10^th January 2026

1. Bacterial Shell Protein: Recently, scientists from India reported a breakthrough discovery in which a naturally occurring bacterial shell protein was found to behave like a light-driven semiconductor.

• Key Findings: The research offers a sustainable alternative to silicon-based electronics, addressing rigidity, high-energy processing, and e-waste issues.

• The protein naturally forms stable, flat 2D sheets with intrinsic electron density patterns.
• When exposed to UV light, these protein sheets generate electrical current without dyes, metals, or external power. The material acts as a light-driven, scaffold-free semiconductor, similar to conventional electronic materials.
• Tyrosine amino acids in the protein release electrons upon light excitation, enabling charge movement.
• The photoelectric effect depends on the ordered internal structure of the protein sheets.
• Disordered or unfolded proteins do not show semiconductor behaviour, confirming structure-specific functionality.
• Potential applications include wearable health monitors, UV-detection patches, implantable medical sensors, and biodegradable environmental sensors.
• The protein-based material is flexible, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly.
• Enables low-energy, genetically tunable fabrication of light-sensitive electronic materials.
• Marks a significant step toward safe, sustainable, and next-generation bio-electronic technologies.

2. Childhood Hypertension: Recently, childhood hypertension has emerged as a major paediatric health concern, with increasing detection among children and adolescents.

• Key Findings: A The Lancet systematic review shows that hypertension prevalence in under-19 age group nearly doubled between 2000–2020.

• Rising cases are linked to urbanisation, lifestyle changes, obesity, and reduced physical activity.
• Unlike adults, most childhood hypertension is secondary, often caused by kidney, adrenal or vascular disorders.
• This necessitates detailed clinical evaluation, not just lifestyle advice.
• Key Risk Factors: High intake of processed and salty foods, excessive screen time, and physical inactivity.
  - Noise, air pollution, academic pressure, and lack of play spaces.
  - The strongest modifiable risk factor; abdominal fat and rapid weight gain sharply increase risk.
• Persistent childhood hypertension increases risk of: Coronary heart disease, Stroke, Type-2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
• Untreated high BP can cause irreversible vascular damage early in life.
• Medication may be required in select cases, but lifestyle modification remains the foundation.

3. Beni Greenlet: Recently, scientists confirmed that an olive-toned bird from Bolivia’s Beni savannas, long misclassified, is a distinct species now identified as the Beni greenlet.
   

• About Beni Greenlet: Scientific name: Hylophilus moxensis; Genus: Hylophilus

• Family: Muscicapidae
• Physical Characteristics: Small-bodied bird with greenish-grey upper plumage.
  - Paler underside, ranging from light grey to whitish on the throat and belly.
  - Short, rounded wings and a relatively short tail.
  - Entirely dark eyes with little to no visible eye-ring.
  - Subtle light brown-grey patches near the ear region.
• Habitat and Range: Occupies tropical moist lowland forests in northern Bolivia.
• Feeds mainly on insects and small arthropods.
• Conservation status: Not yet evaluated by the IUCN Red List.

4. Nagauri Ashwagandha: Recently, the Centre has conferred a Geographical Indication (GI) tag on Nagauri Ashwagandha, acknowledging its distinct regional origin and superior quality.

• About Nagauri Ashwagandha: This variety is primarily cultivated in Nagaur region of Rajasthan.

• The arid weather and sandy terrain of the area provide optimal growing conditions.
• It produces robust and elongated roots containing high levels of therapeutic alkaloids.
• The plant bears deep red, glossy berries, widely regarded as a hallmark of premium quality.
• Its starchy, fragile roots make it the most valued Ashwagandha type in dryland ecosystems.
• Scientific name: Withania somnifera.
• A well-known herbal plant of ancient Indian origin.
• Commonly referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry.
• Growing Conditions: Best suited for semi-arid and sub-tropical climates.
• Rainfall requirement: Moderate rainfall between 500–750 mm, usually rain-dependent.
• Temperature range: Can withstand temperatures from 20°C to 38°C.
• Cultivated across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
• Medicinal Importance: Used for centuries in Ayurvedic formulations.
  - Known for its stress-regulating (adaptogenic) properties.
  - Offers multiple health benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects, energy enhancement, anxiety reduction, pain relief, and better sleep quality.

5. International Solar Alliance (ISA): Recently, India reaffirmed its commitment to global solar leadership by announcing that it will continue active engagement with the International Solar Alliance, even as the United States withdrew from the alliance.

• About ISA: A treaty-driven global intergovernmental body dedicated to accelerating solar energy deployment worldwide.

• It was jointly initiated by India and France in 2015 during the COP21 Climate Conference in Paris, with the aim of positioning solar power as a cornerstone for clean energy access and climate mitigation.
• The alliance is headquartered at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram, making it the first international organisation headquartered in India.
• ISA focuses on expanding solar capacity and lowering generation costs by pooling demand for financing, technology, innovation, research support, and skill development.
• It serves as a key platform for international solar collaboration, strengthening energy security and supporting the global shift toward low-carbon energy systems.
  - Under its flagship “Towards 1000” roadmap, ISA seeks to achieve the following by 2030:
  - Mobilise USD 1 trillion in investments for solar-based solutions.
  - Provide clean energy access to one billion people.
  - Enable installation of 1,000 GW of solar power capacity
  - Reduce carbon emissions by one billion tonnes of CO₂ annually through solar adoption.

6. Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Recently, the Ministry of Tourism completed 75 out of 76 projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with a sanctioned outlay of ₹5,290 crore.

• About Swadesh Darshan 2.0 launched to promote sustainable, destination-centric tourism

• Covers Spiritual Tourism, Culture & Heritage, Vibrant Villages, Ecotourism & Amrit Dharohar Sites.
• Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA) approved: Ministry of Tourism to develop 1,000 tribal homestays as a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan.
• PRASHAD Scheme for pilgrimage destinations: 54 projects sanctioned (₹1,726.74 crore); 31 completed.
• Bharat Parv 2025 held at Red Fort, New Delhi, themed “Dekho Apna Desh”, showcasing India’s tourism diversity.
• International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrated at 40 iconic tourist locations nationwide.
• Chalo India Campaign: 1 lakh free e-tourist visas for global diaspora (valid till March 31, 2025).
• India emerging as a global medical tourism hub due to affordable, high-quality healthcare.

7. Defence Research and Development Organisation: Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted a long-duration ground test of a full-scale actively cooled scramjet engine, marking a significant advancement in the country’s Hypersonic Cruise Missile Programme.

• Key Highlights: The long-duration ground test ran for over 12 minutes, a major technological milestone. Testing was conducted at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test (SCPT) Facility, a state-of-the-art indigenous infrastructure.

• This test builds upon the earlier sub-scale long-duration test conducted on 25 April 2025.
• The scramjet combustor and test facility were designed by DRDL and realised with industry partners.
• The achievement validates advanced scramjet combustor design and air-breathing hypersonic propulsion capability.
• Scramjet engines enable supersonic combustion without moving parts, crucial for sustained hypersonic flight.
• India joins an elite group of nations (US, Russia, China) developing advanced hypersonic missile technologies. The development strengthens India’s ability to bypass modern air-defence systems with fast, manoeuvrable weapons.

8. NIDMS: Recently, India strengthened its counter-terrorism framework as the Union Home Minister inaugurated the National IED (Improvised Explosive Device) Data Management System (NIDMS) of the National Security Guard.

• Key Highlights: The launch marks a major step toward building a next-generation digital security shield against terrorism.

• NIDMS will act as a centralised national platform for analysing data related to IEDs and bomb explosions across India. The system will support terrorism investigations, help identify explosion trends, analyse modus operandi, and track types of explosives used.
• NIDMS provides single-click access to explosion-related data previously scattered across multiple case files and departments.
• The database includes records of bomb blast incidents from 1999 onwards, now made accessible to police and security agencies nationwide.
• It will enable inter-linking of incidents based on circuitry, techniques, and patterns, strengthening evidence-based investigations.
• The platform will be accessible to NIA, ATS units, State Police Forces, and all CAPFs, ensuring nationwide operational integration.
• The initiative aligns with the vision of “One Nation, One Data Repository”, treating security data as a shared national asset.

9. Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM): Recently, India is set to showcase its indigenously developed Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM) at the Republic Day parade on January 26, underscoring the nation’s expanding maritime strike and deterrence capabilities.

• About LRAShM: A hypersonic glide missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It employs hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) technology, which differs fundamentally from conventional ballistic missiles.

• The missile is designed primarily for anti-ship warfare, capable of targeting enemy warships and aircraft carrier groups.
• Reports suggest it surpasses comparable systems, including China’s DF-17, in terms of range and technological sophistication.
• Key Features: Equipped with a delta-wing hypersonic glide vehicle, enabling highly adaptive and complex flight manoeuvres.
  - Operational range exceeds 1,500 km, allowing long-distance maritime strikes.
  - Travels at approximately Mach 10, or ten times the speed of sound.
  - Features an advanced radio-frequency (RF) seeker, capable of accurately engaging fast-moving targets at hypersonic speeds.
  - Designed for dual-platform launch, including land-based systems and naval vessels.
  - Capable of carrying multiple payload options, including conventional and nuclear warheads.