Daily Current Affairs 13 October 2026 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 13 October 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Garba In Gujarat: UNESCO Recognition, Cultural Significance And Economic Impact

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Indian Heritage and Culture

Why in the News?

Garba, the traditional devotional dance of Gujarat performed during Navratri, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023. Over time, it has evolved from a community-based religious practice into a major cultural and economic activity.

News in Brief

• Garba is a traditional folk dance associated with the worship of Goddess Amba during Navratri.
• It was recognised by UNESCO in December 2023 for its cultural and social significance.
• Traditionally performed by women in homes and temple courtyards, Garba has expanded into large public celebrations across geographical and cultural boundaries.
• Modern Garba events support livelihoods in music, dance, handicrafts, fashion, event management and related industries.

Origin and religious significance

• The words Garba is derived from the Sanskrit word Garbhadeep, referring to an earthen pot containing a lamp.
• The pot symbolizes the human body, while the lamp inside represents the divine soul.
• Garba is associated with the worship of feminine energy or Shakti, particularly Goddess Amba.
• The establishment of the Ambaji Shaktipeeth is associated with the growth of goddess worship through Garba in Gujarat.
• The tradition is linked to Gujarat’s historical dynasties, agrarian communities and local cultural practices.

Traditional practices

• Traditionally, women performed Garba during Navratri in their homes and temple courtyards.
• Rituals included sthapana (installation of the goddess or Mataji), aarti and devotional dancing.
• Garba songs and dance forms were passed down orally through generations, particularly among women in families and communities.
• The exact historical origin of Garba songs is difficult to establish because of their oral transmission.

Garba and related dance forms

• Garba is associated with other traditional Gujarati dance forms, including Dandiya Rass.
• These dances use rhythmic movements, circular formations and traditional music.
• Garba is also performed to folk songs accompanied by instruments such as the dhol and other traditional musical instruments.

Evolution of Garba

• Garba has evolved significantly while retaining its devotional character.
• Traditional community celebrations now coexist with large, theme-based Navratri events.
• Contemporary music, changing fashion trends and new performance styles have influenced modern Garba.
• Events are organized by social groups, Yuvak Mandals, residential associations, clubs and professional event planners.
• Eco-friendly celebrations and events dedicated to pet animals reflect the emergence of new forms of participation.
• Despite these changes, the circular dance and its association with feminine energy remain central to the tradition.

Oral traditions and cultural preservation

• Graba’s survival depends largely on oral transmission and community participation.
• Folk singers and families have preserved traditional Garba songs across generations.
• Jitu Bhagat, started the Sri Jitu Bhagat Satsang Mandali in Ahmedabad in 1949.
• His son, Atul Brahmbhatt, explained how traditional Garba compositions were preserved through memory and continued community practice.
• The Valabha and Dhola brothers are credited with composing the Anand no Garbo, a traditional composition that continues to be sung.

Garba as an economic enterprise

• Modern Navratri celebrations have developed into a significant economic activity involving several sectors.
  • Event management: Organising large-scale celebrations and managing venues.
  • Music and entertainment: Singers, musicians, choreographers and performers.
  • Technical services: Sound systems, lighting and stage arrangements.
  • Handicrafts: Potters, blacksmiths and carpenters producing items used in celebrations.
  • Textiles and jewellery: Traditional clothing, ornaments and accessories.
  • Education and design: Courses in dance, music, costume and ornament design, landscape planning, and sound and light design.
• Thus, Garba demonstrates how a traditional cultural practice can create employment and support local enterprises.

Significance of Garba

Garba represents;

• Religious significance- Devotion to Goddess Amba and the worship of Shakti.
• Cultural identity- A distinctive expression of Gujarat’s folk traditions.
• Social cohesion- Collective participation that brings communities together.
• Women’s role in cultural preservation- Women have traditionally played an important role in transmitting Garba songs and rituals.
• Economic value- Livelihood opportunities for artisans, performers and service providers.
• Cultural continuity- Adaptation to modern preferences while retaining traditional elements.

Challenges in preserving folk traditions

• The commercialization of cultural festivals can create concerns about the loss of their original meaning.
• Other challenges include declining interest in traditional compositions, reduced transmission of oral traditions and the possibility of local variations being overshadowed by commercial performances.
• Preservation efforts should therefore balance innovation with respect for the religious, historical and community roots of Garba.

Conclusion

Garba shows how India’s living cultural traditions can adapt to modern times while preserving their identity. Balancing commercial growth with community participation and authenticity is essential for sustaining this heritage for future generations.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper I – Indian Heritage and Culture: Salient aspects of Indian art forms; Indian culture covering significant aspects of performing arts.
• Prelims: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Garba, and traditional folk dances.
• GS Paper III – Indian Economy: Employment generation, creative industries and the economic potential of cultural activities.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements about Garba:

1. Garba is traditionally associated with the worship of Goddess Amba during Navratri.
2. Garba was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.
3. The preservation of Garba depends exclusively on written historical records.

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

Unregulated Use Of Genetically Modified (GM) Cotton

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Agriculture, Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Environmental Protection, Agricultural Policy.

Why in the News?

A recent study commissioned by the seed industry has highlighted the widespread cultivation of unapproved genetically modified (GM) cotton hybrids in India, raising concerns about biosafety regulations, farmers’ interests and agricultural governance.

News in Brief

• Unapproved herbicide-tolerant (HT) and next-generation Bt traits have reportedly spread through unauthorised cotton seeds.
• Farmers are adopting these hybrids to address rising labour costs, weed management challenges and pink bollworm attacks.
• Unregulated cultivation bypasses the government’s biosafety approval system and may expose farmers to risks associated with unauthorised seeds.
• Restrictions on the commercialisation and field trials of GM crops have reignited debate over India’s regulatory approach to agricultural biotechnology.

Growing adoption of unapproved GM cotton

• The study found that more than half of the seed, leaf and other samples collected from farmers’ fields across 16 districts in Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan contained unapproved herbicide-tolerant and next-generation Bt traits.
• It estimates that a quarter or more of India’s cotton-growing area may be under GM hybrids incorporating these traits.
• Farmers are obtaining such seeds through unauthorized channels, including traders and breeders who introduce new traits into existing cotton varieties without regulatory approval.

Why are farmers adopting these hybrids?

• Labour shortage: Manual weeding has become increasingly expensive and difficult.
• Lower weed-control costs: Manual weeding costs ₹12,000–15,000 per acre, compared with ₹750–850 for two to three rounds of glyphosate application.
• Pest resistance: Existing approved Bt cotton varieties do not adequately control pink bollworm, which has become a major challenge for cotton farmers.
• Economic considerations: Farmers are attracted to technologies that promise lower cultivation costs and better pest management.

The GM traits

• Herbicide-tolerant (HT) cotton: Enables cotton plants to tolerate specific herbicides, allowing farmers to control weeds without damaging the crop.
• Bt cotton: Incorporates genes derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis to protect plants against particular insect pests.
• Vip3A Bt trait: A next-generation Bt trait with a different mode of action from the Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins used in approved Bt cotton hybrids. It offers activity against pests, including pink bollworm, that are not adequately controlled by existing varieties.

However, the glyphosate tolerance and the Vip3A Bt trait have not been officially authorized for commercial cultivation in Indian cotton.

Impact on the seed industry and farmers

• Sales of authorized Bt cotton hybrid seeds reportedly declined from 59.6million packets in 2022-23 to 46.3 million packets in 2025-26.
• Meanwhile, the unauthorized herbicide-tolerant and Bt cotton seed market is estimated to have reached 8.2-8.8 million packets.
• Farmers may lose access to the benefits of advanced GM technology developed by established, research-backed seed companies.
• Unauthorized seed markets also create challenges for quality control, accountability and the enforcement of biosafety standards.

Concerns over India’s GM crop policy

• The restrictions on the commercialization and field trials of GM crops have contributed to the spread of unauthorized cultivation.
• The concerns raised gives greater weight to ideological concerns than to scientific evidence.
• Experts also links policy restrictions to India’s changing position in the cotton market, arguing that India has moved from being a major producer and exporter  towards becoming a net importer.
• The relationship between regulatory restrictions and India’s cotton trade position requires broader economic assessment.

About the Genetically Modified Crops In India

What are GM crops?

• Genetically Modified crops are developed by introducing, modifying or altering genetic material to obtain desirable characteristics, such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance or improved nutritional quality.

Bt Cotton in India

• Bt cotton incorporates genes from Bacillus thuringiensis, enabling the plant to produce proteins toxic to certain insect pests.
• It was introduced commercially in India in 2002.
• It is India’s principal commercially cultivated GM crop.

Regulation of GM crops in India

• The regulation of genetically engineered organisms is governed primarily by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Rules, 1989.
• Important regulatory bodies include;
  • Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): Functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and evaluates proposals involving the environmental release of genetically engineered organisms, including commercial cultivation.
  • Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC): Oversees biosafety at the institutional level.
  • Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM): Functions under the Department of Biotechnology and oversees research-stage activities involving genetic engineering.
• The regulatory framework seeks to ensure that GM organisms are assessed for potential risks to human health and the environment before their release.

Issues and Challenges

• Biosafety concerns: Unauthorised cultivation bypasses established risk-assessment procedures.
• Resistance development: Repeated exposure to insecticidal traits may encourage pests to develop resistance, reducing the long-term effectiveness of the technology.
• Environmental risks: Herbicide-tolerant crops may encourage excessive or inappropriate herbicide use, affecting biodiversity and weed management.
• Regulatory gaps: Limited access to approved technologies may encourage informal seed markets.
• Farmers’ interests: Farmers need affordable, effective and scientifically evaluated technologies to reduce cultivation costs and manage pests.
• Policy uncertainty: Delays or restrictions in the approval process can create tensions between agricultural innovation, environmental protection and farmers’ demands.

Way Forward and Conclusion

India needs a science-based, transparent and predictable regulatory framework for GM crops, supported by rigorous biosafety assessments, effective monitoring of unauthorised seeds and stronger agricultural research. Timely access to approved technologies, farmer awareness and integrated pest management can help reduce cultivation costs while limiting environmental risks.

The spread of unapproved GM Cotton highlights the need to bridge the gap between farmers’ needs and regulatory policy. India must balance agricultural innovation, farmers’ welfare and environmental safety to ensure that biotechnology contributes to sustainable and productive agriculture.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding genetically modified crops in India:

1. Bt cotton uses genes derived from Bacillus thuringiensis to provide protection against certain insect pests.
2. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
3. All genetically modified crops can be commercially cultivated in India without prior regulatory approval.

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) The unauthorized cultivation of genetically modified crops highlights the challenges of balancing agricultural innovation, farmers’ interests and biosafety regulations in India. Discuss (250 words)

India’s Research And Innovation Ecosystem: Key Initiatives And Challenges

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions for development; GS III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

Why in the News?

India has made significant progress in research, innovation and technology development over the past decade, with a growing focus on indigenous capabilities, scientific research and entrepreneurship.

News in Brief

• India’s position in the Global Innovation Index improved from 81st in 2015 to 38th in 2025.
• Government initiatives such as the National Quantum Mission, IndiaAI Mission and Anusandhan National Research Foundation aim to strengthen India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
• The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund seeks to support private-sector research and the commercialisation of new technologies.
• India is expanding its capabilities in semiconductors, biotechnology, space technology, nuclear energy and digital public infrastructure.

Growth in Research and Development

• India’s research ecosystem has expanded through government support, institutional development and industry–academia collaboration.
• The Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) increased from ₹79,355.89 crore in 2013–14 to ₹2,47,467.81 crore in 2023–24.
• The private sector’s share of GERD increased from 32.2% to 45.2% during this period.

Strengthening Research Institutions

• The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) supports research across universities, colleges and research laboratories.
• It seeks to promote collaboration among academia, industry and government.

Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund

• The RDI Fund addresses the gap between scientific research and commercialization, often described as the ‘Valley of death’.
• It supports technologies that require substantial investment before becoming commercially viable.
• The initiative aims to encourage private-sector participation in high-risk, high-impact research.

Promoting Women in Science

• Initiatives such as Women in Science and Engineering -KIRAN, Vigyan Jyoti and the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) promote women’s participation in science and technology.
• They aim to improve access to research opportunities and build an inclusive scientific ecosystem.

National Quantum Mission

• The mission promotes research in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and quantum materials.
• It aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in emerging technologies and advanced scientific research.

IndiaAI Mission

• The mission supports the development of AI infrastructure, datasets, computing resources, skill development and foundational models.
• It also promotes responsible AI and wider access to AI technologies.

Semiconductor Development

• The India Semiconductor Mission supports the establishment of semiconductor fabrication facilities, packaging units and other components of the semiconductor ecosystem.
• It aims to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Biotechnology

• The BioE3 Policy promotes biotechnology for the economy, environment and employment.
• It encourages biomanufacturing, bio-based chemicals, enzymes and advanced biotherapeutics.
• Biotechnology is emerging as an important area for sustainable industrial development.

Space Technology

• The Indian Space Policy, 2023, encourages private-sector participation in space activities.
• Private companies are increasingly involved in satellite manufacturing, launch services and downstream applications.
• Space technology also supports communication, navigation, agriculture and disaster management.

Nuclear Energy

• The SHANTI Act provides a framework for greater private-sector participation in India’s nuclear energy sector, subject to applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
• Nuclear energy can contribute to energy security and the transition towards low-carbon development.

Digital Public Infrastructure

• India’s digital infrastructure has expanded through initiatives such as Aadhar, UPI , DigiLocker, Account Aggregator and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
• These platforms improve access to services and support digital innovation.
• In agriculture, technologies such as satellite imagery, drones, remote sensing and GIS enable precision farming, crop monitoring and better agricultural advice.

Start-Up Ecosystem

• India’s start-up ecosystem has grown through government support, access to funding and entrepreneurship programmes.
• Initiatives such as the Startup India, Seed Fund Scheme, Fund of Funds for Startups, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups and Atal Innovation Mission encourage innovation and enterprise development.
• The focus is increasingly shifting towards deep technology, research-intensive businesses and indigenous technological capabilities.

Significance and Challenges for India

• Research and innovation drive economic growth by improving productivity, creating skilled jobs and developing new industries.
• Indigenous technologies reduce import dependence and strengthen strategic autonomy in areas such as AI, semiconductors and space.
• Digital innovations improve access to public services, while biotechnology and clean technologies support sustainable development.
• Together, these advances enhance India’s global competitiveness and promote inclusive growth.

Challenges

• India’s research ecosystem faces low R&D investment compared with leading innovation-driven economies and limited private-sector funding.
• The gap between scientific discoveries and commercial applications remains a concern.
• Weak industry-academia collaboration, unequal access to research facilities and limited opportunities for researchers also constrain innovation.
• Retaining skilled talent and ensuring that research reaches the market are essential for building a strong, self-reliant innovation ecosystem.

Way Forward and Conclusion

India should boost R&D investment, strengthen industry–academia collaboration, support deep-tech start-ups and expand research opportunities. Better funding, technology transfer and inclusive policies can turn scientific discoveries into practical solutions.

A strong innovation ecosystem can enhance self-reliance, global competitiveness and inclusive growth, helping India achieve Viksit Bharat.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

1. The Global Innovation Index is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
2. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation aims to promote research and innovation in India.
3. The National Quantum Mission focuses exclusively on the commercial production of conventional semiconductors.

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) Discuss India’s progress in research and innovation. Examine the major challenges in translating scientific research into commercial applications. (250 words)

Macroeconomic Stabilization Through Policy Tools

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Indian Economy

Why in the News?

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences has been awarded to American economists Robert E. Hall of Stanford University and Michael Woodford of Columbia University for their contributions to the microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation.

News in Brief

• The award recognises research on the foundations of macroeconomic stabilisation and the role of economic policies in maintaining stability.
• Robert E. Hall studied household consumption decisions and how people respond to changes in income and future expectations.
• Michael Woodford examined how firms make pricing decisions and how expectations influence inflation and monetary policy.
• Their work explains how governments and central banks can use economic policies to reduce fluctuations in inflation, output and employment.

Background: The Great Depression

• The Great Depression, which began in 1929, caused a severe decline in economic activity, widespread unemployment and business failures.
• In the United States, real output fell sharply, while unemployment reached exceptionally high levels.
• The crisis challenged the belief that markets would automatically restore economic stability.
• Economist John Maynard Keynes argued that government intervention could help revive demand and employment during economic downturns.
• Demonstrated the severe consequences of economic contraction and mass unemployment.
• Influenced the development of modern macroeconomic policy and Keynesian economics.

The Great Depression strengthened the case for active fiscal and monetary policies to manage economic fluctuations.

Robert E. Hall’s Contribution: The Demand Side

• Hall’s research focused on household consumption and the factors influencing people’s spending decisions.
  • Household consumption depends not only on current income but also on expectations about future income and economic conditions.
  • People may increase or reduce spending depending on their financial circumstances and expectations.
  • Understanding these decisions helps policymakers assess how changes in taxation, interest rates and government spending affect aggregate demand.
• Consumption behavior is important for understanding economic growth, inflation and the effectiveness of fiscal policy.

Michael Woodford’s Contribution: The Supply Side

• Woodford’s research examined how firms make pricing decisions and how these decisions influence inflation.
  • Firms consider expected future economic conditions when setting prices.
  • Prices do not always adjust immediately to changes in demand and supply.
  • Expectations about inflation and interest rates influence firms’ pricing decisions.
  • Central banks must communicate their policy intentions clearly to influence expectations and maintain price stability.
• The research highlights the importance of monetary policy credibility, inflation expectations and central bank communication.

Demand and Supply in Macroeconomic Stability

Macroeconomic stability requires a balance aggregate demand and aggregate supply.

The appropriate policy response depends on the nature of the economic shock and the prevailing economic conditions.

Lessons from the 1970s

• Several economies experienced high inflation and high unemployment simultaneously during the 1970s.
• This situation challenged the assumption that inflation and unemployment always move in opposite directions.
• Supply shocks, rising production costs and weak policy responses contributed to economic instability.
• The experience highlighted the limitations of relying on a single policy instrument to manage the economy.
• Policymakers must distinguish between demand-driven inflation and supply-driven inflation before choosing an appropriate response.

Application to India

The principles of macroeconomic stabilization are relevant to India’s economic management.

• Monetary policy: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) uses policy interest rates and other instruments to maintain price stability while keeping growth considerations in view.
• Fiscal policy: Taxation and government expenditure influence consumption, investment and aggregate demand.
• Inflation management: Supply disruptions, including those affecting food and fuel prices, can complicate inflation control.
• Employment and growth: Policies must support economic activity without creating persistent inflationary pressure.
• Policy coordination: Monetary and fiscal authorities need to consider the broader economic consequences of their decisions.

For example, when inflation rises because of food shortages, monetary tightening alone may not resolve the underlying supply problem. Measures to improve supply and distribution may also be necessary.

Significance of the Research

The Work of Hall and Woodford is significant because it helps policymakers understand how individual decisions influence the wider economy.

Major implications

• Evidence-based policymaking: Economic policies should be informed by how households and firms actually behave.
• Better inflation management: Understanding price-setting decisions helps central banks assess inflationary pressures.
• Economic crisis management: Appropriate fiscal and monetary interventions can reduce the severity of economic downturns.
• Role of expectations: Public confidence in government and central bank policies influences economic decisions.
• Improved policy design: Policymakers can better assess the likely effects of taxation, public spending and interest-rate changes.

Limitation and Challenges

• Economic models cannot predict every crisis or unexpected shock.
• Supply-side disruptions may limit the effectiveness of conventional monetary policy.
• Excessive government borrowing can create fiscal pressures.
• Higher interest rates may control inflation but can also weaken investment and employment in the short term.
• Policy decisions involve trade-offs between price stability, economic growth and employment.

Therefore, stabilization policies must be adapted to the nature of the economic problem rather than applied uniformly.

Conclusion

Macroeconomic stability requires a careful balance between growth, inflation and employment. The work of Hall and Woodford highlights the importance of understanding household behavior, business pricing decisions and economic expectations to design effective fiscal and monetary policies. For India, evidence-based policymakers and coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities are essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper III – Indian Economy: Growth, development, inflation and employment.
• GS Paper III – Government Budgeting: Fiscal policy and public expenditure.
• GS Paper III – Mobilisation of Resources: Taxation and government revenue.
• GS Paper III – Effects of Liberalisation: Economic policy and market behaviour.
• Essay Paper: The role of government in maintaining economic stability.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

Consider the following statements about macroeconomic stabilization:

1. Fiscal policy influences aggregate demand through government expenditure and taxation.
2. Monetary policy in India is conducted by the Reserve Bank of India.
3. High inflation and high unemployment cannot occur simultaneously.

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) Explain the role of fiscal and monetary policies in maintaining macroeconomic stability. How can policymakers address the challenges of inflation and unemployment simultaneously? (250 words)

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