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New study reveals super-Earths could be prevalent around stars
A recent study has revealed that super-Earth exoplanets, worlds that are larger than Earth but smaller than Uranus or Neptune, are far more common in the universe than previously believed. The discovery, made by an international team of researchers using the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet), challenges previous assumptions about the frequency and distribution of these intriguing planets. The research team, led by astronomers from Ohio State University, Harvard University, and institutions in China and Korea, discovered that super-Earths can orbit as far from their stars as Jupiter orbits the Sun, contradicting the earlier belief that these planets are typically found only in close proximity to their host stars.
Maharashtra govt to start using satellite images to assess crop damage and compensation
The Maharashtra Government has decided to use satellite imagery and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) standards, instead of traditional on-field surveys, to assess crop damage and provide assistance to farmers. The technology-driven assessment will, however, not cover droughts. NDVI measures how healthy or stressed vegetation is by analysing plants' reflection or absorption of specific wavelengths of light. Satellite sensors measure this reflected light, enabling accurate analysis of crops' condition, a senior agriculture department official said. Initially, a study group had recommended implementing this system on a pilot basis in one district. However, the government has decided to roll it out across the entire state in one phase.
Ancient Indian empires make way in new Class VIINCERT book with emphasis on Indian culture
The new Class VII Social Science textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced new chapters on ancient Indian empires like Mauryas, Cholas and Pandayas, Shungas, Kushanas and Satvahanas under the theme-’Tapestry of the Past’.
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Unlike the previous years where history, geography, and civics were split in three textbooks, the new Class VII Social Science text, titled Exploring Society - India and Beyond (Part 1) integrates the three books. The book replaces three books: Our Pasts - II for History, Social and Political Life, and Our Environment for Geography.
While the previous Class VII history textbook included chapters of Delhi Sultans and the Mughal Empire, the part I of the book does not include these.
However, the NCERT will publish Part II of the book as well. The history portion in part of the book ends with the Gupta Empire, it is yet to be seen whether Delhi Sultans and Mughals will feature in the Part 2 of the new Class VII textbook.
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The new NCERT textbook is revamped under the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
In Chapter 8 of the next textbook there is a reference to the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela organised in Prayagraj.
The book also includes a separate chapter on the Indian Constitution. The chapter introduces students to the shaping of the constitution with anecdotes of the makers of the constitution. It also includes a section of the Preamble.
Each chapter begins with an inspiring quotation from a renowned person or text. On the first page of every chapter, students can find a QR code leading them to interesting videos, puzzles, games, stories which are related to the content of the chapter.
Part-1 of the book contains 12 chapters, which will be taught during the first six months of the academic session. With additional topics, Part-2 is expected to be released later.
The Social Science textbook for Class VII—Exploring Society: India and Beyond Part 1—has been prepared for the second year of the middle stage. The thematic approach with a multidisciplinary lens continues, helping students to understand ideas and concepts holistically. The text integrates the values we desire our students to develop, is rooted in the Indian cultural context and introduces global perspectives in an age-appropriate manner,” Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of the NCERT writes in a foreword of the textbook.
Delhi HC puts spotlight on shortage of judges
The Delhi High Court has highlighted the "acute shortage of judges" with respect to the population and the litigation quantum due to which several matters remain unheard. The high court said that on account of overflowing dockets, it was unable to decide appeals within a reasonable period of time and when some matters remain unheard, it is "extremely painful" for the judge.
The court's remarks came while hearing a plea by a cheating and forgery case convict, seeking permission to travel abroad to attend a club assembly of Rotary Club in Almaty, Kazakhstan and Georgia for his social ties and business growth.
"In my considered view, since on account of overflowing dockets, this court is unable to decide the appeals within a reasonable period of time, the right to even leisure trips to certain extent ought not be declined," Justice Girish Kathpalia said.
The court permitted the man to travel abroad from May 1 to May 11 upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh with one surety of the like amount.
"On account of acute shortage of judges as compared to the general population and the litigation quantum, for a long time, the list of regular matters does not reach till the end of the day of hearing.
"Rather, many times even beyond 05:00 pm when the courts rise for the day, some of the matters remain unheard, which is extremely painful for the judge. In such an uncertain atmosphere, depriving the applicant/ appellant of free movement, even if to enjoy leisure trips cannot be justified," Justice Kathpalia said.
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