2026 current affairs Archives | Page 21 of 21

Isro successfully fires improved 3rd stage of SSLV rocket

Why in News?

ISRO successfully tested an improved version of the third stage (SS3) of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

SSLV

The SSLV is a three-stage, all-solid launch vehicle developed by ISRO. It is specifically designed to provide cost-effective, on-demand launch services for small satellites (10 kg to 500 kg) into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Payload Capacity	Up to 500 kg to 500 km planar orbit; 300 kg to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
Stages	3 stages (all solid fuel) + a liquid-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) for precise orbit injection
Integration Time	Quick turnaround of 72 hours (vs. 70 days for PSLV).
Manpower	Can be integrated by a team of only 6 people.

Exam TIP

Remember the difference:
SSLV → Small satellites, low cost, quick launch
PSLV → Polar missions, versatile
GSLV → Heavy payloads, geostationary orbit

https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/isro-successfully-fires-improved-third-stage-of-newly-developed-sslv-rocket-2844418-2025-12-31

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Dhruv-NG Helicopter First Flight: India’s Civil Aviation Milestone

Why in News?

India achieved a major milestone in civil aviation as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully conducted the first flight of Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter in Bengaluru. This marks HAL’s entry into the civil helicopter market

Dhruv-NG:

Dhruv-NG is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter.
It is fully designed and developed in India by HAL.
Powered by the Shakti civil engine.

Additional Concepts for Exams

Recently Shakti Civil Engine received certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It is the first indigenous aircraft engine to get DGCA approval for manufacturing.

Exam Tip:

Dhruv-NG = Civil helicopter + HAL + Shakti engine + DGCA certification

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/indias-dhruv-ng-helicopter-makes-maiden-flight-5-5-tonne-twin-engine-max-speed-285-km/h-heres-what-we-need-to-know/articleshow/126264605.cms

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Reservation in Private Colleges: Article 15(5)

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?

The Opposition, led by Congress, has demanded that the Centre ensure proper implementation of reservation policies in private educational institutions. It emphasized that regulatory bodies in higher education must monitor the enforcement of Article 15(5) of the Constitution.

Concepts from exam Point of view:

Article 15(5) of the Indian Constitution, added by the 93rd Amendment in 2005, empowers the state to make special provisions—including reservations—for the admission of socially and educationally backward classes, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in educational institutions, including private unaided institutions, excluding minority schools.

Exclusion: It explicitly excludes minority educational institutions referred to in Article 30(1).

Article 15(6), inserted by the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, enables special provisions (reservation) for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

It allows up to 10% reservation in educational institutions (including private, aided/unaided) except minority institutions. This is in addition to existing reservations, specifically targeting those not covered by 15(4) or 15(5).

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/any-higher-education-regulator-must-oversee-article-155-implementation-says-congress/article70529251.ece

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Budget Session 2026: Key Concepts Explained

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?

The Budget Session of Parliament 2026 is scheduled to begin on January 28 and continue till April 2

Concepts from Exam Point of view:

Parliamentary sessions are the designated periods when both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha meet to conduct legislative business.

Under Article 85 of the Indian Constitution, the President has the power to summon each House at intervals not exceeding six months, ensuring Parliament meets at least twice a year.

By established convention (not a constitutional mandate), India holds three sessions annually:

Budget Session (January/February to May)
Monsoon Session (July to August/September)
Winter Session (November to December)

Key terms related to Parliament session

Summoning:
The President officially calls both Houses of Parliament to meet, based on the advice of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA).
Adjournment:
It is a temporary break in the proceedings of a House for a specific time (hours, days, or weeks), declared by the Speaker or Chairman. The session continues.
Adjournment Sine Die:
When a House is adjourned without fixing the next meeting date, it is called adjournment sine die.
Prorogation:
The President formally ends a session of Parliament under Article 85(2). Pending bills remain unaffected.
Dissolution:
This applies only to the Lok Sabha. It ends the term of the House and leads to fresh elections. Most pending bills lapse after dissolution.

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/parliaments-budget-session-to-begin-january-28-continue-till-april-2/

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SC Hearing on Lambada ST Status in Telangana

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has taken up a long-pending issue regarding the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status of the Lambada community in Telangana. The matter has resurfaced due to a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by activists challenging the inclusion of the Lambada community in the Scheduled Tribes list for Telangana.

Background:

The Lambada community was included in the ST list for Telangana region through the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 1976. Since then, there has been continuous disagreement between Lambadas and other tribal communities.

From Exam point of view: Article 342 & SLP Explained

Special Leave Petition (SLP) – Article 136

SLP is a special power of the Supreme Court.. It allows the Court to hear appeals against any judgment or order from any court or tribunal (except military courts).
It is discretionary, meaning the Supreme Court may accept or reject it.

Article 342 – Scheduled Tribes

Clause (1): Presidential Power

The President can notify communities as Scheduled Tribes. This is done after consulting the Governor of the State.

Clause (2): Parliamentary Power

Only Parliament can include or exclude communities from the ST list. Once notified, the President cannot modify the list independently.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/can-the-decades-old-constitutional-dispute-over-lambadas-scheduled-tribe-status-in-telangana-be-resolved

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Telangana Budget Session begins: Governor addressed joint sitting of both Houses

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Polity Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / vanikrishna1796@gmail.com

Why in News?

The Budget Session of the Telangana Legislative Assembly and Council started with Governor’s Shiv Pratap Shukla address to joint sitting of both Houses in the morning

From Exam point of view: Governor’s Address Before Legislature Session – Articles 174, 175 & 176 Explained

Constitutional Provisions

Article 176 (Special Address):
- Makes it mandatory for the Governor to address the State Legislature.
- Applicable in two situations:
  - First session after general elections
  - First session of every year (Budget Session)
Article 175 (Right to Address & Send Messages):
- Gives the Governor the power to address either House or both Houses.
- Can send messages regarding pending bills or legislative matters.
Article 174 (Sessions of Legislature): Empowers the Governor to summon, prorogue, and dissolve the State Legislature.

Motion of Thanks: After the Governor’s address, a motion is moved in the legislature to thank the Governor. This is called the Motion of Thanks. The Motion of Thanks must be approved by the House. If it is rejected, it is treated as a vote of no-confidence. This may force the government to resign.

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/telangana-budget-session-begins-today-governor-to-address-joint-sitting-of-both-houses/

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Lokpal of India Foundation Day – January 16

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Why in News?

The Lokpal of India observes its Foundation Day every year on January 16. This day marks the enforcement of Section 3 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, through which the Lokpal was formally established in 2014

From Exam Point of View:

Lokpal functions as the country’s apex anti-corruption ombudsman at the central level, tasked with investigating allegations of corruption against public officials.

Establishment: Came into existence on January 16, 2014, under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
Objective: To inquire into and investigate corruption cases involving public functionaries at the Union level.
Origin: Based on the Scandinavian concept of an “Ombudsman.”
Indian Context: The term “Lokpal” was coined by Dr. L. M. Singhvi in 1963.

Composition & Appointment

The Lokpal comprises a Chairperson and up to 8 members. The Chairperson can be a former Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court judge, or a distinguished person with expertise in anti-corruption matters.
Members are appointed by the President based on recommendations of a selection committee headed by the Prime Minister, including the Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India (or nominee), and an eminent jurist.

Tenure:

The Chairperson and members hold office for 5 years or until attaining 70 years of age, whichever is earlier

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2215393&reg=3&lang=1

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PESA Act implemented in Jharkhand after 25 years

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Why in News?

Jharkhand Cabinet approved PESA Rules after 25 years of the Act’s passage, granting Gram Sabhas legally enforceable powers in Fifth Schedule areas of the state.

Exam Point of View: What is PESA?

Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) enacted in 1996 to extend Panchayati Raj system to Scheduled Areas. It Applies to tribal regions under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Recognizes Gram Sabha as the central authority in governance. Empowers tribal communities to:

Manage natural resources (land, water, forests)
Protect customs and traditions
Control local institutions and markets

Grants powers over:

Land acquisition decisions
Minor forest produce
Regulation of intoxicants

The act is applicable in 10 states. The 10 PESA states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Telangana

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/pesa-act-implemented-in-jharkhand-after-25-years-but-will-it-change-tribal-lives

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