Why in News ? The Rajasthan Assembly has passed the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, removing the two-child norm that earlier disqualified individuals with more than two children from contesting panchayat elections, triggering political debate over population policy, gender equality, and local governance. This move represents one of the significant gender equality milestones in…
Why in News ? A comprehensive bird survey in Silent Valley National Park, Kerala, has documented 192 bird species, highlighting the region’s exceptional avian biodiversity. The survey covered the entire park and recorded several Western Ghats endemic and migratory species, strengthening conservation data. Major Findings of the Silent Valley Bird Survey: A large-scale bird survey…
Why in News ? The Telangana government’s Musi Riverfront Development Project aims to rejuvenate the polluted Musi River in Hyderabad and transform its banks into urban recreational spaces. However, the project has triggered protests from residents facing eviction and concerns about transparency, with particular attention to gender justice issues as many affected households are headed…
Why in News ? Iran’s Assembly of Experts has appointed Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a U.S.–Israeli strike. The leadership change has triggered strong international reactions and geopolitical attention, raising concerns about women’s rights and gender equality under the new regime. Appointment of Mojtaba…
Why in the News ? Karnataka’s new alcohol taxation policy and transition toward a market-driven liquor sale system are expected to benefit companies like United Spirits. The policy introduces Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB) based taxation, potentially encouraging premiumisation in the liquor industry. Karnataka’s New Liquor Policy and Tax Changes: Karnataka is moving from a government-controlled liquor pricing…
Why in News ? The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has begun its biennial Arctic military exercise “Cold Response”, involving thousands of troops from multiple countries. The exercise comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Arctic region, including disputes related to Greenland’s strategic importance. NATO’s Arctic Military Exercise: Cold Response NATO has launched its biennial…
Why in the News ? The Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 is yet to be implemented as the Union Rural Development Ministry continues consultations with States. Key rules, allocation formulas, and administrative requirements are still under preparation. Implementation Challenges of the New Rural Employment Act: Key Policy Issues…
Why in the News ? Rumours of shipping disruptions due to the Israel–Iran conflict have led to panic selling of shrimp and seafood by aquaculture farmers in Andhra Pradesh. Farmers fear export delays, causing them to harvest early and sell produce at significantly lower domestic prices. Panic Selling Among Aquaculture Farmers: Importance of Aquaculture Exports…
Why in the News ? The Indian Railways has introduced the SHINE (Sexual Harassment Incident Notification for Empowerment) app to enable women employees to report workplace harassment digitally. The initiative was launched on 8 March, marking International Women’s Day (IWD), strengthening mechanisms for safe and secure workplaces and advancing women’s rights and gender equality. SHINE…
Why in the News ? The Andhra Pradesh government has introduced a Draft Population Management Policy aimed at addressing the State’s declining fertility rate and ageing population. The policy shifts focus from traditional population control to population management, with incentives to encourage childbirth while promoting gender equality and equal rights for all citizens. Andhra Pradesh’s…