Why in the News? The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has criticised the National Cooperative Development Corporation (Amendment) Act, 2026, alleging that it weakens cooperative federalism by expanding the Union government’s role in cooperative societies. The controversy centres on the constitutional distribution of powers, NCDC’s expanded financial role and the removal of restrictions relating to rural…
Why in the News ? The Supreme Court held that filing an FIR, even if subsequently found false, does not by itself amount to instigation to suicide. The Court stressed that individuals have the right to pursue lawful remedies without automatically attracting criminal liability. Supreme Court Ruling on Legal Proceedings: ● A Bench…
Why in News ? India has introduced its first planned spacecraft re-entry guidelines through IN-SPACe, marking a shift from broad international space-sustainability principles towards enforceable domestic obligations. The rules seek to manage growing space-debris, safety, liability and environmental risks associated with increasing orbital activity. Rising Re-entry Risks and Space Sustainability: ● The rapid…
Why in the News ? The 2026 amendment extends criminal-law protection to Vande Mataram, prohibiting intentional obstruction or disruption of its singing. The debate has renewed questions about compulsory participation, religious conscience, freedom of expression, and the Supreme Court’s Bijoe Emmanuel precedent. Vande Mataram: Historical and Constitutional Status: ● Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed…
Why in the News ? The concept of the barren-land fallacy highlights the ecological risks of treating every treeless landscape as degraded land. It stresses that grasslands, savannahs, wetlands, scrublands and deserts are naturally valuable ecosystems requiring context-specific restoration. Understanding the Barren-Land Fallacy: ● The barren-land fallacy assumes that land without substantial tree…
Why in the News ? A Stanford University–Arc Institute experiment demonstrated that AI models can generate complete bacteriophage genomes that scientists can synthesise and test. The development highlights opportunities for phage therapy and biomedical research, while raising significant biosecurity and AI-governance concerns. From Genome Reading to Biological Design ● Scientists have progressed from…
Why in the News ? The 2025 SPIVA report indicates that nearly three-fourths of large-cap active funds underperformed their blended LargeMidCap benchmark over a 10-year period. This highlights the difficulty portfolio managers face in generating consistent alpha despite expertise and information. Understanding Alpha: Skill versus Luck ● Alpha refers to the excess return…
Why in the News ? A Malayalam play titled MISA, depicting the custodial torture of activist and artist Snehalatha Reddy during the 1975 Emergency, has triggered controversy in Kerala. Critics alleged obscenity, while its creators defended the production as an artistic portrayal of state repression and political persecution. Play MISA and Snehalatha Reddy’s Story ●…
Why in the News ? Iconic Sri Lankan singer Nanda Malini passed away at 82 in Colombo. Known for her powerful voice and socially conscious music, she reflected Sri Lanka’s political upheavals, youth disillusionment and social inequalities, becoming an important part of the country’s collective cultural memory. Nanda Malini’s Life and Musical Journey ● …
Why in the News ? The Health Ministry has restricted the manufacture, sale and distribution of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride for children below four years, citing potential safety risks and availability of safer alternatives. Government Restrictions and Safety Measures ● The government has imposed restrictions on all FDCs…