BrainBuzz Academy

Why in the News?
Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has partnered with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) for the Chang’e-8 lunar mission, scheduled for launch in 2028. This marks Pakistan’s first major involvement in a lunar exploration mission, signaling a significant step in its space ambitions.
As part of this collaboration, Pakistan will deploy an indigenous lunar rover on the Moon’s south pole, contributing to China’s larger International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project.
Key Takeaways
Pakistan’s First Lunar Rover:
SUPARCO will contribute a 35-kg rover to explore the Moon’s south pole, an area of scientific interest due to potential water ice deposits.
The rover will conduct scientific experiments, terrain analysis, and resource assessments.
Chang’e-8 Mission Objectives:
Test key technologies for a lunar science base.
Conduct experiments to analyze lunar soil and rock samples.
Assess in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) to explore sustainable lunar colonization possibilities.
Perform Earth observation studies and advanced lunar surveys.
Pakistan’s Expanding Space Aspirations:
In May 2024, Pakistan launched the iCube Qamar CubeSat satellite aboard China’s Chang’e-6 mission, which successfully entered lunar orbit.
The Chang’e-8 mission allows Pakistan to develop expertise in lunar exploration, rover technology, and planetary sciences.
Do You Know?
International Collaboration:
China has allocated 200 kg of payload capacity on Chang’e-8 for foreign partners.
The CNSA invited global proposals in 2023 for scientific instruments, robotic systems, and lunar exploration projects.
China’s Lunar Achievements:
Chang’e-4: First-ever soft landing on the Moon’s far side.
Chang’e-5: Successfully returned lunar soil samples to Earth.
Static Points about Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission
Launch Year: 2028
Organizing Agency: China National Space Administration (CNSA)
Mission Objective:
Lay the foundation for a permanent lunar base by 2035.
Test 3D printing using lunar materials for infrastructure development.
Extract resources to create a self-sustaining lunar habitat.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s participation in the Chang’e-8 mission represents a significant advancement in its space exploration journey. This collaboration not only strengthens China-Pakistan space relations but also contributes to global lunar research efforts. With China’s ambitious plans for a lunar base, this mission marks an essential step toward human settlement on the Moon.

Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the new Income Tax Bill, aiming to replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act of 1961. This initiative seeks to simplify and modernize India's tax framework, making it more comprehensible and efficient for taxpayers. 
Key Takeaways
Simplification of Tax Laws: The new bill focuses on simplifying legal language to enhance taxpayer understanding and reduce ambiguities.
No Additional Tax Burden: The legislation aims to streamline tax laws without introducing new taxes, emphasizing ease of compliance.
Reduction in Litigation: By providing greater tax certainty and introducing efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, the bill seeks to minimize tax-related disputes.
Compliance Reduction: Efforts include eliminating redundant documentation and streamlining tax return filing procedures to reduce the compliance burden on taxpayers.
Do You Know?
Historical Context: The Income Tax Act of 1961 has been the cornerstone of India's tax system for over 60 years, undergoing numerous amendments that have added to its complexity.
Public Consultation: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) received approximately 6,500 suggestions from various stakeholders during the drafting process, reflecting a participative approach in tax reform.
Static Points about Income Tax Bill 2025
Objective: To modernize and simplify the tax system, making it more accessible to the general public.
Key Features:
Simplified Language: The bill uses clear and concise language to ensure better understanding among taxpayers.
Dispute Resolution: Introduction of mechanisms to resolve tax disputes more efficiently.
Compliance Reduction: Streamlining procedures to reduce the compliance burden on individuals and businesses.
Implementation Process:
Cabinet Approval: The bill has been approved by the Union Cabinet.
Parliamentary Procedure: It will be introduced in Parliament and referred to the Standing Committee on Finance for detailed examination.
Final Approval: Post discussions and potential modifications, it will be passed by both Houses of Parliament and receive the President's assent before implementation.
Conclusion
The Income Tax Bill 2025 represents a significant step towards a more transparent and efficient tax system in India. By focusing on simplification, reducing litigation, and easing compliance, the government aims to foster a more taxpayer-friendly environment, encouraging compliance and boosting economic growth.

Why in the News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its first monetary policy review under Governor Sanjay Malhotra, cut the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.25%. This marks the first rate cut since May 2020 and aims to support economic growth amid easing inflation projections. The move is expected to make home, car, and other loans cheaper, aligning with the Union Budget’s focus on stimulating urban demand through income tax breaks.
Key Takeaways
Repo Rate Cut: The RBI reduced the repo rate by 25 bps to 6.25%, the first cut in nearly four years.
Growth Focus: The rate cut aims to boost economic growth, with GDP projected at 6.7% for 2025-26, up from 6.4% in 2024-25.
Inflation Outlook: Inflation is expected to ease to 4.4% in the current quarter and average 4.2% through 2025-26.
Liquidity Measures: The RBI announced initiatives to address the recent liquidity crunch, ensuring orderly market conditions.
Global Risks: The MPC highlighted risks from geopolitical tensions, volatile commodity prices, and financial market uncertainties.
Do You Know?
Repo Rate: It is the rate at which the RBI lends to commercial banks. A cut in the repo rate reduces borrowing costs for banks, which can pass on the benefits to consumers through lower loan rates.
Basis Point (bps): One basis point equals 0.01%. A 25 bps cut means a 0.25% reduction in the repo rate.
MPC’s Inflation Target: The RBI aims to keep inflation at 4%, with a tolerance band of 2-6%.
Static Points about Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
Established: 2016 under the RBI Act, 1934.
Composition: Six members, including the RBI Governor, Deputy Governor, and external experts appointed by the government.
Mandate: To maintain price stability while supporting growth by setting benchmark interest rates.
Meetings: Held bi-monthly to review monetary policy.
Key Tools: Repo rate, reverse repo rate, cash reserve ratio (CRR), and statutory liquidity ratio (SLR).
The Road Ahead
The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate reflects its commitment to balancing growth and inflation. With inflation projected to ease and GDP growth expected to rise, the rate cut is a timely move to stimulate consumption and investment. However, global uncertainties and domestic liquidity challenges remain key concerns. As the RBI continues to monitor economic conditions, its proactive measures will play a crucial role in sustaining India’s economic resilience.

Why in the News?
Kerala won the National Games men’s football title after 28 years, defeating host Uttarakhand by a 1-0 margin in the final held at Haldwani on Friday. S. Gokul scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute, securing Kerala’s historic victory. The last time Kerala won the gold medal in football at the National Games was in 1997.
This win marks a strong comeback for Kerala, which had finished runner-up in 2022 and secured bronze in the last National Games held in Goa in 2023.
Key Takeaways
Historic Win: Kerala reclaimed the National Games football title after a long gap of 28 years.
Decisive Goal: S. Gokul scored the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute.
Red Card Setback: Kerala played with 10 men after M. Safwan was red-carded in the 75th minute.
Close Encounters in Past Editions: Kerala finished runner-up in 2022 and secured bronze in 2023 before finally reclaiming the gold in 2025.
Archery Highlights:
Men’s Individual Gold: Manish (Uttar Pradesh) defeated Subham (Uttar Pradesh) 6-2.
Women’s Individual Gold: Laiphrakpam Rojina Devi (Manipur) defeated Chandni Sahu (Chhattisgarh) 6-2.
Mixed Team Gold: Maharashtra defeated Jharkhand 6-2.
Men’s Team Gold: Haryana defeated Uttar Pradesh 5-3.
Women’s Team Gold: Haryana defeated Manipur 5-3.
Do You Know?
The National Games of India is the country’s premier multi-sport event, organized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Kerala last won National Games football gold in 1997, making this win after 28 years a historic achievement.
Archery has been a key event in the National Games, with top Indian archers using this platform to prepare for international competitions like the Asian Games and Olympics.
Static Points About National Games 2025
Host State: Uttarakhand
Organizing Body: Indian Olympic Association (IOA)
Sports Included: Over 30 disciplines, including football, archery, athletics, wrestling, and swimming
Significance: The National Games serve as a talent pool for selecting athletes for international tournaments.
Past Hosts: Goa (2023), Gujarat (2022), Kerala (2015)
Conclusion
Kerala’s football team’s triumph at the 2025 National Games is a testament to their perseverance and sporting excellence. Their journey from bronze in 2023 to gold in 2025 highlights their consistent growth. Meanwhile, other sporting events like archery and athletics continue to showcase the rising talent in Indian sports. The National Games remain an essential platform for identifying and nurturing India’s future sports stars.

Why in the News?
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery to support Andhra Pradesh in achieving its Vision-2047 goals. During their meeting at the Secretariat, Mr. Naidu emphasized the need for collaboration in areas such as economic growth, industrial development, infrastructure expansion, and sustainability. He outlined the state's ambitious targets, including a 15% annual growth rate and transforming Andhra Pradesh into a $2.4 trillion economy by 2047.
Key Takeaways
Economic Aspirations: Andhra Pradesh aims to achieve a 15% annual growth rate, targeting a $2.4 trillion economy by 2047. The state also envisions raising its per capita income to $42,000.
Strategic Focus Areas: The Vision-2047 framework emphasizes economic growth, skill development, industrial expansion, and sustainability. Mr. Naidu suggested joint efforts with NITI Aayog to develop industrial corridors, skill hubs, smart cities, and infrastructure improvements.
Infrastructure & Regional Growth: The Chief Minister proposed transforming the Tirupati-Chennai-Nellore area into a tri-city development zone, leveraging its three seaports and three airports. He also called for support in developing the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) and making Tirupati and Amaravati regional growth hubs.
Future Growth Drivers: Mr. Naidu identified emerging sectors like the blue economy, green hydrogen, and artificial intelligence as essential engines of growth. He sought NITI Aayog’s assistance in providing innovative technologies and policy guidance.
Do You Know?
NITI Aayog was established in 2015, replacing the Planning Commission, with a mission to promote cooperative federalism and economic policy planning.
It plays a key role in implementing strategic initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission, Aspirational Districts Programme, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India.
Static Points about NITI Aayog
Formation: January 1, 2015, replacing the Planning Commission.
Leadership: The Prime Minister of India is the Chairperson, with a Vice-Chairperson appointed by the PM.
Core Functions:
Developing strategic long-term policies for India’s growth.
Fostering cooperative federalism through collaboration with states.
Monitoring and evaluating major government programs.
Conclusion
Andhra Pradesh’s Vision-2047 aligns with India’s long-term growth strategy. The collaboration with NITI Aayog is expected to drive key reforms and economic advancements, positioning the state as a leader in innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

Why in the News?
Upa-Lokayukta P. Rajani has ordered a crackdown on milk adulteration in Anantapur district after investigations revealed the widespread use of harmful chemicals like maltodextrin. The directive includes surprise inspections of dairies, milk chilling units, and the establishment of milk purity testing centres to curb the sale of adulterated milk.
Key Takeaways
Adulteration Detected: Maltodextrin, a harmful chemical, is being used to adulterate milk in Anantapur district.
Crackdown Ordered: Upa-Lokayukta has directed food safety officials to conduct surprise inspections and take action under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Scale of the Issue: Nearly one lakh litres of adulterated milk enter the market daily in the state, involving farmers, dairy owners, and middlemen.
Detection Challenges: Adulterated milk mimics the colour, texture, and taste of real milk, making it difficult to identify.
Action Plan: Officials have been asked to submit a final report by March 24, 2024.
Do You Know?
Maltodextrin: A white powder used as a food additive to mimic the consistency of milk. While it is generally considered safe in small quantities, its misuse in milk adulteration poses health risks.
Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA): A law in India that regulates food safety and standards, ensuring the sale of safe and wholesome food.
Upa-Lokayukta: A state-level ombudsman responsible for addressing public grievances and ensuring accountability in government departments.
Static Points about Maltodextrin
What is it?: A polysaccharide (carbohydrate) derived from starch, commonly used as a thickener or filler in processed foods.
Uses: Found in products like candies, soft drinks, and instant foods to improve texture and shelf life.
Health Concerns: Excessive consumption can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and digestive issues.
Regulation: While approved for use in food products, its misuse in milk adulteration is illegal and harmful.
The Road Ahead
The crackdown on milk adulteration in Anantapur highlights the need for stricter enforcement of food safety laws and better monitoring of the dairy supply chain. While the immediate focus is on curbing the use of maltodextrin, long-term solutions such as awareness campaigns, technological interventions for detection, and stricter penalties for offenders are essential to ensure the safety of milk consumers. This initiative by the Upa-Lokayukta is a step toward restoring public trust in dairy products and safeguarding public health.