Prelims Current Affairs includes Qs World Future Skills Index 2027 , Thewa Art, International Scientific Panel On Ai , Padma Awards 2026, Kuno National Park , Dongfeng-17 (Df-17) Hypersonic Missile, Harmanpreet Kaur Becomes First Player To Reach 200 T20is & Indian Women’s Hockey Team Wins Fih Nations Cup 2026

RANKING

1. QS World Future Skills Index 2027

Current Context: India ranked 13th globally in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027.

• The report highlights India’s strong preparedness for an AI-driven future economy, while pointing out gaps in skill quality and industry alignment.

About QS World Future Skills Index

• Released by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), a global higher education analytics organisation.
• Measures how prepared countries are for future opportunities created by:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Digital technologies
• Emerging industries
• Future labour markets
• Evaluates 89 countries.

India’s Performance

• Rank: 13th globally
• Score:4/100
• Recognised as one of the strongest-performing lower-middle-income economies.

ART AND CULTURE

2.  Thewa Art

• Current Context:PM Modi gifted Thewa motif cufflinks to Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, highlighting India’s traditional craft diplomacy.

About Thewa Art

• Traditional gold-on-glass jewellery craft of Pratapgarh, Rajasthan.
• Involves fusion of hand-carved 23-carat gold sheets on coloured glass.
• Creates a rich golden appearance with minimum use of gold.
• Received GI Tag (2013–14).

History

• Nearly 400-year-old craft from the Mughal–Rajput era.
• Invented by Nathulal Soni in 1707.
• Patronised by Maharaja Samant Singh of Pratapgarh.
• Practised by the Rajsoni artisan community.

Key Features

• Uses a unique thermal bonding technique without glue or solder.
• Gold sheet (Thewa Ki Patti) is engraved with fine designs.
• Uses colourful glass (green, red, blue, maroon).
• Finished artwork is placed in a silver frame called Chandi Ki Dibiya.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

3. International Scientific Panel on AI

Current Context: The United Nations established its first global scientific body on Artificial Intelligence – Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.

• It consists of 40 global AI experts.
• B. Ravindran (IIT Madras, Centre for Responsible AI) is the only Indian member, appointed for a 3-year term.

About International Scientific Panel on AI

• A global scientific advisory body created under the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
• Provides independent and evidence-based assessment of AI technologies.
• Acts as a technical platform to understand AI development, opportunities and risks.

Objectives

• Provide scientific clarity for global AI governance.
• Separate technical assessment of AI from geopolitical debates.
• Promote safe, responsible and inclusive development of AI.
• Support creation of a fair international AI governance framework.

Composition

• Members: 40 internationally recognised experts.
• Tenure: 3 years.
• Represents diverse fields of AI science and technology.

AWARDS

4. Padma Awards 2026

Current Context: The President of India conferred the Padma Awards 2026 during the second Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Padma Vibhushan Winners (2026):

• Shri P. Narayanan (Narayanji) – Literature & Journalism
• Hon’ble Justice (Retd.) Atul Sharachchandra Chandurkar – Law & Public Jurisprudence

Padma Bhushan Winners (2026):

• S.K.M. Maeilanandan – Social Work & Entrepreneurship
• Shri Mammootty (M.K.P.I. Ismail) – Art (Cinema / Acting)
• Shri Vellappally Natesan – Social Leadership
• Dattatreyudu Nori – Medicine (Oncology)
• Shri Shibu Soren (Posthumous) – Public Affairs & Social Reform
• Alka Yagnik – Art (Playback Singing)

ENVIRONMENT

5.  Kuno National Park

Current Context: President Droupadi Murmu visited Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh and reviewed the progress of Project Cheetah.

About Kuno National Park

• A major protected area and India’s first cheetah reintroduction site.
• Selected for restoring cheetahs after their extinction from India in 1952.

Location

• Located in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh.
• Situated in the Vindhyan landscape of Central India.
• Area:
• Core National Park: 748 sq km
• Kuno Wildlife Division: around 1,235 sq km

Historical Background

• Mughal records mention Akbar capturing elephants here (1564).
• Asiatic lions existed in this region until the 19th century.
• Lion Introduction Attempt
• In 1905, Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia introduced African lions from Ethiopia.
• The attempt failed.

Project Cheetah

• India’s first intercontinental wildlife translocation project.
• Cheetahs introduced from:
• Namibia – 2022
• South Africa – 2023
• Botswana – 2026
• Objective:
• Restore extinct cheetah population in India.
• Improve grassland ecosystem conservation.

DEFENCE

6. DONGFENG-17 (DF-17) HYPERSONIC MISSILE

Current Context: Chinese state broadcaster CCTV aired footage showing the launch of a Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) hypersonic missile.

ABOUT DF-17

• Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) is a medium-range ballistic missile developed by China and equipped with a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV).
• First publicly displayed during China’s National Day military parade in 2019.
• Type: Chinese solid-fueled medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile
• NATO code name: CSS-22
• Range: 1,800 km to 2,500 km
• Operation: Launched like ballistic missile → warhead separates → reenters atmosphere → glides with fins, changes direction, maneuvers

About HYPERSONIC MISSILE

• A hypersonic missile is a weapon capable of travelling at speeds of Mach 5 or higher (more than five times the speed of sound).
• Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles can maneuver during flight, making them difficult to detect and intercept

SPORTS

7.  HARMANPREET KAUR BECOMES FIRST PLAYER TO REACH 200 T20Is

Current Context: Indian women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur became the first cricketer, male or female, to play 200 T20 International matches.

ABOUT THE ACHIEVEMENT

• Achieved during: India’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against South Africa at Old Trafford, Manchester
• International debut: 2009

SPORTS

8. INDIAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM WINS FIH NATIONS CUP 2026

Current Context: India’s women’s hockey team defeated New Zealand 2-0 to win the FIH Nations Cup 2026 and secure promotion to the FIH Pro League.

ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT

• The final match was played in Auckland, where India defeated host nation New Zealand 2-0 to win the title and secure promotion to the FIH Pro League.
• India’s record: Undefeated throughout tournament
• Significance: Second FIH Nations Cup title (previously won inaugural edition in 2022), secured promotion to FIH Pro League

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