UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 4 November 2026

NITI Aayog Launches India Science and Technology Scoreboard to Compare States

November 4, 2026

India Science and Technology Scoreboard Latest News

Recently, the NITI Aayog launched the ‘India Science and Technology (S&T) Scoreboard.

About India Science and Technology Scoreboard

It is an interactive data platform aimed at mapping the country’s science and innovation ecosystem across states and Union Territories (UTs).
It enables policymakers to assess performance, identify gaps and compare their progress with other states.
It is developed by NITI Aayog’s Science and Technology Division.

Features of India Science and Technology Scoreboard

Information: It will bring together information on research institutions, publications, patents, start-ups, research funding and state-level policies in one place.
National Overview: The platform will provide a national overview of India’s science and technology ecosystem, alongside state-wise profiles and benchmarking.
Users will be able to compare any two states or UTs, examine their research output and assess their performance across sectors.
Priority Areas: It will also cover 11 priority research areas of national importance, including clean energy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals and agriculture, allowing users to assess research output and compare progress across these sectors.
Comprehensive Data: The scoreboard will capture data on central, state and private higher education institutions, R&D laboratories, deep-tech startups, Atal Tinkering Labs, and research funding from central, state and private sources.
For patents, the platform will provide information on applications filed, patent strength, research areas and collaboration between states.
It will also document state science and technology, startup and innovation policies, along with notable practices that other states can study and adopt.

Source: PIB

India Science and Technology Scoreboard FAQs

Q1: What is India Science and Technology Scoreboard?

Ans: It is an interactive data platform aimed at mapping the country’s science and innovation ecosystem across states and Union Territories (UTs).

Q2: Which organisation developed the India Science and Technology Scoreboard?

Ans: It is developed by NITI Aayog’s Science and Technology Division.

Rare White Stork Spotted at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Attracts Birdwatchers

November 4, 2026

White Stork Latest News

A rare white stork was recently spotted at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, drawing a steady stream of naturalists, ornithologists, and wildlife photographers to the wetlands.

About White Stork

It is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae.
Scientific Name: Ciconia ciconia

White Stork Habitat and Distribution

White storks are found across Europe, Asia Minor, the northern part of Africa, and the Middle East.
By the winter months, they migrate into tropical regions of Africa, some parts of the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent.
They prefer to feed in grassy meadows, agricultural fields, pastures, steppes, savannas, and shallow wetlands, avoiding areas overgrown with tall grass and shrubs.
They fly with their necks outstretched and legs trailing, utilizing soaring to conserve energy.

White Stork Features

When standing, it measures about 95 to 110 centimetres, and it has a wingspan of around 183 to 217 centimetres.
The sexes are identical in appearance, except that males are larger than females on average.
The white stork is easily recognisable by its white plumage, its black wing and shoulder feathers, as well as its long red bill (measuring 14-19 centimetres), and its red legs.
Life span: Up to 40 years.
Their diet consists mainly of small animals found in shallow water and fields.
White storks are gregarious and non-territorial birds.

White Stork Conservation Status

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

Key Facts about Okhla Bird Sanctuary

It is situated at the entrance of Noida in Gautam Budh Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh.
It is situated at a point where the Yamuna River enters the state of Uttar Pradesh, leaving the territory of Delhi.
It is roughly 4 sq.km. in size.
The most prominent feature of the sanctuary is the large lake created by damming the river.
It is recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.

News: HT

White Stork FAQs

Q1: What is the White Stork?

Ans: It is a large wading bird belonging to the stork family Ciconiidae.

Q2: Where is the White Stork naturally distributed?

Ans: Across Europe, Asia Minor, northern Africa and the Middle East.

Q3: Where does the White Stork migrate during the winter months?

Ans: It migrates to tropical regions of Africa, parts of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

Q4: How can the White Stork be identified by its physical appearance?

Ans: It has predominantly white plumage, black wing and shoulder feathers, a long red bill and red legs.

Q5: What is the conservation status of the White Stork according to the IUCN Red List?

Ans: Least Concern (LC).

Delhi Defence Dialogue 2026: Rajnath Singh Calls for Defence Self-Reliance

November 4, 2026

Delhi Defence Dialogue Latest News

The Union Defence Minister recently addressed the Delhi Defence Dialogue 2026, organised by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), in New Delhi recently.

About Delhi Defence Dialogue (DDD)

It is a flagship platform of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) for addressing the multifaceted challenges of defence and security in India.
Organised annually, the DDD brings together government officials, military leaders, defence experts, industry representatives, and international delegates to engage in constructive dialogue and exchange ideas.
The inaugural edition of the DDD was held in 2024.
The platform is designed to discuss the evolving landscape of international security and defence strategies, with a focus on India’s defence.
DDD serves as a critical forum for addressing the need for a robust defence strategy that not only addresses immediate threats but also anticipates future challenges.
DDD 2026:
- It is the third edition of the dialogue.
- Location: New Delhi
- Theme: “Defence Reforms, Aatmanirbharta, Collaborations and Exports”

Key Facts about Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses

It is a non-partisan, autonomous body dedicated to objective research and policy-relevant studies on all aspects of defence, security, and international relations.
MP-IDSA was established as a registered society in New Delhi on November 11, 1965.
Its mission is to promote national and international security through the generation and dissemination of knowledge on defence and security-related issues.
It has a well-qualified multidisciplinary research faculty drawn from academia, defence forces, and the civil services, representing a diversity of views.
The Institute conducts several national and international conferences every year and regularly holds round tables and workshops on important developments.
MP-IDSA provides annual training programmes to civilian and military officers of the Government of India.
Funding: MP-IDSA is funded by the Indian Ministry of Defence. It functions autonomously.

News: NIA

Delhi Defence Dialogue FAQs

Q1: What is the Delhi Defence Dialogue (DDD)?

Ans: It is a flagship platform of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) for discussing defence and security challenges.

Q2: Which organisation organises the Delhi Defence Dialogue?

Ans: The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA).

Q3: In which year was the inaugural edition of the Delhi Defence Dialogue held?

Ans: 2024.

Q4: What is the theme of the Delhi Defence Dialogue 2026?

Ans: "Defence Reforms, Aatmanirbharta, Collaborations and Exports".

New AI Models: India Launches Eka-1, Dhir 2B and Dhir 5B Under IndiaAI Mission

November 4, 2026

New AI Models Latest News

Recently, the central government has launched the indigenous AI foundational models Eka-1, Dhir 2B and Dhir 5B developed by domestic companies with support under the IndiaAI Mission.

About Eka-1

It is a new AI model developed by Soket Labs Technology and Research.
Features of Eka-1
- It is a powerful Foundation Model featuring 26.3 billion parameters and trained on approximately 7.5 trillion tokens.
- It demonstrates advanced capabilities, spanning all 22 scheduled Indian languages alongside English.
- It is built as an open, sparse hybrid language model and is designed for math, code, reasoning, and agentic use.

About Dhir 2B and Dhir 5B

These two are open-source models developed by ZenteiQ AiTech Innovations.
Features
- These models can be deployed as secure, on-premise, multilingual assistants supporting English and 10 Indian languages.
- The models can run on different computing platforms, including GPUs and TPUs.
- Their lightweight architecture also allows on-device deployment on mobile phones without depending on cloud connectivity,
- It enables offline-capable, document-grounded automation, knowledge retrieval, and citizen or enterprise services across defence, government, industrial, and educational sectors particularly in low-connectivity or sensitive environments.

Source: TH

New AI Models FAQs

Q1: What is Eka-1?

Ans: It is a new AI model developed by Soket Labs Technology and Research.

Q2: Eka-1, Dhir 2B and Dhir 5B are developed under which mission?

Ans: Eka-1, Dhir 2B and Dhir 5B developed under the IndiaAI Mission.

Colletes inaequalis: Study Reveals Bee-Made Polyester That Degrades in Soil

November 4, 2026

Colletes Inaequalis Latest News

Researchers found that Cellophane bee Colletes inaequalis produces a kind of plastic that also degrades within a year.

About Colletes Inaequalis

It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee belonging to the Colletidae family.
They pollinate red maple, willow, and apple trees.
Unique Nesting Capacity
- These bees line the inner walls of its nest with a transparent, cellophane-like film, earning it the nickname “cellophane bee.”
- The nest lining of the ground-nesting bee is translucent, flexible, resilient and degrades within a year.
- This cellophane like film is a flexible, translucent material made from polyester and silk.
- The material is produced in a specialized gland, called the Dufour's gland, that is connected to the bee's stinger.
- The polyester produced by cellophane bees resembles polyethylene in its molecular packing.

Highlights of the Study

The analysis showed that the polyester produced by the cellophane bee has a “semicrystalline” structure, in which amorphous and crystalline regions coexist within a single material.
The polyester nest material showed impressive degradation in a short amount of time.
In natural soil, the amount of polyester lining fell from 73% to 40% of the nest by weight within four months.
By seven months, the linings developed visible cracks, and by 11 months, they became brittle and prone to crumbling.

Source: TH

Colletes Inaequalis FAQs

Q1: What is Colletes Inaequalis?

Ans: It is a solitary, ground-nesting bee belonging to the Colletidae family.

Q2: What is unique about Colletes Inaequalis ?

Ans: These bees line the inner walls of its nest with a transparent, cellophane-like film, earning it the nickname “cellophane bee.”

Siri Cattle: Government Plans Conservation Centre for Indigenous Breed in Sikkim

November 4, 2026

Siri Cattle Latest News

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying announced that the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, will establish a Centre of Excellence for the conservation and development of the indigenous Siri cattle breed in Sikkim.

About Siri Cattle

It is a dual purpose cattle breed.
Distribution: It is a vital indigenous zebu-derived livestock breed native to the Eastern Himalayan region, primarily found in Sikkim, the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, and Bhutan.
It is a small sized draught purpose breed of hilly region of West Bengal and Sikkim.
The breed is also known as “Trahbum”.
Appearance
- The breed is either black or brown with white patches, though totally black or brown animals are also available.
- The hump is cervico-thoracic with tufts of hair on it.
- Horns are medium sized and curved outward, forward and slightly upward with sharp and pointed tips.
- The males are mainly reared for draught purposes in the hilly area and sometimes they are the only source of draught power.
The breed produces very less amount of milk averaging around 425.8 kg per lactation with fat percentage varying from 2.8 to 5.5%.

Source: PIB

Siri Cattle FAQs

Q1: Where do we find Siri Cattle?

Ans: It is native to the Eastern Himalayan region, primarily found in Sikkim, the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, and Bhutan.

Q2: What is the other name of Siri Cattle?

Ans: The breed is also known as “Trahbum”.

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve: Solar Water Project Ends Decades-Long Crisis

November 4, 2026

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Latest News

The Madras High Court has ordered immediate closure of 87 resorts functioning in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve without obtaining planning permission/building approval from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP).

About Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Location: It is located in the state of Tamil Nadu.
It is nestled at the junction of the Eastern and the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
It is contiguous with the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka), and BR Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka).
Terrain: The terrain is hilly and undulating with altitude ranging between 750 m and 1649 m.
Climate: It mainly has a subtropical and dry type of climate.
Rivers: Some of the prominent rivers in the region include the Bhavani, Moyar, and Noyyal rivers.
Tribal Communities: It is home to several indigenous tribal communities, including the Irula and Kurumba tribes.
Vegetation: It consists of southern tropical dry thorn forests, mixed deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and riparian forests.
Flora: It includes teak, sandalwood, bamboo, Terminalia, and Albizia, alongside medicinal plants and shrubs that support both wildlife and local communities.
Fauna: The major species are Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear, Gaur, Black Buck, Spotted deer, Wild boar, Black napped hare, Common langur Nilgiri langur, Striped neck mongoose, and Bonnet macaque.

Source: TH

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve FAQ's

Q1: Where is Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve located?

Ans: Tamil Nadu

Q2: Which rivers flows through Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve?

Ans: Bhavani, Moyar, and Noyyal rivers.

Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Supreme Court Leaves Boundary Dispute to Rajasthan HC

November 4, 2026

Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

The Supreme Court recently declined to examine the merits of a challenge concerning the revised boundaries of the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan.

About Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan.
It’s a small sanctuary covering an area of approximately 52.40 sq. km.
It is situated in the Aravalli range.
It is named after Nahargarh Fort, a historic fort built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur.
It connects ecologically with other forest areas like the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
Within the sanctuary is the Nahargarh Biological Park, which covers 720 hectares and focuses on conservation, including species like Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, and sloth bears.
The sanctuary features rugged terrain with hills, valleys, and seasonal streams.
Flora:
- The sanctuary contains Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests and Tropical Thorn Forests.
- Major trees include dhok, babool, khejri, and ber.
Fauna:
- Common species include the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Chinkara (state animal), Indian Wolf, Sloth Bear, Caracal, etc.
- It’s a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of species, including the Great Indian Bustard (state bird), Blackbuck, Sarus Crane, peacocks, owls, and eagles.
- It is also home to reptiles like Indian rock pythons, monitor lizards, and amphibians like frogs and toads.

News: ILL

Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary FAQ's

Q1: Where is Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans: It is located in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan.

Q2: In which mountain range is Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary situated?

Ans: The Aravalli Range.

Q3: Who built Nahargarh Fort?

Ans: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur.

Q4: What are the major forest types found in Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests and Tropical Thorn Forests.

INS Sahyadri Completes India-South Korea Bilateral Naval Exercise at Busan

November 4, 2026

INS Sahyadri Latest News

Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Sahyadri successfully wrapped up its participation in the India–Republic of Korea Navy (IN–RoKN) Bilateral Exercise off the coast of Busan recently.

About INS Sahyadri

INS Sahyadri (F49) is an indigenously built multi-role guided missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy.
It is the third and final ship of the Shivalik Class stealth frigates, which was built by Mazagon Dock Ltd in Mumbai under Project 17.
- The other two ships built under Project 17 were INS Shivalik (F47) and INS Satpura (F48).
- They were India’s first indigenously designed stealth frigates.
INS Sahyadri was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 21st, 2012.
It is a member of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, which is located in Visakhapatnam.

INS Sahyadri Features

It is 468 feet in length and 55 feet in breadth.
It has a displacement capacity of 6,800 tons.
It is propelled by two gas turbine engines, which enable her to generate speeds in excess of 30 knots (or over 55 kmph), and two diesel engines for normal cruising speeds.
It is equipped with cutting-edge weapons and sensors, enabling her to identify and eliminate threats from the air, the surface, and the subsurface.
It can be equipped with BrahMos anti-ship missiles, Anti-submarine rocket launchers, Barak-1 missiles, and Shtil-1 3S90M missiles.
It is equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities and torpedoes to detect and neutralise enemy submarines.
It can carry two helicopters-a mix of Dhruv, Sea King, or Kamov-onboard for various missions.

News: PRAG

INS Sahyadri FAQs

Q1: What is INS Sahyadri (F49)?

Ans: INS Sahyadri (F49) is an indigenously built multi-role guided-missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy.

Q2: Which class of stealth frigates does INS Sahyadri belong to?

Ans: It belongs to the Shivalik Class of stealth frigates.

Q3: Under which project was INS Sahyadri built?

Ans: It was built under Project 17.

Q4: Which shipyard constructed INS Sahyadri?

Ans: Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), Mumbai.

Q5: When was INS Sahyadri commissioned into the Indian Navy?

Ans: 21 July 2012.

DRDO Successfully Test-Fires Pralay Missile Off Odisha Coast

November 4, 2026

Pralay Missile Latest News

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test-fired an indigenous Pralay quasi-ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast, recently.

About Pralay Missile

It is an indigenously developed short-range, surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile.
It has been developed by the Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, in collaboration with several DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are among the industrial partners involved in its production and system integration.
The missile is optimised to destroy command centres, air defence sites, logistics hubs, and airbases.

Pralay Missile Features

It is powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor, allowing it to remain in a ready-to-launch state for extended periods.
It can also be launched from mobile platforms, offering greater operational flexibility.
It can carry multiple types of warheads against various targets. It has a payload capacity of 500-1,000 kg.
It has an operational range of up to 500 kilometres.
It reaches terminal speeds of Mach 6.1.
It is equipped with guidance systems that provide a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters.
Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, which generally follow a predictable trajectory, a quasi-ballistic missile can fly at a relatively lower altitude and maneuver during its flight.
These mid-course and terminal-phase manoeuvres make it more challenging for enemy radar and missile defence systems to track and intercept.

Key Facts about Research Centre Imarat (RCI)

It is a premier laboratory of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, a military missile research center of DRDO located in Hyderabad.
It is spearheading research and development (R&D) in a wide range of Avionics Systems for diversified defence and aerospace applications.
RCI is entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out R&D in the technologies of Control Engineering, Inertial Navigation, Imaging Infrared seekers, RF Seekers & Systems, Onboard Computers and Mission Software.

News: NOA

Pralay Missile FAQ's

Q1: What is the Pralay Missile?

Ans: It is an indigenously developed short-range, surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile.

Q2: What type of propulsion system is used by the Pralay Missile?

Ans: A solid-propellant rocket motor.

Q3: What is the maximum operational range of the Pralay Missile?

Ans: Up to 500 kilometres.