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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 (CO₂) 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

Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) Initiative

Why in the News? The SAIME Initiative, developed by the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) in the Sundarbans of West Bengal, has been conferred Global Technical Recognition by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. What is SAIME Initiative? Concept: A multi-stakeholder partnership model integrating shrimp aquaculture with mangrove restoration in… Continue reading Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) Initiative

Akash Missile System 

Why in the News? India has pitched for the supply of the Akash missile system to Brazil. About Akash Missile System: Overview: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL). Type: A short-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) designed to defend against aircraft, UAVs, and helicopters. Operational Users: Inducted… Continue reading Akash Missile System 

[16th October 2025 ] The Hindu Op-ed: Navigating the global economic transformation

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2019] The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order. Linkage: The question reflects India’s shift from moral leadership to strategic pragmatism in global affairs. The article builds on this, urging India to… Continue reading [16th October 2025 ] The Hindu Op-ed: Navigating the global economic transformation

The future of the IMEC

Introduction In an era where connectivity defines power, the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) emerged as a visionary project connecting India’s western ports with Europe via the Arabian Peninsula. Envisaged as a multi-modal corridor encompassing maritime, rail, energy, and digital infrastructure, IMEC sought to integrate economies across continents while promoting peace and prosperity in a… Continue reading The future of the IMEC

Mission Drishti: World’s First Multi-sensor EO Satellite

Why in the News? Indian space-tech start-up GalaxEye, based in Bengaluru, has announced the upcoming launch of Mission Drishti, the world’s first multi-sensor Earth Observation (EO) satellite, in the first quarter of 2026. About Mission Drishti: Objective: To provide high-resolution, real-time geospatial intelligence for governments, defence, and industries across critical domains such as disaster management,… Continue reading Mission Drishti: World’s First Multi-sensor EO Satellite

IUCN Redlist Update of Indian Species

Why in the News? In the latest State of India’s Birds (SoIB) 2025 report and IUCN assessment, four bird species dependent on these ecosystems have been uplisted, reflecting alarming habitat loss and population decline. Bird Species Uplisted by IUCN: Indian Courser (Cursorius coromandelicus): Endemic to the Indian Subcontinent. Uplisted from Least Concern → Near Threatened… Continue reading IUCN Redlist Update of Indian Species

DRDO to extend Astra Mark 2’s range to 200 km

Why in the News? The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing an extended-range variant of the Astra Mark 2 beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile. Astra Mark 2 Missile: Overview: An indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile by the DRDO, enhancing the Indian Air Force’s long-range interception capability. Lineage: Successor to Astra Mark… Continue reading DRDO to extend Astra Mark 2’s range to 200 km

Naying Hydroelectric Project

Why in the News? The Naying Hydroelectric Project (1000 MW), proposed on the Siyom (Yomgo) River in Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh, represents a major addition to India’s clean energy expansion under the Decade of Hydro Power (2025–35). About Siyom (Yomgo) River: Geography: A right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra, flowing entirely within Arunachal Pradesh. Origin &… Continue reading Naying Hydroelectric Project

[15th October 2025 ] The Hindu Op-ed: Powering up the Australia-India clean energy partnership

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2022] Clean energy is the order of the day. Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. Linkage: The India–Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP) exemplifies India’s evolving climate diplomacy — shifting from being a climate “follower” to a global clean energy collaborator. It… Continue reading [15th October 2025 ] The Hindu Op-ed: Powering up the Australia-India clean energy partnership

How innovation drives economic growth

Introduction The 2025 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for “explaining innovation-driven economic growth.” Their research collectively answers one of the most fundamental economic puzzles — how nations sustain growth over centuries, not decades. Why in the News The Nobel Committee’s decision is significant because… Continue reading How innovation drives economic growth

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

Why in the News? The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi–NCR as air quality slipped into the ‘poor’ category (AQI 211) after more than three months. What is Air Quality Index (AQI)? Purpose: Quantifies pollution levels and health impact using major… Continue reading Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS)

Why in the News? The Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, inaugurated the “Live Cases” Dashboard under the Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS) at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. About LIMBS Portal: Overview: A centralised, web-based litigation management platform developed by the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice,… Continue reading Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS)

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