THE STUDENT XPRESS

  In February 2025, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake shook Delhi. It was a shallow earthquake, meaning it happened close to the Earth’s surface. Scientists say it was caused by water movement underground — a process called hydro fracturing — near ancient fault lines in the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt. An earthquake happens when rocks deep under the Earth suddenly move and release energy. This energy travels as seismic waves, which make the ground shake. Sometimes the shaking is light and barely noticeable, and sometimes it can cause major damage depending on how much energy is released and how close it is to the surface. The Delhi earthquake was called a “shallow” earthquake because it happened just 5 kilometers below the ground. Shallow earthquakes are felt more strongly because the energy has less distance to travel to reach the surface. Even though the Delhi quake was only 4.0 on the Richter Scale, many people felt it sharply because of how close it was to the surface. An AI generated im...

  In 2025, India launched its first fully automated biomedical waste treatment plant at AIIMS, New Delhi. The plant, called “Srjanam,” is special because it treats hazardous medical waste without burning it, making it safer for people and the environment. Medical waste includes used syringes, gloves, bandages, and materials contaminated by blood or infections. If not handled properly, it can spread serious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis, and also harm the environment. India produces around 743 tonnes of biomedical waste every day, and a lot of it was earlier being burnt or dumped incorrectly, leading to pollution and health risks. Two futures, one choice: Pollute and grieve, or protect and thrive. “Srjanam” changes this. Developed by Indian scientists at CSIR-NIIST in Kerala, the plant disinfects medical waste without using incinerators. Instead of burning, it uses an automated, eco-friendly system that kills harmful germs without creating toxic smoke. It can treat up to 400 kilog...

  The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released a 2024 report showing that even after many years, Panchayats (village-level governments) still don’t have full powers. The report highlights what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs to be fixed. Panchayats are self-governing institutions at the village level and form the foundation of India's decentralized governance system. Under Article 243B, the 73rd amendment (1992) aimed to empower Panchayats by giving them the authority to manage local matters. But are Panchayats really in charge? Panchayats are responsible for local infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, and implementing government schemes. Despite these responsibilities, Panchayats face significant challenges. They lack financial autonomy, as they depend heavily on state and central governments for funds, limiting their ability to independently address village issues. An AI generated image of a Panchayat Often, real decision-making power remains with Block Development...

In February 2024, the central government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur after the Chief Minister resigned and no new leader could be chosen. This happened during a time of growing violence and tension between different communities. In India, President’s Rule is the suspension of the state government and the imposition of direct Union Government rule in a state. President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur under Article 356 of the constitution, five days after Chief Minister Biren Singh resigned from his post following directions from central BJP leaders. Currently, the Governor is Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and in place of the Chief Minister, the President will govern the state. The judiciary remains with the Manipur High Court. Key issues in Manipur include land conflicts, as Meiteis and tribal communities disagree over land rights. Political imbalance exists because one group has more seats, while the other demands fair representation. The influx of refugees from Myanmar has created addition...

Gender equality is the biggest problem nowadays. Gender equality basically means that each and every person, irrespective of their gender, should be treated equally by giving them all the rights, safety measures, equal respect, and opportunities. Gender equality should be taught in schools because a school is the first impression of a child, where they learn to communicate with other genders, self-management, and basic life skills. If gender equality is included in children’s learning, they will be more aware of the things going on in society because they are the future of our country. It will not only help them mentally but will also help them in critical thinking. In Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, it is written that gender equality should be promoted, but do we really have gender equality in society? There are always thousands of rape cases being reported every single day, so can we really say that gender equality is present in society? As a woman, we all have experienced som...

According to the New Education Policy 2020 (NEP), a 5+3+3+4 school structure was introduced, focused on mother tongue-based learning, critical learning, inclusivity, and multipurpose-based learning. The idea was to make education inclusive and to make higher education flexible. It contains three types of languages—regional languages (Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Marathi, etc.), national language (Hindi), and global language (English). This restructures the primary, secondary, and higher education system. Tamil Nadu has followed a two-language system (Tamil + English) because they believe that adding Hindi to their education system takes away from their local identity. Other states fear that students will have too much academic load. There are similar cases, like 50 students attempting suicide in 2017 because they failed in exams, and there were 13,089 reports of suicide attempts by students in 2021 in our country. Learning three languages helps gain a more global, open-minded perspective. I...

With new walls, travel bans, and tariffs, Trump’s second term has already reshaped America’s place in the world. D onald Trump has made a dramatic return to the White House, and just a few months into his new term, big changes are already happening. After winning the 2024 election with promises to “Make America Great Again,” Trump has moved fast on immigration, trade, and travel. Photo Source: NDTV World One of his first actions has been to tighten immigration rules. Border security has been strengthened, visa approvals have slowed, and deportations have increased. Trump has also ordered more construction on the border wall, saying it is needed for safety, while critics argue it’s costly and ineffective. Trump has brought back a version of the travel ban, blocking people from several Middle Eastern, African, and Latin American countries. His team says it’s about national security, but opponents call it unfair. Lawsuits against the ban have already been filed. Source: CNBC At the same ...

  Liverpool has done it! The Reds have been crowned Premier League champions for the 2024–25 season after an incredible year of thrilling football. Under the leadership of manager Arne Slot, Liverpool showed amazing teamwork, fierce defense, and unstoppable attacks. Photo: Premier League Key players like Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered standout performances throughout the season. Fans at Anfield celebrated with songs, flags, and fireworks as Liverpool lifted their first league title in four years. This victory marks a new golden chapter in the club’s history and proves that Liverpool is once again a powerhouse in English football. What a season to remember!

  How Drones, Artificial intelligence and Hypersonic Missiles Are Changing the Rules of Warfare T oday, technology is moving faster than ever, and it’s changing how wars are fought. Countries aren’t just using tanks, jets, and soldiers anymore. Now, drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and super-fast missiles are leading battles and making wars even more dangerous. Recently, Iran surprised experts by using drones and the Hypersonic Fattah Missiles to attack Israel’s Iron Dome. The Iron Dome is famous for stopping missiles, but this time, it struggled. Iran’s smart use of cheap, low-flying drones and fast missiles showed that even the best defenses can be beaten. Photo Source: Mehr News Agency Russia has also used drones in its war with Ukraine. Russian forces have launched Iranian-made Shahed Drones that crash into targets and explode. Because they come in big groups, they are hard to stop and cause a lot of damage. This way, Russia causes a lot of damage without spending too ...

 Global Outcry Grows: Israel Accused of Committing Genocide in Gaza Photo: Quds News Network *The majority of Palestinian casualties are women and children.

  The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has become a game-changer for cricket in India. Started in 2023, the WP brings together the best women cricketers from India and all over the world. Teams like Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore have been showing off their amazing skills — hitting sixes, taking stunning catches, and bowling like champions! Mumbai Indians clinched their second WPL title after defeating Delhi Capitals by 8 runs. But the WPL isn’t just about cricket. It’s about showing that women can be just as powerful and exciting in sports as men. Packed stadiums, loud cheering fans, and millions watching on TV prove that people love women’s cricket just as much. The WPL is inspiring girls everywhere to dream bigger. It shows that with hard work and confidence, girls can achieve anything — whether it's winning matches, lifting trophies, or even making history. The players are not just cricket stars, they are role models who are breaking old stereotypes...

With a new Chief Minister and a shift in power, Delhi steps into a new era but big questions about education, governance, and daily life remain. Delhi has chosen a new leader — Rekha Gupta — after a fierce election battle. Gupta is the first BJP Chief Minister in Delhi after 27 years, and only the fourth woman ever to hold the post. The BJP secured a strong victory, winning 48 out of 70 seats. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had ruled Delhi for the past 10 years, won 22 seats, while Congress failed to win any. Rekha Gupta, who has worked in city politics for years, has promised strict action against private schools that are hiking fees unfairly — something many parents have been protesting about. She’s also talking about new women-focused policies, including financial support schemes promised during the election campaigns. With new leadership, promises of women-centric policies, and rising public expectations, Delhi’s political landscape is set for change. For students and families ac...