UPSC Current Affairs
IN-SPACe Releases New Guidelines for Hosted Payloads
9 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
IN-SPACe Releases New Guidelines for Hosted Payloads
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has released comprehensive guidelines for hosted payloads on Indian and foreign space platforms. These rules detail the authorisation processes, security clearances, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) filings, and regulatory compliance required for co-locating instruments on a shared satellite bus. It aims to streamline operations for private space startups and foreign entities looking to utilise Indian space infrastructure.
Cabinet Approves Hikes in Rabi Minimum Support Prices
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi crops for the 2027-2028 marketing season. Safflower saw the steepest increase of 675 rupees per quintal, marking a 10.3 percent rise over the previous year to reach 7,215 rupees per quintal. This decision is aligned with the government's policy of ensuring a margin of at least 50 percent over the all-India weighted average cost of production.
Supreme Court Explores Relaxation for Next-Gen Green Crackers
The Supreme Court has weighed in favour of conditional relaxation on next-generation joined green firecrackers ahead of the festive season. The Union government presented a report by CSIR-NEERI showing that these new firecrackers differ from conventional ones in formulation, shell size, and bursting frequency. The report highlights that they result in significant reductions in noise, particulate matter emissions, and solid waste generation.
UAE Signals Additional 25 Billion Dollar Investment in India
The United Arab Emirates has indicated plans to invest an additional 25 billion dollars in India, focusing on critical infrastructure including ports, energy, and space sectors. This comes as both nations target a doubling of their bilateral non-oil trade to 200 billion dollars by 2032. The announcement highlights the growing strategic and economic convergence under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Vedanta Seeks敦 Revival of Niyamgiri Bauxite Mining Project
Vedanta has pitched a massive 1 lakh crore rupee investment in Odisha, aiming to revive bauxite mining in the Niyamgiri hills. In 2013, the mining project was shelved following a unanimous rejection by the Dongria Kondh tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), during a landmark environmental referendum via Gram Sabhas. The revival bid is expected to trigger fresh debates on tribal rights, ecological conservation, and resource extraction.
Supreme Court Examines Legality of Zero UPI Merchant Discount Rate
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union Government, the Reserve Bank of India, and the National Payments Corporation of India on a petition challenging the zero Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) policy for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions. The petitioner argues that prohibiting payment service providers from charging any transaction fee constitutes expropriation without legal basis. While the apex court refused to grant an interim stay, it has decided to examine the delicate balance between promoting digital payments and the financial viability of payment systems.
United States Completes Military Withdrawal from Iraq
The United States military has announced the complete withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, ending a security presence that began with the 2003 invasion. The geopolitical vacuum is expected to be filled by Iran-backed groups, which have cast the withdrawal as a strategic victory for their regional axis of resistance. This transition alters the security dynamics of West Asia and limits Washington's direct military leverage in the region.
Karnataka Opposes Implementation of Kasturirangan Report
The Karnataka government has reiterated its opposition to the Union environment ministry's draft notification implementing the Kasturirangan Committee report on the Western Ghats. The report suggests designating large areas of the mountain range as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), restricting certain developmental activities. Critics argue that outright rejection of the framework poses severe risks to biodiversity, disaster resilience, and long-term water security in southern India.
The Case for Urgent Restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir
Following the completion of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, there is growing consensus and demand for the immediate restoration of its full statehood. Analysts argue that while holding elections was a significant step toward democratic restoration, running the territory under a restricted Union Territory model undermines the representative mandate. Restoring statehood remains critical to strengthening federalism, public trust, and administrative efficiency in the sensitive border region.
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