💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
Talk to Mentor

Distribution: weekly

Species in news: Clouded Leopards

Central Idea International Clouded Leopard Day has been celebrated on 4th August since 2018. Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have conducted a study on clouded leopards in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve in western Assam. About Clouded Leopard The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a wild cat found in dense forests… Continue reading Species in news: Clouded Leopards

Lowering the Minimum Age for Contesting Elections

Central Idea A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended lowering the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections to 18 years, aligning it with the minimum age for voting in India. The Committee believes that young individuals can be responsible political participants, supported by global practices and increasing political consciousness among youth. Current Minimum… Continue reading Lowering the Minimum Age for Contesting Elections

AI and the environment: What are the pitfalls?

What’s the news? The field of artificial intelligence (AI) is experiencing unprecedented growth, largely driven by the excitement surrounding innovative tools like ChatGPT. AI systems are already a big part of our lives, helping governments, industries, and regular people be more efficient and make data-driven decisions. But there are some significant downsides to this technology.… Continue reading AI and the environment: What are the pitfalls?

Revised manufacturing rules for drug firms: what changes, and why

What’s the news? The Indian government recently directed all pharmaceutical companies in the country to implement the revised Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to bring their processes in line with global standards. Central Idea The improved standards aim to address critical issues, including alleged contamination incidents in India-manufactured products, deficiencies in quality control measures, and a… Continue reading Revised manufacturing rules for drug firms: what changes, and why

Is India’s sugar surplus leading to a crisis?

What’s the news? India’s top sugarcane-growing states rely heavily on groundwater for irrigation, leading to concerns over groundwater depletion. Central idea India’s remarkable achievement of becoming the world’s top sugar producer in 2021-2022, surpassing Brazil, brings with it a significant challenge. The overcultivation of sugarcane has resulted in a sugar surplus and high exports, negatively… Continue reading Is India’s sugar surplus leading to a crisis?

Parliamentary Privilege and the Privileges Committee: A Closer Look

Central Idea During the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, there were differences between the ruling and opposition parties, leading to complaints against 2 MPs. These complaints were referred to the Privileges Committee. What is Parliamentary Privilege? Definition: Parliamentary privilege refers to the rights and immunities enjoyed by legislators during the course of their legislative duties.… Continue reading Parliamentary Privilege and the Privileges Committee: A Closer Look

Criminal Defamation in India

Central Idea The Supreme Court’s recent decision to stay the conviction in a criminal defamation case has significant implications for the parliamentary representation of a prominent political leader. The court highlighted the absence of valid reasons for awarding the maximum sentence and emphasized the need for mutual respect and caution in public speeches. Disqualification of… Continue reading Criminal Defamation in India

Cheetah deaths are a setback for the reintroduction project but they do not signal a failure

What’s the news? Tblisi, a female cheetah translocated from Namibia, has died at Kuno National Park. This is the ninth cheetah to die at Kuno, including three of the four cubs born there. With 30% of the 20 translocated cheetahs dead in just over four months, the alarm bells are ringing. Central idea To safeguard our natural… Continue reading Cheetah deaths are a setback for the reintroduction project but they do not signal a failure

Experts laud Centre’s move to ban aceclofenac, ketoprofen

What’s the news? The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of ketoprofen and aceclofenac and their formulations for animal use under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of 40) in a notification dated July 31, 2023 Central idea Experts dedicated to vulture conservation have… Continue reading Experts laud Centre’s move to ban aceclofenac, ketoprofen

Captive breeding of Himalayan Vultures achieved

Central Idea In a remarkable achievement for conservation efforts, researchers have successfully recorded the first instance of captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in India. About Himalayan Vultures Scientific Name Gyps himalayensis Range and Habitat Found in the Himalayan region and adjoining areas of India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. Inhabit high-altitude mountainous… Continue reading Captive breeding of Himalayan Vultures achieved

History of Pepper Trade from India

Central Idea Pepper, often referred to as the “king of spices,” played a pivotal role in driving exploration, colonization, and cultural exchanges between the East and West. Early Origins and Mystique of Pepper Luxury Commodity: Pepper, once considered a luxury good, was produced predominantly along India’s Malabar Coast and was shrouded in secrecy and legend.… Continue reading History of Pepper Trade from India

Money Bills and Financial Bills: A Constitutional Perspective

Central Idea The debate surrounding the classification of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill as a Money Bill and its implications has sparked discussions on the nuances of Money Bills and Financial Bills in India’s parliamentary process. Money Bills vs. Financial Bills Money Bills Financial Bills Definition and Scope Article 110 – Deals with… Continue reading Money Bills and Financial Bills: A Constitutional Perspective

Jan Vishwas Bill

Central Idea The Jan Vishwas Bill, aimed at enhancing ease of doing business, has sparked a heated debate over certain amendments that modify the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. While the bill intends to streamline regulatory provisions, critics argue that it may allow manufacturers of substandard medicines to evade imprisonment and instead pay fines for… Continue reading Jan Vishwas Bill

Legacy of Voyager Mission

Central Idea After more than four decades in space, Voyager 2, Earth’s longest-running space probe, experienced a communication loss with NASA. Voyager Mission Originally planned to explore the five outer planets (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) with four complex spacecraft, NASA changed its approach due to budget constraints. The agency decided to send two… Continue reading Legacy of Voyager Mission

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.