Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme & BRIC

Why in the news? At the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the growing importance of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme and India’s rising biotech innovation ecosystem. Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Programme It is one of the programmes launched under the National Initiative for Developing and… Continue reading

Israel to Bring Remaining 5,800 Bnei Menashe Jews From Northeast India

Why in the news? On 23 November 2025, Israel approved a major plan to bring all remaining 5,800 members of the Bnei Menashe Jewish community from Northeast India by 2030. This marks a significant step in the decades-long Aliyah (immigration to Israel) process. Who are the Bnei Menashe? Indigenous community from Manipur and Mizoram. Claim… Continue reading

Hawfinch Sighting in Jim Corbett National Park

Why in the news? A Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), a bird species native to Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, was recorded on 23 November in the Dhela zone of Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand. This is considered a vagrant bird sighting. About Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) Family: Fringillidae (Finches) Size: ~18 cm Wingspan: 29–33 cm Distinctive… Continue reading

Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project

Why in the news? Karnataka has decided to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery River. The Supreme Court termed Tamil Nadu’s challenge as “premature”, enabling the CWMA and CWC to examine the project. Location & River Mekedatu is located in Ramanagara district, ~100 km from Bengaluru.… Continue reading

[27th November 2025] Hindu OpED Limited room: On the Indian rupee

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2018] How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? Linkage: Protectionism and currency pressures weaken the rupee, widen the CAD, and raise imported inflation. This directly affects India’s macroeconomic stability, as seen in the article’s emphasis on dollar strength and RBI’s limited… Continue reading

Return of the G2: Trump, China and the mirage of a bipolar world

INTRODUCTION The reference to a “G2” resurfaced when US President Trump publicly announced that “The G2 will be convening shortly,” signalling a possible US-China duopoly in global decision-making. The Trump-Xi Busan meeting revived an older idea first articulated by economist C. Fred Bergsten in 2005. However, despite dramatic optics, the summit lacked institutional depth and… Continue reading

Bastar Olympics

Why in the news? The Bastar Olympics is a government-led sporting initiative in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, an area historically affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). It has become a symbol of normalisation, trust-building, and socio-cultural revival as Maoist influence recedes. What are the Bastar Olympics? A regional multi-sport event launched by the Chhattisgarh government. Conducted across… Continue reading

Ningaloo Reef Mass Coral Mortality

Why in the News? A new survey in 2025 shows that nearly 70% of corals in Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ningaloo Reef have died due to the most intense and prolonged marine heatwave on record. About Ningaloo Reef Located in Western Australia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the largest fringing reefs in the… Continue reading

Operation Pawan

Why in the News? For the first time, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi paid homage at the National War Memorial to soldiers who died during Operation Pawan (1987–1990). Event held on 25 November 2025. What was Operation Pawan? A major military operation launched by the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in… Continue reading

Sleep Apnea & Parkinson’s Disease

Why in the News? A new study published in JAMA Neurology (Nov 24, 2025) found that untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can nearly double the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The study analysed 11 million+ U.S. military veterans’ medical records (1999–2022). Use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) significantly reduces the elevated risk, making sleep… Continue reading

Aravalli Hills: 90% Lose Protection, FSI Red-Flag Ignored

Why in the News? On 20 Nov 2025, the Supreme Court approved the government’s definition of Aravalli Hills as any hill 100 m or higher above local ground. Problem: This definition excludes 90% of Aravalli hills, making them open for mining and construction. Background The Aravalli Range runs from Delhi to Gujarat through Haryana and… Continue reading

[26th November 2025] Hindu OpED Trump-MbS summit- $1 trillion among friends

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2021] The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union. Explain. Linkage: The Trump-MbS summit reflects the U.S. strategy of rebuilding alliances to counter China’s growing influence in West Asia, where Beijing has expanded economically and diplomatically. The revived… Continue reading

Rupee is Asia’s worst performing currency

Introduction The Indian Rupee has depreciated 4.3% against the US Dollar in 2025, making it Asia’s worst-performing currency. Analysts warn that the INR may slide to ₹90 per USD if the India-US trade deal does not materialise soon. The rupee’s movement is now driven more by global dollar strength than by domestic fundamentals. Persistent capital… Continue reading

Decoding personality rights in the age of AI

Introduction Personality rights, traditionally rooted in privacy, dignity, and control over one’s identity—are facing unprecedented stress due to generative AI. Deepfake technologies, synthetic media, and AI-generated impersonation are creating new risks of deception, reputational harm, financial loss, and large-scale identity exploitation. Recent legal disputes involving celebrities highlight widening vulnerabilities and the absence of a robust… Continue reading

Pazhayar River Pollution in Nagercoil

Why in the News? Rampant sewage discharge into the Pazhayar River in Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu), especially near Ozhuginesary, has raised serious environmental and public health concerns. A 2024 situational report highlighted severe domestic, agricultural, and industrial (rubber processing) pollution in the river. Nagercoil Corporation has initiated steps to seal sewage inlets, but pollution remains widespread.… Continue reading

Volcanic Eruption in Ethiopia and Impact on India

Why in the news? The Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted on 23 November 2025 after nearly 12,000 years of dormancy, producing a massive ash plume rising to ~14 km (45,000 ft). High-level winds transported volcanic ash across the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula towards western and northern India, causing temporary disruption in… Continue reading

Capital Gains Accounts (Second Amendment) Scheme, 2025

Why in the news? The Ministry of Finance has notified the Capital Gains Accounts (Second Amendment) Scheme, 2025, introducing major changes to the existing Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS), 1988. The amendments aim to modernise processes, expand banking access, and increase clarity for taxpayers seeking capital gains exemptions. About Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS), 1988… Continue reading

African Grey Parrot Trade in India

Why in the News? A series of RTI applications filed by The Hindu across 19 States/UTs revealed that most State Forest Departments have no records of breeders, pet shops, or ownership registrations for the African Grey Parrot, despite the species being widely available in pet markets. Only Kerala reported receiving 17 breeder licence applications through… Continue reading

[25th November 2025] Hindu OpED Bridging India’s numeracy gap

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2020] National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. Linkage: NEP 2020 aligns with SDG-4 by focusing on equitable, high-quality education and foundational learning. However, implementation gaps and weak learning outcomes, especially in… Continue reading

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

Your better version awaits you!