New START Treaty • Type: Bilateral nuclear arms-control treaty between U.S. and Russia• Signed: 2010 (Prague)• Entered into force: 2011• Expiry: February 2026 (now set to lapse; Russia offering 1-year extension)• Replaced: START-I (1991–2009) Why Important • Only remaining nuclear arms-control treaty between U.S. and Russia• Sets rules to monitor, verify and cap the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals• Expiry would mean no legal limits on their strategic nuclear weapons Key Provisions • Limits deployed strategic nuclear warheads• Includes robust verification measures: inspections, data exchange, notifications
Olive Ridley Turtle Conservation and Irrawaddy Dolphin Concerns
Context • Budget proposes “turtle trails” in Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala• Conservationists warn mass-nesting sites are extremely sensitive• Artificial lights and tourist movement disturb Olive Ridley turtles• Article also refers to Irrawaddy dolphins in Chilika Lake Olive Ridley Turtle • IUCN Status: Vulnerable• Mass nesting (Arribada): Rare phenomenon; mainly in India and Costa Rica India’s Major Nesting Sites • Gahirmatha (Kendrapara, Odisha) – world’s largest rookery• Rushikulya (Ganjam, Odisha) Sensitivity • Highly sensitive to light, noise and human presence• Nesting beaches must be no-go zones Irrawaddy Dolphin • Habitat: Estuaries and brackish waters (e.g., Chilika Lake, Odisha)• IUCN Status: Endangered• Features: Rounded head, absence of beak, low triangular dorsal fin• Threats: Boat traffic, habitat disturbance, fishing nets
Nanda Devi and Himalayan Peaks Opened for Regulated Tourism
Context • Uttarakhand government opened Nanda Devi and 82 other Himalayan peaks for mountaineering and tourism• Aim: Boost adventure tourism and local economy Nanda Devi • Location: Kumaon Himalaya• Height: 7,816 m• Second-highest peak entirely within India Key Points • Permissions required through Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System• Focus on regulated tourism with environmental safeguards
Manipur Legislative Assembly and Constitutional Crisis Explained
Context – What is happening in Manipur? Relevant Constitutional Articles Article 174(1) • Governor must summon the Legislative Assembly• Gap between two sessions cannot exceed six months Article 174(2) Governor can:• Prorogue the House• Dissolve the Assembly on the advice of the Council of Ministers Issue Raised • Congress demands dissolution of the Assembly, arguing constitutional norms have been violated
Karnataka Resolution on MGNREGA and Federal Concerns
Context • Karnataka Assembly passed a resolution opposing the VB-G RAM-G Act, 2025• State demands rollback of the new Act and restoration of MGNREGA, 2005• Claims the new law harms federalism, Panchayat powers and burdens State finances What does the Resolution Mean? • State Assembly resolutions are not legally binding on Parliament• They convey political opinion and exert pressure• Central law remains unchanged unless Parliament amends or repeals it Constitutional Basis of MGNREGA • Enacted under the Concurrent List• List III, Entry 23:“Social security and social insurance; employment and unemployment”
PUCL v Union of India 2003
PUCL v. Union of India (2003) is a landmark Supreme Court judgment that strengthened electoral transparency by recognizing the voters’ right to know the background of electoral candidates. Background Key Issue Whether voters have a fundamental right to information about candidates contesting elections, and whether the State can restrict this right through subordinate legislation. Judgement The Supreme Court held that: Major Directions Candidates contesting elections must disclose by affidavit: These disclosures must be made public to ensure voter awareness. Constitutional Significance Impact Limitations PUCL v. Union of India (2003) constitutionalised electoral transparency by affirming that democracy thrives only when voters are informed, making the right to know an integral part of India’s electoral framework.
Universal Adult Suffrage
Universal Adult Suffrage refers to the right of all adult citizens to vote in elections without discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, gender, wealth, education, or social status. Constitutional Basis in India Key Features Historical Significance Importance Limitations / Challenges
Exoplanets (Extrasolar Planets)
What are Exoplanets? Exoplanets, or extrasolar planets, are planets that orbit stars outside our Solar System. Unlike planets in our system, they are located beyond the Sun’s gravitational influence and are found across the Milky Way galaxy. The first confirmed discovery of an exoplanet orbiting a Sun-like star was made in 1995. Why are Exoplanets Important? Major Types of Exoplanets Habitable Zone (Goldilocks Zone) Methods of Detecting Exoplanets Key Space Missions Challenges in Exoplanet Study
Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)
What is TESS? The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a space-based astronomical observatory designed to discover exoplanets orbiting bright, nearby stars using the transit method.It is a successor to the Kepler mission, with a stronger focus on nearby and easily observable planetary systems. Launch and Agency Primary Objective How TESS Works (Transit Method) Survey Strategy Orbit of TESS Key Achievements Importance of TESS Limitations
Auroras (Northern & Southern Lights)
Auroras are spectacular natural light displays seen in high-latitude regions near the polar areas, caused by interactions between solar particles and Earth’s atmosphere. What causes auroras? Where do auroras occur? Why different colours? Which atmospheric layer? When are auroras strongest? Why are auroras important (beyond beauty)?
