Why in the News? A purification ritual at Haldwani’s Ramlila Ground after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally has triggered debate over untouchability, caste-based purity and pollution. The controversy raises questions about whether cleansing a public space after a Dalit person’s presence can attract constitutional and criminal liability. Legal Framework: Untouchability Beyond Physical Exclusion ● …
Why in the News ? Thailand’s Peaceful Society Promotion Act came into force on August 24, offering amnesty for several politically motivated offences committed between 2005 and 2025. However, exclusion of lese majeste offences, particularly involving young activists, has raised concerns over selective reconciliation. Amnesty Act: Provisions and Eligible Beneficiaries ● Broad coverage:…
Why in the News ? Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has highlighted the prolonged non-use of Article 124(3), which permits appointment of a “distinguished jurist” directly as a Supreme Court judge. He called the provision an unused constitutional mandate requiring serious consideration. Constitutional Provision and Appointment Routes ● Article 124(3) provides three…
Why in the News ? Wakefield acceleration is gaining scientific attention as an alternative to conventional particle accelerators because it can generate extremely strong accelerating electric fields over much shorter distances. The technology could eventually enable compact, high-energy accelerators for research, medicine and advanced industrial applications. How Wakefield Acceleration Works ● Plasma medium:…
Why in the News ? India has rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s order concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting that the tribunal lacks jurisdiction over India’s sovereign decisions. New Delhi maintains that its decision to keep the treaty in abeyance remains valid. India’s Stand on the Arbitration Order ● India rejected the…
Why in the News ? The Union Government has notified Semicon 2.0, reducing financial support for eligible silicon fabrication projects from 50% to 40% while expanding assistance for semiconductor packaging, display fabrication, equipment, materials, chip design, research and talent development. Key Changes Under Semicon 2.0 ● Under Semicon 1.0, launched in 2022, eligible…
Why in the News ? Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced major investments in power infrastructure, including a new supercritical thermal power station in Thoothukudi, a statewide transmission upgrade and improved electricity distribution infrastructure in Chennai. Power Generation and Transmission Expansion ● The State government announced the Tamil Nadu Transmission Improvement…
Why in the News ? A recent Science Advances study found that NASA-tested AstroRad, a radiation-protection vest developed by StemRad and Lockheed Martin, could significantly reduce astronauts’ exposure to intense solar radiation during future lunar and Mars missions. Radiation Challenge in Human Spaceflight ● Earth’s magnetic field protects humans from much of the…
Why in the News ? India’s real GDP growth reached 7.8% in the first quarter of the current financial year, exceeding the RBI’s 7% projection. The strong performance has reinforced India’s image as a rapidly expanding economy and strengthened prospects for India-US investment and trade ties. GDP Growth and Economic Outlook ● India…
Why in the News ? The 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Awards have been awarded to Tommy Koh of Singapore, Bo Kyi of Myanmar and Runa Khan of Bangladesh for contributions to international law, democracy, human rights, poverty alleviation and climate resilience. Awardees and Their Contributions ● Tommy Koh (Singapore), an 88-year-old lawyer and diplomat,…