Maharashtra Anti-Conversion Law Raises Liberty Concerns Debate Why in the News ? The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 has been passed by the State Legislature, triggering debates over religious freedom, personal liberty, and State intervention. Civil society groups have raised concerns, while the government defends it as necessary for public order. The law’s provisions,…
Why in News ? NASA’s Artemis II mission, set to carry astronauts around the Moon, marks a major step in renewed lunar exploration. It aims to establish a sustainable human presence and prepare for deep space missions, including Mars exploration, while adhering to the precautionary principle in space operations to ensure a pollution free environment…
Why in the News ? Scientists from Europe have launched a research mission in the Baltic Sea to study pollution caused by World War II-era munitions. Growing concerns over marine contamination, offshore projects requiring environmental clearance within the Coastal Regulation Zone, and environmental risks have renewed focus on cleanup efforts guided by the polluter pays…
Why in the News ? The Centre is planning to introduce battery energy storage in the revamped PM-KUSUM 2.0 scheme as the current scheme expires in March 2026. This aims to address solar generation-demand mismatch in agriculture and improve grid efficiency and reliability while ensuring compliance with environmental clearance requirements for expanded solar installations. Key…
Why in the News ? The government has notified the Income-tax Rules 2026 under the Income-tax Act 2025, introducing simplified procedures, revised deductions, and new compliance norms similar to environmental clearances in project approvals. The changes aim to ease tax filing while offering greater flexibility between the old and new tax regimes, following the precautionary…
Why in the News ? Amid escalating West Asia conflict, Iran has allowed India and four other countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil route requiring stringent environmental clearances for maritime operations. The move highlights shifting geopolitics, maritime security concerns aligned with the precautionary principle, and rising tensions between Iran…
Why in the News ? The concept of a living will (advance directive) is gaining attention due to increasing awareness about dignified death, patient autonomy, and recent legal clarity by the Supreme Court, making it easier for individuals to document end-of-life care preferences in India. Importance of Living Will in End-of-Life Care: ● A living…
Why in the News ? The OECD Interim Economic Outlook 2026 projects India as the fastest-growing major economy, with strong GDP growth forecasts. However, West Asia conflict, rising energy prices, and global uncertainties pose risks to inflation, demand, and overall economic stability worldwide. India’s Growth Outlook and Economic Strength: ● The Organisation for Economic Cooperation…
Why in the News ? India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in France, where key global issues like the West Asia conflict, Ukraine war, and UN peacekeeping reforms were discussed, alongside India’s participation in the upcoming G7 Summit 2026 with focus on climate action and achieving a pollution free…
Why in the News ? Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised India’s performance in the QS Top 50 Subject Rankings 2026, calling it a milestone reflecting improved academic quality, global competitiveness, and the impact of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 on higher education, including enhanced focus on environmental studies and sustainable development. India’s Rising…