About Antariksh Venture Capital Fund:

• It is a close ended fund registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF).
• Key Investor: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), Department of Space, Government of India.
• The Fund is sponsored by SIDBI Venture Capital Limited.
• The Fund’s investment objective: To provide much-needed capital to companies in the space sector at various stages of development as well as support the scaling of operations and the commercialization of new technologies, empowering the companies to contribute to India’s broader space ambitions.
• It is looking to invest exclusively in Indian companies operating in the Space sector with Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 and above.

Key Facts about Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre

• It is a single-window, independent, nodal agency that functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS). 
• It is formed following the Space sector reforms to enable and facilitate the participation of private players.
• Functions:
  • It is responsible to promote, enable, authorize and supervise various space activities of non-governmental entities (NGEs) including building launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based services; sharing space infrastructure and premises under the control of DOS/ISRO; and establishing of new space infrastructure and facilities.
  • The agency acts as an interface between ISRO and NGEs and assesses how to utilize India’s space resources better and increase space-based activities. 
  • Three Directorates viz., Promotion Directorate (PD), Technical Directorate (TD) and Program Management and Authorization Directorate (PMAD) are carrying out the functions of IN-SPACe.

About YUVIKA Programme:

• YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA) is a learning and awareness creating programme of the ISRO.
• It imparts basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science, and Space Applications to younger students with a preference to rural areas. 
• The programme is aimed at creating awareness about the emerging trends in science and technology amongst the youngsters, who are the future building blocks of our nation.
• It is also expected to encourage more students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based research /career.
• Eligibility:
  • Those who have finished class 8 and are currently studying in class 9 can apply for the programme.
  • Three students from each state/Union Territory will participate in this programme every year, covering CBSE, ICSE, and state-board syllabus.
  • The selection is based on 8th Standard academic performance and extracurricular activities.
  • Students belonging to the rural area have been given special weightage in the selection criteria.
  • In case there is a tie between the selected candidates, the younger candidates will be given priority.
• This programme involves:
  • It is a two-week residential programme offered by ISRO.
  • It will include invited talks, experience sharing by eminent scientists, facility and lab visits, exclusive sessions for discussions with experts and practical and feedback sessions.

About Ammonium Nitrate:

• Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is a crystal-like white solid which is made in large industrial quantities. 
• It is a salt of ammonia and nitric acid.
• Properties of Ammonium Nitrate:
  • It has a melting point of 170°C.
  • It is highly soluble in water; heating of the water solution decomposes the salt to nitrous oxide (laughing gas). 
• Applications:
  • It is commonly used in agriculture as a high-nitrogen fertilizer, and it has also been used as an oxidizing agent in explosives.
  • It is one of the base ingredients used in the manufacture of commercial explosives.
  • It is the main component of slurry explosives used for mining.
• Legal Controls on Ammonium Nitrate in India
  • Under rules introduced in 2012 and updated in 2021, any mixture containing over 45% ammonium nitrate is legally classified as an explosive.
  • A District Magistrate may permit possession of up to 30 metric tonnes, while larger quantities need approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). 
  • PESO issues licences for the manufacture, storage, transport, and use of large quantities of ammonium nitrate.

About Rice's Whale:

• Rice's whales are members of the baleen whale family Balaenopteridae.
• These are most closely related to Bryde’s whales.
• In 2021, the Rice’s whale was recognized as a new species, evolutionarily distinct from other Bryde’s whales around the world.
• Appearance:
  • They have three prominent ridges in front of their blowhole. Their body is sleek, and their pectoral fins are slender and pointed.
  • Rice's whales are uniformly dark gray on top with a pale to pink belly.
• Distribution: It is the only whale species that lives year-round in the Gulf of America.
• Diet: They are mainly dependent on silver-rag driftfish.
• Threats: Vessel strikes, noise pollution, oil spills, and climate change.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

About Samrat Samprati:

• Samrat Samprati (224-215 BC) was a Mauryan ruler.
• He was the grandson of Samrat Ashoka.
• Other Names: He was known as Indrapalit, Sangat and Vigatashok.
• He was known for propagating Jainism and the principle of non-violence.
• His life is described in Jain scripture like ‘Sampratikatha’, ‘Parishistaparva’, and ‘Prabhavakcharita’.
• King Samprati had established centres of Jain culture in Iran and in Arab countries.
• It is said that Samprati, also known as 'Jain Ashoka',built thousands of Jain temples in western and southern India.

Key Facts about Jainism

• Jainism is a sramanic religion. Sramana' is a Sanskrit word that denotes an ascetic or monk.
• Jainism is one of the religions whose origin can be traced back to the twenty four teachers (tirthankaras - ones who establishes a path or ford), through whom their faith is believed to have been handed down.
• The 24th Tirthankara was Vardhamana Mahavira.
• Jainism mainly aims at the attainment of liberation. It can be attained through three principles required to be observed to attain Moksha/Nirvana
  • Samyakdarshana: Right Faith 
  • Samyakjnana: Right Knowledge 
  • Samyakcharita: Right Action 
• The five doctrines of Jainism (five vows), known as Panchamahavratas, are for the monks.
  • Ahimsa: do not commit violence
  • Satya:do not tell a lie
  • Asteya: do not steal
  • Aparigraha: do not hoard
  • Brahmacharya: observe continence.

About E20 Fuel:

• It is a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol.
• Ethanol is a biofuel derived from crops such as sugarcane, maize, and grains.
• Advantages: It offers a higher octane rating and potentially cleaner combustion, making it a more advanced alternative.
• While regular petrol in India typically has an octane rating of around 91 to 92 RON, E20 fuel comes with a minimum rating of 95 RON.
• This higher octane helps in smoother combustion.

What is Ethanol?

• Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a type of alcohol that is commonly used in various applications. 
• Properties: It is a clear, colourless liquid with a characteristic odour and taste. 
• Ethanol has the chemical formula C2H5OH and is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. 
• Pure ethanol is nontoxic and biodegradable, and if spilled, they break down into harmless substances. 
• However, fuel ethanol contains denaturants to make fuel ethanol undrinkable.
• How is ethanol sourced?
  • Ethanol can be produced from various sources, but it is often derived from renewable resources such as crops like corn, sugarcane, barley, and wheat.
  • It can also be produced from cellulosic materials like agricultural residues and wood.

About Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or acute lymphocytic leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells and bone marrow.
• It is a fast-growing cancer. It is the most common type of paediatric cancer.
• Symptoms: Bleeding from the gums, Bone pain, Fever, Frequent infections and Frequent or severe nosebleeds etc.
• Causes: It occurs when a bone marrow cell develops changes (mutations) in its genetic material or DNA. 
• Types of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: The World Health Organization classifies acute lymphoblastic leukemia into two main groups:
  • B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma: Starts in immature cells that ordinarily develop into B-cell lymphocytes. B-cell ALL is the most common subtype.
  • T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia: Starts in immature cells that ordinarily develop into T-cell lymphocytes. T-cell ALL is less common.
• Treatment: It may include chemotherapy or targeted drugs that specifically kill cancer cells.

About Algeria:

• Location: It is located in the Maghreb region of North Africa.
• Bordering countries: It is bordered by seven countries namely Tunisia, Libya, and Niger to the northeast, east, and southeast respectively; Mali, Mauritania, and Western Sahara lie to the southwest. Morocco borders to the west.
• Maritime Border: It has a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea to the north.  
• Capital City: Algiers
• Geographical Features of Algeria:
  • Climate: It mainly consists of Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
  • Major Rivers: Djedi River and Chelif River 
  • Highest Point: Mount Tahat
  • Mountain Ranges: Mountain ranges in Algeria include the Atlas mountains, the Saharan Atlas, the Tell Atlas, the Hoggar Mountains, and the Tassili n' Ajjer mountains.
  • Natural Resources: It has abundant natural resources including oil, gas, solar energy, iron, zinc, lead, silicon, and helium.

About Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme:

• It is operational since 2019.
• It aims to reimburse all embedded State and Central Taxes/Levies for exports of manufactured goods and garments.
• It has been established as a successor for the old “Rebate of State Levies (RoSL) Scheme.
  • The difference between RoSL & RoSCTL Scheme is that under the RoSL Scheme, there was no benefit on the central tax and Levies. But in the RoSCTL scheme, the exporter will get rebate of both State and Central tax and Levies.
• Objective: To compensate for the State and Central Taxes and Levies in addition to the Duty Drawback Scheme on export of apparel/ garments and Made-ups by way of rebate.
• Features of RoSCTL Scheme:
  • The rebate under the Scheme shall be in the form of duty credit scrips.
  • The scrips shall be issued electronically on the Customs system.
  • The duty credit scrips shall be used for payment of Basic Customs Duty on import of goods. These scrips shall be freely transferable.
  • The duty credit available in an e-scrip shall be transferred at a time for the entire amount in the said e-scrip to another person and transfer of the duty credit in part shall not be permitted.
  • Validity of e-scrip: The period of validity of the e-scrip, of one year from its creation, shall not change on account of transfer of the e-scrip.
  • Eligibility: All exporters of garments/Apparel and made-ups manufactured in India are eligible to take benefit under this scheme, except entities/ IECs under the Denied Entity List of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
  • Implementing agency: It is implemented by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

About Snowy owl:

• The Snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large, white owl of the true owl family.
• Habitat: It is mainly live in the Arctic in open, treeless areas called tundra.
  • It can also be found in coastal dunes and prairies, open moorland, meadows, marshes, and agricultural areas.
• Distribution: It is native to Arctic regions in North America and Eurasia.
• Characteristics of Snowy owl:
  • Unlike many other owls, Snowy owls are not nocturnal, and can be seen hunting any time of the day or night.
  • It is a nomadic bird, rarely breeding at the same locations or with the same mates on an annual basis and often not breeding at all if the prey is unavailable.
  • Diet: These are carnivores and feed on a wide variety of small mammals such as lemmings, meadow voles etc.
    • They use a ‘wallop’ hunting method - swooping down and
      snatching prey with their strong talons.
  • Conservation Status
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

About Humpback Whale:

• The Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale.
• It is a rorqual; a member of the family Balaenopteridae.
• Migration: They undertake long migrations between polar feeding grounds in summer and tropical or subtropical breeding grounds in winter. 
• Appearance:
  • It has the distinctive hump on its back.
  • Its long pectoral fins inspired its scientific name, Megaptera, which means “big-winged” 
  • Humpback females are larger than males.
• Distribution: They inhabit all major oceans from sub-polar latitudes to the equator
• Behavior: Humpbacks use a unique method of feeding called bubble netting, in which bubbles are exhaled as the whale swims in a spiral below a patch of water dense with food.
• Diet: They filter their food through baleen plates. They strain krill, anchovies, cod, sardines, mackerel, capelin, and other schooling fish from the waters.
• Lifespan & Reproduction: Humpback whales reach sexual maturity between the ages of 4 and 10 years. Females produce a single calf every 2 to 3 years on average.
• Conservation status:
  • IUCN: Least concern.

About Bio-Bitumen:

• It is made using non-petroleum-based renewable resources and can be made from vegetable oils, synthetic polymers, or both.
• Materials used: Renewable organic materials, such as plant-based oils, agricultural waste, or biomass.
• These materials undergo a special processing method to create a high-quality binder that is similar to traditional bitumen.
• It is an alternative to petroleum-based bitumen that lowers both carbon emissions and import dependency,
• Bio-bitumen production involves multiple steps, depending on the source material used.
• Advantages:
  • Sustainable: It is generated from renewable materials. This makes it a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based bitumen, which is derived from limited resources.
  • Low Carbon Footprint: As it is derived from organic materials that have absorbed carbon dioxide during their development, it often has a lower environmental impact than standard bitumen.
  • Improved environmental performance: It is less toxic and detrimental to the environment than regular bitumen. It contains fewer heavy metals and other hazardous pollutants.
• Applications: It is versatile and may be utilised in a variety of applications, including road paving, roofing, and waterproofing.

About National Assessment and Accreditation Council:

• It was established in 1994 as an autonomous institution of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Its primary objective is to ensure and enhance the quality of higher education through a rigorous accreditation process.
• It conducts assessment and accreditation of Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) such as colleges, universities or other recognised institutions to derive an understanding of the ‘Quality Status’ of the institution. 
• Parameters for Evaluation: NAAC evaluates institutions based on various parameters such as curricular aspects, teaching-learning processes, infrastructure, governance, and innovation. 
• The NAAC functions through its General Council (GC) and Executive Committee (EC), comprising educational administrators, policymakers, and senior academicians from a cross-section of the Indian higher education system.
• Composition: The Chairperson of the UGC is the President of the GC of the NAAC; the Chairperson of the EC is an eminent academician nominated by the President of the GC (NAAC). 
• At present the Assessment and Accreditation by NAAC is done on a voluntary basis.
• Headquarters: Bengaluru.

About Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS):

• Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) are a set of accounting principles notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in 2015.
• These standards are largely converged with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), bringing Indian financial reporting closer to global practices.
• Focus: Ind AS emphasizes a principle-based approach, focusing on fair value measurement, transparency, and enhanced disclosure.
• History:
  • Before the introduction of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS), India followed the Indian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (IGAAP). Indian GAAP was primarily developed by:
  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
  • Provisions under the Companies Act, 1956
  • Indian GAAP comprised 18 accounting standards issued by ICAI, focusing largely on historical cost accounting and legal compliance.

Key Facts about Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India

• It is a statutory body formed under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999 (IRDAI Act 1999), for the overall supervision and development of the insurance sector in India.
• It acts as an autonomous authority under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• The main goals of IRDAI are:
  • To safeguard the interest of the policyholders by fair business conduct and settlement of claims within time.
  • To regulate the business of insurance with transparency, fairness, and honest practice.
  • Facilitating financial prudence of the insurers through solvency and stability checks of insurers.
  • It is responsible for registering and/or licensing insurance, reinsurance companies, and intermediaries according to the regulations. 
  • It sets the eligibility criteria, qualifications, and capital requirements for obtaining licenses in the insurance business.
• Head Office: Hyderabad
• Composition: It consists of a Chairman, five full-time members, and four part-time members, all appointed by the Government of India.

About Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is the second largest sanctuary located in Himachal Pradesh.
• It houses the famous Manimahesh temple, an attraction to thousands of pilgrims despite the difficult terrain and extreme cold conditions.
• It has high-altitude sanctuary between Ravi and Chenab rivers.
• It is surrounded by Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary on South-East direction and Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary on North-West direction.
• Vegetation: Its vegetation consists of Alpine Pasture, Western Mixed Coniferous Forest and Moist Deodar Forest.
• Fauna: It is home to endangered species like the Ibex, Musk deer, Monal snow Cock, Pheasants, Himalayan Tahr, Red vented Bulbul, White Cheeked Bul Bul and so on.
• Flora: The major floras available in the Sanctuary are deodara (Cedrus deodara), kail (Pinus wallichiana), spruce (Picea smithiana), silver fir (Abies pindrow), ban (Quercus semicarpofolia), pink burans (Rhododendron campanulatum), etc.

About eGramSwaraj Portal:

• It was launched in 2020.
• It is an e-governance platform that enhances transparency and efficiency in Panchayati Raj institutions.
• It is developed under the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project and integrated with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
  • PFMS enables real-time payments to vendors and service providers, ensuring seamless fund flow and reducing delays.
• It aims to bring in better transparency and strengthening the e-Governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across the country through decentralized planning, progress reporting and work-based accounting.
• Features of eGramSwaraj Portal:
  • It will assist in enhancing the credibility of Panchayats which would induce greater devolution of funds to PRIs.
  • It encompasses all aspects of Panchayat functioning viz. planning, budgeting, accounting, monitoring, asset management etc. on a single digital platform including online payments.
  • The eGramSwaraj enables Panchayats to prepare and upload their Annual Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) online.
  • It has facilitated digital planning, accounting, monitoring, and online payments at the Panchayat level.
  • It supports decentralized planning, real-time progress reporting, and work-based accounting.
  • The portal empowers Gram Panchayats to manage development projects effectively, ensuring that funds are utilized properly and citizens can access detailed reports on local governance activities.
• Launched by: Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) 

About Sanshodhak Survey Vessel:

• It is the fourth and final Survey Vessel (Large) built under a four-ship project at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata.
• The previous ships of the same class, INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak and INS Ikshak were commissioned.
• The SVL ships are designed and built as per classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata. 
• Role: The ship is capable of full-scale coastal and deep-water Hydrographic survey of port/Harbour approaches and determination of navigational channels/ routes.
• The ship's role also includes collecting oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civil applications.
• Features of Sanshodhak Survey Vessel
  • It is fitted with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment such as Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle, DGPS long-range positioning systems, Digital Side Scan Sonar, etc.
  • Propulsion: It is powered by two diesel engines; the ship can achieve speeds in excess of 18 knots.
  • Sanshodhak has an indigenous content in excess of 80% by cost.

About Sloth Bear:

• Sloth bears are one of the eight bear species found across the world.
• They are myrmecophagous, meaning, they find bugs and termites to be their most sought after meal.
• Appearance:
  • They have long, shaggy dark brown or black fur and curved claws, which are the longest out of any of the bear species.
  • Sloth bears have been called "labiated bears" because of their long lower lip and palate used for sucking insects.
• Habitat: They live in a variety of dry and moist forests and in some tall grasslands, where boulders, scattered shrubs and trees provide shelter.
• Distribution: They mainly inhabit the region of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and presumably Bhutan.
• These bears are mostly nocturnal, foraging for food at night and resting in secluded locations
• Sloth Bear Sanctuaries in India: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Karnataka), Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Gujarat).
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1

About Malwan - Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft:

• It is the second of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
• It has been indigenously designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited.
• It draws its name from the historic coastal town of Malwan in Maharashtra,
• The ship also encapsulates the legacy of the erstwhile INS Malwan, an Indian Naval Minesweeper which remained in service till 2003.
• Features of Malwan - Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
  • Propulsion: It is Waterjets propelled ASW SWCs
  • Armaments: It is equipped with torpedoes, multifunctional anti-submarine rockets, and state-of-the-art sensors including advanced radars and sonar systems.
  • The ship is equipped for underwater surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) along with mine warfare capabilities.
  • It has over 80% indigenous content and marks milestone in indigenous warship construction and reaffirms the Government of India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

About Spain:

• Location: It is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe.
• Land borders: Spain shares its borders with Portugal (to the west), France and Andorra (to the northeast), and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar (to the south).
• Maritime borders: Spain is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea (to the southeast and east), the Bay of Biscay (to the north), and the Atlantic Ocean (to the northwest and southwest).
• Capital City: Madrid
• Geographical Features of Spain:
  • Mountain ranges: The Pyrenees Mountains form a natural barrier between Spain and France.
  • Plateaus: The Meseta Centralis a vast interior plateau, dominating the central part of Spain.
  • Rivers: Spain is traversed by important rivers such as:
    • Ebro River– flows into the Mediterranean.
    • Tagus River– shared with Portugal.
  • Desert feature: Spain hosts the Tabernas Desert in Andalusia, recognized as the only true desert in mainland Europe.
  • Natural Resources: It mainly consists of copper, fluorspar, gypsum, iron ore, kaolin, lead, magnesite, mercury, pyrites, sepiolite, tungsten, uranium, and zinc.