Explanation: November 9 is observed as National Legal Services Day to mark the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The Act established institutions to provide free legal aid to needy and marginalized citizens. India’s legal aid system reached 44.22 lakh people between 2022 and 2025. From 2022–23 to 2024–25, about 23.58 crore cases were resolved through state, permanent, and national Lok Adalats.

Explanation: Sanskaar Shaala, a value-based programme for children aged 414 years, was inaugurated in Guwahati by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya. Sanskaar Shaala is a value-based programme aimed at developing ethical, social, and cultural awareness among children. The programme is implemented across Assam under the guidance of the Governors office with support from educational institutions. It uses interactive learning methods such as hands-on sessions, workshops, and skill-development activities. The initiative promotes holistic growth, social responsibility, and a deep understanding of Indian cultural and ethical values from an early age.

Explanation: The Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, known as the Dragon Hole, is a massive underwater sinkhole in the South China Sea studied for over a decade. Blue holes are deep, steep underwater cavities formed in limestone areas and later filled by rising sea levels. Dragon Hole is the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world at about 301.19 meters, deeper than Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas. It lies around 25 kilometers from Discovery Reef and is called the “eye” of the South China Sea by local fishermen. The hole is almost vertical, with 130 meters width at the surface and 36 meters at the bottom.

Explanation: Ministry of Tribal Affairs is organising Tribes Art Fest 2026 in New Delhi under the vision of Narendra Modi. It is organised with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and National Gallery of Modern Art. More than 75 artists and 1,000 artworks from 30+ tribal traditions are showcased. Key initiatives highlighted include PM JANMAN for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, DAJGUA, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India. Festival promotes fair markets, direct sales and sustainable livelihoods.

Explanation: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta approved the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme to support artisans of khadi, handloom, cottage industries and unorganised sector. The scheme will be implemented through Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board (DKVIB). In 2025–26, 3,728 beneficiaries will be trained with Rs 8.95 crore allocation, and Rs 57.50 crore is proposed for 2026–27 expansion. The first phase will focus on 18,000 tailors registered on the e-Shram portal. Beneficiaries must be 18 years or above, only one per family, with mandatory Aadhaar verification. Training will be for 12 days including Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), with stipend, meals and toolkits.

Explanation: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa (Kyoto University), Richard Robson (University of Melbourne), and Omar M. Yaghi (University of California, Berkeley). They were recognised for the development of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a novel molecular architecture. Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are porous crystals formed by metal ions as cornerstones linked with long organic (carbon-based) molecules, creating large cavities. These structures can capture/store specific substances, drive chemical reactions, and conduct electricity. Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded since 1901, with 195 individuals receiving it; only 8 women have won.

Explanation: National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), a statutory body under Ministry of Cooperation, implements Ayushman Sahakar Scheme to promote cooperative healthcare. The scheme aligns with National Health Policy 2017 to provide affordable and holistic healthcare through cooperatives. Financial assistance is given as term loan or investment loan after technical and financial appraisal. The scheme supports hospitals, AYUSH, medical colleges, telemedicine, digital health and insurance services. Loan period is up to 8 years with moratorium, and women-majority cooperatives get 1% interest rebate. The initiative promotes community participation and sustainable cooperative healthcare delivery.

Explanation: Recently, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organised a two-day Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Zonal Conference-cum-Stakeholder Consultation and Progress Review Workshop on 1920 January 2026 at Symbiosis Skill and Professional University, Pune. The Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) through NGOs. JSS Scheme provides non-formal vocational training to non-literate, neo-literate, school dropouts, and marginalised communities. Currently, 294 JSSs operate across 26 States and 7 UTs.

Explanation: In January 2026, Sikkim Police has been conferred the Presidents Police Colour Award (Nishaan). The award recognises outstanding service, professionalism, bravery, discipline, and dedication. Nishaan is worn with pride on the left sleeve of the uniform. Since Independence, only 14 states have received this prestigious award. Sikkim becomes the 15th state overall and 3rd in the North East to receive it.

Explanation: Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district of Odisha has reported a marginal rise in migratory birds as per the latest forest department census. The park covers about 672 square kilometres of mangrove swamps formed by the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra river delta. It contains creeks, backwaters, estuaries, deltas, and mudflats and is surrounded by Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary lie to the east near the Bay of Bengal. It is Indias second largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans and is a Ramsar site.