About Bering Strait:

• It is the northernmost part of the Pacific Ocean, separating the continents of Asia and North America, particularly Russia and the United States.
• This important waterway is just south of the Arctic Circle.
• It connects the Bering Sea to the Chukchi Sea of the Arctic Ocean.
• At the strait’s narrowest point, Asia (Russia) and North America (the US) are just 85 km apart.
• The narrowest point is between Cape Prince of Wales in Alaska and Cape Dezhnev in Russia.
• The international boundary between the two countries passes through the Bering Sea and Strait.
• It is relatively shallow, with an average depth of 50 m.
• The Strait has numerous islands, including the Diomede Islands and St. Lawrence Islands.
  • Lawrence Island is the US's sixth-largest Island.
  • The two Diomede Islands are located in the middle of the strait.
  • The Big Diomede Island belongs to Russia, while the Little Diomede Island is on the US side.
  • The International Date Line runs between the two islands, leaving the American and Russian sides on different calendar days.

About SWAYAM Portal:

• SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active–Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) is India’s own MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course) platform of the Ministry of Education (MoE) initiative and was launched during 2017.
• It seeks to bridge the digital divide for students who have hitherto remained untouched by the digital revolution and have not been able to join the mainstream of the knowledge economy.
• It is an indigenously developed IT platform that facilitates hosting of all the courses taught in classrooms from Class 9 till post-graduation to be accessed by anyone, anywhere, at any time.
• All the courses are interactive, prepared by the best teachers in the country, and are available, free of cost, to the residents in India.
• What is offered in SWAYAM?
  • Courses that are taught in classrooms from 9th class till post-graduation.
  • The courses hosted on SWAYAM are in 4 quadrants:
    • video lecture
    • specially prepared reading material that can be downloaded/printed
    • self-assessment tests through tests and quizzes and
    • an online discussion forum for clearing the doubts.
  • Categories of courses include - Engineering, Science, Humanities, Management, Language, Mathematics, Arts and Recreation, Commerce, General, Library, Education.
  • Courses delivered through SWAYAM are available free of cost to the learners.
  • Students wanting certifications need to register and shall be offered a certificate on successful completion of the course, with a little fee.
  • At the end of each course, there will be an assessment of the student through a proctored examination, and the marks/grades secured in this exam could be transferred to the academic record of the students.
  • UGC and AICTE have already issued the UGC (Credit Framework for online learning courses through SWAYAM) Regulation 2016 advising the Universities to identify courses where credits can be transferred on to the academic record of the students for courses done on SWAYAM.
•  National Coordinators of SWAYAM:
  • AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) for self-paced and international courses.
  • NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning) for Engineering
  • UGC (University Grants Commission) for non technical post-graduation education
  • CEC (Consortium for Educational Communication) for under-graduate education
  • NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) for school education
  • NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) for school education
  • IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) for out-of-school students
  • IIMB (Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore) for management studies
  • NITTTR (National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research) for Teacher Training programme
  • INI (Institutes of National Importance) for Non-Technical Courses.

SWAYAM Plus Platform:

• It offers courses developed collaboratively with the industry.
• This platform aims to enhance employability of both college students and lifelong learners.
• It will offer programmes in sectors like Manufacturing, Energy, Computer Science and Engineering/IT/ITES, Management Studies, Healthcare, Hospitality and Tourism besides Indian Knowledge Systems.
• It features innovative elements such as multilingual content (available in 12 major Indian languages of the country), AI-enabled guidance, credit recognition, and pathways to employment.
• The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will be operating this Platform.

About Ambergris:

• Ambergris, also known as ‘whale vomit’ is a solid, waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus).
• It is extremely valuable and has been called the ‘treasure of the sea’ and ‘floating gold’.
• It is highly valued in the perfume industry as a fragrance enhancer.
• It is also used in traditional medicines and sometimes even as a spice in eastern cultures.
• There is a ban on the possession and trade of ambergris in countries like the USA, Australia, and India.
• In India, the sale and trade of ambergris are strictly prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Formation:
  • It is formed in the intestine of the whale to cover the indigestible objects from the animals on which it feeds (mostly the beaks of squid).
  • Once released, it initially floats on the ocean's surface and is black and sticky.
  • Exposure to sun, air, and salt water oxidizes it, and eventually it becomes grey and waxy, often still embedded with small squid beaks. and losing its unpleasant odour.
  • Ambergris is found in lumps of various shapes and sizes, ranging from 15 grams up to 420 kilograms.

About Ravi River:

• It is a river in northwestern India and northeastern Pakistan.
• It is one of the five tributaries of the Indus River that give Punjab (meaning “Five Rivers”) its name.
• Course:
  • It originates from the northern face of Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh and flows through the junction formed by the BaraBang-Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas as two channels, namely Budhil and Tantgari.
  • After joining, it flows through Himachal Pradesh, mainly the Chamba district, where it receives many tributaries.
  • From there, it flows southwards through India, crossing through Punjab before crossing into Pakistan, where it finally merges with the Chenab River, a major tributary of the Indus River.
• It is 720 km
• The length of Ravi River in India is 320 km and has a catchment area of 14,442 sq.km
• The hydrology of the Ravi is controlled by spring snowmelt and the South Asian monsoon that brings heavy rains from June to September.
• It has several tributaries, including the Siul, Baira, and Ujh rivers.
• The Ravi River has several dams, primarily for hydropower generation and irrigation.
• The major ones include the Ranjit Sagar Dam (also known as Thein Dam) and the Chamera Dam complex (Chamera I, II, and III).
• The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 between India and Pakistan allocated the Ravi River, along with the Beas and Sutlej rivers, to India.

About Halman Apricot:

• It is an apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) variety found in Ladakh.
• It is one of the best and finest apricots in the world.
• It was introduced to the region over a century ago from China or Central Asia.
• It has a wide range of distribution in different parts of Ladakh with particularly abundant in the Sham (western) part of Ladakh including Dha-Hanu, Garkhon, Skurbuchan, Domkhar, Wanla, Khaltse, and Timosgang villages.
• Renowned for its rich flavor and versatility, it is deeply embedded in Ladakhi cuisine, traditional medicine, and festive rituals, making it an indispensable part of Ladakh's agricultural heritage.
• Halman serves as a good source of nutritive compounds.
• Nutritionally, it is a powerhouse of essential vitamins such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.
• It also serves as a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidants.

About Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis:

• It is an infection of the brain and the membranes covering the brain.
• Cause: It is caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as the “brain eating amoeba”.
  • Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba found in warm, fresh water and soil, and infects people when it enters the body through the nose.
• This is a very rare, but serious disease with a mortality rate of more than 95%.
• It affects mainly young, active people.
• It is classified into two main types: Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) and Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE). 
  • PAM is caused by Naegleria fowleri, while GAE is typically associated with Acanthamoeba species and Balamuthia mandrillaris.
  • PAM tends to progress rapidly and is often fatal within a few days, whereas GAE develops more slowly but is equally deadly if not treated promptly. 
• Transmission: The amoeba that causes the infection occurs in shallow surface waters and incorrectly maintained swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, particularly in warm climates. 
• Infection occurs when infected water enters the nose. This can happen when diving, jumping, or swimming in freshwater. 
• The amoeba then invades the brain and meninges through the nose. 
• Symptoms: sore throat, headache and pain in the forehead, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting, high fever etc.
• Treatment: Swift diagnosis and treatment with specific antibiotics may be useful, but recovery is rare.

Almond Cultivation:

• Almonds are one of the major and oldest tree nut crops in the world.
• There are two types of almonds available: Sweet almond and bitter
• Required Climatic Conditions
  • Climate: Colder regions' climate is suitable for almond farming.
  • Temperature: Temperature ranging between 7°C to 24°C is considered appropriate.
  • Soil: Deep, loamy, well drained soils are ideal for almond growing.
  • Rainfall: Average rainfall needed is 75 to 110 cm. 
• Almond plants can grow easily at an altitude of 750 to 3200 meters above sea level.
• Major Almond farming Countries: USA, Australia, Spain, Turkey
• Major Almond farming states: In India Almond cultivation is mainly done in the hilly parts of colder regions, mainly in Jammu& Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala and some hilly regions of Andhra Pradesh.
• Uses: Almonds are used for various purposes like in sweets, milk, nuts used in the food and used in producing oils.
• Challenges: Erratic weather patterns, limited access to modern farming techniques, competition from lower-cost imports, shrinking farmlands, and a lack of policy support from authorities.

About Mt Elbrus:

• Location: Mount El’brus is located in southwest Russia and is part of the Caucasus Mountains.
• Formation: It is believed that the Caucasus Mountains were formed due to the northward collision of the Arabian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. Geological studies have revealed that Mount Elbrus was formed over 2.5 million years ago and the volcano had been most active during the Holocene Epoch.
• It is the highest point in Russia as well as the highest point in all of Europe.
• It has an elevation of 18,510 feet (5,642 meters). It makes up part of the Prielbrusye National Park.
• It is one of the Seven Summits of the world, which are the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents.
• Mount Elbrus is an inactive volcano that consists of two principal summits, both of which are dormant volcanic domes.
• Climate: The climate of El’brus is generally cold. Even during summer, nighttime temperatures are around -8°C (18°F).
• Major Glaciers: Bolshoi Azaou and Irik Glacier
• Major Rivers: Many Russian rivers like the Baksan, Malka, and Kuban rivers originate from Bolshoi Azaou and Irik Glacier glaciers.

About Jellyfish:

• It is a resilient gelatinous zooplankton of the phylum Cnidaria.
• It is a highly adaptable marine organism with simple anatomy, stinging tentacles and efficient jet propulsion.
• Characteristics of Jellyfish
  • It is a simple invertebrate, members of the phylum Cnidaria, which includes creatures such as sea anemones, sea whips, and corals.
  • The body parts of a jellyfish radiate from a central axis. This “radial symmetry” allows jellyfish to detect and respond to food or danger from any direction.
  • They are pretty simple, lack brains, blood, or even hearts.
  • Anatomy: They are composed of three layers: an outer layer, called the epidermis; a middle layer made of a thick, elastic, jelly-like substance called mesoglea; and an inner layer, called the
  • Jellyfish have the ability to sting with their tentacles.
• Ecological Impact: These blooms disrupt marine ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, outcompeting native species and collapsing fish and invertebrate populations.
• Reasons for Jellyfish’s Bloom
  • Global warming has led to higher ocean temperatures, which, in turn, has resulted in the surge of plankton — the primary food source of jellyfish. With an abundance of food available, jellyfish have been able to increase their population substantially.
  • Overfishing: Recently various kinds of species, such as tuna and sea turtles, that prey on jellyfish have been removed from the ecosystem. These species also feed on plankton, and with their reduced population, jellyfish have more plankton to consume and thrive unchecked.
  • Plastic Pollution: Unlike other marine creatures, jellyfish can tolerate low oxygen levels in water, which is a consequence of pollution. This has also contributed to the increase in their population in recent years.

About Dibru-Saikhowa National Park:

• Location: It is a national park located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, Assam, India.
• It was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1997.
• Rivers: The park is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers in the north and Dibru River in the south.
• Vegetation: It mainly consists of moist mixed semi-evergreen forests, moist mixed deciduous forests, canebrakes and grasslands.
• It is the largest salix swamp forest in north-eastern India, with a tropical monsoon climate with a hot and wet summer and cool and usually dry winter. 
• Flora: It consists of Dillenia indica, Bischofia javanica, Bombax ceiba, Lagerstroemia parviflora, etc.
• Fauna: Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Bears, Small Indian Civet, Squirrels, Gangetic Dolphin, Slow Loris, Assamese Macague
• It is the only habitat of feral horses in India.
• It is an identified Important Bird Area (IBA) having more than 382 species of Birds, some of which are Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Greater Crested Grebe.

About Golden Dome:

• It is a ground- and space-based missile defense systemdesigned to safeguard the United States from advanced missile threats.
• Golden Dome aims to create a network of satellites to detect, track and potentially intercept incoming missiles. The shield could deploy hundreds of satellites for missile detection and tracking.
• It will protect the US from long-range missiles, including those launched from space or other continents, and will integrate with current defense systems.
• Key Features of the Golden Dome:
  • Space-Based Interceptors: The system aims to deploy interceptors in space to detect and neutralize incoming missiles at various stages of their trajectory.
  • Advanced Tracking Technologies: Utilizing space-based radars and sensors, the Golden Dome will provide real-time tracking of missile threats.
  • Laser Weapons: The integration of laser technology is intended to enhance the system's capability to intercept and destroy missiles mid-flight.
• Components of the Golden Dome will be drawn from existing American missile defence assets, including Patriot missile batteries, THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence), Aegis Ballistic Missile Defence, and Ground-based Midcourse Defence (GMD).

About Tonga:

• It is a sovereign country in Polynesia, composed of an archipelago of 169 islands located in the South Pacific Ocean.
• Neighbouring countries include Fiji to the west, Cook Islands to the east and Samoa north.
• These islands are divided into three main groups: Tongatapu in the south, Ha‘apai in the center, and Vava‘u in the north.
• The western islands (making up the Tongan Volcanic Arch) are all of volcanic origin; the eastern islands are nonvolcanic and are composed of coral limestone and sand
• It features flat terrain with limestone and coral formations.
• Terrain: Mostly flat islands with limestone bedrock formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic rock.
• Highest Point: The highest point in this region is Kao Island in the Haʻapai group.
• Tonga is a member of the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Allianceand Marine Protected Areas Action Groups.
• Capital City: The capital city of Tonga is Nukuʻalofa, situated on the northern shore of Tongatapu Island. 

About Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal:

• It was instituted on 26 Jun 1980 to recognize the distinguished service of the most exceptional order during war/conflict/hostilities.

• Features of Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal
  • Medal:Circular in shape, 35 mm in diameter and fitted to a plain horizontal bar with standard fittings. The medal shall be of gold gilt.
  • The medal shall have on its obverse the State Emblem and the inscriptions "SARVOTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL" (in English). On its reverse, it shall have a five pointed star.
  • Ribbon:Golden colour with one red vertical stripe in the centre dividing it into two equal parts.
  • Bar:If a recipient of the medal is subsequently awarded the medal again, every such further award shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the medal is suspended.
  • For every such Bar, a miniature insignia of a pattern approved by the Government shall be added to the riband when worn alone.
• Personnel Eligible: All ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force including those of Territorial Army Units, Auxiliary and Reserve Forces and other lawfully constituted Armed Forces when embodied.
• And also Nursing officers and other members of the Nursing Services in the Armed Forces.
• The medal may be awarded posthumously.

About Phoenix roxburghii:

• It is a new palm species named after William Roxburgh, considered the father of Indian Botany.
• Features of Phoenix roxburghii 
  • It grows 12 to 16 metres tall. 
  • Phoenix roxburghii shares morphological similarities with Phoenix sylvestris,but differs by its taller solitary trunk, larger leaves and leaflets, musty-scented staminate flowers and larger, obovoid orange-yellow fruits,
  • Distribution: It is found on India’s eastern coast and Bangladesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Pakistan

Key Facts about Palm Tree

• Palm is a member of the Arecaceae, or Palmae, a single family of monocotyledonous flowering plants of the order Arecales.
• It is an evergreen plant which can grow in the form of shrubs, trees, or long, woody vines called lianas.
• Distribution: It is distributed in America and in Asia, from India to Japan and south to Australia and the islands of the Pacific and Indian oceans, with Africa and Madagascar as a third but much less important palm region.
• The palms with the greatest importance in world commerce are the coconut and the African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis); both are prime sources of vegetable oil and fat.

About Escherichia coli:

• It is commonly known as E. coli, is a type of bacteria that can be found in the intestines of humans and animals.
• It is a rod-shaped bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family.
• While most strains of E. coli are harmless and even beneficial, some strains can cause illness and infections.
• Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.
• Transmission: It can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter from infected individuals or animals.
• How does E. coli make you sick?
  • The most familiar strains of E. coli that make you sick do so by producing a toxin called Shiga.
  • This toxin damages the lining of your small intestine and causes diarrhea.
  • These strains of E. coli are also called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
• Symptoms: The most common symptoms of E.coli infection include fever, persistent diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea, and vomiting.
• Treatment: Most E. coli infections are self-limiting and resolve on their own without treatment. However, it’s essential to stay hydrated during the course of the illness.

About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:

• It is nestled in the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.
• It is spread over 1536 sq. km., which includes the 716 sq. km. core zone and 820 sq. km. of the buffer zone.
• The name “Bandhavgarh” is derived from the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, which sits atop a hill in the park.
  • According to legend, the fort was gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana, hence the name “Bandhavgarh” (Brother’s Fort).
• It also has several archeological monuments. The reserve features around 39 caves with Pali inscriptions and animal depictions. It also contains ancient structures, including stupas and statues from the 1st century BCE.
• The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India as well as in the world.
• The habitat is characterized by valleys, hills, and plains, with the Bandhavgarh fort prominently seen as a major landmark.
• Flora: The flora of the region comprises majorly evergreen Sal forests, mixed forests, and grasslands.
• Fauna: Apart from tigers, the park is home to other significant species such as leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), Asiatic elephants, and a variety of deer species, including sambar and chital.

About Green Ammonia:

• Ammonia (NH3) is a nitrogen and hydrogen based chemical compound widely used in the production of fertilisers and industrial chemicals.
• Ammonia is currently produced from natural gas and, in its production process, emits 2 tonnes of CO₂ for every tonne of ammonia.
• For this reason, conventional ammonia is referred to as grey ammonia.
• Green ammonia, on the other hand, does not emit CO₂ in its production process.
• Production Process:
  • To produce green ammonia, green hydrogen must first be obtained through a process of water electrolysis.
  • That is, water is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen, using electrical energy generated from renewable sources.
  • The hydrogen is then combined with atmospheric nitrogen through a process known as Haber-Bosch synthesis, which allows hydrogen and nitrogen to react at high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst to form ammonia.
  • The end result is the production of green ammonia using green hydrogen and atmospheric nitrogen.
  • Green ammonia production is where the process of making ammonia is 100% renewable and carbon-free.
• Applications:
  • It is widely used in the production of agricultural fertilisers as ammonia is an essential source of nitrogen for plant growth.
  • It is also used as a raw material in the production of a variety of chemical products, such as nitric acid, synthetic fibres, explosives, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
  • It can be used in fuel for engines such as locomotives and shipping, replacing diesel and marine fuel oil.
  • It can be used as a fuel source for electricity power generation.

About Sulawesi Island:

• Sulawesi, formerly known as Celebes, is a large island in Southeast Asia, in the Indonesian archipelago.
• It is part of the island chain known as the Greater Sunda Islands.
• It is the 11^th largest island in the world. It covers an area of 180,680.7 sq. km.
• The island consists almost entirely of four interconnecting peninsulas.
• The island is surrounded on all sides by other big islands: Borneo to the west, Philippines to the north, the Maluku Islands to the east, and Flores and Timor to the south.
• The island is highly mountainous, with some active volcanoes.
• Sulawesi is known for its rainforests, which once covered the entire island until human activity led to mass deforestation.
• The highest peak on the island of Sulawesi is Ratenkombola, which is also known simply as Mario. It reaches a height of 3,455 meters.
• The island contains thirteen freshwater lakes including the deepest lake, Matano, in Southeast Asia.
• Seven major ethnic groups inhabit Sulawesi: the Toala, Toraja, Buginese, Makassarese, Minahasan, Mori, and Gorontalese.
• Makassar is the largest city on the island.

About Bioactive Peptides (BAPs):

• Peptides are strings of molecules called amino acids, which are the "building blocks" of proteins.
• The amino acids are joined by covalent bonds known as amide or peptide bonds.
• For a peptide to be considered bioactive, it should have a physiological effect in a positive manner.
• Although some BAPs exist free in their natural source, the vast majority of known BAPs are encrypted in the structure of the parent proteins and are released mainly by enzymatic processes.
• Most of the BAPs are derived from plants and animals.
• The source of BAPs includes milk, cheese, pickles (fermented fruits and vegetables), plants, egg, fish, meat, and soybean products.
• Some BAPs have been prepared by chemical synthesis.
• BAPs play a significant role in human health by affecting the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems.
• BAPs are considered the new generation of biologically active regulators; they can prevent oxidation and microbial degradation in foods and also improve the treatment of various diseases and disorders, thus increasing the quality of life.

Peptides vs. Proteins:

• Both peptides and proteins are made up of strings of amino acids that are held together by peptide bonds.
• The main difference is that peptides are shorter strings of amino acids than proteins, although the terms aren't used precisely.
• Most scientists refer to chains with over 100 amino acids as proteins.
• In addition, peptides tend to be less well defined in structure than proteins, which can adopt complex conformations known as secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.

About Ionic Liquids (ILs):

• ILs are a category of salt which are in liquid state at room temperature and made up entirely of ions.
• ILs are restricted to salts whose melting point is below 100°C (212°F).
• Any salt that melts without decomposing or vaporizing usually yields an ionic liquid.
• While ordinary liquids such as water are predominantly made of electrically neutral molecules, ILs are made of ions and short-lived ion pairs.
• Examples: Tetrabutylammonium nitrite, 1-(Cyanomethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride, Choline acetate, etc.
• ILs are variously called liquid electrolytes, ionic melts, ionic fluids, fused salts, liquid salts, or ionic glasses.
• General Properties:
  • Non volatile
  • Non-flammable
  • Stable at high temperature (up to 200°C / 392°F or 400°C /752°F depending on the product) and Chemical (water and oxygen)
  • Hydrophobic or Hydrophilic
  • Good conductors (electrolytes)
  • Broad electrochemical range
• The physico chemical properties of ionic liquids depend on the type and the size of the two ions forming them.
• Because of their highly tunable nature and exceptional properties, ILs have become essential players in the fields of synthesis and catalysis, extraction, electrochemistry, analytics, biotechnology, etc.
• ILs have emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative to various organic solvents and catalysts.
• As they are involatile and highly heat-resistant, they can be used in processes subjected to high temperatures.

About e-Sushrut@Clinic:

• It provides a lightweight, cloud-based Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) designed specifically for outpatient clinics.
• This government-backed Health Management Information System (HMIS) is designed specifically for small and medium healthcare providers.
• It marks a pivotal step in expanding the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) ecosystem.
• The application developed by C-DAC is a lighter version of their flagship e-Sushrut HMIS software.
• Features of eSushrut@Clinic:
  • It is tailored for outpatient management, pharmacy, and nursing modules, and delivers essential functionalities at a low per-user cost.
  • Any healthcare provider can onboard it from his/her laptop/mobile on a webpage through their Health Facility Registry (HFR) and Health Professionals Registry (HPR).
  • If the healthcare provider is not registered on HFR/HPR, they would be able to register on eSushrut@Clinic itself.  
  • This will make it much easier for doctors in both public and private clinics to access and update patient health records, offer telemedicine services, and streamline diagnostics and prescriptions.
  • The platform enables small clinics, sub-centres, and medium-sized hospitals to digitize patient records, prescriptions, and billing with minimal technical overhead.
  • Several utilities and features of ABDM will be available in eSushrut@Clinic.
  • For instance, the healthcare providers would use the AIIMS Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) service for hypertension and diabetes, which is being provided free for all ABDM-integrated software.
  • This CDSS helps improve patient care by supporting doctors in making better diagnoses and treatment.

About PM SVANidhi Yojana:

• It is a central-sector micro-credit scheme launched on 1st June 2020 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for providing affordable working capital loans to street vendors affected by the Covid-19
• The scheme aims to provide financial support to street vendors to resume their livelihoods and help them become self-reliant.
• Implementation Agency: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
• Benefits:
  • Vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs. 10,000, which is repayable in monthly installments in the tenure of one year.
  • On timely/early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy at 7% per annum will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer on a quarterly basis.
  • There will be no penalty on early repayment of the loan.
  • The scheme promotes digital transactions through cash back incentives up to an amount of Rs. 100 per month.
  • The vendors can avail the facility of escalation of the credit limit on timely/early repayment of loan.
  • The loan amount can be used for any purpose related to the street vending business, such as buying raw materials, paying rent, or purchasing equipment.
  • The loan repayment period is one year.
• Eligibility:
  • Street vendors in possession of Certificate of Vending /Identity Card issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
  • The vendors, who have been identified in the survey of street vendors but have not been issued Certificate of Vending/Identity Card.
  • Street Vendors left out of the ULB-led identification survey or who have started vending after completion of the survey and have been issued a Letter of Recommendation (LoR) to that effect by the ULB / Town Vending Committee (TVC).
  • The vendors of surrounding development/ peri-urban/rural areas vending in the geographical limits of the ULBs, who have been issued a Letter of Recommendation (LoR) to that effect by the ULB /TVC.

About Konkan Shadowdamsel and Crimson Shadowdamsel:

• They are two new species of damselflies.
• The species — Konkan Shadowdamsel, discovered in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, and Crimson Shadowdamsel, discovered in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district — belong to the group commonly called ‘Shadowdamsels’ because of their affinity for well-shaded forest habitats.
• The Crimson Shadowdamsel has a reddish body, and the Konkan Shadowdamsel has a coffee-brown ground colouration.
• Shadowdamsels usually only thrive in pristine habitats and small streams.
  • They can act as indicators of the health of our forests. They are pollution indicators as well.
  • Many of them are microendemics restricted to certain hill ranges within the Western Ghats.

What are Damselflies?

• They are a group of predatory, aerial insects that are in the order Odonata.
• They are found mainly near shallow, freshwater habitats and are graceful fliers with slender bodies and long, filmy, net-veined wings.
• They are generally smaller, more delicate, and fly weakly in comparison with dragonflies.

About Satpura Tiger Reserve:

• It is located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh.
• It is located in the Satpura ranges of the Central Indian Landscape.
• It lies south of the river Narmada.
• Satpura, basically meaning “Seven Folds”, forms a watershed between the Narmada and Tapti Rivers.
• It is spread over an area of 2133 sq. km.
• The tiger reserve comprises three protected areas, Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pachmarhi Sanctuary.
• The terrain here is extremely rugged and consists of sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, ravines, and dense forests.
• The habitat is also an important testimony to human evolution, as it houses more than 50 rock shelters, which are almost 1,500 to 10,000 years old.
• Geological formations include the Deccan trap series, Gondwanas, and metamorphic rocks.
• Flora:
  • The reserve is identified as a mixed deciduous forest with a variety of flora typical of the Central Indian Highlands.
  • These include teak, bamboo, Indian ebony, various acacias, wild mango, Indian gooseberry, satinwood, etc.
  • Twenty-six species of the Himalayan region and 42 species of the Nilgiri areas are found. Hence, STR is also known as the northern extremity of the Western Ghats.
• Fauna:
  • It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaurs (bison), and sambar deer.
  • The reserve is also home to a diverse range of bird species, including the Indian peafowl, the crested serpent eagle, and several species of vultures.

About Lewy body Dementia (LBD):

• It is a complex and challenging brain disorder.
• It is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's
• LBD is a disease associated with abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain.
  • These deposits, called Lewy bodies, affect chemicals in the brain.
  • These changes, in turn, can lead to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, mood, and other body functions.
• There are two forms of LBD that cause cognitive symptoms — dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia.
• LBD causes a decline in mental abilities that gradually gets worse over time.
• LBD typically begins at age 50 or older, although sometimes younger people may have it.
• LBD appears to affect slightly more men than women.
• The disease lasts an average of five to seven years from the time of diagnosis to death, but it can range from two to 20 years.
• People with LBD might see things that aren't there, known as visual hallucinations.
• They also may have changes in alertness and attention.
• People with LBD commonly have symptoms of Parkinson's disease. These symptoms might include rigid muscles, slow movement, trouble walking and tremors.
• As the disease worsens, people with LBD require more and more help with daily activities due to a decline in thinking and movement abilities.
• In the later stages of the disease, people may depend entirely on others for assistance and care.
• Treatment:
  • There’s no cure for Lewy body dementia and no way to prevent it.
  • But medications and therapies can help manage symptoms for a while.

About Australopithecus:

• Australopithecus, (genus Australopithecus) is a group of extinct primates known from a series of fossils found at numerous sites in eastern, north-central, and southern Africa.
• They are the closest known relatives of our genus, Homo.
• The various species of Australopithecus lived 4 million to 1.4 million years ago (mya), during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs (which lasted from 5.3 million to 11,700 years ago).
• The genus name, meaning “southern ape,” refers to the first fossils found, which were discovered in South Africa.
• Perhaps the most famous specimen of Australopithecus is “Lucy,” a remarkably preserved fossilized skeleton from Ethiopia that has been dated to 3.2 mya.
• Features:
  • Members of Australopithecus bore a combination of humanlike and apelike traits.
  • They had apelike face proportions (a flat nose, a strongly projecting lower jaw) and braincase (with a small brain, usually less than 500 cubic centimeters – about 1/3 the size of a modern human brain), and long, strong arms with curved fingers adapted for climbing trees.
  • They also had small canine teeth like all other early humans, and a body that stood on two legs and regularly walked upright.
  • They were roughly 1.2-1.5 m tall and probably weighed about 30-50 kg.
  • Males were almost twice the size of females, a level of difference, or sexual dimorphism, greater than modern chimpanzees or humans but less than gorillas or orangutans.
  • They had mainly a plant-based diet, including leaves, fruit, seeds, roots, nuts, and insects.

About National Gopal Ratna Award:

• It is one of the highest national honours in the livestock and dairy sector.
• It was launched under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission in 2021.
• Aim: The National Gopal Ratna Awards aim to encourage excellence among milk-producing farmers, dairy cooperatives, Milk Producer Companies (MPCs), Dairy Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs), with special focus on promoting indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds.
• Indigenous bovine breeds of India are robust and possess the genetic potential to play a crucial role in the national economy. 
• The National Gopal Ratna Awards will be conferred in the following categories:
  • Best Dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds (list of registered breeds Annexed).
  • Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk producer Company (MPC)/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).
  • Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).
  • There is also a  provision of Special award for North Eastern Region (NER) and Himalayan States so as to encourage and boost the dairy development activities in these States/UTs.
• NGRA 2025 will consist of a Certificate of merit, a memento and monetary prize in first two categories i.e Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPCs as under.

About Antitrisuloides catocalina:

• It is a nocturnal moth species belonging to genus Antitrisuloides.
• It is found in the Western Ghats for the first time.
• It is part of the Noctuidae family, the genus comprises two known species worldwide.
• The specimen found in Kerala was identified as a species previously reported only from North-East India.
• Its detailed analysis further revealed it to be the subspecies Antitrisuloides catocalina cyclica.

Key Facts about Choolannur Peafowl Sanctuary

• It is affectionately known as Mayiladumpara, a sanctuary dedicated to the majestic peacocks nestled in the lush landscapes of Palakkad district, Kerala.
• It is exclusively set up for breeding and conservation of peacocks, is the only peacock sanctuary in Kerala and the first of its kind in India. 
• It was established in 1996, it was dedicated to the memory of the legendary Indian ornithologist and writer Induchoodan, who hailed from the nearby village called Kavassery.

About Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana:

• It provides direct cash incentives to eligible employees and employers to boost formal job creation.
• Aim: The scheme aims to support creation over 3.5 crore jobs in two years.
• Key Features of the Scheme:
  • Part A – Support to First-Time Employees
  • Targeting first-time employees registered with EPFO, this Part will offer one-month EPF wage up to Rs 15,000 in two installments.
  • Employees with salaries up to Rs 1 lakh will be eligible for the incentives. The 1st instalment will be payable after 6 months of service and the 2nd instalment will be payable after 12 months of service and completion of a financial literacy programme by the employee.
  • To encourage the habit of saving, a portion of the incentive will be kept in a deposit account for a fixed period and can be withdrawn by the employee at a later date.
  • Part B – Incentives for Employers:
  • This part will encourage generation of additional employment in all sectors, with a special focus on the manufacturing sector.
  • The employers will get incentives in respect of  new employees with salaries up to Rs 1 lakh.
  • The Government will incentivize employers, up to Rs 3000 per month, for two years, for each additional employment, sustained  for at least six months.
  • For the manufacturing sector, incentives will be extended to the 3rd and 4th  years as well.
• Incentive Payment Mechanism:  All payments to the First Time Employees under Part A of the Scheme will be made through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) mode using Aadhar Bridge Payment System (ABPS). Payments to the Employers under Part B will be made directly into their PAN-linked Accounts.
• An important outcome of the Scheme will also be formalization of the country’s workforce by extending social security coverage for crores of young men and women.

About Exercise SLINEX:

• It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, which was conceptualised in 2005.
• It has strengthened maritime cooperation between the nations over two decades.
• Aim: It aims at enhancing interoperability, maritime cooperation and exchanging best practices while jointly undertaking multi-faceted maritime operations.
• The previous edition of SLINEX was conducted at Visakhapatnam, India in 2024.
• The exercise will be conducted in two phases – the Harbour phase followed by Sea phase
• During the harbour phase, professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange(SMEE), sharing of best practices, cultural & social exchanges along with yoga sessions and sporting events are planned.
• The naval drills planned during the sea phase include gunnery firing serials, communication protocols, navigation, seamanship evolutions, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and fueling at sea.
• Significance: The SLINEX maritime exercise exemplifies the deep engagement between India and Sri Lanka, which has strengthened cooperation in the maritime domain in consonance with India’s policy of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions MAHASAGAR.

About Burevestnik Missile:

• The Burevestnik, whose name translates as “storm petrel“, is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile that is not only capable of carrying a nuclear warhead but is also nuclear-powered.
• The Burevestnik is one of six strategic weapons that the Russian President introduced in a 2018 speech.
• It is code-named ‘SSC-X-9 Skyfall’ by NATO.
• In theory, the nuclear energy could let it fly around the world several times before hitting its target.
• Features:
  • It is powered by a small nuclear reactor, which heats up air to propel the missile forward.
  • Its nuclear propulsion gives the missile much longer range than traditional turbojet or turbofan engines that are limited by how much fuel they can carry.
  • It has a range of up to 14,000 miles (22000 km).
  • The missile is also designed to fly at low altitudes, much lower than a conventionally powered cruise missile, which would make it harder for air-defence radar to detect.

About IN-SPACe:

• Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) is a single-window, independent, nodal agency that functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS).
• It is formed following the Space sector reforms to enable and facilitate the participation of private players.
• IN-SPACe is responsible to promote, enable, authorize and supervise various space activities of non-governmental entities (NGEs) including building launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based services; sharing space infrastructure and premises under the control of DOS/ISRO; and establishing of new space infrastructure and facilities.
• The agency acts as an interface between ISRO and NGEs and assesses how to utilize India's space resources better and increase space-based activities.
• It also assesses the needs and demands of private players, including educational and research institutions, and explores ways to accommodate these requirements in consultation with ISRO.
• Three Directorates viz., Promotion Directorate (PD), Technical Directorate (TD) and Program Management and Authorization Directorate (PMAD) are carrying out the functions of IN-SPACe.

About Lampedusa Island:

• It is the largest (21 sq.km.) of the Isole Pelagie (Pelagie Islands), an island group that includes the Linosa and Lampione islets.
• Administratively Lampedusa is part of the autonomous region of Sicily in Italy.
• It is geographically part of the African continent.
• It is located in the Mediterranean Sea between Malta and Tunisia, 105 miles (170 km) southwest of Licata, Sicily.
• It is a volcanic island.
• It is also known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean because of the lava: it is the emerging part of a volcano whose last eruption events date back about 9000 years ago, when the last major seismic events were dated at the end of 1800.
• Lampedusa’s greatest length is about 11 km; its greatest width is about 3 km. It rises to 133 meters above sea level.
• It is a rocky island with limited natural freshwater sources.
• The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

About Cheque Truncation System (CTS):

• It is a cheque clearing system undertaken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for faster clearing of cheques.
• As the name suggests, truncation is the process of stopping the flow of the physical cheque in its way of clearing.
• CTS is an online image-based cheque clearing system where cheque images and Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) data are captured at the collecting bank branch and transmitted electronically, eliminating the actual cheque movement.
• Security: CTS is protected by a comprehensive PKI-based security architecture which incorporates basic security and authentication controls such as dual access control, user ID, and passwords with crypto box and smart card interfaces.
  • Only CTS-2010 standards-compliant instruments can be presented for clearing through CTS.
  • CTS-2010 standards contain certain benchmarks towards achieving standardization of cheques issued by banks across the country.
  • These include provision of mandatory minimum-security features on cheque forms like quality of paper, watermark, bank’s logo in invisible ink, void pantograph, etc., and standardisation of field placements on cheques.
  • The minimum-security features and standardisation help presenting banks while scrutinising/recognising cheques of drawee banks in an image-based processing scenario.
• Benefits.
  • Realisation of proceeds of cheque possible within the same day.
  • Data storage and retrieval becomes easy.
  • Minimizes risks and introduces a secured cheque clearing system.
  • Will result in cost savings due to lower cost in the physical movement of cheques.
  • Minimizing bottlenecks and delays between presentation and realization time.
  • Provides shorter clearing cycles and a centralized image archival system.
    • CTS currently processes cheques with a clearing cycle of up to two working days.
    • Once the newly announced measures by RBI on Continuous Clearing of Cheques under CTS are implemented, cheques would be cleared within hours of submission instead of two days.

About Moai Statues:

• They are massive megalithic stone-carved human-shaped statues found at Easter Island.
• The Easter Island statues are monolithic human figures carved from volcanic rock by the first Polynesian settlers on the island, the Rapa Nui people.
• They were built in approximately 1400 – 1650 A.D. by the natives of this island known as Rapa Nui.
• There are around 1000 Moai statues which are made up of volcanic tuff, the tallest of them being 33 feet.
• They carved them in the likeness of their ancestors.
• What do moais represent?
  • They were built to honor chieftains or other important people who had passed away.
  • They were placed on rectangular stone platforms called ahu, which are tombs for the people that the statues represented.
  • The moais were intentionally made with different characteristics since they were intended to keep the appearance of the person they represented.

Key Facts about Easter Island

• It is located in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Together with Hawaii and New Zealand, it forms the so-called ‘Polynesian Triangle’, a spearhead-shaped area in the Pacific that is the traditional homeland of the Polynesian people.

About APAAR ID:

• APAAR stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry. It was envisioned under the New Education Policy, 2020.
• It is an identification number which is linked to enrollment, and a student’s journey from pre-primary to higher education can be tracked through it.
• APAAR assigns a unique and permanent 12-digit ID to every student, offering a comprehensive record of their academic achievements, including degrees, scholarships, awards, and other credits.
• The APAAR ID will be unique and remain the same through one’s education journey.
• It is linked to Aadhaar and stored in DigiLocker for easy access.
• The APAAR ID embodies the vision of "One Nation, One Student ID", ensuring a unified and accessible academic experience for students across India.
• It serves as a lifelong academic passport, consolidating all achievements and credentials of a student in one place.
• APAAR is generated through Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+).
• Objectives of APAAR
  • To accumulate and store students’ academic achievements in a central database
  • To facilitate seamless transfer between institutions
  • To provide standardized digital records for mark sheets and institutional affiliations.
  • To help in educational policymaking and analysis.

About Ideonella sakaiensis:

• It is a bacterium from the genus Ideonella and family Comamonadaceae.
• It is capable of breaking down and consuming the plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using it as both a carbon and energy source. 
• It was discovered by a group of researchers in Japan.
• It breaks PET into its (environmentally benign) building blocks. These can then be used as food by I. sakaiensis and other organisms.
• Characteristics of Ideonella sakaiensis
  • It is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile, non-sporing, non-pigment-producing, monotrichous bacterium.
  • They typically measure about 1.2 to 1.5 μm in length and 0.6 to 0.8 μm in width, giving the appearance of a bacillus under the microscope. 
  • It was initially discovered from PET-contaminated soil, suggesting its main habitat to be the environment, mainly soil with enriched plastic wastes.
  • They are found to live in oxygen-rich moist soil and sewage sludge. 

What is Polyethylene terephthalate?

• It is a condensation polymer of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
• The by-product of the reaction is water so it is an example of condensation or step-growth polymerization. 
• PET Plastic is a thermoplastic synthetic substance which malleable under heat and can be placed into nearly any shape.

About SabhaSaar AI Tool:

• It is an AI tool which will automatically generate minutes of meetings of gram sabhas.
• Gram Sabha is the primary body of the Panchayati Raj system, consisting of all registered voters of a gram panchayat.
• Features of SabhaSaar AI Tool
  • 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 Gaur:

• Gaur, also known as Indian Bison is the largest species among the wild cattle and the Bovidae.
• Distribution: Gaurs are indigenous to the South and Southeast parts of Asia.
• Habitat:
  • Gaurs are primarily found in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests along with moist deciduous forests with open grasslands.
  • They prefer hilly-terrains below an altitude of 1,500-1,800 m with large and undisturbed forest tracts and abundant water.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I 
• Ecological Significance: It plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance in forests besides serving as important prey species for tigers. Being herbivores, they also help shape vegetation dynamics and contribute to seed dispersal.
• Threats: Loss of habitat throughout most of their range. Another serious concern is susceptibility to domestic cattle diseases like rinderpest, hoof, or mouth disease.

About Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR):

• It is located on the western side of the Latehar district on the Chhotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand.
• The reserve forms a part of the Betla National Park.
• It has a total area of 1,014 sq.km. with a core area of 414 sq.km. and a buffer area of 600 sq.km.
• It is one of the first 9 tiger reserves created in the country at the inception of ‘Project Tiger’.
• It is the first reserve in the world in which a tiger census was carried out as a pugmark count, as early as 1932 under the supervision of J.W. Nicholson.
• The terrain is undulating with valleys, hills, and plains.
• Three rivers, namely North Koyal, Auranga, and Burha flow through the valleys.
• The area is drought-prone with Burha being the only perennial river.
• The geological formation consists of gneiss and includes granite and limestone.
• The area is very rich in minerals like Bauxite and Coal.
• Flora: The vegetation in Palamau region comprises moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests to include Sal and bamboo as the major components.
• Fauna: Some keystone and principal species found in the reserve include Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Grey wolf, Wild dog, Gaur, Sloth bear and four horned antelope.