UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 31 May 2026

About Shangri-La Dialogue

May 31, 2026

About Shangri-La Dialogue Latest News

The Defence Secretary recently held a series of high-level bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore, focusing on strengthening defence partnerships, maritime security cooperation, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

About Shangri-La Dialogue

Also described as the Asia Security Summit, it is Asia’s premier defence and security summit that brings together defence ministers, military chiefs, policymakers, and strategic experts across the globe.
Since its birth in 2002, it has developed into the most influential multilateral security exchange platform in the Asia-Pacific region.
It is held every year in Singapore’s Shangri-La Hotel.
It is organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, UK, and co-organized by Singapore’s Ministry of Defence.
The agenda of the Shangri-La Dialogue is closely related to the security situation and development trend in the Asia-Pacific region, covering traditional and non-traditional security and other fields.
These include traditional security issues such as territorial disputes and military cooperation, as well as non-traditional security issues such as terrorism, cybersecurity, and climate change.
Such agenda setting enables the dialogue to fully reflect the security challenges and cooperation needs of the Asia-Pacific region.
The dialogue format comprises an opening keynote address by a regional head of government/head of state; on-the-record plenary sessions involving defence ministers as speakers; and on-the-record breakout sessions involving other senior officials and security practitioners.
Opportunity is also provided for bilateral and multilateral meetings, enabling the participants to network and advance their defence diplomacy privately.
India regularly participates at a high level, often represented by the Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, or senior military officials.
Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, is modeled on the lines of the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Source: TH

Shangri-La Dialogue FAQs

Q1: What is the Shangri-La Dialogue?

Ans: It is Asia’s premier defence and security summit.

Q2: Since when has the Shangri-La Dialogue been held?

Ans: Since 2002.

Q3: Where is the Shangri-La Dialogue held every year?

Ans: At the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore.

Q4: Which organization organizes the Shangri-La Dialogue?

Ans: The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London.

Q5: What is the significance of the Shangri-La Dialogue in the Asia-Pacific region?

Ans: It is the most influential multilateral security exchange platform in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sakura Science Programme

May 31, 2026

Sakura Science Programme Latest News

Recently, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education on Saturday flagged off a delegation of Indian students selected to participate in the Sakura Science Programme 2026.

About Sakura Science Programme

It is the prestigious Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science—better known as the Sakura Science Programme.
It was launched globally in 2014, aims to expand scientific curiosity amongst youth and encourage international collaboration.
India joined the Sakura Programme in 2016.
The initiative offers young learners a chance to explore cutting-edge science and immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Under this programme, students are invited for short-term visits to Japan, providing them with the opportunity to experience Japan’s cutting-edge science and technology as well as its rich culture.
Implementing Agency: It is implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

Objectives of Sakura Science Program

To support the development of talented human resources from overseas who have the potential to contribute to innovation in science and technology.
To accelerate international brain circulation.
To promote continuous collaboration, cooperation and interaction between Japanese educational and research institutes and those overseas.
To strengthen good relationships between Japan and other countries and regions that can encourage diplomacy in science and technology.

Source: DD News

Sakura Science Programme FAQs

Q1: What is Sakura Science Programme?

Ans: It is a Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science .

Q2: What is the main objective of Sakura Science Programme?

Ans: Exposure to S&T ecosystem and cultural exchange

About PM SVANidhi Scheme

May 31, 2026

About PM SVANidhi Scheme Latest News

PM SVANidhi scheme has emerged as a major initiative supporting vendors working across India’s informal urban economy.

About PM SVANidhi Scheme

The Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme was launched in June 2020.
It is a Central Sector Scheme supporting street vendors through affordable working capital, financial inclusion and social protection measures.
Implementation: It is a joint responsibility of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Financial Services (DFS).

Key Features of PM SVANidhi Scheme

Working Capital Loan: Collateral-free loans of ₹15,000, ₹25,000, and ₹50,000 are provided in three progressive tranches with interest subsidy and credit guarantee support.
UPI-linked RuPay Credit Cards: Vendors successfully repaying the second tranche are eligible for UPI-linked RuPay Credit Cards with limits up to ₹30,000.
Digital Adoption: Cashback incentives of up to ₹1,600 are provided to street vendors for retail/wholesale digital transactions to encourage digital adoption and financial literacy.
SVANidhi se Samriddhi (SSS): Socio-economic profiling of beneficiaries and their families is undertaken to link them with eight selected Central welfare schemes and create a holistic social security net.
Capacity Building & Entrepreneurship Development: Vendors are provided with training in financial literacy, digital literacy, and food safety & hygiene in collaboration with FSSAI.

Source: PIB

PM SVANidhi Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is PM SVANidhi Scheme?

Ans: A micro-credit scheme providing collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors

Q2: What is the maximum loan amount in the 1st tranche under PM SVANidhi?

Ans: 1st tranche: up to ₹10,000

Pallas’s Gull

May 31, 2026

Pallas’s Gull Latest News

The first confirmed record of Pallas’s Gull (Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus) from the Spiti Valley was recently documented at Chandratal Lake, a Ramsar wetland, during a field visit.

About Pallas’s Gull

Pallas’s Gull, also called the Great Black-headed Gull, is a large bird species belonging to the family Laridae.
It is the world’s largest black-headed gull and the third-largest species of gull in the world.
Scientific Name: Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus.

Pallas’s Gull Habitat and Distribution

It breeds in colonies in marshes and islands from southern Russia to Mongolia.
It is migratory, wintering in warmer places. These include the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, and India.
It prefers wetlands, salt lakes, lagoons, and slow-flowing rivers.
Sometimes, a Pallas's gull might fly far off its usual path. When this happens, it is called a "vagrant."
These gulls are sometimes seen as vagrants in Western Europe. They also visit parts of the Indian Ocean and the coasts of Africa.

Pallas’s Gull Features

It measures 55–72 cm in length with a 142 to 170 cm wingspan.
Summer adults are unmistakable, since no other gull of this size has a black hood.
The adults have grey wings and backs, with conspicuous white “mirrors” at the wing tips.
The legs are yellow, and the bill is orangey-yellow with a red tip.
In all other plumages, a dark mask through the eye indicates the vestiges of the hood.
The call is a deep aargh cry.
These birds are predatory, taking fish, crustaceans, insects, and even small mammals.
Typical Lifespan: 12 to 24 years in the wild.

Pallas’s Gull Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List

Key Facts about Chandratal Lake

Chandra Taal (meaning the Lake of the Moon), or Chandra Tal, is a high-altitude lake situated in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
This crescent-shaped lake is situated at an altitude of about 4,300 metres (14,100 ft) in the Himalayas.
It has a circumference of about 2-3 kms and is one of the sources of the Chandra River.
It is beautifully surrounded by snow-capped mountains on one side and cirques on the other.
The lake is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, which often change shades from blue to green depending on sunlight and weather conditions.
It is also celebrated in Hinduism for its mention in the epic Mahabharata.
It is a designated Ramsar site.

Source: IE

Pallas’s Gull FAQs

Q1: What is Pallas’s Gull?

Ans: It is a large bird species belonging to the family Laridae.

Q2: What is the scientific name of Pallas’s Gull?

Ans: Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus.

Q3: Where does Pallas’s Gull breed?

Ans: It breeds in colonies in marshes and islands from southern Russia to Mongolia.

Q4: Where does Pallas’s Gull spend the winter?

Ans: It winters in warmer regions, including the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, and India.

Q5: What is the IUCN Red List status of Pallas’s Gull?

Ans: Least Concern.

Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instrument

May 31, 2026

Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instrument Latest News

Recently, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has allowed companies to deploy a portion of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending through Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments.

About Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instrument

It is a financial instrument issued by a not-for-profit organization which carries neither interest payments nor repayment of principal.
These financial instruments allow non-profit organizations (NPOs) to raise funds that are listed on the social stock exchange.
This instrument effectively makes it a philanthropic funding mechanism routed through a market framework.
ZCZP instruments from NPOs are designated for specific projects or activities and must be completed within the timeframe outlined in the fundraising documents.
This instrument shall be issued in dematerialized form only.
It shall not be transferable from the original subscriber/ holder till the expiry of the tenure of the said instrument.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?

It is a business model by which companies make a concerted effort to operate in ways that enhance rather than degrade society and the environment.
It helps both improve various aspects of society as well as promote a positive brand image of companies.
CSR is mandatory for eligible companies under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. Companies must spend at least 2% of average net profits of the preceding three years on CSR activities.
CSR activities are governed by Schedule VII of the Companies Act.

Source: BL

Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instrument FAQs

Q1: ZCZP instruments are issued by whom?

Ans: Issued by NPOs registered with SSE segment

Q2: What is Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instrument means?

Ans: It is a financial instrument issued by a not-for-profit organization which carries neither interest payments nor repayment of principal.

Anaphalis sahyadrica

May 31, 2026

Anaphalis sahyadrica Latest News

A team of botanists recently discovered a new plant species named Anaphalis sahyadrica in the southern Western Ghats.

About Anaphalis sahyadrica

It is a new plant species belonging to the sunflower family.
The plant was found in high-altitude montane grasslands and shola forest margins of the Western Ghats, including regions such as Anamudi and Meesapulimala in Kerala.
It is a subshrub that grows at elevations above 2,200 metres above sea level.
Its key identifying features include smooth, hairless leaves with three prominent veins.
The plant grows up to about one metre in height and produces 90 to 120 white, hemispherical flower heads (capitula).

What is a Subshrub?

A subshrub is a type of plant that has some characteristics of both a shrub and an herb.
It typically has woody stems at the base, but the top of the plant is herbaceous and lacks woody tissue.
This means that while the base of the plant is woody, the top of the plant is soft and green.
Subshrubs are often smaller in size than shrubs and are usually less than 3 feet tall.
They are also often more delicate and less hardy than shrubs, which means they are better suited to milder climates.
A shrub, on the other hand, is a woody plant that typically has multiple stems or branches.
- Shrubs are often used in landscaping and gardening because of their hardiness and versatility.
- They are often used as hedges or as a backdrop for other plants in a garden.

Source: TH

Anaphalis sahyadrica FAQs

Q1: What is Anaphalis sahyadrica?

Ans: It is a newly discovered plant species.

Q2: To which plant family does Anaphalis sahyadrica belong?

Ans: It belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae).

Q3: Where was Anaphalis sahyadrica discovered?

Ans: It was discovered in the high-altitude montane grasslands and shola forest margins of the Western Ghats.

Q4: What type of plant is Anaphalis sahyadrica?

Ans: It is a subshrub.

Q5: What are the key identifying features of Anaphalis sahyadrica?

Ans: It has smooth, hairless leaves with three prominent veins.

Samadhan Didi

May 31, 2026

Samadhan Didi Latest News

The Centre recently unveiled an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled chatbot named Samadhan Didi to help citizens raise grievances against government departments online.

About Samadhan Didi

It is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled chatbot to help citizens raise grievances against government departments online.
It is a voice-based, multilingual grievance registration assistant with intelligent AI-based categorisation that helps citizens connect with the appropriate department or authority quickly and efficiently.
This innovative tool allows citizens to lodge complaints through voice commands in multiple languages, without the need to categorize them.
Developed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in collaboration with Bhashini (an AI-powered tool), the chatbot has been developed within secure government infrastructure, ensuring data privacy.
It has been integrated with the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).
The chatbot is designed to help citizens, particularly those who are unsure where to submit a complaint or whom to address it to, and those who are unable to draft complaints in Hindi or English.
The platform guides users through the process and assists in preparing complaints in an accessible and user-friendly manner.
With Samadhan Didi, citizens can register grievances by describing their concerns in plain, everyday language.
There is no requirement to identify the relevant ministry, department, category, or subcategory.
The AI-powered chatbot understands the issue, seeks any necessary clarifications, automatically identifies the appropriate authority, and files the grievance with the concerned department.
It currently supports all 22 scheduled Indian languages, and efforts are underway to incorporate additional regional and local languages.

Key Facts about CPGRAMS

It is an online platform available to the citizens 24×7 to lodge their grievances to the public authorities on any subject related to service delivery.
It was developed and monitored by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.
It is a single portal connected to all the ministries/departments of the Government of India and States.
Every ministry and state have role-based access to this system.
CPGRAMS is also accessible to the citizens through a standalone mobile application downloadable through the Google Play store, and mobile application integrated with UMANG.
The status of the grievance filed in CPGRAMS can be tracked with the unique registration ID provided at the time of registration of the complainant.
The grievances received on the CPGRAMS shall be resolved promptly as soon as they are received but within a maximum period of 21 days.
CPGRAMS also provides an appeal facility to the citizens if they are not satisfied with the resolution by the Grievance Officer.

Source: TH

Samadhan Didi FAQs

Q1: What is Samadhan Didi?

Ans: Samadhan Didi is an AI-enabled chatbot designed to help citizens register grievances against government departments online.

Q2: What type of chatbot is Samadhan Didi?

Ans: A voice-based, multilingual grievance registration assistant.

Q3: Who developed Samadhan Didi?

Ans: The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in collaboration with Bhashini (an AI-powered tool).

Q4: With which grievance redressal platform has Samadhan Didi been integrated?

Ans: The Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).

Q5: How can citizens register complaints using Samadhan Didi?

Ans: Through voice commands in multiple languages.

Nausena Shaurya Vatika

May 31, 2026

Nausena Shaurya Vatika Latest News

The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, jointly with the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, recently inaugurated the ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’, an open-air naval museum in Lucknow.

About Nausena Shaurya Vatika

It is an open-air naval museum and interpretation centre showcasing the legacy, operational capabilities and maritime achievements of the Indian Navy.
Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Built at a cost of Rs 19 crore, it covers an area spanning over two acres.
It has been developed as Phase-II of the Nausena Shaurya Sangrahalaya, the Navy’s memorial museum.
It was jointly developed by the Indian Navy and the Uttar Pradesh government.
It showcases the artefacts and weapon systems of INS Gomati (a Godavari class guided-missile frigate) , which was decommissioned on May 29, 2022 after 34 years of service.
- AK 726 (Naval Gun Installed onboard Naval Warship), ZIF 101 launcher for Surface-to-Air Missiles, Surface-to-Surface Anti-Ship and Surface-to-Air Missiles and Ship's radar, torpedo launcher, anchors, ship’s masts and other artefacts of INS Gomati are on display at the park.
It also features a Walkthrough Museum of TU 142M, a long range maritime patrol aircraft which is no longer in service.
It also includes numerous visitor amenities such as food court, souvenir shop, and advanced lighting & sound system.

Source: TH

Nausena Shaurya Vatika FAQs

Q1: What is Nausena Shaurya Vatika?

Ans: It is an open-air naval museum and interpretation centre showcasing the legacy, operational capabilities, and maritime achievements of the Indian Navy.

Q2: Where is Nausena Shaurya Vatika located?

Ans: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Q3: As part of which project was Nausena Shaurya Vatika developed?

Ans: It has been developed as Phase-II of the Nausena Shaurya Sangrahalaya, the Navy’s memorial museum.

Q4: Who jointly developed Nausena Shaurya Vatika?

Ans: The Indian Navy and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Q5: Which decommissioned naval vessel's artefacts are displayed at Nausena Shaurya Vatika?

Ans: INS Gomati

Kill Switch

May 31, 2026

Kill Switch Latest News

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India mentioned in its annual report that it is exploring the possibility of introducing a ‘Kill switch’ mechanism.

About Kill Switch

It is a mechanism that allows a system, device, account, or service to be shut down, disabled or blocked immediately in an emergency or under specific conditions.
It allows users at the receiving end of a potential digital scam to immediately stop all financial transactions from their accounts.
It is expected to function as an emergency control that can immediately freeze or block banking transactions.
It aims to help users instantly stop banking transactions during suspected digital frauds and improve security across payment systems.
How does it work?
- If someone suspects a request for transfer of funds is fraud or not genuine, they can activate the kill switch through the bank app on the mobile phone to stop money transfers instantly.
- Once triggered, the feature could temporarily stop all outgoing financial transactions from the account.
Significance: It could give customers control over their digital payment usage and contribute towards controlling fraud in digital payment transactions

Source: IE

Kill Switch FAQs

Q1: What is a "Kill Switch" in digital banking?

Ans: Emergency control to stop money transfers instantly during suspected fraud

Q2: Who recommended the establishment of RBI?

Ans: Royal Commission on Indian Currency & Finance, 1926

World Meteorological Organization

May 31, 2026

World Meteorological Organization Latest News

Recently, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that global average temperatures are likely to continue at or near record levels in the next five years.

About World Meteorological Organization

It was established in 1950 as a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
History: It originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873.
It became the specialized agency of the UN for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
It is the UN system’s authoritative voice on the state and behavior of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces, and the resulting distribution of water resources.
Its main goal is to facilitate international cooperation in the development of meteorology and the exchange of information and technology related to weather, climate, hydrology and related environmental fields.
Governance Structure
- World Meteorological Congress: It is WMO’s supreme body which consists of representatives of all members. It meets at least every four years to set general policy and adopt regulations.
- Executive Council: It consists of 36-members which meets annually and implements policy.
- Secretariat: It is headed by a secretary-general appointed by the congress for a four-year term, and serves as the administrative centre of the organization.
Members: It has 193 Members, including 187 Member States and 6 Territories, maintaining their own meteorological services.
Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland.

Source: News On Air

World Meteorological Organisation FAQs

Q1: Where is the headquarters of WMO located?

Ans: Geneva

Q2: WMO was established in which year?

Ans: 1950