US President Donald Trump has approved legislation empowering him to levy tariffs up to 500% on countries, including India, China, and Brazil, that continue to purchase oil or uranium from Russia. This move aims to increase pressure on Russia by cutting off its primary funding sources for the conflict in Ukraine. The bipartisan bill has significant support in both the Senate and the House. US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor emphasized that ending India's import of Russian oil is a top priority, noting that India had previously "zeroed out" imports from Iran and Venezuela under similar pressure.
The bill allows the US President discretion to set tariff figures above the existing 25% penalty.
It specifically targets oil and uranium imports from Russia to squeeze its war financing.
India is a primary focus due to its significant intake of Russian crude since 2022.
Exam Points
The bill has 84 co-sponsors in the 100-member Senate and 151 in the House.
Sergio Gor is the U.S. Ambassador-designate to India.
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) has projected India's economic growth at 7.2% for the current fiscal year. While slightly lower than the Indian government's estimate of 7.4%, the report highlights that robust domestic consumption and significant public investment in infrastructure will largely offset the negative impacts of higher US tariffs. The report notes that 18% of Indian exports are US-bound, making them vulnerable to trade policy changes. However, strong demand from other markets like Europe and West Asia, along with tax reforms, provides a buffer.
India's growth is supported by gross fixed capital formation in physical and digital infrastructure.
The Indian rupee faced depreciation pressures due to portfolio outflows and US tariff concerns but remains supported by strong economic performance.
China's fixed asset investment saw a contraction due to property sector weakness, contrasting with India's expansion.
Exam Points
UN DESA growth projection for FY26 is 7.2%.
Government of India estimate is 7.4%.
18% of Indian exports are destined for the United States.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a nationwide cashless treatment scheme providing up to ₹1.5 lakh coverage for road accident victims. The initiative, announced by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, aims to utilize the "Golden Hour"—the first 60 minutes after a severe accident—to increase survival rates. Additionally, the government will introduce a cash award of ₹25,000 for "Rahavirs" (Good Samaritans) who rush victims to hospitals. The scheme will be funded by the Road Safety Fund and covers accidents on all roads, not just national highways.
The scheme offers cashless medical treatment up to a limit of ₹1.5 lakh per victim.
A "Rahavir" award of ₹25,000 is introduced to encourage public assistance to victims.
The "Golden Hour" concept is central to the policy, based on AIIMS studies showing timely intervention can reduce fatalities by 30%.
Exam Points
Coverage limit is ₹1.5 lakh.
Good Samaritan (Rahavir) award is ₹25,000.
AIIMS study suggests 30% reduction in fatalities with timely intervention.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has released guidelines to operationalize legal changes aimed at compounding minor drug violations. This follows the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, which seeks to "decriminalize and rationalize offences" to improve the ease of doing business. Instead of criminal prosecution, firms can now settle certain technical non-compliances under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, by paying fines. However, experts warn against the guidelines becoming a "pay and pass" scheme, emphasizing the need for transparency and public disclosure of compounding orders to maintain safety standards.
The guidelines allow for the compounding of offences like stocking or selling drugs in breach of specific sections of the 1940 Act.
Compounding provides immunity from prosecution for that specific case upon payment of a fine.
Critics argue that the lack of public reporting on repeat offenders could undermine consumer safety.
Exam Points
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act.
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Section 32B of the 1940 Act covers compounding of offences.
As the 16th Finance Commission (FC) begins its work, there is a growing debate on using Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) as a primary indicator for central tax devolution. Currently, devolution relies heavily on population and income distance, which some high-performing states argue penalizes their efficiency. Proponents suggest GSDP is a reliable proxy for the actual accrual of central taxes at the state level, especially since GST is destination-based. Data shows a high correlation (0.91) between GSDP and GST collections, suggesting GSDP reflects a state's contribution to the national exchequer more accurately than current metrics.
High-performing states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu contribute disproportionately to central tax revenues but receive lower shares in devolution.
The 15th FC's devolution formula showed a weak correlation (0.24) with actual tax collection shares.
Using GSDP could balance the principles of rewarding contribution and ensuring equity.
Exam Points
16th Finance Commission is currently being constituted.
Correlation between GSDP and direct tax collections is 0.75.
Maharashtra contributes 40.3% of combined tax collections but receives only 6.64% in total transfers.
Over the last decade, the Supreme Court of India has shifted from reviewing administrative legality to issuing forward-looking regulatory directions in environmental matters. While intended to protect the environment, this "managerial role" has sometimes created uncertainty for regulated actors. Key instances include the 2022 mandate for Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZ) of at least one kilometer around protected areas, which was later modified due to practical difficulties. The Court's tendency to substitute for the regulator, rather than correcting the regulatory process, has led to a "push-pull" relationship with the executive, often resulting in policy U-turns.
The Court has moved into a "continuing mandamus" role, issuing serial directions in cases like the Aravalli hills mining.
Frequent modifications of orders can smother meaningful judicial review in other forums.
Experts suggest the Court should focus on disciplining the state back into regulation rather than acting as an approving authority.
Exam Points
June 2022 ESZ judgment mandated 1km buffer zones.
Vanashakti vs Union of India (May 2025) case regarding ex post facto clearances.
The rise of 10-minute delivery services has sparked a debate regarding worker safety, economic viability, and the necessity of such speed. While companies argue that consumer demand drives this model, labor unions highlight the immense pressure on delivery partners, leading to increased accident risks and lack of social security. NITI Aayog projects that the gig economy will employ 2.35 crore workers by 2029-30. However, current labor codes often exclude gig workers from essential benefits like minimum wage, regulated working hours, and insurance, treating them as "partners" rather than employees.
The 10-minute delivery model is criticized for being a "competition for speed" rather than a consumer necessity.
Gig workers often face "algorithmic management" where their livelihoods depend on opaque app ratings and automated blocks.
There is a call for better regulatory frameworks to protect worker rights in a sector that provides essential entry-level jobs.
Exam Points
NITI Aayog estimate: 2.35 crore gig workers by 2029-30.
The gig economy market size is expected to grow at 40-50% annually.
The Supreme Court is hearing a challenge by sitting Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma regarding the "unilateral" establishment of an inquiry committee by the Lok Sabha Speaker. The case centers on whether a notice of motion for removal must be admitted by both the Rajya Sabha Chairman and the Lok Sabha Speaker simultaneously if given on the same day. The Court is examining Section 3(2) of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, which mandates joint action. The Solicitor-General argued that the ultimate test of removal lies with the Houses of Parliament, while the petitioner claims procedural prejudice.
The case involves the interpretation of Article 32 of the Constitution and the Judges (Inquiry) Act.
Under the Act, if motions are given in both Houses on the same day, the Chairman and Speaker must act jointly to form a committee.
The petitioner argues that the rejection of the motion by the RS Chairman while the LS Speaker admitted it caused legal prejudice.
Exam Points
Article 32 of the Constitution (Right to Constitutional Remedies).
Renowned ecologist Madhav Gadgil, who passed away recently, is remembered for shifting the global conservation discourse toward human rights and community participation. He famously headed the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), which recommended strict environmental protections for the region while empowering local gram sabhas. Gadgil argued against "fortress conservation" that excluded indigenous communities, advocating instead for "people-driven protection." His work laid the foundation for the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India's first, and he was a vocal critic of destructive industrial projects in ecologically sensitive areas.
Gadgil's WGEEP report (2011) classified the Western Ghats into three levels of Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
He authored the concept document for the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
He was a pioneer in using the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 as a tool for conservation while later critiquing its impact on hunter-gatherer communities.
Exam Points
Madhav Gadgil (1942-2026).
WGEEP report submitted in 2011.
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve was India's first under the MAB Programme.
India has stated it will continue to lead and support the International Solar Alliance (ISA) despite the United States' decision to withdraw from the organization. The U.S. executive order identified the ISA among 66 "wasteful" international organizations. India, a founding member along with France, views the ISA as a critical platform for achieving global energy transition goals and mobilizing $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030. The alliance currently has 125 members and focuses on deploying solar energy solutions in least-developed countries and small island developing states.
The ISA was conceptualized during COP21 in Paris (2015) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-French President Francois Hollande.
The U.S. withdrawal is part of a broader policy to cut funding for entities deemed contrary to U.S. interests.
India maintains that the ISA has been successful in demonstrating the feasibility of solar solutions in over 95 countries.
The Ministry of Textiles has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 15 states to launch the 'Textiles focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning And Start-Up' (Tex-RAMPS) scheme. The initiative aims to improve the quality, coverage, and timeliness of textile-related statistical products and research. Under the scheme, each participating state or Union Territory will receive an annual grant of ₹12 lakh. Furthermore, an additional grant of ₹1 lakh per year will be provided for each district to develop and execute specific district action plans for sectors like handlooms, handicrafts, and technical textiles.
Tex-RAMPS focuses on integrated planning for key sectors including apparel and technical textiles.
The scheme was launched during a national textile ministers' conference in Guwahati.
It aims to build the credibility of textile data to support better policy-making and start-up ecosystems.
Exam Points
Tex-RAMPS stands for Textiles focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning And Start-Up.
In a significant blow to international climate efforts, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the United States' withdrawal from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC is the parent treaty for major agreements like the Paris Accord and the Kyoto Protocol. The White House described the treaty as "contrary to the interests of the United States." This move has been widely condemned by the European Union and other global partners, who have vowed to continue tackling the climate crisis despite the exit of the world's second-largest emitter.
The UNFCCC was adopted in 1992 as a global pact to cooperate on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The U.S. exit is part of a larger withdrawal from 66 global organizations and treaties.
Climate experts warn that the absence of the U.S. will significantly hinder global climate action and funding for developing nations.
Exam Points
UNFCCC adopted in 1992.
The U.S. is the world's second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
66 global organizations were targeted for withdrawal.
India continues to have one of the highest prevalence rates of Spina Bifida, a serious birth defect of the spinal cord, despite it being largely preventable. Medical experts emphasize that pre-conceptional intake of folic acid can prevent more than 70% of cases. However, awareness remains poor, and many children are born with permanent paralysis or other complications. While 68 countries have mandated food fortification with folic acid, India has yet to implement a meaningful national strategy. Experts are calling for mandatory fortification of staples like salt, flour, and tea to address this public health crisis.
Spina Bifida causes childhood paralysis and other medical issues like hydrocephalus.
The defect occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant.
Fortification of food vehicles is seen as a cost-effective way to ensure adequate intake across the population.
Exam Points
Pre-conceptional folic acid prevents >70% of Spina Bifida cases.
Over 25,000 children are born with this condition annually in India.
68 countries have mandatory folic acid fortification laws.
Following a decade of remarkable successes, including Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, ISRO faces new challenges in a liberalized space sector. The transition from a state-led model to one involving private players requires clear legal structures and a comprehensive national space law, which India currently lacks. While entities like IN-SPACe and NSIL have been created to handle regulation and commercialization, ISRO must now balance its role as a primary integrator with the need to foster a competitive industrial base. Future missions like Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-4 will test ISRO's ability to execute complex projects in this new regulatory environment.
The 2020 space reforms aimed to separate the functions of research, authorization, and commercialization.
There is an urgent need for a national space law to provide legal certainty for private investment and liability.
ISRO's future success depends on moving from individual "feats" to a sustained institutional performance with a routine launch cadence.
Exam Points
Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon on August 23, 2023.
IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre).
NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd).
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