UPSC Current Affairs 01 May 2026

• Three-Tier Verification: QR scanning is now the innermost security layer at counting centers. While the first two levels remain manual, entry to the actual counting hall requires a successful scan.
• Digital Fencing: The system prevents "cross-movement," ensuring agents only enter their specifically assigned halls.
• Audit Trail: Every entry and exit is logged digitally, creating a precise, tamper-proof record for resolving disputes.

• First implemented for Assembly Elections 2026 counting (May 4)
• Covers states like:
  • Tamil Nadu
  • West Bengal
  • Kerala
  • Assam
  • Puducherry

• Authenticity: Unlike paper badges, QR codes are difficult to forge and are linked to live databases (Aadhaar or ECINET).
• Real-Time Revocation: If an ID is lost or a staff member is terminated, the QR code can be deactivated instantly in the system.
• Privacy-Friendly: They can be designed to share only "minimum necessary" data, protecting personal information from casual view.
• Efficiency: Automates the check-in process, reducing human error and congestion in high-traffic areas like stations and hospitals.

• Statutory Body: Established in 1986 under the APEDA Act, 1985.
• Nodal Ministry: Functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Headquarters: Located in New Delhi, with several regional offices including the newly opened one in Raipur.

• Fruits & Vegetables: Fresh and processed (e.g., mangoes, grapes, bananas).
• Cereals: Basmati and non-Basmati rice, wheat, and millets.
• Animal Products: Meat, dairy, and poultry products.
• Processed Foods: Confectionery, honey, jaggery, and herbal plants.
• Others: Floriculture, groundnuts, walnuts, and pickles.

• Registration: Mandatory registration of exporters of scheduled products (RCMC).
• Quality Standards: Fixing standards, conducting inspections of slaughterhouses, and certifying processing plants.
• Organic Certification: Acts as the Secretariat for the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
• Market Intelligence: Providing data on global demand and facilitating Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs).
• Sugar Monitoring: Entrusted by the government to monitor the import and export of sugar.

• Varanasi Agri-Export Hub (VAEH): Transformed the landlocked Purvanchal region into a major hub for exporting fresh vegetables to the Middle East.
• GI Product Exports: Actively promotes Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products like Shahi Litchi, Salem Sago, and Joha Rice to premium markets like the UK, Italy, and Canada.
• Traceability Systems: Implemented digital tools like Grapenet and Basmatinet to ensure food safety and meet strict EU entry protocols.

• Zero Balance: No initial deposit is required to open the account.
• No MAB: There is no Monthly Average Balance requirement, preventing groups from being penalized for low funds.
• Balance Limit: The maximum end-of-day balance is capped at ₹2,00,000.
• Interest: Earns interest at applicable savings rates, paid out quarterly.
• Free Transactions: Offers unlimited free cash deposits and withdrawals.

• Paperless Onboarding: Account opening is entirely digital and assisted by a postman using biometric authentication.
• QR-Based Access: Instead of traditional passbooks, groups are issued a free QR Card for quick and secure transactions.
• Statements: One free physical monthly statement is provided to maintain group transparency.
• Mode of Operation: Currently, the account is operated jointly by all authorized signatories of the SHG.

• No mobile banking or virtual debit cards.
• No nomination facility or standing instructions.
• No POSA (Post Office Savings Account) linkage for sweep-in/out.

• Institutional Credit: Having a formal bank account is the first step toward getting bank loans and government subsidies.
• Transparency: Digital logs and free statements reduce internal group disputes over fund management.
• Security: Eliminates the risk of keeping large amounts of cash with group members.
• Convenience: Banking comes to the village, saving time and travel costs for rural micro-entrepreneurs.

• V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle): Cars share speed, position, and braking data to prevent collisions, particularly effective in dense fog or at blind intersections.
• V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure): Vehicles talk to traffic lights, road signs, and toll booths to optimize traffic flow and enable barrier-free tolling.
• V2P (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian): Alerts drivers to the presence of pedestrians or cyclists through smartphone or wearable integration.
• V2N (Vehicle-to-Network): Connects the car to 4G/5G/6G cellular networks for real-time traffic updates, remote diagnostics, and cloud-based services.
• V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid): Allows electric vehicles (EVs) to return energy to the power grid during peak demand.

• Accident Reduction: Officials estimate that V2X could reduce road accidents by up to 80% in applicable scenarios by providing 360-degree awareness.
• Fuel Efficiency: By reducing "stop-and-go" traffic through coordinated movement, the system can improve fuel economy by roughly 7%.
• Autonomous Driving: V2X serves as the "sixth sense" for self-driving cars, providing data that onboard cameras and LiDAR might miss in heavy rain or dust.
• Zero-Wait Tolling: Enables vehicles to pass toll points at speeds of up to 80 km/h, with automatic deduction via satellite and AI.

• Hardware Cost: Implementing the necessary On-Board Units (OBU) is estimated to add ₹4,000 to ₹7,000 to the cost of a new vehicle.
• Cybersecurity: High risk of "spoofing" (fake alerts) requires robust encryption and "firewalls" between V2X modules and other car systems.
• Standardisation: There is an ongoing debate between DSRC (short-range radio) and C-V2X (cellular-based) technology.

• Remote Locations: Targeted far-flung areas like Chushul, Hanle, Demchok, Zanskar, Drass, and Batalik, which have limited access to specialized healthcare.
• 3-Month Groundwork: The final surgical phase followed three months of intensive screening camps across eight different locations in Ladakh.
• Collaborative Effort: Organized by the Fire & Fury Corps (14 Corps) under Northern Command, with support from the Indian Air Force for airlifting advanced medical equipment.

• Op Netra App: A custom-built digital tool that used QR-based identification to automate surgical scheduling and ensure 100% patient safety.
• Advanced Surgeries: Beyond cataracts, the team performed vitreo-retinal interventions, Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), and Glued Intraocular Lens (IOL) implantations.
• Expert Team: Led by Brigadier (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Head of Ophthalmology at Army Hospital (R&R), Delhi.

• Inauguration: Officially launched by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, GOC Fire & Fury Corps.
• Government Commitment: The closing ceremony was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, VK Saxena, and Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Northern Command Chief.
• Nationwide Context: This is part of a larger effort that has delivered over 2,500 sight-restoring surgeries across India (including Udhampur, Dehradun, and Jaipur) since November 2025.

• Civil-Military Liaison: Bridges the gap between local tribal populations and the government through the Indian Army's humanitarian outreach.
• Technological Self-Reliance: Showcases the military's ability to develop in-house digital solutions for complex logistical problems.
• National Principle: Reinforces the "Nation First" motto by ensuring quality healthcare reaches every corner of India, regardless of geography.

• Travel Time: The journey between Jammu and Srinagar now takes approximately 5 hours, down from the 8–10 hours typically required by road.
• Frequency: The service will run six days a week (excluding Tuesdays/Wednesdays depending on the train number).
• Daily Pairs: Two pairs of Vande Bharat trains will operate daily:
  • Train 26401: Departs Jammu Tawi at 06:20 AM, reaches Srinagar at 11:10 AM.
  • Train 26402: Departs Srinagar at 02:00 PM, reaches Jammu Tawi at 06:50 PM.
  • Train 26404: Departs Srinagar at 08:00 AM, reaches Jammu Tawi at 12:40 PM.
  • Train 26403: Departs Jammu Tawi at 01:20 PM, reaches Srinagar at 06:00 PM.
• Key Stoppages: Major stops include Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Reasi, and Banihal.

• World's Highest Bridge: The train passes over the Chenab Bridge, which stands 359 metres above the riverbed, making it the highest railway arch bridge globally.
• Winterisation Technology: Specifically designed for the Himalayan climate, the train features heating systems for water tanks, pipelines, and bio-toilets to prevent freezing in sub-zero temperatures.
• Kavach Safety System: Equipped with India's indigenous Kavach anti-collision technology for enhanced passenger security.

• All-Weather Link: Provides a reliable alternative to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), which is frequently closed due to landslides and heavy snow.
• Boost to Trade: Enables faster movement of fresh produce like Kashmiri apples, cherries, and dry fruits to national markets.
• Tourism Surge: Expected to significantly increase footfall for the Amarnath Yatra and visitors to the Vaishno Devi temple.

• Mandatory Requirement: The NCVET has mandated that all trainers in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) must be CITS-certified.
• Certification: Graduates are awarded the National Craft Instructor Certificate (NCIC).
• Scope: Training is offered across 42 trades (29 Engineering and 13 Non-Engineering) at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and Institutes for Training of Trainers (IToTs).

• Online Registration: April 18, 2026 – May 10, 2026.
• Hall Ticket Download: May 21, 2026 – May 31, 2026.
• Mock Examination: May 21, 2026 – May 31, 2026 (Available on the official admission portal).
• AICET Exam Day: May 31, 2026.
• Result Publication: June 10, 2026.
• Online Counselling: Starting from June 15, 2026.

• 75% Trade Syllabus: Objective questions based on the CTS syllabus for the specific trade applied for.
• 25% Aptitude: Objective questions covering Logical Reasoning, Numeric Ability, and General Aptitude.

• Registration Portal: Applications are accepted exclusively at nimionlineadmission.in.
• Counselling Fee: A non-refundable fee of ₹500 is required for all candidates participating in the seat allocation process.
• Session Start: The new academic session is scheduled to begin on August 17, 2026.

• ITI Instructor: Eligibility for recruitment as a Vocational Instructor in Govt/Private ITIs.
• Skill Training: Certified to deliver short-term training under various government schemes (e.g., PMKVY).
• Industrial Coordinator: Facilitating in-house skill development programs in the corporate sector.
• Global Market: Competency to work in international vocational training centers.

• Full Name: Stands for EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts.
• Objective: To identify, track, link with UAN, and reactivate old or inoperative EPF accounts that members may have lost track of after changing jobs.
• Inoperative Status: Accounts become inoperative if no contributions are made for 36 consecutive months or if old records are not linked to a current UAN.

• Aadhaar-Based Authentication: Uses secure biometric or OTP-based verification to prove identity without needing old physical documents.
• Phased Rollout:
  • Phase 1: Member ID-based search for those who have their old account numbers.
  • Phase 2: Will expand to help users who cannot remember their member IDs at all.
• Direct Linking: Once an account is traced, users can link it to their active UAN and update their member profile directly.

• No Employer Dependency: Eliminates the need to chase previous employers for verification or signatures.
• Paperless Process: Entirely digital, removing the requirement to visit physical EPFO offices.
• Transparency: Provides a clear audit trail of all identified accounts and their current status.
• Profile Updates: Allows members to correct errors in their name, date of birth, or bank details on old records.

• PRAAPTI (Ministry of Power): Launched in 2018, this stands for Payment Ratification and Analysis in Power procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators. It is used to track payments between power generators (Gencos) and distribution companies (Discoms).

• Type: Subsonic, air-launched anti-ship cruise missile.
• Weight: Approximately 380 kg.
• Warhead: Carries a 100 kg high-explosive warhead designed to destroy small to medium vessels (patrol boats, corvettes) or cripple larger ones.
• Range: Effective strike range of 5 km to 55 km.
• Guidance: Uses an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) seeker, making it impervious to radar jamming.
• Flight Profile: Features sea-skimming capability, flying as low as 5 metres above the sea surface to evade enemy radar.

• Fire-and-Forget: Once launched, the missile tracks the target autonomously.
• Man-in-Loop (MIL): Operators can retarget the missile in-flight via a two-way datalink, allowing for precision corrections even after launch.
• Launch Platforms: Primarily designed for Naval Helicopters (like the Sea King and future MH-60R or IMRH), but adaptable for small ships and land-based launchers.

• Designer: Developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO labs.
• Strategic Goal: Designed to replace the ageing British-origin Sea Eagle missiles.
• Partners: Manufactured with support from Indian industry partners like Adani Defence & Aerospace and various MSMEs.

• Force Multiplier: Enhances the Navy's "sea-denial" capabilities, allowing helicopters to neutralize threats without requiring a larger warship to be nearby.
• Cost Efficiency: Provides a high-tech indigenous alternative to expensive foreign systems like the Marte ER or Sea Venom.
• Future Growth: DRDO is already working on an Extended Range (NASM-ER) variant with a range of over 150 km for fighter jets.

• Monotremes: One of only two mammals (the other being the echidna) that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young.
• Sixth Sense: They hunt with eyes, ears, and nostrils closed, using electroreceptors in their bills to detect the tiny electrical signals of prey (insects, shellfish).
• Venomous Spurs: Male platypuses have a sharp, hollow spur on their hind legs connected to a venom gland. While not lethal to humans, the sting causes excruciating pain and swelling.
• Biofluorescence: Under UV light, platypus fur glows a blue-green hue, a rare mammalian trait discovered recently that helps them navigate or communicate in low light.
• Teeth vs. Pads: While their ancestors had teeth, modern adult platypuses use horny pads and gravel to "chew" their food at the water's surface.

• IUCN Status: Recently listed as "Near Threatened" globally.
• Regional Status:
  • South Australia: Endangered.
  • Victoria: Vulnerable.
  • NSW/Queensland: Recently listed as "Common," though scientists are pushing for a "Vulnerable" update.
• Major Threats:
  • Climate Change: Severe droughts and 2019-20 bushfires devastated river habitats.
  • Human Impact: Dams restrict movement; land clearing for agriculture destroys bank-side burrows.
  • Pollution: Runoff and ash from fires "choke" the freshwater streams they rely on for food.

• Translocation Programs: The Royal National Park Project is the first of its kind in NSW, successfully reintroducing the species to an area where it was locally extinct for half a century.
• eDNA Monitoring: Scientists are now using environmental DNA (eDNA)—detecting DNA bits left in water—to track platypus populations without needing to trap or disturb these shy, nocturnal creatures.

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