Daily Current Affairs 26-10-2026 (English)

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC & UPPCS

26 October 2026 | RACE IAS | Prelims + Mains

1. 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum

GS Paper II – International Relations | Parliament and Global Governance

Why in the News?

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is being held in New Delhi on 26–27 October 2026 under India's chairship. The venue is Samvidhan Sadan, and the central theme is “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development.”

What is BRICS?

BRICS is a platform for cooperation among emerging economies on economic, political and developmental issues. Its original members were Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The grouping has expanded over time.

Its significance extends beyond trade. BRICS seeks to strengthen the representation of developing countries in global institutions, promote economic cooperation and encourage a multipolar world order.

Major Themes of the Forum

The forum focuses on four broad themes:

• Resilience: Strengthening democratic institutions and parliaments.
• Innovation: Promoting the human-centric use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.
• Cooperation: Making global governance more representative.
• Sustainability: Promoting inclusive development and environmental sustainability.

The forum also provides an opportunity for parliamentary committees dealing with international affairs to discuss parliamentary diplomacy, capacity-building and the exchange of best practices.

Significance for India

1. Representation of the Global South: It provides an opportunity to highlight the priorities of developing countries on international platforms.
2. Parliamentary diplomacy: Dialogue among national legislatures can strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation.
3. Reform of global institutions: It can support discussions on improving representation and decision-making in institutions such as the United Nations Security Council.
4. Digital democracy: It provides a platform to discuss transparency, accountability and citizens' rights in the use of AI and digital technologies.

Important Facts for UPSC Prelims

• The original BRICS grouping consisted of five countries.
• The New Development Bank (NDB) was established by BRICS countries.
• The headquarters of the NDB is located in Shanghai, China.
• The BRICS Parliamentary Forum facilitates dialogue among the parliaments of participating countries. It is not a world parliament with binding legislative powers.

Mains Practice Question: How can platforms such as BRICS strengthen the role of developing countries in global governance? Discuss.

2. Cyclone ‘Arnab’ in the Bay of Bengal

GS Paper I – Geography | GS Paper III – Disaster Management

Why in the News?

According to the marine bulletin dated 26 October 2026 issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone ‘Arnab’ was active over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. The department forecast further intensification and movement towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Important note: A cyclone's position, wind speed, intensity and potential landfall time can change rapidly. These details should always be verified against the latest IMD bulletin.

How Do Tropical Cyclones Form?

Tropical cyclones are rotating weather systems that develop around an area of low atmospheric pressure. Their formation depends on several favourable conditions:

• Sufficiently warm sea-surface temperatures.
• Adequate moisture in the atmosphere.
• Low-level convergence of air.
• The Coriolis effect caused by Earth's rotation.
• Favourable atmospheric conditions and relatively low vertical wind shear.

Warm ocean water promotes evaporation. When water vapour condenses, latent heat is released, providing energy that can help sustain the cyclone.

Why Is the Bay of Bengal Vulnerable to Cyclones?

1. Warm ocean water: Under favourable conditions, it provides energy for cyclone development.
2. Moisture availability: Moisture from the sea supports convection and rainfall.
3. Coastal geography: Coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal may be affected by strong winds, heavy rainfall and storm surges.
4. Low-lying coastal areas: Storm surges can increase the risk of coastal flooding in vulnerable regions.

India's Cyclone Management Framework

• IMD: Monitors cyclones, issues weather forecasts and provides warnings.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Develops policies and guidelines for disaster risk reduction.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Conducts search, rescue and relief operations.
• State Disaster Management Authorities: Coordinate preparedness, evacuation and relief at state and district levels.

Important Concepts for UPSC Prelims

• Cyclone warning: Information about a potential weather threat.
• Landfall: The process by which a cyclone's centre or circulation moves onto land; it is not the same as the initial formation of a cyclone over the sea.
• Storm surge: An abnormal rise in sea level caused by a storm, which can lead to coastal flooding.
• IMD: India's principal national agency for weather forecasting and cyclone warnings.

Mains Practice Question: Analyse the role of early warning systems and coastal disaster management in reducing cyclone-related damage in India.

3. Operation Trident: Action Against Drug Trafficking and Hawala Networks

GS Paper III – Internal Security | Cross-Border Organised Crime

Why in the News?

According to a Ministry of Home Affairs press release dated 25 October 2026, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted coordinated operations at 38 locations across Assam, Mizoram and Manipur under Operation Trident. The objective was to dismantle the operational and financial structure of an international drug-trafficking network.

Key Details of the Operation

According to the government release:

• Coordinated action was carried out at 38 locations.
• Hawala transactions worth approximately ₹100 crore were identified.
• A total of 1,424 bank accounts were frozen.
• Assets worth ₹17.82 crore were attached.
• 500 detonators and ₹12 lakh in cash were seized.
• Eighteen people were arrested.

These figures are based on the relevant government release. Arrests and seizures should not be interpreted as judicial findings of guilt or convictions.

Why Is Northeast India Important in This Context?

Northeast India shares international borders with countries including Myanmar and Bangladesh. Its geographical location, difficult terrain along certain border stretches and the presence of cross-border criminal networks make it an important region in the context of drug trafficking.

Some border regions of Myanmar have been associated with the production and trafficking of narcotic substances. This presents a regional security challenge, although it would be incorrect to associate the entire Northeast with illegal activities.

Challenges to India's Internal Security

1. Narco-terrorism: Money generated through drug trafficking may be used to finance terrorist or other violent networks.

2. Hawala and money laundering: Complex financial networks may be used to transfer illicit funds outside formal financial channels.

3. Impact on young people: Drug addiction affects public health, social security and economic productivity.

4. Border management: Effective information-sharing among border security forces, state police and central agencies is essential.

Relevant Institutions and Laws

A Shift in Enforcement Strategy

The operation's significance lies not only in seizing narcotics but also in targeting the financial and operational capabilities of the entire network.

This can be understood as a shift from a seizure-centric approach to a network-centric approach.

It means investigating not only the movement of drugs but also the sources of money, distribution networks, bank accounts and the roles of individuals involved.

Mains Practice Question: Drug trafficking and hawala networks pose serious challenges to India's internal security. Explain the role of inter-agency coordination and financial investigations in addressing these challenges.

4. Theatre Commands: A New Debate on India's Defence Reforms

GS Paper III – Defence and Security

Why in the News?

According to a report dated 26 October 2026, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh expressed concerns about permanently allocating fighter aircraft strictly according to geographical areas under the proposed theatre command structure. He emphasised the need for flexibility in deploying air power within an integrated military framework.

What Is a Theatre Command?

A theatre command is a proposed integrated military structure in which the Army, Navy and Air Force resources associated with a particular geographical region or strategic objective operate under a unified command.

Its primary objective is to improve coordination among the three services and make joint military operations more effective.

Why Is It Considered Necessary?

• Joint operations: Better coordination of the capabilities of all three services during military operations.
• Efficient resource utilisation: Improved coordination of weapons systems, surveillance capabilities and logistics.
• Faster decision-making: Better alignment of operational planning and execution.
• Multi-domain warfare: Modern conflicts increasingly involve land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.

The Indian Air Force's Major Concern

One of the key characteristics of air power is its ability to cover long distances and redeploy aircraft rapidly from one region to another.

If fighter aircraft and other critical resources are allocated too rigidly to specific geographical areas, their flexible deployment during a crisis could be affected.

The Air Force's concerns highlight the need for a structure that:

• Allows centralised control of resources at the strategic level.
• Enables air power to be deployed across different regions as required.
• Provides operational commanders with appropriate flexibility.
• Maintains effective joint planning among the three services.

Theatre Commands vs the Service-Centred Structure

This is a simplified comparison; actual military command structures are more complex.

Broader Context of Defence Reforms

Theatre commands are part of India's broader efforts to modernise its armed forces and improve jointness among the three services.

The post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was also created to strengthen the integrated approach to defence matters.

However, jointness does not simply mean placing all three services under a single structure. It also requires a clear chain of command, interoperable communication systems, joint training and well-defined resource-allocation policies.

Mains Practice Question: The establishment of theatre commands can improve India's joint military capabilities, but their implementation presents several challenges. Discuss.

5. Siang Upper Multipurpose Project: Development, Environment and Local Rights

GS Paper III – Infrastructure | Environment | Disaster Management

Why in the News?

Protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in Arunachal Pradesh intensified in October 2026.

According to a report dated 25 October, Chief Minister Pema Khandu held discussions with community-based organisations about concerns surrounding the project and misinformation related to it. Earlier protests had also involved incidents of violence and damage to public property.

The issue highlights the challenge of balancing hydropower development, local community rights, environmental protection and India's transboundary water security concerns.

Geographical Significance of the Siang River

The Siang flows through Arunachal Pradesh and becomes part of the Brahmaputra river system in Assam. In Tibet, the river is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo.

The river system is significant for several reasons:

• It is an important water resource for Northeast India.
• It supports agriculture, fisheries and local livelihoods.
• It offers substantial hydropower potential.
• It plays an important role in regional flood dynamics and sediment transport.
• It is linked to water-resource and strategic concerns along the India–China border.

What Is the Proposed Project?

The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is a proposed large hydropower and multipurpose project with a reported planned capacity of approximately 11,200 MW.

Technical and preliminary feasibility studies form part of the process of assessing the project.

It is not being considered solely as a power-generation project. Its proponents also highlight the need to study water-flow management and potential flood-related risks. However, its actual benefits and risks can only be established through detailed technical assessments.

Potential Benefits of the Project

1. Hydropower generation

Large hydropower projects can help meet rising electricity demand and diversify the energy mix.

2. Energy security

Increasing domestic electricity-generation capacity may strengthen energy security. Under suitable operating conditions, hydropower can also provide flexibility to the electricity system.

3. Infrastructure development

The project may create opportunities for improvements in roads, communications, electricity and other infrastructure. The actual benefits will depend on its planning and implementation.

4. Water-flow management

If the project's design and operation permit, it may play a role in regulating water flows. However, this does not guarantee flood prevention.

Why Are Local Communities Opposing the Project?

Major concerns raised by local communities include:

• The possible submergence of villages and agricultural land.
• Displacement and rehabilitation issues.
• Potential impacts on river-dependent livelihoods and cultural traditions.
• Dam safety in a seismically active region.
• Changes to the river ecosystem and sediment flow.

These concerns cannot be addressed through public communication alone. They require transparent assessments, meaningful consultation with local communities and appropriate rehabilitation arrangements.

Environmental and Geological Challenges

Arunachal Pradesh is part of the Himalayan region, where unstable slopes, seismic risks and heavy rainfall can complicate large infrastructure projects.

The following assessments are particularly important:

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Identifying and evaluating the project's environmental impacts.
2. Seismic risk assessment: Evaluating the safety of the dam and associated structures.
3. Sediment management: Assessing potential impacts on natural river processes and ecosystems.
4. Biodiversity conservation: Protecting aquatic and terrestrial species and their habitats.
5. Social impact assessment: Evaluating displacement, livelihoods and rehabilitation requirements.

China and the Brahmaputra River Context

The Siang originates in Tibet, where the Brahmaputra is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo. Consequently, China's hydropower and water-resource activities in the upper reaches of the river are strategically important for India.

However, the extent to which any particular project will affect river flows must be assessed using technical data, hydrological studies and information about its design and operation. It would be inappropriate to claim that a specific project will inevitably cause a water crisis without adequate evidence.

The Way Forward

• Make detailed project reports and environmental assessments publicly accessible.
• Ensure meaningful and timely consultation with local communities.
• Provide fair compensation and rehabilitation wherever displacement occurs.
• Conduct independent assessments of seismic and environmental risks.
• Protect ecological flows and river biodiversity.
• Balance energy development with environmental sustainability and local rights.

Mains Practice Question: Large hydropower projects in the Himalayan region create challenges in balancing energy security and environmental protection. Discuss with reference to the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.