Why in the News ? The Government’s NAMASTE Scheme (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) has achieved key milestones in improving safety, dignity, and livelihoods of sanitation workers, with large-scale profiling, provision of PPE kits, and expansion of health and safety infrastructure aimed at creating a pollution free environment for workers while ensuring compliance with…
Why in the News ? The Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, citing global uncertainties, inflation risks, and supply disruptions, while maintaining a neutral stance to balance growth and price stability. Key Decisions of Monetary Policy Committee: ● Repo Rate Status Quo: MPC unanimously retained…
Why in the News ? The Government of India is exploring E100 ethanol fuel blending and flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) amid rising energy insecurity due to West Asia conflict, aiming to reduce crude oil imports, promote alternative fuels aligned with pollution free environment goals, and enhance long-term energy sustainability through comprehensive environmental impact assessment frameworks. E100…
Why in the News ? The Supreme Court of India, during hearings on the Sabarimala Temple Entry case, observed that disputes involving religious freedom and fundamental rights should be resolved case-by-case, avoiding rigid universal judicial guidelines. Supreme Court’s Observations on Faith and Rights : ● Case-by-Case Approach: The Court emphasised that disputes involving faith vs…
Why in the News ? The Bombay High Court quashed charges against the last accused in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case, raising concerns about investigative lapses, conflicting probes by agencies, and challenges in securing justice in major terror cases. 2006 Malegaon Blasts: Incident and Initial Probe: ● Incident Details: On September 8, 2006, multiple bombs…
Why in the News ? The Iran-related geopolitical tensions and disruption of the Strait of Hormuz have sharply increased fertilizer prices and constrained supplies to India, raising concerns over kharif crop production, food security, and dependence on imports for critical agricultural inputs, while highlighting gaps in environmental clearance processes for domestic production facilities. Impact of…
Why in the News ? The UK Parliament has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, banning cigarette sales to individuals born after January 1, 2009, aiming to create a smoke-free generation and tighten regulations on vaping and nicotine products, reflecting principles of environmental democracy in public health governance. Key Provisions of Tobacco and Vapes Bill…
Universal Group of Institutions celebrates a moment of immense pride as our NCC Cadet, CQMS Abhishek, represents both 2 KAR BN NCC and Universal School of Administration, Bengaluru at the prestigious Adventure Camp 2026 आयोजित at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali. Spanning 10 days (17th–26th April 2026), this…
Why in the News ? A recent study has explained why only certain genetic mutations cause Inherited Peripheral Neuropathy (IPN), identifying the dominant-negative effect in specific genes, offering new pathways for targeted therapies and improving understanding of genetic disease mechanisms. This research, conducted following environmental clearances for genetic laboratories and adhering to the precautionary principle,…
Why in the News ? A recent study has re-evaluated the Hahnöfersand frontal bone, previously thought to be a Neanderthal-modern human hybrid, and found it belongs to a modern human, highlighting advances in 3D imaging techniques and improved understanding of human evolution. This ex post facto reassessment demonstrates how retrospective environmental clearances and modern analytical…