💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship (Dec Batch) + Access To XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

SARAL tool to simplify Scientific Research Papers

Why in the News? The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), India’s newest science funding agency, has launched a digital tool called SARAL (Simplified and Automated Research Amplification and Learning) to make scientific research more accessible. What is Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)? Establishment: Created under the ANRF Act, 2023, replacing the Science and Engineering Research… Continue reading SARAL tool to simplify Scientific Research Papers

[1st October 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A 100-year journey as the guardian of meritocracy

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2018] The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play. Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise. Linkage: Such constitutional bodies, like UPSC, completing 100 years, are often asked in exams, similar… Continue reading [1st October 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A 100-year journey as the guardian of meritocracy

The transformation of girls education

Introduction “Beti padhegi toh kya karegi?” — a once common phrase in Indian households, captures the deep-rooted gender bias against girls’ education. In sharp contrast, India today is witnessing a remarkable transformation where girls’ education is not only improving literacy rates but also shaping health, fertility, workforce participation, and leadership outcomes. This transformation, spearheaded by… Continue reading The transformation of girls education

[pib] India re-elected to Part II of ICAO Council

Why in the News? During the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal, India was re-elected to Part II of the ICAO Council. About the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): Overview: Specialized UN agency created in 1944 through the Chicago Convention (signed 7 December 1944). Headquarters: Montreal, Canada; Membership: 193 states (virtually every… Continue reading [pib] India re-elected to Part II of ICAO Council

Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme

Why in the News? The Government has extended the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme until March 31, 2026, providing relief and policy certainty to exporters. About the RoDTEP Scheme: Launch & Context: Introduced on 1 January 2021 under the Foreign Trade Policy 2015–20, replacing the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme… Continue reading Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme

Geoengineering Proposals for Polar Regions found flawed

Why in the News? A University of Exeter study found five major polar geoengineering methods ineffective and risky, failing criteria for responsible climate intervention. Geoengineering in Polar Regions: Study Findings Method Description Intended Benefit Key Findings & Limitations Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) Artificially releasing aerosols (SO₂, sulphur particles, TiO₂, CaCO₃) into the stratosphere to reflect… Continue reading Geoengineering Proposals for Polar Regions found flawed

NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)

Why in the News? NASA has recently launched the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. About IMAP Mission: Context: Operates under NASA’s Solar Terrestrial Probes Program, following missions like STEREO and IBEX. Objective: To map the heliosphere boundary, study energetic particle acceleration, and understand… Continue reading NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)

Centre directs NGOs to seek FCRA renewal 4 months before expiry

Why in the News? The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed NGOs to submit their Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 renewal applications at least four months before expiry. About the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA): Origin: First enacted in 1976 during the Emergency to regulate inflow of foreign funds. FCRA, 2010: Replaced the… Continue reading Centre directs NGOs to seek FCRA renewal 4 months before expiry

[30th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: SSTC is more than a diplomatic phrase

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2021] If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. Linkage: South-South Cooperation is the foundation of India–Africa engagement. India’s role in Africa through capacity building (ITEC), concessional… Continue reading [30th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: SSTC is more than a diplomatic phrase

More Women employed in agriculture, but half of them are unpaid

Introduction Women-led development is increasingly recognised as a structural game-changer for India’s economic ambitions. Nowhere is this more urgent than in agriculture, which not only sustains livelihoods but also employs the largest share of India’s female workforce. However, while women’s participation in farming has risen sharply due to men shifting to non-farm jobs, their contributions… Continue reading More Women employed in agriculture, but half of them are unpaid

Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna (LILA) Project

Why in the News? Scientists are planning the Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna (LILA) Project on the Moon to bypass seismic noise, atmosphere, and frequency limits faced by Earth-based detectors like Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). What are Gravitational Waves? Overview: Gravitational waves are ripples in the spacetime continuum created when massive objects such as black… Continue reading Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna (LILA) Project

[pib] Siphon-Based Thermal Desalination System

Why in the News? Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a siphon-based thermal desalination system that overcomes siltation issues, offering a low-cost and scalable solution. About Siphon-Based Thermal Desalination System: Overview: Developed by Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers to overcome the inefficiencies of conventional solar stills. Purpose: Designed as a… Continue reading [pib] Siphon-Based Thermal Desalination System

Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse Railway Lines to Bhutan

Why in the News? India and Bhutan have launched their first-ever rail links, connecting Kokrajhar–Gelephu (69 km, Assam–Bhutan) and Banarhat–Samtse (20 km, West Bengal–Bhutan). About India–Bhutan Railway Connectivity: Overview: Agreements were signed during PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan (March 2024) and formalised in 2025. Projects: Kokrajhar–Gelephu line: 6 stations, multiple bridges, viaducts, designed for Vande… Continue reading Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse Railway Lines to Bhutan

What is Wassenaar Arrangement?

Why in the News? Protests erupted over Microsoft after allegations that its cloud services (Azure) are aiding Israeli military operations, harming Palestinian civilians, raising concerns under the Wassenaar Arrangement. What is Wassenaar Arrangement? Establishment: Created in 1996 as a successor to the Cold War-era COCOM (Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls). Name Origin: Named after… Continue reading What is Wassenaar Arrangement?

[29th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: An Engel’s pause in an AI-shaped world

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2023] Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of AI in the healthcare? Linkage: This question reflects the exact dilemma discussed in the Engels’ pause analogy—AI promises higher productivity (e.g., clinical diagnosis, efficiency)… Continue reading [29th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: An Engel’s pause in an AI-shaped world

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