π― Complete GK Masterclass 2026
50 Most Important
UPSC GK Facts 2026
All 50 facts verified from official sources — PIB, The Hindu, Economic Survey, MoSPI, RBI, ISRO and government press releases. UPSC Prelims 24 May 2026.
50
Verified GK facts
10
Topic categories
15
Practice MCQs
5
GS papers mapped
100%
Official sources
This list has been curated from the most important events and data points of 2025–26, cross-verified with PIB press releases, Economic Survey 2025–26, MoSPI data, RBI publications, and The Hindu. Every fact is mapped to its exact UPSC GS Paper. Read carefully, note the UPSC angle, and revise before Prelims on 24 May 2026.
Economy & Finance
Facts 01–10
01
India's GDP Growth — 7.6% in FY 2025–26
Real GDP at 7.6% (Second Advance Estimate, MoSPI) — nominal GDP at 8.6%
Nominal GDP crossed ₹357.14 lakh crore — equivalent to $4+ trillion
New GDP base year: 2022–23 (revised from 2011–12) using Supply-Use Table framework
India is world's 4th largest economy (nominal); 3rd by PPP after USA and China
GS3: MoSPI, NSO, GDP estimation methods (Expenditure, Income, Output), base year revision. Frequently asked in Prelims — "Which body releases GDP estimates?"
02
CPI Inflation at Historic Low — 1.33% in December 2025
1.33% — lowest since CPI series started in 2012; avg Apr–Dec 2025 = 1.7%
RBI's Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework: Target = 4% ± 2% (2–6% band)
RBI cut repo rate to 5.25% in 2026 — first rate cut in several years
MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) has 6 members: 3 RBI + 3 external, chaired by RBI Governor
GS3: Inflation targeting, MPC composition, repo vs reverse repo, CPI vs WPI difference. Very high Prelims frequency topic.
03
New Income Tax Act 2025 — Effective 1 April 2026
Replaces Income Tax Act 1961 (65 years old) — PRARAMBH awareness campaign launched
PRARAMBH = Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat
AI chatbot Kar Saathi launched to guide taxpayers; nodal authority = CBDT
Crypto assets taxed at 30% under the new act with clear definition
GS3: CBDT, direct tax reform, PRARAMBH full form. Prelims may ask — "PRARAMBH is associated with?" Answer: New Income Tax Act awareness campaign.
04
India Bioeconomy — $195.3 Billion, 18% Growth in 2025
$195.3 billion — revealed in India BioEconomy Report (IBER) 2026, released at BIRAC's 14th Foundation Day
18% growth — highest growth rate ever recorded in India's bioeconomy history
Now contributes ~5% to national GDP; grew 20x from $10B in 2014
Largest segment: BioIndustrial ($90.2B); Released by ABLE (Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises)
GS3: BIRAC, BioE3 Policy, bioeconomy definition. Tricky Prelims question: IBER 2026 released by ABLE — not BIRAC or ICMR.
05
BHAVYA Scheme — 100 Plug-and-Play Industrial Parks
BHAVYA = Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana — Union Cabinet approved
100 parks with ready infrastructure (land, power, water, roads) — PPP model
Complements PLI schemes and Make in India 2.0; priority to Tier-2 cities
GS3: Industrial policy, PLI vs BHAVYA, DPIIT role, Make in India. Prelims may ask full form of BHAVYA.
06
Forex Reserves — $701.4 Billion as of January 16, 2026
$701.4 billion — provides 11 months import cover and covers 94%+ of external debt
India is world's largest recipient of remittances — $135.4 billion in FY25
Current Account Deficit (CAD): moderated to 1.3% of GDP in Q2 FY26
GS3: Balance of payments, CAD management, forex reserve composition (FCA, gold, SDRs, IMF position). High Prelims frequency.
07
Noida International Airport (NIA) — Inaugurated March 28, 2026
Phase I inaugurated by PM Modi on March 28, 2026 at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh
Developed under UDAN scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) — regional connectivity
Modified UDAN approved March 25, 2026 — ₹28,840 crore outlay for 2026–2036
India now has 5 international airports in NCR region including IGI Delhi and NIA Jewar
GS3: UDAN scheme, AAI (Airports Authority of India), regional connectivity. Very recent — likely Prelims question in May 2026.
08
EV Charging Infrastructure — 27,737 Stations Installed (March 2026)
27,737 installed; 22,753 operational as of March 2026 — under FAME-II and PM E-DRIVE schemes
Highest installations: Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
FAME = Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles
GS3: FAME-II, PM E-DRIVE, EV policy, green mobility. Can be asked alongside India's NDC targets and clean energy transition.
09
India Power Capacity — 520.51 GW as of January 2026
Total installed power capacity: 520.51 GW — power shortage fell from 4.2% (FY14) to 0.03% (Dec 2025)
Per capita electricity consumption: 1,460 kWh (2024–25)
India's 2030 target: 500 GW from non-fossil fuel sources — already exceeding total capacity
India's NDC (2035): Reduce emissions by 47% compared to 2005 levels; 60% installed capacity from non-fossil fuels
GS3: Renewable energy, India's NDC commitments, MNRE, Paris Agreement, 500 GW target. All numbers likely in Prelims 2026.
10
Small Hydro Power Scheme — ₹2,584 Crore, 1,500 MW Target
Cabinet approved for FY 2026–27 to 2030–31; targets 1,500 MW additional capacity
In India, small hydro = projects up to 25 MW — classified as renewable energy
Focus on: North East, hilly areas, border districts; expected ₹15,000 crore investment mobilisation
Nodal ministry: MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy)
GS3: Small vs large hydro classification, India's hydropower potential (145,320 MW), Paris Agreement linkage. Critical: small hydro = renewable in India but large hydro is debated.
Governance & Polity
Facts 11–20
11
National Dental Commission (NDC) — Replaced DCI, Effective 19 March 2026
Replaced Dental Council of India (DCI) under Dentists Act, 1948 (repealed)
Three autonomous boards: Dental Education Board; Assessment & Rating Board; Ethics & Registration Board
Similar to how NMC (2020) replaced MCI for medical regulation
GS2: Regulatory bodies in health sector — compare NDC, NMC, PCI (Pharmacy), CCIM (Ayurveda). Pattern question: "Which replaced DCI?" Answer: NDC.
12
IVFRT Scheme — Extended for 5 Years (2026–2031) with ₹1,800 Crore
IVFRT = Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking scheme
Mission-mode project originally launched May 13, 2010; extended April 2026 – March 2031
Implemented by: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Integrates immigration, visa issuance, foreigner registration for seamless traveller management and national security
GS2: E-governance, internal security, MHA schemes. IVFRT full form is frequently tested in SSC and banking exams too.
13
Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat — Launched 14 March 2026
National initiative to eliminate child marriage — legal framework: Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006
Legal marriage age: 18 for women, 21 for men under PCMA
India has the world's highest absolute number of child marriages — UNICEF data
SDG Target: 5.3 — Eliminate child marriage globally by 2030
GS2 + GS1 (Society): Child marriage, PCMA 2006, WCD Ministry, SDG 5.3. Also relevant for Ethics paper (rights vs culture debate).
14
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 — Meghalaya 12th State to Sign MoU
Meghalaya became the 12th state to sign reform-linked MoU with Centre under JJM 2.0
JJM original mission: Har Ghar Jal — tap water connection to every rural household by 2024
Jal Seva Aankalan framework operationalised — community-based water service assessment under JJM
Launched: August 15, 2019; Nodal ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti
GS2: Jal Jeevan Mission, Har Ghar Jal, Centre-State cooperation in water. Compare with Swajal and Nal Jal Yojana.
15
Tunguska Air Defence System — ₹858 Crore MoD Contract Signed
Ministry of Defence signed two contracts worth ₹858 crore including Tunguska Air Defence Missile upgrade
Tunguska is a Russian-origin short-range anti-aircraft system used by Indian Army
India's Defence Budget FY26: ₹6.21 lakh crore — 13% increase; 1.9% of GDP
GS3: Defence modernisation, Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence, India-Russia defence ties, DRDO role in import substitution.
16
State of Working India (SWI) 2026 — 40% Graduate Unemployment
SWI 2026: ~40% of graduates aged 15–25 are unemployed despite rising educational attainment
"Graduate paradox" — more degrees, less jobs; skill-degree mismatch is central challenge
Demographic window warning: "after 2030, the demographic dividend window begins to close"
PLFS (Periodic Labour Force Survey) Annual Report 2025 also released by MoSPI
GS2/GS3: Employment, demographic dividend, jobless growth, PLFS methodology. Very high Mains relevance — link to Viksit Bharat 2047 human capital challenge.
17
Modified UDAN Scheme — ₹28,840 Crore for 2026–2036
UDAN = Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik — Regional Connectivity Scheme launched 2016
Modified UDAN approved March 25, 2026; ₹28,840 crore for FY2026-27 to 2035-36
Aim: Make air travel affordable for common citizens, connect Tier-2/3 cities to major hubs
GS2: UDAN scheme, AAI, regional aviation connectivity. Full form of UDAN frequently tested. Modified UDAN is the 2026 update — mention in current affairs answers.
18
IndiaAI Mission — 7 Pillars, ₹10,372 Crore, 10,000 GPU Target
Budget: ₹10,372 crore (2024–2030); implemented by MeitY
7 pillars: Compute, Data, Startups, R&D, Skilling, Safety, Applications
Target: 10,000+ GPUs for shared public compute infrastructure accessible to startups and researchers
AI skilling target: 5 lakh youth by 2026
GS3: AI policy, MeitY, India Stack, digital economy. IndiaAI Mission is a high-frequency current affairs topic for 2026 Prelims.
19
WTO MC14 — Underway in YaoundΓ©, Cameroon (March 2026)
WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) underway in YaoundΓ©, Cameroon, March 2026
WTO = World Trade Organization — only global body dealing with rules of trade between nations
India is founding member; WTO formed January 1, 1995 replacing GATT (1947)
Current DG: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria) — first woman and first African DG of WTO
GS2: WTO, GATT, India's stand at WTO (food security, TRIPS flexibilities), MFN principle, dispute settlement. MC14 location is Prelims-worthy.
20
GLOBE Network — India Represented by CBI and ED
GLOBE = Global Operational Law Enforcement Network — hosted by India; Secretariat: UNODC, Vienna, Austria
India represented by CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED)
Strengthens global anti-corruption cooperation; aligns with India's UNCAC obligations
GS2: International anti-corruption bodies, UNODC, CBI's international role, UNCAC. Tricky question — "GLOBE Secretariat?" Answer: UNODC, Vienna.
Science & Technology
Facts 21–28
21
SpaDeX — India Becomes 4th Country to Master Space Docking
Docking confirmed: 16 January 2025; launched PSLV-C60 on 30 December 2024
Two spacecraft: SDX01 (Chaser) + SDX02 (Target) — each ~220 kg
Only 4th country after USA, Russia, China to achieve autonomous space docking
Essential prerequisite for Gaganyaan crewed mission and future Indian space station
GS3: Space docking technology, ISRO missions. Prelims: "Which country was 4th to master docking?" Answer: India. Docking confirmed January 2025.
22
National Quantum Mission — Labs in 23 Institutions, ₹6,003 Crore
Budget: ₹6,003.65 crore (2023–2031); 4 Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in research institutions
Quantum teaching labs approved in 23 academic institutions
Administered by: DST (Department of Science and Technology)
Goal: Develop 50–1,000 qubit quantum computers; India among top 5 quantum nations by 2031
GS3: Quantum computing, NQM, DST. Frequently asked: "NQM budget?" ₹6,003 crore. "Administered by?" DST. "23 institutions" — likely Prelims question.
23
GARBH-Ini Initiative — AI for Preterm Birth Prediction
GARBH-Ini = Genomics and Other Omics Technologies for the Benefit of Preterm Birth in India
Launched 2019; implemented by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) — NOT ICMR
Uses genomics + AI to create predictive models for preterm birth
India accounts for ~23% of global preterm births annually
GS3: Classic tricky Prelims question — "GARBH-Ini is implemented by?" Answer: DBT. NOT ICMR. This distinction has appeared in past UPSC exams.
24
Israel Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Sites — Khondab and Ardakan (March 2026)
Israel struck Khondab Heavy Water Complex (near Arak) and Ardakan yellowcake plant
Targeted upstream nuclear fuel cycle — halting Iran's weapons-grade plutonium and enriched uranium production
Yellowcake = concentrated uranium oxide powder — first step in nuclear fuel processing
India's response: Spoke with Iran's FM to secure Indian shipping through Strait of Hormuz
GS3 + GS2: Nuclear terminology (heavy water, yellowcake, enrichment), Strait of Hormuz significance for India, Iran as BRICS member, India's energy security.
25
Metformin Acts on Brain — New Discovery on Type 2 Diabetes Drug
Study revealed: Metformin — one of the most widely used Type 2 diabetes drugs — acts directly on the brain to regulate blood sugar
Previously believed to work primarily on liver; brain-centric mechanism is a paradigm shift in diabetes treatment
India has 77 million diabetics — world's 2nd highest; "Diabetes Capital of the World" debate
GS3: Medical research, drug mechanisms, India's non-communicable disease burden. "Metformin" — commonly asked in UPSC "science in news" questions.
26
Gaganyaan — Humanoid Robot Vyommitra, Uncrewed Test Targeted 2026
Gaganyaan uncrewed orbital test (Gaganyaan-1) targeted for late 2026
Humanoid robot Vyommitra will fly in the uncrewed test mission
Budget: ₹9,023 crore; Crewed mission: 3 astronauts, 3 days in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
4 IAF pilots trained at Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Russia
GS3: Gaganyaan mission, ISRO's human spaceflight programme, LVM3 rocket, Crew Escape System. Vyommitra name and mission budget — Prelims favourites.
27
Shubhanshu Shukla — First Indian Astronaut on ISS (Axiom Mission 4, June 2025)
Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla — travelled to ISS as Mission Pilot on Axiom Mission 4, June 2025
First Indian to reach space since Rakesh Sharma (1984) on Soyuz T-11
Axiom Space is a US-based private space company — first private space station module being built
GS3: Indian astronaut, ISS, Axiom Space. Very high likelihood Prelims question: "First Indian on ISS?" Answer: Shubhanshu Shukla (2025). "First Indian in space?" Rakesh Sharma (1984).
28
Surya Midha — Youngest Indian Billionaire (22 Years, March 2026)
Surya Midha, 22 — youngest Indian billionaire as of March 2026; broke Mark Zuckerberg's record
Built an AI-based B2B platform — reflects India's 3rd-largest startup ecosystem globally
India has 100+ unicorns (startups valued over $1 billion) as of 2026
GS3: Startup ecosystem, DPIIT, Startup India, unicorn definition ($1B+ valuation). Surya Midha likely in "persons in news" Prelims section.
Environment & Ecology
Facts 29–36
29
India's NDC 2035 — 47% Emission Reduction, 60% Non-Fossil Capacity
India's updated NDC for 2035: reduce emissions intensity by 47% vs 2005 levels
Target: 60% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2035
India met original 2015 targets nearly a decade ahead of schedule — high global credibility
NDC = Nationally Determined Contribution — India's climate pledge under Paris Agreement (2015)
GS3: NDC, Paris Agreement, UNFCCC, India's net-zero target (2070). Prelims may ask exact numbers — 47% and 60% are the 2035 NDC targets.
30
World Air Quality Report 2025 — India Shows Improvement
India shows measurable improvement in air quality for the first time in years — World Air Quality Report 2025
Published by IQAir (Swiss organisation); measures PM2.5 concentration as primary metric
WHO PM2.5 annual guideline: 5 ΞΌg/m³; India's national standard: 40 ΞΌg/m³
India still among world's most polluted countries despite improvement
GS3: Air pollution, PM2.5 vs PM10, NCAP (National Clean Air Programme), CPCB, WHO air quality guidelines. IQAir (not WHO) publishes this report — Prelims trick.
31
Biogas as Critical Alternative to LPG — National Biogas Programme
India imports 85% of LPG — making domestic biogas crucial for energy security
Govt excise duty on petrol and diesel reduced in 2026 to shield consumers from rising global crude prices
Compressed Biogas (CBG) under SATAT scheme (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation)
Biogas is made from: agricultural waste, food waste, animal dung, sewage sludge
GS3: SATAT scheme, CBG, biogas policy, India's LPG import dependence, energy security. SATAT launched 2018 — target 5,000 CBG plants.
32
Great Nicobar Project — NGT Conditional Clearance (₹81,000 Crore)
NGT gave conditional clearance in Feb 2026 to ₹81,000 crore holistic development project
Threatened species: Leatherback sea turtle (nesting site), Nicobar megapode
Tribe at risk: Shompen — a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
Developer: ANIIDCO; Strategic location: Near Malacca Strait
GS3 (Environment) + GS1 (Tribes) + GS2 (Strategic Affairs): Classic development vs environment dilemma. Shompen tribe, leatherback turtle, PVTG, Malacca Strait — all likely Prelims MCQ material.
33
Chennai Microplastics Study — Nylon Fibres High Ecological Risk
Chennai beaches: microplastic abundance lower than global averages BUT high nylon fibre concentration poses severe ecological risk
Microplastics = plastic particles smaller than 5mm in diameter
Two types: Primary (manufactured small, e.g. microbeads in cosmetics) and Secondary (from breakdown of larger plastics)
GS3: Marine pollution, microplastics definition and types. Prelims may ask: "Microplastics are defined as particles smaller than?" Answer: 5mm.
34
International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 — UN Designation
UN designated 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF)
India hosted Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) in New Delhi
80% of all economically active women in rural India are employed in the agricultural sector
Key schemes: Namo Drone Didi (drones to women SHG members), Bio-RIDE
GS1 + GS2: Women in agriculture, Namo Drone Didi, SHG, rural women empowerment. 80% statistic is Prelims-worthy. IYWF 2026 — UN designation.
35
Strategic Petroleum Reserve — 5.33 MMT at Three Locations
Current capacity: 5.33 MMT providing ~9.5 days of national consumption
Three underground locations: Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, Padur
Managed by: ISPRL (Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited) under Ministry of Petroleum
India imports 85% of crude oil; Phase II expansion at Chandikhol (Odisha) and Padur planned
GS3: Energy security, SPR, ISPRL. Note: India is NOT an IEA member (IEA requires 90 days reserve). Prelims may ask "How many days of reserves?" Answer: ~9.5 days.
36
TB Mukt Bharat — 21% TB Reduction Since 2015, World TB Day
21% reduction in TB incidence since 2015 — nearly twice the global rate of decline
World TB Day: 24 March every year; highlighted at President's address 2026
20+ crore people screened; 32+ lakh cases detected; 3,000+ AI-powered X-ray units deployed
Ni-kshay Mitras: individuals/institutions adopting TB patients for nutritional support
50% of TB patients show no symptoms — making AI-based screening essential
GS2: TB Mukt Bharat, World TB Day (March 24), Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, WHO End TB Strategy, India's SDG 3 commitment. Multiple Prelims-worthy facts here.
International Relations & BRICS
Facts 37–44
37
BRICS 2026 — India Chairs for 4th Time; 11 Members + 10 Partners
India chairs BRICS for the 4th time (previous: 2012, 2016, 2021)
Theme: "Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"
Full members: 11 (Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE)
Partner countries: 10 including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
GS2: BRICS membership, expansion at Johannesburg 2023, India's chairmanship theme. All 11 members are frequently tested. Indonesia (2025) = first SE Asian member.
38
India–EU FTA — Advanced Stages; Von der Leyen at Republic Day 2026
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was chief guest at India's Republic Day 2026
India–EU bilateral trade: ~€120 billion — EU is India's largest trading partner collectively
If signed, India–EU FTA will be India's largest trade agreement ever
GS2: India–EU strategic partnership, Republic Day chief guest (Prelims favourite), trade deal significance. Von der Leyen as RD chief guest is a certain 2026 Prelims question.
39
India–US Trade Deal — Tariffs Reduced from 25% to 18% (February 2026)
Tariffs reduced 25% → 18% on Indian goods entering the US — signed February 2026
Expected to add 0.2 percentage points to India's GDP growth
India's goods exports to US ≈ 4% of India's GDP — making this economically significant
Key sectors: pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, IT hardware
GS2: India–US bilateral relations, trade diplomacy, impact on GDP. Context: US also threatened CAATSA sanctions over S-400 purchase — India's strategic autonomy test.
40
India Development Assistance — $48 Billion to 65 Countries (2000–2024)
India provided $48 billion in development assistance to 65 countries from 2000–2024
FY26 Budget for development assistance: $810 million — 20% increase
India positions itself as Global South leader — "South-South cooperation" model
Principle: Demand-driven, no conditionality — unlike Western aid or China's BRI
GS2: India's development diplomacy, ITEC programme, South-South cooperation, BIMSTEC, India as development partner vs China's debt-trap diplomacy debate.
41
IMEC — India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
Launched at G20 New Delhi Summit 2023 — India's alternative to China's BRI
Route: India → UAE → Saudi Arabia → Jordan → Israel → Greece → EU (rail + ship)
Two corridors: Eastern Corridor (India to Gulf) + Northern Corridor (Gulf to Europe)
Aims to reduce India-to-Europe transit time by 40% compared to Suez Canal route
GS2: IMEC vs BRI, India's connectivity diplomacy, G20 legacy outcomes. IMEC route is Prelims-worthy — the Israel connection makes it geopolitically complex post-2023.
42
India–Pakistan Military Conflict — May 2025 (4-Day Conflict)
Most intense India–Pakistan hostilities since Kargil War 1999 — lasted 4 days
Triggered by a major cross-border terrorist attack; ceasefire brokered under international pressure
Strained India–US relations (US increased Islamabad outreach); complicated India's BRICS chairmanship
SAARC effectively paralysed — no summit since 2014; India prefers BIMSTEC as alternative
GS2: India–Pakistan relations, cross-border terrorism, SAARC vs BIMSTEC, nuclear deterrence doctrine. Near-certain UPSC 2026 question — know the context and outcomes.
43
India-Russia Trade — $60 Billion FY25; Putin Visits Delhi Dec 2025
Bilateral trade: $60 billion FY25 — up from $13 billion in 2021; target $100B by 2030
President Putin visited New Delhi, December 2025
India accounts for ~40% of Russia's oil exports after Western sanctions on Russia
Relationship called: "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership"
GS2: India–Russia "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," S-400, CAATSA, energy diplomacy. The trade figure jump ($13B to $60B) is a strong Prelims data point.
44
Recalibrating India-Canada Relations — Post-2023 Diplomatic Crisis
India–Canada relations reached nadir in late 2023 over Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing allegations
India expelled Canadian diplomats; FTA negotiations suspended; both sides expelled officials
Recalibration underway in 2026 under new Canadian PM Mark Carney (replaced Trudeau)
India–Canada bilateral trade: ~$10 billion annually; ~700,000 Indian diaspora in Canada
GS2: India–Canada crisis, Five Eyes intelligence sharing (Canada is a member), diaspora policy, Khalistan issue in India's foreign policy. Recalibration under Carney is the 2026 update.
History, Culture & Society
Facts 45–50
45
Sarvam AI — India's Indigenous Multilingual AI Model (2026)
Sarvam AI: India's first indigenous multilingual AI model — strengthening India's self-reliance in AI
Trained on Indian languages — covers 22 scheduled languages + regional variants
Aligns with IndiaAI Mission's "India Datasets Platform" and indigenous AI development goal
Competes with international models like GPT-4, Gemini — but tailored for Indian linguistic context
GS3: AI governance, indigenous AI, India's language diversity (22 scheduled languages under 8th Schedule), digital inclusion through vernacular AI.
46
Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) — Eastern Nagaland Autonomy
FNTA = Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority — created for 6 districts of Eastern Nagaland
Demanded by Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO)
FNTA transforms governance by giving special administrative autonomy to 6 districts — Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, Shamator
Part of broader Naga peace process — NSCN-IM framework agreement (2015) still not fully resolved
GS2: Federalism, tribal autonomy, 6th Schedule, Naga peace process. FNTA name and districts are Prelims-worthy. Link to larger question of "asymmetric federalism" in Northeast India.
47
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — 135th Birth Anniversary Observed April 2026
Born: 14 April 1891 — observed as Ambedkar Jayanti (national holiday); 135th birth anniversary in 2026
"Father of the Indian Constitution" — Chairman of Drafting Committee
Called Article 32 the "Heart and Soul of the Constitution"
Founded the Scheduled Castes Federation; converted to Buddhism (October 14, 1956) with 600,000 followers — Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din
GS1: Ambedkar's role in Constitution, Dalits and social justice, Buddhist conversion movement, Poona Pact (1932). 135th birth anniversary makes this a 2026 current affairs fact.
48
Passive Euthanasia — Legal in India Under Strict Conditions (Aruna Shanbaug Judgment)
Passive euthanasia (withdrawing life support) is legal in India — Active euthanasia remains illegal
Key judgment: Common Cause vs Union of India (2018) — SC recognised right to die with dignity under Article 21
Living Will is now valid in India — person can document end-of-life care preferences in advance
Earlier: Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011) — SC allowed passive euthanasia under guidelines
GS2 + GS4 (Ethics): Right to die, Article 21 interpretation, medical ethics. The passive vs active euthanasia distinction is frequently tested. Common Cause 2018 judgment.
49
India Rice — World's Largest Producer in 2025–26
India surpassed China to become the world's largest rice producer in 2025–26
India already the world's largest rice exporter — accounts for ~22% of global rice trade
Export ban on non-basmati white rice was lifted in 2025 as domestic stocks stabilised
FCI-WFP MoU: India supplies 2 lakh MT rice annually to World Food Programme
GS3: Agriculture, food security, MSP policy, India's rice export restrictions debate. Prelims: "World's largest rice producer (2025–26)?" Answer: India. Also: largest exporter = India.
50
India T20 World Cup 2026 — Champions; Defeated New Zealand in Final
India won ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 — defeated New Zealand in the final
Tournament concluded: 8 March 2026; co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka
ICC = International Cricket Council — HQ Dubai, UAE
India's back-to-back T20 WC wins (2024 Caribbean + USA; 2026 India + Sri Lanka)
Sports GK: Host country, winner, runner-up, final date — all standard format for SSC, Banking, and State PSC exams. Co-host Sri Lanka and winner India are key facts.
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Practice Quiz — 15 Questions
Based on the 50 facts above. Target 12+/15. UPSC Prelims is on 24 May 2026.
Economy & Governance (Q1–5)
Q1. India's revised GDP base year (announced in 2026) has changed from 2011–12 to which new year?
Source: Fact 01
A) 2017–18
B) 2019–20
C) 2022–23
D) 2024–25
Q2. PRARAMBH, the campaign launched for the New Income Tax Act 2025, stands for which of the following?
Source: Fact 03
A) Policy Reform and Revenue Advancement Mission for Bharat Homes
B) Policy Reform and Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat
C) Primary Revenue Act Reform for Mission Bharat
D) Programme for Revenue and Administrative Mission of Bharat
Q3. The Noida International Airport (NIA) inaugurated on March 28, 2026 is located in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
Source: Fact 07
A) Greater Noida
B) Jewar (Gautam Buddha Nagar)
C) Aligarh
D) Agra
Q4. The IVFRT Scheme — extended for 5 years with ₹1,800 crore — is implemented by which ministry?
Source: Fact 12
A) Ministry of External Affairs
B) Ministry of Home Affairs
C) Ministry of Finance
D) Ministry of Electronics & IT
Q5. WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in 2026 is being held in which city?
Source: Fact 19
A) Nairobi, Kenya
B) Abu Dhabi, UAE
C) YaoundΓ©, Cameroon
D) Geneva, Switzerland
Science, Environment & IR (Q6–10)
Q6. The GARBH-Ini initiative for preterm birth prediction is implemented by which department?
Source: Fact 23 — Classic trick question
A) ICMR
B) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
C) Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
D) NITI Aayog
Q7. India's 2035 NDC targets reducing emissions intensity by what percentage compared to 2005 levels?
Source: Fact 29
A) 33–35%
B) 40%
C) 47%
D) 55%
Q8. Israel struck which two Iranian nuclear facilities in March 2026? (Select the correct pair)
Source: Fact 24
A) Natanz Enrichment Facility + Bushehr Nuclear Plant
B) Khondab Heavy Water Complex + Ardakan Yellowcake Plant
C) Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant + Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre
D) Arak Heavy Water Reactor + Qom Underground Facility
Q9. India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves (5.33 MMT) are located at three sites. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
Source: Fact 35
A) Visakhapatnam
B) Mangaluru
C) Padur
D) Bhopal
Q10. India's bilateral trade with Russia reached approximately $60 billion in FY25. What is the stated bilateral trade target by 2030?
Source: Fact 43
A) $75 billion
B) $100 billion
C) $120 billion
D) $150 billion
Mixed GK (Q11–15)
Q11. The GLOBE Network, hosted by India, has its secretariat in which city?
Source: Fact 20 — Tricky!
A) New York, USA (UN HQ)
B) Lyon, France (Interpol HQ)
C) Vienna, Austria (UNODC)
D) The Hague, Netherlands (ICC)
Q12. Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian on the ISS in 2025. Who was the FIRST Indian to travel to space (1984)?
Source: Fact 27
A) Kalpana Chawla
B) Rakesh Sharma
C) Sunita Williams
D) Prashan Nair
Q13. India surpassed which country to become the world's largest rice PRODUCER in 2025–26?
Source: Fact 49
A) Thailand
B) Vietnam
C) China
D) Bangladesh
Q14. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was chief guest at India's Republic Day 2026. This is part of which broader ongoing initiative between India and the EU?
Source: Fact 38
A) India-EU Defence Partnership Summit
B) EU accession talks with India
C) India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations
D) India's application to join the Schengen Zone
Q15. Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than which size?
Source: Fact 33
A) 1 mm
B) 2 mm
C) 5 mm
D) 10 mm
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Quick Revision — Key Numbers to Remember
| Fact | Key Number / Name | Context | Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP Growth FY26 | 7.6% real; ₹357.14 lakh crore nominal | MoSPI; new base year 2022–23 | GS3 |
| CPI Inflation Dec 2025 | 1.33% — historic low | RBI target: 4% ± 2% | GS3 |
| PRARAMBH full form | Policy Reform & Responsible Action for Mission Viksit Bharat | New Income Tax Act 2025 campaign | GS3 |
| India Bioeconomy 2025 | $195.3B; 18% growth; IBER 2026 by ABLE | BIRAC's 14th Foundation Day release | GS3 |
| Forex Reserves Jan 2026 | $701.4B; 11 months import cover | RBI; CAD = 1.3% GDP | GS3 |
| EV Charging Stations | 27,737 installed; 22,753 operational (Mar 2026) | FAME-II + PM E-DRIVE; UP highest | GS3 |
| NDC 2035 targets | 47% emission reduction; 60% non-fossil capacity | Paris Agreement NDC update | GS3 |
| SpaDeX docking | 16 January 2025; 4th country after US, Russia, China | SDX01+SDX02; PSLV-C60 | GS3 |
| GARBH-Ini | DBT (NOT ICMR); launched 2019 | Preterm birth AI prediction | GS3 |
| TB Mukt Bharat | 21% reduction since 2015; World TB Day = 24 March | 20Cr screened; Ni-kshay Mitras | GS2 |
| BRICS 2026 | India chairs 4th time; 11 members + 10 partners | Theme: Building Resilience... | GS2 |
| India–Russia trade FY25 | $60B; target $100B by 2030 | Putin visited Dec 2025 | GS2 |
| GLOBE Secretariat | UNODC, Vienna | India = CBI + ED members | GS2 |
| India-Pakistan conflict | May 2025; 4 days; most intense since Kargil | Cross-border terrorism trigger | GS2 |
| India rice 2025–26 | World's largest producer (surpassed China) | Also world's largest exporter (22% share) | GS3 |
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