Daily Current Affairs – 14-06-2026

International News

PM Modi’s Visit to France and Slovakia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on 13 June 2026 for a week-long official visit to France and Slovakia. During the visit, he will participate in the G7 Summit in Evian, France, as a special invitee. The G7 consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. In Nice, France, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and jointly inaugurate “Bharat Innovates,” a three-day event under the India-France Year of Innovation. India and France are also progressing on the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, with 18 aircraft to be manufactured in France and the remaining jets to be produced in India using 50% domestic components. PM Modi will visit Slovakia from 14 to 16 June 2026 and will become the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Slovakia since its independence in 1993. During the visit, he will meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. He will also participate in the VivaTech Technology Summit in Paris on 18 and 19 June 2026.

EU Membership Talks for Ukraine and Moldova

Official negotiations to admit Ukraine and Moldova into the European Union (EU) will begin in Luxembourg from 16 June 2026 after receiving approval from all 27 member states of the European Union at a meeting held in Brussels, Belgium. Ukraine applied for membership in the European Union in the early stages of the Russia-Ukraine War, which began in 2022. For a country to become a full member of the European Union, it must successfully complete negotiations in 35 policy areas, including agriculture and trade, and the process can take several years. The initial negotiations will focus on the core values and principles of the European Union.

US Restricts Access to Anthropic AI Models

The United States Government has directed Anthropic to suspend Indian access to its advanced artificial intelligence models, Mythos 5 and Fable 5, shortly after the company expanded access to selected Indian organisations under Project Glasswing, a cybersecurity initiative. The Government of India is assessing the scope of these restrictions and is engaging with Anthropic and the United States to determine whether the restrictions apply only to Mythos 5 and Fable 5 or may extend to other models in the Mythos family. Several Indian organisations from the cybersecurity, telecommunications, finance and banking sectors had received early access to the Mythos model. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and other public sector entities were also expected to receive access to these AI models.

Nalanda University Signs MoUs in Mongolia

Nalanda University signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading institutions in Mongolia during a high-level academic engagement held in Ulaanbaatar on 8–9 June 2026 to strengthen the civilizational, cultural and academic relations between India and Mongolia. The first MoU was signed on 8 June 2026 between Nalanda University and Gandantegchinlen Monastery (Gandan Monastery), Mongolia, at the historic Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar. The agreement was signed by Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University, and Geshe Lharampa Javzandorj Dulamragchaa, Khamba Nomun Khan, Supreme Abbot and Head of Gandan Monastery.

ILO Adopts Global Standards for Gig Workers

The International Labour Organization adopted the first binding international employment standards for gig workers on 12 June 2026 in Geneva. The new standards apply to workers in sectors such as ride-hailing and food delivery services and aim to provide rights related to wages, workplace safety and social protection benefits. The agreement also lays down rules regarding algorithmic management of gig workers. These standards will come into force only after they are ratified by national governments and subsequently implemented by member countries.

Extreme Rainfall Threatens Tapanuli Orangutans

A study published in June 2026 reported that four days of extreme rainfall and landslides in Sumatra, Indonesia, caused by Cyclone Senyar in November 2025, killed 58 Tapanuli orangutans, representing about 7% of the total species population. The Tapanuli orangutan, discovered in 2017, is the world's most endangered great ape species, with fewer than 800 individuals remaining. The study stated that Cyclone Senyar was the deadliest natural disaster in Southeast Asia in 2025, causing more than 1,000 human deaths. Researchers warned that increasing extreme rainfall events linked to human-induced climate change pose a serious threat to the survival of the species and its habitat. Studies indicate that the species could become extinct if it loses more than 1% of its population annually. The Indonesian government has temporarily halted major development activities, including mining, oil palm and hydropower expansion, in the Batang Toru protected forest to assess ecological risks and support conservation efforts.

UN Launches Global Alliance for Human Rights

The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) launched the Global Alliance for Human Rights on 11 June 2026 in Geneva to address rising global challenges such as conflicts, inequality and climate change. The initiative was unveiled by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and aims to bring together governments, civil society organisations, businesses, cities, faith leaders, academics, artists and youth under the three principles of Imagine, Dialogue and Act. The alliance will introduce initiatives such as the Global Helpdesk on Business and Human Rights, the RightsX Summit on digital innovation and the Human Rights in Every Classroom programme. It also seeks to expand the global network of Human Rights Cities from 104 to 1,000. The alliance has been designed as a long-term initiative leading up to the 80th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 10 December 2028, with an annual Global Alliance Human Rights Forum to monitor progress and set priorities.

Japan Successfully Launches H3 Rocket

Japan's H3 rocket, the country's flagship launch vehicle, was successfully launched on 13 June 2026 from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, carrying six small satellites. The rocket was developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to improve the international competitiveness of Japan's space industry and is considered a potential rival to SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The mission carried satellites including Tokyo University of Science's "Umitsubame", designed for Earth observation, and Shizuoka University's "Shiraito", which is testing space-debris capture technology. The launch came after earlier setbacks, including a failed mission in December 2025 caused by a second-stage engine anomaly. According to JAXA, the agency aims to conduct up to eight H3 rocket launches annually.

Ancient Origin of the Euphrates River Uncovered

The Euphrates River, one of the world's most historically significant rivers and the longest river in Southwest Asia, was formed between 3.6 million and 1.6 million years ago when two ancient river systems merged due to tectonic activity in the Taurus Mountains of present-day Turkey, according to recent geological research using seismic imaging and geological data. The fertile plain between the Euphrates River and the Tigris River became one of the cradles of human civilization and supported ancient cities such as Uruk, regarded as the world's first metropolis and the birthplace of written language, and Babylon, one of ancient Mesopotamia's greatest cities. The Euphrates originates in Turkey, flows through Syria and Iraq, and empties into the Gulf, extending about 1,700 miles (2,800 km). Ancient cities on its banks included Ur and Mari, while present-day cities along the river include Birecik in Turkey, Raqqa in Syria, and Ramadi, Fallujah, and Nasiriyah in Iraq.

States’ News

Assam Stops Aadhaar Issuance for Adults

The Assam Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has decided to stop the issuance of Aadhaar cards to persons above 18 years of age to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining Aadhaar. Exceptions may be considered only on the recommendation of the District Commissioner and with approval from the State Government. Aadhaar enrolment will continue for tribal communities, tea garden workers, and persons below 18 years of age. The Assam Cabinet has also approved the implementation of the Central Government’s VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin) Scheme in the state from 1 July 2026. It has also made Cabinet approval mandatory for granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Assam cadre IAS officers seeking central or inter-state deputation. The Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly will commence on 6 July 2026.

Nipah Virus Case Reported in Kerala

A 43-year-old man from Ramanattukara in Kozhikode district, Kerala, has been confirmed positive for the Nipah virus and has been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode. Around 100 persons who came into contact with the patient have been placed under medical observation. A team from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has reached Kozhikode and is holding consultations with district authorities and medical officials regarding containment measures. A team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is also expected to visit the district. The Nipah virus originates from fruit-eating bats, can spread from animals to humans and also from human to human, and can cause severe respiratory problems and encephalitis (brain inflammation).

Rise in Brain-Eating Amoeba Cases in Kerala

Kerala has reported 133 cases and 33 deaths due to amoebic meningoencephalitis during the first five months of 2026. Most of the cases are Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE) caused by Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba commonly found in contaminated water, soil and dust. The state had reported only eight cases between 2016 and 2023, but the number increased to 36 cases and nine deaths in 2024 and 201 cases with 47 deaths in 2025. According to Kerala Director of Health Services Dr K.J. Reena, the rise in cases is mainly due to rigorous testing of all unidentified encephalitis cases. In 2024, Kerala became the first state in India to develop a special treatment protocol and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing amoebic meningoencephalitis. The first Indian survivor of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) was a 14-year-old boy from Kerala in 2024, who became the 11th PAM survivor in the world. Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is caused by Naegleria fowleri, while GAE is caused by Acanthamoeba.

Hope for Revival of Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

A four-year-old tigress, named “Paheli”, has settled in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) in Chhattisgarh, raising hopes for the revival of the reserve's tiger population. The tigress was named “Paheli” because it does not match any tiger officially recorded by the Wildlife Institute of India. The Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, spread across 1,842.54 square kilometres, was created in 2009 by merging the Udanti and Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuaries. The reserve had 18 tigers in 1998, which declined to three by 2006, and by 2023 no resident tiger remained in the reserve. The population of wild buffaloes, the State Animal of Chhattisgarh, also declined from around 80 to just one. The reserve has received approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority to translocate one male and two female tigers from Madhya Pradesh. To improve the habitat, more than 500 hectares of grassland are being developed and nearly 956 hectares of encroached land have been cleared from the reserve. Additionally, three female wild buffaloes from Assam are expected to be released into the reserve.

President Murmu Extends Greetings on Odisha’s Raja Festival

President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings to the people of India, particularly the people of Odisha, on the occasion of the Raja Festival, a traditional harvest festival of the State. The festival marks the arrival of the monsoon season and is celebrated in honour of the Earth, motherhood and clouds. The festival is associated with traditional practices such as pithas, betel leaves and swing games, reflecting the close relationship between nature and society.

ICAR Launches ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’ AI Advisory Service for Oilseed Farmers

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, has launched ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’, India’s first nationwide WhatsApp-based AI advisory service for oilseed farmers. The service was launched by the Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR during the National Oilseeds Conference held in New Delhi on 6 February 2026. The platform provides 24×7 multilingual, research-based advisory services free of cost and allows farmers to receive information in any Indian language on crops such as groundnut, mustard, sesame, sunflower, soybean and niger. The AI chatbot provides guidance on variety selection, crop management, pest and disease control, irrigation and post-harvest practices. The initiative has been developed by ICAR-IIOR in collaboration with NSRI, IIGR, IIRMR and the PC-Unit (Sesame & Niger) to deliver scientific knowledge directly to farmers through digital technology.

Tamil Nadu News

Ancient Iron Furnace Discovered at Keeladi

An ancient iron furnace has been discovered during the 11th phase of excavations at Keeladi in Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu. The 11th phase of excavation, which began on 18 March 2026, is being conducted by excavating nine trenches over an area of about one and a half acres. Earlier excavations at Keeladi had unearthed several iron objects and industrial structures. The newly discovered furnace was used for smelting iron ore, and archaeological researchers believe that during the Sangam Age, it was used to manufacture knives, sickles and agricultural tools. The discovery indicates that Keeladi was not only a residential settlement but also an important industrial and metallurgical centre with advanced iron production and metal-working activities.

Research on Tamil Script in Egypt’s Great Pyramid

Subash Chandra Bose, an Indus Valley Civilization researcher from Tiruchirappalli, has stated that six inscriptions found at the entrance of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, the 4,540-year-old tomb of Pharaoh Khufu, are related to the Classical Tamil language of the Indus Valley Civilization, which he dates between 7500 BCE and 3500 BCE. He also noted that ancient Tamil proper nouns such as “Sigaikotran” and “Sathan,” dating back more than 2,100 years, have been identified in the Valley of the Kings along the Nile River in Egypt. According to the researcher, these findings indicate a possible historical connection between Egypt, the Indus Valley Civilization, and Tamil Nadu, and further research is needed to understand the nature of this relationship.

TNPCB Notice to Tata Electronics Plant in Hosur

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has alleged that wastewater discharged from the Tata Electronics plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, which manufactures components for Apple iPhones, contaminated groundwater in nearby agricultural lands and open wells. Following complaints from local farmers, the TNPCB conducted five inspections between December 2025 and May 2026. The inspections found that wastewater had been discharged into a rainwater harvesting pond inside the factory premises, which later overflowed and affected nearby groundwater sources. The Pollution Control Board issued a notice on 25 May 2026, asking the company to explain why the unit should not be closed and its power supply disconnected for the alleged violations. According to research firm Counterpoint, India is projected to manufacture 26% of all iPhones globally in 2026.

National News

Successful Missile Interceptor Tests by DRDO

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three missile tests on 10 and 11 June 2026 from the Chandipur Test Range in Balasore district, Odisha. The tests included Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor missiles, capable of destroying Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), and the NSM-MR (Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range) designed to target warships. With these successful tests, India has joined the group of countries possessing the capability to intercept and destroy ICBMs, alongside the United States, Russia, China and Israel. The BMD Project was launched by DRDO in 1999. Under this programme, India acquired the Swordfish Radar from Israel in 2000, which can detect enemy missiles at distances of 1,500 to 5,000 kilometres and track 200 missiles simultaneously. DRDO has developed interceptor missiles named AD-1 and AD-2 under the BMD programme. India is also developing a four-layer air defence system consisting of Python and Derby missiles, Barak-8 missiles, S-400 missile systems, and BMD interceptor missiles.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Appointed as Next Army Chief

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, currently serving as the Vice Chief of Army Staff, has been appointed as the next Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of India. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi upon his retirement on 30 June 2026. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Lt Gen Seth belongs to the Armoured Corps and will become the first officer from the cavalry to serve as Army Chief in more than two decades. He has nearly four decades of military service and has commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, besides serving as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. He has also headed both the South Western Command and the Southern Command of the Indian Army. Lt Gen Seth is known for his contributions to defence modernisation and support for the Make in India initiative in the defence sector. His father, Lt Gen K.M. Seth, retired as Adjutant General of the Indian Army in 1997 and later served as the Governor of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Tripura.

Copyright and Trademark for Salangpur Hanuman Idol

A controversy has arisen in Salangpur, a pilgrimage town in Botad district, Gujarat, after the temple trust obtained copyright and trademark protection for the 54-foot-tall “King of Salangpur” Hanuman statue and the sacred idol with 13 monkeys installed inside the temple sanctum. The temple administration stated that the legal protection was sought to prevent the unauthorised commercial use of the temple's images, logos and three-dimensional models. Under the new rules, any person or organisation intending to manufacture or sell merchandise such as T-shirts, key chains, pendants and photo frames carrying the image or 3D model of the “King of Salangpur” idol must obtain written permission from the temple trust. The measure is also intended to restrict unauthorised commercial use of the temple's logo and artwork on digital platforms.

Centre to Provide Rice Aid for Refugees in Mizoram

The Central Government has announced that it will provide ₹10 crore worth of rice to support nearly 40,000 refugees and displaced persons staying in Mizoram. The announcement was made after Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and sought assistance for managing the humanitarian situation in the State. According to official figures, more than 28,000 refugees from Myanmar, mainly from Chin State, have been living in Mizoram since February 2021 following the military coup in Myanmar. About 2,300 Bawm tribe asylum seekers from the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh entered Mizoram after a military offensive in 2022. In addition, nearly 7,000 Kuki-Zo people from Manipur displaced by ethnic violence in May 2023 have also taken shelter in the State.

Supreme Court Task Force on Student Suicides

The interim report of the National Task Force (NTF) on Student Mental Health and Suicides, appointed by the Supreme Court of India, was released on 8 June 2026. The Task Force was constituted following the Amit Kumar & Others v. Union of India (2026) case and is chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat. The Supreme Court noted that student suicides in India had doubled over a decade, reaching 13,000 cases in 2022, accounting for 7.6% of all suicide deaths in the country. The report stated that student suicides are a structural issue and not merely a mental health problem. It highlighted that India does not have a direct statutory framework for suicide prevention in higher education, despite existing University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations and government strategies. The report also referred to the National Suicide Prevention Strategy as India's only dedicated policy instrument on the subject. In Sukdeb Saha v. State of Andhra Pradesh (2025), the Supreme Court held that mental well-being is inseparable from the right to life under Article 21 and pointed out the absence of a unified and enforceable legal framework for preventing student suicides in educational institutions. The report noted that the number of students in higher education in India increased from 8.8 million in 2001-02 to 43.2 million in 2021-22.

Rare Caracal Spotted in Kuno National Park

One of India's rarest wild cats, the Caracal, was recently recorded in a camera trap at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, marking a rare sighting after several decades. Known as the "Ghost of the Grasslands" because of its elusive nature, the species has become increasingly difficult to spot due to habitat loss and shrinking grasslands. Conservationists consider the sighting a positive indicator of the ecological health of Kuno National Park and a sign of a healthy predator-prey balance in the region. The Caracal continues to survive in isolated populations across parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Panna, Ranthambore, and the Chambal Valley landscape. The species, like the Cheetah, was historically trained by royalty for hunting. Experts have highlighted that grassland species such as the Great Indian Bustard, Jerdon's Courser, Indian Wolf, and Caracal have received limited conservation attention. The sighting also underlines the importance of habitat protection, scientific research, population monitoring, and long-term conservation programmes for endangered grassland species.

Tripartite MoU for Oil and Gas Exploration in Northeast

The Central Government, along with the Governments of Assam and Nagaland, signed a historic Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the two northeastern States. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The MoU aims to enhance oil and natural gas exploration in the country and promote the economic development of the northeastern region. The agreement has been described as an example of Cooperative Federalism and is expected to strengthen India's energy security and support the vision of a prosperous and developed North East.

Puri Jagannath Temple Receives Trademark Protection

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, has secured trademark protection under the Trade Marks Act for the Nilachakra logo and the terms “Ananda Bajara” and “Patitapabana.” The decision was taken to prevent the commercial misuse of sacred religious names and symbols associated with Lord Jagannath. The temple administration, headed by Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, has applied for trademark registration of 29 names, terms and symbols connected with the Jagannath tradition. In the first phase, the Nilachakra logo received logomark registration, while Ananda Bajara and Patitapabana received wordmark registrations. The development came after the West Bengal Government announced the removal of the word “Dham” from the Jagannath Temple at Digha, following a request made by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

BRICS Indore Declaration on Agricultural Cooperation

The BRICS Agriculture Ministers and Officials Meeting held in Indore concluded with the adoption of the ‘Indore Declaration’, a new framework for cooperation in food security, farmer welfare, climate-resilient agriculture, agricultural trade and digital agriculture. The meeting was chaired by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The declaration reflects the commitment of BRICS countries towards addressing global agricultural challenges and strengthening cooperation in areas such as natural farming, digital agriculture, protection of indigenous seeds, carbon credits, and support for small farmers, women and youth. The meeting witnessed participation from nearly 60 foreign delegates from member and partner countries and around 100 representatives, highlighting the importance given by BRICS nations to agriculture and food security issues.

NBA Reconstitutes Agrobiodiversity Expert Committee

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has reconstituted the Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity under Section 13(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 for a period of one year to provide guidance on the conservation, sustainable use and access and benefit-sharing (ABS) of agricultural biodiversity. Padma Shri Dr. P. L. Gautam, former Chairperson of the National Biodiversity Authority and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), has been appointed as the Chairperson of the committee, while the Chairperson of PPVFRA will serve as the Co-Chair. The committee has functioned as an advisory body of the NBA since 2005 and provides recommendations on issues related to agricultural genetic resources, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), access and benefit-sharing matters and collaborative research involving biological resources. The reconstituted committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), National Innovation Foundation, NALSAR University of Law and other research institutions. The committee will support the achievement of India’s NBSAP Targets 4 and 13 and contribute towards SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

NTA Launches ‘Pariksha Karmayogi’ Programme for Examination Officials

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has launched the ‘Pariksha Karmayogi: Capacity-Building Programme for Examination Officials’ on the iGOT Karmayogi Bharat platform to strengthen supervision and invigilation processes and ensure the smooth, secure and standardised conduct of offline, pen-and-paper-based examinations. The programme is designed for examination functionaries, particularly Centre Superintendents and Invigilators, involved in conducting NTA examinations, including NEET (UG). The programme consists of four modules covering the entire examination lifecycle, including the role of examination functionaries, pre-examination preparedness, security arrangements, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), examination-day operations and a Quick Reference Guide. The initiative aims to improve procedural compliance, operational efficiency and accountability at examination centres across the country.

Science and Technology News

PSLV Technical Anomaly Resolved

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh announced that the technical anomaly in the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has been identified and resolved. A national-level expert committee constituted to investigate the issue submitted its report after examining the anomaly. The committee included K. Vijay Raghavan, former Principal Scientific Adviser, and S. Somanath, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation. The PSLV-C62 mission carrying the EOS-N1 Earth Observation Satellite failed to achieve its intended trajectory on 12 January 2026 due to an anomaly at the end of the rocket's third stage. Earlier, the PSLV-C61 mission carrying the EOS-09 satellite on 18 May 2025 also failed because of a similar third-stage anomaly. According to ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, the next ISRO launch is scheduled to take place next month.

ISRO and Atomic Energy Department Collaborate for 200-Day Lunar Lander

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has partnered with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to develop an advanced artificial heating system for a lunar lander capable of surviving on the Moon for up to 200 days. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated at the CSIR-RISE Conclave in Bengaluru that the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander, powered by solar energy, operated on the Moon for only 14 days. The proposed lunar lander will use artificial heaters to withstand the Moon’s extreme temperatures, where lunar day and night each last about 14 Earth days, with temperatures reaching 121°C during the day and falling to minus 129°C at night. ISRO and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have identified 40 areas of technological cooperation, of which 17 projects have been approved in the first phase. ISRO has also established research partnerships with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and private institutions for developing space medicines for the Gaganyaan Mission, and collaborated with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) on microgravity experiments conducted by Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla during the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Sports News

Srishti Kiran Becomes World No. 1 in Under-13 Tennis

Bengaluru's Srishti Kiran has become the World No. 1 in the Under-13 Tennis Rankings after winning five consecutive ITF Junior titles and finishing runner-up at the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J100 Guatemala. The 13-year-old achieved a career-high ITF Junior Ranking of No. 357, which is the highest ranking among Under-13 players globally. She attained the top position after competing in only eight ranking tournaments, despite the rankings considering a maximum of 10 tournaments.