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Distribution: weekly

Sawalkote Hydro Project

Why in the News? After suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, India is asserting water control in J&K by reviving the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project — the UT’s largest planned hydro project. About Sawalkote Hydro Project: Location: Ramban and Udhampur districts, Jammu and Kashmir. River: Built on the Chenab River (a western river under the Indus Waters… Continue reading Sawalkote Hydro Project

Blockchain-verified Quantum Randomness for Secure Communication

Why in the News? A recent breakthrough demonstrated use of quantum science, blockchain, and cryptography to create truly random and secure numbers used in encryption for secure communication. About the Technology: Encryption: Converts readable data into unreadable code using a “key”; only someone with the correct key can decrypt the message. Importance of Randomness: Secure… Continue reading Blockchain-verified Quantum Randomness for Secure Communication

[4th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘right to repair’ must include ‘right to remember’

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2015] India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons making this database publicly available under open-source licensing. Linkage: This question directly discusses the… Continue reading [4th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘right to repair’ must include ‘right to remember’

Bird Deaths in Thar Desert

Why in the News? A new study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reveals that wind farms in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, have the highest recorded bird mortality rates globally. Bird Mortality at Wind Farms: Key Findings Study Details: Conducted across 3,000 sq. km in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, covering 90 wind turbines and 272 bird… Continue reading Bird Deaths in Thar Desert

Species in news: Alpine Musk Deer

Why in the News? A Central Zoo Authority (CZA) report reveals a major conservation error — the critically endangered Alpine musk deer was wrongly replaced by the Himalayan musk deer in India’s breeding programmes. Back2Basics: Central Zoo Authority (CZA): Establishment: Formed in 1992 under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Mandate: Captive breeding, zoo oversight, and assigning… Continue reading Species in news: Alpine Musk Deer

Who are Denotified, Semi-Nomadic and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)?

Why in the News? At an event in New Delhi, Denotified, Semi-Nomadic and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) strongly demanded a permanent National Commission to address their long-standing marginalisation. Who are Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)? Denotified Tribes (DNTs): Colonial Tag: Branded “criminal by birth” under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871. Legal Reversal: Act repealed in… Continue reading Who are Denotified, Semi-Nomadic and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)?

Human Outer Planet Exploration (HOPE)

Why in the News? India has taken a significant step towards interplanetary human missions with the launch of the Human Outer Planet Exploration (HOPE) analogue station at Tso Kar, Ladakh. About HOPE (Human Outer Planet Exploration): Purpose: Simulates Moon and Mars conditions to prepare for future human missions. Developer: Built by Protoplanet (Bengaluru); partially funded… Continue reading Human Outer Planet Exploration (HOPE)

Biologics & Biosimilars: The next frontier in Affordable Medicines

Why in the News? While most medicines are small molecule drugs with simple structures, a newer class—biologics and biosimilars—is reshaping modern medicine with their complex, targeted action. What are Small Molecule Drugs? Definition: Chemically synthesised, low molecular weight compounds. Features: Fixed structure, chemically stable, easy to replicate, patent-protected. Cost Dynamics: Expensive while under patent; affordable… Continue reading Biologics & Biosimilars: The next frontier in Affordable Medicines

[2nd August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: What has been missed is India’s digital sovereignty

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity. Linkage: The article highlights that data is the “digital era’s… Continue reading [2nd August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: What has been missed is India’s digital sovereignty

71st National Film Awards announced

Why in the News? The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced the 71st National Film Awards. About National Film Awards: Establishment: Instituted in 1954, administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals (DoFF) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Purpose: To encourage the production of films of aesthetic and technical excellence.… Continue reading 71st National Film Awards announced

Age Cap for Surrogacy in India

Why in the News? The Supreme Court of India has reserved its judgment (i.e. final decision is pending) in a set of petitions challenging the age-related eligibility criteria under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. These cases involve couples who had initiated the surrogacy process prior to the enactment of the law on January 25, 2022,… Continue reading Age Cap for Surrogacy in India

Patalpani-Kalakund Heritage Railway

Why in the News? The 155-year-old Patalpani–Kalakund heritage train services has resumed after a temporary halt. About the Patalpani–Kalakund Heritage Line: Route: 9.5 km metre-gauge section between Patalpani and Kalakund in Madhya Pradesh. Section: Part of the Dr. Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow)–Khandwa route. Restoration Year: Revived in 2018 as a heritage line after being excluded from… Continue reading Patalpani-Kalakund Heritage Railway

Piprahwa Relics of Buddha

Why in the News? The Union Culture Ministry has successfully retrieved the sacred ‘Piprahwa’ Buddhist relics, which were set to be auctioned in Hong Kong. About the Piprahwa Relics: Discovery: Unearthed in 1898 by William Claxton Peppe, a British engineer, at Piprahwa (Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh), near the Nepal border. Historical Significance: Identified as ancient Kapilavastu,… Continue reading Piprahwa Relics of Buddha

[1st August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Why the world needs better green technologies

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits. Linkage: This question directly related to “alternative technologies” to address a critical global environmental and resource crisis… Continue reading [1st August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Why the world needs better green technologies

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