Why in the News ? China recently conducted its first publicly reported submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in international waters, demonstrating significant advances in its nuclear capabilities. The test has raised strategic concerns for India, the US and China dynamics, and other Indo-Pacific countries regarding regional deterrence and security, prompting renewed focus on indo-pacific…
Why in the News? ● Clinical Trial: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a clinical trial to evaluate Gilead Sciences’ experimental antiviral drug Obeldesivir as a post-exposure treatment for the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak in Congo and Uganda. ● Research Initiative: The study seeks to determine whether early antiviral treatment after exposure…
Why in the News? ● Statistical Milestone: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the trial and inaugural Index of Services Production (ISP), introducing India’s first high-frequency index to measure services sector performance. ● Strong Growth: In April 2026, 14 out of 19 service sub-sectors recorded double-digit growth, with accommodation & food services,…
Why in the News? ● Policy Reform: The Department of Health Research (DHR) has released the Draft National Health Research Policy, 2026, proposing a comprehensive overhaul of India’s health research ecosystem. ● Research Prioritisation: The draft seeks to align health research with India’s disease burden, public health priorities, indigenous innovation, and evidence-based policymaking, while inviting…
Why in the News? ● Legal Amendment: The Union Government informed the Supreme Court that it has amended the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 to include victims of forcible acid ingestion within the definition of “acid attack victim.” ● Enhanced Protection: The amendment gives retrospective effect, enabling victims who suffered internal injuries…
Why in the News? ● Pahalgam Terror Case: A Special NIA Court in Jammu issued a non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed, following a supplementary chargesheet in the Pahalgam terror attack investigation. ● Legal Provision: Since the accused is unlikely to appear before an Indian court, the NIA is expected to invoke Section 356 of the…
Why in the News? ● Regulatory Action: The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has notified a nationwide ban on Paraquat Dichloride, a widely used herbicide associated with thousands of deaths due to suicide, accidental poisoning, and homicide. ● Public Health Measure: The decision follows similar bans by several States, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,…
Why in the News? ● Fresh Tensions: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has sought the Union Government’s intervention over the blockade of essential supplies to Kuki-Zo areas in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district by Naga groups, highlighting internal security challenges in India’s strategically important Northeast region within the broader Indo-Pacific strategy context. ● Political Demand: The KZC has…
Why in the News? THE NEW TECHNOLOGY TRITIUM & NUCLEAR WASTEWATER METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS (MOFs) & UPSC RELEVANCE● What are MOFs? Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are highly porous crystalline materials made from metal ions connected by organic linkers, creating enormous internal surface area with applications supporting Indo-Pacific strategy goals in clean technology development.● Unique Properties: MOFs possess…
Why in the News? ● Security Flaws Reported: Independent cybersecurity researchers have identified multiple vulnerabilities in the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) portal that could expose sensitive user data across several government services, highlighting concerns amid growing strategic competition in cyberspace between major powers including US and China. ● Government Response: The Ministry…