Which body operates the Amudham departmental stores in Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation

Food Processing Corporation of India

National Cooperative Marketing Federation

UPSC Current Affairs — 16 October 2026

6 exam-relevant notes, mapped to the GS syllabus · GS2 3 · GS3 3

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Brief: short revision · Detailed: full notes · One-Liner: SSC CGL revision · Updated 16 Oct, 4:13 am IST

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India ranks 100th in Global Hunger Index 2026 with "serious" score of 24.1 · GS2

GS2 · Polity · Governance · IR · 3

GS2Social Justice › Poverty, hunger & nutritionPrelims + Mains

India ranks 100th in Global Hunger Index 2026 with "serious" score of 24.1

Why in news: The Global Hunger Index 2026 ranked India 100th among 122 countries with a 'serious' score of 24.1, highlighting persistent malnutrition despite long-term improvements.

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026 measures four indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and under-five mortality. India's score improved from 37 in 2006 to 24.1 in 2026, yet it remains in the 'serious' category.

Prelims pointers (5)

FactIndia's GHI score in 2026 is 24.1, ranking it 100th among 122 countries.
FactChild stunting in India fell to 29.3 per cent in 2026 from 50 per cent in 2000.
FactChild wasting in India rose to 19 per cent in 2026 from 15 per cent in 2012.
FactUndernourishment in India fell to 9.8 per cent in 2026 from 18.4 per cent in 2000.
FactUnder-five mortality in India declined to 2.7 per cent in 2026 from 9.2 per cent in 2000.

Mains angle

Q. Critically analyze the persistent challenges in addressing child wasting and stunting in India despite significant improvements in undernourishment and mortality rates.

Nutritional disparity: Uneven progress in child wasting compared to consistent declines in undernourishment.
Data-policy gap: Need for localized interventions to address acute undernutrition (wasting) vs chronic stunting.
Structural barriers: Persistence of 'serious' hunger category despite long-term improvements in national nutrition indicators.

Keywords: Global Hunger Index · Child Stunting · Child Wasting · Undernourishment · Food Insecurity · Nutritional Indicators

NDTV ↗

GS2Social Justice › Poverty, hunger & nutritionPrelims

Kerala Cabinet raises CMDRF family income limit from ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh

Why in news: The Kerala Cabinet, led by CM V.D. Satheesan, increased the family income eligibility limit for the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) to expand the scope of state-led social safety nets.

The Kerala Cabinet raised the CMDRF family income limit from ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh. Sanction limits were also revised: Chief Minister level to ₹5 lakh, Revenue Minister to ₹1 lakh, Special Secretary (Revenue) to ₹50,000, and district collectors to ₹25,000.

Prelims pointers (4)

FactCMDRF family income limit increased to ₹3 lakh
FactChief Minister level sanction limit increased to ₹5 lakh
FactDistrict collector sanction limit set at ₹25,000
BodyKerala State IT Mission: Body responsible for the Draft Kerala State Data Policy 2026

Mains angle

Q. Discuss the role of state-led distress relief funds in mitigating socio-economic vulnerabilities in India's developing states.

Fiscal decentralization: Balancing discretionary state funds with objective eligibility criteria
Inclusionary dynamics: Impact of income threshold adjustments on reaching the 'missing middle' of poverty
Data governance: Aligning state data policies with individual privacy and public welfare

Keywords: Social safety nets · Fiscal federalism · Distress relief · Income eligibility · State-led welfare

The Hindu ↗

GS2International Relations › India's bilateral relationsPrelims

DGMA bans Indian seafarers for Malaysian vessels due to recurring fatal accidents

Why in news: The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) banned the recruitment of Indian seafarers for specific Malaysian vessels following a series of fatal accidents.

The DGMA invoked Section 301 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, following recommendations from the Malaysia Marine Department (MMD). RPSL agencies are now required to provide ₹1 crore insurance per seafarer for vessels without P&I coverage.

Prelims pointers (4)

BodyDGMA: Directorate General of Maritime Administration
Act / BillMerchant Shipping Act, 2025: Section 301 invoked for recruitment bans
FactInsurance requirement: ₹1 crore per seafarer for vessels lacking P&I coverage
PlaceSarawak Region: Area in Malaysia where recruitment ban applies

Mains angle

Q. Examine the challenges in ensuring the safety of Indian seafarers working on international vessels and suggest measures to strengthen maritime safety protocols.

Regulatory oversight: Lack of standardized safety audits for third-party vessels in the Sarawak region
Liability framework: Financial risks to RPSL agencies due to inadequate P&I coverage
Bilateral cooperation: Need for harmonized maritime safety standards between India and Malaysia

Keywords: Maritime Safety · Regulatory Compliance · Seafarer Welfare · Bilateral Protocols · Risk Mitigation

The Hindu ↗

GS3 · Economy · S&T · Environment · Security · 3

GS3Science & Technology › Defence technologyPrelims

Rajnath Singh to inaugurate ₹19,000-crore maritime assets at Hindustan Shipyard Limited on October 6

Why in news: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate maritime assets and a new ship construction contract at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam.

The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹19,000-crore contract on August 25, 2023, for the construction of five 45,000-tonne ships. Deliveries for these vessels are scheduled to commence from 2027.

Prelims pointers (3)

PostRajnath Singh: Union Minister of Defence
FactContract value: ₹19,000-crore for five 45,000-tonne ships
FactDelivery timeline: Ship deliveries to start from 2027

Mains angle

Q. Discuss the significance of expanding domestic shipbuilding infrastructure in achieving India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' goals in the maritime and defence sectors.

Strategic autonomy: Reducing reliance on foreign shipbuilders for fleet support vessels
Industrial synergy: Integration of heavy engineering and maritime logistics in coastal hubs
Economic multiplier: Job creation and MSME integration in the high-value maritime manufacturing supply chain

Keywords: Atmanirbhar Bharat · Maritime Security · Defence Procurement · Shipbuilding Infrastructure · Strategic Autonomy

The Hindu ↗Also GS3 · Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)

GS3Economy › Industry, investment & MSMEsPrelims

Telangana to develop 200-acre drone park and new drone policy

Why in news: The Telangana government announced the development of a 200-acre drone park and a new drone policy to bolster the state's industrial ecosystem.

The Telangana government is establishing a 200-acre drone park and a new drone policy. The announcement was made during the Invest Telangana Global Summit 2026 Chennai Roadshow in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Prelims pointers (4)

PlaceBharat Future City: Venue for the Invest Telangana Global Summit 2026 in Hyderabad.
Fact200-acre: Size of the proposed drone park in Telangana.
BodyConfederation of Indian Industry (CII): Partnering with Telangana government for the Chennai Roadshow.
FactDecember 7 to 9, 2026: Dates for the Invest Telangana Global Summit 2026.

Mains angle

Q. Discuss how specialized industrial parks and state-specific drone policies can catalyze the growth of the aerospace and electronics manufacturing sectors in India.

Incentive structure: State-level subsidies vs. national manufacturing targets
Regulatory clarity: Harmonizing state drone policies with the Drone Rules 2021
Infrastructure gap: Requirement for specialized testing labs and MRO facilities

Keywords: Industrial Ecosystem · Drone Policy · Manufacturing Hub · Investment Promotion · Aerospace Electronics

The Hindu ↗Also GS2 · Government policies & schemes

GS3Agriculture › MSP, procurement, PDS & food securityPrelims

Minister for Food and Civil Supplies P. Venkataramanan announced on Thursday that the Tamil

Why in news: The Tamil Nadu government announced a price reduction for parboiled rice and tur dal to combat food inflation caused by supply shortages and trader-driven price hikes.

The Tamil Nadu government will sell parboiled rice at ₹30 per kg and tur dal at ₹130 per kg through 211 cooperative stores and 49 Amudham departmental stores. Initially, 25,000 tonnes of rice will be released from a total stock of one lakh tonnes.

Prelims pointers (4)

FactParboiled rice price reduction: From ₹60 per kg to ₹30 per kg
FactTur dal price: ₹130 per kg
BodyAmudham departmental stores: Run by the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation
PlaceTamil Nadu: State implementing the price stabilization measure

Mains angle

Q. Discuss the role of state-led price stabilization measures in mitigating the impact of food inflation on rural and urban populations.

Market intervention: Balancing state-subsidized price controls with open market equilibrium
Supply chain logistics: Addressing inter-state supply shortages from neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka

Keywords: food inflation · price stabilization · civil supplies · cooperative stores · supply chain management

The Hindu ↗Also GS3 · Growth, inflation & macro indicators

Mains questions of the day

Critically analyze the persistent challenges in addressing child wasting and stunting in India despite significant improvements in undernourishment and mortality rates. · GS2 ↑
Discuss the significance of expanding domestic shipbuilding infrastructure in achieving India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' goals in the maritime and defence sectors. · GS3 ↑
Discuss the role of state-led distress relief funds in mitigating socio-economic vulnerabilities in India's developing states. · GS2 ↑
Discuss how specialized industrial parks and state-specific drone policies can catalyze the growth of the aerospace and electronics manufacturing sectors in India. · GS3 ↑
Examine the challenges in ensuring the safety of Indian seafarers working on international vessels and suggest measures to strengthen maritime safety protocols. · GS2 ↑
Discuss the role of state-led price stabilization measures in mitigating the impact of food inflation on rural and urban populations. · GS3 ↑

Prelims quiz of the day · 6 questions

What is the percentage of child wasting in India as recorded in the Global Hunger Index 2026?
1. (a)28 per cent
2. (b)22 per cent
3. (c)19 per cent
4. (d)25 per cent
Answer
(c) 19 per cent — The note states that child wasting in India rose to 19 per cent in 2026. Note →
What is the scheduled commencement year for the delivery of the five 45,000-tonne ships?
1. (a)2028
2. (b)2030
3. (c)2025
4. (d)2027
Answer
(d) 2027 — The note states that deliveries for these vessels are scheduled to commence from 2027. Note →
With reference to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) in Kerala, consider the following statements:
1. The sanction limit at the Chief Minister level is ₹5 lakh.
2. The sanction limit for district collectors is set at ₹50,000.
3. The family income eligibility limit for the fund has been increased to ₹3 lakh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. (a)1 only
2. (b)1 and 2 only
3. (c)1 and 3 only
4. (d)2 and 3 only
Answer
(c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The sanction limit for district collectors is set at ₹25,000. Note →
With reference to the drone park and investment summit in Telangana, consider the following statements:
1. The Invest Telangana Global Summit 2026 is scheduled to be held in December 2025.
2. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is partnering with the state government for the Chennai Roadshow.
3. The proposed drone park in Telangana is planned to span 200 acres.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. (a)3 only
2. (b)1 and 2 only
3. (c)2 and 3 only
4. (d)1, 2 and 3
Answer
(c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The summit is scheduled for December 7 to 9, 2026. Note →
With reference to the DGMA's recent maritime safety measures, consider the following statements:
1. The DGMA invoked Section 301 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 to ban recruitment.
2. RPSL agencies must provide ₹50 lakh insurance per seafarer for vessels without P&I coverage.
3. The recruitment ban applies specifically to vessels operating in the Sarawak Region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. (a)2 only
2. (b)1 and 2 only
3. (c)1 and 3 only
4. (d)1, 2 and 3
Answer
(c) 1 and 3 only — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The insurance requirement is ₹1 crore per seafarer. Note →
Which body operates the Amudham departmental stores in Tamil Nadu?
1. (a)Food Processing Corporation of India
2. (b)Tamil Nadu Agriculture Board
3. (c)National Cooperative Marketing Federation
4. (d)Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation
Answer
(d) Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation — The note specifies that Amudham departmental stores are run by the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation. Note →

SSC one-liner questions for this day →

Notes are generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer. How these notes are made