EdMe Daily
No. 215 stories
Environment & Science
India's Climate Budget 2026-27: Balancing Decarbonization and Export Competitiveness
The Union Budget 2026-27 allocates ₹20,000 crore for Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and scales up rooftop solar funding to ₹22,000 crore, reflecting India's dual focus on climate action and industrial competitiveness amid EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
- Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) receives ₹20,000 crore over five years, marking India's entry into pilot phase for this expensive technology critical for hard-to-abate sectors like steel and cement.
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana sees a 29% increase to ₹22,000 crore for rooftop solar, addressing land pressure and transmission losses while reducing household energy costs, though discom cooperation remains a challenge.
- EU's CBAM makes industrial decarbonization an export imperative, with steel and aluminium constituting 80% of India's CBAM-exposed exports to the EU, linking climate policy directly to trade competitiveness.
Polity & Governance
Substantive Motion Threat Against Rahul Gandhi: Parliamentary Privileges and Constitutional Provisions
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey plans to move a Substantive Motion in Lok Sabha seeking Rahul Gandhi's expulsion for alleged misconduct, invoking Article 105 of the Constitution, which could test parliamentary privileges and opposition rights.
Polity & Governance
Andhra Pradesh Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s Following Australia's Model
Andhra Pradesh is exploring a ban on social media for children under 16, inspired by Australia's recent legislation, aiming to address mental health concerns and online safety.
Polity & GovernanceGS2
MPLADS Controversy Highlights Need for Governance Reforms in MP-Led Development Schemes
Recent allegations of MPLADS fund misuse by Rajasthan MPs have reignited debates about the scheme's effectiveness, with data showing mixed utilization patterns and calls for improved transparency rather than discontinuation.
Supreme Court recognizes menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right under Article 21, mandates school facilities
The Supreme Court has ruled that access to menstrual hygiene is a fundamental right under Article 21, directing all schools to provide free sanitary napkins, functional toilets, and menstrual hygiene education to ensure substantive equality in education.
PMO bars Lok Sabha questions on PM CARES Fund citing parliamentary rules
The PMO has directed Lok Sabha Secretariat to disallow questions on PM CARES Fund, PMNRF and NDF under Rule 41(2) of Lok Sabha rules, citing their voluntary public contribution status, raising governance transparency concerns.
International RelationsGS2
Bangladesh's Political Shift: Jamaat-e-Islami Gains Amid Awami League Ban
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won the recent elections with 209 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats, its highest tally since independence, marking a significant political shift following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League.
India's Diplomatic Reset with Bangladesh Post-BNP Election Victory
Prime Minister Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman on his electoral win, signaling India's intent to reset bilateral ties strained under the caretaker government and navigate challenges like extradition demands and regional security concerns.
India-Bangladesh Relations: Modi's Outreach to BNP Chief After Landslide Victory
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BNP chief Tarique Rahman on his party's decisive victory in Bangladesh's elections, signaling a potential shift in India-Bangladesh relations amidst strained ties and unresolved bilateral issues.
India-Canada Relations: Strategic Reset in Higher Education and Immigration Policies
Canada seeks to rebuild trust with India amid tightened student visa policies, highlighting the geopolitical and economic implications of international student mobility.
EconomyGS3
FPI Resurgence, Net Zero Investment Gap, and Crude Oil Diversification: Economic Trends Analysis
February 2026 marks a resurgence in FPI inflows into Indian equities, while Niti Aayog highlights a $8 trillion investment gap for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, and India diversifies crude oil imports amid US trade negotiations.
Gold Price Surge Reflects Global Economic Instability and De-dollarization Trends
Gold prices crossed $5,000 per ounce due to geopolitical tensions, US dollar instability, and central bank stockpiling, highlighting global economic uncertainties and the shift away from dollar dominance.
Income Tax Department leverages GST data to widen direct tax base and improve compliance
The Income Tax department plans to utilize GST data to identify tax evaders and enhance voluntary compliance, aiming to offset moderated revenue growth following recent tax rate cuts.
India-EU FTA: Agriculture Exclusion and Subsidy Dynamics in Trade Negotiations
India's exclusion of agriculture from the EU FTA negotiations reflects livelihood protection for 146 million farm holdings and addresses subsidy disparities, with India's negative Producer Support Estimate contrasting sharply with EU and US farm subsidies.
Union Budget 2026: Measures to Counter US Tariffs and Boost Labour-Intensive Sectors
The Union Budget 2026 introduced targeted measures to mitigate the impact of US tariffs on India's labour-intensive sectors, focusing on SEZs, textile modernization, duty structure reforms, and container manufacturing to enhance global trade competitiveness.