Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

Health

News –

A recent analysis by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), under the WHO, highlighted that EBV is among the most widespread of human viruses.

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) — UPSC

Type: Double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the herpesvirus family; also called Human Herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4).
Discovery: Identified in 1964 by Anthony Epstein, Yvonne Barr and Bert Achong in Burkitt lymphoma cells; the first human virus linked to cancer.
Transmission: Primarily through saliva, hence called the “kissing disease”; also transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants.
Prevalence: Infects over 90% of adults worldwide, usually during childhood.
Associated Diseases: Infectious mononucleosis, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD).

Government Schemes

News-

All 100 PMDDKY districts increased their average score from 18.85 in April 2026 to 46.89 in August 2026.

Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

Launched in – 2025. The scheme will be launched in partnership with states.

Key Focus Areas:

Building Rural Prosperity and Resilience Program

Purpose: launched in partnership with states to address under-employment in agriculture.
Key Focus Areas: Skilling, investment, and technology to invigorate rural economy. Modernizing agriculture with improved productivity and warehousing.
Target Beneficiaries: Rural women, young farmers, marginal & small farmers and landless families.

Polity

News –

The Experts highlight concerns regarding the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, to balance national security with constitutional liberties.

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967

Objective: Prevent unlawful activities threatening India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and address terrorism-related offences.
Constitutional Basis: Parliament’s legislative powers under the Constitution, including relevant provisions of the Union List.
2004 Amendment: Incorporated terrorist activities within the Act’s framework.
2019 Amendment: Empowered the Central Government to designate individuals as terrorists under specified conditions.
Implementing Agencies: National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other Central and State law enforcement agencies.

International

News –

India has rejected remarks by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) concerning the detention of protesters in Delhi.

Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) — UPSC

Established: 1993, following the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
Parent Organisation: UN Secretariat.
Functions: Monitors human rights, provides technical assistance, supports international human rights mechanisms and raises concerns over alleged violations.
Head: High Commissioner, appointed by the UN Secretary-General and approved by the UN General Assembly.

International

News –

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck southern Panama, and tsunami warnings were issued for parts of Central and South America.

Panama

Location: Central America; strategically important due to the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Capital: Panama City.
Neighbours: Costa Rica (west) and Colombia (east).
Water Bodies: Caribbean Sea (north) and Pacific Ocean (south).
Political System: Presidential republic.
Major Rivers: Chagres, Tuira, Chepo and Chucunaque.

Defence

denece

Context: Third of four planned Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), launched in Kolkata.
Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), an Indian shipyard.
Meaning: “Best” or “most excellent” in Sanskrit.
Capabilities: Maximum speed of 23 knots; range of 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots.
Operational Roles: Anti-piracy, counter-infiltration, anti-poaching, anti-trafficking, evacuation, search and rescue, and offshore asset protection.
Significance: Strengthens indigenous naval shipbuilding and maritime security.