Asiatic Lion Population Rises, Habitat Range Expands Significantly

Why in the News ? On World Lion Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s successful Asiatic lion conservation efforts. The species’ population increased from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025, while its geographical range expanded to nearly 35,000 sq km across 11 districts. Asiatic Lion Conservation Shows Remarkable Success ●     India’s…

 National Handloom Day Celebrates India’s Rich Weaving Heritage

Why in the News? Ahead of National Handloom Day (7 August), Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to celebrate India’s rich handloom heritage by sharing their favourite handloom products on social media, while remembering the contribution of weavers and the legacy of the Swadeshi Movement. National Handloom Day: Key Highlights ●     Prime Minister…

Okinawa’s Blue Zone Offers Lessons For Healthy Ageing

Why in the News? A feature on Ogimi village in Okinawa, Japan, one of the world’s recognised Blue Zones, highlights how traditional diets, active lifestyles, strong social bonds, and a sense of purpose contribute to exceptional longevity and healthy ageing. Why Okinawa’s Blue Zone Stands Out : ●     Ogimi village in Okinawa, Japan,…

Cabinet Approves GOBARdhan Scheme To Boost Circular Bioenergy Ecosystem

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet has approved the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme – GOBARdhan with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore to significantly increase Compressed Biogas (CBG) production, strengthen energy security, promote waste-to-wealth, and accelerate India’s transition towards a circular economy. Key Features of the GOBARdhan Scheme: ●     The Union Cabinet has…

Centre Notifies Goa Tribal Assembly Reservation Law Implementation

Why in the News? The Central Government has notified the implementation of the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Act, 2025, enabling reservation of Assembly seats for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and fulfilling a long-pending demand for political representation. Key Highlights of the Notification: ●     The…

 Lok Sabha Clears Bill Enabling UPI Transaction Charges

Why in the News? The Lok Sabha has passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, amending the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 to empower the Government to permit banks and payment service providers to levy charges on UPI and other notified digital payment modes. Key Provisions of the Amendment Bill: ●  …

Rabindranath Tagore Remembered For Enduring National Literary Legacy

Why in the News? On the death anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to the Nobel Laureate, highlighting his immense contributions to Indian literature, national consciousness, education, and the freedom movement through his timeless writings and institutions. Nation Pays Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore: ●     Union Home Minister…

Hiroshima Day Renews Global Call For Nuclear Disarmament Peace

Why in the News? The world observed Hiroshima Day on 6 August, commemorating the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. Memorial events in Japan renewed global appeals for nuclear disarmament, peace, and the prevention of future humanitarian catastrophes caused by nuclear weapons—principles that increasingly influence ethical considerations in international investment funds and shape non-violence principles…

Government Reports Zero Manual Scavengers In Latest National Survey

Why in the News? The Union Government informed Parliament that the 2024–25 nationwide survey under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 did not identify any manual scavengers. The announcement has renewed focus on rehabilitation and mechanised sanitation initiatives, drawing attention from institutional investors and asset managers who increasingly factor…

Indian Statistical Institute Bill Sparks Governance Reform Debate Nationwide

Why in the News? The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2026 has been introduced in Parliament to replace the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959. The proposed legislation has triggered controversy over governance reforms, institutional autonomy, government control, and stakeholder consultation in a premier national academic institution. The debate mirrors concerns raised by institutional investors and…