💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
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[16th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Court’s nod to Mental Health as Right

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2020] In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. Linkage: The 2025 Sukdeb Saha judgment extends the scope of Article 21 by making mental health a constitutional right, just as geriatric and maternal… Continue reading [16th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Court’s nod to Mental Health as Right

SC on amended Waqf Act: What has been stayed, what remains

Introduction The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, passed by Parliament earlier this year, faced widespread opposition from political leaders, religious organisations, and civil society. Over 65 petitions were filed, challenging its constitutional validity. On September 15, the Supreme Court issued an interim order staying several key provisions, particularly those expanding the powers of district collectors, imposing… Continue reading SC on amended Waqf Act: What has been stayed, what remains

Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)

Why in the News? Brazil, the host of COP30, has proposed the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) to finance conservation of standing forests. What is Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)? Nature: A global blended finance fund that pays Tropical Forest Countries (TFCs) per hectare of forest conserved. Adjustments: Deductions made for deforestation or degradation. Equity… Continue reading Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF)

India secures International Seabed Authority (ISA) exploration contract

Why in the News? India has secured the world’s first International Seabed Authority (ISA) licence to explore polymetallic sulphur nodules in the Carlsberg Ridge, northwest Indian Ocean. India’s Engagement with ISA: Exploration Contracts: 2002 – Polymetallic nodules, Central Indian Ocean Basin (valid till 2027). 2016 – Polymetallic sulphides, Indian Ocean Ridge (valid till 2031). 2025… Continue reading India secures International Seabed Authority (ISA) exploration contract

In news: Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

Why in the News? The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has cautioned that record-high global share prices appear detached from concerns over rising government debt. About the Bank for International Settlements (BIS): Establishment: Formed in 1930, making it the world’s oldest international financial institution. Role: Known as the “central bank for central banks”, serving only… Continue reading In news: Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

[pib] Exercise Pacific Reach, 2025

Why in the News? INS Nistar, the Navy’s new indigenous Diving Support Vessel, made its maiden port call at Singapore to join the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025. About Exercise Pacific Reach: Overview: A biennial, multinational submarine rescue exercise initiated in 1996 (Asia-Pacific). Objective: Enhances cooperation, interoperability, and readiness in submarine rescue. Pacific Reach 2025… Continue reading [pib] Exercise Pacific Reach, 2025

[15th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Improving Macros: Period of low inflation and relatively high growth

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2019] Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. Linkage: The present scenario of low inflation (2.1%) coupled with high growth directly resonates with the 2019 PYQ, as it exemplifies how such… Continue reading [15th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Improving Macros: Period of low inflation and relatively high growth

How serious is the global plastic pollution crisis?

Introduction Plastic—once hailed as a symbol of modern convenience—has now become a global menace. Its non-biodegradable nature, rising consumption, and weak waste management systems have led to an unprecedented ecological and socio-economic challenge. This year’s World Environment Day theme, Ending Plastic Pollution, reflects the international recognition of the crisis. The issue cuts across dimensions of… Continue reading How serious is the global plastic pollution crisis?

PLI Scheme for White Goods

Why in the News? The Centre has announced reopening of the application window for the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods, following the strong response and success of earlier rounds. Note: White goods refer to large household appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, so named because they were traditionally white. About the… Continue reading PLI Scheme for White Goods

In news: Cauvery River Dispute

Why in the News? On the Cauvery dispute, Karnataka CM has said that water will be released to Tamil Nadu since the rainfall is adequate, while stressing the Mekedatu Dam’s role in water balance and clean energy.   Back2Basics: Cauvery River Origin & Course: Rises at Talakaveri, Brahmagiri range (Kodagu, Karnataka); flows ~800 km through Karnataka… Continue reading In news: Cauvery River Dispute

Places in news: Erra Matti Dibbalu

Why in the News? This newscard is an excerpt from a photo published in ‘The Hindu’. About Erra Matti Dibbalu: Location: Found between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, stretching 5 km along the coast, with widths ranging from 200 m to 2 km. Meaning: In Telugu, “Erra Matti” means red soil and “Dibbalu” means… Continue reading Places in news: Erra Matti Dibbalu

Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea

Why in the News? China’s State Council has approved the creation of a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Dao in Chinese, Bajo de Masinloc/Panatag Shoal in the Philippines). About Scarborough Shoal: Geography: A triangle-shaped chain of reefs and rocks in the South China Sea, about 200 km from Luzon (Philippines) and 800+ km… Continue reading Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea

PM inaugurated India’s first Bamboo-based Ethanol Plant

Why in the News? PM has inaugurated the world’s first bamboo-based ethanol plant in Golaghat district, Assam, marking a significant step in India’s green energy journey. Note: Ethanol is prepared from bamboo using a multi-step biochemical conversion process that transforms its rich cellulose content into fermentable sugars, which are then fermented and distilled into ethanol.… Continue reading PM inaugurated India’s first Bamboo-based Ethanol Plant

Ho Tribes’ Manki-Munda System

Why in the News? Members of the Ho tribe in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district staged a protest for alleged interference in their traditional Manki-Munda governance system by removing village heads (Mundas). About Ho Tribes: Location: Major community of Jharkhand (Kolhan, West Singhbhum), with presence in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Language: Speak Ho language (Munda branch, Austroasiatic… Continue reading Ho Tribes’ Manki-Munda System

[13th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: RTI’s shift to a ‘right to deny information’

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2020] Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission. Discuss. Linkage: The RTI’s strength lay in ensuring both citizens’ access to information and the independence of Information Commissions as watchdogs of transparency. Amendments such as those under the Digital… Continue reading [13th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: RTI’s shift to a ‘right to deny information’

Property rights, tribals, and the gender parity gap

Introduction Property ownership is not merely an economic question; it is fundamentally about power, dignity, and equality. For tribal women in India, exclusion from statutory inheritance rights has been one of the deepest forms of gender injustice. The Supreme Court’s July 2025 judgment striking down customary exclusions in tribal property rights represents both a historic… Continue reading Property rights, tribals, and the gender parity gap

Trumps’ crackdown on science gives India a great opportunity

Introduction Critical technologies are emerging as the new currency of global power. Yet India, despite ranking among the top five in 29 such domains, contributes only 2.5% of the world’s most highly cited papers and has just 2% of scientists in the global top 2% (Stanford–Elsevier). Meanwhile, China dominates 37 of 44 critical technologies (ASPI).… Continue reading Trumps’ crackdown on science gives India a great opportunity

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