NSO Survey Highlights Improved Healthcare Access and Utilisation

Why in the News ? The National Statistical Office released findings from its 80th health survey, showing improved health-seeking behaviour, rising insurance coverage, and increased use of public healthcare facilities, indicating progress in India’s healthcare accessibility and affordability. Improved Health-Seeking Behaviour and Coverage: ○   Rural: 12.9% → 45.5% ○   Urban: 8.9% → 31.8%…

Supreme Court Observes Limits on Reforming Religious Practices

Why in the News ? The Supreme Court of India remarked that courts cannot initiate reforms in matters of faith, during hearings on the Sabarimala case review, raising critical questions on the balance between religious freedom and constitutional rights like equality and dignity. This debate parallels discussions in environmental jurisprudence where courts balance development with…

India Sri Lanka Strengthen Maritime Cooperation Through Diving Exercise

Why in the News ? India and Sri Lanka conducted IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 in Colombo, showcasing enhanced maritime cooperation and interoperability. The exercise focused on deep-sea diving, rescue operations, and aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision for regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), while ensuring compliance with coastal regulation zone norms and…

Supreme Court Observes Limits on Reforming Religious Practices

Why in the News ? The Supreme Court of India remarked that courts cannot initiate reforms in matters of faith, during hearings on the Sabarimala case review, raising critical questions on the balance between religious freedom and constitutional rights like equality and dignity. This debate parallels discussions in environmental jurisprudence where courts balance development with…

India Sri Lanka Strengthen Maritime Cooperation Through Diving Exercise

Why in the News ? India and Sri Lanka conducted IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 in Colombo, showcasing enhanced maritime cooperation and interoperability. The exercise focused on deep-sea diving, rescue operations, and aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision for regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), while ensuring compliance with coastal regulation zone norms and…

EPFO Launches Portal to Track Dormant PF Accounts

Why in the News ? The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to launch E-PRAAPTI, a digital platform to help users identify, track, and activate inoperative EPF accounts. The move aims to enhance transparency, ease of access, and digital governance in provident fund management, reflecting principles of environmental democracy in administrative processes. E-PRAAPTI Portal:…

E100 Fuel Push: India Expands Ethanol Mobility

Why in the News ? The Government of India has proposed recognising E100 (100% ethanol) as an approved automotive fuel by amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR). This move aims to enable certification, production, and adoption of pure ethanol-powered vehicles while ensuring compliance with environmental clearance requirements. Policy Shift Towards E100 Adoption: Vehicle Certification…

Raghu Rai Documented India’s Social Political Transformation

Why in the News ? Legendary Indian photojournalist Raghu Rai passed away on April 26, 2026, at age 83. His death marks the loss of a pioneering figure whose photography captured India’s political, social, and cultural evolution over decades. Life, Career and Photographic Journey: ●  Born in 1942 in Jhang (now in Pakistan), his early…

Supreme Court Upholds Right to Safe Highway Travel

Why in the News ? The Supreme Court of India ruled that safe travel on highways is part of Article 21 (Right to Life). The judgment came after fatal road accidents, highlighting the State’s duty to ensure road safety and prevent avoidable deaths. SC Judgment: Expanding Article 21 for Road Safety: ●  The Court held…

Chernobyl Anniversary Highlights Nuclear Risks Amid Ukraine War

Why in the News ? Ukraine marked the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster amid ongoing war with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of rising nuclear risks due to repeated drone attacks near critical nuclear facilities, raising concerns about environmental impact assessment protocols and the need for a pollution free environment in conflict zones. War…