GS Paper-3: Science & Technology ⭐ Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) ⭐ Why in News Scientists have recently used Whole-Exome Sequencing to identify a rare genetic disorder. ⭐ Definition & Concept • Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) is a genomic technique that focuses on sequencing only the protein-coding regions of the genome. ⭐ Exons & Exome • Exons are the protein-coding segments of DNA. • They make up less than 2% of the human genome. • However, they account for nearly 85% of diseas

GS Paper-1: Indian Culture ⭐ Baisakhi ⭐ Why in News Baisakhi is being celebrated across Punjab with great enthusiasm, devotion, and a strong sense of community. ⭐ Nature & Significance • Also known as Vaisakhi, it is a major spring harvest festival. • Prominently celebrated in North India, especially among Sikh and Punjabi communities. ⭐ Date & Calendar Basis • Observed on the first day of Vaishakha month as per the Hindu solar calendar. • Usually falls on April 13 or 14. • A

GS Paper-2: Governance & Environmental Initiatives ⭐ Arogya Van ⭐ Why in News NHAI has launched a new initiative called Arogya Van. ⭐ Nature & Concept • Focuses on developing thematic plantations of medicinal trees on unused land along National Highways. ⭐ Objectives • Enhance biodiversity along highway corridors. • Promote medicinal plant species that support: • Pollinators • Birds • Microfauna • Strengthen overall ecosystem resilience. ⭐ Phase I Implementation • Covers 17

GS Paper-2: International Relations & Governance ⭐ Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) ⭐ Why in News The CPA India Region Zone VII Conference was recently inaugurated in Goa by the Lok Sabha Speaker. ⭐ Background & Nature • One of the oldest organisations within the Commonwealth. • Established in 1911. ⭐ Structure & Membership • A membership-based body comprising parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth. • Members share a commitment to: • Rule of law • Democrati

GS Paper-2: Government Policies & Schemes ⭐ Skills Outcomes Fund ⭐ Why in News The Government of India has launched a nationwide initiative to establish the Skills Outcomes Fund . ⭐ Nature & Purpose • A first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at creating livelihood opportunities for youth from low-income backgrounds . ⭐ Financing Model • Seeks to mobilise both public and private investments . • Promotes outcome-based financing in the skilling ecosystem. • Links funding dire

GS Paper-1: Geography 🌍 Angola ⭐ Why in News Angola is emerging as a key alternative source of natural gas for India, reducing dependence on West Asia. ⭐ Location & Boundaries • Located on the southwestern coast of Africa along the Atlantic Ocean. • Shares borders with: • Republic of the Congo (northwest) • Democratic Republic of the Congo (north & northeast) • Zambia (southeast) • Namibia (south) • Also has a maritime boundary along the Atlantic Ocean. ⭐ Capital • Luanda ⭐

GS Paper-3: Environment ⭐ Tar Balls ⭐ Why in News The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued draft guidelines for the management of tar balls. ⭐ Definition & Nature • Tar balls are small, dark, sticky lumps of weathered oil found in marine environments. • They form due to oil spills or natural seepage of petroleum in oceans. ⭐ Formation Process • Originate from the weathering of crude oil in marine conditions. • Ocean currents and waves transpo

GS Paper-2: Polity / Governance ⭐ ECINet Platform ⭐ Why in News The Election Commission of India (ECI) has promoted the use of the “Know Your Candidates” feature available on the ECINet platform to help voters make informed choices. ⭐ Nature & Purpose • ECINet is a unified digital platform developed by the ECI. • Acts as a single-window interface for accessing electoral services and information. ⭐ Target Users • Designed for a wide range of stakeholders, including:

GS Paper-1: Art & Culture ⭐ Rongali Bihu ⭐ Why in News Rongali Bihu celebrations have recently expanded across various parts of Assam . ⭐ About the Festival • Rongali Bihu, also called Bohag Bihu , is one of the most important festivals of Assam . ⭐ Seasonal Significance • Marks the Assamese New Year . • Celebrates the onset of the spring season . ⭐ Meaning of the Name • The word Rongali comes from Rong , meaning joy, festivity, and celebration . ⭐ Cultural Importance

GS Paper-1: Geography ⭐ Earthquake Lights ⭐ Why in News After minor earthquakes in the Aegean Sea region (Turkey–Greece) , unusual glowing lights were observed in the sky, identified by scientists as earthquake lights . ⭐ What are Earthquake Lights? • Luminous phenomena appearing as: • Flashes • Streaks • Glowing spheres • Vertical light beams • These may occur before, during, or shortly after an earthquake . ⭐ Formation Mechanism • Tectonic Movement Earthquakes result fr

GS Paper-2: Governance ⭐ SAMPANN Platform (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) ⭐ Why in News The Government of Goa and the Cochin Port Authority have signed agreements to adopt the SAMPANN platform for modernising pension disbursement. ⭐ About the Platform • A flagship digital platform for pension and financial management. ⭐ Administrative Authority • Managed by the Office of the Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA) under the Department of T

GS Paper-1: Ancient History ⭐ Samrat Samprati ⭐ Why in News The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum in Gujarat. ⭐ Historical Background • Samprati ruled between 224 BCE and 215 BCE as a Mauryan ruler . • He was the grandson of Emperor Ashoka . ⭐ Other Names • Also known as Indrapalit, Sangat, and Vigatashok . ⭐ Religious Contributions • Known for his strong patronage of Jainism . • Promoted the ideals of non-violence(Ahimsa) . ⭐ Literary Re

GS Paper-2: Governance / Schemes ⭐ Jan Samarth Portal ⭐ Why in News Over 41 lakh applications , amounting to more than ₹1.06 lakh crore , have been processed through the Jan Samarth Portal. ⭐ Launch Details • Launched on 6 June 2022 . ⭐ Objectives • Expand the reach of government-sponsored credit schemes . • Simplify and streamline the credit delivery mechanism across stakeholders. ⭐ Stakeholder Access • Accessible to beneficiaries, banks, financial institutions, and go

GS Paper-2: Environment / Biodiversity Governance ⭐ Bhavasagara Referral Centre ⭐ Why in News The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has designated the Bhavasagara Referral Centre (CMLRE) as the National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna . ⭐ Designation and Legal Basis • Recognised as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna . • Designation granted under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 . ⭐ Institutional Role • Acts as a national facility for cons

GS Paper-1: Geography ⭐ Honshu Island ⭐ Why in News A 6.2 magnitude earthquake recently occurred off the eastern coast of Honshu , Japan’s largest island. ⭐ Identity and Location • Honshu (historically called Akitsushima ) is the largest of Japan’s four main islands . • Located between: • Pacific Ocean (east) • Sea of Japan (west) • It is the 7th largest island in the world . ⭐ Major Cities • Hosts several major Japanese cities, including: • Tokyo • Osaka • Hiroshima • Na

GS Paper-3: Science & Technology ⭐ CALM-Brain Initiative ⭐ Why in News Researchers at the Rohini Nilekani Centre for Brain and Mind (a collaboration between NIMHANS and NCBS ) have developed CALM-Brain . ⭐ Nature of the Initiative • A digital repository in India that compiles data on brain structure and function across psychiatric disorders. ⭐ Background • Initiated in 2016 under the Accelerator Program for Discovery in Brain Disorders using Stem Cells . ⭐ Funding •

GS Paper-1: Geography ⭐ Great Salt Lake ⭐ Why in News Researchers from the University of Utah have found that freshwater penetrates deep beneath the Great Salt Lake, saturating rocks and sediments up to 13,000 feet . ⭐ Location and Nature • A saline lake located in northern Utah, USA . • It is the largest inland saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere . • Among the most saline inland water bodies globally . ⭐ Hydrology • Fed by the Bear, Weber, and Jordan rivers . • It

GS Paper-2: International Relations / Trade ⭐ Liberties Clause (Deviation Clause) ⭐ Why in the News Amid rising tensions in West Asia (USA–Israel–Iran region) , major global shipping companies are invoking the Liberties Clause . ⭐ Definition • The Liberties Clause, also called the Deviation Clause , is a standard provision in a Bill of Lading . • A Bill of Lading is a legal contract between the shipper and the carrier . • The clause allows the shipmaster to change the pla

GS Paper-1: Geography ⭐ Litani River ⭐ Why in the News Recent Israeli airstrikes have damaged the Qasmiyah Bridge , a key crossing over the Litani River along Lebanon’s southern coastal highway. ⭐ Location & Importance • The Litani River is one of the major rivers of Lebanon . ⭐ Origin & Course • Originates from a low watershed west of Baalbek . • Flows southwest through the Bekaa Valley , located between the Lebanon and Anti- Lebanon mountain ranges . • Near Marjayoun

GS Paper-3: Economy ⭐ Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS) ⭐ Why in the News The Government has revised the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS) to enhance support for MSME manufacturers and exporters , in line with the Union Budget 2025–26 . ⭐ Objective & Coverage • Provides a 60% credit guarantee through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) to Member Lending Institutions. • Covers loans up to ₹100 crore for eligible MSMEs under the MCGS-MSM