1. Perseverance Rover 

NASA’s Perseverance rover has, for the first time, detected electrical activity in the Martian atmosphere.

About Perseverance Rover

Perseverance, or “Percy,” is a semi-autonomous, car-sized rover developed under NASA’s Mars 2020 Mission.

Landing: It touched down in Jezero Crater in 2021, becoming the first rover to land in an ancient Martian river delta.

Mission Goals:

• Search for signs of ancient microbial life.

• Collect rock and soil samples for potential return to Earth.

• Detect organic compounds, analyze minerals, and map chemical structures of Martian terrain.

• It is the first rover to record audio on Mars and to produce oxygen using the MOXIE instrument.

• Design: Based on the Curiosity rover’s architecture.

• Power: Uses an MMRTG that converts the heat of plutonium decay into electricity.

• Ingenuity Helicopter – Key Facts

• A small autonomous helicopter sent as a technology demonstrator.

• First aircraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet.

• Travels attached to Perseverance and operates using rechargeable solar-powered batteries.

Source : NASA's Perseverance detects lightning on Mars for the first time

2. Ellora Caves 

Historian William Dalrymple has urged Maharashtra to highlight lesser-known heritage spots around Ellora, such as the last Ottoman Caliph’s unused tomb, Malik Ambar’s tomb, early Peshwa sites, and Sufi–Naga traditions.

About Ellora Caves

• Located near Ellora village, Maharashtra; declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

• A spectacular complex of rock-cut temples and monasteries carved into basalt cliffs (6th–10th century CE).

• Represents Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

• Contains sculptures of deities, celestial beings, mythological episodes, royalty, and daily life.

Kailasanatha Temple:

• The grand centerpiece and one of the world's largest monolithic structures.

• Carved from a single rock and features intricate pillars, sculptures, courtyards, and scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

• Buddhist caves house chaityas and viharas; Jain caves are known for detailed carvings of Tirthankaras.

Source : Dalrymple urges Maharashtra government to spotlight unknown treasures at Ellora Caves

3. Thalassemia – Rephrased

Scientists have now tested adenine base editing to correct two severe mutations responsible for β-thalassemia.

About Thalassemia

• A hereditary blood disorder affecting hemoglobin production.

• Low hemoglobin leads to reduced healthy RBCs, causing anemia and poor oxygen delivery.

• Inherited from one or both parents; common in people of Mediterranean, Asian, African, and Middle Eastern origin.

• Severity varies depending on the genetic mutation involved.

Symptoms

• Breathlessness, fatigue, pale skin, feeling cold.

• Severe untreated cases can be fatal.

Treatment

• Regular blood transfusions to maintain healthy RBC levels.

• Chelation therapy to remove excess iron caused by transfusions.

• Stem cell/bone marrow transplant is the only cure but is rarely performed due to risk.

Source : Adenine base editing revs up against two blood disorders

4. SIM Binding –

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Snapchat, and other OTT communication apps to implement SIM binding.

About SIM Binding

• A security process linking a user’s device strictly to their active SIM card.

• Prevents misuse of numbers by fraudsters, spammers, and scammers.

• Ensures authentication is tied to the SIM’s identity and not just the device.

Government Directions

• OTT apps must complete SIM-to-device binding within 90 days.

• Apps should stop working if the SIM is removed, closing a key loophole used by scammers.

• Banking and UPI apps already enforce similar SIM verification.

Source : DoT mandates SIM binding for WhatsApp, Telegram and other OTT apps to check online fraud

5. International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food & Agriculture (ITPGRFA) 

Indian farmers and experts have asked the government to oppose certain proposed expansions to the global plant genetic resources treaty.

About ITPGRFA

• Adopted in 2001 by the FAO; came into force in 2004.

• Only legally binding treaty focused specifically on the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA).

• Enables countries to share genetic material for major food crops.

Objectives

• Conserve and sustainably use PGRFA.

• Ensure fair and equitable benefit-sharing, aligned with the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Multilateral System (MLS)

• Covers 64 major crops and forages.

• Materials shared via a Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA).

• No IPR claims allowed on shared materials.

• Benefit-sharing includes tech transfer, capacity building, knowledge exchange, and financial contributions.

• The Benefit-sharing Fund (BSF) supports developing countries in climate-resilient agriculture and pest management.

Source : Indian farmers, experts urge government to reject expansion of Global Plant Treaty

6. Sahariya Tribe 

A recent death of a Sahariya tribal woman in Madhya Pradesh has brought attention to chronic issues like long queues for urea.

About Sahariya Tribe

• Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

• Known by several names including Seher, Sair, Savar, Saonar, and Sahra.

• Primarily inhabit regions of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Lifestyle & Culture

• Reside in village clusters known as Seharana.

• Houses built with stone slabs (Patore) and mud.

• Speak local dialects, as their original language is lost.

• Celebrate Saharia Swang dance during Holi.

Livelihood

• Forest-based lifestyle; small-scale farming.

• Skilled in producing catechu from khair trees.

Source : In Madhya Pradesh, a tribal woman’s death puts spotlight on unending urea queues

7. Asia Power Index 2025 

India ranks 3rd in the Asia Power Index 2025, with the U.S. and China placing first and second.

About the Index

• Released annually by Australia’s Lowy Institute.

• Measures countries’ ability to shape their external environment using eight parameters:

Military capability

• Defence networks

• Economic capability

• Economic relationships

• Diplomatic influence

• Cultural influence

• Resilience

• Future resources

Highlights

• India ranks 3rd overall and scores particularly well in economic capability and future resources.

• India’s economic and military strengths have increased in this edition.

Source : India secures third rank in Asia Power Index 2025

8. Hansa-3 (NG) Trainer Aircraft 

CSIR–NAL, Bengaluru, has rolled out the production model of the indigenous Hansa-3 (NG) trainer aircraft.

About Hansa-3 (NG)

• India’s first fully indigenous flying trainer.

• Developed by CSIR–NAL under CSIR.

• Equipped with an advanced electronic fuel injection system for optimal performance at varying altitudes.

• Ideal for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training due to low operational costs and fuel efficiency.

Source : Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Unveils Hansa-3 (NG) Trainer Aircraft in Bengaluru

9. Short-Neck Clam 

A stock enhancement programme by ICAR–CMFRI in Ashtamudi Lake shows encouraging recovery of the short-neck clam population.

About Short-Neck Clam

• A valuable edible bivalve mollusk; India’s first MSC-certified marine fishery.

• Major resource in Kerala’s Ashtamudi Lake.

Uses

• Cement production, welding carbide manufacturing.

• Lime for construction, paddy fields, fish farms, and soil neutralization.

Reasons for Decline

• Pollution, invasive species like Charru mussel, climate change, salinity variations, and water temperature shifts.

Source : Ashtamudi clam population shows signs of recovery

10. INS Taragiri 

INS Taragiri, the fourth vessel under Project 17A, has been delivered to the Indian Navy.

About INS Taragiri

• Part of the Nilgiri-class stealth frigates.

• Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL).

• Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB).

• Successor to the earlier Leander-class INS Taragiri.

Features

• Equipped with advanced P17A weapon and sensor systems.

• Propulsion: CODOG configuration powered by diesel engines and gas turbines with Controllable Pitch Propellers.

• Weaponry: BrahMos missiles, MF-STAR radar, MRSAM system, and ASW rockets and torpedoes.

About Project 17A

• Stealth guided-missile frigate programme of the Indian Navy.

• Construction shared between MDL (4 ships) and GRSE (3 ships).

Source : DELIVERY OF ‘TARAGIRI’, THE FOURTH NILGIRI CLASS (PROJECT 17A) INDIGENOUS ADVANCED STEALTH FRIGATE