Why in the News ? The Union Cabinet has amended the 2020 foreign direct investment (FDI) guidelines under Press Note 3, allowing limited investments from countries sharing a land border with India without prior approval if the beneficial ownership is non-controlling and up to 10%, streamlining the approval process while maintaining regulatory oversight. Cabinet Amendment…
Why in the News ? The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to prioritise the allocation of natural gas to key sectors such as PNG, CNG, LPG production, and fertiliser plants, introducing a tiered supply framework to ensure uninterrupted availability while maintaining compliance with environmental clearances and…
Why in the News ? The Union Cabinet has approved the final amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), incorporating recommendations of the Baijayant Panda-led Parliamentary Select Committee. The legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament, aiming to strengthen India’s corporate insolvency resolution framework. Key Amendments Approved in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code:…
Why in the News ? A marine conservation project in Porto Rafti, Greece, is installing eco-friendly mooring systems to protect Posidonia seagrass meadows, a crucial Mediterranean ecosystem. The initiative aims to reduce damage from boat anchors and conserve this EU-designated priority habitat important for climate regulation and biodiversity, following principles of environmental democracy and sustainable…
Why in News ? The Rajasthan Assembly has passed the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, removing the two-child norm that earlier disqualified individuals with more than two children from contesting panchayat elections, triggering political debate over population policy, gender equality, and local governance. This move represents one of the significant gender equality milestones in…
Why in News ? A comprehensive bird survey in Silent Valley National Park, Kerala, has documented 192 bird species, highlighting the region’s exceptional avian biodiversity. The survey covered the entire park and recorded several Western Ghats endemic and migratory species, strengthening conservation data. Major Findings of the Silent Valley Bird Survey: A large-scale bird survey…
Why in News ? The Telangana government’s Musi Riverfront Development Project aims to rejuvenate the polluted Musi River in Hyderabad and transform its banks into urban recreational spaces. However, the project has triggered protests from residents facing eviction and concerns about transparency, with particular attention to gender justice issues as many affected households are headed…
Why in News ? Iran’s Assembly of Experts has appointed Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a U.S.–Israeli strike. The leadership change has triggered strong international reactions and geopolitical attention, raising concerns about women’s rights and gender equality under the new regime. Appointment of Mojtaba…
Why in the News ? Karnataka’s new alcohol taxation policy and transition toward a market-driven liquor sale system are expected to benefit companies like United Spirits. The policy introduces Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB) based taxation, potentially encouraging premiumisation in the liquor industry. Karnataka’s New Liquor Policy and Tax Changes: Karnataka is moving from a government-controlled liquor pricing…
Why in News ? The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has begun its biennial Arctic military exercise “Cold Response”, involving thousands of troops from multiple countries. The exercise comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Arctic region, including disputes related to Greenland’s strategic importance. NATO’s Arctic Military Exercise: Cold Response NATO has launched its biennial…