Current Affairs – October 28, 2025

{GS2 – Governance} Maha MedTech Mission

• Context (PIB): India has launched the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-Medical Technology (Maha MedTech Mission), to boost indigenous medical-technology innovation.

Key Highlights of the Mission

• The mission was launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation.
• It provides ₹5-25 crore per project, extendable to ₹50 crore in exceptional cases.
• Open to academic institutions, research organisations, startups, MSMEs, and MedTech industries.
• Covers medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, implants, surgical and assistive tools, consumables, and software-based solutions.
• It encourages innovation in advanced diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive technologies, point-of-care molecular diagnostics, AI/ML-based systems, and robotics.
• Enabling ecosystem: Patent Mitra (IP protection & technology transfer), MedTech Mitra (regulatory guidance), a Clinical Trial Network (clinical validation and evidence generation), and industry mentorship.

{GS2 – Governance} National Household Income Survey

• Context (IE): The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch the first-ever pan-India National Household Income Survey (NHIS) in February 2026.

• Objective: To provide accurate income estimates and assess income inequality across different regions and social groups.
• Implementing Agency: National Statistics Office (NSO) under the MoSPI.
• Coverage Scope: Both rural and urban households through digitally supervised household visits.
• Income Dimensions: Earnings from wages, self-employment, property, pensions, remittances, and welfare schemes.
• Methodology: A Technical Expert Group chaired by Surjit S. Bhalla will design the process using global best practices.

Current Affairs

Challenges in Conducting NHIS

• Sensitivity Barrier: The 2025 Pre-tests revealed that 95% of respondents were unwilling to disclose their income details.
• Fragmented Sources: Multiple informal income sources in rural households hinder verification and reliable estimation.
• Non-Monetised Output: Household consumption of agricultural produce complicates the valuation of non-marketed income.
• Data Inconsistency: Persistent under-reporting and recall bias result in income figures lower than total consumption levels.
• Irregular Earnings: Seasonal and self-employed workers experience fluctuating incomes, leading to inconsistent and incomplete data.

Read More > India’s Statistical System | India’s First Household Income Survey

{GS3 – Agri} Indian Coffee Gaining Global Popularity

• Context (IE): Recently, PM Narendra Modi said that Indian coffee is gaining popularity worldwide, aiding farmers’ income.

About Coffee

• Two main varieties of coffee — Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora) are cultivated worldwide, including in India.
• Climate: Coffee plants thrive in warm, humid climates but need a distinct dry period for berry ripening.
• Temperature: Arabica grows best in 15°–24°C; Robusta tolerates higher temperatures of 24°–30°C.
• Altitude: Arabica thrives at 600–2,000 meters above sea level; Robusta adjusts to lower elevations.
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy soils rich in humus, iron, and calcium offer ideal conditions for growth.

Coffee Production in India

• India is the seventh-largest coffee producer in the world, exporting about 70% of its production to more than 120 countries.
• Major Producers: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, with Karnataka producing more than 70% of the total output.
• Uniqueness: India is the only country where all coffee is grown under natural shade, using a two-tier mixed canopy.

Read More > Araku Valley Coffee

{GS3 – Agri} Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels

• Context (NOA | TPE): The Union Home Minister launched the distribution of Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at Mazagon Dock, Mumbai.

• The government plans to distribute 200 such vessels nationwide over five years on a cooperative basis.
• Objective: The initiative aims to enhance India’s deep-sea fishing capacity and to explore resources within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas.
• Funding: Under PMMSY, supported by the Department of Fisheries, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), and state governments like Maharashtra.
• Key Focus: Supporting Fisheries Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), emphasising women-led cooperatives for inclusive growth.
• Significance: The initiative encourages shifting from traditional coastal fishing to sustainable deep-sea activities, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s Blue Economy vision.

Read More > India’s Marine Fisheries

{GS3 – Infra} MoRTH Flags Poor DPRs Behind Tunnel Project Delays

• Context (IE): The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has warned that long tunnel projects (over 1.5 km) are delayed because Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) lack proper investigations.

Policy Recommendations by the Ministry

• Executing agencies must notify MoRTH’s Tunnel Zone at the feasibility/DPR stage for prior consultation before finalising alignment and investigations, to speed up reviews and approvals.
• Tunnels must follow Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines, specifically IRC: SP:91-2019 (Guidelines for Road Tunnels), which advises avoiding snowbound zones, eco-sensitive areas, water bodies and congested corridors.
• Strengthen state/agency capabilities in geo-technical studies and tunnel engineering.
• Include contingency budgets and geological risk mitigation plans in DPRs for project de-risking.
• Ensure that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), State PWDs, and local administrations align early on clearances and environmental safeguards.

{GS3 – Infra} Network Survey Vehicles by NHAI

• Context (IE): The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a large-scale survey initiative deploying Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) across 23 states, covering 20,933 km of National Highways.

• The initiative uses scientific surveys to detect road defects like cracks and potholes, feeding data into the Road Asset Management System (RAMS) for evidence-based planning of national highways.

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Challenges Faced in the Surveying of National Highways

• Limited Coverage Capacity: India’s National Highway network spans 1.46 lakh km, but the current NSV survey covers only ~20,933 km (≈14%), leaving a large portion unsurveyed.
• Data Processing Delays: Each vehicle generates hundreds of GBs of data daily, and insufficient analytics infrastructure delays defect identification and reporting.
• Uneven Regional Expertise: Smaller contractors in eastern and northeastern states often lack trained operators for GPS calibration and RAMS data upload, affecting accuracy.
• Weather and Terrain Constraints: Monsoon flooding and hilly terrain (e.g., Uttarakhand, Meghalaya) hinder smooth NSV movement and cause sensor distortion.

Way Forward

• Integrated Data Platform: Create a real-time NSV–RAMS dashboard linking state PWDs, NHAI, and MoRTH for instant data validation. E.g. Singapore’s OneMap Infrastructure Portal.
• Fleet Expansion: Induct at least 100 NSVs across all states through PPP or leasing models to achieve 100% NH coverage by 2027. The current fleet covers <15% of the NH length annually (NHAI, 2025).
• AI-Based Defect Detection: Use machine learning models to detect cracks and potholes from NSV video feeds automatically. E.g. The UK’s National Highways Pavement Management System.
• Training & Calibration Centres: Set up regional NSV calibration labs and training hubs under the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE) to improve data reliability.
• Public Dashboard: Display road quality scores and maintenance timelines on a public portal to enhance accountability. E.g. US DOT Road Condition Index publishes open-access highway condition data.

Read More> Road Safety in India

{GS3 – S&T} Hanle Dark Sky Reserve

• Context (TH): The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, India’s first dark sky area, protects the night sky from light pollution and promotes astronomy and astro-tourism. Located in Hanle, Ladakh.

• It holds a Bortle-1 rating, denoting the highest level of sky clarity with minimal light pollution.

About the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve

• Location: Situated in the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh, surrounding the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO).
• Partnership: Established through an MoU between the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), the Union Territory of Ladakh, and the Ladakh Hill Development Council (Leh).
• The observatory hosts advanced instruments such as the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, GROWTH India Telescope (with IIT Bombay), and two Cherenkov telescope arrays in collaboration with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
• High altitude (~4,250 m) and dry, low-aerosol conditions make Hanle optimal for observing faint, elusive sky phenomena.
• To preserve sky clarity, the IIA has distributed lamp shades, blackout curtains, and warm-toned bulbs to residents, ensuring minimal artificial lighting.

{GS3 – S&T} Communication Satellite-03

• Context (TH): ISRO is set to launch the communication satellite CMS-03 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota using the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).

About Communication Satellite-03

• CMS-03, also called GSAT-7R, is a multi-band military communications satellite equipped with advanced encryption and anti-jamming features.
• Heaviest Satellite: Weighing 4,400 kg, it is India’s heaviest and most powerful communication satellite launched to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
• Maritime Connectivity: It offers secure, high-speed voice, data, and video communication up to 2,000 km from India’s coastline.
• Multi-Band Capability: Equipped with UHF, S, C, and Ku band transponders, it ensures reliable and uninterrupted communication links.
• Modern Replacement: CMS-03 replaces the decades-old GSAT-7 (Rukmini) satellite with upgraded technology and a broader operational reach.

About Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3)

• LVM3 is a wholly indigenous medium-to-heavy launch vehicle developed by ISRO, formerly known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III).
• Payload Capacity: Popularly called “Bahubali”, it is India’s most powerful launcher, capable of carrying 4,000 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and 8,000-10,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit.
• Engine Design: LVM3 uses a three-stage propulsion system with solid, liquid, and cryogenic propellants to maximise efficiency.
• Missions: Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, OneWeb satellites, and Gaganyaan mission (upcoming).

Read More > Satellite Orbits, Launch Vehicles

{GS3 – S&T} Google’s ‘Willow’ quantum processor

• Context (TH): Researchers from Google Quantum AI have demonstrated a verifiable case of quantum advantage using Google’s ‘Willow’ quantum processor.

• It marks a major step toward proving that quantum computers can outperform the most powerful classical supercomputers in solving complex problems.

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Key Highlights

• The Willow processor successfully solved complex optimisation & information-scrambling problems that would take conventional supercomputers over three years, completing them in just two hours.
• The research demonstrates the superior processing potential of quantum systems while also providing measurable and reproducible results, a key criterion for establishing “quantum advantage”.
• This achievement builds on Google’s earlier work from 2019, when its Sycamore processor claimed a similar feat, though without verifiable real-world applications.

How Quantum Computing Works?

• Quantum computers use qubits (quantum bits) instead of binary bits (0 or 1).
• Due to quantum superposition, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing parallel computation.
• By manipulating wave interference, where correct answers reinforce and incorrect ones cancel out, quantum algorithms can isolate optimal solutions far more efficiently than classical systems.

{Prelims – Geo} Taal Volcano

• Context (INTV): The Taal Volcano in the Philippines has erupted three times recently.

About Taal Volcano

• The Taal Volcano is located in Batangas province, about 50 km south of Manila, Philippines.
• It is classified as a ‘complex volcano’. Its most active regions are on Volcano Island, an island within Taal Lake. The lake itself lies within a much larger ancient caldera.
  • The Caldera was formed by prehistoric eruptions between 140,000 and 5,380 years ago.
• Taal Volcano is the Philippines’ second-most-active volcano, with at least 38 recorded eruptions.

Read More > Volcanism | Volcanic Landforms

{Prelims – IR} E-Passports for Indian Nationals in the UAE

• Context (DDN): The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced that chip-embedded e-passports will be issued to all Indian nationals residing in the UAE.

• The e-passports will be issued under the upgraded Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP 2.0) launched by the Ministry of External Affairs.
• The embedded chip stores biometric and personal information, providing better security and quicker verification at immigration points.

Read More > Indian e-Passport

{Prelims – Envi} Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary

• Context (TOI): The forest department’s relocation plan at Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary faces a setback after Amagaon villagers demanded certain assurances before consenting to move.

About Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Spanning the Western Ghats in Belagavi district, Karnataka.
• Etymology: Named after the Bhimgad Fort, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17^th century to guard against Portuguese expansion from Goa.
• Boundaries: Shares borders with Dandeli WLS (north), Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem NP (northwest), Netravali WLS (north), and Mhadei WLS (east). (Except Dandeli, all in Goa)
• Hydrology: Forms the headwaters of the Tillari, Malaprabha, and Mhadei rivers and includes Vajrapoha Waterfalls, part of the Mahadayi River catchment.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: Contains the Barapede Caves, the only known breeding site of the Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat, a critically endangered species.
• Vegetation: Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests with Malabar teak and rosewood.
• Fauna: Inhabited by tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sloth bears, wild dogs, deer species, and king cobras, serving as a vital tiger corridor between Karnataka and Goa.

Read More > Wildlife Sanctuary

{Prelims – Defence} INS Mahe

• Context (TH):  Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) delivered the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC) named INS Mahe to the Indian Navy.

About INS Mahe

• Named after the historic port town of Mahe in the Union Territory of Puducherry, the 78-metre INS Mahe is the largest Indian naval warship powered by a diesel engine waterjet propulsion system.
• It is engineered for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare in coastal waters, low-intensity maritime operations, search and rescue, and advanced mine-laying.
• With over 80% indigenous content, it embodies the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and has been designed and built under the Classification Rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

{Prelims – Biotech} CRYODIL

• Context (TH): Scientists at the National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, under ICAR, have developed CRYODIL, a ready-to-use, egg yolk-free solution.

About CRYODIL

• The innovation aims to enhance buffalo fertility & semen longevity through cryopreservation, addressing the limitations of conventional egg yolk-based semen extenders used in artificial insemination.
• It has a shelf life of up to 18 months at refrigeration temperature, far longer than traditional yolk-based solutions (a few hours) and is cheaper to produce than conventional egg yolk-based extenders.
• It uses purified whey proteins (without milk sugars) as a natural substitute for egg yolk, maintaining sperm motility and viability post-thaw.

Significance for India’s Dairy Sector

• Breeding Efficiency: Enhances success rates in insemination, reducing wastage of buffalo semen.
• Dairy Missions: Helps India’s goal to improve milk yield (buffaloes contribute ~50% of India’s milk).
• Aatmanirbhar Innovation: Reduces dependence on foreign cryoprotectants.

Read More > India’s Dairy Sector

{Prelims – Awards} Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025

• Context (TH): The Government of India has announced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2025 for exceptional scientific achievements.

• The award, established in 2024, is India’s highest recognition for outstanding contributions by scientists, technologists, and innovators across various fields of science and technology.
• Award Categories: It is presented in four categories —
  • Vigyan Ratna (VR): It recognises a lifetime achievement.
  • Vigyan Shree (VS): This award is given for distinguished contributions.
  • Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): It encourages young scientists up to age 45.
  • Vigyan Team (VT): It is given to a team of three or more researchers for collaborative achievements.
• Recognition Domains: Encompasses 13 fields, including physics, chemistry, medicine, engineering, agricultural science, and computer science.
• Key Awards 2025: The Vigyan Ratna award was conferred posthumously on astrophysicist Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, and the Vigyan Team award was given to CSIR Aroma Mission.

{Prelims – Tribes} Ollo Tribe

• Context (IT): The Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles has launched a skill-based empowerment initiative for the Ollo tribe women under Operation Sadbhavana in Lazu village, Arunachal Pradesh.

About Ollo Tribe

• The Ollo tribe, also known as Lazu Naga or a subgroup of the Tangshang Naga, is an indigenous Tibeto-Burman community inhabiting the Lazu Circle of Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Ollo society is patriarchal and clan-based, traditionally led by chiefs called Lowang and Ngongpa.
• Their main festival, Woraang (Voorang), celebrates the harvest season.
• The Ollo tribe remains unrecognised as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and is often grouped administratively under the Nocte or other Naga tribes.
• According to the 2011 Census, the total population of the Ollo tribe in India is just over 1,500.

{Prelims – In News} NCERT Signs MoU with IIT-Madras

• Context (NOA): The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT-Madras to integrate technology into education.

• Objective: Promote Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) enabled solutions to enhance student learning and teacher training.
• Key Focus: Research in data analytics, multilingual education, digital content, and platform development.
• Significance: The collaboration supports India’s aim to create an inclusive, high-quality learning environment for all students and teachers, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

{Prelims – In News} Garbage Café Initiative

• Context (TOI): PM Modi applauds Chhattisgarh’s ‘Garbage Café’ Initiative for promoting cleanliness and social responsibility.

• The initiative, launched as part of Swachh Survekshan, builds on this legacy by merging environmental action with social welfare, ensuring that no plastic goes to waste and no one sleeps hungry.
• It allows citizens to exchange plastic waste for food, turning waste collection into a community-driven initiative. One kilogram of plastic earns a full meal, while half a kilogram provides a snack.