Why in the News ? The Meghalaya Assembly has passed a resolution opposing uranium mining and ore processing in the State. The move supports decades of resistance by local communities in uranium-bearing areas and invokes Meghalaya’s Sixth Schedule protections over community and private land and resources. Meghalaya’s Opposition to Uranium Mining: ● The…
Why in the News ? Lebanese authorities and residents have accused Israel’s military of deliberately triggering fires and damaging forests and agricultural land in southern Lebanon. The allegations come amid continuing tensions with Hezbollah, despite a relative lull in hostilities and a recent Israel-Lebanon understanding. Widespread Fires and Land Destruction: ● Southern Lebanon…
Why in News ? India and Japan are seeking to deepen cooperation in startups, deep technology, innovation and MSMEs. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has proposed a four-pillar framework, including a $1 billion deep-tech fund, to strengthen investment, research and cross-border technology partnerships. India-Japan Startup & Deep-Tech Cooperation: ● India and Japan…
Why in the News ? The Ministry of Home Affairs has recognised heatwaves and lightning as notified natural calamities, enabling States to access the full State Disaster Risk Management Fund. The move follows Sixteenth Finance Commission recommendations and seeks to strengthen heat-risk preparedness and response. New Framework for Heatwave Financing: ● Heatwaves and…
Why in the News ? The United Nations (UN) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have warned that rapid advances in autonomous weapons could soon enable machines to independently target humans. They urged countries to establish specific international bans and restrictions before such systems become widespread. Rising Threat of Autonomous Weapons: ● …
Why in the News ? The Union Home Ministry has constituted a high-level committee to examine the long-standing Gorkha issue and prepare a framework for a “permanent political solution”. The move follows discussions among Gorkha leaders, the Centre and the West Bengal government. Historical Evolution of the Gorkhaland Demand: ● The demand for…
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…