25th March 2026

Explanation - The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The canal drastically reduces the distance for maritime trade between the east coast of the United States and East Asia. While the United States initially controlled the canal, it was handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, and is now operated by the Panama Canal Authority.

Explanation - Akasha300 3D Printer is a high-temperature multi-material extrusion 3D printer. It is backed by the Space Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre at IIST and the Kerala Startup Mission. Features of Akasha300 3D Printer — The printer features dual-extrusion technology capable of operating at temperatures up to 350°C, with future upgrades planned to extend this to 500°C. Its modular extruder design allows integration of additional extrusion systems, paving the way for hybrid additive manufacturing techniques. It includes a heated bed that can reach up to 110°C, upgradeable to 150°C, and an enclosed chamber capable of maintaining temperatures up to 80°C. This enables stable and precise printing of high-performance materials that require strict thermal conditions. It is designed as an industrial-grade research platform, the system incorporates a robust motion system and integrated air filtration. Significance — These features make it suitable for research and development, allowing engineers and scientists to create functional components and prototypes with greater speed and accuracy.

Explanation - Minor Planet Centre is the world's primary repository for all observations of small bodies in the solar system. It operates at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory under the International Astronomical Union. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts USA. Process — When astronomers discover a new object, they send their data to the MPC, where experts verify the observations and calculate the object's orbit. If the discovery is new, the MPC assigns it an official designation. Functions of Minor Planet Centre — It plays a vital role in tracking asteroids, comets, and the moons of the outer planets. One of the MPC's most critical jobs involves monitoring near-earth objects (NEOs). NEOs are space rocks that could potentially threaten the earth. MPC maintains a large database that allows scientists to predict if and when a rock might come close to the earth. The MPC also facilitates communication within the global scientific community by publishing electronic circulars that alert researchers to new discoveries or interesting celestial events.

Explanation - The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India. Composition: Retired Supreme Court judge, Chief Election Commissioner, Respective State Election Commissioners. The Delimitation Commission in India is a high power body whose orders have the force of law and cannot be called in question before any court.

Explanation - While the Bill increases the applicability threshold (from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore profits), the "mandatory CSR spending remains at 2% of average net profits." The Bill does not eliminate the mandatory spending requirement; it only changes which companies are covered by it. The companies are allowed to hold AGMs/EGMs via videoconferencing, with the provision that "at least one physical AGM is mandatory every three years." While the Bill does relax auditor appointment norms for small companies as part of compliance reforms, the "rationalisation of provisions related to share buybacks" is listed separately under "Capital structure flexibility." This buyback flexibility is not specifically for small companies; it is a general provision to increase flexibility for all companies.