Info Nuggets

Lokpal

The Supreme Court recently stayed a Lokpal order that brought High Court judges under its jurisdiction, terming the interpretation "very disturbing". Lokpal is an anti-corruption ombudsman that investigates allegations against public officials, including the Prime Minister and government employees. Established in 2013, Lokpal has the power to investigate, supervise and grant prosecution sanctions. Its jurisdiction covers various public officials, but exempts sitting judges of constitutional courts, requiring prior consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

India’s first private satellite constellation

India's space industry achieved a milestone with the launch of its first private satellite constellation by Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based space-tech startup backed by Google. The constellation consists of six hyperspectral imaging satellites launched from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. The satellites will provide high-resolution imaging for agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring, and defense. Pixxel's technology captures detailed data across hundreds of light bands, enabling superior precision. The company plans to launch 18 more satellites by 2029 and has secured 65 clients for its data services.

Rupee & Dollar Swap Auctions

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a $10 billion USD/INR buy/sell swap auction to inject Rs 86,000 crore into the banking system. This tool manages liquidity and stabilises currency volatility. Banks sell US dollars to RBI in exchange for rupees and agree to repurchase dollars at a future date. The swap auction improves banking liquidity, enhances monetary policy transmission, strengthens the rupee, supports economic growth and controls inflation risks. It's a key intervention by RBI to stabilise the economy and manage forex fluctuations.

Pir Panjal range

Amid rising tensions along the Line of Control, Indian and Pakistani brigade commanders met in the Pir Panjal Valley to ease tensions and reaffirm the ceasefire. The Pir Panjal Range, part of the Lesser Himalayas, spans India and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. It covers Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, featuring prominent peaks like Deo Tibba and Indrasan. The range is strategically connected by the Mughal Road and Jawahar Tunnel, and is home to popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg and historically significant trade routes.

Majorana 1

Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, its first quantum computing chip, designed to enhance stability, speed and practicality. The chip uses Majorana particles and topoconductors to minimise computational errors. This breakthrough enables error-resistant qubits, faster problem-solving and scalability to one million qubits. Majorana 1 revolutionises industries like drug discovery, energy grids and materials science. Microsoft's innovation strengthens its position in the global quantum computing race, competing with tech giants like Google and IBM.

Glacier meltdown

Global glaciers have lost over 7 trillion tons of ice since 2000, with a record 604 billion tons lost in 2023. Glacier melting now contributes more to sea level rise than ice loss in Greenland. Rising temperatures, heatwaves and reduced snowfall are driving glacier melt. This has severe impacts, including sea level rise, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity and increased natural disasters. Glacier melt also disrupts economies, affecting tourism and agriculture. Immediate action is needed to mitigate climate change and slow glacier melting.

Kalyani Chalukya

Archaeologists have discovered 900-year-old Kannada inscriptions from the Kalyani Chalukya era in Telangana's Kankal village. The inscriptions, dating back to 1129-1132 CE, reveal temple construction and land donations during Emperor Someswara III's reign. The Kalyani Chalukyas, also known as Western Chalukyas, ruled the Western Deccan from the 10th to 12th centuries CE. They developed a unique architectural style, patronised multiple religions and left a lasting legacy in Indian history and culture, with notable temples like Mahadeva Temple and Kasivisvesvara Temple showcasing their craftsmanship.

Manikaran issue

A proposal to divert hot spring water from Manikaran to Kasol for tourism has sparked protests among locals and religious groups in Himachal Pradesh. Manikaran, a sacred site for Hindus and Sikhs, is located in Parvati Valley along the Parvati River. The site holds historical significance, with Hindus believing it's where Manu recreated human life after the Great Flood and Sikhs revering it as a place visited by Guru Nanak. The proposal threatens the site's cultural and ecological integrity.