Current Affairs 02/03/2026
1. In which indigenous light combat helicopter did President Draupadi Murmu fly at Jaisalmer Airbase?
Answer : Prachand
President Droupadi Murmu undertook a historic sortie in India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand at the Jaisalmer Air Force Station in Rajasthan, highlighting the country’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and aerospace technology.
The Light Combat Helicopter HAL Prachand has been designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. Built specifically for high-altitude warfare, Prachand is capable of operating in extreme weather conditions and rugged terrains, including the Siachen Glacier region. It is equipped with advanced avionics, night-attack capabilities, precision-guided munitions, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and a powerful 20 mm turret gun.
The sortie at Jaisalmer underscored India’s emphasis on the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative in the defence sector. Prachand represents a significant milestone in indigenous helicopter development, being the only attack helicopter in the world capable of operating at altitudes above 5,000 meters with a considerable weapons load.
President Murmu’s flight symbolized confidence in India’s defence capabilities and served as recognition of the efforts of Indian scientists, engineers, and armed forces personnel who contributed to the project. The event also reinforced the Indian Air Force’s operational preparedness and the strategic importance of domestically produced military platforms in strengthening national security.
2. Where was the 10th Army Chiefs’ Conclave organized to discuss contemporary security challenges?
Answer : New Delhi
The 10th Army Chiefs’ Conclave was organized in New Delhi, bringing together senior military leaders to deliberate on contemporary and emerging security challenges. The conclave served as a high-level strategic platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of operational insights among Army leadership.
Hosted under the aegis of the Indian Army, the event focused on key issues such as regional security dynamics, counter-terrorism strategies, border management, modernization of armed forces, and the impact of emerging technologies on warfare. Discussions emphasized joint preparedness, interoperability, and strengthening defence partnerships amid evolving geopolitical conditions.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence India and other defence stakeholders participated in the deliberations, highlighting India’s commitment to fostering strategic dialogue and collaborative security frameworks. The conclave also underscored the importance of adapting military doctrines to address hybrid warfare, cyber threats, and asymmetric challenges.
By hosting the 10th edition of the conclave in New Delhi, India reaffirmed its role as a key stakeholder in regional and global security discussions, while reinforcing its focus on modernization, capacity building, and sustained military cooperation.
3. Nine cheetahs brought from Botswana were recently released in which National Park?
Answer : Kuno National Park
Nine cheetahs brought from Botswana were recently released in Kuno National Park as part of India’s ambitious wildlife restoration initiative, Project Cheetah. The translocation marks another significant milestone in the country’s efforts to reintroduce the species after its extinction in India in 1952.
The cheetahs were relocated through coordinated international collaboration between the Government of India and authorities in Botswana. Upon arrival, they were placed in specially prepared quarantine and acclimatization enclosures within Kuno National Park, located in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh. Wildlife experts and veterinary teams are closely monitoring their health, adaptation patterns, and movement behavior before gradually releasing them into larger forested areas.
Project Cheetah, launched by the Government of India in 2022, aims to establish a sustainable cheetah population in the country and restore grassland ecosystems. Earlier, cheetahs were also translocated from Namibia under the same program. The initiative is overseen by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and international conservation partners.
Kuno National Park was selected for the project due to its suitable habitat, prey availability, and scientific management practices. The release of the Botswana cheetahs strengthens India’s conservation diplomacy and demonstrates its commitment to biodiversity preservation and ecological restoration.
4. Which test has the Athletics Federation of India made mandatory for female athletes?
Answer : SRY Gene Test
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has made the SRY Gene Test mandatory for female athletes participating in national-level competitions. The decision aligns with updated eligibility regulations introduced by World Athletics to standardize criteria for participation in the women’s category.
The SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene test is a genetic screening procedure used to detect the presence or absence of the SRY gene, which is typically located on the Y chromosome and plays a crucial role in male biological development. The test is generally conducted through a blood sample or cheek swab and is intended to confirm biological sex for competition eligibility purposes.
According to the AFI’s guidelines, the test will be required for female athletes competing in events that contribute to national rankings or serve as qualifiers for international championships. The implementation framework includes standardized laboratory protocols and confidentiality safeguards to ensure responsible handling of sensitive genetic information.
The move reflects a broader global debate on fairness, inclusion, and competitive equity in women’s sports. By adopting this regulation, the Athletics Federation of India aims to maintain transparency and uphold international standards in athletics governance while ensuring compliance with global sporting norms.
5. The 16th Finance Commission increased the share of urban local body grants to what percentage?
Answer : 45%
The Sixteenth Finance Commission of India has increased the share of grants allocated to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to 45 percent of the total grants earmarked for local governments for the award period 2026–31. This marks a significant rise compared to the 36 percent allocation recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission, reflecting a stronger emphasis on urban governance and infrastructure development.
The enhanced allocation recognizes the rapid pace of urbanization in India and the growing fiscal demands placed on municipal corporations, municipalities, and nagar panchayats. Urban local bodies are responsible for providing essential services such as water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, urban planning, and public health. The increased grant share is expected to strengthen their financial capacity, improve service delivery, and promote sustainable urban development.
The Finance Commission, constituted under Article 280 of the Constitution of India, periodically recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States, as well as principles governing grants-in-aid to local bodies. By raising the proportion of funds for ULBs, the Sixteenth Finance Commission has underscored the importance of empowering grassroots urban institutions to address infrastructure gaps and enhance the quality of life in cities.
This decision is seen as a strategic step toward strengthening fiscal decentralization and supporting India’s long-term urban growth objectives.
6. What has the Rajasthan government announced as the new name for Mount Abu?
Answer : Abu Raj
The Government of Rajasthan has officially announced the renaming of Mount Abu as “Abu Raj.” The decision was declared in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly as part of the state’s broader initiative to promote cultural heritage and reinforce indigenous identity through the restoration of traditional place names.
Mount Abu, situated in the Aravalli Range in southern Rajasthan, is the state’s only hill station and a major tourist destination. Known for its scenic beauty, moderate climate, and historical landmarks such as the Dilwara Jain Temples, the town holds both religious and ecological significance. The proposed new name, “Abu Raj,” is intended to reflect regional pride and historical roots more prominently.
The renaming move aligns with a wider trend across several Indian states where governments are revisiting geographical nomenclature to emphasize cultural, linguistic, and historical heritage. Officials have indicated that the administrative procedures required for formal implementation of the new name are being undertaken in accordance with established guidelines.
The announcement has drawn attention from tourism stakeholders, historians, and local residents, as Mount Abu remains a key economic and cultural hub in Rajasthan. The change to “Abu Raj” symbolizes the state government’s emphasis on identity-driven governance while maintaining the area’s established importance as a prominent hill station and heritage site.
7. What type of defense system is the VSHORADS system tested by DRDO?
Answer : Man-portable Air Defense System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System), which is a Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) designed to strengthen India’s short-range air defence capabilities.
VSHORADS is an indigenously developed, shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile system intended to counter low-altitude aerial threats such as helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and low-flying fighter aircraft. The system is lightweight and portable, enabling deployment by ground troops in diverse operational environments, including mountainous and border regions.
The missile is equipped with an advanced infrared homing seeker, ensuring high precision in target acquisition and engagement. It also incorporates a miniaturized reaction control system (RCS) to improve maneuverability and effectiveness against agile aerial targets. The development of VSHORADS represents a significant step toward reducing dependence on foreign imports in the critical segment of short-range air defence systems.
The successful testing of the system demonstrates India’s growing technological capabilities in missile development and aligns with the broader objective of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Once inducted, VSHORADS is expected to enhance the operational preparedness of the Indian Armed Forces by providing effective last-mile air defence protection on the battlefield.
8. The ‘Amondawa tribe’, which was recently in the news, is related to which region?
Answer : Amazon Rainforest
The Amondawa tribe, recently highlighted in anthropological discussions, is an indigenous community residing in the Amazon Rainforest, primarily within the Brazilian Amazon region. The tribe is part of the broader Tupi linguistic and cultural group and lives in remote forested areas that remain largely insulated from modern urban influences.
The Amondawa have drawn international academic attention due to their distinctive cultural understanding of time and age. Unlike many modern societies, the Amondawa traditionally do not conceptualize time as a measurable, linear construct divided into hours, months, or years. Instead, life stages are marked through social and environmental transitions, and individuals may change names as they move through different phases of life. This unique perception has been studied by linguists and anthropologists to better understand how language and culture shape human cognition.
Their livelihood is closely tied to the forest ecosystem, relying on hunting, fishing, and small-scale agriculture. Like many indigenous groups in the Amazon, the Amondawa face challenges related to environmental degradation, deforestation, and external socio-economic pressures. Preservation of their cultural heritage and habitat remains a critical concern within broader discussions on indigenous rights and rainforest conservation.
The renewed focus on the Amondawa tribe underscores the importance of safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems and protecting the ecological integrity of the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.