Prelims Current Affairs includes International Day Of Action For Rivers, World Consumer Rights Day, Creamy Layer In Obc Reservation, India Becomes Largest Exporter Of Cotton Products, World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026, Digital Twin Initiative – V.O. Chidambaranar Port & Beas River

Important Day

1. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR RIVERS

Observed every year on 14 March

Aim : to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of rivers.

Important Day

2. WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY

Observed on 15 March every year

Aim : to promote awareness about consumer rights and protection.

Theme : Safe Products, Confident Consumers.

POLITY

3. CREAMY LAYER IN OBC RESERVATION

Current Context: The Supreme Court of India clarified that parental income alone cannot determine creamy layer status under Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation.

ABOUT CREAMY LAYER

• Refers to the socially and economically advanced members of the OBC community who are excluded from reservation benefits.
• Introduced by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney Case (1992) related to the Mandal Commission recommendations.

CURRENT CRITERION

• Income limit: ₹8 lakh per year
• Individuals above this threshold are excluded from 27% OBC reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.

KEY OBSERVATIONS OF THE SUPREME COURT

• Income alone cannot determine social advancement.
• Authorities must also consider:
• Nature of parental employment
• Rank and position held by parents
• Overall social status
• Children of government, PSU and private sector employees must be treated equally.

ECONOMY

4. INDIA BECOMES LARGEST EXPORTER OF COTTON PRODUCTS

Current Context: India surpassed China to become the largest exporter of cotton products to the United States in 2025, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Indian exports: Around 6 million tonnes
• Chinese exports: Around 5 million tonnes
• Cotton products include: Apparel, Garments, Home textiles.

GLOBAL TRADE PATTERN

• The United States imported about 3 million tonnes of cotton products in 2025.

DECLINE IN CHINA’S SHARE

• China’s exports declined due to high US tariffs ranging from 10% to 125%.
• This encouraged American companies to diversify sourcing to other countries.

OTHER MAJOR EXPORTERS

• Vietnam
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• Mexico
• Cambodia

SPORTS

5. WORLD PARA ATHLETICS GRAND PRIX 2026

Current Context: Indian para athlete Shailesh Kumar won a gold medal in the men’s high jump T63 category at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in New Delhi.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Winning Jump:84 metres
• Category: T63 (para athletes with lower limb impairments)
• Shailesh Kumar is also the reigning world champion in the event.

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

6. DIGITAL TWIN INITIATIVE – V.O. CHIDAMBARANAR PORT

Current Context: V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority became the first port in India to launch a Digital Twin initiative.

ABOUT V.O. CHIDAMBARANAR PORT

• Located in Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu)
• One of the 13 major ports of India
• Earlier known as Tuticorin Port
• Historically noted by Ptolemy in 123 AD as a major maritime trade centre.
• Also famous for pearl fisheries.

ABOUT DIGITAL TWIN TECHNOLOGY

• A virtual replica of a physical object or system created using real-time data.

FEATURES

• Enables continuous monitoring and simulation of infrastructure
• Helps improve operational efficiency and predictive maintenance

TECHNOLOGIES USED

• Internet of Things (IoT) sensors
• GPS tracking
• LiDAR mapping
• Drone imaging

CCTV networks

APPLICATION IN PORT MANAGEMENT

• Creates a real-time digital model of the port ecosystem
• Helps in data-driven decision making, logistics optimization and safety monitoring.

HIMACHAL NEWS

7. BEAS RIVER

Current Context: Four people drowned recently in the Beas River in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

ABOUT BEAS RIVER

• A major river flowing through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
• One of the five rivers that gave Punjab its name.
• Ancient Name: Vipasha (Vipas) meaning “Unfettered” river.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Marked the eastern limit of Alexander the Great’s invasion of India in 326 BCE.

ORIGIN AND COURSE

• Origin: Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh (approx. 13,050 ft)
• Flows through Kullu Valley, Mandi and Kangra Valley.
• Finally joins the Sutlej River at Harike in Punjab.
• LENGTH : Approximately 470 km
• MAJOR TRIBUTARIES : Parvati, Sainj, Tirthan, Uhal, Banganga, Chakki, Gaj
• DAM: Pong Dam (Beas Dam) located in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

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