Why in the News ? The seizure of around 7,500 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup in Bihar has highlighted the growing misuse of the drug. Experts link the rise in addiction cases, particularly among youth, to its use as a substitute for alcohol following the State’s prohibition policy. Codeine: Medical Uses and Health Risks ● …
Why in the News ? The government has released the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) under a revised 2022-23 base year, showing industrial output growth of 4.9% in April 2026, lower than the 5.8% growth recorded in April 2025 under the earlier series. Industrial Performance Under the New IIP Series ● India’s industrial output, measured…
Why in the News ? The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant administered the oath of office to five newly appointed judges of the Supreme Court of India, following the Centre’s approval of their appointments and the recent expansion of the Court’s sanctioned strength. Appointment of Five New Supreme Court Judges ● CJI Surya…
Why in the News ? Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have successfully mapped weather patterns on WASP-94A b, a giant exoplanet located about 700 light-years away, providing unprecedented insights into atmospheric processes on distant worlds beyond our Solar System. Groundbreaking Discovery on a Distant Exoplanet ● Researchers studied WASP-94A b, a hot…
Why in the News ? Bangladesh has approved the ambitious Padma Barrage Project on the Padma River (Ganga in Bangladesh) to address water scarcity and improve irrigation in its southwest region, while also reigniting debates over large-scale river engineering, environmental clearances, and ecological sustainability. Padma Barrage: Objectives and Key Features ● Bangladesh plans to construct…
Why in the News ? Israeli forces have seized the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking their deepest military advance into Lebanese territory in over 25 years. The development represents a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Strategic Significance of Beaufort Castle Capture ● Israeli troops captured Beaufort Castle, located near Nabatiyeh in…
Why in the News ? The debate over “delisting” Scheduled Tribes (STs) who convert to Christianity or Islam has resurfaced following recent rallies in New Delhi and Chhattisgarh, alongside discussions during the Census process regarding tribal religious identity and constitutional protections, raising questions about environmental democracy and tribal participation in governance. Delisting Debate and Tribal…
Why in News ? Recent dust storms across Rajasthan have highlighted the crucial role of the Aravalli Range in preventing dust from the Thar Desert from reaching the densely populated Indo-Gangetic Plains. Experts warn that degradation of the range is weakening this natural protective barrier, raising concerns about environmental jurisprudence and the need for stronger…
Why in the News ? The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan from Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, to encourage the balanced use of fertilisers, improve farmer awareness, ensure effective delivery of agricultural schemes across villages, and promote a pollution free environment through sustainable agricultural practices. Objectives…
Why in the News ? Recent satellite imagery indicates that China is constructing extensive military infrastructure near its nuclear missile silos in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Analysts believe the development is aimed at strengthening China’s second-strike nuclear capability amid growing strategic competition with the United States, though such projects typically require environmental clearances under…