Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Andhra Pradesh's Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) successfully cooled an indigenous dilution refrigerator to 4 Kelvin (-269°C), marking a significant step towards self-reliance in advanced quantum hardware.
Key points
- Indigenous dilution refrigerator achieved 4 Kelvin (-269°C) at Quantum Reference Facility (QRF) in Amaravati.
- Aims for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in frontier technologies.
- Focus on developing a complete indigenous quantum hardware ecosystem, particularly in cryogenic technologies.
- India is now among countries with indigenous critical quantum hardware capabilities.
Background & context
The initiative began in September 2025 with a vision to develop nearly 85% of quantum computing infrastructure components within India. The AQV partnered with Qbit Force and Qubitech to map the quantum hardware supply chain.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) is located in Medha Towers, Andhra Pradesh.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Science and Technology, Indigenous technology, Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court declared the freedom to walk on demarcated and well-maintained footpaths a fundamental right, prioritizing it over motorized vehicle movement.
Key points
- The right to walk on footpaths is declared a fundamental right with priority over motorized vehicles.
- Duty of governments and local bodies to ensure demarcated and maintained footpaths.
- Judgment stemmed from a case involving the death of a child due to lack of safe walking space.
- Court noted how urbanization and focus on vehicles have marginalized pedestrian rights.
Background & context
The ruling cited Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) and the constitutional guarantee of freedom of movement. The court observed that economic demands and rapid urbanization have often led to pedestrian spaces being neglected.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Justice P.S. Narasimha authored the Supreme Court judgment recognizing the right to walk on footpaths.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance, Fundamental Rights, Judicial activism, Urban planning.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has ordered the creation of a 'Young Lawyers’ Professional Assistance Fund' to prevent financially struggling young lawyers from leaving the profession.
Key points
- Court observed a risk of 'brain drain' in the legal profession due to financial hardships faced by young lawyers.
- A 'Young Lawyers’ Professional Assistance Fund' will be established in every State and Union Territory.
- The fund aims to provide financial and social support to new lawyers, especially first-generation lawyers.
- Highlights the financial uncertainties and modest stipends faced by junior advocates in their early years.
Background & context
The Supreme Court noted that the initial years of legal practice are marked by severe financial difficulties, often forcing promising lawyers to seek more stable careers to support their families.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court Bench included Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance, Judicial pronouncements, Access to justice, Legal system.