[8th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Mending ties: On state visit of Philippines President to India

Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to India strengthened bilateral ties through a Strategic Partnership Agreement, focusing on defence cooperation, Indo-Pacific security, and future trade collaboration, while also serving broader strategic goals in ASEAN and Indo-Pacific diplomacy. Key Highlights of the Visit: Strategic Partnership Agreement: The Philippines becomes only the fifth country (after Japan, Vietnam,… Continue reading

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024: A Legislative Milestone for Maritime Growth

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, which replaced Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, marks a significant legislative reform aimed at modernizing and streamlining India’s coastal trade. It is a key component of the government’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” aiming to unlock the vast potential of India’s coastline. It provides… Continue reading

How groundwater contamination is fuelling chronic illnesses

India’s groundwater is increasingly getting contaminated with toxic substances. Over 85% of rural drinking water and 65% of irrigation needs are met through groundwater, yet unregulated extraction, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and poor sanitation have turned this life source into a silent killer. Scale of the Crisis The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report by the… Continue reading

District Flood Severity Index (DFSI)

Why in the News? Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have developed a District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) to aid flood planning using past data and human impact indicators. About the District Flood Severity Index (DFSI): Objective: To provide a comprehensive, data-based assessment of flood severity across Indian districts. Focus: District-level analysis, as districts… Continue reading

Prophylaxis Therapy for Haemophilia

Why in the News? With haemophilia care evolving globally, the shift from reactive to preventive treatment has brought Prophylaxis Therapy to the forefront of modern clinical practice. About Haemophilia: What is it: Rare genetic bleeding disorder due to deficiency of clotting factors, mainly Factor VIII (Haemophilia A). Effect: Causes prolonged bleeding, even from minor injuries;… Continue reading

Specie in news: Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata)

Why in the News? The Social Forestry Department of Vadodara rescued an Albino Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) from a freshwater lake in Chikhodra, Gujarat. About Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata): Type: Small, freshwater softshell turtle native to South Asia Unique Feature: Named for femoral flaps on the plastron that cover the limbs when retracted… Continue reading

Yashoda AI Literacy Program

Why in the News? The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched “Yashoda AI”, an AI literacy program to empower women with skills in cybersecurity, digital privacy, and safe online practices, promoting digital inclusion across India. About Yashoda AI: Launch: Introduced in May 2025 as an Artificial Intelligence Literacy Program for women. Organisers: Joint initiative… Continue reading

[7th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Decoding China, the lessons for a vulnerable India

Recent actions by China, such as the withdrawal of engineers from India, are not isolated events but a deliberate geo-economic manoeuvre. This strategy is driven by China’s apprehension of a rising India and its ambition to maintain a ‘unipolar Asia’. Recent Actions Undertaken by China against India’s interest: Recalling over 300 Chinese engineers from iPhone… Continue reading

What is the potential of Biochar?

As India gears up to launch its carbon market in 2026, biochar, a carbon-rich material made from agricultural and organic waste, is gaining attention as a sustainable solution for carbon capture and waste management. Despite its immense potential, biochar remains underutilised due to lack of policy support, market structures and awareness. What is Biochar and… Continue reading

Sleeping disasters: Cloudbursts

Cloud Burst: A cloudburst is an extremely intense, localized shower, defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as at least 100 mm of rain within one hour over 10 sq km. These events occur due to deep, rapid atmospheric uplift over steep terrain, typical of high-altitude Himalayan regions. They can trigger sudden flash floods and landslides, devastating communities… Continue reading

Bacterial cause behind Mass Starfish Deaths

Why in the News? Since 2013, over 5 billion starfish have died along North America’s Pacific coast due to a wasting disease now linked to Vibrio pectenicida, a cholera-related bacterium. About Starfish (Sea Stars): Taxonomy: Belong to phylum Echinodermata; exclusively marine organisms. Species: Brisingida, Forcipulatida, Velatida, Valvatida, Spinuloside Body Structure: Radial symmetry (adults), bilateral symmetry… Continue reading

Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty

Why in the News? Russia officially announced its exit from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, marking a pivotal moment in the dismantling of Cold War-era nuclear arms control architecture. What is the INF Treaty? Signed In: 1987 by United States President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Purpose: Banned ground-launched ballistic and… Continue reading

India needs a ‘defence cess’ to fund military modernisation

With such a levy on high-end goods, spending on luxury will become a visible public act of support for the armed forces. In an era of evolving warfare, from stealth jets to AI-driven drones, India’s defence preparedness is no longer optional, it is existential. This article proposes a ‘Defence Cess’ on luxury goods and services,… Continue reading

Status of Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme

Why in the News? India met its 20% ethanol blending (E20) target in petrol by March 2025 — five years early. Talks are now on to raise the blending ratio further in the immediate future. About Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme: Launched in 2003 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Objective: Promote use… Continue reading

Rhisotope Project

Why in the News? In a move to combat rhino poaching, the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has launched the Rhisotope Project. What is Rhisotope Project? Launched By: University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Initiation: Concept… Continue reading

Population Census of Nilgiri Tahrs

Why in the News? A joint population census conducted by Kerala and Tamil Nadu has revealed the presence of 2,668 Nilgiri tahrs in the Western Ghats. About Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius): Endemism: Found only in the Nilgiri Hills and southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, India. Ecological Role: Key grazer in the montane… Continue reading

Asset Under Management (AUM)

Why in the News? India’s Mutual Fund (MF) industry has witnessed exponential growth, with Assets Under Management (AUM) reaching ₹74.40 lakh crore as of June 2025, a sevenfold increase over the past decade. What are Assets Under Management (AUM)? Definition: AUM refers to the total market value of financial assets (stocks, bonds, etc.) managed by… Continue reading

A Crisis of Trust in Electoral Democracy: The Need for a Transparent and Impartial Election Commission

As questions emerge over the conduct of elections in India, restoring faith in the Election Commission is crucial to safeguarding democratic legitimacy. Context and Relevance (GS2 – Polity and Governance, Constitutional Bodies): The Election Commission of India (ECI), a constitutionally mandated body under Article 324, is once again in the spotlight. Following the 2024 general… Continue reading

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