UDGAM Portal Expanded to Trace Unclaimed Bank Deposits

Why in the News ? The Reserve Bank of India informed the Supreme Court that 30 banks have been integrated with the UDGAM portal, enabling legal heirs to identify unclaimed deposits of deceased account holders and improving transparency in dormant financial assets management. RBI’s UDGAM Portal and Supreme Court Proceedings: ●  The Reserve Bank of…

Bangladesh Renews Push for Teesta Water Sharing Agreement

Why in the News ? Bangladesh has renewed its demand for the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement with India following political developments in West Bengal, highlighting the continued importance of transboundary river management in India-Bangladesh bilateral relations. Bangladesh’s Renewed Demand on Teesta Agreement: ●  Bangladesh urged India to reconsider the Teesta water-sharing agreement under the present…

WHO Assesses Hantavirus Outbreak Risk on Cruise Ship

Why in the News ? The World Health Organization has reported suspected human-to-human transmission of hantavirus aboard a cruise ship near Cape Verde, though it maintains that the overall public health risk remains low due to the disease’s typically limited transmission pattern. Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: WHO Assessment and Public Health Concerns About Hantavirus…

Ecocide Debate Highlights Gaps in International Environmental Law

Why in the News ? Recent conflicts in West Asia, including allegations against Israel in Lebanon and Gaza, have revived global debate on “ecocide” and the adequacy of international law in addressing large-scale environmental destruction caused by war and human actions. This discussion underscores the need for stronger environmental jurisprudence and the application of the…

Cabinet Approves Expansion of Supreme Court Judges Strength

Why in the News ? The Union Cabinet has approved a Bill to increase the strength of judges in the Supreme Court of India from 34 to 38, aiming to improve judicial efficiency, reduce pendency, and facilitate faster hearing of constitutional and regular matters. Key Features of the Cabinet Decision: Reasons Behind Increasing Judicial Strength…

Delhi Pollution Pattern Shifts Towards Rising Ozone Threat

Why in the News ? A new air-quality dashboard based on Central Pollution Control Board data has revealed a changing pollution pattern in Delhi-NCR, with declining NO₂ and CO levels but a worrying increase in ground-level ozone, highlighting emerging challenges in urban air pollution management and the need for comprehensive environmental impact assessment frameworks. Changing…

Supreme Court Criticises Odisha Courts Over Bail Bias

Why in the News ? The Supreme Court of India criticised Odisha courts for imposing “odious bail conditions” on Adivasi and Dalit individuals, highlighting concerns over caste bias, judicial fairness, and violation of fundamental rights, and issued directions to prevent such practices across the country. Supreme Court Observations and Directions: Background and Issues Involved About…

Supreme Court Expands Definition of Acid Attack Victims

Why in the News ? The Supreme Court of India has expanded the definition of acid attack victims under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, to include survivors of forcible acid ingestion, ensuring them access to disability benefits and legal recognition. Key Judgment and Legal Expansion: Government Stand and Policy Implications About…

High Court Upholds Forest Rights Act Overriding Powers

Why in News ? The Allahabad High Court reaffirmed the supremacy of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, striking down a District Level Committee’s decision rejecting tribal claims, and highlighting ongoing violations such as eviction orders and denial of grazing rights across multiple states. This landmark ruling strengthens environmental jurisprudence and reinforces the precautionary principle…

Indian Journalists Win Pulitzer Prize for Global Investigations

Why in the News ? Indian journalists have been honoured at the Pulitzer Prizes 2026, winning in multiple categories for investigative and art reporting. Their work exposed cybercrime networks and global surveillance practices, highlighting India’s growing contribution to international journalism and public-interest reporting. Achievements and Award Details: Significance of the Reporting Projects About Pulitzer Prize…