01
Vikram-1: Private Sector in Indian Space
Vikram-1, built by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, marks India's first private orbital launch. The rocket is a four-stage vehicle (three solid Kalam engines, one liquid Raman engine) with 3D printed parts and carbon composite body. It launched into LEO at ~450 km, carrying up to 350 kg. This follows the 2020 creation of IN-SPACe and Indian Space Policy 2023 to facilitate private participation. India is now the third country (after US and China) with private orbital capability. The earlier sub-orbital Vikram-S (2022) and Agnikul's Agniban (2024) were technology demonstrators.
02
ST Conversion and Reservation: Constitutional Nuances
The Maharashtra panel, headed by Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, will examine the legal position on ST reservation after religious conversion. Under Article 342, ST status is not linked to religion, unlike SCs under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 which restricts benefits to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The 'delisting' demand has been raised by RSS-affiliated groups. The panel will also study approaches of the Centre and other states before recommending a policy for Maharashtra.
03
Tenkasi Excavation: Archaeological Significance
The excavation at Karivalamvanthanallur, near the Vaippar river in Tenkasi district, is being carried out by TNSDA. The site shows continuous occupation from Microlithic period to Iron Age and Early Historic/Sangam period, bypassing Neolithic/Chalcolithic – a pattern similar to Mangudi, Sivagalai, and Adichanallur. Key finds include a large brick structure (8.7m x 4.2m) with descending steps, possibly a granary or rainwater harvesting tank, similar to those at Keeladi, Alagankulam, and Poompuhar. A burial pot with painted peacocks links to Sangam literature (Akananuru) which mentions decorating memorial stones with peacock feathers.
04
India's Three Inflation Measures (June 2026)
The government released CPI (4.38%), WPI (9.87%), and PPI (9.57%) for June. CPI inflation rose from 3.93% in May, crossing the RBI's 4% target for the first time in 17 months. However, core inflation (excluding food and fuel) remained unchanged at 3.9%, indicating subdued consumption. A narrower core excluding precious metals was 2.5%. Falling Chinese goods prices (China's PPI in negative territory from Oct 2022 to Feb 2026) and last year's GST rate cuts helped keep core inflation low. The RBI targets headline CPI inflation of 4% within a 2-6% tolerance band.
05
Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Data Breach
Documents from the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant were leaked on the dark web by ransomware group World Leaks, including engineering drawings and technical reports. NPCIL downplayed the breach, stating documents are from non-critical areas outside the 'reactor island'. This incident revives memories of the 2019 DTrack malware attack attributed to North Korea's Lazarus Group, which also affected ISRO. Air-gapped networks, while intended to protect critical systems, are not foolproof (as seen in the 2003 Davis-Besse incident). The breach raises cybersecurity concerns as India opens the nuclear sector to private participation.
06
Other Notable News: Falklands, Solar Mandate, National Film Awards, Tax Treaty
The Falkland Islands dispute resurfaced after Argentina's football team displayed a 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' banner during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The islands have been under British administration since 1833, and the 1982 war ended with British victory. Meanwhile, the MNRE exempted domestic solar projects from mandatory cell sourcing until Dec 31, citing capacity constraints (30 GW cell vs 200 GW module capacity). The 72nd National Film Awards saw 'Article 370' winning Best Feature Film, Yami Gautam Best Actress, and Kartik Aaryan & Mammootty sharing Best Actor. India also amended its tax treaty with Sri Lanka to prevent treaty abuse, effective from April 1, 2027.
