What is the issue? Several States have witnessed disputes over the Governor’s Address to the State Legislature, raising concerns about constitutional propriety, the limits of gubernatorial discretion, and adherence to the principle of responsible government. What is the Governor’s Address? Constitutional Provisions Involved Nature of the Governor’s Powers
Operation Megaburu
Source: The Times of India (TOI) What is the news? Operation Megaburu, a major anti-Maoist counter-insurgency operation in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, led to the killing of 16 Maoists, including senior CPI (Maoist) leader Anal alias Patiram Manjhi. The operation marks one of the most significant blows to Maoist leadership in the State in recent years. What is Operation Megaburu? Key Details
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Source: IE Context: Parakram Diwas–2026 being organised in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to mark the 129th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Who was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose? Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a revolutionary nationalist leader who championed complete independence (Purna Swaraj) through assertive and military means, offering a decisive ideological alternative to the predominantly non-violent strategy of India’s freedom movement. Early Life Role in the Freedom Movement 1. Radical Congress Leadership 2. Demand for Purna Swaraj 3. Socialist Economic Vision 4. Ideological Challenge within INC 5. Forward Bloc
Global Water Bankruptcy Report
Source: Down To Earth (DTE) What is the news? The UNU-INWEH has released a flagship report titled “Global Water Bankruptcy: Living Beyond Our Hydrological Means in the Post-Crisis Era”, warning that large parts of the world have entered a permanent state of water insolvency, where water use exceeds renewable and safe limits. What is “Water Bankruptcy”? Key Data & Findings Major Causes Identified
United States Set to Formally Withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO)
Source: TH What is the news? The United States is set to formally withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) after completing the mandatory one-year notice period, despite widespread concerns over the impact on global health governance, pandemic preparedness, and U.S. public health interests. About the World Health Organization (WHO) Establishment & Headquarters Historical Background Core Functions of WHO
RBI Updates Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Rules
Source: Economic Times Why in News? In January 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) framework to improve regulatory compliance, transparency, and risk alignment, especially in on-lending arrangements and reporting practices. What is Priority Sector Lending (PSL)? PSL is a mandatory credit allocation framework under which banks must lend a fixed share of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to priority sectors such as: Its objective is inclusive growth and financial deepening. Key Changes Introduced by RBI 1. Stronger Compliance & Audit Oversight 2. Alignment with Prudential Risk Norms 3. Clarification of ANBC Calculation 4. Standardised Treatment of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures 5. Inclusion of NCDC Loans 6. Rationalisation for Small Finance Banks 7. Enhanced Disclosure & Reporting
PFRDA Introduces ‘NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme’
Source: Business Standard Why in News? The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has allowed the launch of the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme as a Proof of Concept (PoC) under its Regulatory Sandbox Framework, marking a first attempt to integrate health-related benefits with India’s pension system. What is the NPS Swasthya Pension Scheme? Key Objectives Key Features of the Pilot Scheme 1. Regulatory Sandbox & PoC 2. Partial Withdrawals for Medical Needs 3. Premature Exit for Critical Treatment 4. Transfer from Existing NPS Accounts 5. Exit Safeguards
PFRDA sets up SAARG to Modernise NPS Investment Framework
Source: TOI Why in News? The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has constituted a high-level expert committee to overhaul and modernise the investment framework of the National Pension System (NPS) in line with global best practices. About the Committee Mandate of SAARG Core Objectives Composition of the Panel The committee includes experts from:
Buyforex Secures In-Principle PSP Approval at GIFT IFSC
Source: TH Why in News? In January 2026, Buyforex, a wholly owned entity of EbixCash World Money (subsidiary of Eraaya Lifespaces Ltd.), received in-principle approval for Payment Service Provider (PSP) authorisation from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) at GIFT IFSC. Key Significance What is a Payment Service Provider (PSP)? A Payment Service Provider (PSP) is an entity authorised by a financial regulator to offer, facilitate, and manage payment services, including digital payments, e-money, merchant payments, and cross-border fund transfers, in a regulated and secure manner. PSP Authorisation in India Regulatory Authorities Permitted Services under PSP Approval Buyforex is authorised to provide four regulated payment services:
President inaugurates Granth Kutir at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Source: TH Why in News? In January 2026, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated “Granth Kutir”, a cultural and literary space at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, aimed at preserving and showcasing India’s rich intellectual and literary heritage. About Granth Kutir Key Objectives Classical Languages Represented
