Article 143 of the Indian Constitution

Why in the News? The Tamil Nadu CM has criticised the Presidential Reference under Article 143 as a “desperate attempt” to weaken State powers, following a Supreme Court ruling that set timelines for Governors and the President to act on State Bills. Recent Invocation: The Presidential Reference asked whether the Supreme Court could impose timelines… Continue reading

India assembles First Chromosome-Level Genome of the Yak

Why in the News? Specialists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have successfully assembled the first-ever chromosome-level genome of the Indian yak (Bos grunniens). About the Indian Yak (Bos grunniens): The Indian yak, often referred to as the ‘ship of the Himalayas’, plays a crucial role in the high-altitude economies of India. Features:… Continue reading

Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX Mission) enters Preliminary Design Phase

Why in the News? India and Japan have begun the preliminary design phase of the Chandrayaan-5 mission, also known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration). Back2Basics: Legacy of Chandrayaan Missions Chandrayaan-1 (2008): First mission, focused on mineral and chemical mapping. Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Orbiter mission with 98% success. Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Achieved a historic soft landing on the… Continue reading

Why UK is tightening immigration rules, how Indians will be affected

Why in the News? Recently, the United Kingdom (UK) has announced new plans to change its immigration rules to reduce the number of people moving to the country. What are the key immigration reforms proposed to control net migration? Raising Skilled Worker Visa Threshold: The requirement for the ‘skilled worker’ visa will be raised from… Continue reading

Under control: On the latest inflation data

Why in the News? Retail inflation dropped to 3.16% in April, marking its lowest level in nearly six years. This shows that prices are rising more slowly, bringing relief to consumers and policymakers. What caused the recent fall in retail and wholesale inflation in April? Sharp Drop in Vegetable Prices: Retail inflation was driven down… Continue reading

Principled Criminalization and the Police as Pivot

Why in the News? Recently, the Supreme Court of India gave an important decision in the case of Imran Pratapgarhi v. State of Gujarat (2025 INSC 410). The judgment focused on balancing the fundamental right to freedom of speech with the police’s duty to register a First Information Report (FIR). What is the significance of… Continue reading

India eases Solar Panel Efficiency Norms for Off-Grid Rural Projects

Why in the News? The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has lowered the efficiency requirement for off-grid solar panels to make rural electrification easier and more affordable. About India’s Off-Grid Solar Programme: About: The programme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to provide solar energy access in regions without… Continue reading

[pib] Changes in Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) from 2025

Why in the News? The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced major changes to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). About Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): Purpose: To measure employment and unemployment nationwide. Conducted by: National Statistical Office (NSO) under the MoSPI, it has been active since 2017. Estimate 3 core indicators:… Continue reading

Scientists at CERN Create Gold from Lead

Why in the News? In a recent breakthrough at CERN’s ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment), scientists observed that near-collisions of lead ions in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) can result in the formation of gold atoms and other novel nuclei. How was Lead converted into Gold? In ultra-peripheral collisions at the Large Hadron Collider,… Continue reading

Justice B.R. Gavai takes charge as 52nd CJI

Why in the News? Justice B.R. Gavai has been sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI). About the Chief Justice of India: The CJI is the head of the Supreme Court and the highest-ranking judicial officer in the country. As the “Master of the Roster,” the CJI has the exclusive authority to:… Continue reading

[14th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Ecology is the world’s permanent economy

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? Linkage: The concept that ecological health (groundwater levels) is fundamental to human survival and security (food security). It highlights how the depletion of a natural resource affects a critical aspect… Continue reading

Big deal: On the U.S.-China trade deal

Why in the News? Recently, the U.S. has agreed to temporarily reduce its tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% for 90 days, while China will lower its tariffs on American products from 125% to 10%. What are the key terms of the U.S.-China trade truce? Tariff Reductions: The U.S. has temporarily lowered tariffs… Continue reading

In India, education without employment

Why in the News? The National Education Policy 2020 does not effectively address the employability issues faced by India’s graduates in the workforce. What are the key flaws in NEP 2020 regarding employability? No Industry Participation in Policy Design: The NEP drafting process excluded industry leaders, leading to poor alignment between education and job market… Continue reading

Highlights of the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 Report

Why in the News? According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 report, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India remains unchanged at 2.0 children per woman, the same as in 2020. Also, the annual crude birth rates for Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Kerala are declining at 2x the rate of the national average. About… Continue reading

What are Digital Banking Units (DBU)?

Why in the News? In October 2022, 75 Digital Banking Units were launched across remote districts to commemorate India’s 75th Independence Day, but their momentum has declined from past 2 years. About Digital Banking Units (DBUs): DBUs are specialized, fixed-location banking hubs designed to deliver a wide range of digital financial services using modern infrastructure.… Continue reading

Dirang Geothermal Project

Why in the News? The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled India’s first geothermal production well in Dirang, located in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district. This could potentially make Dirang the first geothermal-powered town in the country. What is Geothermal Energy? Geothermal energy is derived from heat stored in the… Continue reading

India rolls over $50M Treasury Bill to help Maldives

Why in the News? India extended critical financial assistance to the Maldives by rolling over a $50 million Treasury Bill, continuing its support under a government-to-government arrangement since 2019. About Treasury Bill: A T-Bill is a short-term debt instrument issued by the GoI through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). They are part of Government… Continue reading

Explained: Why farmers prefer growing rice and wheat

Why in the News? The combination of assured government support and scientific advancements in breeding technologies has made rice and wheat the most preferred crops among Indian farmers, while other crops lag due to lack of similar incentives and innovations. Why do farmers prefer rice and wheat? Assured Procurement at MSP: The government provides near-guaranteed… Continue reading

Species in news: Indian Grey Wolf

Why in the News? Indian Grey Wolves in the Kadbanwadi Grasslands in Pune District are exposed to threats from local dog populations, such as Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), rabies, and canine parvovirus. About the Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes): The Indian Grey Wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf, found in India, Southwest… Continue reading

[pib] Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM)

Why in the News? The Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva. About Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM): GFTM is an informal platform launched by India in May 2023 under the WHO to promote cooperation on traditional medicine. It… Continue reading

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