About Exercise Vajra Prahar:

• It is the joint Special Forces exercise between the Indian Army and US Army.
• The exercise is designed to deepen defence cooperation, enhance interoperability and joint operational readiness, and enable the exchange of advanced special operations tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• The year 2026 marks the 16th edition of the exercise.
  • It will be held at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
  • The focus this year will be on the exchange of advanced special operations tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs), honed through rigorous training in realistic combat scenarios.
  • It will place strong emphasis on counter-terror operations, precision strikes, intelligence-based missions, and joint planning under simulated battlefield conditions.

About Baglihar Hydropower Project:

• It is a 900 MW run-of-the-river power project on the Chenab River in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It consists of a concrete gravity dam.
• The project consists of two stages of 450 MW each.

Key Facts about Chenab River:

• It is the largest of the five tributaries of the Indus River.
• Course:
  • Origin: It is formed by the confluence of two streams, Chandra and Bhaga, in the Lahaul and Spiti Districts of Himachal Pradesh.
  • In its upper reaches, it is also known as the Chandrabhaga.
  • It flows through the Jammu and Kashmir union territory, Himachal Pradesh, and after receiving the Jhelum River near Trimmu, the Chenab empties into the Sutlej River.
• The Chenab valley is a structural trough formed by the great Himalayan and Pir Panjal ranges.
• Major Tributaries:
  • Left Bank: Niru, Tawi, Neeru, and Liddrari.
  • Right Bank: Ans, Bhut Nalla, Bichleri, Kalnai Marusudar, and Miyar Nalla.
• Major Dams on Chenab River: Salal (rockfill dam), Aalal (concrete dam), Baglihar, and Dul.

About Taftan Volcano:

• It is a stratovolcano located in southeastern Iran, close to the border with Pakistan.
• It is the tallest mountain in southeastern Iran.
• The volcano contains two summits (Narkuh and Matherkuh).
• It hosts an active hydrothermal system.
• It is the only active volcano in the Makran continental volcanic arc formed by the subduction of the Arabian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.

About Floreana Island:

• Floreana, officially "Santa Maria," is located on the southern end of the Galápagos Archipelago off the west coast of continental Ecuador.
• It is a volcanic landmass.
• It is situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and remains a remote and vital ecological site.
• It supports a range of habitats, including coastal lagoons, volcanic highlands, and offshore reefs.
• It is known for the historic Post Office Bay, where a barrel mail system (dating to the 18th century) is still used by visitors.
• Of all the Galápagos Islands, Floreana is the one most affected by the presence of humans and their introduction of goats, which ended up roaming loose on the island for many years.
• The goats and some other non-native species were completely removed by the Galápagos National Park in 2007.
• It has the highest concentration of species threatened by invasive mammals of any Galápagos Island.

About Indian Star Tortoise:

• It is a medium-sized terrestrial tortoise.
• Scientific Name: Geochelone elegans
• Their name comes from the star-like pattern on their shell.
• These patterns act as camouflage by helping to break up the shell outline so that it more easily blends into its surroundings.
• Distribution: It is native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka where it inhabits dry areas and scrub forest.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Key Facts about Amrabad Tiger Reserve:

• It is located in the Nallamala hills of the Eastern Ghats in Telangana.
• It is one of the largest tiger reserves in India.
• It was originally part of the larger Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve before the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2014.
• The reserve is renowned for its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and dense forests.
• Within the reserve lies the historic Nagalapuram fort.
• The Krishna River and its perennial streams originating within the reserve contribute to the water supply of major reservoirs such as the Srishailam Dam and Nagarjunsagar Dam.
• The Chenchu tribe is one of the major tribal communities that live in the ATR.
• Flora:
  • It is characterized by dry deciduous forests, primarily made up of sal, teak, bamboo, and acacia trees.
  • The forest is rich in medicinal plants and shrubs, which have long been used by local tribes for traditional remedies.
• Fauna:
  • Apart from tigers, the reserve supports a range of other big cats, such as leopards and wild cats, along with herbivores like sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), nilgai (blue bull), wild boar, and the Indian bison (gaur).
  • Many bird species have been identified in this region. Some important groups include Eagles, Pigeons, Doves, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Drongos, etc.

About International Energy Agency:

• It is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation within the OECD framework.
• It works with governments and industry to shape a secure and sustainable energy future for all.
• Background: It was established in 1974, in the wake of the 1973-1974 oil crisis, to help its members respond to major oil supply disruptions, a role it continues to fulfill today.
• Mandate: Tracking and analyzing global key energy trends, promoting sound energy policy, and fostering multinational energy technology cooperation.
• Focus Area: It focuses on four main areas energy security, economic development, environmental awareness, and engagement worldwide.
• Member Countries: It consists of 31 member countries and eleven association countries.
  • A candidate country to the IEA must be a member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
• India joined this organization in 2017 as an Associate member.
• Reports published by IEA: World Energy Outlook, World Energy Balances, Energy Technology Perspectives, World Energy Statistics and Net Zero by 2050.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.

About Red Sanders:

• Red Sanders Pterocarpus santalinus, or Red Sandalwood, is an endemic tree species with distribution restricted to the Eastern Ghats of India.
• Required Climatic Conditions: It usually grows in rocky, degraded and fallow lands with Red Soil and a hot and dry climate.
• Applications:
  • 'Santalin' is a natural dye obtained from its heartwood and is used in pharmaceutical preparations, food articles, leather, and textile industries.
  • Wood can be used for the perfume industry, medicinal purposes.
• Threats: It has been under heavy threat due to its high commercial value, leading to rampant smuggling.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule IV

About Rwanda:

• Location: It is a landlocked country located south of the equator in east-central Africa.
• It is part of the Great Rift Valley region of Africa.
• It is often referred to as the “land of a thousand hills”, Rwanda’s landscape is mostly hilly and mountainous. 
• Borders: It shares a border with the four countries: Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 
• Capital: Kigali
• Population: The Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups make up most of the country’s population. 
• Geographical Features of Rwanda:
  • Major Moutain Ranges: Albertine Rift and Virunga.
  • Highest Peak: Mount Karisimbi  
  • Major Rivers: Two major African rivers, the Nile and the Congo, flow through Rwanda. 
    • Other major rivers are Kagera, Nyabarongo, Ruzizi, Luhwa, and Akanyaru.
  • Lake: Lake Kivu
  • Natural Resources: Rwanda has a few deposits of gold, tin ore, tungsten ore, and methane.

About Black-Necked Crane:

• The Black-Necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) is classed as a medium-sized member of the crane family.
• It is locally is known as “cha thung-thung” in Ladakh and “thungdung karma” in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Distribution: High altitude marshes and lakes of Tibetan Plateau and eastern Ladakh (India).
  • A small wintering population is also found in Sangti and Zimithang valleys of Arunachal Pradesh in India.
• Diet: These are carnivores and herbivores.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Near Threatened
  • CITES: Appendices I
  • Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • It is also protected under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
• Threats: Habitat loss is severe, driven by expanding human settlements, encroaching agriculture and unregulated construction.