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Type: Prelims Only

  • Civil Aviation Sector – CA Policy 2016, UDAN, Open Skies, etc.

    Wings India 2026: Asia’s Largest Civil Aviation Event

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    India’s rapidly expanding civil aviation sector will be showcased at Wings India 2026, Asia’s largest civil aviation event, scheduled from 28 to 31 January 2026 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad.

    About Wings India 2026

    • Asia’s largest civil aviation event
    • Organised as a global platform for Connectivity, Manufacturing, Services, Innovation and Sustainability
    • Inaugurated by Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation

    Theme
     “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future from Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation and Safety to Sustainability”

    India’s Aviation Growth Story

    • India among the fastest growing aviation markets globally
    • Passenger traffic has grown multi fold in the last decade
    • Record aircraft orders place India among the largest future aircraft markets
    • Rapid expansion of airport infrastructure Greenfield airports, Modernised terminals and Regional connectivity under UDAN

    Prelims Pointers

    • Wings India is a civil aviation industry event, not a treaty or summit
    • Held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad
    • Focus areas include MRO, SAF, drones and advanced air mobility
    • Reflects India’s transition from aviation growth to aviation leadership
    [2024] Consider the following airports: 

    1. Donyi Polo Airport 

    2. Kushinagar International Airport 

    3. Vijayawada International Airport 

    In the recent past, which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield projects? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

    Prime Minister at India Energy Week 2026

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inauguration of India Energy Week 2026 via video conferencing, highlighting India’s growing role in the global energy sector, major investment opportunities.

    India Energy Week 2026

    • Representatives from nearly 125 countries participated
    • Emerged as a global platform for energy dialogue and action
    • Focus on energy security, sustainability, and global partnerships
    • Venue: Goa

    Key Highlights from the Prime Minister’s Address

    India’s Energy Potential

    • India is the world’s fastest growing major economy
    • Rising domestic energy demand and strong export capacity
    • Among the top five exporters of petroleum products, supplying over 150 countries
    • Large opportunities across the entire energy value chain

    Oil and Gas Exploration Sector

    • India has opened up its exploration sector significantly
    • Linked to Samudra Manthan Mission for deep sea exploration
    • Targets by end of decade
      • 100 billion dollars investment in oil and gas
      • Exploration area expanded to 1 million sq km
    • Over 170 blocks already awarded
    • Andaman and Nicobar Basin emerging as a new hydrocarbon zone
    • Reduction of No Go areas and regulatory reforms undertaken

    Refining and Petrochemicals

    • India ranks second globally in refining capacity
    • Current capacity: around 260 MMT per annum
    • Target: exceed 300 MMT per annum and become number one globally
    • Rising demand for petrochemical products due to population and economic growth

    Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Focus

    • Target to meet 15 percent of total energy demand through LNG
    • Investment opportunities across LNG transportation, LNG terminals and Regasification infrastructure
    • Domestic shipbuilding supported by ₹70,000 crore shipbuilding programme
    • Expansion of National gas pipeline network and City gas distribution systems

    Energy Reforms and Vision

    • India moving from energy security to energy independence
    • Focus on Transparent, Investor friendly and Reform driven ecosystem
    • Estimated 500 billion dollars investment opportunity in India’s energy sector
    [2019] Consider the following statements: 

    1. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India

    2. One of the tasks of PNGRB is to ensure competitive markets for gas

    3. Appeals against the decisions of PNGRB go before the Appellate Tribunals for Electricity. Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Pygmy Hog

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    India’s Pygmy hog is rapidly declining due to loss and degradation of tall grassland habitats, even though it plays a critical role in maintaining grassland ecosystem health.

    About Pygmy Hog

    • Smallest and rarest wild pig species in the world
    • One of the few mammals that builds its own nest with a roof
    • Functions as an indicator species, reflecting grassland health

    Habitat

    • Prefers undisturbed tall grasslands with early succession riverine vegetation
    • Habitat includes dense tall grasses mixed with herbs, shrubs and young trees
    • Present distribution restricted to
      • Manas National Park
      • Orang National Park

    Ecological Role

    • Forages by digging soil using its snout
    • Feeds on roots, tubers, fruits, termites, earthworms and eggs
    • Improves soil aeration and fertility
    • Aids seed dispersal, supporting grassland regeneration

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
    • Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
    • Estimated wild population is very small, confined to Assam
    [2013] Consider the following: 

    1. Star tortoise 

    2. Monitor lizard 

    3. Pygmy hog 

    4. Spider monkey 

    Which of the above are naturally found in India? 

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Indian Army Updates

    Army’s animals wing

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the News?

    At the Republic Day Parade 2026, the Remount and Veterinary Corps of the Indian Army will, for the first time, showcase a curated animal contingent including Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, Army dogs and raptors, highlighting the operational role of animals in military logistics and combat support.

    About the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC)

    • A specialised corps of the Indian Army
    • Responsible for
      • Breeding, rearing and training of Army animals
      • Veterinary care and animal health services
    • Supports operations in high altitude, desert and difficult terrains

    Historical Background

    • Origin traced to the Stud Department established in Bengal in 1779
    • Reorganised as
      • Army Veterinary Corps in 1920
      • Indian Remount and Veterinary Corps in 1950
    • Formally designated as Remount and Veterinary Corps in 1960
    • Motto: Pashu Seva Asmakam Dharma
    • Awarded the President’s Flag in 1989
    • Headquarters at Meerut

    Role and Functions of RVC

    • Ensures operational readiness of animals for
      • Logistics
      • Reconnaissance
      • Counter terrorism
      • Disaster response
    • Mules and ponies used for supply transport where vehicles and aircraft cannot operate
    • Army dogs trained for
      • Explosive and mine detection
      • Tracking and guarding
      • Avalanche and disaster rescue
      • Combat roles
    • Supports UN peacekeeping missions, Military diplomacy and NCC horse riding training
    [2024] Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called: 

    (a) Operation Sankalp 

    (b) Operation Maitri 

    (c) Operation Sadbhavana 

    (d) Operation Madad

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  • Antibiotics Resistance

    Kerala declares Bacillus subtilis ‘State microbe’

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Kerala has declared Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe, becoming the first State in India to officially notify a state microbe during the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM).

    About Bacillus subtilis

    • A probiotic or beneficial bacterium
    • Widely found in soil, environment, human gut and fermented foods
    • Known for disease control, soil health improvement and boosting agricultural productivity
    • Has potential for development of commercial microbial products

    Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM)

    • Established by the Kerala government to study the role of microorganisms in health, environment and sustainability
    • Focuses on translational research for societal benefit
    • Works under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment in collaboration with Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council

    Prelims Takeaway

    • Kerala is the first State to declare a State Microbe
    • Bacillus subtilis is a probiotic bacterium with health and agriculture applications
    • CoEM is India’s first integrated microbiome translational research platform
    [2022] Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics: 

    1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast

    2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut

    3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Neolithic Relics Unearthed at Lakkundi, Karnataka

    Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    Excavations begun on January 16 at the Kote Veerabhadreshwar Temple premises in Lakkundi village of Gadag have yielded Neolithic period relics, strengthening efforts to nominate Lakkundi for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

    About Lakkundi

    • Located about 12 km from Gadag district headquarters
    • Historically known as Lokkigundi
    • Referred to as the village of hundred wells and temples
    • Mentioned in 11th and 12th century inscriptions, compared to Amaravati for affluence
    • Known for tankashale or mint

    Historical Significance

    • Ruled by Kalyana Chalukyas, Yadavas and Hoysalas
    • Capital of Hoysala king Eradane Ballala (Veeraballala) in 1192 AD
    • Centre of Jainism and Shaivism

    Cultural and Religious Legacy

    • Associated with Queen Attimabbe, known as Daana Chintamani, patron of Jainism
    • Built temples, Jain basadis and wells for public welfare
    • Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Prashasti instituted by Karnataka government
    • Shelter to 12th century Sharanas like Ajaganna and Muktayakka linked to Basaveshwara movement

    Architectural Features

    • Temples built in Kalyana Chalukya architectural style
    • Mumbai State Gazetteer records 13 temples, including Kashi Vishveshwara, Mallikarjuna, Virupaksha, Nanneshwara and Someshwara. 
    • Wells are noted for ornate stone carvings

    Prelims Pointers

    • Neolithic findings indicate prehistoric human activity
    • Lakkundi reflects temple town planning with wells
    • UNESCO tentative list precedes final World Heritage inscription
    • Community participation is central to heritage conservation here
    [2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: 

    1. Shantiniketan 

    2. Rani-ki-Vav 

    3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 

    4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya 

    How many of the above properties were included in 2023? 

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

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  • Pension Reforms

    SAARG Committee for NPS Investment Framework

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Why in the News?

    The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has constituted a Committee of Investment Experts for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG) to review and modernise the National Pension System investment framework.

    What is SAARG?

    • A high level expert committee constituted by PFRDA
    • Mandate: Review, recommend and strengthen the investment architecture of NPS
    • Objective: Support long term retirement wealth creation, diversification, risk management and subscriber choice
    • Tenure: The Committee to submit its report within 9 months to PFRDA

    Core Objectives of SAARG

    • Strengthen NPS investment framework in line with
      • Global pension best practices
      • Indian investment ecosystem
    • Improve Portfolio diversification, Risk governance, Liquidity management and Subscriber outcomes

    Significance

    • Enhances resilience and credibility of NPS
    • Aligns pension investments with
      • Long term demographic needs
      • Global best practices
    • Supports retirement security for a growing subscriber base

    Prelims Pointers

    • SAARG is an expert committee, not a statutory body
    • NPS is regulated by PFRDA, not RBI or SEBI
    • Focus on strategic asset allocation and risk governance
    • Sustainability and climate risk integration included in pension investments
    [2017] Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? 

    (a) Resident Indian citizens only 

    (b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only 

    (c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments 

    (d) All Central Governments Employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004

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  • Nobel and other Prizes

    Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards 2025

    Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    The President of India has approved the conferment of the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards 2025 to 30 individuals for acts of exceptional courage in saving lives.

    • 6 Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak
    • 6 Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak
    • 18 Jeevan Raksha Padak
    • 6 awards are posthumous

    What are the Jeevan Raksha Padak Awards?

    • A civilian life saving gallantry award series
    • Recognises meritorious acts of humane nature involving personal risk to save another person’s life
    • Established in 1961
    • Originated as an offshoot of the Ashoka Chakra series of Gallantry Awards

    Categories

    • Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak: Conspicuous courage in saving life under very great danger to the rescuer
    • Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak: Courage and promptitude under great danger to the rescuer
    • Jeevan Raksha Padak: Courage and promptitude involving grave risk of bodily injury to the rescuer

    Eligibility

    • Open to persons of all genders and walks of life
    • Posthumous awards permitted
    • Acts considered include rescues during Drowning, Fires, Accidents, Electrocution, Mine rescues and Natural calamities.
    [2021] Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards: 

    1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. 

    2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once

    3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year. 

    Which of the above statements are not correct? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

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  • Nobel and other Prizes

    Padma Awards 2026

    Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    The Padma Awards 2026 were announced on the eve of Republic Day, with the President of India approving 131 awards across the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri categories.

    What are the Padma Awards?

    • Among India’s highest civilian honours
    • Conferred for distinguished and exceptional service with a clear element of public service
    • Instituted in 1954 by the Government of India

    Historical Background

    • Initially, two civilian awards were instituted in 1954
      • Bharat Ratna
      • Padma Vibhushan
    • In 1955, Padma Vibhushan was reclassified into three categories
      • Padma Vibhushan
      • Padma Bhushan
      • Padma Shri
    • Awards are announced annually on Republic Day
    • Not conferred during 1978 to 1979 and 1993 to 1997

    Categories and Purpose

    • Padma Vibhushan: Exceptional and distinguished service
    • Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of a high order
    • Padma Shri: Distinguished service in any field

    Eligibility Criteria

    • Open to all persons, irrespective of race, gender, occupation, or position
    • Government servants, including PSU employees, are generally not eligible
      • Exception for doctors and scientists
    • Normally not awarded posthumously
      • Permitted in exceptional cases
    • Minimum gap of 5 years required for a higher Padma category
      • Can be relaxed in deserving cases
    • Award recognises excellence plus, not merely long service

    Fields Recognised

    • Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science and Engineering, Trade and Industry, Medicine, including AYUSH, Literature and Education, Civil Service, Sports and Others, such as culture, environment, wildlife conservation, and human rights
    Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards: 

    1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. 

    2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once

    3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year. 

    Which of the above statements are not correct? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    Long Range Anti Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LR AShM)

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    India will publicly debut its Long Range Anti Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LR AShM) at the 77th Republic Day parade, marking India’s entry into the elite hypersonic anti ship weapons club.

    What is LR AShM?

    • Indigenous hypersonic glide missile (More than Mach 5 Speed)
    • Designed to engage high value naval targets such as aircraft carrier battle groups
    • Capable of very long range strikes with extreme speed and manoeuvrability

    Developed By

    • Defence Research and Development Organisation
    • For the Indian Navy
    • Intended mainly for coastal battery and maritime strike roles

    Aim

    • Enhance maritime deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region
    • Neutralise enemy surface combatants at stand off distances
    • Strengthen A2 AD Anti Access Area Denial capabilities through shore based mobile launchers
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 

    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

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