In a significant reshuffle of leadership within India’s public broadcasting and film regulatory bodies, Shashi Shekhar Vempati has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). He succeeds Prasoon Joshi, who has transitioned to the role of Chairman of Prasar Bharati. 2. Profile of the Appointees Feature Shashi Shekhar Vempati […]
KEY APPOINTMENTS: CBFC AND PRASAR BHARATI Read More »
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recently released two flagship reports: “Crime in India, 2024” and “Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India (ADSI), 2024”. These reports provide a comprehensive statistical snapshot of the security landscape and social health of the country. Key Findings: Crime in India, 2024 A. General Trends B. The Surge in Cybercrime
NCRB REPORTS 2024: CRIME IN INDIA AND ADSI ANALYSIS Read More »
The Supreme Court (SC) recently heard petitions challenging the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023. The petitioners argue that the Act grants the executive “exclusive control” over appointments to the Election Commission of India (ECI), potentially undermining its independence. Background: The Evolution of the
APPOINTMENT OF CEC AND ECs: SUPREME COURT ON THE 2023 ACT Read More »
Recently, a separatist group in Canada, “Stay Free Alberta,” formally submitted over 302,000 signatures to Elections Alberta. This exceeds the statutory requirement of 178,000 signatures needed to force the provincial government to consider a referendum on Alberta’s independence from Canada. Background: The Roots of “Wexit” (Western Exit) Alberta, often referred to as the “energy heartland”
ALBERTA SEPARATISM: CHALLENGES TO CANADIAN FEDERALISM Read More »
The Cabinet approved a dedicated “Mission for Cotton Productivity” with an outlay of ₹5,659.22 crore to revitalize the cotton textile value chain over the next five years. Objectives and Strategy Status of Cotton in India PRACTICE QUESTIONS Q. With reference to the “Mission for Cotton Productivity,” consider the following statements: Which of the statements given
MISSION FOR COTTON PRODUCTIVITY (2026-27 TO 2030-31) Read More »
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for the sugar season 2026-27 (October-September) at ₹365 per quintal. Key Highlights of the Pricing Decision Mechanism of Sugarcane Pricing in India Sugarcane pricing is governed by the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966. What
REMUNERATIVE PRICING FOR SUGARCANE FOR 2026-27 SEASON Read More »
Recently, the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, To Lam, arrived in India for a three-day State Visit (May 5–7, 2026). This marks his first visit to India since assuming office and coincides with the 10th anniversary of the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Key Highlights of the Visit Pillars
INDIA-VIETNAM RELATIONS: STRENGTHENING THE COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP Read More »
The Union Cabinet recently approved an amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The amendment seeks to include the National Song, Vande Mataram, within the ambit of the Act, making any insult or obstruction to its singing a punishable offense. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 Currently, the
AMENDMENT TO THE PREVENTION OF INSULTS TO NATIONAL HONOUR ACT, 1971 Read More »
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved an increase in the number of judges in the Supreme Court from 34 (including the Chief Justice of India) to 38. This move marks the first increase in judicial strength since 2019. Constitutional and Legal Framework Need for the Increase: The Crisis of Pendency The primary driver for this expansion
INCREASE IN SANCTIONED STRENGTH OF THE SUPREME COURT Read More »
Following the drone and missile attacks on oil installations in Fujairah (UAE), Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a strong condemnation of the strikes. The incident, which resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing West Asia conflict and has prompted a shift in India’s diplomatic tone. Background: The
ESCALATION IN WEST ASIA AND REGIONAL SECURITY Read More »