Prelims Mantra – (06/02/2026)

Indian Polity and Governance

Paradip Port Authority Wins Swachhata Pakhwada Award 2025:

• • Context:
    On 3 February 2026, the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2025 recognised Paradip Port Authority for excellence in cleanliness and sustainability initiatives.

• • Paradip Port Authority won first prize at the awards.
  • Instituted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).
  • Evaluations based on Swachhata Pakhwada and Swachhata Hi Sewa campaigns.
  • Initiatives included large-scale cleanliness drives.
  • Plantation campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” promoted greening efforts.
  • Focus on community participation (Jan Bhagidari).
  • Safai Mitra welfare initiatives implemented.
  • Enhances port civic environment and worker welfare.
  • Encourages sustainable practices among stakeholders.
  • Awards reflect government cleanliness and citizen engagement priorities.

(PIB)

Indian Society & Social Justice

Launch of Bharat Taxi – Cooperative-Based Ride-Hailing Platform:

• • Context:
    On 5 February 2026, the Union Minister of Cooperation launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform promoting driver ownership and social security models.

• • Bharat Taxi is a cooperative model mobility platform.
  • Aims to reduce dependence on aggregator-based models like Uber/Ola.
  • Drivers are called Sarathis, placed at the centre of ownership and operations.
  • Platform works on zero-commission and surge-free pricing model.
  • Sarathis to receive health and accident insurance coverage.
  • Retirement savings plans are part of social security measures.
  • Bike Didi initiative encourages women drivers.
  • Strengthens cooperative sector and inclusive growth.
  • Could reduce platform-dependent exploitation.
  • Supports the Ministry of Cooperation’s mandate to foster cooperatives.

(TH)

Economy

Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) & Outer Harbour Project MoUs:

• • Context:
    On 5 February 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) announced key MoUs to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) and finance the Outer Harbour Project at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Thoothukudi.

• • MoUs signed among major port bodies, including SCI, CONCOR, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, VoCPA and others.
  • Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) aims to build an integrated domestic container cargo ecosystem.
  • Containerised cargo accounts for nearly two-thirds of India’s international trade value.
  • BCSL seeks to reduce dependency on foreign shipping lines and strengthen supply chain resilience.
  • Outer Harbour Project at VoCPA will expand port capacity and operational efficiency.
  • Tripartite MoU for Outer Harbour Project includes IRFC and SMFCL to support infrastructure financing.
  • Projects are aligned with the Sagarmala initiative to enhance port connectedness.
  • Improving cargo handling efficiency may reduce logistics costs for exporters.
  • Strengthens India’s global maritime trade competitiveness.
  • Could augment foreign trade volume by faster turnaround and scale.

(TH)

Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment

PLASTINDIA 2026 – First Zero-Waste Global Exhibition:

• • Context:
    On 5 February 2026, PLASTINDIA 2026 was inaugurated in New Delhi as a Zero-Waste Global Exhibition, focusing on sustainable plastics innovation.

• • PLASTINDIA is one of the world’s premier plastics sector exhibitions.
  • Launched as a Zero-Waste exhibition, aligning with sustainability goals.
  • Over 2,000 global exhibitors showcased advanced tech and raw materials.
  • Theme “BHARAT NEXT” reflects global-facing India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
  • Focus on circular economy solutions for plastics.
  • Dedicated space for youth, innovators, and start-ups in sustainable plastic technologies.
  • Industry exhibits machinery, material innovation, and service models.
  • Event runs until 10 February 2026.
  • Highlights India’s plastics sector growth and innovation potential.
  • Alignment with sustainable industrial development and trade promotion.

(PIB)

Defence & Security

INS Sudarshini’s International Port Call:

• • Context:
    As part of the Lokayan-26 voyage, INS Sudarshini made its first international stop in Salalah, Oman on 2 February 2026, enhancing naval diplomacy and maritime relations.

• • Lokayan-26 is a long-range naval deployment by the Indian Navy.
  • INS Sudarshini arrived at Salalah port, Oman for a goodwill visit.
  • The voyage started from Kochi on 20 January.
  • Port call signifies maritime cooperation with Oman.
  • Conducts professional exchanges and outreach events with local communities.
  • Naval diplomacy enhances people-to-people ties.
  • Highlights India’s maritime heritage and strategic presence.
  • Reflects Indian Navy’s role in Indo-Pacific engagement.
  • Strengthens defence partnership with Oman.
  • Continuous long-duration deployments underscore blue-water aspirations.

(PIB)

13th India-Kyrgyzstan Exercise KHANJAR Commences:

• • Context:
    On 4 February 2026, the 13th edition of exercise KHANJAR began in Assam between India and Kyrgyzstan, enhancing special forces interoperability.

• • Exercise KHANJAR is an annual joint military exercise with Kyrgyzstan.
  • Hosted this year in Misamari, Assam.
  • Focus on urban warfare and counter-terrorism scenarios.
  • Enhances special forces coordination and tactics.
  • India represented by Parachute Regiment units.
  • Kyrgyz contingent from Scorpion Brigade.
  • Alternating venues between the two countries.
  • Strengthens bilateral defence ties since 2011.
  • Incorporates mountain craft and counter-terror drills.
  • Contributes to India’s Connect Central Asia Policy.

(PIB)

Joint Counter-Terror Operations in Jammu & Kashmir:

• • Context:
    On 4–5 February 2026, ongoing counter-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir resulted in the neutralisation of terrorists during joint operations by Indian security forces.

• • Operation ‘Trashi-I’ ongoing in Kishtwar district neutralised a terrorist on 4 Feb 2026.
  • Operations involved Army’s White Knight Corps, J&K Police and CRPF.
  • Another operation, ‘Kiya’, in Udhampur neutralised two Pakistani terrorists.
  • Weapons recovered included AK-47 and M4 carbines.
  • Indicates continued infiltration and terror network presence in forested and remote areas.
  • Joint security grid aims at eliminating terror threat and ensuring area domination.
  • Reinforces intelligence-led operations in counter-terrorism efforts.
  • Reflects cooperation between central and state security forces.
  • Focus on reducing cross-border terrorism influx.
  • Security challenges persistent in Jammu & Kashmir’s rugged terrain.

(TH)

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