Why in News ? The Union Government has launched the ‘Seafarer-First’ initiative to safeguard Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman following recent attacks on merchant vessels that resulted in casualties and injuries among Indian crew members, reinforcing India’s commitment to regional security cooperation in critical maritime zones….
Why in the News ? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved major initiatives, including Semicon Mission 2.0, the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS), new gas-based urea plants, and Varanasi highway projects, to strengthen manufacturing, infrastructure, and agricultural self-reliance while advancing India’s Indo-Pacific strategy through enhanced technological capabilities and economic interdependence. Major Cabinet…
Why in the News ? The Gujarat Government has launched the Viksit Gujarat Data Centre Policy (2026–29), aiming to attract ₹6 lakh crore in investments and create 7.5 GW of data centre capacity, with a strong emphasis on green energy-powered AI infrastructure. Gujarat’s Vision for Green AI Data Centres ● Gujarat has announced the Viksit…
Why in the News ? China recently conducted its first publicly reported submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in international waters, demonstrating significant advances in its nuclear capabilities. The test has raised strategic concerns for India, the US and China dynamics, and other Indo-Pacific countries regarding regional deterrence and security, prompting renewed focus on indo-pacific…
Why in the News? ● Clinical Trial: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a clinical trial to evaluate Gilead Sciences’ experimental antiviral drug Obeldesivir as a post-exposure treatment for the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak in Congo and Uganda. ● Research Initiative: The study seeks to determine whether early antiviral treatment after exposure…
Why in the News? ● Statistical Milestone: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the trial and inaugural Index of Services Production (ISP), introducing India’s first high-frequency index to measure services sector performance. ● Strong Growth: In April 2026, 14 out of 19 service sub-sectors recorded double-digit growth, with accommodation & food services,…
Why in the News? ● Policy Reform: The Department of Health Research (DHR) has released the Draft National Health Research Policy, 2026, proposing a comprehensive overhaul of India’s health research ecosystem. ● Research Prioritisation: The draft seeks to align health research with India’s disease burden, public health priorities, indigenous innovation, and evidence-based policymaking, while inviting…
Why in the News? ● Legal Amendment: The Union Government informed the Supreme Court that it has amended the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 to include victims of forcible acid ingestion within the definition of “acid attack victim.” ● Enhanced Protection: The amendment gives retrospective effect, enabling victims who suffered internal injuries…
Why in the News? ● Pahalgam Terror Case: A Special NIA Court in Jammu issued a non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed, following a supplementary chargesheet in the Pahalgam terror attack investigation. ● Legal Provision: Since the accused is unlikely to appear before an Indian court, the NIA is expected to invoke Section 356 of the…
Why in the News? ● Regulatory Action: The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has notified a nationwide ban on Paraquat Dichloride, a widely used herbicide associated with thousands of deaths due to suicide, accidental poisoning, and homicide. ● Public Health Measure: The decision follows similar bans by several States, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,…