Why in the News ? Veteran actress Sowcar Janaki passed away in Chennai at the age of 94. Renowned for her versatility across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam cinema, she acted in nearly 450 films and received prestigious honours including Padma Shri and Kalaimamani. A Versatile Journey Across Indian Cinema: ● Born…
Why in the News ? The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released provisional district-wise NFHS-2023-24 factsheets, revealing that improvements in child nutrition and women’s financial inclusion have spread across most districts, while rising obesity among women and declining institutional births remain significant concerns. District-Level Improvements in Health and Inclusion ● The NFHS…
Why in the News ? The Congress Working Committee has reiterated that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram should be publicly sung, citing the 1937 CWC decision and views of Gandhi and Tagore. The issue has revived debate over religious imagery, national identity and the song’s historical status. Origin and Role in India’s…
Why in the News ? The Odisha government has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the relocation of villages from the Satkosia Tiger Reserve following allegations of forced eviction. The inquiry will examine legal compliance, beneficiary selection, compensation, rehabilitation and possible administrative violations. Committee’s Mandate and Legal Framework ● The committee is headed…
Why in the News ? A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has held that the expansive 1978 interpretation of “industry” under the Industrial Disputes Act will not automatically apply to the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. Future interpretation will depend on the Code’s own text and context. 1978 Bangalore Water Supply Judgment ● …
Why in the News ? The Centre is considering expanding the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) from urban areas to rural India. The proposed expansion would cover additional sanitation workers and receive about ₹498.73 crore during 2026–27 to 2030–31. NAMASTE Scheme: Expansion and Key Features ● The NAMASTE scheme was launched…
Why in News? Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar died while serving a life sentence in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots murder case. His role and the wider findings of the Justice Nanavati Commission have again highlighted political complicity, organised violence and failures of the State machinery. Nanavati Commission and Findings on Sajjan Kumar ● …
Why in the News ? The Territorial Army has launched Terrier Cyber Quest 2026, a national-level hackathon to develop indigenous solutions for emerging defence and cybersecurity challenges. The initiative brings together students, researchers, industry, government organisations and Armed Forces personnel to strengthen India’s technological capabilities. Terrier Cyber Quest 2026: Key Features ● The…
Why in the News ? A Parliamentary Standing Committee report has highlighted the gap between India’s Arctic ambitions and capabilities. Despite an Arctic Policy since 2022, India lacks a coherent strategic narrative, adequate funding, dedicated polar infrastructure and coordinated institutional responsibility for addressing the region’s growing climate and geopolitical significance. Arctic’s Growing Importance for India…
Why in the News ? Disability rights organisations have questioned the proposed nine-category disability framework for Census 2027, arguing that it fails to adequately capture all 21 specified disabilities recognised under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, potentially leading to inaccurate enumeration and underrepresentation. Proposed Disability Framework and Key Concerns ● …