1. Underrepresentation of Women in Judiciary
Context:
The Supreme Court has reinstated a female judicial officer who was earlier dismissed by the Rajasthan High Court for not disclosing her previous employment as a government teacher. This ruling was delivered in the case of Pinky Meena v. The High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan, wherein the SC highlighted the deep-rooted underrepresentation of women in the Indian judiciary.
Key Observations by the Supreme Court:
● Women’s participation in the judiciary must be viewed through the lens of:
○ Entry into the legal profession.
○ Retention and growth within the system.
○ Advancement to senior positions.
● Greater gender diversity improves:
○ Quality of decision-making.
○ Judicial sensitivity to diverse social and individual contexts.
○ Representation of women in other key institutions like the legislature and executive.
○ Confidence among women in seeking justice through courts.
Data Points:
● Since 1950, only 11 women judges have been appointed to the Supreme Court.
● No Dalit or tribal woman has ever served as a Supreme Court judge.
● In High Courts:
○ Only 13.4% of judges are women.
○ Only Telangana and Sikkim have more than 30% women judges.
○ High Courts in Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Patna, and Uttarakhand have no women judges.
2. WOAH – State of the World’s Animal Health Report
Context:
The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), headquartered in Paris, has released the first global overview on animal health in response to emerging threats posed by diseases and climate change.
Key Highlights:
● Shifting Disease Patterns:
Infectious animal diseases are spreading into new regions. 47% have zoonotic potential (transmittable from animals to humans).
○ Example: Peste des Petits Ruminants (sheep & goats), once limited to developing nations, has now reappeared in Europe.
● Rising Disease Intensity:
Diseases like African Swine Fever, Avian Influenza, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease are increasing in frequency and intensity, threatening:
○ Agrifood systems.
○ Public health.
○ Biodiversity.
● Major Drivers:
○ Climate Change.
○ Expanding Global Trade.
● Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
Projected to:
○ Cause livestock losses affecting food security of 2 billion people.
○ Result in a US$ 100 trillion global economic loss by 2050.
Recommendations:
● Improve access to safe and effective vaccines.
● Promote hygiene and biosecurity practices.
● Strengthen national veterinary services.
● Enhance global and regional coordination for disease surveillance.
3. RBI Approves Transfer of ₹2.69 Lakh Crore Surplus to Centre
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved a record ₹2.69 lakh crore transfer to the central government for the fiscal year 2024–25, under a revised Economic Capital Framework (ECF).
About ECF:
● Adopted in 2019 based on Bimal Jalan Committee recommendations.
● Aims to maintain adequate provisions (economic capital) to absorb financial and operational risks.
● Forms part of RBI’s Enterprise-wide Risk Management (ERM) framework.
Key Components of Economic Capital:
● Realized Equity: Includes RBI’s capital, reserve fund, contingency fund (CF), and asset development fund (ADF).
● Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB): Increased to 7.5% of the balance sheet.
● Revaluation Balances: Unrealized gains/losses from changes in exchange rates, gold prices, and interest rates.
Significance:
● Provides fiscal support to the government.
● Maintains financial stability for unforeseen crises, reinforcing RBI’s role as the Lender of Last Resort.
4. SC: Maternity Leave is a Reproductive Right
Case: K. Umadevi v. Government of Tamil Nadu
Highlights:
● SC struck down a Tamil Nadu government policy denying maternity leave for a third child.
● Held that maternity leave is a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Personal Liberty).
Constitutional & Legal Basis:
● Supported by the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (amended in 2017), which grants:
○ 26 weeks of paid leave for women with fewer than two surviving children.
○ 12 weeks for those with two or more.
● Right to reproduction is a part of human dignity, privacy, and bodily autonomy.
Significance:
● Ensures women’s rights are not overridden by state population policies.
● Balances social justice with autonomy in reproductive decisions.
5. U.S. House Approves Outward Remittance Tax
Context:
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill imposing a 3.5% remittance tax on non-U.S. citizens (e.g., H-1B, F-1 visa holders), effective January 1, 2026.
Key Points:
● Aims to generate federal revenue via remittances sent abroad.
● U.S. citizens are exempt from this tax.
● India, which received 14.3% of global remittances in 2024, will be affected — especially since $32.9 billion came from the U.S.
Impact on India:
● Could discourage legal remittance routes, pushing funds into grey or black markets.
● Economic setback for families dependent on overseas earnings.
● India may face reduced foreign currency inflows.
6. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) – Boost to Agro Processing
Context:
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has invited applications for infrastructure development under the “Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters” — a key component of the PMKSY.
About PMKSY:
- Type: Central Sector Scheme, launched in 2017 and extended till FY 2026.
- Budget Allocation: ₹4600 crore.
- Objective: To create modern infrastructure and robust supply chains for agro-processing, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses and boost value addition.
Scheme for Agro Processing Clusters (APC):
- Develops common infrastructure like cold chains, warehouses, and quality control labs.
- Encourages cluster-based development to promote group entrepreneurship.
- Links farmers, processors, and markets effectively.
7. RBI Notifies Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) Regulations 2025
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India has issued fresh guidelines for the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, replacing earlier 2008 regulations.
Composition:
- Chairperson: RBI Governor.
- Members:
- Deputy Governor (in charge of payment systems),1 RBI-nominated officer,
- 3 members nominated by the Central Government.
Functioning:
- Can invite experts in IT, cybersecurity, law, and payments.
- Must meet at least twice a year.
- Quorum: Minimum of 3 members including the Chairperson or Deputy Governor.
- Decision-making: Majority vote; Chairperson has a casting vote in case of a tie.
Significance:
- Strengthens governance of India’s digital payments landscape.
- Enhances focus on cybersecurity, innovation, and financial inclusion.
8. Conservation Highlights: White Himalayan Lily & Tree Ferns
Reported by: Uttarakhand Forest Department.
White Himalayan Lily (Lilium polyphyllum):
- Rare, critically endangered, and aromatic species.
- Found in the Himalayan region.
- Known for its medicinal value in treating bronchitis, rheumatism, etc.
- Contains alkaloids and furocoumarins with pharmacological potential.
Tree Ferns:
- Ancient vascular plants without seeds or flowers.
- Found in clusters in Kumaon region, Uttarakhand.
- Noted for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-asthmatic properties.
Significance:
- Indicates biodiversity richness in Himalayan regions.
- Urges need for habitat protection and botanical research.
9. Dual Taxation on Broadcasting Services – SC Upholds Validity
Context:
The Supreme Court upheld the legality of dual taxation on broadcasting services.
Key Observations:
- Centre can levy Service Tax on the broadcasting service (Union List – Entry 97).
- States can impose Entertainment Tax on content delivered to users (State List – Entry 62).
Legal Basis:
- These taxes apply to different aspects of the same transaction and do not violate constitutional principles.
- Service tax: Covered under Finance Act, 1994.
- Entertainment tax: On commercial entertainment such as cinema, television, etc.
Impact:
- Validates current fiscal federalism.
- Ensures clarity in taxation jurisdiction.
10. Caraka & Susruta Statues Unveiled at Raj Bhavan, Goa
Context:
Vice President of India inaugurated the statues of ancient medical luminaries Caraka and Susruta.
Caraka:
- Royal physician in the Kushan Empire.
- Author of the Caraka Samhita, focused on internal medicine.
- Emphasized health management, preventive care, and natural healing.
Susruta:
- Revered as the Father of Plastic Surgery.
- Wrote the Susruta Samhita, detailing surgical practices, anatomy, and medical instruments.
- Documented procedures such as cataract surgery and reconstructive operations.
Significance:
- Reinforces India’s ancient contributions to medicine.
- Promotes awareness of traditional health systems like Ayurveda.
11. Australia’s Historic Flooding Displaces Thousands
Context:
Unprecedented floods in Australia have left over 50,000 people stranded.
Geographic Details:
- Australia is a federal constitutional monarchy, located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- Separated from Southeast Asia by the Timor, Arafura, Coral Seas, and Torres Strait.
- Home to unique biodiversity and features like the Great Barrier Reef.
Environmental Impact:
- Rising sea levels and extreme weather events highlight the growing effects of climate change.
- Calls for global climate resilience strategies, especially in vulnerable nations.
12. UAPA Tribunal Extends Ban on HNLC
Context:
The UAPA Tribunal has upheld the Centre’s decision to extend the ban on the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
About UAPA:
- Enacted to prevent unlawful activities threatening India’s sovereignty and integrity.
- Allows designation of individuals and associations as terrorists.
- Recent amendments (2019) empower the Centre to act preemptively.
Tribunal Details:
- Comprises one High Court Judge.
- Has civil court powers and receives staff support from the Government.
- Validates the legality of UAPA notifications.
13. SC Orders Cadre Review in CAPFs
Context:
The Supreme Court directed all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to conduct cadre reviews within 6 months.
CAPFs Include:
- Assam Rifles
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), etc.
Key Points:
- Promotions should be the primary route for career progression.
- Reduce reliance on IPS deputations, especially at senior levels.
- Enhance morale, operational efficiency, and internal career growth.
14. BRICS Trade Ministers Meet – India’s Strategic Push
Context:
India participated in the BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting, pushing for liberalized trade and multilateral reforms.
Key Highlights:
- “30 for 30” WTO Reform Proposal: India suggested 30 reforms for WTO’s 30th anniversary in 2025.
- Data Economy Governance Understanding: Recognized Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as central to transformation.
- BRICS Trade & Sustainable Development Framework: Urged against misuse of trade restrictions under environmental guise.
Significance:
- Reaffirms India’s leadership in digital economy, multilateralism, and South-South cooperation.