BTSC Laboratory Assistant Examination 2026: Short Details

Vacancy Details

How To Fill BTSC Laboratory Assistant Online Form 2026

• Interested candidates who wish to apply for the BTSC post can submit their application online before 06 May 2026.
• Use the click here link provided below under important link section to apply directly.
• Alternatively, visit the official website of BTSC to complete the application process online.
• Make sure to complete the application before the deadline 06 May 2026.
• Note: Students are requested to read the official notification carefully before filling the form and then fill the form. । (Last Date, Age Limit, & Education Qualification)

Mode Of Selection

• Written Examination
• Document Verification
• Medical Examination

BTSC Laboratory Assistant Examination 2026: Details

BTSC Laboratory Assistant Salary 2026: Salary

The salary for Bihar BTSC Laboratory Assistant posts will be provided as per the pay scale prescribed by the Bihar Government. The salary structure may include components such as basic pay, dearness allowance (DA), house rent allowance (HRA), and other applicable benefits.

Along with financial security, candidates will also get the advantage of a permanent government job, career growth opportunities, and additional benefits as per state government norms. The detailed salary structure and pay level will be clarified in the official detailed notification to be released on the BTSC website.

SOME USEFUL IMPORTANT LINKS

The post BTSC Laboratory Assistant Vacancy 2026 | Apply Online from 6th April 2026 | 1091 Posts appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up on your knowledge. Here’s your hunk of knowledge on ethanol production for today.

Hunk of Knowledge: Ethanol production

Subject: Economy and Policy

(Relevance: In UPSC Prelims, questions have been asked on the production of biofuels; do check them at the end of the article. As the crude oil crisis looms amidst Iran vs Israel-US War, it is important to comprehensively understand India’s Ethanol push- from production, processing to government support.)

Why in the news?

While speaking at the inauguration of Phase I of the Noida International Airport (NIA)in Jewar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to India’s ethanol push helping the country through the global energy crisis.

“If production of ethanol had not increased, and its blending with petrol, then the country would have had to import an additional 4.5 crore barrels, which is almost 700 crore litres of crude oil, every year…,” he had said.

Key takeaways:

1. Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is a liquid that has several uses. At 95% purity, it is called rectified spirit and is used as the intoxicating ingredient in alcoholic beverages. At 99%-plus purity, ethanol is used for blending with petrol.

2. Ethanol is a common type of biofuel, a renewable fuel derived from biomass, from plants or agricultural, animal, domestic, and industrial bio waste. Biofuels are significantly cleaner than conventional fossil fuels, though lifecycle impacts vary based on feedstock and production methods.

When ethanol is produced from these sources, it is called bioethanol (a subset of Ethanol). Bioethanol can be easily generated from sugarcane, beet juice, corn, rice, or other grains. These fuels are known as first-generation biofuels.

Different generations of Biofuels

According to the National Policy on Biofuels, different generations of Biofuels are:

(i) First Generation (1G) produces bio-ethanol from molasses and bio-diesel from non-edible oilseeds.

(ii) Second-generation (2G) ethanol can be produced from municipal solid waste

(iii) Third Generation (3G) fuels like bio-CNG

Ethanol Production from sugarcane

1. Ethanol is produced from molasses, which is a by product of sugar manufacturing. For making sugar, mills crush sugarcane, which typically has a total fermentable sugar (TFS) content of 14%. The TFS component consists of sucrose along with the reducing sugars glucose and fructose. Most of this TFS component gets crystallised into sugar, and the remaining part is called molasses.

2. The molasses go through three stages — A, B, and C, the last one being where the molasses are most uncrystallised and non-recoverable. The ‘C’ molasses roughly constitute 4.5% of the cane, and has a remaining TFS of 40%.

After C-molasses are sent to the distillery, ethanol is extracted from them. Every 100 kg of TFS yields 60 litres of ethanol. Thus, from one tonne of cane, mills can produce 115 kg of sugar (at 11.5% recovery) and 45 kg of molasses (18 kg TFS), which gives 10.8 litres of ethanol.

3. In between the two extreme cases, there are intermediate options as well, where the cane juice does not have to be crystallised right till the final ‘C’ molasses stage. The molasses can, instead, be diverted after the earlier ‘A’ and ‘B’ stages of sugar crystal formation. Mills, then, would produce some sugar, as opposed to fermenting the whole sugarcane juice into ethanol.

If ethanol is manufactured using ‘B’ heavy molasses (7.25% of cane and with TFS of 50%), around 21.75 litres will be produced along with 95 kg of sugar from every 1 tonne of cane.

4. Till 2017-18, mills produced ethanol only from so-called C-heavy molasses, the final dark brown liquid by product of cane processing containing sucrose that cannot be further economically recovered and crystallised into sugar.

5. From the 2018-19 supply year, mills began making ethanol from an earlier ‘B-heavy’ stage molasses (having higher sucrose content available for fermentation) and also directly from whole cane juice or syrup.

6. The result: Between 2013-14 and 2018-19, the total supply of ethanol to oil marketing companies (OMC) shot up from a mere 38 crore to nearly 189 crore litres. The all-India average ethanol blending in petrol, too, rose from 1.6% to over 4.9%.

Ethanol production from other cereal grains

7. From 2018-19, the government also fixed separate ex-distillery prices for ethanol derived from rice, maize, and damaged food grains.

8. In molasses or cane juice, sugar is present in the form of sucrose. In cereal grains, starch is available, which is a complex carbohydrate. Starch from cereal grains is first extracted and broken down into simple sugars before further fermentation, distillation, and dehydration to ethanol with 99.99% alcohol concentration.

9. While the ethanol blending is seen as a step towards reducing India’s crude oil imports, which is significant amidst the Iran vs Israel-US war, leading to disruption of oil imports from the Strait of Hormuz.

Experts have highlighted concerns related to increased water use in sugarcane cultivation, the fiscal costs of subsidies, and concerns over diverting food crops for fuel. According to energy analysts and industry reports, ethanol is vital, but it should be seen as part of a broader energy transition strategy rather than a standalone solution.

Government Initiatives

National Policy on Biofuel, 2018

It provides an indicative target of 20% ethanol blending under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme by 2030. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas informed the Rajya Sabha in December 2025 that the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) had achieved the target of 10% Ethanol blending in petrol in June 2022, ahead of the set deadline.

Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana

This scheme was launched by the government in 2019. This scheme provides financial assistance for setting up Advanced Biofuels projects in the country using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock, multimodal transportation of ethanol and increasing ethanol storage capacity, along with other allied infrastructure for handling higher blends of ethanol.

 Global Biofuel Alliance

It was launched in 2023 to facilitate international cooperation and intensify the use of sustainable biofuels, along with facilitating global biofuels trade and technical support for national biofuel programmes.

BEYOND THE HUNK: Other sustainable fuels that are in the news

1.Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Last year, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) became the first company in India to receive the ISCC CORSIA certification for SAF production at its Panipat refinery in Haryana.

AF is a biofuel that is produced from sustainable feedstocks and has chemistry similar to conventional aviation turbine fuel (ATF) or jet fuel, which is derived from crude oil. It is a ‘drop-in’ fuel, meaning it can be blended with ATF without requiring any change in the existing machinery of aircraft.

2.Advanced Sustainable Fuel (ASF):New rule changes were brought under the Formula 1 race season 2026, which require the internal combustion engine of the F1 race car to use the ‘advanced sustainable fuel’. It is sourced from sustainable feedstocks that are not in competition with food crops.

These feedstocks include municipal waste and non-food biomass; the fuel can also be produced using technologies like carbon capture, harnessing carbon from the air and industrial emissions. The advanced sustainable fuel must be a drop-in fuel, meaning it should be designed to replace fossil fuels without requiring any engine adjustments.

Post Read Question

According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (2020)

1. Cassava

2. Damaged wheat grains

3. Groundnut seeds

4. Horse gram

5. Rotten potatoes

6. Sugar beet

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only

(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Don’t miss | UPSC Current Affairs Pointers of the past week (23–29 March 2026) | UPSC Lifebloods | Hunk of Knowledge

The post Hunk of Knowledge | PM Modi’s Pushes Ethanol at Jewar airport: Why this biofuel is important for UPSC exam appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here’s your UPSC Current Affairs hunk of knowledge for today on Copper.

Hunk of Knowledge: Copper- Properties, uses, and distribution

Subject: Economy and Science & Technology

(Relevance: Given copper’s latest fall in the global economy, it becomes important to know about this red metal not only from an economic standpoint but also through properties, consumption and geographical perspectives.)

Why in the news?

After hitting an all-time high earlier this year, copper prices on the London Metal Exchange have been sliding as the West Asia conflict weighs on the metal’s demand outlook. From $14,527.50 per tonne in late January, the price of three-month copper futures contract had cooled to $13,343.5 per tonne on February 27, just before the US and Israel attacked Iran. Since then, the three-month futures contract has fallen sharply to around $12,147 on the London Metal Exchange. 

In this context, it becomes important to not only know why copper is seen as a barometer of the economic health of a country but also understand its properties, uses and distribution. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Copper is a soft, malleable and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. It is one of the few metals that occur in nature in directly usable metallic form (native metals).

2. It is an important non-ferrous base metal with wide industrial applications. Copper is essential to the modern economy, with uses ranging from housing and manufacturing to power grids, clean energy, artificial intelligence and defence. Thus, it is often seen as a barometer of economic health.

3. A rise in copper prices is considered a signal of robust economic growth, while falling prices tend to raise concerns about an economic slowdown.

4. According to industry sources and experts, the recent sharp fall in prices of the red-metal reflects weakening demand prospects amid concerns that higher energy costs from the West Asia conflict could dampen economic growth.

5. According to the Indian Minerals Yearbook 2022, India is not self-sufficient in the production of copper ore. In addition to domestic production of ore and concentrates, India imports copper concentrates for its smelters.

6. The domestic demand for copper and its alloys is met through domestic production, recycling of scrap and by imports. Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), a Public Sector Undertaking, is the only integrated Company in the country that is involved in mining and beneficiation of ore and is engaged in smelting, refining and casting of refined copper.

7. Copper is one of the most recycled metals of all the metals. The recycling of copper scrap is gaining importance worldwide simply because of the fact that recovery of copper metal from scrap requires much less energy than  its recovery made from primary source. It also enables conservation of natural resources.

Distribution of Copper

1. According to the Indian Minerals Yearbook 2022, largest reserves/resources of copper ore (52.25%) are in the State of Rajasthan followed by Madhya Pradesh (23.28%) and Jharkhand (15.14%).

2. Copper reserves/resources in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Nagaland,  Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand and  West Bengal accounted for the remaining 9.33% of the total  All India resources.

3. As per the Indian Minerals Yearbook 2022, the world reserves of copper metal are assessed at 890 million tonnes of copper content. Chile has the largest share, accounting for about 21% of world reserves, followed by Australia (11%), Peru (9%), Russia (7%), Mexico (6%), USA (5%), Congo (Kinshasa), Poland, China & Indonesia (3% each), Kazakhstan & Zambia (2% each) and Canada (1%). The remaining 24% was contributed by other countries.

Uses of Copper

1. According to the Indian Minerals Yearbook 2022, the electronic industry is by far the largest consumer of copper, where it is used in the form of cables and winding wires, as it is the best non-precious metal conductor of electricity, encountering much less resistance and being safe for electrical distribution systems from high-voltage transmission cables to microcircuits. Notably, Copper also has relatively high creep strength as compared to other commonly used materials.

2. Copper is used in the construction industry as plumbing, taps, valves and fittings components. In the transportation industry, copper is used in various components.

3. Copper is extensively used in industrial machinery and equipment. It is used in a number of consumer products, such as coinage, utensils, fixtures, etc. Large quantities of copper are consumed in making copper-based alloys, such as brass and bronze.

BEYOND THE HUNK: Substitutes of Copper

1. Copper is vulnerable for substitution on grounds of technical superiority,  price, or weight. Aluminium is used as a substitute for copper in various products, such as electrical power cables, electrical equipment, automobile radiators and cooling/refrigeration tubing. 

2. Optical fiber has substituted copper in some telecommunication applications, and plastics are used as a substitute for copper in water pipes, plumbing, fixtures and many structural applications.

Post Read Question

With reference to copper, consider the following statements:

1. Copper is a non-ferrous metal with high electrical conductivity.

2. It occurs in nature in directly usable metallic form.

3. It is widely used in power grids and microcircuits.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

(Sources: Behind copper’s latest fall: West Asian conflict weighs on the metal’s demand outlook, ibm.gov.in, Indian Minerals Yearbook 2022 (Part- II : Metals & Alloys)

Don’t miss | UPSC Current Affairs Pointers of the past week (23–29 March 2026) | UPSC Lifebloods | Hunk of Knowledge

The post Hunk of Knowledge | The story of Copper: what is this metal and why it reflects global economic health appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

The commission confirmed that the process to download e-Admit Cards will begin on April 3, 2026, through its official portal. Candidates are required to access their accounts online to obtain the document, which will include key details such as the allotted examination district.

Admit card download process

Candidates must log in to the commission’s website using their credentials and navigate to the “My Account” section. After selecting the relevant advertisement, they can access the View or Download option next to the admit card link.

The downloaded e-Admit Card will mention the district assigned to the candidate. Authorities have stated that admit cards will not be sent by post under any circumstances, making online access mandatory for all applicants.

Examination center details to be released in phases

Information related to examination center codes and names will be made available in stages on the candidate dashboard.

For examinations scheduled on April 14 and 15, details will be released on April 11.

For the April 17 and 18 examinations, center information will be available from April 14. Similarly, candidates appearing on April 20 and 21 will receive their center details from April 17.

Direct link to visit the official BPSC website

Direct link to candidate login

Mandatory instructions for candidates

Candidates have been directed to verify that their roll number and bar code are clearly printed on the e-Admit Card at the time of download. Any discrepancy must be addressed before the examination date.

Each candidate is required to carry an additional copy of the admit card to the examination center. This extra copy must be signed and submitted to the invigilator during the examination process.

Reporting time and entry rules

Candidates must reach their designated examination centers two and a half hours before the commencement of the test. Entry into the examination hall will be permitted only up to one hour before the start time.

The Controller of Examinations, Bihar Public Service Commission, Patna, issued the notice and urged candidates to follow all instructions strictly to avoid any disruption on examination days.

Don’t miss | UPSC Current Affairs Pointers of the past week (23–29 March 2026) | UPSC Lifebloods | Hunk of Knowledge

The post Bihar BPSC AEDO admit card 2026 from April 3 at bpsc.bihar.gov.in check exam day instructions appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here’s your hunk of knowledge on the RBI for today.

Hunk of Knowledge: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Subject: History and Economy

Why in the news?

On April 1, 1935, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. It is responsible for monetary stability, currency management, inflation targeting, regulating the banking system, and setting interest rates.

Key takeaways:

1. It was set up on the basis of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Indian Currency (Hilton Young Commission) which was set up in 1926. It recommended establishing a central bank to be called the ‘Reserve Bank of India’.

2. RBI is tasked with regulating the issue of banknotes, maintaining reserves with a view to securing monetary stability and to operate the credit and currency system of the country to its advantage.

3. The first Governor of the RBI was the Australian Sir Osborne Arkell Smith, one of the two managing governors of the Imperial Bank of India. Sir C D Deshmukh was the first Indian to become Governor.

4. The Central Office of the Reserve Bank was initially established in Kolkata but was permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937. The Central Office is where the Governor sits and where policies are formulated.

5. RBI was nationalised from 1st January, 1949 on the basis of the Reserve Bank of India (Transfer to Public Ownership) Act, 1948. All shares in the capital of the Bank were deemed transferred to the Central Government on payment of a suitable compensation.

6. The affairs of the RBI is governed by the Central Board of Directors consisting of the Governor and not more than four Deputy Governors. Non-official directors nominated by the government consist of ten Directors from various fields and two government officials along with four Directors – one each from four local boards.

7. RBI has four local boards: Western Area, Eastern Area, Northern Area and Southern Area. It consists of five members each who are appointed by the Central government for a term of four years. However, since 2022 these local boards are not functioning due to lack of quorum. As per the RBI, a Standing Committee of the Central Board is functioning in the areas where Local Boards are unable to function for want of quorum.

8. RBI performs several functions from maintaining price stability, issuing currency to banker to the government and banks. One of the significant functions which becomes important in the current times is the management of the forex reserve. It manages the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 to facilitate external trade and payment and promote orderly development and maintenance of the foreign exchange market in India.

New initiatives of the RBI

New rules for digital payments starting April 1, 2026: To make digital transitions safer and reduce fraud, RBI has introduced new rules for digital payments. It is making two-factor authentication mandatory, which means OTP alone will no longer be enough. It will need an extra step to complete transactions, like entering a PIN or password, or using your fingerprint or face scan. At the same time, RBI is also making banks more accountable. If a fraud happens because of weak security, banks may have to compensate customers.

e-cheques: In an effort to modernise India’s payment ecosystem, the Reserve Bank of India has proposed the introduction of electronic cheques (e-cheques). This initiative aims to merge the trusted, well-established features of traditional paper cheques with the efficiency, speed and security of digital payment systems, while also catering to evolving business and consumer needs. An e-cheque is a digital version of a paper cheque created and sent online instead of on paper. The payer fills in the details, signs it securely using a digital method, and sends it to the payee or bank. The bank verifies and processes it like a normal cheque, but it is faster, more secure, paperless and easy to track.

MuleHunter.AI: It is an AI-powered tool developed by the RBI to reduce digital fraud by helping banks deal with the increasing problem of “mule” bank accounts. A mule account is a bank account that is used by criminals for illegal activities, including the laundering of illicit funds. A mule account is typically bought over by the criminals from their original users, individuals who are often from lower income groups, or have low levels of technical literacy.

BEYOND THE HUNK: Amid the West Asia war crisis, the task at hand for the RBI 

1. The falling value of the rupee, rise in oil prices, and fears over inflation in the wake of the West Asia conflict led the RBI to take action. It instructed banks to limit their net open exposure to the currency in the foreign exchange market to $100 million by the end of each day. Authorized dealers must comply with this rule by April 10.

2. The RBI’s goal in taking this step is to stabilise the falling rupee and protect the country’s foreign exchange reserves, which have fallen since the West Asian conflict started a month ago. The RBI’s measure is aimed at halting the rupee’s decline by limiting how much foreign currency exposure banks can maintain onshore. Previously, banks could hold net open positions up to 25 per cent of their total capital, a much higher allowance than under this the new cap.

3. Further, as the pressure on the currency built up, the RBI has used the dollar in its forex kitty to stabilise the rupee. As a result, the country’s forex reserves have fallen by over $30 billion, to $698.34 billion, since the conflict began. India’s forex reserves have four components: foreign currency (FX) assets, gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), and the Reserve Tranche Position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

4. However, the recent rupee breached 95-per-dollar, left many speculating about the effectiveness of these measures. Michael Patra, former deputy governor of the Indian central bank, in an interview with Siddharth Upasani, said that the RBI should lean on the US’s Foreign and International Monetary Authorities (FIMA) Repo Facility to ensure US dollars are “flushed continuously in and out of the market.”

5. Under the Foreign and International Monetary Authorities (FIMA) Repo Facility, central banks such as the RBI can place their holdings of US Treasuries with the Fed for one or seven days and get dollars in return. At the end of this period, the dollars must be returned to the Fed, along with some interest, and foreign central banks get back the securities. The use of the facility would have a “stabilising influence” on the market, economise the RBI’s use of its forex reserves, and give it time to rebuild them, the former central banker said.

6. Impact of falling rupee: When the Indian currency depreciates, the first and most immediate casualty is the import bill. Crude oil, electronic components, fertilisers and industrial machinery — all priced in dollars — suddenly become more expensive. The burden then steadily shifts to businesses and households, pushing up inflation and eroding purchasing power.

7. A $1 rise in crude oil increases India’s annual import bill by roughly $1.5–2 billion, depending on total import volumes. This directly widens the current account deficit (CAD). In simple words, CAD means India imports more goods and services than it exports. This, in turn, implies that the demand for the foreign currency (say the US dollar) is more than the demand for the Indian rupee.

Post Read Question

Consider the following statements about the RBI:

1. The RBI was set up on the recommendation of the Hilton Young Commission.

2. The MuleHunter.AI tool developed by IIT Delhi is being made compulsory for the commercial banks.

3. The Foreign and International Monetary Authorities (FIMA) Repo Facility is provided by the RBI.

Which of the statements mentioned above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Don’t miss | UPSC Current Affairs Pointers of the past week (23–29 March 2026) | UPSC Lifebloods | Hunk of Knowledge

The post Hunk of Knowledge | RBI Foundation Day Special: History, new initiatives, and rupee stabilisation appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here’s your hunk of knowledge on PM KUSUM scheme.

Hunk of Knowledge : PM KUSUM 

Subject: Schemes and policies

(Relevance: Direct questions have been asked on government schemes. Since the government has set a target of enhancing India’s solar energy capacity. In this regard, it is important to understand this scheme and what the new components are to be added to the scheme.)

Why in the news?

The centre is considering incorporating a new provision for battery energy storage in the revamped Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM KUSUM) scheme, as it works on formulating a new version of the flagship programme, The RMA NEWS has learnt.

Key takeaways:

1. Launched in 2019, this scheme promotes the installation of small grid-connected solar power plants, standalone solar pumps, and solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps in rural areas.

Climate goal targets

India has promised to ensure that at least 60 per cent of its total electricity generation capacity would comprise non-fossil fuel sources by 2035, as per India’s third nationally-determined contribution (NDCs) submitted last year. Also, at COP-26, the Government has set a target of 500 GW Non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. PM KUSUM scheme has been consistently positioned as a key pillar of its clean energy transition and reaching these targets.

2. The scheme allows farmers not only to use solar power for their own needs but also, in certain cases, to earn by selling surplus electricity. This dual benefit, energy access and income generation, sets it apart from earlier agricultural power initiatives.

3. With the focus on promoting solarisation in the agricultural sector, It aimed to add Solar capacity of 34,800 MW by March 2026. As of February 2026, a total of 12,164 MW capacity has been installed under the scheme. It consisted of three components:

Component A: setting up of decentralised solar power plants

Component B: installing standalone solar pumps in off-grid areas

Component C: solarising grid-connected agricultural pumps

4. Under Component C, the Centre supports both individual pump solarisation (IPS) and feeder-level solarisation (FLS). While IPS enables farmers with grid-connected agricultural pumps to solarise their individual units, FLS allows states to solarise entire agricultural feeders instead of individual pumps.

3. With the focus on promoting solarisation in the agricultural sector, It aimed to add Solar capacity of 34,800 MW by March 2026. As of February 2026, a total of 12,164 MW capacity has been installed under the scheme. It consisted of three components:

Component A: setting up of decentralised solar power plants

Component B: installing standalone solar pumps in off-grid areas

Component C: solarising grid-connected agricultural pumps

4. Under Component C, the Centre supports both individual pump solarisation (IPS) and feeder-level solarisation (FLS). While IPS enables farmers with grid-connected agricultural pumps to solarise their individual units, FLS allows states to solarise entire agricultural feeders instead of individual pumps.

→ Reduce the agriculture electricity subsidy burden on states by improving the financial health of DISCOMS. Subsidy on account of agricultural electricity production has burdened the State’s exchequer.

→ Reducing the import bills by reducing the diesel consumption, which in turn reduced the import bill on account of petroleum products.

Rationale for New Battery Storage Provisions 

Agricultural demand rises in the morning, remaining steady throughout the day, and declines after sunset. In contrast, solar generation gradually increases during the day, peaks around noon, and tapers off thereafter. This misalignment has posed operational challenges for power distribution and grid management.

The proposed battery storage component is expected to bridge this gap by storing surplus solar power generated during peak hours and supplying it when demand persists but generation falls. Discussions on the design of the scheme are ongoing.

Agri-PV component

While addressing the 4th National Agro-RE Summit, Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi  informed that the government may include a dedicated 10 GW Agri-PV component in PM-KUSUM 2.0 to promote the co-location of solar panels with crops.

Agriphotovoltaics (Agriphotovoltaics), the co-location of solar power generation and agricultural activity, offers an initiative to utilize the same agricultural land for generating electricity while continuing agricultural activities, creating a new model for decentralised renewable energy generation in rural India.

BEYOND THE HUNK: Key schemes to achieve renewable energy targets

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: Launched in February, 2024, the initiative, aims to install rooftop solar panels in 1 crore households and provide up to 300 units of free electricity per month. The scheme offers substantial subsidies: ₹30,000 per kW for up to 2 kW, ₹18,000 per kW for additional capacity up to 3 kW, and a total subsidy capped at ₹78,000. As of March 2026, more than 31 lakh households have already benefited from rooftop solar installations under the scheme, enabling families to generate their own electricity and reduce electricity bills.

New Solar Power Scheme (for PVTG Habitations/Villages) under PM JANMAN: Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) is being implemented through nine line ministries and focuses on eleven critical interventions for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). One of these interventions is the New Solar Power Scheme (for PVTG Habitations/Villages), which aims to electrify one lakh un‑electrified PVTG households by providing off‑grid solar systems in areas where grid‑based electricity supply is not techno‑economically feasible.

Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power: Initiated in December 2014, this programme aims to facilitate solar project developers in setting up projects expeditiously. This initiative helps in establishing “transmission infrastructure, road, water, drainage, communication network etc., with all statutory clearances” for the rapid development of solar energy projects.

Post Read Question

The objective of the PM KUSUM scheme (66th BPSC)

(a) to reduce farmers’ dependence on monsoon for irrigation

(b) to reduce farmers’ dependence on moneylenders for credit

(c) promotion of floriculture in India

(d) to remove farmers’ dependence on diesel and kerosene and to link pump sets to solar energy

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Don’t miss | UPSC Current Affairs Pointers of the past week (23–29 March 2026) | UPSC Lifebloods | Hunk of Knowledge

The post Hunk of Knowledge | PM-KUSUM revamp on the cards: Key points for UPSC aspirants appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

CTET February 2026 Result Link at ctet.nic.in: The Central Board of Secondary Education has declared the results for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) on its official website — ctet.nic.in. Candidates can check their scores by logging in using their credentials. Those who qualify will receive CTET certificates, which are now valid for a lifetime.

The CBSE will also issue digital marksheets and certificates to qualified candidates via DigiLocker.

Candidates should note that there is no limit on the number of attempts for the CTET exam, regardless of whether they have qualified earlier or not. This allows aspirants to improve their scores or qualify in subsequent attempts without any restriction.

Steps to download CTET Result 2026:

Step 1: Visit the official website at ctet.nic.in

Step 2: Click on the CTET Result 2026 link on the homepage

Step 3: Enter your application number and date of birth

Step 4: Submit the details to view your scorecard

Step 5: Download and take a printout for future reference

The CTET is a national-level eligibility exam conducted by CBSE to determine candidates’ suitability for teaching positions in Classes 1 to 8. It is a mandatory qualification for recruitment in central government schools such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, as well as several other schools across the country.

The exam is held twice every year, typically in July/August and December/January, and plays a key role in maintaining a uniform standard of teaching quality across India.

This year the exam was conducted on February 7 and 8 in 140 cities and 1,803 examination centres throughout the country. However, due to certain “administrative reasons”, Paper 2 was not conducted on February 7 at two centres in Bihar. This exam was then reorganised on 1 March 2026 specially for these centres. The answer key for the same was live from March 12 to March 15 during which the candidates could challenge the answer key if needed.

In the previous session, that is, December 2024, around 24% candidates of the total appeared qualified Paper 1. For Paper 2 the qualifying percentage was around 12%.

Don’t miss | UPSC Current Affairs Pointers of the past week (23–29 March 2026) | UPSC Lifebloods | Hunk of Knowledge

The post CTET February 2026 Results Out: CBSE issues scorecards at ctet.nic.in appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here’s your UPSC Current Affairs hunk of knowledge for today on Gold. 

Hunk of Knowledge: Gold 

Subject: Economy and Geography 

(Relevance: Given the fluctuation in the price of gold and changing safe-haven dynamics in the global economy, it becomes important to know about this precious yellow metal not only from an economic standpoint but also through demand, consumption and geographical perspectives.)

Why in the news?

Gold prices have crashed sharply amid the ongoing war in West Asia. Previously, prices of the yellow metal had surged in 2025 and early 2026 to multiple record highs when the US’ tariff threats had plundered markets around the world and had weighed on the US dollar. Gold prices on both the domestic and global markets are down around 27% from their January peak, despite the war in West Asia battering global markets. 

In this context, let’s understand why gold prices are down after 2025’s historic surge and why there is no safe-haven demand for bullion currently, as seen earlier when geopolitical uncertainty was elevated, and know about the precious yellow metal in detail.

Key Takeaways:

1. The key aspect holding back safe-haven demand for gold this time is the sky-high prices of crude oil. High crude prices lead to fears of inflation levels rising around the world, which delays rate cuts by central banks around the world. Some central banks may even consider raising interest rates to combat inflation if the situation worsens as the West Asia conflict prolongs itself.

2. The US dollar has also emerged as a safe-haven asset this time around. The dollar index, which measures the strength of the dollar against many other global currencies, has strengthened by over 2% to around 100 since the West Asian war began, compared to the 96 levels it had dipped to when the US tariff threats were at a peak. This has provided an opportunity for investors to book some profits in gold after its rally to the peak, leading to a fall in gold prices, and instead invest in the US dollar.

3. The stronger dollar makes assets priced in the US currency – such as gold and silver – more expensive, thereby hurting their demand and prices.

Gold and its Properties

1. Gold in its purest form is a bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft malleable and ductile metal. It is one of the least reactive chemical elements and is solid under standard conditions.

2. Gold often occurs in free elemental (native) form, as nuggets or grains, in rocks, in vein and in alluvial deposits. Gold is resistant to corrosion and to most acid and has unique properties distinct from other metals.

3. Gold dissolves in an alkaline solution of cyanide, which is used in mining and electroplating. It also dissolves in mercury, forming amalgam alloys, but this is not a chemical reaction.

Distribution

1. Gold is a relatively scarce metal in the world and a scarce commodity in India. The domestic demand is mainly met through imports.

2.  According to the Indian Minerals Yearbook 2022 (Part II: Metals & Alloys), by states, the largest resources in terms of gold ore (primary) are located in Bihar (43%), followed by Rajasthan (24.92%), Karnataka (20%), West Bengal (2.47%), Andhra Pradesh (3.03%) and Jharkhand (2%). The remaining 5.22% of resources of ore are located in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

3.  Although Bihar is the leading State in India as far as resources of gold ore are concerned, the resource estimates are at preliminary stage and falls under Inferred and Reconnaissance categories. In terms of metal content, Karnataka remained on top, followed by Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, etc.

4. According to the Indian Minerals Yearbook 2022 (Part II: Metals & Alloys), the estimated world reserves of gold were about 52,000 tonnes of metal content. The gold reserves are mainly located in Australia, Russia, South Africa, USA, Indonesia, Brazil and Peru.

Demand and Consumption of Gold

1. Jewellery accounts for major consumption of gold. The Industrial demand especially in the Electrical Sector for gold is mainly due to excellent thermal and electrical properties. Besides, a significant amount is consumed in dentistry and medicine.

2. Continuing research has discovered new applications for gold as a catalyst and in nano-technology.

3. Gold is considered a valuable asset, for investments and bank reserves.

BEYOND THE HUNK: Silver – a precious and industrial metal

1. Unlike gold, which is primarily purchased by households and central banks as a store of value and investment, silver actually has inherent physical properties that make it a key component in the manufacture of items, such as batteries and solar panels. These sectors are not only in vogue now but will be crucial to the future of humanity.

2. Silver is also used to make jewellery and coins. That is why buyers and their reasons to purchase silver are more varied than those of gold.

3. Silver is a soft and lustrous metal that is classified as a noble metal. Its white colour, malleability and resistance to atmospheric oxidation have enhanced its value as a highly desired precious metal which is used in many industrial applications.

4. Apart from its monetary and decorative uses, silver is known to have the highest electrical conductivity amongst all metals that enhances its potential in modern age applications, viz, for printed electric circuits, coating for electronic conductors and in alloys of gold and copper for electrical contacts.

5. Its chloride and iodide are light-sensitive and hence used in photographic material. Silver is typically used (in paste form) on solar cells. Silver is the whitest element and has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity among all the metals.

6. In India, there are no native silver deposits except the small and unique Bharak deposit in Rajasthan. It  occurs generally with lead, zinc, copper (especially their sulphide ore) and gold ores and is extracted as a by-product from electrolysis or chemical methods. It was usually extracted by melting silver-bearing lead ore (ore containing argentiferous galena).

7. According to Indian Minerals Yearbook  2022, Silver is recovered as a co-product as well as a by-product in the country. Silver was recovered in the past as a co-product in gold refining at KGF Complex and Hutti Gold Mines in Karnataka and as a by-product in smelting and refining of lead, zinc and copper concentrates at Chanderiya and Debari smelters in Rajasthan, Tundoo and Moubandar  (Ghatsila) smelters in Jharkhand and at Visakhapatnam smelter in Andhra Pradesh.

Post Read Question

Consider the following statements with reference to gold:

1. Gold is highly reactive and easily corroded.

2. It occurs in native form in rocks and alluvial deposits.

3. It dissolves in cyanide solution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Don’t miss | UPSC Current Affairs Pointers of the past week (23–29 March 2026) | UPSC Lifebloods | Hunk of Knowledge

The post Hunk of Knowledge | Gold in spotlight: Understanding price trends, its uses, and distribution appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

BSEB Board Class 10 Result Out: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has declared the Class 10 result today, March 29, 2026 at 1:15 pm. The overall pass percentage has been recorded at 81.79 Per Cent. Students can check and download the result on the official website of the board – matricbiharboard.com– or through the RmaNews result checker.

The result was declared by Education Minister Sunil Kumar through a press conference. BSEB Chairman Anand Kishor and B Rajender, additional chief secretary, Education Department were also present there along with other board officials.

How To Download Bihar Board Class 10 Result Through Official Websites?

• Visit the official website – results.biharboardonline.com.
• Click on the link for “BSEB Matric Result 2026” on the homepage.
• Enter your Roll Code and Roll Number, then click on the submit button.
• Your result will appear on the screen.
• Download it and take a printout for future reference.

Direct Link To Download Bihar Board 10th Result 2026

Bihar Board 10th Result Live: 15 Lakh Appeared, 12 Lakh Passed

A total of 15,10,928 students appeared for the examination, including 7,84,871 girls and 7,26,057 boys. Out of the total candidates, 12,35,743 students passed the exam.

Bihar BSEB Board 10th Result LIVE: Toppers List

The first rank was jointly secured by two toppers-Pushpanjali Kumari and Sabreen Praween-with an impressive score of 492 marks (98.4 per cent).

Bihar BSEB Board 10th Result: Four Female Students In Top 5

Among the top five performers, four are female students, with the top two scorers securing the same score of 98.4 per cent.

Bihar BSEB Board 10th Result LIVE: Rs 2 Lakh Award To Toppers

The board has announced cash rewards of Rs 2 lakh for first-rank holders, Rs 1.5 lakh for second-rank holders, and Rs 1 lakh for those securing the third rank. A total of 139 students feature in the top 10 merit list.

Bihar BSEB Board 10th Result LIVE: Official Websites To Download Result Here

Link 1: matricbiharboard.com

Link 2: result.biharboardonline.org

The post BSEB Bihar Board 10th Result 2026 LIVE (Out): Scorecard Out, Download Link, Toppers List Here appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.

To verify the SSC supplementary result, candidates must provide their roll number, date of birth, and other required information. The supplemental test was held from June 2 to June 10, 2023. The exam ran from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. After the final results are announced, the board conducts additional tests for candidates who did not pass the examination. Students who do not achieve a minimum of 33% in one or more subjects in the AP 10th exam must take the AP SSC Supplementary exam.

AP SSC Supplementary Result 2023: Steps to check here

Step 1: Go to the official website- bse.ap.gov.in.

Step 2: Click on the link “SSC Results for Supplementary Examination 2023” on the homepage.

Step 3: Candidates will have to enter the required details.

Step 4: Click on the submit button.

Step 5: The AP SSC Supplementary result 2023 will appear on the screen

Note: Download the AP 10th Supplementary result 2023 and take a printout for future reference.

The AP SSC final result 2023 was announced on May 6, 2023. This year, the overall pass rate was 72.26 percent.

Source: Bureau

The post AP SSC Supplementary Result 2023 Likely To Be Declared Today At bse.ap.gov.in, manabadi.co.in- Steps To Download Scorecard Here appeared first on Rma News: Latest News, Live Breaking News, Today News, Political News Updates.