Tuesday, 17 February 2026

UPSC Current Affairs

Q: Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?

The correct answer is (d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.. This question appeared in UPSC 2017.

Q: With which one of the following has the B. K. Chaturvedi Committee dealt?

The correct answer is (d) Price reforms in the oil sector. This question appeared in UPSC 2009.

Q: What is the name of the national digital framework launched at India Maritime Week 2025 to make Indian ports data-driven and AI-enabled?

The correct answer is (b) Sagarmitra. This question appeared in UPSC 2026.

Q: Recently launched ‘Jan Samarth’ portal

The correct answer is (d) provides link to Government credit schemes.. This question appeared in UPSC 2022.

Q: Exercise Ajeya Warrior is a biennial training event between the Indian Army and the army of:

The correct answer is (b) United Kingdom. This question appeared in UPSC 2023.

Q: Which one of the following is not a feature of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme?

The correct answer is (d) The scheme provides a benefit cover of ₹ 10 lakh per family.. This question appeared in UPSC 2020.

Q: As per the Budget Estimates of expenditure on major subsidies during 2019–20, the maximum expenditure was likely to be on

The correct answer is (c) food subsidy. This question appeared in UPSC 2020.

Q: Which one of the following statements about fertilizers is not correct?

The correct answer is (a) Urea is a phosphorus-containing fertilizer.. This question appeared in UPSC 2022.

Q: Which one of the following is the venue of the UN 2023 Water Conference?

The correct answer is (b) New York. This question appeared in UPSC 2023.

Q: रक्षा अनुसंधान एवं विकास संगठन (DRDO) का एक अंग, भारत के गैस टरबाइन अनुसंधान स्थापना (GTRE) ने एक एयरो-इंजन विकसित किया है जो संभवतः भारत को एयरो-इंजन प्रौद्योगिकी में आत्मनिर्भर बनाएगा। इस इंजन का नाम क्या है?

The correct answer is (d) कावेरी. This question appeared in UPSC 2025.

12 topicsGS-1: 1GS-2: 4GS-3: 7

0/12 done

GS-1HistoryQuick Bite

1.Century of Ol Chiki Script

PIBSanthali Language · Pandit Raghunath Murmu · Eighth Schedule

Illustration for Century of Ol Chiki Script

What & Where

Ol Chiki = indigenous script of Santhali, invented 1925 for precise phonetic representation

Core geography: Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar tribal belts

Centenary celebration slated in New Delhi, Ministry of Culture, 16 Feb 2026

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Origin

Invention intended to grant distinct literary identity to Santhals
Murmu revered as cultural icon across Santhal society
High Serena kick-started written Santhali literature in 1930s

Linguistic Features

Phonetic mapping ensures effortless literacy acquisition for tribal learners
No borrowed graphemes, fully indigenous design philosophy
Absence of conjuncts simplifies handwriting and printing

Constitutional & Policy

8th Schedule status drives state recruitment, education, broadcasting in Santhali
Santhali Constitution version enhances linguistic inclusion in governance
Centenary event aligns with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav heritage focus

Centenary Celebrations

Ministry of Culture hosting inaugural in national capital
2025-26 programs likely include exhibitions, script workshops, literary meets
Anniversary underscores preservation of tribal linguistic heritage

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Inventor	Pandit Raghunath Murmu (Guru Gomke)
Year of creation	1925
Script type	30-letter, one-symbol-one-sound
Language	Santhali
Language family	Austroasiatic – Munda branch
First major book	High Serena, 1936
Unique sounds	Captures glottal stops
Conjunct letters	None
States spoken	JH, OD, WB, AS, BR
8th Schedule entry	2003, 92nd Amendment
Constitution in Santhali	Released Dec 2025
Centenary event date	16 Feb 2026
Organising ministry	Culture
Script origin	Not derived from Brahmi/Roman

GS-2Polity

2.Rebalancing Indian Cooperative Federalism

The HinduJustice Kurian Joseph Report · Seventh Schedule · Basic Structure Doctrine

What & Where

Structural reset – fundamental recalibration of Union-State power in Indian federalism

Key instruments – Seventh Schedule, Finance Commission (Art 280), Basic Structure doctrine

Core arena – Union of States under Art 1; debate triggered by Justice Kurian Joseph Committee for Tamil Nadu

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Encroachment – subordinate legislation overrides State laws in education, health, policing
Governor friction – assent delays in Kerala, Tamil Nadu drew repeated SC notices (2024-25)
Inter-State Council reform demand – mandatory consultative status for Concurrent matters

Fiscal Federalism

Vertical imbalance – non-divisible cesses dilute States’ Article 270 share
Borrowing caps – Kerala 2025 case on Centre-imposed ceilings highlights autonomy clash
Suggestion – include cesses within divisible pool via revised Finance-Commission ToR

Political Representation

Delimitation worry – Southern States may lose Lok Sabha seats post-2026 due to lower fertility
Proposal – decouple seat allocation from raw population to protect performance incentive

Governance Capacity

Overburdened Union – NITI Aayog sets micro benchmarks like village water, stretching executive bandwidth
State laboratories – schemes such as Tamil Nadu noon-meal later adopted nationally, showing sub-national innovation

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Art 1 term	“Union of States”; indissoluble Union
Federalism status	Part of Basic Structure (S.R. Bommai 1994)
Seventh Schedule lists	Union 97; State 59; Concurrent 52
Centre override clause	Art 254 over Concurrent List
Finance Commission article	Article 280
Cesses & surcharges share	≈ 18 % of gross tax revenue (FY 2025)
CSS micromanagement tool	Rigid cost-sharing templates
Delimitation freeze end	2026
Governor bill-assent limit (suggested)	Punchhi Comm: 6 months
Principle sought	Subsidiarity—lowest competent tier handles policy

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2017PYQ 1

Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?

UPSC 2009PYQ 2

With which one of the following has the B. K. Chaturvedi Committee dealt?

GS-2Scheme

3.Bharat-VISTAAR AI Advisory Platform

Indian ExpressDigital Public Infrastructure · AI Assistant Bharati · 155261 Helpline

What & Where

Definition – AI-driven multilingual Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture offering one-stop gateway to schemes, advisories, markets, grievances

Key process – personalised voice/chat/mobile guidance using farm profiles, real-time data, and integration with major Central agri-schemes

Geography – pan-India roll-out; starts with Hindi & English, phases up to 11 languages; toll-free 155261 answered by AI “Bharati”

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Integration – PM-KISAN, PMFBY, Soil Health Card, AIF, PMKSY, Sub-Mission Mechanization under single dashboard
Personalisation – AI analyses crop stage, weather, market trends for tailored alerts
Interoperability – APIs planned with e-NAM, IMD, ICAR databases

Service Delivery

Advisory – crop, livestock, pest, disease, fertiliser, irrigation recommendations in conversational format
Market – live mandi prices with sell/hold suggestions enhancing price realisation
Grievance – digital registration and tracking replacing physical office visits

Inclusivity & Access

Multilingual – phase-wise addition of 9 more regional tongues for wider outreach
Low-tech reach – basic phone voice service bridges smartphone and literacy gaps
Cost relief – toll-free number eliminates call charges for smallholders

Governance & Monitoring

Dashboard – single window for eligibility checks, application status, benefit tracking
Analytics – usage data aids evidence-based policy tweaks and resource allocation
Transparency – common grievance pipeline reduces duplication across schemes

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Launch announcement	Union Budget 2026-27
Implementing ministry	Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
Full acronym	Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources
Platform nature	AI-powered Digital Public Infrastructure
Initial languages	Hindi, English
Planned languages	Total 11 Indian languages
Helpline number	155261
Voice assistant name	Bharati
Access modes	Basic phone, mobile app, chat
24×7 availability	Yes
Integrated income scheme	PM-KISAN
Integrated insurance	PMFBY
Soil advisory source	Soil Health Card data
Credit linkage	Kisan Credit Card
Market data feed	Real-time mandi prices

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2026PYQ 1

What is the name of the national digital framework launched at India Maritime Week 2025 to make Indian ports data-driven and AI-enabled?

UPSC 2022PYQ 2

Recently launched ‘Jan Samarth’ portal

GS-2SecurityQuick Bite

4.UN Asia-Pacific SALW Control Fellowship

DD NewsUN PoA · International Tracing Instrument · UNODA

What & Where

Programme: UN Fellowship Training on SALW Control—3-week capacity-building against illicit small-arms trade and misuse.

Geography: First-ever Asia-Pacific edition; India hosts delegates from 13 regional countries.

Venue & Host: Military College of Materials Management, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh); conducted by Indian Army.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

Illicit SALW drive terrorism, insurgency, transnational crime across Asia-Pacific.
Training stresses marking, record-keeping, secure storage to block diversion.
Safe-disposal protocols showcased to prevent recovered-weapon recycling.

International Cooperation

Builds peer network for joint border controls and information-sharing among 13 states.
Aligns regional practices with UN PoA to promote rules-based disarmament.
Positions India as trusted multilateral training hub.

Tech & Schemes

Modules on digital record systems, weapon marking, ITI-compliant tracing requests.
Demonstrations of Indian Army inventory-management software and depot security norms.
Field exposure to explosive-ordnance disposal and surplus destruction sites.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
UN lead agencies	UNODA & UNRCPD
Core frameworks	UN Programme of Action (PoA); International Tracing Instrument (ITI)
Duration	3 weeks
Local host	Indian Army
Training venue	Military College of Materials Management, Jabalpur, MP
Region covered	Asia-Pacific; 13 participating states
Primary goal	Strengthen national tracing & stockpile systems

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2023PYQ 1

Exercise Ajeya Warrior is a biennial training event between the Indian Army and the army of:

GS-2SchemeQuick Bite

5.PM RAHAT Cashless Accident Treatment Scheme

PIBGolden Hour · Rs 1.5-lakh Coverage · Ministry of Road Transport

What & Where

Central PM RAHAT scheme of MoRTH for immediate, cashless treatment of road-accident victims across India.

Seeks ≤ Golden Hour deaths via digital pipeline from accident reporting to claim settlement.

Provides up to Rs 1.5 lakh per victim for first 7 days, any road category.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

eDAR auto-captures accident data; TMS 2.0 processes hospital claims paper-lessly.
Seamless digital link spans reporting, ambulance dispatch, beneficiary verification, payment.
Good Samaritans can trigger system via ERSS 112 app/call.

Funding & Insurance

Insured offending vehicle: cost met through General Insurance companies’ MVAF contributions.
Uninsured, hit-and-run: MVAF replenished by central budget.
Hospital reimbursement direct, avoiding victim out-of-pocket.

Service Delivery & Oversight

Designated hospitals must begin treatment without upfront payment proof.
District-level Grievance Redressal Officer ensures timely dispute resolution.
Scheme relocation debut: first major decision after government shift to Seva Teerth.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Nodal ministry	Road Transport & Highways
Cashless ceiling	₹1.5 lakh/victim
Coverage period	First 7 days post-accident
Stabilisation care	24 h non-life-threatening; 48 h life-threatening
Digital stack	eDAR + TMS 2.0
Reimbursement fund	Motor Vehicle Accident Fund
Uninsured/Hit-and-run payer	GOI budget allocation
Emergency number	ERSS 112
District grievance officer	Nominated by District Road Safety Committee
Police role	Authenticating accident for claim

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following is not a feature of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme?

GS-3Economy

6.Regulated Indian Fertiliser Industry Challenges

Indian Express₹1.71-lakh-crore Subsidy · Urea Price Caps · Import Dependency Potash

Illustration for Regulated Indian Fertiliser Industry Challenges

What & Where

Fertiliser industry = policy-regulated link between chemical manufacturing & farm productivity, dominated by Urea, P&K grades, emerging Nano variants

Core controls cover pricing, branding, logistics under Essential Commodities Act & Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) regime

Hotspots: Uttar Pradesh ban highlights North-Indian demand belt; imports feedstock via Arabian Gulf, Belarus, Jordan corridors

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Price_capping: Urea MRP frozen 12 yrs; P&K “decontrolled” but Centre tweaks subsidy to hold retail rates
Movement_control: DOF’s monthly Agreed Supply Plan fixes state-wise rake destinations under ECA
Branding_standard: ONOF forces all subsidised bags to carry “Bharat”, limiting company logo to 33 % space

Economic Angle

Subsidy_burden: Budgeted ₹1.71 lakh cr, yet volatile imports lifted previous outgo to ₹1.86 lakh cr
Investment_dampener: Non-subsidised sale bans, rigid MRPs stall new urea plant proposals & R&D spends
Cashflow_issue: Inverted GST—inputs taxed higher than final fertiliser—locks working capital

Environmental Impact

Nutrient_imbalance: Cheap urea skews application, pushing soil ratio to 11:4:1 vs ideal 4:2:1
Soil_degradation: Punjab-Haryana fields show salinity, falling crop response from chronic N overuse
Local_shortages: Central micromanagement triggers queues, black marketing despite national surplus

Tech & Schemes

Nano_push: Nano Urea & Nano DAP sold via 3 lakh+ PMKSK centres to trim subsidy load
Green_PLI: Proposed incentive for green ammonia & nano fertilisers to reduce import dependence
DBT_plan: Shifting subsidy to farmers’ accounts envisioned to enable market-linked retail pricing

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
FY 24-25 total fertiliser use	65.3 million t
Urea share in consumption	~40 million t
Peak monthly P&K output (Jan 2026)	15.76 lakh t
Subsidy allocation 2026-27	₹1.71 lakh cr
2025-26 subsidy overshoot	₹1.86 lakh cr
Potash import dependence	100 %
Phosphate import dependence	~90 %
Urea MRP (45 kg)	₹266.5 since 2012
DAP indicative MRP	₹1,350
Observed N:P:K ratio	11 : 4 : 1

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2020PYQ 1

As per the Budget Estimates of expenditure on major subsidies during 2019–20, the maximum expenditure was likely to be on

UPSC 2022PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements about fertilizers is not correct?

GS-3Infrastructure

7.International Dam Safety Conference 2026 Outcomes

PIBDam Safety Act 2021 · DRIP Phase II-III · Reservoir Sedimentation

What & Where

ICDS 2026: 2nd International Conference on Dam Safety, held Bengaluru, Karnataka; platform to strengthen India’s dam-safety ecosystem.

Central focus: execution of Dam Safety Act 2021 and DRIP (Ph II & III) for ageing-dam surveillance, rehab and revenue.

Geography: India—3rd globally with 6 628 large dams; 736 dams in 19 states targeted under current DRIP phases.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

Act-2021 mandates surveillance, inspection, EAPs and assigns liability to dam owners for failure prevention.
Institutional layer: NCDS blue-prints policy; NDSA regulates; state bodies implement.

Tech & Schemes

DRIP introduces instrumentation, remote-sensing sediment tracking, dynamic rule-curves, hydrological modelling for climate resilience.
Revenue focus: explore hydropower, tourism, fisheries to fund O&M long-term.

Disaster Management

Conference flagged sedimentation, catchment treatment, basin-level reservoir coordination to cut flood/drought risk.
Emphasis on simplified risk-screening, dam-break tools, real-time data sharing for early warnings.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
ICDS series	1st Jaipur 2023; 2nd Bengaluru 2026
Core organisers	GoK, MoJS, CWC, IISc-B, World Bank
DRIP external loan per phase	USD 500 million (World Bank + AIIB)
DRIP Phase-I output	223 dams rehabilitated, 7 states, 2012-21
DRIP Phase-II & III target	736 dams, 19 states, 2021-31
Funding ratio (General states)	Centre 70 : State 30
Funding ratio (Special states)	Centre 80 : State 20
Special grant window	90 % of loan for Manipur, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand
Dam Safety Act tiers	NCDS, NDSA, State Committee, State DSO
India’s large-dam count	6 628 (NRS-Dams 2025)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2023PYQ 1

Which one of the following is the venue of the UN 2023 Water Conference?

GS-3S&T

8.Indigenous 6th-Gen Adaptive Aero Engines

New Indian ExpressAdaptive Cycle Engine · Three-Stream Technology · DRDO

Illustration for Indigenous 6th-Gen Adaptive Aero Engines

What & Where

6th Generation Aero Engine = adaptive-cycle jet for next-gen stealth fighters; shifts between fuel-saving cruise and high-thrust combat.

Core process: three-stream airflow managed by Adaptive Cycle Engine (ACE) providing thrust, electrical power and thermal control.

India: DRDO tasked to deliver an indigenous variant within 5–7 years, per Defence Minister directive.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Adaptive-cycle tech auto-balances bypass ratio, boosting range ≥25 % and thrust ≥10 %.
Embedded generators supply mega-watts, surpassing legacy engines’ kilo-watt outputs.
CMC blades endure ≥300 °C higher than nickel super-alloys, lifting thrust-to-weight ratio.

Security Dimension

Higher thrust enables super-cruise, improving first-strike and escape in contested airspace.
Thermal management masks infrared signature, enhancing stealth.
Indigenous engine cuts import dependence on US F-class or Russian AL-series powerplants.

Maintenance & Lifecycle

AI-driven health monitoring flags component wear early, trimming downtime and spares costs.
Modular hot section eases field swaps, shortening turnaround during high-tempo ops.
Predictive analytics feed logistics planning, lowering life-cycle expense curve.

Energy Management

Third stream doubles as heat sink, protecting sensitive Gallium-Nitride AESA arrays.
Excess electrical output readies platform for future directed-energy weapons.
Balanced airflow reduces compressor exit temps, mitigating thermal fatigue.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Core airflow streams	Three (inner, outer, switchable third)
Key operating modes	Cruise (fuel-save), Combat (high-power)
Adaptive system name	ACE – Adaptive Cycle Engine
Added role	Onboard power & cooling hub
High-temp material	Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)
AI use	Predictive maintenance & anomaly detection
Indicative Indian timeline	5–7 years target
Cooling beneficiary	Radars, AI computers, laser weapons

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2025PYQ 1

रक्षा अनुसंधान एवं विकास संगठन (DRDO) का एक अंग, भारत के गैस टरबाइन अनुसंधान स्थापना (GTRE) ने एक एयरो-इंजन विकसित किया है जो संभवतः भारत को एयरो-इंजन प्रौद्योगिकी में आत्मनिर्भर बनाएगा। इस इंजन का नाम क्या है?

UPSC 2022PYQ 2

P-75 I (या P-75 भारत) परियोजना किनके निर्माण से संबंधित है?

GS-3Environment

9.NGT Clears Great Nicobar Project

Indian ExpressRs 81,000-crore Port · Coral Translocation · Sandy Beach Protection

Illustration for NGT Clears Great Nicobar Project

What & Where

Great Nicobar Island Project: 2021 NITI Aayog mega-infra plan on India’s southernmost island.

Geography: GNI at 6°45′ N, 90 nm north of Sumatra; astride Malacca-Sunda-Lombok sea lanes.

Assets: 20-m-draft ICTT, dual-use greenfield airport, township, gas-solar power plant.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Environmental Safeguards

NGT: forbids shoreline erosion, beach loss; orders coral translocation via ZSI.
Conditions protect leatherback turtle, Nicobar megapode, robber crab, crocodile, macaque.
Compliance government bound; breach invites NGT enforcement.

Tribal Rights

Consultations AAJVS, NCST, FRA 2006 mandatory before any diversion.
Resettlement packages respect pre-tsunami patterns; construction zones with restricted outsider access.
Risk Nicobarese ancestral land displacement highlighted by petitions.

Security Dimension

Location overlooks Malacca, Sunda, Lombok Straits, enabling Indo-Pacific chokepoint monitoring.
ICTT targets reduced reliance on Colombo, Singapore transhipment.
Military supports large warships, aircraft, missile batteries, strengthening deterrence against PLA Navy.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Project cost	₹81,000 crore
Launch year	2021
Clearance authority	National Green Tribunal
Forest loss projected	130 sq km (≈15 % GNI)
Trees estimated felled	>10 million
Planned wildlife corridors	8
A&N dividing channel	Ten Degree Channel, 150 km wide
UNESCO biosphere tag	2013
Distance GNI–Coco Islands	55 km north
Indira Point–Sumatra gap	90 nautical miles

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2020PYQ 1

Recently islands of Andaman and Nicobar were connected with mainland by Submarine Optical Fibre Cable. Which one of the following islands was not connected initially?

GS-3Species

10.Shrinking Loggerhead Sea Turtles

The HinduCaretta caretta · IUCN Vulnerable · Temperature-Dependent Sex

Illustration for Shrinking Loggerhead Sea Turtles

What & Where

Large temperate-subtropical sea turtle; scientific name Caretta caretta.

Global in Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Oceans; key nesting Florida, Oman, Cabo Verde, Japan, Australia.

2026 study flags shrinking body, fewer eggs from warming seas, lower productivity.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Physical Traits

Massive head; muscular jaws enable durophagy.
Carapace length 70–110 cm; weight up to 180 kg.
Paddle-shaped forelimbs suited for extended pelagic travel.

Reproduction

Nesting interval 2–4 years; 3–6 clutches each season.
Incubation ~60 days; ~100–120 eggs per clutch.
Sand temperature skews sex ratio, shaping population dynamics.

Behaviour & Migration

Natal homing; females revisit birthplace beaches.
Juveniles ride oceanic gyres as developmental habitat.
Nocturnal nesting limits predation, heat stress.

Ecological Significance

Regulates benthic invertebrates, maintaining seagrass balance.
Egg remnants fertilise coastal dune vegetation.
Acts as indicator of broader marine ecosystem health.

Climate Impact

Warmer oceans reduce body size, fecundity (Animals 2026 study).
Hotter sand feminises nests, risking demographic imbalance.
Declining prey productivity heightens energy constraints for capital breeders.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Scientific name	Caretta caretta
IUCN status	Vulnerable
Typical lifespan	70–80 + years
Female maturity age	30–35 years
Nesting interval	2–4 years
Eggs per clutch	≈ 100–120
Sex determination	Temperature-dependent; warm sand → females
Core diet tool	Massive head & crushing jaws
Migration style	Long-distance, often trans-oceanic

GS-3SecurityQuick Bite

11.Exercise Vajra Ghaat Desert Artillery Drill

Times of IndiaK9 Vajra Howitzer · Pokhran Range · White Tiger Division

What & Where

Exercise Vajra Ghaat: Indian Army field drill showcasing K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer.

Venue: Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer district, Thar Desert, Rajasthan.

Purpose: Validate refined tactics, techniques & procedures for desert artillery operations.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Specs

K9 Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzer derived from K9 Thunder platform.
Compatible with Indian and NATO ammunition, allowing flexible logistics.
All-welded steel armour provides enhanced crew and system protection.

Operational Aim

Exercise validated refined Tactics, Techniques & Procedures to boost survivability.
Emphasised rapid deployment of heavy artillery across harsh desert terrain.
Demonstrated combat readiness of K9 Vajra gun crews.

Security Dimension

Strengthens Indian Army’s deterrence posture in western sector.
Enhances desert warfare proficiency critical for Thar frontier security.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Exercise codename	Vajra Ghaat
Location	Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan
Simulated terrain	Desert warfare (Thar Desert)
Lead formation	White Tiger Division
Main weapon	K9 Vajra SP howitzer
Weapon ancestry	Based on South Korea’s K9 Thunder
Procurement route	‘Buy Global’ category, Defence Procurement Procedure
Ammo compatibility	Indian & NATO standards
Armour type	All-welded steel

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2024PYQ 1

Which one among the following Joint Military Exercises was NOT conducted between India and USA?

UPSC 2021PYQ 2

Which one of the following statements is most appropriate about ‘Exercise Kavach’?

GS-3S&TQuick Bite

12.India-AI Impact Summit 2026 Initiatives

PIBAI Pitch Fest UDAAN · Ashoka Chakra Logo · Global Innovation Challenges

Illustration for India-AI Impact Summit 2026 Initiatives

What & Where

India-AI Impact Summit 2026: first Global South-hosted global AI summit, organised by MeitY.

Flagship processes: AI Pitch Fest (“UDAAN”), Global Innovation Challenges, AI Expo.

Venue & timing: New Delhi, February 2026.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech & Schemes

Indigenous-model projects cover multilingual, health, science, industry, governance, agriculture domains.
UDAAN provides demo platform plus funding visibility for smaller-city AI startups.
Global Innovation Challenges solicit AI solutions to public-sector problems with potential procurement.

Logo & Symbolism

Ashoka Chakra denotes ethical governance, constitutional values.
Radiating neural flares signify AI’s multilingual, cross-sector transformative reach.

Global Standing

Summit displays India’s leadership push in responsible, inclusive AI within Global South narrative.
Seven-Chakra framework aims for tangible, cooperative AI outcomes among participating nations.

Key Data Points

Feature	Data-Point
Host ministry	MeitY
Summit date & place	Feb 2026, New Delhi
Global first	1st AI summit hosted by a Global South nation
Official logo	Ashoka Chakra + neural-network flares
Guiding principles	People, Planet, Progress
Implementation blocks	Seven “Chakras” for multilateral cooperation
Flagship initiatives	3 (Pitch Fest UDAAN, Innovation Challenges, AI Expo)
Indigenous AI models	8 foundational projects
Pitch Fest focus	Tier 2 & Tier 3 AI startups

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

UPSC 2025PYQ 1

ग्रैण्ड पैलै (Grand Palais) पेरिस में नवम्बर 2025 में आयोजित होने वाले AI शिखर सम्मेलन के सन्दर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए : I. भारत के प्रधानमंत्री ने ब्रिटेन में 2023 में सम्पन्न सम्मेलन सहित 2024 में भारत द्वारा किए गए प्रयासों का विवरण प्रस्तुत किया। II. अन्य देशों के साथ-साथ US और UK ने UK में सम्पन्न AI शिखर सम्मेलन पर सहमति व्यक्त की। उपयुक्त कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से सही है/हैं?

UPSC 2024PYQ 2

Which of the following statements about GPAI (Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence) is/are correct? 1. It is a multi-stakeholder initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting edge research. 2. The Annual GPAI Summit was held at New Delhi in December 2023. Select the answer using the code given below:

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