CURRENT CONTEXT: India and Japan will introduce the next-gen E10 Shinkansen trains together around 2030 on Japan’s network and the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed corridor. Trials with the current E5 model are planned for 2026–27.  ABOUT E10 SHINKANSEN: World-class safety and speed: Based on Japan’s ALFA‑X design, can run at 320 km/h, L-shaped guide-wheels and dampers for earthquake protection, and braking that’s 15% better than earlier models . Modern features: Compact 10‑coach sets with 2+2 seating, larger desks, USB/AC outlets, Wi‑Fi, space for luggage, and no Green Class (top tier) but better business seats . Smooth, efficient running: Blowerless motors, energy-efficient inverters (SiC),....Read More

CURRENT CONTEXT: Google launched the AMED API—an AI- and satellite-based tool offering detailed crop and field activity data across Indian farms  ABOUT AMED API: Successor to Google’s ALU API; uses AI to map crop type, season, field area, and up to 3 years of historical agricultural data. Updates every 2 weeks, enabling near real-time monitoring. Aims to support agri-tech startups, rural lending systems, farm resource management, yield forecasting, and climate risk mitigationRead More

Current Context: GoIStats mobile app was launched on Statistics Day 29 June 2025 by MoSPI’s NSO to provide mobile access to official statistics  ABOUT GoIStats APP Developer: National Sample Survey Office under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation. Features: “Key Trends” dashboard with GDP, inflation, employment visuals Downloadable CSV data and official publications Advanced filtering, metadata detail, infographic storytelling Availability: Android version live; iOS coming soon Significance: Enhances data transparency, supports a “Viksit Bharat” data‑driven governance model.Read More

Current Context : India’s first agentic artificial intelligence system, Kruti, was launched by Krutrim Technologies, capable of autonomous decision‑making and task execution. About Kruti It is an AI systems that autonomously plan, decide, and act in changing environments without human prompts. Capabilities: Multi‑source data ingestion for situational analysis. Task automation (cab booking, bill payments, report generation). Adaptive learning from interactions and outcomes.Read More

Current Context: ‘Yashoda AI: Your AI Sakhi’ initiative was launched at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly to improve AI literacy among women. ABOUT Yashoda AI Organisers Launched by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with Future Shift Labs (FSL). Objectives Empower rural and semi-urban women with AI, cybersecurity, and digital safety knowledge. Conducts sessions on AI-driven crimes, digital privacy, and practical safety strategies. Target Groups Engages students, educators, women police officers for community-led digital awareness. ABOUT National Commission for Women (NCW) Establishment & Structure Statutory body set up in 1992 under NCW Act, 1990. Comprises Chairperson, 5....Read More

Current Context: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the Battery Aadhaar Initiative at the Battery Summit 2025. ABOUT BATTERY AADHAAR INITIATIVE Objective: Assigns a unique digital identity to each battery pack. Features & Benefits: Real-time tracking of origin, chemistry, safety certifications, and lifecycle. Enables predictive maintenance, efficient recycling, and circular economy Aims to curb counterfeit battery circulation and improve regulatory compliance. Built on Tata Elxsi’s MOBIUS+ platform – a Digital Product Passport technology.Read More

Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first 9,000 horsepower (HP) electric locomotive at the Dahod workshop in Gujarat. ABOUT  Regenerative Braking: Converts kinetic energy during braking into electrical energy, which is fed back into the power grid, enhancing energy efficiency. Opposed to dynamic braking, where energy is lost as heat Capable of hauling freight trains weighing between 4,500 to 5,000 tonnes at speeds up to 100 km/h. Manufactured in collaboration with Siemens, with potential for export. Benefits: Enhances energy efficiency, Reduces fuel consumption and operational costs and Minimizes brake wear and tear.Read More

Current Context: Researchers from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, have developed India's first gene-edited sheep using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. About the Research: Technology Used: CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing tool that allows for precise modifications to DNA. Target Gene: Myostatin, a gene that regulates muscle growth. Editing this gene resulted in a 30% increase in muscle mass, a trait found in some European breeds but absent in Indian breeds. Significance: No foreign DNA was introduced, distinguishing it from transgenic organisms and potentially easing regulatory approvals.Read More

Current Context: The Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated two state-of-the-art facilities—Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan—at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Vasco da Gama, Goa. About NCPOR: Established:1998 as an autonomous R&D institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Formerly Known As:National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR). Location:Vasco da Gama, Goa. Nodal Agency:For planning and executing polar expeditions in the Antarctic, Arctic, Southern Ocean, and Himalayas. Research Coordination:Oversees scientific research and logistics in polar and oceanic domains. India’s Expanding Polar Footprint:  Research Stations Maintained by NCPOR: Antarctica: Maitri and Bharati stations. Arctic:....Read More

Current Context : The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) initiated a consultation paper seeking stakeholder feedback on amending “safe harbour” provisions in the Information Technology Act, 2000, to curb the spread of online misinformation. About Safe Harbour Definition: Shields intermediaries (social media platforms, hosting services) from liability for user-generated content if they follow due-diligence and takedown rules. India’s Provision: Section 79 of the IT Act; read with IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. Key Conditions: Due Diligence: Must publish terms of service and appoint grievance/officer. Knowledge Test: Liability arises only if the intermediary “has....Read More