Source: BL Why in News? The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has successfully achieved induced breeding of the mangrove clam under captive conditions, marking a rare global scientific breakthrough in molluscan aquaculture. About Mangrove Clam Habitat
Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE)-III
Why in News? The proposal to relax emission targets for small cars under the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE)-III norms is still under discussion, according to the Power Ministry Secretary. What are CAFE Norms? CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) norms mandate automobile manufacturers to maintain a prescribed average fuel efficiency across their fleet of vehicles sold in a given year. Background
Amendment on Information Technology Act, 2021
Source: TH Why in News? The Union Government has notified amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandating prominent labelling of photorealistic AI-generated content. The amended provisions will come into force on February 20, 2026. Key Provisions of the Amendment Rules, 2026 1. Mandatory Labelling of AI-Generated Content 2. Definition of Synthetic Media The amended rules define synthetically generated content as: The final definition is narrower than the draft version released in October 2025. 3. Reduced Takedown Timelines The amendments significantly shorten the timeline for removal of unlawful content: Earlier, platforms were given 24–36 hours for content removal. 4. Safe Harbour Implications
Form 7 Controversy
Source: TH Why in News? Form 7 has become controversial during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls following allegations of bulk and fraudulent deletion requests targeting eligible voters. What is Form 7? Form 7 is a statutory form used to object to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll. It can be used to: Legal Basis Aim of Form 7
Lyriothemis keralensis
Source: TOI Why in News? Researchers have discovered and formally described a new dragonfly species from Kerala, named Lyriothemis keralensis, highlighting the State’s rich but underexplored biodiversity. About Lyriothemis keralensis The species name keralensis reflects its geographical origin. About Odonata
Sebi May Tighten Scrutiny of IPO and QIP Proceeds
Why in News? The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is considering tightening oversight norms for utilisation of funds raised through public and institutional issuances. At the same time, Gold ETFs have, for the first time, recorded higher net inflows than active equity mutual funds. Part I: Sebi Proposes Stricter Monitoring of IPO, QIP and Rights Issue Proceeds Proposed Changes Part II: Gold ETFs Surpass Equity Funds in Inflows For the first time, Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) attracted higher net inflows than active equity mutual funds.
RBI Proposes Higher Unsecured Loan Cap for UCBs
Source: News on Air Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft norms proposing changes in the unsecured loan exposure limits for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). Higher Unsecured Loan Limit for Urban Cooperative Banks Key Proposal Individual Exposure Limits Within the overall ceiling, individual unsecured loan limits will be: What are Unsecured Loans? Unsecured loans are loans that are not backed by collateral or security. The lender does not have any claim over a specific asset if the borrower defaults. Examples of Unsecured Loans
Surplus Liquidity Fuels Record Parking in RBI’s SDF
Source: ET Why in News? Banks have parked a record â‚ą4.52 lakh crore in the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) window of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), amid surplus liquidity in the banking system. What is the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)? Current LAF corridor structure: Why Was SDF Introduced?
RBI Proposes Exempting Smaller NBFCs from Registration Requirement
Source: Mint Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued draft directions proposing to exempt certain small non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) from mandatory registration, citing their lower risk profile and limited systemic impact. The draft norms are open for public comments until 4 March and are proposed to take effect from 1 April. Key Proposal NBFCs meeting the following criteria may be exempted from registration with RBI: These entities will be categorised as “Unregistered Type I NBFCs.” Rationale According to RBI: The move is intended to reduce compliance burden and improve ease of doing business. Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) Framework In October 2021, RBI introduced the Scale-Based Regulatory Framework (SBR) for NBFCs, classifying them into: Type I NBFCs (base layer) were recognised as low-risk entities deserving lighter regulation. The present draft operationalises this distinction by offering exemption from registration to eligible entities. Definitions Clarified by RBI Public Funds Includes: Customer Interface Includes: Exception:
Centre Set to Increase MSP for Minor Forest Produce
Source: ET Why in News? For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union Government is set to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 87 Minor Forest Produce (MFP) items collected by forest dwellers. The revision is likely to be implemented from the next financial year. Background The guidelines mandate revision of MSP every three years, but no revision has taken place in the last six years. The last hike occurred in May 2020 during the pandemic. Key Developments About Minor Forest Produce (MFP) Minor Forest Produce includes: These are critical sources of livelihood for forest-dwelling tribal communities.
