Why in the News ? Attacks by Iran on commercial ships in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz have heightened fears of global energy disruption. An India-bound Thai cargo ship was hit near Oman, prompting concern from India’s External Affairs Ministry and emergency action by global energy agencies. Attacks on Shipping and Regional Escalation:…
Why in the News ? The Supreme Court of India allowed withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) for a man in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) for 13 years, reaffirming the right to die with dignity and implementing the 2018 passive euthanasia guidelines. Supreme Court Verdict in Harish Rana Case: Court’s Observations and…
Why in the News ? The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and freedom fighters on the anniversary of the Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha). The event commemorates a historic moment in India’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule. Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Freedom Fighters: Legacy and Contemporary Relevance About…
Why in the News ? The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched its first structured Bug Bounty Programme to strengthen the cybersecurity of the Aadhaar ecosystem. The initiative invites ethical hackers and security researchers to identify vulnerabilities in key UIDAI digital platforms. UIDAI’s Bug Bounty Programme Initiative: Scope and Implementation of the Programme…
Why in the News ? The UK Parliament has approved the Hereditary Peers Bill, aiming to remove the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords. The reform fulfils a key pledge of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to modernise the upper chamber of Britain’s Parliament. Bill to Remove Hereditary Peers from House of Lords:…
Why in the News ? A Meta threat report (2026) revealed that Indians are the second most targeted population in the global cybercrime ecosystem. Criminal networks are increasingly using AI-driven scams, spear-phishing, and social media fraud, highlighting growing challenges for digital security and online safety. Rising Cybercrime Threats Targeting Indians: New Techniques and Emerging Scam…
Why in the News ? Scientists from NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) have confirmed that asteroid 2024 YR4, previously suspected to have a small chance of colliding with the Moon in 2032, will safely pass by after new observations from the James Webb Space Telescope refined its orbit. Asteroid 2024 YR4: Updated Observations…
Why in the News ? The Union government accepted the Sixteenth Finance Commission (FC16) recommendation retaining States’ share at 41% of the divisible tax pool. However, concerns have emerged as the divisible pool’s share in total tax revenues has declined, raising debates about Centre–State fiscal relations and federal balance. Changing Dynamics of Fiscal Federalism in…
Why in the News ? The Union Cabinet has amended the 2020 foreign direct investment (FDI) guidelines under Press Note 3, allowing limited investments from countries sharing a land border with India without prior approval if the beneficial ownership is non-controlling and up to 10%, streamlining the approval process while maintaining regulatory oversight. Cabinet Amendment…
Why in the News ? The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to prioritise the allocation of natural gas to key sectors such as PNG, CNG, LPG production, and fertiliser plants, introducing a tiered supply framework to ensure uninterrupted availability while maintaining compliance with environmental clearances and…