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What is Rangarajan Poverty Line?

Why in the News? After the C. Rangarajan Committee (2014) set India’s last official poverty line, economists from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have now revisited and updated the estimates using new household consumption data from Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022–23. Evolution of Poverty Measurement in India: Planning Commission (1962): â‚ą20 (rural) and… Continue reading What is Rangarajan Poverty Line?

What are Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLP)?

Why in the News? For centuries, astronomers and observers have recorded strange, short-lived visual events on the Moon’s surface, known as Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLPs). About Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLPs): What is it: Short-lived flashes, glows, or hazy patches observed on the Moon’s surface, lasting seconds to several hours before fading. Observation History: Reported for… Continue reading What are Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLP)?

Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) to be classified as new species by IUCN

Why in the News? The IUCN has separately evaluated the Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) from the gray wolf, suggesting it may be recognised as a distinct Canis species. About Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes): Overview: Also called the Peninsular Wolf or Indian Grey Wolf; proposed as Canis indica owing to genetic divergence 110,000–200,000 years… Continue reading Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) to be classified as new species by IUCN

Arsenic Toxicity in Rice Cultivation

Why in the News? A recent study has revealed that the composition of microbial communities in rice paddies critically determines the buildup of arsenic compounds in rice grains. Arsenic Toxicity in Agriculture: Overview: Arsenic (As) is a potent carcinogen and phytotoxin, bioaccumulating in rice and posing severe health and agronomic risks in Asian paddies. Mechanism… Continue reading Arsenic Toxicity in Rice Cultivation

What are Green Crackers?

Why in the News? The Supreme Court of India has temporarily permitted the sale and bursting of green crackers in the Delhi–NCR region from October 18 to 21 for Diwali celebrations. Background and Judicial Origin: Trigger: Severe air pollution episodes during Diwali (2016–2017) pushed Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) beyond 500, creating a public-health emergency.… Continue reading What are Green Crackers?

[18th October 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Better global governance led by China and India

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2023] Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO.” In the light of the above statement, point out the role of India in mitigating problems. Linkage: This PYQ is important as it tests India’s diplomatic balance within the SCO, amid regional rivalries. The article connects by showing how the Xi–Modi… Continue reading [18th October 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Better global governance led by China and India

Gorkhaland statehood, Government names ex-DY NSA as interlocutor

Introduction India’s federal architecture is unique: it allows the creation of new states to accommodate cultural, linguistic, administrative, or developmental aspirations under Article 3 of the Constitution. Yet, every statehood movement also reflects deeper struggles over identity, representation, and development. The Gorkhaland issue, revived by the Centre’s recent move to appoint an interlocutor, is one… Continue reading Gorkhaland statehood, Government names ex-DY NSA as interlocutor

Rising carbon dioxide levels

Introduction The atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚), the most significant greenhouse gas responsible for climate change, has increased by a record amount between 2023 and 2024, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The global average COâ‚‚ concentration reached 423.9 parts per million (ppm) in 2024, 3.5 ppm higher than in 2023, representing the… Continue reading Rising carbon dioxide levels

Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A

Why in the News? Defence Minister inaugurated the third production line of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Nashik. About Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A: Overview: Single-engine, 4.5-generation, supersonic multirole fighter aircraft developed indigenously under India’s LCA programme. Developers: Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of DRDO and produced… Continue reading Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A

Taftan Volcano, Iran 

Why in the News? New satellite data in Geophysical Research Letters (October 2025) shows Iran’s Taftan volcano, dormant for 710,000 years, is reactivating. About Taftan Volcano: Location: Situated in southeastern Iran, about 56 km from the Pakistan border, within the Makran continental volcanic arc. Elevation: Rises to 3,940 metres (12,927 feet), Iran’s only active volcano… Continue reading Taftan Volcano, Iran 

UN Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP)

Why in the News? India has been elected as Co-Chair of the Regional Committee of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) for a three-year term till 2028. About UN-GGIM-Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP): Objective: Maximises social, economic, and environmental benefits of geospatial data through regional collaboration, innovation, and… Continue reading UN Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP)

Blackbuck Re-Introduction in Chhattisgarh

Why in the News? Chhattisgarh launched a five-year Blackbuck Reintroduction Plan (2021–2026) at Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary to revive the species after 50 years of local extinction. Blackbucks have vanished from Chhattisgarh by the 1970s, primarily due to poaching, habitat loss, and grassland encroachment. About the Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra): Habitat: Native to India and Nepal, commonly… Continue reading Blackbuck Re-Introduction in Chhattisgarh

Restoring fiscal space for the states

Introduction India’s fiscal federalism has long been guided by the principle of cooperative balance, where both the Centre and States share resources, responsibilities, and accountability. However, the post-GST era has altered this equilibrium. The recent merger of the GST compensation cess with regular tax marks a watershed moment, ending an era of fiscal cushioning for… Continue reading Restoring fiscal space for the states

Carbon Di-oxide Levels in 2024 set new records: WMO

Why in the News? The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) concentrations reached a record 423.9 ppm in 2024, marking the highest annual increase (3.5 ppm) since global measurements began in 1957. About WMO Report 2025: Publisher: Issued by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN specialised agency for weather, climate, and… Continue reading Carbon Di-oxide Levels in 2024 set new records: WMO

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

Why in the News? The 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting was recently held in Kampala, Uganda. About the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Overview: A grouping of states not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc, established to uphold sovereignty, independence, and neutrality during the Cold War. Formation: Founded in 1961 at Belgrade,… Continue reading Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

CG HC upholds cancellation of Forest Rights of Villagers

Why in the News? The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the cancellation of Community Forest Rights (CFRs) granted to villagers of Ghatbarra in the Hasdeo Arand forest, an area where Adani Enterprises–linked coal mines operate. Background of the Case: Dispute Origin: The District-Level Committee (DLC) revoked CFR titles in 2016, citing that… Continue reading CG HC upholds cancellation of Forest Rights of Villagers

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