IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Analysis
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(PRELIMS Focus)
EKA-1 and Dhīr 2B & 5B: Indigenous AI Foundation Models
Science & Technology | Artificial Intelligence
Why in the News?
On 3 November 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released three indigenous AI foundation models under the IndiaAI Mission, developed by Soket Labs and ZenteiQ AiTech Innovations.
Key Models
| Feature | EKA-1 | Dhīr 2B & Dhīr 5B |
| Developer | Soket Labs | ZenteiQ AiTech Innovations |
| Model type | Open, sparse hybrid foundation model | Open-source multilingual models |
| Parameters | 26.3 billion | 2 billion and 5 billion |
| Language support | All 22 scheduled Indian languages + English | English + 10 Indian languages |
| Key applications | Mathematics, coding, reasoning, agentic AI | Document automation, knowledge retrieval, citizen services |
| Deployment | Private servers, private cloud and air-gapped environments | On-device, offline and on-premise deployment |
Important Concepts
- Foundation Model: Large AI model trained on broad datasets that can be adapted for multiple downstream tasks.
- Large Language Model (LLM): AI model trained to understand and generate human language.
- Parameters: Internal numerical values learned during training that help a model generate outputs.
- Sparse Hybrid Model: Uses a combination of model architectures and selectively activates parts of the network for particular tasks.
- Air-gapped deployment: Operating a computer system without a direct connection to external networks, enhancing data security.
Significance
- Strengthens India’s technological and strategic autonomy in AI.
- Supports multilingual digital services and wider AI accessibility.
- Enables secure AI deployment in defence, banking, cybersecurity and government.
- Reduces dependence on foreign AI platforms and cloud-based services.
Sources:
Colletes inaequalis: Cellophane Bee Produces Naturally Biodegradable Plastic
Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity and Sustainable Materials
Why in the News?
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in November 2026 found that the cellophane bee produces a polyethylene-like polyester for lining its underground nests. Unlike conventional plastics, this material degrades rapidly in natural soil.
Key Facts
- Scientific name: Colletes inaequalis.
- Common name: Cellophane bee.
- Family: Colletidae; Order: Hymenoptera.
- Nature: Solitary, ground-nesting bee; unlike honeybees, it does not live in large social colonies.
- Distribution: North America.
- Pollination: Visits early-spring plants and crops, including red maple, willow and apple trees.
Unique Nesting Adaptation
- Female bees line underground nest chambers with a transparent, flexible, cellophane-like secretion.
- The material consists of polyester and silk, produced by a specialised gland called the Dufour’s gland.
- It protects developing larvae from moisture and microbial exposure.
- Its molecular structure resembles polyethylene, a widely used conventional plastic.
Highlights of the 2026 Study
- The bee-produced polyester has a semicrystalline structure, containing both crystalline and amorphous regions.
- In natural soil, its proportion in the nest lining declined from 73% to 40% by weight within four months.
- After seven months, cracks appeared; by eleven months, the material became brittle and crumbled.
- Researchers aim to understand its degradation mechanism and use the findings to develop durable yet biodegradable plastics.
Sources:
Pralay Missile: DRDO Conducts Successful Test from Odisha
Science & Technology | Defence Technology
Why in the News?
DRDO successfully test-fired the indigenous Pralay surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha, on 3 November 2026. It reportedly engaged two simulated targets at a distance of around 500 km.
Key Features
- Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, playing a key role.
- Type: Short-range, surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile.
- Range: 150–500 km.
- Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket motor.
- Launch platform: Road-mobile launcher.
- Warhead: Capable of carrying different types of conventional warheads.
- Guidance: Advanced navigation and guidance systems for high-precision targeting.
- Flight profile: Can manoeuvre during flight, making its trajectory less predictable than that of a conventional ballistic missile.
What is a Quasi-Ballistic Missile?
- A conventional ballistic missile follows a largely predictable, arcing trajectory after powered flight.
- A quasi-ballistic missile follows a lower, more manoeuvrable trajectory and can alter its flight path.
- This can reduce the time available for an adversary’s detection and interception systems to respond.
Recent Testing
- December 2021: Maiden successful flight test.
- July 2025: Two consecutive tests validated maximum and minimum range capabilities.
- December 2025: Two missiles launched in quick succession from the same launcher during user evaluation trials.
- November 2026: Latest reported test engaged two simulated targets at approximately 500 km.
Significance
- Strengthens India’s indigenous precision-strike capabilities.
- Enhances operational flexibility through mobility and manoeuvrability.
- Supports defence indigenisation and reduces dependence on imported weapon systems.
Sources:
Siri Cattle: Conservation of an Indigenous Himalayan Breed
Agriculture & Animal Husbandry | Indigenous Livestock Breeds
Why in the News?
On 2 November 2026, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the Siri Cattle Conservation Programme in Sikkim. It also laid the foundation stone for a Siri Bull Mother Farm at Chuchachen, Pakyong district, and announced a Centre of Excellence for the breed.
Key Facts
- Type: Indigenous, zebu-derived cattle breed; dual-purpose, used for milk and draught.
- Native region: Eastern Himalayas; primarily Sikkim, Darjeeling hills of West Bengal and Bhutan.
- Other name: Trahbum.
- Appearance: Generally black or brown with white patches; completely black or brown animals also occur.
- Distinctive feature: Cervico-thoracic hump, covered with a tuft of long hair.
- Adaptation: Small, sturdy animals suited to hilly terrain; bulls are particularly used for draught work.
- Milk yield: Relatively low; reported average of approximately 425.8 kg per lactation.
Conservation Initiatives (2026)
- Siri Cattle Conservation Programme: Aims to preserve genetic resources and promote scientific breeding.
- Siri Bull Mother Farm: Planned at Chuchachen, Pakyong district, to support breed multiplication and genetic improvement.
- Centre of Excellence: Announced by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India.
- Scientific breeding: Proposed use of IVF and improved germplasm multiplication to accelerate genetic improvement.
Conservation Concern
- Crossbreeding, particularly with Jersey cattle, has contributed to the decline of pure Siri cattle.
- A 2016 ICAR study identified the breed as endangered and reported a decline from 79,000 animals in 2003 to 13,948 in 2012.
Sources:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2331820®=48&lang=1
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve: Madras High Court Acts Against Illegal Resorts
Environment & Ecology | Tiger Conservation and Protected Areas
Why in the News?
On 30 October 2026, the Madras High Court directed the immediate closure and subsequent demolition, in accordance with law, of 87 illegal resort establishments operating within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve area. The Erode District Collector’s report stated that none had the required planning/building approval from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning or recorded permission from the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA) for land-use conversion.
Key Facts
- Location: Erode district, Tamil Nadu.
- Area: Approximately 1,411.6 sq. km.
- Established: 2008; declared a tiger reserve in 2013.
- Part of: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Landscape: Eastern and Western Ghats link, forming an important wildlife corridor.
- Rivers: Bhavani and Moyar river systems.
- Vegetation: Tropical dry thorn, dry and moist deciduous, and semi-evergreen forests.
Ecological Significance
- Forms a crucial corridor connecting the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
- Supports tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, Indian gaurs, sloth bears and other wildlife.
- Part of the Nilgiri landscape, important for tiger and elephant movement.
- Sathyamangalam is significant for maintaining connectivity between the Nilgiri and Eastern Ghats forest complexes.
Conservation and Legal Issues
- Unauthorised resorts and commercial land-use conversion can cause habitat fragmentation, disturbance, waste pollution and increased human–wildlife interaction.
- The Madras High Court directed authorities to seal establishments operating without valid licences and initiate demolition action as per law.
- The matter is being monitored through further status reports; the next hearing was scheduled for 27 November 2026.
Sources:
(MAINS Focus)
Look Beyond Old Climate Fault Lines
GS III – Environment / GS II – International Relations
Climate Diplomacy, Electrification, and Equity
Introduction
India’s cautious stance on the proposed ‘35 by 2035’ electrification target reflects legitimate concerns over energy security, poverty alleviation, weak grids and financial constraints. While national circumstances must guide climate commitments, India should accelerate renewable energy, grid modernisation and clean electrification. A proactive climate strategy is essential for sustainable development, energy independence and stronger global climate leadership.
India’s Climate Record
Early Delivery
- Paris Commitments: India is among a small group of countries that have made steady progress.
- 40% Non-Fossil Capacity (2030): Achieved in 2021—nine years early.
- Emissions Intensity (33-35% from 2005): Met with a decade to spare.
- 50% Clean Capacity (2022 target): Cleared in 2025—five years ahead.
The Unfair Critique
- “Not Ambitious Enough”: Critics say India’s targets are not sufficiently ambitious.
- Unfair: Underplays bottlenecks in developed countries on renewables; pays short shrift to the Global North’s persistent failure to honour financial and technology commitments.
The “35 by 35” Target
What It Envisages
- Electricity Share: From 23% (2023) to 35% by 2035.
- Proposers: Turkey and Australia (COP co-presidencies).
- Support: Several developed countries; electrification as low-hanging fruit.
India’s Position
- Not Committed: No fixed share of electricity in energy mix.
- Renewables Priority: India has prioritised renewables.
- National Circumstances: Weaker grids; financially stressed utilities; limited capacity to invest.
- Sovereignty and Poverty Eradication: Every country must consider its own programmes.
The Rationale
- Developing Country Constraints: Weaker grids; stressed utilities; limited investment capacity.
- Equity: Different starting points; common but differentiated responsibilities.
The Changing Contours of Climate Diplomacy
India’s Interests
- Developmental: Energy access; poverty eradication; growth.
- Strategic: Energy security; reduced import dependence; technological leadership.
- Climate: Resilience; adaptation; loss and damage.
Global Dynamics
- Electrification Push: Developed countries promoting electrification.
- Renewables Bottlenecks: Developed countries face their own challenges.
- Finance Gap: Global North’s failure to honour $100 billion/year commitment; loss and damage fund inadequately capitalised.
India’s Opportunity
- Beyond Old Fault Lines: Move from defensive posture to proactive leadership.
- Ambition: Set absolute targets; measure clean electricity generated; build the grid.
- Equity: Champion Global South interests; climate justice.
Way Forward
Domestic Action
- Absolute Targets: Name the year power-sector emissions will peak; set absolute limits.
- Clean Electricity Generated: Measure what matters—not just installed capacity.
- Grid Investment: Build transmission; reduce curtailment.
- Subsidy Reform: Reorder inefficient subsidy regime; invest in climate-smart breeding, resource efficiency.
Climate Diplomacy
- Proactive Leadership: Shape global agenda; champion Global South.
- Finance: Press developed countries to honour commitments; operationalise loss and damage.
- Technology: Access; transfer; indigenous innovation.
- Electrification: Consider “35 by 35” on merits—with safeguards for national circumstances.
Equity and Justice
- CBDR: Common but differentiated responsibilities.
- Climate Justice: Historical emitters bear greater burden.
- Adaptation: Scale up support for vulnerable countries.
Conclusion
India’s cautious approach to the ‘35 by 2035’ target reflects its developmental priorities and constraints faced by developing countries. Its early achievement of several climate targets highlights its progress, while developed countries’ unmet climate-finance commitments remain a concern. However, India must accelerate domestic decarbonisation through clean electrification, grid investment and subsidy reforms, while pursuing climate diplomacy based on equity, finance and technology transfer.
Practice Question
- Confronting the climate crisis with greater urgency is in India’s own developmental and strategic interests; India should look beyond old climate fault lines. Critically examine India’s position on the “35 by 35” electrification target and suggest a proactive climate diplomacy strategy. (250 words, 15 marks)
Helping Hand: On Cyclones Arnab and Murasu
GS III – Disaster Management / GS II – Governance
Cyclone Preparedness, Disaster Finance, and Cooperative Federalism
Introduction
Effective disaster preparedness and swift inter-State coordination helped minimise casualties from Cyclones Arnab and Murasu along the Andhra Pradesh coast. However, significant damage to crops and infrastructure highlights the vulnerability of coastal communities. Timely central assistance, accurate damage assessment, resilient infrastructure, early-warning systems and climate-resilient agriculture are essential for effective disaster recovery and future preparedness.
Technology and Preparedness Success
Real Time Governance Society (RTGS)
- Deployment: RTGS and other technologies significantly reduced human casualties and property damage.
- Comparison: During Cyclone Hudhud (October 2014), Andhra Pradesh reported 63 deaths and damage estimated at nearly ₹22,000 crore.
- Improvement: Enhanced early warning, swift response, and technology deployment have made a measurable difference.
Inter-State Cooperation
- Personnel: Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu assisting Andhra Pradesh.
- Cooperative Federalism: Demonstrated in disaster response.
The Gaps
Crop Insurance
- PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Launched a decade ago; has not provided farmers with comprehensive safety cover.
- Farmer Distress: Crop losses due to vagaries of nature.
- Need: Improve the scheme so all farmers are encouraged to bring their crops under it.
- State Role: Raise awareness; support agriculturists by topping up benefits under the insurance cover.
Disaster Finance for Recovery and Reconstruction
- Initial Stand: National and State Disaster Response Funds were meant for response and relief, not recovery and reconstruction.
- 15th Finance Commission Nudge: Recovery and reconstruction added as a component of the two funds two years ago.
- Current Gap: When public infrastructure suffers extensive damage, the Centre should provide additional assistance to ease the burden on affected States.
Research Collaboration
- Need: Greater collaboration between higher learning institutions (especially science and technology) and central/state government agencies.
- Purpose: As natural disasters become more frequent, research and innovation can improve preparedness.
Way Forward
Strengthen Preparedness
- Early Warning: Expand RTGS and similar technologies to all coastal States.
- Infrastructure: Climate-resilient infrastructure; cyclone shelters.
- Research: Collaboration between IITs, universities, and government agencies.
Crop Insurance Reform
- PMFBY Improvements: Simplify claims; faster settlement; comprehensive coverage.
- Awareness: State governments should raise awareness; support farmers with top-up benefits.
- Technology: Satellite-based crop monitoring; yield estimation.
Disaster Finance
- Recovery and Reconstruction: Adequate funding under SDRF/NDRF.
- Additional Assistance: Centre should provide additional assistance for extensive public infrastructure damage.
- Cooperative Federalism: Prime Minister and his team must act in this spirit.
Inter-State Coordination
- Standard Operating Procedures: For inter-state disaster response.
- Resource Sharing: Personnel, equipment, technology.
Conclusion
Cyclones Arnab and Murasu exposed coastal vulnerabilities, but improved preparedness, RTGS-based response and inter-State cooperation helped minimise casualties, reflecting cooperative federalism. However, gaps in PMFBY coverage, disaster-recovery financing and research collaboration persist. The way forward requires stronger crop insurance, enhanced central assistance, farmer awareness and institutional partnerships to build climate-resilient communities.
Practice Question
- Long-term preparedness and swift response minimised casualties in Cyclones Arnab and Murasu, but gaps in crop insurance and disaster finance remain. Critically examine the challenges of disaster management in India and suggest measures for strengthening preparedness, crop insurance, and cooperative federalism. (250 words, 15 marks)
