State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 31 Jan 2026

Google DeepMind’s AlphaGenome AI Tool

Why in News? 

Google DeepMind has launched AlphaGenome, an artificial intelligence tool designed to predict how genetic mutations influence gene regulation and contribute to human diseases. 

Key Points 

• Objective: The AI tool developed by Google DeepMind is used to analyse long DNA sequences and predict the biological impact of genetic variations. 
  • Primarily targets non-coding (regulatory) DNA regions, which constitute about 98% of the human genome and play a key role in gene regulation. 
• DNA Analysis Capacity: Capable of analysing up to one million DNA base pairs simultaneously, allowing assessment of long-range genetic regulatory effects. 
  • Predicts effects of mutations on gene expression, RNA splicing, chromatin accessibility, and regulatory activity. 
  • Helps to identify genetic drivers of complex diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, and neurological conditions. 
• Training Data: Trained on large-scale public genomic datasets from humans and mice to identify patterns linking DNA sequences with biological outcomes. 
  • Acts as a virtual laboratory, enabling scientists to test genetic hypotheses before conducting costly and time-consuming biological experiments. 
• Availability: Released for non-commercial research use through an Application Programming Interface (API) to support global scientific collaboration. 
• Limitations: Not approved for clinical diagnosis or personalised medical treatment; predictions depend on quality and diversity of training data. 

Read More: Artificial intelligence, Genetic variations, DNA , RNA 

Maharashtra’s Tableau Wins First at Republic Day Parade 2026

Why in News? 

Maharashtra’s state tableau won first place among states and union territories at the Republic Day Parade 2026. 

Key Points 

• Maharashtra Tableau Theme: “Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta” emphasised cultural heritage, community participation, social unity and self-reliance. 
  • The tableau showcased Ganeshotsav festivities, celebrating traditions and community strength, with participation from a Nagpur dhol-tasha group enhancing cultural appeal. 
• Other Winners: 
  • Second Place: Jammu & Kashmir for a display on handicrafts and folk dances. 
  • Third Place: Kerala for a tableau on Water Metro and 100% Digital Literacy.  
• Marching Contingents: The Indian Navy was named Best Marching Contingent among the three armed services. 
  • The Delhi Police won among Central Armed Police Forces. 
• Ministry Category: The Ministry of Culture won the best tableau among central ministries for its presentation “Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation.” 
• Significance: The awards reflect excellence in cultural representation, thematic creativity and promote national pride by showcasing India’s diversity, heritage and developmental narratives.

Read More:  Republic Day 2026, Vande Mataram 

PFRDA Constitutes Expert Committee on SAARG for NPS

Why in News?

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has set up an Expert Committee on Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG) to review and modernise the investment framework of the National Pension System (NPS).

Key Points:

• Aim: To align NPS fund management with global best practices and strengthen long-term retirement outcomes for subscribers. 
• Objective: Strengthening the long-term investment architecture of NPS by improving diversification, enhancing risk management practices and expanding investment choices available to subscribers. 
• Composition of the Committee:The SAARG Committee is chaired by Narayan Ramachandran, former Country Head of Morgan Stanley India.  
  • Experts: It includes experts from asset management, capital markets, regulation, and investment advisory, along with senior PFRDA representation. 
• Mandate of the Committee: SAARG has been tasked with undertaking a comprehensive review of existing NPS investment guidelines for both government and non-government sectors.  
  • The review will include benchmarking India’s pension investment framework with leading global pension systems as well as the evolving domestic investment ecosystem. 
• Significance:This initiative is crucial for improving portfolio resilience, return optimisation, and risk mitigation in pension funds.  
  • It reflects India’s efforts to deepen long-term domestic capital pools and ensure financial security for an ageing population. 

Read More: PFRDA, National Pension System,  Morgan Stanley India 

Kerala Becomes First Indian State to Declare an Official ‘State Microbe’

Why in News? 

The Government of Kerala has officially declared Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe, becoming the first Indian state to recognise a microorganism in its roster of state symbols.

Key Points:

• About Bacillus subtilis: Bacillus subtilis, commonly known as the ‘Hay Bacillus’, is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium found primarily in soil and the gastrointestinal tract of humans and ruminants.  
  • Bacillus subtilis is a non-pathogenic, probiotic bacterium widely found in soil, fermented foods and the human gut.  
• Resilience: It is famous for its ability to form tough, protective endospores, allowing it to survive extreme environmental conditions like heat and drought. 
• Safety: It is categorized as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) by global food authorities and is a key ingredient in traditional fermented foods like the Japanese Natto. 
• Promotion of ‘One Health’: The move underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, as B. subtilis plays a role in all three. 
• Combatting AMR: By highlighting "good bacteria," the state aims to educate the public on the microbiome, potentially curbing the irrational use of antibiotics that leads to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). 
• Biotechnology Hub: Kerala aims to position itself as a leader in Microbial Biotechnology.

Read More: Antimicrobial Resistance, One Health