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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…