6 April 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

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 Telecommunications.

⭐ Launch Details

• Launched on 29 December 2018.

⭐ Mode of Payment

• Facilitates direct transfer of pension funds into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

⭐ Key Features

➤Digital Infrastructure

• A cloud-based, end-to-end pension management system developed by DoT.

➤Direct Disbursement

• Ensures timely pension payments directly to beneficiaries without intermediaries.

➤Single-Window System

• Provides a unified interface for all stages of pension processing.

GS Paper-3: Energy / Environment

⭐ E20 Fuel

⭐ Why in News

The Central Government has directed fuel stations to supply E20 petrol with a minimum

octane rating of 95 RON.

⭐ Definition

• E20 is a fuel blend consisting of:

• 20% ethanol

• 80% petrol

⭐ Source of Ethanol

• Ethanol used in E20 is a biofuel derived from crops such as:

• Sugarcane

• Maize

• Other grains

⭐ What is Ethanol?

• Also known as ethyl alcohol (C₂H₆O).

• Produced through fermentation and distillation of starch-rich crops.

• Acts as a renewable alternative fuel.

⭐ Advantages of E20 Fuel

➤Higher Octane Rating

• Minimum octane rating of 95 RON.

• Higher than regular petrol in India (~91–92 RON).

➤Improved Combustion

• Leads to smoother and more efficient engine performance.

GS Paper-3: Environment / Biodiversity

⭐ Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)

⭐ Why in News

The snowy owl has recently been granted international protection under the

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS).

⭐ Taxonomy

• Scientifically known as Bubo scandiacus.

• Belongs to the true owl family (Strigidae).

• A large white owl species.

⭐ Habitat

• Primarily found in Arctic tundra regions,

characterised by open and treeless landscapes.

• Also inhabits areas such as:

• Coastal dunes

• Prairies

• Moorlands

⭐ Distribution

• Native to Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia.

⭐ Activity Pattern

• Not strictly nocturnal.

• Active during both day and night.

⭐ Behaviour

• A nomadic species, not breeding in the same location every year.

• May skip breeding seasons if prey availability is low.

⭐ Feeding Habits

• A carnivorous bird.

• Primarily feeds on:

• Lemmings

• Meadow voles