2026 current affairs Archives | Page 5 of 27

Why is the Supreme Court Judges Increase in News?

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.

Key Highlights of Supreme Court Judges Increase

Increase in Judicial Strength

Existing sanctioned strength: 34 judges
New proposed strength: 38 judges
Increase approved by: Union Cabinet
Objective: Faster disposal of pending cases

The move is expected to strengthen the efficiency of the apex court and reduce judicial delays.

Why Was the Increase Needed?

India’s judiciary has been facing a significant backlog of cases for several years. The Supreme Court, being the highest judicial authority, handles:

Constitutional matters
Appeals from High Courts
Public Interest Litigations (PILs)
Centre-State disputes
Fundamental Rights cases

The rising number of litigations and increasing complexity of cases have led to the need for more judges.

Constitutional Basis for Supreme Court Judges Increase

Article 124 of the Constitution

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.

Practice Questions

The strength of Supreme Court judges has been increased from 34 to:
- a) 35
- b) 36
- c) 38
- d) 40
Under which Article does Parliament have the power to determine the number of Supreme Court judges?
- a) Article 32
- b) Article 124
- c) Article 136
- d) Article 143
The Supreme Court of India was established in:
- a) 1947
- b) 1949
- c) 1950
- d) 1952
Which institution approved the increase in Supreme Court judges in 2026?
- a) Parliament
- b) Supreme Court Collegium
- c) Union Cabinet
- d) Law Commission

To study current affairs from exam point of view, Click here

Why is the Supreme Court Judges Increase in News? Read More »

Why is the South Coast Railway Zone in News?

The Ministry of Railways has issued a gazette notification for the creation of the South Coast Railway (SCoR), making it India’s 18th railway zone.

The newly formed South Coast Railway Zone will have its headquarters at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

The zone is scheduled to become fully operational from June 1, 2026. The move fulfils a long-pending demand of Andhra Pradesh and also implements a commitment made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Key Highlights of South Coast Railway Zone

Formation of the New Zone

The South Coast Railway Zone has been created by reorganising parts of the existing railway zones:

South Central Railway (SCR)
East Coast Railway (ECoR)

This administrative restructuring aims to improve railway operations, connectivity, and regional development in Andhra Pradesh.

Divisions Included in SCoR

The new railway zone will consist of:

Vijayawada Division (transferred from SCR)
Guntur Division (transferred from SCR)
Guntakal Division (transferred from SCR)
Newly formed Visakhapatnam Division

These divisions are strategically important for passenger and freight transportation in South India.

Practice Questions

Which city has been selected as the headquarters of the South Coast Railway Zone?
- a) Vijayawada
- b) Visakhapatnam
- c) Guntur
- d) Tirupati
The South Coast Railway Zone became India’s ______ railway zone.
- a) 16th
- b) 17th
- c) 18th
- d) 19th
Which railway division was bifurcated for the creation of the South Coast Railway Zone?
- a) Vijayawada Division
- b) Waltair Division
- c) Guntakal Division
- d) Secunderabad Division
Under which Act was the commitment for a separate railway zone to Andhra Pradesh made?
- a) Railway Act, 1989
- b) Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014
- c) States Reorganisation Act, 1956
- d) Indian Railways Act, 2005

To study current affairs from exam point of view, Click here

Why is the South Coast Railway Zone in News? Read More »

Why is Buddha Relics Leh Visit 2026 in News?

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, History and Culture Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

The Buddha Relics Leh event has gained national and international attention as the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha have arrived in Leh (Ladakh). This marks a historic spiritual occasion, as these relics are being exhibited outside their permanent home in India for the first time

What are the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Buddha?

The relics were originally discovered at Piprahwa (Uttar Pradesh).
They are believed to be the mortal remains of Lord Buddha. These relics are considered extremely sacred in Buddhism.
Their display in Leh strengthens the spiritual connection between Buddhism and Ladakh.

About Gautama Buddha

Gautama Buddha (c. 563–483 BCE) was born as Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini (present-day Nepal) to the Sakya clan.
He is the founder of Buddhism, one of the world’s major religions.

Key Events in Buddha’s Life

Mahabhinishkramana (Renunciation): Left home at age 29.
Bodhi (Enlightenment): Attained at 35 under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, near River Niranjana.
First Sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana): Delivered at Sarnath.
Mahaparinirvana (Death): At Kushinagar at age 80 (483 BCE).

Major sects in Buddhism:

Hinayana (Theravada):
Focuses on original teachings of Buddha and individual salvation.
Mahayana:
Emphasizes idol worship, Bodhisattvas, and universal salvation.

Key Differences

Theravada is more conservative and text-based.
Mahayana is more inclusive and devotional.

Four Buddhist Councils and Their Importance

First Council:
Held at Rajgriha under Ajatashatru; compilation of Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka.
Second Council:
Held at Vaishali under Kalasoka; led to split into Theravada and Mahasanghika.
Third Council:
Held at Pataliputra under Ashoka; compilation of Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Fourth Council:
Held in Kashmir under Kanishka; final division into Mahayana and Hinayana.

Important Symbols in Buddhism

Birth: Lotus and Bull
Renunciation: Horse
Enlightenment: Bodhi Tree
First Sermon: Dharmachakra (Wheel)
Mahaparinirvana: Stupa

Practice Questions

The Piprahwa relics are associated with which religion?
a) Jainism
b) Buddhism
c) Hinduism
d) Sikhism
Buddha attained enlightenment at which place?
a) Sarnath
b) Lumbini
c) Bodh Gaya
d) Kushinagar
The First Buddhist Council was held at:
a) Vaishali
b) Pataliputra
c) Rajgriha
d) Kashmir
Which symbol represents Buddha’s first sermon?
a) Lotus
b) Stupa
c) Wheel
d) Horse

To study more current affairs from exam point of view: Click here

Why is Buddha Relics Leh Visit 2026 in News? Read More »

Why is the Lipulekh Pass Dispute 2026 in News?

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, International Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

The Lipulekh Pass Dispute has come into focus after Nepal objected to India and China planning to conduct the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Lipulekh Pass. The Nepal government, led by Balen Shah, raised concerns over sovereignty and territorial claims.

What is the Lipulekh Pass Dispute?

The Lipulekh Pass Dispute revolves around differing interpretations of the India-Nepal border near the tri-junction area.

Key Points of the Dispute

Nepal claims that the Lipulekh Pass falls within its territory based on historical maps and river origins.
India maintains that the area has traditionally been under its administrative control.
The dispute intensified after India inaugurated a road to Lipulekh in 2020 to facilitate the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
The issue also involves China, as the pass connects to Tibet (China-controlled region).

About Lipulekh Pass

Geographical Features

Located in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand.
Situated at an altitude of approximately 5,334 meters (17,500 feet).
Lies at the tri-junction of India, Nepal, and Tibet (China).
Part of the Kumaon Himalayas.

River Association

Associated with the Kali River (Mahakali/Sharda).
The river forms a major part of the India-Nepal boundary.
The origin of this river is central to the boundary dispute.

Strategic and Economic Importance

Serves as a key route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Connects India to Taklakot (Purang) in Tibet.
Holds strategic military importance due to proximity to China.
Facilitates trade and pilgrimage routes.

Historical Background: Treaty of Sugauli

The roots of the Lipulekh Pass Dispute lie in the Treaty of Sugauli.

Signed on 2 December 1815.
Agreement between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal.
Ended the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816).
Defined the Kali River as the western boundary of Nepal.

Core Issue

The dispute arises due to different interpretations of the Kali River’s origin:

Nepal claims the river originates from Limpiyadhura, placing Lipulekh within Nepal.
India considers the origin near Kalapani, placing Lipulekh within Indian territory.

Practice Questions

Which river forms the basis of the India-Nepal boundary dispute in the Lipulekh region?
a) Ganga
b) Brahmaputra
c) Kali River
d) Indus
The Treaty of Sugauli (1815) was signed between Nepal and which entity?
a) British Crown
b) East India Company
c) Mughal Empire
d) China
Lipulekh Pass is located in which Indian state?
a) Himachal Pradesh
b) Uttarakhand
c) Sikkim
d) Arunachal Pradesh
The Lipulekh Pass connects India to which Tibetan town?
a) Lhasa
b) Shigatse
c) Taklakot
d) Gyantse

To study current affairs from exam point of view, Click here

Why is the Lipulekh Pass Dispute 2026 in News? Read More »

Why is Mission Drishti Satellite in News?

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Science and Technology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

The Mission Drishti Satellite has gained attention after its successful launch by Bengaluru-based startup GalaxEye. It was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket by SpaceX from Vandenberg, California. This mission marks a significant milestone in India’s private space sector, showcasing cutting-edge Earth observation technology.

The satellite is considered India’s largest privately developed Earth observation satellite

What is Mission Drishti Satellite?

Mission Drishti Satellite is an advanced Earth observation satellite that uses OptoSAR technology, a unique combination of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Electro-Optical (EO) sensors. This hybrid system enables high-quality imaging in all weather conditions.

Key Features of Mission Drishti Satellite

OptoSAR Technology: First satellite globally to combine SAR and EO sensors on a single platform.
All-Weather Capability: Can capture images even through clouds and during night-time.
High Resolution: Provides images with a resolution of 1.2 to 1.8 metres.
Orbit Altitude: Operates at approximately 500 km above Earth.
Weight: Around 190 kg, making it the largest private satellite in India.

What is OptoSAR Technology?

Understanding SAR and EO Sensors

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Uses microwave signals to capture images regardless of weather or light conditions.
Electro-Optical (EO): Uses visible and infrared light for high-resolution daytime imaging.

The integration of both technologies in Mission Drishti allows seamless data collection, improving accuracy and reliability.

Advantages of OptoSAR Technology

Continuous monitoring in all weather conditions
Improved disaster management capabilities
Enhanced border surveillance and security
Better agricultural and environmental monitoring

Significance of Mission Drishti Satellite

The launch of Mission Drishti Satellite highlights India’s growing capabilities in the private space sector.

Strategic Importance

Strengthens India’s position in space technology innovation
Reduces dependence on foreign satellite data
Supports national security and disaster management

Economic Importance

Boosts the NewSpace ecosystem in India
Encourages private investments in the space industry
Opens opportunities for commercial satellite services

About GalaxEye

GalaxEye is a Bengaluru-based startup focused on advanced Earth observation technologies. It aims to provide high-resolution, real-time data using innovative satellite systems like Mission Drishti.

The company is part of India’s emerging private space ecosystem, supported by policy reforms and organisations like IN-SPACe.

Practice Questions

Which company developed the Mission Drishti Satellite?
a) ISRO
b) DRDO
c) GalaxEye
d) HAL
What is the key feature of Mission Drishti Satellite?
a) Nuclear propulsion
b) OptoSAR technology
c) Cryogenic engine
d) GPS navigation
At what altitude does Mission Drishti Satellite operate?
a) 200 km
b) 500 km
c) 1000 km
d) 1500 km
What does SAR stand for?
a) Satellite Analysis Radar
b) Synthetic Aperture Radar
c) Space Application Radar
d) Signal Amplification Radar
Mission Drishti Satellite is important for which sector?
a) Agriculture only
b) Defence only
c) Space and Earth observation
d) Banking

To study more current affairs from exam point of view, Click here

To Practice static Questions from exam point of view, Click here

Why is Mission Drishti Satellite in News? Read More »

INCOIS Wins Disaster Management Award 2025

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Environment and Ecology Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why Did INCOIS Win the Disaster Management Award 2025?

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has been honoured with the prestigious Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar (SCBAPP) 2025. This award recognizes its exceptional role in disaster management, especially in providing early warning systems for ocean-related hazards.

Key Highlights at a Glance

Award: Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar (SCBAPP) 2025
Recipient: INCOIS (Institutional Category)
Announced on: January 23, 2025 (Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose)
Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
Category: Institutional Award for outstanding disaster management

About INCOIS

Full Form: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
Established under: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
Headquarters: Hyderabad
Nature: Autonomous organization

Key Functions:

INCOIS provides life-saving early warning services for tsunamis, storm surges, and high waves. It serves fishermen, coastal communities, and disaster management agencies with real-time ocean information. Its ocean state forecast system and potential fishing zone advisories have made it a critical institution for marine safety and disaster risk reduction across the Indian coastline.

About Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar (SCBAPP)

The SCBAPP is a national award instituted by the Government of India to honor individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to disaster management in India.

Key Features:

Announced on: January 23 every year
Occasion: Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Categories: Individual and Institutional
Cash Prize (Institutional): ₹51 lakh
Cash Prize (Individual): ₹15 lakh
Administered by: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

Significance of INCOIS Winning SCBAPP 2025

India has one of the longest coastlines in the world — over 7,500 km — making ocean disaster preparedness critical. INCOIS’s early warning systems have directly saved thousands of lives by alerting coastal communities before tsunamis and cyclones strike. Its advanced Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories also help fishermen avoid dangerous sea conditions, reducing accidental deaths at sea. Winning the SCBAPP 2025 underlines the government’s recognition of science-backed disaster management.

Exam Relevance — APPSC, TSPSC & UPSC

This topic is highly relevant for APPSC Group 1, Group 2, TGPSC Group 1, and UPSC Prelims and Mains across the following areas: Science & Technology (Ocean Services), Disaster Management, Awards & Honours (Current Affairs), and Environment & Ecology. Expect questions on the full form of INCOIS, the ministry it falls under, the prize amount of SCBAPP, and the date of announcement.

Practice Questions

Which organization won the Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2025? (Ans: INCOIS)
INCOIS is an autonomous body under which ministry? (Ans: Ministry of Earth Sciences)
On which date is the SCBAPP announced every year? (Ans: January 23)
What is the cash prize for the Institutional category of SCBAPP? (Ans: ₹51 lakh)
Where is the headquarters of INCOIS? (Ans: Hyderabad)

To study more environment and disaster management current affairs from an exam perspective, Click here.

INCOIS Wins Disaster Management Award 2025 Read More »

UNESCO & Sikkim Partner to Document Ru-Soam: India’s Ancient Cane Bridge Heritage | UPSC Current Affairs 2026

Leave a Comment / National Current Affairs, Daily Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

UNESCO has joined hands with the Sikkim state government to document the traditional Ru-Soam bridges — indigenous cane suspension footbridges built by the Lepcha community — located within the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR). This initiative aims to preserve and recognize this extraordinary example of indigenous engineering knowledge before it is lost to modernization.

📌 UPSC Relevance: GS Paper I – Art & Culture | GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology | Prelims – Static GK & Current Affairs

What are Ru-Soam Bridges?

Ru-Soam are traditional bamboo and cane suspension footbridges crafted by the Lepcha community of Sikkim. These structures are a testimony to centuries of accumulated indigenous knowledge in natural material engineering.

Built entirely without nails or metal fasteners
Materials used: wild cane, bamboo, and wood
Represent centuries-old indigenous engineering knowledge
Located within the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim
Recognized as a remarkable example of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)

Why is UNESCO Documenting Ru-Soam?

UNESCO’s documentation effort is part of a broader mission to safeguard intangible cultural heritage worldwide. The specific objectives include:

Preserving intangible cultural heritage and indigenous technical knowledge
Recognizing the Lepcha community’s ecological and engineering contributions
Integrating indigenous knowledge systems into sustainable development frameworks
Safeguarding this knowledge from being lost as modernization advances

About the Lepcha Community

The Lepcha are one of the indigenous communities of Sikkim, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in India. They have coexisted with the Khangchendzonga ecosystem for centuries, developing unique knowledge systems for construction, agriculture, and ecological management. Their Ru-Soam bridges are not just infrastructure — they are a living cultural tradition.

🏔️ UPSC Connect: Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR)

The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve is a critical interconnected topic for UPSC aspirants. Here are the key facts:

Feature	Details
Location	Sikkim, India
UNESCO World Heritage Site	Designated in 2016
Heritage Type	India’s first and only “mixed” heritage site (natural + cultural)
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve	Part of UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2018
Key Feature	Home to Mt. Khangchendzonga — the world’s 3rd highest peak (8,586 m)
Tribal Communities	Lepcha, Bhutia, Limbu — all with deep cultural ties to the landscape

💡 Prelims Tip: KBR is India’s FIRST and ONLY “mixed” UNESCO World Heritage Site — recognised for both its outstanding natural values AND cultural heritage. Designated in 2016. Do not confuse this with the Biosphere Reserve status (2018).

Key Facts for Quick Revision

Ru-Soam = Traditional cane/bamboo suspension bridges of Sikkim
Built by: Lepcha community (indigenous PVTG tribe of Sikkim)
Location: Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim
Initiative: UNESCO + Sikkim Government documentation project
No metal used: Built entirely from wild cane, bamboo, and wood
KBR UNESCO WHS Year: 2016 (mixed heritage site — first in India)
KBR Biosphere Reserve Network Year: 2018
Mt. Khangchendzonga: World’s 3rd highest peak (8,586 m)

UNESCO & Sikkim Partner to Document Ru-Soam: India’s Ancient Cane Bridge Heritage | UPSC Current Affairs 2026 Read More »

Andhra Pradesh natural farming initiative (APCNF) among 4 finalists for Food Planet Prize

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme has achieved global recognition by becoming a finalist for the prestigious Food Planet Prize 2026

What is APCNF?

APCNF (Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming) is a flagship programme of the Andhra Pradesh government.
Launched in: 2016
Implemented by: Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS)
Objective:
- Transition all 60 lakh farmers in the state to chemical-free natural farming
- Promote agroecology-based sustainable agriculture

Key Features of APCNF

World’s largest agroecology programme
Covers over 18 lakh farmers
Spans around 9 lakh hectares (as of 2026)
Focuses on:
- Zero chemical inputs
- Soil health restoration
- Climate-resilient agriculture
Awards & Recognition:
- Won Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity (2024)
- Finalist for Food Planet Prize 2026

About Food Planet Prize

Recognized as the world’s largest environmental award
Prize Amount: $1.5 million USD
Established in 2019
Founded by the Curt Bergfors Foundation

Prelims Focus

APCNF launch year: 2016
Implementing agency: RySS
Largest agroecology programme in the world
Food Planet Prize founder: Curt Bergfors Foundation
Prize amount: $1.5 million

To study more current from exam point of view, Click here

To study AP related current from exam point of view, Click here

Andhra Pradesh natural farming initiative (APCNF) among 4 finalists for Food Planet Prize Read More »

Andhra University Gets ₹500 Crore Boost

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister announced a major financial grant of ₹500 crore to Andhra University during its centenary celebrations.

About Andhra University

Establishment & Background

Established in 1926 under the Andhra University Act, 1925 (Madras Act II of 1926).
Created to serve the educational needs of the Andhra-speaking regions (Northern Circars & Ceded districts).

Key Personalities

Founder Vice-Chancellor:
- Sir C. R. Reddy
- Played a crucial role in establishing the university.
Second Vice-Chancellor:
- Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
- Later became the President of India.
- Contributed significantly to academic development.

Location & Development

Initially started in Vijayawada (1926).
Shifted to its permanent campus at Visakhapatnam (Peda Waltair) in 1930.

To study AP related current affairs from exam point of view, Click here

Andhra University Gets ₹500 Crore Boost Read More »

Governor Clears MLC Nominations in Telangana

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

The Governor of Telangana has approved the nomination of two prominent personalities to the State Legislative Council under the Governor’s quota. The nominated members are:

M. Kodandaram – Academic and social activist
Mohammad Azharuddin – Former cricketer

Governor’s Quota in Legislative Council

Constitutional Basis

Governed by Article 171(5) of the Indian Constitution.
It empowers the Governor to nominate members to the State Legislative Council (MLC).

Key Features of Governor’s Quota

The Governor can nominate 1/6th of the total members of the Legislative Council.
These members are:
- Not elected
- Directly appointed by the Governor
- Based on the advice of the State Cabinet

Eligibility Criteria for Nomination

Nominees must have special knowledge or practical experience in the following fields:

Literature
Science
Art
Cooperative Movement
Social Service

About Legislative Council (Quick Facts)

It is the Upper House of the State Legislature.
Not all states have a Legislative Council.
Members are elected through:
- Local bodies
- Graduates
- Teachers
- MLAs
Plus nominated members (Governor’s quota)

To study more Telangana related current affairs, Click here

Governor Clears MLC Nominations in Telangana Read More »