💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship Aug Batch

[29th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The under-representation of women in the judiciary

PYQ Relevance: Q) Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (UPSC CSE 2021)Q) Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgment on ‘The National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (UPSC CSE 2017) Mentor’s Comment:… Continue reading [29th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The under-representation of women in the judiciary

What challenges does India face in fertilizer imports?

Why in the News? As the crises in Ukraine and Gaza persist, experts and policymakers are increasingly concerned about further rises in the costs of components essential for producing petroleum-based chemical fertilizers. Current Scenario of Fertilizer Imports: India’s domestic fertilizer production capacity does not meet the full demand, requiring substantial imports to bridge the gap.… Continue reading What challenges does India face in fertilizer imports?

9th National Ayurveda Day

Why in the News? On the occasion of the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister will launch several healthcare projects valued at Rs 12,850 crore. The focal theme for Ayurveda day-2024 has been decided as ‘Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health’. About Ayurveda: Details Origins   • Rooted in four Vedas (5000–1000 BCE). • References in Ramayana and… Continue reading 9th National Ayurveda Day

Similipal Tiger Reserve

Why in the News? The Odisha government has translocated a female tiger from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal Tiger Reserve, the State’s largest, to enhance the genetic diversity of its tiger population. Why discuss this? The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE-2023-24) says a total of 30 tigers were found in Odisha. Similipal has 27… Continue reading Similipal Tiger Reserve

[pib] Raigad Fort

Why in the News? The Raigad Fort is among 12 forts nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status under the title “Maratha Military Landscapes of India.” Why Raigad Fort is Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage? Historical and Strategic Importance: Raigad Fort served as the capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolizing Maratha resilience… Continue reading [pib] Raigad Fort

[28th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The private sector holds the key to India’s e-bus push

PYQ Relevance: Q) Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (UPSC CSE 2022) Q) Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public – Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the… Continue reading [28th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The private sector holds the key to India’s e-bus push

What are the Digital Arrest Scams?

Why in the News? The Prime Minister in his recent broadcast of “Mann Ki Baat” warned about the ‘Digital Arrest’ scams in India. What is Digital Arrest? Details What are they? A fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from victims under the false pretence of an arrest. Modus Operandi •… Continue reading What are the Digital Arrest Scams?

What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest?

Why in the News? In Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest, tribals ambushed the police after tree-felling resumed for coal mining in the area. What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest? Hasdeo Arand Forest is known as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh” due to its rich biodiversity. It is the largest unfragmented forest in Central India with pristine Sal… Continue reading What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest?

How Tardigrades are able to resist high levels of radiation?

Why in the News? A team of researchers has discovered the genetic mechanisms that allow a newly identified tardigrades species—Hypsibius henanensis—to withstand high levels of radiation. About Tardigrades Tardigrades, often called “water bears” or “moss piglets,” are tiny, water-dwelling microorganisms known for their remarkable ability to survive extreme conditions. They can withstand environments that would… Continue reading How Tardigrades are able to resist high levels of radiation?

Why ‘protected’ areas are seeing faster biodiversity decline?

Why in the News? According to a recent study conducted by the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London, biodiversity is decreasing more rapidly within key protected areas than outside of them. What did the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) say? The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) is a quantitative measure designed to assess the state of terrestrial… Continue reading Why ‘protected’ areas are seeing faster biodiversity decline?

[pib] Exercise SIMBEX 2024

Why in the News? The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is being held at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. About Exercise SIMBEX: Details History Initially known as Exercise Lion King. The exercise has been held annually since 1994. Evolution Progressed from anti-submarine warfare to include maritime security, anti-air, and… Continue reading [pib] Exercise SIMBEX 2024

National Manuscript Mission

Why in the News? The Union Ministry of Culture is planning to revive and relaunch the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and is considering the formation of an autonomous body to help preserve India’s ancient texts. Why Center is again re-evolving this scheme? Currently, the NMM operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre… Continue reading National Manuscript Mission

[25th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Gaza war and the Global South’s ‘interventions’

PYQ Relevance: [2018] India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.[2022] How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?Prelims:[2013]  The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of: (a) China (b) Israel (c)… Continue reading [25th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Gaza war and the Global South’s ‘interventions’

US court to decide whether elephants get human rights

Why in the News? Colorado’s highest court recently reviewed whether older African female elephants can legally contest their captivity, as the NonHuman Rights Project claims they are unlawfully confined. What is nonhuman? Nonhuman animals are living beings other than humans, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects, recognized for their capacity to feel, behave, and… Continue reading US court to decide whether elephants get human rights

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.