Daily Current Affairs 31-10-2026 (English)

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC & UPPCS

30 October 2026 | RACE IAS | Prelims + Mains

1. Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttar Pradesh

GS Paper 2 – Polity & Governance

Why in the News?

On 30 October 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly stated in Lucknow that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be implemented in Uttar Pradesh if the BJP forms the government for a third consecutive term. The statement comes ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

What is the Uniform Civil Code?

The Uniform Civil Code refers to a common set of civil laws applicable to all citizens, irrespective of their religion, in matters such as:

• Marriage and divorce
• Inheritance and succession
• Adoption
• Maintenance

Currently, different religious communities in India are governed by different personal laws in several of these matters.

Constitutional Provisions

Arguments in Favour of UCC

1. Ensures equal legal rights for all citizens.
2. Promotes gender justice and women's empowerment.
3. Helps address discriminatory provisions in personal laws.
4. Strengthens constitutional values and national integration.

Major Challenges

• Balancing religious freedom with uniform civil laws.
• Protecting India's cultural and religious diversity.
• Safeguarding customary practices of tribal communities.
• Building consensus among different communities.

Important Facts

• Goa has a historical civil-law framework based on the Portuguese Civil Code.
• Uttarakhand passed its UCC legislation in 2024.
• Uttarakhand's UCC came into force on 27 January 2025.

UPSC Mains Question:

"How can the Uniform Civil Code strengthen the constitutional ideals of equality and secularism in India? Discuss the challenges associated with its implementation." (250 words)

2. Supreme Court's Concerns over Misuse of Court Proceedings Videos

GS Paper 2 – Judiciary & Governance

Why in the News?

On 31 October 2026, the Supreme Court reportedly directed the Central Government to develop an effective mechanism to prevent the unauthorised use and commercial exploitation of videos of live-streamed court proceedings.

Background

• On 24 July 2026, the Supreme Court reportedly issued an interim order concerning the misuse of court proceedings.
• The order addressed unauthorised extraction, editing, sharing and commercial exploitation of court recordings.
• The Court expressed concerns about videos being taken out of context and circulated on social media.
• Legitimate reporting of judicial proceedings by recognised news organisations should be distinguished from unauthorised misuse.

Significance of Live Streaming of Court Proceedings

In the landmark Swapnil Tripathi v. Supreme Court of India (2018) case, the Supreme Court recognised the importance of live streaming constitutional court proceedings for transparency and access to justice.

Benefits of Live Streaming

1. Promotes transparency in judicial proceedings.
2. Improves public access to the justice system.
3. Helps law students and legal researchers.
4. Strengthens public confidence in the judiciary.

Major Challenges

• Misrepresentation of judicial proceedings through edited videos.
• Privacy concerns involving judges, lawyers and litigants.
• Commercial exploitation of court recordings.
• Spread of misinformation through social media.

Way Forward

• Develop clear guidelines for live streaming.
• Establish safeguards against unauthorised use of recordings.
• Maintain a balance between judicial transparency and privacy.
• Strengthen accountability of digital platforms.

UPSC Mains Question:

"Live streaming of judicial proceedings enhances transparency in the judiciary but also creates possibilities of misuse. Critically examine." (150 words)

3. National Social Security Board for Gig and Platform Workers

GS Paper 2 – Social Justice | GS Paper 3 – Economy

Why in the News?

On 30 October 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment reportedly notified the constitution of the National Social Security Board for unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers.

Press Information Bureau

Who are Gig Workers?

Gig workers are individuals who earn their livelihood by undertaking short-term, task-based or project-based work instead of traditional permanent employment.

Examples include:

• Food delivery partners.
• App-based cab drivers.
• Online freelancers.
• E-commerce delivery workers.

Difference Between Gig Workers and Platform Workers

• Gig Workers: Individuals engaged in work arrangements based on specific tasks or assignments.
• Platform Workers: Individuals who access work through online platforms or digital intermediaries.

Key Features of the National Social Security Board

1. The Union Labour and Employment Minister will chair the Board.
2. Representatives of Central and State Governments will be included.
3. Representatives of aggregators and employers will participate.
4. Workers' organisations and civil society representatives will also be represented.
5. The Board will recommend and monitor welfare measures for gig and unorganised workers.

Legal Framework

The Code on Social Security, 2020 provides a legal framework for the recognition and social security of gig and platform workers.

It defines gig workers and platform workers and provides for social security schemes for these categories.

Major Challenges Faced by Gig Workers

• Lack of guaranteed minimum wages.
• Limited access to health insurance and pensions.
• Absence of employment security.
• Algorithm-based ratings and allocation of work.
• Financial vulnerability during accidents and unemployment.

Significance

The expansion of the digital economy has created new employment opportunities. However, extending social protection to gig workers is essential for inclusive and sustainable economic development.

UPSC Mains Question:

"The expansion of the gig economy in India has created new employment opportunities but has also raised concerns regarding workers' social security. Analyse." (250 words)

4. World Bank Report: Significant Decline in Poverty in India

GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy

Why in the News?

According to the World Bank's October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief, India has witnessed a significant decline in poverty levels.

Key Findings of the Report

Reference: World Bank, October 2026; 2021 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

Major findings:

• Approximately 496 million people moved above the $4.20-a-day poverty threshold.
• The proportion of people living in extreme poverty declined from 27.1% to 2.6%.
• The pace of poverty reduction in India has been significant.

Major Factors Responsible for Poverty Reduction

1. Economic growth and improvement in household consumption.
2. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
3. Public Distribution System (PDS).
4. MGNREGA and rural employment opportunities.
5. Financial inclusion through schemes such as Jan Dhan Yojana.
6. Increasing participation of women in economic activities.

Major Challenges Highlighted

• Income and wage inequality.
• Quality of employment and labour productivity.
• Regional disparities.
• Unequal access to education and healthcare.

According to the report, in 2023, the median earnings of workers in the top 10% were approximately 13 times those of workers in the bottom 10%.

Important Concepts for UPSC

• Absolute Poverty
• Relative Poverty
• Multidimensional Poverty
• Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)
• Gini Coefficient

Important Analysis

A decline in poverty does not necessarily mean a decline in income inequality. Even when more people move above the poverty line, income distribution can remain unequal.

UPSC Mains Question:

"Despite significant progress in poverty reduction, income inequality and the quality of employment continue to pose major challenges to India's development. Discuss." (250 words)

5. ISRO's GSLV-F18 Mission and Strengthening of NavIC

GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology

Why in the News?

On 30 October 2026, ISRO reportedly launched the NVS-03 navigation satellite aboard the GSLV-F18 launch vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. It was the 20th flight of the GSLV.

Key Features of the Mission

• Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F18
• Payload: NVS-03
• Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
• Satellite Weight: Approximately 2,250 kg
• Target Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
• Primary Objective: Strengthening India's indigenous NavIC navigation system.

What is NavIC?

NavIC stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation.

It is India's indigenous regional satellite navigation system, earlier known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).

Major Features of NavIC

1. Designed to provide navigation services over India and approximately 1,500 km beyond its boundaries.
2. Provides Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services.
3. Uses a network of navigation satellites and ground stations.
4. Supports transportation, maritime navigation, disaster management and strategic applications.

Technical Features of NVS-03

• Equipped with an indigenously developed Rubidium Atomic Clock.
• Includes the L1 navigation frequency.
• Also supports the existing L5 and S-band signals.
• Intended to strengthen continuity and improve the capabilities of the next-generation NavIC system.

ISRO+1

Difference Between NavIC and GPS

Significance of NavIC for India

1. Reduces dependence on foreign navigation systems.
2. Strengthens strategic and defence capabilities.
3. Supports maritime and aviation navigation.
4. Helps in disaster management and location-based services.
5. Promotes technological self-reliance in the space sector.

UPSC Mains Question:

"How can NavIC contribute to India's strategic autonomy and technological self-reliance? Discuss." (150 words)