POLITY

Regulating India’s virtual digital assets revolution-The Hindu 

The Supreme Court of India questioned the lack of clear and comprehensive regulation for Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs), warning against ignoring the ground reality.

Science and Technology 

PM inaugurates Delhi section of Regional Rapid Transit System -The Hindu 

 NaMo Bharat (Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS) has become operational in its first phase, marking a significant leap in India’s high-speed urban transit. Planned expansion includes upcoming corridors like Delhi-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat, aiming to cover 8,000+ sq km, more than double the current Delhi Metro reach.

Key Points:

1. Purpose & Vision:

• Aims to bridge the gap between conventional rail and high-speed rail, complementing intra-city metro networks.
• Designed to cut travel time and enhance mobility between urban hubs and satellite cities.
• Supports economic growth and regional development by improving connectivity and access to jobs.

2. Key Corridor – NaMo Bharat:

• Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is operational; future phases include Delhi-Alwar and Delhi-Panipat.
• Will cover 8,000+ sq km on completion.

3. High-Speed Features:

• Trains run at 180 kmph using aerodynamic stainless-steel design.
• Offers spacious, air-conditioned coaches with ergonomic seating, luggage racks, charging ports, Wi-Fi, real-time displays, and vending machines.

4. Environmental & Urban Impact:

• Provides a sustainable, eco-friendly transport option.
• Helps in reducing traffic congestion, vehicular emissions, and promotes cleaner air in urban areas.

5. Tech-Driven Safety & Efficiency:

• Equipped with ETCS Level 3 hybrid signalling over LTE for real-time safety and performance.
• Future phases will adopt Automated Train Operation (ATO) over LTE.
• Uses smart monitoring and predictive maintenance to minimize disruptions.

6. Multimodal Integration:

• Seamlessly integrates with existing transport systems like metro and bus services.
• Example: NaMo Bharat’s integration with Meerut Metro for last-mile connectivity.

Why has a newly discovered star taken scientist by surprise - Indian Express

A newly discovered star, ASKAP J1832-0911, located in the Milky Way galaxy, has taken scientists by surprise due to its unusual emission pattern of both radio waves and X-rays every 44 minutes, making it a rare and exotic member of the newly identified class called "long-period radio transients."

Environment 

Tiger corridor of Kawal notified as Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve - The Hindu 

The Telangana government has declared the tiger corridor connecting Kawal Tiger Reserve (Telangana) and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) as ‘Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve’, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

DEFENCE 

NDA offers women a path to become service chief in the future- The Indian Express

This development marks a milestone in promoting gender inclusivity within the Indian Armed Forces. It not only breaks longstanding gender barriers but also sets a powerful precedent for future generations of women aspiring to serve in India’s defence services.

In a landmark judgment in 2021, the Supreme Court of India directed the inclusion of women in the National Defence Academy (NDA). Acting on this directive, the first batch of women cadets was inducted in 2022.