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India joined the Artemis Accords as the 27th nation in 2023. This US-led group focuses on lunar research and building a permanent Moon base. While India traditionally avoided such alliances, it now seems ready to collaborate with international partners. This move could help ISRO achieve its own ambitious space exploration goals.
Climate change is a top topic for UPSC Mains as it impacts India’s economy, health, and agriculture. Experts say it has evolved from a purely environmental issue into a development challenge. Candidates should study how rising temperatures affect food security, monsoon patterns, and the vulnerability of the Himalayan region today.
The National Legal Services Authority of India directed the non-renewal of contracts for Legal Aid Defence Counsels. Many lawyers feel these counsels threaten their work, but data shows they handle only 1.6 per cent of criminal cases. Officials must balance the interests of private advocates with fair trial rights.
Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi said on August 16, 2026, that bilateral issues can be sorted through talks. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India should take place much sooner. Trivedi noted that challenges are part of democracy and dialogue helps resolve differences between the neighbors.
The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre if courts can grant fair compensation under the SHANTI Act after a nuclear accident. The bench also questioned potential conflicts of interest in appointing regulatory members. Petitioners claim the 2025 law violates fundamental rights by capping liability for private companies at 3,000 crore.
The Supreme Court on Monday directed that a PIL about the lack of toilets for girls in government schools be heard by another bench. The court noted that Justice J B Pardiwala had already issued a landmark judgment on January 30 regarding menstrual health as a fundamental right to education.
Gujarat Police constable Ramgar Mohangar Gosai resigned to support PM Modi for the 2029 polls. He said, "I got this government job after a lot of hard effort and dedication." Gosai started this move after Jantar Mantar protests, vowing to stop wearing footwear until Modi returns to power in 2029.
A Muzaffarnagar court gave 17 death sentences in seven cases within 100 days. However, the judge ignored Supreme Court norms from 2022 requiring reports on an accused person's conduct. Instead, the court said, “The court observed the facial expressions and demeanour of the convicted person,” to justify these harsh rulings.
Economic historian Angus Maddison estimated India accounted for 32 per cent of world GDP in 1 AD. India was a major centre of production and trade for centuries. However, colonial rule changed everything, and India’s share of the world economy fell to just 4.2 per cent by the year 1950.
The Supreme Court on Monday (August 17, 2026) refused to interfere with the Election Commission of India's decision to fix 2002 as the base year for electoral rolls in Sikkim. The bench said, “The goal post cannot be shifted in the middle of the exercise.” It dismissed the NGO's plea.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said 96,842 flood-affected families received Rs 15,000 each as financial aid. The government spent Rs 146.26 crore so far. "We want the affected families to have some cash in hand when they return home," Sarma said. Officials started a survey to assess further damage.
Donald Trump hailed the new Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact as a big, bold first step. Signed on August 7, the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement links the three nations' security. Trump said, "It shows how the Middle East is coming together." India is now assessing how this deal impacts its national security.