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: ● …
Why in the News ? The Punjab Legislative Assembly passed nine Bills in a single day, covering education, infrastructure, taxation, employment and environmental protection. Opposition parties criticised the government for allegedly providing legislators inadequate time to scrutinise the legislation, calling the exercise majoritarian and undemocratic. Nine Bills Passed Across Key Sectors: ● The…
Why in the News ? The Lok Sabha passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, amid Opposition protests and without debate. The Bill proposes a National Tribunals Commission to oversee appointments, service conditions and functioning of tribunal members, responding to the Supreme Court’s concerns over judicial independence and transparency. National Tribunals Commission: Key Provisions: ● …
Why in the News ? India has donated five peacocks, including a rare white-feathered male, to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), reviving a decades-old tradition. The gesture highlights India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, environmental stewardship and cultural diplomacy at the global level. Peacock Donation: Cultural and Diplomatic Significance ● India donated…
Why in the News ? National Handloom Day, observed on August 7, highlights the economic and cultural importance of India’s handloom sector. Despite supporting millions of livelihoods and empowering women, the sector faces declining returns, fragmented markets and disappearing traditional weaves, requiring renewed policy support. Handloom as an Economic and Cultural Asset ● …