Why in the News ? The United Nations (UN) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have warned that the world is approaching a dangerous stage where autonomous weapons could independently select and attack humans, urging countries to establish binding international regulations. Rising Threat of ‘Killer Robots’: ● The UN and…
Why in the News ? The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has reported that H1N1 constitutes nearly 98% of Influenza A infections currently detected in India. The ICMR has also clarified that the circulating strain is the familiar H1N1 pdm09 seasonal virus. Current Influenza Situation in India: ● According to ICMR Director-General…
Why in the News ? Eid Milad-un-Nabi, commemorating the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, is being observed across India with religious fervour. Religious gatherings, Milad Mehfils, Seerat Conferences and processions are being organised, while national leaders have conveyed messages of peace, compassion and harmony. Eid Milad-un-Nabi: Observance and Significance: ● Eid Milad-un-Nabi, also…
Why in the News ? Thiru Onam, the most auspicious day of Kerala’s Onam festival, is being celebrated by Keralites across India and abroad. The harvest festival promotes cultural heritage, social harmony, gratitude to nature and unity in diversity through traditional rituals and festivities. Thiru Onam: Traditions and Cultural Significance ● Onam is…
Why in the News? A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has held that the expansive interpretation of ‘industry’ laid down in the landmark Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board v. R. Rajappa judgment of 1978 will not automatically govern the Industrial Relations Code (IRC), 2020. The ruling creates a fresh interpretative framework for…
Why in the News? The Publications Division has secured multiple prizes at the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) Awards, recognising its contribution to credible, informative and culturally enriching publishing. Its publications received second and third prizes across categories covering Hindi, English and Urdu books, journals, reference works and children’s literature. KEY AWARDS AND PUBLICATIONS ●…
Why in the News? CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) unveiled three indigenous Micro and Small Gas Turbine Engines—NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100—on 25 August 2026. The engines, producing 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg thrust respectively, are designed for applications including tactical UAVs, drone interceptors and compact missile systems, strengthening India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push in aerospace…
Why in the News? India has called for diversified, adequate, predictable and sustained international finance for land restoration and drought resilience at COP17 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. India also highlighted its domestic financing mechanisms, including Green Credit Programme, Sovereign Green Bonds and compensatory afforestation funds. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE FOR…
Why in the News? The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) completed 10 years on 25 August 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). From 1.78 crore transactions in 2016-17, annual UPI transaction volume has risen to over 24,162 crore transactions in 2025-26, alongside rapid expansion into international markets. UPI’S TRANSFORMATION OF INDIA’S…
Why in the News? The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has criticised the National Cooperative Development Corporation (Amendment) Act, 2026, alleging that it weakens cooperative federalism by expanding the Union government’s role in cooperative societies. The controversy centres on the constitutional distribution of powers, NCDC’s expanded financial role and the removal of restrictions relating to rural…