Q4(c). Why were the following persons/places in news recently? Kapil Sibal; River Yamuna in Delhi; Mukesh and Anil Ambani; Indian Institute of Disaster Management; Satyam; Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC); Khap; Joshi

Kapil Sibal

Kapil Sibal was in news for launching the national platform “Insaaf” (2023) to support citizens in constitutional battles. As a senior advocate, he appeared in key cases such as the Electoral Bonds Judgment (2024), the Article 370 challenge, and the case on Appointment of Election Commissioners, where the Supreme Court upheld independent processes. Politically, his criticisms of central institutions and his role in Rajya Sabha debates also kept him in the national spotlight. In Haryana, several youth groups supported his “Insaaf” digital initiative.

River Yamuna in Delhi

The Yamuna was in news due to toxic foam, rising pollution, and the 2023 Delhi floods. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Delhi contributes 76% of Yamuna’s total pollution load despite covering only 2% of its stretch. Untreated sewage from the Najafgarh drain, industrial effluents, and encroachment worsen the river’s health. Haryana’s release from Hathinikund Barrage especially during monsoon caused water levels in Delhi to reach the highest in 45 years (208.66 m).

Mukesh and Anil Ambani

Mukesh Ambani remained in news for Reliance’s expansion into 5G, green hydrogen, and its retail dominance. His succession planning involving his children’s leadership also made headlines.

Anil Ambani resurfaced due to NCLT insolvency proceedings against Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Communications. The Supreme Court had earlier directed settlement of dues to international investors. In Haryana, Reliance Retail expanded its supply chain hubs in Jhajjar and Gurugram, creating thousands of jobs.

Indian Institute of Disaster Management

The institute was highlighted for training programmes under the National Disaster Management Plan (2019), especially climate disaster preparedness, urban flooding, and earthquake response. It collaborated with NDMA for community-based early warning systems. Haryana officials attended its programmes to improve management of Yamuna flooding, heatwaves in Hisar, and industrial accidents in Gurugram–Faridabad.

Satyam

The Satyam scam (2009) returned to public debate during discussions on strengthening corporate governance after SEBI’s 2023 crackdown on fraudulent auditing practices. Courts reaffirmed that Satyam remains India’s largest corporate accounting fraud, prompting reforms under the Companies Act 2013, mandatory auditing rotation, and stricter disclosures. The case is often taught across management institutes including those in Haryana (MDU, Kurukshetra University).

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)

DMRC gained attention for Phase-IV expansion, the introduction of driverless trains, and integration with the Delhi–Meerut RRTS. It was lauded internationally for energy savings under the UN Clean Development Mechanism, preventing 6.3 lakh tonnes of CO₂ annually. Haryana’s Faridabad, Bahadurgarh and Gurugram directly benefit from Delhi Metro expansions.

Khap

Khaps in Haryana and western UP were in news over positions on honour killings, same-gotra marriages, and political statements. The Supreme Court in Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018) held that any khap diktat violating individual liberty is illegal. Haryana Police set up special cells to monitor honour-related crimes due to khap influence in districts like Rohtak and Hisar.

Joshi

In 2023–24, Shekhar Joshi, an eminent Hindi writer known for works on Himalayan society, passed away, receiving national attention. Additionally, Arvind Joshi, senior IAS officer, appeared in news for administrative reforms. Haryana’s literary bodies honoured Joshi’s legacy through state-level Sahitya awards and cultural events.