Blog

1. Reinvigorating the Chabahar port Why has interest in the Iran-based port suddenly spiked? How has the port construction progressed so far? The Union Minister

1. Bustards adapt to produce 2-egg clutch New behaviour, a result of increased feed after excessive rain, hailed as a record The perceived beliefs and

1. Understanding ethanol blending How is ethanol extracted? What are the environmental concerns with respect to this process? Blending ethanol with petrol to burn less

1. China’s interventions in the Horn of Africa Is Beijing moving away from its policy of non-intervention in Africa? How are different African states reacting

1. Indo-Pacific should be free of conflicts, says Morrison Modi seeks cooperation among democracies of the region Developments such as those in Ukraine should never

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.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.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.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.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.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. 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