CSR Spending in India

Why in the News? In 2023-24, India’s listed companies spent Rs 17,967 crore on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), 16% higher than Rs 15,524 crore in 2022-23. As per the PRIME Database report, this increase was due to an 18% rise in the companies’ net profits. About Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Obligations Under It CSR… Continue reading

The post of Deputy Speaker is not symbolic or optional

Why in the News? The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is not just a symbolic position but an important role required by the Constitution. What is the role of the Deputy Speaker under Article 93? Presiding Over the Lok Sabha in the Speaker’s Absence: The Deputy Speaker steps in to chair the sessions of… Continue reading

Indians fear fake news but are less concerned about press freedom

Why in the News? In India, although many people are worried about fake news and misinformation, they don’t mostly blame the government for it. Instead, many people are okay with the government having more control over the media, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Centre. What does the Pew survey reveal about… Continue reading

[pib] River Cities Alliance (RCA)

Why in the News? The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved an annual master plan for the River Cities Alliance (RCA), aimed at scaling up sustainable urban river rejuvenation. What is the River Cities Alliance (RCA)? The RCA launched in 2021, promotes sustainable urban river management across India. It is a joint initiative… Continue reading

In news: Haji Pir Pass

Why in the News? The recent Pahalgam terror attack has revived debates on India’s 1966 decision to surrender the Haji Pir Pass to Pakistan during Tashkent Agreement of 1966. This move is compared to the Soviet Union’s 1954 transfer of Crimea, which created lasting security challenges. About Haji Pir Pass: The Haji Pir Pass is… Continue reading

Sariska TR’s Critical Tiger Habitat to grow by 4.5k Hectares

Why in the News? The Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) in Rajasthan is set to expand by approximately 4,500 hectares. What is Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH)? CTHs are designated under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972, to conserve tiger populations, keeping areas inviolate for tiger conservation. The core areas of tiger… Continue reading

The history and evolution of monsoon forecasting in India

Why in the News? The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the rainfall during the June-September southwest monsoon season will be higher than usual, around 105% of the average rainfall over a long period. What are the main factors that influence the Indian monsoon, as mentioned by the IMD? El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO): El… Continue reading

The real Indian arbitrator needs to stand up

Why in the News? India’s growing economy has sparked discussions on using arbitration to handle increasing commercial disputes. The overburdened court system makes arbitration a popular choice, but questions remain about its effectiveness. What are the two key parameters that define the credibility and legitimacy of Indian arbitration? Efficient Conduct of Arbitral Proceedings: Arbitrators must… Continue reading

RBI Launches ‘.bank.in’ Domain to Combat Digital Payment Frauds

Why in the News? To tackle the increasing number of digital payment frauds, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced the exclusive ‘.bank.in’ domain for Indian banks. About the ‘.bank.in’ Domain The ‘.bank.in’ domain was introduced in February 2025 to provide Indian banks with a unique online address, reducing the risk of fraudulent websites… Continue reading

Similipal to be 107th National Park of India

Why in the News? The Odisha government has notified Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) as a national park, covering 845.70 sq/km. It is the 107th national park and the second in eastern Odisha, following Bhitarkanika. About Similipal National Park: Situated in the Mayurbhanj district of northern Odisha, Similipal is surrounded by high plateaus and hills. It… Continue reading

India raises Continental Shelf claim in Arabian Sea Region

Why in the News? India has recently expanded its claim in the Central Arabian Sea by nearly 10,000 square kilometers as part of its ‘extended continental shelf,’ modifying an earlier claim to resolve a dispute with Pakistan. About Extended Continental Shelf (ECS): ECS refers to the area beyond 200 nautical miles that countries can claim… Continue reading

New RNA-Based Approach to Combat Plant Viruses

Why in the News? Recently, a team of scientists from Germany reported a breakthrough in combating the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) through an innovative RNA-based antiviral agent. About Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV): CMV is one of the most widespread and destructive plant viruses, affecting over 1,200 plant species, including important food crops such as cucumbers,… Continue reading

“Revive Our Ocean” Initiative

Why in the News? A new global initiative called ‘Revive Our Ocean’ was launched with the goal of scaling up effective, community-led marine protected areas (MPAs) to boost marine conservation efforts. About the Revive Our Ocean Initiative: It is a global effort to enhance marine ecosystem protection through community-led Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). It was… Continue reading

DRDO achieves milestone in Scramjet Hypersonic Engine Development

Why in the News? The DRDO Laboratory (DRDL), located in Hyderabad, successfully demonstrated long-duration Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for over 1,000 seconds. About Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: Hypersonic cruise missiles are advanced weapons capable of travelling at speeds greater than Mach 5 (approximately 6,100 km/h), making them 5x faster than the speed of… Continue reading

Places in News: Sea of Marmara

Why in the News? A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Istanbul and surrounding areas with its epicenter located beneath the Sea of Marmara. About the Sea of Marmara The Sea of Marmara is a small but significant inland sea in Turkey, acting as a transition zone between the Black Sea and the… Continue reading

India to ban Chlorpyrifos

Why in the News? Policymakers and scientists are set to gather in Geneva for the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions. India’s Pesticide Action Network will advocate for a global ban on Chlorpyrifos, a toxic pesticide still in use despite being banned in over 40 countries. About Chlorpyrifos: Chlorpyrifos… Continue reading

Power and freedom: On the Senthilbalaji case

Why in the News? On April 23, the Supreme Court told Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthilbalaji, who has been out on bail since September 2024 in a money laundering case, to choose between keeping his position or his freedom. This was an expected statement. Why did the Supreme Court question V. Senthilbalaji’s continuation in office… Continue reading

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

Your better version awaits you!