About Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve:

• Location: It is located in Maharashtra.
• It is located in the heart of the central Indian Tiger Landscape, which contributes almost 1/6 of the total tiger population of the country.
• It was declared a tiger reserve in 2013; it is the fifth tiger reserve in Maharashtra.
• It is comprised of the notified areas of Nawegaon National Park, Nawegaon Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, New Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, and Koka Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It has linkages with Kanha, Pench, and Tadoba Tiger Reserves.
• Vegetation: Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous
• Flora: There are many species of plants, and the major trees are: Terminalia tomentosa, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Anogeisus lotifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Diospyrus melanoxylon, Ougeinia oogenesis, etc.
• Fauna: The major wild animals are: Tiger, Panther, Small Indian Civet, Palm Civet, Wolf, Jackal, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Common Giant Flying Squirrel, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Four Horned Antelope, Mouse Deer, and Pangolin.

About Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme:

• It is the first dedicated Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to promote the manufacturing of select passive electronic components, including resistors, capacitors, speakers, microphones, special ceramics, relays, switches, and connectors. 
• Objective: To develop a robust component manufacturing ecosystem by attracting investments (global / domestic) across the value chain by integrating its domestic electronic industry with the Global Value Chains (GVCs).
• The scheme will offer three incentive structures:
  • Turnover-linked incentive (based on revenue)
  • Capex-linked incentive (for investments in plants & machinery)
  • Hybrid incentive model (a combination of both)
  • Incentives for incremental investments and turnover range from 1–10% depending on the year and the component.
• Employment generation will be a mandatory requirement for all applicants, including both component manufacturers and capital equipment producers.
• Tenure: This scheme has tenure of six years, with a one-year gestation period.
• The scheme focuses particularly on passive electronic components. In contrast, active components fall under the purview of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
• This scheme is set to benefit a number of industries, such as automobiles, consumer electronics, and electronics.

About INS Dunagiri:

• It is the fifth ship of Nilgiri Class (Project 17A).
• It was designed by Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
• It was built at Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers Ltd (GRSE).
• It is the fifth P17A ship getting delivered to the Indian Navy.
• It is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Dunagiri, a Leander-class frigate that was part of the Indian Navy.
• Features of INS Dunagiri:
  • Propulsion: These ships are configured with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants.
    • Comprising a diesel engine and a gas turbine that drive a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) on each shaft, and state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
  • Armaments: It comprises BrahMos SSM, MFSTAR and MRSAM complex, 76mm SRGM, and a combination of 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon system, along with rocket and torpedoes for anti- submarine warfare.

About Kariba Dam:

• It is a concrete arch dam across the Zambezi Riverat Kariba Gorge, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• It has created the world’s largest human-made lake by volume, Lake Kariba.

Key Facts about Zambezi River

• It is Africa’s 4th longest river and the continent’s longest east-flowing stream.
• Course: 
  • It starts off in Angola’s southern highlands, at the source of a river called the Lungwebungu.
  • It flows through Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique before emptying into the Indian Ocean.
• Waterfalls: Victoria Falls and Chavuma Falls are on this river.
• Dams: The Cohara Bassa and Kariba Dams, two of Africa’s major hydroelectric power sources, are located along the Zambezi’s course.
• Tributaries: The main tributaries of the Zambezi River include the Shire, Kafue, Luangwa, Kabompo, and Cuando (Kwando) rivers.

About Jan Samarth Portal:

• It was launched in 2022.
• It was conceptualized with the twin objectives;
  • Increasing the reach of the Government sponsored schemes.
  • Streamlining the credit delivery process for all the stakeholders, through a multitude of credit linked Government schemes.
• The portal facilitates ease of access to all beneficiaries, financial institutions, Central/State Government Agencies, and Nodal Agencies.
• Features of the Portal:
  • It is a digital marketplace with front-end user interface for beneficiaries, integrated with wide range of centralized data sources. 
  • It eases the loan application and disbursement process as the applicant can upload his application and the rule engine for approval of the applications is inbuilt.
  • Applicant can apply for a loan on the portal which is available on 24/7 basis.
  • It provides a single-window facility for 15 Credit-linked Central Government Schemes application submissions and 254 Member Lending Institutions (including all Public Sector Banks) to choose from.
  • The portal will check eligibility, give in-principle sanction and send the application to the selected Bank branch.
  • It will also keep the beneficiaries updated at each stage of the journey, without necessitating multiple physical visits to bank branches.
  • It is available in 8 different languages catering to the credit needs of diverse range of beneficiaries. 
  • It has a dedicated grievance redressal channel for both beneficiaries and Banks.

About PM e-Drive scheme:

• The PM E-DRIVE (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme is a flagship initiative launched in 2024.
• Its primary aim is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), establish charging infrastructure, and build a robust EV manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
• The key objective is to speed up the transition to EVs by offering upfront incentives for EV purchases and encouraging the development of charging infrastructure. 
• The PM E-DRIVE scheme to be implemented through the following key components:
  • Subsidies: Demand incentives to be provided for electric vehicles such as e-2 wheelers (e-2W), e-3 wheelers (e-3W), e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging categories of EVs.
  • Grants for creation of capital assets: Funding to be provided for the acquisition of electric buses (e-buses), the establishment of a comprehensive network of charging stations, and the upgrading testing facilities of the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).
  • Administration of the Scheme including IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities and fee for project management agency (PMA).
• Under this, states are encouraged to offer additional fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, such as road tax waivers, reduced toll and parking fees, and permit exemptions, to further promote EV adoption. 
• The scheme will be overseen by an inter-ministerial body, the Project Implementation and Sanctioning Committee (PISC), chaired by the Secretary of Heavy Industries.
  • The PISC will be responsible for monitoring progress and ensuring the scheme’s successful rollout.
  • It will also have the authority to address any challenges, including revising incentives, increasing the number of e-buses, and approving guidelines for testing agencies.
• To qualify for the PM E-DRIVE incentives, vehicles must be registered as “Motor Vehicles” under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) and equipped with advanced battery technology.

About Bhavasagara Referral Centre:

• It is designated as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna.
• It was conferred under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• It establishes the Centre as a critical national facility for the preservation, study, and documentation of India's vast deep-sea biological heritage.
• It currently serves as a vital scientific hub, housing an extensive collection various taxonomically identified and geo-referenced voucher specimens.
• The collection spans a diverse range of marine life, from invertebrates—including cnidarians, annelids, molluscs, arthropods, and echinoderms—to vertebrates such as elasmobranchs and teleostean fishes.
• Under the Biological Diversity Act, the Repository is authorized to:
  • Maintain Secure Custody: Preserve representative biological samples as voucher specimens along with critical associated data, such as DNA sequences, for future scientific reference.
  • Hold Type Specimens: Act as the official custodian for any new deep-sea species discovered within Indian waters.
  • Capacity Building: Foster expertise in deep-sea taxonomy, aligning with the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).

About Agray- Anti submarine warfare shallow water craft:

• It is the fourth of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft.
• It is indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• It is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Agray, the fourth of the 1241 PE Class of Patrol Vessels, decommissioned in 2017.
• The ASW SWCs have been designed and constructed by GRSE in compliance with the classification standards of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

Features of Agray- Anti submarine warfare shallow water craft:

• Propulsion:Waterjet propulsion—the largest Indian naval warships to use this technology
• Armament:
• It is the largest Indian Naval warships propelled by waterjets.
• It is equipped with state-of-the-art Lightweight Torpedoes, Indigenous Rocket Launchers and shallow water SONAR, enabling effective detection.
• Sensors:Advanced shallow water SONAR systems
• Significance: The induction of the ship will further augment the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine and mine-warfare capabilities, as well as coastal surveillance.

About 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste Initiative:

• It is an initiative led by the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste, with support from UN-Habitat and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
• It highlights cities demonstrating ambitious and innovative approaches to reducing waste, advancing circular economy solutions, and building more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban systems.
• It aims to:
  • Recognize city leadership and innovation
  • Promote exchange of good practices and lessons learned
  • Inspire other cities to accelerate their transition toward zero waste
  • Support implementation of circular economy approaches at the local level

Key Facts about United Nations Environment Programme

• It is the leading global authority on the environment.
• It was founded in 1972 after a UN General Assembly resolution.
• Mandate: It was conceived to monitor the state of the environment and coordinate responses to the world’s greatest environmental challenges. 
• Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya.
• Functions
  • It develops and supports global environmental treaties, such as the CBD, CITES, and Minamata Convention.
  • Hosts secretariats of major environmental conventions and supports the negotiation of new environmental agreements.
  • It publishes authoritative research and assessments, including the Global Environment Outlook and Emissions Gap Report.
  • It supports developing countries with environmental capacity building, funding, and technical assistance.

About Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species:

• It is also known as the Bonn Convention.
• It is an environmental treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme.
• It provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. 
• It was signed in Bonn, Germany, on 23 June 1979.
• It is the only global and UN-based intergovernmental organisation established exclusively for the conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range.
• The parties to the convention acknowledge the importance of conserving migratory species, and the need to pay special attention to species whose conservation status is unfavourable.
• Activities by CMS Parties may range from legally binding treaties (called Agreements) to less formal instruments, such as Memoranda of Understanding.
• The Conference of Parties (COP) is the decision-making organ of this convention. 
• It has two Appendices. 
  • Appendix I lists endangered migratory species and includes prohibitions regarding the take of these species.
  • Appendix II lists species that have an ‘unfavourable conservation status’ (as per the conditions set out in the Convention) and encourages range states to draft range-wide agreements for conservation and management of these species.

About Solar Radio Burst:

• It is defined as an intense solar radio emission associated with solar flares.
• Origin: These are observed in radio wavelengths most frequently during solar transients, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and flares.
• SRBs are direct signatures of accelerated electrons in the solar atmosphere.
• These are observed across a wide range of wavelengths, from millimetres to kilometres, corresponding to frequencies from the GHz to the kHz range.
  • Observations at short wavelengths correspond to distances close to the solar surface, while those at long wavelengths correspond to the large distances from the Sun.
• Types: Considering the morphological characteristics, five main categories of solar radio bursts can be distinguished: Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, and Type V.
• Impacts:
  • These solar transients have a direct impact on the near-Earth atmosphere.
  • It can interfere with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals by reducing signal-to-noise ratio and causing loss of lock.

About Shyamji Krishna Varma:

• Shyamji Krishna Varma was born on 4th October, 1857 in Mandvi town of Kachchh district of Gujarat.
• He was an Indian freedom fighter, lawyer and journalist.
• He became the first President of Bombay Arya Samaj and was an admirer of Dayanand Saraswati.
• Contributions
  • Indian Home Rule Society (IHRS):
    • It was founded by Shyamji Krishna Varma, with support from Bhikaji Cama, Dadabhai Naoroji and S.R. Rana.
    • It was an Indian organisation founded in London in 1905 that sought to promote the cause of self-rule in British India.
  • India House:
    • It was founded by him in London.
    • It was a student residence that existed between 1905 and 1910 which was opened to promote nationalist views among Indian students in Britain.
  • Indian Sociologist: It was started by him in London. The monthly Indian Sociologist became an outlet for nationalist ideas

About Bab el-Mandeb Strait:

• It is also known as the “Gate of Tears” in Arabic, referring to the large number of shipwrecks that have occurred in this region. 
• Location: It lies at the southern tip of the Red Sea, between Yemen and the Horn of Africa. It connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and further to the Indian Ocean.
• It also separates Arabia, in the northeast, from the African continent, in the southwest.
• It further acts as a link between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
  • The strait is divided into two channels by the Yemeni island of Perim, with the eastern channel being called Alexander’s Strait, while the western-lying Dact-el-Mayun Channel.
• Significance: It is a crucial link in the trade route connecting the Mediterranean to Asia.
  • Ships transporting goods between Europe and Asia, as well as Middle Eastern oil bound for Europe and North America, pass through it when using Egypt’s Suez Canal.

About Indonesia:

• Location: It is an archipelagic nation located off the Southeast Asian mainland in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
• Bordering countries: It is bordered by Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste.
• Maritime Border: It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean in the south; by the Pacific Ocean (South China Sea) in the north.
• Capital City: Jakarta
• Geographical Features of Indonesia:
  • Terrain: The major Indonesian islands are characterized by densely forested volcanic mountains in the interior that slope downward to coastal plains covered by thick alluvial swamps 
  • Climate: The climate of Indonesia is almost everywhere equatorial, ie hot, humid and rainy throughout the year
  • Rivers: Main Rivers are Kapuas, Barito, Musi, and Digul.
  • Highest Peak: Puncak Jaya 16,502 ft (5,030 m)
  • Natural Resources: It is dominated by natural gas and crude petroleum. Other major mineral exports include coal, nickel, bauxite, gold, tin, and copper.

About E-commerce Moratorium:

• It is a global agreement among World Trade Organization members.
• It bans customs duties being applied to electronic transmissions such as digital downloads and streaming.
• It was first ‌adopted in 1998 at the WTO’s Second Ministerial Conference in ​Geneva as part of a declaration to encourage early digital ⁠trade growth.
• It covers cross-border transmissions such as software downloads, e-books, music and movie streaming and video games.
• It was originally intended to be temporary, the tariff moratorium has been renewed ‌roughly every two years at each WTO ministerial conference.
• It was most recently extended for two years at the 13th conference ‌in 2024.
• It is set to expire this month at ‌the ⁠14th WTO ministerial conference in Yaounde, Cameroon
• India argues that:
  • It may lead to significant revenue loss.
  • It restricts policy space in the digital economy. 
  • Developing countries lack the technological capacity to benefit equally.

About Balirajgarh site:

• Location: It is located in the Madhubani district of Bihar.
• It holds great mythological and historical significance, with local folklore identifying it as the capital of the legendary King Bali.
• It is believed that this site served as a major administrative hub of the ancient Videha Kingdom.
• In 1938 Archeological Survey of India declared the site of national importance under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904.
• Previous Excavation: it has been excavated in five phases from 1962 to 2014.
• During excavation antiquities of five phases of cultural periods, namely Northern Black soil, Sunga, Kushan,Gupta and later Pala period were discovered. 

What is Archaeological Survey of India?

• It is a premier organisation for archaeological research and protection of the tangible heritage of the nation. 
• It was established in 1861 by Sir Alexander Cunningham, with its headquarters in New Delhi. 
• After independence, it was established as a statutory body under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act).
• Functions:
  • It maintains ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance. 
  • It regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the AMASR Act. 
  • It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture, Government of India

About IONS Maritime Exercise (IMEX):

• It focused on non-traditional maritime security threats and complex operational scenarios.
• It aimed to improve coordination among participating navies through better information sharing, streamlined decision-making processes and validation of maritime security frameworks.
• Participating Countries: Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Timor-Leste
• Significance: It reaffirmed the role of IONS as a key platform for regional maritime cooperation and is expected to contribute to strengthening security mechanisms and ensuring stability across the Indian Ocean Region.

What is Indian Ocean Naval Symposium?

• It is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
• It promotes maritime cooperation, mutual understanding, and collaboration on issues such as maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
• It was conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008.
• The inaugural edition of IONS was held in Feb 2008 at New Delhi, with the Indian Navy as the Chair for two years (2008–2010). 
• IONS is structured around a rotating chairmanship, biennial conclaves of chiefs, and working groups.

About National Company Law Appellate Tribunal:

• It is a quasi-judicial body constituted under the Companies Act, 2013.
• It was established to hear appeals against the decisions of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
• Objectives: To promote timely corporate dispute resolution, ensure transparency, and improve efficiency in insolvency and corporate governance matters.
• Functions of NCLAT:
  • It hears appeals against orders of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI). 
  • It hears appeals against orders of the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
  • It hears appeals related to the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).
  • It giving advisory opinions when legal issues are referred by the President of India
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Composition: It includes a Chairperson, along with Judicial and Technical Members, all appointed by the Central Government based on expertise in law, finance, accountancy, and administration.
• Powers and Procedure:
  • NCLAT can regulate its own procedure and possesses powers equivalent to a civil court under the Civil Procedure Code, 1908.
  • It can summon witnesses, receive affidavits, enforce production of documents, and issue commissions.
  • Orders passed by NCLAT are enforceable like civil court decrees.
  • Appeals against NCLAT orders can be filed in the Supreme Court of India.
  • Civil courts have no jurisdiction over matters within the purview of NCLAT.
  • No court or authority can grant injunctions against any action taken by NCLAT under its legal authority.
• Timely disposal: NCLAT is required to dispose of appeals within six months from the date of receipt to ensure swift resolution.

About Extracellular RNA:

• The exRNA is RNA that exists outside cells.
• It is found in body fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. 
• To survive outside the cell, exRNA travels in its own molecular containers that prevent enzymes from breaking it down before it reaches its destination.
• These are heterogenous populations including small (e.g., miRNA) and long non-coding RNAs and coding RNAs (e.g., mRNA).
• Functions:
  • It has been found to be part of a sophisticated long-distance communication system, allowing cells to deliver instructions to other cells, influencing behavior and gene activation.
  • It helps coordinate responses in the immune system, tissue repair, and development.
• Medical significance:
  • It enables diagnosis of diseases like cancer and heart disease through RNA pattern testing in body fluids
  • It has potential for early detection and monitoring

About Jungle cat:

• The Jungle cat (Felis chaus) is a medium-sized cat.
• Its name comes from the Caucasus Mountains, the place this cat was first discovered. 
• Other names: Swamp Cat, Reed Cat
• Appearance
  • It is long-legged and is the largest of the extant Felis species. Females tend to be smaller and lighter than males.
  • It has a white muzzle, yellow irises, large ears ending in black tufts, and the sometimes faint striping on its long legs.
• Habitat: These are found across diverse habitats, from grasslands and wetlands to deserts.
• Distribution: They’re present across Asia, with large populations in India and Nepal.
  • It is also found in Egypt, and throughout southwest Asia, southeast Asia, and Central Asia, extending its range as far as the south of China. 
• It avoids dense forests and heavily-modified landscapes, preferring agro-pastoral and open habitats.
• It is not nocturnal and does much of its hunting in the early mornings and late afternoons.
• Diet: It is carnivorous creatures and mostly prey on rodents, lizards, frogs, snakes and livestock.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List: Least concern’.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule II

About Satpura Tiger Reserve:

• Location: It is located in Madhya Pradesh.
• It is situated in the Satpura ranges of the Central Indian Landscape.
• It lies south of the river Narmada.
• The tiger reserve comprises three protected areas, Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pachmarhi Sanctuary.
• Terrain: The terrain here is extremely rugged and consists of sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, ravines, and dense forests.
• Geological formations include the Deccan trap series, Gondwanas, and metamorphic rocks.
• Vegetation: It mainly consists of mixed deciduous forest with a variety of flora typical of the Central Indian Highlands.
• Flora: It includes 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 tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaurs (bison), and sambar deer.

About G7 Group:

• The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies.
• It was founded in 1975 in response to the oil crisis. 
• Members: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • Russia was member from 1998, the group temporarily became the G8.
  • In 2014, the group returned to the G7 format. 
• The G7 originally dealt exclusively with issues related to the development of the global economy. 
• It now covers the entire spectrum of global issues, such as foreign and security policy, trade, climate, and development.
• Governance
  • There is no firmly established secretariat, procedural guidelines, or administrative structures. 
  • Its presidency rotates each calendar year among the member states. The EU does not hold the rotating presidency of the G7.
  • The changing agenda and thematic priorities of the G7 are determined by the respective presidency. 
  • Decisions are usually taken by consensus.

About Nyctibatrachus kali:

• It is more commonly called 'Kali Night Frog’.
• It was found in the Kali Tiger Reserve in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.
• It was named after the nearby Kali River (the reserve is also named after the river which flows through it).
• The new frog species is known to be a 'cryptic' one, which has similarities with the 'Kumbara Night Frog' (Nyctibatrachus kumbara) discovered in 2014.
• Its sound resembles that of wood-chopping in the forest.

Key Facts about Kali Tiger Reserve

• It is situated in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.
• It is composed of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park.
• River: The Kali River, which forms the major source of water for Uttara Kannada, flows through the tiger reserve.
• Vegetation: It is a blend of semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests, interspersed with patches of bamboo and grasslands.
• Flora: It features species like teak, silver oak, eucalyptus, and various medicinal plants.
• Fauna: Animals found in the Tiger Reserve include Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Bison, Wild dog, Sambar, Spotted deer.

About Zojila Pass:

• Zojila Pass, also known as ‘The Mountain Pass of Blizzards’, is a high mountain pass located in the Kargil district of Ladakh.
• It is located on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway (NH-1).
• It lies in the Greater Himalayan Range.

What is Avalanche?

• It is a large amount of snow that quickly moves down a slope. 
• It can be deadly because it will bury or sweep away anything in its path. 
• Many different conditions make an avalanche possible. 
  • An avalanche is more likely to happen on a slope without trees or large rocks. These things help to keep snow in place. 
  • A weak layer of snow also makes an avalanche likely.

About Shigellosis:

• It is an infection caused by the Shigella bacteria.
• It is highly contagious, causes acute diarrhoea, and can affect anyone, but children under five are particularly susceptible.
• It is one of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhoea worldwide.
• Humans are the only natural reservoir of the Shigella bacteria.
• The disease may be more severe in young children, older adults, immune-compromised individuals or malnourished persons.
• Transmission:
  • The infection is transmitted through direct, close contact with infected individuals, through the faecal-oral route and through sexual contact.
  • It can also spread through contaminated food and water or contact with faeces of an infected person.
• Symptoms:
  • The most common symptoms is diarrhoea, which can be bloody, contain mucus and last for a prolonged period of three days or more.
  • Other symptoms include stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and feeling the need to pass stool even when the bowels are empty.
• Treatment: It is typically self-limiting, which means in most mild cases.
• Medicines, including antibiotics may be prescribed for a serious infection.

About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar:

• It is a prestigious national award recognizing outstanding contributions in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
• The RVP seeks to honour scientists, technologists, and innovators whose work has significantly advanced India’s scientific landscape and contributed to national development.
• Eligibility: 
  • Scientists/technologists/innovators working in government or private sector organizations or any individual working outside any organization, who have made distinguished contributions in terms of path-breaking research or innovation or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology-led innovation shall be eligible for the awards. 
  • People of Indian Origin staying abroad with exceptional contributions benefiting the Indian communities or society shall also be eligible for the awards.
• The awards will be presented in four categories:
  • Vigyan Ratna (VR): For lifetime achievements in science and technology.
  • Vigyan Shri (VS): For distinguished contributions in the field.
  • Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): To encourage young scientists (up to 45 years) showing exceptional promise.
  • Vigyan Team (VT): For collaborative excellence by research teams of three or more members.
• The awards are administered by the RVP Secretariat, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.

About Earth Hour:

• It is a global grassroots movement uniting people to take action on environmental issues and protect the planet.
• It is organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
• Background: It started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007as a symbolic lights-out event and has since grown into a global movement involving millions of people in over 190 countries and territories.
• It takes place towards the end of March every year.
• Participation: “Earth Hour” encourages people to switch off all lights for an hour, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, to promote awareness of climate change challenges and energy conservation.
• Governments and companies also participate by turning off non-essential lights in their buildings, monuments, and landmarks to raise awareness about the impact of energy consumption on our planet.
• This symbolic act, known as the ‘lights off’ moment, unites people worldwide in a show of support for the planet and serves as a reminder of the environmental issues facing us.

About Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile:

• It is a European-designed short-range air-to-air missile built by the multinational company MBDA.
• Features
  • The ASRAAM uses heat-seeking technology and is optimised for close-in dogfights.
  • It operates on a fire-and-forget principle, which means once launched; the missile guides itself to the target without further input from the pilot.
  • Speed: It reaches speeds in excess of Mach 3, can engage fast-moving fighter aircraft at ranges greater than 25 kilometres and delivers pinpoint accuracy. 
  • The technology features a Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) capability, allowing the pilot to fire the weapon before the seeker even sees the target. 
  • It has already been integrated on the indigenous LCA Tejas and Jaguar aircraft.
  • The weapon is highly manoeuvrable, capable of pulling extreme G-forces to track rapidly turning fighter jets.
    • Once fired, its aerodynamic design and powerful rocket motor ensure it maintains high energy throughout its flight path.

About Red-crowned Roofed Turtle:

• It is a species of freshwater turtle endemic to South Asia.
• It is one of the three large freshwater species in the genus Batagur found in India.
• Distribution
  • It is native to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
  • Historically, the species was widespread in the Ganga River, both in India and Bangladesh.
  • It also occurs in the Brahmaputra basin.
• Features of Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle:
  • In comparison to their female counterparts, the males are shorter and reach only half their length. 
  • They have a reddish-orange colored headwith a black crown and a greenish-brown carapace (upper shell) with yellowish patterns. 
  • Their plastron (lower shell) is yellow with black markings. 
  • Diet: It is omnivorousand feeds on a variety of plants and animals.
  • It functions as a bio-indicator of river health.
  • It contributes to the cycling of nutrients within the river, which is essential for the overall health of the aquatic environment. 
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Critically Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix II
  • Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule I
• Threats: Rampant harvest of adults and eggs, illegal trade, habitat degradation

About Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council:

• It is an Apex Autonomous Body established as a registered Society.
• It was formed by subsuming 14 Autonomous Institutes of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). 
• BRIC aims to provide a centralized and unified governance mechanism for the administration of its research institutions through intra-mural core grants.
• It emphasizes multi-disciplinary research support from basic discovery to application in areas of strength within the DBT institutions.
• BRIC seeks to nurture the next generation of scientific leaders by enabling the pursuit of knowledge and innovation in globally competitive and nationally relevant ecosystems.
• The objectives of BRIC are:
  • Promoting cutting-edge research in biotechnology aligned with national priorities
  • Fostering innovation and translation across institutional boundaries
  • Developing indigenous technologies and capabilities in line with the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Science and Technology

About Euthalia zubeengargi:

• It is a butterfly species that was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Habitat: It is found in semi-evergreen forests.
• It belongs to the genus Euthalia, a group commonly found across South and Southeast Asia.
• Appearance: Members of this group are typically seen in forested habitats and are known for their earthy brown wings marked with pale spots.
• It prefers cool, shaded forest interiors.
• The butterfly rests on low vegetation, feeding on tree sap and occasionally gathering minerals from damp surfaces near streams.
• It appears to be active mainly from late morning to early afternoon, making short, slow flights between nearby plants
• Euthalia zubeengargi is one of more than 80 species from this group recorded in India’s northeastern region.
• Ecological Significance of butterfly: These are valuable indicators of the environment, whose health can influence their presence, abundance, and diversity.

About Coffee:

• It is a tropical plant generally grown under shady trees.
• Types of Coffee: Robusta and Arabica
• Major Coffee growing states: It is largely cultivated in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, among which, Karnataka produces the most with over 70% of the total output.
• Europe is the top destination for India’s coffee exports.
• The major countries which import the commodity from India include Italy, Germany, Belgium, Middle East nations, Korea, and Japan.
• Required Climatic Conditions for Coffee Cultivation
  • It is grown on hill slopes at elevations from 600 to 1,600 metres above sea level.
  • Climate: It requires a hot and humid climate for its growth.
  • Temperature: 15°C and 28 °C
  • Rainfall: It requires 150 to 250 cm of rainfall.
  • Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil containing a good deal of humus and minerals like iron and calcium are ideal for coffee cultivation.
  • Dry weather is necessary at the time of ripening of the berries.

About Keelback Snake:

• Keelback snakes are typically non-venomous.
• Habitat: These are often found near water bodies such as streams and wetlands.
• Habitat: They are found in moist localities within wet and dry forest environments.
• Diet: Frogs, lizards and occasionally fish and tadpoles
• Features:
  • One of the most distinctive features of keelback snakes is their “keeled” scales.
  • Each scale has a raised ridge running down its center, giving the snake’s skin a noticeably rough and textured feel.
  • The keeled surface not only gives keelbacks a more rugged appearance but also helps with camouflage,
  • As the texture can break up light reflections and allow them to blend more effectively into natural surroundings like leaf litter, mud, and wetland vegetation.
• Ecological Significance: Their presence is considered an indicator of healthy ecosystems, particularly in forested and riparian habitats.

About Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: It is located in Andhra Pradesh.
• It is part of the Godavari estuary, where the Coringa river confluences into the Bay of Bengal.
• It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1978.
• Vegetation: It has extensive mangrove and dry deciduous tropical forests. It is the second-largest stretch of mangrove forests in India.
• Flora: Mangrove plants like Rhizophora spp, Avicennia spp, Sonnertia spp, etc; grow here.
• Fauna: It is home to endangered mammals like Smooth Indian otter, Fishing cat, Jackal, etc. Mangroves offer excellent habitat for birds like Black capped kingfisher, Brahminy kite, Sea gulls, Reef heron, Sand piper, etc.
• The sea coast of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a breeding ground for Olive ridley turtles.

Key Facts about Olive Ridley Turtles:

• It gets its name from the olive green colouration of its carapace (shell).
• It is best known for its unique mass nesting, called Arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs.
• Distribution of Olive Ridley Turtle
  • They are mainly found in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans.
  • Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is known as the world’s largest rookery (a colony of breeding animals) of sea turtles.
  • Conservation Status of Olive Ridley Turtle
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1

About Waste Foundry Sand:

• It is a byproduct from the production of both ferrous and nonferrous metal castings.
• It is high quality silica sand.
• The physical and chemical characteristics of foundry sand depend upon the type of casting process and the type of industries.
• Classification of foundry sands depends upon the type of binder systems used in metal casting.
• Two types of binder systems are generally used, and on the basis of that foundry sands are categorized as: clay-bonded sands (green sand) and chemically bonded sands.
• Waste Foundry Sand poses environmental challenges due to its large-scale generation and disposal requirements.
• Significance: Its reuse aligns with national priorities on resource efficiency, waste minimization, and sustainable development.

About Rural Self Employment Training Institutes:

• The Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) are empowering rural youth through skill development and entrepreneurship promotion.
• RSETIs have emerged as key institutions with a wide national outreach, providing free residential training and facilitating sustainable livelihoods for rural youth.
• These are functioning through a unique partnership between banks and government,
• One RSETI is established in every district in the country. Concerned bank is the lead bank in the district takes responsibility for creating and managing it.
• Eligibility: RSETIs provide short-duration, practical, and residential training programs for unemployed rural youth aged 18–50 years.
• The institutes offer 73 NSQF-aligned courses across sectors such as: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Services and Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDPs)
• These institutes not only impart skills but also ensure post-training support through handholding and credit linkage.
• Recognition of RSETI trainees: Certificates issued by an RSETI will be recognised by all banks for purposes of extending credit to the trainees.

About Steppe Eagle:

• It is a member of the subfamily Aquilinae, also known as the "booted eagles".
• Appearance: The Steppe eagle is a large, bulky, and robust-looking eagle. It is mainly dark brown in color with a longish but very thick neck and a relatively small head.
• Habitat: It is found in steppe, desert, semi-desert, open savanna, pastures, agricultural fields, paddy fields, grassland, and open woodland.
• Distribution: It is mainly found in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• It is a specialized predator of ground squirrels on the breeding ground.
• It is the only eagle to nest primarily on the ground.
• It mainly breeds in central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia, it undertakes an annual southward migration as temperatures drop. 
• Diet: Steppe eagles are carnivores and prey mainly on small-sized mammals, with some birds (such as queleas) and reptiles and 
• Threats: The major threats to the Steppe eagle include habitat loss, persecution, wildfires, predation (and trampling by cattle) of chicks.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered

About P8I Aircraft:

• P-8I Poseidon is a long-range, multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft.
• It is manufactured by Boeing (a U.S. aerospace company) for the Indian Navy. 
• It replaced the ageing fleet of the Indian Navy’s Tupolev Tu-142 aircraft.
• The P-8I Poseidon flown by the Indian Navy is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon used by the United States Navy.
• Features of P8I Aircraft:
  • It has advanced sensors, weapons systems, and long-range capabilities enable it to detect and respond to a wide range of threats, from submarines and surface vessels to environmental challenges. 
  • It can conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (AsuW), intelligence, maritime patrol, and surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
  • Carrying Capacity: The maximum take-off gross weight of the P-8I is 85,139 kg.
  • Speed: It can fly at a maximum speed of 789 km/h. 
  • It has a maximum range of over 2,222 kilometres with a time on station of four hours.

About SWOT Satellite:

• The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite was launched in 2022.
• It is a joint mission of NASA and CNES (French Space Agency).
• Objective: Satellite will collect detailed measurements of how water bodies on Earth change over time.
• Features SWOT Satellite:
  • It uses a specialised instrument called the Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) to measure the height, width, and elevation of surface water bodies such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and oceans.
  • SWOT offers high spatial resolution by bouncing microwaves off water surfaces and calculating return time, allowing dynamic water movement tracking.
  • The satellite covers over 55% of large-scale global floods during their lifecycle through frequent Earth orbits.
  • The satellite circles Earth and can scan about 90 per cent of the planet every 21 days
• Functions of SWOT Satellite:
  • It is equipped to observe the entire length of nearly all rivers wider than 330 feet and more than 1 million lakes and reservoirs larger than 5 acres.
  • It will precisely measure fine differences in surface elevations around smaller currents and eddies, where much the oceans’ drawdown of heat and carbon is believed to occur.

About Central Consumer Protection Authority:

• It was established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 replaced the 1986 Act.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
• Functions and Powers of CCPA:
  • The CCPA protects, promotes, and enforces the rights of consumers as a class under the Act.
  • It prevents unfair trade practices and curbs false or misleading advertisements.
  • It ensures that no one publishes or disseminates false or misleading advertisements.
  • It can initiate class-action suits, including recall, refunds, and cancellation of licenses, when necessary.
  • The CCPA can conduct inquiries and investigations through its Investigation Wing, headed by a Director-General.
  • It can order the discontinuation of unfair practices, impose penalties on errant businesses, and enforce consumer welfare measures.
• Composition of CCPA:
  • A Chief Commissioner heads the CCPA and has two other commissioners:
  • One commissioner deals with goods-related issues.
  • The other commissioner handles service-related complaints.