UPSC Current Affairs 19 October 2026

• Developing Authority: Developed by the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) and officially released in 2024.
• Distinct Appearance: Features a distinct dark purple skin and fully purple flesh, setting it apart from traditional yellow-fleshed varieties.
• Texture & Appeal: Possesses an oblong shape, shallow eyes, a mealy texture, and a pleasant flavour, creating strong consumer appeal.

• High Antioxidants: Rich in anthocyanins (the same health-boosting pigments found in blueberries and jamun) and carotenoids, which give the potato its deep purple hue.
• Vitamin C & Mineral Content: Outperforms conventional potatoes by delivering 42.75 mg of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), 3.22 mg of iron, and 2.28 mg of zinc per 100 grams.
• Superior Health Benefits: Offers significantly higher antioxidant defence, better dietary diversity, and improved long-term nutritional security.

• High Yielding: Produces an impressive 32 to 35 tonnes per hectare under standard farming practices, reaching up to 49 tonnes per hectare in specific 90-day station trials.
• Maturity Cycle: Functions as a medium-maturity rabi crop, taking roughly 90 to 100 days to fully mature.
• Excellent Storability: Exhibits a medium dormancy period of 6 to 8 weeks, ensuring the tubers do not sprout quickly and boast low weight loss/rottage during storage.
• Geographic Suitability: Highly adaptable for commercial farming across major North Indian plains, including states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

• Traditional Dishes: Perfectly suited for standard Indian household preparations, including vegetable curries, parathas, puris, and raita.
• Breakfast Items: Adds natural colour and nutrition to daily staples like upma, halwa, daliya, and dosa/idli batters.
• Commercial Value-Added Products: Extensively tested for milling into purple flour and purple suji (semolina), making it ideal for healthy bakery items, soups, cookies, and premium chips.

• Kufri Neelkanth (Released 2018): India's first specialty purple-skinned potato (with yellow flesh), recognized for high antioxidant capabilities.
• Kufri Manik (Released 2021): A deep-red skinned variety boasting high levels of iron, zinc, and anthocyanins.

• World-First Sample Return: The primary goal is to land on Phobos (the larger, inner moon of Mars), collect at least 10 grams of surface material (regolith), and bring it back to Earth.
• Dual Moon Study: While it will land on Phobos, the spacecraft will also perform multiple close flybys of Mars' second moon, Deimos, to conduct comparative studies.
• Martian Atmosphere: The probe will also monitor successive changes in the Martian atmosphere from its unique equatorial orbit.

• Launch: October 20, 2026.
• Mars Arrival: Scheduled to reach the Martian system by August 2027 after a 10-month journey.
• Exploration Phase: The spacecraft will spend roughly 3 years studying the moons and collecting samples.
• Earth Return: The capsule carrying the extraterrestrial material is targeted to land in Australia in 2031.

• Solving the Origin Mystery: Scientists aim to determine whether Phobos and Deimos are captured asteroids or if they are debris left over from a giant collision between Mars and a large impactor.
• Origins of Life: By studying the delivery of volatile materials across the solar system's "snow line" to early terrestrial planets, the mission hopes to shed light on how habitable environments and life began.
• Future Human Bases: The samples will help determine if these moons can serve as an ideal stepping stone or gateway base for future manned missions to Mars.

• Total Mass: The robotic probe has a launch mass of approximately 4,480 kg.
• The "Idefix" Rover: The spacecraft carries a small, sub-30 kg rover named Idefix, jointly developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and France's CNES. It will be deployed onto Phobos to analyze surface properties and scout a safe landing site for the main spacecraft.
• Pneumatic Sampling: The probe features a specialized pneumatic sampler developed by Honeybee Robotics (supported by NASA) that uses compressed nitrogen gas to blow surface particles into a collection container.

• While led by JAXA, the mission is an international endeavor.
• NASA is providing critical equipment, including the MEGANE instrument (a gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer to analyze elemental composition) and will curate about 15% of the returned samples.
• European Space Agency (ESA), CNES (France), and DLR (Germany) are providing key scientific instruments, deep-space tracking, and rover support.

• Name and Classification: Officially known as the YJ-21 (or "Eagle Strike 21"), it is a next-generation Chinese hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM).
• Hypersonic Speed:
  • Cruises at midcourse speeds exceeding Mach 6.
  • Reaches terminal velocities of Mach 10 (ten times the speed of sound) during its final descent toward a target.
• Operational Range: It possesses a maximum strike range estimated between 1,200 km to 1,500 km, which can be significantly extended when air-launched from strategic bombers operating outside enemy air defence networks.
• Architecture: Utilizes a solid-fuelled, two-stage boost-glide weapon architecture.
• Evasion & Flight Path: Flies in a quasi-ballistic "skip-glide" trajectory. Using aerodynamic control surfaces, the missile can perform violent, non-linear, high-G manoeuvres during its final approach, making it extremely difficult for modern naval air defences to track or intercept.
• Guidance Systems: Employs an Inertial Navigation System (INS) with satellite updates for mid-course tracking, and utilizes an active radar-homing or infrared seeker for terminal-stage targeting of moving warships.

• Naval Platform (Sea-Based): Originally deployed via cold-launch methods from the universal vertical launch system (VLS) cells of China's most advanced warships, such as the Type 055 large guided-missile destroyers.
• Aerial Platform (Air-Based): The newer variant (KD-21) is carried by the Xian H-6K and H-6N bombers. Heavy bombers allow the military to deploy multiple hypersonic missiles simultaneously from standoff ranges.
• Export Version: A downgraded variant designated as the YJ-21E was publicly displayed at the Zhuhai Airshow to international buyers.

• "Carrier Killer" Designation: The missile is purposefully engineered to hunt large, high-value naval assets, specifically targeting U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike groups.
• Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD): The YJ-21 is a foundational element of China's A2/AD strategy. It aims to deter adversarial maritime intervention, forcing hostile carrier strike groups to operate much further away from the Chinese coast and Taiwan.
• Kinetic Destruction: Military analysts note that because of its immense terminal speed (Mach 10), the weapon carries enough kinetic energy that it could physically compromise or neutralize a warship's flight deck upon impact even without detonating its conventional warhead.

• The Location: It is situated in the Vadakkekara village of Paravur Taluk in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India.
• Landscape: It is a coastal site located in the delta of the Periyar River, roughly 4 km away from the current Arabian Sea coast.
• The Scale: The entire site covers roughly 1.5 sq. km, but less than 1% of the total archaeological mound has been actively excavated so far.

• The Legend of Muziris: Pattanam is widely believed by archaeologists to be the site of Muziris, the legendary port city known as the "first emporium" of the Indian Ocean.
• Etymology: Muziris is thought to have originated from the Tamil Sangam word "Muciri", translating to "the land of seven rivers".

• Historical Span: The artifacts display a continuous settlement timeline spanning nearly 3,000 years.
• Key Phases:
  • Iron Age / Megalithic Phase: (1000 BCE to 300 BCE) Occupied initially by indigenous communities.
  • Peak Urban Phase: (100 BCE to 300 CE) Experienced peak activity aligning with the Greco-Roman classical age.
  • Late Historical Phase: Continuous habitation evidence extends all the way up to the 10th century CE.

• Global Trade Artifacts: Over 45 lakh ceramic fragments (sherds) have been unearthed. Out of these, 1.4 lakh fragments belong to remote regions like the Mediterranean, the River Nile, the Red Sea, the western and eastern Indian Oceans, and the South China Sea.
• Roman & Greek Links: Key findings include a seal ring engraved with a Greek Sphinx (native to the ancient Greek city of Thebes) and a miniature male head statue showcasing a distinctive Roman imperial coiffure.
• Maritime Infrastructure: Excavators found a wharf structure complete with mooring bollards and a 6-meter-long wooden canoe buried parallel to it, proving advanced nautical capabilities.
• Local Economy: Discoveries of semi-precious stone beads, gold ornaments (like a miniature axe pendant), iron, copper, and square copper coins belonging to the early Chera Dynasty point to active local craft manufacturing.
• Agricultural Remains: Well-preserved botanical remains of ancient trade commodities like black pepper, cardamom, and frankincense were recovered.

• No Social Hierarchy: There is no structural or material evidence of a caste system or sharp graded inequality.
• Absence of Weaponry: Unlike contemporary civilizations of the West, the complete absence of weaponry suggests a society reliant on peaceful commercial diplomacy rather than military force.
• Advanced Civic Living: Features like brick architecture, burnt clay floors, ring wells, and complex toilet features show an emphasis on sanitation and private living spaces.

• The Orbital Module: Together, the Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM) make up the Gaganyaan Orbital Module. They function as a single integrated spacecraft from launch through the orbital stage.
• Crew Module (CM): The habitable space where the astronauts live and work in environment-controlled conditions.
• Service Module (SM): The support structure that sits behind the CM, providing essential propulsion, power, and thermal management throughout the orbital phase.

• Mechanical Separation: Simulating how the two massive modules physically unlock and push apart at the end of the space operation.
• Umbilical Line Severing: Ensuring that the complex fluid, gas, and electrical links connecting the two modules sever smoothly without damaging the spacecraft.
• Pyrotechnic Precision: Testing the highly synchronized, rapid sequence of mini-explosive bolts (pyrotechnic devices) and jettisoning hardware required to trigger the split.
• Shock & Vibration Survivability: Ensuring the sensitive instruments inside the CM can withstand the sudden physical jolts and vibrations caused by the explosive separation.

• Avionics & Inertial Navigation Systems: Keeping navigation tracking intact during the separation shock.
• Thermal Protection Systems: Verifying the integrity of the aft and conical heat shields required to withstand atmospheric friction.
• Deployable Umbilical Shield: Testing the shield that closes over the disconnected connection port.
• Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS): Assessing the pyrotechnic modules responsible for inflating flotation bags to keep the module upright upon splashdown.

• The Core Objective: To demonstrate India's independent human spaceflight capability by sending a 3-member crew to an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission.
• The Return: After orbiting, the CM will separate from the SM, perform atmospheric re-entry, and safely splash down in Indian sea waters for recovery.

• On 30 January 2026, the Supreme Court held that menstrual health and menstrual hygiene are facets of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21.
• It linked menstrual health to dignity, equality, health, and girls’ education, especially in remote and underserved areas.
• The Court directed nationwide implementation of the Union Government’s Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls for students in Classes 6–12.
• It required compliance from both government and private schools, in rural and urban areas.

• Provide functional, gender-segregated toilets for girls and boys, with usable water connectivity and washing facilities.
• Provide free sanitary napkins to girl students.
• Ensure products are biodegradable and meet prescribed safety, hygiene, and environmental standards.
• Create mechanisms for safe access, such as vending machines or designated distribution points.
• Ensure safe disposal of used menstrual products and maintain menstrual hygiene management facilities.
• Address barriers that cause girls to miss school or drop out due to menstruation.

• Article 21: Right to life includes the right to menstrual health, dignity, privacy, and a life free from avoidable health and educational barriers.
• Article 14: Equal protection requires removing gender-based disadvantages in access to sanitation and education.
• Article 15(3): Permits special provisions for women and children, supporting targeted menstrual-health measures.
• Article 21A and Right to Education: Lack of toilets, water, and products can contribute to absenteeism and dropout among adolescent girls.
• Article 47: Supports public health and nutrition obligations, including prevention of anaemia and reproductive-health care.

• Menstrual health is not limited to sanitary napkins; it includes accurate information, safe products, water and sanitation, healthcare, disposal, and freedom from stigma.
• Poor menstrual-health support can affect school attendance, workforce participation, dignity, mental wellbeing, and reproductive health.
• The Court emphasised that menstrual health is “not a taboo subject to be ignored” and is directly connected to health, education, and dignity.
• Globally, menstrual health is recognised as a cross-cutting issue involving health, education, human rights, gender equality, and WASH.

• Implementation deficit: States/UTs have not submitted adequate compliance reports despite judicial directions.
• Infrastructure gaps: Many schools still lack functional girls’ toilets, running water, privacy, and disposal systems.
• Affordability: Period poverty restricts access to menstrual products among poorer households.
• Stigma and misinformation: Social taboos prevent open discussion and timely health-seeking.
• Health issues: Heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, anaemia, PCOS, endometriosis, and infections may remain undiagnosed without adequate health services.
• Environmental burden: Disposable pads create waste-management challenges, making biodegradable and compostable alternatives important.

• Location: Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu, near the Kaveri River.
• Dedication: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Brihadisvara/“the Great Lord”; the sanctum houses a massive Shiva lingam.

• The Builder: The temple was commissioned by the legendary Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I (Rajaraja I).
• Timeline: Construction began around 1003 CE and was officially completed in 1010 CE.
• Alternative Names: It is locally referred to as Thanjai Periya Kovil (Thanjavur Big Temple), Rajarajesvaram, and Peruvudaiyar Kovil.
• Dedicated Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, housing a massive monolithic Shiva Lingam standing about 8.7 metres high.
• Geographic Location: It stands on the south bank of the Kaveri (Cauvery) River delta in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

• Dravidian Style Masterpiece: It represents the absolute zenith of imperial Chola-era Dravidian architecture, defined by monumental scale and geometric precision.
• All-Granite Construction: The massive structure was assembled entirely from granite blocks. Remarkably, there is no natural granite source within a 60-mile (approx. 100 km) radius of the site.
• Interlocking Mortarless Technique: The stones are held together strictly by gravity and a precision interlocking fit, rather than mortar or binding materials.
• The Towering Vimana: Unlike later South Indian temples where the entry gateways (gopurams) are taller, here the central tower over the sanctum (Vimana) is the tallest structure, soaring to a height of 66 metres (216 feet).
• The Monolithic Kumbam: The apex capstone (Kumbam) crowning the topmost part of the Vimana is carved out of a single rock and weighs nearly 80 tonnes. Legend states it was rolled into position using an angled 6 km-long ramp.
• Zero Shadow Illusion: The architectural layout is famously calibrated so that the core structural profile of the Vimana casts no structural shadow on the ground at noon during specific seasons.
• Monolithic Nandi: A giant statue of Nandi (the sacred bull) guards the entrance. Carved entirely out of a single stone, it measures nearly 13 feet high and 16 feet wide.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. It forms the centerpiece of the "Great Living Chola Temples" cluster alongside the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.
• Living Heritage: It is a "living temple," meaning religious rituals, traditional worship, and festive celebrations have continued daily for over a millennium.
• Inscriptions and Art: The base plinths are deeply engraved with historic Tamil and Sanskrit calligraphic inscriptions documenting the daily administration, imperial donations, and dance poses (Karanas) of Bharatanatyam.

• Strict Prohibition for Under 6 Months: The ban explicitly covers formula and food products intended for babies from birth up to six months old.
• Permissible Sugars: Only naturally occurring lactose and glucose polymers will be allowed as preferred carbohydrate sources within prescribed limits.
• Distinction of Sugars: The restriction targets added refined sugars (sucrose and fructose) and does not apply to foods containing naturally occurring sugars, like lactose in milk.
• 6 to 24 Months Policy: Under the current proposal, companies can still use limited added sugars within permissible limits for products aimed at older infants (6 to 24 months), though separate rules are being explored for this group.

• Combatting Childhood Obesity: Early exposure to added sugars is a primary dietary risk factor linked to childhood obesity and early metabolic complications.
• Preventing Long-term Addictions: The World Health Organization (WHO) advises against introducing added sugars before two years of age to prevent children from developing lifelong addictions to overly sweet foods.
• Protecting Dental Health: Eliminating early refined sugars reduces the risk of infant tooth decay and cavities.
• Promoting Breastfeeding: This policy complements national public health guidelines that advocate for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.

• Formulation Changes: Domestic and international baby food manufacturers will have to completely overhaul their recipes, ingredient specifications, and quality assurance systems.
• 60-Day Public Consultation: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has opened the draft for public feedback. Stakeholders, including parents, doctors, and manufacturers, have 60 days from the gazette publication to submit objections or suggestions before the rules are finalized.

• Core Rights: The court anchored internet access within Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) read alongside Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech and Expression).
• Equal Status for Children: The bench stated that children do not lose their constitutional rights based on age, noting that completely denying them access is "as absurd as saying children below a certain age do not have a conscience worth protecting".

• Proven Disproportionality: The court termed age-based total bans as "unproven measures of proven disproportionality," observing that no jurisdiction worldwide has proven that absolute bans make children any safer.
• Counterproductive Risks: Total bans tend to backfire by pushing children toward unmonitored, unregulated platforms, making them more vulnerable.
• Reduced Abuse Reporting: A fear of punishment for violating absolute internet bans discourages children from reporting instances of online grooming, exploitation, or abuse.

• Targeting the Real Problem: The Supreme Court noted that depriving children of the internet because platforms fail to filter toxic content is "mistaking the victim for the problem".
• Stakeholder Accountability: The legal and ethical burden must remain squarely on the creators of abusive material and the social media intermediaries that fail to regulate it—not on children.

• Mandatory "Child Mode": The court suggested implementing dedicated child modes on social networks where accounts are private by default.
• Communication Filters: Restricting messaging, content streams, and ad exposure from unknown adults for pre-teens.
• Harmful Content Carve-Out: The bench clarified that the government still holds the right to block minors from inherently damaging elements, like adult-content websites.

Download Pdf