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What is the potential of Biochar?

As India gears up to launch its carbon market in 2026, biochar, a carbon-rich material made from agricultural and organic waste, is gaining attention as a sustainable solution for carbon capture and waste management. Despite its immense potential, biochar remains underutilised due to lack of policy support, market structures and awareness. What is Biochar and… Continue reading What is the potential of Biochar?

Sleeping disasters: Cloudbursts

Cloud Burst: A cloudburst is an extremely intense, localized shower, defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as at least 100 mm of rain within one hour over 10 sq km. These events occur due to deep, rapid atmospheric uplift over steep terrain, typical of high-altitude Himalayan regions. They can trigger sudden flash floods and landslides, devastating communities… Continue reading Sleeping disasters: Cloudbursts

In News: Great Barrier Reef

Why in the News? The Great Barrier Reef is facing its sharpest coral decline in 40 years, with the 2024 mass bleaching—driven by climate change, cyclones, and coral predators—severely damaging large reef areas. About Great Barrier Reef: Location: Coral Sea, off the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia. Length & Area: Extends ~2,300 km; comprises ~3,000… Continue reading In News: Great Barrier Reef

Bacterial cause behind Mass Starfish Deaths

Why in the News? Since 2013, over 5 billion starfish have died along North America’s Pacific coast due to a wasting disease now linked to Vibrio pectenicida, a cholera-related bacterium. About Starfish (Sea Stars): Taxonomy: Belong to phylum Echinodermata; exclusively marine organisms. Species: Brisingida, Forcipulatida, Velatida, Valvatida, Spinuloside Body Structure: Radial symmetry (adults), bilateral symmetry… Continue reading Bacterial cause behind Mass Starfish Deaths

In news: Lalit Kala Akademi 

Why in the News? The 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA), organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art, was inaugurated in New Delhi. About Lalit Kala Akademi: Establishment: Located in New Delhi, as an autonomous organisation. Inauguration: Launched on 5 August 1954 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Minister for… Continue reading In news: Lalit Kala Akademi 

[6th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The technocratic calculus of India’s welfare state

The promise to deliver social welfare at scale, using data-driven algorithms, may be at the cost of ‘democratic norms’ and ‘political accountability’ India’s welfare model is undergoing a silent but radical transformation. What was once a deliberative system grounded in rights and citizen needs is now morphing into a technocratic model governed by data, code,… Continue reading [6th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The technocratic calculus of India’s welfare state

Rhisotope Project

Why in the News? In a move to combat rhino poaching, the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has launched the Rhisotope Project. What is Rhisotope Project?  Launched By: University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Initiation: Concept… Continue reading Rhisotope Project

What is Ayurveda Aahara?

Why in the News? To align ancient Indian diets with modern nutrition, FSSAI and the Ministry of Ayush have released an official list of food items under the Ayurveda Aahara category. About Ayurveda Aahara: Definition: Refers to food products based on Ayurvedic dietary principles—focused on balance, seasonality, and natural, therapeutic ingredients. Objective: Ensures standardisation, safety,… Continue reading What is Ayurveda Aahara?

Asset Under Management (AUM)

Why in the News? India’s Mutual Fund (MF) industry has witnessed exponential growth, with Assets Under Management (AUM) reaching ₹74.40 lakh crore as of June 2025, a sevenfold increase over the past decade. What are Assets Under Management (AUM)? Definition: AUM refers to the total market value of financial assets (stocks, bonds, etc.) managed by… Continue reading Asset Under Management (AUM)

A Crisis of Trust in Electoral Democracy: The Need for a Transparent and Impartial Election Commission

As questions emerge over the conduct of elections in India, restoring faith in the Election Commission is crucial to safeguarding democratic legitimacy. Context and Relevance (GS2 – Polity and Governance, Constitutional Bodies): The Election Commission of India (ECI), a constitutionally mandated body under Article 324, is once again in the spotlight. Following the 2024 general… Continue reading A Crisis of Trust in Electoral Democracy: The Need for a Transparent and Impartial Election Commission

Sawalkote Hydro Project

Why in the News? After suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, India is asserting water control in J&K by reviving the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project — the UT’s largest planned hydro project. About Sawalkote Hydro Project: Location: Ramban and Udhampur districts, Jammu and Kashmir. River: Built on the Chenab River (a western river under the Indus Waters… Continue reading Sawalkote Hydro Project

Blockchain-verified Quantum Randomness for Secure Communication

Why in the News? A recent breakthrough demonstrated use of quantum science, blockchain, and cryptography to create truly random and secure numbers used in encryption for secure communication. About the Technology: Encryption: Converts readable data into unreadable code using a “key”; only someone with the correct key can decrypt the message. Importance of Randomness: Secure… Continue reading Blockchain-verified Quantum Randomness for Secure Communication

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