Narendra Modi will inaugurate the AI Impact Summit to be held from 15 to 20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, with participation from over 100 countries, according to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
About AI Impact Summit
The AI Impact Summit is a global high level platform focused on shaping responsible, inclusive and outcome driven Artificial Intelligence solutions for productive sectors of the economy.
Host Country: India
Key Highlights
Participation from over 100 countries • 15 to 20 Heads of Government expected, including France • 15,500 plus registrations from 136 countries • 76 countries from the Global South • Over 100 global AI leaders, including CXOs, CSOs, academics, and policy thinkers
Notable Global Leaders Confirmed
Bill Gates, Demis Hassabis, Dario Amodei, Shantanu Narayen, Marc Benioff, Cristiano Amon and Raj Subramaniam
Core Objective
Develop AI solutions for productive sectors • Focus areas include: Healthcare, Agriculture, Governance, Education and Manufacturing
[2025] Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025:
1. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024.
2. Along with other countries, the US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Municipalities in Peru passed a landmark ordinance granting legal rights to Amazonian stingless bees, making them the first insects in the world to receive such recognition.
About Amazon’s Stingless Bees
Stingless bees belong to the Meliponini group and either lack stingers or have non functional stingers, making them harmless to humans. They are critical pollinators in tropical ecosystems.
Origin
Among the oldest bee lineages, existing for nearly 80 million years • Emerged during the age of dinosaurs • About 500 species globally, nearly half in the Amazon
Habitat
Tropical forests worldwide • Highly abundant in the Amazon rainforest • Peru hosts over 170 species
Key Ecological and Cultural Features
Primary rainforest pollinators • Pollinate over 80 percent of Amazonian plant species • Support key global crops like coffee, cacao, avocado, blueberry • Deeply embedded in Indigenous knowledge systems • Culturally significant to communities such as Asháninka and Kukama-Kukamiria
Legal Rights for Stingless Bees
The ordinance recognises inherent rights, including • Right to exist and flourish • Right to maintain healthy populations • Right to regenerate natural ecological cycles • Right to live in pollution free habitats • Right to legal representation when threatened
Significance
Global legal first: First instance of insects granted legal rights • Stronger conservation framework: Enables legal action against deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss • Advances Rights of Nature doctrine: Moves from human centred environmental protection to ecosystem centred justice
[2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?
The Government of India has banned manufacture, sale and distribution of oral formulations of Nimesulide above 100 mg with immediate effect under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
About Nimesulide
Nimesulide is a Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) used for acute pain relief and fever reduction.
Key Features of the Drug
Pharmacological class:NSAID • Mechanism of action:Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by blocking inflammatory chemical mediators • Therapeutic use:Short term treatment of pain and fever • Common side effects:Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, raised liver enzymes • Known risk:Hepatotoxicity, especially at higher doses or prolonged use
Reason for the Ban
Oral doses above 100 mg pose serious risk to liver health • Increased incidence of drug induced liver injury • Safer alternative analgesics available • Action taken under Section 26A, which allows banning drugs harmful to public health
[2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?
1. Genetic predisposition of some people
2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
The Government of India has launched the Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention under the Export Promotion Mission to strengthen global market access for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs and first time exporters.
About Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention
The Market Access Support (MAS) Intervention is a government backed programme providing financial and institutional support to Indian exporters for accessing and expanding international markets through structured trade and buyer engagement activities.
Implemented Under
NIRYAT DISHA sub scheme • Export Promotion Mission (EPM)
Implementing Ministries
• Department of Commerce • Ministry of MSME • Ministry of Finance
Aim
Strengthen global market access for Indian exporters • Support MSMEs, first time exporters, and priority sectors • Promote export diversification into new and emerging markets • Enable predictable, outcome driven export promotion
Key Features
Market access activities: Support for Buyer Seller Meets, Mega Reverse BSMs, international trade fairs, exhibitions, and trade delegations • Advance planning:3 to 5 year rolling calendar of approved events for continuity • MSME focus: Minimum 35 percent MSME participation in supported events • Financial rationalisation: ◦ Revised cost sharing norms ◦ Event wise financial ceilings ◦ Partial airfare support for exporters with turnover up to ₹75 lakh • Digital governance: End to end online processes through trade.gov.in • Outcome tracking: Mandatory online feedback on buyer quality, leads generated, and market relevance • Technology push: Upcoming support for Proof of Concepts and product demonstrations in sunrise and tech intensive sectors
Significance
Enhances global competitiveness of Indian exports • Reduces entry barriers for MSMEs and new exporters • Supports India’s goal of export diversification beyond traditional markets • Improves market intelligence and buyer connectivity
Prelims Pointers
MAS is not a direct export subsidy • Focus on market access, not production incentives • Mandatory MSME participation norm • Fully digitally monitored scheme • Linked to Export Promotion Mission
Consider the following statements: [2023]
Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global exports of goods.
Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ (PLI) scheme.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher off the Odisha coast, marking a key milestone in user evaluation trials.
About Pralay Missile
Pralay is an indigenously developed, solid propellant, quasi ballistic, surface to surface missile designed for high precision conventional strikes against tactical and operational targets.
Aim
• Rapid response conventional strike capability for Indian Army and Indian Air Force • Battlefield dominance through precision strikes and saturation capability
Key Features
Type:Quasi ballistic surface to surface missile • Range:150 km to 500 km • Propulsion:Solid propellant for quick launch readiness • Trajectory:Quasi ballistic trajectory, difficult to intercept by enemy air defence systems • Guidance:Advanced guidance and navigation system for high accuracy • Warhead:Multiple conventional warhead options • Salvo launch capability:Multiple missiles fired in quick succession from the same launcher
Significance
Strengthens indigenous missile capability under Atmanirbhar Bharat • Enhances conventional deterrence without nuclear escalation • Improves operational readiness, survivability, and strike effectiveness • Supports precision warfare doctrine of Indian armed forces
Consider the following statements: [2023]
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Why Civilsdaily’s UPSC Mentorship Program Is Unique? UAP is NOT your regular course. This isn’t just a program, it’s an ecosystem built to deliver ranks. The core of UAP is – Fault Finding & Course Correction. While other mentorships feel like blackboxes-random calls, vague advice, zero accountability & mere doubt solving-ours is a precision system built to spot your faults and fix them fast. No fluff, no guesswork. Real mentorship means real corrections.
We follow 5 steps: The Approach → Weekly Targets → Note-Building → Testing → Test Discussions. Every step sharpens you. Every step pulls you closer to the list. From crafting your strategy to squeezing out every last mark in Mains, UAP goes all in. In 2023, AIR 2 came from UAP. Many cleared in their first attempt. Others cracked it in their final shot.
What’s common? Grind, Focus, Clarity, and UAP. This alone is a strong enough reason why UAP is a unique program.
The heart of the Civilsdaily is the Ultimate Assessment Program (UAP). For years, aspirants have enrolled here because they couldn’t find such depth and passion towards quality content and Mentorship anywhere. Their search for Mentorship inevitably ends at Civilsdaily.
What You Need to Crack UPSC-CSE in One Attempt
To succeed in UPSC-CSE in a single attempt, it’s essential to have a well-structured, strategic approach. Here’s a breakdown of the key program inclusions that will help you achieve that:
Goal Setting: The Foundation of Preparation Every month, you’ll have a clear timeline of what needs to be covered and by when. This ensures consistent progress, avoids burnout, and keeps you on the right track throughout your preparation.
Assessment-Based Approach A comprehensive strategy that focuses on covering the entire syllabus in the shortest time possible, while still allowing room for multiple revisions. This approach ensures you stay on top of every subject while reinforcing your understanding.
Concise & Comprehensive Notes Access to crisp, ranker-recommended notes on relevant micro themes, based on trends from previous years’ questions (PYQs). These notes will help you focus on high-priority topics without getting overwhelmed.
Practical & Effective Revision Strategy A tailored revision plan focused on one goal: qualifying both Prelims and Mains. This strategy ensures you’re not just learning but retaining information effectively for the exams.
Mastering the Theme & Demand of Mains Questions Understand how to approach Mains questions with the right “Theme-Demand” analysis. Build a ready reference of “Intro-Body-Conclusion” structures for repeated themes, helping you develop muscle memory for answering questions efficiently.
Sharp Feedback from Mentors Consistent, detailed feedback on every mock test you attempt for Prelims and Mains. The goal is to make all your mistakes during the mocks, so you go into the final exam fully prepared and confident.
By mastering these elements, you’ll build the skills, mindset, and preparation necessary to clear UPSC-CSE in one attempt.
Schedule a 1-1 call with Civilsdaily’s Mentorfor focused UPSC Prep
Secondly, Let’s Understand Why Traditional Methods Fall Short
Relying solely on traditional methods attending 1:many classes, reading model answers, and taking a few mock tests-often creates the illusion that this is the core of Prelims and Mains preparation. In reality, these approaches make up only about 10% of a comprehensive strategy. When your goal is to secure a rank in the least number of attempts, the stakes are even higher. Here’s how UAP Mentorship elevates your preparation to the next level:
Personalized Study Plan: Sit down with a mentor to craft a detailed, fortnightly study schedule that covers the syllabus systematically. After each cycle, attempt a mock test to evaluate your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Expert Feedback: Practicing mocks is great, but imagine receiving sharp, actionable feedback from a mentor who has guided toppers like AIR 2, 22, 48, and others. Learn how to gain those crucial extra marks for each question and unlock the X-factor in your preparation.
Mapping Mains Themes: Solving Prelims and Mains PYQs is just the beginning. With UAP, you’ll work with mentors to map the UPSC syllabus onto key Mains themes, using PYQs to prioritize your revision efforts efficiently.
Crafting Concise Notes: Already created your Mains revision notes? Let’s take it further by refining them into concise one-pagers for each theme, complete with updated examples and multiple dimensions for deeper understanding.
Actionable Evaluation: Receiving an evaluated mock test copy is crucial-but what’s next? With UAP, we provide clear, actionable points to work on before you attempt your next mock, ensuring continuous improvement.
If you’re relying on outdated methods, UAP Mentorship might not be for you. But if you’ve tried those approaches and seen their limitations, now’s the time to level up. Apply for UAP Mentorship and experience the difference in your UPSC preparation journey.
What is the Ultimate Assessment Program (UAP)?
UAP is far from your typical course-it’s a complete ecosystem designed to handle every aspect of your UPSC preparation, from refining your strategy to significantly boosting your rank. In 2023, AIR 2 was one of the top ranks produced by UAP, alongside several other rankers. Many of these aspirants cleared the exam in their first attempt, while others succeeded in their final or second-to-last attempts.
These aspirants not only cleared Prelims with ease but also scored 400+ marks in their GS Mains papers. If your goal is to secure a top rank-be it IAS, IPS, or IFS-scoring 400+ in Mains is essential. To make your rank “interview-proof,” you should aim for nothing less than 450+. This is where UAP truly stands out.
UAP cuts through the overwhelming chaos of conventional preparation, bringing intense focus and clarity to your journey. With UAP, you’re not just preparing for an exam-you’re setting yourself up for success. The result? Your name on the final list next year.
Our program goes beyond generic study plans and superficial guidance. We believe that every aspirant is unique, and so are the challenges they face. Our mentorship is focused on providing personalized support that ensures you remain focused, disciplined, and efficient in your preparation.
Three Pillars of UAP
1. Mentorship:
Each student will be assigned a dedicated mentor who will track your progress, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and design a roadmap specific to your needs. Your mentor will provide continuous monitoring, regular check-ins, and feedback, helping you stay on track with your goals. Whether it’s time management, overcoming distractions, or mastering specific subjects, our mentors will be there to guide you.
Year-long Mentorship that’s all encompassing
Ensure you hit your next milestone
Subject strategy, target setting – providing base schedule.
Post test discussion
Phases of Mentorship
One-on-one mentor calls every week to provide the target and planner for the first 2 months. Mentor calls will thereafter be held every 10 days after that.
Weekly Report Card
Macro-strategy & macro targets for every three months
Test-related 1-on-1 detail disucssion.
Philosophy: Every Student Is A Batch
2. Core Programs:
Five Core Programs that are industry standards in themselves:
Samachar Manthan
Prelims Test Series
Mains Test Series
Essay Test Series
Dominate Prelims Crash Course
3. Pre-Acceleration Phase
We combine the knowledge and best practices from all rankers and present the learning in the prep acceleration sessions. This includes
ܳDedicated Monthly CA Test: Focus on Risk-Taking, Logical Problem Solving
Monthly CA Magazines (News, Op-Ed,PIB, Govt. Reports)
ܳDetailed Explainations
ܳAll India Rankings
2. Samachar Manthan:
Civilsdaily is renowned for its Samachar Manthan Program, an intensive current affairs initiative that will ensure you are fully prepared to tackle the dynamic aspects of the UPSC syllabus. With expert analysis, structured explanations, and discussions on major national and international issues, you’ll be equipped to handle both Prelims and Mains questions related to current affairs with confidence.
ܳ Weekly News Analysis (Video + Notes)
ܳ Mains Level Q&A Evaluation To Compliment The Lectures
ܳ Checked Copy Discussion On Phone/In-Person
3. Mains TS
Mock tests are crucial for success, and our test series is designed to simulate the actual exam environment. From day one, you’ll have access to a structured test series, including:
With detailed feedback on every answer you write, ensuring you develop a strong, exam-oriented answer writing style.
Custom Test Plans tailored to your progress, providing just the right amount of challenge to improve performance steadily.
Civilsdaily’s Mentorship Program for UPSC CSE 2026/27 is your ticket to success in this prestigious exam. Limited seats are available, ensuring each student gets personalized attention and mentorship. Enroll today to kickstart your journey toward becoming a future civil servant.
Schedule a 1-1 call with Civilsdaily’s Mentorfor focused UPSC Prep
An Indian led study has warned that Candida auris, a drug resistant fungal pathogen, is becoming more virulent and spreading globally, with high mortality rates even after treatment, raising serious public health concerns.
About Candida auris
Candida auris is a multidrug resistant fungal pathogen.
It causes severe invasive infections, particularly in hospitalised and immunocompromised patients.
First identified in 2009.
Classified as an emerging global health threat due to frequent treatment failure and high fatality.
Transmission
Spreads through direct contact with infected or colonised individuals, including asymptomatic carriers.
Transmitted via Contaminated surfaces, Medical equipment and Invasive devices like catheters and ventilators
Prelims Pointers
Candida auris is a fungus, not a bacterium or virus
Primarily a hospital acquired infection
Difficult to detect due to sepsis like symptoms
Major concern due to antifungal resistance and high mortality
[2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?
1. Genetic predisposition of some people
2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
The Ministry of Science and Technology has announced the development of PathGennie, a new open-source computational software that can significantly speed up drug discovery by accurately simulating drug–protein unbinding, a crucial step in understanding drug efficacy and safety.
What is PathGennie?
PathGennie is an open-source computational framework designed to simulate rare molecular events, especially the unbinding of drugs from protein targets.
It helps in predicting drug residence time, a key parameter that determines how long a drug remains effective inside the body.
It avoids artificial distortions commonly introduced in conventional simulation methods.
Developed by
Scientists at the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata.
Aim of PathGennie
To overcome the limitations of traditional molecular dynamics simulations, which struggle to capture slow and rare molecular transitions.
To generate physically accurate pathways for drug–protein interactions.
To reduce computational time and cost without compromising accuracy.
Applications
Predicts accurate drug unbinding pathways and residence times
Example: Imatinib with Abl kinase
Improves understanding of protein–ligand kinetics for better drug design
Applicable beyond drug discovery in: Chemical reactions, Catalysis, Phase transitions and Molecular self-assembly
Prelims Pointers
PathGennie is open-source and computational in nature
Focuses on drug unbinding, not just binding
Helps estimate drug residence time, a key pharmacological parameter
Copper prices touched a record high of over USD 12,000 per tonne in 2025, driven by US tariff uncertainty, global supply disruptions and rapidly rising demand from AI infrastructure, clean energy systems and electric vehicles.
Characteristics of Copper
Chemical Characteristics
Symbol: Cu
Atomic weight: 63.546 amu
High resistance to corrosion and oxidation
Forms important alloys
Brass: Copper plus Zinc
Bronze: Copper plus Tin
Physical Characteristics
Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
Highly ductile and malleable, suitable for wiring and shaping
Reddish brown in colour, among the few naturally coloured metals
Unique Properties
100 percent recyclable without loss of quality
Antimicrobial in nature, useful in healthcare settings
Improves energy efficiency and lowers CO₂ emissions over product life cycles
Applications of Copper
Energy and Power Sector
Power transmission lines and grids
Transformers and substations
Renewable energy systems like solar and wind
Battery energy storage systems
Electric Vehicles
EVs use more than twice the copper of conventional vehicles
Used in motors, batteries, inverters and charging infrastructure
Digital and AI Infrastructure
Data centres and hyperscale AI facilities
Power transmission and cooling systems
Construction and Manufacturing
Plumbing and roofing
Industrial machinery
Electronics and electrical appliances
Defence and Healthcare
Defence electronics and ammunition
Antimicrobial medical surfaces and equipment
India and Copper
India has recognised copper as a critical mineral under its resource strategy
Over 90 percent dependence on imported copper concentrate
Domestic demand expected to rise sharply due to EVs, renewable energy and digital infrastructure expansion
Major Copper Producing Countries
Chile, Peru, Democratic Republic of the Congo, China and the United States
Prelims Pointers
Copper is a critical mineral for energy transition and digital economy
EVs and AI driven data centres are major demand drivers
Copper is fully recyclable and antimicrobial
India is heavily import dependent for copper concentrat
[2021] Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?
1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into the environment.
2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into the environment.
3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3
A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air has revealed that secondary pollutants now contribute nearly one third of Delhi’s annual PM2.5 load, highlighting a major shift in the nature of urban air pollution.
What are Secondary Pollutants?
Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly from pollution sources.
They are formed in the atmosphere when primary pollutants such as SO₂, NOx and VOCs undergo chemical reactions.
These reactions are influenced by sunlight, temperature, humidity and stagnant air conditions.
They often accumulate downwind and over time, making monitoring and control more complex than primary pollutants.
Major Secondary Pollutants
Secondary PM2.5: Ammonium sulfate and Ammonium nitrate
Ozone (O₃): Formed from nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight
Acids: Sulfuric acid and Nitric acid (contributors to acid rain)
Photochemical smog components: Peroxyacetyl nitrates (PANs) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
Implications
Regional and transboundary impact
Secondary aerosols can travel hundreds of kilometres
Delhi’s air quality is influenced by emissions from coal intensive states beyond the NCR
Winter smog intensification
Moist and stagnant winter air sharply increases secondary PM2.5
Health risks
Fine secondary particles penetrate deep into the lungs
Increase risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
Prelims Pointers
Secondary pollutants are formed in the atmosphere, not emitted directly
Ammonia plays a key role in secondary PM2.5 formation
Winter meteorology is crucial for secondary aerosol build up
Air pollution control requires regional coordination, not only city level measures
[2013] Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among
(a) NO₂, O₃ and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
(b) CO₂, O₂, and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
(c) CO, CO₂, and NO₂ at low temperature
(d) high concentration of NO₂, O₃ and CO in the evening
![[Accepting Admissions] UPSC 2026/27–Jan Batch For UAP Mentorship | Connect with Mentor Now](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/UAP-2026-27-web-Jan-1568x882.jpg)
