In News:

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed Parliament that the e-Zero FIR system for cybercrime cases has been operationalised across 18 States and Union Territories, with over 12,000 e-Zero FIRs already registered.

What is the e-Zero FIR System?

• The e-Zero FIR system is a digital, jurisdiction-free mechanism for registering cyber financial crime complaints. It enables the automatic registration of an FIR irrespective of the victim's location or the territorial jurisdiction of the police station, allowing quicker legal action against cyber fraud.
• Developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the system is based on Section 173(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which permits electronic reporting of cognizable offences.
• The system integrates the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP)/Helpline 1930, State/UT e-Crime Police Stations, and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) managed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

How Does It Work?

• When a cyber financial fraud complaint is lodged through the 1930 helpline or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, complaints crossing the prescribed financial threshold automatically generate an e-Zero FIR.
• The FIR is initially registered at a central e-Crime Police Station and is electronically transferred to the police station having territorial jurisdiction. The complainant must complete verification at the concerned police station within three days, after which the e-Zero FIR is converted into a regular FIR.
• The immediate registration of the FIR enables law enforcement agencies and banks to quickly freeze suspected bank accounts and prevent the transfer of fraudulently siphoned funds.

In News:

The Fields Medal 2026, regarded as the highest honour in mathematics, was awarded to Yu Deng, John Pardon, Jacob Tsimerman, and Hong Wang for their outstanding contributions to mathematical research.

About the Fields Medal

• The Fields Medal is the world's most prestigious award in mathematics, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Mathematics."
• It was established in 1936 through the efforts of John Charles Fields, a Canadian mathematician, and is awarded by the International Mathematical Union (IMU) once every four years.
• Unlike lifetime achievement awards, the medal recognizes both exceptional mathematical accomplishments and the recipient's potential for future contributions.

Eligibility & Funding

• The award is presented to mathematicians below 40 years of age, with two to four recipients selected in each award cycle.
• The medals and prize money are financed through a trust created by J.C. Fields at the University of Toronto. In 2026, the prize fund also received support from the Fields Institute.

Highlights of the 2026 Awards

The 2026 edition honouredYu Deng, John Pardon, Jacob Tsimerman, and Hong Wang.

• Hong Wang became only the third woman to receive the Fields Medal, following Maryam Mirzakhani (2014) and Maryna Viazovska (2022).
• Yu Deng and Hong Wang became the first Chinese nationals to receive the award since Shing-Tung Yau (1982).

India and the Fields Medal

Indian-origin mathematicians have made significant contributions in recent years.

• Manjul Bhargava – Fields Medal 2014
• Akshay Venkatesh – Fields Medal 2018

In News:

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has reissued the 7th draft notification proposing an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats. The notification remains open for public objections for 60 days, while differences persist between the Centre and the six Western Ghats States over the extent of the notified area.

7th Draft Notification on Western Ghats ESA

• The proposed Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) covers 56,825.7 sq. km across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, with Karnataka accounting for the largest share and Gujarat the smallest.
• The draft proposes a ban on commercial mining, quarrying, sand mining, new thermal power plants, red-category industries, and large-scale construction projects. Hydropower projects will be permitted only under strict regulation, while agriculture, plantation activities, and the livelihoods of local communities remain exempt.
• It also allows phased implementation of the ESA without waiting for consensus from all six states. The tenure of the Sanjay Kumar Committee (2022), constituted to examine state objections and boundary-related issues, has been extended until July 2027.

Evolution of the ESA Proposal

The proposal to notify the Western Ghats as an ESA has remained under consideration since 2011.

• The Gadgil Committee (Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, 2011) recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats as an Eco-Sensitive Area and dividing it into ESZ-I, ESZ-II and ESZ-III based on ecological sensitivity. However, states opposed the recommendations as being too restrictive.
• The Kasturirangan Committee (2013) adopted a more balanced approach by recommending that only about 37% of the Western Ghats (around 60,000 sq. km) be notified as an ESA while permitting sustainable development in other areas.

Challenges

The notification has remained pending due to disagreements between the Centre and States over balancing conservation with development.

Boundary demarcation disputes, disagreements over village inclusion, lack of adequate financial incentives for conservation, and repeated draft notifications without finalisation have created regulatory uncertainty, allowing environmentally damaging activities in ecologically fragile regions.

Western Ghats

• The Western Ghats (Sahyadris) extend for about 1,490 km from Gujarat to Kerala and Tamil Nadu, covering nearly 1.4 lakh sq. km across six states. They are older than the Himalayas, having formed from the faulted edge of the Deccan Plateau following the breakup of Gondwanaland.
• The mountain chain is interrupted by three important gaps—Goa Gap, Palghat Gap, and Shencottah Gap—which divide it into the Northern, Central, and Southern Western Ghats.
• The region was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012) as a serial property comprising 39 protected areas grouped into seven sub-clusters: Sahyadri, Kudremukh, Talacauvery, Nilgiri, Anamalai, Periyar, and Agasthyamalai.
• The Southern Western Ghats contain Anamudi (2,695 m), the highest peak of the Western Ghats and the highest mountain in India outside the Himalayas.

Ecological Importance

• The Western Ghats are one of the world's eight hottest biodiversity hotspots and function as the water tower of Peninsular India. They intercept the southwest monsoon, regulate regional climate, and give rise to major east- and west-flowing rivers.
• The region supports over 5,000 flowering plant species, with around 65% of amphibians and 53% of freshwater fishes being endemic. It is home to flagship species such as the Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, Tiger, Asian Elephant, and Gaur.
• Besides biodiversity conservation, the Western Ghats contribute significantly to carbon sequestration, provide valuable non-timber forest products, support agriculture and hydropower, and sustain the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.

In News:

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched SHANTI (Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity), India's campaign for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council (2028–2029). The initiative also reiterates India's long-standing demand for permanent membership and comprehensive UNSC reforms.

India's Bid for Permanent UNSC Membership

India seeks a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC) to make global governance more representative of present-day geopolitical and economic realities. While non-permanent membership allows India to influence the Council's agenda, permanent membership would provide a lasting role in decisions relating to international peace, security, sanctions, and conflict resolution.

Evolution of the UNSC

• The UN Security Council was established in 1945 under the UN Charter with five permanent members (P5)—the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia (formerly USSR), and China—holding veto powers.
• In 1965, the Council expanded its non-permanent seats from six to ten, increasing total membership to 15, while leaving the permanent membership unchanged.
• In 2005, India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan formed the G4 to jointly advocate expansion of permanent membership. Frequent deadlocks caused by the veto have strengthened demands for comprehensive UNSC reforms.

Why India Deserves Permanent Membership

India presents a strong case based on its demographic, economic, and diplomatic stature.

• Represents over 18% of the world's population.
• Among the world's largest and fastest-growing economies.
• One of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping Operations, deploying nearly 3 lakh personnel across around 50 missions since 1948.
• Has served eight terms as a non-permanent UNSC member.
• Recognised as a leading voice of the Global South, guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Challenges

India's bid faces several institutional and political obstacles.

Amending the UN Charter (Article 108) requires approval by two-thirds of the UN General Assembly and ratification by all five permanent members, giving every P5 nation an effective veto over reform.

China continues to oppose India's candidature, while the Uniting for Consensus (Coffee Club) group opposes the creation of new permanent seats. Existing permanent members are also reluctant to dilute their exclusive privileges, and disagreements persist regarding regional representation.

Way Forward

India is strengthening support through initiatives such as the SHANTI campaign, while building wider diplomatic coalitions in the UN General Assembly.

It continues to advocate text-based Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reforms, deepen cooperation through forums such as the G20, BRICS, Quad, and International Solar Alliance, strengthen coordination between the G4 and the African Union's Ezulwini Consensus, and remains open to a phased approach to permanent membership if it facilitates broader consensus.

In News:

Recently, INS NIPUN, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), was delivered to the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam.

About INS NIPUN

• INS NIPUN is a highly specialisedDiving Support Vessel (DSV) designed for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and underwater intervention operations.
• The vessel has been designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in accordance with the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
• The name 'NIPUN', derived from Sanskrit, means "one who is adept, capable, and well-versed in a particular discipline."

Key Features

The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art diving equipment capable of undertaking Deep Sea Saturation Diving operations.

It features:

• Advanced Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) for maintaining precise position at sea.
• Saturation diving system for prolonged deep-sea underwater missions.
• Submarine rescue machinery.
• Deep-sea intervention and salvage equipment.

INS NIPUN will also function as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), enabling rescue and evacuation of personnel trapped inside distressed submarines.

The vessel has nearly 75% indigenous content, reflecting India's emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence shipbuilding.

In News:

India's Electronic Gold Receipt (EGR) ecosystem has gained attention as the SEBI-regulated Gold Exchange promotes transparent, standardized, and exchange-based trading of physical gold.

What is an Electronic Gold Receipt (EGR)?

• An Electronic Gold Receipt (EGR) is a SEBI-regulated electronic security that represents ownership of physical gold stored in SEBI-accredited vaults.
• Introduced under the Gold Exchange Framework (2022), EGRs enable investors to trade standardized physical gold electronically on recognized stock exchanges while retaining the option to convert them into physical gold whenever required.
• Unlike physical gold, EGRs are held in demat form, making ownership secure, transparent, and easily transferable. Every EGR is fully backed by an equivalent quantity and purity (995 or 999 fineness) of physical gold stored with a SEBI-registered Vault Manager.

Need for EGR

SEBI introduced the Gold Exchange Framework (2022) to address problems in India's fragmented bullion market such as:

• Lack of uniform purity standards
• Opaque pricing
• High transaction costs
• Dominance of the unorganised bullion trade

The framework seeks to establish a transparent national market for physical gold, improve price discovery, standardize quality, and strengthen investor protection.

How Does the EGR Ecosystem Work?

The EGR ecosystem functions through three stages:

• Creation: Eligible gold (995/999 purity) is deposited with a SEBI-registered Vault Manager, which verifies and stores the gold. The depository (NSDL/CDSL) then issues equivalent EGRs in the depositor's demat account.
• Trading: EGRs are traded electronically on recognized stock exchanges such as NSE and BSE, with ownership transferred on a T 1 settlement basis, while the physical gold remains safely stored in the vault.
• Redemption: Investors may convert EGRs into physical gold by placing a request through their broker or Depository Participant (DP). The Vault Manager delivers the gold and extinguishes the corresponding EGR.

Key Participants

• Vault Manager: Stores, assays, verifies and delivers physical gold.
• Depositories (NSDL/CDSL): Maintain EGRs in demat accounts.
• Stock Exchanges (NSE/BSE): Provide trading platform.
• Stock Brokers: Facilitate trading and redemption.
• Investors: Individuals, HUFs, NRIs, trusts and institutions.

In News:

The Union Health Ministry has advised people to monitor Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) levels as an early indicator of liver injury, highlighting the importance of routine liver health screening.

What is Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)?

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), also known as Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT), is an enzyme found mainly inside liver cells (hepatocytes), with smaller amounts present in muscles and the heart.
• It plays an important role in amino acid metabolism, helping convert amino acids into energy required for normal body functions.
• Normally, only small amounts of ALT circulate in the bloodstream. When liver cells are damaged due to inflammation, infection, or injury, ALT leaks into the blood, making it one of the earliest laboratory markers of liver injury.

Why is ALT Important?

ALT is a sensitive indicator of ongoing liver damage and forms an important part of the Liver Function Test (LFT). Elevated ALT levels may indicate liver disorders such as:

• Viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B & C)
• Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
• Alcohol-related liver disease
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Drug-induced liver injury

However, raised ALT alone does not confirm liver disease, as the enzyme is also present in other tissues. Further clinical evaluation and investigations are required.

Limitations of ALT Testing

Although ALT is an important screening marker, normal ALT values do not rule out liver disease.

People with MASLD may have normal or only mildly elevated ALT despite significant liver damage. Similarly, in advanced liver cirrhosis, ALT levels may return to normal because very few healthy liver cells remain to release the enzyme.

Therefore, ALT should always be interpreted along with other liver function tests and clinical findings.

Who Should Undergo ALT Testing?

• ALT testing is performed through a simple blood test and is routinely included in comprehensive health check-ups.
• Annual testing is generally sufficient for healthy adults. More frequent monitoring is recommended for people with:Obesity, Diabetes, High cholesterol, Thyroid disorders, Viral hepatitis, Long-term medication use, Alcohol consumption, Family history of liver disease, and Sedentary lifestyle

In News:

Scientists have confirmed that Moken sea nomad children living along the Andaman Sea possess exceptional underwater vision, enabling them to see underwater with nearly twice the clarity of other children by constricting their pupils through years of diving practice.

Who are the Moken People?

• The Moken are an indigenous sea nomadic community living along the Andaman Sea off the coasts of Thailand and Myanmar. Often referred to as "Sea Nomads" or "Sea Gypsies", they are among the last surviving sea-based nomadic communities in the world.
• Their name, in the Moken language, means "sea drowned." They have traditionally moved among nearly 800 islands in the Andaman Sea, following seasonal winds, tides, and marine resources.

Key Features

• The Moken traditionally live and travel in wooden boats called Kabang, relying on fishing, free diving, and shellfish collection for their livelihood.
• Children begin swimming and diving from an early age, developing exceptional underwater skills such as free diving, spear fishing, and reef navigation.
• The Moken speak an Austronesian language, a language family widely spoken across Southeast Asia and Oceania.
• Most Moken remain stateless, lacking citizenship in either Thailand or Myanmar, largely due to their traditional nomadic lifestyle.

Why are the Moken Famous?

• The Moken gained international recognition during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, when many community members survived after recognising natural warning signs such as the unusual retreat of seawater and moving to safer locations based on their traditional ecological knowledge.
• Their remarkable underwater vision is considered an adaptation developed through continuous exposure to the marine environment rather than a genetic trait.

In News:

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched the Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme along with the SAMARTH Panchayat Portal to strengthen the financial autonomy of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by enhancing their Own Source Revenue (OSR).

Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme

• The Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
• It aims to help Gram Panchayats and Block Panchayats identify underutilised local assets and convert them into revenue-generating projects, thereby reducing dependence on Central and State grants.

Key Features

• The programme plans to develop 350 revenue-generating projects over four years, beginning with 50 projects in the first year, followed by 100 projects annually during the next three years.
• It is open to Gram Panchayats with a minimum annual Own Source Revenue (OSR) of ?50 lakh and Block Panchayats with at least ?1 crore OSR, subject to prescribed tenure conditions.
• The Ministry will provide technical assistance to prepare commercially viable project proposals and facilitate funding through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), scheme convergence, and institutional bank credit.

SAMARTH Panchayat Portal

• The SAMARTH Panchayat Portal is a national digital platform designed for the end-to-end management of Own Source Revenue (OSR) of Gram Panchayats.
• It aims to digitise revenue administration, improve transparency, and enhance tax collection efficiency.

Key Features

• The portal manages the complete revenue cycle, including taxpayer registration, demand notice generation, online payment, receipt generation, and real-time revenue monitoring.
• It digitises various local revenue sources such as property tax, trade licences, user charges, and other non-tax revenues.
• The portal is already operational in Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh, with over 51 lakh taxpayers registered, demand notices worth ?95 crore generated, and more than ?27 crore collected. Expansion is underway in Maharashtra, Mizoram, Assam, Haryana, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.

In News:

The Maharashtra Government has approved the development of a ?45-crore Eco-Nature Park at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS), which will feature India's first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered bird detection and monitoring centre.

What is the AI-Based Monitoring System?

The sanctuary will deploy AI-enabled cameras and monitoring systems to automatically identify bird species, monitor migration patterns, and generate scientific data.

Using image and sound recognition, the system will analyse bird activity across a 1.5-km stretch, enabling real-time monitoring and improving biodiversity conservation and research.

About Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary

• The Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) is located between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai along the Thane Creek. It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2015 and is India's first dedicated flamingo sanctuary.
• The sanctuary is an important coastal wetland ecosystem, supporting thousands of migratory flamingos and over 200 species of birds, including herons, egrets, kingfishers, and shorebirds.
• It also lies along the Central Asian Flyway, an important migratory route connecting Europe, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.

About Flamingos

Flamingos are large wading birds recognised by their long legs, long S-shaped neck, and distinctive pink plumage. They inhabit shallow wetlands, mudflats, salt pans, saline lagoons, and alkaline lakes, where they feed on algae, molluscs, and crustaceans.

Their pink or orange colouration is derived from carotenoid pigments present in their diet.

Globally, there are six species of flamingos, while India is home to two species:

• Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
• Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor)

Threats

Flamingo populations are threatened by wetland degradation, pollution, coastal development, human disturbance, and changes in water quality, all of which affect their feeding and breeding habitats.

In News:

The Government has revised the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy to allow foreign-funded e-commerce companies to own and maintain inventories exclusively for exporting goods manufactured or produced in India. The change creates an export-specific exemption while retaining restrictions on inventory-based e-commerce for domestic retail sales.

What is the Revised FDI Policy?

• The revised policy permits foreign-owned e-commerce entities to procure, own, and manage inventories in India only for export purposes. The products must be manufactured or produced in India and sold exclusively in overseas markets.
• However, the existing prohibition on foreign-funded inventory-based e-commerce for domestic B2C retail sales continues, thereby protecting small retailers and maintaining the ban on FDI in multi-brand retail.
• The policy will come into force after the relevant notification under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

Key Features

• The policy creates a dedicated export-specific exception to India's existing FDI rules for e-commerce.
• Global e-commerce companies such as Amazon and Flipkart can now source products directly from Indian manufacturers, maintain export inventories, and manage activities such as quality testing, packaging, labelling, traceability, and export logistics.
• The measure aims to reduce compliance burdens for exporters and improve access to international markets, particularly for MSMEs, artisans, and manufacturers located in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Inventory-Based vs Marketplace Model

In News:

The Pithora Painting, a traditional wall art of Gujarat's tribal communities, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2026, recognising its unique cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship.

What is Pithora Painting?

• Pithora Painting is a traditional ritual wall painting practiced primarily by the Rathwa, Bhil, and Bhilala tribes of Gujarat, especially in the districts of Panchmahal and Chhota Udaipur. Believed to date back to the 13th century, it is deeply associated with tribal faith, rituals, and community life.
• The art is named after Pithora De, the tribal deity believed to bring prosperity, marriage, fertility, and well-being.

Key Features

• Traditionally, Pithora paintings are created on the interior walls of houses during important occasions such as marriages, childbirth, festivals, and the fulfilment of vows to invoke divine blessings.
• The paintings are executed by specialist ritual artists known as Lakharas, under the supervision of a tribal priest called the Badwa.
• Walls are first prepared using a mixture of cow dung and clay, after which artists paint using natural pigments obtained from minerals and plants. Bamboo sticks, cotton swabs, and wooden stencils are commonly used as painting tools.
• The paintings depict Pithora De, other tribal and Hindu deities, horses, birds, animals, trees, farming, hunting, dancing, and scenes from everyday tribal life.

In News:

A new oral therapy called SHetA2 has shown promising results in preventing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection from progressing to cervical cancer. The therapy is being evaluated as a potential treatment for HPV-induced cervical dysplasia and early cervical cancer.

What is SHetA2 Therapy?

• SHetA2 is a small molecule therapy developed to prevent HPV infection from becoming cancerous. Small molecule drugs are chemically synthesized, low-molecular-weight compounds that are easily absorbed by the body and can enter cells to target specific proteins.
• The therapy is currently being evaluated as an oral capsule for treating precancerous cervical lesions (cervical dysplasia) and cervical cancer caused by HPV infection.

How Does SHetA2 Work?

• SHetA2 targets three host proteins—Mortalin, Heat Shock Cognate 70 (Hsc70), and Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 (Grp78)—which are essential for the survival and activity of HPV-induced cancer cells.
• It disrupts the interaction between the HPV-E7 oncoprotein and a protective protein inside human cells. Once this protective interaction is broken, the E7 protein is destroyed by the body's natural defence mechanisms, preventing abnormal cells from progressing to cancer.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), with more than 100 known types. While many HPV infections resolve naturally, certain high-risk strains can cause cervical cancer as well as cancers of the anus, throat, vulva, vagina, and penis.
• HPV spreads mainly through skin-to-skin sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Around 80% of people are infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime.
• There is no specific cure for HPV infection. The HPV vaccine remains the most effective method of preventing HPV-related cancers, while regular screening helps detect precancerous lesions at an early stage.

In News:

NASA has selected the Planetary Rings Autonomous EXploration with In-situ Sampling (PRAXIS) mission concept under the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I (2026)programme. The mission aims to directly sample particles from planetary ring systems, offering new insights into their origin and evolution.

What is the PRAXIS Mission?

• PRAXIS (Planetary Rings Autonomous EXploration with In-situ Sampling) is a next-generation robotic mission concept developed by NASA to perform the first direct sampling and in-situ analysis of planetary ring particles.
• The mission is designed to study the rings of Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and smaller ringed bodies such as the Centaurs Chariklo and Chiron.

Key Features

• PRAXIS will use a bio-inspired robotic explorer powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to autonomously navigate through planetary rings while avoiding collisions.
• The spacecraft combines robotic autonomy, precision sampling, and on-site scientific analysis. It employs a sport-casting-inspired sampling mechanism to capture free-floating ring particles and carries miniaturised scientific instruments for real-time analysis.
• The mission is planned to graze the ring plane rather than travel deep inside the rings, reducing operational risk.

How Will the Mission Work?

• After identifying a suitable target particle, the spacecraft will perform a touch-and-go sampling operation using a long deployable boom while maintaining a safe distance from surrounding particles.
• Following sample collection, the spacecraft will move to different regions or gaps within the ring system to obtain additional samples. AI-assisted instruments will analyse the collected particles by measuring their size, porosity, and composition.

Significance

PRAXIS is expected to provide the first direct observations of millimetre- to centimetre-sized ring particles, a key priority identified in planetary science. The mission could significantly improve understanding of the formation, structure, composition, and evolution of planetary ring systems, advancing knowledge of the Solar System.

In News:

Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), along with international collaborators, have reported the rare discovery of a Blue Straggler Star (BSS) actively forming in the binary star system TIC 327546480. The finding provides direct evidence of how these unusual stars are formed through mass transfer in binary systems.

What are Blue Straggler Stars (BSS)?

• Blue Straggler Stars (BSS) are hotter, brighter, bluer, and more massive stars found in old open and globular star clusters. Although all stars in a cluster are believed to have formed at the same time, Blue Stragglers appear much younger because they continue to shine like younger stars after gaining fresh hydrogen fuel.
• The term Blue Straggler was introduced after Allan Sandage first identified these stars in 1953 in the globular cluster M3.

How are Blue Straggler Stars Formed?

Blue Stragglers are believed to form through two main mechanisms:

• Mass Transfer in Binary Systems: In a close binary system, an ageing star expands beyond its Roche lobe and transfers matter to its companion. The companion gains fresh hydrogen, becomes more massive, hotter, and brighter, effectively resetting its evolutionary clock.
• Stellar Collision or Merger: In dense star clusters, two stars may collide or merge, forming a single rejuvenated star with greater mass.

Key Features of the Newly Discovered System

• The newly discovered system TIC 327546480 is a semi-detached binary system in which the smaller companion star is continuously transferring matter to the Blue Straggler.
• The transferred gas also increases the star's angular momentum, causing it to rotate rapidly. The infalling material produces X-rays, providing direct observational evidence of active mass transfer.
• Researchers estimate that this rejuvenation process began around 5.46 billion years ago and is still continuing.

Significance of the Discovery

The discovery provides one of the clearest observational confirmations that mass transfer in binary systems can produce Blue Straggler Stars.

It improves scientific understanding of binary star evolution, stellar mass transfer, and the life cycle of stars, while helping astronomers refine models of stellar evolution across the universe.

In News:

At the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea, UNESCO inscribed several new cultural and natural properties on the World Heritage List and added six sites to the List of World Heritage in Danger.

About the List of World Heritage in Danger

The List of World Heritage in Danger is a conservation mechanism established under the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. It identifies World Heritage Sites facing serious threats such as armed conflict, natural disasters, uncontrolled urbanisation, pollution, poaching, climate change, or inadequate management.

The objective is to draw international attention to these sites, mobilise financial and technical assistance, and encourage corrective measures by the concerned State Parties to safeguard their Outstanding Universal Value.

Six New Sites Added (2026)

Three sites were inscribed on an emergency basis:

• Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape (South Sudan): A vast East African savanna supporting one of the world's largest terrestrial mammal migrations. It faces threats from poaching, wildlife trafficking, infrastructure development and insecurity.
• Mount Amel Castles (Lebanon): A network of medieval hilltop fortresses reflecting Crusader and Islamic military architecture. The monuments have suffered severe damage due to ongoing armed conflict.
• Sebastia (State of Palestine): An important archaeological site with remains from the Kingdom of Israel, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader and Ottoman periods. It is threatened by conflict, land development and erosion.

Following recommendations of the Committee, three additional sites were placed on the Danger List:

• Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora (Crimea, Ukraine): Threatened by lack of conservation oversight, unauthorised construction and unmonitored excavations.
• Historic Inner City of Paramaribo (Suriname): Facing pressure from modern construction projects affecting its historic urban landscape.
• Tyre (Lebanon): The ancient Phoenician city is under threat from ongoing regional armed hostilities.

In News:

Following directions issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in a suo motu case, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) constituted a multi-disciplinary Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species.

About the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• It was established on 1 October 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, enacted to implement India's commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992.
• The Authority is responsible for conserving India's biological diversity, promoting its sustainable use, and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits (Access and Benefit Sharing – ABS) arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.

Key Functions

• The NBA advises the Central Government on biodiversity conservation policies and sustainable utilization of biological resources. It also recommends the notification of Biodiversity Heritage Sites under the Biological Diversity Act.
• The Authority regulates access by foreign individuals, companies, and institutions to India's biological resources and grants approvals for research, commercial use, transfer of research results, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) based on Indian biological resources.
• It coordinates with State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) for regulating commercial use of biological resources by Indian entities and oversees Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) constituted at the local level. These committees prepare People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) documenting local biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
• The NBA is also empowered to constitute expert committees to address emerging biodiversity issues, such as the recently formed committee on Invasive Alien Species.

In News:

Chinese AI startup Moonshot AI unveiled Kimi K3, the world's first open-source AI model in the 3-trillion-parameter class, marking a major advancement in open-source Artificial Intelligence.

About Kimi K3

• Kimi K3 is a multimodal, open-weight Large Language Model (LLM) designed for advanced reasoning, software engineering, coding, visual understanding, and enterprise applications.
• Developed by Moonshot AI, a Beijing-based AI startup backed by Alibaba, Tencent, and Meituan, it is among the largest open-source AI models released so far.
• The model adopts a Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) architecture, where only a small subset of experts is activated for each task, enabling high computational efficiency despite its enormous size.
• It also incorporates Kimi Delta Attention (KDA) and Attention Residuals (AttnRes) to improve long-context processing and multi-step reasoning.

Key Features

• One of Kimi K3's biggest strengths is its one-million-token context window, allowing it to process extensive documents, software repositories, or technical manuals in a single prompt.
• The model supports multimodal capabilities, combining text and image understanding for applications such as software development, computer-aided design (CAD), game development, and visual reasoning.
• It has also been released as an open-weight model, enabling researchers and developers worldwide to access, fine-tune, and self-host the model.

In News:

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs directed GitHub to remove three repositories hosting BitChat, citing concerns over law enforcement and cyber security.

About BitChat

• BitChat is an open-source, decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) messaging application that enables communication without internet connectivity, mobile networks, or central servers.
• The project, conceived by Doris Lima and developed by Jack Dorsey, has its source code and Android installation files hosted on GitHub.
• Unlike conventional messaging platforms, BitChat uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to create a mesh network, allowing nearby devices to relay encrypted messages from one phone to another until they reach the intended recipient. When internet connectivity is available, it can also integrate with the decentralized Nostr protocol.

Key Features

BitChat operates without requiring phone numbers, email addresses, or user accounts, ensuring complete anonymity. It employs end-to-end encryption using the Noise Protocol Framework, preventing intermediary devices from accessing message content.

The application also supports ephemeral messaging, automatic deletion of chats, and a panic mode that enables rapid deletion of stored data. Since there are no central servers, it does not maintain centralized communication logs or subscriber databases.

Concerns

The absence of centralized infrastructure and user verification makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify users or intercept communications during criminal investigations.

Authorities have also expressed concerns that such mesh-based communication platforms could be used to coordinate activities during internet shutdowns, bypass lawful surveillance, or evade public order restrictions.

Additionally, legal experts have raised concerns that the government's action under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, instead of Section 69A, may bypass procedural safeguards recognised in the Shreya Singhal and Anuradha Bhasin judgments.

In News:

The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), Shillong, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), organised an awareness webinar on the Corporate Mitra Scheme for youth, students and MSMEs in Arunachal Pradesh.

About the Corporate Mitra Scheme

The Corporate Mitra Scheme is a Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) initiative aimed at creating a network of trained and accredited para-professionals ("Corporate Mitras") to provide affordable compliance and business support services to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The scheme primarily targets Tier-II and Tier-III cities, helping MSMEs reduce regulatory and compliance burdens while enabling young graduates to acquire industry-relevant skills and employment opportunities. It supports the vision of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Viksit Bharat @2047.

Key Features

The scheme aims to train 2,000 participants across India in its initial phase, including 200 candidates from the North Eastern Region (NER). To encourage participation from the region, NER candidates are eligible for a 50% concession in course fees.

Accredited Corporate Mitras will assist MSMEs in non-core business functions such as:

• Regulatory and statutory compliance
• Secretarial services
• Accounting and bookkeeping
• Taxation support
• Financial documentation
• Corporate governance-related activities

The training programme is offered through the SWAYAM Plus digital learning platform, bridging the gap between academic education and industry requirements.

For the Northeast, IICA Shillong has been designated as the nodal agency to coordinate implementation and promote the scheme in collaboration with State Governments, universities and industry bodies.

In News:

At the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

With this inion, India now has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranking 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region.

About the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath

Sarnath is one of the four principal Buddhist pilgrimage sites, closely associated with the life of Gautama Buddha.

It was inscribed under:

• UNESCO Criterion (iii): Exceptional testimony to the Buddhist spiritual tradition.
• UNESCO Criterion (vi): Direct association with Buddha’s First Sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana) and the establishment of the Buddhist Sangha.

Location

• Located at Sarnath, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• The World Heritage property comprises:
  • Chaukhandi Stupa
  • Archaeological Remains of Sarnath, including:
    • Dhamekh Stupa
    • Dharmarajika Stupa
    • Mulagandhakuti Vihara
    • Ashokan Pillar site

Historical Significance

• Ancient names: Rishipatana, Ishipatana and Mrigadava.
• In the 6th century BCE, Gautama Buddha delivered his First Sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana) here after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.
• The sermon introduced the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and marked the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha.
• The site flourished under Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta patronage before declining in the 12th century CE.
• Rediscovered in the 18th century, it has been extensively excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Major Monuments

• Dhamekh Stupa – Marks the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
• Chaukhandi Stupa – Commemorates Buddha's meeting with his first five disciples.
• Dharmarajika Stupa – One of the earliest stupas built by Emperor Ashoka.
• Mulagandhakuti Vihara – Ancient monastery believed to mark Buddha's residence during his stay.
• Ashokan Pillar – Its Lion Capital was adopted as the National Emblem of India.
• Sarnath Site Museum (established in 1904) houses renowned Gupta-period Buddhist sculptures, including the celebrated Dharmachakra Pravartana Buddha.

In News:

The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 to strengthen measures against paper leaks and examination malpractices following incidents such as the NEET-UG paper leak.

About the Act

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 is a Central law enacted to prevent paper leaks, organised cheating, impersonation, and other unfair practices in public examinations conducted by Central Government agencies.

The Act seeks to ensure fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment and admission processes.

Coverage

The Act applies to examinations conducted by notified public authorities, including:

• Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
• Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs)
• National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
• Central Government Ministries, Departments and their attached offices

Key Features

Definition of Unfair Means

The Act criminalises activities such as:

• Leakage of question papers or answer keys.
• Unauthorized access to examination material.
• Tampering with computer networks or examination systems.
• Manipulation of merit lists or results.
• Impersonation and organised cheating.
• Fake examination websites, admit cards, or recruitment scams.

Penalties

• Individuals involved in unfair means can face 3–5 years imprisonment and a fine up to ?10 lakh.
• Organised paper leak syndicates may face 5–10 years imprisonment and a minimum fine of ?1 crore.
• Offences are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.

Liability of Service Providers

Service providers (IT firms, testing agencies, logistics vendors, etc.) found responsible for security lapses may face:

• Fine up to ?1 crore.
• Recovery of the entire examination cost.
• Debarment from conducting public examinations for four years.

Directors and senior management involved in such offences are also personally liable.

Investigation

Investigations must be conducted by police officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), with provision to transfer cases to agencies such as the CBI.

Significance

• Protects the integrity and credibility of public examinations.
• Acts as a deterrent against organised cheating networks.
• Ensures merit-based recruitment and admissions.
• Strengthens public confidence in national entrance and recruitment examinations.

In News:

Nine deaths, including two children from Rajasthan undergoing treatment in Gujarat, have been confirmed due to the Chandipura virus (CHPV) outbreak.

About Chandipura Virus (CHPV)

• The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a vector-borne virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family. It causes Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), a severe inflammation of the brain that primarily affects children.
• The virus was first isolated in 1965 from Chandipura village, Maharashtra, during an outbreak of dengue/chikungunya-like fever.
• CHPV is endemic to parts of central and western India, particularly Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.

Transmission

• The virus is transmitted mainly through the bites of infected female Phlebotomine sandflies (Phlebotomus papatasi). Certain mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti, have also been identified as potential vectors.
• Human-to-human transmission has not been reported.

Clinical Features

• The disease primarily affects children below 15 years of age.
• Symptoms include:Sudden high fever, Severe headache, Vomiting, Body ache, Seizures, Altered consciousness, and Acute encephalitis (brain inflammation)
• The illness progresses rapidly, and severe cases may result in death within 24–48 hours if not treated promptly.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no specific antiviral drug or approved vaccine for Chandipura virus infection.

Treatment is mainly supportive, including intensive care, seizure management, hydration, and monitoring of neurological complications.

Preventive measures focus on:

• Vector control (especially sandflies)
• Maintaining environmental sanitation
• Use of insecticide-treated bed nets and repellents
• Early detection and prompt medical care

In News:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

About Project Kusha (LR-SAM)

• Project Kusha is an indigenously developed long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system designed to strengthen India's multi-layered air defence capability. It is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with support from public and private defence industry partners.
• The system aims to provide an indigenous long-range air defence shield capable of intercepting a wide range of aerial threats, thereby reducing dependence on imported air defence systems.

Key Features

Project Kusha comprises a three-tier interceptor family with different engagement ranges:

• M1: Up to 150 km
• M2: Up to 250 km
• M3: Up to 350 km

The system is designed to engage fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and other aerial threats across varying altitudes.

It integrates indigenously developed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, command and control systems, battle management software, and advanced missile seekers to provide automated target detection, tracking, and interception.

The missile system is designed to achieve a high interception success rate against complex aerial threats and saturation attacks.

In News:

The Union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan (BHAVYA–Rasayan) Scheme to establish three dedicated Chemical Parks across the country for strengthening India's chemical and petrochemical manufacturing ecosystem.

About BHAVYA–Rasayan Scheme

• BHAVYA–Rasayan is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. It aims to develop integrated chemical parks with modern common infrastructure to enhance the competitiveness of India's chemical industry.
• The scheme will be implemented over five years (FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31) with a total outlay of ?3,030 crore, including ?3,000 crore for infrastructure development and ?30 crore for administrative expenses.

Key Features

• The scheme envisages the establishment of three dedicated Chemical Parks, each spread over a minimum contiguous area of 8 sq. km. (2,000 acres) of encumbrance-free land.
• The Central Government will provide financial assistance of up to ?1,000 crore per park, subject to a minimum contribution of ?500 crore by the respective State Government. The parks will be selected through a Challenge Route.
• Each park will provide plug-and-play infrastructure with shared facilities such as Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP), Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF), water supply systems, solvent recovery units, steam generation networks, interconnected pipelines, logistics, and warehousing facilities.

In News:

Punjab has become the first Indian State to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a mainstream subject for Classes I to XII under the Sarbat.AI initiative.

About the Sarbat.AI Initiative

• Sarbat.AI is a statewide programme that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the school curriculum to equip students with future-ready digital skills and promote AI literacy from the primary level.
• The initiative aims to build an AI-literate, innovation-driven, and ethically responsible student community while ensuring equitable access to AI education across the State.

Key Features

• The programme will be implemented in a phased manner. The first phase covers Classes VIII to XII through the Computer Science curriculum, followed by Classes I to VII with age-appropriate AI education.
• The curriculum is based on global best practices from countries such as Singapore, Finland, the UAE, and the United States, and aligns with UNESCO's Ethical AI Framework.
• Teaching will combine live online classes, recorded lectures, project-based learning, continuous assessments, and a dedicated Learning Management System (LMS).
• The initiative is expected to benefit 25,172 schools and around 31.5 lakh students. Initially, 12,424 Computer Science teachers will be trained, with the long-term objective of upskilling over two lakh teachers.

Significance

The initiative aims to prepare students for the digital economy by developing skills in Artificial Intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies.

It also positions Punjab as a pioneer in AI-enabled school education, promoting inclusive access to advanced technology in both urban and rural schools.

In News:

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) released the Global Mining and Metals Water Dataset, which found that nearly two-thirds of global mining and metals processing facilities face high physical water risk, posing challenges for mining operations and the global clean energy transition.

Key Findings

• The report is the first global assessment of physical water risks across the mining sector, covering 12,000 mining and metals facilities in 148 countries/regions.
• Around 38% of mining facilities operate in areas facing high or extremely high water stress, while 27% are exposed to high drought risk.
• About 14% of facilities face significant flood risk, particularly steel plants, alumina refineries, and aluminium smelters.
• The report identifies compound water-risk hotspots in Chile, Peru, the western United States, southern Africa, northern China, central India, and western Australia, where multiple water-related risks occur simultaneously.
• Critical minerals required for the clean energy transition, such as copper, platinum group elements, and manganese, are increasingly located in water-stressed regions, creating potential supply-chain risks.

How Mining Affects Water Resources

• Mining requires large quantities of water for mineral processing, dust suppression, slurry transport, and equipment cooling.
• Excessive groundwater extraction can lower local water tables, while mine waste and tailings may contaminate rivers and groundwater with heavy metals and chemicals.
• Mining activities can also alter natural drainage patterns, increasing the risks of soil erosion and flash floods.

About ICMM

• The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is a global industry organisation that promotes safe, responsible, and sustainable mining practices.
• It works with mining companies, commodity associations, and international organisations to improve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in the mining sector.

In News:

Forest fires in Brazil's Amazon Rainforest declined to their lowest level since records began in 1985, reflecting improved forest conservation efforts after the severe fire season of 2024.

Key Highlights

• The decline in forest fires has been attributed to a delayed rainy season, reduced deforestation, and greater community vigilance, which helped prevent the spread of fires and reduced combustible forest fuel.
• Most of the fires recorded in 2024 were human-induced, mainly due to agricultural land clearing, deforestation, and illegal mining.
• Scientists have cautioned that a possible Super El Niño could trigger an extended dry season, increasing the risk of future forest fires.

About the Amazon Rainforest

• The Amazon Rainforest is the world's largest tropical rainforest, covering nearly 6 million sq. km across nine South American countries, with about 60% located in Brazil. It lies within the Amazon River Basin, the world's largest river basin.
• It is bounded by the Guiana Highlands in the north, the Andes Mountains in the west, the Brazilian Plateau in the south, and the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
• The region experiences high rainfall, high humidity, and uniformly warm temperatures, supporting dense evergreen forests.
• The Amazon is one of the world's richest biodiversity hotspots, harbouringnearly 10% of the world's known species. It is home to species such as the jaguar, capybara, tapir, sloth, anaconda, caiman, toucan, and macaw, while important plant species include Brazil nut, rubber, mahogany, cedar, and rosewood.
• The rainforest is often called the "Lungs of the Earth" because it functions as a major carbon sink, playing a crucial role in regulating the global climate.

Amazon River

• The Amazon River originates in the Peruvian Andes and is the world's largest river by discharge and the second-longest river after the Nile.
• Its major tributaries include the Rio Negro, Madeira, and Xingu.

In News:

President Droupadi Murmu visited Romania, marking the first State Visit by an Indian President in nearly three decades. During the visit, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, science & technology, education, and cultural exchanges.

Key Highlights

• India and Romania reaffirmed their 70-year diplomatic partnership and set a target to double bilateral trade within three years. India also emphasized that the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would boost trade, investment, and opportunities for skilled professionals.
• Both countries signed three agreements covering education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. They also agreed to expand joint research and development (R&D) under the Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology.
• To strengthen cultural ties, an Indian Studies Chair will be established at the University of Bucharest with support from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). India also announced that it would double training opportunities for Romanian officials under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
• In celebration of 80 years of diplomatic relations, the two countries will observe 2028 as the "India–Romania Year of Innovation."

Romania at a Glance

• Romania is a South-Eastern European country with its capital at Bucharest.
• It is bordered by Ukraine, Moldova, the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary.
• Romania is a member of both the European Union (EU) and NATO.
• Major physical features include the Carpathian Mountains, Transylvanian Basin, and the Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Port of Constan?a on the Black Sea is one of Europe's major maritime gateways.

In News:

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is developing an offline UPI payment system that will enable Near Field Communication (NFC)-based tap-and-pay transactions without active internet connectivity.

About the Proposed Offline UPI System

The proposed system is an advanced contactless payment mechanism built on the existing Unified Payments Interface (UPI) framework. It enables users to make digital payments at merchant Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals even when both the customer's smartphone and the merchant's terminal are offline.

The system has been developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) with the objective of reducing payment failures caused by poor or absent internet connectivity and expanding UPI usage in remote and low-connectivity areas.

How Does the System Work?

The system operates in three stages:

• Pre-Authorisation: While connected to the internet, the user's bank authorises and stores a set of cryptographic payment tokens or a prepaid balance on the smartphone.
• Offline Payment: The user taps the smartphone on an NFC-enabled PoS terminal, where payment credentials are exchanged through short-range NFC communication without internet access.
• Deferred Settlement: The transaction is stored locally on both devices and is transmitted to NPCI for final bank-to-bank settlement once either device reconnects to the internet.

Key Features

• Enables offline NFC-based tap-and-pay transactions.
• Works even when both customer and merchant are offline.
• Uses cryptographic tokenisation instead of real-time bank balance verification.
• Supports transactions of up to ?2,000.
• Follows a store-and-forward model where settlement occurs after internet connectivity is restored.
• Designed primarily for merchant PoS payments.

Advantages

• Reduces payment failures in areas with poor or no internet connectivity.
• Expands digital payments to remote rural areas, underground metro stations, in-flight services, and locations with network outages.
• Enhances the reliability and resilience of India's digital payment ecosystem.
• Promotes greater financial inclusion and supports the Digital India initiative.

Limitations

• Transaction limit is capped at ?2,000.
• Requires NFC-enabled smartphones and NFC-enabled PoS terminals, limiting usage on older devices.
• Final settlement occurs only after internet connectivity is restored, requiring robust reconciliation mechanisms to manage delayed settlements.

About NPCI

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is an umbrella organisation for retail payment systems in India.
• It was established in 2008 under the guidance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks' Association (IBA).
• NPCI operates key payment platforms including UPI, RuPay, IMPS, BHIM, NACH, AePS, FASTag, and UPI Lite.

In News:

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, commonly known as the 123 Agreement, along with a bilateral safeguards agreement to facilitate peaceful nuclear cooperation.

What is the US–Saudi 123 Agreement?

• The 123 Agreement is a bilateral civil nuclear cooperation framework established under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, 1954. It provides the legal basis for the United States to transfer nuclear technology, reactors, fuel, equipment, and technical expertise to another country for peaceful civilian purposes.
• The agreement was signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

Objective

• The agreement aims to support Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear energy programme, enabling the country to diversify its energy mix beyond crude oil. Nuclear energy is expected to help meet rising domestic electricity demand while powering desalination plants, air-conditioning systems, and other energy-intensive sectors.

Background

• Negotiations had remained stalled for years because the United States insisted that Saudi Arabia adopt the "Gold Standard", under which it would permanently forgo domestic uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing, and also normalize diplomatic relations with Israel.
• The 2026 agreement marks a policy shift by removing the Israel normalization requirement and allowing greater flexibility regarding Saudi Arabia's domestic uranium enrichment programme under agreed safeguards.

Key Features

• The agreement allows US companies to supply civilian nuclear reactors, equipment, fuel-cycle technology, and technical expertise to Saudi Arabia.
• It permits Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically in facilities developed with US cooperation, subject to mutually agreed safeguards.
• A bilateral safeguards mechanism has been incorporated to ensure that nuclear materials and technology are used exclusively for peaceful purposes and are not diverted for nuclear weapons development.
• Unlike several earlier US nuclear cooperation agreements, this pact does not require Saudi Arabia to adopt the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Additional Protocol, which provides for more intrusive international inspections.
• The agreement will also undergo a 90-legislative-day review by the US Congress before entering into force.

In News:

The Prime Minister recently inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 States under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), aimed at transforming railway stations into modern, passenger-centric transport hubs. Earlier, in May 2025, 103 redeveloped stations across 18 States and Union Territories were dedicated under the scheme.

About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)

Launched by the Ministry of Railways in December 2022, the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term initiative to redevelop 1,309 railway stations across the country. The scheme follows a phased and station-specific approach, with redevelopment plans tailored to local needs, passenger traffic, and future growth.

Its objective is to improve passenger amenities, integrate stations with urban transport systems, preserve regional heritage, and transform stations into vibrant city centres.

Key Features

• The scheme adopts customised redevelopment, where each station reflects the local culture, heritage, and architectural style while incorporating modern infrastructure.
• Passenger facilities are being significantly upgraded through better entry and exit points, spacious waiting halls, covered platforms, modern toilets, lifts, escalators, free Wi-Fi, executive lounges, food courts, kiosks, improved lighting, digital passenger information systems, parking facilities, and landscaped public spaces.
• A major focus of the scheme is universal accessibility. In line with the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign), stations are being equipped with ramps, tactile pathways, Braille signage, accessible toilets, low-height ticket counters, dedicated parking spaces, and lift-enabled foot overbridges and subways to ensure ease of access for Divyangjan and elderly passengers.
• The scheme also supports local livelihoods through the 'One Station One Product' (OSOP) initiative, which provides dedicated outlets for local artisans, weavers, tribal communities, handicrafts, handloom products, and region-specific food items.

Urban Connectivity and Sustainability

ABSS seeks to transform railway stations into multimodal transport hubs by integrating them with metro rail, bus services, and other urban transport systems. Redevelopment also incorporates green infrastructure, better landscaping, energy-efficient facilities, and improved environmental planning to promote sustainable urban development.

In News:

The Rome Declaration for an Unarmed and Disarming Peace, signed in July 2026 by Nobel laureates, AI scientists, religious leaders, and global experts, has highlighted the growing danger of outsourcing moral and ethical decision-making to Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in military and nuclear command systems.

What is the Rome Declaration?

The Rome Declaration for an Unarmed and Disarming Peaceis a global ethical appeal that advocates human control over Artificial Intelligence, especially in decisions involving warfare and nuclear weapons. It urges the international community to negotiate a binding treaty prohibiting autonomous AI systems from making nuclear launch decisions, emphasizing that human judgment, ethics, and accountability must always remain central.

Inspired by Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, the declaration currently serves as a normative framework rather than a legally binding instrument.

Key Principles

The declaration calls for:

• Preventing an AI-driven military and nuclear arms race.
• Ensuring responsible development and ethical governance of AI.
• Maintaining meaningful human control over high-risk military decisions.
• Promoting international regulation, transparency, and accountability.
• Renewing global efforts towards complete, verifiable nuclear disarmament.

Major Ethical Mandates

The declaration stresses that:

• AI should never make the final decision to launch nuclear weapons.
• Developers should adopt transparent and auditable ethical frameworks.
• Fully autonomous, self-improving AI systems that cannot be controlled by humans should be prohibited.
• Nuclear-armed states should conduct cybersecurity audits of their command-and-control systems.
• Countries should resume negotiations for the complete elimination of nuclear arsenals.

Why is the Declaration Important?

Rapid advances in AI have significantly reduced decision-making time during military crises, increasing the risk of accidental escalation. Unlike humans, AI systems may misinterpret faulty or manipulated data, leading to catastrophic decisions within seconds.

The declaration also highlights concerns such as:

• Algorithmic bias and discrimination.
• Lack of transparency due to AI's "black-box" nature.
• Weak accountability when AI makes harmful decisions.
• Loss of human moral agency by delegating ethical choices to machines.

The declaration describes these interacting risks as "convergent perils", where multiple AI-related threats combine to create systemic dangers for humanity.

Global AI Governance Initiatives

Several international initiatives seek to promote responsible AI:

• EU Artificial Intelligence Act (2024) – Risk-based regulation of AI.
• UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI (2021) – First global ethical framework for AI.
• Bletchley Park Declaration (2023) – International cooperation on frontier AI safety.
• Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) – India is a founding member and hosted the 2023 Summit.

India's AI Governance Framework

India has adopted a principle-based approach to AI governance through:

• NITI Aayog's National Strategy for AI (2018) – "AI for All"
• IndiaAI Mission (2024) to promote indigenous AI innovation.
• MeitY's AI Governance Guidelines, based on human-centric, safe, transparent, and accountable AI development.

In News:

The 23rd Commonwealth Games are being held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026, with athletes from 74 nations and territories participating.

About the Commonwealth Games (CWG)

• The Commonwealth Games (CWG) is one of the world's largest multi-sport events, bringing together athletes from countries and territories of the Commonwealth of Nations, most of which are former British colonies.
• It is held once every four years and is governed by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
• The idea of the Games originated from the 1911 Inter-Empire Championships held in London during the Festival of Empire.
• The concept was proposed by Canadian sportswriter Melville Marks Robinson, leading to the first official British Empire Games in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. The event was renamed the Commonwealth Games in 1978.

Commonwealth Games 2026

• The 23rd edition is being hosted by Glasgow, Scotland, over a period of 10 days.
• This edition features 10 sports, significantly fewer than the 19 sports contested at the Birmingham 2022 Games. The events include athletics, swimming, boxing, weightlifting, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, bowls, netball, and 3×3 basketball.

India at Commonwealth Games 2026

• India has fielded a 125-member contingent, including para-athletes.
• Indian athletes are competing in athletics, boxing, weightlifting, judo, artistic gymnastics, track cycling, bowls, swimming, and para-sports. India is not participating in 3×3 basketball and netball.
• India first participated in the Commonwealth Games in 1934. Its best-ever performance came at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, where it secured 101 medals.
• India will also host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, with Ahmedabad (Gujarat) selected as the host city.

In News:

With India expected to record around 1.87 million new cancer cases in 2026, researchers are exploring space oncology, an emerging field that uses the unique conditions of space to improve cancer research, drug discovery, and treatment development.

What is Space Oncology?

Space oncology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that studies how microgravity and cosmic radiation influence cancer cells, tumour growth, metastasis, and treatment response. The space environment acts as a natural laboratory, allowing scientists to investigate cancer biology under conditions that cannot be replicated easily on Earth.

Research in space helps scientists develop better tumour models, identify biomarkers, understand treatment resistance, and accelerate the discovery of new cancer therapies.

Why is Space Important for Cancer Research?

Microgravity alters the behaviour of cancer cells by changing their structure, gene expression, and interaction with surrounding tissues. These changes enable researchers to observe tumour development more accurately and improve drug testing.

Space-based research also supports:

• Development of 3D tumour spheroids that closely resemble human tumours.
• Better protein crystallisation for drug design.
• Improved drug formulation and targeted drug delivery.
• Reduced dependence on animal models during early-stage research.

Effects of Microgravity on Cancer Cells

• Studies show that microgravity causes cytoskeletal reorganisation, alters cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and gene expression.
• It also promotes the formation of multicellular tumour spheroids, which provide more realistic models for studying cancer progression and evaluating new therapies.
• Changes in cellular behaviour under microgravity can also influence drug uptake and improve understanding of treatment resistance.

Applications in Cancer Research

Research has shown promising outcomes in different cancers.

• In breast cancer, microgravity can reduce tumour aggressiveness by affecting cell adhesion, migration, and cell-cycle regulation, making tumour models more responsive to targeted therapies.
• In gastrointestinal cancers, exposure to microgravity has been associated with altered tumour progression and increased sensitivity to certain anti-cancer drugs due to changes in resistance-related genes and proteins.

India's Potential Role

• India can leverage ISRO's growing space capabilities, expanding commercial space ecosystem, and strong pharmaceutical sector to become a leader in space biotechnology.
• Greater collaboration among ISRO, research institutions, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and space startups can accelerate innovation in cancer diagnostics, drug development, and advanced therapies.
• Space-based biomedical research also offers India an opportunity to develop affordable and indigenous cancer treatments, while strengthening its position in the global biotechnology sector.

In News:

Assam has witnessed its worst floods in over 60 years, affecting more than 8 lakh people and claiming over 30 lives. The disaster has once again highlighted the growing impact of climate change and the need for scientific flood management.

Why is Assam Highly Flood-Prone?

Assam lies in the Brahmaputra and Barak river basins, making it naturally vulnerable to annual floods. The Brahmaputra, one of the world's most sediment-laden rivers, deposits large quantities of silt as it enters the plains, raising the riverbed and reducing its carrying capacity.

Heavy southwest monsoon rainfall, coupled with upstream discharge from Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, frequently triggers flash floods. Continuous riverbank erosion, embankment breaches, deforestation in the catchment, and increasing extreme rainfall events due to climate change further aggravate flooding. Nearly 39.58% of Assam's geographical area is flood-prone, almost four times the national average.

Major Causes of Floods in India

Floods in India result from both natural and human-induced factors.

Natural causes include concentrated monsoon rainfall, heavy siltation of Himalayan rivers, river course changes, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and cyclones along the eastern coast.

Human-induced factors include deforestation, encroachment of floodplains and wetlands, unscientific sand mining, reservoir mismanagement, excessive reliance on embankments, and rapid urbanisation that replaces permeable surfaces with concrete, leading to urban flooding.

Flood Management Measures in India

India has adopted both structural and non-structural measures to reduce flood risks.

Structural measures include construction of embankments, drainage channels, reservoirs, and implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021. Reservoirs are operated using Rule Curves to maintain flood cushions during the monsoon.

Non-structural measures include flood forecasting by the Central Water Commission (CWC), weather warnings by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), catchment area treatment, floodplain zoning, and community-based disaster preparedness.

Institutional support is provided through the Disaster Management Act, 2005, Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP), and the National Water Policy, 2012.

Challenges in Flood Management

India's flood management continues to face several challenges. Constitutional division of responsibilities between the Centre and States often hampers integrated river basin management. Delays in project implementation, weak forecasting infrastructure, inadequate reservoir operations, and poor interstate as well as transboundary coordination reduce the effectiveness of flood-control measures.

In Northeast India, dependence on upstream river flows originating in neighbouring countries, difficult terrain, fragile ecology, and limited hydrological cooperation further complicate flood management.

Way Forward

India needs to shift from flood control to flood resilience by adopting Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM), scientific reservoir operations, effective floodplain zoning, nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration, AI-enabled early warning systems, and stronger institutional coordination.

Implementing recommendations of the Rashtriya Barh Ayog (1980), R. Rangachari Committee (2003), and aligning disaster management with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) can significantly strengthen long-term flood resilience.

In News:

The NATO Ankara Summit (2026) concluded with major decisions on higher defence spending, continued support for Ukraine, and strengthening Europe's defence industrial base (DIB) amid evolving global security challenges.

About the NATO Ankara Summit

• The NATO Ankara Summit is a high-level politico-military meeting where leaders of the 32 NATO member countries review the Alliance's security priorities, defence preparedness, and collective military capabilities.
• Hosted by Türkiye in Ankara, the summit built upon the commitments made at the 2025 Hague Summit, focusing on long-term defence preparedness in response to geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and West Asia.

Key Outcomes

• The summit reaffirmed the Alliance's commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, under which an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all.
• A major outcome was the unanimous endorsement of the 5% GDP defence spending target, requiring all NATO members to allocate at least 5% of GDP to defence by 2035.
• Leaders also reiterated their long-term military, financial, and strategic support for Ukraine, while committing to expand Europe's Defence Industrial Base (DIB) through greater investment in defence manufacturing, research, innovation, and skilled manpower.
• The summit marked a strategic shift from crisis management towards rapid industrial production, technological innovation, and sustained military readiness.

Implications for India

• The accelerated rearmament of NATO countries is expected to tighten the global defence market, with Western manufacturers prioritising orders from Alliance members.
• This may result in delays in defence supplies to India, as seen in the delayed delivery of GE Aerospace F-404 engines for the LCA Tejasprogramme.
• Growing demand for weapons and ammunition could also create shortages of precision-guided munitions, air defence systems, artillery ammunition, and advanced military technologies, affecting India's defencemodernisation plans.
• India's dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for advanced platforms such as jet engines, drones, AI-enabled systems, and electronic warfare equipment highlights the need for greater self-reliance.

In News:

The proposed 1,200 MW hydropower project on the Lohit River in Arunachal Pradesh has raised concerns over its potential impact on the White-bellied Heron, one of the world's rarest and most threatened bird species.

About White-bellied Heron

• The White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), also known as the Imperial Heron, belongs to the family Ardeidae.
• It is the second-largest heron species in the world and among the most elusive birds globally.
• The species is strictly dependent on free-flowing, fast-flowing Himalayan rivers bordered by mature riparian forests with minimal human disturbance.
• It primarily feeds on fish in shallow river rapids, making it extremely vulnerable to hydropower dams, altered river flows, increased water turbidity, and habitat fragmentation.
• It inhabits eastern Himalayan river systems up to an elevation of about 1,500 metres above sea level.

Key Features

The White-bellied Heron possesses a long flexible neck, a sharp serrated bill for catching fish, compact body, shorter legs, and extended toes that help it maintain stability on slippery rocks in fast-flowing rivers.

Standing nearly four feet tall, it follows a distinctive hunting strategy by remaining motionless before rapidly striking at nearby fish.

Distribution

• Globally, the species occurs across the Himalayan freshwater ecosystems of Bhutan, India, Myanmar, China, and Bangladesh, covering nearly 165,000 sq. km.
• Fewer than 60 individuals survive in the wild today. Bhutan supports about 45% of the global population and is regarded as the species' last major stronghold. The bird is considered extinct in Nepal and possibly Bangladesh.
• In India, the White-bellied Heron is found only in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in the Lohit, Anjaw, and Changlang districts, including areas around Namdapha Tiger Reserve and Kamlang Tiger Reserve.
• India has an estimated 6–9 individuals, distributed across the Noa-Dehing, Lahm, and Lohit rivers. The Lahm River basin, a tributary of the Lohit, supports nearly 70% of India's population, while Walong Cantonment near the proposed dam site is an important breeding area.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Threats

The principal threats include:

• Hydropower projects and river regulation
• Habitat loss and fragmentation
• Hunting and human disturbance
• Extremely small population and restricted distribution