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,…
Why in the News ? Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan questioned why the constitutional provision permitting appointment of distinguished jurists to the Supreme Court has remained unused for over seven decades. His remarks also highlighted the importance of academic diversity, dissent and free thought in constitutional democracy. Article 124 and the Unused Constitutional Provision…
Why in the News ? The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar-class, at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The indigenously built vessel will strengthen specialised underwater capabilities, including diving operations and submarine rescue, particularly under the Western Naval Command. INS Nipun: Capabilities and Significance ● INS Nipun…
Why in the News ? NASA has launched the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope from Florida to investigate major questions about the universe. The infrared observatory will conduct wide-field surveys, study dark energy, and search for distant galaxies, exoplanets and planet-forming systems. Roman Telescope: Features and Mission ● The Nancy Grace Roman Space…
Why in the News ? A study involving ISRO, Manipal researchers and other scientists has identified small, short-lived brightening events that occur hours before major solar flares. Data from Aditya-L1 could improve understanding of flare formation and advance space-weather forecasting capabilities. Pre-Flare Signals Detected by Aditya-L1 ● Scientists identified numerous small and short-lived…