Prelims Current Affairs includes Veer Bal Diwas, Boxing Day, Haka Dance, K-4 Ballistic Missile, PM-SETU Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, Rashtra Prerna Sthal, Khelo India Tribal Games, Thanjavur Painting.

IMPORTANT DAY

1. VEER BAL DIWAS

Observed on 26 December to honour the martyrdom of the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

ABOUT VEER BAL DIWAS

• Commemorates the courage and sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas.
• Highlights values of bravery, faith, and sacrifice.
• Reflects India’s rich spiritual and historical heritage.

2. BOXING DAY

Observed on 26 December, the day after Christmas, in several countries.

ABOUT BOXING DAY

• Traditionally involved giving gifts or money to workers and servants.
• Symbolises charity and sharing.
• Today associated with sports events and public holidays in many countries.

CULTURE

3. HAKA DANCE

Current Context: A Sikh Nagar Kirtan procession in South Auckland, New Zealand, was protested through the performance of a traditional Haka dance.

ABOUT HAKA DANCE

• Origin: Traditional dance of the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand.
• Features: Powerful chanting, foot stamping, hand movements, and fierce facial expressions called pūkana.
• Types: Varies by tribal region; narrates important tribal events.

TRADITIONAL AND MODERN USE

• Traditional Use: War, celebrations, welcoming guests.
• Modern Use: Sports events, weddings, funerals, public protests.
• Symbolism: Represents tribal pride, unity, strength, and identity.
• Global Recognition: Popularised worldwide by New Zealand’s rugby team – All Blacks.

DEFENCE

4. K-4 BALLISTIC MISSILE

Current Context: India successfully tested the K-4 intermediate-range ballistic missile from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal.

ABOUT K-4 MISSILE

• Type: Nuclear-capable Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).
• Range: Around 3,500 km.
• Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Deployment: Designed for Arihant-class nuclear submarines.
• Capacity: Each Arihant-class submarine can carry four K-4 missiles.

KEY FEATURES

• Two-stage, solid-fuel missile weighing about 17 tonnes.
• Payload capacity up to 2 tonnes, including nuclear warhead.
• Uses cold-launch technology from underwater platforms.
• Guided by inertial navigation supported by GPS and NavIC.
• Manoeuvring capability to evade missile defence systems.

SCHEME

5. PM-SETU SCHEME

Current Context: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship invited industry leaders to participate in the PM-SETU scheme.

ABOUT PM-SETU

• Full Form: Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs.
• Nature: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Objective: Modernise and strengthen the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) ecosystem.
• Coverage: Upgradation of 1,000 government ITIs across India.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

IMPLEMENTATION MODEL

• Structure: Hub-and-spoke model.
• Hubs: 200 hub ITIs with advanced infrastructure.
• Spokes: 800 spoke ITIs for outreach and access.
• Financial Outlay: ₹60,000 crore over five years.

KEY COMPONENTS

• Demand-driven, industry-aligned courses.
• Special Purpose Vehicles with anchor industries.
• Strengthening five National Skill Training Institutes as Centres of Excellence.
• Supported by World Bank and Asian Development Bank financing.

AWARDS

6. PRADHAN MANTRI RASHTRIYA BAL PURASKAR

Current Context: The President of India will confer the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on Veer Bal Diwas.

ABOUT PMRBP

• Prestigious national award given annually by the Government of India.
• Recognises exceptional achievements by children in multiple fields.
• Administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

CATEGORIES

• Bravery
• Art and Culture
• Environment
• Social Service
• Science and Technology
• Sports

ELIGIBILITY & AWARD DETAILS

• Citizenship: Indian citizen.
• Age: Above 5 years and below 18 years.
• Time Limit: Achievement within two years of nomination.
• Number of Awards: Up to 25 annually.
• Award Components: Medal, Certificate, Citation booklet.

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

7. RASHTRA PRENRA STHAL

Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on the 101st birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

ABOUT RASHTRA PRENRA STHAL

• Nature: National memorial and inspiration complex.
• Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
• Cost: Developed at an estimated cost of ₹230 crore.
• Area: Spread over about 65 acres.
• Objective: Promote leadership values, national service, good governance, and cultural awareness.
• Vision: Designed as a space for reflection, learning, and inspiration, especially for youth.

SPORTS

8. KHELO INDIA TRIBAL GAMES

Current Context: The logo, mascot Morveer, and theme song of the first Khelo India Tribal Games were unveiled in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.

ABOUT KHELO INDIA TRIBAL GAMES

• National-level sports event exclusively for tribal athletes.
• Launched under the Khelo India Scheme.
• First Edition: Scheduled from 14 February 2026.
• Objective: Identify, nurture, and integrate tribal sports talent into the national mainstream.

MASCOT – MORVEER

• Mor means “our own”; Veer symbolises bravery.
• Represents pride, resilience, and courage of tribal communities.
• Reflects alignment of sports policy with regional identity and social inclusion.

HISTORY

9. THANJAVUR PAINTING

Current Context: The Department of Posts transported a Thanjavur painting of Lord Ram from Bengaluru to Ayodhya.

ABOUT THANJAVUR PAINTING

• Classical art form from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
• Flourished under Chola, Nayak, and Maratha rulers.
• Alternate Name: Palagai Padam.

KEY FEATURES

• Painted on wooden planks.
• Use of gold foil, glass beads, and semi-precious stones.
• Rich colours with three-dimensional effect.
• Known for elaborate depictions of deities.
• Has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

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