Prime Minister recently chaired the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog.

• NITI Aayog is a government advisory body (think tank) set up by a Union Cabinet decision. It is not a Constitutional or statutory body.

About Governing Council

• Members: Prime Minister of India (Chairperson); Chief Ministers of all the States and Union Territories with Legislature; Lt Governors of other UTs, etc. 
• Genesis: First constituted in 2015 and reconstituted in 2021.
• Objective: Ensure cooperative federalism and presents a platform to discuss inter- sectoral, inter-departmental and federal issues to accelerate the implementation of the national development agenda.

Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports plans to start massive talent identification drive across the country wherein any citizen can upload videos of a player’s performance on National Sports Repository System (NSRS) portal.

About NSRS Portal

• It is a digital Management Information System (MIS) operated by Sports Authority of India (SAI) under the aegis of Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports 
  • Part of Khelo India – National Programme for Development of Sports Scheme.
• Envisages providing a comprehensive digital solution for all the major stakeholders such as Athletes, Coaches, Sports Scientists, Sports Training Centers, Federations and Administrators.
• Issues a Unique number (KID - Khelo India ID) on registration by Athletes, Coaches and Academies.

IIT Bombay researchers have developed a semi-transparent perovskite solar cell (PSC) with a 25–30% efficiency boost over conventional solar cells, potentially halving costs.

About Semi-Transparent Perovskite Solar Cell

• Structure: It is layered over a traditional silicon-based solar cell, forming a 4-terminal (4T) tandem structure.
• Material and Technology Used: Silicon technology at the bottom sub-cell, while the top sub-cell features an indigenously developed halide perovskite semiconductor.
  • This enables high light absorption and efficient energy conversion.
• Advantages: Perovskite is locally producible with long lifespan, and not reliant on geopolitically sensitive raw materials (unlike those controlled by China).

Chinese scientists have reportedly tested a Rotating Detonation Engine capable of propelling vehicles at hypersonic speeds - over five times the speed of sound.

About Rotating Detonation Engine

• It is a ring-shaped engine where a detonation wave moves in circles, continuously burning a mix of fuel and oxidizer.
• This type of combustion increases pressure and provide better propulsion efficiency than regular gas turbine engines.
• RDEs are also compact, operate at high frequencies, and have no moving parts, making them more efficient and simpler than traditional engines.
• It enables a wide range of military applications including air-to-ground, air-to-air and surface weapons.

ONGC makes promising oil, gas discoveries in Mumbai offshore basin.

• The discoveries named Suryamani and Vajramani have been made in blocks awarded under the OALP regime.
• Mumbai offshore basin is located about 165 km off the west coast of India in the Arabian Sea.

About Open Acerage Licensing Policy (OALP)

• Genesis: Introduced as a part of the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) in 2017.
• Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• Objective: To accelerate the Exploration and Production (E&P) activities.
  • Gives exploration companies the option to select the exploration blocks on their own, without having to wait for the formal bid round from the Government.

Researchers in the US and Japan have discovered that the Arhgap36 gene is responsible for the unique orange fur in cats.

• This finding opens avenues for further research into feline health, behavior, and genetics.

About Arhgap36 Gene

• Found on the X chromosome in mammals, including cats and humans.
• Function: Plays a role in regulating cellular processes, particularly those involving pigmentation, and is active in tissues such as skin, brain, and hormone glands.
  • Orange cats lack a portion in their DNA sequence of this gene, making it stimulating the production of light-colored pigments.

Experts note that despite Moringa's immense nutritional and economic value, farmers in Tamil Nadu have yet to fully capitalize on its business potential.

About Moringa (Moringa oleifera)

• Origin and Distribution: Native to India, Moringa is now widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, and tropical regions of Central America.
• Nickname: Often called “The Miracle Tree” for its wide range of uses, high nutritional value, and medicinal properties.
• Ideal Growing Conditions
  • Soil: Thrives in deep sandy loam with a pH of 6.5 to 8.
  • Temperature: Grows best at 25–30°C, supporting lush development.

About Karni Mata Temple

• Located in Bikaner district, Rajasthan.
• Dedicated to Karni Mata, believe is an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
• Establishment: Rao Jaitasi built this temple, to commemorate the victory of Bikaner King over the Mughal King Kumaran.
• Religious Sect: The temple belongs to Shakta Sampradaya.
• Unique Feature:  In the whole world this is a unique temple where thousands of rats freely move out.
  • Despite the presence of the rats in great numbers, there was no incidence of plague at all.