6th November 2026

Explanation - It was launched by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 2004. It was aimed to explore the universe’s most powerful explosions, called gamma-ray bursts. It is part of NASA's medium explorer (MIDEX) program and was launched into a low-Earth orbit on a Delta 7320 rocket. Objectives — Determine the origin of gamma-ray bursts and how the burst evolves and interacts with the surroundings. Classify gamma-ray bursts and search for new types. Use gamma-ray bursts to study the early universe. Perform the first sensitive hard X-ray survey of the sky. It was comprised of three instruments namely — Burst Alert Telescope (BAT): It had large field-of-view and high sensitivity, the BAT detected about 100 GRBs per year, and computes burst positions onboard the satellite with arc-minute positional accuracy. X-ray Telescope (XRT): It was able to obtain spectra of GRB afterglows during pointed follow-up observations. The images are used for higher accuracy position localisations, while light curves are used to study flaring and the long-term decay of the X-ray aferglow. UV/Optical Telescope (UVOT): The UVOT took images and can obtain spectra (via a grism filter) of GRB afterglows during pointed follow-up observations. Achievements — Since its launch, Swift had also studied hundreds of supernova explosions, star-shredding black holes, stellar X-ray flares, asteroids and comets, contributing to some 7,000 published scientific papers.

Explanation - It is a geospatial dashboard that allows consumers to view location-specific network test results and access Do Not Disturb (DND) services through a web interface. It was launched by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Features — It combines consumer test data with its independent drive test results to help consumers compare networks by location and telecom operators identify areas for network improvement. User test data comprises of the test results from MySpeed and MyCall apps of TRAI. It delivers insights on various network parameters to consumers, service providers and TRAI. The platform displays speed indicators based on tests conducted by users in a given area. These include median speeds and values indicating the speeds recorded at or above a specified level in 80 per cent of mobile broadband tests and 90 per cent of fixed broadband tests. The portal also provides web access to DND facilities, allowing consumers to register preferences for commercial communications, submit complaints about unsolicited communications and track their status.

Explanation - VISTAR (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research) is designed to establish a dynamic, real-time and future-ready official statistical architecture for enhanced timeliness, data granularity, interoperability with harmonised and AI ready datasets. Time Period: FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 Components of the VISTAR scheme — Component 1: Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem — MoSPI proposes conducting 59 surveys during the 16th FC cycle, as compared to 43 major surveys conducted previously, It will focus on the end-to-end digitalisation of statistical processes and embedding Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into regular workflows. It is planning to release new metrices, including the Headline Index of Services Production, the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises. Component 2: Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) — Under this component, the Centre will provide funds to State governments to help transform the statistical capabilities of States and Union Territories through a redesigned, deliverable-linked framework. The vision focuses on building state-level capacity to generate high-quality, granular data at the district and other disaggregated levels, developing indigenous data processing capabilities, and embedding data use cases into localised policymaking. MoSPI will provide technical support to scale up generation of district-level estimates and million-plus city level estimates in flagship national surveys (e.g., PLFS, HCES, ASUSE) as well as in compilation of State/District level GDP and State level IIP. Component 3: Economic Census (EC) — MoSPI will undertake the 8th Economic Census (EC) in collaboration with the States and Union Territories in order to obtain granular data and activity details of all the non-farm establishments and workers hired down to the gram panchayat and ward levels.

Explanation - The Union Cabinet has approved an additional two-year engagement period for Agniveers who are not selected for regular enrolment after their initial four-year tenure. The revised arrangement introduces a two-stage pathway: First Stage: Selection After Four Years — The top 25% of Agniveers will continue to be selected on merit for absorption into the regular cadre. Selection will be based on performance evaluations and the requirements of the respective services. Second Stage: Additional Two-Year Engagement — The remaining 75% of Agniveers will be offered an additional two-year engagement. At the end of six years of service, they will be eligible for consideration for enrolment as regular soldiers. Regular enrolment will depend on their willingness and fulfilment of objective military selection criteria. The revised arrangement therefore provides all Agniveers with an opportunity to pursue regular military service, although enrolment is not guaranteed.

Explanation - The Union Cabinet has approved the Critical Mineral Processing Scheme - a ₹2,814-crore Capital Expenditure (Capex) Support Scheme to develop domestic processing capacity for critical minerals, particularly lithium and nickel. The initiative seeks to address India's dependence on imported refined materials, reduce strategic vulnerability arising from China's dominance and strengthen the domestic critical mineral value chain. Key Features of the Scheme - Financial assistance and capacity targets — Total outlay: ₹2,814 crore. Duration: Five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. Capital subsidy: 30% of eligible capital investment. Processing facilities: Four plants — two for lithium and two for nickel. Capacity and financial support: For Lithium, minimum capacity per plant will be 30,000 tonnes, while maximum capital support per beneficiary will be ₹500 crore (Nickel - 50,000 tonnes, ₹900 crore). Selection and disbursement — Beneficiaries will be selected through a two-stage process: technical qualification followed by financial bidding. Two beneficiaries will be selected for each mineral based on the least-cost criterion, prioritising bidders seeking the lowest government support. Incentives will be disbursed in three tranches linked to the achievement of specified milestones. Processing objectives — The scheme aims to convert lithium and nickel ores and intermediate products into high-purity compounds. Nickel processing is also expected to facilitate the recovery of cobalt as a by-product.