E-Zero FIR to speed up action on Cyber Frauds

Why in the News? The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a pilot project for the e-Zero FIR (First Information Report) system in Delhi to help police take faster action in high-value cyber financial frauds. What is Zero FIR? Purpose: Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR for a cognisable offence… Continue reading

Lion count grows by 32% in 5 years

Why in the News? According to a recent report by the Gujarat Forest Department, the population of Asiatic lions in India has increased by 32% between 2020 and 2025, reaching 891 individuals. About the Asiatic Lion: Scientific Identity: The Asiatic Lion, also known as the Persian or Indian Lion, is found only in India and… Continue reading

SPICED Scheme

Why in the News? The Spices Board of India has decided to disburse ₹130 crore to almost 45,000 beneficiaries in 2025-2026 under the SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) Scheme. Back2Basics: Spices Board of India The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council… Continue reading

Rewriting the Keezhadi (Keeladi) Excavations Report

Why in the News? The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has asked to resubmit his excavation report on the Keeladi site near Madurai after making necessary corrections. ASI’s Concerns with the Report: The ASI asked for better scientific justification for the period of 8th century BCE to 5th century BCE. It said the earliest period… Continue reading

[pib] International Day for Biological Diversity, 2025

Why in the News? India has celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 in Udaipur. About International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB): Annual Observance: The IDB is celebrated every year on May 22 to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation. Significance: The date marks the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity… Continue reading

253rd birth anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy

One of the most influential social and religious reformers of the 19th century, Ram Mohan Roy, born on May 22, 1772 in what was then Bengal Presidency’s Radhanagar in Hooghly district, would have turned 253 years today. Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) Early life Born into a prosperous upper-caste Brahmin family, Roy grew up within… Continue reading

[22nd May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Overfishing — the threat to ocean wealth, livelihoods

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2022] What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. Linkage: While it focuses on the influence of ocean currents rather than the threat of overfishing, it establishes the fishing industry as a subject of examination in the context of geography and marine environments.… Continue reading

India-Pakistan tensions put strain on struggling Western Border Districts

Why in the News? Most western border districts, except in Gujarat, had little or no growth in exports and saw slow poverty reduction. Now, recent tensions and shelling between India and Pakistan are hurting the economy in these 22 districts. What causes slower poverty reduction in border districts? Geopolitical Tensions and Hostile Neighbours: Constant threats… Continue reading

Analyzing Poverty Levels in India by Comparing various Surveys

Why in the News? A recent study titled ‘Poverty Decline in India after 2011–12: Bigger Picture Evidence’ shows that poverty in India fell from 37% in 2004-05 to 22% in 2011-12. However, poverty declined by only an additional 18% until 2022-23, and officials have not released any poverty estimates after 2011-12. What are the three… Continue reading

What are Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)?

Why in the News? A new ETH Zurich study warns that under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 5-8.5 scenario, warming could make cyclones more intense and hit unusual regions with greater damage. What are Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)? Definition: SSPs are 5 global scenarios that show how changes in society, economy, and technology might influence… Continue reading

WHO members adopt ‘Pandemic Agreement’

Why in the News? At the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted a new Pandemic Agreement that aims to make the global response to future pandemics more equitable and effective. About the WHO Pandemic Agreement: Adoption: It was unanimously adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva… Continue reading

World’s most powerful Solar Particle Storm struck Earth 14,300 years ago

Why in the News? Scientists have discovered that a massive solar storm hit Earth around 12,350 BC, making it the most powerful solar event ever detected. What are Solar Particle Storms? About: A solar storm is a disturbance caused by solar flares or coronal mass ejections that release charged particles into space. Solar Particle Storm:… Continue reading

[pib] DoT introduces Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)

Why in the News? In a major move to fight cyber fraud and financial crime, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) as a part of the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). Back2Basics: Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) DIP is developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as a secure, integrated… Continue reading

Trade diplomacy: on India-Bangladesh trade-related tensions

Why in the News? India has taken a sharp turn from its traditionally cooperative trade approach by recently imposing restrictions on Bangladeshi readymade garments and other goods. Why did India impose trade restrictions on Bangladesh? Bangladesh move to China: India imposed trade restrictions to express displeasure with Bangladesh’s interim government led by Mohammed Yunus, which… Continue reading

Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur

Why in the News? The Shirui Lily Festival has commenced in Manipur after a two-year gap caused by the ongoing conflict in the state. About Shirui Lily Festival Organiser: The festival is conducted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur. Launch: It was first held in 2017 and is now one of Manipur’s two… Continue reading

[pib] 150 Years of Metre Convention

Why in the News? On May 20, 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs celebrated World Metrology Day, marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in Paris on May 20, 1875. About the Metre Convention: Inception: Also called the Treaty of the Metre, it was signed in Paris on May 20, 1875,… Continue reading

Hoyle–Narlikar Theory of Gravity

Why in the News? Jayant Narlikar, renowned Indian astrophysicist and Padma Vibhushan awardee, who co-developed the Hoyle–Narlikar Theory to refine Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, passed away in Pune at the age of 87. About Jayant Narlikar and His Contributions: Early Life: Born in 1938 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and pursued a PhD at Cambridge University under… Continue reading

RBI revises rules for investment in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

Why in the News? The RBI has released revised draft guidelines for investments made by Regulated Entities (REs) in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to ensure better regulatory oversight, prevent misuse of funds, and align with the rules already set by SEBI. What are Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)? Definition: They are unique investment vehicles that are… Continue reading

Potato Cultivation in India

Why in the News? India is likely to become the world’s largest potato producer, overtaking China, by 2050, according to experts from the International Potato Center (CIP) based in Peru. Back2Basics: International Potato Center (CIP) The CIP is a research-for-development organisation founded in 1971, focused on improving potato, sweet potato, and Andean root and tuber… Continue reading

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