NASA's PRAXIS Mission

Context: NASA has selected PRAXIS (Planetary Rings Autonomous EXploration with In-situ Sampling) as a Phase I concept under its NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) programme to explore innovative technologies for future space missions.

About PRAXIS Mission

• Overview

• Developer: Proposed by Marco Quadrelli of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under the NIAC programme. 
• Objective: If eventually developed, PRAXIS could become the first mission to directly collect in-situ samples of millimetre- to centimetre-sized particles from Saturn's rings, helping scientists better understand their origin, composition and evolution. 

• Key Features

• Ring-Grazing Exploration: The spacecraft is designed to "graze" Saturn's rings by flying just above Saturn's rings, enabling close-range observations while avoiding prolonged passage through the ring plane. 
• Touch-and-Go Sampling: It will use a long, soft deployable boom to briefly touch the rings and collect samples while maintaining a safe distance from the spacecraft. 
• Autonomous Navigation: AI-enabled autonomous navigation will identify suitable sampling locations and guide the spacecraft through the dynamically changing ring environment. 
• Multi-Region Sampling: After collecting a sample, the spacecraft is designed to move to another ring region or gap to obtain additional samples from different environments. 
• Advancing Ring Science: The mission seeks to investigate unresolved ring features such as density waves, propellers, self-gravity wakes and gap edges, building on discoveries made by NASA's Cassini mission. 
• Future Applications: The technologies developed could support future exploration of Uranus' ring system, including possible application in NASA's proposed Uranus Probe mission. 

About NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Programme

• A programme of NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) that supports early-stage, high-risk, high-impact concepts with the potential to transform future space exploration. 

• Phase I provides funding for concept studies, simulations and preliminary system design to evaluate the scientific and technological feasibility of innovative mission ideas. 

• Selection under NIAC does not imply mission approval; only a limited number of concepts advance to later phases and may eventually be developed into operational missions.

650th Birth Anniversary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas

Context: India is commemorating the 650th Birth Anniversary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj, one of the foremost saints of the Nirguna Bhakti movement, remembered for his message of equality, devotion and social justice.

About Sant Guru Ravidas

• Identity: A prominent 15th-century Bhakti saint, mystic poet and social reformer from Seer Govardhanpur (Varanasi). 

• Tradition: Traditionally regarded as a disciple of Ramananda and a contemporary of Kabir; Mirabai is traditionally believed to have accepted him as her spiritual guide. 

• Literary Contribution: Composed devotional verses in vernacular languages; 41 hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, while several others appear in the Panch Vani. 

• Bhakti Tradition: A leading exponent of Nirguna Bhakti, emphasising devotion to a formless God over rituals and idol worship. 

Teachings and Legacy

• Equality & Social Justice: Rejected caste hierarchy and untouchability, asserting that a person's worth depends on actions rather than birth. 

• Inner Spirituality: Emphasised purity of mind, sincere devotion and ethical conduct over rituals and pilgrimages. 

• Begumpura: Envisioned an ideal society free from sorrow, fear, caste discrimination and inequality. 

• Enduring Legacy: His teachings continue to inspire movements for social justice, dignity, equality and empowerment of marginalised communities, while reinforcing the constitutional ideals of equality, fraternity and human dignity.

Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day

Context: The nation observed the 87th Martyrdom Day (31 July) of Shaheed Udham Singh, one of India's foremost revolutionary freedom fighters who was executed by the British in 1940.

About Shaheed Udham Singh

• Birth & Early Life: Born as Sher Singh on 26 December 1899 at Sunam (Punjab), he was orphaned at an early age and later admitted to the Central Khalsa Orphanage, Amritsar, where he was renamed Udham Singh. 

• Revolutionary Inspiration: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) profoundly influenced his revolutionary ideology, and he vowed to avenge those responsible for the tragedy. 

• Revolutionary Activities: Traditionally regarded as being associated with the Ghadar Party and later linked with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), he travelled extensively across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America to maintain contacts with Indian revolutionaries abroad. 

• Imprisonment: Arrested in 1927 under the Arms Act for possessing unlicensed firearms, he remained imprisoned until 1931, after which he resumed revolutionary activities. 

• Assassination of Michael O'Dwyer: On 13 March 1940, at Caxton Hall, London, he assassinated Sir Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, whom he held politically responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. (General Reginald Dyer commanded the firing at Jallianwala Bagh.) 

• Execution: He was executed at Pentonville Prison, London, on 31 July 1940. 

• Repatriation of Mortal Remains: His mortal remains were repatriated to India with state honours in 1974, where they were received with widespread public tribute. 

Legacy and Contributions

• Symbol of Revolutionary Nationalism: His sacrifice became a powerful symbol of resistance against British colonial rule and unwavering commitment to India's freedom struggle. 

• 'Ram Mohammad Singh Azad': During his trial, he adopted the name 'Ram Mohammad Singh Azad', symbolising the unity of Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism, and the inclusive character of India's freedom movement. 

• Enduring Legacy: He is remembered as 'Shaheed-e-Azam Udham Singh', and his life continues to inspire patriotism, courage, communal harmony and resistance against colonial oppression while keeping alive the memory of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

150th Birth Anniversary of Pingali Venkayya

Context: The Prime Minister paid tributes to freedom fighter Pingali Venkayya on his 150th birth anniversary, remembering his seminal contribution to the design of India's National Flag.

About Pingali Venkayya

• Early Life: Born on 2 August 1876 at Bhatlapenumarru (present-day Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh). 

• Freedom Fighter: An active participant in the Indian freedom movement, he attended several sessions of the Indian National Congress and strongly advocated the adoption of a national flag for India. 

• Military Service: Served in the British Indian Army during the Second Boer War (1899–1902) in South Africa, where he came into contact with Mahatma Gandhi and developed a keen interest in national flags. 

• Scholar & Polymath: A linguist, agriculturist, geologist and educationist, he earned the titles 'Japan Venkayya' for his proficiency in Japanese, 'Patti (Cotton) Venkayya' for his research on cotton, and 'Diamond Venkayya' for his work on diamond geology. 

• Literary Contribution: Authored 'A National Flag for India' (1916), presenting around 30 designs and advocating the need for a distinct national flag for India.

Contribution to the National Flag

• Original Design (1921): At the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session at Bezwada (now Vijayawada) in 1921, Pingali Venkayya presented a flag with red (later saffron) and green bands to Mahatma Gandhi. 

• Evolution of the Tricolour: On Gandhi's suggestion, a white band and the Charkha were added to symbolise peace, the inclusion of all communities, and self-reliance. 

• Foundation of the Present National Flag: Venkayya's design formed the basis of the Tricolour adopted by the Indian National Congress in 1931. 

• Subsequently, the Constituent Assembly adopted the present National Flag on 22 July 1947, replacing the Charkha with the Ashoka Chakra. 

• Legacy: Revered as the 'Jhanda Venkayya', he is remembered as the principal architect of the Indian Tricolour—an enduring symbol of unity, sacrifice, freedom and national identity. 

• In 2009, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp in recognition of his contribution to the National Flag.

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Context: The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed by the Lok Sabha to strengthen the framework for delayed registration of births and deaths by introducing greater judicial scrutiny for registrations sought after prolonged delays.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• No Change up to Two Years: The existing procedure for delayed registration of births and deaths up to two years from the date of occurrence remains unchanged. 

• Judicial Approval Beyond Two Years: Births or deaths reported more than two years after their occurrence can be registered only on the order of a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class (JMFC) or a Metropolitan Magistrate, replacing the earlier provision that permitted registration with the approval of an Executive Magistrate. 

• Enhanced Judicial Oversight: The amendment seeks to strengthen the integrity of the civil registration system by introducing greater judicial scrutiny, thereby reducing the possibility of fraudulent or fabricated registrations. 

• Strengthening Legal Identity: The amendment reinforces the importance of timely birth registration, as a birth certificate serves as a foundational proof of legal identity for accessing various public services and government benefits.

About the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969

• Purpose: Provides the legal framework for the compulsory registration of births and deaths across India. 

• Nodal Authority: Implemented by the Registrar General of India (RGI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in coordination with Chief Registrars and local Registrars appointed by State Governments. 

• Legislative Competence: Registration of births and deaths falls under Entry 30 of the Concurrent List (List III) of the Seventh Schedule, enabling both Parliament and State Legislatures to legislate on the subject. 

• Registration Timeline: 

• Within 21 days: Registration without any late fee. 
• After 30 days but within one year: Registration only with the written permission of the prescribed authority and payment of the prescribed late fee. 
• After one year but within two years: Registration only with the written permission of a District Magistrate or an Additional District Magistrate (or an officer authorised by the District Magistrate) and payment of the prescribed late fee. 
• Beyond two years (Proposed Amendment): Registration will require an order of a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class (JMFC) or a Metropolitan Magistrate, replacing the existing requirement of approval by an Executive Magistrate.

• 2023 Amendment: Established national and state-level electronic databases of registered births and deaths and enabled the birth certificate to serve as a single document for admission to educational institutions, preparation of electoral rolls, Aadhaar, passport, driving licence, marriage registration, appointment to government services and other notified purposes.

Parliamentary Panel Recommends Stronger Arctic Engagement

Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs has recommended that India appoint a Polar Ambassador and work towards becoming a full member of the Arctic Council to strengthen its scientific, strategic and diplomatic engagement in the polar regions. 

Key Recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee

• Appoint a Polar Ambassador: Create a dedicated diplomatic position to coordinate India's engagements in the Arctic and Antarctic, strengthen international cooperation and represent India's interests in polar governance. 

• Pursue Full Membership of the Arctic Council: While continuing as an Observer State, India should actively work towards obtaining full membership of the Council. 

• Strengthen Global South Representation: The Committee recommended that India adopt a suitable strategy to strengthen its role as a voice of the Global South in Arctic governance and emerging polar issues. 

• Promote Asian Observer Cooperation: It suggested greater collaboration among the Asian Observer States through a quadrilateral framework involving India, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. 

India's Engagement in the Arctic

• Arctic Policy: India adopted its Arctic Policy (2022) with six pillars, focusing on science and research, climate and environmental protection, economic and human development, transportation and connectivity, governance and international cooperation, and national capacity building. 

• Observer Status: India has been an Observer in the Arctic Council since 2013. 

• Scientific Presence: India has operated the 'Himadri' Arctic Research Station at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard (Norway) since 2008, supporting research on climate change, atmospheric sciences, glaciology and polar ecosystems. 

• Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is the nodal ministry for India's Arctic research and polar programmes. 

About the Arctic Council

• Establishment: Established in 1996 through the Ottawa Declaration as the leading intergovernmental forum for cooperation in the Arctic. 

• Objective: Promotes cooperation, coordination and interaction among Arctic States, Indigenous Peoples and other Arctic inhabitants on issues relating to sustainable development and environmental protection. 

• Members: Comprises eight Arctic States—Canada, Denmark (including Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States. 

• Permanent Participants: Six organisations representing Arctic Indigenous Peoples participate as Permanent Participants, ensuring their full consultation and involvement in the Council's work. 

• Observers: Includes non-Arctic States, intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental organisations.  

• Decision-Making: Decisions are taken by consensus among the eight Arctic States, with the full consultation and involvement of Permanent Participants.

Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Insurance under BMIP

Context: The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has launched India's first sovereign-backed Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Insurance product under the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) to strengthen domestic maritime insurance and reduce dependence on foreign insurers.   

About the Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Insurance Product

Overview

• Meaning: A specialised marine liability insurance that protects shipowners and operators against third-party liabilities not covered under Hull & Machinery (H&M) Insurance. 

• Purpose: Provides financial protection against legal compensation and operational liabilities arising from maritime operations. 

Key Features

• Coverage: Covers third-party liabilities such as: 

• Crew/passenger injury, illness, death and repatriation. 
• Cargo loss or damage. 
• Oil pollution and environmental liabilities. 
• Wreck removal, collision liabilities, legal costs, fines and other maritime claims. 

• Complements H&M Insurance: While H&M Insurance covers physical damage to the vessel, P&I Insurance covers third-party liabilities arising from its operation. 

• Domestic Sovereign-Backed Cover: Reduces dependence on foreign International Group (IG) P&I Clubs, ensuring uninterrupted liability cover during geopolitical crises or sanctions. 

• Significance: Promotes maritime insurance self-reliance and strengthens India's shipping resilience. 

About Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP)

• Launch: Operationalised by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, in May 2026 following Union Cabinet approval. 

• Objective: To provide uninterrupted maritime insurance for Indian-flagged/controlled vessels and ships carrying India's trade during geopolitical disruptions. 

• Need: Reduces dependence on overseas marine insurers exposed during recent geopolitical conflicts. 

• Participation: Operated by 10 Indian non-life insurers, with GIC Re as the Pool Administrator. 

• Coverage: Provides Hull & Machinery (H&M), Cargo, Protection & Indemnity (P&I) and War Risk insurance. 

• Financial Capacity: 

• Underwriting capacity: USD 1.5 billion. 
• Contingent sovereign guarantee: USD 1.4 billion (≈ ₹12,980 crore). 

• Strategic Importance: Supports Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India's maritime risk-management ecosystem.