[4th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The other space race — the geopolitics of satellite net

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] Can India become a space power by solely relying on its indigenous technology, or is it imperative to forge technological alliances and collaborations with other nations to stay competitive in the global space race? Elaborate your views. Linkage: India’s choice to partner with Starlink, a US-based network, over waiting for indigenous… Continue reading

Bangladesh events, a reflection of South Asia’s minorities

Why in the News? The removal of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 has raised concerns about violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Religious minorities in South Asia, especially India and Pakistan, are facing increasing challenges that have worsened since Partition. What are the key factors contributing to the decline in the status of religious minorities in… Continue reading

Ramakien Murals of the Grand Palace of Bangkok

Why in the News? The Prime Minister has highlighted the release of iStamp depicting Ramakien mural paintings by Thai Government. About the Ramakien Murals: The murals were first painted in 1783 during the reign of King Rama I, who commissioned the adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana into the Thai version called the Ramakien. The… Continue reading

Why Naini Lake is seeing record-low water levels?

Why in the News? Naini Lake, one of Nainital’s key attractions, has recorded a water level of 4.7 feet, marking a 5-year low, sparking concerns about drinking water scarcity as the summer season approaches. About Naini Lake Naini Lake is situated in the heart of Nainital, a hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.… Continue reading

GI Tags Awarded in April 2025

Why in the News? Recently, several Geographical Indication (GI) tags have been awarded to unique products, enhancing their protection in the market and giving them a platform for global recognition. Here is the list of all the GI tags recently Awarded: State Product Name Description Meghalaya Ryndia (Meghalaya Handloom Products) Ryndia is an eco-friendly fabric… Continue reading

PM gifted with a copy of Tripitaka by Thai PM

Why in the News? Prime Minister was presented with ‘The World Tipitaka: Sajjhaya Phonetic Edition’ by his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in a diplomatic exchange. About Tripitaka The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon or Tipitaka, is the primary scripture of Theravada Buddhism, containing the teachings attributed to Buddha. It was initially preserved through… Continue reading

50th Anniversary of Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)

Why in the News? March 26, 2025, marked the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), the first multilateral disarmament treaty to ban an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. About the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) The BWC also known as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC),… Continue reading

15th Century Copper Plates from the Vijayanagara Empire discovered

Why in the News? A set of copper plates from the early 15th Century, dating back to the reign of Devaraya I of the Sangama Dynasty, were recently unveiled by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). About the Sangama Dynasty The Sangama Dynasty was the first ruling dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, founded in the… Continue reading

What is the Green Credit Programme?

Why in the News? The Green Credit Programme (GCP), launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2023, was questioned by the Ministry of Law and Justice regarding the legality of its business model. About the Green Credit Programme (GCP) The GCP launched by the MoEFCC in 2023, is a government initiative… Continue reading

RBI celebrates 90 years

Why in the News? The first monetary policy of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra in 2025 marks 90 years since the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced its inaugural monetary policy in 1935. RBI’s First Monetary Policy in 1935 On July 3, 1935, RBI set the bank rate at 3.5%, reflecting the Imperial Bank’s rate. The… Continue reading

[pib] Exercise Tiger Triumph

Why in the News? The 4th edition of Exercise Tiger Triumph, a bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, will be held on the Eastern Seaboard of India, with activities taking place in Visakhapatnam and Kakinada. About Exercise Tiger Triumph The exercise was first announced by then U.S. President Donald Trump during the… Continue reading

[pib] NITI NCAER States Economic Forum

Why in the News? The Finance Minister is set to launch the “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal. About the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal The “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal is a comprehensive digital platform developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). It serves… Continue reading

Majorana 1 Chip and the Pursuit of Quantum Computing

Why in the News? In December 2024, Microsoft introduced its quantum computing chip, Majorana 1, designed to solve industrial-scale problems by utilizing the properties of Majorana particles for practical quantum computing. About Majorana 1 Chip and the Science Behind Microsoft introduced its Majorana 1 quantum computing chip, designed to solve large-scale problems using quantum computing.… Continue reading

Fram2 Polar-Orbiting Mission

Why in the News? SpaceX has launched the Fram2 mission, sending four private astronauts on a groundbreaking journey to orbit Earth from pole to pole, marking a major milestone in space tourism. About the Fram2 Polar-Orbiting Mission The Fram2 mission is a spaceflight undertaken by SpaceX, featuring a crew of four private astronauts. The mission… Continue reading

IISc’s Bacteria-Based Technique for Lunar Habitat Construction

Why in the News? Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) have developed a bacteria-based technique to repair bricks used in lunar habitats, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the moon’s environment. About the Bacterial Brick: The bacterial brick is an innovative material designed for building durable, eco-friendly structures in lunar habitats. It… Continue reading

[1st April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Why are tensions high in the Arctic?

PYQ Relevance: Question: “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. [UPSC 2021] Linkage: The broader context of competition for influence in the continent. Mentor’s Comment: The Arctic has… Continue reading

Among Ministries, Home Affairs ‘dropped’ most assurances

Why in the News? Since 2014, the Ministry of Home Affairs made 421 assurances in the Lok Sabha and 338 in the Rajya Sabha. However, it dropped about 15% of the assurances in the Lok Sabha and 12% in the Rajya Sabha, which is the highest among all the ministries in both houses. What is… Continue reading

Mahabodhi Temple, Gaya

Why in the News? Since February 2025, Buddhists across India have been protesting, demanding the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949. Controversy surrounding the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949: The BTA was enacted after disputes between the Hindu and Buddhist communities regarding control of the temple. Prior to this, the temple… Continue reading

Why the Parker Solar Probe is trying to ‘touch’ the Sun?

Why in the News? The Parker Solar Probe made history on December 24, 2024, by coming within 6.1 million kilometers of the Sun’s surface, marking the closest approach ever by a spacecraft. About Parker Solar Probe The Parker Solar Probe, launched in August 2018, is a car-sized robotic spacecraft named after Eugene Newman Parker, an… Continue reading

Sarhul Festival Celebrations in Jharkhand

Why in the News? On April 1, 2025, tribals in Jharkhand and the larger Chhotanagpur region will celebrate Sarhul, marking both the New Year and the arrival of spring. About Sarhul Festival Sarhul is a significant Adivasi festival celebrated in Jharkhand and the Chhotanagpur region, covering parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Bihar. It is celebrated… Continue reading

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