Daily Current Affairs 12 October 2026 – IAS Current Affairs
Current Affairs 12 October 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :
Principles Of Ethical Governance From Mahatma Gandhi To Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
Source: Indian Express
GS II: Governance; GS IV: Ethics
Overview
- Ethical governance requires public officials to prioritize public welfare, uphold integrity and exercise authority responsibly.
- Merit, impartiality, and moral courage are essential for fair decision-making and resistance to corruption and undue influence.
- Constitutional values such as justice, equality and fraternity provide the foundation for accountable and inclusive administration.
- Citizen-centric governance must protect vulnerable sections, strengthen institutional integrity and build public trust.
Why in the News?
An article in Indian Express highlights the ethical responsibilities of public officials and the need to strengthen institutional integrity, accountability and public trust in governance.
News in Brief
- An article by Nanditesh Nilay examines the ethical responsibilities of public officials through the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.
- Ethical governance requires public officials to prioritize public welfare over personal interests.
- The article stresses that public trust depends on impartial decision-making, accountability, adherence to the rule of law and citizen-centric administration.
- Citizen-centric governance must protect vulnerable sections and strengthen public trust in institutions.
Mahatma Gandhi: Public Office as a Trust
- Mahatma Gandhi viewed public office as a form of trusteeship, with power and public funds held in trust for the people.
- Officials should assess decisions by considering the welfare of the poorest and most vulnerable as the guiding principle.
- Public servants must protect citizens’ dignity and ensure that administrative processes do not exclude disadvantaged groups.
- Governance should prioritize public welfare over personal interests.
Shastri: Merit Over Privilege
- Lal Bahadur Shastri emphasized public administration requires initiative, innovation and practical judgement in public administration rather than the mechanical application of rules.
- Access to government services should depend on eligibility, not personal recommendations or proximity to influential people.
- Merit and fairness must take precedence over seniority, authority and privilege.
Patel: Integrity and Moral Courage
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Civil servants must express honest professional opinions, even when these differ from the views of political leaders.
- Ethical administration requires independence, impartiality and the courage to resist undie pressure.
- Civil Servants must uphold the rule of law, maintain public order and protect minorities.
- Integrity requires moral courage and commitment to constitutional principles, beyond mere compliance with official procedures.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya: Antyodaya
- Antyodaya emphasis the upliftment of the last person and places the most disadvantaged sections at the centre of policymaking.
- Public officials should evaluate decisions based on their impact on vulnerable communities.
- Public service should be treated as a dharma (duty) rather than merely a career.
- Strengthening local institutions and maintaining independence from political and bureaucratic pressures are essential for ethical governance.
Restoring Institutional Integrity
- Ethical governance requires honesty, impartiality, accountability and sensitivity towards citizens.
- Rules must be implemented with fairness and an understanding of ground realities.
- Public officials should resist corruption, favoritism and political interference.
- Citizen-centric administration is essential for rebuilding public confidence institutions.
Ethics in Public Administration
Ethics in public administration refers to the moral principles and professional standards that guide public officials in exercising authority and delivering public services.
Other Dimensions of Ethical Governance in Public Administration
Transparency and Accountability
- Transparency in decision-making enables citizens to understand how public resources are used and how administrative decisions are made.
- Accountability ensures that officials take responsibility for their actions.
- Measures such as the Right to Information Act, 2005, and social audits help reduce corruption and strengthen public trust.
Citizen Participation
- Public Participation makes governance more responsive to people’s needs.
- Gram Sabhas, public consultations and grievance-redressal mechanisms provide citizens with opportunities to influence decisions and question administrative shortcomings.
- This strengthens democratic accountability and improves service delivery.
Ethical Use of Discretion
- Civil servants often exercise discretion while implementing policies and delivering public services.
- Such powers must be used objectively, fairly and within the framework of law.
- Personal bias, favoritism and political pressure should not influence administrative decisions.
Conflict of Interest
- A conflict of interest arises when an official’s private interests interfere, or appear to interfere, with official responsibilites.
- Disclosure of personal interests, transparent procedures and appropriate recusal from decisions help maintain impartiality and prevent misuse of public office.
Compassionate and Inclusive administration
- Ethical governance requires sensitivity towards the difficulties faced by disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities, women, children and economically weaker sections.
- Policies must be accessible and inclusive so that administrative processes do not deepen existing inequalities.
Ethical Challenges in Digital Governance
- Digital platforms can improve efficiency, transparency and access to public services.
- However, data privacy, algorithmic bias, cybersecurity risks and the digital divide require careful attention.
- Public officials must ensure that technology serves citizens fairly and does not exclude those with limited digital access.
Institutional Mechanisms for Integrity
- Vigilance bodies, independent oversight, whistleblower protection and effective grievance-redressal systems help detect misconduct and promote ethical behavior.
- Strong institutions are essential because integrity should not depend solely on the personal values of individual officials.
Ethical Leadership
- Senior officials influence the ethical culture of an organization through their conduct and decisions.
- Leadership based on honesty, fairness and accountability encourages similar behavior among subordinates.
- Ethical leaders should protect professional independence and ensure that misconduct is addressed fairly.
Outcome-Oriented Governance
- Following procedures is important, but administrative success must also be measured by actual improvements in people’s lives.
- Public services should be assessed in terms of accessibility, quality, fairness and effectiveness.
- This approach connects administrative efficiency with social justice.
Constitutional Morality
- Constitutional morality requires public officials to uphold constitutional principles, including justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, even under political or social pressure.
- It ensures that administrative decisions remain consistent with democratic values, fundamental rights and the rule of law.
Constitutional Values Supporting Ethical Governance
- Preamble: Promotes justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
- Article 14: Guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws.
- Article 16: Ensures equality of opportunity in public employment.
- Article 38: Directs the State to promote the welfare of the people through a just social order.
- Article 39A: Provides for equal justice and free legal aid.
- Article 311: Provides safeguards against arbitrary dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of civil servants, subject to constitutional conditions.
Important Ethical Values for Civil Servants
- Integrity: Adhering to moral principles and resisting corruption.
- Impartiality: Treating citizens fairly without favouritism or discrimination.
- Objectivity: Making decisions based on facts, evidence and established criteria.
- Non-partisanship: Serving the elected government while maintaining political neutrality.
- Accountability: Accepting responsibility for administrative decisions and actions.
- Empathy: Understanding the difficulties faced by vulnerable citizens.
- Commitment to public service: Prioritising public welfare over personal gain.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper- II: Governance, Transparency, Accountability, citizen-centric administration and Role of Civil Services in Democracy
- GS Paper- IV: Ethics and human interface, Attitude and foundational values for civil service, Emotional Intelligence and its application in administration, Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India, Ethics in Public Administration, Integrity, Aptitude and Probity in Governance.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q) Public office is a position of trust, not a source of privilege. Discuss this statement in the context of ethical governance, constitutional values and the responsibilities of civil servants.
J&K EWS Certificate Controversy Over Regional Assessment
Source: Indian Express
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions, Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, reservation and social justice; GS III: Inclusive growth and issues relating to poverty; Essay: Equity versus equality, Balancing uniform policies with regional diversity
Overview
- The distribution of EWS certificates in Jammu and Kashmir has raised concerns over regional disparities in access to reservation benefits.
- Existing eligibility criteria include income, agricultural landholdings and residential property, which may not adequately reflect regional housing patterns.
- The contrasting distribution of EWS certificates and Antyodaya Anna Yojana benefits highlights the need for reliable, region-specific poverty assessment.
- Transparent eligibility rules, accurate socio-economic data and periodic reviews are essential to ensure equitable access to welfare benefits.
Why in the News?
The distribution of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has triggered a debate over the fairness of poverty assessment criteria and regional disparities in determining eligibility for reservation benefits.
News in Brief
- The J&K government has been asked to examine the alleged regional imbalance in the distribution of EWS certificates and introduce corrective measures if necessary.
- Political leaders have argued that the existing eligibility criteria may disadvantage Kashmir, particularly because of differences in housing patterns and land measurement.
- The debate has highlighted the need to ensure that poverty assessment reflects local socio-economic conditions rather than relying on uniform criteria.
EWS Certificate Distribution in J&K
- J&K issued 26,514 EWS certificates over the last two years, of which 24,058 (91%) went to the Jammu division and only 2,456 to the Kashmir division.
- The regional imbalance has raised concerns about whether the existing eligibility rules adequately reflect the socio-economic conditions of both regions.
EWS Eligibility Criteria
- The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, amended in 2019, introduced a 10% reservation for EWS.
- The eligibility criteria include:
- Annual household income below ₹8 lakh from all sources.
- Agricultural landholding below five acres.
- Exclusion of families owning a house or residential flat of 1,000 square feet or more.
- Exclusion of families owning residential plots above specified limits in notified municipalities and other areas.
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Reservation
- Constitutional basis: The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.
- Articles introduced: Article 15(6) and Article 16(6).
- Purpose: To enable special provisions for economically weaker sections, including reservation in educational institutions and public employment.
- Reservation limit: Up to 10%, in addition to existing reservations, subject to the applicable constitutional and legal framework.
- Supreme Court judgment: In Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (2022), the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the 103rd Amendment by a 3:2 majority.
Regional Differences in Housing and Land Measurement
- Traditional Kashmiri houses are often multi-storeyed, with gardens and open spaces, making the measurement of residential property particularly important.
- Under the existing rules, the area of a multi-storeyed house is measured floor-wise, which may disadvantaged families whose houses have been built vertically because of local geographical and climatic conditions.
- Differences in land measurement also complicate the assessment.
- In J&K, land is commonly measured in kanals, marlas and square feet, while eligibility rules may use other units.
- One marla equals approximately 272 square feet, while one kanal equals 20 marlas.
- One marla equals approximately 272 square feet, while one kanal equals 20 marlas.
Concerns over uniform eligibility rules
- Critics argue that the administration has applied criteria without adequately considering regional differences in housing, land use and socio-economic conditions.
- The debate raises questions about whether property-based criteria alone can accurately identify economically weaker households.
- Political leaders have called for a review of the eligibility norms to prevent genuine beneficiaries from being excluded.
Comparison with Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
- The controversy has also drawn attention to the distribution of ration cards under the Centre’s Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).
- Around 2.2 lakh AAY ration cards were issued in Kashmir, compared with approximately 75,000 in Jammu.
- The figures have been cited to question the contrasting regional distribution of beneficiaries under different welfare measures.
- However, differences in beneficiary numbers alone do not establish the extent of poverty in each region.
- Population, household size, eligibility rules and administrative practices must also be considered.
Suggested Corrective Measures
- Regional EWS eligibility criteria in consultation with local authorities and stakeholders.
- Consider regional housing patterns and differences in land measurement while assessing property ownership.
- Improve the use of reliable socio-economic data to identify eligible households.
- Examine whether the criteria used under other welfare schemes can offer useful lessons for improving poverty identification.
Poverty Assessment In India
- Poverty is multidimensional and cannot always be determined through income alone.
- Important Indicators Include;
- Income and consumption: Ability to meet basic needs.
- Housing and assets: Living conditions and ownership of property.
- Education: Access to schooling and educational attainment.
- Health: Access to healthcare, nutrition and essential services.
- Standard of living: Access to sanitation, electricity, drinking water and other necessities.
- India also uses the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to assess deprivation across health, education and standard-of-living indicators.
Conclusion
Poverty assessment should balance uniform eligibility standards with regional socio-economic realities. Transparent criteria, reliable data and periodic reviews are essential to ensure that welfare benefits reach all eligible beneficiaries fairly.
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
With reference to the EWS reservation in India, consider the following statements:
1. The 103rd Constitutional Amendment introduced Articles 15(6) and 16(6).
2. The EWS reservation provides for up to 10% reservation under the constitutional framework.
3. The Supreme Court struck down the 103rd Constitutional Amendment in 2022.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Mains Practice Question
Q) Uniform eligibility criteria for welfare benefits may not adequately reflect regional socio-economic difference. Discuss the challenges in identifying economically weaker sections and ensuring equitable access to welfare benefits in India. (250 words)
India’s Shift To Quantum-Safe Systems
Source: Indian Express
GS III: Science and Technology, Internal Security, Indian Economy
Overview
- Quantum computing could weaken existing encryption methods, posing risks to banking transactions, customer data and secure communications.
- The Harvest Now Decrypt Later threat highlights the risk of encrypted financial data being collected today and decrypted in the future.
- Banks need to transition to post-quantum cryptography and strengthen cybersecurity through cryptographic audits, system upgrades and regulatory coordination.
- A proactive shift towards quantum-safe systems is essential to protect financial data, maintain trust in digital banking and ensure the resilience of India’s financial infrastructure.
Why in the News?
Indian banks are strengthening their cybersecurity systems to address the emerging threat of quantum computing, which could weaken existing encryption methods and expose sensitive financial data.
News in Brief
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a technology-resilience framework for commercial banks to strengthen IT governance, cyber-risk management and incident response.
- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced an IT Resilience Index for market infrastructure institutions to assess the robustness of critical IT systems.
- Quantum computers could eventually break some encryption methods used to protect banking transactions, digital communications and customer information.
- Banks need to identify vulnerable cryptographic systems and prepare for the transition to post-quantum cryptography.
The Quantum Threat
- Quantum Computing uses quantum bits (qubits), which can exist in a superposition of states, unlike classical bits that represent either 0 or 1.
- Quantum computers could solve certain complex mathematical problems much faster than conventional computers.
- This capability could threaten existing encryption methods used in banking, digital payments and secure communications.
- However, the threat depends on the development of sufficiently powerful and reliable quantum computers.
Impact on the Banking Sector
- Quantum computing could undermine cryptographic systems that protect:
- Digital transactions: Security of online banking and digital payments.
- Customer information: Confidentiality of personal and financial data.
- Digital signatures: Authentication of transactions and verification of identities.
- Secure communications: Exchange of sensitive information between banks, customers and financial institutions.
- Key exchange mechanisms: Secure sharing of encryption keys between communicating parties.
- A successful attack could expose confidential information and undermine trust in digital financial services.
Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL)
- Attackers may collect encrypted information today and store it for future decryption.
- They may attempt to decrypt the stored information when sufficiently powerful quantum computers become available.
- Financial records and other sensitive data that must remain confidential for many years are particularly vulnerable.
- Therefore, banks cannot postpone preparations until quantum computers become capable of breaking existing encryption.
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
- Post-quantum cryptography involves cryptographic algorithms designed to resist attacks from both classical and quantum computers.
- Banks must identify existing encryption systems that may become vulnerable and plan their replacement.
- The transition requires updating cryptographic software, security protocols and IT infrastrucutre.
- Banks must also assess third-party vendors, cloud environments and payment platforms that rely on vulnerable encryption methods.
Cryptography
- Cryptography protects information by converting readable data into a form that unauthorized users cannot easily understand.
- Its major applications include;
- Encryption and decryption
- Authentication and digital signatures
- Secure communication and key exchange
- Protection of banking transactions and digital identities.
Regulatory and Institutional Preparedness
- The RBI’s technology-resilience framework emphasizes stronger IT governance, cyber-risk management and incident response.
- SEBI’s IT Resilience Index focuses on assessing the robustness of critical IT systems in market infrastructure institutions.
- International cybersecurity initiatives are also encouraging organisations to prepare for quantum-resistant security.
- According to the newspaper report, CERT-In, CSIRT-Fin and SISA are among the organizations involved in strategies addressing the emerging threat.
Challenges in the transition
- Legacy infrastructure: Banks operate complex systems that may be difficult to upgrade.
- High costs: Replacing cryptographic systems requires investment in technology, testing and skilled personnel.
- Interoperability: New algorithms must work across different banking systems and service providers.
- Uncertain timeline: The arrival of quantum computers capable of breaking widely used encryption remains uncertain.
- Long-term data exposure: Information stolen today could be compromised in the future.
Quantum-Safe Cybersecurity
- Quantum-safe cybersecurity aims to protect digital systems against future quantum-enabled attacks,
- It includes;
- Post-quantum cryptography: Mathematical algorithms designed to resist quantum attacks.
- Cryptographic inventory: Identifying the encryption systems currently in use.
- Crypto-agility: The ability to replace cryptographic algorithms and protocols as security requirements change.
- Quantum key distribution (QKD): A technique that uses quantum principles to establish encryption keys. It is distinct from post-quantum cryptography and has different implementation requirements.
Way Forward and Conclusion
Banks should identify vulnerable cryptographic systems, prioritise sensitive data, and gradually adopt standardised, quantum-resistant algorithms. Regular security testing, skilled personnel and coordination among regulators, banks and technology providers are essential for a smooth transition.
As quantum computing advances, India must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity rather than wait for the threat to materialise. Strengthening quantum-safe systems will help protect financial data, maintain trust in digital banking and ensure the long-term resilience of India’s financial infrastructure.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper III – Science and Technology
- Developments in quantum computing and their applications.
- Awareness in the fields of IT and cybersecurity.
- GS Paper III – Internal Security
- Cybersecurity challenges and threats to critical information infrastructure.
- GS Paper III – Indian Economy
- Digital financial infrastructure, banking resilience and security of digital transactions.
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
Consider the following statements:
1. A qubit can exist in a superposition of states.
2. Post-quantum cryptography aims to develop algorithms resistant to quantum-enabled attacks.
3. The threat posed by quantum computing is limited to data stolen after sufficiently powerful quantum computers become available.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Mains Practice Question
Q) Discuss the potential implications of quantum computing for India’s banking cybersecurity infrastructure. How can post-quantum cryptography help address the emerging risks? (250 words)
Artificial Intelligence And Inclusive Growth: Economic Impact And Challenges For India
Source: Indian Express
GS III: Science and technology
Overview
- AI can boost productivity, improve public services and create economic opportunities, but its benefits remain concentrated in a few countries and companies.
- Developing countries face barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, skill gaps, limited institutional capacity and unequal access to technology.
- India can apply AI in agriculture, healthcare, education and governance, building on its Digital Public Infrastructure and domestic AI initiatives.
- Inclusive AI growth requires affordable technology, skilled workers, strong institutions, open standards and policies that ensure benefits reach all sections of society.
Why in the News?
The World Bank Group’s World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence highlights the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve productivity, strengthen public services and expand economic opportunities, while emphasising the need to ensure that its benefits reach all sections of society.
News in Brief
- AI investments are concentrated in a few countries and companies, raising concerns about unequal access to technology and economic gains.
- Developing countries can use AI to improve agriculture, healthcare, education and public administration.
- Limited infrastructure, skills and institutional capacity remain major barriers to AI adoption.
- India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) offers lessons for making technology affordable, accessible and scalable.
AI and Economic Growth
- AI can improve productivity, support innovation, strengthen public services and create new economic opportunities.
- Its economic value depends not only on developing advanced models but also on their practical application across sectors.
- The benefits of general-purpose technologies often spread when they become accessible to ordinary businesses, workers and consumers.
Unequal Distribution of AI benefits
- Investment in advanced chips, computing infrastructure, data centres and AI models is concentrated in a few countries and companies.
- This concentration may increase market power and create dependence on a small number of technology providers.
- Developing countries risk falling behind if they lack the resources and capabilities needed to adopt AI.
Employment and Productivity
- AI may automate certain tasks while complementing human capabilities in others.
- Workers in low-and middle-income countries face risks from automation but can also benefit from productivity improvements.
- The impact on employment will depend on the nature of work, the extent of AI adoption and workers’ ability to acquire new skills.
Challenges to AI adoption
- Infrastructure gap: Reliable electricity, internet connectivity, computing resources and affordable devices are essential.
- Skill deficit: Workers need appropriate skills to use AI effectively.
- Institutional capacity: Governments require the ability to evaluate, procure and regulate AI systems.
- Market concentration: Dependence on a few providers may limit competition and innovation.
- Unequal access: Small businesses, rural communities and disadvantaged groups may not benefit equally from AI.
AI Applications in India
- Agriculture: AI-based advisory services can help farmers access information on crops, weather and agricultural practices.
- Healthcare: AI can support disease screening, diagnosis and access to health services.
- Education: AI tools can assist teachers and improve access to learning resources.
- Public administration: AI can improve service delivery and administrative efficiency.
- Digital platforms: Bharat VISTAAR and AI-based agricultural tools illustrate the potential of technology to address local needs. Their wider impact will depend on accessibility and adoption.
Lessons from Digital Public Infrastructure
- India’s experience with Aadhaar, UPI and DigiLocker demonstrates how shared digital infrastructure can reduce costs and expand access.
- Open and interoperable systems can encourage competition and innovation.
- Similar principles can guide AI adoption by reducing dependence on individual providers and allowing different applications to operate on common platforms.
India’s Approach to AI
- India need not match the massive AI investments of leading global technology companies.
- Instead, it should focus on building capabilities that expand access and generate wider social and economic benefits.
- Initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission, AI research, Indian-language models and shared computing infrastructure can support this objective.
- The priority should be to develop practical AI applications, strengthen domestic capabilities and prevent excessive dependence on a limited number of technology providers.
Way Forward and Conclusion
India should strengthen electricity and internet infrastructure, expand AI education and reskilling, and develop affordable solutions suited to Indian languages and local needs. Evidence-based policies, open standards, interoperability and the scaling of successful pilot projects can promote competition and reduce dependence on a few technology providers.
AI can drive economic growth, but technological progress alone cannot ensure inclusive development. India must combine infrastructure, skills, strong institutions and accessible digital platforms to improve productivity and ensure that the benefits of AI reach farmers, workers, small businesses and disadvantaged communities.
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
Consider the following statements about Artificial Intelligence:
1. AI can improve productivity in agriculture, healthcare and public administration.
2. Access to computing infrastructure and skilled workers influences the adoption of AI.
3. Digital Public Infrastructure can help reduce barriers to technology adoption.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Mains Practice Question
Q) Artificial Intelligence has the potential to accelerate economic growth, but its benefits may not be distributed equally. Discuss the challenges of AI adoption in developing countries and suggest measures to ensure inclusive growth. (250 words)
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