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Copper

Why in the News? Copper prices touched a record high of over USD 12,000 per tonne in 2025, driven by US tariff uncertainty, global supply disruptions and rapidly rising demand from AI infrastructure, clean energy systems and electric vehicles. Characteristics of Copper Chemical Characteristics Symbol: Cu Atomic weight: 63.546 amu High resistance to corrosion and… Continue reading Copper

Secondary Pollutants

Why in the News? A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air has revealed that secondary pollutants now contribute nearly one third of Delhi’s annual PM2.5 load, highlighting a major shift in the nature of urban air pollution. What are Secondary Pollutants? Secondary pollutants are not emitted directly from pollution… Continue reading Secondary Pollutants

[1st January 2026] The Hindu OpED: India’s space programme, a people’s space journey

[UPSC 2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How has the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development? Linkage: The article illustrates India’s progression from landmark space missions to a citizen-centric space ecosystem supporting disaster management, agriculture, infrastructure, and governance. Mentor’s Comment India’s space programme has entered… Continue reading [1st January 2026] The Hindu OpED: India’s space programme, a people’s space journey

Myanmar’s military regime seeks legitimacy through a sham election

Introduction Myanmar’s military regime is conducting elections not as a democratic transition but as an instrument to entrench control under the 2008 Constitution. The polls exclude most opposition forces, occur only in junta-controlled areas, and coincide with intensified violence against civilians. The election mirrors the military’s 2010 strategy but unfolds under far more adverse domestic… Continue reading Myanmar’s military regime seeks legitimacy through a sham election

India’s status as world’s rice leader augurs a water crisis

Introduction Rice production has expanded sharply due to assured procurement, rising subsidies, and export demand. However, groundwater-dependent irrigation has become the dominant mode in northern India. Despite strong monsoons in recent years, extraction rates exceed natural recharge. Government classification of aquifers as “over-exploited” or “critical” signals a structural imbalance between agricultural policy and water resource… Continue reading India’s status as world’s rice leader augurs a water crisis

[31st December 2025] The Hindu OpED: A multipolar world with bipolar characteristics

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.” Elaborate. Linkage:  The question directly aligns with GS Paper II (International Relations) by examining how the shift from a unipolar to a multipolar-bipolar global… Continue reading [31st December 2025] The Hindu OpED: A multipolar world with bipolar characteristics

Too good to last: The headwinds facing the economy are not going away soon

Introduction Industrial growth in November 2025 presents a paradox. While headline numbers suggest recovery, disaggregated analysis reveals that the drivers are temporary and non-replicable. The data underscores the disconnect between short-term industrial momentum and longer-term macroeconomic constraints such as weak consumption, sluggish investment, and external pressures. Why in the News India’s Index of Industrial Production… Continue reading Too good to last: The headwinds facing the economy are not going away soon

Law on ‘ suspension of sentence’

Introduction Suspension of sentence under Section 389 of the Code of Criminal Procedure operates after conviction and differs fundamentally from bail during trial. While conviction displaces the presumption of innocence, appellate courts retain limited discretion to suspend execution of sentence. In serious offences, particularly those punishable with life imprisonment, judicial precedent has consistently required heightened… Continue reading Law on ‘ suspension of sentence’

Narsapuram Lace Craft

Why in the News?  The Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Narsapuram Lace Craft in Man Ki Baat as a model of women led economic empowerment and cultural continuity. The craft’s Geographical Indication tag has renewed national attention. What it is A traditional handmade crochet lace craft • Fine threads are transformed into intricate lace using… Continue reading Narsapuram Lace Craft

INSV Kaundinya Maiden Voyage

Why in the News? The Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded INSV Kaundinya as it embarked on its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, highlighting India’s ancient maritime traditions. About INSV Kaundinya A heritage sailing vessel of the Indian Navy • Built using the ancient Indian stitched ship technique • Constructed without iron nails, wooden planks… Continue reading INSV Kaundinya Maiden Voyage

[30th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: The quiet foundations for India’s next growth phase

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2013] Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard. Linkage: It is directly linked to GS-III industrial and MSME reforms. The article shows how compliance reduction, labour reforms, logistics and energy security support MSME-led… Continue reading [30th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: The quiet foundations for India’s next growth phase

What is the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement?

Introduction The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a strategic pivot in India’s trade policy, prioritising bilateral, region-specific agreements over multilateral trade negotiations. Beyond tariff liberalisation, the agreement integrates investment, labour mobility, MSME participation, and services trade, positioning India within the Indo-Pacific economic architecture while safeguarding sensitive domestic sectors. Why in the News? India… Continue reading What is the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement?

AI that you can hold in your hand, and that holds your hand

Introduction Artificial Intelligence is undergoing a qualitative transformation, from a background computational tool to an active intermediary between humans and the digital world. The AI’s most significant impact is not automation alone, but the rewiring of the internet itself, including how users search, read, decide, and act. As AI becomes embedded in devices, browsers, and… Continue reading AI that you can hold in your hand, and that holds your hand

INS Vagsheer

Why in the News? Droupadi Murmu became the second Indian President to undertake a submarine sortie, embarking on INS Vagsheer from Karwar naval base. About INS Vagsheer Sixth submarine of the Kalvari class (Scorpene class) under Project-75 Operated by the Indian Navy Named after the sandfish, a deep sea predator of the Indian Ocean Commissioned… Continue reading INS Vagsheer

Frequency Comb

 Why in the News? Frequency combs are highlighted as key modern tools used in atomic clock calibration and other precision measurements. What is a Frequency Comb A special type of laser light Its spectrum looks like the teeth of a comb Connects the radio frequency domain (below ~100 GHz) with the optical domain (above ~200… Continue reading Frequency Comb

Industrial Hemp

Why in the News? The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has initiated a policy push to legalise and regulate industrial hemp cultivation. What is Industrial Hemp Scientific name: Cannabis sativa L. Belongs to the Cannabis genus and Cannabaceae family Herbaceous, dioecious plant Botanically related to marijuana but very different in use and effects THC content… Continue reading Industrial Hemp

Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR)  

Why in the News? To ensure faster grievance redressal for air passengers, the government has operationalised the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR). About PACR Launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India Objective: Prompt, effective and coordinated resolution of air traveller grievances Key Features Functions as an integrated control hub at Udaan Bhawan,… Continue reading Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR)  

Kolleru Lake

Why in the News? Kolleru Lake is gaining recognition for its black dried fish, now popular in domestic and international markets. What is Black Dried Fish A traditional sun dried fish product Prepared by drying small freshwater or brackish water fish without heavy salting Dark colour develops due to natural oxidation and fermentation during drying… Continue reading Kolleru Lake

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