UPSC Current Affairs 25 April 2026

• Participants: Ministers and senior officials from 9 states and UTs, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Chandigarh.
• Purpose: Part of a nationwide series of zonal conferences to prepare for the National Kharif Conference (scheduled for May 28-29, 2026, in Delhi).

• State-Wise Roadmap: Shifting from a "one-size-fits-all" approach to a collective, region-driven strategy based on local soil and climate.
• Kharif & Rabi Planning: Developing more effective and practical seasonal planning for North India.
• Digital Empowerment: Promoting the Farmer ID (linked to 17 facilities) and digital agriculture.
• Lab to Land: Launch of the Viksit Bharat Krishi Abhiyan to deliver research and technology directly to over 60,000 villages. 

• Pulses & Oilseeds: Prioritizing the mission to make India self-reliant in pulse and oilseed production.
• Fertiliser Management: Reviewing chemical fertiliser use, promoting alternatives like Dhaincha seeds, and curbing black marketing.
• Market Linkages: Strengthening connections for farmers to ensure better price realisation for their produce.
• Crop Diversification: Encouraging states to share best practices, such as Punjab's paddy diversification and horticulture techniques in hilly states. 

• Established: April 24, 1961.
• Founder Leaders: Result of an agreement between the Third King of Bhutan (Jigme Dorji Wangchuck) and Jawahar Lal Nehru.
• Nodal Agency: It is an overseas project of India's Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under the Ministry of Defence.
• Headquarters: Simtokha, Thimphu, Bhutan. 

• Connectivity: Tasked with constructing the first motorable roads in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
• Socio-Economic Development: Identifying and building infrastructure to spur national growth.
• Emergency Response: Restoring road connectivity rapidly after natural disasters like landslides. 

• Roads: Over 1,500 km of blacktopped roads, including the vital East-West Highway.
• Aviation: Built the Paro International Airport and Yonphula Airfield.
• Educational Institutions: Construction of Sherubtse College in Kanglung.
• Institutional Hubs: Built the India House Estate (Indian Embassy) in Thimphu.
• Social Impact: Established the first medical and education facilities in many far-flung areas. 

• Takthi Canteen: A famous stop midway between Phuentsholing and Thimphu, known for introducing Indian delicacies like Dosa and Jalebi to Bhutan.
• Sacrifice: Over 1,200 personnel have lost their lives during infrastructure development in the difficult Himalayan terrain.
• Strategic Buffer: Helps maintain critical links near sensitive border regions like the Chumbi Valley. 

• Infrastructure Safety: In February 2021, the 204-metre Wangchhu bridge collapsed in Haa during load testing, resulting in fatalities.
• Quality Concerns: Some local reports have criticized road quality and maintenance speed on the Phuentsholing-Thimphu highway.
• Cultural Sensitivity: An incident involving "tricolour-themed" reflectors on highways led to their immediate replacement by DANTAK after government concerns.

• Theme: "Collaborative Drone-Based Surveillance Radars".
• Primary Objective: To develop a Proof of Concept (PoC) for a swarm of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) that act as an airborne radar.
• Capabilities: These drone swarms must be able to detect, track, and report aerial targets in a contested environment (war zones) and send location data to a central station. 

• Registration for participants is set to begin on April 27, 2026.

• Eligibility: Open to Indian industries, startups, academic institutions, and research establishments.
• Funding: Meritorious participants will receive development funding from the Indian Air Force.
• Rewards: The top three winners will receive prestigious awards and potential procurement contracts. 

• Named After: Air Commodore Mehar Singh (DSO, MVC), a legendary IAF veteran known for the first landing at Leh and the 1947 mission to Srinagar.
• Past Editions:
  • MBC-1 (2018): Focused on Swarm Drones for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
  • MBC-2 (2022): Focused on Swarm Drones for detecting Foreign Object Debris (FOD) on aircraft runways.
• Economic Impact: The first two editions have already generated orders worth nearly ₹2,000 crore for the Indian unmanned systems industry. 

• Indigenous Content: Drones are typically required to have over 60% indigenous content.
• Performance: Expected high-end requirements include long endurance and the ability to operate at high altitudes, though specific "Vision Documents" for MBC-3 outline the precise aerial radar specifications.

• Light over Electricity: Replaces traditional copper wires with microscopic "waveguides" on a silicon chip that carry data via laser light.
• CMOS Compatibility: The biggest advantage is that it can be manufactured in existing semiconductor factories (fabs) using standard Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) wafers.
• Hybrid Integration: Since silicon doesn't naturally emit light, the technology "bonds" other materials like Indium Phosphide (InP) or Germanium onto silicon to act as lasers and detectors. 

• Waveguides: Tiny silicon "pipes" that guide light particles.
• Modulators: Devices that encode data into the light beam (switching it on/off or changing its phase at billions of times per second).
• Photodetectors: Sensors (often made of Germanium) that convert the light back into electrical signals at the destination.
• Optical Couplers: Connectors that bridge the gap between the tiny chip and external fiber-optic cables. 

• Speed: Light travels faster than electrons, eliminating the latency (delay) found in traditional electrical paths.
• Energy Efficiency: Optical links consume roughly 0.1 picojoules per bit, compared to much higher energy requirements for copper over the same distance.
• Bandwidth Density: Thousands of data streams can travel through a single fiber using different colours (wavelengths) of light via Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM).
• No Heat Generation: Unlike copper, light does not heat up the medium it travels through, solving the "thermal ceiling" in high-end GPUs. 

• AI Clusters: Connecting thousands of GPUs to work as a single "super chip" entity.
• Lidar-on-Chip: Making autonomous vehicle sensors 10x smaller and cheaper by putting the laser and sensor on one silicon die.
• Quantum Computing: Using photonic qubits for secure quantum communication and information processing.
• Healthcare: Development of "Lab-on-a-chip" biosensors for real-time glucose monitoring or pathogen detection. 

• Packaging Complexity: Aligning a fiber-optic cable to a silicon chip requires sub-micron precision, making it more difficult than standard electrical soldering.
• Lack of Native Laser: Scientists are still searching for a "killer application" for a purely silicon-based laser; currently, external or bonded light sources are required.
• Standardization Gap: Unlike the mature electronics industry, photonics still lacks a universal set of design rules, though the new PDKs launched this month are a step toward fixing this.

• 33rd Anniversary: 2026 marks 33 years since the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act came into effect in 1993.
• Prime Minister’s Message: A special message from PM Narendra Modi was read out at the national function and disseminated to all local bodies across India.
• Major Releases:
  • Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)-2.0: A performance report for Panchayats nationwide was officially released.
  • Panchayat Dharohar Initiative: Three illustrated books—monographs on the rural heritage of Tripura, Tirupati, and Uttarkashi—were launched.
• Theme for 2026: The theme for this year is "Sashakt Panchayat, Sarvangeen Vikas" (Empowered Panchayats, Holistic Development).

• Constitutional Milestone: Commemorates the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force on April 24, 1993.
• First Celebration: The day was first declared and observed in 2010 by then PM Manmohan Singh.
• Objective: To celebrate democratic decentralisation and empower rural local bodies as the "third tier" of government. 

• Three-Tier System:
  1. Gram Panchayat (Village level).
  2. Panchayat Samiti (Block level).
  3. Zila Parishad (District level).
• Functional Jurisdiction: The 11th Schedule of the Constitution lists 29 subjects (agriculture, health, education) under Panchayat control.
• Social Inclusion: Mandates a 33% reservation for women (increased to 50% in many states like Sikkim and Bihar) and proportional representation for SC/ST communities. 

• e-GramSwaraj: A unified portal for decentralized planning and transparent accounting.
• SVAMITVA Scheme: Uses drone mapping to provide property ownership cards (Record of Rights) to rural citizens.
• Panchayat NIRNAY: A digital application to record and maintain minutes of Gram Sabha meetings for better transparency.
• PANCHAM Chatbot: A recently launched AI tool (in collaboration with UNICEF) to assist Sarpanches with administrative queries in real-time. 

• Popular Name: Often marketed by Indian Oil as "Chhotu".
• Target Audience: Specifically designed for "mobile" populations—students, migrant professionals, and low-income households who lack permanent address proof or have low consumption needs.
• Weight: Standardized as a 5kg mini-cylinder. 

• Minimal Documentation: No address proof is required. A simple Proof of Identity (POI) is sufficient for a new connection.
• Availability: Sold over-the-counter at petrol pumps (Company Owned Retail Outlets), designated distributorships, and even select Kirana (grocery) stores.
• Pricing: Sold at market-driven (non-domestic) prices. Unlike the 14.2kg domestic cylinders, these are typically not subsidized.
• Portability: Its small size makes it easy to transport and ideal for those living in limited spaces or frequently moving. 

• Security Deposit: Often involves a refundable security deposit (approx. ₹900) plus the cost of the gas and a pressure regulator.
• Buyback Plan: Many OMCs offer a buyback option where customers can return the cylinder and get a portion of the security deposit back if they relocate.
• Refill Flexibility: Refills can be taken as needed without a fixed monthly limit, allowing better cash flow management for daily earners. 

• BIS Certified: Manufactured to strict safety standards, often featuring the same safety valves as larger cylinders.
• Optional Insurance: Customers can request insurance coverage for life and property in the event of an accident occurring at their premises. 

• Inclusive Ecosystem: To create a global hub for advancing skill-based education and employability, specifically aimed at increasing women’s participation in the workforce.
• Closing the Gap: Focuses on bridging the divide between education and practical livelihood, particularly for underprivileged girls and women. 

• STEM-Oriented Skilling: Promoting future-ready skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• Emerging Sectors: Training women for leadership and technical roles in "sunrise" industries such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Semiconductor Technology, Robotics, and Defence Tech.
• Inclusive Environments: Strengthening gender-responsive learning environments and enhancing the capacity of educators. 

• Viksit Bharat @2047: Aligns with India’s national vision for a developed nation by 2047 by ensuring women are at the forefront of the technological revolution.
• Global Knowledge Hub: Acts as a centre of excellence for research, policy dialogue, and international collaboration under the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme.
• Workforce Readiness: Develops global mobility pathways and industry partnerships to ensure Indian women meet international workforce standards. 

• Kushal Saathi: A mentorship program initiated by the Chair to support women through their skilling and employment journeys.
• Kushal Mahila – Saksham Samaj: The guiding philosophy of the Chair, translating to "Skilled Woman – Capable Society – Progressive Country."

• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham: Holds the UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (established in 2016), which focuses on vulnerability mapping and grassroots social issues.
• Symbiosis (SSPU): Holds the newly launched (2026) UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development, which specifically focuses on workforce participation and technical skill ecosystems.

• Scientific Name: Mellivora capensis.
• Family: Part of the Mustelidae (weasel) family, related to skunks, otters, and ferrets.
• Appearance: Small to medium-sized with a stocky build, black lower body, and a distinctive grey-white mantle stretching from its head to its tail.
• Specialized Skin: Possesses remarkably thick and loose skin that allows it to turn and twist freely even when gripped by a predator. 

• Fearlessness: Named the "World’s Most Fearless Creature" by Guinness World Records; it is known to repel much larger predators like lions, tigers, and hyenas.
• Intelligence: One of the few non-primates known to use tools (e.g., using stones or logs to reach prey or escape enclosures).
• Nocturnal Nature: While primarily active at night near human settlements, they can be active during the day in undisturbed wilderness.
• Solitary: Usually lives and hunts alone, though mating pairs or a mother with cubs are occasionally spotted. 

• Diet: Generalist omnivore. It eats honey and bee larvae (hence the name), but primarily hunts snakes (including venomous cobras), rodents, birds, and fruits.
• Habitat: Extremely adaptable; found in deserts, grasslands, and moist deciduous forests across Africa, Southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
• Excellent Diggers: Use powerful, 1.5-inch curved claws to dig deep burrows and extract prey from underground. 

• IUCN Status: Listed as "Least Concern" globally due to its wide distribution.
• Protection in India: Classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972—the same highest level of protection given to tigers and elephants.
• Threats: Facing habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict with beekeepers/poultry farmers, and occasional poaching for traditional medicine. 

• The "Grave Digger": In parts of India, it is locally called Qabar Bijju due to folklore suggesting it digs up graves; however, it primarily digs for rodents and insects.
• Venom Resistance: They have evolved a biological resistance to snake venom. If bitten by a cobra or puff adder, they may collapse but often "sleep off" the toxins and recover within hours.

• Scientific Name: Diospyros melanoxylon.
• Other Names: Widely known as Tendu leaf in other parts of India.
• Economic Status: A nationalised product in states like Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
• Main Use: Primarily used as a wrapper for Bidis (local hand-rolled cigarettes). 

• Processed Quality: Odisha is the only state that produces processed kendu leaves, which have a higher market value than raw leaves.
• Physical Properties: The leaves are hygroscopic (resist cracking when dry), pliable, and have a unique aroma that matches tobacco.
• Medicinal Value: Used in traditional medicine to treat malaria, diarrhea, and dysentery; also used as an antimicrobial on cuts. 

• Top Producers: Madhya Pradesh (1st), Chhattisgarh (2nd), and Odisha (3rd).
• Output: Odisha produces approximately 4.5 to 5 lakh quintals annually, accounting for nearly 20% of India's total production.
• Best Quality: The leaves from Balangir district in Odisha are considered the highest quality in India. 

• Workforce: Engages over 8 lakh pluckers in Odisha alone, providing vital seasonal income during the lean summer months (Feb–May).
• Women's Empowerment: Over 95% of pluckers are tribal women, many of whom are widows or single mothers.
• Income: A diligent plucker can earn between ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per season. 

• FRA vs. KL Act: Tribal groups argue that the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 gives them ownership of Minor Forest Produce, but the state continues to exercise monopoly via the Odisha Kendu Leaf (Control of Trade) Act.
• Child Labour Concerns: April and May often see reports of children being engaged in collection, leading to calls for more stringent enforcement of child rights laws. 

• Location: Situated in the Sankhuwasabha and Bhojpur districts of Eastern Nepal.
• River: Built on the Arun River, a major tributary of the Koshi River.
• Developer: Developed by SJVN Lower Arun Power Development Company (SLPDC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of India's PSU, SJVN Limited.
• Model: Operates on the BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer) model with a 25-year concession period after construction. 

• Installed Capacity: 669 MW (revised from the initial 679 MW).
• Type: Run-of-River (RoR) project. It has no reservoir or dam of its own.
• Tandem Operation: Designed as a tailrace development of the upstream 900 MW Arun-3 project. It uses the water discharged directly from Arun-3 to generate power.
• Annual Generation: Expected to produce approximately 2,901 to 2,970 million units of electricity per year. 

• Investment: One of the largest foreign investments in Nepal, estimated at roughly $1.3 billion (₹92.68 billion).
• Energy Export: Surplus power will be exported to India through a 400 kV transmission line connecting to Sitamarhi in Bihar.
• Bilateral Ties: It is the second major project awarded to SJVN in Nepal (after Arun-3), strengthening India's role as Nepal's primary partner in the power sector. 
• Key Works: Tunnels, Power House, Surge Shafts
• Completion Year: Planned for 2028-2030

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