Nobel Peace Prize 2026: Navi Pillay and the Role of International Justice
Exam Relevance:UPSC GS-II: International Institutions | Human Rights | International LawUPSC GS-IV: Ethics in International Relations | Justice | Moral CourageHPAS GS-II: International Affairs | Global Institutions | Human Rights Why in News? The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2026 to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay “for her efforts to promote peace and international law.” Announced on 9 October 2026, the award recognises her contribution to international justice and accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and
Pong Dam and Maharana Pratap Sagar: Significance, Biodiversity and Security Concerns
Exam Relevance:UPSC GS-I: River Systems | Water Resources | Physical GeographyUPSC GS-III: Hydropower Infrastructure | Wetland Conservation | Biodiversity | Disaster ManagementHPAS: Himachal Pradesh Geography | Hydroelectric Projects | Fisheries | Ramsar Sites | Cultural Heritage Why in News? Alleged movement of fishing boats and placement of nets in the restricted area near Pong Dam in Kangra district have raised security concerns. According to reports, the Fisheries Department issued directions on 30 September 2026, asking the concerned fishing
Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026: Chirality, Non-Linear Effects and Autocatalysis
Exam Relevance:UPSC GS-III: Science and Technology—Developments and Applications | Biotechnology | Pharmaceutical TechnologyPrelims: Nobel Prizes | Chirality | Enantiomers | Catalysis | Biological HomochiralityMains: Applications of Basic Research | Drug Manufacturing | Scientific Understanding of the Origin of Life Why in News? The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 jointly to Henri B. Kagan of France and Kenso Soai of Japan for the “discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric
India–Switzerland Relations: TEPA, Technology and Strategic Cooperation
Exam Relevance:UPSC | HPAS GS-II: Bilateral Relations | Regional Groupings and Agreements | India’s Foreign PolicyUPSC | HPAS GS-III: Foreign Investment | Infrastructure | Intellectual Property Rights | Science and Technology Why in News? Swiss President Guy Parmelin visited India from 5–7 October 2026 and held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The visit marked the first anniversary of the India–European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (India–EFTA TEPA), which entered into
Green Energy Corridor Phase 3: Strengthening India’s Renewable Energy Grid
Exam Relevance:UPSC GS-II: Government Policies and Interventions | Centre–State CoordinationUPSC GS-III: Energy Infrastructure | Investment Models | Renewable Energy | Environmental ConservationPrelims: Green Energy Corridor | Battery Energy Storage Systems | GW vs GWh | Transmission Systems Why in News? On 30 September 2026, the Union Cabinet approved Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III) with an outlay of approximately ₹1.86 lakh crore. The scheme aims to strengthen intra-state transmission infrastructure for evacuating up to 135 GW of renewable energy
India’s First LNG-Powered Train: Fuel Diversification and Sustainable Rail Transport
Exam Relevance:UPSC GS-III: Railway Infrastructure | Energy Security | Environmental Pollution | Indigenous TechnologyPrelims: LNG, CNG and Hydrogen | DEMU and EMU | Dual-Fuel TechnologyMains: Decarbonisation of Transport | Infrastructure Modernisation | Economic and Environmental Trade-offs Why in News? Indian Railways launched the country’s first LNG-powered train from Sabarmati railway station in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on 27 September 2026. The initiative forms part of efforts to diversify railway fuels and reduce dependence on diesel. The train is a modified