03 April 2026

1. Jan Samarth Portal

Ø News: More than 41 lakh applications worth ₹1,06,306 crore have been processed through the Jan Samarth Portal.

Ø Launch Details: The portal was launched on 6 June 2022.

Ø Objectives:

o It aims to expand the reach of government-sponsored schemes to a wider population.

o It also seeks to simplify and streamline the credit delivery process for all stakeholders through multiple credit-linked government schemes.

Ø Stakeholder Access: The platform enables easy access for beneficiaries, financial institutions, central and state government agencies, and nodal agencies.

Ø Features of the Jan Samarth Portal

Ø Digital Marketplace:

o It functions as a digital platform with a user-friendly front-end interface.

o It is integrated with multiple centralised data sources.

Ø Loan Application System:

o Applicants can submit loan applications online by uploading required documents.

o An inbuilt rule-based engine processes and evaluates applications for approval.

Ø Availability: The portal is accessible round the clock, allowing users to apply at any time.

Ø Single-Window Facility:

o It provides a unified platform for applying to 15 credit-linked central government schemes.

o Users can choose from 254 member lending institutions, including all public sector banks.

Ø Eligibility and Sanction Process:

o The portal automatically assesses eligibility.

o It provides in-principle approval and forwards applications to the selected bank branch.

Ø Real-Time Updates:

o Beneficiaries receive updates at every stage of the application process.

o This reduces the need for repeated visits to bank branches.

Ø Multilingual Access: The portal is available in eight different languages to cater to diverse users.

Ø Grievance Redressal: It includes a dedicated system for addressing complaints from both beneficiaries and banks.

UPSC GS 3

2. Extracellular RNA

Ø News:   Scientists have recently reported that extracellular RNA released from bacteria can persist even in disinfected drinking water, raising concerns about environmental and public health implications.

Ø Definition: Extracellular RNA refers to RNA molecules that exist outside living cells.

Ø Occurrence in the Body: It is present in various body fluids such as blood, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Ø Survival Mechanism:

o To remain stable outside cells, extracellular RNA is transported within protective molecular carriers.

o These carriers shield it from enzymes that would otherwise degrade it before reaching target cells.

Ø Types of Extracellular RNA:

o Diversity of Forms: Extracellular RNA consists of a heterogeneous group of RNA molecules.

o Small RNA Molecules: These include microRNAs.

o Long and Coding RNA: It also includes long non-coding RNAs and coding RNAs such as messenger RNA.

Ø Functions of Extracellular RNA:

o Cellular Communication:

§ Extracellular RNA acts as a long-distance communication system between cells.

§ It enables cells to transmit instructions to other cells.

o Biological Regulation:

§ It influences cellular behaviour and gene expression.

§ It plays a role in coordinating immune responses, tissue repair, and developmental processes.

Ø Medical Significance:

o Diagnostic Potential: It can be used to detect diseases such as cancer and heart conditions by analysing RNA patterns in body fluids.

o Early Detection and Monitoring: It holds promise for early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of diseases

3. Malwan – Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft

Ø News:     The Indian Navy has recently received Malwan, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft.

Ø About Malwan: Malwan is the second vessel in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts.

Ø Design and Construction: The ship has been indigenously designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Ø Naming Significance: It derives its name from the historic coastal town of Malwan in Maharashtra.

Ø Legacy: The vessel carries forward the legacy of the earlier INS Malwan, an Indian naval minesweeper that remained in service until 2003.

Ø Features of Malwan

Ø Displacement Capacity: The ship has a displacement of approximately 1,100 tonnes.

Ø Propulsion System: It is powered by waterjet propulsion technology, making it part of a new class of waterjet-driven ASW vessels.

Ø Armament and Sensors:

o The vessel is equipped with torpedoes and multifunctional anti-submarine rocket systems.

o It is fitted with advanced sensors, including modern radar and sonar systems.

Ø Operational Capabilities:

o It is designed for underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare in coastal areas.

o It is also capable of undertaking low intensity maritime operations.

o The ship additionally supports mine warfare roles.

Ø Indigenous Development: The vessel has more than 80 percent indigenous content.

4. Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS)

Ø News:   The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has approved amendments mandating insurers to prepare and present financial statements in accordance with applicable Indian Accounting Standards effective April 1, 2026.

Ø More in News:

o The implementation of Ind AS will be applicable to all categories of insurers — life, general, stand alone health insurers and reinsurers.

o The amendment sets out the regulatory framework governing the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial statements under Ind AS.

Ø Definition and Notification: Indian Accounting Standards are a set of accounting norms notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in 2015.

Ø Global Alignment:

o These standards are largely aligned with the International Financial Reporting Standards.

o This alignment brings Indian financial reporting practices closer to international benchmarks.

Ø Core Focus:

o Ind AS follows a principle-based framework.

o It emphasizes fair value measurement, transparency, and improved disclosure practices.

5. Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary

Ø News:    A rare white female albino Himalayan tahr has recently been recorded in Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary located in Bharmour area of Chamba district.

Ø Location:

o The sanctuary is situated in Himachal Pradesh.

o It is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in the state.

Ø Geographical Setting:

o It is a high-altitude protected area located between the Ravi and Chenab rivers.

o The sanctuary lies at elevations ranging from 2,195 metres to 5,040 metres.

Ø Surrounding Protected Areas:

o It is bordered by the Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary in the south-east direction.

o It is also adjacent to the Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary in the north-west direction.

Ø Cultural Significance:

o The sanctuary contains the well-known Manimahesh Temple.

o The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims despite harsh terrain and extreme cold conditions.

Ø Types of Vegetation: The sanctuary comprises alpine pastures, western mixed coniferous forests, and moist deodar forests.

Ø Wildlife Diversity:

o The sanctuary supports several important and endangered species.

o These include ibex, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and monal snow cock.

o It is also home to various pheasants and bird species such as red-vented bulbul and white-cheeked bulbul.

Ø Dominant Plant Species:

o The vegetation includes deodar (Cedrus deodara), kail (Pinus wallichiana), spruce (Picea smithiana), and silver fir (Abies pindrow).

o Other species include ban (Quercus semicarpifolia) and pink burans (Rhododendron campanulatum).