MoSPI released the 2nd discussion paper on methodological changes in compiling GDP using the Expenditure Approach based on recommendations of the Advisory Committee on National Account Statistics (ACNAS), chaired by Prof. B.N. Goldar.

Goldar Committee Recommendations:

• Base year revision: From 2011–12 to 2022–23 for national accounts.
• Data Integration: Inclusion of updated datasets (e.g., post-GST, digital, PLFS, etc.) to better capture structural shifts, digitalization, and informal sector contributions.

Researchers at Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali integrated nanotechnology, molecular biology, and computational modelling to develop a multifunctional therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease.

About Alzheimer’s Disease

• It is a brain condition that slowly damages your memory, thinking, learning and organizing skills.
  • It’s the most common cause of dementia.
• Cause: Abnormal build-up of proteins (specifically amyloid and tau) in brain.
• Symptoms: Memory loss, reasoning loss, mood swings, increased agitation, paranoia or hallucinations, etc.

Iran has seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman containing crew members from India.

About Gulf of Oman:

• It is the North western arm of the Arabian Sea.
• Bordering Countries: It is bordered by Iran in the north, by the United Arab Emirates in the west, and by Oman in the south.
• Geostrategic Importance: It connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, which then empties into the Persian Gulf.

A new study has found that some bears in Greenland are using jumping genes to modify their DNA, enabling adaptation to warming environmental conditions.

About Jumping Genes (transposons or transposable elements):

• Meaning: They are mobile genetic elements that can move from one location to another within the genome.
• Depending on their insertion site within an organism’s genome, transposons can alter the expression of genes.
• Discovered by:  Barbara McClintock, who won the Nobel Prize in 1983 for this work.
• Transposons make up about 45% of the human genome.

Indian Army receives final batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the USA.

About AH-64E Apache helicopter

• It is a fully integrated weapon system, optimized for precision engagement, situational awareness and networked  operations.
• Features: Advanced sensor and targeting suite, Unmanned aircraft control, Digital connectivity, etc.
• It has proven airframe evolution with enhanced power, endurance and maneuverability for demanding environments.

India is planning to replace the existing Maitri Research Station with a newly designed Maitri-II Station in Antarctica by 2032.

• The new Maitri-II Station is conceived as a state-of-the-art, year-round research hub that will significantly elevate India’s scientific capabilities.

About Maitri

• Built in 1988.
• It serves as a gateway to one of the largest mountain chains in central Dronning Maud land, located south of Schirmacher (Antarctica).

India’s other Polar research stations

• Bharati (Antarctica), Dakshin Gangotri (first scientific base station of India situated in Antarctica now decommissioned), and Himadri (Arctic). 

More than 100 Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) have been approved across the country under the ‘A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship’ (ASPIRE) scheme.

About ASPIRE Scheme

• Launched: In 2015 by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
• Objectives: To set up a network of Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) to promote innovation and accelerate entrepreneurship.
  • It will skill and re-skill unemployed, self-employed/ wage earners in new technologies in the agro-rural sector, etc. 
• Key Benefits:
  • Maximum of INR 1 crore to Government agencies & INR 75 lakh to Private agencies for procuring plant and machinery.
  • Maximum of INR 1 crore to Government and Private agencies as operational expenditure support towards manpower cost, running incubation etc.