2026 current affairs Archives | Page 11 of 21

AP Govt Signs MoU with IIC to Strengthen Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme:

Why in News?

The School Education Department of Andhra Pradesh signed an MoU with International Innovation Corps to improve implementation of the Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme

Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme:

Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme is named after Dokka Seethamma, a historical figure from the Godavari region renowned for her selfless service in feeding the poor, the scheme focuses on improving student nutrition, attendance, and health across the state

Key Developments (2025–2026)

Extension to Intermediate Students: scheme was officially extended to cover students in Government Junior Colleges. This expansion aims to benefit approximately 1.48 lakh students across 475 colleges.
Introduction of Fine Rice: From the start of the 2025 academic year, the government began serving meals made with high-quality fine rice (sanna biyyam) in all government and aided schools to enhance meal quality.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/ap-signs-pact-with-iic-to-digitally-strengthen-dokka-seethamma-midday-meal-scheme-1938554

AP Govt Signs MoU with IIC to Strengthen Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme: Read More »

Andhra Pradesh to Market DWCRA Products under ‘Swayam’ Brand

Why in News?

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has proposed launching a new brand ‘Swayam’ to market products made by DWCRA women groups.

Key Highlights:

New Branding Initiative:

DWCRA products to be marketed under ‘Swayam’ brand

Types of Products:

Handicrafts
Textiles
Food products

Existing Platform:

Currently, products are sold through eMahila

Objective:

Enhance market visibility and branding
Increase income of rural women
Promote women entrepreneurship

About DWCRA

DWCRA (Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas):

Launched in 1982 by the Government of India
Target group: Rural women below poverty line (BPL)

Key Features:

Women organized into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of 10–15 members
Focus on:
- Income generation
- Skill development
- Financial inclusion

https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/cm-finalises-swayam-as-brand-name-for-dwcra-products-1045674

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Haven-1: World’s First Private Space Station to Launch in 2027

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?

The world’s first private space station “Haven-1” is scheduled to launch in 2027 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
It marks a major shift from government-led missions to commercial space infrastructure.

Key Highlights

Developed by:

US-based aerospace company Vast

Launch Timeline:

Expected in early 2027

Launch Vehicle:

SpaceX Falcon 9, a reusable rocket reducing mission costs

Significance:

First privately owned space station
Beginning of commercial space station era

Context:

Comes as the International Space Station is expected to be retired by the end of this decade

What is International Space Station?

A habitable artificial satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Serves as a microgravity research laboratory One of the most complex international collaborations involving:

NASA (USA)
Roscosmos (Russia)
European Space Agency (Europe)
JAXA (Japan)
Canadian Space Agency (Canada)

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/worlds-first-private-space-station-haven-1-aboard-a-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-set-to-launch-in-2027/articleshow/127884540.cms

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Azista Space Captures ISS Images: Boost to India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?

Hyderabad-based Azista Space has successfully captured images of the International Space Station using its own satellite. This marks a significant step in strengthening India’s indigenous Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities.

First-of-its-kind achievement:

Azista Space demonstrated “in-orbit snooping” capability.

What was done?

Its satellite successfully captured images of the ISS from orbit, proving advanced tracking and imaging abilities.

Importance of SSA:

Helps in detecting, tracking, and identifying objects in space.
Prevents collisions between satellites and space debris.
Protects critical infrastructure like:
- Communication satellites
- Navigation systems (e.g., GPS/NavIC)

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/azista-space-spying-satellites-space-situational-awareness-collission-crash-iss-2864913-2026-02-08

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Strait of Hormuz Closure by Iran – Location, Importance & Impact on Global Energy for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, International Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?

Iran announced a temporary closure of parts of the Strait of Hormuz to conduct live-fire naval exercises. The move has raised concerns over global energy supply and maritime security.

Strait of Hormuz:

Strait of Hormuz is narrow waterway separating Iran (north) from the Musandam Peninsula (an exclave of Oman) and the United Arab Emirates (south).

World’s Most Vital Chokepoint: It is the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.
Energy Lifeline: Approximately 20-25% of the world’s seaborne oil and 20-30% of global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) pass through it daily.
Major Exporters: Key OPEC members like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and Iran rely on it to export crude. Qatar, the world’s leading LNG exporter, sends nearly all its LNG through this strait.

Significance for India

Energy Security: India is highly dependent on this route, as nearly 40% of its crude oil imports and 54% of its LNG imports pass through the strait.
Economic Impact: Any disruption leads to immediate spikes in global oil prices, impacting India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) and fueling domestic inflation.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78n6p09pzno

Strait of Hormuz Closure by Iran – Location, Importance & Impact on Global Energy for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams Read More »

PRASHAD Scheme in Telangana – 4 Tourism Projects Approved-TGPSC exams

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?

Union Ministry of Tourism announced progress under the PRASHAD Scheme in Telangana, with one project completed and three ongoing.

Projects Approved under PRASHAD Scheme in Telangana:

Jogulamba Devi Temple-Alampur.
Ramappa (Rudreshwara) Temple-Mulugu district.
Bhadrachalam Temple-Bhadradri Kothagudem district
Renuka Yellamma Devasthanam

PRASAD scheme:

Full Form: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive
Launched in: 2014–15
Ministry: Ministry of Tourism
Type: Central Sector Scheme

Objectives:

Integrated development of pilgrimage destinations
Improve tourism infrastructure
Promote religious tourism in a sustainable manner

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/development-of-one-telangana-tourism-project-under-prashad-scheme-completed-three-ongoing/article70599050.ece

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Swami Dayanand Saraswati Birth Anniversary – Arya Samaj, Satyarth Prakash & Key Contributions

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, History and Culture Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?

The birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati was observed recently. The President and Vice President of India paid tribute, highlighting his role in social and religious reforms.

Major Contributions of Swami Dayanand Saraswati:

Famous Slogan:

“Back to the Vedas” (Return to pure Vedic teachings)

Concept of Swaraj:

First to give the call “India for Indians” (1876)

Religious Reforms:

Promoted Monotheism
Opposed idol worship and polytheism
Emphasized Vedas as supreme authority

Shuddhi Movement:

Focused on reconversion to Hinduism

Education Initiatives:

Inspired establishment of DAV (Dayanand Anglo-Vedic) institutions
First DAV School established in Lahore (1886) by Mahatma Hansraj

Literary Work:

Authored “Satyarth Prakash”

https://ddnews.gov.in/en/pm-modi-pays-homage-to-maharshi-dayanand-saraswati-on-birth-anniversary/

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Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Death Anniversary (February 26) – Contributions, Books & Role in Freedom Struggle

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, History and Culture Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?

February 26 marks the death anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Veer Savarkar). Leaders, including the Prime Minister, paid tribute highlighting his role in India’s freedom movement.

Major Contributions of Veer Savarkar:

Revolutionary Organizations:
- Founded Mitra Mela (1899)
- Later transformed into Abhinav Bharat Society (1904)
Activities in London:
- Associated with India House (London)
- Established Free India Society to mobilize Indian students
Reinterpretation of 1857 Revolt:
- Authored The History of the War of Indian Independence (1909)
- First to call the revolt “First War of Independence”
Imprisonment:
- Arrested in 1910 (Nasik Conspiracy Case)
- Sentenced to 50 years in Cellular Jail (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/minister-amit-shah-pays-tribute-to-freedom-fighter-vinayak-damodar-savarkar/

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National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) – 23rd Foundation Day | Article 338A, Functions & Composition

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Why in News?

The 23rd Foundation Day of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was recently celebrated in New Delhi. It highlights the role of NCST in protecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India.

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

NCST is a constitutional body established under Article 338A of the Indian Constitution.
It works for the protection, welfare, and development of Scheduled Tribes.
Formed after the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.

Separation of Commissions (2003):

Earlier: A single body for SCs & STs
After Amendment:
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) – Article 338
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) – Article 338A

Composition of NCST:

Chairperson
Vice-Chairperson
3 other Members

Appointment & Tenure:

Appointed by the President of India
Tenure: 3 years

Functions of NCST

Investigate and monitor safeguards for STs
Inquire into complaints regarding deprivation of rights
Advise on planning process for socio-economic development
Present reports to the President annually

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230380&reg=3&lang=1

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National Women’s Day: 13th February

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Why in News?

National Women’s Day in India is observed annually on 13 February. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a key figure in India’s freedom struggle and women’s empowerment.

Sarojini Naidu:

Sarojini Naidu is a vital figure representing the intersection of the Indian national movement, women’s empowerment, and literary excellence. Known as the “Nightingale of India” (Bharat Kokila).

Key Institutional Milestones

Indian National Congress (INC): She was the first Indian woman to be elected President of the INC at the 1925 Kanpur Session. (Note: Annie Besant was the first woman President overall in 1917).
First Woman Governor: In 1947, she was appointed the Governor of United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), becoming the first woman to hold such a post in independent India.
Women’s Indian Association (WIA): She co-founded the WIA in 1917 alongside Annie Besant to advocate for women’s suffrage and education

Role in the Freedom Struggle

Non-Cooperation & Civil Disobedience: A staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi, she participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and the Salt Satyagraha (1930).
Dharasana Satyagraha: After Gandhi’s arrest during the Salt March, she took command of the raid on the Dharasana Salt Works on May 21, 1930, leading 2,500 volunteers.

Literary & Cultural Contributions

Her poetry is noted for its vivid imagery and themes of patriotism and Indian life. Key works include

The Golden Threshold (1905)
The Bird of Time (1912)

https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/national-womens-day-wishes-2025-celebrating-sarojini-naidus-birth-anniversary-and-her-legacy-9223105.html

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