Why in the News? India’s merchandise exports surged 19.6% year-on-year to $44.2 billion in July 2026, despite disruptions caused by the continuing conflict in West Asia. Exports to West Asia itself recovered by 8.8%, while shipments to China, Africa and several East Asian economies increased significantly, highlighting India’s growing export-market diversification. However, the overall trade…
Why in the News? Chandigarh is set to become the first Union Territory to undertake a full-fledged rollout of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for food subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). The initiative represents a shift from physical foodgrain distribution towards purpose-bound digital welfare delivery through…
Why in the News? The Supreme Court, in Vihaan Kumar v. State of Haryana (2025), reinforced constitutional safeguards against arbitrary arrest, holding that an arrested person must be directly and meaningfully informed of the grounds of arrest. The ruling strengthens the connection between Articles 21 and 22, procedural fairness and personal liberty, while requiring law-enforcement…
Why in the News ? Parliament has referred the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny. The proposed amendments seek to strengthen transparency, accountability and oversight in the receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions by organisations. FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026: Key Developments ● Both Houses…
Why in the News ? Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh paid tributes to Ahilyabai Holkar on her death anniversary, highlighting her contributions to women’s empowerment, public welfare, heritage conservation, justice and people-centric governance, making her an enduring example of effective administration. Ahilyabai Holkar: A Visionary Administrator ● Ahilyabai Holkar, the renowned…
Why in the News ? The Philippines has issued a health alert following severe flooding in northern regions caused by enhanced southwest monsoon rainfall. Authorities are warning residents about increased risks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, while disaster agencies continue post-cyclone recovery operations. Floods Trigger Public Health Concerns: ● Heavy rainfall associated with…
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…