Context: International Big Cat Alliance India will host the first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit in New Delhi (June 1–3, 2026) with participation from 95 big cat range countries. The summit is expected to adopt the proposed “New Delhi Declaration” on global big cat conservation. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit & New Delhi Declaration New Delhi Declaration India & Big Cat Conservation Conservation Timeline Significance
Vande Mataram to get legal protection under National Honour law
Context: Vande Mataram Union Cabinet approved amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 to make insult or obstruction during the singing of Vande Mataram punishable. Vande Mataram: Basics & Freedom Movement Author: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay | Source: Anandamath (1882) | Language: Sanskritised Bengali Stanzas & Current Status Whenever both are played: Full rendition duration: National Song Status 24 January 1950: Constituent Assembly adopted: Impact of Proposed Amendment At present, the 1971 Act protects: After amendment:
UDGAM portal integrated with 30 banks, RBI tells Supreme Court
Context: UDGAM portal RBI informed the Supreme Court that 30 banks have been integrated with the UDGAM portal, covering nearly 90% of unclaimed deposits in DEAF, to help depositors and legal heirs trace dormant accounts and unclaimed funds. UDGAM — Unclaimed Deposits Gateway to Access Information Launched by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Year: 2023 Objective Key Features Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF) — created by RBI in 2014 What happens? Issues Highlighted Before Supreme Court
India energy vulnerability rises amid West Asia tensions
Context: India energy vulnerability West Asia conflict highlighted India’s vulnerability to global energy shocks due to heavy crude oil import dependence, while also underlining the importance of diversification and energy transition. Key Data & Facts Energy Dependence Economic Impact GDP growth projection: Inflation projection: India’s Diversification Strategy Top Crude Import Sources (FY2024-25)Russia (35.6%) → Iraq (19.8%) → Saudi Arabia (13.6%) → UAE (8.9%) → USA (4.4%) Energy Transition & Emerging Risks China’s Dominance Way Forward
Government revises Foreign Direct Investment approval SOP
Context: Foreign Direct Investment approval Government revised the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) approvals, increasing the maximum processing timeline from 10 to 12 weeks. Why Timeline Increased? Additional time provided for: Objective: better scrutiny, coordination and transparency, not delay. Core Changes Importance
Supreme Court judge strength to rise from 34 to 38 judges
Context: Supreme Court judge strength Union Cabinet approved increasing the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges (including CJI) to reduce pendency and vacancies. Constitutional Basis Article 124(1) → Parliament can increase the number of Supreme Court judges by law. Law involved → Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 Procedure Cabinet approval → Amendment in Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 → Parliament passes Bill → President’s assent → New vacancies created → Collegium recommends names → President appoints judges under Article 124(2) Timeline of Increase in Supreme Court Strength 1950: 8 | 1956: 11 | 1960: 14 | 1977: 18 | 1986: 26 | 2009: 31 | 2019: 34 | 2026 (proposed): 38
Rupee Depreciation: Causes and RBI Measures Explained for UPSC
Context: Rupee Depreciation Rupee has weakened to near record levels (around ₹95/$) amid oil-price shocks, capital outflows and global uncertainty, leading RBI to explore measures to mobilise dollar inflows and stabilise the currency. Why is the Rupee Sliding? 2.1 External Imbalance (Oil Shock) 2.2 Capital Outflows 2.3 Strong US Dollar 2.4 Comparative Currency Performance (Fragile Five Context) → Rupee shows relative underperformance What RBI is Doing 3.1 NRI Deposit Scheme (FCNR-type) 3.2 Tax Relaxation on Overseas Bonds 3.3 Forex Buffer Management
Hantavirus: Causes, Symptoms and Outbreak Explained for UPSC
Context: Hantavirus A suspected Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship near Cape Verde has led to deaths and infections, leaving ~150 passengers stranded and triggering evacuation and containment measures. Hantavirus: Core Basics 1. Type 2. Transmission 3. Symptoms 4. Severity 5. Treatment 6. Origin
Model Code of Conduct: Rules and Alleged Violation Explained for UPSC
Context: Model Code of Conduct PM’s April 18 broadcast on Doordarshan, AIR, Sansad TV during elections has raised concerns of use of state-funded media under Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Model Code of Conduct (MCC) → Allegation: Broadcast on DD, AIR, Sansad TV = misuse of public resources → MCC violation If MCC violated If RPA Violation is Proven — Legal Consequence → If established: Legal Framework
Strait of Hormuz Tensions: US Operation and Iran Attacks Explained for UPSC
Context: Strait of Hormuz Tensions have escalated in the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. attempts to reopen shipping routes while Iran allegedly resumed attacks on ships and UAE energy infrastructure, threatening global oil supply. Key Target Project Freedom Objective Escort and guide stranded merchant ships safely through Hormuz Method Purpose Trigger Rising Iranian threats, attacks on ships & energy facilities
