How the rupee’s fall is ‘real’ this time

Introduction The rupee’s depreciation in late 2024 and 2025 has raised concerns not merely because of its nominal slide but because the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) also shows a downward trend. Unlike previous years, when inflation differentials kept the rupee “overvalued,” the REER for 2024-25 has fallen below 100, indicating undervaluation and revealing deeper… Continue reading

Samudrayaan Mission

Why in the News? Key tests for Samudrayaan, India’s first manned deep-ocean submersible, have been delayed due to the late procurement of syntactic foam cladding from France. The crucial 500-metre test dive is now expected by mid-2025 (around April). What is syntactic foam? A special composite material made of hollow micro-balloons embedded in resin. Provides… Continue reading

Rustic Bunting Spotted in NCR for the First Time

Why in the News? A Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) — a rare migratory passerine bird — was spotted for the first time in the National Capital Region (NCR) at Najafgarh Jheel (Delhi–Gurugram border) on 28 November 2025. About Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) General Features Passerine bird, slightly larger than a sparrow. Distinctive markings: Males: black… Continue reading

MH-60R Seahawk Follow-On Support Deal

Why in the News? India on 28 November 2025 signed a ₹7,995-crore follow-on support package with the United States for the Indian Navy’s fleet of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The deal comes amid recent tensions after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Key Highlights of the Deal Signed under: U.S. Foreign Military Sales… Continue reading

[29th November 2025] The Hindu OpED: The impartiality of a nominated Governor

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2022] Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. Linkage: The question is directly linked to ongoing concerns of Governors delaying assent and re-promulgating ordinances, reflecting fears of an overstepping “interfering… Continue reading

SC ruling on post-facto clearances sets environmental law back by decades

Introduction The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a preventive system requiring environmental clearance before a project begins. In 2025, the Supreme Court’s Vanashakti judgment banned all post-facto clearances as unconstitutional. In a new 2:1 ruling, the Court has now recalled that decision, warning that continuing the ban would cause “devastating” consequences and jeopardise major public… Continue reading

India’s disaster response, a slippery slope for federalism

Introduction The Wayanad tragedy of July 2024, claiming nearly 300 lives and destroying thousands of homes, revealed deep weaknesses in India’s disaster financing structure. Though Kerala estimated losses at ₹20,820 crore, the Union approved only ₹260 crore, signalling a widening disconnect between State needs and Union allocations. As climate disasters intensify, India’s disaster-risk financing model… Continue reading

Tex-RAMPS Scheme

Why in the News? The Government of India approved a new scheme called Tex-RAMPS to strengthen research, data systems, innovation, and competitiveness in India’s textiles sector. The scheme aligns with India’s push to make its textiles ecosystem future-ready, technologically advanced, and globally competitive. What is Tex-RAMPS? Tex-RAMPS = Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and… Continue reading

[28th November 2025] Hindu OpED Are the labour codes labour friendly

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2024] Discuss the merits and demerits of the four ‘Labour Codes’ in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard? Linkage: The article’s debate on worker protection vs. industry flexibility directly reflects the merits and demerits raised in this PYQ. It also… Continue reading

Without great powers on board, G20 is a drift

Introduction The G20 emerged from the ashes of the 2008 crisis as the principal platform steering global financial stability, representing both advanced and rising powers. Over time, however, geopolitical rifts, protectionist shifts, and weakened multilateralism have steadily eroded its efficacy. The absence of great powers, divergent national priorities, and competing minilaterals now raise questions about… Continue reading

Is Macaulay to blame for the colonial mindset or is he a convenient in politics?

INTRODUCTION The original article presents two contrasting viewpoints on the legacy of Thomas Babington Macaulay and the larger question of whether India still carries a “colonial mindset.” One side argues that India must overcome colonial-era mental frameworks in governance and education, while the other contends that modern education, introduced during Macaulay’s era, opened unprecedented avenues… Continue reading

International Astronomical Union (IAU)

Why in the news? A 3.5-billion-year-old Martian crater has been named after Indian geologist M.S. Krishnan. The naming was approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Several other names proposed by Kerala scientists for Martian landforms were also approved. About the Martian Crater Estimated to be 3.5 billion years old, dating back to Mars’ early… Continue reading

Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme & BRIC

Why in the news? At the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the growing importance of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme and India’s rising biotech innovation ecosystem. Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme It is one of the programmes launched under the National Initiative for Developing and… Continue reading

Israel to Bring Remaining 5,800 Bnei Menashe Jews From Northeast India

Why in the news? On 23 November 2025, Israel approved a major plan to bring all remaining 5,800 members of the Bnei Menashe Jewish community from Northeast India by 2030. This marks a significant step in the decades-long Aliyah (immigration to Israel) process. Who are the Bnei Menashe? Indigenous community from Manipur and Mizoram. Claim… Continue reading

Hawfinch Sighting in Jim Corbett National Park

Why in the news? A Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), a bird species native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, was recorded on 23 November in the Dhela zone of Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand. This is considered a vagrant bird sighting. About Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) Family: Fringillidae (Finches) Size: ~18 cm Wingspan: 29–33 cm Distinctive… Continue reading

Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project

Why in the news? Karnataka has decided to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery River. The Supreme Court termed Tamil Nadu’s challenge as “premature”, enabling the CWMA and CWC to examine the project. Location & River Mekedatu is located in Ramanagara district, ~100 km from Bengaluru.… Continue reading

[27th November 2025] Hindu OpED Limited room: On the Indian rupee

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2018] How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? Linkage: Protectionism and currency pressures weaken the rupee, widen the CAD, and raise imported inflation. This directly affects India’s macroeconomic stability, as seen in the article’s emphasis on dollar strength and RBI’s limited… Continue reading

Return of the G2: Trump, China and the mirage of a bipolar world

INTRODUCTION The reference to a “G2” resurfaced when US President Trump publicly announced that “The G2 will be convening shortly,” signalling a possible US-China duopoly in global decision-making. The Trump-Xi Busan meeting revived an older idea first articulated by economist C. Fred Bergsten in 2005. However, despite dramatic optics, the summit lacked institutional depth and… Continue reading

Bastar Olympics

Why in the news? The Bastar Olympics is a government-led sporting initiative in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, an area historically affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). It has become a symbol of normalisation, trust-building, and socio-cultural revival as Maoist influence recedes. What are the Bastar Olympics? A regional multi-sport event launched by the Chhattisgarh government. Conducted across… Continue reading

Ningaloo Reef Mass Coral Mortality

Why in the News? A new survey in 2025 shows that nearly 70% of corals in Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ningaloo Reef have died due to the most intense and prolonged marine heatwave on record. About Ningaloo Reef Located in Western Australia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the largest fringing reefs in the… Continue reading

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