Daily Current Affairs for UPSC & UPPCS

13 November 2026 | RACE IAS | Prelims + Mains

1. India's Retail Inflation Rises to 6.09% in October 2026

GS Paper III – Indian Economy

Why in the News?

According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), India's Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation increased to 6.09% in October 2026, compared to 5.54% in September 2026. Food inflation also increased significantly to 8.94%, indicating rising pressure on household budgets.

Key Highlights

Indicator	October 2026
Overall Retail Inflation	6.09%
Rural Inflation	6.63%
Urban Inflation	5.41%
Food Inflation (CFPI)	8.94%
Rural Food Inflation	9.09%
Urban Food Inflation	8.68%

Source: MoSPI, CPI Press Release, 12 November 2026.

Understanding Retail Inflation

Retail inflation refers to the rate at which the prices of goods and services purchased by consumers increase over time. India primarily measures retail inflation through the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

• Measures changes in the prices of goods and services consumed by households.
• Published by the National Statistical Office (NSO), under MoSPI.
• The current CPI series has a base year of 2024=100.
• It is used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for monetary policy decisions.

Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI)

• Measures changes in the prices of food items.
• Helps assess food-price pressures on households.
• Food inflation is particularly important for India because food constitutes a significant component of household expenditure.

RBI's Inflation Targeting Framework

Under the flexible inflation targeting framework:

• Inflation target: 4%.
• Lower tolerance limit: 2%.
• Upper tolerance limit: 6%.
• The target is prescribed by the Central Government in consultation with RBI.

The October inflation rate of 6.09% crossed the upper tolerance limit of 6%.

Factors Responsible for Rising Inflation

1. Food supply disruptions: Adverse weather conditions can affect agricultural production.
2. Supply-side constraints: Transportation, storage and distribution problems can increase prices.
3. Fuel and energy costs: Higher energy prices can increase production and transportation expenses.
4. Seasonal demand: Increased demand for certain food commodities can create temporary price pressures.
5. Imported inflation: Global commodity-price fluctuations and exchange-rate movements can affect domestic prices.

Impact on the Indian Economy

• Reduces the purchasing power of consumers.
• Disproportionately affects low-income households.
• Increases household expenditure on essential commodities.
• May influence RBI's interest-rate decisions.
• Can increase production costs for industries.

Way Forward

• Strengthening agricultural supply chains.
• Improving cold-storage and warehousing facilities.
• Promoting crop diversification.
• Reducing post-harvest losses.
• Improving coordination between monetary and fiscal policies.

Prelims Pointers

• CPI is published by NSO under MoSPI.
• RBI uses CPI inflation as its nominal anchor for monetary policy.
• India's inflation target is 4%, with a tolerance band of ±2%.
• CPI's current base year: 2024.
• CFPI specifically tracks food-price inflation.

Mains Question

Examine the causes and consequences of rising food inflation in India. Suggest suitable monetary and non-monetary measures to control it.

2. Prime Minister to Attend ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits in Manila

GS Paper II – International Relations

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manila, Philippines, on 16–17 November 2026 to participate in:

1. 23rd ASEAN-India Summit.
2. 21st East Asia Summit (EAS).

The Philippines is hosting these summits as the ASEAN Chair for 2026.

The visit comes at a significant time as India and ASEAN are observing 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.

What is ASEAN?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organisation established to promote economic, political, security and socio-cultural cooperation among Southeast Asian countries.

Established: 8 August 1967

Founding Document: Bangkok Declaration

Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia

Founding Members:

• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Thailand

Objectives of ASEAN

• Promote regional peace and stability.
• Accelerate economic growth and development.
• Strengthen regional trade and investment.
• Promote cultural and educational cooperation.
• Enhance regional cooperation in addressing transnational challenges.

India's Relationship with ASEAN

India's engagement with ASEAN has evolved through three major phases:

Phase	Year
Look East Policy	1991
Strategic Partnership	2012
Act East Policy	2014

ASEAN is a central pillar of India's Act East Policy and its vision for the Indo-Pacific.

Major Areas of India–ASEAN Cooperation

1. Economic Cooperation

• ASEAN is an important trading partner for India.
• India and ASEAN cooperate through the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
• Cooperation focuses on trade, investment and regional supply chains.

2. Maritime Security

• Cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.
• Maritime domain awareness.
• Combating piracy and illegal maritime activities.
• Freedom of navigation and respect for international law.

3. Connectivity

Important connectivity initiatives include:

• India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
• Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
• Maritime connectivity and port cooperation.

4. Cultural Cooperation

• Historical links through Buddhism.
• Indian cultural influence in Southeast Asia.
• Educational exchanges and tourism.

What is the East Asia Summit (EAS)?

The East Asia Summit is a leaders-led regional forum established in 2005.

First Summit: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2005.

Key Features:

• It provides a platform for discussing regional and global strategic issues.
• It focuses on political, security and economic cooperation.
• ASEAN plays a central role in the EAS process.

Major Areas of Discussion:

• Indo-Pacific security.
• South China Sea disputes.
• Regional economic integration.
• Maritime security.
• Climate change.
• Energy and food security.

Significance for India

1. Strengthens India's strategic presence in Southeast Asia.
2. Supports the Act East Policy.
3. Enhances maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
4. Diversifies India's economic and trade partnerships.
5. Strengthens cooperation with ASEAN members amid regional geopolitical competition.

Challenges in India–ASEAN Relations

• Slow progress in connectivity projects.
• Trade imbalance.
• South China Sea tensions.
• China's growing regional influence.
• Limited utilisation of existing trade agreements.

Way Forward

• Accelerate regional infrastructure projects.
• Improve trade facilitation and market access.
• Strengthen maritime security cooperation.
• Enhance digital and technological partnerships.
• Expand people-to-people and educational exchanges.

Prelims Pointers

• ASEAN was established in 1967.
• Bangkok Declaration is its founding document.
• ASEAN Secretariat is located in Jakarta.
• India's Look East Policy was launched in 1991.
• Act East Policy was announced in 2014.
• East Asia Summit was established in 2005.
• Philippines is the ASEAN Chair for 2026.

Mains Question

Discuss the significance of ASEAN for India's Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

3. COP31: Climate Finance and Global Climate Action

GS Paper III – Environment and Ecology

Why in the News?

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is being held in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026.

The conference is focusing on accelerating climate action, climate finance, adaptation and a just transition away from fossil fuels.

What is COP?

COP stands for Conference of the Parties.

It is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

• Established under the UNFCCC framework.
• First COP: Berlin, Germany, 1995.
• Organised annually.
• Participating countries negotiate international climate commitments and review their implementation.

Important International Climate Agreements

Agreement	Year	Key Objective
UNFCCC	1992	International climate cooperation
Kyoto Protocol	1997	Emission reduction targets for developed countries
Paris Agreement	2015	Limit global temperature rise
Glasgow Climate Pact	2021	Strengthen climate action
UAE Consensus	2023	Transition away from fossil fuels

Major Issues Discussed at COP31

1. Climate Finance

Climate finance refers to financial resources provided to support climate mitigation and adaptation activities.

It helps developing countries:

• Adopt renewable energy.
• Develop climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Protect vulnerable communities.
• Improve disaster preparedness.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Climate Adaptation

Adaptation refers to adjustments in natural or human systems to reduce the adverse impacts of climate change.

Examples:

• Climate-resilient agriculture.
• Flood-resistant infrastructure.
• Drought management.
• Coastal protection.
• Early warning systems.

3. Just Transition

A just transition means shifting towards a low-carbon economy while protecting workers, vulnerable communities and affected industries.

It focuses on:

• Employment generation in green sectors.
• Skill development.
• Social protection.
• Affordable and accessible energy.
• Support for fossil-fuel-dependent regions.

4. Fossil Fuel Transition

The global climate debate increasingly focuses on reducing dependence on coal, oil and natural gas.

Major alternatives include:

• Solar energy.
• Wind energy.
• Green hydrogen.
• Nuclear energy.
• Battery storage technologies.

5. Climate Justice

Climate justice recognises that countries and communities that have contributed least to historical greenhouse gas emissions often face disproportionately severe climate impacts.

It highlights:

• Equity.
• Historical responsibility.
• Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).
• Financial and technological support for developing countries.

India's Position on Climate Change

India emphasises the principle of climate equity and CBDR-RC.

Its major climate initiatives include:

1. Panchamrit Commitments (2021)

India announced five major climate commitments:

• Reach 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
• Meet 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.
• Reduce projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.
• Reduce carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
• Achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

2. International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• Launched in 2015.
• Joint initiative of India and France.
• Promotes solar energy deployment globally.
• Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana.

3. Mission LiFE

Lifestyle for Environment promotes sustainable consumption and environmentally responsible behaviour.

4. National Green Hydrogen Mission

Promotes the production, utilisation and export of green hydrogen to support decarbonisation.

Challenges in Global Climate Governance

1. Lack of adequate climate finance.
2. Differences between developed and developing countries.
3. Dependence on fossil fuels.
4. Technology transfer barriers.
5. Weak implementation of climate commitments.
6. Climate vulnerability of developing countries.

Way Forward

• Strengthen climate finance mechanisms.
• Ensure technology transfer.
• Promote renewable energy.
• Improve climate adaptation capacity.
• Strengthen international cooperation.
• Ensure equitable climate action.

Prelims Pointers

• UNFCCC was adopted in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit.
• UNFCCC entered into force in 1994.
• First COP was held in Berlin in 1995.
• Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015.
• Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
• India's net-zero target is 2070.
• COP31 venue: Antalya, Türkiye.
• COP31 dates: 9–20 November 2026.

Mains Question

Climate finance is essential for achieving global climate justice. Discuss the challenges faced by developing countries in accessing climate finance.

4. ISRO Successfully Tests Modified PSLV Third Stage (PS3)

GS Paper III – Science and Technology

Why in the News?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a ground static test of the modified third stage (PS3) of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on 12 November 2026.

The test was conducted at the Static Test Facility of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The development follows anomalies observed in the third stage during the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 and PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 missions.

What is PSLV?

PSLV stands for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

It is India's third-generation launch vehicle developed by ISRO.

Major Features:

• Primarily designed to launch satellites into polar and Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSO).
• Can launch satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and other selected orbits.
• Known for its reliability and versatility.
• Supports India's Earth observation and scientific missions.

Four Stages of PSLV

PSLV uses a four-stage propulsion system with alternating solid and liquid propellant stages.

Stage	Propulsion	Main Function
First Stage (PS1)	Solid	Initial thrust
Second Stage (PS2)	Liquid	Vehicle acceleration
Third Stage (PS3)	Solid	Further acceleration
Fourth Stage (PS4)	Liquid	Precise orbital injection

Important: The third stage (PS3) uses solid propellant.

What is a Ground Static Test?

A ground static test is a procedure in which a rocket motor is fired while firmly secured to a test facility.

Unlike an actual launch, the motor does not move forward.

Objectives:

• Evaluate thrust generation.
• Assess combustion performance.
• Check structural integrity.
• Examine nozzle performance.
• Verify the reliability of the propulsion system.

Why Was the PS3 Stage Modified?

Following anomalies observed during two PSLV missions, ISRO conducted a comprehensive review of the PS3 configuration.

The modifications included:

1. Improved Nozzle Configuration

• Strengthening of the nozzle configuration.
• Improvement in design margins.

2. Improved Raw Material Acceptance

• Updated procedures for accepting raw materials.
• Improved quality assurance.

3. Strengthening of Mechanical Interfaces

• Strengthened mechanical interfaces.
• Redundancy in sealing systems.

4. Improved Assembly Procedures

• Updated assembly procedures.
• Improved inspection processes.

5. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

NDT procedures were implemented during different phases of integration and transportation to identify potential defects without damaging components.

ISRO stated that further tests would be planned after detailed analysis of the test data.

ISRO

Significance of the Successful Test

1. Improves confidence in PSLV's propulsion system.
2. Strengthens India's satellite launch capabilities.
3. Supports the reliability of future space missions.
4. Demonstrates ISRO's approach towards engineering review and quality assurance.
5. Strengthens India's position in the global commercial space-launch market.

Major Applications of PSLV

• Earth observation satellites.
• Remote sensing.
• Weather monitoring.
• Scientific research.
• Navigation-related missions.
• International commercial satellite launches.

Important PSLV Missions

Mission	Significance
Chandrayaan-1	India's first lunar mission
Mars Orbiter Mission	India's first interplanetary mission
AstroSat	India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory
Aditya-L1	India's first solar observatory mission
Cartosat missions	Earth observation and mapping

PSLV vs GSLV

Feature	PSLV	GSLV
Full Form	Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle	Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
Primary Role	Polar and Sun-Synchronous orbits	Geosynchronous transfer orbit missions
Propulsion	Solid-liquid-solid-liquid	Multiple configurations
Main Strength	Versatility and reliability	Higher payload capability for heavier missions

Prelims Pointers

• PSLV was developed by ISRO.
• PSLV has four stages.
• PS1 and PS3 use solid propulsion.
• PS2 and PS4 use liquid propulsion.
• Sriharikota is located in Andhra Pradesh.
• Static testing evaluates rocket motor performance on the ground.
• NDT stands for Non-Destructive Testing.

Mains Question

Examine the role of indigenous launch vehicle technology in strengthening India's strategic autonomy and commercial space capabilities.

5. NITI Aayog Releases Impact Assessment of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes

GS Paper III – Indian Economy

Why in the News?

On 12 November 2026, NITI Aayog released its report titled Impact Assessment of PLI Schemes.

The report was prepared in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad.

According to the report:

• Total financial outlay of 14 PLI schemes: ₹1,91,049 crore.
• Cumulative incentive disbursement up to March 2026: ₹35,354 crore.
• Percentage of total outlay disbursed: 18.51%.

The report also noted that actual disbursement in FY 2025–26 reached 100% of the planned annual amount.

What is the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme?

The Production Linked Incentive scheme is an initiative of the Government of India designed to encourage domestic manufacturing by providing financial incentives linked to incremental production or sales.

It aims to make India a global manufacturing hub.

Introduced: 2020

Nodal Coordination: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, along with concerned sectoral ministries.

Major Objectives of PLI

1. Promote domestic manufacturing.
2. Reduce dependence on imports.
3. Attract domestic and foreign investment.
4. Generate employment opportunities.
5. Improve India's export competitiveness.
6. Strengthen global supply chains.
7. Promote technological development.

How Does the PLI Scheme Work?

The scheme provides financial incentives to eligible manufacturers based on specified performance criteria.

The incentives are generally linked to incremental production or sales and other eligibility requirements.

Example:

Suppose a company increases its eligible production and sales compared to the prescribed baseline.

If it meets the scheme's eligibility conditions, it may receive a predetermined percentage of eligible incremental sales as an incentive.

Thus, the government rewards actual manufacturing performance rather than simply providing subsidies for setting up factories.

Major Sectors Covered Under PLI

The government has introduced PLI schemes across 14 sectors.

Sector	Major Objective
Mobile Manufacturing and Electronics	Promote domestic electronics production
Pharmaceuticals	Strengthen drug manufacturing
Medical Devices	Reduce import dependence
Automobiles	Promote advanced automotive technology
Telecom	Strengthen telecom equipment manufacturing
Textiles	Promote technical textiles and man-made fibres
Food Processing	Increase value addition
Solar PV Modules	Promote domestic solar manufacturing
Advanced Chemistry Cell Batteries	Develop battery manufacturing
White Goods	Promote AC and LED manufacturing
Specialty Steel	Improve high-value steel production
Drones	Encourage indigenous drone manufacturing
IT Hardware	Promote domestic IT hardware
Bulk Drugs	Strengthen API manufacturing

Key Findings of the NITI Aayog Report

Financial performance of PLI schemes

₹1,91,049 Cr

Total financial outlay

₹35,354 Cr

Cumulative disbursement

18.51%

Share of total outlay disbursed

14

PLI schemes

Annual disbursement performance

Financial Year	Planned	Actual
FY 2023–24	₹15,401 Cr	₹9,721 Cr
FY 2024–25	₹14,277 Cr	₹10,114 Cr
FY 2025–26	₹15,472 Cr	₹15,519 Cr

Source: NITI Aayog Impact Assessment of PLI Schemes, November 2026. Figures rounded to nearest crore.

Important Interpretation: The 18.51% disbursement figure should not automatically be interpreted as scheme failure.

PLI is a performance-linked incentive mechanism. Payments are released after companies fulfil specified investment, production and other eligibility conditions. Different sectors also have different investment and production timelines.

Benefits of PLI Schemes

1. Boost to Domestic Manufacturing

Encourages companies to establish and expand manufacturing facilities in India.

2. Employment Generation

Manufacturing expansion can create direct and indirect employment.

3. Import Substitution

Supports domestic production of goods that were previously imported in large quantities.

4. Export Promotion

Improves India's ability to participate in global manufacturing and supply chains.

5. Technological Development

Encourages investment in advanced manufacturing technologies.

6. Foreign Investment

Creates incentives for multinational companies to establish manufacturing operations in India.

Challenges Associated with PLI Schemes

• High dependence on imported components in certain industries.
• Unequal participation of MSMEs.
• Complex eligibility and compliance requirements.
• Delays in incentive disbursement.
• Uneven performance across different sectors.
• Risk of focusing on assembly rather than deep domestic value addition.
• Global competition from countries offering manufacturing incentives.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen domestic component manufacturing.
2. Improve participation of MSMEs.
3. Simplify approval and compliance procedures.
4. Promote research and development.
5. Improve the ease of doing business.
6. Develop skilled manufacturing manpower.
7. Evaluate schemes sector-wise rather than relying only on aggregate disbursement.

PLI and Other Government Initiatives

Initiative	Main Objective
Make in India	Promote manufacturing
Atmanirbhar Bharat	Strengthen self-reliance
PLI Scheme	Incentivise incremental production
PM Gati Shakti	Improve infrastructure connectivity
National Logistics Policy	Reduce logistics costs
Startup India	Promote entrepreneurship

Prelims Pointers

• PLI stands for Production Linked Incentive.
• The scheme was introduced in 2020.
• It covers 14 sectors.
• The total financial outlay is ₹1.91 lakh crore approximately.
• Incentives are linked to performance and eligibility criteria.
• NITI Aayog collaborated with IIM Ahmedabad for the November 2026 impact assessment.
• DPIIT functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Mains Question

Examine the role of Production Linked Incentive schemes in transforming India into a global manufacturing hub. Discuss the major challenges associated with their implementation.