Prelims Current Affairs includes Nasa Unveils Three-Phase Moon Base Plan, The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), Kerala Launches Project Zero Against Corruption, National Sports Board (Nsb), Paimana Portal, Pm-Ajay Scheme, Khajuraho To Host Yoga Mahotsav 2026, Indian Army Launches Kautilya And Q-Force Platforms & Pathankot-Jogindernagar Train Services To Resume On June 2

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

1. NASA UNVEILS THREE-PHASE MOON BASE PLAN

Current Context: NASA announced a three-phase plan for a permanent Moon base near the lunar South Pole.

ABOUT THE PLAN

NASA has unveiled an ambitious three-phase Moon Base Plan under its Artemis programme to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, mainly near the lunar South Pole. The plan aims to turn the Moon into a long-term scientific and exploration hub and eventually support future missions to Mars.

• Investment: $20 billion over seven years
• Phase One (through 2029): Robotic missions, cargo delivery, lunar surface technology testing, up to 25 missions with 21 lunar landings, Moon Base-I planned no earlier than autumn 2026 using Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 1 Endurance lander
• Phase Two (2029-2032): Early semi-habitable infrastructure, power grids, surface communication systems, mobility systems
• Phase Three (through 2036): Permanent base with long-duration human missions; continuous human presence on Moon with crewed landings every six months

ABOUT ARTEMIS PROGRAMME

• Launched by NASA and announced in 2017
• Main Objective: Sustainable human exploration of the Moon and preparation for Mars missions
• Artemis programme cost (2012-2025): $93 billion

INTERNATIONAL

2. THE QUAD (QUADRILATERAL SECURITY DIALOGUE)

Current Context: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar hosted the landmark Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (QFMM) at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

ABOUT THE QUAD

• Strategic grouping of India, United States, Japan and Australia formed to ensure a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
• Revived in 2017, QUAD focuses on maritime security, critical technologies, supply chains, cyber security and disaster management.
• Genesis: 2004 Tsunami (ad-hoc HADR coordination), 2007 initial dialogue (Japanese PM Shinzo Abe), 2017 resuscitation, 2021 leadership elevation (first virtual Quad Leaders’ Summit on 12 March 2021)
• Type: Non-military plurilateral strategic coalition
• Landmark Initiatives: Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), Quad STEM Fellowship, Unified Counter-Terrorism Grid

STATES IN NEWS

3. KERALA LAUNCHES PROJECT ZERO AGAINST CORRUPTION

Current Context: Kerala launched Project Zero as an anti-corruption initiative for state administration.

ABOUT PROJECT ZERO

• Kerala launched “Project Zero” to promote zero tolerance against corruption through transparency, accountability and digital governance..
• Covers: Bribery, cyber crimes, vigilance procedures, complaint handling through Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau
• Features: Public participation, stronger vigilance measures, use of technology, confidentiality for whistleblowers
• Digital graft: Corruption carried out through electronic systems, online platforms, or digital transactions

Anti-Corruption Laws & Institutions in India

• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
• Central Vigilance Commission under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.
• Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014

POLITY & GOVERNANCE

4. NATIONAL SPORTS BOARD (NSB)

Current Context: The Union Government has notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

ABOUT NATIONAL SPORTS BOARD

• National Sports Board is a proposed apex body aimed at improving governance, transparency and professionalism in sports administration in India.
• It is intended to oversee sports federations, ensure accountability, resolve disputes and promote ethical practices in sports management.
• The board aligns with efforts to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem and enhance athlete-centric governance.
• Function: Central authority for granting recognition to National Sports Bodies
• Composition: Chairperson + 2 Members (appointed by Central Government from panel recommended by Search-cum-Selection Committee)
• Term: 3 years or till age 65 (whichever earlier); eligible for re-appointment for one more term
• National Sports Tribunal: Dedicated adjudicatory body for sports-related disputes; Chairperson shall be a person who is or has been a Judge of Supreme Court or Chief Justice of High Court; powers similar to civil court; no civil court shall have jurisdiction on matters under Tribunal

NATIONAL SPORTS GOVERNANCE ACT, 2025

• National Sports Governance Act, 2025 aims to reform sports administration by ensuring transparency, accountability and athlete-centric governance in India.
• It establishes the National Sports Board as the apex regulatory body for recognition and oversight of National Sports Federations (NSFs).

POLITY & GOVERNANCE

5.  PAIMANA PORTAL

Current Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) continues to strengthen monitoring of Central Sector infrastructure projects through its PAIMANA platform.

ABOUT PAIMANA PORTAL

• It tracks project progress, delays, cost overruns and implementation status to improve transparency, efficiency and timely execution of projects
• Full Form: Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring & Analytics for Nation-building
• Function: Centralised national repository of infrastructure projects; web-generated analytical reports
• Monitors: Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth ₹150 crore and above

SOCIAL WELFARE

6. PM-AJAY SCHEME

Current Context: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) launched the PM-AJAY portal and AJAY mobile application to fully digitise implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana.

ABOUT PM-AJAY Portal & Mobile App

• PM-AJAY Portal is a digital platform launched for monitoring and implementation of the PM-AJAY Scheme for socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SCs).
• AJAY Mobile App enables real-time tracking, beneficiary monitoring, geo-tagging and transparent implementation of scheme activities.

PM-AJAY SCHEME

• PM-AJAY Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana) is a central sector scheme aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SCs).
• Launched: FY 2021-22
• It focuses on skill development, income-generating activities, infrastructure development and poverty reduction in SC-majority villages.
• Implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Merger scheme of three erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes (PMAGY, SCA to SCSP, BJRCY)
• Eligibility for infrastructure: Villages having 50% or more SC population
• Key Components: Adarsh Gram Development, Grants-in-Aid for Socio-Economic Projects, Construction of Hostels
• Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) – Launched in 2009 for integrated development of Scheduled Caste (SC) majority villages.
• Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) – Launched in 1979 to provide financial assistance for economic development of Scheduled Castes.
• Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY) – Launched in 2008 to support hostel facilities for Scheduled Caste students.

CULTURE

7.  KHAJURAHO TO HOST YOGA MAHOTSAV 2026

Current Context: Khajuraho’s UNESCO World Heritage temples will host Yoga Mahotsav 2026, marking the 25-day countdown to International Day of Yoga.

ABOUT THE EVENT

• Venue: Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh (UNESCO World Heritage site)
• Organised by: Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush
• Significance: Marks 25-day countdown to International Day of Yoga (21 June)
• Yoga 365 Days initiative: 100-day free yoga training program; over 2 lakh registered as Yoga Mitras
• IDY established: UN adopted proposal in 2014 after India’s initiative led by PM Narendra Modi

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of outstanding cultural or natural importance recognized under the World Heritage Convention, 1972.
• India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2026)- 35 Cultural, 7 Natural and 1 Mixed site.

KHAJURAHO TEMPLES

• Khajuraho Group of Monuments were built by the Chandela dynasty between 950-1050 CE.
• Famous for Nagara-style architecture and intricate sculptures depicting spirituality, daily life and art.
• Dedicated mainly to Hindu and Jain traditions.
• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

DEFENCE

8. INDIAN ARMY LAUNCHES KAUTILYA AND Q-FORCE PLATFORMS

Current Context: The Indian Army has launched AI-powered platforms Kautilya and Q-FORCE to enhance battlefield decision-making, logistics, and operational efficiency.

ABOUT THE PLATFORMS

• Kautilya: AI-enabled decision support platform for intelligence processing and data analysis; features Natural Language Processing (NLP) interface
• Q-FORCE: Focuses on military logistics and sustainment management; streamlines inventory management, supply chain coordination, equipment sustainment
• Army’s Roadmap: 2026 – Year of networking and data centricity, 2027 – Focus on full AI-integrated operations

HIMACHAL NEWS

9. PATHANKOT-JOGINDERNAGAR TRAIN SERVICES TO RESUME ON JUNE 2

Current Context: The Northern Railway has decided to restore train services on the historic Pathankot-Baijnath-Paprola-Jogindernagar narrow gauge railway section from June 2, bringing major relief to passengers in the Kangra valley region.

ABOUT THE RESUMPTION

• Railway Division: Jammu division of Northern Railway
• Section: Pathankot – Baijnath-Paprola – Jogindernagar (narrow gauge railway)
• Benefits: Daily commuters, students, employees, tourists, boost to tourism and trade in Kangra valley

MAJOR HALTS

• Dalhousie Road, Nurpur Road, Jawalamukhi Road, Kangra, Palampur Himachal, Panchrukhi, Ahju station

PATHANKOT-JOGINDERNAGAR RAILWAY LINE

• Kangra Valley Railway is a historic narrow-gauge railway line connecting Pathankot and Jogindernagar through the Kangra Valley.
• Commissioned in 1929, the 164-km railway is famous for scenic views of the Dhauladhar ranges, heritage bridges and mountain landscapes.

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