Species in news: Himalayan long-tailed myotis

Why in the News? Researchers have identified a new-to-science bat species, the Himalayan long-tailed myotis (Myotis himalaicus), from the Western Himalayas. About Himalayan Long-Tailed Myotis: New Species: It is a newly described bat species from the Western Himalayas. Discovery: It was first recorded in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, in 2021 and matched with an earlier specimen… Continue reading

Kashmir Merino: India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep

Why in the News? Researchers at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) have successfully created India’s first gene-edited sheep—a Kashmir Merino breed. About Kashmir Merino Sheep: Overview: Kashmir Merino is a high-quality domestic sheep breed known for its fine wool and ability to thrive in cold climates. Genetics: It was developed by crossbreeding… Continue reading

NASA captures image of Mars’ Arsia Mons Volcano

Why in the News? NASA’s Mars Odyssey orbiter has captured a spectacular image of Arsia Mons, one of Mars’ largest volcanoes. About Arsia Mons Volcano: Location: Arsia Mons is a massive shield volcano on Mars, located in the Tharsis region near the planet’s equator. Volcanic Chain: It is part of the Tharsis Montes trio, which… Continue reading

[9th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: New study makes controversial weather-tweaking idea more realistic

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2022] Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. Linkage: The article highlight that the world needs to “lower its dependence on fossil fuels” because… Continue reading

Consultative regulation-making that should go further

Why in the News? India’s main financial regulators — the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) — have, for the first time, created clear step-by-step procedures for how they will create and update their rules. What procedural reforms have the RBI and SEBI recently introduced in regulation-making?… Continue reading

Defence production in India receives a fillip

Why in the News? After Operation Sindoor, India’s military strike against Pakistan in May, there has been a lot of talk about strategy — but it has also given a strong boost to India’s defence sector, especially to private companies and small businesses (MSMEs) involved in defence manufacturing. What impact did Operation Sindoor have on… Continue reading

Mizoram and Goa declared Fully Literate under ULLAS Scheme

Why in the News? In a major achievement for adult education in India, Mizoram and Goa have declared themselves “fully literate” under the ULLAS Scheme (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society). What does “Fully Literate” mean under ULLAS? As per the Ministry of Education (August 2024): A person is literate if they can read,… Continue reading

Evidence of Pre-Harappan Human Presence discovered in Rann of Kutch

Why in the News? IIT Gandhinagar researchers have found evidence that humans lived in the Great Rann of Kutch 5,000 years before the Harappans, likely as coastal hunter-gatherers. About the Khadir Island Sites: Location: Khadir Island (Khadir Beyt) is in the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, near the well-known Harappan site of Dholavira. Geographic Context:… Continue reading

Extreme Poverty in India down to 5.3% in 2022-23: World Bank

Why in the News? According to a new World Bank report, extreme poverty in India has fallen from 27.1% in 2011–12 to just 5.3% in 2022–23, based on a revised international poverty line. Understanding World Bank’s Poverty Lines: The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than a fixed amount per person per… Continue reading

Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (DRUM)

Why in the News? IIT Kharagpur has made a web app called Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (DRUM) to help people choose travel routes that are not just fast but also have cleaner air and better energy use. About DRUM: Purpose: It is a navigation tool that prioritises air quality and energy efficiency,… Continue reading

Rare Proton Emission in Astatine Isotope

Why in the News? In a groundbreaking discovery, an international team of nuclear physicists from Finland has measured the proton emission and half-life of 188Astatine (188At)—the heaviest proton-emitting isotope ever observed. What is Proton Emission? Atomic Structure: Atoms are made up of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons. Radioactive Decay: When atoms… Continue reading

Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN)

Why in the News? The Centre has launched DIGIPIN, a geo-coded digital address system that aims to bring precision and efficiency to address identification across the country. Tap to read more about PIN Codes in India. What is DIGIPIN? About: DIGIPIN is a digital address system introduced by the Government of India to improve location… Continue reading

[7th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Water management in India needs a new course

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2013] Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. Linkage: India’s water management problems are explicitly stated to be a result of a “fragmented and sectoral approach”. This contrasts sharply with the… Continue reading

Maintaining India’s progress in food safety standards

Why in the News? World Food Safety Day 2025 is observed with the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” It highlights India’s progress in food safety, though there are still some gaps to address. What is the theme of World Food Safety Day 2025? Theme: “Food Safety: Science in Action”. It emphasizes the importance of… Continue reading

PM inaugurates Chenab Railway Bridge

Why in the News? Prime Minister inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. About the Chenab Rail Bridge: Location: The Chenab Rail Bridge is the world’s highest railway bridge, situated over the Chenab River in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. It is part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link… Continue reading

India elected to UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

Why in the News? India has been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the term 2026–2028. About the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): Establishment: It is one of the 6 principal UN organs, created in 1945 under the UN Charter. Mandate: It coordinates the UN’s economic, social, humanitarian, and… Continue reading

UMEED Portal for Waqf Properties

Why in the News? Union Minister for Minority Affairs has launched the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal—a centralised digital platform to manage Waqf properties across India. Tap to read more about the Waqf and the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. About the UMEED Portal Launch: It was launched by the Ministry of… Continue reading

Should India amend its nuclear energy laws?

Why in the News? India is thinking about changing the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act, 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. These changes would let private companies build and run nuclear power plants. Why is there a proposal to amend India’s nuclear energy laws? To Attract Private and Foreign Participation: Current laws like… Continue reading

Global Energy Investment Report, 2025

Why in the News? China will lead global energy investments in 2025, making up over a quarter of total spending, says the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 10th edition Global Energy Investment Report, 2025. Back2Basics: International Energy Agency (IEA) Establishment: The IEA was formed in 1974 under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in… Continue reading

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