Nobel Prize 2026

2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine:
- Laureates: Karl Deisseroth (Stanford University, US), Peter Hegemann (Humboldt University, Germany), and Georg Nagel (University of Würzburg, Germany).
- Discovery: Development of Optogenetics—a technique using light to precisely activate and control targeted neurons and neural circuits.
- Mechanism: Identified light-sensitive protein channels in green algae (Chlamydomonas), termed channelrhodopsin-1 and channelrhodopsin-2, which open upon exposure to light to conduct electrical signals within cells.
- Applications: Enhancing research into neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, depression, and restoring vision/hearing loss.

National

Supreme Court Directive on Indigenous Tribal Rights (Great Nicobar Project):
- Constitutional Principle: The Supreme Court affirmed that the “preservation of culture is a constitutionally protected fundamental right”.
- Ruling: The Court refused to stay Calcutta High Court proceedings challenging the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Island Project, emphasizing the need to safeguard fragile island ecology and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) such as the Shompen and Nicobarese.
Judicial Orders on Public Safety & Real-Time Surveillance:
- A Supreme Court Bench ordered the establishment of 24-hour monitoring cells/war rooms for continuous real-time surveillance of CCTV feeds across public spaces and educational institutions to proactively deter and prevent sexual offenses against women and minors.

India–Switzerland Bilateral Agreements & EFTA TEPA:
- India and Switzerland signed five bilateral agreements during the 1st anniversary of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the 4-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
- Key Provisions:
  1. Migration and Mobility Partnership MoU: Grants 5-year multiple-entry visas (up to 6-month stay per visit) and renewable 1-year student permits.
  2. Young Professionals Agreement: Enables temporary employment exchanges for up to 300 young professionals annually per country.
  3. Strategic Sectors: Expanded cooperation in defence equipment manufacturing, military exchanges, infrastructure investment, and nuclear energy.