemicals, and as a catalyst in various industrial processes.
  • It is used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic imaging and treatment procedures, particularly due to its natural affinity for the thyroid gland.

Source: News On Air

Iodine FAQs

Q1: What is Iodine?

Ans: It is a chemical element and a member of the halogen elements, belonging to Group 17 (Group VIIa) of the periodic table.

Q2: What are the properties of Iodine?

Ans: It is a nonmetallic, nearly black solid at room temperature with a glittering, crystalline appearance.

Exercise SIMBEX 2026

October 23, 2026
Exercise SIMBEX 2026

Exercise SIMBAX 2026 Latest News

Recently, the 33rd edition of exercise SIMBAX was commenced at Visakhapatnam.

About Exercise SIMBEX 2026

  • The Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is conducted annually by the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). 
  • Background: SIMBEX, which began as ‘Exercise Lion King’ in 1994, has since evolved into one of the most significant bilateral maritime collaborations between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
  • Phases: The exercise will be conducted in two phases.
    • The Harbour Phase: It will include professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sporting engagements, and planning conferences.
    • The Sea Phase: It will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal, will feature maritime operations and tactical exercises, including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), anti-surface and anti-air warfare drills, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres.
  • Significance: SIMBEX-2026 reaffirms the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Singapore and their shared commitment to enhancing interoperability, addressing common maritime security challenges, and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Other Exercises with Singapore: Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (Military Exercise), Air Force Exercise  Joint Military Training (JMT).

Source: PIB

Exercise SIMBEX 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is Exercise SIMBEX 2026?

Ans: It is Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).

Q2: Exercise SIMBEX conducted between which two countries?

Ans: It is conducted annually by the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). 

Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)

October 23, 2026
Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air

Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air Latest News

Delhi’s winter air quality has shown no consistent improvement in the four years since the revision of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in 2022, according to an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

About Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air 

  • It is an independent, non-profit research organisation focused on revealing the trends, causes, and health impacts, as well as the solutions, to air pollution.
  • It is based in Helsinki, Finland. 
  • CREA uses scientific data, research, and evidence to support the efforts of governments, companies, and campaigning organisations worldwide in their efforts to move towards clean energy and clean air. 
  • CREA investigates the sources and trends of health-harming pollutants, particularly those resulting from fossil fuel combustion, which cause millions of premature deaths annually. 
  • The NGO produces regular publications and data products addressing topics such as coal phase-out, industrial emissions, and the environmental impacts of energy production. 
  • CREA’s research also covers geopolitical issues, such as the financing of fossil fuel imports during conflicts. 
  • Its works are funded through philanthropic grants and revenue from commissioned research.

News: DP

Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air FAQs

Q1: What is the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)?

Ans: CREA is an independent, non-profit research organisation focused on air pollution, its causes, health impacts and possible solutions.

Q2: Where is the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) based?

Ans: It is based in Helsinki, Finland.

Q3: What types of publications and data products does Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) produce?

Ans: It produces regular research publications and data products on air pollution, fossil fuels, industrial emissions and energy-related environmental impacts.

Q4: How is the work of Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) funded?

Ans: Its work is funded through philanthropic grants and revenue from commissioned research.

Charles Correa Gold Medal

October 23, 2026
Charles Correa Gold Medal

Charles Correa Gold Medal Latest News

A Kochi-based student of architecture recently won the 28th Charles Correa Gold Medal in architecture in Mumbai.

About Charles Correa Gold Medal

  • It is an annual award initiated in 1998 by the Indian architect and urbanist Charles Correa. 
  • The medal recognises quality and talent among young students of architecture for their undergraduate thesis project in a first professional degree course.  
  • The Charles Correa Foundation (CCF) administers the Gold Medal annually. 
  • Eligibility: Final-year students pursuing undergraduate professional degree at eligible Indian architecture colleges. 
  • Selection: 
    • Participating colleges nominate one student’s individual thesis project.
    • The student must be the sole author of the project. Group work is not permitted. 
    • A jury of eminent architects review the submissions and identify an outstanding student who will be awarded the Medal. 
    • The applicant college of architecture must be located in India and approved by the Council of Architecture (COA).
    • Initially the award was open only to Mumbai and Goa architecture colleges, but from 2022 forward, CCF invites all colleges across India. 
  • From 2025 to 2027, the medal focuses on thesis projects that address ‘Equitability through Design’.  

Who was Charles Correa?

  • He was a renowned Indian architect and urban planner.
  • Born in Secunderabad, India, in 1930, he studied architecture at the University of Michigan and MIT. He died in Mumbai on June 16, 2015 at age 84. 
  • He was credited with the creation of modern architecture in post-Independence India.
  • Understanding the needs of the urban poor, Correa used traditional methods and materials to plan the urban designs.
  • In the majority of his designs, he applied for the 'open-to-sky' concept.
  • His major projects include the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at the Sabarmati Ashram,  National Crafts Museum in New Delhi, Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal, Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, and the British Council in Delhi.
  • He was one of the chief architects of Navi Mumbai.
  • His work also includes projects in townships and public housing projects in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru (Bangalore), and other cities in India.  
  • In 1984 he founded the Urban Design Research Institute in Mumbai, and a year later he became Chairman of the National Commission for Urbanisation. 
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    • He was awarded the second highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri in 1972 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2006.
    • He was also honoured with the 1984 Royal Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
    • He was acclaimed as “India’s greatest architect” by RIBA when it mounted an exhibition on him in 2013.

News: TH

Charles Correa Gold Medal FAQs

Q1: Who initiated the Charles Correa Gold Medal?

Ans: Indian architect and urbanist Charles Correa.

Q2: Which organisation administers the Charles Correa Gold Medal annually?

Ans: The Charles Correa Foundation (CCF).

Q3: What is the primary objective of the Charles Correa Gold Medal?

Ans: To recognise talent and excellence among architecture students through their undergraduate thesis projects.

Q4: Who was Charles Correa?

Ans: He was a renowned Indian architect and urban planner who played a significant role in shaping modern architecture in post-Independence India.

Akash Missile System

October 23, 2026
Akash Missile System

Akash Missile System Latest News

India's reported sale of its indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan could mark an important step in the country's ambition to become a major global arms exporter.

About Akash Missile System

  • It is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
  • It is designed to protect vulnerable areas, points, and assets from a range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and helicopters.
  • It was indigenously designed and developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is produced by Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL).
  • It was developed under India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). 
    • The programme also involved the development of the Nag, Agni, and Trishul missiles, as well as the Prithvi ballistic missile. 
  • It is currently in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army.
  • Akash should be distinguished from adjacent systems within India's tiered air-defence grid. 
    • It occupies the medium-range layer, below the long-range S-400 Triumf acquired from Russia and the indigenous-Israeli Barak-8/MR-SAM, and above short-range systems such as the quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM) and the man-portable point-defence weapons.

Also Read: Missiles in India

Akash Missile System Features

  • The system features a launcher, a missile, a control centre, an integral mission guidance system, a multifunctional fire control radar, a system arming and explosion mechanism, a digital autopilot, C4I (command, control, communication, and intelligence) centres, and supporting ground equipment.
  • The missile is 5.87 meters long, 350 millimeters in diameter, and weighs 710 kilograms.
  • It features a solid-fuel, ramjet propulsion system, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2.5 to 3.5 (up to 4,200 km/h).
  • It covers a range of 4.5 km to 25 km and can engage aerial threats flying between 100 meters and 20 kilometers in altitude.
  • It can simultaneously engage multiple targets in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode. It has a kill probability of up to 99% with a salvo of two missiles. 
  • The missile has a 60 kg pre-fragmented warhead with proximity fusing.  
  • Its sophisticated Rajendra radar can track numerous targets and guide multiple missiles concurrently.
  • It is fully automatic, features built-in electronic counter measures, and is mobile across different terrains.

Akash Missile System Variants

  • Akash-1S: Incorporates an indigenous radio-frequency (RF) seeker for improved terminal accuracy, moving away from pure command guidance. 
  • Akash Prime: Upgraded RF seeker and optimised for high-altitude, low-temperature operation, addressing performance gaps observed in mountainous theatres. 
  • Akash-NG (New Generation): Introduces an active electronically scanned array (AESA) multifunction radar, an active RF seeker, a canisterised launcher, and extended range.

News: NDTV

Akash Missile System FAQs

Q1: What is the Akash Missile System?

Ans: It is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to defend against aerial threats.

Q2: Which organisation designed and developed the Akash Missile System?

Ans: India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Q3: Under which programme was the Akash Missile System developed?

Ans: India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).

Q4: What is the operational range of the Akash Missile System?

Ans: Approximately 4.5 km to 25 km.

Q5: Can the Akash Missile System engage multiple targets simultaneously?

Ans: Yes. It can engage multiple targets in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode.

Kamala Hydroelectric Project

October 23, 2026
Kamala Hydroelectric Project

Kamala Hydroelectric Project Latest News

National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has sought clearance from the Union Environment Ministry to divert 3,278 hectares of high-conservation-value forest in the lower Himalayas region of Arunachal Pradesh for its Kamala hydroelectric project.

About Kamala Hydroelectric Project

  • Kamala Hydroelectric Project (formerly Subansiri Middle Hydroelectric Project) is a 1,720 MW hydroelectric project planned on the Kamala River (a major tributary of the Subansiri River) in Arunachal Pradesh‘s Kamle district.
  • It is a storage-based scheme with a flood moderation component.
  • The project involves construction of a 216-metre-high concrete gravity dam and an underground powerhouse.
  • The project will generate 6,869.92 MU of green energy annually on completion.
  • In addition to power generation, the project also envisaged to provide flood relief in the Brahmaputra valley.
  • The project will be implemented on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis through a joint venture company with 74% equity by NHPC and 26% by the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh (GoAP).
  • The completion cost of the project is estimated at Rs 26,069.50 crore.
  • The project is proposed to be financed with a debt-equity ratio of 70:30, supported by Government of India grants for enabling infrastructure (Rs 1,340 crore) and flood moderation component (Rs 4,743.98 crore), along with 100% SGST reimbursement by GoAP. 
  • The State will receive 12% free power and an additional 1% earmarked for the Local Area Development Fund (LADF).

News: IE

Kamala Hydroelectric Project FAQs

Q1: What is the Kamala Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: The Kamala Hydroelectric Project is a 1,720 MW hydroelectric project planned on the Kamala River in Arunachal Pradesh.

Q2: What type of scheme is the Kamala Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: It is a storage-based hydroelectric scheme with a flood moderation component.

Q3: What type of dam is proposed under the Kamala Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: A 216-metre-high concrete gravity dam is proposed.

Q4: On what basis will the Kamala Hydroelectric Project be implemented?

Ans: It will be implemented on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis.

Q5: What are the two major objectives of the Kamala Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: Its major objectives are renewable electricity generation and flood moderation in the Brahmaputra Valley.

Colorado River

October 23, 2026
Colorado River

Colorado River Latest News

During an intense drought from 2020 to 2022, the Upper Colorado River Basin lost far more groundwater than the Lower Basin did, despite having much higher natural recharge, a recent study has found.

About Colorado River

  • It is a major river of North America.
  • The name "Colorado" comes from Spanish and means "colored reddish." This is because the river used to carry a lot of silt, which made its water look red. 
  • Origin: 
    • It rises in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, United States.
    • It flows generally west and south for 2,330 kilometres into the Gulf of California in northwestern Mexico.
    • It flows through seven U.S. states and two Mexican states.
    • Colorado forms an international boundary between Arizona (US) and Mexico for about 29 kilometers and drains North America’s vast semi-arid and arid area.  
  • The intensive development along the river has earned it the name “Lifeline of the Southwest.” 
  • Lakes: It forms several major reservoirs, including Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
  • Tributaries: 
    • It has several tributaries, including Green, Gunnison, San Juan, Dolores, Little Colorado, Gila, and Virgin Rivers.
    • The Green River is the longest river feeding into the Colorado River.
  • One of the Colorado River’s most famous features is the Grand Canyon, which it carved over millions of years.
  • The river also flows through Canyonlands National Park and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona.
  • Major Dams: 
    • Hoover Dam is an arched dam.
      • It is one of the world’s highest dams and one of the largest concrete dams in volume. 
      • It holds back Lake Mead, one of the world’s greatest reservoirs. 
    • Parker Dam: It is the deepest dam on earth. 
    • Glen Canyon Dam: It created one of the biggest reservoirs in the United States, known as Lake Powell.

News: LS

Colorado River FAQs

Q1: Through which two countries does the Colorado River flow?

Ans: The Colorado River flows through the United States and Mexico.

Q2: What is the approximate length of the Colorado River?

Ans: Approximately 2,330 kilometres.

Q3: Where does the Colorado River originate?

Ans: It originates in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, United States.

Q4: Into which water body does the Colorado River flow?

Ans: It flows towards the Gulf of California in northwestern Mexico.

Q5: Which river is the longest tributary feeding into the Colorado River?

Ans: The Green River.

Enquire Now