Prelims Current Affairs includes World Oceans Day 2026, World Brain Tumor Day 2026, Khet Bachao Abhiyan, My Bharat Platform (Mera Yuva Bharat), India Reaches Landmark Of 100 Ramsar Sites, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Raggnanandhaa Becomes First Indian To Win Norway Chess Title, Fifa World Cup 2026 Mascots & Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed As Next Vice Chief Of Air Staff

ECONOMIC

1. INDIA LAUNCHES E85 FUEL: 85% ETHANOL BLEND

Current Context:

• India has introduced E85 fuel, marking a significant step towards cleaner fuels, energy security, and reduced dependence on crude oil imports.

ABOUT E85 FUEL

• E85 is a high-ethanol fuel blend consisting of: 85% Ethanol and 15% Petrol (Gasoline)
• It is primarily designed for Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) that can operate on varying ethanol-petrol blends.
• Initial availability: 48-50 fuel stations in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur
• Price advantage: ₹20 per litre less than E20 petrol
• Environmental benefit: More environmentally friendly than conventional petrol (ethanol from renewable agricultural sources)

About ETHANOL

• Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is a renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly biofuel produced through the fermentation of sugars and starches obtained from agricultural feedstocks.
• The National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 was approved by the Union Cabinet on 16 May 2018 and notified by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG). It replaced the National Policy on Biofuels, 2009.

STATES IN NEWS

2. KERALA LAUNCHES HAWK FOR WILDLIFE OFFENCE MANAGEMENT

Current Context: The Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department has launched HAWK (Hostile Activity Watch Kernel), India’s first judiciary-integrated digital wildlife offence management system for tracking and prosecuting wildlife crimes.

ABOUT HAWK

• Type: Cloud-based wildlife crime information management system
• Purpose: Manages wildlife crime records, offenders, mortality data, seizures, and legal proceedings
• Integration: Links Forest Department records with District Court Management System for end-to-end digital case tracking
• Tracking: Monitors wildlife offence cases from Preliminary Offence Report (POR) to court verdict
• Monitoring: Provides real-time dashboards for investigations, case pendency, and crime patterns
• Developed by: Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) with support from NTT DATA

About WTI

• Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) is a leading Indian conservation organization working towards the protection of wildlife, natural habitats, and biodiversity.
• It is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to securing India’s wildlife and wild habitats.
• Established in 1998.
• Headquarters: Noida

STATES IN NEWS

3.  KERALA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY RELEASES KAU THEJASWINI CHILLI

Current Context: Kerala Agricultural University has released KAU Thejaswini, a new high-yielding chilli variety developed to enhance chilli production and provide better returns to farmers.

ABOUT KAU THEJASWINI

• A newly developed chilli variety suitable for cultivation under Kerala’s agro-climatic conditions.
• Developed through scientific breeding and varietal improvement programmes of Kerala Agricultural University.
• Type: Bush-type green chilli variety for Kerala’s farming conditions
• Yield potential: 32.5 tonnes per hectare
• Tolerance: Tolerant to bacterial wilt and viral diseases

DEFENCE

4.  INDIA SHOWCASES ZORAWAR TANK AND TEJASTRA

Current Context: India showcased the indigenous Zorawar light tank and TEJASTRA at Larsen & Toubro’s Hazira facility in Gujarat in June 2026.

ABOUT ZORAWAR LIGHT TANK

• Zorawar is an indigenous light tank designed for deployment in high-altitude regions and difficult terrains.
• Named after Zorawar Singh, the renowned Dogra general known for his campaigns in Ladakh and Tibet.
• Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro.
• Lightweight and highly mobile.
• Equipped with advanced fire-control systems and surveillance capabilities.
• Integrated weapon: Nag Mk II anti-tank guided missile (range: 7-10 km)
• Full induction projected: 2027

ABOUT TEJASTRA

• Tejastra is an indigenous counter-drone and anti-drone system developed to detect, track, and neutralize hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Detects and identifies rogue drones. Capable of jamming communication and navigation signals.
• Useful for safeguarding military installations and critical infrastructure.
• 50-kilowatt laser weapon programme: Trials expected in 2027, induction planned for 2030

SPORTS

5. FRENCH OPEN 2026 WINNERS

Current Context: The French Open 2026 concluded with Alexander Zverev winning his first Grand Slam title and Mirra Andreeva becoming the youngest women’s champion.

WINNERS LIST

• The 2026 French Open (Roland-Garros), the second Grand Slam of the year, was held in Paris on the clay courts of Stade Roland Garros.
• Alexander Zverev: First Grand Slam title (previously lost three Grand Slam finals)
• Mirra Andreeva: 19 years old, won maiden Grand Slam title in straight sets

SPORTS

6. INDIA WIN SAFF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

Current Context: India defeated Bangladesh in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 final in Goa to win a record-extending sixth title.

The victory ended India’s seven-year wait for the title and marked its sixth SAFF Women’s Championship crown.

• Venue: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao, Goa
• Score: India 3-1 Bangladesh
• Individual awards:
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Sanfida Nongrum (India)
• Best Goalkeeper: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam (India)
• Top Scorer: Aveka Singh (India) – 4 goals
• Fair Play Award: Nepal
• SAFF Women’s Championship: First edition 2010.

SPORTS

7. KIMI ANTONELLI WINS MONACO GRAND PRIX 2026

Current Context: Kimi Antonelli secured a stunning Monaco Grand Prix 2026 victory, defeating Lewis Hamilton and extending his Formula 1 championship lead.

ABOUT THE RACE

• Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes won the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, becoming the youngest winner in Monaco Grand Prix history at just 19 years of age.
• Antonelli’s achievement: Fifth consecutive win of the season, started from pole position
• Monaco Grand Prix: First Formula 1 World Championship race in 1950 held on narrow streets of Monte Carlo famous for challenging layout and limited overtaking opportunities.

Download Pdf | Study Material | Downloads | Daily Quiz  | FREE Youtube Videos