Explained: Why Himachal Pradesh Wants 100% Import Duty on Foreign Apples
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Centre to impose a 100% import duty on foreign apples to protect local growers from cheaper imports. The demand follows India’s decision to cut duties on New Zealand apples under
Cabinet Approves Extension of Atal Pension Yojana Till 2031: All You Need to Know
The Government of India has extended the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) till 2031 to strengthen old-age social security for workers in the unorganised sector. Launched in 2015, the scheme offers a guaranteed monthly pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after the
US Intervention in Venezuela and the Revival of the Monroe Doctrine
The US intervention in Venezuela marks a major shift in American foreign policy, reviving the Monroe Doctrine and raising concerns over sovereignty, resource politics, and regional stability. With Venezuela holding the world’s largest oil reserves, the move highlights Washington’s renewed
India Adds Two New Ramsar Sites: Siliserh Lake and Kopra Jalashay
India has added Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan) and Kopra Jalashay (Chhattisgarh) to its Ramsar Sites list, highlighting their global ecological importance. With this inclusion, India now has 75 Ramsar Sites, reflecting its commitment to wetland conservation. These wetlands support endangered species,
Vijay Diwas 2025: Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 and the Formation of Bangladesh
Vijay Diwas 2025, observed on 16 December, marks 54 years of India’s historic victory in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh. The day honours the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers and the Mukti
Western Tragopan (Jujurana) — The State Bird of Himachal Pradesh: Status, Habitat, Threats & Protection
The Western Tragopan, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the world’s rarest pheasants. While captive breeding efforts offer temporary relief, the species continues to face severe threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human disturbance. Long-term survival depends
What Is the Alaknanda Galaxy? India’s Major Astronomical Discovery
The discovery of the Alaknanda Galaxy by Indian researchers marks a major breakthrough in understanding early cosmic evolution. Found using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, this 12-billion-year-old spiral galaxy displays a well-defined structure similar to the Milky Way—challenging existing theories
Basic Structure Doctrine: Meaning, Evolution, Landmark Cases & Significance Explained
The Basic Structure Doctrine, evolved through landmark Supreme Court judgments from Shankari Prasad (1951) to I.R. Coelho (2007), restricts Parliament from altering the Constitution’s core features. Introduced in the Kesavananda Bharati case, it safeguards principles like judicial review, federalism, secularism,
India–US ₹7,900 Cr MH-60R Deal: Boost to Naval Power & Indo-Pacific Security
India has signed a ₹7,900-crore sustainment deal with the US for long-term support of the Indian Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters under the FMS programme. The agreement includes spares, repairs, training, and setting up maintenance facilities in India, strengthening maritime readiness
Hayli Gubbi Volcano Erupts After 12,000 Years: Key Facts & Scientific Significance
The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia has erupted explosively after nearly 12,000 years, sending high-altitude ash plumes that drifted into Indian airspace and triggered aviation advisories. The event highlights the geological volatility of the East African Rift System and the