CHANDRAYAAN-3 ‘HOP’ EXPERIMENT REVEALS MOON’S SURFACE LAYERS

Why in the News? ● New Discovery: Data from Chandrayaan-3 revealed that the Moon’s upper surface contains two distinct subsurface layers within a few centimetres. ● Hop Experiment: The findings emerged from the lander’s unique ‘hop’ experiment conducted on September 4, 2023. ● Scientific Publication: Researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory published the findings in…

SUPREME COURT HEARS CHALLENGE TO SHANTI ACT, 2025

Why in the News? ●  Legal Challenge: The Supreme Court of India heard a petition challenging the SHANTI Act, 2025, raising concerns about environmental jurisprudence and regulatory safeguards. ●  Liability Concern: Petitioners argued that the Act fixes nuclear accident liability at an “absurdly low” level of below ₹4,000 crore, potentially undermining the polluter pays principle….

Centre Defends Delay In Enforcing Delhi Rent Act

Why in the News ? The Union government informed the Supreme Court of India that the Delhi Rent Act, 1995 cannot be enforced through judicial directions, arguing that notifying the law is a policy matter within executive discretion and linked to administrative preparedness, avoiding ex post facto legal complications. Centre’s Stand Before Supreme Court ● …

Rural Housing Scheme Eases Mandatory RCC Roof Condition

Why in the News ? The Union Ministry of Rural Development has amended PMAY-G guidelines to allow non-RCC roofs such as tiles and tin sheds for rural houses, enabling beneficiaries to receive full financial assistance and wage benefits without mandatory concrete roofing, while ensuring compliance with environmental clearance norms for sustainable construction. PMAY-G Amendment and…

SMILE Mission Studies Earth’s Shield Against Solar Storms

Why in the News ? The joint Europe-China SMILE mission is set to launch aboard the Vega-C rocket to study how Earth’s magnetosphere protects the planet from harmful solar winds and dangerous space weather events. Objectives and Features of the SMILE Mission ●  SMILE stands for Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer, a joint mission…

Sri Lanka Marks Victory Day After Civil Conflict

Why in the News ? Sri Lanka is commemorating the 17th anniversary of the end of its civil war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam with a National Victory Day event scheduled in Battaramulla under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. National Victory Day and Civil War Legacy ●  Sri Lanka observes National Victory Day to…

Consensus Essential To Preserve India’s Federal Democratic Structure

Why in the News ? Debates over delimitation, rising fiscal transfers, and growing tensions between the Centre and States have revived concerns regarding the future of cooperative federalism in India, with experts advocating dialogue, consultation, and democratic restraint as long-term solutions. Challenges Facing Indian Federalism ●  India’s federal structure is witnessing increasing friction due to…

India Nordic Partnership Gains Momentum Through Oslo Summit

Why in the News ? Prime Minister Narendra Modi is participating in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo to strengthen cooperation with Nordic countries in technology, renewable energy, sustainability, trade, defence, and digital innovation. Key Highlights of India-Nordic Summit ●      The 3rd India-Nordic Summit is being attended by India and leaders of five Nordic countries…

Chhattisgarh Expands AI-Based Dial 112 Emergency Network

Why in the News ? Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off advanced Dial 112 emergency response vehicles and forensic mobile vans in Chhattisgarh, expanding the emergency service to all districts with AI-enabled safety and monitoring systems. Expansion of Dial 112 Emergency Services Technological Features and Women’s Safety Measures About Emergency Response System and Internal…

Ordinance Expands Supreme Court Strength To Thirty-Seven Judges

Why in the News ? President Droupadi Murmu has promulgated the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court to 37 judges excluding the Chief Justice of India to address mounting judicial pendency. Ordinance and Expansion of Judicial Strength Rising Pendency and Judicial Vacancies About Supreme Court…