New Research on “sigma (σ) cycle” Model

Indian scientists have played a key role in overturning a nearly five-decade-old model explaining how bacteria regulate gene expression, challenging long-standing textbook concepts in molecular biology. A new study led by researchers from the Bose Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in collaboration with Rutgers University, has questioned the widely accepted “sigma (σ) cycle” model of bacterial gene regulation. The findings were published in Read More …

MeitY Launches 30 kW Wide Band Gap (WBG)–Based Integrated Drive System

An indigenously developed 30 kW Wide Band Gap (WBG)-based Integrated Drive System (IDS) for electric vehicle (EV) applications was launched in Chennai on 2 March, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s power electronics ecosystem. The advanced drive system has been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Lucas TVS under the National Mission on Read More …

India, Canada sign $2.6 bn uranium deal

India and Canada on March 2 signed a landmark $2.6 billion uranium supply agreement, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations and clean energy cooperation. The agreement was signed during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney at Hyderabad House in the national capital. Long-Term Fuel Security for Nuclear Energy The uranium supply deal will ensure a long-term and reliable fuel source for India’s Read More …

Musa sikkimensis

Researchers at Nagaland University have conducted an extensive study on the genetic diversity of Musa sikkimensis, a wild banana species native to the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India, highlighting its importance for climate resilience, food security and sustainable agricultural development. Commonly known as the ‘Darjeeling banana’ or ‘Sikkim banana’, Musa sikkimensis is a wild-seeded species that serves as a vital genetic reservoir. According to the research team, it possesses valuable Read More …

MoD Signs ₹5,083 Crore Defence Deals for ALH Mk-III Helicopters and VL-Shtil Missiles

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two major contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy. ₹2,901 Crore Deal for ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) The MoD has signed a ₹2,901 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III in the Maritime Role (MR) configuration for the Indian Coast Guard. Read More …

SEBI Introduces Life Cycle Funds, Allows Sectoral Debt Schemes

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a new mutual fund category called Life Cycle Funds, while discontinuing the existing Retirement Fund and Children’s Fund categories. Life Cycle Funds SEBI stated that Life Cycle Funds will have: These funds are designed to align investments with different life stages of investors, offering structured long-term financial planning options. Introduction of Sectoral Debt Funds In a significant move, SEBI has Read More …

CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ (FOR ALL EXAMs) 1 & 2 MARCH 2026

MONTHLY COMPILED PDFSs of MCQs with EXPLANATION ARE AVAILABLE. (ONE MONTH PDF: Rs 65) (ONE YEAR PDFS RS 650.) PAY TO 9818187354 through Google Pay or Phone Pe or Paytm. WhatsApp: 9818187354/7428811251. OR CLICK HERE (USEFULL FOR: UPSC, BPSC, JPSC, UPPSC, MPPSC, APPSC, WBPSC, KPSC, HPSC, NDA, CDS, BANKING, ETC..) (COPYING MCQs Prohibited: [email protected]) Question: With reference to Israel and the US attack on Iran in February 2026, consider the Read More …

Gitchak nakana-The first aquifer-dwelling fish recorded from Northeast India

A team of ichthyologists from Europe, America and India has discovered Gitchak nakana, the first aquifer-dwelling (phreatobitic) fish recorded from Northeast India. The finding marks the first report of previously unknown subterranean fauna from this part of Asia. The discovery was published on February 26 in the Nature Portfolio journal Scientific Reports. Key Features of the Species Among the more than 300 known subterranean fish species worldwide, fewer than 10% Read More …

National Science Day 2026

National Science Day was celebrated across the country on February 28 to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by eminent physicist C. V. Raman. The day is observed annually on February 28, commemorating Raman’s groundbreaking discovery, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. National Science Day celebrations include theme-based science communication programmes, exhibitions, lectures, and outreach activities conducted nationwide. Theme for 2026 The theme Read More …

PM Modi Launches Nationwide HPV Vaccination Drive

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 28 February launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign for 14-year-old girls from Ajmer, Rajasthan, marking a historic milestone in India’s fight against cervical cancer. India’s HPV Vaccination Programme India’s national programme uses Gardasil-4 (Quadrivalent: HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18) in a single-dose schedule, aligned with global scientific evidence and WHO recommendations. The campaign will cover girls aged 14 years (those who Read More …

Nine Cheetahs from Botswana Released into Quarantine at Kuno National Park

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on 28 February released nine cheetahs brought from Botswana into quarantine enclosures at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh as part of Project Cheetah. The cheetahs will undergo acclimatisation and health monitoring before being gradually released into the larger landscape. With this addition, India now hosts 48 cheetahs, including 28 India-born cubs, officials said. Strengthening Global Collaboration India had initiated Read More …

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)

A new study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction (March 2026) has warned that the saddle dam of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is showing critical signs of instability, raising concerns over potential geohazard risks for downstream countries. Key Findings Regional Implications Experts warn that a failure of the saddle dam could lead to catastrophic flooding downstream, threatening millions of people in Sudan and Egypt, both Read More …

Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL)

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change chaired the 89th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) in Bhopal. During the meeting, the Standing Committee examined several proposals related to wildlife conservation and development projects situated in and around Protected Areas, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, and Eco-Sensitive Zones. The proposals were evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Read More …

Ichhamati River and Jalangi River

The Government of West Bengal has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with German federal enterprise Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG) to undertake integrated development and restoration of the Ichhamati and Jalangi river basins. The initiative aims to address ecological degradation and strengthen sustainable water management in the upper Ganga delta region of the state. Strategic Importance of the River Systems Read More …