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What is the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement?

Introduction The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a strategic pivot in India’s trade policy, prioritising bilateral, region-specific agreements over multilateral trade negotiations. Beyond tariff liberalisation, the agreement integrates investment, labour mobility, MSME participation, and services trade, positioning India within the Indo-Pacific economic architecture while safeguarding sensitive domestic sectors. Why in the News? India… Continue reading What is the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement?

AI that you can hold in your hand, and that holds your hand

Introduction Artificial Intelligence is undergoing a qualitative transformation, from a background computational tool to an active intermediary between humans and the digital world. The AI’s most significant impact is not automation alone, but the rewiring of the internet itself, including how users search, read, decide, and act. As AI becomes embedded in devices, browsers, and… Continue reading AI that you can hold in your hand, and that holds your hand

INS Vagsheer

Why in the News? Droupadi Murmu became the second Indian President to undertake a submarine sortie, embarking on INS Vagsheer from Karwar naval base. About INS Vagsheer Sixth submarine of the Kalvari class (Scorpene class) under Project-75 Operated by the Indian Navy Named after the sandfish, a deep sea predator of the Indian Ocean Commissioned… Continue reading INS Vagsheer

Frequency Comb

 Why in the News? Frequency combs are highlighted as key modern tools used in atomic clock calibration and other precision measurements. What is a Frequency Comb A special type of laser light Its spectrum looks like the teeth of a comb Connects the radio frequency domain (below ~100 GHz) with the optical domain (above ~200… Continue reading Frequency Comb

Industrial Hemp

Why in the News? The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has initiated a policy push to legalise and regulate industrial hemp cultivation. What is Industrial Hemp Scientific name: Cannabis sativa L. Belongs to the Cannabis genus and Cannabaceae family Herbaceous, dioecious plant Botanically related to marijuana but very different in use and effects THC content… Continue reading Industrial Hemp

Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR)  

Why in the News? To ensure faster grievance redressal for air passengers, the government has operationalised the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR). About PACR Launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India Objective: Prompt, effective and coordinated resolution of air traveller grievances Key Features Functions as an integrated control hub at Udaan Bhawan,… Continue reading Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR)  

Kolleru Lake

Why in the News? Kolleru Lake is gaining recognition for its black dried fish, now popular in domestic and international markets. What is Black Dried Fish A traditional sun dried fish product Prepared by drying small freshwater or brackish water fish without heavy salting Dark colour develops due to natural oxidation and fermentation during drying… Continue reading Kolleru Lake

[29th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: A grand vision and the great Indian research deficit

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2024] What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialised. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization. Linkage: This question links global debates on patenting of life forms (biotech,… Continue reading [29th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: A grand vision and the great Indian research deficit

What are rare-earth elements and why is everyone looking for them?

Introduction Rare-earth elements comprise a group of 17 metallic elements, 15 lanthanides along with scandium and yttrium, used extensively in modern high-performance technologies. Their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties make them indispensable for permanent magnets, phosphors, catalysts, optics, and electronic components. The strategic importance of REEs arises not from their rarity in the Earth’s… Continue reading What are rare-earth elements and why is everyone looking for them?

Linked civilizations, a modern strategic partnership

Introduction India and Iran represent two ancient civilisations whose interaction predates modern statecraft. Their relationship, rooted in linguistic, cultural, and philosophical exchanges, has endured political upheavals and geographic separation. In the contemporary era, shared economic needs, energy complementarities, and regional security concerns are transforming this civilisational bond into a strategic partnership. This has implications for… Continue reading Linked civilizations, a modern strategic partnership

Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme and Shipbuilding Development Scheme  

Why in the News? The Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways notified operational guidelines for the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS). Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) Objective Strengthen domestic shipbuilding and global competitiveness • Valid till 31 March 2036 • Financial assistance 15 to 25 percent per vessel based… Continue reading Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme and Shipbuilding Development Scheme  

Somaliland  

Why in the News? Recently, Israel formally recognised the self declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. About Somaliland Located in the Horn of Africa • Borders Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Puntland region • Has a strategic coastline along the Gulf of Aden • Capital city Hargeisa Economy and Infrastructure Economy… Continue reading Somaliland  

Dhasan River 

Why in the News? The National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi, dismissed an appeal challenging the cancellation of environmental clearance for sand mining in the Dhasan River in Jhansi district. About Dhasan River A right bank tributary of the Betwa River • Betwa River is a tributary of the Yamuna • Flows through the… Continue reading Dhasan River 

Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS) 

Why in the News? The Northeast Frontier Railway achieved its highest-ever single-day mechanised track renewal of 1,033 track metres using Plasser’s Quick Relaying System. About Plasser’s Quick Relaying System A modern semi-mechanised track relaying system used for rapid replacement of railway tracks • Developed by Plasser & Theurer • Designed to speed up track renewal… Continue reading Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS) 

[27th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: Social scourge: on India and child marriages

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2020] Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? Linkage: Child marriage exemplifies how entrenched customs override rational decision-making, despite legal prohibition and awareness. The article highlights that social acceptance of tradition-driven practices continues to undermine health, education, and gender equality outcomes. Introduction Child marriage in India represents a… Continue reading [27th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: Social scourge: on India and child marriages

India weathers tariff storm for now

Introduction India ends 2025 with relatively strong macroeconomic fundamentals despite a turbulent global environment marked by tariff wars, slowing global growth, and technological disruptions. While fears of a tariff-led slowdown, especially following renewed US trade protectionism, have not fully materialised, structural weaknesses in domestic consumption pose a critical challenge. The central policy question is whether… Continue reading India weathers tariff storm for now

On petrol pricing in India

Introduction Ethanol-blended petrol and pure petrol are treated as identical for pricing and taxation purposes, despite being distinct products from a production and tax standpoint. Ethanol is taxed under the GST regime, while petrol remains outside GST and is subject to central excise duty and state VAT. This dual structure has created inconsistencies in price… Continue reading On petrol pricing in India

Camellia sinensis

Why in the News? The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India clarified that a beverage can be legally called tea only if it is derived from the plant Camellia sinensis. About Camellia sinensis Belongs to the family Theaceae Commonly known as the tea plant Primary source of green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and… Continue reading Camellia sinensis

Rashtriya Prerna Sthal

Why in the News? The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, to commemorate the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. About Rashtriya Prerna Sthal Developed as a national memorial and inspirational complex • Dedicated to the life, ideals, and values of Atal Bihari Vajpayee •… Continue reading Rashtriya Prerna Sthal

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