VIKSIT BHARAT–GUARANTEE FOR ROZGAR AND AJEEVIKA MISSION (GRAMIN) (VB-G RAM G)

Why in the News? ● New Wage Floor: The Centre fixed a minimum wage of ₹300 per day under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, effective from July 1, 2026, strengthening economic security for eligible voters in rural areas. ● Scheme Replaced: The VB-G RAM G Act has officially replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural…

GST REVENUES UP 14% IN JUNE AMID RISING IMPORT-LED COLLECTIONS

Why in the News? ● Revenue Growth: GST collections increased by 13.9% to ₹1.95 lakh crore in June 2026, marking the highest year-on-year growth in the last 13 months. ● Import Surge: The increase was largely driven by GST on imports, which grew by nearly 35%, significantly outpacing domestic GST growth. GST COLLECTION TRENDS ● …

HIGH-LEVEL COMMITTEE ON DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES (HLCDC)

Why in the News? ● Questionnaire Initiative: The High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes (HLCDC) will send questionnaires to Chief Secretaries of all States to collect data on demographic changes since the 2011 Census. ● Migration Focus: The committee will also seek information from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026…

TELECOMMUNICATIONS (AUTHORISATION) RULES, 2026

Why in the News? ● New Rules Notified: The Union Government has notified the Telecommunications (Authorisation) Rules, 2026 under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, following SIR (Special Intensive Revision) of regulatory frameworks. ● Licensing Reform: The rules replace the earlier licensing framework with an authorisation regime for telecom and internet service providers, ensuring electoral integrity in…

DISABLED INMATES MUST BE ALLOWED TO SELF-IDENTIFY: PLEA

Why in the News? ●  SC Panel Submission: A plea before the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee has recommended allowing disabled prisoners to self-identify their disabilities for better protection and care, similar to how eligible voters self-declare information during voter registration processes. ●  Prison Reforms: The recommendations seek effective implementation of disability rights in line with…

FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION REGULATION (AMENDMENT) RULES, 2026

Why in the News? ● New Rules Notified: The Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Rules, 2026 introduce stricter compliance, disclosure, and reporting requirements for NGOs receiving foreign contributions, including citizenship verification and prevention of illegal immigrants from accessing funds. ● Expanded Oversight: The amended rules require organisations to classify activities, disclose operational details, and provide additional…

INDIA SEMICONDUCTOR MISSION (ISM) 2.0

Why in the News? ● EFC Approval: The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has cleared a proposal of ₹1.25 lakh crore for India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, marking a special intensive revision of the original semiconductor policy framework. ● Higher Allocation: The proposed outlay is about 64% higher than the ₹76,000 crore allocated under ISM 1.0,…

IMPACT OF WAR ON BIODIVERSITY: UKRAINE’S FIBRE-OPTIC BIRD NESTS

Why in the News? ● Unique Discovery: Researchers in Ukraine found bird nests woven with discarded fibre-optic cables from military drones near the Russia–Ukraine front line. ● Environmental Concern: The discovery highlights how prolonged armed conflicts are altering natural ecosystems and wildlife behaviour. ● Scientific Study: The nests will be analysed to understand the ecological…

ETHANOL BLENDED PETROL (EBP) PROGRAMME

Why in the News? ● Government Clarification: The Union Law Ministry clarified that the Attorney General never described the E20 Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme as an “ongoing experiment” before the Supreme Court. ● Supreme Court Case: The clarification came during litigation concerning ethanol allocation to Dedicated Ethanol Plants and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). ● Status…