Table of Contents
National News
Champakam Dorairajan and the First Amendment: A Landmark Case in Constitutional History
Champakam Dorairajan, a Brahmin woman from Madras, played a pivotal role in shaping India’s constitutional history through her legal challenge to caste-based reservations in educational institutions. Her case, State of Madras v. Champakam Dorairajan (1951), led to the First Amendment of the Indian Constitution, which introduced Article 15(4) allowing affirmative action for socially and educationally backward classes. This case marked the first instance where the Supreme Court struck down a law for violating fundamental rights, setting the stage for future debates on merit, equality, and reservations in India.
Centre’s Proposal to Reduce States’ Share of Central Taxes from 2026
The Union government is considering a reduction in the share of central tax revenues allocated to states, from the current 41% to at least 40%. The recommendation will be submitted to the Finance Commission of India, chaired by economist Arvind Panagariya, which is set to present its report by October 31, 2025, for implementation from fiscal year 2026-27. The move, aimed at addressing the Union government’s rising expenditure needs, may escalate tensions between the central and state governments. Additionally, the Centre plans to impose conditions on revenue-deficit grants to curb freebies and debt waivers by state governments.
U.S.-Ukraine Relations Erupt in Acrimony: Trump and Vance Berate Zelensky in Explosive Oval Office Showdown
The United States’ relationship with Ukraine reached a boiling point as President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a highly charged televised meeting in the Oval Office. The visit, initially intended to coordinate a plan for peace in Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia, devolved into an unprecedented public confrontation, marking one of the most acrimonious exchanges between an American president and a foreign leader in modern history.
State News
Gharial Conservation, How Madhya Pradesh is Leading the Way
Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus), a unique species of long-snouted crocodilians, are critically endangered due to habitat destruction, pollution, and fishing practices. Madhya Pradesh (MP) has emerged as a leader in their conservation, hosting over 80% of India’s gharials. Recently, CM Mohan Yadav released 10 gharials into the Chambal River, reinforcing MP’s commitment to their protection.
Economy News
Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) – January 2025 Report
The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) is a crucial economic indicator that reflects the performance of eight fundamental sectors of the Indian economy. These industries contribute significantly to the overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP), making their growth a key determinant of economic health. The ICI report for January 2025 has been released, showcasing trends in these core sectors and their impact on the industrial and economic landscape. The ICI for January 2025 showed a year-on-year (YoY) growth of 4.2%, reflecting positive momentum in key sectors. This follows a growth of 3.5% in December 2024, indicating a steady improvement in industrial output. The cumulative growth for the period April 2024 to January 2025 stood at 6.1%, compared to 5.3% in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
India’s Economic Growth in Q3 of FY 2024-25: A Detailed Analysis
India’s economic growth has shown a remarkable improvement in the third quarter (Q3) of FY 2024-25, with the Real GDP increasing to 6.2%, up from an initially reported 5.4% in the previous quarter. This positive growth trajectory is reflected in the revised estimates, which project India’s Real GDP growth at 6.5% for the full financial year 2024-25. Furthermore, the Nominal GDP is expected to witness a growth rate of 9.9%, both of which are revised upwards from the First Advance Estimates.
EPFO Retains 8.25% Interest Rate on Provident Fund Deposits for 2024-25
The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), in its meeting held on February 28, 2025, recommended that the current annual interest rate of 8.25% on provident fund deposits be retained for the financial year 2024-25. Despite demands from trade union representatives for a higher rate, the government decided to maintain the existing rate, citing economic considerations.
SEBI Launches Bond Central: A Centralised Database for Corporate Bonds
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a centralised database portal named Bond Central to enhance transparency and streamline access to corporate bond-related information. This initiative aims to create a single, authentic source of information on corporate bonds issued in India, benefiting investors and other market participants.
Schemes News
Government Achieves 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) Goal
The Central Sector Scheme for Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 29, 2020, with a budget of ₹6,865 crore till 2027-28. This initiative aims to strengthen small and marginal farmers by providing them with better market access, financial aid, and collective bargaining power. Recently, the 10,000th FPO was launched in Khagaria, Bihar, focusing on maize, banana, and paddy. Approximately 30 lakh farmers, including 40% women, are now linked to FPOs, contributing significantly to the agricultural economy.
Science and Technology News
NASA’s New Telescope to Unveil the Most Colorful Cosmic Map
NASA is set to launch its SPHEREx telescope, aiming to create the most detailed and colorful map of the universe ever made. The telescope will use infrared spectroscopy to analyze light in 96 bands, far beyond human vision. This will help scientists understand the formation of the universe, galaxy evolution, and the distribution of life-forming molecules. Unlike the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which focuses on high-resolution observations of small regions, SPHEREx will map the entire sky in just a few months.
Books and Authors News
Kailash Satyarthi’s Autobiography ‘Diyaslai’ – A Literary Exploration at IGNCA
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), under the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Satyarthi Movement for Global Compassion, hosted a literary discussion on Diyaslai, the autobiography of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi. The event highlighted the book’s exploration of social justice, child rights, and global compassion. Diyaslai is the autobiography of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi, a global advocate for child rights and social justice. The book narrates his life struggles, activism, and unwavering efforts to eradicate child labor. Satyarthi shares his personal experiences, from humble beginnings in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, to leading international movements like the Global March Against Child Labour, which reached 186 countries.
Important Days
World Seagrass Day 2025: Significance, History, and Conservation Efforts
World Seagrass Day is celebrated annually on March 1 to highlight the ecological importance of seagrass and promote conservation efforts. Seagrass plays a vital role in maintaining the marine ecosystem, supporting marine biodiversity, stabilizing coastlines, and acting as a major carbon sink. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially declared this observance on May 22, 2022, following a resolution proposed by Sri Lanka to emphasize the urgent need for seagrass conservation.
Obituaries News
Russian Chess Grandmaster Boris Spassky Passes Away at 88
Russian chess grandmaster Boris Spassky, the 10th World Chess Champion, has passed away at the age of 88. The news was confirmed by International Chess Federation (FIDE) general director Emil Sutovsky, who informed Reuters about his demise. Spassky, a legendary figure in the chess world, was renowned for his strategic brilliance, sportsmanship, and deep understanding of the game. His contributions to chess, both as a competitor and an ambassador, have left an indelible mark on the sport.
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