2026 current affairs Archives | Page 9 of 21

Kyasanur Forest Disease Vaccine: ICMR Begins Human Clinical Trials for Improved KFD Vaccine

Why in News?

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated human clinical trials for an improved vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD). The move aims to strengthen India’s response to tick-borne viral diseases in the Western Ghats.

Kyasanur Forest Disease:

Also known as: “Monkey Fever”Causative Agent:

KFD virus (a Flavivirus)

Transmission (Vector):

Bite of infected hard ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera)

Animal Hosts:

Monkeys (macaques and langurs)
Rodents and shrews

Human Symptoms:

Fever, headache, muscle pain
Hemorrhagic manifestations in severe cases

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/icmr-initiates-human-clinical-trials-for-improved-kyasanur-forest-disease-vaccine/article70606917.ece

Kyasanur Forest Disease Vaccine: ICMR Begins Human Clinical Trials for Improved KFD Vaccine Read More »

INS Arnala Commissioned: India’s First Indigenous ASW Shallow Watercraft Explained

Why in News?

Indian Navy has commissioned INS Arnala, the first indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercraft (ASW-SWC)

INS Arnala

INS Arnala is:
- India’s first indigenous ASW Shallow Watercraft (ASW-SWC)
- Designed for anti-submarine operations in shallow waters
Built by:
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
- In collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
Significance:
- Enhances coastal defence capability
- Strengthens indigenous shipbuilding capacity

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2137263&reg=3&lang=2

INS Arnala Commissioned: India’s First Indigenous ASW Shallow Watercraft Explained Read More »

Agni-III Missile Test 2026: Range, Features & Strategic Forces Command Explained

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

Why in News?

India successfully test-fired the Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).

Agni-III

Type: Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)

Range: Approximately 3,000–3,500 km Capable of targeting deep regions in South and East Asia

Payload Capacity:

Up to 1.5 tonnes
Can carry conventional or nuclear warheads

Propulsion:

Two-stage solid fuel missile
Enables quick launch and higher reliability

Strategic Forces Command:

Strategic Forces Command (SFC) manages India’s nuclear weapons arsenal.
It operates under the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).

Three-Tier Structure

Political Council
- Chaired by the Prime Minister
- Sole authority to order nuclear strike
Executive Council
- Chaired by the National Security Advisor (NSA)
- Provides inputs and executes decisions
Strategic Forces Command (SFC)
- Headed by a Commander-in-Chief (3-star officer)
- Responsible for operational deployment of nuclear forces

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2224636&reg=3&lang=1

Agni-III Missile Test 2026: Range, Features & Strategic Forces Command Explained Read More »

AS-HAPS Approved by DAC: High Altitude Pseudo Satellites for Indian Air Force Explained

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

Why in News?

e Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the induction of Airship-Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (AS-HAPS) for the Indian Air Force.

Key Highlights:

AS-HAPS (Airship-Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellites) operate in the stratosphere, bridging the gap between UAVs and satellites. They are

Solar-powered, unmanned aerial platforms
Operate in the stratosphere (18–25 km above Earth)

They act as an intermediate system between:

UAVs (drones) – lower altitude, short endurance
Satellites – high altitude, expensive

Key Advantages:

Long endurance (can stay operational for extended periods)
Cost-effective compared to satellites

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2227018&reg=6&lang=1

AS-HAPS Approved by DAC: High Altitude Pseudo Satellites for Indian Air Force Explained Read More »

INS Krishna Cadet Training Ship: Indian Navy’s Indigenous ‘Floating Classroom’ for Officer Training

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

Why in News?

Indian Navy has unveiled INS Krishna, the first indigenous Cadet Training Ship (CTS).

INS Krishna (Yard 18003) is the first of three Cadet Training Ships.
Designed and built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Launched at Kattupalli Shipyard, Chennai.
Purpose: To act as a “floating classroom” for naval cadets.
Part of India’s push for: Indigenisation in defence manufacturing

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2228944&reg=3&lang=2

INS Krishna Cadet Training Ship: Indian Navy’s Indigenous ‘Floating Classroom’ for Officer Training Read More »

Amaravati Quantum Valley Project 2026: India’s First Integrated Quantum Ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh

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

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh has laid the foundation stone for the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) project.

Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) project:

Location: Uddandarayunipalem village, Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) AQV is envisioned as India’s first integrated quantum ecosystem. Major Technology Partners:

IBM India
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

Key Facilities under AQV:

QChipIN

India’s largest open quantum testbed
Expected completion within 12 months

Quantum Innovation Centre

Joint initiative by IBM & TCS
Acts as a research and development hub

Quantum Reference Facility

To be established by SRM University
Focus on academic research and training

Cryogenic Component Facility

Investment: ₹200 crore by Amber Group
India’s first facility for quantum cryogenic components

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2225097&reg=3&lang=2

Amaravati Quantum Valley Project 2026: India’s First Integrated Quantum Ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh Read More »

‘Pashu Aushadhi’ Centres in Andhra Pradesh

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

Why in News?

The Andhra Pradesh Government has announced the establishment of ‘Pashu Aushadhi Vikraya Kendras’ across all districts.

Key Highlights:

The initiative aims to provide affordable generic veterinary medicines and strengthen livestock healthcare.

1. Implementation Framework

Implemented by:
- Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development (AP)
In coordination with:
- Central Government under National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)

2. Mode of Establishment

Centres will be set up through:
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PM-KSKs)
- Cooperative Societies

3. Financial Incentive

20% operating margin incentive provided to centres

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/andhra-pradesh-to-set-up-pashu-aushadhi-centres-in-all-districts/article70587424.ece

‘Pashu Aushadhi’ Centres in Andhra Pradesh Read More »

Union Budget 2026–27: Key Benefits for Andhra Pradesh – Rare Earth Corridor, High-Speed Rail-APPSC Exams

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

Why in News?

The Union Budget 2026–27 announced several infrastructure, mining, and digital economy initiatives benefiting Andhra Pradesh

Key announcements for AP

1. Rare Earth Corridor (REC)

Andhra Pradesh identified as one of the mineral-rich states under the Rare Earth Corridor initiative

2. High-Speed Rail Corridors (HSRCs)

Andhra Pradesh to benefit from:
- Hyderabad–Bengaluru High-Speed Rail Corridor
- Hyderabad–Chennai High-Speed Rail Corridor

3. Visakhapatnam Data Centre Boost

Hyperscale data centre proposed in Visakhapatnam
- By Google (via Raiden Infotech)

4. Ecotourism Development

Key projects:
- Bird-watching trails at Pulicat Lake
- Ecological mountain trail in Araku Valley

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2026/Feb/02/execution-key-for-andhra-pradesh-to-leverage-budget-benefits

Union Budget 2026–27: Key Benefits for Andhra Pradesh – Rare Earth Corridor, High-Speed Rail-APPSC Exams Read More »

White Revolution 2.0: Government Initiative to Boost Dairy Sector & Women Empowerment (UPSC/PSC Notes)

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

Why in News?

The Government of India has launched “White Revolution 2.0” under the Ministry of Cooperation

Key Highlights:

1. Objective of White Revolution 2.0

Expand cooperative coverage in dairy sector
Promote women empowerment
Generate rural employment
Improve market access for dairy farmers

2. Milk Procurement Target

Increase milk procurement by 50% in 5 years
Target: 1,007 lakh kg per day by 2028–29

3. Strategy (Two-Pronged Approach)

Expansion
- Establish 75,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) in uncovered areas
Strengthening Existing Network
- Upgrade 46,422 existing DCS
- Improve:
  - Market access
  - Farmer income
  - Supply chain efficiency

Background-White Revolution (Operation Flood)

Known as Operation Flood
Objective:
- Transform India into a self-sufficient milk producer
Achievements:
- India became the world’s largest milk producer by 1998
Key Personality
- Dr. Verghese Kurien
- Known as the “Father of White Revolution”
- Founder of NDDB (National Dairy Development Board)

https://ddnews.gov.in/en/centre-launches-white-revolution-2-0-to-boost-womens-role-in-dairy-sector/

White Revolution 2.0: Government Initiative to Boost Dairy Sector & Women Empowerment (UPSC/PSC Notes) Read More »

No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker: Removal Process, Articles & Key Facts (UPSC/PSC Notes)

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

Why in News?

Opposition parties have submitted a no-confidence motion seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker . The notice has met the minimum support requirement, and the motion may be taken up after the mandatory 14-day notice period.

Procedure for Removal of Speaker

Article 94(c) → Provides for removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker through a resolution passed by the House.

Notice Requirement

Minimum 14 days’ written notice must be given

Support for Admission

At least 50 Members of Parliament (MPs) must support the motion

Presiding Restriction

Speaker cannot preside during the proceedings
However, can participate and defend himself (Article 96)

Voting Requirement

Requires Effective Majority:
- Majority of all existing members of Lok Sabha

Outcome

If passed → Speaker removed immediately
If rejected → Speaker continues in office
Even after removal → continues as MP

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/oppositions-no-confidence-motion-against-speaker-defeated-in-lok-sabha-11200786

No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker: Removal Process, Articles & Key Facts (UPSC/PSC Notes) Read More »