09 July 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS 2: TribeX Platform

Why in News: The TribeX Platform was launched to support tribal education and preserve India's tribal heritage, traditional knowledge and cultural practices.

Launched by: Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

What is TribeX?

• A first-of-its-kind digital learning platform for tribal arts, culture, traditional knowledge and skill development.

• It acts as a one-stop platform for learning, documenting and preserving tribal knowledge.

Courses and Content

• Offers free certificate courses and UGC-recognised Postgraduate Diploma programmes.

• Covers tribal languages, tribal art forms, handicrafts and traditional knowledge systems.

• Currently offers 20 free certificate courses on tribal paintings, handicrafts, handloom, artefacts and traditional musical instruments.

Digital Features

• Learning Management System helps online learning and progress tracking.

• Repository Management System helps safely store, document and manage tribal knowledge resources.

• Digital repository preserves tribal languages, oral traditions, performing arts, cultural practices and indigenous knowledge systems.

• Heritage archive has 5,000+ multimedia resources such as audio, videos, literature and documents on tribal festivals, oral traditions and socio-cultural practices.

Remember: TribeX = Tribal education + digital repository + heritage preservation.

GS 3: Antariksh Venture Capital Fund

Why in News: The Union Minister said that India's dedicated space-sector venture capital fund has progressed steadily. Investments in selected startups are expected from the first quarter of FY 2027.

Basic Facts

• It is a SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Fund for India's space sector.

• It is registered as a Category II AIF and is close-ended.

• Key investor: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), under the Department of Space.

• Sponsor: SIDBI Venture Capital Limited.

Purpose

• Provides growth capital to Indian space-sector companies at different stages of development.

• Supports scaling up, commercialisation of indigenous space technologies and development of a strong private space ecosystem.

• Strengthens India's long-term space ambitions by encouraging innovation and private participation.

Investment Criteria

• Invests only in Indian companies working in the space sector.

• Companies must have Technology Readiness Level 4 or above, meaning the technology has moved beyond basic research and has been validated in a laboratory environment.

Remember: Antariksh Fund = Category II AIF + space startups + TRL 4 or above.

GS 3: INS Mahendragiri (F38)

Why in News: The Indian Navy is set to commission the indigenous stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri (F38) at Visakhapatnam on 11 July 2026.

About the Ship

• It is the sixth and final ship of the Nilgiri-class, Project 17A stealth frigates.

• Designed by the Warship Design Bureau.

• Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.

Propulsion

• Uses Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion.

• The system includes a diesel engine, gas turbine and Controllable Pitch Propeller on each shaft.

• Has an Integrated Platform Management System for efficient management of onboard machinery and systems.

Combat Role

• Carries advanced weapons and sensors for anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.

• Can support maritime security, power projection, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Search and Rescue and long-duration presence missions.

Remember: INS Mahendragiri = Project 17A + Nilgiri-class stealth frigate + indigenous naval capability.

GS 3: Eurasian Lynx

Why in News: The Eurasian lynx was photographed for the first time in Sikkim, creating an important wildlife record for the state.

Basic Facts

• Scientific name: Lynx lynx.

• It is a medium-sized wild cat and the largest species of lynx.

• It is one of the top predators of forest ecosystems across Europe and Asia.

Appearance

• Short body, long legs and large paws help it walk on snow.

• Black hair tufts on the ears are a key identifying feature.

• Sharp retractile claws help in climbing and hunting.

• Greyish to reddish-brown fur with dark spots helps camouflage.

Distribution and Habitat

• Found from Western Europe through Russia to Central Asia.

• In India, it occurs mainly along the northern slopes of the Himalayas and in parts of the Trans-Himalayan region.

• Lives in temperate broadleaf forests, boreal and mixed forests, alpine tundra, rocky mountain slopes, brushlands, open forests and high-altitude Himalayan and Tibetan Plateau regions.

Behaviour and Diet

• Solitary, territorial and highly elusive.

• Mainly crepuscular and nocturnal.

• Strictly carnivorous; eats deer, hares, rodents, birds and other small mammals.

IUCN Status: Least Concern.

Remember: Eurasian Lynx = Lynx lynx + black ear tufts + high-altitude predator + first record from Sikkim.