Daily Current Affairs 05 October 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 05 October 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

India’s Supercomputing Ecosystem Under National Supercomputing Mission

Source: PIB
GS III: Science and Technology

Why in the News?

A recent PIB article highlights India’s progress in building an indigenous High-Performance Computing (HPC) ecosystem under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).

News in Brief

• The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) was launched in 2015 with an outlay of about ₹4,500 crore and is jointly steered by DST and MeitY.
• India plans to establish 50 supercomputers with more than 123 PF capacity across academic and research institutions.
• The PARAM series, beginning with PARAM 8000 in 1991, marked India’s entry into indigenous supercomputing.
• NSM is developing indigenous servers, networking, cooling systems and software to reduce dependence on imported technology.

What is Supercomputing?

• Supercomputers use large numbers of processors working simultaneously to perform complex calculations and process massive datasets.
• Their performance is measured in FLOPS (Floating Point Operations Per Second).
  • 1 TeraFLOPS (TF) = 1 trillion calculations/second
  • 1 PetaFLOPS (PF) = 1 quadrillion calculations/second
  • 1 ExaFLOPS (EF) = 1 quintillion calculations/second
• India generates nearly 20% of the world’s data.
• This efforts strengthens indigenous capabilities and supports India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

National Supercomputing Mission

• India launched the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) in April 2015 to strengthen the country’s computing capabilities.
• The Mission aims to build self-reliance in supercomputing and strengthen India’s high-performance computing capabilities.
• It promotes the use of supercomputing for research, development and problem-solving across scientific and technological domains.
• It also supports the development of solutions for societal applications.
• The Mission seeks to establish a globally competitive supercomputing ecosystem in India.

Implementation

• The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, implement the Mission.
• NSM follows a ‘Build approach’ consisting of three concurrent phases to create indigenous supercomputing infrastructure: assembly, manufacturing, and design and manufacturing support.
• This approach combines the expansion of computing infrastructure with the development of indigenous capabilities.

India’s Progress

• Under NSM, India has established an ecosystem focused on achieving self-reliance in supercomputing.
• It covers supercomputer design, development, manufacturing, system software and specialised applications.
• This growing indigenous capability can reduce dependence on imported technologies.
• It also strengthens India’s domestic high-performance computing ecosystem.
• As of September 2026, India had deployed 40 supercomputers with a combined capacity of 68 PF.
• This includes 13 high-end systems exceeding 1 PF.
• Additionally, 12 mid-range systems have capacities between 500 TF and 1 PF.
• Another 15 systems have capacities below 500 TF.
• These machines have been built locally and commissioned across the country.
• The Mission continues to advance infrastructure, applications, research and development, and  human resource development.

Applications

HPC under NSM is being used for strengthening research, supporting evidence-based decision-making and addressing complex challenges across health, environment, energy and advanced science.

• Genomics and Drug Discovery Platform
  • It studies large sets of molecules to help find and test drugs.
  • It was used during COVID-19 to screen existing drugs and also predict side effects like heart risk.
• Urban Environment Decision Support System
  • It uses detailed models to track weather and air pollution.
  • It predicts heavy rain and pollution so cities can prepare and mitigate damage.
• Seismic Imaging Suite
  • It aims to improve oil and gas exploration by using advanced algorithms to map subsurface structures.
  • Its performance matches commercial seismic imaging tools.
• Early Warning System for Flood Prediction for River Basins
  • It leverages data analysis and predictive models to forecast floods up to 2 days in advance.
  • It is being used for the Mahanadi River basin to protect communities and infrastructure.
• The Forest Fire Spread Model
  • It combines satellite remote sensing with computational models to predict how forest fires will spread.
  • It has been tested in regions like the Sikkim Himalayas using a HPC system.
• Materials Science and Computational Chemistry Applications
  • It provides a suite that allows simulations of atoms, molecules, and alloys.
  • These facilitate the study of their behaviour.

Indigenous components developed under NSM

• NSM has developed:
  • Rudra series servers – indigenously designed by C-DAC.
  • PARAM Rudra supercomputers using indigenous servers and system software.
  • 100 and 200 Gbps high-speed interconnect networks.
  • Indigenous cooling technology.
  • Indigenous HPC software stack.
  • PARAM Shavak, a compact HPC system for students and researchers.

National Knowledge Network

• The NKN serves as the backbone of India’s supercomputing ecosystem under the National Supercomputing Mission.
• It connects supercomputing facilities across academic and research institutions through a high-speed national network.
• This enables researchers and institutions to access advanced computing resources and collaborate across geographical boundaries.
• The network strengthens the sharing of computational resources, research capabilities and scientific knowledge.
• Through this connected infrastructure, the Mission is expanding access to High-Performance Computing across India.

Significance for India

Supercomputing can strengthen;

• Scientific research and innovation
• AI and advanced computing
• Climate and disaster resilience
• Healthcare and drug discovery
• Agricultural forecasting
• Strategic and technological autonomy
• Atmanirbhar Bharat

The NSM also contributes to 11 UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly through applications in climate action, education, skills and innovation.

Way Forward and Conclusion

India should focus on expanding HPC capacity while making supercomputers faster, energy-efficient and reliable. Greater integration of AI with HPC, stronger indigenous hardware and software, and wider access for researchers, academia and industry can further strengthen India’s technological capabilities.

A strong partnership between government, academia, industry, startups and research institutions can turn advanced computing into practical solutions for healthcare, agriculture, climate, energy and scientific research. This will help India build a secure, sustainable and self-reliant supercomputing ecosystem and support long-term technological innovation.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the National Supercomputing Mission:
1. It was launched in 2015 to strengthen India’s high-performance computing capabilities.
2. C-DAC and IISc are involved in its implementation.
3. PARAM 8000 was developed under the National Supercomputing Mission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Mains Practice Question

Q) India’s progress in supercomputing is important not only for scientific research but also for technological self-reliance. Discuss the significance and challenges of developing an indigenous High-Performance Computing ecosystem. (250 words)

Green Energy Corridor III Strengthens Renewable Energy Transmission

Source: Indian Energy
GS III: Infrastructure, Energy, Environment and Climate Change

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the third phase of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC-III) with an estimated outlay of rupees 1.86 lakh crore.

News in Brief

• GEC-III will develop transmission infrastructure to integrate large-scale solar and wind power into the national grid.
• The scheme includes a dedicated 50 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) component to manage fluctuations in renewable generation.
• Around ₹1.36 lakh crore has been earmarked for intra-state transmission systems (InSTS), while ₹50,000 crore is allocated for BESS.
• GEC-III is expected to support renewable power evacuation at the state level and increase private-sector participation in transmission projects.

Key Highlights

Addressing the renewable energy bottleneck

• India’s renewable capacity is expanding rapidly, but transmission infrastructure has not always kept pace.
• This can lead to grid congestion and curtailment, where renewable electricity is generated but cannot be evacuated because adequate transmission capacity is unavailable.
• GEC-III seeks to bridge this gap by creating dedicated transmission networks for renewable-energy-rich regions.

Battery Energy Storage Systems

• For the first time, GEC includes a dedicated energy-storage component.
  • 50 GWh of BESS will be deployed.
  • Storage can absorb surplus electricity during periods of high renewable generation and release it when generation falls.
  • This can improve grid stability, flexibility and reliability.

Funding pattern

• The scheme has a total outlay of rupees 1.86 lakh crore.
• Major allocation for infra-state transmission systems.
• Dedicated funding for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to offset intra-state transmission charges and reduce the burden on consumers.

Implementation Model

• Under the Intra-State Transmission System (InSTS) component;
  • Greenfield projects will be implemented through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB).
  • Brownfield upgrades and network strengthening works will be undertaken on a cost-plus basis.
  • Under TBCB, private transmission companies can develop and operate projects through competitive bidding.
• State transmission utilities will also participate in implementation.

Expanding transmission capacity

• India is expected to add around 400 GW of renewable energy capacity between 2030 and 2035–36, requiring nearly 160 GW of additional InSTS infrastructure.
• GEC-III is expected to support about 135 GW of infrastructure creation at the state level.
• The scheme will also encourage private-sector participation in state-level transmission infrastructure.

Geographical expansion

• GEC-I was implemented across eight states, while GEC-II covered seven states.
• GEC-III is expected to expand the geographical coverage further, with proposals received from at least 13 states.

Implementation timeline

• GEC-I: Expected to be completed by March 2027.
• GEC-II and GEC-III projects: Expected to be completed by 2028.
• A Cabinet Secretary-level steering committee will monitor the progress of GEC-II and GEC-III twice a year.

Major challenge: Transmission constraints

• Transmission constraints remain a major obstacle to renewable-energy evacuation.
• During FY26, around 6,900 GWh of clean electricity reportedly faced restrictions because transmission infrastructure could not keep pace with the rapid addition of renewable capacity and commissioning of associated transmission projects.

Significance and Challenges for India

• GEC-III is important because India’s energy transition is no longer only about adding renewable capacity; it also requires the infrastructure to transmit, store and integrate that electricity into the grid.
• By combining transmission expansion with battery storage, the scheme can reduce renewable-energy curtailment, improve grid stability and support India’s broader clean-energy transition.

Challenges

• Transmission infrastructure may continue to lag behind rapid renewable-capacity addition.
• Large-scale projects face land, regulatory and implementation delays.
• Coordination between Centre, states and transmission agencies is essential.
• Storage systems involve significant investment and require efficient utilisation.
• Timely commissioning of generation and transmission assets must be synchronised.

Way Forward and Conclusion

India needs to plan renewable generation, transmission and energy storage together to avoid grid congestion and power curtailment. Faster project execution, better Centre–State coordination, private-sector participation and wider adoption of storage technologies can make the power grid more flexible and reliable.

GEC-III can therefore play an important role in ensuring that India’s growing renewable capacity is effectively integrated into the national grid. Strengthening transmission alongside storage will be crucial for achieving a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy transition.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding Green Energy Corridor-III:
1. It aims to facilitate the evacuation of up to 135 GW of renewable energy.
2. It includes a dedicated provision for 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.
3. All transmission projects under the scheme will be implemented only by State transmission utilities.
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

Mains Practice Question

Q) India’s renewable-energy transmission is increasingly constrained by transmission and storage infrastructure rather than generation capacity alone. Discuss the significance of Green Energy Corridor -III in addressing this challenge. (250 words)

India’s Journey Towards Sustainable Road Infrastruture

Source: PIB
GS III: Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology, Infrastructure

Why in the News?

The PIB highlighted India’s shift towards sustainable and climate-resilient highway infrastructure, combining plantation, green technologies, recycled materials and scientific monitoring.

News in Brief

• India’s National Highway network expanded by nearly 61%, from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,572 km in March 2026.
• The Green Highways Policy, 2015 provides the framework for plantation, transplantation, beautification and maintenance along National Highways.
• Green cover is increasingly monitored through drones, satellites and the National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI).
• Sustainable construction is being promoted through bio-bitumen, fly ash, pond ash, recycled asphalt, C&D waste, plastic waste, slag and crumb rubber.

Green Highways Policy, 2015

• The greening of India’s National Highway network is guided by the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification and Maintenance) Policy, 2015.
• The policy aims to make highways development environmentally sustainable by;
  • Reducing the impact of air pollution and dust, as trees and shrubs are known to be natural sinks for air pollutants.
  • Arresting soil erosion at the embankment slopes.
  • Moderating the effect of wind and incoming radiation.
  • Creating employment opportunities for local people.

Major Green Highways Measures

Plantation and Afforestation

• More than 3.61 crore saplings have been planted across approximately 1.32 lakh km of National Highways in the last five years.
• The approach now goes beyond simply planting trees and focuses on:
  • Survival and growth of saplings.
  • Native and diverse species.
  • Compensatory afforestation.
  • Tree transplantation.
  • Drone and satellite-based monitoring.
  • Miyawaki plantations for dense green cover.

Survival-Based Monitoring

• NHAI’s 2026 guidelines link plantation performance with project completion.
• At least 80% of the plantation-designated Right of Way (RoW) should be covered.
• Saplings should have a minimum 90% survival rate during inspection.
• The same survival benchmark applies during the Operations and Maintenance period.

National Highways Green Cover Index

• The NH-GCI 2025–26 provides a scientific assessment of green cover along National Highways.
• Prepared with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO, it covers nearly 30,000 km of National Highways across 24 states under the O&M phase.
• Satellite-based assessment allows comparison, ranking and targeted interventions.

Bio-Bitumen Technology

• India is also moving towards bio-based road construction materials.
• Bio-bitumen via Pyrolysis was developed jointly by CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-IIP agricultural residue.
• Rice straw is converted into bio-oil through pyrolysis and blended with conventional bitumen.
• A 100-metre trial stretch has been laid on the Jorabat-Shillong Expressway (NH-40), Meghalaya.
• The technology can also help manage agricultural residue and reduce dependence on imported bitumen, of which India currently imports nearly 50% of its requirement.

Recycled and Alternative Materials

• Highway construction is increasingly using fly ash and pond ash, reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), Construction and Demolition waste, recycled aggregates, plastic waste, slag, crumb rubber and bio-bitumen.
• This can improve resource efficiency, waste utilization and conservation of natural resources.

Biodiversity and Community Participation

• Highway greenery is also being linked with biodiversity conservation.
• Under the “Trees for Bees” campaign, pollinator corridors are being developed along identified stretches of the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway, using flowering and locally suitable species to provide habitat and food for bees and other pollinators.

Significance and Challenges for India

• Green Highways can;
  • Reduce the environmental footprint of expanding road infrastructure.
  • Support climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Improve roadside biodiversity and green cover.
  • Promote circular economy through waste-based materials.
  • Reduce dependence on imported road-construction materials.
  • Create livelihood opportunities through plantation activities.
  • Combine infrastructure development with environmental protection.

Challenges 

• Ensuring long-term survival rather than merely increasing plantation numbers.
• Maintaining green cover during highway expansion and widening.
• Choosing suitable native species according to local ecology.
• Scaling up alternative materials while maintaining road quality and safety.
• Ensuring effective coordination among multiple implementing agencies.
• Sustaining plantations during the Operations and Maintenance phase.

Way Forward and Conclusion

India should focus on survival and long-term maintenance of plantations, wider use of native species, scientific monitoring and greater community participation. Scaling up bio-bitumen and recycled materials can further reduce resource use and the environmental footprint of highway construction.

The aim should be to make highway expansion compatible with ecological sustainability, rather than treating environmental protection as an additional measure. A greener highway network can strengthen connectivity while supporting climate resilience, biodiversity and India’s vision of sustainable infrastructure.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding India’s Green Highways initiatives:
1. The Green Highways Policy was formulated in 2015.
2. The National Highways Green Cover Index uses satellite-based assessment of green cover.
3. Bio-bitumen technology developed by CSIR institutions uses agricultural residue as a feedstock.
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: 1, 2 and 3

Mains Practice Question

Q) Discuss the need for sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure in India’s highway development. (250 words)

India-EFTA TEPA: A New Phase Of Economic Partnership

Source: Indian Express
GS II: International Relations- Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings, GS III: Indian Economy- Investment and Manufacturing

Why in the News?

The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) has completed one year.

News in Brief

• EFTA has committed to an ambitious $100 billion investment target in India over 15 years, linked to employment generation.
• The agreement is being seen as more than a tariff-reduction pact, with emphasis on investment, employment, technology and sustainable business practices.
• TEPA also incorporates provisions related to labour standards, environmental protection and responsible business conduct.

India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)

• The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) marks a  new phase in India’s economic engagement with Europe.
• EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
• The agreement seeks to move beyond conventional tariff concessions by promoting trade, investment, employment, technology transfer and sustainable development.

Key Highlights

Beyond Tariff Reduction

• TEPA is significant because it goes beyond conventional tariff concessions.
• It seeks to create a framework for greater market access, investment flows, technology and knowledge transfer, employment generation, cooperation between companies and institutions and easier investment procedures.
• Thus, the agreement links trade with long-term economic partnership.

$100 Billion Investment and Jobs Goal

• A major feature of TEPA is the $100 billion investment and employment-generation ambition over 15 years.
• This is important for India because it can
  • Attract long-term foreign capital
  • Support manufacturing and industrial expansion
  • Create employment opportunities
  • Improve access to advanced technologies
  • Strengthen India’s integration into global value chains.

Switzerland’s strengths and India’s manufacturing

• Switzerland can contribute capabilities in:
  • Precision machinery
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Medical technology
  • Speciality chemicals
• These are largely intermediate goods and technological inputs that can strengthen Indian manufacturing rather than merely compete with domestic producers.

Diversification of Trade Partners

• For Switzerland, India offers a large and fast-growing market.
• For India, deeper engagement with Switzerland and other EFTA economies helps diversify trade and investment partnerships at a time when global trade is becoming more uncertain and vulnerable to disruptions.

Standards and Sustainable Trade

• TEPA contains provisions relating to;
  • Labour standards
  • Environmental protection
  • Responsible business conduct
• This reflects the evolution of modern trade agreements, where economic integration is increasingly linked with sustainability and responsible business practices.

Scientific and Educational Cooperation

• India–Switzerland relations extend well beyond commerce.
• Cooperation includes:
  • Scientific and research collaboration.
  • Exchange of Indian students and professionals through Swiss universities and technical institutions.
  • Growing tourism between the two countries.
  • Cooperation in science and technology, aviation, taxation and education.
• Such institutional linkages have created trust and familiarity between the two societies, which in turn support stronger economic relations.

Investment Facilitation

• A dedicated desk has been established to support EFTA companies investing in India.
• It is intended to provide investors with a smoother, better-informed and more predictable investment experience.
• This is important because investment agreements are effective only when businesses can actually navigate regulatory and administrative procesures.

Investment Facillitation

• A dedicated desk has been established to support EFTA companies investing in India.
• It is intended to provide investors with a smoother, better-informed and more predictable investment experience.
• This is important because investment agreements are effective only when businesses can actually navigate regulatory and administrative procedures.

India-Switzerland: A wider strategic relationship

• The economic relationship is part of a broader bilateral partnership built over decades.
• The two countries have developed cooperation in areas such as Science and technology, Education, Aviation. Taxation, Research, Tourism, Trade and Investment.
• The relationship therefore combines economic interests with people-to-people  and institutional connections.

Historical Foundation

• India and Switzerland share a long diplomatic relationship.
• In 1948, the two countries signed the Treaty of Friendship, which envisaged enduring peace and friendship.
• The relationship has since evolved through successive phases:
  Diplomatic friendship → Scientific and educational cooperation → Trade partnership → Investment and mobility → Comprehensive economic partnership
• The 80th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship in 2028 provides an opportunity to further strengthen this relationship.

Mobility and People-to-People Ties

• The partnership is also moving towards greater mobility.
• The proposed Migration and Mobility Partnership, Young Professionals Agreement can facilitate movement and exchange of young professionals, students and skilled people.
• This adds a human dimension to the economic relationship, complementing trade and invesmtent.

Why EFTA matters to India

• Switzerland is particularly important for India because of its strengths in pharmaceuticals, precision engineering, specialized machinery, finance and high-end technology.
• Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein also offer opportunities in areas such as maritime industries, renewable energy, fisheries, technology and specialized services.
• The partnership can therefore help India diversify its economic relationships and integrate more deeply with European value chains.

Significance for India

• Investment and employment- The investment commitment can support manufacturing capacity, infrastructure and job creation.
• Technology and innovation- Collaboration with technologically advanced EFTA economies can strengthen India’s capabilities in specialised manufacturing, research and innovation.
• Export diversification- TEPA can provide Indian businesses with wider access to high-income European markets.
• Manufacturing– Investment from EFTA countries can complement India’s Make in India and manufacturing ambitions.
• Strategic partnership- Economic cooperation can provide a stronger foundation for India’s broader diplomatic, technological and strategic engagement with Europe.

Challenges

• The key challenge is to convert investment commitments into actual investment flows and ensure that Indian forms can compete effectively in EFTA markets.
• Differences in regulatory and quality standards may also create barriers for exporters.
• At the domestic level, greater trade liberalization must be managed carefully to protect vulnerable sectors, while improvements in infrastructure, skills and technological capabilities are needed to absorb new investment and technology effectively.

Way Forward and Conclusion

India should focus on ease of doing business, skilled manpower, infrastructure and regulatory stability to convert TEPA’s investment commitments into actual projects and jobs. Greater support for exporters, technology partnerships and regular monitoring of the agreement can help Indian businesses make better use of the opportunities created by the pact.

TEPA can become an important bridge between India’s growth ambitions and EFTA’s capital, technology and expertise. Its success, however, will depend on effective implementation and ensuring that the benefits of greater economic integration translate into sustainable investment, employment and competitiveness for India.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding EFTA:
1. EFTA consists of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
2. EFTA is a regional grouping of countries belonging to the European Union.
3. India has signed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with EFTA.
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: 1 and 3 only

Mains Practice Question

Q) The India-EFTA TEPA represents a shift from traditional tariff-based trade agreements towards investment- and employment-oriented economic partnerships. Discuss its significance for India’s economic growth. (250 words)

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