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[6th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The technocratic calculus of India’s welfare state

The promise to deliver social welfare at scale, using data-driven algorithms, may be at the cost of ‘democratic norms’ and ‘political accountability’ India’s welfare model is undergoing a silent but radical transformation. What was once a deliberative system grounded in rights and citizen needs is now morphing into a technocratic model governed by data, code,… Continue reading [6th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The technocratic calculus of India’s welfare state

Rhisotope Project

Why in the News? In a move to combat rhino poaching, the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has launched the Rhisotope Project. What is Rhisotope Project?  Launched By: University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Initiation: Concept… Continue reading Rhisotope Project

What is Ayurveda Aahara?

Why in the News? To align ancient Indian diets with modern nutrition, FSSAI and the Ministry of Ayush have released an official list of food items under the Ayurveda Aahara category. About Ayurveda Aahara: Definition: Refers to food products based on Ayurvedic dietary principles—focused on balance, seasonality, and natural, therapeutic ingredients. Objective: Ensures standardisation, safety,… Continue reading What is Ayurveda Aahara?

Asset Under Management (AUM)

Why in the News? India’s Mutual Fund (MF) industry has witnessed exponential growth, with Assets Under Management (AUM) reaching ₹74.40 lakh crore as of June 2025, a sevenfold increase over the past decade. What are Assets Under Management (AUM)? Definition: AUM refers to the total market value of financial assets (stocks, bonds, etc.) managed by… Continue reading Asset Under Management (AUM)

A Crisis of Trust in Electoral Democracy: The Need for a Transparent and Impartial Election Commission

As questions emerge over the conduct of elections in India, restoring faith in the Election Commission is crucial to safeguarding democratic legitimacy. Context and Relevance (GS2 – Polity and Governance, Constitutional Bodies): The Election Commission of India (ECI), a constitutionally mandated body under Article 324, is once again in the spotlight. Following the 2024 general… Continue reading A Crisis of Trust in Electoral Democracy: The Need for a Transparent and Impartial Election Commission

Sawalkote Hydro Project

Why in the News? After suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, India is asserting water control in J&K by reviving the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project — the UT’s largest planned hydro project. About Sawalkote Hydro Project: Location: Ramban and Udhampur districts, Jammu and Kashmir. River: Built on the Chenab River (a western river under the Indus Waters… Continue reading Sawalkote Hydro Project

Blockchain-verified Quantum Randomness for Secure Communication

Why in the News? A recent breakthrough demonstrated use of quantum science, blockchain, and cryptography to create truly random and secure numbers used in encryption for secure communication. About the Technology: Encryption: Converts readable data into unreadable code using a “key”; only someone with the correct key can decrypt the message. Importance of Randomness: Secure… Continue reading Blockchain-verified Quantum Randomness for Secure Communication

[4th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘right to repair’ must include ‘right to remember’

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2015] India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons making this database publicly available under open-source licensing. Linkage: This question directly discusses the… Continue reading [4th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘right to repair’ must include ‘right to remember’

Bird Deaths in Thar Desert

Why in the News? A new study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reveals that wind farms in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, have the highest recorded bird mortality rates globally. Bird Mortality at Wind Farms: Key Findings Study Details: Conducted across 3,000 sq. km in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, covering 90 wind turbines and 272 bird… Continue reading Bird Deaths in Thar Desert

Species in news: Alpine Musk Deer

Why in the News? A Central Zoo Authority (CZA) report reveals a major conservation error — the critically endangered Alpine musk deer was wrongly replaced by the Himalayan musk deer in India’s breeding programmes. Back2Basics: Central Zoo Authority (CZA): Establishment: Formed in 1992 under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Mandate: Captive breeding, zoo oversight, and assigning… Continue reading Species in news: Alpine Musk Deer

Who are Denotified, Semi-Nomadic and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)?

Why in the News? At an event in New Delhi, Denotified, Semi-Nomadic and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) strongly demanded a permanent National Commission to address their long-standing marginalisation. Who are Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)? Denotified Tribes (DNTs): Colonial Tag: Branded “criminal by birth” under the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871. Legal Reversal: Act repealed in… Continue reading Who are Denotified, Semi-Nomadic and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)?

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