Why in the News ? India’s E20 ethanol blending program has expanded rapidly, with the government highlighting foreign-exchange savings and reduced crude-oil imports. However, concerns over legacy vehicles, mileage losses, food security, water use and phased implementation have intensified the debate over the sustainability of ethanol blending. E20 Programme: Progress and Economic Rationale ● …
Why in the News ? A total solar eclipse recently provided European scientists an opportunity to study the Sun’s faint corona from Earth. Such events enable detailed observations of the inner corona, solar magnetic structures and phenomena linked to solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Why Total Solar Eclipses Matter for Science: ● …
Why in the News ? The Supreme Court, in State of Andhra Pradesh v. Suda Suresh Veera Venkata Naga Raju, clarified that BNSS Section 187(2) permits police custody in parts during the first 40 or 60 days of detention, subject to an overall 15-day limit. SC Clarifies Scope of Police Custody: ● The…
Why in the News ? The Lok Sabha passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 and National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 without debate amid Opposition protests. The Kerala Bill proposes changing the State’s official name from Kerala to Keralam. Kerala to Keralam: Key Provisions: Parliamentary Deadlock and Co-operative Sector Bill About Constitutional…
Why in the News ? The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has amended the 2016 Ganga protection framework, removing the blanket construction-free zone provision. Construction may now be permitted in certain floodplain areas facing moderate or rare flooding, subject to regulatory clearances. New Rules for Ganga Floodplains: Significance and Environmental Concerns About Floodplains and…
Why in the News ? President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, granting Vande Mataram legal protection similar to Jana Gana Mana and criminalising intentional disruption or prevention of its singing. Vande Mataram Gets Statutory Protection: Debate Over Implementation and Practicality About National Symbols of…
Why in the News ? On Vikram Sarabhai’s birth anniversary, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Defence Minister and Science and Technology Minister paid tribute to the pioneering scientist. Leaders highlighted his vision of using science and space technology for national development, self-reliance and improving citizens’ lives. Vikram Sarabhai: Architect of India’s Space Programme: Sarabhai’s Legacy for…
Why in the News ? Lebanon’s Parliament has abolished the death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment and aggravated hard labour. The decision makes Lebanon the first Arab country to formally abolish capital punishment, marking a significant development in human rights and criminal justice reform. Lebanon’s Historic Abolition of Death Penalty: Significance and Continuing Challenges…
Why in the News ? M.P. Parameswaran, former nuclear scientist, Marxist theorist and prominent people’s science activist, passed away at 92 in Thrissur. His contributions to Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP), literacy campaigns, environmental issues and science popularisation remain significant to India’s people’s science movement. Scientific Career and Intellectual Journey: ● Early life and education:…
Why in the News ? The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) approved amendments to its election rules, restricting voting and contesting rights to Scheduled Tribes and creating a separate electoral roll. The move seeks to protect tribal interests while strengthening the autonomy of the Sixth Schedule institution. GHADC Amendments and Key Changes: ● …