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Daily Current Affairs - 16th & 17th February 2026

Updated: Feb 20

Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | WTO Reform Debate & Global Trading System Crisis, G4 Push for UNSC Expansion, AI in Indian Agriculture, CBDC-Based Digital Food Coupons Pilot, Default Loss Guarantees Framework, RBI Acquisition Financing Norms, Quantum-Safe Security & Post-Quantum Cryptography, India’s Power Capacity Milestone, Kamala Hydroelectric Project, DRIP Phase II–III, Cheer Pheasant Conservation Status, Brahmaputra Twin Tube Road-Cum-Rail Tunnel Project and more.

Table of Content

  1. Need to Reform Global Trading System: WTO Chief

  1. The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has emphasized the need to reform the global trading system.

  2. She stated that reforms must keep pace with geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change.

  3. At the same time, she urged the importance of multilateral cooperation to prevent systemic chaos.

    • Multilateral cooperation refers to coordinated action among multiple countries under shared rules.


Key Issues Faced by the Global Trading System


1. Dispute Resolution Crisis

  • The WTO Appellate Body has been immobilized since December 2019.

  • The Appellate Body is the keystone of the WTO’s two-tier dispute settlement mechanism.

    • A two-tier dispute settlement mechanism includes a panel stage and an appellate review stage.

  • Its paralysis has weakened enforcement of trade rules.


2. Unresolved Issues within WTO Framework

  • Several crucial issues remain unresolved within the WTO.

  • These include trade in agricultural goods and subsidies.

  • Disagreements persist regarding the application of Special and Differential (S&D) treatment to large emerging economies.

    • S&D treatment provides developing countries with special rights and flexibility in implementing agreements.

  • The Doha Development Agenda has also stalled.

  • The Doha Round was launched to prioritize development concerns of poorer nations.


3. Geopolitical Shifts and Protectionism

  • Geopolitical shifts have intensified protectionist trade patterns.

  • Examples include the USA’s reciprocal tariff measures.

  • There has been an escalation of tariff wars between major economies.

  • Countries are increasingly emphasizing bilateral trade agreements over multilateral frameworks.

    • Protectionism refers to policies that restrict imports to protect domestic industries.


4. Emerging and Structural Challenges

  • New issues have emerged concerning data privacy and cross-border data flows.

    • Cross-border data flows refer to digital data transfers across national boundaries.

  • Debates also surround taxation of digital services.

  • Climate change considerations are increasingly influencing trade policies.

  • Global trade is also exposed to supply chain vulnerabilities.

  • Supply chain vulnerabilities refer to disruptions in production and distribution networks.


Ways to Strengthen the Global Trading System


1. Reaffirm Multilateralism

  • Multilateralism should be reaffirmed as the foundation of global trade governance.

  • The WTO has historically enabled trade liberalization through rule-based agreements.

    • Trade liberalization means reducing tariffs and trade barriers.


2. Responsible Use of Plurilateral Agreements

  • Plurilateral agreements may be used where full consensus among WTO members is not feasible.

    • Plurilateral agreements involve a subset of WTO members agreeing on specific issues.

  • However, such agreements must uphold the broader multilateral system.


3. Recognize the Anthropocene Context

  • The global trading system must recognize the Anthropocene context.

    • Anthropocene refers to the current geological era shaped significantly by human activity.

  • Industrial policies and international trade must align with commitments to combat climate change.

  • Greater interoperability is needed in the digital sphere.

    • Interoperability means compatibility between different digital systems and standards.


4. Restore Dispute Settlement System

  • A fully functioning dispute settlement system must be restored.

  • It should offer dispute resolution in a timely and efficient manner.

  • Effective dispute resolution ensures predictability and trust in global trade.


World Trade Organization (WTO)

1. Genesis

  • The WTO was established in 1995 after the Marrakesh Agreement.

  • It succeeded the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

  • The 1986–1994 Uruguay Round negotiations led to its creation.

2. Membership and Structure

  • The WTO has 166 members, including India.

  • Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland.

  • WTO decisions are taken based on consensus.

    • Consensus means decisions are adopted when no member formally objects.

  1. G4 Grouping

G4 grouping reiterated its demand for comprehensive reform and expansion of the UN Security Council (UNSC).

About G4 Grouping

  1. Membership: India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan.

  2. G4 demands reform and expansion of the United Nations Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories.

  3. Objective: make UNSC more representative, democratic and reflective of present geopolitical realities.

  4. G4 supports greater representation for developing regions, especially Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Indian Agriculture

  1. Agriculture is the cornerstone of the Indian economy.

  2. It provides livelihood to nearly half of India’s population.

  3. It contributes about 18% to India’s GDP.

    • GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total value of goods and services produced in an economy.


Challenges in Indian Agriculture: Need for AI Enablement

  1. The average annual income of farming households in India is approximately $1,500.

  2. Around 30% of India’s land is degraded.

    • Land degradation refers to decline in soil quality and productivity due to natural or human factors.

  3. About 52% of farmers in India are in debt.

  4. Climate change is expected to reduce key crop yields by 10–40% by 2080.

  5. These estimates are based on the World Economic Forum (2025).

  6. These structural challenges underline the need for AI-enabled solutions in agriculture.


Key Applications of AI in Agriculture


1. Soil Health Diagnostics

  • AI uses deep learning techniques to analyse agricultural data.

  • Deep learning is a subset of AI that mimics neural networks to detect patterns.

  • It analyses signals from satellite images and drone observations.

  • This helps in assessing soil quality and nutrient deficiencies.


2. Climate-Responsive Crop Monitoring and Advisory Services

  • AI analyses weather and climate data.

  • It predicts changing rainfall patterns and temperature variations.

  • This supports climate-resilient crop planning.


3. Farm Mechanisation Efficiency

  • AI-based systems provide round-the-clock surveillance of high-value crops.

  • This reduces labour dependency and optimises input use.

    • Input optimisation means efficient use of seeds, water, fertilisers, and pesticides.


4. Improving Price Realisation for Farmers

  • AI-driven predictive analytics leverage large agricultural datasets.

  • It uses data from platforms like e-NAM and AGMARKET.

    • e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) is an online trading platform for agricultural commodities.

  • AI tools assess price movements and market trends. This helps farmers secure better price realisation.


5. Enabling Precision Farming

  • AI transforms data from GPS, sensors, satellites, and drones into actionable insights.

    • Precision farming refers to site-specific crop management based on real-time data.

  • It provides advisory services at localised farm levels.


Initiatives to Promote AI-Driven Agriculture


1. Advisory and Decision Support Services

  • Kisan e-Mitra is a voice-enabled, AI-powered chatbot.

  • It provides real-time advisory support to farmers.

  • The National Pest Surveillance System enables early detection of pest infestations and crop diseases.

  • Early detection reduces crop losses and improves productivity.


2. Data-Driven Governance

  • The Digital Agriculture Mission (2024) promotes innovative farmer-centric digital solutions.

    • It aims to enhance service delivery using digital platforms.

  • AgriStack provides a unique digital ID to farmers linked to land records.

    • Digital ID integration ensures targeted and transparent service delivery.

  • The Krishi Decision Support System (KDSS) provides data-based policy insights.

  • The Union Budget 2026–27 proposed Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources).

    • Bharat-VISTAAR aims to integrate AgriStack with AI systems.


3. Mapping Soil Profile

  • A nationwide Soil Resource Mapping project is being implemented.

  • It is carried out by the Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI).

  • Soil mapping helps in region-specific agricultural planning.


4. Crop Insurance and Risk Management

  • The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) provides crop insurance coverage.

  • YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System based on Technology) improves yield estimation accuracy.

  • CROPIC (Collection of Real-Time Observations and Photographs of Crops) collects field-level crop data.

  • WINDS (Weather Information and Network Data System) provides weather-related data for risk assessment.

  • These technology-driven systems enhance transparency and claim settlement efficiency

  1. Union Government launched CBDC-based Digital Food Coupons Pilot

Introduction of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in the Public Distribution System (PDS) aims to ensure transparency, efficiency and beneficiary empowerment in India’s food security architecture. 

About the Pilot Project

  1. Programmable Digital Rupee (e₹) is credited directly to beneficiaries’ digital wallets and can be used only for purchasing entitled foodgrains at Fair Price Shops through QR/coupon codes.

  2. The system enables real-time, secure and traceable transactions, eliminates repeated biometric authentication, reduces leakages, and strengthens last-mile delivery.

What is CBDC?

  1. It is a digital form of fiat currency issued and regulated by the Central Bank (Reserve Bank of India).

  2. It is a legal tender and a liability of the central bank, appearing on its balance sheet, as per Section 26 of the RBI Act, 1934.

  3. Denominated in sovereign currency (₹ in India) and available in the same denominations as physical currency

  4. It was launched in pilot mode in India since December 2022 [Digital Rupee -Wholesale (e₹-W) and Digital Rupee-Retail (e₹-R)].

Significance of CBDC

  1. Financial Inclusion: Provides digital payment access to unbanked/underbanked populations; enables direct transfers and welfare delivery through wallets issued by the Reserve Bank of India.

  2. Transparency & Leak-proof Transactions: Digital ledger creates real-time traceability, helping reduce corruption, tax evasion and subsidy leakages.

  3. Programmable Payments: Allows conditional transfers (e.g., subsidies usable only for specific purposes), improving efficiency of DBT and monetary policy transmission.


By combining technological efficiency with social equity, programmable digital currency has the potential to deepen financial inclusion, reduce systemic leakages, and set the foundation for a more transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric governance ecosystem.

  1. Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs)

  1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has restored the use of Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs) for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).

  2. NBFCs can now factor in DLGs while setting aside buffers for potential loan losses.

    • Loan loss buffers refer to provisions kept aside to cover possible defaults by borrowers.


About Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs)


1. Definition and Structure

  • A Default Loss Guarantee (DLG) is a contractual arrangement.

  • It is entered into between a Regulated Entity (RE) and an eligible third party.

    • A Regulated Entity (RE) refers to a financial institution regulated by the RBI.

  • Under this arrangement, the third party guarantees compensation for loss due to borrower default.

    • Borrower default occurs when a borrower fails to repay a loan as agreed.


2. Cap on DLG Coverage

  • The RBI has prescribed a cap on DLG exposure.

  • The total amount of DLG cover on any outstanding loan portfolio must not exceed 5% of the amount of that loan portfolio.

  • The loan portfolio covered under DLG must be specified upfront.

    • Loan portfolio refers to the total outstanding loans held by a lender.

  1. RBI Rules on Acquisition Financing

RBI has issued amendment in the Directions to allow banks to provide higher acquisition financing.

Key Highlights of the Directions

  1. Banks are allowed to finance acquisitions up to 20% of their eligible capital base (earlier proposal: 10%).

    • Acquisition: One company purchases controlling stake in another; acquired company may continue to exist.

  2. Banks can now lend up to 75% of acquisition value for purchasing listed and unlisted companies.

  3. Acquisition can be through equity shares and/or compulsorily convertible debentures (CCDs).

  1. National Medicinal Plant Board

Recently, National Medicinal Plant Board completed 25 years.

About NMPB (HQ: New Delhi) 

  • Origin: Established in 2000 by a Government Resolution. 

  • Ministry: Union Ministry of AYUSH.

  • Chairperson: Union Minister for AYUSH

  • Mandate: To promote coordination among State, central Governments, etc., on all matters relating to medicinal plants.

    • Other functions related to medicinal plants: Policy implementation, export promotion, Research and development, conservation, etc.

  • Important initiatives related to medicinal plants

    • E charak portal: online market mechanism for information exchange between various stakeholders

    • Central Sector Scheme on Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants

  1. National Call of BIRAC–RDI Fund under RDI Initiative

  1. The first National Call of ₹2,000 crore BIRAC–RDI Fund has been announced.

  2. It has been launched under the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Initiative.

  3. The initiative aims to boost the biotechnology (biotech) sector in India.


About BIRAC–RDI Fund

1. Overview

  • The BIRAC–RDI Fund was launched in November 2025.

  • It operates under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

    • ANRF is anchored by the Department of Science & Technology (DST).

    • DST is the nodal department promoting science and technology in India.


2. Aim and Strategic Focus

  • The fund aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial-scale manufacturing.

  • This approach is referred to as “Lab-to-Industry” transition.

  • It supports technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above.

    • TRL is a scale used to assess maturity of a technology from concept to commercial deployment.

    • TRL 4 indicates validation of technology in a laboratory environment.

  • Funding support includes equity, convertible instruments, and long-term debt.

  • Equity means ownership stake in a company.

  • Convertible instruments are financial tools that can later be converted into equity.

3. Fund Management and Sectoral Focus

  • The fund is managed by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

    • BIRAC is a public sector enterprise supporting biotech innovation.

  • The fund complements the BioE3 Policy.

    • BioE3 stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment.

  • It targets next-generation products in Biopharma, Bio-industrial manufacturing, and Bioenergy.

    • Biopharma refers to pharmaceutical products derived from biological sources.


About Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme

1. Institutional Framework

  • The RDI Scheme operates under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

  • It also functions under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).


2. Financial Outlay

  • The total financial outlay is ₹1 lakh crore over six years.

  • It includes ₹20,000 crore in FY 2025–26.


3. Objectives

  • The scheme encourages private sector involvement in cutting-edge research and innovation.

  • It promotes strategic technologies such as deep tech, biotech, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    • Deep tech refers to technology based on advanced scientific innovation.

  • It aims to foster self-reliance and economic security.


India’s Bioeconomy Sector

  1. India’s bioeconomy has grown from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024.

  2. The sector has a target of $300 billion by 2030.

    • Bioeconomy refers to economic activity derived from biological resources and biotechnology.


Key Initiatives Supporting Bioeconomy


1. BioE3 Policy

  • The BioE3 Policy stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment.

  • It aims to transform India into a global biotech powerhouse.

  • It promotes high-performance biomanufacturing.

    • Biomanufacturing involves production of materials and products using biological systems.


2. National Biopharma Mission (NBM)

  • The National Biopharma Mission (NBM) aims to boost India’s capabilities in biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, biosimilars, medical devices, and diagnostics.

    • Biosimilars are biologic medical products similar to already approved biological medicines.

  • The mission fosters industry–academia collaboration.


3. Biotech-KISAN

  • Biotech-KISAN stands for Biotechnology-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network.

  • It is a scientist–farmer partnership programme.

  • The programme aims to empower farmers through agricultural innovation and scientific interventions.

  1. Life cycle of Star

Scientists have captured the clearest view of a star collapsing directly into a black hole without exploding as a supernova.

About Life Cycle of Star

Life Cycle of Star
Birth

  1. Molecular Clouds: Stars form deep within massive, cold clouds of gas and dust.

  2. Protostar Formation: Gravity causes high-density pockets within these clouds to clump and collapse creating a "protostar".

Life

  1. Main Sequence: Nuclear fusion ignites in the core and releases huge amounts of energy. 

  2. This stable period is the longest phase of a star's life.

Death

  1. Low-Mass Stars:  Sun-like stars expand into giants, shed their outer layers as a planetary nebula, and leave behind a cooling white dwarf core.

  2. High-Mass Stars: These stars fuse elements up to iron, after which the core collapses, triggering a supernova that leaves behind a neutron star or a black hole.

  1. Monsoon Breaks

Research suggests that desert winds from the west and northwest of India can be used to predict monsoon break periods.

About Monsoon Breaks

  1. Meaning: During the south-west monsoon, after having rains for a few days, if rain fails to occur for one or more weeks, it is known as break in the monsoon. 

    • These dry spells are quite common during the rainy season. 

  2. Reasons for Monsoon Break:

    • In northern India, rains are likely to fail if the rain-bearing storms are not very frequent along the monsoon trough or the ITCZ over this region.

      • Movement of monsoon trough towards Himalayas creates dry spells in plains.

    • Over the west coast the dry spells are associated with days when winds blow parallel to the coast.

  1. Transforming Healthcare Delivery Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming healthcare delivery in India.

  • AI refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence.

Role of AI in Healthcare

1. Disease Management and Diagnostics

  • AI is extensively used to overcome specialist shortages.

  • It enhances screening and diagnostic capabilities.

  • An example is MadhuNetrAI for diabetes retinal screening.

  • Retinal screening detects damage to the retina caused by diabetes.

2. Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring

  • AI enhances access to medical advice in rural and underserved areas.

    • Telemedicine refers to remote delivery of healthcare services using digital platforms.

    • An example is eSanjeevani CDSS.

    • CDSS (Clinical Decision Support System) provides AI-based differential diagnosis recommendations.

      • Differential diagnosis means identifying a disease by distinguishing it from other similar conditions.

3. Public Health Surveillance and Nutrition

  • AI systems monitor population health and environmental factors.

  • An example is Media Disease Surveillance (MDS).

    • MDS provides early warnings based on AI scanning of national digital news sources.

    • It detects symptom clusters that may indicate disease outbreaks.

4. Administrative Efficiency and Fraud Detection

  • AI streamlines healthcare administration.

  • It ensures integrity of government health schemes.

  • AI tools improve digital record management.

  • Examples include Eka Doc and Sunoh.Ai.

  • These tools use AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to summarise patient records.

    • NLP enables machines to understand and process human language.


Challenges in AI-Based Healthcare

  • Algorithmic bias may adversely affect underrepresented populations.

  • Algorithmic bias occurs when AI systems produce systematically unfair outcomes.

  • The digital divide limits equitable access to AI-enabled services.

  • Accuracy and reliability of AI diagnostics remain critical concerns.

  • Data security and privacy risks pose additional challenges.


Other AI Initiatives in Healthcare and Outcomes

1. Tuberculosis (TB) Management

  • AI-based Adverse Outcome Prediction flags patients at high risk of treatment failure.

  • Treatment is initiated early for such high-risk patients.

  • This intervention has reported a 27% decline in adverse outcomes.

2. Traditional Medicine

  • Initiatives such as Ayurgenomics and Ayush Grid integrate AI with traditional knowledge.

    • Ayurgenomics uses AI to identify disease markers based on Prakriti (constitution types).

    • Prakriti refers to body constitution classification in Ayurveda.

  • The initiative draws insights from ancient texts and modern data science.

  • It has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global model.

3. Cancer Care

  • NITI Aayog is developing an Imaging Biobank.

  • The database includes profiles of 20,000+ cancer patients. The database contains radiology and pathology images.

  • A biobank is a repository of biological and medical data for research.

  • It enables researchers to develop high-accuracy AI tools.

  • These tools assist in early cancer detection and management.


Institutional and Policy Support

  1. Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence have been established at AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh. These centres promote AI research in clinical settings.

  2. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued Ethical Guidelines in 2023.

  3. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued AI Governance Guidelines.

  4. The Ministry of Health has formulated the Strategy for AI in Healthcare for India (SAHI).

    • SAHI provides a roadmap for responsible integration of AI in healthcare delivery.

  1. WEF Launches Davos Compact on AMR 2025

  1. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has launched the Davos Compact on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) 2025.

  2. The Compact is supported by the Unified Coalition for AMR Response.

  3. It aims to unlock sustainable financing from both public and private sources.

  4. The objective is to reduce global deaths due to AMR.

  5. The Compact seeks to save more than 100 million lives by 2050.


About Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)


1. Definition and Nature

  • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines.

    • Antimicrobial medicines include antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals.

  • As a result, these medicines become ineffective in treating infections.

  • AMR is a natural process that happens over time through genetic changes in pathogens.

    • Pathogens are microorganisms that cause disease.

  • However, the spread of AMR is accelerated by human activity.

  • The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the primary drivers.


2. Status in India

  • In India, around 6 lakh lives are lost each year due to resistant infections.

  • Resistant infections refer to infections that no longer respond to standard treatment.


Key Issues with Rising AMR


1. Spread of Drug-Resistant Pathogens

  • The spread of drug-resistant pathogens threatens the ability to treat common infections.

  • It also jeopardizes the safety of life-saving medical procedures.


2. Spread of Resistance Genes

  • Resistance genes are spreading among microorganisms.

  • This phenomenon is creating a “Silent Pandemic.”

  • It is expected to cause over 39 million deaths globally between 2025 and 2050.


3. Impact on Human Capital

  • AMR affects human capital by causing loss of learning time.

  • It also leads to loss of work time and increased healthcare expenditure.

    • Human capital refers to the economic value of a population’s skills and health.


4. Economic Burden

  • Resistant pathogens can spread from livestock to humans.

  • This transmission poses risks under the One Health framework, which links human, animal, and environmental health.

  • The economic cost could reach up to $5.2 trillion, as estimated by the World Bank.


Key Initiatives to Address AMR


1. National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 (2025–2029)

  • India has launched the National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 (2025–2029).

  • It promotes a unified and coordinated effort across the human, animal, agriculture, and environmental sectors.


2. First Indigenous Antibiotic – Nafithromycin

  • India launched its first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, in 2024.

  • It is designed to treat both typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria.

    • Atypical bacteria are bacteria that differ in structure or growth pattern from common strains.


3. National Surveillance Networks

  • National surveillance networks generate annual AMR surveillance reports.

  • Surveillance data is submitted to the Global AMR Surveillance System (GLASS).

    • GLASS is a global platform coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for AMR data sharing.


4. Global Initiatives

  • The Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR was adopted during the 2015 World Health Assembly. The GAP provides a global framework to combat AMR.

  • The United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR (2024) set measurable targets.

  • It aims to reduce global deaths associated with bacterial AMR by 10% by 2030, against the 2019 baseline.

  1. C-DOT, Synergy Quantum Partner on Quantum-Safe Security Tool

This cutting-edge initiative will enable early detection of cryptographic weaknesses across networks (such as defense, telecommunications, banking, devices, and applications) helping organizations transition proactively to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).


About Automated Tool

  1. It will generate a detailed report highlighting quantum-vulnerable algorithms, their purpose, and their exact location within the device to support informed migration planning toward quantum-safe security.

  2. It will comprise of three core modules: Web Application (for network traffic, vulnerability assessment and quantum risks), Security Scanner Agent, and Control Software.


About Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

  1. It is a set of cryptographic algorithms that are designed to resist attack by quantum computers, which will be much more powerful than classical computers.

  2. It aims to ensure confidential data remains secure even when extremely powerful quantum computers make current encryption methods obsolete.

  3. US’ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has finalized its initial set of post-quantum cryptographic standards.


What is Quantum Cryptography?

  1. It is a set of methods that uses the rules of quantum mechanics to securely encrypt, transmit, and decode information.

  2. It employs quantum devices, such as sensors capable of recording individual particles of light (photons), to protect data from an adversarial attack.

  3. Types:

    • Quantum key distribution (QKD): It is a secure communication method for exchanging encryption keys only known between shared parties.

    • Quantum coin-flipping: It is a type of cryptographic primitive (something of a building block for algorithms) that allows two parties who do not trust each other to agree on a set of parameters.

  1. India’s Power Generation Capacity

India adds more than 50,000 MW of power generation capacity in the current financial year 2025–26.

  • It surpassed the previous record of 34,054 MW achieved during FY 2024–25.

India’s total installed power generation capacity stands at approx.520,000 MW, comprising:

  1. Fossil Fuel-Based Capacity~248,500 MW

  2. Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity~272,000 MW

  3. Nuclear~8,800 MW

  4. Renewable Energy Sources~263,200 MW

  1. Kamala Hydroelectric Project

Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recommended clearance for construction of Kamala hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh.

About Kamala Hydroelectric Project

  1. It is a multipurpose project with the twin objectives of power generation and flood moderation.

  2. Proposed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited.

  3. Location: The project is located on River Kamla (a major right bank tributary of Subansiri River) in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh.

    • Subansiri River is a tributary of mighty Brahmaputra River.

  4. Total installed capacity of the project is 1800 MW (1728 MW in the underground powerhouse and 72 MW in the surface powerhouse).

  1. Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)

International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS 2026) was held at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru under DRIP Phase II & III.

About DRIP

  1. Objective: Increase safety of selected dams in participating States and strengthen dam safety management in India. 

  2. Implementing Agency: Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation through Central Water Commission (CWC). 

  3. Funding Pattern: 80:20 (Special Category States), 70:30(General Category States) and 50:50 (Central Agencies). 

  4. Timeline: 2021  to 2031 (DRIP Phase II & III)

    • DRIP phase-I was implemented during 2012-2021.

  1. Cheer Pheasant

Hunting and habitat degradation continue to be the primary drivers of population decline in Cheer pheasant.

Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii)

  1. Habitat: Mainly found in mid-montane grassland of western Himalayas across its global range (Pakistan, India, and Nepal). 

    • “Cheer” refers to the birds’ occurrence near Chir Pine forests and “Pheasant” means a member of the game-bird family which mostly include ground dwelling birds.

  2. Conservation Status: IUCN (Vulnerable); CITES (Appendix I); Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972 (Schedule I). 

  1. PM-DAKSH Yojana

Data released in Lok Sabha revealed that less than half of the students trained under PM-DAKSH scheme between 2021 and 2024 were placed.

  • Institutes must provide employment to 70% of trainees from Short Term Training Courses, or forfeit 30% of the training cost per candidate.


About PM DAKSH (2020-21)

  1. Type: Central Sector Scheme 

  2. Aim:  To provide free of cost skills through quality institutions so that candidates from its target group can find employment.

  3. Target group: SC, OBC, Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and De-notified Tribes Safai Karamcharis including waste pickers, Transgenders.

  4. Eligibility

    • Age Criterion: 18-45 years

    • OBC and EWS: Annual income family below Rs.3 lakh.

Note: It has been merged with the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

  1. APEDA

Recently APEDA observed its 40th establishment day. 

About APEDA (New Delhi)

  1. Type: statutory body under the APEDA Act 1985

  2. Ministry: Apex body for agricultural export promotion under Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

  3. Chairman: Appointed by government.

  4. Functions: Secretariat to National Accreditation Board  for implementation of accreditation of Certification Bodies.

    • Other functions: Boost agri exports , inspection of meat products etc.

  5. Important initiatives: 

    • National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP):  Involves, standards for organic production, promotion of organic farming and marketing etc.

    • BHARATI (2025): To empower agri-food and agri-tech startups and boost agri-food exports.

    • Farmers connect Portal: 24X7 Online digital platform  to bridge the gap between Farmer Producer Org./Cooperatives and exporters.

 

  1. Urban Challenge Fund

A ₹1 lakh-crore Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) was approved by the Union Cabinet

About Urban Challenge Fund

  1. Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26

  2. Focus Areas: 

    • Cities as Growth Hubs

    • Creative Redevelopment of Cities 

    • Water and Sanitation

  3. Funding Mechanism:

    • UCF will finance up to 25% of project costs.

    • At least 50% of funding must come from market sources like:

      • Municipal bonds 

      • Bank loans 

      • Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs)

  1. Tamil Brahmi Script

Researchers have identified inscriptions in Tamil Brahmi script in Valley of the Kings in Egypt belonging to 1st and 3rd Centuries C.E. shedding light on ancient trade links. 

  • It mentions names of trader in Tamil Brahmi script eg. Cikai Korran (Crown Leader), Kopan, Catan, Kiraṉ. 

    • Korran is also mentioned in Sangam literature where a Chera king is directly addressed as koṟṟaṉ. 

About Tamil Brahmi Script

  1. A variant of Brahmi script used to write the ancient Tamil inscriptions. 

  2. Period: 300 BC and 100 AD. 

  3. Greatest Work: Thirukkural. 

  1. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Supreme Court (SC) urged FSSAI to Consider Front-of-Pack (FoP) Labels Warning Of High Sugar, Fat & Sodium In Food. 

  1. FoP labelling is simplified, evidence-based nutrition-labelling system placed on front of food packages to help consumers make informed and healthier purchasing decisions.

  2. Draft FSS (Labelling and Display) Amendment Regulations, 2025, proposed requirements relating to nutrition information but were not agreed. 

About FSSAI

  1. Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

  2. Statutory Body: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

  3. Mandate: Lays down science-based standards and regulates food manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import ensuring safety.

  4. Key Initiative: Eat Right India.

  5. Governing Structure: Food Authority with Chairperson and 22 members (one-third being women).

  1. Twin Tube Road-Cum-Rail Tunnel Project

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the construction of country’s first underwater twin tube road-cum-rail tunnel project to enhance connectivity in Northeast. 

About the Project

  • Located under River Brahmaputra in Assam to be developed on EPC Mode with total project length of 33.7 Km.

    • Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts are agreements between Government and a contractor where contractor agrees to provide engineering, procurement, and construction services. 

  • Features: Four-lane access-controlled Greenfield connectivity project, includes a 15.79-kilometre twin tube tunnel under Brahmaputra; connects Gohpur on NH-15 and Numaligarh on NH-715 in Assam. 


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