🔆 10 Years of Startup India Initiative (2016–2026)

📍 Context
✅ Startup India completes 10 years on 16 January 2026
✅ 16 January is celebrated as National Startup Day

📍 About Startup India Initiative
✅ Launch: 16 January 2016
✅ Nodal Agency: DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
✅ Objective:
• Promote entrepreneurship
• Build a robust startup ecosystem
• Transform India from job seekers → job creators

📍 Three Core Pillars
✅ Simplification & Handholding
• Ease of compliance
• Regulatory & patent support
• Market access

✅ Funding Support
• Tax exemptions
• Startup Seed Fund
• Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS)
• Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGSS)

✅ Incubation & Industry–Academia Linkages
• MAARG Portal (Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience & Growth

📍 Key Enablers & Platforms
✅ Startup India Hub
✅ BHASKAR (Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry) – discovery & networking
✅ SIPP Scheme – fast-tracking of patent applications

📍 Decadal Achievements (2016–2026)
✅ Global Standing
• 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally
• ~2.09 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups (till 2025)
• 120+ unicorns with valuation > $350 billion

✅ Employment & Inclusivity
• Over 21 lakh jobs created
• ~45% startups have at least one woman founder/director
• ~50% startups from Tier-II & Tier-III cities

📍 Other Schemes Supporting Startups
✅ Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
✅ GENESIS (Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups)
✅ NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing & Harnessing Innovations)
✅ ASPIRE (Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries & Entrepreneurship)

#goverment_schemes

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🔆 Kangra School of Painting (18th Century)

📍 Origin & Evolution
✅ Emerged in the last quarter of the 18th century
✅ Represents the third phase of Pahari painting
✅ Evolved from the Guler style
✅ Retained features of delicate drawing, lyrical beauty & naturalism

📍 Geographical Spread
✅ Flourished in Kangra, Guler, Basohli, Chamba
✅ Also spread to Jammu region, Nurpur, Kullu, Mandi & Garhwal

📍 Patronage
✅ Received royal support under Maharaja Ranjit Singh
✅ Encouraged by Sikh nobility in the early 19th century

📍 Major Themes
✅ Gita Govinda
✅ Bhagavata Purana
✅ Satsai of Bihari
✅ Nala–Damayanti

📍 Dominant Motifs
✅ Love scenes of Krishna as a central theme
✅ Especially depictions from Rasa Panchadhyayi
➡️ Expresses the gopis’ intense devotion and love for Krishna

📍 Famous Series
✅ “Twelve Months” (Barahmasa)
➡️ Illustrates how each month influences human emotions and moods

📍 Artistic Significance
✅ Soft colours, refined lines, and emotional depth
✅ Considered the most mature and poetic phase of Pahari art

📍 UPSC Relevance
✅ GS1 – Indian Art & Culture | Painting Traditions

📌 Prelims Pointer:
➡️ Kangra School = Guler roots + Krishna bhakti + lyrical naturalism

#prelims
#art_and_culture

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🔆 India–Russia Relations: Key Areas of Cooperation

📍 Trade & Economic Cooperation
✅ Record Bilateral Trade: Reached USD 68.7 billion (FY 2024–25) — highest ever.
✅ Major Indian Exports: Pharmaceuticals, organic & inorganic chemicals, iron & steel, marine products.
✅ Major Russian Exports: Crude oil, petroleum products, sunflower oil, fertilizers, coking coal, precious stones & metals.

📍 Defence & Security Cooperation
✅ Partnership evolved from a buyer–seller model to joint research & production.
✅ Example: Joint development of BrahMos Cruise Missiles.

📍 Multilateral Cooperation
✅ Strong coordination at global forums — UN, G20, BRICS, SCO, and others.

#ir #mains #cse

Day 62 : 18 February target:

Science and Technology
Topics:
Revision
PYQs

Current Affairs: October, November 2025
Related

#UpscRevisionProgram

After completion of target post 'DONE'
In comment section. Targets are decided as per practical approach. In remaining time, you can study whatever you want.
Thank you.


@upsc_answer_written
@CSE_EXAM

🔆 River Basins of Afghanistan

📍 Context (DTE Study)
✅ A recent study mapped river basins of Afghanistan
✅ Afghanistan is divided into 5 major river basins
✅ 4 basins are transboundary, flowing into neighbouring countries
✅ Only Northern River Basin is non-transboundary

🔆 Major River Basins of Afghanistan

📍 1. Harirod–Murghab River Basin (HMRB)
✅ Region: North-western Afghanistan
✅ Rivers: Harirod & Murghab
✅ Origin: Central Afghan mountain ranges
✅ Flow direction: Westward across Herat Valley
✅ Importance:
• Main irrigation source
• Supports agriculture in fertile Herat Valley

📍 2. Helmand River Basin (HRB)
✅ Largest basin → ~51% of Afghanistan’s area
✅ River: Helmand (longest river of Afghanistan)
✅ Region: South-western Afghanistan
✅ Origin: Mountain ranges west of Kabul
✅ Drainage:
• Flows into seasonal lakes near Afghanistan–Iran border
✅ Strategic importance:
• Water security
• Agriculture & geopolitics with Iran

📍 3. Kabul River Basin (KRB)
✅ Region: South-eastern Afghanistan
✅ Basin share: ~11% of Afghanistan
✅ Main river: Kabul River
✅ Origin: Paghman Range
✅ Flow:
• Eastward → joins Indus River (Pakistan)
✅ Major tributary:
• Kunar River (fed by Hindu Kush glaciers & snowmelt)

📍 4. Northern River Basin (NRB) (Only non-transboundary basin)
✅ Rivers:
• Shirin
• Sarepul
• Balkh
✅ Water availability:
• Least water supply among all basins
✅ Ends internally without draining into another country

📍 5. Panj–Amu River Basin (PARB)
✅ Second-largest basin of Afghanistan
✅ Main river:
• Amu Darya (historical name: Oxus)
• Headstream: Panj River
✅ Origin:
• Pamirs glaciers
✅ Flow:
• Drains into Central Asia
• Ends in the Aral Sea (now largely dried)
✅ Transboundary:
• Overlaps with Tajikistan

#places_in_news

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🔆 International Grain Council (IGC)

📍 About
✅ Intergovernmental organisation established in 1949 (earlier International Wheat Council)
✅ Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
✅ Works to promote global cooperation in grain trade and food security

📍 Objectives & Functions (Merged)
✅ Promote international cooperation in grain trade
✅ Provide a global platform for discussion & coordination of grain policies
✅ Collect, analyse & disseminate data on production, consumption, stocks, trade & prices
✅ Forecast global grain market trends to enhance market stability

📍 Membership & India’s Role
✅ Members are parties to the Grain Trade Convention, 1995
✅ 30 member countries at present
✅ Members classified as importers or exporters based on trade in grains, rice & oilseeds
✅ India is a member (exporting member) of the International Grain Council

📍 Governance & Sessions
✅ Chairperson & Vice-Chairperson elected annually by council members
✅ Two regular Council Sessions every year
✅ Sessions held in London or member countries by invitation

📍 Grains Covered
✅ Wheat
✅ Maize (Corn)
✅ Rice
✅ Other coarse grains: Barley, Sorghum, Oats

📍 Publications
✅ Grain Market Report
✅ Grains and Oilseeds Index (GOI)

📍 Grain Trade Convention
✅ Administered by the IGC
✅ Aims to promote international cooperation in grains trade
✅ Focus on market transparency & stability

📍 Nodal Agency (India)
✅ Department of Food & Public Distribution
✅ Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
✅ Represents Government of India in the IGC

🔆 Prelims MCQ

📍 Consider the following statements:
1️⃣ India is a member of the International Grains Council.
2️⃣ A country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat.

📍 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

✅ Correct Answer: A (1 only)

📌 Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: India is an exporting member of the International Grain Council.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: IGC membership is not mandatory for exporting or importing rice or wheat.

#PrelimsFacts

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🔆 Twin Tube Road-Cum-Rail Tunnel Project

📍 News Context
✅ The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved India’s first underwater twin tube road-cum-rail tunnel project to enhance connectivity in the Northeast.

📍 About the Project
✅ Location: Under the River Brahmaputra, Assam.
✅ Total Length: 33.7 km.
✅ Tunnel Length: 15.79 km twin tube tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra.
✅ Connectivity: Connects Gohpur (NH-15) with Numaligarh (NH-715) in Assam.
✅ Type: Four-lane, access-controlled Greenfield project.

📍 Implementation Mode
✅ Developed under EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) Mode.
✅ In EPC contracts, the contractor is responsible for engineering design, procurement of materials, and construction of the project.

📍 Significance
✅ Boosts strategic connectivity in Northeast India.
✅ Enhances civilian mobility and defence logistics.
✅ Reduces travel time across the Brahmaputra.
✅ Strengthens Act East Policy and regional development.

#goverment_schemes

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🔆 Movements in North-East (Tribal Uprisings)

📍 Khasi Uprising (up to 1833, Garo & Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya – Tirath Singh)
✅ Resistance against entry of outsiders (Englishmen & Bengali labourers).
✅ Widespread involvement of Khasi, Garo, Khampti & Singhpho tribes.
✅ Ultimately suppressed by 1833.

📍 Singphos Rebellion (1830 onwards, Assam – Nirang Phidu)
✅ Resentment against British control; targeted British officials.
✅ 1839 revolt led to death of a British political agent.
✅ Another major attack in 1843 on a British garrison.

📍 Kukis Revolt (1917–1919, Manipur)
✅ Opposition to British labour recruitment during World War I.
✅ Resisted exploitation for war-related labour.

📍 Zeliangrong Movement (1920s, Manipur – Zemi, Liangmei, Rongmei tribes)
✅ Reaction to British failure to protect them during Kuki revolt.
✅ Tribal alliance promoting unity & rights.

📍 Naga Movement (1905–1931, Manipur – Jadonang)
✅ Aim: Establish independent “Naga Raj”.
✅ Promoted political autonomy & cultural preservation.

📍 Synteng Rebellion (1860–62, Jaintia Hills)
✅ Resistance against British interference.
✅ Armed opposition to colonial policies.

📍 Phulaguri Peasant Rebellion (1861, Assam)
✅ Revolt against exploitative British policies.
✅ Among early anti-British peasant uprisings in Assam.

📍 Revolt of the Saflas (1872–73, Assam)
✅ Protest against British forest & revenue policies.
✅ Organised tribal resistance.

📍 Kacha Naga Uprising (1882, Cachar)
✅ Protest against colonial exploitation & encroachment.
✅ Assertion of tribal land rights.

📍 Khampti Rebellion (1839–1842, Assam)
✅ Resistance to British dominance & disruption of local governance.
✅ Fierce attacks on British officials.

📍 Lushais Revolt (1842–1844, Manipur)
✅ Reaction to British alliances & exploitation.
✅ Multiple attacks on British-allied villages.

#history #prelims #mains

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Day 63: 19 February target:

Science and Technology
Topics:
Revision
PYQs

Current Affairs: December 2025, January 2026

#UpscRevisionProgram

After completion of target post 'DONE'
In comment section. Targets are decided as per practical approach. In remaining time, you can study whatever you want.
Thank you.

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https://t.me/upsc_answer_written

Kaisa hai

🔆 CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 FEB 2026

🔆 BANKING & FINANCE

📍 UPI One World Wallet
✅ Launched by NPCI for foreign visitors at India–AI Impact Summit 2026
✅ Enables P2M UPI payments without Indian mobile/bank account

📍 Wholesale Inflation (WPI)
✅ January 2026: 1.81% (10-month high)
📍 Food inflation: 1.4%
📍 Core inflation: 3.2%
📍 Base year: 2011–12

🔆 INTERNATIONAL

📍 SING Submarine Cable
✅ UAE-based du partners Datawave Networks
📍 Connects: UAE–Oman–India–Malaysia–Singapore
📅 Ready for Service: 2030

🔆 NATIONAL

📍 India–AI Impact Summit 2026
🗓 16–20 Feb | 📍 Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
🌍 First global AI summit in Global South
🎯 Theme: “Democratizing AI, Bridging the AI Divide”
📍 3 Sutras: People | Planet | Progress
📍 7 Chakras: Human Capital, Science, Resilience, Innovation, Inclusion, Growth, Safe AI
📍 Flagship Challenges:
➡ AI for ALL (₹2.5 cr)
➡ AI by HER (₹2.5 cr)
➡ YUVAi (₹85 lakh)

📍 Ol Chiki Script – 100 Years
✅ President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated centenary event
📍 Invented in 1925 by Raghunath Murmu
📍 Coin & Stamp released

📍 Health AI Initiatives
✅ SAHI – Strategy for AI in Healthcare
✅ BODH – AI benchmarking platform (IIT Kanpur + NHA)
📍 Under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

📍 Bharat-VISTAAR (AI for Farmers)
✅ AI-powered digital agriculture DPI
📍 Services: Weather, MSP, Pest alerts, Schemes
📍 Voice-first | Multi-language rollout

📍 ISB Ranking
✅ ISB ranked #12 globally (FT MBA 2026)
✅ #1 India | #2 Asia

📍 CBDC-based PDS (Gujarat)
✅ e₹ powered PDS pilot
📍 Digital token-based ration system
📍 Annapurti Grain ATM: 25 kg in 35 seconds

📍 Dam Safety Conference 2026
📍 Focus: Climate resilience, DRIP, Dam Safety Act 2021

🔆 DEFENCE

📍 Exercise MILAN 2026
🗓 15–25 Feb | 📍 Visakhapatnam
🎯 Theme: Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration
📍 Includes IFR 2026 & IONS Conclave

📍 BEL Missile Integration Facility
✅ Inaugurated by Rajnath Singh
✅ Akash regiments flagged off
✅ AI CoE (Pune) launched

📍 HAMMER Missile MoU
✅ India–France JV (BEL + Safran, 50-50)
📍 Precision-guided stand-off weapon
📍 Accuracy: 1–10 metres

🔆 MoUs

📍 CSIR-SERC & InSolare Energy
✅ Renewable energy tech validation

📍 IIT Madras–Finland
✅ ‘VAYYU’ Aerosol-Meteorology Research Centre
📍 CryoSCOPE (~€10 mn) | CO-ENHANCIN (~₹5 cr)

🔆 STATES

📍 UP – Cow Culture Museum
✅ India’s first national cow culture museum
📍 Mathura

🔆 IMPORTANT DAYS
✅ 79th Raising Day of Delhi Police – 16 Feb
✅ International Childhood
Cancer Day – 15 Feb

🔆 APPOINTMENTS
✅ Rajan Bajaj – MD & CEO, Slice SFB

🔆 OBITUARIES
✅ Geeta Patnaik (Odia Singer)
✅ David J. Farber (“Grandfather of the Internet”)

🔆 SPORTS

📍 Winter Olympics 2026
✅ Lucas Pinheiro Braathen – Brazil’s first Winter Olympic medal

📍 FIDE Freestyle World Championship
✅ Magnus Carlsen crowned Champion (21st world title)

📍 Johannes Klaebo
✅ 9th Olympic gold (Cross-country skiing record)

📍 BWF Para World Championships
✅ Pramod Bhagat wins 4th consecutive SL3 gold
🏆 6th overall world title

#CurrentAffairs

🔆 Republic of Korea (South Korea) 🇰🇷
Capital: Seoul

📍 News Context
✅ India and South Korea held the 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD).
✅ Reaffirmed their Special Strategic Partnership.

📍 Political Features
✅ Location: East Asian country occupying the southern Korean Peninsula.
✅ Boundary: Shares land border with North Korea (north).
✅ 38° North Latitude (38th Parallel) separates the two Koreas.
✅ Maritime Boundaries:
✅ East Sea / Sea of Japan (East)
✅ East China Sea (South)
✅ Yellow Sea (West)
✅ Separated from Japan’s Tsushima Island by the Korea Strait (Southeast).

📍 Geographical Features
✅ Strait: Korean Strait (separates South Korea from Japan in the southeast).
✅ Highest Peak: Mount Halla (on Jeju Island).
✅ Major Rivers: Han, Geum, Nakdong.

📍 Strategic Significance
✅ Located in a geopolitically sensitive region of East Asia.
✅ Key player in Indo-Pacific security architecture.
✅ Important partner for India in defence, trade & technology cooperation.

#places_in_news

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Deficit

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Rajasthan’s Coaching Centre Bill 2025
✅ Passed on 3 Sept 2025; regulates centres with 100+ students.
✅ Mandates registration, counselling systems, fee transparency, & 5-hour class limit.
✅ Penalty: ₹50,000 (1st offence), ₹2 lakh (2nd); Authority to oversee compliance.