💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (Jan Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENTs) and the Big Bang

Why in the News? New research by the University of Hawaii has discovered Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENTs), the most powerful explosions since the Big Bang, surpassing even gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) in energy output. Back2Basics: Big Bang Proponent: In 1927 by Georges Lemaître. Timeline: Universe originated ~13.7–13.8 billion years ago from a singularity. Phases: Began with… Continue reading Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENTs) and the Big Bang

How different are Supercomputers to normal computers?

Why in the News? This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in The Hindu. What is a Supercomputer? Overview: A high-performance computing system capable of trillions to quintillions of calculations per second. Parallel Computing: Uses thousands of processors working together instead of relying on a single fast processor. Applications: Climate modelling, nuclear… Continue reading How different are Supercomputers to normal computers?

Is it feasible to blend Isobutanol and Diesel? 

Why in the News? The Union Transport Minister has announced that the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is studying the feasibility of blending Isobutanol with Diesel after ethanol–diesel blending attempts failed. About Isobutanol: What is it: A four-carbon alcohol (C₄H₁₀O), clear, flammable, and traditionally used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and chemical industries.… Continue reading Is it feasible to blend Isobutanol and Diesel? 

‘Smog-eating’ photocatalytic coatings on roads to curb pollution

Why in the News? Delhi government has announced a feasibility study to test photocatalytic coatings on roads, pavements, and public spaces to bring visible improvements in air quality. About Smog: Overview: Combination of smoke and fog, forming smoky fog with soot, gases, and moisture. Components: Includes soot particulates, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), hydrocarbons,… Continue reading ‘Smog-eating’ photocatalytic coatings on roads to curb pollution

[20th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The Saudi-Pakistan pact is a dodgy insurance policy

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2018] In what ways would the ongoing US–Iran Nuclear Pact controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation? Linkage: The Saudi–Pakistan SMDA, like the earlier US–Iran Nuclear Pact controversy, reshapes West Asian alignments and directly impacts India’s energy security, diaspora safety, and regional stability. Just as… Continue reading [20th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The Saudi-Pakistan pact is a dodgy insurance policy

Turmoil, tragedy, and tenacity in Nepal

Introduction In early September 2025, Nepal was rocked by its most intense youth uprising since the end of monarchy in 2008. Peaceful demonstrations against corruption and inequality, largely organised online, escalated into violent clashes, leaving 73 dead and vital government institutions in flames. The resignation of Oli and the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim… Continue reading Turmoil, tragedy, and tenacity in Nepal

Gaganyaan Analog Experiments (Gyanex)

Why in the News? Gyanex (Gaganyaan Analog Experiments) ground-based astronaut simulations are being conducted by ISRO with ICMR and Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bengaluru, to prepare Indian astronauts for the 2027 Gaganyaan mission. What are Gaganyaan Analog Experiments (Gyanex)? Purpose: India’s first systematic programme in space medicine and astronaut psychology, preparing protocols for Gaganyaan and… Continue reading Gaganyaan Analog Experiments (Gyanex)

[19th Septmeber 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2019] What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective? Linkage: The article’s proposal to restructure the PDS by trimming excess cereal entitlements and expanding pulse distribution directly links with UPSC 2019’s question. It highlights how reformative steps—like targeted subsidies, rationalised stocking by FCI,… Continue reading [19th Septmeber 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India

How the DeepSeek-R1 AI model was taught to teach itself to reason

Introduction Reasoning, the ability to reflect, verify, self-correct, and adapt, has historically been considered uniquely human. From mathematics to moral decision-making, reasoning shapes every facet of human civilisation. Large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 have shown glimpses of reasoning, but these were achieved with human-provided examples, introducing cost, bias, and limits. In September 2024, researchers… Continue reading How the DeepSeek-R1 AI model was taught to teach itself to reason

7 Natural Heritage Sites from India added to UNESCO’s Tentative List

Why in the News? Seven natural heritage sites from India were added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, raising India’s tally from 62 to 69 places. About the 7 newly added UNESCO Tentative List Sites: Site Detailed Facts Deccan Traps (Panchgani & Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra) • One of the world’s largest volcanic provinces (~66… Continue reading 7 Natural Heritage Sites from India added to UNESCO’s Tentative List

Highlights of the Global Innovation Index, 2025

Why in the News? The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025. About the Global Innovation Index (GII): Overview: Annual ranking of 139 economies by their innovation capacity and success. Publishers: Jointly by Cornell University, INSEAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Origin: First published in 2007. Indicators:… Continue reading Highlights of the Global Innovation Index, 2025

Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival

Why in the News? The 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was inaugurated in Manipur. About Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival: Overview: An annual agricultural and cultural festival celebrated in Sirarakhong village, Ukhrul district, Manipur. Origin: Began in 2010 to promote the Hathei chilli and its farming traditions. Focus: Highlights the Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Hathei chilli, which… Continue reading Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival

What is PM MITRA Park?

Why in the News? Prime Minister recently laid the foundation stone for India’s first PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Park in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. About PM MITRA Scheme: Overview: Introduced by the Ministry of Textiles in 2021, the scheme aims to strengthen India’s textile sector by creating 7 world-class integrated parks. Concept:… Continue reading What is PM MITRA Park?

[18th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A judicial nudge following stuck legislative business

PYQ Relevance: UPSC 2022: Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. Linkage: The recent Supreme Court directive fixing a timeline for Governors under Article 200 directly relates to the constitutional limits on gubernatorial… Continue reading [18th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A judicial nudge following stuck legislative business

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.