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Skyroot Aerospace Unicorn 2026 gained attention after the Hyderabad-based startup achieved a valuation of $1.1 billion following a fresh funding round of nearly $60 million. The milestone comes weeks before the expected launch of Vikram-1, Indiaโs first privately developed orbital rocket.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Skyroot Aerospace |
| Headquarters | Hyderabad |
| Valuation | $1.1 billion |
| Fresh Funding Raised | Nearly $60 million |
| Status Achieved | Indiaโs first space-tech unicorn |
| Upcoming Mission | Vikram-1 orbital rocket launch |
| Launch Site | Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) |
| Rocket Series Named After | Dr. Vikram Sarabhai |
| Vehicle | Type | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vikram-S | Sub-orbital rocket | First privately developed Indian rocket to reach space in November 2022 |
| Vikram-1 | Orbital launch vehicle | Maiden flight expected in mid-2026 |
| Vikram-2 | Heavy-lift launch vehicle | Designed for 1-tonne payload to Low Earth Orbit by 2027 |
The emergence of Skyroot as Indiaโs first space-tech startup unicorn demonstrates the success of Indiaโs space sector liberalisation. It reflects growing investor confidence in indigenous launch technology and commercial space missions.
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BrahMos Missile Talks 2026 came into focus during the state visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to India. The Indian government officially confirmed that discussions are underway regarding the possible sale of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system to Vietnam.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Missile Name | BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile |
| Developed By | DRDO (India) and NPO Mashinostroyenia (Russia) |
| Missile Type | Medium-range supersonic cruise missile |
| Speed | Mach 2.8โ3.0 |
| Current Talks | India and Vietnam discussing possible export deal |
| First Foreign Buyer | Philippines in 2024 |
| Launch Platforms | Land, sea, submarine, and air |
| Name Origin | Brahmaputra River + Moskva River |
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Propulsion | Two-stage propulsion system |
| First Stage | Solid propellant booster |
| Second Stage | Liquid-fuel ramjet engine |
| Original Range | 290 km |
| Extended Range Versions | 450 km, 500 km, and 800+ km |
| Guidance | Precision-guided strike capability |
The proposed BrahMos deal would strengthen Vietnamโs maritime deterrence capability in the South China Sea region. It also enhances Indiaโs image as a reliable supplier of advanced military technology.
Q1. BrahMos missile is jointly developed by India and which country?
a) France
b) Russia
c) Israel
d) USA
Answer: (b) Russia โ BrahMos is a joint venture between DRDO and Russiaโs NPO Mashinostroyenia.
Q2. What is the approximate speed of the BrahMos missile?
a) Mach 0.8
b) Mach 1.2
c) Mach 2.8โ3.0
d) Mach 5.0
Answer: (c) Mach 2.8โ3.0 โ BrahMos is among the fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles.
Q3. Which country became the first foreign customer of BrahMos in 2024?
a) Vietnam
b) Indonesia
c) Philippines
d) Japan
Answer: (c) Philippines โ The Philippines purchased the shore-based BrahMos variant.
Q4. The name BrahMos is derived from which rivers?
a) Ganga and Volga
b) Brahmaputra and Moskva
c) Indus and Danube
d) Yamuna and Neva
Answer: (b) Brahmaputra and Moskva โ The missileโs name combines rivers from India and Russia.
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DRDO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the maiden flight trial of the TARA Glide Weapon 2026.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) |
| Developed By | DRDO |
| User Agency | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Type | Indigenous glide weapon system |
| Purpose | Converts unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons |
| Maximum Range | 80 km |
| Launch Altitude | 10 to 45,000 feet |
| Weight Variants | 250 kg, 450 kg, 500 kg |
| Target Type | Ground-based targets |
The TARA Glide Weapon 2026 strengthens Indiaโs indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The system enhances stand-off strike capability by enabling aircraft to hit targets from safer distances. It also reduces dependence on imported precision-guided munitions.
Q1. TARA glide weapon system was developed by:
a) ISRO
b) HAL
c) DRDO
d) BEL
Answer: (c) โ DRDO developed the TARA glide weapon system.
Q2. The primary purpose of TARA is to:
a) Intercept ballistic missiles
b) Convert unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons
c) Launch satellites
d) Detect submarines
Answer: (b) โ TARA converts conventional unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons.
Q3. What is the maximum range of the TARA glide weapon system?
a) 40 km
b) 60 km
c) 80 km
d) 120 km
Answer: (c) โ TARA can strike targets up to 80 km away.
Q4. TARA glide weapon can be launched from a maximum altitude of:
a) 20,000 feet
b) 30,000 feet
c) 40,000 feet
d) 45,000 feet
Answer: (d) โ The system supports launch altitudes up to 45,000 feet.
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Andhra Pradesh Governor launched the Mee Intiki โ Mee Doctor 2026 initiative on May 8, 2026 during the observance of World Red Cross Day and World Thalassemia Day.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Mee Intiki โ Mee Doctor |
| Launch Occasion | World Red Cross Day & World Thalassemia Day |
| Launch Date | May 8, 2026 |
| Objective | Provide primary healthcare at doorstep |
| Target Beneficiaries | Poor families in remote and inaccessible areas |
| Coverage Target | 5 lakh families |
| Duration | 3 years |
| District Coverage | 7 districts |
| Focus Groups | Pregnant women, children (0โ6 years), bedridden persons |
| Constitutional Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| State List โ Entry 6 (Seventh Schedule) | Public health and sanitation fall under the jurisdiction of States |
| Article 47 | Directs the State to improve public health and nutrition levels |
| Related Health Mission | National Health Mission (NHM) supports accessible healthcare delivery |
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body produces insufficient or abnormal hemoglobin. This reduces oxygen transport in blood and leads to anemia, fatigue, and weakness.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Genetic blood disorder |
| Main Cause | Abnormal hemoglobin production |
| Major Impact | Anemia and reduced oxygen supply |
| Observance Day | World Thalassemia Day โ May 8 |
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed every year on May 8 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.
Q1. Mee Intiki โ Mee Doctor initiative was launched in which state?
a) Telangana
b) Karnataka
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (c) โ The programme was launched by the Andhra Pradesh Governor.
Q2. World Red Cross Day is observed annually on:
a) April 7
b) May 8
c) June 5
d) July 11
Answer: (b) โ It commemorates the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant.
Q3. Thalassemia mainly affects which component of the body?
a) Liver enzymes
b) Hemoglobin production
c) Bone density
d) Blood sugar
Answer: (b) โ Thalassemia is an inherited disorder affecting hemoglobin production.
Q4. Which Article of the Constitution directs the State to improve public health?
a) Article 32
b) Article 21
c) Article 47
d) Article 51A
Answer: (c) โ Article 47 is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.
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The Union Government has extended the tenure of the Commission of Inquiry headed by former Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan for the third time. The commission was constituted in October 2022 to examine whether Scheduled Caste status should be extended to Dalits who convert to religions other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission Head | Justice K G Balakrishnan, former Chief Justice of India |
| Constituted | October 2022 |
| Purpose | Examine extension of SC status to converted Dalits |
| Current Extension | Third extension granted by Centre |
| Concerned Communities | Dalits converted to Christianity or Islam |
| Legal Basis Under Review | Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 |
| Ministry Involved | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 was issued under Article 341 of the Constitution. Paragraph 3 of the Order restricts Scheduled Caste recognition to persons professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism.
| Amendment | Change Introduced |
|---|---|
| 1950 Order | SC status limited to Hindus |
| 1956 Amendment | Sikhs included in SC category |
| 1990 Amendment | Buddhists included in SC category |
Under the present legal framework, Dalits converting to Christianity or Islam lose eligibility for SC reservation benefits. The Balakrishnan Commission is examining whether this restriction violates constitutional principles of equality and social justice.
| Feature | Scheduled Castes (SC) | Scheduled Tribes (ST) |
|---|---|---|
| Linked to Religion | Yes | Generally No |
| Constitutional Provision | Article 341 | Article 342 |
| Effect of Religious Conversion | SC status may cease | ST status usually continues |
| Basis of Recognition | Historical untouchability | Tribal identity and customs |
Unlike SC status, Scheduled Tribe recognition is generally not tied to religion. An ST individual may continue to retain tribal status after conversion unless community recognition and tribal customs are completely abandoned.
Q1. Under which Article are Scheduled Castes specified in India?
a) Article 340
b) Article 341
c) Article 342
d) Article 343
Answer: (b) โ Article 341 empowers the President to specify Scheduled Castes.
Q2. The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order originally restricted SC status to which religion?
a) Hinduism
b) Sikhism
c) Buddhism
d) Christianity
Answer: (a) โ The 1950 Order initially limited SC status to Hindus only.
Q3. In which year were Buddhists included in the Scheduled Caste category?
a) 1956
b) 1976
c) 1990
d) 2001
Answer: (c) โ Buddhists were included through the 1990 amendment.
Q4. Which former Chief Justice of India heads the present commission on Dalit converts?
a) N V Ramana
b) U U Lalit
c) K G Balakrishnan
d) R M Lodha
Answer: (c) โ The commission is chaired by Justice K G Balakrishnan.
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Andhra Pradesh government has announced the launch of the Kalyana Laxmi Scheme 2026 for DWCRA women.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Kalyana Laxmi Scheme 2026 |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Beneficiaries | DWCRA women |
| Purpose | Financial support for daughtersโ marriage expenses |
| Loan Amount | โน10,000 to โน1,00,000 |
| Interest Rate | 4% annual interest (Pavala Vaddi) |
| Repayment Period | Up to 48 monthly installments |
| Implementing Agencies | Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) and Stree Nidhi |
| Budget Allocation | โน250 crore |
| Financial Year | 2026โ27 |
| Expected Beneficiaries | 25,000 women |
The scheme is aimed at improving financial access for DWCRA women by providing affordable credit support. The Pavala Vaddi loans under the Kalyana Laxmi Scheme 2026 may reduce dependence on informal borrowing for marriage-related expenses.
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India will host the inaugural International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit from June 1โ3, 2026 in New Delhi. Around 95 countries are expected to participate in the event.
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation headquartered in New Delhi. It was established to promote global cooperation for the conservation of seven major big cat species.
| Big Cat Species | Scientific/Regional Importance |
|---|---|
| Tiger | India hosts the worldโs largest tiger population |
| Lion | Asiatic lions found mainly in Gujarat |
| Leopard | Widely distributed across Asia and Africa |
| Snow Leopard | Found in Himalayan regions |
| Cheetah | Reintroduced in India under Project Cheetah |
| Jaguar | Native to the Americas |
| Puma | Also known as cougar or mountain lion |
The IBCA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation headquartered in New Delhi that focuses on global conservation of seven major big cat species.
Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma are covered under the alliance.
The Delhi Declaration is a proposed global declaration on big cat conservation expected to be adopted during the 2026 IBCA Summit.
The headquarters of the IBCA is located in New Delhi, India.
Big cats are apex predators and umbrella species. Their conservation helps protect forests, ecosystems, and other wildlife species.
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The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 to make any insult to or obstruction during the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence.
The proposed amendment aims to provide legal protection to the National Song, similar to the respect accorded to the National Anthem and the National Flag.
Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875.
The novel was based on the backdrop of:
The song became a symbol of nationalism during the Indian freedom movement.
During the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, Vande Mataram inspired people to oppose British rule and promote indigenous products.
Revolutionary leaders such as Sri Aurobindo regarded it as a spiritual and patriotic call for self-rule.
The song was first publicly sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta.
In 1907, Madam Bhikaji Cama unfurled the first Indian tricolour on foreign soil at Stuttgart, Germany, with the words โVande Mataramโ inscribed on the flag.
On January 24, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, announced that Vande Mataram would receive equal respect along with the National Anthem โ Jana Gana Mana.
Thus:
Unlike the National Anthem, the term โNational Songโ is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution of India.
However, it enjoys immense historical and cultural importance.
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The Union Cabinet has approved the Supreme Court Judges Increase proposal, raising the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
The decision was taken to address the growing burden of pending cases in the judiciary. At present, nearly 92,000 cases are pending before the Supreme Court, creating delays in justice delivery.
The move is expected to strengthen the efficiency of the apex court and reduce judicial delays.
Indiaโs judiciary has been facing a significant backlog of cases for several years. The Supreme Court, being the highest judicial authority, handles:
The rising number of litigations and increasing complexity of cases have led to the need for more judges.
The power to determine the number of judges in the Supreme Court lies with the Parliament of India.
Under Article 124(1) of the Constitution:
The Supreme Court shall consist of a Chief Justice of India and such number of other judges as Parliament may by law prescribe.
This means the Constitution does not permanently fix the number of judges. Parliament can increase or decrease the strength through legislation.
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