• 28 Mar 2026

Bhumika Shrestha Becomes Nepal’s First Transgender Woman Lawmaker

Why in News? 

Bhumika Shrestha has made history by becoming the first transgender woman lawmaker of Nepal, marking a significant milestone in South Asia’s political and social inclusivity. 

Key Points 

• Historic Election: Bhumika Shrestha was confirmed as a proportional-representation MP for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). 
  • She is a Nepalese LGBTQ+ rights activist and actress, known for her work with the Blue Diamond Society advocating for gender and sexual minority rights. 
  • She was born in Kathmandu and has been a prominent figure in Nepal’s transgender community. 
• Responsibilities: She aims to raise issues of LGBTQ+ and gender minorities in Parliament, including gaps in legal protections, anti-discrimination measures, and inclusive policies. 
• LGBTQ+ Rights in Nepal:  
  • Discrimination based on sexual orientation was legally banned in Nepal in 2007. 
  • Nepal officially recognized the third gender in citizenship and other official documents in 2013. 
  • In 2023, Nepal’s Supreme Court permitted the registration of same-sex and transgender marriages. 

Read More:  LGBTQ+ 

Indian Startup Delivers Akasha300 3D Printer to ISRO

Why in News? 

Spacetime 4D Printing Solution, a startup based in Kerala, has successfully delivered the Akasha300 3D printer to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiyamala. 

Key Points 

• Akasha300: It is a high‑performance 3D printer capable of producing complex engineering components that conventional manufacturing cannot easily create. 
• Dual‑Extrusion Technology: The printer supports simultaneous printing with multiple materials, enabling greater design flexibility for space components. 
• High‑Temperature Capabilities: The printer can operate at high extrusion temperatures — up to 350°C initially, with planned upgrades to 500°C — expanding the range of printable high‑performance materials. 
• Support: Developed with support from the Space Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (STIIC) and Kerala Startup Mission, highlighting India’s growing startup-driven space innovation. 
• Significance: Deployment at ISRO is expected to advance propulsion system research, materials science, and next-generation space manufacturing technologies, strengthening India’s space exploration capabilities. 
• ISRO:  
  • ISRO is the national space agency under the Department of Space. 
  • Headquarter: Bengaluru, Karnataka. 
  • Current Chairman: V. Narayanan. 
  • It was established on 15th  August, 1969, under the leadership of  Vikram Sarabhai, who is widely regarded as the "Father of the Indian Space Programme.  

Read More: ISRO 

RCB Emerges as One of the Most Valuable Franchises in IPL History

Why in News? 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has emerged as one of the most valuable brands in the Indian Premier League (IPL) according to the 2025 IPL Brand Valuation Report by Houlihan Lokey. 

Key Points 

• RCB: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is a professional Twenty20 cricket franchise based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).  
  • RCB was originally purchased in 2008 by Vijay Mallya through United Spirits Limited. 
• Rising Brand Value: According to recent valuation studies, RCB has become one of the most valuable franchises in the IPL, with its brand value reaching about $269 million, surpassing several other teams. 
  • The franchise was recently acquired by a consortium including the Aditya Birla Group, Times Group, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone for around $1.78 billion, reflecting the growing commercial appeal of IPL teams. 
• Sporting Success: RCB won its first IPL title in 2025, ending a long wait since the league’s inception in 2008. 
• IPL:  
  • Founded: 2008 
  • Organiser: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)  
  • Number of Teams: 10 teams 
  • Format: Twenty20 (T20) franchise cricket league 
  • Most Successful Team: Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — 5 titles each 
  • First IPL Winner (2008): Rajasthan Royals 
  • Total Seasons: 17 seasons completed till 2025 

Read More: BCCI & IPL