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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 […]

CONTEXT OF THE NEWS On National Startup Day (16 January 2026), the Prime Minister highlighted 10 years of the Startup India Initiative at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.The occasion marked India’s journey from a policy-driven push in 2016 to becoming one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047. BACKGROUND The Startup India […]

CONTEXT OF THE NEWS India’s logistics costs have declined to 7.97% of GDP.This improvement is strongly linked to the expansion of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on integrated and multimodal infrastructure planning. BACKGROUND India has traditionally faced high logistics costs due to fragmented transport systems […]

Why in News? Data from the Controller General of Accounts indicate severe underutilisation of funds under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS), reflecting weaknesses in the scheme’s design, demand, and implementation barely a year after its launch. What is the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS)? About Benefits Internship Duration Eligibility Ineligible Candidates Significance Key Concerns […]