Why in the News ? The Uttar Pradesh government revised minimum wages (April 2026) through an interim notification after labour unrest in industrial regions, aiming to address wage stagnation, inflation pressures, and inter-state wage disparities. Key Features of Revised Wage Structure: ● The State revised wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 with effect from…
Why in the News ? Odisha has laid the foundation for India’s first 3D semiconductor packaging plant under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), marking a major step in India’s semiconductor ambitions and high-tech manufacturing push. The project has received necessary environmental clearances following comprehensive regulatory assessments. Key Features of the 3D Chip Packaging Project: ● …
Why in the News ? Israel has established a “Yellow Line” buffer zone in Gaza and southern Lebanon after recent ceasefire developments, raising concerns over militarisation, humanitarian impact, and violation of international law. Key Features of the Yellow Line Strategy: ● The “Yellow Line” is a military demarcation boundary created by the Israel Defense Forces…
Why in the News ? The debate on women’s reservation in legislatures resurfaced after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 was defeated in Lok Sabha, reviving discussions on states’ rights, caste representation, and past experiences of quotas in local bodies. Evolution of Women’s Reservation in Local Governance: ● The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992)…
Why in the News ? The Punjab Governor has approved the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making it a law. The move aims to impose stricter penalties for sacrilege and ensure protection of religious sanctity. Key Provisions of Punjab Anti-Sacrilege Law: ● The amended law strengthens the Jaagat Jot Sri…
Why in the News ? The Supreme Court issued pan-India guidelines on highway safety in a suo motu case after fatal accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana (2025), declaring that safe roads are integral to Article 21 (Right to Life), expanding environmental jurisprudence principles to road safety governance. Key Directions on Highway Safety by Supreme Court:…
Why in the News ? India has responded to the U.S. Section 301 investigations on forced labour and excess capacity, asserting compliance with ILO conventions and defending its trade practices, as Indian negotiators prepare for bilateral trade talks in Washington next week. India’s Response to U.S. Trade Allegations: ● India rejected U.S. claims of “structural…
Why in the News ? The Constitution (Amendment) Bill on women’s reservation has triggered debate among women MPs across parties, with support for increased representation but concerns over its linkage with delimitation, alleged political motives, and demands for broader and inclusive implementation. Support for Women’s Reservation and Political Empowerment ● Women MPs across parties welcomed…
Why in the News ? April is observed as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, drawing attention to the need for early diagnosis, better understanding of symptoms, and the importance of support systems for patients and caregivers to improve quality of life. Symptoms and Diagnosis Challenges of Parkinson’s Disease: ● Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder…
Why in the News ? The first-ever national report, “State of India’s Bats (2024–25)”, highlights threats to bat species due to urbanisation and climate change, while exposing major data gaps and research neglect, raising concerns about biodiversity conservation and zoonotic disease risks. Status of Bat Species and Emerging Threats: ● India hosts around 135 bat…