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Why in News? A sharp increase in borrowing by Indian States is complicating the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) ability to bring down interest rates. Despite repo rate cuts, Central government bond yields remain high because heavy State-level debt issuance is distorting the bond market and weakening monetary policy transmission. Key Facts About Bond Yield […]

Why in News?  On January 12, 2026, ISRO suffered a major setback when the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission failed to reach its intended orbit. While the first and second stages of the PSLV performed nominally, an anomaly in the third stage caused the mission to deviate from its trajectory. This failure is particularly concerning because the previous […]

Why in News? The President of the UAE paid an official visit to India amid shifting Gulf geopolitics. The visit produced wide-ranging agreements in trade, defence, technology, energy, nuclear cooperation, and digital infrastructure—strengthening India’s ties with an increasingly influential Middle Eastern power. Key Outcomes of the Visit 1. Trade & Economic Engagement 2. Energy & […]

Why in News?The BBNJ Agreement, the world’s first legally binding treaty to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, came into force on 17 January 2026.It is also the first ocean treaty to ensure inclusive ocean governance, explicitly recognizing Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and gender balance. What is the BBNJ Agreement? About• Official name: Agreement on […]

Why in News?The Government of India has released performance outcomes of the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme, showcasing:• High student enrolment,• Shared wafer runs,• Student-designed chips, and• Patent generation under the programme. What is the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme?About• Umbrella capacity-building initiative launched in 2022 by MeitY.• Outlay: ₹250 crore over five years.• Covers […]

Why in News?The International Labour Organization (ILO) released the Employment and Social Trends 2026 report, projecting global unemployment at 4.9% in 2025. Key Highlights of the Employment and Social Trends 2026 Report Findings Related to India International Labour Organization (ILO)About• UN specialized agency for social justice & labour rights.Founded• 1919, under Treaty of Versailles; became […]

Why in News?The Supreme Court is hearing Harish Rana vs Union of India (2025), a plea seeking passive euthanasia through withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.The petitioner has 100% quadriplegic disability and has been bedridden for 13+ years after a severe fall. SummaryThe Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in this landmark plea.Active euthanasia remains illegal, but […]

CONTEXT OF THE NEWS The Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND) has issued new AML–KYC guidelines for Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) service providers.The move aims to curb money laundering, terror financing, and tax evasion in India’s growing cryptocurrency ecosystem. BACKGROUND India has witnessed rapid growth in cryptocurrency usage without a full-fledged regulatory framework.The issue links […]

Why in News?The Lokpal of India celebrated its Foundation Day on 16 January, marking the day Section 3 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 came into force (2014), formally establishing the institution. Key Facts About the Lokpal of India Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 (Quick Revision)• Mandates Lokpal (Union) + Lokayuktas (States). • Strengthens […]

Key Findings of the Global Risks Report 2026 –Global Risk OutlookImmediate term (2026):• Geoeconomic Confrontation is the most likely global crisis trigger—driven by sanctions, trade controls, tech restrictions, and investment barriers—reflecting weakening multilateralism and rising protectionism.• State-based armed conflicts rank second due to ongoing wars and regional instability.• Extreme weather events and societal polarisation remain […]