Prelims Current Affairs includes International Zebra Day, Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0, Madhya Pradesh Declares 2026 As Year Of Agriculture, Samikshya Portal, Gita Mittal Committee, India–Eu Free Trade Agreement (Fta) & Jalaj Livelihood Centres

IMPORTANT DAY

1. INTERNATIONAL ZEBRA DAY

Observed on 31 January (annually)

• Purpose: to raise awareness about the conservation of zebras and the threats faced by this iconic wildlife species.
• Focus Area: Protection of zebras from habitat loss, poaching, and climate-related threats

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

2. SAMPOORNATA ABHIYAN 2.0

Current Context: NITI Aayog launched Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0, a nationwide campaign aimed at saturating key development indicators in Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks.

ABOUT SAMPOORNATA ABHIYAN 2.0

• Launched By: NITI Aayog
• Duration: 28 January to 14 April 2026 (Three months)
• Nature: Intensive, time-bound national campaign
• Earlier Phase: First Sampoornata Abhiyan conducted in 2024

COVERAGE

• Aspirational Districts: 112
• Aspirational Blocks: 513
• Programme: Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Aspirational Districts: Saturation of 5 KPIs
• Aspirational Blocks: Saturation of 6 KPIs
• FOCUS AREAS : Health, Nutrition, Sanitation, Education, Animal welfare

STATE IN NEWS

3.  MADHYA PRADESH DECLARES 2026 AS YEAR OF AGRICULTURE

Current Context: Madhya Pradesh declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Agriculture’, announced by Governor Mangu Bhai Patel  in Bhopal.

• Objective: Strengthen agriculture and allied sectors as the backbone of rural economy

AGRICULTURAL BUDGET GROWTH

• 2002–03: ₹600 crore
• 2024–25: Over ₹27,000 crore

MARKET REFORMS

• e-Mandi Scheme: Implemented in 259 markets
• Registered Farmers: Nearly 40 lakh

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY PUSH

• Aim to make Madhya Pradesh the Milk Capital of India
• Grants for destitute cattle increased from ₹20 to ₹40 per animal
• Budget for cow shelters increased from ₹250 crore to ₹505 crore

E-GOVERNANCE

4.  SAMIKSHYA PORTAL

Current Context: The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, launched the Samikshya portal to enable real-time monitoring of projects funded by Finance Commission grants.

ABOUT SAMIKSHYA PORTAL

• Purpose: Real-time monitoring of development projects
• Funding Sources:
• State Finance Commission (SFC)
• Central Finance Commission (CFC)

KEY FEATURES

• Tracks physical and financial progress of projects
• Accessible to citizens, elected representatives, and officials
• Promotes transparency, accountability, and timely execution
• PROJECTS COVERED : Roads,Drinking water supply, Sanitation, Street lighting, Parks, Other local public utilities

SIGNIFICANCE

• Reduces delays in project execution
• Prevents cost overruns
• Improves quality of grassroots infrastructure
• Strengthens service delivery at the local level

POLITY

5.  GITA MITTAL COMMITTEE

Current Context: The Supreme Court has extended the tenure of the Gita Mittal Committee by another six months.

ABOUT GITA MITTAL COMMITTEE

• Nature: Three-member all-women committee
• Composition: Former High Court judges
• Chairperson: Justice Gita Mittal, former Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court
• Constituted By: Supreme Court of India
• Year of Constitution: August 2023

BACKGROUND

• Constituted to address humanitarian concerns arising from ethnic violence in Manipur

KEY MANDATE

• Inquire into the nature and scale of violence against women
• Ensure free medical assistance to survivors
• Provide psychological counselling and mental health support
• Monitor rehabilitation and relief measures for affected women

INTERNATIONAL

6. INDIA–EU FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (FTA)

Current Context: India and the European Union have concluded a landmark Free Trade Agreement, the largest ever deal signed by either side.

ABOUT INDIA–EU FTA

• Nature: Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement
• Significance: Strengthens economic and political ties between the world’s 2nd and 4th largest economies

KEY FEATURES OF INDIA–EU FTA

STRATEGIC MARKET ACCESS

• Preferential access for India in 97% of EU tariff lines
• Covers 5% of total trade value
• Immediate zero-duty access for labour-intensive sectors:
• Textiles, Leather, Gems and jewellery

PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE SECTORS

• Dairy, Cereals, Poultry, Soymeal, Select fruits and vegetables, Liberalisation through phased and calibrated approach

PRODUCT-SPECIFIC RULES

• Self-certification via Statement on Origin
• Special flexibilities for MSMEs
• Use of quotas and transition periods

OTHER KEY OUTCOMES OF INDIA–EU SUMMIT

JOINT STRATEGIC AGENDA 2030

• Named “Towards 2030: India–EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda”
• Covers:
• Prosperity and sustainability
• Technology and innovation
• Security and defence
• Connectivity and global issues

SECURITY & DEFENCE

Launch of India–EU Security and Defence Partnership

Negotiations for Security of Information Agreement to enable exchange of classified information

EMERGING & CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES

• Creation of EU–India Innovation Hubs
• Launch of EU–India Startup Partnership
• Constitution of Green Hydrogen Task Force under Clean Energy and Climate Partnership

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Renewal of India–EU Scientific & Technological Cooperation Agreement (2025–2030)

Talks initiated for India’s association with Horizon Europe, EU’s flagship research programme

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

7. JALAJ LIVELIHOOD CENTRES

Current Context: The Union Minister of Jal Shakti inaugurated 25 JALAJ Livelihood Centres.

ABOUT JALAJ LIVELIHOOD CENTRES

• Nature: Community-based livelihood initiative
• Joint Initiative Of:
• Namami Gange Mission
• Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

OBJECTIVE

• Integrate river conservation with sustainable livelihoods
• Focus on the Ganga river basin

KEY FEATURES

• Promotes community ownership of conservation efforts
• Generates dignified livelihood opportunities
• Special emphasis on women’s participation
• Establishes symbiotic relationship between rivers and people

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