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Type: Prelims Only

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
Why in the News?
- DDU-GKY was launched on 25 September 2014 under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
- It provides placement-linked skill training to rural youth from marginalized and vulnerable households.
Key Highlights
- Target group: Rural youth aged 15-35 years.
- Objective: Link skill training with employment opportunities.
- As of June 2026:
  - 18.45 lakh rural youth trained.
  - 12.35 lakh placed.
- DDU-GKY 2.0 focuses on:
  - Industry-led training
  - Sustainable employment
  - Post-placement support
  - Upskilling and reskilling
  - Digital monitoring and employment tracking.
- Employer engagement includes job fairs, campus placements and industry consultations.
DDU-GKY 2.0
- Revised framework emphasises the complete pathway from training to employment.
- End-to-end digital system covers: Training, Assessment, Certification, Monitoring, and Employment tracking
- Greater focus on industry participation and post-placement support.
Placement-Linked Skilling
- DDU-GKY is not limited to skill acquisition.
- Its core approach links training with placement.
- The programme aims to help rural youth move from:
  - Training → Employment → Sustainable livelihood
- It particularly targets youth from marginalized and vulnerable rural households.
Important Beneficiary Examples
- Vimethano Sakhrie, Nagaland
  - Trained in tourism and hospitality.
  - Joined The Den Bengaluru in Food & Beverage Service.
- Chandan Shah, Bihar
  - Trained as an Assistant Electrician.
  - First employment in Baddi.
  - Later worked as an electrician in Dubai.
- Rupali Hasda, Assam
  - Trained as a Sewing Machine Operator.
  - Later established a Sewing and Cutting Centre with ₹50,000 investment.
- Hiralal Pandit, Jharkhand
  - Trained in Healthcare Multipurpose.
  - Placed as a General Duty Assistant at SMBT Hospital, Nashik.
Prelims Quick Revision
- Launch: 25 September 2014.
- Implemented under DAY-NRLM.
- Target group: Rural youth aged 15-35 years.
- Focus: Placement-linked skill training.
- As of June 2026: 18.45 lakh trained, 12.35 lakh placed.
- DDU-GKY 2.0: Industry-led training + post-placement support + upskilling/reskilling.
- Digital system covers training, assessment, certification, monitoring and employment tracking.
- Employer engagement through job fairs, campus placements and industry consultations.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- DDU-GKY is specifically focused on rural youth, not all unemployed youth.
- Target age is 15-35 years, not 18-35 years.
- It is a placement-linked skilling programme, not merely a vocational training programme.
- DDU-GKY 2.0 adds stronger emphasis on industry-led training, sustainable employment and post-placement support.
September 25, 2026
12 Years of Make in India: India’s Journey towards a Manufacturing Nation
Why in the News?
- Make in India completed 12 years on 25 September 2026.
- Launched in 2014, the initiative aims to strengthen India’s manufacturing, investment, innovation and domestic production capabilities.
Key Highlights
- Make in India launched: 25 September 2014.
- Make in India 2.0: Covers 27 sectors, including 15 manufacturing and 12 services sectors.
- Manufacturing GVA recorded 10.88% CAGR between 2022-23 and 2025-26.
- Manufacturing component of IIP grew 7.0% during April-July 2026.
- Electronics production increased from ~₹1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ~₹13.11 lakh crore in 2025-26.
- Mobile phone production increased from ~₹18,000 crore to ~₹6.27 lakh crore.
- Crude steel production increased from 81.7 MT to 170 MT between 2014-15 and 2025-26.
- Indigenous defence production reached ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26.
- Cumulative FDI during 2014-15 to 2025-26: USD 843 billion.
Manufacturing and Strategic Capabilities
- Pharmaceuticals
  - India ranks 3rd globally by volume and 11th by value.
  - Pharmaceutical turnover: ₹4,71,898 crore in 2024-25.
- Medical devices
  - Domestic manufacturing increased by ~48.2% from 2019-20 to 2024-25.
- Rare-earth magnets
  - Pilot plant for Nd-Fe-B magnets established at ARCI, Hyderabad, in March 2026.
  - Important for EVs, renewable energy, electronics and advanced manufacturing.
- Space semiconductors
  - ISRO and SCL developed VIKRAM3201 and KALPANA3201 microprocessors.
- Solar manufacturing
  - Module capacity: 2.3 GW in 2014 → 192 GW in June 2026.
  - Solar-cell capacity: 1.2 GW → ~30 GW over the same period.
Major Industrial Initiatives
- National Single Window System (NSWS)
  - Common digital platform for identifying and applying for business approvals.
  - Provides access to 327+ Central and 3,452 State approvals across 34 States/UTs.
- India Industrial Land Bank (IILB)
  - GIS-enabled platform for industrial land information.
  - As of May 2026: 4,220 industrial parks covering ~6.98 lakh hectares.
- PM GatiShakti
  - Launched in October 2021.
  - Uses geospatial data, satellite imagery and API integration for coordinated infrastructure planning.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI)
  - Covers 14 sectors.
  - By June 2026: ₹2.40 lakh crore investment and over ₹22.66 lakh crore production/sales.
- Startup India
  - Launched in January 2016.
  - ~2.54 lakh recognised startups as of September 2026.
Recent Manufacturing Schemes
- PLI for Specialty Steel
  - Third round launched in November 2025.
  - Covers super alloys, CRGO steel, stainless steel, titanium alloys and coated steels.
- Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets
  - ₹7,280 crore allocation.
  - Target: 6,000 MTPA integrated capacity.
- BHAVYA
  - ₹33,660 crore for 100 investment-ready industrial parks.
- Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme
  - ₹62,500 crore for FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
- Semicon 2.0
  - ₹1,27,500 crore allocation for semiconductor ecosystem development.
- BHAVYA Rasayan
  - ₹3,030 crore for three dedicated chemical parks.
Prelims Quick Revision
- Make in India: launched 25 September 2014.
- Make in India 2.0: 27 sectors = 15 manufacturing + 12 services.
- Manufacturing GVA CAGR, 2022-23 to 2025-26: 10.88%.
- Crude steel production: 81.7 MT → 170 MT.
- Defence production FY 2025-26: ₹1.78 lakh crore.
- PM GatiShakti: launched October 2021.
- PLI covers 14 sectors.
- Semicon 2.0: ₹1,27,500 crore allocation.
- Rare-earth magnet scheme: ₹7,280 crore, target 6,000 MTPA.
- BHAVYA: ₹33,660 crore for 100 industrial parks.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- Make in India was launched in 2014, while PM GatiShakti was launched in 2021.
- Make in India 2.0 covers 27 sectors, not 27 manufacturing sectors.
- PLI covers 14 sectors, while Make in India 2.0 covers 27 sectors.
- IILB is a GIS-enabled industrial land information platform, whereas NSWS facilitates access to business approvals.
- Semicon 2.0 focuses on the broader semiconductor ecosystem, including design, manufacturing, advanced packaging, materials, equipment, research and talent development.
September 25, 2026
SAIL’s 54th AGM: Value-Added Steel and Nation-Building
Why in the News?
- Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) held its 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 September 2026 in New Delhi.
- The AGM highlighted SAIL’s FY 2025-26 performance, value-added steel production, financial performance, sustainability initiatives and expansion plans.
Key Highlights
- SAIL produced 10.7 million tonnes (MT) of value-added steel, constituting 56% of total saleable steel.
- Value-added steel production increased by 7% over FY 2024-25.
- Introduced 28 new products for infrastructure, automotive, energy and manufacturing sectors.
- Supplied steel for five Indian Navy ships: INS Arnala, Udaygiri, Himgiri, Androth, and Anjadeep
- Dispatched the first consignment of indigenously developed Vande Bharat wheels.
- FY 2025-26 revenue exceeded ₹1,09,000 crore, an 8% increase over the previous year.
- Borrowings declined by more than ₹5,000 crore.
- Profit Before Tax (PBT) increased by 44%.
- Profit After Tax (PAT) increased by 50.5%.
- Board recommended a final dividend of ₹2.35 per equity share.
- SAIL generated 5.61 million units of green power from its first 4 MW floating solar plant at IISCO Steel Plant.
- A 20 MW floating solar plant is under development at Bhilai Steel Plant.
- 278.5 MW of solar projects are under consideration across SAIL plants.
- SAIL aims to expand crude steel capacity to approximately 35 MTPA by FY 2030-31.
Value-Added Steel
- Value-added steel accounted for 56% of SAIL’s saleable steel in FY 2025-26.
- Production reached 10.7 MT, representing a 7% year-on-year increase.
- New products were developed for: Infrastructure, Automotive, Energy, and Manufacturing
- The expansion of specialised products supports SAIL’s role in meeting evolving national and sectoral requirements.
Sustainability and Green Steel Initiatives
- SAIL’s first 4 MW floating solar plant at IISCO Steel Plant generated 5.61 million units of green power.
- A 20 MW floating solar plant is underway at Bhilai Steel Plant.
- 278.5 MW of additional solar projects are under consideration.
- Future expansion is linked with:
  - Green capacity creation
  - Low-carbon technologies
  - Digital enablement
  - Greater share of value-added and special steels.
Capacity Expansion
- SAIL plans to increase crude steel capacity to approximately 35 MTPA by FY 2030-31.
- The strategy includes:
  - Low-carbon technologies
  - Digitalisation
  - Enhanced customer engagement
  - Value-added and special steels
  - Greater integration with retail and MSME ecosystems.
Prelims Quick Revision
- SAIL’s 54th AGM: 24 September 2026, New Delhi.
- Value-added steel production: 10.7 MT.
- Share of value-added steel in saleable steel: 56%.
- New products introduced: 28.
- Revenue in FY 2025-26: over ₹1,09,000 crore.
- First 4 MW floating solar plant: IISCO Steel Plant.
- Floating solar plant under development: 20 MW at Bhilai Steel Plant.
- Target crude steel capacity: ~35 MTPA by FY 2030-31.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- 10.7 MT refers to value-added steel production, not total crude steel production.
- 56% is the share of value-added steel in total saleable steel, not crude steel.
- The 4 MW floating solar plant is at IISCO Steel Plant, while the 20 MW plant is underway at Bhilai Steel Plant.
- SAIL’s stated capacity target is approximately 35 MTPA by FY 2030-31, not 35 MT of value-added steel.
September 25, 2026
IMEI Tampering: Threat to Digital Sovereignty
Why in the News?
- India’s active wireless mobile subscriber base reached 1,204.01 million in July 2026, increasing the importance of securing mobile devices and telecom networks.
- The government has highlighted IMEI tampering as a threat to device identification, network security, consumer protection and law enforcement.
Key Highlights
- IMEI is a unique 15-digit number identifying a mobile device on a telecom network.
- First 8 digits of IMEI form the Type Allocation Code (TAC).
- GSMA oversees global allocation of TACs.
- Dual-SIM phones generally have 2 IMEI numbers.
- IMEI can be displayed by dialing *#06#.
- IMEI can be verified through Sanchar Saathi or by sending KYM <15-digit IMEI> via SMS to 14422.
- Manufacturers and importers register applicable IMEIs through Device Setu – Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction (ICDR) portal.
Unlawful IMEI Tampering
- It is unlawful to intentionally:
  - Remove, obliterate, change or alter a device’s unique identification number.
  - Use, produce, traffic in, possess or control hardware/software knowing that it has been configured for such alteration.
- Tampered IMEIs can make device identification and tracking more difficult.
Device Lifecycle Responsibilities
- Manufacturers
  - Register applicable IMEIs with the Government before first sale, testing, research or other use.
  - Ensure IMEIs are valid, unique and untampered.
- Importers
  - Register applicable IMEIs before importing telecom equipment into India.
  - Ensure imported devices carry valid and authorised IMEIs.
- Resellers/Retailers
  - Ensure devices have valid and untampered IMEIs.
  - Used devices should be checked against the Government database of tampered and blacklisted devices.
- Brand Owners
  - Ensure compliance with IMEI registration and cybersecurity requirements.
  - Register brands through Device Setu-ICDR, linked to the relevant GSMA TAC.
Sanchar Saathi
- Enables citizens to verify IMEI details of mobile handsets.
- Verification can provide:
  - Brand
  - Model
  - Manufacturer
- Also provides a mechanism for blocking and unblocking lost or stolen mobile devices through CEIR.
Legal Safeguards
- Telecommunications Act, 2023 provides legal safeguards against tampering with telecommunication identifiers.
- Section 42(3)(c): prohibits tampering with telecommunication identifiers.
- Section 42(3)(e): prohibits obtaining SIMs or telecommunication identifiers through fraud, cheating or impersonation.
- Punishment can include:
  - Imprisonment up to 3 years
  - Fine up to ₹50 lakh
  - Or both
- Such offences are cognizable and non-bailable under Section 42(7).
- Section 42(6) extends liability to persons who abet or promote such offences.
Important Full Forms
- IMEI: International Mobile Equipment Identity
- TAC: Type Allocation Code
- GSMA: Global System for Mobile Communications Association
- DoT: Department of Telecommunications
- ICDR: Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction
- CEIR: Central Equipment Identity Register
- SIM: Subscriber Identity Module
- CLI: Calling Line Identity
- KYM: Know Your Mobile
Prelims Quick Revision
- IMEI is a 15-digit device identifier.
- First 8 digits = TAC.
- GSMA oversees global TAC allocation.
- Dual-SIM phones generally have 2 IMEIs.
- *#06# can display the IMEI.
- IMEI verification: Sanchar Saathi or KYM <IMEI> to 14422.
- Telecommunications Act, 2023 provides legal safeguards against IMEI tampering.
- Section 42(3)(c) deals with tampering with telecommunication identifiers.
- Maximum punishment mentioned: 3 years imprisonment and/or ₹50 lakh fine.
- Section 42(7): offences are cognizable and non-bailable.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- IMEI vs TAC: IMEI identifies the individual mobile device, while TAC is the first 8 digits and identifies the device type/model.
- IMEI vs SIM: IMEI identifies the device, whereas SIM relates to the subscriber/mobile connection.
- GSMA vs DoT: GSMA oversees global TAC allocation, while Indian IMEI registration and telecom regulation involve the Government/DoT.
- Sanchar Saathi vs CEIR: Sanchar Saathi is the citizen-facing platform for telecom-related services, while CEIR is used for blocking/unblocking lost or stolen mobile devices.
September 24, 2026
World Rhino Day
Why in the News?
- On World Rhino Day, the Prime Minister highlighted conservation efforts for the greater one-horned rhinoceros and announced the initiation of Project Rhino.
- The project will provide financial and technical support to rhino range states for species conservation.
Key Highlights
- Species: Greater one-horned rhinoceros.
- Assam: Holds nearly 80% of the world’s rhino population.
- Kaziranga: Its efforts to combat rhino poaching have been widely appreciated.
- Rhinos have either returned or are well protected in parts of:
  - Bihar
  - West Bengal
- Dudhwa, Uttar Pradesh: Successful reintroduction of rhinos highlighted as an important conservation achievement.
- Project Rhino: Initiated to strengthen species conservation through financial and technical support to range states.
Project Rhino
- Provides support for:
  - Rhino protection
  - Habitat management
  - Genetic improvement
  - Understanding population dynamics
- Focuses on supporting rhino range states.
- Aims to strengthen active wildlife management and species conservation.
Rhino Conservation in India
- Assam: Major stronghold of the world’s greater one-horned rhino population.
- Kaziranga: Important for rhino protection and anti-poaching efforts.
- Bihar and West Bengal: Rhino populations have either returned or remain protected in parts of these states.
- Dudhwa, Uttar Pradesh: Rhino reintroduction has been highlighted as a conservation success.
Prelims Quick Revision
- World Rhino Day: Associated with conservation of rhinos.
- Species highlighted: Greater one-horned rhinoceros.
- Assam: Nearly 80% of the world’s rhino population.
- Kaziranga: Major focus on combating rhino poaching.
- Dudhwa: Successful rhino reintroduction in Uttar Pradesh.
- Project Rhino: Provides financial and technical support to range states.
- Key areas under Project Rhino: protection, habitat management, genetic improvement and population dynamics.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- Project Rhino in the article is specifically focused on conservation of the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
- Do not confuse rhino protection with only anti-poaching measures: Project Rhino also covers habitat management, genetic improvement and population dynamics.
- Dudhwa is associated with rhino reintroduction, while Kaziranga is highlighted for its anti-poaching efforts.
September 23, 2026
TRAI Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026
Why in the News?
- The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026 on 22 September 2026.
- The amendment aims to improve availability of affordable Voice-and-SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs), particularly for low-income consumers.
Key Highlights
- Draft released for consultation: 7 April 2026.
- Stakeholder responses: 1,132.
- Open House Discussion (OHD): 15 June 2026.
- Amendment follows limitations observed after implementation of the TCPR Twelfth Amendment, 2024.
- Concern: Limited availability of Voice-and-SMS-only STVs, with options concentrated around longer validities.
- Objective: Provide consumers with affordable shorter-duration recharge options.
Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs)
- Telecom service providers must offer Voice-and-SMS-only STVs with appropriate tariff reduction.
- Such STVs must be available for:
  - Every validity period of 30 days or less corresponding to STVs offered for Voice, SMS and data.
  - Monthly validity, renewable on the same date every month.
  - If that date does not exist in a particular month, renewal will occur on the last date of that month.
  - At least one STV with validity longer than the above periods, corresponding to the validity of STVs offered for Voice, SMS and data.
Consumer Significance
- Provides greater choice and flexibility to consumers.
- Particularly benefits low-income consumers.
- Enables consumers to recharge according to their requirements and financial capacity.
- Benefits consumers who prefer Voice and SMS without bundled data.
- Addresses the limited availability of shorter-validity Voice-and-SMS-only plans.
Prelims Quick Revision
- Regulator: TRAI.
- Amendment: Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026.
- Released: 22 September 2026.
- Draft consultation: 7 April 2026.
- Stakeholder responses: 1,132.
- OHD: 15 June 2026.
- Focus: Voice-and-SMS-only STVs.
- Key provision: STVs corresponding to 30 days and shorter validity periods, monthly renewable validity, and at least one longer-validity STV.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- The amendment concerns STVs, not general telecom tariff regulation.
- The focus is specifically on Voice-and-SMS-only STVs, particularly for consumers who do not require bundled data.
- TRAI is the authority that finalised the amendment after stakeholder consultation.
- For monthly validity, if the corresponding calendar date is unavailable, renewal occurs on the last date of that month.
September 23, 2026
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026
Why in the News?
- Exercise Veer Guardian 2026, a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF), concluded on 22 September 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
Key Highlights
- Participants: Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF).
- Duration: 14 days.
- Venue: Air Force Station Jodhpur.
- Indian aircraft: Su-30 MKI, Rafale and indigenous LCA Tejas.
- Japanese aircraft: F-2A fighter aircraft.
- Focused on:
  - Within Visual Range (WVR) combat
  - Coordinated multi-aircraft missions
  - Enhancing interoperability between the two air forces.
- General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff, JASDF, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, visited the exercise.
- Both officials flew the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft.
Strategic Significance
- Strengthens India-Japan defence cooperation.
- Enhances interoperability and operational coordination.
- Deepens the strategic partnership between the two countries.
- Provides exposure to each other’s operational procedures, maintenance practices and capabilities.
Prelims Quick Revision
- Exercise: Veer Guardian 2026
- Countries: India and Japan
- Air forces: IAF and JASDF
- Venue: Air Force Station Jodhpur
- Duration: 14 days
- IAF aircraft: Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA Tejas
- JASDF aircraft: F-2A
- Key focus: WVR combat and coordinated multi-aircraft missions
UPSC Prelims Trap
- Veer Guardian is a bilateral India-Japan air exercise, involving IAF and JASDF.
- Tejas was deployed by the IAF, while F-2A was deployed by the JASDF.
- The exercise was conducted at Jodhpur, not in Japan.
- Do not confuse WVR combat with beyond-visual-range combat.
September 23, 2026
National Single Window System (NSWS)
Why in the News?
- The National Single Window System (NSWS) completes 5 years since its launch on 22 September 2021.
- It is implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to simplify business approvals through a single digital platform.
Key Highlights
- Launch: 22 September 2021.
- Implementing institution: DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- Provides a common digital platform for approvals from Central Ministries, State Governments and regulatory authorities.
- As of 21 September 2026:
  - 5.69 lakh+ business entities onboarded.
  - 327+ Central approvals.
  - 3452 State approvals.
  - Covers 34 States and Union Territories.
  - Annual average of 3.06 lakh+ applications.
  - 2.26 lakh+ approvals processed annually.
- Highest number of integrated approvals:
  - Assam – 335
  - Karnataka – 327
  - Tamil Nadu – 223
  - Manipur – 190.
Know Your Approvals (KYA)
- KYA module identifies approvals applicable to a business based on its proposed activities.
- KYA guidance is advisory in nature and does not constitute legal advice.
- NSWS hosts applications from 32 Central Ministries/Departments and 34 States/UTs.
Key Functionalities
- Common Registration Form: Enables one-time submission and reuse of information.
- Applicant Dashboard: Application submission, status tracking and response to departmental queries.
- Centralized Document Repository: One-time document upload and reuse across approvals.
- E-Communication Module: Online communication between applicants and authorities.
- State Registration Form: Provides access to State Single Window Systems.
- Enables online application submission and fee payment.
- Registration on NSWS is free, but statutory fees prescribed by authorities must be paid.
Digital Integration
- PAN (Permanent Account Number) is used as the Single Business ID.
- Authentication is enabled through Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and DigiLocker for sole proprietors.
- Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal (FIF Portal) is integrated with NSWS for FDI applications requiring government approval.
- Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandum (IEM) migrated to NSWS in October 2025.
- Industrial License (IL) migrated in March 2026.
- PESO integrated all 74 licensing modules, becoming the first department to achieve complete transaction-level integration.
Other Important Integrations
- Production Investment Business Registration module launched in November 2025.
- Facilitates generation of Sponsorship Letters for inviting foreign professionals under the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa).
- NSWS serves as a common gateway for approvals under:
  - National Green Hydrogen Mission
  - Ethanol Policy
  - Vehicle Scrapping Policy
  - Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme.
Prelims Quick Revision
- NSWS launched: 22 September 2021.
- Implemented by: DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- Coverage: 34 States and Union Territories.
- Approvals available: 327+ Central and 3452 State approvals.
- Business entities onboarded: 5.69 lakh+.
- Single Business ID: PAN.
- KYA: Identifies applicable business approvals and is advisory in nature.
- PESO: Integrated all 74 licensing modules with NSWS.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- NSWS is not itself the approving authority: applications are electronically forwarded to the concerned Ministry, Department or State Government for processing.
- KYA is advisory, not legal advice.
- NSWS registration is free, but applicable statutory fees are payable.
- Do not confuse PAN as the Single Business ID with DSC/DigiLocker, which are used for authentication.
September 23, 2026
Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT 2026
Why in the News?
- The 18th edition of India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT commenced on 21 September 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
- The exercise will continue till 03 October 2026.
Key Highlights
- Participants: Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces.
- Strength: 45 personnel each.
- Nature: Annual platoon-level military exercise.
- Conducted alternately in India and Mongolia.
- 17th edition: Held at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in May-June 2025.
- Focus: Enhancing joint military capability for Counter-Insurgency Operations.
- Terrain: Semi-urban and mountainous terrain.
- Operations conducted under a United Nations Mandate.
India-Mongolia Defence Cooperation
- Strengthens defence cooperation between India and Mongolia.
- Enhances interoperability and joint operational capability.
- Reinforces bilateral friendship and mutual trust.
UPSC Prelims Trap
- NOMADIC ELEPHANT is an India-Mongolia exercise, not an India-Nepal or India-Bhutan exercise.
- It is conducted alternately in India and Mongolia.
- It is a platoon-level exercise, not a tri-service exercise.
- The 2026 edition is being held at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, while the previous edition was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
September 22, 2026
India-New Zealand FTA
Why in the News?
- The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on 20 October 2026.
- The agreement was signed on 27 April 2026 in New Delhi after completion of internal processes in both countries.
Key Highlights
- 100% of India’s exports to New Zealand will become duty-free from the first day.
- New Zealand’s tariffs of up to 10% will be eliminated on Indian exports.
- Major beneficiary sectors:
  - Textiles and apparel
  - Leather and footwear
  - Gems and jewellery
  - Engineering goods
  - Processed foods
- Tariff-free access to inputs such as:
  - Wooden logs
  - Coking coal
  - Metal scrap
- Bilateral merchandise trade was around USD 1.1 billion in 2025-26.
- Strategic Partnership announced in July 2026, with an aspirational goal of doubling bilateral goods and services trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030.
Agriculture and Farmers
- Sensitive Indian products excluded from tariff concessions:
  - Dairy
  - Animal meat except sheep
  - Key agricultural commodities
  - Sugar
  - Edible oils
- New Zealand’s apples, kiwifruit and Manuka honey receive calibrated access through:
  - Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs)
  - Minimum Import Price
  - Seasonal import windows
- Agriculture Productivity Partnership established to improve:
  - Productivity
  - Quality
  - Farmer incomes
- Centres of Excellence will focus on orchard management, post-harvest practices, supply chains, food safety and sustainable beekeeping.
Services, Investment and Mobility
- New Zealand committed to facilitate USD 20 billion investment into India.
- Indian services companies gain access across roughly 118 sectors.
- Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment locked in across about 139 sub-sectors.
- Mobility provisions:
  - 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas for skilled Indians
  - 1,000 Working Holiday visas annually for young Indians
- Student mobility:
  - Post-study work rights up to 3 years for STEM graduates
  - Up to 4 years for doctoral scholars
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices
- New Zealand will accept inspection approvals from regulators including:
  - US FDA
  - EMA
  - UK MHRA
  - Health Canada
- Intended to reduce regulatory delays and facilitate faster market entry for Indian pharmaceutical and medical device exporters.
Prelims Quick Revision
- Entry into force: 20 October 2026
- FTA signed: 27 April 2026, New Delhi
- India’s exports to New Zealand: 100% duty-free from day one
- Bilateral trade target: NZ$7 billion by 2030
- New Zealand investment commitment: USD 20 billion
- Skilled Indian mobility quota: 5,000 visas
- Working Holiday visas: 1,000 annually
- Trade in 2025-26: Around USD 1.1 billion
UPSC Prelims Trap
- FTA does not mean unrestricted agricultural imports: sensitive Indian products such as dairy, sugar and edible oils remain excluded from tariff concessions.
- TRQ is not the same as complete tariff elimination: apples, kiwifruit and Manuka honey receive calibrated access under specified conditions.
- MFN treatment applies to specified services sub-sectors, not automatically to all sectors.
- 20 October 2026 is the date of entry into force, while 27 April 2026 is the date of signing.
September 22, 2026