About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Scheme:

• It is a flagship scheme of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched in 2022.
• It aims to fund research and development (R&D) in rural-specific communication technology applications.
• It encourages collaboration among academia, startups, research institutes, and industry stakeholders to drive innovation.
• It provides milestone-based financial assistance to eligible entities, ensuring ease of compliance and adequate funding.
• It supports the development of state-of-the-art telecom solutions in key sectors such as education, agriculture, health and water management.
• Funding under the scheme is provided through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (formerly known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund).

Eligibility Criteria for TTDF

• Domestic Companies with a focus on telecom R&D, Use case development.
• Startups/MSMEs
• Academic institutions
• R&D institutions, Section 8 companies/societies, Central & State government entities/PSUs/Autonomous Bodies/SPVs/Limited liability partnerships- with a focus on telecom R&D.
• Collaborative consortium of the above entities.
• For Pilots: The above entities may partner, inter alia, with PSUs, TSPs, Central/State Government entities, government autonomous bodies, SPVs, etc.
• For Pilot application: Minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 is required.

• Some exclusions also exist:
  • Domestic companies receiving grants must maintain their ‘Domestic Company’ status for at least two years after project completion.
  • If a foreign investor or foreign Successor-in-Interest acquires a majority stake in the company within two years post-project, they must repay double the grant amount.
  • Expenditures on items like land and buildings are not eligible under the fund.
  • Preference is given to projects with minimum TTRLs, so very early-stage or theoretical research without clear application may be excluded.

About Development Communication and Information Dissemination Scheme:

• It is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• It supports the information dissemination and citizen outreach of Government programmes/ schemes/initiatives.
• It emphasizes on reaching out to the rural, tribal, remote and urban populations across the country.
• Implementation: The scheme is implemented by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting through its media units - Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Press Information Bureau (PIB), and New Media Wing (NMW).

What is Central Bureau of Communication (CBC)?

• It is a unit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Mandate: It has mandate of providing communication solutions to Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous bodies.
• Background: It was set up by the integration of the erstwhile Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), and Song & Drama Division (S&DD).
• Function: It is engaged in the process of educating people, both rural and urban, about the Government’s policies and programmes to evoke their participation in developmental activities.

About National Council of Science Museums (NCSM):

• It is an autonomous society under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• NCSM, with its headquarters in Kolkata, has its own network of science museums/centres spread across the country and a Central Research & Training Laboratory (CRTL) in Kolkata.
  • CRTL is the Council’s central hub for professional training, research, and development.
• National-Level Centres of NCSM:
  • Science City, Kolkata
  • Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM), Kolkata
  • Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai
  • Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM), Bangalore
  • National Science Centre, Delhi
  • National Science Centre, Guwahati
• Except for Science City, Kolkata, all have regional and sub-regional/district science centres called Satellite Units (SUs).
• In addition, NCSM develops Science Centres/museums for different States and Union Territories.
• NCSM has also developed several centres and galleries for different Government organisations such as ONGC, BEL, ICAR, etc.
• It has also collaborated internationally for the development of Museum/Science Centres or for galleries such as the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre, Mauritius; ‘India’ gallery on Buddhism at the ‘International Buddhist Museum’, Kandy, Sri Lanka;
• It also strives to communicate science to empower people through its Mobile Science Exhibitions, Lectures and Demonstrations, Training and Workshops, Publications, etc.
• Today, NCSM forms the largest network of science centres and museums in the world under a single administrative umbrella.

About Three New Moth Species:

• The three species are Gelechia bilobuncusa, Gelechia adi, and Istrianis ladakhensis.
• They were discovered in the high-altitude landscapes of the Himalayas.
• Gelechia bilobuncusa:
  • It was found in Himachal Pradesh.
  • Its name is a scientific nod to the unique bilobed shape of its uncus, a part of the male genitalia.
  • It is characterised by pale brown wings with irregularly scattered black scales.
• Gelechia adi:
  • It was discovered in the Ramsing area of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It is named in honour of the local Adi tribe inhabiting the Upper Siang district.
  • It is visually distinct, featuring ivory-white forewings interrupted by a dramatic black streak across the base and triangular spots.
• Istrianis ladakhensis:
  • It is named after its type locality in Ladakh.
  • This moth is adapted to the high-altitude environment, sporting light brown wings mottled with dark grey, white, and orange scales, distinguishing it from its closest relatives in the genus.

What are Moths?

• Moths are insects that belong to the order Lepidoptera, which they share with butterflies.
• Highly adapted, they live in all but polar habitats.
• Moths vary greatly in size.
• They often have duller colors compared to butterflies, which helps with camouflage.
• Moth antennae are often feathery, unlike the thin and clubbed antennae of butterflies.
• Most moths are active at night, but some are diurnal.
• The larvae and adults of most moth species are plant eaters.

About Hormuz Island:

• It is a hilly island of Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, 8 km off the coast.
• It is known for its unique scenery and colorful soil, which has earned it the nickname, “Rainbow Island”.
• It is covered by sedimentary rock and volcanic ash.
• The landscape of Hormuz Island is mostly red in color. This is due to a high concentration of iron oxide, especially a mineral called hematite.
• Whenever waves from the ocean hit the sands of Hormuz Island, those waves turn pink.
• But although the island is well-known for its red landscape, it is also known for various other colors.
  • Colors to be seen in the island’s sand and soil include red, gold, silver, and white.
• It is mostly barren. Hormuz village is the only permanent settlement.
• People native to the island belong to an ethnic group known as the Bandari.

About SabhaSaar Initiative:

• It is an AI-enabled voice-to-text meeting summarisation tool.
• It is launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
• It has been made available to all States/UTs, and Gram Panchayats are progressively adopting it for routine Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings.
• The AI model used in SabhaSaar operates on AI and cloud infrastructure provisioned through the India AI Compute Portal under the India AI Mission.
• Features of SabhaSaar Initiative:
  • It leverages the power of AI to generate structured minutes of meetings from gram sabha videos and audio recordings.
  • It will bring uniformity in minutes of the gram sabha meetings across the country.
  • Panchayat officials can use their e-GramSwaraj login credentials to upload video/audio recordings on ‘SabhaSaar’.
  • It is built on Bhashini, an AI-powered language translation platform launched by the government to bridge literacy, language, and digital divides.
  • The tool generates transcription from a video or audio, translates it into a chosen output language and prepares a summary.
  • It enables transcription in all major Indian languages like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Gujarati, in addition to English.
  • Significance: It is ideal for panchayats, administrative bodies, and rural development projects as it streamlines documentation and empowers stakeholders with instant access to meeting insights.

About White Spot Disease:

• It is a highly contagious viral infection that affects crustaceans such as prawns, yabbies and crabs.
• Causative Agent: It is caused by a virus called as White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV).
• Host range: All decapod crustaceans (order Decapoda), including prawns, lobsters and crabs from marine, brackish or freshwater environments, are considered susceptible to the infection.
• Symptoms: The affected shrimp exhibit anorexia, lethargy, reddish discoloration and presence of circular white spots on the carapace and other exoskeletal parts.
• Transmission: It can be transmitted both horizontally as well as vertically.
  • Vertical transmission: It occurs from infected brood stock to postlarvae.
  • Horizontal transmission: It is through carrier animals or through cannibalism of infected organisms.
• It has been officially reported from Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

About Freshwater Sponge:

• Freshwater sponges are the earliest multicellular eukaryotes.
• They filter large volumes of water and are vital for ecosystem health.
• Habitat: They grow on sturdy submerged objects in clean streams, lakes, and rivers.
• Sponges are filter feeders. They obtain food from the flow of water through their bodies and from symbiotic algae. 
• Appearance: Many freshwater sponges appear green because they contain algae, which live on sponges in a symbiotic relationship.
• Reproduction: They can reproduce sexually or asexually.
  • When small piece is broken off and grow into new sponges.
  • The sponge forms gemmules.
• Ecological Role: They act both as bioindicators and absorbents of toxic metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium and can be a promising solution for bioremediation.
• They are effective bio indicators for monitoring water quality and pollution levels in estuarine and freshwater ecosystems.

About Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: It is located in Madhya Pradesh.
• Vegetation: The sanctuary’s habitat consists of dry deciduous forests.
• Fauna: Its wildlife includes jackals, palm civets, Leopards, Sloth bears, Hyenas, Nilgai, and many bird species.
• Flora: Teak, Tendu, Bamboo, Kusum, Kanak Champa, Ber, Karanj, Kaim, Kadamb etc.

Key Facts about Dhole

• It is a wild canid carnivorous species.
• Other Names: Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red wolf, red dog and mountain wolf.
• Habitat: Dholes are animals that inhabit dense jungles, steppes, mountains, scrub forests, and pine forests.
• Distribution of Asiatic Wild Dog
  • They are found throughout Central, Eastern Asia and Southeastern Asia.
  • In India, the Western and Eastern Ghats is a stronghold region for dholes.
• Conservation status of Asiatic Wild Dog
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule II.

About Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF):

• It is a central sector scheme under the Prime Minister’s “Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” stimulus package.
• It is aimed at boosting investments in animal husbandry infrastructure.
• Implementing Agency: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
• Objectives:
  • To expand milk and meat processing capacity and help small rural producers connect with organised markets.
  • To ensure that livestock farmers get better prices for their milk, meat, and other animal products.
  • To make good-quality milk and meat products that can be easily available for people across the country.
  • To meet the growing demand for protein-rich food and help reduce malnutrition, especially among children.
  • To encourage entrepreneurship and create more job opportunities in the livestock sector.
  • To promote exports and increase the export contribution in the milk and meat sector.
  • To make available quality concentrated animals feed.
• The scheme will incentivize investments for
  • Dairy processing and value addition infrastructure.
  • Meat processing and value addition infrastructure.
  • Animal Feed Plant.
  • Breed multiplication farm.
  • Animal Waste to Wealth Management (Agri-waste management).
  • Veterinary vaccine and drug production
• The eligible beneficiaries under the Scheme would be:
  • Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)
  • Private companies
  • Individual entrepreneurs
  • Section 8 companies
  • Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
•  Benefits

• The beneficiaries are to contribute a minimum of 10% margin money as investment. The balance 90% would be the loan component to be made available by scheduled banks.
• The Government of India will provide 3% interest subvention to eligible beneficiaries.
• From the Credit Guarantee Fund, Credit guarantee would be provided to those sanctioned projects which are covered under MSME-defined ceilings.
  • Credit Guarantee Fund: Set up and managed by NABARD.

About BharatNet Project:

• It is an ambitious project of the Government of India aimed at providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country.
• It is one of the biggest rural telecom projects in the world.
• The primary objective is to provide unrestricted access to broadband connectivity to all the telecom service providers.
  • This enables access providers like mobile operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cable TV operators, and content providers to launch various services such as e-health, e-education, and e-governance in rural and remote India.
• The project is being executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), namely Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), which was incorporated in 2012 under Indian Companies Act 1956.
• The Telecom Commission approved implementation of the project in three phases. While the Phase I was completed in 2017, Phase II and Phase III are ongoing.

What is the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP)?

• The ABP is a design improvement aiming for:
  • Optical Fibre (OF) connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs in ring topology (a network design where connected devices form a circular data channel)
  • OF connectivity to the remaining non-GP villages on demand.
• It includes features like IP-MPLS (Internet Protocol Multi-Protocol Label Switching) network with routers at Blocks and GPs, operation and maintenance for 10 years, power backup, and Remote Fibre Monitoring System (RFMS).

About Battle of Adwa:

• It was fought by the Ethiopian Empire, which was then known as Abyssinia, and Italy in 1896, near Adwa, Ethiopia, as the concluding battle of the First Italo-Ethiopian War (1895–1896).
• The conflict stemmed from Italy's ambitions to establish an empire in Africa, which was part of the broader "scramble for Africa" among European powers.
• This battle saw the Ethiopian Empire, led by Emperor Menelik II, successfully defeat an invading Italian force.
• It led to the decisive victory for the Ethiopians and securing their sovereignty.
• The victory had further significance for being the first crushing defeat of a European power by African forces during the colonial era.

About Kavach System

• Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to enhance railway operational safety.
• It has been developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) under Indian Railways (IR) in collaboration with Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd, HBL Power Systems Ltd, and Kernex Microsystems.
• Kavach is a highly complex digital safety ecosystem consisting of five major integrated components, including continuous Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) laid along tracks and telecom towers for uninterrupted communication.
• The system uses a combination of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) installed in locomotives, signalling systems, and railway tracks, which communicate using ultra-high radio frequencies.
• Based on pre-programmed safety logic, Kavach can alert loco pilots, automatically apply brakes, and prevent unsafe train movements.

About ICGS Sarthak:

• It is the fourth in the series of five Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) being built by Goa Shipyard for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
  • These OPVs are multi-mission platforms capable of undertaking concurrent operations.
• The ship is propelled by diesel engines designed to attain a high speed.
• The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment machinery, sensors, and weapons and has an Integrated Bridge System, and Integrated Machinery Control System.
  • That enables it to function as a command platform and undertake mandated Coast Guard charter of duties, including search and rescue, combating maritime crimes, and preserving and protecting the marine environment.
• It will be based at Porbandar, Gujrat, and operate on India’s western seaboard under the operational and administrative control of the commander, Coast Guard Region.

About Annatto:

• It is a natural food colouring and flavoring agent obtained from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to the tropical regions of the Americas.
• About 70% of natural food colors come from annatto.
• It adds a yellow-orange color to foods like cheese, butter, yogurt, sausage, smoked fish, ice cream, and baked goods.
  • The bold color comes from carotenoids, which are plant pigments that are found in the coating of the seed.
• It is most often ground up into a powder or paste form for use.
• Its color can also be extracted from the seed and then added to foods as a dye.
• Some also use annatto to boost the flavor of certain dishes.
• It has a mild, peppery flavor when used in large amounts as well as a nutty and floral scent.
• It is safe for most people when used in normal food amounts. However, it might cause allergic reactions in some sensitive people.
• Benefits:
  • It has been linked to various benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved eye and heart health, and anticancer properties.
  • It is rich in several key antimicrobial compounds, which can limit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
  • It is rich in antioxidants, or compounds that help neutralize the effects of harmful free radicals that can build up and cause damage to cells.
  • It is high in tocotrienol, a form of vitamin E that some studies show could help with keeping bones strong and healthy.
  • Annatto seeds are sometimes also ground up and applied topically to help enhance the health of your skin.

What are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?

• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large family of synthetic chemicals, widely known as “Forever Chemicals” due to their extreme environmental persistence.
• PFAS are extensively used in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, cosmetics, firefighting foams, metal coatings, and industrial lubricants.
• The carbon–fluorine (C–F) bond, one of the strongest covalent bonds in chemistry, makes PFAS highly resistant to degradation, leading to widespread groundwater contamination, especially near military, industrial, and municipal sites.

What is Carbon-Based PFAS Remediation?

• Carbon-based PFAS remediation is a novel in-situ groundwater treatment approach, the field study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.
• The study evaluated a specially engineered ultra-fine carbon material, known as Colloidal Carbon Product (CCP), designed to adsorb and immobilise PFAS in groundwater.
• The technology uses a “push–pull” testing method, where CCP is injected underground to form an in-situ permeable treatment zone, and groundwater is later extracted to measure PFAS reduction.
• Unlike surface treatment methods, this approach is non-invasive, subsurface-based, and suitable for long-term remediation.

About Altermagnetism and RuO₂ Discovery

• Altermagnetism is recognised as the third fundamental class of magnetism, distinct from ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism.
• In altermagnetic materials, magnetic moments alternate, but their arrangement follows complex symmetry operations such as rotation and reflection, rather than simple up–down cancellation.
• This leads to a net-zero external magnetic field, similar to antiferromagnets, but with internal electronic spin splitting comparable to ferromagnets.
• Ruthenium dioxide (RuO₂) thin films have been experimentally demonstrated to exhibit true altermagnetism, resolving long-standing global inconsistencies.
• The discovery was made by a joint research team from National Institute for Materials Science (Japan), University of Tokyo, Kyoto Institute of Technology, and Tohoku University, and published in Nature Communications.
• The team fabricated single-orientation (single-variant) RuO₂ thin films on sapphire substrates, ensuring uniform crystallographic orientation, which was crucial for conclusive verification.
• Using X-ray Magnetic Linear Dichroism (XMLD), researchers confirmed spin arrangements where net magnetisation cancels (no N–S poles).
• The study also observed spin-split magnetoresistance, electrically verifying the spin-splitting electronic structure, a key signature of altermagnetism.
• The experimental results were found to be consistent with first-principles calculations of magneto-crystalline anisotropy, strengthening theoretical validation.

About Exercise Desert Cyclone II

• Desert Cyclone II is the second edition of the India–U.A.E. Joint Military Exercise, following the inaugural edition held in 2024.
• The Indian contingent comprises personnel primarily drawn from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion of the Indian Army.
• The A.E. Land Forces are represented by a contingent of similar strength from the Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
• The core objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the U.A.E. Land Forces.
• The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations in urban environments under a United Nations mandate, preparing forces for peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations.
• Joint training includes fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations, and detailed joint mission planning.
• A key feature is the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques for conducting urban military operations.
• The conduct of Desert Cyclone II reflects deepening military diplomacy, shared strategic interests, and growing operational synergy between India and the U.A.E.

Key Facts about India–U.A.E. Defence Relations

• India and the U.A.E. established diplomatic relations in 1972.
• The A.E. opened its Embassy in New Delhi in 1972, while India opened its Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1973.
• The first-ever India–U.A.E. Joint Air Forces exercise was conducted in 2008 at the Al-Dhafra Air Base, Abu Dhabi.
• India has been a regular participant in the biennial International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi.
• In 2025, Indian Navy ships INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand participated in the bilateral naval exercise “Zayed Talwar”, aimed at enhancing naval interoperability and synergy.

About INS Hansa

• INS Hansa is an Indian Naval Air Station located near Dabolim, Goa.
• It is the largest naval airbase in India and houses some of the Indian Navy’s premier air squadrons.
• The base includes a civil enclave, which functions as Dabolim Airport, handling domestic and international flights round-the-clock.
• The station was originally commissioned on at Sulur near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and was initially co-located with the Indian Air Force’s Sulur Air Force Station.
• Following the liberation of Goa, the Navy took over Dabolim airfield in 1962, and INS Hansa was relocated to Dabolim in 1964.
• INS Hansa has earlier witnessed key capability additions, including the commissioning of the second P-8I maritime patrol aircraft squadron in 2022, strengthening shore-based fixed-wing naval operations.
• The Navy is also progressing the acquisition of 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft, which will enable persistent maritime surveillance and enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
• Although formally commissioned at Goa, the MH-60R helicopters have already demonstrated operational effectiveness in Operation Sindoor, TROPEX-25, and the Tri-Services Exercise 2025.

About MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter

• INAS 335 is the second Indian Naval Air Squadron to operate the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, following the commissioning of the first squadron at Kochi, Kerala, in 2024.
• The MH-60R is an all-weather, day-and-night capable, multi-role helicopter designed to operate from ships and shore bases.
• It is optimised for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), enabling detection, tracking, and engagement of enemy submarines.
• The helicopter performs Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) roles against enemy surface vessels.
• It is equipped for Search and Rescue (SAR) and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions during peacetime and combat operations.
• The platform supports Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), improving logistics sustainment of naval task forces at sea.
• The induction of INAS 335 substantially augments integral naval aviation capability on the western seaboard, a region of high strategic and commercial importance.

About AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter:

• It is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
• It is widely used for advanced reconnaissance, precision strikes, and close air support missions globally.
• Country of Origin: United States of America
• Manufacturer: Boeing
• It is also known as the Apache Guardian.
• The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the Apache used by the US Army.
• Other purchasers: India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and UK.
• Apache for Indian defence forces: The Indian Air Force has a fleet of 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.
• Features:
  • Max Speed: 300 kph
  • It is a heavily armed, twin-engine ground-attack helicopter.
  • Armed with Hellfire missiles, chain gun, the helicopter can engage tanks, vehicles, troop concentrations, communications and logistics centres, etc.
  • It can also fire short-range air-to-air missiles like the Stinger.
  • The AH-64E includes a new integrated infrared laser that allows for easier target designation and enhanced infrared imagery that blends infrared and night vision capabilities.
  • It can track up to 128 targets per minute and prioritise threat levels.

About Param Vir Chakra:

• It is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying the most exceptional acts of valour, courage, and self-sacrifice during war.
• It was introduced on January 26, 1950, on the first Republic Day with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947.
• Literally, Param Vir Chakra means ‘Wheel (or Cross) of the Ultimate Brave’.
• It can be awarded to officers, men, and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force; of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army Militia; and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces.
• It can be, and often has been, awarded posthumously.
• It is similar to the British Victoria Cross, the US Medal of Honor, the French Legion of Honor, or the Russian Cross of St. George.
• Design:
  • The medal was designed by Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar.
  • The medal is cast in bronze and circular in shape.
  • In the centre, on a raised circle, is the state emblem, surrounded by four replicas of Indra’s Vajra, flanked by the sword of Shivaji.
  • On its reverse, it has embossed Param Vir Chakra both in Hindi and English with lotus flowers.
• First winner: Major Somanth Sharma, from the Kumaon regiment.
• Till now, only 21 people had been given the Param Vir Chakra award, of which 14 are posthumous.

What are Gallantry Awards?

• They have been instituted by the Government of India to honour the acts of bravery and sacrifice of the officers/personnel of the Armed Forces, other lawfully constituted forces, and civilians.
• They are announced twice in a year – first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on the occasion of the Independence Day.
• All the gallantry awards may be awarded posthumously.
• India’s Gallantry Awards in the Order of Precedence:
  • Param Vir Chakra
  • Ashoka Chakra
  • Mahavir Chakra
  • Kirti Chakra
  • Vir Chakra
  • Shaurya Chakra.
• The President awards the gallantry awards to the awardees or their next of kin at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held every year at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
• However, the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashoka Chakra are conferred by the President to the awardees on the occasion of the Republic Day Parade at the Rajpath.

About Natyashastra:

• It is an ancient Sanskrit treatise on performing arts.
• The title is a combination of two Sanskrit words – Natya and Shastra.
  • Natya refers to the technique of dance and drama, and shastra refers to science.
• It was composed by the sage Bharata Muni.
• It has been dated to between the second century BCE and the second century CE.
• It is the earliest known treatise on performative arts in South Asia.
• It comprises verses detailing drama (natya), performance (abhinaya), music (sangita), emotions (bhava), and aesthetic experience (rasa).
• One of the text's most profound contributions is the articulation of the concept of Rasa, the essential emotional essence that lies at the heart of any great work of art.
  • Bharata Muni identified eight primary Rasas - Shringara (love), Hasya (humor), Karuna (compassion), Raudra (anger), Veera (heroism), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), and Adbhuta (wonder).
  • He also explained how the skilled performer, through the skillful deployment of bhava (emotional expression), could evoke these sentiments in the audience.
• UNESCO added Natyashastra to its Memory of the World Register, recognizing its global cultural significance.

Key Facts about Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA):

• It was established as an autonomous body by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Culture.
• Mandate:
  • Document, preserve, conserve and disseminate the Indian arts and cultural heritage.
  • Train competent professionals to work in the specialized field of culture.
• The IGNCA has six functional units:
  • Kalanidhi, the multi-form library;
  • Kalakosa, devoted mainly to the study and publication of fundamental texts, predominantly in Sanskrit;
  • Janapada Sampada, the division engaged in lifestyle studies;
  • Kaladarsana, the executive unit which transforms researches and studies emanating from the IGNCA into visible forms through exhibitions;
  • Cultural Informatics Lab, which applies technology tools for cultural preservation and propagation;
  • Sutradhara, the administrative section that acts as a spine supporting and coordinating all the activities.

About Arun-3 Hydropower Project:

• It is a 900 MW run-of-the-river hydropower project located on the Arun River in the Nepal. 
  • Arun is a tributary of the Kosi River in Nepal.
• Once completed, it will be the biggest hydroelectric facility in Nepal.
• SJVN Arun-III Power Development Company (SAPDC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of India’s Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), is developing the project on a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) basis.
  • SJVN is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
• The project will provide surplus power to India, strengthening economic linkages with Nepal.
• The power from the project shall be exported from Dhalkebar in Nepal to Muzaffarpur in India.

About Channa bhoi:

• It is a new species of snakehead fish.
• It was discovered from a small mountain stream near Iewmawlong village in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.
• It has been named Channa bhoi, after the indigenous Bhoi people of the Khasi tribe who inhabit the Ri-Bhoi region.
• It belongs to the “Gachua group” of snakehead fishes, a group known for its high diversity in the Eastern Himalayan region. 

About Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: It is situated in East Jantia Hills in Jowai, Meghalaya.
• It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2014 and is the only protected area in the Jaintia Hills.
• The Sanctuary is bounded by Reserve Forests on all sides except a part in South West which shares boundary with Assam. 
• Rivers: The northern part of the sanctuary is bounded by Lukha River forming a physical barrier.
• It is prone to extremely heavy rainfall.
• Its climate is favorable for the propagation and sustenance of a rich and wide variety of wild, endangered Flora and Fauna.
• Vegetation: Some of the tallest evergreen and semi-evergreen forests remaining in Meghalaya are found in this region.
• Fauna: Hoolock Gibbon, Serow, Slow Loris, Sloth Bear, Large Indian Civet, Leopard Cat, Clouded Leopard, Barking Deer etc are found here.
• Flora : Castanopsis indica, C. tribuloides, Dysoxylum Sp., Elaeocarpus Sp., Engelhardtia spicata, Syzygium Sp. Etc.

About National Digital Livestock Mission:

• It was launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India for creating a digital database of livestock and related services across the country. 
• Aims: To enhance livestock productivity and breed improvement, strengthen disease surveillance and control, enable traceability of livestock products and create a farmer-centric digital ecosystem for efficient service delivery.
• It has been implemented across all States in India.
• key objectives of the NDLM:
  • Improving breeding outcomes suited to India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions.
  • Enabling real-time disease monitoring and control, and establishing a robust traceability mechanism for livestock products.
  • The mission also focuses on empowering farmers by providing easy access to information on government schemes and livestock-related services.
• The digital backbone of the mission is the ‘Bharat Pashudhan’ platform.
  • Bharat Pashudhan’ platform includes mobile and web-based applications used by field workers to record livestock-related activities.
  • Under this each animal is assigned a unique 12-digit bar-coded ear tag, which serves as its digital identity.
  • Using this system, field workers capture data on animal registration, artificial insemination and breeding, ownership changes, vaccinations, disease reporting, milk recording, ration balancing and e-prescriptions.

Ekam AI and SAMBHAV

About Ekam AI:

• It is a fully indigenous and secure artificial intelligence platform designed for sensitive environments.
• Features of Ekam AI:
  • It enables users to analyse information, manage documents, and support decision-making without dependence on foreign software or external cloud systems.
  • It allows personnel at different levels to leverage AI-enabled support without requiring specialised technical expertise.
• Significance: It ensures complete data security and sovereignty. It also marks a significant step towards building trusted national digital systems.

About SAMBHAV:

• It is a portable communication system that provides mobile connectivity using satellite support.
• Features: The system can be deployed quickly in remote or disaster-affected areas, improving communication for both soldiers and civilians.
• Significance: The project highlights how defence innovation can also strengthen national communication infrastructure.

What is Vijay Diwas?

• Vijay Diwas is commemorated on December 16 every year to honor the victory of the Indian armed forces over Pakistan in the 1971 war which led to the liberation of Bangladesh.

About DHRUV64:

• It is a fully indigenously developed microprocessor.
• It is developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP).
• Key Features of DHRUV64:
  • Processor Core & Speed: It is a 64-bit dual-core processor running at 1.0 GHz, giving it the ability to handle multiple tasks smoothly.
  • ​Execution Method: It uses superscalar execution, which allows the processor to start more than one instruction in the same moment for better speed.
  • ​Instruction Handling: It supports out-of-order processing, meaning it can complete instructions that are ready first, improving overall efficiency.
  • ​Packaging & Integration: It includes built-in communication and control functions inside an advanced FCBGA package, making the chip compact and ready for use in many systems.
• Potential application of DHRUV64:
  • It is capable of supporting strategic and commercial applications.
  • It is suitable for sectors such as 5G infrastructure, automotive systems, consumer electronics, industrial automation and the Internet of Things (IoT).
  • It provides a homegrown microprocessor technology designed for startups, academia, and industry to build, test, and scale indigenous computing products without relying on foreign processors.
  • It supports prototype development for new system architectures at lower cost.

About Nitrofurans:

• Nitrofurans are synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• There are four parent compounds that comprise the nitrofuran class: furazolidone, furaltadone, nitrofurazone, and nitrofurantoin.
• The defining structural component is a furan ring with a nitro group.
• Key features of Nitrofurans:
  • These are synthetic chemotherapeutic agents with a broad antimicrobial spectrum.
  • They are active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Salmonella and Giardia spp, trichomonads, amebae, and some coccidial species.
  • They are much more active in acidic environments (a pH of 5.5 is optimal for nitrofurantoin activity). 
  • They are primarily bacteriostatic, but at high doses they are also bactericidal.
  • These were once widely used in poultry, pigs, shrimp and other livestock because they are cheap and highly effective.
• Impacts on human health:
  • Carcinogenic potential: Some nitrofurans have shown carcinogenic effects in animal studies
  • Toxicity concerns: Potential toxicity and side effects in humans, particularly with prolonged use or high doses.

About Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS):

• CPGRAMS is an online platform available to the citizens 24×7 to lodge their grievances to the public authorities on any subject related to service delivery.
• It was developed and monitored by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.
• It is a single portal connected to all the ministries/departments of the Government of India and States.
• Every ministry and state have role-based access to this system.
• CPGRAMS is also accessible to the citizens through a standalone mobile application downloadable through the Google Play store, and mobile application integrated with UMANG.
• The status of the grievance filed in CPGRAMS can be tracked with the unique registration ID provided at the time of registration of the complainant.
• The grievances received on the CPGRAMS shall be resolved promptly as soon as they are received but within a maximum period of 21 days.
• CPGRAMS also provides an appeal facility to the citizens if they are not satisfied with the resolution by the Grievance Officer.
  • After closure of grievance, if the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, he/she can provide feedback.
  • If the rating is ‘Poor’ the option to file an appeal is enabled.
  • The status of the appeal can also be tracked by the petitioner with the grievance registration number.
• Issues which are not taken up for redressal:
  • Sub-judice cases or any matter concerning judgment given by any court.
  • Personal and family disputes.
  • RTI matters.
  • Religious matters.
  • Anything that impacts upon the territorial integrity of the country or friendly relations with other countries.

About Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) Scheme:

• It is a Central Government Scheme designed to develop the tourism potential of India.
• It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).
• It operates as a comprehensive skill development and certification framework targeting both the unorganised and organised sectors of India’s tourism and hospitality sector.
• Under the Scheme, the Ministry of Tourism conducts training programmes for the tourism stakeholders across the country, including urban, rural, and tribal areas.
• The outcome of these training includes placements by institutes, self-employment, and trainees opting for higher studies such as diploma and degree courses in the tourism and hospitality sector.
• The MoT implements the scheme through a network of central, state, and private agencies, including the following:
  • India Tourism Offices
  • Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs)
  • Food Craft Institutes (FCIs)
  • Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM)
  • National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT)
  • State Tourism Departments and Corporations
  • India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and registered private training organisations
• Under the scheme, MoT provides financial assistance to participating institutes.
• Key Training Programmes under CBSP:
  • Hunar Se Rozgar Tak (HSRT): A programme focused on skill-based employment
  • Entrepreneurship Programme (EP): Designed to equip individuals with the skills required to establish their own ventures in the tourism sector.
  • Skill Testing & Certification (ST&C): A re-skilling initiative that assesses and certifies existing tourism service providers.
  • Tourism Awareness Programme (TAP): Aimed at creating awareness and encouraging community participation in the tourism industry.
• The beneficiaries range from organised sector workers, such as hotel and restaurant workers, to unorganised sector workers, such as dhaba staff, taxi/coach drivers, tourist police, monument staff, etc.
• Courses are delivered either at institutional premises, such as Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), Food Craft Institutes (FCIs), etc., or on-site at workplaces, with practical and on-the-job components.

About Project Mausam:

• It is an Indian government-led cultural-diplomacy and maritime heritage initiative launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Culture.
• It aims to explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean 'world' - collating archaeological and historical research in order to document the diversity of cultural, commercial, and religious interactions in the Indian Ocean.
• A total of 39 Indian Ocean countries have been identified under Project Mausam.
• The main objective of the project is to inscribe places and sites identified under Project Mausam as trans-national nominations for inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
• It also aims to promote research on themes related to the study of maritime routes through international scientific seminars and meetings and by adopting a multidisciplinary approach.
• It aims to encourage the production of specialized works, as well as publications for the general public, with an attempt at promoting a broader understanding of the concept of a common heritage and multiple identities.
• The project will have two major units:
  • Project Research Unit
  • World Heritage Nomination Unit.
• The project is implemented by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as the nodal agency with research support of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and National Museum as associate bodies.

What is Mission Mausam?

• It was launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in 2024.
• It is implemented by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
• It aims to improve weather and climate services, ensuring timely and precise observation, modeling, and forecasting information for multiple sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, and rural development.
• A key focus of the mission is cloud physics research, crucial for effective weather modification.
• To support this effort, India is setting up its first cloud chamber at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, to advance research in this field.

About Exercise Ekatha 2025:

• Established in 2017, Exercise Ekatha is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
• It aims to enhance bilateral maritime cooperation, and 2025 marks its eighth edition.
• The exercise involved a series of professional interactions designed to boost interoperability and operational collaboration between the two navies.
• Activities included technical and combat diving, boarding operations, firing drills, demolition and explosive handling, asymmetric warfare tactics, and special heli-borne operation drills.

Key Facts about Maldives:

• It is an independent island country in the north-central Indian Ocean.
• It is Asia's smallest country by area.
• Gan is the country's largest island.
• Formerly a British colony, the Maldives became an independent nation in 1965.
• Capital: Male.
• Official language: Dhivehi (an Indo-European language); Arabic, Hindi, and English are also spoken.

About Artemisinin:

• It is an antimalarial drug derived from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisia annua.
  • The process involves drying the leaves and using a solvent to extract the active ingredient.
• Discovery of artemisinin's therapeutic benefits in the 1970s was a breakthrough in malaria treatment.
  • It offered a new option when the malaria parasite was becoming resistant to older drugs like chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.
• Artemisinin is effective against all the malaria-causing protozoal organisms in the genus Plasmodium.
• It mainly targets the parasite during the blood stage, disrupting its ability to replicate within red blood cells.
• It helps significantly reduce the parasites but doesn't stay in the body for a long time, being eliminated within hours.
  • It is usually partnered with another drug that eliminates the remaining parasites over a longer period of time.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as the go-to treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
• Today, there are several derivatives of artemisinin, including artesunate and artemether, that are used in the treatment of malaria.
  • Artesunate is highly effective at treating severe malaria as it is the only artemisinin derivative that can be given via intravenous injection.

About Vellode Bird Sanctuary:

• It is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries located in Tamil Nadu.
• The sanctuary receives rainfall from the Northeast monsoon between September and December.
• It is part of Central Asian Flyway.
• It serves as a breeding ground for both resident and migratory birds.
• It is built around the Periyakulam lake and has been designated a protected Ramsar site.
• Source of water: Seepage from the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) canal and rainwater are the main sources of water during the migration period.
• Fauna: Migratory birds like Northern pintail, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Blue tailed bee-eater, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Chestnut tailed starling, Blyth’s warbler, Skyes warbler are seen here.
• Flora: The Site is also an ideal habitat for notable plant species including Cayratia pedata, Tephrosia purpurea and Commelina tricolor.

About Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan:

• It is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Defence & Ministry of Tourism.
• Aim: The initiative aims to promote border tourism while simultaneously strengthening infrastructure and improving the livelihoods of people living in remote border villages.
• It helps in promoting connectivity, tourism, and socio-economic development in border
• Features of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Initiative:
  • Virtual Tour: It features details on various battlefields and border areas, offering virtual tours, historical narratives, and interactive content.
  • Historical Narratives: The Indian Army, in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, has shortlisted Galwan (the river valley in Ladakh ) Doklam which is a tri-junction between India, Bhutan and China.
    • It even identified other forward sites to raise awareness by opening historically significant locations linked to the valor and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces to tourists.
  • Most of these sites fall along India’s borders with China (Line of Actual Control) and Pakistan (Line of Control) that have had a history of wars after independence and other clashes in recent times.
  • The Army is collaborating with local civil authorities to facilitate these efforts while maintaining high operational preparedness.

About Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM):

• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy, and is typically diagnosed between 24-28 weeks gestation.
• Causes
  • It happens when the hormones from the placenta block ability to use or make insulin.
  • The placenta supplies a growing fetus with nutrients and water, and also produces a variety of hormones to maintain the pregnancy.
  • This is called contra-insulin effect, which usually begins about 20 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy.
• Symptoms: Most of the time, gestational diabetes doesn't cause symptoms but it includes excessive thirst, urinating more often, fatigue, nausea.
• Risk factors that can increase the chances of developing GDM which includes:
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Being over the age of 45
  • Having a family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
  • Having Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Treatment: Gestational diabetes can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.

About United Nations Alliance of Civilization:

• It was established in 2005, as the political initiative of Mr. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General.
• It was co-sponsored by the Governments of Spain and Turkey.
• It was created to serve as a soft-power political tool of the United Nations Secretary-General for conflict prevention and conflict resolution.
• Function: It maintains a global network of partners including states, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities.
• The Global Forum is the highest-profile event of the UNAOC which brings together prominent personalities, current and potential partners, and others from different sectors. 
• Funds: The Secretary-General has established a voluntary Trust Fund for UNAOC.
  • This fund supports the UNAOC projects, activities and outreach, undertaken by the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in his official capacity, and core operational and human resources needs.
  • The Trust Fund for UNAOC is administered by the United Nations Secretariat in accordance with the United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules.
• UNAOC receives voluntary contributions from member states, international organizations, private sector and foundations.
• Secretariat: It is based in New York, USA.

About Black-capped Capuchin Monkey:

• Black-capped capuchin (Sapajus apella) is also known as tufted capuchins.
• Distribution: It is native to South America, where they are ubiquitous throughout the Amazon River Basin.
• Habitat: It is mainly found in tropical, subtropical, dry, submontane, savannah, mangrove forests.
• Behavior and Lifestyle of Black-capped Capuchin Monkey:
  • Black-capped capuchins are predominantly arboreal and diurnal species.
  • Communication: Black-capped capuchin monkeys communicate with one another through vocalizations, body language, tactile methods, and olfactory cues.
  • Diet: It is classified as omnivores, their diet consists of fruit, seeds, nuts, insects, lizards, eggs and crustaceans.
• Ecological Role: Feeding upon fruit, the capuchins become seed dispersers of certain forest plants.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern

Key Facts about the Bannerghatta Biological Park

• It has been an integral part of Bannerghatta National Park and emerged out as an independent establishment in 2002.
• It has different units such as Zoo, Safari, Butterfly Park, and Rescue Centre (Conservation of Captive animals).
• It is the first biological park in India to have a fenced, forested elephant sanctuary.