✈️ Defence & Security · UPSC track
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 Begins in Jodhpur
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commenced the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, a multilateral air exercise, at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
- The exercise is conducted from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
- Seven Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) are participating in Tarang Shakti 2026.
- The theme of the exercise is “Power in Partnership”.
- It provides advanced joint training and exchange of operational expertise.
💡 Tarang Shakti 2026: IAF hosts 7 FFCs in Jodhpur for air interoperability.
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2315563
♻️ Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Swachh Bharat Mission Transforms Waste into Energy Across India
Under **Swachh Bharat Mission**, organic waste is increasingly being converted into clean energy and valuable manure, showcasing innovative circular economy approaches.
- Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in October 2014, prioritizes scientific management of municipal solid waste.
- Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 drives waste-to-energy initiatives, utilizing diverse feedstocks for biogas and bio-CNG.
- Examples include a Gandhinagar educational campus using biogas for cooking for more than 500 people.
- Prayagraj operates a multi-feedstock bio-CNG plant processing 343 tonnes of organic waste daily.
- Gwalior's Adarsh Gaushala inaugurated a 100-tonnes-per-day Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in October 2024.
- Hyderabad's Bowenpally Vegetable Market generates 400–500 units of electricity daily from 10 tons of waste.
💡 For the exam: Remember SBM's focus on waste-to-energy (biogas, bio-CNG) with examples from Gandhinagar, Prayagraj, Gwalior, and Hyderabad.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2315501
🚢 Economy · UPSC track
Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool strengthens India's maritime sovereignty
The **Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP)** was launched to reduce dependence on foreign insurers for maritime risks and ensure uninterrupted, affordable coverage.
- The BMIP was approved on 18 April 2026 and launched on 12 May 2026.
- It is India's first domestic maritime insurance pool, with a capacity of ₹13,906.50 crore (USD 1.5 billion).
- The BMIP has a sovereign backing of ₹12,980 crore (USD 1.4 billion) for larger claims.
- It covers Hull & Machinery, Cargo, Protection & Indemnity (P&I), and War Risk for eligible vessels.
- The pool has a duration of 10 years, extendable up to 15 years.
💡 Remember BMIP provides 1.5 billion USD sovereign-backed domestic maritime insurance for 10-15 years.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2315489