Primus Civil Services Academy

Login / Register
Facebook Instagram Youtube Telegram X-twitter
  • +91 9364908441
  • reachout@primusias.com
Stay connected via Google News
Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.
Add as preferred source on Google

October 29th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – October 29th

Table of Contents

Hunker down: Proactive governance and cyclone preparedness

Why is it in the news?

Cyclone Arnab made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast on 28 October 2026. The response to the cyclone has drawn attention to the role of advance planning and administrative preparedness in reducing disaster-related deaths. The report also raises concerns about rapid intensification and difficulties in forecasting the storm’s strength.

What is proactive governance?

Proactive governance means anticipating a potential problem and taking preventive action before it develops into a crisis, rather than responding only after damage occurs.

In disaster management, it involves:

  • Early warning: Forecasting hazards and communicating alerts to vulnerable communities.
  • Preventive evacuation: Moving people from low-lying and coastal areas to safe shelters before landfall.
  • Inter-agency coordination: Coordinating the district administration, police, health departments, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
  • Essential services: Arranging food, drinking water, medicines, sanitation and emergency healthcare.
  • Infrastructure protection: Securing power lines, roads, communication systems and other critical infrastructure.

How does proactive governance reduce cyclone casualties?

Hazard forecasting

IMD monitors cyclone formation, track, intensity and rainfall.

Early warning dissemination

Alerts reach district officials and vulnerable communities.

Evacuation and preparedness

People are shifted to shelters and rescue teams are deployed.

Reduced loss of life

Preparedness reduces exposure to dangerous winds, flooding and storm surges.

India’s cyclone risk-reduction framework includes early-warning systems, multipurpose cyclone shelters, evacuation roads, capacity building and coordination between the Centre and States.

Important institutions and mechanisms

 

Institution

Role

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

Cyclone monitoring, forecasting and weather warnings

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

National disaster-management policies and guidelines

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

Specialised disaster response and rescue

State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)

State-level disaster planning and coordination

District administration

Local evacuation, relief, shelter management and coordination

Challenges highlighted by Cyclone Arnab

  • Rapid intensification: Cyclones may strengthen faster than anticipated, reducing preparation time.
  • Forecast uncertainty: The timing, intensity and precise location of landfall may change.
  • Coastal vulnerability: Storm surges, heavy rainfall and flooding can threaten lives, livelihoods and infrastructure.
  • Last-mile communication: Warnings must reach remote villages, fishers, elderly people and persons with disabilities.
  • Post-disaster recovery: Restoration of electricity, transport, healthcare and livelihoods requires sustained coordination.

The key lesson is that early warnings must be combined with evacuation capacity, resilient infrastructure and effective local administration.

 

Disinvestment as Key Economic Strategy

Why in News?

The editorial examines how the Union government can use disinvestment and public-asset monetisation to mobilise resources, improve public-sector efficiency and support economic reforms.

According to the article published on October 29, 2026:

  • The government mobilised ₹62,124 crore through disinvestment and asset monetisation during April–September 2026.
  • Of this, ₹55,757 crore came from disinvestment.
  • These receipts amounted to approximately 78% of the full-year budget target of ₹80,000 crore.
  • The government’s approval of the sale of its stake in IDBI Bank on October 14 could push receipts beyond the target.

What is disinvestment?

Disinvestment refers to the sale of the government’s equity or ownership stake in a Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) or Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).

The government may sell a small portion of its shares while retaining control, or sell a larger stake as part of a transfer of management control.

Types of disinvestment

  1. Minority stake sale

The government sells part of its shares but retains management control.

Example: An Offer for Sale (OFS) of shares in a listed public-sector company.

  1. Strategic disinvestment

The government sells a substantial stake and transfers management control to another entity.

Example: The transfer of Air India to the Tata Group in 2022.

  1. Asset monetisation

The government generates revenue from existing public assets, often through leases or concessions, without necessarily selling ownership of the asset.

Example: Monetising operational highway assets through concession arrangements.

These mechanisms differ in their treatment of ownership and management. Asset monetisation is not the same as selling government equity.

Why does the government undertake disinvestment?

  • Resource mobilisation: Generates non-debt capital receipts to finance government expenditure.
  • Improved efficiency: Private-sector participation may strengthen professional management, competition and accountability.
  • Wider public ownership: Share sales allow retail investors and institutions to own shares in public-sector companies.
  • Fiscal consolidation: Receipts can help manage fiscal pressures, although they do not replace the need for sustainable revenue and expenditure policies.
  • Better allocation of capital: Reduces the need to commit public funds to commercial activities where private investment can play a greater role.

An important distinction for UPSC: disinvestment receipts are generally classified as non-debt capital receipts, not tax revenue. They do not directly increase the fiscal deficit in the same way as additional borrowing, though their impact on the overall fiscal position depends on how the proceeds are used.

New Public Sector Enterprise Policy, 2021

The Union government’s New Public Sector Enterprise Policy seeks to maintain a minimum public-sector presence in specified strategic sectors while pursuing privatisation or closure of public-sector enterprises in non-strategic sectors, subject to the policy framework.

The four broad strategic-sector groups are:

  • Atomic energy, space and defence.
  • Transport and telecommunications.
  • Power, petroleum, coal and other minerals.
  • Banking, insurance and financial services.

What is the National Monetisation Pipeline?

The National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), prepared by NITI Aayog, identifies brownfield public infrastructure assets that can generate revenue through monetisation.

The article also refers to NMP 2.0, which has a target of ₹16.72 lakh crore for FY 2025–30.

Indmedia News+1

The objective is to unlock value from existing infrastructure and recycle resources into new infrastructure investment. Monetisation does not automatically mean that the government permanently gives up ownership of an asset.

 

Challenges and concerns

  • Undervaluation of public assets: Poor valuation or weak competition could result in lower-than-expected receipts.
  • Employment concerns: Restructuring after privatisation may affect workers and service conditions.
  • Private monopolies: Transferring a public monopoly to a private entity without effective regulation may harm consumers.
  • Short-term fiscal dependence: One-time sale proceeds cannot sustainably substitute for recurring tax revenue.
  • Strategic considerations: The government must balance efficiency gains with national security, financial stability and public-service obligations.
  • Delayed transactions: Regulatory requirements, litigation and insufficient investor interest may slow the sale process.

Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM-VGSY)

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana on 28 October 2026. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme designed to strengthen Gram Panchayats, improve local development planning and make rural governance more transparent and accountable.

Press Information Bureau+1

The scheme supports the broader vision of Viksit Bharat by strengthening grassroots institutions rather than treating villages merely as recipients of government schemes.

Key features of the scheme

Total outlay

₹7,395.55 crore

Implementation period

2026–27 to 2030–31

Central share

₹4,869.48 crore

State share

₹2,526.07 crore

Coverage: All States and Union Territories, including eligible traditional rural local government institutions. The scheme aims to support around 32 lakh governance stakeholders and more than 2.55 lakh Panchayats and traditional local bodies.

Major objectives

  • Strengthen Gram Panchayats: Build the capacity of elected representatives and Panchayat officials to perform their responsibilities effectively.
  • Improve village-level planning: Integrate local priorities, government schemes and available financial resources into a comprehensive development plan.
  • Promote digital governance: Use digital platforms for planning, budgeting, accounting, monitoring and financial management.
  • Ensure transparency: Improve online auditing, public disclosure and accountability in the utilisation of funds.
  • Encourage people’s participation: Involve citizens and Gram Sabhas in identifying village needs and monitoring development.
  • Promote financial self-reliance: Improve the ability of Panchayats to mobilise their own-source revenue.

Six major pillars of the scheme

  1. Stronger local governance

Gram Panchayats will serve as focal points for coordinating village development priorities and government interventions.

  1. Integrated development planning

Panchayats will prepare comprehensive Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) based on local needs and available resources.

  1. Digital integration

Digital systems will help integrate scheme information, beneficiaries, community assets and financial resources.

  1. Citizen awareness and participation

Awareness campaigns and Gram Sabha discussions will connect national development priorities with local aspirations.

  1. Capacity building

Training will improve skills in planning, financial management, digital governance and public communication.

  1. Financial accountability

Online accounting, timely audits and public disclosure will encourage transparent and efficient use of public funds.

Important digital platforms

Platform

Purpose

eGramSwaraj

Digital planning, accounting, monitoring and management of Panchayat activities

AuditOnline

Online auditing of Panchayati Raj Institution accounts

PANCHAM

WhatsApp-based assistance and multilingual communication for Panchayat representatives, officials and citizens

PFMS

Public Financial Management System; supports tracking and management of government fund flows

These platforms are intended to improve coordination, access to information and financial transparency.

Constitutional significance for UPSC

The scheme is closely linked to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Article 243G — Powers, authority and responsibilities

State legislatures may endow Panchayats with powers to function as institutions of self-government, including preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.

Eleventh Schedule

Contains 29 subjects that may be devolved to Panchayats, including agriculture, minor irrigation, rural housing, drinking water, roads, health and sanitation.

Gram Sabha

Provides a forum for participation by registered voters in village-level democratic governance, subject to the applicable constitutional and state legal framework.



Expected benefits and challenges

Expected benefits

Challenges

Better village-level planning

Unequal administrative capacity across Panchayats

More transparent use of funds

Weak auditing and follow-up in some areas

Improved digital service delivery

Digital literacy and connectivity gaps

Greater citizen participation

Low participation or limited awareness

Stronger local revenue mobilisation

Limited revenue base and dependence on grants

The scheme can strengthen rural governance, but its outcomes will depend on implementation quality, meaningful devolution and the ability of Panchayats to convert plans into actual development.

Cheetah KNG22 dies after being shot in Madhya Pradesh; Centre orders probe

Why in News?

A 19-month-old male cheetah, identified as KNG22, died on 27 October 2026 after suffering firearm pellet injuries. It was found injured in territorial forests near Morena, outside Kuno National Park, and five pellets were recovered during emergency surgery.

On 28 October, the Union Environment Ministry deputed a high-level team to investigate the death and examine wildlife protection and monitoring arrangements. Madhya Pradesh had also constituted a Special Task Force.

This incident raises an important conservation question: How can India protect reintroduced wildlife when animals move beyond the boundaries of protected areas?

Project Cheetah: Background

Project Cheetah was launched on 17 September 2022 to reintroduce cheetahs to India after the species was declared extinct in the country in 1952. African cheetahs were brought from Namibia and South Africa, with additional animals subsequently brought from Botswana.

  • Main site: Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Objective: Establish a viable, free-ranging cheetah population in India.
  • Ecological purpose: Restore a lost large carnivore and its role in grassland and open-forest ecosystems.
  • Conservation approach: Reintroduction, habitat management, prey-base improvement, monitoring and community participation.

Why is cheetah conservation important?

Ecological balance

Cheetahs are carnivores that influence prey populations and form part of the food web in grassland and open-woodland ecosystems.

Grassland and open-forest conservation

Protecting suitable habitat can also benefit other grassland species and associated biodiversity.

Community participation

Awareness, local cooperation and effective conflict management are essential for protecting wildlife beyond reserve boundaries.

Major challenges facing Project Cheetah

  • Human–wildlife conflict: Cheetahs moving into agricultural land or inhabited areas can encounter people, livestock and threats from illegal weapons.
  • Habitat availability: Reintroduced animals need sufficiently large, suitable landscapes and safe movement corridors.
  • Monitoring beyond reserves: Radio collars can help track animals, but tracking alone cannot prevent deliberate harm or guarantee a rapid response.
  • Prey availability: A suitable prey base is necessary for survival and successful establishment.
  • Genetic diversity: A sustainable population requires careful management of breeding and genetic variation.
  • Administrative coordination: Forest departments, police, wildlife-crime authorities and local communities must work together.

The death of KNG22 particularly highlights the need for effective protection in territorial forests adjoining protected areas.

“India’s industrial output growth slows to 6.7% in September; manufacturing expands 7.6%.”

Why is it in the news?

India’s Index of Industrial Production grew by 6.7% year-on-year in September 2026, down from 8.0% in August’s quick estimate. The data was released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on 28 October 2026.

The slowdown was largely associated with a contraction in mining and weaker growth in manufacturing compared with August. However, industrial production continued to expand, supported by manufacturing and electricity output.

What is the Index of Industrial Production?

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a statistical indicator that measures changes in the volume of industrial production over time compared with a base period.

It helps assess whether industrial activity is expanding or contracting and is an important indicator of short-term economic performance.

    • Released by: MoSPI, through the National Statistical Office (NSO).
    • Frequency: Monthly.
    • Current base year: 2022–23 = 100.
    • Data source: Information collected from factories, industrial establishments and relevant source agencies.
    • Economic importance: Helps policymakers, economists and businesses assess industrial trends.

Latest IIP data: September 2026

Overall IIP growth

6.7%

September 2026, year-on-year

IIP index value

124.3

Base year 2022–23 = 100

Key observations

    • Manufacturing: Grew by 7.6%, although growth moderated from August.
    • Mining and quarrying: Contracted by 6.2%, weighing on overall industrial performance.
    • Electricity and gas supply: Expanded by 11.2%, reflecting strong growth in the utility sector.
    • Water supply, sewerage and waste management: Grew by 5.8%.
    • April–September 2026: Overall IIP growth was 6.8%, compared with 4.4% in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Six use-based categories of IIP

The IIP also classifies industrial goods according to their economic use. This helps identify which parts of the economy are driving production.

Category

What it measures

September 2026 growth

Primary goods

Basic goods such as ores, fuels and other inputs

4.0%

Capital goods

Machinery and equipment used to produce other goods

10.4%

Intermediate goods

Inputs used in further production

12.2%

Infrastructure/construction goods

Materials and products used in infrastructure and construction

7.2%

Consumer durables

Goods with relatively long useful lives, such as cars and appliances

6.0%

Consumer non-durables

Goods consumed relatively quickly, such as food products and toiletries

1.4%

Why is IIP important for the Indian economy?

Measures industrial performance

Tracks changes in industrial output and helps identify expansion or contraction across sectors.

Assesses investment-related activity

Capital-goods and infrastructure-related production provide useful signals about industrial investment and construction activity.

Supports economic policymaking

Helps governments and analysts assess industrial trends, alongside GDP, inflation, employment and other indicators.

Limitations of IIP

    • It covers industrial production, not the entire economy.
    • It does not directly measure employment, profitability or household welfare.
    • Monthly estimates can be revised when more data become available.
    • Strong production growth in a few industries can coexist with weakness in others.
    • It should be analysed alongside GDP, the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), capacity utilisation, inflation and employment data.

IIP and GDP: Important distinction

IIP

GDP

Measures changes in industrial production

Measures the value added across the economy

Published monthly

Published quarterly and annually

Focuses on industrial activity

Covers agriculture, industry and services

A short-term indicator of industrial trends

A broader measure of economic activity

 

Discover more from Primus Civil Services Academy

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top

Discover more from Primus Civil Services Academy

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading