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Arms deals: India moves away from Russia; Pakistan from the U.S

Why in the News? Recently, India’s Operation Sindoor has put the spotlight on the evolving nature of India and Pakistan’s defence procurement strategies. What is the situation of India’s defence import pattern? Russia’s share in Indian defence imports has decreased from 96.5% in the 1990s to 75% in the 2020s. India now imports over 9%… Continue reading Arms deals: India moves away from Russia; Pakistan from the U.S

GEDA invites tenders for Solar Waste recycling to tackle growing e-waste in Gujarat

Why in the News? As India nears 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030, solar waste will surge. Gujarat’s GEDA launches a recycling framework to set standards, promoting sustainable waste management alongside solar growth. What is Gujarat aiming to achieve with this solar waste recycling initiative? Standardised Protocols: GEDA aims to formulate robust, eco-friendly, and enforceable… Continue reading GEDA invites tenders for Solar Waste recycling to tackle growing e-waste in Gujarat

[26th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The maths of how India’s coastline lengthened without gaining land

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2023] Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. Linkage: India’s geography and physical features, like its coastlines, are often discussed in terms of resources and natural hazards. This question is relevant as it pertains to India’s coastline… Continue reading [26th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The maths of how India’s coastline lengthened without gaining land

Trade deals will bring opportunities for Indian agriculture. But there will also be challenges

Why in the News? India achieved record exports of $820.93 billion in FY25, rising 6.5%, but faced growing trade deficits as agriculture lagged, growing only 2.3% yearly despite employing half the workforce. What was India’s trade performance in FY25? Total exports (goods + services) reached $820.93 billion, marking a 6.5% increase over FY24. Merchandise exports… Continue reading Trade deals will bring opportunities for Indian agriculture. But there will also be challenges

Short Selling and Associated Risks

Why in the News? The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is considering a proposal to ease restrictions on short selling in most stocks. SEBI’s January 2024 proposal to bar short-selling in stocks that are not in the futures and options segment had caused uncertainty. What is Short Selling? Definition: Short selling is a… Continue reading Short Selling and Associated Risks

PLI Scheme for 11 Pharma Products rolled out

Why in the News? The Department of Pharmaceuticals has invited drug manufacturers to apply for benefits under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. It has invited fresh applications for 11 unsubscribed or partially subscribed pharmaceutical products, including Neomycin, Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Diclofenac Sodium, to boost domestic production capacity. About the PLI Scheme:… Continue reading PLI Scheme for 11 Pharma Products rolled out

Tianwen-2 Mission 

Why in the News? China is set to launch its first asteroid sampling mission, called Tianwen-2, to study and collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamo‘oalewa. If successful, China will join a small group of countries — including the United States and Japan — that have returned asteroid samples to Earth. What is the… Continue reading Tianwen-2 Mission 

Schistura Densiclava: New Fish Species Discovered in Meghalaya’s Cave

Why in the News? A new species of fish, named Schistura densiclava, has been discovered inside a limestone cave in Meghalaya, even as the cave was already in focus due to a conflict over a Shivalinga-like stone formation. About Schistura Densiclava: Discovery Location: Schistura densiclava was discovered in Krem Mawjymbuin, a limestone cave in East… Continue reading Schistura Densiclava: New Fish Species Discovered in Meghalaya’s Cave

A Good Monsoon

Why in the News? This May has been unusually wet, with India getting 68.4% more rain than normal. Also, there have been no extreme temperatures or major heatwaves across most parts of the country. What caused the wet and cool May in India? Above-Normal Rainfall: India received 68.4% more rainfall than usual for May, making… Continue reading A Good Monsoon

6 new sites added to Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

Why in the News? The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized six traditional farming systems from Brazil, China, Mexico, and Spain as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). About the Newly Recognised GIAHS Systems: Deqing Pearl Mussel Fishery (China): 800-year-old integrated system of pearl farming, rice, and silk boosts ecotourism and water purification. Fuding… Continue reading 6 new sites added to Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

SPICED Scheme

Why in the News? The Spices Board of India has decided to disburse ₹130 crore to almost 45,000 beneficiaries in 2025-2026 under the SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) Scheme. Back2Basics: Spices Board of India The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council… Continue reading SPICED Scheme

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