Why in the News ? The Netherlands has returned the historic Anaimangalam copper plates of the Chola period to India, renewing demands among historians and archaeologists for the repatriation of several other Indian cultural artefacts preserved in foreign museums and universities. Return of Chola-Era Copper Plates Historical Significance of the Leiden Plates About Chola Administration…
Why in the News ? The Union government has promulgated the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, increasing the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 33 to 37 judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India) to address rising pendency and improve judicial efficiency. Judicial Expansion and Ordinance Provisions Pendency Crisis and Judicial…
Why in the News ? A joint mission by the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences is set to launch the SMILE spacecraft to study how Earth’s magnetic shield protects the planet from intense solar winds and harmful space weather events. SMILE Mission and Scientific Objectives ● SMILE stands for Solar Wind…
Why in the News ? The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following rising infections, deaths, and fears of wider international spread. Ebola Outbreak and WHO Response ● The outbreak has resulted in more than…
Why in the News? Key provisions and background Implications of the ruling Gerrymandering● Definition: Gerrymandering refers to manipulation of electoral boundaries to favour a political party or social group.● Types: It includes packing, where voters are concentrated into one district, and cracking, where communities are split across districts.● Political Impact: Gerrymandering can distort representation and…
Why in the News? ABOUT THE COMMITTEE FUNCTIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES● Definition: Parliamentary committees are smaller groups of Members of Parliament constituted for detailed examination of specific subjects.● Types: They are broadly classified into Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees.● Function: Committees scrutinise Bills, budgets, policies, retrospective environmental clearances, and functioning of ministries for…
Why in the News? ABOUT DENGUE PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES● Definition: Vector-borne diseases are infections transmitted through organisms such as mosquitoes, ticks and flies.● Common Diseases: Dengue, malaria, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and kala-azar are major vector-borne diseases in India.● National Programme: India implements the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control programme for…
Why in the News? ABOUT GANGES SOFT-SHELL TURTLE SIGNIFICANCE OF SATELLITE TAGGING KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK● Location: Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam along the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River.● UNESCO Status: It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.● Flagship Species: The park is globally famous for conserving the one-horned rhinoceros population.● Biodiversity…
Why in the News? DIGITAL ARREST SCAM: KEY FEATURES SIGNIFICANCE OF ‘ABHAY’ CYBER FRAUDS IN INDIA● Definition: Cyber fraud involves use of digital technologies to deceive individuals for financial gain or unlawful advantage.● Common Forms: Phishing, OTP scams, identity theft, fake investment schemes and digital arrest scams are major cyber threats.● Regulatory Framework: Cybercrimes are…
Why in the News? Key observations of the court Bhojshala complex: Important facts Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)● Archaeological Survey of India is the premier organisation responsible for archaeological research and monument conservation in India.● ASI functions under the Ministry of Culture.● It was established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham during British rule.● The organisation…