The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated steps to de-list 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that have not contested elections in the last six years and whose offices could not be physically located.
Political Party Registration in India
Constitutional and Legal Basis:Article 19(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to form associations, which includes the formation of political parties.
The Representation of the People Act, 1951, under Section 29A, empowers the Election Commission of India (ECI) to register political parties.
Maharashtra has withdrawn its plan to implement the three-language policy for Classes 1 to 5 in State government schools following strong opposition from academics, activists, and political parties.
What is the three-language formula?
The three-language formula was first proposed by the Kothari Commission (1964–66) and formally adopted in the 1968 National Policy on Education (NPE) under the Indira Gandhi government, aimed to promote linguistic diversity and national unity.
National Education Policy (NEP, 2020) retains the three-language formula but offers greater flexibility, ensuring no language is imposed.
The older policy mandated the study of Hindi, English, and a modern Indian language (preferably a South Indian language) in Hindi-speaking states, and Hindi, English, and the regional language in non-Hindi-speaking states.
In contrast, NEP 2020 offers more flexibility, stating that no language will be imposed on any state.
India’s external debt rose to $736.3 billion, or 19.1 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), at the end of March 2025 from $668.8 billion, or 18.5 per cent of GDP, a year ago.
Key trends in India's External Debt
The long-term debt at end-March 2025 was placed at $601.9 billion, an increase of $60.6 billion over its level at end-March 2024.
The share of short-term debt in total external debt declined to 18.3 per cent at end-March 2025 from 19.1 per cent at end-March 2024.
However, the ratio of short-term debt (original maturity) to foreign exchange reserves increased to 20.1 per cent at the end of FY25.
The debt structure:Loans (34 per cent) remained the largest component of external debt, followed by currency and deposits (22.8 per cent), trade credit and advances (17.8 per cent), and debt securities (17.7 per cent).
Delhi is set to launch its first-ever cloud seeding trial to combat its persistent air pollution through artificial rain. The initiative is coordinated by IIT Kanpur and IMD Pune.
Advantages of Cloud Seeding
Air Pollution Mitigation: In cities like Delhi, artificial rain can wash down particulate matter and other pollutants, providing temporary relief from severe air pollution.
Drought Mitigation and Water Resource Augmentation: States like Maharashtra and Karnataka have used cloud seeding to combat water shortages (e.g., "Project Meghdoot" and "Varshadhari").
Forest Fire Control: By increasing moisture levels, cloud seeding can potentially reduce the risk and intensity of wildfires.
Science-backed Intervention: Several countries like China, Thailand, UAE, and USA (Texas, Nevada) use cloud seeding for weather control, drought mitigation, and even clearing skies during major events (e.g., 2008 Beijing Olympics).
India’s Defence Minister gifted a Madhubani painting to his Chinese counterpart during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China.
About the Madhubani Painting
Origin: Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila painting, originated in the Madhubani district of Bihar’s Mithila region.
Technique: Traditionally painted by women using fingers, twigs, nib-pens, matchsticks, and brushes. Natural dyes and pigments are used, producing bright earthy colours.
Distinctive Features: Known for eye-catching geometrical patterns, two-dimensional imagery, and complete coverage — no empty spaces.
Themes: Depicts Hindu deities (Krishna, Rama, Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati), celestial bodies (Sun, Moon), sacred plants (Tulsi), court and wedding scenes, and motifs of flowers, animals, and birds.
