1. NASA Invites ISRO to Join Moon Base Programme Under Artemis Accords
NASA has invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to join its Moon Base programme, strengthening India-US cooperation in lunar exploration. The two countries have also agreed to advance discussions on open scientific data sharing under the Artemis Accords.
2. Parliament Passes Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026
Parliament has passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha approved the legislation on August 11. The Lok Sabha had already passed the Bill. The legislation seeks to establish a more uniform and efficient tribunal ecosystem.
3. Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Rename Kerala as Keralam
The Lok Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, seeking to change the state’s official name from Kerala to Keralam in the First Schedule of the Constitution. The Kerala Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution supporting the name change in June 2024.
4. Over 50 Lakh Households Benefit Under PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
More than 50 lakh households have benefited from the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana since its launch in February 2024, the government informed the Lok Sabha on August 11. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the scheme continues to support household adoption of rooftop solar power.
5. Supreme Court Clarifies Immediate FIR Registration in All Missing-Person Cases
The Supreme Court has clarified that its direction for immediate registration of FIRs in missing-person cases applies irrespective of the age or gender of the missing individual. The Court directed states and Union Territories that have not complied with the requirement to ensure implementation.
