1.The perils of ideological certitude There seems an order of priorities in place for much of the electorate instead of the bread and butter governance
1.Don’t use new law to justify LAC moves, India tells China ‘It will have no bearing on present boundary arrangements’ China must not use its
1.Why India shouldn’t sign on to net zero Doing so would be to accede to further over-appropriation of the global carbon budget by a few
1.A reminder that India still trails in the hunger fight The Government’s objection to the methodology of the Global Hunger Index is not based on
1.‘Kashmir has become a laboratory for all forces’ Militancy and civilian killings continuing despite the withdrawal of Article 370, says senior J&K politician and CWC
1.India weighs ‘net zero’ target ahead of CoP It will insist that developed nations keep their pledges India has not entirely ruled out the possibility
1.‘Need strategic reserves of coal and gas’ Kumar moots a month’s stock to guard against supply shocks, govt. asks States to boost hydel output The
1.The carbon markets conundrum at COP26 Success in Glasgow hinges to a great extent on the conclusion of one of the most technical and highly
1.No excuses please, India awaits a full caste headcount The central government’s logistical or legal justifications to not disclose caste census data do not stand
1.A shadow foreign policy for the first time A document suggesting an alternative foreign policy has been put forth, but will the Opposition consider it?
1.Zeolite oxygen concentrators: chemistry in three dimensions At the heart of this technology are synthetic frameworks of silica and alumina with nanometer-sized pores that are
1.Hunger Index: poor ranking devoid of ground reality and facts, says Govt. Ranked at 101, India is behind neighbours like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri
1.‘Gati Shakti’ will boost infra projects: PM ‘It will help India realise its dream of becoming business capital of the world’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi
1.Retail inflation falls to 4.35%; industrial output growth up Don’t read too much into the encouraging data: economists India’s retail inflation cooled off to a
1.The next step is a constitutional right to health Presently, any investment in health care has failed to translate into a sense of security and
1.A ‘Taiwan flashpoint’ in the Indo-Pacific In pursuing its Indo-Pacific strategy, India needs to be mindful of the China-U.S. equations in the region If the
1.Global pact on minimum corporate tax of 15% It will end ‘race to bottom’ among countries wooing MNCs A milestone global deal to ensure big
1.Reflections on the ‘quasi-federal’ democracy Despite a basic structure, Indian federalism needs institutional amendment to be democratically federal Events coinciding with the jubilee of India’s
1. Seeding a data revolution in Indian agriculture But technology fixes and agri-business investments alone will not be enough to improve farmers’ livelihoods In June
1.U.P. tops list of States emitting fine particulate matter: study Council on Energy, Environment and Water does analysis Uttar Pradesh is the largest emitter of
1.RBI microfinance proposals that are anti-poor The proposed guidelines will favour private credit institutions at the cost of public sector banks In June 2021, the
1.Taproots to help restore India’s fading green cover In forest restoration, the participation of local communities and adequate financing and incentives are essential Covering nearly
1.Reimagining food systems with lessons from India With an alarming escalation in global hunger unfolding, reaching the goal of an equitable livelihood is a necessity
1.A tiny plant that can ‘digest’ low density plastic sheets From the murky waters of a lake in Chennai, researchers isolated an alga that breaks
1.NEET: OCI candidates can appear in general category Court says they need not be treated on a par with NRIs The Supreme Court on Thursday
1.A fund without a care for the RTI The Government’s claim that the PM CARES Fund is not a public authority is unacceptable It may
1.Germany as a development actor in a post-Merkel era The new Chancellor must enable global cooperation policies for a sustainable future with India and the
1.ICRA raises FY22 growth estimate to 9% Potential third wave, efficacy of existing vaccines against possible new variants remain key risks: Nayar Rating agency ICRA
1.These investigations are a face without a heart There is no longer any respect for the citizen’s rights but only a single-minded assertion of unaccountable
1.India is the mother of all democracies, PM says at UNGA Targets Pakistan, China for exporting terror, ignoring rules-based global order Terming India the “mother
1.When global firms disengage, employment suffers While inward FDI in India does create jobs, the magnitude and quality of job generation need scrutiny The most
1.A disease surveillance system, for the future Diseases and outbreaks are realities and a well-functioning system can help reduce their impact A defining moment in
1.This judicial selection needs more than a tweak The collegium system and the mysteries underlining its decision-making dilute the importance of the High Courts In
1.The big deal behind the ruckus over AUKUS China’s economic and military capacities as well as its belligerence have led to a shift in regional
1.Western Ghats offer major additions to flora Botanical Survey of India says 202 species were discovered across the country in 2020 The Botanical Survey of
1.IISc researchers find a way to substitute for single-use plastics By combining non-edible oils and cellulose extracted from agricultural stubble, the researchers made biodegradable, multiuse
1.GST Council not for inclusion of petroleum products: FinMin Centre turns down States’ plea for compensation beyond June 2022 The Goods and Services Tax (GST)
1.Two democracies and their vigilante problem While in India, the word spells bad news, in the U.S., as seen in Texas, the citizen arrester seems
1.Lifeline for telcos as govt. offers four-year moratorium on dues Reforms include redefinition of AGR concept; 100% FDI under automatic route The Cabinet on Wednesday
1.No firm commitment from India on ‘net zero’: Kerry Emissions goal not the only priority, govt. tells climate envoy The world is watching commitments on
1.In Manipur, a case for asymmetric federalism Institutionally accommodating tribal distinctiveness as an enduring good will promote the State’s integrity As a normative idea and
1.What is investment risk? Risk must be defined based on investment objective, not on the possibility of negative returns in future How do you define
1.CJI raises concern over backlog of criminal cases in Allahabad HC 1.83 lakh criminal appeals pending in court, Uttar Pradesh govt. had told SC Chief
1.BRICS seeks ‘inclusive’ intra-Afghan dialogue 5-member group adopts Counter Terrorism Action Plan The 13th BRICS summit held virtually on Thursday called for an “inclusive intra-Afghan
1.Green hydrogen, a new ally for a zero carbon future It holds promise as an alternative, truly clean fuel and in aiding the world’s decarbonisation
1.The economic reforms — looking back to look ahead The fundamentals need to be set right with a focus on human capital, technology readiness and
1.The long and the short of the NMP It is surprising the Government has avoided mentioning the consequences of asset monetisation on ordinary citizens In
1.The judicial role in improving lawmaking Rushed laws, rendering Parliament a rubber stamp, sacrifice core ideals of a constitutional democracy The deterioration in the quality
1.Soil microbes can make for a greener revolution A new and fascinating aspect to hybrid vigour is the rhizomicrobiome Plants appear to be simple enough
1.Edible oil prices likely to ease by December: official But govt. unlikely to reduce import duties: Food Secretary Soaring edible oil prices are likely to
1.A hydro onslaught the Himalayas cannot take There is rock solid scientific evidence to demand the cancellation of many upcoming and approved hydel projects In
1.Where liberalism and nationalism are placed in Asia India and China have used the present world system to fashion their rise, with no alternative based
1.UNSC resolution addresses ‘key concerns’ on Afghanistan: India P5 members divided; Delhi plays ‘active role’ to ensure resolution went through Despite the abstention of two
1.India is indeed walking the green talk Even with all its challenges, the country is setting a global example in meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions
1.NITI bats for tax breaks to achieve monetisation goal It proposes insolvency cover for investment instruments To make the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) a success,
1.Why are hydropower projects in the Himalayas risky? Environment Ministry told the SC earlier this month that seven hydel projects in the region can go
1.Centre to ease path for monetisation Finance Minister to chair meet with regulators to relax investment norms Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will soon chair
1.Biden briefed on Kabul airport attack: White House Britain will continue to evacuate its citizens and Afghans despite the ‘barbaric’ bomb attack, says Boris Johnson
1.Income and quotas SC lays bare the limits of using economic criterion to determine reservation eligibility The Supreme Court’s ruling that economic criterion alone cannot
1.Climate change, a catalyst for Arctic cooperation Environmental challenges should be a priority for all players in the region, outweighing military and economic issues It
1.Bhima Koregaon: NIA files draft charges ‘The accused committed unlawful acts with an intent to threaten the unity and sovereignty of country’ The National Investigation
1.In Afghan collapse, the fall of international relations That global mediation has had a positive role in asking for a more pragmatic attitude from the
1.War of words over Opposition’s silence on Article 370 Sajad Lone questions National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party silence over issue at Sonia’s meet A war
1.Arrest is not always a must, says Supreme Court Bench says provision in the law does not mean that govt. can use power indiscriminately to
1.The Abraham Accords as India’s West Asia bridge The signing of the Accords has helped remove strategic obstacles for New Delhi and aided defence cooperation
1.The significance of the ‘there is no data’ answer The Government’s consistent ‘no data’ declarations on important issues are a critical part of a larger
1.The script of the new endgame in Afghanistan This is a moment of tragedy for Asia as well, with the U.S. leaving the country in
1.The message from the IPCC report Equitable cumulative emission targets and not net zero is the key to achieving the Paris Agreement’s temperature goals The
1.CJI rues ‘sorry state of affairs’ in lawmaking ‘Ambiguity in laws triggering litigation and causing inconvenience to citizens’ Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on
1.Courts in the country continue to differ on marital rape Contradiction arises despite recommendation by the Justice J.S. Verma Committee to make marital rape a
1.Growth needs steps beyond reforms While the reform agenda must continue, social cohesion and equity considerations must be guaranteed The Indian economy has travelled through
1.Parliament is abdicating its oversight role The monsoon session which has ended is another example of Parliament being quite ineffective in all its functions The
1.‘Backchannel talk was on before Balakot’ Two foreign journalists were involved in India-Pakistan messaging, says new book National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and the
1.LS clears Bill restoring States’ rights to specify OBC groups Lawmakers across parties call for removal of 50% cap on reservation The Lok Sabha on
1.IPCC report forecasts a future of severe weather Global warming to trigger extreme rain in South India, it says The Indian Ocean is warming at
1.The sovereign right to tax is not absolute BIT provisions to challenge taxation measures include expropriation and fair and equitable treatment An important bill introduced
1.Neeraj spears historic Olympics gold The 23-year-old javelin thrower becomes the first Indian to win an athletics event at the Games On an incredible Saturday
1.Amid adjournments, Lok Sabha passes two Bills House was adjourned for the day in the first half of the sitting itself The Lok Sabha was
1.A guide to resolving the Assam-Mizoram issue Historical knowledge, sensitivity and an accommodative spirit need to accompany any dialogue and negotiation The violent stand-off between
1.A grand tax bargain in danger of coming apart A Goods and Services Tax version 2.0 may have to be designed soon given the flaws
1.Poverty in India is on the rise again In the absence of CES data, the Periodic Labour Force Survey shows a rise in the absolute
1.SC questions States on cases under 66A Citizens are still being booked under it, says plea The Supreme Court on Monday asked the States to
1.Pegasus, a blemish on democracy The hour has come to oppose excessive oppression through serious political action Pegasus, the mythical winged horse from Greek mythology,
1.India all set for UNSC presidency term Meetings to focus on maritime security, counterterrorism and peacekeeping As it begins its month-long presidency of the United
1.Visualising the Himalaya with other coordinates Looking at it only through the prism of geopolitics and security concerns ignores its other crucial frameworks A conceptual
1.The wings of Pegasus, the epoch of cyberweapons With their use not only during a conflict but even during peacetime, matters have reached a tipping
1.A judgment that must be taken in the right spirit The striking down of the 97th Amendment is a reminder that the power to regulate
1.Needed: an anti-trafficking law Human trafficking is a crime in itself, but it is also the propeller of several other crimes Sita was 13 years
1.An emigration Bill that does not go far enough The new Bill is better than the Emigration Act 1983, but more reforms are needed to
1.Money changer India needs to move forward on introducing an official digital currency In contrast to India’s continued ambiguity over the legality of cryptocurrencies, its
1.Moon-forming region seen around exoplanet for the first time Scientists for the first time have spotted a moon-forming region around a planet beyond our solarsystem
1.A house for a family and 1,000 dusky leaf-nosed bats They have been living together at Lawspet without disturbing each other for 21 years At
1.Glucagon can impact Type-2 diabetes: study ‘The new finding may change the way diabetes is treated’ A recent study has found that glucagon, one of
1.India must directly engage with Taliban 2.0 The time for hesitant, backchannel parleys is over and New Delhi has to begin ‘open talks’ as it
1.Pegasus spyware row rocks Parliament Lok Sabha adjourned for the day amid repeated disruptions; Rajya Sabha discusses COVID-19 situation The Pegasus snooping controversy led to
1.Rahul, Prashant Kishor, ex-EC Lavasa on list of spyware targets Analysis confirms Pegasus attack or attempts on 10 Indian numbers, says report Former Congress president
1.A new chapter in Nepal’s quest for political stability The Supreme Court order offers some respite amidst the political uncertainty, with lessons for Indian diplomacy
1.International gang under watch for selling stolen credit details A city-based gang of skimmers used their services through the dark web An international gang has
1.U.P. can’t proceed with Kanwar Yatra amid pandemic, says SC Right to life trumps religious sentiments: court The Supreme Court on Friday disagreed with the
1.Interference an investigating officer can do without Growing instances of judicial interference in an investigation are not only undesirable but also not sanctioned by law
1.SC to examine plea challenging sedition Kedar Nathjudgment which upheld Section 124A needs a relook, says petitioner The Supreme Court will examine a petition filed
1.The upcoming crisis in Indian federalism The national compact has to be reimagined so that post 2026, the most successful States are not punished politically
1.The power of scrutiny SC has struck a blow for inquisitorial powers of legislatures against social media companies The Supreme Court of India’s verdict last
1.A Kerala model for an anti-discrimination law If enacted this law will be the largest expansion of civil rights in the State, and can be
1.Cuba develops the world’s first conjugate vaccine for COVID-19 The design and manufacturing of the conjugate vaccines allows them to be stored in regular refrigeration
The invalid Sec. 66A is often invoked out of ignorance, but serves as a tool of harassment It is quite disconcerting that the Supreme Court
1.Panel report on data Bill hangs fire Five members of the Joint Parliamentary Committee have now been made Ministers Wednesday’s Cabinet expansion by Prime Minister
1.Heavyweights shown the door as PM Modi rejigs Cabinet Move aimed at bringing in qualified professionals and balancing regional and community aspirations in the run-up
1.Fresh stirrings on federalism as a new politics There are factors, which if harnessed well, that can create a political moment for a principled politics
1.Will a national judiciary work? In the current context, the feasibility of the All India Judicial Service requires to be studied The Union government appears
1.Subjected to psychiatric, medical exams for ID cards: transpersons Self-identification is enough for certification, says official Transgender persons are reportedly being subjected to medical and
1.Social structure differs in Asian and African elephants, find researchers Male Asian elephants spent only about 12% of their time in all-male groups as compared
1.In centenary backdrop, this is no hand of peace Beijing’s recent and muscular behaviour towards India could stem from deeper tensions within China An atmosphere
1.Relief and recompense The judiciary did well to assert the rights of pandemic-hit workers and families It is a matter of relief and satisfaction that
1.‘T.N. can set an example by making migrants’ lives easier’ Some new initiatives may be required for comprehensive social security, says member of Economic Advisory
1.Apt judicial reminder in era of over-criminalisation The criminal justice system needs to take note of the Delhi High Court’s recent judgment on ‘defining terrorism’
1.The law of sedition is unconstitutional An urgent review of the Kedar Nath judgment is necessary as ‘sedition’ violates the basic right of speech and
1.On the margins with full equality still out of reach Despite judicial verdicts, India’s sexual minorities face discrimination in employment, health issues and personal rights
1.Clues from meteorite to Earth’s mantle The meteorite originated in the asteroid belt, was sucked in by Earth’s gravity On November 13, 2015, a meteorite
1.Prepare the ground for a ‘Naya J&K’ It must capture the best practices of democratic governance globally, yet be reflective of the idea of India
1.Revenue, fiscal deficits understated in 2018-19: CAG Tamil Nadu’s revenue deficit of ₹23,459.44 crore during 2018-19 was understated by ₹3,757.23 crore and fiscal deficit by
1.The Kashmir outreach and the Afghan storm The Government’s J&K moves may be part of a more complex regional game involving India’s security interests Two
1.Countering a political act that has a legal garb With sedition cases rising, often solely based on word usage, people need to have a political
1.Nobel laureate in economic advisory panel At the same time, the people had high expectations of the government in terms of delivering on faster economic
1.The comrades and their divergent perspectives Russia’s uncritical advocacy of China’s global vision is what seems to be leaving India quite confounded Russian President Vladimir
1.NGT closes proceedings against Mekedatu dam project It finds merit in Karnataka govt.’s submission The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has closed proceedings against the Mekedatu
1. Cold peace The U.S., Russia must reset their relationship to pragmatic levels and reduce tensions The Geneva summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and
1. A judicial pushback to a draconian legal regime The Delhi court ruling is a way forward in finding a balance between civil rights and
1. ‘Record’ FDI inflows, yes, cause for celebration, no The inflows during 2020-21 have not been in sync with the Government’s priorities for economic recovery
1. Needed: full disclosure on electoral bonds The Supreme Court’s suggestion to ‘match the following’ on political donations is impractical and incorrect In 2014, the
1. G7 accommodates Indian stand on need for Internet curbs Open Societies Statement reworked to prioritise national security over freedoms Internet freedoms are subject to
1. A year after Galwan clash, China strengthening base along the LAC PLA has rotated troops, built fresh infrastructure, hospitals in the area A year
1. ‘Operation Olivia’ to the rescue of Olive Ridleys The Coast Guard helps enforce laws to protect turtles as they arrive to nest in Odisha
1. Myanmar violence escalating, creating rights catastrophe: UN At least 860 civilians killed, says rights office, citing reports The UN rights chief said on Friday
1. MEA hints at talks with Taliban ‘In touch with various stakeholders’ India is in contact with “various stakeholders” in Afghanistan, the Ministry of External
1. Centre announces hike in MSP for paddy, pulses, oilseeds Farmer groups unhappy with the increase in paddy price The Central government has hiked the
1. Centre places fresh orders for 44 cr. COVID-19 vaccine doses Govt. also books 30 crore doses of vaccine under trial The Centre has placed
1. SC urged to stop illegal adoption Details of children orphaned by the COVID-19 The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to intervene after the National
1. More anti-bodies produced by Covishield than Covaxin: study It tracked 515 vaccinated people across 22 cities Two doses of Covishield vaccine produced more antibodies
1. G7 nations agree on uniform minimum corporate tax MNCs to pay taxes where they operate A group of the world’s richest nations reached a
1. Delta variant led to most post-vaccine infections in Delhi Strain more transmissible: CSIR, NCDC Variant Delta (B.1.617.2), the most pervasive variant of the coronavirus
1. Significant progress in SDGs on clean energy, health: NITI index Goalposts changed on inequality, with omission of key economic indicators India saw significant improvement
1. Caste categories for NREGS pay It will complicate payment system, may lead to a reduction in funding: experts The Centre has asked the States
1. BRICS will help India in fighting COVID-19, says China Minister Foreign Ministers express ‘grave concern’ over the impact of the pandemic The Foreign Ministers
1. Justice Mishra likely to head NHRC Plea to include member from marginalised groups rejected by selection panel Former Supreme Court Justice Arun Kumar Mishra
1. Monsoon onset over Kerala delayed: IMD It is likely to hit State by June 3; private forecaster Skymet, however, says the monsoon has arrived
1. IIT Mandi researchers reveal key SARS-CoV-2 protein structure Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi (IIT Mandi) in Himachal Pradesh have revealed the
1. ‘Children with comorbidities are at higher risk for disease’ Follow-up with doctors is key, says Task Force member Children with comorbidities or on immunosuppressants
1. Uncertainty, risks cloud outlook: RBI ‘Demand-supply imbalances may exert pressure on food prices; banks must gird for higher provisions’ Embattled by new waves of
1. WhatsApp approaches Delhi HC to challenge new IT rules ‘Breaking end-to-end encryption infringes on citizens’ rights’ Instant messaging app WhatsApp has approached the Delhi
1. Over 13 lakh evacuated as Yaas races towards Odisha coastline Wind speeds of 165 kmph expected during landfall today; Bengal may also be hit
1. ‘GST Council should prioritise COVID relief, States’ cash woes’ Second wave more lethal for businesses, say experts The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council,
1. Minor ‘face-off’ in Galwan Valley Army denies it, says reports inspired by those trying to derail resolution process There was a minor face-off between
1. Call for action to protect Odisha tribes Activists urge govt. to help the Dongria and Bonda communities fight COVID-19 Activists and writers have urged
1. SC: personal guarantors liable for corporate debt Court clears insolvency proceedings under the IBC norms The Supreme Court on Friday upheld a government move
1. Declare mucormycosis an epidemic: Centre to States It will lead to all such cases being reported to the govt. The Union government has asked
1. FinMin grants ‘infrastructure’ status for convention centres Tag to ease bank financing for such projects The Finance Ministry has granted ‘Infrastructure’ status for exhibition
1. Sri Lanka’s China-backed tax haven clears final hurdle Top court rejects pleas challenging Port City Bill A Chinese-funded tax-free enclave billed as Sri Lanka’s
1. ‘Job losses bode ill for the economy’ April’s labour participation rate was lower than in March 2020: CMIE chief Vyas Rising unemployment, including among
1. UNSC calls for end to violence in Gaza Its chief warns that crisis could plunge region into an ‘uncontainable security and humanitarian crisis’ Israeli
1. Elephant carcasses found in 2 groups The ‘freak’ lightning theory being corroborated based on weather reports: govt. The carcasses of the 18 elephants reportedly
1. Asha workers struggle with pandemic surveillance in rural Uttar Pradesh They lack adequate protective gear and monitoring kits for door-to-door visits “People don’t take
1. App to view SC proceedings launched Actively considering plan to telecast proceedings live, says CJI N.V. Ramana Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on
1. ‘Child marriages may go unnoticed amid lockdown’ Weddings may be restricted to houses due to norms: activists Last year, as the pandemic took grip
1. Queries raised on DRDO’s COVID drug Experts flag lack of published data on performance in human trials, history of drug in cancer cure A
1. SEBI’s sustainability reporting norms mandate ESG overview Disclosures must on gender diversity, cybersecurity The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Monday issued
1. Green panel allows Great Nicobar plan to advance The Environment Appraisal Committee, which had flagged concerns, has now ‘recommended’ it ‘for grant of terms
1. Anti-COVID-19 drug developed by DRDO gets emergency use nod An analogue of glucose, it can be easily produced The Drugs Controller General of India
1. CJI nominates four vacation Benches More Benches to be constituted Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on Friday nominated four separate Benches of the
1. Drugmakers say Biden misguided over patent waiver U.S. President supports waiving intellectual property rights for COVID vaccines Drugmakers on Thursday said U.S. President Joe
1. 5G: China expresses ‘concern, regret’ Can’t have bloodshed on border, good relationship in other domains: Jaishankar China on Wednesday expressed “concern and regret” at
1. Govt. gives nod for 5G trials; Chinese tech giants left out Telcos tie up with Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung and C-DOT The Department of Telecommunications
1. Factory output growth decelerates: PMI IHS Markit survey shows April production, new orders expansion at 8-month lows on COVID surge India’s manufacturing sector activity
1. North Korea says Biden has a ‘hostile policy’, warns of response U.S. had indicated it would use ‘diplomacy as well as stern deterrence’ North
1. U.S. clears sale of six P-8I patrol aircraft to India Original proposal was to procure 10 of them, but it was cut down to
1. Xi sends message to Modi, offers China’s help It’s the first such known communication between the two leaders since last year’s border crisis China’s
1. ‘Vaccine Maitri may have to wait till July’ Our needs are far greater and all our partners understand that, says Shringla India is unlikely
1. China pushes defence ties with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Defence Minister Wei Fenghe urges the nations to resist ‘powers outside the region setting up alliances’
1. ADB sees India grow by 11%, adds caveat Lender sees ‘considerable downside risk’ from latest COVID wave, says may revise forecast in July The
1. ‘India expected to invest $1 billion in AI by 2023’ ‘Poor practices may cause $81-mn loss’ Global enterprises are expected to invest $98 billion
1. What happened to Armenians in 1915? Biden’s recognition of the killings by Ottoman Turks as ‘genocide’ could infuriate Turkey The story so far: U.S.
1. RBI to issue cybersecurity norms for payment services ‘Firms must surpass minimum standards to ensure safety’ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will soon
1. Genome sampling shows rising prevalence of U.K. strain in Delhi Proportion rose to 50% last week from 28% in March The proportion of the
1. Thrissur Pooram festivities begin with ‘vilambaram’ Unlike the usual thunderous celebrations, Thrissur Pooram — to be held on Friday — will be like a
1. Very few post-vaccine infections: ICMR Council says such ‘breakthrough’ cases do not undermine the efficacy of shots The Indian Council of Medical Research on
1. U.S. currency watchlist an intrusion into policy: official ‘Putting nations under scanner restricts central banks’ Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan on Tuesday questioned the rationale
1. Vaccines for all above 18 from May 1; States can buy directly Manufacturers must sell 50% directly to Centre but can set price for
1. Bat with sticky discs found in Meghalaya Eudiscopus denticulus was recorded near the Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary Meghalaya has yielded India’s first bamboo-dwelling bat with
1. Bustard poaching in Pakistan shocks activists Great Indian Bustard, the State bird of Rajasthan, is considered India’s most critically endangered bird The recent shooting
1. India likely to receive normal monsoon: IMD Separate forecast being developed for Monsoon Core Zone India is likely to receive “normal” monsoon rainfall this
1. ‘China tried to change status quo’ Rawat says India stood firm on the borders and proved that it could not be pushed China tried
1. State obliged to facilitate access to education, says Supreme Court Bench orders admission to two students in medical colleges Access to professional education is
1. ‘Northeast citizens faced racial discrimination amid pandemic’ Region seamlessly fits Indians’ imagination of a Chinese person: study A study commissioned by the Indian Council
1. ‘Suspicious’ blackout hits Iran nuclear site Israeli broadcaster Kan claims Mossad carried out the cyberattack; Tehran calls it nuclear terrorism Iran’s underground Natanz nuclear
1. Dolphin boom in Odisha’s Chilika lake Activists elated at jump in number of endangered Irrawaddy dolphins The population of dolphins in Chilika, India’s largest
1. People are free to choose religion: SC Court refuses to entertain petition on conversions The Supreme Court on Friday said people are free to
1. RBI’s first purchase under G-SAP 1.0 set for April 15 Eyes securities worth ₹25,000 crore A day after announcing the introduction of the G-sec
1. RBI keeps policy rates unchanged It retains GDP growth projection for 2021-22 at 10.5%, despite COVID-19 surge The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy
1. Vigilance officers to be transferred every 3 years This is to ensure transparency: CVC The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has modified the guidelines pertaining
1. Farm unions protest direct payment order issued by FCI They warn that the Centre’s insistence on tenancy documentation could derail the crop procurement process
1. ‘Doval-Bajwa a good combination to oversee back channel dialogue’ Special envoy to former PM Manmohan Singh welcomes current initiative on India-Pakistan ties, saying engagement
1. 5 security men killed in Sukma encounter Over 400 personnel on combing operation attacked in Chhattisgarh; woman among 2 Maoists dead Five security personnel
1. Govt. asks PSU refiners to review Saudi oil deals Move comes in the wake of the West Asian nation ignoring India’s calls to relax
1. ‘Economy, jobs to continue to bounce back this year’ Avoiding lockdowns will help: Economic Affairs Secretary India is much better geared to cope with
1. Panel submits report on farm laws to SC It will be made public during the next hearing of the case A Supreme Court-appointed panel
1. Researchers find new butterfly species A group of lepidopterists have added a species to the expanding list of butterflies in India. The discovery of
1. WHO report says animals are likely source of COVID-19 It looked at four scenarios of the virus’ entry into humans A joint WHO-China study
1. Centre mulls unique ID for all plots of land by March 2022 ULPIN database to be linked with revenue court records The Centre plans
1. Millions depend on Teesta, Hasina tells Modi Dhaka underlines need to conclude water sharing agreement at bilateral talks during PM’s visit Bangladesh on Saturday
1. India, Bangladesh must fight terror together: PM Modi pays tributes to 1971 War martyrs Contemporary Bangladesh was created with the blood of the freedom
1. Why no decision on list sent by Collegium, SC asks government Recommendations pending for six to 18 months The Supreme Court on Thursday asked
1. Justice N.V. Ramana set to take over as 48th CJI Chief Justice Bobde makes formal recommendation to govt. Chief Justice of India Sharad A.
1. Ready to discuss GST on fuel if States want it: FM Council takes all decisions on the tax, not FinMin, she says The Centre
1. Amid protests, LS passes GNCTD amendment Bill It defines that the word ‘government’ in Delhi means L-G The Lok Sabha on Monday passed a
1. Myanmar border shut amid strains over refugee crisis Mizoram CM talks to Yangon Minister as Centre checks influx Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga held a
1. NITI Aayog vision for Great Nicobar ignores tribal, ecological concerns Wildlife Board denotifies Galathea bay sanctuary to build port, trade zone In what appears
1. ‘State resolutions on Central laws are fine’ Merely opinions, they don’t have force of law: SC The Supreme Court on Friday prima facie found
1. SC to hear plea against sale of electoral bonds NGO seeks stay on scheme ahead of election in key States Chief Justice of India
1. Serious issue if 3 cr. ration cards were cancelled, says SC Revoked for no Aadhaar link, says plea The Supreme Court on Wednesday said
1. Come out with ‘rule curve’ for Mullaperiyar: SC Failure to give information will attract appropriate action, it tells Tamil Nadu The Supreme Court on
1. Over 60% OBC, SC posts vacant in IIMs 93% of ST posts of professors at Central varsities unfilled More than half of the faculty
1. Centre likely to allow residents to fill their NPR details online No ‘biometrics or documents’ will be collected, says Home Ministry report The Centre
1. ‘Focus on growth than inflation’ CEA’s comment on economic priorities comes ahead of policy framework review Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Krishnamurthy Subramanian said on
1. Quad leaders for ‘open, free’ Indo-Pacific Focus on vaccines, climate change, emerging tech makes group a force for global good, says PM Modi Members
1. Covaxin off clinical trial mode Indigenous vaccine cleared for emergency use, amid a surge in COVID-19 cases India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, from Hyderabad-based
1. Kerala HC restrains Centre on IT rules Online legal news portal challenges regulations The Kerala High Court on Wednesday restrained the Centre from taking
1. Over 72% rise in UAPA cases in 2019 1,948 persons were arrested in 1,226 cases registered across the country that year There has been
1. SC seeks States’ views on 50% cap on quota Court to examine if three-decade-old verdict needs a relook The Supreme Court on Monday decided
Why are Azerbaijan and Armenia fighting again? The centre of the conflict is the Nagorno-Karabakh region Fresh clashes erupted on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border on Sunday,
UN and the retreat from multilateralism The UN’s capacity to face diverse challenges depends upon nations acting collectively “Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on UN
Farm Bills: who gains and who loses Will States and their Agricultural Produce Market Committees be impacted? What does it mean for government procurement? The
1. Vodafone wins $2 bn tax case International tribunal rules that India’s demand is in breach of ‘fair treatment’ Vodafone Group Plc said on Friday
Will the farm bills benefit farmers? The APMC Bypass Bill leaves too much to the benevolence of private players Three farm bills — the Essential
E-learning in India, a case of bad education In poorly performing educational systems as in the country, online learning may not usher in a revolution
Parliament passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Bill The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Second Amendment) Bill, which provides that insolvency
1.Amid fierce protests, Rajya Sabha passes two farm Bills Govt. should send them to Select Committee for scrutiny, say Opposition parti Two of the three
1. Rules of engagement on the LAC What are the agreements that govern India and China’s actions? Why is the troops build-up significant? The story
1.Reject this inequitable climate proposal The UN Secretary General’s recent advice to India amounts to asking for its virtual de-industrialisation and stagnation The UN Secretary
1. New powers for aviation regulators Hardeep Puri says the changes were necessary for the growth of the sector The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which
India’s great silence is the loudest sound Citizens must unceasingly demand that they be enabled to know the facts of the crises, authoritatively Ghosts of
1. India, China agree on 5-point action plan Countering the Chinese claims, government sources here said the events of the past few months have “inevitably
1. The twisted trajectory of Bt cotton Despite finding huge favour in India, the GM crop has only brought modest benefits Cotton has been woven
1. Digital divide shadows post-pandemic education NSO report highlights wide disparity in access to online classes Schools across the country have now been closed for
1. Govt. intervention in education policy should be minimal: PM People’s doubts must be addressed before NEP implementation, Modi says The government’s intervention in the
1. ‘Moplah rioters’ not freedom fighters: report ICHR member Issac seeks removal of Malabar Rebellion leaders from martyrs list A report submitted to the Indian
1. What is the GST compensation due to States? The 41st meeting of the GST Council was held on August 27 with the singular agenda
1. A politics of avoidance that must be questioned The dropping of Question Hour, which helps the government feel the nation’s pulse, goes against the
1. Question Hour dropped in LS schedule of monsoon session In view of the pandemic, private members business also given a miss The Lok Sabha
1. A ‘new’ democracy? A systemic transformation of democracy is taking place from within to its very opposite The ‘democracy’ that a major part of
1. GDP falls 23.9% in first quarter Worst contraction seen in decades The Indian economy saw its worst contraction in decades, with Gross Domestic Product
1.A development that will hardly put India at ease The World Bank’s decision to halt its annual ‘Doing Business’ report on data authenticity issues has
1. Memory T cells may only reduce COVID-19 severity The immune cells may mount a faster and stronger response upon exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus,
1. States can have sub-groups among SC/STs, says court Order counters 2004 verdict; referred to seven-judge Bench A five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court on
1. The uncharted territory of outer space India’s space vision also needs to address global governance, regulatory and arms control issues Outer space has been
1. DNA Bill can be misused, flags draft report House committee says provisions could lead to caste or community-based profiling The Bill that proposes DNA
1. More evidence of India’s food insecurity The SOFI report and lockdown distress have renewed focus on what is also the world’s largest food insecure
1. Moving resolutely toward the post-pandemic future Even as many countries are stumbling, India has seized control of its destiny, is recovering, and making bold
1. The marriage age misconception Addressing poverty is the key to improving the health and nutritional status of mothers and their infants From the ramparts
Govt. to set up National Recruitment Agency Cabinet gives nod for common eligibility test for govt. jobs The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the creation
1.No need to audit PM CARES: SC Bench refuses to direct transfer of funds to NDRF, says they are separate entities The Supreme Court on
1.SC to study context of charges against judges It will hear arguments on process to make allegations public The Supreme Court on Monday decided to
1. Govt. may review the age of marriage: PM Effort to prevent malnutrition among women The government may take a relook at the age of
1. SC finds Bhushan guilty of contempt for tweets Lawyer’s posts amount to scandalising the court, it says The Supreme Court on Friday found civil
Forest Ministry releases guide to managing human-elephant conflict The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has compiled the best practices of human-elephant conflict management
1. The future of Indian secularism It is premature to pronounce the end of constitutional secularism; it has only suffered a setback and can be
1. The main bricks to use in India’s steel frame Compassion and honesty are what must guide successful entrants into the still fiercely competitive civil
Defence Ministry to impose import embargo on 101 items Aim is to boost indigenous production, says Rajnath Singh The Defence Ministry will “introduce import embargo
1. Asymptomatic people too carry high viral loads The researchers did not study the ability of asymptomatic patients to spread the virus to others One
1. The return of the Maoists With members of the banned CPI (Maoist) regrouping in parts of Telangana, the State administration faces an old and
1. RBI keeps key policy rates unchanged It allows banks to restructure corporate, individual loans The Reserve Bank of India kept its powder dry in
1.Secular fundamentalism in a time of ‘bhoomi pujan’ The Congress would be better advised to fight for its own principled ‘Idea of a secular India’,
1. Trump bars H-1B visa holders from federal jobs ‘Will not tolerate firing of Americans for cheap foreign labour’ President Donald Trump has signed an
1. Why language has been a sensitive matter for Tamilnadu? The two-language formula has remained the policy of the State Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s
1. The significance of the Char Dham board verdict It is a setback to Hindutva and a victory for state regulation of temples In a
1. Samsung, Foxconn, 20 others apply under incentive scheme Global phonemakers propose output worth ₹9 lakh crore The government on Saturday said that a total
1. Diluting the EIA process spells a path of no return The draft environmental impact assessment 2020 is a brazen attempt to weaken critical checks
1.Getting ahead of constitutional practices If constitutional principles and practices no longer excite the citizens, but new political norms do, democracy is in trouble The
1. 4-year UG courses in, M.Phil. out in new education policy Common higher education regulator to be set up; focus on mother tongue The new
1. RIC, a triangle that is still important Calls for a westward shift in India’s foreign policy appear misplaced as engagement with Russia and China
1. HC clears OBC quota in AIQ seats in State govt.-run medical colleges Court orders formation of panel to decide quota in future The Madras
1. 200 proposals from China wait for security clearance by MHA New investment policy is aimed at preventing hostile action amid pandemic About 200 investment
1. Kashmir saffron now has GI certificate Srinagar The J&K administration on Saturday issued the certificate of geographical indication (GI) registration for saffron grown in
1. Staying away from political thickets Even under a sovereign Constitution, parliamentary and legislative supremacy in their areas of working must be respected Former Rajasthan
1. Women officers can now get permanent commission in Army Defence Ministry issues formal order The Ministry of Defence has issued the formal Government Sanction
1. Set up a High Court for Puducherry The administration must highlight the need to streamline expenses, the case volume and constitutional rights as factors
1. ‘Close to limited trade deal with U.S.’ Goyal pushes pact for select goods and services India and the U.S. have “almost” finalised a limited
1. Editorial – Big reform on the wrong track The planned privatisation of some services of the Indian Railways could impact maintenance, operations and welfare
1. China has crossed its 1960 claims along the LAC Records of 1960 boundary talks show PLA troops at Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley are
1. Mobile app KURMA helps save turtles in India Collaborative citizen science initiative provides database, helps identify species and lists rescue centres On May 23,
1. Iran ties need quiet diplomacy India must continue to remain politically engaged with Tehran despite its partnership plan with China Recent reports that Iran’s
1. India registers a steep decline in maternal mortality ratio Deaths drop from 130 to 113 in 2016-18 The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India
1. India and EU push trade talks; discuss China, Pak. & pandemic NEW DELHI India and the European Union (European Union) committed to a framework
1. SC gives ex-royals right to manage deity’s property But a panel will administer Padmanabhaswamy temple NEW DELHI The Supreme Court on Monday held that
1. Hardly smart about urban health care Despite the renewed policy focus on cities, the pandemic has exposed the weaknesses in handling a public emergency
1. Assam keelback spotted for the first time in 129 years The team also recorded 400 plants, 270 butterflies, 25 amphibians and 44 reptiles, 239
1. 14% excess rain in India so far this monsoon 40% of districts have benefited from it Monsoon rainfall since June has been 14% more
1. Govt. ‘watching’ WHO alert on airborne spread of virus We are following the situation closely, says Health Ministry NEW DELHI Continuing to rule out
1. Trump starts withdrawal of U.S. from WHO Washington President Donald Trump on Tuesday formally started the withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health
1. Big flap: golden birdwing is India’s largest butterfly It dethroned a specimen found by a British Brigadier in 1932 GUWAHATI A Himalayan butterfly named
1. PLA pulls back from Galwan clash site Disengagement begins after Doval-Wang Yi phone call; tents, structures dismantled at points on LAC NEW DELHI Three
