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[9th August 2025] OPED With tariffs, India’s growth rate needs a careful watch

The recent U.S. decision to impose a 25% reciprocal tariff and an additional 25% penal levy on India’s exports marks a sharp turn in bilateral trade relations. While aimed at narrowing the U.S. trade deficit and influencing India’s crude sourcing from Russia, these measures risk slowing India’s GDP growth, widening the Current Account Deficit, and… Continue reading [9th August 2025] OPED With tariffs, India’s growth rate needs a careful watch

Revision of creamy layer income limit ‘need of the hour’:

The Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) has reiterated the need to revise the “creamy layer” income ceiling for OBC reservation benefits. It called the revision the “need of the hour”, citing inflation and rising income levels, which have rendered the current ₹8 lakh per annum limit (fixed in 2017) inadequate. The… Continue reading Revision of creamy layer income limit ‘need of the hour’:

Industrial Accidents in India – The Human Cost of Indifference

Industrial accidents in India are neither rare nor accidental; they are recurring human tragedies rooted in systemic negligence, regulatory apathy, and corporate cost-cutting. From chemical plant explosions in Telangana to firecracker unit disasters in Tamil Nadu, these incidents underscore a grim reality, industrial safety in India is still treated as a compliance hurdle rather than… Continue reading Industrial Accidents in India – The Human Cost of Indifference

Government approves MERITE Scheme 

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet has approved the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme for implementation in 275 technical institutions across India. About MERITE Scheme: Objective: Enhance quality, equity, and governance in technical education across all States and Union Territories, aligned with National Education Policy 2020. Funding: Central Sector… Continue reading Government approves MERITE Scheme 

Mauryan-Era archaeological discoveries at Topra Kalan, Haryana

Why in the News? A Ground Penetrating Radar survey in Topra Kalan, Haryana, has uncovered signs of a 1,500 BCE settlement, with painted grey ware (PGW), stamped pottery, moulded bricks, and a possible Buddhist stupa. About Topra Kalan Excavation: Agencies: Haryana Archaeology and Museums Department with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Method: Ground Penetrating Radar… Continue reading Mauryan-Era archaeological discoveries at Topra Kalan, Haryana

Fifth Session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)

Why in the News? The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) on plastic pollution has opened in Geneva, Switzerland. About Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC): Formation: Created by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in March 2022 to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution. Nature: UN-mandated body with equal… Continue reading Fifth Session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)

[8th August 2025] ​The Hindu Op-ed: Mending ties: On state visit of Philippines President to India

Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to India strengthened bilateral ties through a Strategic Partnership Agreement, focusing on defence cooperation, Indo-Pacific security, and future trade collaboration, while also serving broader strategic goals in ASEAN and Indo-Pacific diplomacy. Key Highlights of the Visit: Strategic Partnership Agreement: The Philippines becomes only the fifth country (after Japan, Vietnam,… Continue reading [8th August 2025] ​The Hindu Op-ed: Mending ties: On state visit of Philippines President to India

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024: A Legislative Milestone for Maritime Growth

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, which replaced Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, marks a significant legislative reform aimed at modernizing and streamlining India’s coastal trade. It is a key component of the government’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” aiming to unlock the vast potential of India’s coastline. It provides… Continue reading The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024: A Legislative Milestone for Maritime Growth

How groundwater contamination is fuelling chronic illnesses

India’s groundwater is increasingly getting contaminated with toxic substances. Over 85% of rural drinking water and 65% of irrigation needs are met through groundwater, yet unregulated extraction, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and poor sanitation have turned this life source into a silent killer. Scale of the Crisis The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report by the… Continue reading How groundwater contamination is fuelling chronic illnesses

District Flood Severity Index (DFSI)

Why in the News? Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have developed a District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) to aid flood planning using past data and human impact indicators. About the District Flood Severity Index (DFSI): Objective: To provide a comprehensive, data-based assessment of flood severity across Indian districts. Focus: District-level analysis, as districts… Continue reading District Flood Severity Index (DFSI)

Prophylaxis Therapy for Haemophilia

Why in the News? With haemophilia care evolving globally, the shift from reactive to preventive treatment has brought Prophylaxis Therapy to the forefront of modern clinical practice. About Haemophilia: What is it: Rare genetic bleeding disorder due to deficiency of clotting factors, mainly Factor VIII (Haemophilia A). Effect: Causes prolonged bleeding, even from minor injuries;… Continue reading Prophylaxis Therapy for Haemophilia

Specie in news: Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata)

Why in the News? The Social Forestry Department of Vadodara rescued an Albino Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) from a freshwater lake in Chikhodra, Gujarat. About Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata): Type: Small, freshwater softshell turtle native to South Asia Unique Feature: Named for femoral flaps on the plastron that cover the limbs when retracted… Continue reading Specie in news: Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata)

Yashoda AI Literacy Program

Why in the News? The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched “Yashoda AI”, an AI literacy program to empower women with skills in cybersecurity, digital privacy, and safe online practices, promoting digital inclusion across India. About Yashoda AI: Launch: Introduced in May 2025 as an Artificial Intelligence Literacy Program for women. Organisers: Joint initiative… Continue reading Yashoda AI Literacy Program

[7th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Decoding China, the lessons for a vulnerable India

Recent actions by China, such as the withdrawal of engineers from India, are not isolated events but a deliberate geo-economic manoeuvre. This strategy is driven by China’s apprehension of a rising India and its ambition to maintain a ‘unipolar Asia’.  Recent Actions Undertaken by China against India’s interest: Recalling over 300 Chinese engineers from iPhone… Continue reading [7th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Decoding China, the lessons for a vulnerable India

What is the potential of Biochar?

As India gears up to launch its carbon market in 2026, biochar, a carbon-rich material made from agricultural and organic waste, is gaining attention as a sustainable solution for carbon capture and waste management. Despite its immense potential, biochar remains underutilised due to lack of policy support, market structures and awareness. What is Biochar and… Continue reading What is the potential of Biochar?

Sleeping disasters: Cloudbursts

Cloud Burst: A cloudburst is an extremely intense, localized shower, defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as at least 100 mm of rain within one hour over 10 sq km. These events occur due to deep, rapid atmospheric uplift over steep terrain, typical of high-altitude Himalayan regions. They can trigger sudden flash floods and landslides, devastating communities… Continue reading Sleeping disasters: Cloudbursts

In News: Great Barrier Reef

Why in the News? The Great Barrier Reef is facing its sharpest coral decline in 40 years, with the 2024 mass bleaching—driven by climate change, cyclones, and coral predators—severely damaging large reef areas. About Great Barrier Reef: Location: Coral Sea, off the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia. Length & Area: Extends ~2,300 km; comprises ~3,000… Continue reading In News: Great Barrier Reef

Bacterial cause behind Mass Starfish Deaths

Why in the News? Since 2013, over 5 billion starfish have died along North America’s Pacific coast due to a wasting disease now linked to Vibrio pectenicida, a cholera-related bacterium. About Starfish (Sea Stars): Taxonomy: Belong to phylum Echinodermata; exclusively marine organisms. Species: Brisingida, Forcipulatida, Velatida, Valvatida, Spinuloside Body Structure: Radial symmetry (adults), bilateral symmetry… Continue reading Bacterial cause behind Mass Starfish Deaths

In news: Lalit Kala Akademi 

Why in the News? The 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA), organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art, was inaugurated in New Delhi. About Lalit Kala Akademi: Establishment: Located in New Delhi, as an autonomous organisation. Inauguration: Launched on 5 August 1954 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Minister for… Continue reading In news: Lalit Kala Akademi 

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