đź’ĄUPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (Jan Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Distribution: weekly

NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)

Why in the News? NASA has recently launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. About IMAP Mission: Context: Operates under NASA’s Solar Terrestrial Probes Program, following missions like STEREO and IBEX. Objective: To map the heliosphere boundary, study energetic particle acceleration, and understand… Continue reading NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)

Centre directs NGOs to seek FCRA renewal 4 months before expiry

Why in the News? The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed NGOs to submit their Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 renewal applications at least four months before expiry. About the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA): Origin: First enacted in 1976 during the Emergency to regulate inflow of foreign funds. FCRA, 2010: Replaced the… Continue reading Centre directs NGOs to seek FCRA renewal 4 months before expiry

[30th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: SSTC is more than a diplomatic phrase

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2021] If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. Linkage: South-South Cooperation is the foundation of India–Africa engagement. India’s role in Africa through capacity building (ITEC), concessional… Continue reading [30th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: SSTC is more than a diplomatic phrase

More Women employed in agriculture, but half of them are unpaid

Introduction Women-led development is increasingly recognised as a structural game-changer for India’s economic ambitions. Nowhere is this more urgent than in agriculture, which not only sustains livelihoods but also employs the largest share of India’s female workforce. However, while women’s participation in farming has risen sharply due to men shifting to non-farm jobs, their contributions… Continue reading More Women employed in agriculture, but half of them are unpaid

Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna (LILA) Project

Why in the News? Scientists are planning the Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna (LILA) Project on the Moon to bypass seismic noise, atmosphere, and frequency limits faced by Earth-based detectors like Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). What are Gravitational Waves? Overview: Gravitational waves are ripples in the spacetime continuum created when massive objects such as black… Continue reading Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna (LILA) Project

[pib] Siphon-Based Thermal Desalination System

Why in the News? Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a siphon-based thermal desalination system that overcomes siltation issues, offering a low-cost and scalable solution. About Siphon-Based Thermal Desalination System: Overview: Developed by Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers to overcome the inefficiencies of conventional solar stills. Purpose: Designed as a… Continue reading [pib] Siphon-Based Thermal Desalination System

Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse Railway Lines to Bhutan

Why in the News? India and Bhutan have launched their first-ever rail links, connecting Kokrajhar–Gelephu (69 km, Assam–Bhutan) and Banarhat–Samtse (20 km, West Bengal–Bhutan). About India–Bhutan Railway Connectivity: Overview: Agreements were signed during PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan (March 2024) and formalised in 2025. Projects: Kokrajhar–Gelephu line: 6 stations, multiple bridges, viaducts, designed for Vande… Continue reading Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse Railway Lines to Bhutan

What is Wassenaar Arrangement?

Why in the News? Protests erupted over Microsoft after allegations that its cloud services (Azure) are aiding Israeli military operations, harming Palestinian civilians, raising concerns under the Wassenaar Arrangement. What is Wassenaar Arrangement? Establishment: Created in 1996 as a successor to the Cold War-era COCOM (Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls). Name Origin: Named after… Continue reading What is Wassenaar Arrangement?

[29th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: An Engel’s pause in an AI-shaped world

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2023] Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in the healthcare? Linkage: This question reflects the exact dilemma discussed in the Engels’ pause analogy—AI promises higher productivity (e.g., clinical diagnosis, efficiency)… Continue reading [29th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: An Engel’s pause in an AI-shaped world

Analysing Indian State’s macro-fiscal health

Introduction India’s federal system depends heavily on States for delivering core welfare, infrastructure, and development. For much of the 2000s, reforms and tax buoyancy allowed States to report surpluses, better spending, and healthier balance sheets. However, the COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point: revenues plummeted while emergency spending skyrocketed, forcing States into unprecedented borrowing. The… Continue reading Analysing Indian State’s macro-fiscal health

Cold Desert named India’s 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Why in the News? UNESCO added India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (CDBR) to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme. With this, India now has 13 UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserves out of 18 designated nationally. What are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves? Overview: Sites integrating biodiversity conservation + cultural heritage… Continue reading Cold Desert named India’s 13th UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

National Security Act of 1980

Why in the News? Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, leading the demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh, was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Leh. About the National Security Act, 1980: Enactment: Passed on 23 September 1980; applicable across India (earlier not in Jammu & Kashmir). Constitutional Basis: Rooted in Article… Continue reading National Security Act of 1980

India’s first space observatory AstroSat completes 10 years

Why in the News? AstroSat, India’s first multi-wavelength space observatory has completed 10 years on September 28, 2025, boosting India’s role in multi-messenger astronomy. What is Multi-Messenger Astronomy? Overview:  A modern approach that uses different cosmic messengers to study the universe, not just light. Messengers: Light (photons): Radio, visible, UV, X-ray, gamma rays. Gravitational waves:… Continue reading India’s first space observatory AstroSat completes 10 years

[pib] The Indian Ports Act, 2025

Why in the News? The Indian Ports Act, 2025 enacted in August, repealing the age-old Indian Ports Act of 1908 seeks to establish a more modern legal and institutional framework for India’s port sector. About Indian Ports Act, 2025: Overview: Enacted in August 2025, replacing the Indian Ports Act of 1908 to modernize India’s port… Continue reading [pib] The Indian Ports Act, 2025

[27th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Incentives for shipbuilding must include longterm offtake possibilities

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2013] Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free from criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the PPP model. Linkage: India’s shipbuilding revival package too hinges on state support plus private shipowner participation, much like PPP projects, where delays, cost overruns, and weak ancillary… Continue reading [27th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Incentives for shipbuilding must include longterm offtake possibilities

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.