What are the challenges with the High Seas Treaty

Introduction The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, establishes a legal framework to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas outside national control. It covers nearly two-thirds of the ocean’s surface. Adopted under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982, it aims to… Continue reading

Madras HC calls Cryptocurrency ‘Property’

Why in the News? In a historic first for India, the Madras High Court has recognized cryptocurrency as “property” under Indian law, providing judicial validation to digital assets long trapped in a regulatory grey zone. What is Cryptocurrency? Overview: Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security, making it difficult to… Continue reading

Fully Accessible Route (FAR) of Investment

Why in the News? In 2025, foreign investors have invested only about ₹69,000 crore ($7.8 billion) nearly half than expected, into Indian government bonds, even though the rules were made simpler and more flexible under the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) to attract more investment. What is Fully Accessible Route (FAR)? Overview: A special investment framework… Continue reading

Pampadum Shola National Park

Why in the News? At Pampadum Shola National Park, invasive Australian wattles are being removed and native grasslands restored naturally leading streams to flow again and biodiversity to rejuvenate. About Pampadum Shola National Park: Location: Situated in Idukki district, Kerala, near the Tamil Nadu border, about 35 km from Munnar. Area & Status: Smallest NP… Continue reading

Heavy metals found in Cauvery fishes

Why in the News? Researchers from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, reported alarming levels of heavy metal pollution in the Cauvery River and its fish species, warning against excessive consumption. Key Findings of the Study: Scope & Period: Conducted August 2023–February 2024, covering 18 sediment and 10 fish-sampling sites, analysing chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead… Continue reading

[pib] National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM)

Why in the News? The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (2020–21 to 2025–26) is set to conclude this fiscal year. About National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM): Overview: A Central Sector Scheme (2020) under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, promoting scientific beekeeping and driving a “Sweet Revolution” for rural income enhancement. Implementing Agency: Executed by the National… Continue reading

[3rd November 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Cruising ahead, India’s shipping sector needs help from the government to thrive

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2021] Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth. Discuss in the light of India’s experience. Linkage: This question assesses the role of infrastructure investment in driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, a core theme under GS Paper III. It directly links to the article’s discussion on India’s… Continue reading

Nuclear power sector likely amendments in winter session

Introduction India’s nuclear sector, long constrained by legal rigidity and liability concerns, is on the verge of transformation. Two yet-to-be-proposed amendments to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, mark a potential inflexion point for India’s atomic energy policy. These changes aim to attract private participation, foreign… Continue reading

The vision of Model Youth Gram Sabha

Introduction The Gram Sabha, enshrined in Article 243A of the Constitution (73rd Amendment, 1992), is the cornerstone of India’s Panchayati Raj system. It represents every registered voter in a village and empowers them to deliberate on budgets, plans, and governance priorities. However, despite its revolutionary potential, public participation, especially among youth, has remained minimal. The… Continue reading

India’s exit from the Ayni Airbase in Tajikistan

Why in the News? India’s complete pullout from the Ayni Airbase in Tajikistan (in 2022), its sole foreign military post, drew sharp opposition’s criticism. About Ayni Airbase: Location: Situated 10 km west of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, near the Afghanistan border via the Wakhan Corridor, and about 20 km from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also known as: Known… Continue reading

Exercise MILAN, 2026

Why in the News? India will host the International Fleet Review, Exercise MILAN- 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs together in Visakhapatnam from February 15–25, 2026. About Exercise MILAN: Overview: Biennial multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy to promote interoperability, maritime cooperation, and goodwill among friendly navies. Origin:… Continue reading

Rowmari- Donduwa Wetland Complex

Why in the News? Environmentalists in Assam have proposed the Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex for designation as a Ramsar Site, citing its exceptional biodiversity and ecological services. Assam’s Wetland Context: Current Scenario: Assam has 3,500+ wetlands (≈1.01 lakh ha), but only Deepor Beel (2002) is a Ramsar Site. Conservation Importance: Designating Rowmari–Donduwa would fill a 20-year… Continue reading

ISRO’s LVM3 Rocket launches GSAT-7R

Why in the News? The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the GSAT-7R (CMS-03) communication satellite for the Indian Navy from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Back2Basics: Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) Rocket Overview: LVM3 formerly GSLV Mk-III, is ISRO’s heaviest and most powerful launch vehicle, built to lift 4-tonne GTO and 8-tonne… Continue reading

Floods force closure of Bhavani Island

Why in the News? Flood discharges at Prakasam Barrage on the Krishna River has led to the closure of Bhavani Island from the mainland. About Bhavani Island: Location: Situated on the Krishna River, near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Area: Spans ~133 acres, among India’s largest river islands. Management: Operated by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department as… Continue reading

[1st November 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The case for a board of peace and sustainable security

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2024] Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security. Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level. Linkage: The BPSS proposal aligns with the recurring UPSC theme of UN reform… Continue reading

Decoding India’s projected GDP

Why in the News Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India will become a $30 trillion economy in 20-25 years, emphasising India’s “strength-to-strength” growth and the vision of matching the US economy in scale. However, an analysis of India’s GDP trajectory and exchange rate trends over the past 25 years suggests that this goal appears… Continue reading

India-US seal 10 year defense partnership framework

Introduction India and the United States have signed a 10-year defence partnership framework (2025-2035), signaling a new phase in their strategic collaboration. The pact provides a unified vision and policy direction for deepening cooperation across logistics, supply chains, joint production, and technology sharing. It underscores the commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, amid… Continue reading

Lucknow named UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’

Why in the News? At the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Lucknow was officially designated a “Creative City of Gastronomy”, making it only the second Indian city after Hyderabad (2019) to receive this title. About UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN): Aim: To promote the integration of cultural industries into economic,… Continue reading

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

Your better version awaits you!