Why in News ? The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 into 16 economies including India, examining whether their policies discriminate against U.S. commerce, potentially paving the way for new tariffs on imports. U.S. Investigation into Trade Policies: Concerns Raised About India’s Trade Practices…
Why in News ? China has passed a new law titled “Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress” during the National People’s Congress session. The legislation aims to strengthen a shared national identity, but critics warn it may increase assimilation pressures on ethnic minorities. China’s New Law on Ethnic Unity: Key Provisions and Policy Measures About Ethnic…
Why in the News ? Attacks by Iran on commercial ships in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz have heightened fears of global energy disruption. An India-bound Thai cargo ship was hit near Oman, prompting concern from India’s External Affairs Ministry and emergency action by global energy agencies. Attacks on Shipping and Regional Escalation:…
Why in the News ? The Supreme Court of India allowed withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) for a man in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) for 13 years, reaffirming the right to die with dignity and implementing the 2018 passive euthanasia guidelines. Supreme Court Verdict in Harish Rana Case: Court’s Observations and…
Why in the News ? The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and freedom fighters on the anniversary of the Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha). The event commemorates a historic moment in India’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule. Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Freedom Fighters: Legacy and Contemporary Relevance About…
Why in the News ? The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched its first structured Bug Bounty Programme to strengthen the cybersecurity of the Aadhaar ecosystem. The initiative invites ethical hackers and security researchers to identify vulnerabilities in key UIDAI digital platforms. UIDAI’s Bug Bounty Programme Initiative: Scope and Implementation of the Programme…
Why in the News ? The UK Parliament has approved the Hereditary Peers Bill, aiming to remove the remaining hereditary peers from the House of Lords. The reform fulfils a key pledge of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to modernise the upper chamber of Britain’s Parliament. Bill to Remove Hereditary Peers from House of Lords:…
Why in the News ? A Meta threat report (2026) revealed that Indians are the second most targeted population in the global cybercrime ecosystem. Criminal networks are increasingly using AI-driven scams, spear-phishing, and social media fraud, highlighting growing challenges for digital security and online safety. Rising Cybercrime Threats Targeting Indians: New Techniques and Emerging Scam…
Why in the News ? Scientists from NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) have confirmed that asteroid 2024 YR4, previously suspected to have a small chance of colliding with the Moon in 2032, will safely pass by after new observations from the James Webb Space Telescope refined its orbit. Asteroid 2024 YR4: Updated Observations…
Why in the News ? The Union government accepted the Sixteenth Finance Commission (FC16) recommendation retaining States’ share at 41% of the divisible tax pool. However, concerns have emerged as the divisible pool’s share in total tax revenues has declined, raising debates about Centre–State fiscal relations and federal balance. Changing Dynamics of Fiscal Federalism in…