• Inaugurator: Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia
• Location: This 100th post office is situated at NEHU (North Eastern Hill University), Shillong (Meghalaya).
• Special Feature: It is an entirely all-women-led post office.
• Name of the Initiative: N-Gen (Next Generation) Post Office
• First N-Gen Post Office: The first post office in this series was opened at IIT Delhi (Hauz Khas).
• Design: This post office in Shillong has been constructed using local bamboo and straw (eco-friendly materials), reflecting the culture of the Northeast region.
• Objective: To provide modern amenities for the youth, such as digital parcel lockers, free Wi-Fi, and QR code-based services.
• Establishment of the Department of India Post: October 1, 1854
• PIN Code System: Launched on August 15, 1972 (a 6-digit code).
• World's Highest Post Office: Located in Hikkim (Himachal Pradesh).

N-Gen (Next Generation) Post Office:

• This is a modern initiative by India Post aimed at transforming traditional post offices into digitally enabled and youth-centric service centers.
• These are primarily being established within prominent educational institutions such as IITs, IIMs, and universities.
• India's first N-Gen (or Gen Z-themed) post office was inaugurated on the IIT Delhi (Hauz Khas) campus.

• Launch of the JANANI Portal
• Launched by / Ministry: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
• Objective: To strengthen maternal and child health services across the country.
• Full Form of JANANI: Integrated Care Initiative for Pre-natal, Post-natal, and Newborn Health
• Launch Date: May 7, 2026
• Replaced: An advanced version of the RCH (Reproductive and Child Health) portal.
• Key Technology: A QR-code-based digital 'Mother and Child Health' (MCH) card has been introduced.
• Integration: Integrated with U-WIN (for immunization) and the POSHAN Tracker.
• Beneficiaries: Women aged 15–49 years and their children.
• Registration: To date, more than 1.34 crore beneficiaries have registered on this platform.

• Objective: To bring all national health programs onto a single platform, serving as a 'one-stop solution.'
• Launched by: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.
• Full form of ABHA: Ayushman Bharat Health Account. This portal is linked to this specific ID.
• Primary Beneficiaries: ASHA workers and ANMs will benefit the most from this portal, as they will no longer be required to enter data on separate applications.
• National Health Day: Observed on April 7.

New Protocol (MHA Guidelines):

• In government programs, all 6 stanzas of the song will now be sung.
• Its total singing duration has been fixed at 3 minutes and 10 seconds (190 seconds).
• It will be mandatory to stand in the 'Attention' posture while singing.

The National Song 'Vande Mataram':

• Composer: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (Chatterjee)
• Date of Composition: He composed it on November 7, 1875.
• Source: This song is included in his famous novel, 'Anandamath' (1882).
• Language: It is a blend of Sanskrit and Bengali.
• Adoption: On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly adopted it as the 'National Song.' It holds a status equal to that of 'Jana Gana Mana' (the National Anthem).
• First Rendition: It was sung for the first time by Rabindranath Tagore at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress in 1896.
• Symbol of the Freedom Struggle: During the freedom movement, this song served as a primary source of inspiration for revolutionaries and the general public.
• Role in Movements: It became a prominent slogan during the Swadeshi Movement of 1905 and the Anti-Partition Movement of Bengal.
• English Translation: Its first English translation was rendered by Sri Aurobindo (Aurobindo Ghose).
• First Rendition: Sung for the first time by Rabindranath Tagore at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1896. National Anthem:
• Composer: Rabindranath Tagore
• Original Language: It was originally written in Bengali (Sadhu Bhasha).
• First Rendition: It was first sung on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress.
• Tattwabodhini Magazine: In 1912, this song was published in the magazine 'Tattwabodhini' under the title 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata'.

Official Status (Official Adoption):

• Adoption by the Constituent Assembly: It was adopted as the National Anthem of India on January 24, 1950.
• English Translation: In 1919, Rabindranath Tagore himself translated it into English under the title 'Morning Song of India'.
• Protocols for Singing (Rules and Duration):
• Full Duration (Full Version): It takes 52 seconds to sing the complete National Anthem.
• Short Duration (Short Version): On certain special occasions, only its first and last lines are sung, which takes 20 seconds.
• Conduct: It is mandatory to stand in the 'Attention' posture while the National Anthem is being played.
• Musical Composition: Credit for composing the current musical tune (orchestral version) of the National Anthem is also attributed to Captain Ram Singh Thakur (a soldier of the INA).
• Foreign National Anthems: Rabindranath Tagore is the only poet in the world whose compositions have been adopted as the National Anthems of two countries (India – Jana Gana Mana; Bangladesh – Amar Sonar Bangla).
• Legal Protection: Deliberately insulting or causing obstruction to the National Anthem is punishable under the 'Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971'. Fundamental Duties: According to Article 51A(a) of the Constitution, it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to respect the National Anthem.
• Legal Protection: The 'Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971' is in force to prevent any disrespect to the National Anthem.
• Code of Conduct: Whenever the National Anthem is sung or played, it is mandatory for everyone to stand in the 'Attention' posture (unless it forms part of a film or newsreel).

• Investment: The project will entail a total cost of ₹1,570 crore.
• Implementation: It will be jointly developed by the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
• Facilities: This will be a brownfield project, comprising a 650-meter jetty, two large floating dry docks, and workshops.
• Capacity: The centre will be capable of repairing large vessels up to 300 meters in length.
• Strategic Location: It is situated in close proximity to major ports such as Kandla (Deendayal Port) and Mundra Port.
• The 'Maritime India Vision 2030' (MIV 2030) aims to position India among the top 10 nations in the global shipbuilding and repair sector.
• Under this vision, India aims to secure a place among the leading global nations by 2030 by enhancing its shipbuilding capacity, with the further ambition of breaking into the top 5 by 2047.

Current Status of the Outbreak:

• Fatalities and Infections: As of early May 2026, nearly 300 deaths have been recorded in the country, the majority of whom are young children. The number of suspected cases has surpassed 45,000.
• Affected Areas: The epidemic has spread to 58 out of Bangladesh's 64 districts (approximately 91%). The capital, Dhaka, is the most severely affected region, recording the highest number of fatalities.
• Strain on the Healthcare System: Hospitals are facing a severe shortage of beds and oxygen, forcing medical staff to treat many children on the floor.

Measles:

• It is a highly contagious viral disease.
• Causative Agent: It is caused by the *Morbillivirus*, a member of the *Paramyxovirus* family.
• Mode of Transmission: It spreads through the air (airborne). When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus is transmitted to others via droplets. It is so contagious that the virus can remain viable in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.

Main Symptoms:

• High fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
• Koplik's spots: Small white spots on the inner lining of the cheeks (a distinctive symptom of measles).
• Red rashes that typically begin on the face and spread across the entire body.

Prevention and Treatment:

• Vaccination: The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) or MR vaccine is administered for prevention. Vitamin A supplementation helps reduce complications associated with measles.
• Under the 'National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26', India has set a target to completely eliminate measles and rubella by the end of 2026.
• Measles Immunization Day: March 16
• Note: March 16 is also observed as National Vaccination Day in India, as the Pulse Polio campaign was launched in the country on this very day in 1995.
• World Immunization Week: This is observed during the last week of April (April 24–30), during which emphasis is placed on vaccination against all preventable diseases, including measles.

• Quantum Technology: A 'Letter of Intent' (LoI) was signed between India's Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Cabinet Office of Japan.
• Health Research: A ' Memorandum of Cooperation' (MoC) was exchanged between the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and India's DST.
• National Quantum Mission: Discussions were held regarding the inclusion of Japanese institutions in India's National Quantum Mission under the framework of these agreements.
• Key Dignitaries: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and Japan's Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Kimi Onoda, led these meetings.
• Diplomatic Relations: Official diplomatic relations between India and Japan were established in 1952.
• JIMEX: A bilateral naval exercise conducted between India and Japan.
• Dharma Guardian: An annual joint military exercise between the armies of both nations.
• Veer Guardian: A joint exercise between the air forces of both nations.
• Malabar: A multilateral naval exercise involving India and Japan, along with the United States and Australia.
• MAHSR (Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed ​​Rail): India's first 'Bullet Train' project, being developed with Japanese assistance.
• DMIC (Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor): A major infrastructure project supported by Japan.
• FDI Source: Japan is the 5th largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for India. Investment Target: Japan has set a target of investing 5 trillion Japanese Yen in India over the next five years (2022–2027).
• Quantum Cooperation: India has become the second Asian country—after Singapore—to sign an agreement with Japan on quantum technology.

New Appointments (Current Affairs):

• New CBFC Chairperson: Shashi Shekhar Vempati (Appointed in May 2026)
• Replaced: Prasoon Joshi
• Prasoon Joshi's New Role: He has now been appointed as the Chairperson of Prasar Bharati
• Previous Experience: Shashi Shekhar Vempati served as the CEO of Prasar Bharati from 2017 to 2022.

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC):

• Establishment: January 15, 1951 (Headquarters: Mumbai)
• Ministry: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
• Nature: It is a statutory body.
• Act: Operates under the Cinematograph Act, 1952
• Regional Offices: There are a total of 9 regional offices across India (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi, Cuttack, and Guwahati).

Film Certification Categories (Certificates):

• U (Unrestricted): For all age groups, without any restrictions
• U/A (Unrestricted with Caution): Requires parental guidance for children under the age of 12
• A (Adults Only): Exclusively for individuals aged 18 and above
• S (Specialised): Exclusively for specific professions or classes (such as doctors or scientists)
• Prasar Bharati
• Formation: November 23, 1997. Constituents: It has two main wings—Akashvani (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD).
• Headquarters: New Delhi

What is Ecocide?

• According to an expert panel convened by 'Stop Ecocide International' (2021), "Ecocide means unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe, widespread, or long-term damage to the environment."
• Origin: The term was coined in 1970 by American biologist Arthur Galston, after he witnessed the devastation caused by the use of 'Agent Orange' during the Vietnam War.
• Rome Statute: This is the international treaty through which the International Criminal Court (ICC) was established. It was adopted in 1998 and entered into force in 2002.
• ICC Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
• Coiner of the Term 'Ecocide': The term was first coined by Arthur Galston in 1970.
• Proposed 5th Crime: Currently, the ICC exercises jurisdiction over four core crimes (Genocide, War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity, and Aggression). There is a proposal to add 'Ecocide' as the fifth crime.
• Proposing Countries: Recently, small island nations such as Vanuatu, Fiji, and Samoa have formally proposed its inclusion.
• First Country to Enact Legislation: Vietnam (1990) was the first country in the world to incorporate 'Ecocide' as a crime within its national legislation.
• European Union's Stance: In March 2024, the European Union (EU) updated its Environmental Crime Directive, thereby becoming the first regional organization to penalize crimes akin to 'Ecocide'.
• India and the ICC: India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute.

What is ANEEL fuel?:

• It is a patented blend of Thorium and Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU). It is specifically designed for use in existing CANDU (Canada Deuterium Uranium) reactors and other PHWRs (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors).
• ANEEL: Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life.
• Naming: It is named in honor of India's renowned nuclear scientist, Dr. Anil Kakodkar.
• Composition: It is a blend of Thorium and HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium).
• What is HALEU?: It contains a concentration of Uranium-235 ranging between 5% and 20%.
• Test Site: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), USA.
• Record Burnup: It achieved a burnup exceeding 60 GWd/MTU (Gigawatt-days per metric ton of heavy metal), which is approximately eight times higher than that of conventional reactors.
• Impact: High burnup implies that a greater amount of energy can be extracted from the same quantity of fuel, resulting in reduced nuclear waste.
• Thorium Reserves: India possesses approximately 25% of the world's thorium reserves (primarily found in the monazite sands of Kerala).
• Reactor Compatibility: ANEEL fuel can be utilized in India's existing PHWRs (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors) without requiring any major modifications.
• Partnership: India's 'Maharatna' company, NTPC Limited, has entered into a strategic agreement with CCTE for the development of this fuel.

• Local Names: In Rajasthan, it is known as 'Padang,' and historically, it was referred to as 'Siyah-gosh.'
• Key Regions: In India, it is primarily found in Rajasthan (Ranthambore and Jaisalmer) and Gujarat (the Rann of Kutch).
• Physical Characteristics: It features tufts of black hair atop its ears. It is renowned for its impressive leaping ability and can catch birds in mid-flight.
• Medieval History: This could be a favorite question for the SSC—during the medieval period, rulers such as Firoz Shah Tughlaq and Akbar kept trained Caracals for hunting purposes.

Conservation Status:

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: It enjoys the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I.
• IUCN Red List: Globally, it is classified as 'Least Concern'; however, in India, it has been categorized as 'Critically Endangered.'
• CITES: Its Asian population is listed under Appendix I.
• Conservation Efforts: The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has initiated monitoring efforts for its conservation in Jaisalmer, utilizing radio-collaring and camera traps. A 'Goat Bank' model has also been proposed to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

• Total Investment Amount: ₹100 crore (Initial investment)
• Partner Company: CleanMax – A leading renewable energy developer
• Total Energy Capacity: Over 150 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy
• Beneficiaries: This energy will be sufficient to power approximately 150,000 Indian households annually.
• Target Year (Apple 2030): Apple aims to become carbon neutral across its entire global supply chain and product lifecycle by 2030.

Environmental and Startup Initiatives :

• Plastic Waste Management: Apple has partnered with WWF-India.
• Expansion Areas: Following Goa, waste management facilities are now being expanded to Coimbatore as well.
• Green Startup Support: In collaboration with CleanMax, Apple has announced grants for six early-stage green startups.

Apple:

• An American multinational corporation renowned globally for its premium consumer electronics, software, and online services.
• Founded: April 1, 1976 (California, USA).
• Founders: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.
• Headquarters: Apple Park, Cupertino, California (USA).
• Current CEO: Tim Cook; John Ternus has been designated as the next CEO and will assume office starting September 2026.

• Key Figures: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and President of Vietnam To Lam.
• New Level of Relations: Bilateral ties have been elevated to the level of an 'Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.'
• Trade and Economic Highlights:
• 2030 Target: The annual bilateral trade target has been set at $25 billion.
• Current Trade: In the financial year 2025-26, bilateral trade has already surpassed $16 billion.
• Agricultural Trade: Grapes and pomegranates will be exported from India to Vietnam, while pomelos and durians will be imported from Vietnam to India. Digital Payments: An agreement has been reached between India's RBI and Vietnam's State Bank of Vietnam for QR code-based payments (a system similar to UPI).

Defense and Strategic Highlights:

• Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): A total of 13 agreements were signed during this visit.
• IPOI: Vietnam has officially joined India's 'Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative'.
• Rare Minerals: Both countries have signed an agreement to cooperate in the field of Rare Earth Minerals and critical minerals.
• Cultural Cooperation: A 'Sister-City' style agreement has been established between Mumbai and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) for urban management and cooperation.

Historical Background :

• Diplomatic Relations: India and Vietnam established full diplomatic relations in 1972.
• Strategic Partnership: A 'Strategic Partnership' was established in 2007, followed by a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' in 2016.
• Act East Policy: Vietnam is a pivotal pillar of India's 'Act East Policy'.

• Founders: It was founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka.
• Headquarters: Skyroot is headquartered in Hyderabad.
• Vikram-S: This was India's first privately developed rocket, launched on November 18, 2022.
• Mission 'Prarambh': The mission for Skyroot's maiden rocket launch was named 'Prarambh' (Beginning).
• Vikram Series: Skyroot's rockets are named in honor of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program.
• Rocket Engine 'Dhawan-1': Skyroot has developed India's first private cryogenic engine, named after the renowned scientist Satish Dhawan. This engine is 3D-printed.
• Launch Pad: Skyroot has established its own private launch pad and mission control center at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
• Regulatory Body: Space missions undertaken by private companies are authorized by IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre).

World Athletics:

• Year of Establishment: July 17, 1912 (Stockholm, Sweden)
• Headquarters: Monaco – This has been asked frequently in examinations.
• Current President: Sebastian Coe
• Former Name: IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations)

Athletics Federation of India (AFI):

• Established: 1946
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Important Day: In India, August 7th is celebrated as 'National Javelin Day' (in commemoration of Neeraj Chopra's gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics).

Key Stadiums and Distances:

• Official Marathon Distance: 42.195 kilometers (or 26 miles 385 yards).
• Standard Track: A standard outdoor running track measures 400 meters.