News in Shorts: 28 January 2026

Bactrian Camels

Context: Two Bactrian camels named Galwan and Nubra participated in the Republic Day Parade 2026 as part of the Indian Army’s Animal Contingent.

About Bactrian Camels

• The Bactrian camel is a double-humped camel species uniquely adapted to survive in extreme cold and arid desert conditions.
• Origin and Domestication:
  • The species was domesticated around 5,000–6,000 years ago in Central Asia, particularly in regions corresponding to present-day Uzbekistan and West Kazakhstan. 
  • It derives its name from Bactria, an ancient Central Asian civilisation.
• Species and Distribution:
  • Domesticated Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus):  Distributed from southern Ukraine and the Middle East to Mongolia, and has been historically vital to nomadic societies of Central Asia.
  • Wild Bactrian Camel (Camelus ferus): The wild species survives only in isolated pockets of China and Mongolia, making it one of the world’s rarest large mammals.
  • In India, the Bactrian camel is found exclusively in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, making it a rare and region-specific species. 
• Key Features:
  • Dual Humps: The two humps store fat rather than water, allowing the camel to generate energy during prolonged periods of food scarcity in cold deserts
  • Fur and Cold Adaptation: A long, shaggy winter coat provides insulation against sub-zero temperatures, which is naturally shed during summer to prevent overheating.
    • This coat is commercially valuable in the textile and fibre industry.
  • Water and Salinity Tolerance: The species can consume up to 35 gallons of water in a single intake and can safely drink highly saline water, unlike most mammals.
    • Bactrian camels lose minimal water through reduced sweating and urination and produce dry feces.
  • Dietary Behaviour: 
    • Although primarily herbivorous, Bactrian camels are highly opportunistic feeders and consume thorny, dry, and bitter vegetation avoided by other animals.
    • In food-scarce conditions, they may consume non-plant materials such as rope, cloth, or even animal carcasses, highlighting exceptional adaptability.
  • Sensory Protection: They possess seal-able nostrils and long eyelashes, which protect against dust and sandstorms common in steppe and desert environments.
  • Foot Structure: Their broad, cushioned feet distribute weight efficiently, preventing sinking in sand.
  • Movement Pattern: They exhibit a pacing gait, where the front and hind legs on the same side move together. They can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h.
• Cultural Significance in India:
  • Role in Trans-Asian Trade: Bactrian camels were central to Silk Road commerce, earning the title “Ships of the Silk Road” for transporting goods like jade, horses, and textiles across Central Asia.
  • Cultural Exchange: Facilitated the movement of ideas, religions, and scholars, including Buddhist monks travelling between India and Central Asia.
  • Ladakh’s Trade Heritage: In Ladakh, Bactrian camels played a vital role in trans-Himalayan trade and connectivity before the advent of mechanised transport.
• Conservation Status:
  • The Wild Bactrian Camel (Camelus ferus) is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
  • Threats: Major threats include habitat degradation, water scarcity, toxic contamination, hunting, and hybridisation with domestic camels.
  • Domesticated Bactrian Camel: With a global population exceeding one million, the domestic species is not considered threatened.

Lakkundi

Context: Archaeological excavations at Lakkundi village in Gadag district, Karnataka, have yielded Neolithic-period relics, reinforcing efforts to nominate Lakkundi for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

About Lakkundi

• Location : Lakkundi is located in Gadag district of Karnataka, approximately 12 km from Gadag town, and was historically known as Lokkigundi.
• Ancient Identity : Lokkigundi is mentioned in 11th–12th century inscriptions, where it is compared to Amaravati, the capital of Indra, for its prosperity.
• Political Importance:
  • Ruled by the Chalukyas, Yadavas, and Hoysalas
  • Capital of Hoysala king Eradane Ballala (Veeraballala) in 1192 A.D.
• Economic Centre: Known for its “tankashale” (mint), reflecting its economic prominence.
• Historical Importance:
  • Lakkundi was the “Karmabhoomi” of Queen Attimabbe, a Jain philanthropist of the 11th century.
  • She built temples, Jain basadis, and wells.
  • The State government has instituted the “Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Prashasti” in her honour.
  • Lakkundi is also noted for the distinctive “Lakkundi school” of Chalukyan temple architecture, marked by refined sculptural and structural features
• Architectural Heritage:
  • It was renowned as the “village of a hundred wells and temples”, reflecting advanced water management and temple culture.
  • Wells are Known for intricate carvings.
  • Surviving Monuments: Mumbai State Gazetteer records 13 temples, including Kashi Visveshwara, Mallikarjun, Virupaksha, Manikeshwara, and others.
  • Style: Temples reflect the Kalyana Chalukya architectural style
  • Buried Structures: Several temples and wells are believed to remain buried beneath houses and other structures
• Archaeological Discoveries:
  • Neolithic Pottery: A broken grey clay pot, believed to belong to the Neolithic (New Stone Age) period, indicating early human habitation.
  • Stone Implements:
    • Stone axe, associated with Neolithic tool-making practices
    • Cross-shaped stone pedestal
  • Cowrie Shells (Kavade): Discovery of two to three cowrie shells, suggesting early exchange practices or ritual use.
  • Jain Association: A stone pedestal carved with a Jina figure was found, pointing to the strong presence of Jainism in Lakkundi during the medieval period.
• Continuity of Sacred Space: The findings reflect layered occupation, with Neolithic habitation followed by Jain and Shaiva religious activity

Khelo India Winter Games

Context: The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026 – Ladakh Phase concluded with high-intensity competition on Republic Day at the NDS Stadium, Leh.

About Khelo India Winter Games

• Nature : The KI Winter Games are a multidisciplinary, national-level winter sports competition aimed at promoting winter sports and expanding India’s competitive sporting base in cold-climate regions.
• The KIWG are organised under the Khelo India Scheme, which is the flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Objective : The Winter Games aim to identify sporting talent, provide competitive exposure, and promote winter sports culture, particularly in Himalayan and cold-climate regions.
• National-Level Competitions : Under the Khelo India Scheme, multiple national-level competitions are conducted, including : 
  • Khelo India Youth Games
  • Khelo India University Games
  • Khelo India Winter Games
  • Khelo India Para Games
  • Khelo India Beach Games
• Organising Authority : The Games are organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI)

Khelo India Winter Games 2026

• Location: The 6th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 is being held at Leh (Ladakh) and Gulmarg (Jammu & Kashmir).
• Chapter-wise: The Games are organised in two chapters, with different sports disciplines conducted at separate locations based on terrain suitability
  • Chapter 1- Ice Sports (Leh): It Features Ice Hockey and Ice Skating events.
  • Chapter 2- Snow Sports (Gulmarg): It  includes Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, and Nordic Skiing.
• Figure skating has been introduced for the first time in the Khelo India Winter Games programme.

India – Canada Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation

Context: At India Energy Week 2026 (IEW’26) held in Goa, India and Canada issued a Joint Statement on Energy Cooperation, marking the renewal of the India–Canada Ministerial Energy Dialogue.

Key Highlights of the Joint Statement

• Shared Assessment : Both sides affirmed that energy security and diversity of supply are critical for economic stability, public welfare, and long-term growth.
• Complementary Roles : 
  • Canada : Aspires to be an energy superpower in clean and conventional energy with export diversification.
  • India : Positioned as the epicentre of global energy demand growth, accounting for over one-third of global energy demand growth over the next two decades.
• Joint Commitment : Both Countries affirmed to deepen bilateral energy trade including,
  • Supply of Canadian LNG, LPG, and crude oil to India
  • Supply of refined petroleum products from India to Canada
• Clean Energy and Climate Cooperation:
  • Emission Reduction: Cooperation on reducing emissions in conventional energy, including Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).
  • Clean Energy Value Chains: Collaboration in Renewable energy, Green hydrogen, Biofuels and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) among others.
• Institutional and Dialogue Mechanisms:
  • Ministerial Energy Dialogue: Commitment to sustained Government-to-Government dialogue and regular expert-level cooperation.
  • Private Sector Engagement : Support for Business-to-Business and Business-to-Government collaboration across the energy value chain.
  • Global Engagement : Continued cooperation through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms to advance global climate objectives

India’s Energy Profile

• World’s third-largest oil consumer
• Fourth-largest LNG importer
• Third-largest LPG consumer
• Fourth-largest refining capacity

Canada’s Energy Profile

• Aspires to become an energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy.
• Expanding LNG projects, crude oil exports to Asia via the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) Pipeline, and LPG exports from the west coast.
• Launched a Major Projects Office (2025) to fast-track energy and resource projects worth over USD 116 billion.

Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile

Context: At the 77th Republic Day Parade, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) for the first time, along with its launcher.

About Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM)

• Nature : A hypersonic glide missile designed and developed indigenously to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy.
• Operational Role : 
• • Capable of engaging both static and moving maritime targets.
  • Intended for sea denial operations, restricting adversary naval movement in critical regions such as the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Range : The LR-AShM has an estimated operational range of about 1,500 km.
• Speed : The missile operates in the hypersonic regime, with speeds ranging up to Mach 10, while its glide phase sustains speeds above Mach 5, significantly compressing enemy reaction time.
• Trajectory Characteristics : Follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory
  • Begins with a ballistic phase.
  • Flies at lower altitudes.
  • Capable of in-flight manoeuvres to evade interception.
• Propulsion System: Equipped with a two-stage solid propulsion rocket motor:
  • Stage I: Boosts missile to hypersonic velocity and then separates.
  • Stage II: Further accelerates the missile.
  • After Stage-II burnout, the missile executes an unpowered hypersonic glide with atmospheric manoeuvres.
• Detection and Survivability: Low-altitude flight, combined with high speed and manoeuvrability, makes detection by enemy ground-based and ship-borne radars extremely difficult.
• Deployment Flexibility: The LR-AShM is initially configured for land-based mobile launchers, with ship-borne and air-launched variants envisaged in the future.

DOWNLOAD PDF