Why in the News? ● Revenue Growth: GST collections increased by 13.9% to ₹1.95 lakh crore in June 2026, marking the highest year-on-year growth in the last 13 months. ● Import Surge: The increase was largely driven by GST on imports, which grew by nearly 35%, significantly outpacing domestic GST growth. GST COLLECTION TRENDS ● …
Why in the News? ● Questionnaire Initiative: The High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes (HLCDC) will send questionnaires to Chief Secretaries of all States to collect data on demographic changes since the 2011 Census. ● Migration Focus: The committee will also seek information from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026…
Why in the News? ● New Rules Notified: The Union Government has notified the Telecommunications (Authorisation) Rules, 2026 under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, following SIR (Special Intensive Revision) of regulatory frameworks. ● Licensing Reform: The rules replace the earlier licensing framework with an authorisation regime for telecom and internet service providers, ensuring electoral integrity in…
Why in the News? ● SC Panel Submission: A plea before the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee has recommended allowing disabled prisoners to self-identify their disabilities for better protection and care, similar to how eligible voters self-declare information during voter registration processes. ● Prison Reforms: The recommendations seek effective implementation of disability rights in line with…
Why in the News? ● New Rules Notified: The Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Rules, 2026 introduce stricter compliance, disclosure, and reporting requirements for NGOs receiving foreign contributions, including citizenship verification and prevention of illegal immigrants from accessing funds. ● Expanded Oversight: The amended rules require organisations to classify activities, disclose operational details, and provide additional…
Why in the News? ● EFC Approval: The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has cleared a proposal of ₹1.25 lakh crore for India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, marking a special intensive revision of the original semiconductor policy framework. ● Higher Allocation: The proposed outlay is about 64% higher than the ₹76,000 crore allocated under ISM 1.0,…
Why in the News? ● Policy Implemented: Delhi EV Policy 2.0 came into effect from 1 July 2026, replacing the earlier 2020 policy. ● New Subsidy Process: EV owners must now apply online for subsidies within 30 days of vehicle registration through a dedicated government portal. ● Long-term Roadmap: The policy aims to accelerate EV…
Why in the News? ● Unique Discovery: Researchers in Ukraine found bird nests woven with discarded fibre-optic cables from military drones near the Russia–Ukraine front line. ● Environmental Concern: The discovery highlights how prolonged armed conflicts are altering natural ecosystems and wildlife behaviour. ● Scientific Study: The nests will be analysed to understand the ecological…
Why in the News? ● Government Clarification: The Union Law Ministry clarified that the Attorney General never described the E20 Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme as an “ongoing experiment” before the Supreme Court. ● Supreme Court Case: The clarification came during litigation concerning ethanol allocation to Dedicated Ethanol Plants and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). ● Status…
Why in the News? ● Passport Issue: Journalist R. Rajagopal allegedly faced delays in passport renewal after his name was deleted from the electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal, raising concerns about voter disenfranchisement. ● Supreme Court Context: The issue has reignited debate on whether deletion from electoral rolls can…