[24th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Can Presidential Reference change a judgment?

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary? Linkage: This question is about the power and role of the Supreme Court of India. It helps us understand how the Court… Continue reading

The reality of the changing dimensions of warfare

Why in the News? India needs to urgently revamp its defence modernisation plans in the face of emerging challenges from China and Pakistan, especially after the India-Pakistan conflict of May 2025, which revealed gaps in India’s preparedness. How has warfare changed since the Cold War? Shift from Large-Scale Wars to Regional Conflicts: After the Cold… Continue reading

Spare live animals, move to biological models

Why in the News? There is growing ethical and scientific concern over the continued use of animal testing in laboratories, as evidence mounts that such methods are often ineffective in predicting human responses. The legal and moral shift in India specifically, an amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to promote the… Continue reading

Paika Rebellion references omitted from NCERT books

Why in the News? Former Odisha CM expressed concern over the omission of the Paika Rebellion from NCERT’s latest Class VIII history textbook, calling it a “huge dishonour” to the brave Paikas. Localized Revolts in Odisha Region: The Paika Rebellion was part of a broader pattern of regional uprisings triggered by colonial encroachments: Paralakhemundi Rebellion… Continue reading

US withdraws from UNESCO

Why in the News? The United States has withdrawn from the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for the third time citing its “anti-Israel bias”. About UNESCO: Established: 1945, after World War II Headquarters: Paris, France Parent Body: United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Membership: 194 member states and 12 associate members;… Continue reading

Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India: World Bank Report (2024)

Why in the News? The World Bank’s report, “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India”, warns that climate risks like extreme heat and floods threaten India’s cities, despite their role as economic growth engines. About the ‘Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India’ Report Prepared By: World Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing… Continue reading

China commences construction of Mega Dam over Brahmaputra

Why in the News? China has commenced the construction of a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river (Brahmaputra in India) in southeastern Tibet. About the Mega Dam Project on Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo): Location: Nyingchi, southeastern Tibet, on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra in India). Project Size: Estimated investment of 1.2 trillion yuan (USD… Continue reading

Places in news: Bitra Island

Why in the News? The Lakshadweep administration has proposed the acquisition of Bitra Island, the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, for national defence purposes. About Bitra Island: Location: Situated in the Arabian Sea; part of the Amindivi subgroup of the Lakshadweep archipelago Distance from Mainland: ~483 km west of Kochi Land Area: 0.10–0.18… Continue reading

Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)

Why in the News? India has formally submitted a Letter of Request (LoR) to the United States seeking the co-production of Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. About the Javelin Missile: About: American-made man-portable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). Developers: Jointly developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Purpose: Defeats heavily armoured… Continue reading

‘Pact for the Future’ Agreement

Why in the News? India has renewed its call for time-bound reforms of the UN Security Council and reaffirmed support for the ‘Pact for the Future’ to strengthen global cooperation. About the ‘Pact for the Future’ Agreement: Origin: Adopted at the UN Summit of the Future (September 2024). Purpose: To reinvigorate multilateralism and strengthen global… Continue reading

Wind Stilling Effect in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP)

Why in the News? A satellite-based study (2003–2020) of 141 Indian cities revealed a surprising aerosol pattern — southern cities act as pollution hotspots, while many northern cities form ‘clean islands’ due to a phenomenon called the Wind Stilling Effect. Key Highlights of the Study: Conducted by: The Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar. Method: Used… Continue reading

Planetary Formation observed around HOPS‑315 Star

Why in the News? A study in Nature has provided the first observational evidence of solid rock forming from vapour in a distant star system HOPS-315, marking early planet formation. About HOPS-315: Type: A young star system located in the Orion constellation. Protoplanetary Disc: Surrounded by a flat, rotating disc of gas and dust, where… Continue reading

Realities behind the global experiment of ‘remote work’

Why in the News? A new “Global Survey of Working Arrangements” (2024–25) by the Ifo Institute and Stanford University has spotlighted the growing mismatch between workers’ desire for remote work and its actual availability worldwide. Why does a gap remain between the preference for remote work and its adoption? Employer Reluctance Due to Team Dynamics:… Continue reading

[pib] Ashokan Pillars of Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh

Why in the News? A replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya highlighting Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The original pillars, like those at Rampurva and Lauriya Nandangarh in Bihar, are key symbols of India’s Buddhist and Mauryan heritage and are on UNESCO’s Tentative List. About Rampurva Ashoka Pillars (West Champaran,… Continue reading

[pib] 10 years of Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX)

Why in the News? The Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX) at Delhi’s IGI Airport, has marked 10 years of pioneering research on dense winter fog in North India. About Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX): Purpose: It is a long-term, open-field research project dedicated to studying winter fog—a major hazard in North India. Launch: Initiated in 2015 at… Continue reading

[pib] PRATIBHA Setu Initiative

Why in the News? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has launched the PRATIBHA Setu initiative to channel the potential of civil service aspirants who reach the interview stage but do not make the final merit list. About PRATIBHA Setu: Meaning: Stands for Professional Resource And Talent Integration – Bridge for Hiring Aspirants. Purpose: Connects… Continue reading

In news: International Seabed Authority (ISA)

Why in the News? Despite growing global pressure, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has yet to finalize regulations for deep sea mining. Deadlock Over Deep Sea Mining Rules: ISA’s 36-member executive council concluded a line-by-line reading of the draft “mining code” containing 107 regulations. These regulations govern mining for cobalt, nickel, and manganese in international… Continue reading

MiG-21s to retire by September

Why in the News? The Indian Air Force’s longest-serving combat aircraft, the Russian-origin MiG (Mikoyan and Gurevich)-21, is set to be phased out by September 2025. About MiG-21: Type: Single-engine, single-seater, multi-role fighter and ground attack aircraft. Origin: Originally inducted as an interceptor; later upgraded for multi-role capabilities. Key Indian Variants: Type-77, Type-96, MiG-21 BIS… Continue reading

Hatti Tradition of Polyandry

Why in the news? The recent polyandrous marriage in Himachal Pradesh has brought the spotlight back on the customary practices of the Hatti tribe. About Hatti Tribe: Location: Indigenous to the Trans-Giri region (Himachal Pradesh) and Jaunsar Bawar region (Uttarakhand). Rivers: Settled around the Giri and Tons rivers, tributaries of the Yamuna. Etymology: “Hatti” derives… Continue reading

At FTA’s heart, the promise of Global Capacity Centres

Why in the News? India and the United Kingdom are nearing the finalisation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that is expected to significantly reshape their bilateral economic relationship. A key area of focus is the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India. What are GCCs (Global Capability Centres)? GCCs are offshore units set… Continue reading

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

Your better version awaits you!