Researcher detected a lightning-like “whistler” radio signal, providing the first evidence of such electromagnetic activity in the Martian ionosphere with the help of data obtained by NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN). 

About MAVEN Mission 

• It is the first mission devoted to understanding the Martian upper atmosphere.
• It will determine how much of the Martian atmosphere has been lost over time.
• It will do so by measuring the current rate of escape to space and gathering enough information about the relevant processes to allow extrapolation backward in time.

NASA is restructuring the Artemis lunar program due to repeated delays.

About Artemis

• Under it, NASA will send astronauts on increasingly difficult missions to explore more of the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.
• Artemis I was launched in 2022. 
• Artemis II, III and IV are planned to be launched. 

Scientists are studying gypsum deposits in the Salar de Pajonales (Atacama Desert, Chile) because the region closely resembles the harsh environmental conditions of Mars

Gypsum

• Nature: Non-metallic mineral – Calcium sulphate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O).
• Formation: Formed mainly in arid and semi-arid regions through evaporation of seawater or saline lakes.
• Properties: Very soft mineral, Crystals are vitreous (glass-like) to pearly
• Application: Used in cement (setting regulator), manufacture of Plaster of Paris, fertiliser production, and as a soil conditioner for reclamation of alkaline/sodic soils.
• In India, Rajasthan holds the largest share of gypsum reserves

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced deferred Customs Duty payment facility for eligible manufacturer importers under the EMI Scheme.

About EMI Scheme

• Launched by: CBIC (announced under Union Budget 2026–27). 
• Duration: 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028.
• Mechanism: Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMIs) can clear imported goods without paying Customs duty at the time of clearance, instead paying it monthly as per the Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules, 2016.
• Objective: Improving cash flow for manufacturers, promoting compliance, boosting domestic manufacturing, and enhancing Ease of Doing Business. 

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) commemorates 25th Foundation Day.

About BEE

• Established as the statutory body under Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• Ministry: Set up under the Ministry of Power.
• Objective: Reduce energy intensity, improve energy security, and mitigate climate change through efficient energy use.
• Major Programmes of BEE: 
  • Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme: Products receive star labels (1–5 stars) showing energy efficiency.
  • Energy-Efficient Lighting Programmes: Promotion of LEDs.
  • Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme (2012): A market-based mechanism to improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries.

Researchers claims to have developed a self-replicating RNA molecule named of QT45.

• Self-replicating RNA has ability to copy both itself and the information encoded in its complementary strand, i.e. its template.
• It supports the “RNA World Hypothesis”, which proposes that early life was based on self-replicating RNA before DNA and proteins evolved.

About Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

• RNA is a nucleic acid present in all living.
  • Unlike DNA, RNA is most often single-stranded.
  • Each sugar molecule is linked to one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), or guanine (G).
• Major types of RNA exist in cells: messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), microRNA

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) commemorates 25th Foundation Day.

About BEE

• Established as the statutory body under Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• Ministry: Set up under the Ministry of Power.
• Objective: Reduce energy intensity, improve energy security, and mitigate climate change through efficient energy use.
• Major Programmes of BEE: 
  • Standards and Labelling (S&L) Programme: Products receive star labels (1–5 stars) showing energy efficiency.
  • Energy-Efficient Lighting Programmes: Promotion of LEDs.
  • Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme (2012): A market-based mechanism to improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries.

Researchers have found a newblind aquifer-dwelling fish ‘Gitchak nakana’ in Northeast India.

About Gitchak nakana 

• Type:  Blind aquifer-dwelling (phreatobitic) freshwater loach.
• Unique Feature: Complete absence of skull roof; brain covered only by skin.
• Adaptation:  Troglomorphic traits (eyeless), adapted to underground habitat.