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One Liners 26-08-2026
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International Relations and Issues
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UNCERD – Grave Concern on Rights in India
- Findings – UN Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) expresses grave concern over violations against SCs, STs, Dalits, Bengali‑speaking Muslims, non‑citizens, and Rohingya refugees.
- Allegations – Reports cite racially motivated violence, excessive force, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual violence.
- Trigger – Rise in police check posts, racial profiling, targeted operations after 2017 Home Affairs order and April 2025 Pahalgam attack.
- Recommendations – India urged to investigate promptly, address hate speech/crimes, refrain from collective expulsions, uphold non‑refoulement.
- Response – Indian delegation led by Solicitor General rejected findings as sweeping generalisations, citing constitutional safeguards and legal framework.
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Operation Economic Outcast – US Sanctions on Indian Firms
US sanctions four India‑based companies under ‘Operation Economic Outcast’ for importing/facilitating Iranian petroleum & petrochemical products.
- Reason – Engaged in significant transactions of Iranian petroleum products; imports worth USD 119 million.
- US Statement – Treasury Secretary calls it unprecedented push to choke Tehran’s finances; warns trade partners of penalties.
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9th National Security Strategies Conference
- Directive – Agencies to intensify measures against infiltration; AI‑based analysis on Multi‑Agency Centre (MAC) platforms to create SOPs.
- Objective – Annual hybrid format since 2021; collaborative solutions to national security challenges.
- Focus – Counter‑terrorism, PRAHAAR scheme training, trial in absentia for fugitives, integrated UAPA investigations.
- Discussions – Narcotics control, illegal migrants, cybercrime, proxy warfare by Pakistan.
- Threats from sub‑aerial systems, securing blue economy, information warfare, biosecurity framework.
- Participation – 850+ attendees including Union Home Secretary, DGsP, CAPFs, domain experts.
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Agriculture
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Periyar Cow – National Recognition
ICAR‑NBAGR declares Periyar Kullan as Kerala’s second indigenous cattle breed after Vechur cow.
- Local Names – Known as Kuttampuzha cattle and Andukanni.
- Regions – Found mainly in Koovappady, Angamaly, Kothamangalam, Chalakudy (Ernakulam & Thrissur).
- Population – Around 1,000 cattle across central Kerala farms.
- Traits – Small to medium size, dark brown, 150–200 kg; unique horns hanging near ears.
- Habitat – Thrives in semi‑feral, silvopastoral grazing near plantations and forest fringes.
- Milk Yield – 2.5–4 litres/day; A2 Beta‑casein milk with 4.5% fat & 9.1% SNF.
- Breeding – First breeding at 26 months; calving at 35 months; gestation 279 days.
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Environment
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Assam Elephant Habitat Recovery
Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak manage invasive alien plants in Khalingduar Reserve Forest, Udalguri.
- Species – Lantana camara, Chromolaena odorata, Mikania micrantha manually uprooted to aid native vegetation.
- Method – Cleared biomass converted into biochar; seed‑ball regeneration used to restore grasses, herbs, shrubs.
- Biochar – A fine-grained, porous, charcoal-like substance made by heating organic waste in a controlled environment with little to no oxygen.
- This thermal process transforms the biomass into a stable, solid form of carbon that resists decay and can remain in the ground for thousands of years.
- Its porous structure can influence soil water retention, nutrient retention, aggregation, and microbial habitat
- Impact – Recovers elephant forage base, supports herbivores, boosts habitat quality.
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Construction within 100 m of Jojari river
Supreme Court bans construction within 100 m of Jojari River and Prohibits hazardous industries within 500 m of flood line/flow path.
- Jojari River – It passes through Jodhpur, the Bandi River flows through Pali, and the Luni River runs through Balotra.
- The Bandi and Jojari rivers merge with the Luni River near Balotra city.
- Context – Seasonal river contamination impacting 2 million people; linked with Bandi and Luni rivers.
- Directive – Rajasthan Government to prepare 20‑point resolution plan and an Integrated Coordination Group formed.
- Reason – Interim safeguard to protect riverine ecosystem until scientific demarcation of flood line and buffer zone.
- Impact – Industrial relocation may be required; aims to curb pollution and restore ecosystem health.
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Security
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ICGS Ajit
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) formally handed over ICGS Ajit (Yard 1277), a Fast Patrol Vessel, to Indian Coast Guard.
- Indigenous Content – Built with over 65% indigenous material, reflecting Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence shipbuilding.
- Specifications – 51.43 m long, 8 m wide, 330‑ton displacement, powered by twin marine diesel engines with controllable pitch propellers.
- Performance – Top speed 27+ knots, endurance 1,500 nautical miles, advanced integrated machinery control system.
- Crew – Operated by 6 officers and 35 sailors.
- Role – Fisheries protection, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, coastal patrolling, anti‑smuggling, anti‑piracy, search and rescue.
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First All‑Women Commando Course – CISF
CISF starts first all‑women commando unit to boost gender parity.
- Training – 30 women personnel undergo 8‑week advanced course at Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh.
- Modules – Physical fitness, weapons training, live‑fire drills, rappelling, survival exercises.
- Deployment – Commandos to serve in Quick Reaction Teams and Special Task Forces at high‑security sites.
- Scale Up – 100 women from Aviation Security Groups & sensitive units in first phase; 2,400 recruits expected next year.
- Goal – Regular training to raise women representation from 8% to 10% in CISF.
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Miscellaneous
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Judicial Service Practice Requirement
Supreme Court reduces mandatory 3‑year legal practice to 1 year for entry‑level judicial service exams.
- Eligibility – Candidates for exams between May 25, 2025 and Mar 31, 2027 eligible regardless of prior experience.
- Training – Selected candidates to serve as trainee judicial officers; 1 year academy training + 1 year structured clerkship.
- Background – May 2025 ruling had barred fresh graduates, fixing 3‑year practice criterion.
- Impact – Modification eases entry, balances training with practical exposure.
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