2 Minute Series_12 January 2026

 12^th January 2026

1. Bhairav Battalions: Recently, the Indian Army is set to display its newly raised Bhairav Battalions for the first time at the Army Day Parade in Jaipur.

• About Bhairav Battalions: Are a newly raised modern warfare force designed to operate in fast-paced, technology-intensive battlefields.
• Two Bhairav Battalions will debut at the parade:
• 2 Bhairav Battalion (Southern Command): Nicknamed “Desert Falcons”
• 4 Bhairav Battalion (South Western Command)
• A compact, high-readiness combat unit of roughly 250 soldiers, assembled from multiple arms such as infantry, artillery, air defence, signals, and other support elements.
• These units are designed for speed, shock, and precision, enabling them to strike quickly across different operational environments.
• Unlike Para Special Forces, which focus on deep, strategic missions, Bhairav battalions are forward-deployed to respond close to the Line of Control or border areas.
• Their operational role centres on rapid tactical crises—situations that evolve suddenly and demand instant battlefield response rather than elaborate planning cycles.
• Bhairav units are placed under corps and divisional headquarters, particularly in high-risk theatres such as Ladakh, Jammu, Rajasthan, and the Northeast.
• Their modular design allows them to conduct multi-domain operations, integrating ground manoeuvres with drones, surveillance assets, and electronic warfare support.

2. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI): Recently, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) created multiple Guinness World Records during the construction of the Bengaluru–Kadapa–Vijayawada Economic Corridor.

• Key Highlights: NHAI, in association with concessionaire Rajpath Infracon Private Limited, achieved four unprecedented global records on the under-construction NH-544G corridor:
• Longest continuous Bituminous Concrete laying: 28.89 lane km completed within 24 hours
• Highest quantity laid in 24 hours: 10,655 metric tonnes of Bituminous Concrete
• Largest continuous Bituminous Concrete laying: 57,500 metric tonnes without interruption
• Longest continuous paving stretch: 156 lane km, surpassing the earlier global record of 84.4 lane km
• Impact: Reduces travel distance by 100 km (635 km → 535 km)
• Cuts travel time by ~4 hours (12 hours → ~8 hours)
• Enhances connectivity between Bengaluru, Vijayawada, Rayalaseema region, coastal & northern Andhra Pradesh, and Koparthy Industrial Node

3. Smartphone Security Rules: Recently, the Union Government proposed stricter smartphone security rules, asking manufacturers to share source code and follow tighter software controls.

• Key Highlights: The Centre has outlined 83 security standards aimed at strengthening data protection and preventing malicious misuse of smartphones. Among the most sensitive proposals:
• Mandatory access to smartphone source code for government-designated testing labs
• Requirement to notify the government before major software updates and security patches
• Automatic and periodic malware scanning on devices
• Storage of system activity logs for at least 12 months on devices
• Software changes enabling: Uninstallation of pre-installed apps
• Blocking camera and microphone access in the background
• Additional Software Mandates: Allow uninstallation of pre-installed apps
• Enable blocking of apps using camera/microphone in background
• Mandatory automatic and periodic malware scanning
• Store system logs for at least 12 months on devices

4. Weimar Triangle: Recently, India participated for the first time in the Weimar Triangle format, where Poland openly supported India against U.S. pressure on Russian oil imports.

• About Weimar Triangle: A three-nation diplomatic framework bringing together France, Germany, and Poland to deepen political dialogue, security coordination, and strategic cooperation within Europe, with a strong focus on Eastern Europe and Russia-related issues.
• Established in: 1991
• Named after Weimar, Germany, where the foreign ministers of the three countries first met.
• Members: France, Germany and Poland
• Aim: To promote a cohesive, stable, and secure Europe by enhancing political, defence, and economic collaboration between Western and Central European powers, particularly in response to regional conflicts and Russian assertiveness.
• Key functions: Coordinates common positions on EU foreign policy, defence, and security matters.
• Serves as an important forum for shaping joint responses to Russia and support for Ukraine.
• Facilitates early discussions ahead of major EU and NATO summits.
• Played a crucial role in Poland’s integration into NATO (1999) and the European Union (2004).
• Encourages cooperation in diplomacy, military affairs, economy, and cultural exchange.

5. Phayre’s Leaf Monkey: Recently, observations show that rapid habitat degradation is forcing the arboreal Phayre’s leaf monkey to change its natural behaviour and movement patterns.

• About Phayre’s Leaf Monkey: Scientific name: Trachypithecus phayrei
• A diurnal, tree-dwelling Old-World monkey
• Locally known as chasma bandor (Bengali) and chasma-chakuwa bandar (Assamese)
  • Physical Characteristics: Distinct white colouring around the belly, mouth, and eyes
• Prominent ring-like patches around the eyes, giving a “spectacled” appearance
  • Habitat: Lives in tropical, deciduous, and evergreen forests
• Also adapts to bamboo groves and rubber plantations
  • Geographical Distribution: North-East India: chiefly Tripura, Assam, and Mizoram
• Also found in eastern Bangladesh and western Myanmar
  • Diet: Primarily consumes young leaves, shoots, and flowers
  • Behavioural Traits: Naturally shy and elusive, quickly retreating when disturbed
• Spends over three-fourths of its time feeding in the tree canopy
• Possesses a specialised multi-chambered stomach that efficiently digests fibrous leaves
• Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Endangered; CITES: Appendix II

6. Joint Services Multi-Speciality Medical Camp: Recently, the Indian Navy is set to conduct a Joint Services Multi-Speciality Medical Camp in the Lakshadweep islands.

• Key Highlights: Camp reaffirms commitment to healthcare outreach, community welfare, and civil–military cooperation
• Five islands covered: Agatti, Kavaratti, Androth, Amini, Minicoy
• Upgraded from earlier primary-care camps to a multi-speciality medical camp
• Medical Services Offered: Specialist consultations and treatment services
• Cataract surgeries and select general surgical procedures
• Super-specialties include Cardiology, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology, Gastroenterology
• Basic specialties including dental surgery
• Joint Services Participation: Medical teams drawn from Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force
• Significance: Complements existing Lakshadweep government healthcare system
• Strengthens trust, goodwill, and humanitarian outreach of the Indian Navy

7. Agricultural Schemes: Recently, the Union Ministry of Agriculture proposed merging multiple agricultural schemes under Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY), marking a shift towards performance-based federalism and reform-linked funding in Indian agriculture.

• Key Highlights: The government plans to merge three ongoing agricultural schemes into PM-RKVY and implement them as a single umbrella scheme with a proposed outlay of ₹1.75 lakh crore over five years.
• Schemes to be Merged: Krishonnati Yojana (KY): Focused on boosting farmers’ income
• National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): Promotes chemical-free, sustainable agriculture
• National Bee and Honey Mission (NBHM): Supports apiculture and pollination-led income diversification
• About PM-RKVY: Launched in 2007 as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
• Designed as a flexible umbrella scheme allowing states to plan agriculture development based on local needs
• Renamed PM-RKVY to emphasise income enhancement and growth acceleration
• Top of Form

Bottom of Form

• Under the proposed framework, inter-state fund allocation will be linked to five parameters, with maximum weightage (30%) assigned to:
• Assessment of agricultural reform initiatives
• Milestones achieved by states

8. Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication Technology: Recently, the Government of India said that Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology will be introduced across the country by the end of 2026 to reduce road crashes.

• About Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication: A short-range wireless technology that enables cars to exchange information directly with one another in real time, without depending on mobile networks. In simple terms, vehicles can sense and communicate each other’s movements instantly.
• Aim: Reduce road accidents and multi-vehicle pile-ups by sharing instant alerts on sudden braking or speed changes.
• Enhance safety in blind spots, fog, and poor visibility by warning drivers about unseen or stationary vehicles ahead.
• Key features: All-round awareness: Information flows from vehicles in front, behind, and on both sides.
• Instant hazard alerts: Detects moving, slow, or stationary vehicles beyond direct visibility.
• Fog and low-visibility protection: Helps prevent chain collisions during fog, dust storms, or heavy rain.
• Internet-free operation: Uses direct radio signals instead of cellular networks.
• ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) integration: Enhances intelligent driving assistance and safety responses.

9. Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary: Recently, the Government of Kerala officially redesignated the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it the state’s first butterfly sanctuary.

• About Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary: Situated in Kerala and shares its borders with Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka), Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary, and the North Wayanad forest division
• Dominated by evergreen and semi-evergreen forests
• The Cheenkanni River, originating from the Brahmagiri ranges, flows through the sanctuary
• Renowned for mass butterfly migration and mud-puddling behaviour
• Recognised as a special habitat for the Schedule I Slender Loris
• Biodiversity: Hosts over 266 butterfly species, representing more than 80% of Kerala’s butterfly diversity
• Includes endemic and endangered butterfly species
• Also supports fauna such as elephants, giant squirrels, leopards, and diverse birdlife