Prelims Current Affairs includes International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, Mahasagar Doctrine, Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (LEP), Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, Gujarat Becomes a Tiger State, COP17 Butterfly Logo, Kimberley Process.

IMPORTANT DAY

1. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EPIDEMIC PREPAREDNESS

• Observed on 27 December.
• Aim: To strengthen global readiness against epidemics.
• Promotes awareness about epidemic prevention and response.
• Encourages information sharing, research, and adoption of best practices.

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

2. MAHASAGAR DOCTRINE

Current Context: India announced a USD 450 million reconstruction assistance package for cyclone-affected Sri Lanka under the MAHASAGAR Doctrine.

ABOUT MAHASAGAR DOCTRINE

• Meaning: MAHASAGAR means “Great Ocean”.
• Nature: Extension of the SAGAR Doctrine.
• Focus Shift: From maritime security to broader economic and geopolitical concerns.
• Overall Objective:
  1. Strengthen India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean and Global South
  2. Promote inclusive growth, security, and sustainable development

ABOUT SAGAR DOCTRINE

• Launch Year: 2015.
• Full Form: Security and Growth for All in the Region.
• FIVE PILLARS:
  1. Security cooperation
  2. Trade and economic integration
  3. Capacity building and disaster management
  4.Sustainable development
  5.Connectivity

ECONOMY

3. SUBANSIRI LOWER HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT (LEP)

Current Context: Union Minister inaugurated Unit–2 (250 MW) of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project.

ABOUT SUBANSIRI LEP

• Capacity: 2,000 MW (8 units × 250 MW).
• Type: Run-of-the-river hydropower project.
• Developer: National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC).
• Location: North Lakhimpur on the Arunachal Pradesh–Assam border.
• River: Subansiri (major tributary of the Brahmaputra).
• Significance:
  India’s largest hydropower project

INTERNATIONAL

4. MUBARAK AL-KABEER PORT

Current Context: Kuwait signed an agreement with China to develop the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port.

ABOUT MUBARAK AL-KABEER PORT

• Location: Boubyan Island, Kuwait.
• Objective: Enhance regional trade and transportation.
• Economic Role: Supports Kuwait’s economic diversification and reduces oil dependence.
• Timeline: Expected to be operational by 2026.
• Global Linkage: Part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

STATE IN NEWS

5. GUJARAT BECOMES A TIGER STATE

Current Context: Gujarat has been reinstated as a tiger-bearing state after 33 years, following its inclusion in All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026.

INCLUSION IN AITE 2026

• First inclusion since 1989.
• Dedicated camera-trap survey along inter-state borders.
• Tigers to be radio-tagged for scientific monitoring.

USE OF TECHNOLOGY

• Stripe Pattern Recognition Software for tiger identification.
• Forest staff to track tiger movement within and beyond the state.
• Reflects technology-driven wildlife conservation under Project Tiger.

ORGANISATION / ENVIRONMENT

6. COP17 BUTTERFLY LOGO UNVEILED BY ARMENIA

Current Context: Armenia unveiled the official butterfly logo for the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

ABOUT COP17

• Venue: Yerevan, Armenia.
• Year: October 2026.
• Conducts the first global review of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Framework includes 23 global biodiversity targets.

ABOUT THE LOGO

• Features Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly (Polyommatus eriwanensis).
• Endemic to Armenia; found near Yerevan.
• Slogan: “Taking action for nature”.

SYMBOLISM

• Represents ecosystem fragility and species interdependence.
• Uses 23 blended colours symbolising biodiversity targets.
• Butterflies act as indicators of ecosystem health.

INTERNATIONAL / GOVERNANCE

7. KIMBERLEY PROCESS

Current Context: India will assume Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026.

ABOUT KIMBERLEY PROCESS

• Tripartite initiative involving:
  1.  Governments
  2. Diamond industry
  3. Civil society
• Aim: Prevent trade in conflict diamonds.
• Participants: 60 members representing 86 countries (EU as one participant).

GOVERNANCE

• Chair and Vice-Chair selected by plenary consensus.
• Vice-Chair becomes Chair the following year.
• India will chair the process for the third time.

KIMBERLEY PROCESS CERTIFICATION SCHEME (KPCS)

• Launched: 2003.
• Ensures only conflict-free rough diamonds enter global trade.
• Implemented by individual participant countries.

INDIA AND KPCS

• Active participant since 2003.
• Nodal Department: Department of Commerce.
• Implementing Authority: Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
• GJEPC issues and maintains Kimberley Process Certificates in India.

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