Daily Current Affairs Quiz07 February, 2026 National Affairs 1. Centre Defines Eligibility Criteria for ‘Deep Tech’ Start-ups Source: The Hindu Why in News? The Union Government has officially defined what constitutes a “deep tech” start-up through a gazette notification issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), bringing regulatory clarity to a term widely used but previously undefined. What is a Deep Tech Start-up? According to the notification, a deep tech start-up is an enterprise that: Key Eligibility Criteria Relaxed Start-up Norms for Deep Tech Firms Parameter Normal Start-up Deep Tech Start-up Maximum age 10 years 20 years Turnover limit ₹200 crore ₹300 crore 2. NBA Launches Digital Portal for Certificate of Origin of Cultivated Medicinal Plants Source: PIB Why in News? On 5 February 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) launched a digital portal for the electronic issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO) for cultivated medicinal plants, to support Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) exemption applications. Key Features of the Digital CoO Portal About Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) About National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) Banking/Finance 1. RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25% Source: TH Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its February monetary policy, decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and retained a neutral policy stance, signalling a likely pause in rate action. Key Decisions What Does “Neutral Stance” Indicate? What is Repo Rate? The repo rate is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends short-term funds to commercial banks against government securities. What is Reverse Repo Rate? The reverse repo rate is the interest rate at which RBI borrows money from commercial banks. Repo vs Reverse Repo Aspect Repo Rate Reverse Repo Rate RBI’s role Lender Borrower Banks’ role Borrowers Lenders Objective Inject liquidity Absorb liquidity Effect on money supply Increases Decreases 2. RBI Raises Loan Limits for Small Businesses; Allows Bank Lending to REITs Source: BS Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced measures to enhance credit flow to small businesses and support the real estate sector, as part of its monetary policy initiatives to strengthen formal and last-mile lending. Key Announcements 1. Enhanced Collateral-Free Loans for Small Businesses 2. Bank Lending to REITs Permitted What are REITs? Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are regulated investment vehicles that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate such as office parks, malls, warehouses, and hotels. They allow investors to earn returns from real estate without directly owning property. 3. RBI Plans ₹25,000 Compensation for Cyber Fraud Victims Source: TOI Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a new compensation framework to provide relief to victims of small-value online frauds, with compensation up to ₹25,000. Key Features of the Proposed Framework 4. NBFCs with Assets Below ₹1,000 Crore Exempted from Mandatory RBI Registration Source: ET Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced regulatory relaxations for certain non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to reduce compliance burden while maintaining systemic stability. Key Announcements 1. Exemption from Mandatory Registration NBFCs will be exempted from registration with RBI if they meet all of the following conditions: 2. Branch Expansion Norms Relaxed Objective of the Measures RBI’s Broader Regulatory Approach 5. Mission SAKSHAM Source: TH Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the launch of Mission SAKSHAM (Sahakari Bank Kshamta Nirman), a sector-wide capacity-building and certification framework aimed at strengthening Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs). What is Mission SAKSHAM? Key Features 6. Urban Consumer Confidence Survey: RBI Source: IE Context: The latest Urban Consumer Confidence Survey by the Reserve Bank of India reveals a softening of sentiment, signalling caution among urban households—but not alarm. The data fits neatly with the broader macro narrative: strong fundamentals, cautious households. What the Dip Really Means The decline in both the Current Situation Index (CSI) and the Future Expectations Index (FEI) does not point to economic distress. Instead, it reflects a cooling of optimism after a prolonged post-pandemic rebound. The Urban Caution Paradox Urban households are reacting to micro-level pressures even as macro indicators look robust: 1. Inflation Perception vs Inflation Reality Result: Households feel poorer even when inflation is technically benign. 2. Income Insecurity, Not Job Loss This creates income anxiety without unemployment, which dampens confidence. 3. Urban Exposure to Global Uncertainty Urban consumers are more sensitive to: Rural households, buffered by transfers and agriculture-linked income, feel these shocks less immediately—explaining the urban–rural confidence divergence. Facts To Remember 1. Suryavanshi goes berserk as India lords over England Batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi lit up the grand stage with a jaw-dropping 175 (80b, 15×4, 15×6) to power India to a record-extending sixth ICC under-19 World Cup title with a 100-run victory over England in the final here on Friday. 2. Union Minister Rajnath Singh Flags Off Mount Aconcagua Expedition On February 5, 2026, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), flagged off a joint Indian mountaineering expedition to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina from New Delhi. Mount Aconcagua, with an elevation of about 6,960 metres, is the highest peak in South America and the tallest mountain outside Asia. 3. NTH Signs MoU with STQC–ERTL (North) for EMI/EMC Testing of Drones In February 2026, the National Test House (NTH) signed a Government-to-Government MoU with STQC Directorate’s Electronics Regional Test Laboratory (ERTL), North, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The partnership enables Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility testing of drones and subsystems in India. ERTL (North) will conduct testing as per IEC 61000 and Indian Standard IS 14700, strengthening India’s drone certification and compliance ecosystem. 4. Airbus and GSV Inaugurate Centre of Excellence for Aerospace Research in Gujarat In February 2026, Airbus inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for aerospace studies at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), Vadodara, Gujarat. The CoE focuses on research, innovation, and skill development in aerospace, with emphasis on Sustainable Aviation Fuel and future technologies such as Municipal Solid Waste to SAF conversion. 5.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz05 & 06 February, 2026 National Affairs 1. India–USA Trade Deal 2026 Source: TOI Why in news? India and the United States concluded a landmark bilateral trade deal in February 2026, sharply reducing tariffs and ending a phase of intense trade friction. The agreement was jointly announced by Donald Trump and the Prime Minister of India, signalling a strategic economic reset. What is the India–USA Trade Deal 2026? Key Features of the Deal 1. Tariff Rationalisation 2. Removal of Punitive Duties 3. Energy & Commodity Pivot 4. Reciprocal Market Access 5. Sectoral Safeguards 6. Technology & Nuclear Cooperation 2. Denotified Tribes Seek Constitutional Recognition, Separate Census Entry Source: TH Why in news? Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs) and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs) across India have demanded a separate column in the 2027 caste Census and constitutional recognition through a distinct Schedule, arguing that they are politically and administratively misclassified within existing SC, ST and OBC categories. Who are Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes? Key Demands 3. SabhaSaar Initiative Source: PIB Why in news? The SabhaSaar Initiative has seen rapid adoption, with over 1.11 lakh Gram Panchayats using the AI-enabled platform for automated summarisation of Gram Sabha meetings as of January 2026, marking a major milestone in digital local governance. What is the SabhaSaar Initiative? SabhaSaar is an AI-powered voice-to-text and meeting summarisation platform that automatically generates structured Minutes of Meetings (MoM) from Gram Sabha and Panchayat meeting recordings. Institutional Framework Objective 4. Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Guidelines Source: IE Why in news? India has released its first-ever national guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) to address long-standing gaps in the identification of victims in mass fatality disasters, ensuring scientific accuracy, legal certainty, and humane treatment of families. What is Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)? Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) is a scientific, structured and multidisciplinary process used to identify deceased persons in mass fatality incidents, such as: The process culminates in the dignified and lawful handover of remains to families. Institutions Involved Aims of the DVI Guidelines 5. The International Space Station (ISS) Source: ET Why in news? The International Space Station (ISS) is slated for controlled de-orbiting around 2030, marking the planned end of the longest continuous human presence in low Earth orbit (LEO) and a transition toward commercially operated space stations. What is the ISS? Who Operates the ISS? A five-agency international partnership: Governance model: Shared responsibilities—each partner maintains the hardware it provides; operations rely on tight interdependence. Aims & Roles Key Features 6. Tripartite Agreement for Creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Source: PIB Why in news? A tripartite agreement has been signed between the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) to establish the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA)—granting enhanced autonomy to six eastern districts of Nagaland. What is the FNTA? Districts Covered Aims of the Agreement Key Features 1) Creation of FNTA 2) Devolution of Powers 3) Financial Autonomy 4) Administrative Structure 7. India Joins BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies Source: News on Air Why in news? India has joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) to strengthen cooperation in manufacturing, MSME development, and Industry 4.0 adoption across BRICS and BRICS Plus countries.The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as India’s nodal agency for engagement with BCIC. What is the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC)? Established: 2024–25Launched at: Headquarters of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)Institutional framework: Supported under the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) Objectives of BCIC 8. What is Bharat Taxi? Source: News on Air Why in news? Bharat Taxi, a government-backed, cooperative-run ride-hailing platform, was formally launched on February 5, 2026 by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, positioning itself as a driver-owned alternative to private aggregators like Uber and Rapido. What is Bharat Taxi? 9. Two decades of FRLs Fail to Rein in Debt in Several States: World Bank Why in news? A World Bank report submitted to the 16th Finance Commission has found that nearly two decades of state-level Fiscal Responsibility Laws (FRLs) in India have not led to convergence or sustained reduction in debt levels across States. Key Findings of the Report Report title: From Policy to Performance: Analysing India’s Subnational Fiscal Rules Debt Trends Across States Drivers of Rising Debt Analysis of seven States (AP, Haryana, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal) shows: Quality of Fiscal Consolidation Core Criticism of India’s Fiscal Rules Key Recommendation: Debt-Anchored, Differentiated Framework Traffic Light System for States States to be classified based on: Category Borrowing Limit High-risk States 2.5% of GSDP Under-observation States 2.8% of GSDP Sustainable States 3.25% of GSDP Banking/Finance 1. SEBI Moots Easing of Commodity Derivatives Rules Why in news? The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed easing certain risk-management norms in the commodity derivatives market, citing feedback that existing safeguards may be overly conservative and capital-intensive. What has SEBI proposed? Key Change Suggested Revision of Stress-Testing Norms What is a Z-score? What is the Settlement Guarantee Fund (SGF)? The Settlement Guarantee Fund (SGF) is a financial safety net maintained by clearing corporations in Indian financial markets to ensure timely settlement of trades, even if one or more market participants default. In simple terms, SGF guarantees completion of trades and protects the market from cascading failures due to defaults. Who Regulates SGF? 2. SEBI Moves to Ease Some Rules for InvITs and REITs Why in news? The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed targeted regulatory relaxations for Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to improve cash management, borrowing flexibility, and post-concession asset handling, while retaining investor protection norms. Key Proposals in SEBI’s Consultation Paper 1) Holding SPVs Beyond Concession Period (InvITs) 2) Greater Flexibility in Parking Surplus Cash (InvITs & REITs) 3) Greenfield Projects: Level Playing Field 3. SEBI Plans to Revamp ‘Fit and Proper’ Framework Source: Mint Why in news? The Securities and Exchange Board

Daily Current Affairs Quiz03 & 04 February, 2026 National Affairs 1. Wetlands as a National Public Good Source: The Hindu Context: India observed World Wetlands Day 2026 under the theme “Wetlands and traditional knowledge”, highlighting the cultural–ecological linkages of wetlands. On this occasion, India added two new Ramsar sites — Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat) — taking the national total to 98 Ramsar sites, the highest in South Asia. What are Wetlands and Why are They a National Public Good? Wetlands are ecosystems where land is permanently or seasonally saturated with water, either fresh, brackish, or saline. They include marshes, swamps, floodplains, mangroves, peatlands, lakes, lagoons, and human-made systems such as tanks and paddy fields. Why a National Public Good? Wetlands qualify as national public goods because: They provide ecosystem services essential to society at large—flood control, groundwater recharge, water purification, climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and livelihoods—which markets often fail to value adequately. Key Characteristics of Wetlands Status of Wetlands in India Despite global recognition, ecological degradation remains widespread, even within notified wetlands. Importance of Wetlands as a Public Good 1. Flood Mitigation Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and moderating floods. 2. Water Purification Wetlands naturally filter pollutants such as nutrients, sediments, and heavy metals. 3. Climate Resilience & Carbon Storage Wetlands are significant carbon sinks and act as buffers against extreme weather. 4. Livelihood Security Millions depend on wetlands for fisheries, agriculture, fodder, and allied activities. 5. Biodiversity Hotspots Wetlands support nearly 40% of global species, including migratory birds and endemic fauna. 2. Miniratna Category-I Status to Yantra India Limited (YIL) Source: News on Air Context: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh approved Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited. What is Miniratna Status? Miniratna is a classification accorded to profit-making Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to provide enhanced financial and operational autonomy, enabling faster and more competitive decision-making—below Navratna and Maharatna levels. Historical Background Types of Miniratna CPSEs Eligibility Criteria for Miniratna Status Common Conditions (Category-I & II) Additional Criteria 3. Addition of 2 New Wetlands to India’s Ramsar List Source: TOI Context: The Union Environment Minister announced the inclusion of Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve (Gujarat) in India’s Ramsar List ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026. With this, India now has 98 Ramsar sites, marking a 276% increase since 2014. What is the Ramsar Convention? Newly Designated Ramsar Sites (2026) 1. Patna Bird Sanctuary What it is Location Key Facts Important Avifauna 2. Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve What it is Location Local Meaning Key Features Endangered & Notable Species 4. Motion of Thanks to President’s Address Source: News on Air Context: Both Houses of Parliament discussed the Motion of Thanks following the President’s Address delivered by Droupadi Murmu at the start of the Budget Session. What is the Motion of Thanks? Origin and Background Constitutional Provisions 5. IOM Global Appeal 2026 Report Source: International Organization for Migration Context: IOM has sought USD 4.7 billion to assist 41 million people globally in 2026, signalling sharper prioritisation amid a Humanitarian Reset and a constrained global funding environment. What is the IOM Global Appeal 2026? Key Findings & Trends Reasons for Migration Key Challenges Highlighted Way Forward (IOM’s Recommendations) 6. Waste-pickers Enumeration under NAMASTE Scheme Source: TH Context: The Union government released nationwide enumeration data of waste-pickers for the first time under the NAMASTE scheme, revealing sharp social stratification within informal urban labour. What is NAMASTE? Key Enumeration Findings Overall Numbers Regional Outliers Linked Sanitation Data 7. Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) Technology Source: TH Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. What is SFDR Technology? How SFDR Works Key Features of SFDR Applications & Strategic Significance 1. Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs) 2. Air Superiority & BVR Combat Edge 3. Defence Indigenisation 8. Peacocks Source: TOI Context: A pair of peacocks was spotted at over 6,000 ft (~1,800 m) near Manali in Himachal Pradesh, an ecologically unusual altitude for a species typically associated with warmer lowland regions. What are Peacocks? Habitat & Distribution IUCN Conservation Status 9. Turtle Trails Context: The Union Budget 2026–27 proposed developing ‘turtle trails’ along key Olive Ridley nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala to promote eco-tourism with conservation safeguards. What are Turtle Trails? States & Locations Involved Key Features of Turtle Trails 10. AYUSH Ministry to Invite Proposals for New Ayurveda Institutes Source: The Hindu Context: The Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, announced that the Ministry of AYUSH will soon invite proposals from States to establish three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs), as announced in the Union Budget 2026–27. The move signals a strategic expansion of Ayurveda-based tertiary healthcare, education, and research infrastructure across India. What are All India Institutes of Ayurveda (AIIAs)? They function as centres of excellence to modernise and mainstream Ayurveda. Key Budgetary and Policy Signals 1Increased Budget Allocation for AYUSH This increase reflects the government’s intent to: 11. Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) Context: The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), launched in December 1993, has once again come under scrutiny following allegations of misuse by some Members of Parliament. MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Government of India, that allows MPs to recommend developmental works worth ₹5 crore annually, primarily for creating durable community assets such as roads, schools, drinking water facilities, and health infrastructure. MPLADS Funds (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) Key Features Annual Allocation Nature of Works 12. Pennaiyar River Context: The Supreme Court of India directed the Union Government to constitute an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal within one month to resolve the Pennaiyar water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.The suit was filed by Tamil Nadu under Article 131 invoking the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. What is the Pennaiyar River? Origin States Covered Banking/Finance 1.16th Finance Commission (2026–31) Why in

Daily Current Affairs Quiz01 & 02 February, 2026 1. Union Budget 2026–27 Context: The Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Nirmala Sitharaman, announced a decisive push to scale up manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors under the First Kartavya—accelerating and sustaining economic growth.This marks a shift from assembly-led growth to deep manufacturing, emphasising technology depth, supply-chain resilience, and global competitiveness. What is the Manufacturing Strategy in Budget 2026–27? The Budget outlines a comprehensive industrial strategy to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem across seven high-impact sectors, chosen for their role in: The seven sectors are: Sector-Wise Budget Announcements and Analysis 1. Biopharma – Biopharma SHAKTI Budget Provision 2. Semiconductors – India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 Budget Provision 3. Electronics Components Manufacturing Budget Provision 4. Rare Earth Corridors Budget Provision 5. Chemicals – Plug-and-Play Chemical Parks Budget Provision 6. Capital Goods & Containers Budget Provision 7. Textiles & Sports Goods Budget Provision 2. Union Budget 2026–27: Big Push to Livestock and Fisheries Growth Source: Press Information Bureau Context: The Union Budget 2026–27 accords a major policy and fiscal push to livestock and fisheries, with allocations rising by 26.7%, recognising these allied sectors as the primary drivers of agricultural growth.While crop agriculture grew at ~3.5%, livestock and fisheries expanded at ~7.1%, contributing nearly 16% of total farm income and sustaining overall agricultural growth of 4.6% in FY 2025–26. What Is the Budgetary Shift? This approach aligns with: I. Livestock Sector: From Subsistence to Professional Value Chains The Budget emphasises “Saturation + Professionalisation” to improve animal health, productivity, and farmer incomes. 1. Veterinary Workforce Expansion Loan-Linked Capital Subsidy (New) 2. Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) 3. Entrepreneurship & Livestock FPOs 4. Tax Relief for Cooperatives II. Fisheries Sector: Blue Economy and Export Orientation The fisheries sector receives its highest-ever allocation of ₹2,761.80 crore, positioning it as a key pillar of the Blue Economy. 1. Inland & Coastal Fisheries Infrastructure Reservoir and Amrit Sarovar Development 2. Empowerment through FPOs & Startups III. Radical Export Reforms: Making Indian Seafood Globally Competitive To counter global trade headwinds and enhance export competitiveness, the Budget introduces transformational tax and logistics reforms. Key Export Reforms and Their Impact Reform Impact Duty-Free Input Imports Limit raised from 1% → 3% of export turnover for seafood processing EEZ Catch Exemption Fish caught in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or high seas made duty-free Foreign Port Landings Fish landed at foreign ports treated as exports, easing deep-sea operations Courier Export Cap Removed Removal of ₹10 lakh cap, enabling fisheries startups to access global e-commerce 3. Union Budget 2026–27: Buddhist Circuit Development in the Northeast Source: TH Context: In the Union Budget 2026–27, Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new scheme to develop a Buddhist Circuit in the Northeast, aimed at preserving Buddhist heritage while leveraging tourism as a tool for regional development, livelihood creation, and cultural diplomacy. What is the Buddhist Circuit (Northeast)? The Buddhist Circuit (Northeast) is a heritage–tourism initiative that seeks to: The scheme aligns with India’s broader objectives of: Key Budget Announcements Related to the Buddhist Circuit 1. Buddhist Circuit (Northeast) Scheme 2. Tourism Infrastructure Push 3. Regional Growth & Urban Ecosystems 4. Connectivity & Logistics Major Buddhist Monasteries in the Northeast (State-wise Mapping) Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh hosts India’s largest concentration of Mahayana Buddhist sites, especially in Tawang and West Kameng. Sikkim Sikkim follows Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. 4. Union Budget 2026–27: Record Defence Outlay with Strong Push for Indigenisation Source: PIB Context: In the Union Budget 2026–27, Nirmala Sitharaman announced a record defence allocation of ₹7.85 lakh crore, the highest ever for India.The Budget signals a decisive shift towards modernisation, post-operation preparedness, and accelerated indigenisation under Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing, amid a challenging security environment. What Is the Defence Push in Budget 2026–27? The defence allocation represents a strategic fiscal intervention aimed at: Key Defence Budget Parameters (2026–27) Parameter Budget 2026–27 Total Defence Outlay ₹7.85 lakh crore (↑ 15.19% YoY), ~2% of GDP Share in Union Expenditure 14.67% (highest among all Ministries) Capital Expenditure ₹2.19 lakh crore (↑ ~22%) Capital Acquisitions ₹1.85 lakh crore (↑ ~24%) Domestic Procurement ₹1.39 lakh crore (≈ 75% of capital acquisitions) I. Manufacturing & Technology Indigenisation 1. Aviation Manufacturing & MRO Ecosystem Customs Duty Exemptions 2. Capital Goods & Strategic Infrastructure CIE Manufacturing Scheme II. Strategic Technology, Energy & Materials Security 1. Nuclear Power Projects (Extended to 2035) Budget Provision 2. Critical Minerals for Defence Manufacturing 3. Rare Earth Corridors Announcement Defence Relevance III. Welfare & Social Security for Armed Forces Disability Pension Tax Exemption Key Provision 5. Union Budget 2026–27: Announcement for Rare Earth Corridors Source: PIB Context: The Union Budget 2026–27 announced the establishment of dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in four coastal states to strengthen India’s critical minerals ecosystem, reduce import dependence, and support clean-energy and high-technology manufacturing. What Are Rare Earth Corridors? Rare Earth Corridors are integrated, state-anchored industrial value chains that geographically co-locate: The corridor approach minimizes logistics costs, closes technology gaps, and accelerates time-to-market by creating clustered ecosystems rather than isolated projects. States Involved (Coastal Focus) The corridors will be established in four mineral-rich coastal states with significant Beach Sand Mineral (BSM) deposits containing monazite—India’s principal source of REEs: Why coastal states?India’s most accessible and commercially viable REE resources are in beach placer sands, especially monazite, which is rich in Light REEs such as Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr)—critical for magnets. Aim of the Initiative Key Features of the Rare Earth Corridor Initiative 1. Integrated Corridor Approach 2. Linkage with Magnet Manufacturing Scheme 3. State-Led Execution 4. Incentive-Backed Manufacturing 5. Strategic Supply-Chain Resilience 6. Support for High-Tech Sectors Major Coastal Potential: Beach Sand Monazite (State-wise) Odisha Kerala Andhra Pradesh Tamil Nadu Emerging Inland Rare Earth Mineral Potential (New Geography Focus) Recent exploration by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) indicates significant inland REE potential, particularly for Heavy REEs, which are scarcer and more valuable. 6. Union Budget 2026–27: Reforms in Education and Skill Sectors Source: TOI Context: The Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Nirmala Sitharaman, announced a major