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Distribution: weekly

Getting the ‘micropicture’ at the panchayat level 

Why in the News? The release of the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) Baseline Report 2022–23 in April 2025 marks a major milestone in India’s grassroots governance and data-driven policymaking. Why does it mark a major milestone?  Empowers Local Decision-Making: PAI presents complex data in an understandable way for Gram Panchayat leaders, enabling them to identify… Continue reading Getting the ‘micropicture’ at the panchayat level 

The ongoing oil price tensions

Why in the News? In May 2025, Saudi Arabia led OPEC+ to reverse previous production cuts, sparking a full-fledged oil price war—a new form of global conflict fought aggressively over barrels of crude oil rather than through military aggression. What is OPEC+?  OPEC+ is a group consisting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries… Continue reading The ongoing oil price tensions

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

Why in the News? The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status of a notable British-Indian academic has been cancelled due to involvement in anti-India activities. About Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI): Launch: Introduced in August 2005 to give Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) a long-term connection to India. Eligibility: Open to those who were citizens… Continue reading Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

[pib] What is Operation Olivia?

Why in the News? As of February 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) protected a record 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles during their mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha. About Operation Olivia: Launch: Operation Olivia is an annual conservation mission by the Indian Coast Guard, started in the early 1980s. Main Objective:… Continue reading [pib] What is Operation Olivia?

NASA’s GRAIL Mission

Why in the News? Scientists now believe the Moon’s near side looks different from its far side due to its internal structure and volcanic past, revealed by NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission. About the GRAIL Mission: Launch: NASA launched the GRAIL mission in 2011 to study the moon’s internal structure. Spacecraft Used:… Continue reading NASA’s GRAIL Mission

[19th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: What is a Presidential reference?

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2017] Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. Linkage: NJAC Act was struck down (the Collegium system) had its detailed guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the Third Judges case, which itself was… Continue reading [19th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: What is a Presidential reference?

Mahadayi Water Dispute

Why in the News? A protest has erupted in Goa after a scientific paper on water availability and diversion in the Mahadayi basin reignited its long-standing dispute with Karnataka. About the Mahadayi River: Origin: The Mahadayi River (Mhadei in Goa) originates in Bhimgad, Karnataka, in the Western Ghats. Length and Flow: It flows 81 km,… Continue reading Mahadayi Water Dispute

What is A-to-I mRNA Editing?

Why in the News? Chinese researchers found that A-to-I mRNA editing, once considered random, plays a key role in development, especially in the wheat pathogen Fusarium graminearum. About A-to-I mRNA Editing: mRNA: Our cells use DNA as a guide to make proteins. First, they copy DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA). A-to-I editing: This is a… Continue reading What is A-to-I mRNA Editing?

Seasonal Impact of Monsoons on Wind Power

Why in the News? The onset of cool, moisture-laden monsoon winds offers not just relief but also a significant opportunity for wind energy generation. About the Indian Monsoon: Origin: The word “monsoon” comes from Arabic ‘mausin’ or Malayan ‘monsin,’ meaning “season”. Seasonal Wind Shift: Monsoons are seasonal winds that reverse direction with changing seasons. Types:… Continue reading Seasonal Impact of Monsoons on Wind Power

Why Northeast-Kolkata link via Myanmar — not Bangladesh — is significant

Why in the News? Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved a 166.8-km four-lane highway from Shillong to Silchar. This highway will later be extended to Zorinpui in Mizoram and will link the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) with a fast road network running through the center of Northeast India.… Continue reading Why Northeast-Kolkata link via Myanmar — not Bangladesh — is significant

[17th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The ingredient to turn around nutrition outcomes

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? Linkage: Gender concerns are important in programme design, aligning with the article’s argument that nutrition programmes like POSHAN have limited impact.   Mentor’s Comment: India’s free foodgrain… Continue reading [17th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The ingredient to turn around nutrition outcomes

Permanent Lok Adalats 

Why in the News? Permanent Lok Adalats in as many as 16 districts of Rajasthan have ceased functioning owing to the non-extension of tenure of their presiding officers and members. About Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs)  Legal Basis: PLAs are statutory bodies established under Section 22-B of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Establishment: They were… Continue reading Permanent Lok Adalats 

Restoration of Rajon ki Baoli

Why in the News? The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in private collaboration, has successfully completed the restoration of Rajon ki Baoli, a 16th-century Lodi-era stepwell located in New Delhi. About Rajon ki Baoli: Location: Situated in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Delhi, around 400 meters south of Adham Khan’s Tomb. Build year: Built in 1506 CE… Continue reading Restoration of Rajon ki Baoli

125 Years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) 

Why in the News? The Department of Posts has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO)—one of India’s oldest and most significant astronomical research centres dedicated to studying the Sun. About the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO): Founding: Established in the late 19th century, KoSO was established in… Continue reading 125 Years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) 

[16th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Does Article 21 include right to digital access?

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2022] The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. Linkage: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for… Continue reading [16th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Does Article 21 include right to digital access?

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