Launch of Bima Sugam Portal

Why in the News? Bima Sugam, envisioned as the world’s largest online marketplace for insurance, was officially launched by the Bima Sugam India Federation (BSIF) at the IRDAI headquarters in Hyderabad. What is Bima Sugam? Overview: World’s largest unified digital marketplace for insurance products and services, initiated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of… Continue reading

WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

Why in the News? The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies has entered into force on 15 September 2025, three years after adoption in June 2022. What is the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies? Nature: First WTO treaty centred on environmental sustainability, designed to reduce harmful subsidies that drive illegal, unreported, and unregulated… Continue reading

In news: Almatti Dam

Why in the News? Karnataka govt. has approved Upper Krishna Project Phase-III to raise Almatti dam height, while Maharashtra warned of moving the Supreme Court against it. Why is Maharashtra opposing it? Fears submergence of villages and agricultural land in its territory if water levels rise further. Worries about reduced water availability downstream, affecting its… Continue reading

In news: Malabar Revolt (1921)

Why in the News? This newscard is an excerpt from the original articles published in The Hindu. About the Malabar Revolt: Nature: Also known as the Moplah or Mappila Rebellion, it was a major uprising in the Malabar region of Kerala. Causes: Exploitative land tenure policies and high rents on tenant farmers. Lack of tenure… Continue reading

Ant Queens giving birth to different species

Why in the News? A groundbreaking study published in Nature (2025) has revealed that Messor ibericus, a Mediterranean harvester ant species, can produce male offspring of a completely different species, Messor structor. About the Specie Messor ibericus: Overview: A Mediterranean harvester ant, widely distributed across Southern Europe, known for its grain-harvesting behaviour and large colonies.… Continue reading

[17th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Judicial Experimentalism versus the Right to Justice

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2024] Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy. Linkage: The recent “cooling period” ruling in Shivangi Bansal… Continue reading

Unseen labour, exploitation: the hidden human cost of Artificial Intelligence

Introduction The promise of AI as an automated, error-free technology often masks the unseen human labour that makes it possible. From labelling raw data to moderating harmful content, “ghost workers” form the backbone of AI ecosystems. Yet, their contributions remain invisible, underpaid, and unprotected. The debate on AI is incomplete without recognising the human cost… Continue reading

What are Stablecoins?

Why in the News? Globally, stablecoins face regulatory scrutiny; the Bank of England has proposed ownership limits (£10k–£20k for individuals, £10m for businesses) to reduce banking system risks. About Stablecoins: Definition: Cryptocurrencies designed to maintain stable value, usually pegged to fiat currency, commodities, or other crypto. Role: Provide price stability, often used to park profits… Continue reading

What is Portable Ion Chromatography?

Why in the News? Australian scientists have developed a simpler, portable version of ion chromatography called Aquamonitrix, enabling field-based analysis of nitrate and nitrite ions. About Ion Chromatography: Overview: A laboratory technique used to separate and measure ions (charged particles) in a sample. Process: A liquid sample is passed through a long column that separates… Continue reading

Nankana Sahib Pilgrimage

Why in the News? The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed State governments not to process applications for Sikh pilgrims’ visit to Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, for the November 2025 birth anniversary (Parkash Gurpurab) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. About Nankana Sahib: Location: Punjab province, Pakistan, near Lahore. Historical Significance: Birthplace of Guru Nanak… Continue reading

Sarnath and UNESCO Nomination

Why in the News? ASI will install a revised plaque at Sarnath, crediting Babu Jagat Singh (1787–88) for uncovering its archaeological importance, rather than British archaeologists. About Sarnath: Location: Near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at the confluence of the Ganga and Varuna rivers. Religious Importance: After enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Gautama Buddha delivered the Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta… Continue reading

Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)

Why in the News? Brazil, the host of COP30, has proposed the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) to finance the conservation of standing forests. What is Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)? Nature: A global blended finance fund that pays Tropical Forest Countries (TFCs) per hectare of forest conserved. Adjustments: Deductions made for deforestation or degradation.… Continue reading

India secures International Seabed Authority (ISA) exploration contract

Why in the News? India has secured the world’s first International Seabed Authority (ISA) licence to explore polymetallic sulphur nodules in the Carlsberg Ridge, northwest Indian Ocean. India’s Engagement with ISA: Exploration Contracts: 2002 – Polymetallic nodules, Central Indian Ocean Basin (valid till 2027). 2016 – Polymetallic sulphides, Indian Ocean Ridge (valid till 2031). 2025… Continue reading

In news: Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

Why in the News? The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has cautioned that record-high global share prices appear detached from concerns over rising government debt. About the Bank for International Settlements (BIS): Establishment: Formed in 1930, making it the world’s oldest international financial institution. Role: Known as the “central bank for central banks”, serving only… Continue reading

Supreme Court Guidelines on DNA Evidence in Criminal Cases

Why in the News? The Supreme Court has issued guidelines in the Kattavellai @ Devakar v. State of Tamil Nadu Judgement to standardise DNA handling in criminal cases to prevent contamination and delays after evidence lapses in a major case. Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Guidelines: Case Context: It involved rape, murder, and robbery.… Continue reading

[pib] Exercise Pacific Reach, 2025

Why in the News? INS Nistar, the Navy’s new indigenous Diving Support Vessel, made its maiden port call at Singapore to join the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025. About Exercise Pacific Reach: Overview: A biennial, multinational submarine rescue exercise initiated in 1996 (Asia-Pacific). Objective: Enhances cooperation, interoperability, and readiness in submarine rescue. Pacific Reach 2025… Continue reading

PLI Scheme for White Goods

Why in the News? The Centre has announced reopening of the application window for the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods, following the strong response and success of earlier rounds. Note: White goods refer to large household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, so named because they were traditionally white. About the… Continue reading

In news: Cauvery River Dispute

Why in the News? On the Cauvery dispute, Karnataka CM has said that water will be released to Tamil Nadu since the rainfall is adequate, while stressing the Mekedatu Dam’s role in water balance and clean energy. Back2Basics: Cauvery River Origin & Course: Rises at Talakaveri, Brahmagiri range (Kodagu, Karnataka); flows ~800 km through Karnataka… Continue reading

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