Union Cabinet Approves Proposal to Rename Kerala as ‘Keralam’

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal to alter the name of the State of Kerala to “Keralam.” Following the Cabinet approval, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will refer the proposed Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views under the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution of India. After receiving the Assembly’s opinion, the Centre Read More …

DBT Launches ‘SUJVIKA’ AI-Driven Biotech Product Data Portal on 40th Foundation Day

Marking the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology launched “SUJVIKA”, an AI-driven Biotech Product Data Portal. The portal has been developed in collaboration with industry partner Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE). SUJVIKA is designed as a Trade Statistics Digital Intelligence Platform that provides authenticated biotechnology product import data in a structured and user-friendly format. The Read More …

UN Launches “Make A Safety Statement”

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety launched the UN–JCDecaux Global Campaign for Road Safety, titled “Make A Safety Statement”, aimed at promoting simple, everyday measures to improve road safety worldwide. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about responsible road behaviour and encourages citizens to adopt basic yet life-saving practices such as wearing seat belts and helmets, adhering to speed limits, and avoiding mobile phone use while driving. Read More …

India, France Amend Double Taxation Pact During French President’s Visit

During the recent visit of the President of France to India, the two countries signed a protocol amending the India–France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC), originally signed on 29 September 1992. Key Changes in the Amending Protocol What Is BEPS? The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) / G20 BEPS Project includes: Over 140 countries participate in the BEPS Inclusive Framework. Why It Matters Sources: PIB & OECD

Thriving Fishing Cat Population Found in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve

A first-of-its-kind scientific assessment has revealed a thriving population of endangered Fishing cat across Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. The study was conducted by the Tiger Cell of Kaziranga in collaboration with scientist Tiasa Adhya, analysing camera-trap images from the All India Tiger Estimation data. Key Findings About the Fishing Cat Habitat & Threats Preferred habitats: Threats: Source: DTE

Study Finds Land-Use Change Affecting Spider Functional Diversity

A new research study published in the journal Insect Conservation and Diversity has found that land-use change and elevation together are altering the functional traits of spider communities in the north-western Indian Himalayas, potentially impacting ecosystem stability and resilience. The study was conducted by scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India. Key Findings What Is Functional Diversity? Functional diversity refers to the range of ecological roles species perform in an Read More …

Colombia becomes IEA’s 33rd Member country

At its recent ministerial meeting in Paris, the International Energy Agency (IEA) unanimously invited Colombia to become the Agency’s 33rd Member country. It also welcomed progress on India’s request for full membership of the Paris-based energy organisation. India is currently an associate member of the IEA, which works on energy security, global energy policy, climate change, and energy transitions. However, India’s path to full membership is complex because IEA rules Read More …

Poland Plans Exit from Ottawa Convention to Deploy Landmines

Poland has announced a fast-track plan to deploy landmines and signalled its intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, the international agreement banning anti-personnel landmines. The move would clear the way for Poland to produce and deploy anti-personnel mines as part of its defence planning. About the Ottawa Convention Formally known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Read More …

5 stations under Northeast Frontier Railway awarded ‘Eat Right Station’ certification

Five stations under the Northeast Frontier Railway have been awarded the prestigious ‘Eat Right Station’ certification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Stations Awarded Certification Dimapur Railway Station received certification valid from October 24, 2025, to October 23, 2027. 🧾 Why They Were Certified The recognition followed a comprehensive audit covering: Stations had to meet strict FSSAI standards to qualify. About the Initiative The ‘Eat Right Read More …

Supreme Court Rejects OCI Plea for NRI Parity in Legal Practice

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a plea by an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) seeking parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) for practising law and obtaining State Bar Council membership. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi ruled that OCI status does not equal Indian citizenship, which is mandatory for enrolment under Section 24 of the Advocates Act, 1961. Court’s Key Observations About OCI Read More …

Union Finance Minister Launches National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the second phase of the asset monetisation programme for Central ministries and public sector entities in New Delhi. The second phase, prepared by NITI Aayog in consultation with infrastructure ministries, is based on the Asset Monetisation Plan 2025–30 announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. Key Highlights of NMP 2.0 The Finance Minister noted that about 90% of the ₹6 lakh crore target under Read More …

Rooftop Solar Installations Cross 30 Lakh Homes Under PM Surya Ghar Scheme

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that installation of rooftop solar systems has crossed 30 lakh households since February 2024 under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Launched by Narendra Modi on 13 February 2024, the scheme aims to provide free electricity to households through subsidized rooftop solar panels, reducing energy costs and boosting renewable energy adoption. Key Highlights of the Scheme Financial Benefits Model Solar Village Component Under the Read More …

Gentoo Penguin Tests Positive for H5N1 Bird Flu on Australian Territory

A Gentoo penguin has become the first bird confirmed to test positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza on an Australian territory, with samples showing the virus spreading on Heard Island in the sub-Antarctic region. Earlier Cases on the Island Threat to Endemic Species Experts warn the outbreak could endanger unique bird species found only on Heard Island, including: Losses among these species would have major biodiversity implications because Read More …