UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 31 October 2026

by Vajiram & Ravi - 31 October 2026

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 31 October 2026, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Dicharax tilariensis: Scientists Discover Tiny New Snail Species in Western Ghats

October 31, 2026
Dicharax tilariensis

Dicharax tilariensis 

Researchers recently identified a new species of microscopic land snail named Dicharax tilariensis in Kolhapur’s Tilari region.

About Dicharax tilariensis

  • It is a new species of microscopic land snail.
  • It was discovered in the Tilari region in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra.  
  • It is currently known only from its discovery site near Swapnavel Point at an elevation of 700-800 metres above sea level, making it endemic to the area.
  • The species inhabits the region’s semi-evergreen forests and is known to occupy microhabitats among forest litter, decaying organic matter, and moist soil. 
  • It is the second endemic species of its genus described from the northern Western Ghats.  
  • The snail features a whitish shell with a pinkish or brownish tinge, measuring 4.21-4.87 mm in width and 3.01-3.52 mm in height.   
  • It has an elevated spire, distinctive rib patterns, and a sharp swelling on the shell.

News: TOI

Dicharax tilariensis FAQs

Q1: What is Dicharax tilariensis?

Ans: It is a newly discovered species of microscopic land snail.

Q2: Where was Dicharax tilariensis discovered?

Ans: In the Tilari region of Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.

Q3: Which type of forest serves as the habitat of Dicharax tilariensis?

Ans: The species inhabits the region’s semi-evergreen forests.

Q4: What is the shell colour of Dicharax tilariensis? -

Ans: Whitish, with a pinkish or brownish tinge.

Punah Bharan App Launched to Identify Groundwater Recharge Zones Within 3 Km

October 31, 2026
Punah Bharan Mobile Application

Punah Bharan Mobile Application Latest News

Recently, the Union Minister of Jal Shakti has launched the Punah Bharan Mobile Application.

About Punah Bharan Mobile Application

  • It is developed for advancing scientific groundwater recharge planning through geospatial technology.
  • It is developed by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) in collaboration with the National Water Mission (NWM).
  • Features
    • It enables users to identify potential artificial recharge zones within a radial distance of up to 3 km and explore suitable recharge structures based on local conditions.
    • It provides access to village-level Artificial Recharge Structure (ARS) zonation maps, GIS tools and thematic layers, supporting informed planning for sustainable groundwater management.
    • The platform utilises geospatial datasets, including rainfall, groundwater levels, groundwater yield, slope and drainage, to help identify potential recharge areas and plan appropriate interventions.

What is Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics?

  • It is an autonomous scientific society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
  • Objective: To undertake technology development & management, research & development, facilitate national and international cooperation, capacity building, and support technology transfer & entrepreneurship development in the area of geospatial technology.
  • BISAG-N has three main domain areas: satellite communication, geo-informatics and geo-spatial technology.
  • BISAG-N provides specialized services and solutions in implementing map-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Source: PIB

Punah Bharan Mobile Application FAQs

Q1: Which organisation developed the Punah Bharan Mobile Application?

Ans: It is developed by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) in collaboration with the National Water Mission (NWM).

Q2: What is the function of Punah Bharan Mobile Application?

Ans: It enables users to identify potential artificial recharge zones within a radial distance of up to 3 km and explore suitable recharge structures based on local conditions.

Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary: Bihar Proposes ₹62.87 Crore Tourism Project Amid Legal Restrictions

October 31, 2026
Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Bihar.

Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Recently, the Bihar government has floated a tender for constructing sprawling tourism facilities inside Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary despite statutory restrictions and a Supreme Court order restraining construction in protected areas.

About Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Location: It is located in the state of Bihar.
  • It is situated in the south of the Ganges river, at the northern edge of Chota Nagpur Plateau.
  • It is sustained by the drainage network of the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Son River Systems. 
  • It spans roughly 682 sq km in Bihar’s Kharagpur Hills.
  • It is known for its natural hot springs.                                          
  • Vegetation: It predominantly has Northern Tropical Moist Deciduous Sal.
  • Flora: It mainly consists of Shorea robusta (Sal), Terminalia tomentosa, Adina cordifolia, Syzygium cumini, aquatic macrophytes
  • Fauna: It is home to leopard, sloth bear, hyena, wolf, large Indian civet and barking deer.

Source: IE

Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Where is Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: Bihar

Q2: Which river network is part of Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: It is sustained by the drainage network of the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Son River Systems. 

Adi Tribe: Proposed 11,200 MW Siang Dam Raises Concerns Over Tribal Heritage

October 31, 2026
Adi Tribe

Adi Tribe Latest News

The proposed 11,200 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project has triggered fears that disruption to the river could destroy not only homes and farmland but also the roots of the Adi civilisation.

About Adi Tribe

  • The Adi are one of the major indigenous tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The name Adi means 'hill man'.  
  • They primarily reside in the lower part of the Lower Dibang Valley district, particularly in Roing and Dambuk areas. 
  • They are believed to have come from southern China in the 16th century. 
  • The Adis have two main divisions (the Bogums and Bomis), and under each there are a number of sub-tribes. 
    • The Minyonfs, Karkos, Shimongs, Bomdo, Janbos, Panggis, Palibos, Bogums, Padams, Milangs, and so on form one group, while the Gallong and seven other groups constitute another group of Adis. 
  • Racially the Adi tribes belong to the Mongoloid stock with well-built features.

Adi Tribe Language

  • The language spoken by Adis is called Adi, which is distantly related to the Chinese and Tibetan languages. 
  • It is spoken with minor variations among all the Adi tribes. 

Adi Tribe Society

  • The father is considered the head of the family. 
  • The Adis by nature are democratic and have a nicely organised village council, better known as "Kebang". 
  • The Adi tribe is organized into several clans.  
  • This tribe is determinant of the social relationship and kinship. 
  • Family is the lowest unit of social organization and nuclear in character. 
  • Monogamy is the common form of marriage, though polygamy is socially restricted. 
  • Adi houses are constructed using wood and bamboo, featuring raised floors called "chang," made from split bamboo over beams supported by wooden or bamboo stilts.  

Adi Tribe Occupation

  • Agriculture forms the backbone of Adi livelihoods, with both wet rice cultivation and shifting cultivation being practiced.  
  • In addition to agriculture, fishing and hunting play significant roles in supplementing food sources.  
  • Handicrafts of the Adi tribes are best seen in their cane and bamboo works like baskets, trays, haversacks, mats, and hats and headgears with artistic designs that are produced for domestic use. 
  • Women belonging to the Adi tribal group are expert weavers. 

Adi Tribe Religion

  • The majority of Adi traditionally followed the animist Donyi-Polo religion, which involves the worship of the sun, the moon, and the ancestral god, the shaman, called Miri, can be a female. 
  • But, in modern times, many of the Adis have moved away from Donyi-Polo, especially the Adi youths, and have converted to Christianity. 

Adi Tribe Festivals

  • Their main festivals are Solung, Etor, and Aaran. 
  • Popular dances are the Ponung, Delong, Yakjong, and Tapu, which is in-fact, a war dance. 
  • Dances performed are in-group lead by a main singer (Miri).

News: TOI

Adi Tribe FAQs

Q1: Which Indian state is home to the Adi tribe?

Ans: Arunachal Pradesh.

Q2: In which areas of Arunachal Pradesh does the Adi tribe primarily reside?

Ans: The lower part of Lower Dibang Valley district, particularly Roing and Dambuk.

Q3: What is the traditional village council of the Adi tribe called?

Ans: Kebang.

Q4: What are the major festivals celebrated by the Adi tribe?

Ans: Solung, Etor and Aaran (Unying-Aran).

Q5: Which are the popular traditional dances of the Adi tribe?

Ans: Ponung, Delong, Yakjong and Tapu.

Tandur Red Gram: Telangana’s GI-Tagged Toor Dal Exported to Australia for First Time

October 31, 2026
Tandur Red Gram

Tandur Red Gram Latest News

Recently, the first consignment of GI-tagged Tandur red gram from Telangana was flagged off from Hyderabad, Telangana, to Australia. 

About Tandur Red Gram

  • It is popularly known as Tandur Toor Dal.
  • It is primarily cultivated in the rainfed tracts of four mandals in the Tandur region namely Tandur, Basheerabad, Peddemul and Yelal of Telangana state.
  • Its distinctive characteristics are associated with the region’s fertile deep black soils, the presence of attapulgite clay mineral deposits, and substantial limestone deposits.
  • It is the first agricultural product from the Telangana State to receive Geographical Indication (GI) registration in 2022.
  • Nutritional Value
    • It has more protein content than cereals.
    • It contains approximately 22–24 per cent protein, nearly three times the protein content of cereals.
    • It is valued for its excellent taste, superior cooking quality, and enhanced storage quality.

Key Facts about Geographical Indications Tag

  • It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
  • This is typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products.
  • The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
  • This GI tag is valid for 10 years following which it can be renewed.

Source: TH

Tandur Red Gram FAQs

Q1: Tandur Red Gram mainly cultivated in which state ?

Ans: Telangana

Q2: What is the nutritional benefit of Tandur Red Gram?

Ans: It contains approximately 22–24 per cent protein, nearly three times the protein content of cereals.

Ravi River Water Levels Rise After Heavy Rainfall in Himachal Pradesh

October 31, 2026
Ravi River

Ravi River Latest News

Researchers from IIT Gandhinagar monitored three decades of river discharge data and satellite imagery to examine changes in the Ravi River and its floodplain before and after the Ranjit Sagar reservoir began operating in 2001.

About Ravi River

  • It is a transboundary river that flows through northwestern India and northeastern Pakistan.
  • It is one of the five tributaries of the Indus River that give Punjab (meaning “Five Rivers”) its name.
  • It was originally known as Iravati and Parushni/Purushni in Vedic times and later called Hydraotes by the Ancient Greeks. 
  • Course:
    • It originates from the northern face of Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh and flows through the junction formed by the BaraBang-Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas as two channels, namely Budhil and Tantgari.
    • After joining, it flows through Himachal Pradesh, mainly the Chamba district, where it receives many tributaries.
    • From there, it flows southwards through India, crossing through Punjab before crossing into Pakistan, where it finally merges with the Chenab River, a major tributary of the Indus River.
  • The river has a total length of 720 km, of which 320 km are in India and 400 km are in Pakistan. 
  • Often called “The River of Lahore,” the historical city of Lahore, Pakistan, sits on its eastern bank. 
  • The hydrology is controlled by spring snowmelt and the South Asian monsoon that brings heavy rains from June to September. 
  • Major Tributaries:  Siul, Baira, and Ujh rivers.
  • Major Dams:
    • Thein Dam (Ranjit Sagar Dam) – Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
    • Chamera Dam – Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
    • Shahpurkandi Dam – Pathankot, Punjab
    • Ujh Dam – Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir
    • Ravi-Beas Link (Proposed)
    • Upper Bari Doab Canal–Irrigation canal system in Punjab
  • The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 between India and Pakistan allocated the Ravi River, along with the Beas and Sutlej rivers, to India.

News: EUR

Ravi River FAQs

Q1: Which countries does the Ravi River flow through?

Ans: India and Pakistan.

Q2: The Ravi River is a tributary of which major river system?

Ans: The Indus River system.

Q3: Where does the Ravi River originate?

Ans: From the northern face of Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh.

Q4: Which river does the Ravi join in Pakistan?

Ans: The Chenab River.

Q5: What is the approximate total length of the Ravi River?

Ans: The river has a total length of 720 km, of which 320 km are in India and 400 km are in Pakistan.

Kariyachalli Island Loses 85% of Landmass as Tamil Nadu Deploys 8,500 Artificial Reefs

October 31, 2026
Kariyachali Island

Kariyachalli Island Latest News

With two of the original 21 islands in the Gulf of Mannar already lost, Kariyachalli Island has become a test of whether engineering and ecological restoration can reverse an apparently relentless erosion trajectory.

About Kariyachalli Island

  • It is one of the 21 islands in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park region, located on the southeastern coast of India between Rameshwaram and Thhothukudi. 
  • The  Gulf of Mannar is home to one of the four major coral reefs in India and is one of India’s most ecologically sensitive marine zones.
  • Kariyachalli island possesses beaches, sand dunes, spits, and sandy plains.
  • The uninhabited island has sunk significantly over the past few decades due to rapid erosion, rising sea levels, and degradation of the surrounding coral reef and seagrass meadows. 
  • The island’s landmass shrank by over 70 per cent in 2024 compared to 1969, according to a January 2025 report by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras’s (IIT Madras) Department of Ocean Engineering. 
  • From its original size of 20.85 hectares, the island shrunk to just under six hectares in 2024. 
  • About a third of the coral around the island has bleached on average, and further degradation and disappearance of coral reefs would make the island more vulnerable to erosion, the report stated.
  • At the current rate of erosion, the island is expected to be submerged by 2036. With just a decade left, government authorities are now racing to save it from disappearing.
  • The Tamil Nadu Government is undertaking restoration under the Tamil Nadu SHORE (Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources) project, with World Bank support. 
    • Under this initiative, the govt uses 8,500 multipurpose artificial coral reef modules — designed by IIT Madras based on wave dynamics and bathymetry studies — to protect the island’s shoreline, reduce wave energy, and increase sediment deposition. 
    • The restoration programme also aims to rehabilitate three acres of degraded seagrass beds. 
    • The project also includes a blue-carbon assessment.

News: NIE

Kariyachalli Island FAQs

Q1: Where is Kariyachalli Island located?

Ans: In the Gulf of Mannar, off the southeastern coast of India, between Rameswaram and Thoothukudi.

Q2: Kariyachalli Island is part of which marine protected region?

Ans: Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park region.

Q3: Is Kariyachalli Island inhabited or uninhabited?

Ans: It is an uninhabited island.

Q4: What are the major reasons behind the shrinking of Kariyachalli Island?

Ans: Rapid coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and degradation of surrounding coral reefs and seagrass meadows.

Q5: Under which project is the Tamil Nadu Government undertaking restoration work around Kariyachalli Island?

Ans: Tamil Nadu SHORE (Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources) project.

AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile: Pakistan May Receive US-Made Air-to-Air Missiles

October 31, 2026
AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile

AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile Latest News

The US and Japan recently signed a deal to establish an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) facility in Japan, a move that will help bolster production of the most sought-after American beyond-visual-range air-to-air munition.

About AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile 

  • It is an active, radar-guided, medium-range, supersonic air-to-air missile. 
  • It is among the most widely used beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat weapons in the world. 
  • Developed in the US in the late 1970s and 1980s, it became operational in 1991 with the US Air Force, replacing older radar-guided missiles.
  • The AIM-120 is currently employed by over 35 countries, including key U.S. allies in NATO, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Middle East. 
    • Notable users include the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and several NATO member countries. 
  • From American F-15s, F-16s, and F-35s to European aircraft like the Typhoon and Gripen, it is installed on a wide variety of fighter jets.
  • The missile's primary role is to achieve air superiority by engaging and destroying enemy fighters, bombers, and cruise missiles from beyond visual range. 
  • Features:
    • The missile measures 3.65 meters in length, with a diameter of 178 millimeters and a wingspan of 484 millimeters.  
    • The missile features four cropped delta wings for lift and four control fins at the rear for steering.  
    • It is powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor capable of propelling it to speeds exceeding Mach 4, or roughly 3,000 miles per hour.
    • The missile can be launched in all weather, day or night.
    • It has a range exceeding 160 kilometers under optimal launch conditions.
    • It has a blast fragmentation warhead detonated by a proximity fuse. 
    • It utilizes a sophisticated guidance system that includes inertial guidance for the mid-course phase and terminal active radar homing for the final approach to the target. 
    • The missile also supports optional mid-course update data links, which enhance its accuracy by refining its trajectory during flight. 
    • This guidance system provides "fire-and-forget" capability, allowing the launching aircraft to disengage and focus on other threats. 
  • AMRAAM-ER (Extended Range): 
    • It is a ground-launched variant with extended range and altitude capabilities.
    • It is intended for use in ground-based air defense systems like the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System). 

News: EURT

AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)?

Ans: It is an active radar-guided, medium-range, supersonic air-to-air missile.

Q2: Which country developed the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)?

Ans: The United States.

Q3: What type of propulsion system does the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) use?

Ans: A solid-fuel rocket motor.

Q4: What is the range of the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)?

Ans: It has a range exceeding 160 kilometers under optimal launch conditions.

Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak 2026 Awarded to 490 Police and Security Personnel

October 31, 2026
Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak

Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak Latest News

Recently, the ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ has been awarded to 490 personnel for the year 2026.

About Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak     

  • It has been instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India in 2024.
  • The award aims to encourage professional standards and boost the morale of officers and officials across the country.
  • It is given to recognize excellent work, promote high professional standards and boost the morale of the concerned official/officer in the following four fields:
    • Special Operation
    • Investigation
    • Intelligence
    • Forensic Science
  • It was created by merging the 4 previously existing MHA awards –
    • The Special Operation Medal,
    • The Medal for Excellence in Investigation,
    • The Exceptional Intelligence Efficiency Medal, and
    • The Union Home Minister’s Award for Meritorious Service.
  • Eligibility: It is conferred on members of the Police Forces, Security Organization, Intelligence Wing/Branch/Special Branch of State/Union Territories/Central Police Organizations (CPOs)/Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Forensic Science (Central / State / Union Territories) throughout the Indian Union.
  • The medal is announced on 31st of October every year, on the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Source: PIB

Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak FAQs

Q1: Which ministry awards the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak?

Ans: Ministry of Home Affairs

Q2: Who are eligible for Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak?

Ans: It is conferred on members of the Police Forces, Security Organization.

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