UPSC Current Affairs 13 April 2026

• Strategic Partnership: This exercise is a key component of the growing defence cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.
• Counter-Terror Focus: The current news highlights the participation of infantry combat vehicles and specialized counter-insurgency units from both nations.
• Regional Security: In the context of the evolving security situation in Central Asia, this exercise is seen as a move to strengthen bilateral military ties and interoperability. 

• India: Represented by the Indian Army (often units from the Jat Regiment or Garhwal Rifles).
• Uzbekistan: Represented by the Uzbekistan Armed Forces. 

• Counter-Terrorism: Training for joint operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate.
• Interoperability: Harmonizing tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) between the two armies.
• Combat Skills: Sharing expertise in sniping, counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) operations, and close-quarter combat.
• Military Diplomacy: Strengthening the "Strategic Partnership" and enhancing trust between the two countries. 

• First Edition: Launched in November 2019 at Chirchiq Training Area near Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
• Frequency: It is an annual event (though shifted occasionally due to the pandemic).
• Alternating Venues: The exercise alternates between India and Uzbekistan.
  • 2019: Uzbekistan
  • 2021: India (Ranikhet)
  • 2022: Uzbekistan (Yangiarik)
  • 2023: India (Pithoragarh)
  • 2024: Uzbekistan (Termez) 

• Field Training Exercise (FTX): Includes validation of physical fitness and tactical drills.
• Command Post Exercise (CPX): Focuses on joint planning and execution of counter-terrorist missions.
• Specialized Drills: Search and cordon operations, room intervention, and heliborne operations. 

• Central Asia Outreach: Part of India’s "Connect Central Asia" policy to balance regional influence.
• Shared Concerns: Both nations share concerns regarding extremism and stability in the neighbouring Afghan region.
• Defence Exports: Provides a platform for India to showcase its indigenous defence equipment to Central Asian partners. 

• Cultural Milestone: The 2026 celebrations have seen a massive revival in traditional attire and folk music, with the Tripura state government sponsoring large-scale "Bizu Melas" (fairs) to promote tribal tourism.
• Symbol of Unity: The festival is currently being highlighted as a platform for communal harmony among the different indigenous tribes of Northeast India.
• Global Recognition: UNESCO and international cultural observers have shown increased interest in the "Phool Bizu" ritual as a unique example of eco-centric traditional practices. 

• Primary Group: Celebrated by the Chakma people, the largest ethnic group in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and a significant community in Tripura, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Significance: It marks the end of the Bengali year and the start of the Chakma New Year. 

1. Phool Bizu (April 13):

• The first day is dedicated to flowers.
• People clean their houses and decorate them with flowers.
• Ritual: Offerings of flowers are made to rivers and water bodies to pray for peace and prosperity.

2. Mul Bizu (April 14):

• The "Main" day of the festival.
• Food: A special mixed vegetable dish called "Pajon" is prepared, made with over 20-30 different types of herbs and vegetables.
• Culture: Traditional dances like the Bizu Dance are performed to the beats of drums (Dhol) and flutes.
• Social: People visit friends and relatives to share food and seek blessings from elders.

3. Gojjepojje Bizu (April 15):

• The "Day of Relaxation" or the first day of the New Year.
• It is a day for spiritual reflection, visiting temples (Kyangs), and offering charity to the monks.
• Marriages and new ventures are often planned for after this day. 

• Pajon: This vegetarian delicacy is the heart of the festival. It is believed that eating Pajon on Bizu prevents diseases for the rest of the year.
• Bizu Dance: Characterized by graceful movements, it often depicts the daily life and agricultural practices (Jhum cultivation) of the Chakma people.
• Traditional Dress: Women wear the Phinon and Haadi (handwoven textiles), showcasing vibrant traditional patterns. 

• Agricultural Cycle: It marks the transition from the old harvest season to the preparation for new cultivation.
• Ecological Respect: The ritual of offering flowers to the river highlights the community's deep-rooted respect for nature and water sources.
• Social Cohesion: It acts as a bridge to pass on ancestral oral traditions and songs to the younger generation.

• PNS Command Induction: The Indian Navy inducted a new squadron of ALH MK-III helicopters at INS Utkrosh in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to bolster security in the Malacca Strait.
• Medical Evacuation Milestone: The ALH MK-III was recently lauded for a high-altitude "life-saving mission" in the Lakshadweep archipelago, utilizing its advanced medical intensive care unit (MICU).
• Export Interest: Reports suggest that several Southeast Asian and African nations have entered formal talks with HAL to procure the MK-III variant following its successful performance in sea-state 5 conditions.
• Indigenization Push: The news highlights the integration of a new indigenous glass cockpit and advanced sensors, reducing dependency on foreign components. 

• Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Type: A multi-role, multi-mission helicopter in the 5.5-ton class.
• Engine: Powered by twin 'Shakti' engines, jointly developed by HAL and Safran (France).
• Variant Focus: Unlike the MK-I and MK-II, the MK-III is the advanced high-altitude and maritime version. 

• Advanced Avionics: Equipped with a full Glass Cockpit, integrated architecture display system, and digital moving map.
• Sensors: Features a high-performance Electro-Optical (EO) pod, a surveillance radar, and a nose-mounted Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance (LRMR) radar.
• Night Operations: Includes advanced Night Vision Goggles (NVG) compatibility and Infrared (IR) cameras for 24/7 search and rescue.
• Electronic Warfare: Outfitted with a modern Electronic Warfare (EW) suite, including a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and Flare/Chaff dispensers for self-protection. 

• Search and Rescue (SAR): Features an external Rescue Hoist capable of lifting 270 kg.
• Surveillance: Used for tracking illegal fishing, anti-smuggling operations, and monitoring Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).
• Medical Evacuation: Can be quickly converted into an Air Ambulance with a removable Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU).
• Load Carrying: Capable of transporting 14 fully equipped troops or underslung loads. 

• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Represents a major success in the "Make in India" initiative for defense aviation.
• Versatility: It bridges the gap between smaller utility helicopters and heavy-lift choppers.
• Regional Dominance: Its deployment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) provides India with superior tactical awareness over large sea areas. 

• Two Names, One Species: In North America, they are called Caribou; in Europe and Asia, they are called Reindeer.
• Unique Antlers: They are the only deer species where both males and females grow antlers.
• Hoof Design: Their large, concave hooves act like natural snowshoes in winter and paddles for swimming in summer.
• Vision: They are among the few mammals capable of seeing ultraviolet (UV) light, helping them spot white lichen and predators (like wolves) against the white snow. 

• Boreal (Woodland) Caribou: Live in the dense forests of Canada and the northern US; they are largely sedentary.
• Tundra (Barren-ground) Caribou: Famous for massive migrations across the Arctic tundra.
• Peary Caribou: The smallest subspecies, found only in the high Arctic islands of Canada. 

• Distance: Some herds travel over 3,000 miles (4,800 km) a year—the longest land migration of any terrestrial mammal.
• Social Structure: They travel in massive herds (sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands) to protect themselves from predators. 

• Climate Change: Melting permafrost and "rain-on-snow" events freeze the ground, making it impossible for them to dig for food (lichen).
• Habitat Fragmentation: Roads, pipelines, and logging disrupt migration routes and make it easier for wolves to hunt them.
• Predation: Rising temperatures have allowed white-tailed deer to move north, bringing parasites and attracting more wolves into caribou territory. 

• Keystone Species: They are vital to the Arctic food web, providing a primary food source for wolves, bears, and indigenous communities.
• Indigenous Connection: For groups like the Gwich'in and Inuit, the caribou is central to their diet, clothing, and spiritual identity (often called the "Caribou People"). 

• Record Collections: The temple’s latest hundi counting in early April 2026 revealed a record-breaking collection of over ₹4.5 crore in a single month, attributed to the heavy influx of devotees during the summer holidays and the "Shakti" scheme (free bus travel for women).
• Development Authority Bill: There is an ongoing legal and political debate regarding the Chamundi Hill Temple Development Authority, as the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru has expressed concerns over government intervention in temple administration.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: The Karnataka government recently approved a ₹50 crore project for the "Integrated Development of Chamundi Hills" under the PRASHAD scheme to improve pilgrim amenities and eco-tourism.
• Environmental Concerns: Environmentalists are currently protesting proposed ropeway projects at the hill, citing the fragile ecology and potential for landslides during the upcoming monsoon. 

• The Deity: Dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari (a fierce form of Shakti), the patron deity of the Mysuru Royal Family and the "Nada Devate" (State Deity) of Karnataka.
• Shakti Peetha: It is considered one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, where the hair of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen.
• Legend: The temple marks the spot where the Goddess killed the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura, giving the city of Mysuru its name (from Mahishuru). 

• Origin: The original shrine is over 1,000 years old, initially built by the Hoysala rulers.
• Gopuram: The magnificent 7-tier tall tower (Gopuram) was built by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III in 1827.
• Statue of Nandi: Halfway up the hill sits a massive monolithic Nandi (Lord Shiva’s bull), carved out of a single boulder in 1659. It is one of the largest in India.
• The Steps: There are 1,008 ancient stone steps leading to the summit, built by Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar. 

• Mysuru Dasara: The temple is the focal point of the world-famous 10-day Dasara festival. On "Vijayadashami," the idol is placed in a 750-kg golden howdah on an elephant.
• Ashada Shukravara: The Fridays of the Hindu month of Ashada (July-August) are the most auspicious days, attracting lakhs of devotees.
• Chamundi Jayanti: Celebrates the birthday of the Goddess with special rituals and a golden palanquin procession. 

• Location: 13 km from Mysuru city, Karnataka.
• Timing: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM; 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM; 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred; modest clothing is mandatory for entry into the inner sanctum. 

• Cultural Icon: The temple is the primary symbol of Mysuru's heritage and the Wadiyar dynasty's legacy.
• Economy: It is one of the highest revenue-generating temples for the Karnataka Muzrai Department. 

• "Canaries Has a Limit" Protests: On April 20, 2026 (upcoming/planned), massive demonstrations are scheduled across the islands. Residents are protesting against mass tourism, demanding a "tourist tax" and a moratorium on new hotel constructions due to rising housing costs and environmental strain.
• Migration Record: The islands are facing a record-breaking surge in arrivals. In the first quarter of 2026, over 18,000 migrants arrived via the "Atlantic Route," the highest number ever recorded for this period, straining local reception centers.
• Volcanic Monitoring: Scientists at Involcan have recently reported "slight seismic swarms" near Mount Teide and La Palma, leading to increased monitoring, though the alert level remains Green (Normal).
• Sustainable Energy Hub: The islands are in the news for the successful testing of the first large-scale offshore floating wind farm in the Atlantic, aiming to make the archipelago 100% renewable-dependent by 2040. 

• Political Status: An Autonomous Community of Spain and an Outermost Region of the European Union.
• Location: Located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 100 km west of Morocco and Western Sahara.
• The Islands: Comprises eight main islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Graciosa.
• Capitals: The islands share two capitals: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. 

• Volcanic Origin: All islands are volcanic. Mount Teide (Tenerife) is the highest peak in Spain and the third-tallest volcanic structure in the world.
• Climate: Known as the "Islands of Eternal Spring" due to mild temperatures year-round.
• Biodiversity: Home to four National Parks, including the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park and the prehistoric laurel forests of Garajonay. 

• Tourism: The primary industry, accounting for over 35% of the GDP. Over 15 million tourists visit annually.
• Agriculture: Famous for Canary Bananas, tomatoes, and Malvasia wine.
• Astrophysics: One of the best places in the world for stargazing; home to the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (La Palma). 

• The Atlantic Route: Considered the most dangerous sea route to Europe. Migrants depart from Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco to reach the islands.
• Water Scarcity: Due to low rainfall and high tourist demand, the islands rely heavily on expensive desalination plants. 

• Appearance: A medium-sized stork (75–90 cm tall).
• Distinct Features:
  • Named for its white, woolly neck.
  • Has a black "skull cap" on its head.
  • The rest of its body is dark plumaged with a distinct greenish-purple iridescence.
  • Features a deep red or orange iris and long, dark legs. 

• Range: Found across South and Southeast Asia (India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand) and Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Environment: Traditionally associated with freshwater wetlands, marshes, and rivers, but now frequently found in paddy fields, irrigation canals, and even urban gardens. 

• Carnivorous: Feeds on frogs, snakes, lizards, large insects, and mollusks.
• Solitary Hunter: Unlike many other storks that forage in huge flocks, the Woolly-Necked Stork is often seen hunting alone or in pairs.
• Non-Migratory: In many parts of India, they are resident birds, staying in the same territory year-round if water is available. 

• Nesting: Builds large stick nests. Historically used tall trees like Peepal or Semal; recently adapted to power pylons and telecommunication towers.
• Season: In India, they generally breed during the monsoon season (July to September), but urban pairs have been observed nesting as early as February. 

• IUCN Red List: Currently listed as Near Threatened (NT) globally.
• Threats:
  • Habitat Loss: Draining of wetlands for construction.
  • Pesticides: Chemical runoff in rice paddies affecting their food source.
  • Electrocution: Increasing risk as they use power lines and towers for nesting. 

• Natural Pest Control: They are highly beneficial to farmers as they eat large quantities of crop-damaging insects and snails, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. 

• Type: Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM).
• Propulsion: Solid-fuelled, which allows for rapid launch with little to no preparation time compared to liquid-fuelled missiles.
• Range: Estimated between 450 km to 800 km, depending on the payload weight.
• Payload: Capable of carrying conventional high explosives, submunitions, or tactical nuclear warheads. 

• Quasi-Ballistic Trajectory: Unlike traditional missiles that follow a fixed arc, the KN-23 can perform a "pull-up" maneuver during its terminal phase. This low-altitude flight path makes it extremely difficult for radar to track and intercept.
• Launch Platforms: Highly mobile; it can be launched from:
  • Wheeled TELs (Transporter Erector Launchers).
  • Tracked vehicles for off-road mobility.
  • Rail-mobile launchers (train-based).
  • Underwater silos (experimental variants).

• South Korea Focus: Its range specifically targets the entire Korean Peninsula, including key US military bases in Pyeongtaek and Daegu.
• Second-Strike Capability: Because it is solid-fuelled and mobile, it is considered a "survivable" weapon that can be hidden in tunnels and launched quickly during a conflict.

• Russian Connection: The Hwasong-11Ga bears a striking visual and functional resemblance to the Russian 9K720 Iskander-M, leading to long-standing debates about technology transfer or reverse-engineering.

• Lowered Nuclear Threshold: By labelling these as "tactical" weapons, North Korea signals it might use nuclear weapons early in a conventional conflict.
• Overwhelming Defences: Proliferation of these missiles allows North Korea to launch "saturation attacks," firing multiple missiles simultaneously to overwhelm Aegis or THAAD defence systems.

• Scientific Name: Morchella esculenta (and related species).
• Common Names: Morel, Guchchi (India), Sponge Mushroom.
• Appearance: Distinctive honeycomb-like cap with ridges and pits; the body is hollow from top to bottom.
• Taste: Prized for its earthy, nutty, and smoky flavour with a meaty texture. 

• Geography: Primarily found in the high-altitude forests of the Himalayas (J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand).
• Unique Growth Conditions: They grow wild in conifer forests, often appearing in areas recently affected by forest fires or near melting snow.
• Season: A very short window during the spring (March to May). 

• World's Costliest: It is one of the most expensive mushrooms globally because it cannot yet be mass-produced in factories like button mushrooms.
• Livelihood: For many Himalayan tribes and forest dwellers, gathering Guchchi is a primary source of annual income.
• Export: India exports a significant portion of its wild morels to France, Switzerland, and Italy, where they are a staple in gourmet French cuisine. 

• Nutrient Dense: Rich in Vitamin D, Copper, and Iron.
• Antioxidants: High levels of antioxidants that help in heart health and reducing inflammation.
• Immunity: Traditionally used in Himalayan medicine to treat colds, body aches, and to boost general vitality. 

• Over-harvesting: High prices lead to "over-foraging," where even immature mushrooms are picked, preventing spores from spreading for the next year.
• Climate Change: Morchella is extremely sensitive to soil moisture; early springs and lack of winter "chill" are destroying their natural habitat.
• Counterfeits: High-grade Himalayan morels are often mixed with inferior species or dried incorrectly, affecting quality. 

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