CA-06/02/2026
Contents
1. BSNL's 4G stack
2. Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Seventh Amendment) Regulations, 2026
3. National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM),
4. Chola Temples
5. Mount Aconcagua
6. North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity e-Connect (NERACE) app
7. Prithvi Vigyan (PRITHVI) Scheme
8. Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)
9. Hakki Pikki tribe
10. SAMRIDH programme
Why in news?
BSNL's 4G stack expansion continues into 2026 with indigenous technology. As of early 2026, BSNL has deployed around 98,000 live 4G sites nationwide, using a fully software-upgradable stack developed by a TCS-Tejas Networks-C-DoT consortium.​
About BSNL 4G Stack
BSNL has launched India’s first fully indigenous 4G stack, a cloud-native, 5G-ready telecom system developed entirely with homegrown technology. It includes nearly 98,000 towers already commissioned, marking India’s entry into the elite group of nations with their own telecom stack.
- Architecture: Cloud-native, scalable, and 5G-ready.
- Purpose: To achieve strategic autonomy and reduce dependence on foreign telecom equipment.
Significance
- Global Standing: India becomes the 5th country worldwide to build and deploy its own telecom stack.
- Digital Sovereignty: Reduces reliance on foreign vendors like Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, and ZTE.
- Resilience: Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure supply-chain independence.
- Future Ready: Designed to seamlessly upgrade to 5G and 6G networks.
Impact on India
- Economic: Boosts domestic manufacturing and reduces import costs.
- Strategic: Enhances national security by controlling telecom infrastructure.
- Technological: Encourages innovation and positions India as a telecom technology exporter.
- Deployment: Over 97,500–98,000 towers already commissioned across India. Firstpost
Challenges & Considerations
- Competition: Private operators (Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea) already have advanced 4G/5G networks.
- Adoption: BSNL must ensure quality of service and competitive pricing to attract users.
- Scaling: Smooth nationwide rollout and transition to 5G will be critical.
Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Seventh Amendment) Regulations, 2026
Why in news?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Seventh Amendment) Regulations, 2026 on 5 February 2026. The amendment primarily strengthens audit provisions, curbs repetitive audits, introduces infrastructure-sharing rules, and eases compliance for smaller distributors.
Key Highlights of the Seventh Amendment (2026)
1. Audit Framework Revisions
- Improved audit provisions: Updates to the 2017 Interconnection Regulations and audit manual for greater transparency.
- Reduced repetitive audits: Distributors of Programming Services (DPOs) will face fewer redundant audits, minimizing operational disruption.
- Clearer escalation rules: Defined steps for audit disputes and resolution.
2. Timelines and Compliance
- Tighter audit timelines: Faster completion of audits to avoid prolonged uncertainty.
- Eased compliance for small distributors: Simplified rules to reduce the burden on smaller players in the broadcasting ecosystem.
3. Infrastructure Sharing
- New provisions for infrastructure sharing: Encourages resource optimization among service providers, reducing costs and duplication.
Importance
- For Broadcasters & DPOs: Reduced audit fatigue and clearer compliance pathways.
- For Consumers: More efficient operations could translate into better service quality and potentially lower costs.
- For Regulators: Stronger confidence in audit outcomes and improved oversight of addressable systems.
Risks & Challenges
- Implementation hurdles: Smaller DPOs may still face challenges in adapting to new audit processes despite eased compliance.
- Infrastructure sharing disputes: Clear rules exist, but practical enforcement may require further guidelines.
- Stakeholder confidence: Success depends on consistent enforcement and transparent communication from TRAI.
National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM)
Why in news?
The National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM), under India's Ministry of Culture, continues to advance in 2026 with significant progress in documenting rural cultural heritage. A key update from February 5, 2026, highlights the Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) programme, which has mapped over 4.8 lakh villages, capturing traditions, folklore, and art forms across 32.87 lakh sq km.
About National Cultural Mapping
National Cultural Mapping is a systematic process of identifying, documenting, and analyzing cultural resources within a country. It’s often carried out by governments, cultural institutions, or researchers to preserve heritage and strengthen national identity.
Key Objectives
- Preservation: Safeguard tangible and intangible cultural heritage (monuments, traditions, languages, rituals).
- Planning: Provide data for cultural policies, tourism, and education.
- Identity: Strengthen national pride and unity by recognizing diverse cultural expressions.
- Development: Use culture as a driver for sustainable development and creative industries.
Components of Cultural Mapping
| Category |
Examples |
| Tangible Heritage |
Monuments, temples, forts, museums, artifacts |
| Intangible Heritage |
Folklore, oral traditions, music, dance, rituals |
| Natural Heritage |
Sacred landscapes, rivers, forests |
| Living Traditions |
Crafts, festivals, culinary practices |
| Contemporary Culture |
Literature, film, digital art, fashion |
Methods Used
- Surveys & Fieldwork: Collecting data from communities.
- GIS & Digital Tools: Mapping cultural sites geographically.
- Community Participation: Engaging locals to share traditions and stories.
- Archival Research: Using historical records and documents.
Why in news?
The Chola Temples, known as the Great Living Chola Temples, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tamil Nadu, India, built between the 11th–12th centuries by the Chola dynasty. They are masterpieces of Dravidian architecture and remain active places of worship today.
Key Temples of the Chola Dynasty
| Temple |
Location |
Built By |
Highlights |
| Brihadisvara Temple (Thanjavur) |
Thanjavur |
Rajaraja I (completed 1010 CE) |
Towering 66 m vimana (sanctum tower), massive Nandi statue, intricate frescoes. |
| Brihadisvara Temple (Gangaikondacholapuram) |
Ariyalur District |
Rajendra I (completed 1035 CE) |
53 m vimana with graceful curves, sculptures depicting Shaivism, built to commemorate Chola victories. |
| Airavatesvara Temple (Darasuram) |
Kumbakonam |
Rajaraja II (12th century) |
24 m vimana, exquisite stone carvings, musical steps that produce notes when tapped. |
Architectural Significance
- Dravidian Style: These temples represent the pinnacle of South Indian temple architecture, with towering vimanas, pillared halls, and detailed sculptures.
- Sculptural Detail: Walls and pillars depict mythological stories, daily life, and artistic motifs.
- Engineering Marvels: The Brihadisvara Temple’s dome was constructed using interlocking stones without mortar.
- Living Heritage: Unlike many ancient monuments, these temples are still active centers of worship and cultural life.
Cultural Importance
- Religious Role: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, they remain important pilgrimage sites.
- Political Symbolism: Built to showcase Chola power, wealth, and devotion.
- Economic & Cultural Hubs: Temples were centers for art, music, dance, and even administration during the Chola reign.
Why in news?
The 2026 Aconcagua season has been unusually dry and cold, leading to more altitude-related issues like pulmonary edema and frostbite, with over 50 evacuations reported by early January.
About Mount Aconcagua
Mount Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in South America and the highest peak outside Asia, standing at about 6,962–6,967 meters (22,837–22,858 feet) in Argentina. It is part of the Andes range and is considered one of the “Seven Summits,” the highest mountains on each continent.
Key Facts
- Location: Mendoza Province, Argentina, close to Santiago, Chile.
- Range: Principal Cordillera, Andes Mountains.
- Prominence: 6,962 m, making it one of the most prominent peaks in the world.
- Isolation: ~16,533 km, ranking it among the most isolated peaks globally.
- First Recorded Ascent: 1897 by Matthias Zurbriggen.
- Easiest Route: Northwest route (scramble, non-technical).
- Name Origin: Possibly from Quechua Ackon Cahuak, meaning “Sentinel of Stone.”
Importance
- Seven Summits Challenge: Aconcagua is one of the seven continental summits, making it a major goal for mountaineers worldwide.
- Tallest Outside Asia: While Asia dominates the list of the world’s tallest peaks, Aconcagua is the highest mountain outside that continent.
- Accessibility: Unlike Everest or K2, climbing Aconcagua does not require advanced technical skills, though altitude and weather make it challenging.
North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity e-Connect (NERACE) app
Why in news?
The North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity e-Connect (NERACE) app and portal reached full operational status in early 2026, linking Northeast farmers directly with nationwide buyers.
About NERACE App
The North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity e-Connect (NERACE) app is a digital marketplace launched in July 2024 to connect farmers and agri-producers from India’s North Eastern Region with buyers nationwide, offering real-time trading of fresh and processed agricultural products. It was developed by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi) and funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
Key Highlights
- Launch Date: 12 July 2024, Shillong
- Developed by: NEDFi, funded by NEC (MDoNER)
- Purpose: Provide market linkage for agricultural and horticultural products from the North Eastern Region (NER).
- Platform: Available as both a web portal and mobile app (Google Play).
Features for Farmers & Sellers
- Easy Registration: Farmers and producer groups can quickly onboard.
- Product Listing: Ability to showcase fresh and processed commodities (pineapple, ginger, turmeric, etc.).
- Auction & Bidding: Sellers can participate in transparent auctions to maximize returns.
- Market Expansion: Connects local producers to national and potentially global buyers.
Features for Buyers
- Comprehensive Product Selection: Wide range of commodities from NER, including raw and processed goods.
- Real-Time Purchase: Instant notifications on product availability and trading status.
- Profile Creation: Buyers can set up profiles to streamline procurement.
Importance
- Boosts Farmers’ Income: By reducing middlemen and offering direct access to buyers.
- Promotes NER Specialties: Products like pineapple (high sweetness, low fiber) and ginger (high oleoresin, strong aroma) are highlighted for their global appeal.
- Supports Digital Inclusion: Encourages adoption of e-commerce in rural and semi-urban areas.
Challenges & Considerations
- Digital Literacy: Farmers may need training to use the app effectively.
- Logistics & Infrastructure: Transport and cold storage facilities are crucial for perishable goods.
- Market Awareness: Buyers outside NER need confidence in product quality and supply chain reliability.
Prithvi Vigyan (PRITHVI) Scheme
Why in news?
The Prithvi Vigyan (PRITHVI) Scheme is a flagship initiative of India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, approved in January 2024 with a budget of ₹4,797 crore, aimed at strengthening Earth system science research and services across atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth. It supports weather forecasting, climate research, ocean services, and disaster risk reduction.
Key Highlights of the PRITHVI Scheme
Objectives
- Enhance long-term Earth observations across atmosphere, ocean, land, and cryosphere.
- Improve forecasting services for weather, climate, and ocean conditions.
- Support disaster risk reduction (cyclones, floods, heatwaves, etc.).
- Advance research in Earth sciences to strengthen India’s resilience and preparedness.
Benefits for India
- Better disaster preparedness: Early warnings for cyclones, floods, and heatwaves.
- Aviation & transport safety: Real-time weather services for airports and heliports.
- Marine economy support: Ocean forecasts for fishermen and shipping industries.
- Climate resilience: Long-term data for policy and planning.
- Scientific advancement: Strengthens India’s role in global Earth science research.
Risks & Challenges
- Implementation gaps: Targets like installation of weather radars sometimes fall short (e.g., 247 installed vs. 292 planned in FY 2024–25).
- High dependency on technology: Requires continuous upgrades and skilled manpower.
- Climate uncertainty: Despite improved models, extreme events may remain unpredictable.
Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)
Why in news?
The Ministry of Tourism approved homestay development projects under PM-JUGA in five states/UTs—Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir—during FY 2025-26 as part of the Swadesh Darshan sub-scheme.
About PMJUGA
Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in September 2024 with a massive outlay of ₹79,156 crore to uplift tribal communities by saturating development in over 63,000 tribal-majority villages across India. It aims to benefit more than 5 crore tribal people by improving education, healthcare, nutrition, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
Key Features of PMJUGA
- Launch & Approval
- Approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 September 2024.
- Announced in the Union Budget 2024–25.
- Budget & Funding
- Total Outlay: ₹79,156 crore.
- Central Share: ₹56,333 crore.
- State Share: ₹22,823 crore.
- Coverage
- Villages: ~63,000 tribal-majority villages.
- Beneficiaries: Over 5 crore tribal people.
- Geographic Reach: 549 districts, 2,740 blocks across 30 States/UTs.
Objectives
- Saturation Approach: Ensure every tribal family in target villages receives benefits.
- Socio-Economic Development: Improve access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and livelihood opportunities.
- Integration with Existing Schemes: Links with Poshan Abhiyan, Forest Rights Act (2006), Swadesh Darshan, Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana, and initiatives against sickle cell disease.
- Infrastructure Development: Focus on roads, electricity, clean drinking water, and digital connectivity.
Importance
- Tribal Population Context: India’s Scheduled Tribe population is 10.45 crore (2011 Census), about 8.6% of the total population.
- Challenges: Many tribal communities live in remote areas with limited access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
- Policy Evolution: Builds on earlier efforts like the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) and Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST), but with stronger saturation and accountability mechanisms.
Potential Impact
| Area of Focus |
Expected Benefits |
| Healthcare |
Better immunisation, tackling sickle cell disease, improved health infrastructure |
| Education |
Enhanced school access, scholarships, digital learning |
| Nutrition |
Integration with Poshan Abhiyan for maternal & child health |
| Livelihoods |
Skill development, self-help groups, entrepreneurship support |
| Infrastructure |
Roads, electricity, clean water, housing, digital connectivity |
Risks & Challenges
- Implementation Complexity: Covering 63,000 villages across diverse geographies requires strong coordination.
- Monitoring & Accountability: Ensuring saturation without leakages or duplication.
- Local Adaptation: Tribal customs and cultural practices must be respected while implementing schemes.
Why in news?
In early 2026, eight members of Karnataka's Hakki Pikki tribal community became stranded in Central Africa, specifically Chad, after their visas expired on December 22, 2025.
About Hakki Pikki tribe
The Hakki Pikki are a semi-nomadic tribal community in Karnataka, India, traditionally known as “bird catchers.” Today, they are recognized for their herbal medicine trade, unique marriage customs, and resilience despite facing modern challenges such as livelihood insecurity and visa issues abroad.
Origins and Identity
- Name meaning: In Kannada, Hakki = bird, Pikki = to catch → “bird catchers.”
- Population: Around 11,892 people, mainly in Shimoga, Davanagere, and Mysore districts of Karnataka.
- Language: They speak Vaagri Booli, an Indo-Aryan language similar to Gujarati.
- History: Believed to be descendants of Rajput warrior clans linked to Rana Pratap of Mewar, who dispersed across India after his death.
Social and Cultural Life
- Clans: The tribe is divided into four clans with a hierarchical structure.
- Marriage customs: Practice cross-cousin marriages and often follow matriarchal traditions.
- Religion: Primarily Hindu, with worship of clan deities and spiritual leaders like Dadaji.
- Lifestyle: Traditionally hunters and bird catchers, now semi-nomadic, often moving for trade and livelihood.
Modern Occupations
- Shift from hunting: Many have transitioned to herbal medicine trade, selling traditional remedies both in India and abroad.
- Foreign travel: Groups frequently travel to African countries to sell herbal products. This has led to challenges such as visa crises and legal issues.
- Local challenges: Struggles with housing, civic amenities, and education access remain pressing issues.
Why in news?
In early February 2026, the SAMRIDH programme, run by India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), marked a key milestone by supporting 373 startups with over Rs 93.75 crore in funding.
About SAMRIDH programme
The SAMRIDH programme (Startup Accelerator of MeitY for Product Innovation, Development, and Growth) is launched to support startups with funding, mentorship, and accelerator partnerships. It has already supported over 370 startups across India with more than ₹93 crore disbursed.
Key Highlights
- Launched by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- Objective: To accelerate startups in high-impact sectors like Health-tech, Ed-tech, Agri-tech, Fintech, Consumer-tech, SaaS, and Sustainability.
- Funding Support:
- Up to ₹40 lakh per startup as matching funds.
- ₹2 lakh per accelerator for operational support.
- Accelerator Network: 43 accelerators selected across 16 states (out of 186 applicants).
- Startups Supported: 373 startups incubated so far.
- Total Disbursement: Around ₹93.75 crore in the last five years.
Programme Goals
- Scale India’s digital economy by nurturing innovative startups.
- Provide mentorship, market access, and investor connections.
- Build globally competitive solutions from India in emerging tech sectors.
- Focus on social impact and sustainability-driven innovation.
Challenges & Considerations
- Limited reach: While 373 startups have been supported, India has thousands of early-stage startups needing similar help.
- Dependence on accelerators: Success depends heavily on the quality of accelerator partners.
- Funding cap: ₹40 lakh per startup may be insufficient for scaling in capital-intensive sectors like deep-tech or hardware.
Question & Answer
Question 1. Consider the significance of the indigenous 4G telecom stack deployment by BSNL in the context of India's strategic goals. Which of the following statements accurately reflects its primary importance?
Select your answer:
A) It ensures immediate cost parity with established international 5G providers.
B) It positions India as the first nation globally to develop a fully cloud-native telecom architecture.
C) It substantially reduces dependence on foreign vendors, thereby bolstering digital sovereignty and supply-chain resilience.
D) It mandates the immediate phasing out of all existing private sector telecom infrastructure.
Explanation: (C)
The primary significance of the indigenous BSNL 4G stack, developed by the TCS-Tejas-C-DoT consortium, is achieving strategic autonomy by reducing reliance on foreign vendors (like Nokia, Ericsson), enhancing national security, and ensuring supply-chain independence, making India the fifth nation with its own stack.
Question 2. Mount Aconcagua holds significant geographical distinction due to its location and elevation. Which of the following best describes its status relative to other global peaks?
Select your answer:
A) It is the highest peak in Asia and the second highest overall.
B) It is the highest peak in South America and the highest peak situated outside the continent of Asia.
C) It is the highest peak in the African continent, located in the Atlas mountain range.
D) It is renowned for being the only continental summit that requires advanced technical climbing skills.
Explanation: (B)
Mount Aconcagua is the tallest mountain in South America (part of the Andes) and is recognized as the highest peak outside of Asia, making it a key component of the Seven Summits challenge. Option (a) and (c) are incorrect regarding its location and continent. Option (d) is incorrect as its main route is typically a non-technical scramble.
Question 3. The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Seventh Amendment) Regulations, 2026, issued by TRAI, primarily aims to overhaul which aspect of the broadcasting ecosystem?
Select your answer:
A) Setting maximum retail prices for DTH subscription packages across India.
B) Simplifying spectrum allocation norms for 6G trials in urban clusters.
C) Revising the audit framework for addressable systems to reduce operational disruption for distributors.
D) Standardizing the content monetization models for OTT service providers.
Explanation: (C)
The Seventh Amendment Regulations, 2026, specifically strengthened audit provisions for addressable systems, aimed at improving transparency, reducing repetitive audits for DPOs (Distributors of Programming Services), and introducing infrastructure-sharing rules, thereby easing compliance burdens.
Question 4. The Great Living Chola Temples, exemplary of the Dravidian style, exhibit several architectural characteristics. Which feature specifically highlights the engineering prowess of the builders, particularly at the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur?
Select your answer:
A) The presence of musical steps that produce distinct notes when tapped.
B) The towering 66-meter vimana constructed using interlocking stones without mortar.
C) The extensive use of marble instead of granite for the main sanctum structure.
D) The integrated system of hydraulic channels beneath the main gopuram.
Explanation: (B)
The Brihadisvara Temple's dome (shikhara) is often cited as an engineering marvel, reportedly constructed using interlocking stones weighing around 80 tonnes, fitted together without the use of mortar. Option (a) refers to the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram. Option (c) is factually incorrect regarding the primary material used.
Question 5. The North Eastern Region Agri-Commodity e-Connect (NERACE) application was developed by NEDFi with NEC funding. Its core economic contribution to the NER lies in addressing which specific structural challenge?
Select your answer:
A) It centralizes the control of seed distribution to ensure uniformity across horticultural practices.
B) It removes intermediaries by providing direct digital linkage between local producers and nationwide buyers.
C) It mandates the immediate transition of all NER farmers to organic farming practices.
D) It establishes a central cold chain network subsidized entirely by MDoNER.
Explanation: (B)
The NERACE app's primary function is to act as a digital marketplace linking NER farmers/producers directly to buyers nationwide, which serves to reduce the role of middlemen, thereby boosting farmers' income and providing market linkage for specialized products.
Question 6. The National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) utilizes initiatives like 'Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar' to systematically document India’s heritage. This mission’s scope primarily encompasses the documentation of which combination of cultural resources?
Select your answer:
A) Only registered archaeological sites and officially recognized classical art forms.
B) Tangible heritage, intangible heritage (like folklore), and living traditions across rural settings.
C) Industrial heritage, modern digital art installations, and contemporary literature only.
D) Major architectural monuments and geological formations as defined by the Ministry of Tourism.
Explanation: (B)
The NMCM aims for a systematic documentation covering tangible heritage (monuments), intangible heritage (folklore, oral traditions), natural heritage, and living traditions (crafts, culinary practices) through extensive fieldwork, which is demonstrated by the MGMD program capturing rural traditions.
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