The Union Cabinet approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 (ECLGS 5.0) to provide credit support of Rs 2.55 lakh crore to industries, particularly MSMEs and airlines, facing distress due to the West Asia conflict. This scheme, modeled on previous Covid-era lifelines, includes Rs 5,000 crore specifically for airlines. With an estimated outlay of Rs 18,000 crore, it aims to ensure additional credit flow, offering 100% guarantee coverage for MSMEs and 90% for non-MSMEs by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC). The initiative seeks to maintain operations, protect jobs, and sustain supply chains amidst global uncertainties.
The Union Cabinet approved ECLGS 5.0 to provide Rs 2.55 lakh crore in credit support, including Rs 5,000 crore for airlines.
The scheme targets MSMEs and other industries affected by the West Asia conflict, mirroring Covid-era relief measures.
ECLGS 5.0 offers 100% credit guarantee coverage for MSMEs and 90% for non-MSMEs through NCGTC.
Exam Points
Scheme Name: Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme 5.0 (ECLGS 5.0)
During a hearing on review petitions concerning the 2018 Sabarimala judgment, a nine-judge Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, severely questioned the locus standi and intent of the original petitioner, Indian Young Lawyers Association (IYLA). CJI Kant remarked that the PIL should have been 'thrown outright in the dustbin,' while Justice M.M. Sundresh called it 'a clear abuse of the process of law.' The bench also questioned the practice of barring Parsi women from fire temples if they marry outside the religion, linking it to freedom of conscience under Article 25(1).
The Supreme Court bench questioned the locus standi and intent of the original petitioner in the Sabarimala case.
CJI Surya Kant stated that the original PIL should have been 'thrown outright in the dustbin.'
Justice M.M. Sundresh described the filing of the petition as 'a clear abuse of the process of law.'
Exam Points
Original Sabarimala judgment: September 28, 2018 (five-judge bench, 4-1 verdict)
Current hearing: Nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court
The Union Cabinet approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, to increase the strength of Supreme Court judges from the current 34 (including the CJI) to 38. This move, recommended by CJI Surya Kant, aims to enhance the court's efficiency, ensure speedy justice, and facilitate the establishment of a permanent constitution bench. The expenditure for the additional judges and staff will be met from the Consolidated Fund of India. The last increase in strength was in 2019, raising it from 30 to 33 judges.
The Union Cabinet approved a Bill to increase the Supreme Court's judicial strength.
The number of judges will rise from 34 (including CJI) to 38 (including CJI).
The Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recommended this increase to improve efficiency and facilitate a permanent constitution bench.
Exam Points
Bill Name: The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026
The Union Cabinet has given its nod for the establishment of two new semiconductor manufacturing plants with a total investment of Rs 3,936 crore. This decision aligns with India's broader strategy to boost its domestic semiconductor ecosystem and reduce reliance on imports. The initiative is expected to attract further investments in the high-tech manufacturing sector, create skilled jobs, and enhance India's position in the global electronics supply chain. This move is crucial for national security and economic growth, particularly in advanced technology sectors.
The Union Cabinet approved two new semiconductor manufacturing plants.
The total investment for these plants is Rs 3,936 crore.
This initiative aims to strengthen India's domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
The Union Cabinet has approved a five-year mission with an outlay of Rs 5,659 crore aimed at significantly increasing cotton yield in India. This mission will focus on research and development of new high-yielding varieties, adoption of modern farming practices, and providing support to cotton farmers. The initiative seeks to enhance the income of farmers, improve the quality of Indian cotton, and strengthen the textile industry's raw material base. It is a strategic step to make India self-reliant in cotton production and boost its agricultural exports.
The Union Cabinet approved a five-year mission to boost cotton yield in India.
The mission has an outlay of Rs 5,659 crore.
It will focus on R&D for high-yielding varieties and modern farming practices.
The Supreme Court dropped contempt proceedings against AIIMS Delhi after the hospital complied with an order to medically terminate a 30-week pregnancy of a 15-year-old girl. AIIMS reported that the procedure resulted in the live birth of a baby boy with certain disabilities, who has an 80% survival rate and is in NICU. Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, emphasizing the minor's fundamental right to reproductive autonomy under Article 21. The court also highlighted the societal trend of unwanted pregnancies among minors and the legal and medical crises it creates.
The Supreme Court dropped contempt proceedings against AIIMS Delhi after the termination of a minor's 30-week pregnancy.
The procedure resulted in the live birth of a baby boy with disabilities, having an 80% survival rate.
AIIMS had initially hesitated, seeking review and filing a curative petition, citing high risks for a live birth with congenital disabilities.
Exam Points
Pregnancy duration: 30 weeks
Hospital involved: AIIMS Delhi
Constitutional Article: Article 21 (Right to life and personal liberty, including reproductive autonomy)
A new air quality dashboard by Envirocatalysts, based on CPCB data since 2015, highlights a significant shift in Delhi's pollution trends. While fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10) show winter peaks and overall decline since 2015, they remain above safety limits. Notably, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, linked to combustion sources, have shown a gradual decline. In contrast, ground-level ozone (O3) levels are rising, particularly in summer (May), due to photochemical reactions driven by strong sunlight, indicating an emerging seasonal risk and a broader regional shift beyond the Capital.
Delhi's air quality trends show a decline in PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO since 2015, though PM levels remain high.
Ground-level ozone (O3) is increasing, especially in summer, due to photochemical reactions.
Ozone peaks in May, with Delhi's annual average rising from 52 µg/m³ in 2021 to 66 µg/m³ in 2025.
Exam Points
Data source: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Research by: Envirocatalysts (Delhi-based think tank)
C Raja Mohan argues that the BJP's rise in West Bengal and consolidation in Assam, coupled with leadership transitions in Dhaka and Kathmandu, presents a unique opportunity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revitalise India's engagement with its eastern neighbourhood. Historically, divergences between the Centre and border states have complicated foreign policy. The current political alignment allows for better coordination of local and national interests, overcoming past hurdles like the Teesta water-sharing agreement. This new geopolitical landscape, combined with Modi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, offers a chance to advance sub-regional cooperation and address complex issues like migration, trade barriers, and water sharing.
The BJP's political strength in West Bengal and Assam creates a favorable environment for India's eastern foreign policy.
Leadership changes in Bangladesh and Nepal offer new opportunities for regional engagement.
Historical divergences between the Centre and border states have often complicated India's neighborhood policy.
Exam Points
Policy mentioned: 'Neighbourhood First' policy
Past agreement failure: Teesta water-sharing agreement (2011)
Past success: Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) with Bangladesh (2014)
The term 'ecocide' refers to widespread, severe environmental damage, often caused by human actions during conflict, as seen in recent accusations against Israel regarding West Asia. Environmental groups advocate for its inclusion as an international crime under the Rome Statute, which currently classifies serious environmental damage as a 'war crime' only during war. Unlike existing anthropocentric laws, 'ecocide' would focus on harm to the environment as a separate entity. Challenges for its inclusion include achieving a 2/3rds majority vote from State Parties to the Rome Statute and issues of jurisdiction, as many nations, including Iran and Lebanon, are not ICC State Parties.
'Ecocide' denotes widespread and severe environmental damage, often linked to conflict.
The term was coined in 1970 and first codified in Vietnam's domestic law in 1990.
Current international laws, like the Rome Statute and Geneva Conventions, address environmental damage but are anthropocentric, focusing on harm to humans.
The Indian rupee has been consistently weakening, falling by 5.64% this year and 5% last year, primarily due to the West Asia conflict and capital account pressures. Elevated global crude oil prices, with Brent crude around $113 per barrel, are widening the current account deficit, potentially reaching 2% of GDP in 2026-27. Capital outflows are significant, with foreign portfolio investors withdrawing $21.2 billion this year and $18.9 billion last year. The RBI's efforts to ease stress are challenged by its swelling short dollar book. The delay in adjusting retail fuel prices, coupled with rising commercial LPG costs, threatens to push up retail inflation, worsening growth-inflation dynamics and necessitating delicate macroeconomic management.
The Indian rupee has significantly weakened, falling over 5% this year and last year.
The West Asia conflict and high global crude oil prices are key drivers, pushing Brent crude to around $113 per barrel.
The current account deficit is projected to widen to about 2% of GDP in 2026-27.
Rohit Lamba and Raghuram Rajan argue that India risks repeating past mistakes in its AI strategy, becoming a 'tenant of intelligence' rather than a producer. While the new Google AI hub in Visakhapatnam signifies infrastructure development, the core AI models and silicon are foreign-designed, reflecting India's historical focus on outsourcing rather than deep-tech R&D. They highlight India's low R&D intensity (below 1% of GDP) and lack of world-class research universities, contrasting with countries like Korea and Taiwan. The authors warn that relying on diffusion without frontier innovation could compromise India's strategic autonomy and economic future, urging a shift towards building indigenous AI capabilities.
India's current AI strategy, exemplified by the Google AI hub, risks making it a tenant rather than a producer of intelligence.
The authors criticize India's historical focus on outsourcing and infrastructure development over deep-tech R&D and indigenous innovation.
India's R&D intensity remains below 1% of GDP, and it lacks world-class research universities, unlike leading tech nations.
Exam Points
Google AI hub location: Visakhapatnam (600-acre site)
US intelligence assessments suggest that Iran's nuclear weapon timeline remains unchanged since last summer, despite two months of war and US strikes on its nuclear complexes. Analysts estimate Iran could produce bomb-grade uranium and build a weapon in nine months to a year. While US strikes in June targeted Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, destroying or damaging enrichment plants, the UN nuclear watchdog has been unable to verify the whereabouts of 440 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium. This indicates that significantly impeding Iran's program may require removing its remaining HEU stockpile, and the US aims to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon through ongoing negotiations.
US intelligence assessments indicate Iran's nuclear weapon timeline remains unchanged despite recent conflicts and strikes.
Iran is estimated to be able to produce bomb-grade uranium and build a weapon within nine months to a year.
US strikes in June damaged key enrichment plants at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
Exam Points
Estimated timeline for Iran to build a nuclear weapon: 9 months to 1 year
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported suspected human-to-human transmission of the deadly hantavirus between close contacts on a Dutch-flagged cruise ship, MV Hondius. Seven confirmed or suspected cases have been identified, with two deaths (Dutch and German nationals) and one British national in intensive care. While human-to-human transmission is rare for hantavirus, the WHO emphasized that the overall risk to the wider public remains low, as the disease is typically spread from contact with infected rodents. The ship is currently moored off Cape Verde, with medical evacuations underway.
The WHO reported suspected human-to-human hantavirus transmission on a cruise ship.
Seven cases, including two deaths and one in intensive care, were identified on the MV Hondius.
Human-to-human transmission of hantavirus is uncommon, as it typically spreads from infected rodents.
Five major publishers (Hachette, Macmillan, McGraw Hill, Elsevier, Cengage) and bestselling novelist Scott Turow have filed a class-action lawsuit against Meta and Mark Zuckerberg. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that Meta illegally used millions of copyrighted works, including pirated books and journal articles from sites like Anna's Archive, to train its AI program Llama. The plaintiffs claim this infringes copyright, removes copyright notices, and threatens the livelihoods of writers by enabling AI-generated copycat books and summaries that displace human-authored works.
Five major publishers and author Scott Turow sued Meta and Mark Zuckerberg for copyright infringement.
The lawsuit alleges Meta illegally used millions of copyrighted works to train its AI program Llama.
Meta is accused of sourcing pirated books and articles from websites like Anna's Archive for training data.
Exam Points
Companies sued: Meta, Mark Zuckerberg
AI program: Llama
Publishers involved: Hachette, Macmillan, McGraw Hill, Elsevier, Cengage
The Centre has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) proposals, aiming to accelerate inflows into priority sectors by capping processing time at 12 weeks. The fully digital process mandates the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) to disseminate proposals to relevant ministries, RBI, MHA, and MEA within two days. These bodies must submit comments within eight weeks, with internal scrutiny completed within 12 weeks. Delays in responses will be treated as no objection. The SOP also clarifies that no prior approval is needed for increasing foreign equity up to Rs 5000 crore if the percentage of foreign/NRI equity remains unchanged.
A new SOP for FDI proposals aims to cap processing time at 12 weeks and implement a fully digital process.
DPIIT will disseminate proposals to relevant ministries, RBI, MHA, and MEA within two days.
Ministries and other bodies must provide comments within eight weeks, with a 12-week deadline for internal scrutiny.
Exam Points
Policy: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for FDI
Microsoft, Google (Alphabet), and Elon Musk's xAI will provide the US government with early access to their new artificial intelligence models for review, aiming to assess national security risks before public release. The Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) at the Department of Commerce will evaluate these models for capabilities and security threats. This initiative comes amidst global concerns over advanced AI systems, such as Anthropic's Mythos, and their potential to empower hackers. The US government seeks to broaden AI providers working with the military, with seven AI companies already agreeing to deploy capabilities on classified networks.
Microsoft, Google, and xAI will grant the US government early access to their new AI models.
The Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) will review these models for national security risks.
The initiative addresses global concerns about advanced AI systems and their potential misuse by hackers.