Ocean Darkening: A New Ecological Crisis

Why in the News? A new study from the University of Plymouth has revealed that over 21% of the global ocean has significantly darkened in the last two decades. What is Ocean Darkening? Ocean darkening refers to the reduction in sunlight penetration into the ocean’s upper layers, known as the photic zone (up to 200… Continue reading

Rudrastra UAV passes key army trial.

Why in the News? India advanced its indigenous defence tech with SDAL’s successful trial of the Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at Pokhran. About Rudrastra: Rudrastra is an indigenously developed Hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV built by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL). The UAV is engineered for deep-strike capabilities, capable of carrying out… Continue reading

Green Arabia Hypothesis in Human Evolution Research

Why in the News? A recent study confirms that Arabia wasn’t always a desert wall but occasionally a green bridge between continents. About the Green Arabia Hypothesis: Core Idea: It suggests that the Arabian Peninsula, now one of the driest places on Earth, experienced multiple humid phases over the past 8 million years, turning it… Continue reading

[16th June 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: What are flue gas desulphurisation units?

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2022] Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. Linkage: SO2 as “one of the major greenhouse gases that cause global warming”. Flue Gas Desulphurisation… Continue reading

Fire on waters India’s maritime firefighting capabilities are standing up to the test

Why in the News? The fire on MV Wan Hai 503 near Kannur exposed India’s weak maritime safety. With over 140 hazardous containers onboard, it posed a major risk during the monsoon, threatening the environment and lives. What are the major types of peacetime maritime accidents faced by the Indian coast? Sinking of merchant ships… Continue reading

Centre caps MGNREGS spend at 60%

Why in the News? The Union Finance Ministry has capped spending under the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) at 60% of its total annual allocation for the first half of FY 2025-26. About MGNREGS: Legal Foundation: MGNREGS is a rights-based Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched under the MGNREGA Act of 2005 to ensure the… Continue reading

What are Passively Managed Funds?

Why in the News? Passively Managed Funds—those that track a market index without active stock selection—have become increasingly popular among investors seeking low-cost, predictable returns. About Passively Managed Funds: Passively managed funds, commonly known as passive funds, are investment vehicles designed to replicate the performance of a specific market index, such as the Nifty Fifty… Continue reading

Spartaeus karigiri: New jumping Spider Species discovered in Karnataka

Why in the News? Researchers from Chennai have discovered a new species of jumping spider, ‘Spartaeus karigiri’, belonging to the Spartaeinae subfamily. About the Spartaeus karigiri : Spartaeus karigiri is a newly discovered species of jumping spider, part of the Spartaeinae subfamily within the Salticidae (jumping spider) family. It was first identified in the Karigiri… Continue reading

Who takes responsibility when a Ship sinks?

Why in the News? Two recent maritime accidents off Kerala’s coast have spotlighted shipping safety, ecological risks, and the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) role in global maritime regulation. About the International Maritime Organisation (IMO): Overview: The IMO is a UN specialised agency that regulates international shipping and aims to prevent marine pollution from ships. Establishment:… Continue reading

UN’s ICAO rated India above the global average.

Why in the News? India has earned top ratings from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for aviation safety, outperforming global averages in key areas. About the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO): Establishment: It is a specialised UN agency created in 1944 under the Chicago Convention. Headquarters: It… Continue reading

How DNA identification works?

Why in the News? Following the tragic crash of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, authorities concluded the identities of the victims using DNA analysis. What is DNA? Overview: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries genetic instructions essential for the development, growth, and reproduction of all living organisms. Location in the… Continue reading

The rot starts at the top of the aviation ladder

Why in the News? The tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which killed over 300 people, is a shocking reminder of how poor aviation safety is in India. This is not a one-time event, but part of a long series of deadly air accidents over the years that… Continue reading

Centre sets up Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells

Why in the News? Under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA), the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned the creation of District and State-level Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells across 18 States and Union Territories. About Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA) Launch: It was launched in October 2024 by Ministry of… Continue reading

Shipki La Mountain Pass opened for Tourists

Why in the News? For the first time since India’s independence, the Shipki La pass in Himachal Pradesh has been opened to domestic tourists, marking a historic shift in India’s border tourism strategy. About Shipki La Pass: It is a high-altitude mountain pass at 3,930 meters in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, on the… Continue reading

What are Black Boxes?

Why in the News? Authorities have recovered the black box from the crash site of the recent incident in Ahmedabad. About Black Boxes: Purpose: Black boxes are essential flight data recording devices used in aircraft to aid in accident investigation and flight safety analysis. Development: Australian scientist David Warren in 1954, developed the first practical… Continue reading

What is Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)?

Why in the News? The Finance Ministry has firmly denied recent online rumours suggesting that the government is planning to impose Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions. About Merchant Discount Rate (MDR): Overview: MDR refers to the fee charged to merchants by banks or payment service providers for processing digital payments made via… Continue reading

Urbanisation and the challenge of ideal transit solutions

Why in the News? India’s path to becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 relies on transforming its urban areas, as over 60% of the population is expected to live in cities by the 2060s. What are the main challenges India faces in achieving efficient urban mobility? Insufficient Public Transport Coverage: Only 37% of urban residents… Continue reading

Is Bangladesh slipping into authoritarianism?

Why in the News? Bangladesh is seeing major political change as interim leader Dr. Muhammad Yunus delays elections to April 2026 and proposes the “July Proclamation” to reform or replace the 1972 Constitution. Why is the ‘July Proclamation’ seen as a threat to Bangladesh’s democratic foundations? Lacks Democratic Legitimacy: It is being pushed by an… Continue reading

Science behind right AC Temperature

Why in the News? The Union Ministry of Power is considering a policy to restrict the temperature range of new air conditioners (ACs) in India to between 20°C and 28°C. Important Facts and Keywords related to ACs: Efficiency Ratings: ACs have ratings like SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) or EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). A higher… Continue reading

AviList 2025: World’s First Unified Global Bird Checklist

Why in the News? The Working Group on Avian Checklists has released AviList, the world’s first unified global bird checklist to standardize bird classification and support global research and conservation. What is AviList? Overview: AviList is the first unified global checklist of bird species, officially launched on June 12, 2025. Who developed it: It was… Continue reading

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