Context: India’s IPO market has touched historic highs, raising about ₹3.8 lakh crore through 701 IPOs during 2024–25, surpassing the total capital raised in the previous four years combined. This reflects strong investor confidence, deepening capital markets, and robust corporate fundraising. About Initial Public Offering (IPO) An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the process by which a private company offers its shares to the public for the first time, raising equity capital and becoming a publicly listed company on stock exchanges such as National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Types of IPOs in India Fixed Price Issue Book Building Issue (Most common in India) Stages of an IPO Process 1. Preparation & Due Diligence 2. DRHP Filing 3. Pricing & Bidding 4. Basis of Allotment 5. Listing
New Soil-dwelling Micro-arthropod Species Neelus sikkimensis
Context: In December 2025, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) announced the discovery of a new soil-dwelling micro-arthropod species, Neelus sikkimensis, from the high-altitude regions of Sikkim.This marks the first record of the genus Neelus in India. The discovery was published in the Journal of the Entomological Research Society. Key Highlights of the Discovery Key Features of Neelus sikkimensis Ecological Significance
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
Context: The Centre is considering a major expansion of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) by allocating over ₹1 trillion in the upcoming Union Budget to strengthen post-harvest infrastructure and reduce crop losses, especially in perishable produce. About the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Government of India to provide medium- to long-term debt financing for the creation of post-harvest and community farming infrastructure. Objectives of AIF Key Features Key Features of the AIF 1. Fund Size 2. Eligible Projects AIF supports infrastructure such as: Eligible Beneficiaries
India’s Resolution on ‘Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires’ Adopted at UNEA-7
Source: PIB Context: India’s resolution on “Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires” was adopted at the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held in Nairobi, Kenya. The adoption reflects broad international consensus on the growing global threat posed by wildfires and the need for coordinated international action. Why Wildfires Are a Global Concern India cited UNEP’s report “Spreading Like Wildfire”, which projects: These projections underscore wildfires as a long-term, climate-driven global risk. Key Provisions of the Resolution 1. Strengthened International Cooperation 2. Enhanced Regional and Global Collaboration 3. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building 4. Support for National and Regional Action Plans 5. Improved Access to International Finance United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Established: Headquarters:
Diving Support Craft (DSC) A20
Source: PIB Context: The Indian Navy will commission DSC A20, its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Craft (DSC), at Kochi, marking a significant milestone in India’s naval self-reliance and underwater operational capability. About Diving Support Craft (DSC) A20 DSC A20 is a purpose-built naval auxiliary vessel designed to support underwater diving operations, including inspection, repair and salvage activities in coastal and near-shore waters. Developed by Objectives
Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999
Context: Indian residents who ask friends, associates, or agents abroad to make initial payments (10–20%) for overseas purchases—such as artwork, luxury watches, or real estate—risk violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), even if the transactions are genuine. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recently issued notices highlighting this issue, invoking Section 3(a) of FEMA. Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 is India’s primary law governing foreign exchange transactions, external trade, and cross-border capital flows. It replaced the more restrictive Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973. In Force Since Administered By Objectives of FEMA Key Features of FEMA 1. Civil Law Framework 2. Classification of Transactions FEMA divides forex transactions into two categories: a) Current Account Transactions b) Capital Account Transactions Regulatory Powers under FEMA Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Central Government Directorate of Enforcement (ED) Key Concepts under FEMA Difference Between FEMA and FERA Aspect FERA (1973) FEMA (1999) Approach Restrictive Facilitative Nature of law Criminal Civil Focus Conservation of forex Management of forex Presumption Guilty unless proven innocent Innocent unless proven guilty Economic context Closed economy Liberalised economy
SEBI Mandates Two Executive Directors to Strengthen Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs)
Source: ET Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has notified a comprehensive leadership and governance framework for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs)—including stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories—to strengthen oversight, accountability and risk management. What Are MIIs? MIIs are systemically important entities that provide the core infrastructure for capital markets, such as: They play a critical role in ensuring market integrity, investor protection and financial stability. Key Features of the New SEBI Framework Mandatory Appointment of Two Executive Directors (EDs) SEBI has mandated that every MII must appoint: Both EDs will be full-time and will sit on the governing board of the MII. Transparent Appointment Process Strengthened Reporting and Oversight Revised Internal Reporting Structure
Centre Increases Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Copra
Source: BS Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for the 2026 market season, providing price assurance to coconut farmers amid rising input costs. Revised MSP for Copra (2026 Season) What is Copra? Coconut is a major plantation crop in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and parts of the North-East. Copra converts perishable coconuts into a value-added, shelf-stable product. Copra is the dried kernel (white meat) of mature coconuts. It is obtained by drying fresh coconut kernels either: Once dried, copra becomes a storable and tradable agricultural commodity. What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?
11th COSP to the UN Convention Against Corruption Held in Doha, Qatar
Context: The 11th edition of the Conference of the States Parties (COSP-11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was held from December 15–19, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. COSP is the world’s largest global anti-corruption conference, serving as the main policy-making body of UNCAC. Hosting & Organisation Key Outcomes of COSP-11 Doha Declaration 2025 Resolutions Adopted
Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025
Context: The President of India has granted assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, which was passed during the Winter Session of Parliament, marking a major reform in India’s civil nuclear energy governance. About the SHANTI Act, 2025 A comprehensive and unified legislation governing India’s civil nuclear sector.It replaces: and creates a single integrated framework for: Aim Key Features of the Act 1. Opening the Nuclear Sector to Non-Government Entities 2. Revised Nuclear Liability Framework 3. Change in Operator’s Right of Recourse 4. Expanded Territorial Jurisdiction for Claims 5. Statutory Status to Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) 6. Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council
