![Illustration about Environment & Ecology: The [Supreme Court of India] has directed the Union Government to conduct a nationwide survey to ensure the unhindered m](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-08-18%2Fno-state-can-block-traditional-routes-of-elephants-supreme-court-b76877eb.png&w=1200&q=75)
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No State can block traditional routes of elephants: Supreme Court
The [Supreme Court of India] has directed the Union Government to conduct a nationwide survey to ensure the unhindered movement of wild elephant herds across their traditional corridors. The Court emphasized that no state can block these migratory paths, asserting that human-animal conflict must be addressed through alternative solutions rather than creating obstacles.
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Amendment to Taxation Act, Payment and Settlement Systems Act get President’s assent
The President has given assent to two significant legislative changes: the [Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2026], and an amendment to the [Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007]. These amendments aim to attract foreign capital, boost domestic electronics manufacturing, provide process certainty for fund managers and foreign cloud companies, and establish a legal framework for modifying the zero-MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) regime on UPI and RuPay transactions.
Must ReadBoosting connectivity with Russia: India plans to send first cargo ship along Northern Sea Route in 2027
India is aiming to send its first cargo ship via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in 2027, marking a significant development in its maritime logistics and bilateral relations with Russia. This initiative, discussed at the recent 'Arctic-Regions' Forum, highlights India's strategic interest in diversifying trade routes and accessing the resource-rich Russian Arctic, facilitated by the changing climate and the potential signing of an MoU with Russia's [Rosatom].
Read on Economic TimesDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Economy: According to data from the [Ministry of Commerce and Industry], India's tanker exports experienced a massive surge, incr](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-08-18%2Findias-tanker-exports-surge-over-six-fold-to-usd-136-billion-in-q1-fy27-uae-leads-8e04f9a8.png&w=1200&q=75)
ImportantIndia's tanker exports surge over six-fold to USD 1.36 billion in Q1 FY27; UAE leads
According to data from the [Ministry of Commerce and Industry], India's tanker exports experienced a massive surge, increasing over six-fold to reach USD 1.36 billion in the first quarter of FY27 (April-June 2026). The [United Arab Emirates] (UAE) emerged as the largest destination for these exports, followed by Singapore.
Read on Economic TimesDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Social Issues: A joint report by the [World Health Organization] and [UNICEF] has revealed severe gaps in basic sanitation services in](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-08-18%2Fonly-40-of-worlds-health-facilities-meet-basic-sanitation-standards-un-44a56a0e.png&w=1200&q=75)
ImportantOnly 40% of world’s health facilities meet basic sanitation standards: UN
A joint report by the [World Health Organization] and [UNICEF] has revealed severe gaps in basic sanitation services in healthcare facilities globally. The report indicates that only 40% of such facilities worldwide meet basic sanitation standards, highlighting a critical infrastructure deficit, particularly in poorer nations and regions like sub-Saharan Africa.
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Must ReadBangladesh does not want ties with India to deteriorate over Teesta: Minister
Bangladesh has expressed a strong desire to finalize the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement with India, emphasizing that it does not want bilateral relations to deteriorate over the issue. Dhaka is simultaneously pursuing a comprehensive river management project for the Teesta, notably seeking technical and financial assistance from China, which has raised strategic concerns for New Delhi given the region's proximity to the sensitive Siliguri Corridor.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Environment & Ecology: A recent performance audit by the [Comptroller and Auditor General] (CAG) of the [Green India Mission] (GIM) revealed si](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-08-18%2Flosing-forest-for-trees-on-the-cags-audit-of-the-green-india-mission-5ea9566c.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadLosing forest for trees: On the CAG’s audit of the Green India Mission
A recent performance audit by the [Comptroller and Auditor General] (CAG) of the [Green India Mission] (GIM) revealed significant shortfalls in achieving its afforestation and forest quality improvement targets over the past decade. The editorial critiques the government's approach of focusing on tree-planting numbers, such as through the [Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam] initiative, rather than holistic forest ecosystem restoration, highlighting a growing disparity between reported green cover and true forest health.
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ImportantTaxing ‘frivolous’ industries will not fund India’s science
This editorial argues against the notion of funding scientific research in India by imposing taxes on 'frivolous' industries like sports (e.g., IPL) or entertainment. The author contends that such a zero-sum approach is economically flawed and that the real constraints on Indian science funding are bureaucratic inefficiencies, restrictive procurement rules, and excessive regulations, rather than a lack of capital per se.
Must ReadCan Bangladesh extradite Sheikh Hasina under the treaty with India? | Explained
Bangladesh has requested the extradition of its deposed Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, from India, citing her conviction for crimes against humanity by a domestic tribunal following a violent political uprising in August 2024. The request is based on the 2013 India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty.
ImportantMatch AI models to workloads, not leaderboards
The article critiques the AI industry's focus on model leaderboard rankings, arguing that enterprises must prioritise matching specific AI models to their distinct workload requirements. It highlights the strategic importance of choosing between closed APIs, self-hosted open-weight models, and managed inference platforms based on factors like data residency, security, and operational complexity, particularly in the context of India's push for 'token sovereignty'.
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