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

[19th Septmeber 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2019] What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective? Linkage: The article’s proposal to restructure the PDS by trimming excess cereal entitlements and expanding pulse distribution directly links with UPSC 2019’s question. It highlights how reformative steps—like targeted subsidies, rationalised stocking by FCI,… Continue reading [19th Septmeber 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India

How the DeepSeek-R1 AI model was taught to teach itself to reason

Introduction Reasoning, the ability to reflect, verify, self-correct, and adapt, has historically been considered uniquely human. From mathematics to moral decision-making, reasoning shapes every facet of human civilisation. Large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 have shown glimpses of reasoning, but these were achieved with human-provided examples, introducing cost, bias, and limits. In September 2024, researchers… Continue reading How the DeepSeek-R1 AI model was taught to teach itself to reason

7 Natural Heritage Sites from India added to UNESCO’s Tentative List

Why in the News? Seven natural heritage sites from India were added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, raising India’s tally from 62 to 69 places. About the 7 newly added UNESCO Tentative List Sites: Site Detailed Facts Deccan Traps (Panchgani & Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra) • One of the world’s largest volcanic provinces (~66… Continue reading 7 Natural Heritage Sites from India added to UNESCO’s Tentative List

Highlights of the Global Innovation Index, 2025

Why in the News? The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025. About the Global Innovation Index (GII): Overview: Annual ranking of 139 economies by their innovation capacity and success. Publishers: Jointly by Cornell University, INSEAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Origin: First published in 2007. Indicators:… Continue reading Highlights of the Global Innovation Index, 2025

Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival

Why in the News? The 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was inaugurated in Manipur. About Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival: Overview: An annual agricultural and cultural festival celebrated in Sirarakhong village, Ukhrul district, Manipur. Origin: Began in 2010 to promote the Hathei chilli and its farming traditions. Focus: Highlights the Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Hathei chilli, which… Continue reading Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival

What is PM MITRA Park?

Why in the News? Prime Minister recently laid the foundation stone for India’s first PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Park in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. About PM MITRA Scheme: Overview: Introduced by the Ministry of Textiles in 2021, the scheme aims to strengthen India’s textile sector by creating 7 world-class integrated parks. Concept:… Continue reading What is PM MITRA Park?

[18th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A judicial nudge following stuck legislative business

PYQ Relevance: UPSC 2022: Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. Linkage: The recent Supreme Court directive fixing a timeline for Governors under Article 200 directly relates to the constitutional limits on gubernatorial… Continue reading [18th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A judicial nudge following stuck legislative business

Launch of Bima Sugam Portal

Why in the News? Bima Sugam, envisioned as the world’s largest online marketplace for insurance, was officially launched by the Bima Sugam India Federation (BSIF) at the IRDAI headquarters in Hyderabad. What is Bima Sugam? Overview: World’s largest unified digital marketplace for insurance products and services, initiated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of… Continue reading Launch of Bima Sugam Portal

WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

Why in the News? The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies has entered into force on 15 September 2025, three years after adoption in June 2022. What is the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies? Nature: First WTO treaty centred on environmental sustainability, designed to reduce harmful subsidies that drive illegal, unreported, and unregulated… Continue reading WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

In news: Almatti Dam

Why in the News? Karnataka govt. has approved Upper Krishna Project Phase-III to raise Almatti dam height, while Maharashtra warned of moving the Supreme Court against it. Why is Maharashtra opposing it? Fears submergence of villages and agricultural land in its territory if water levels rise further. Worries about reduced water availability downstream, affecting its… Continue reading In news: Almatti Dam

In news: Malabar Revolt (1921)

Why in the News? This newscard is an excerpt from the original articles published in The Hindu. About the Malabar Revolt: Nature: Also known as the Moplah or Mappila Rebellion, it was a major uprising in the Malabar region of Kerala. Causes: Exploitative land tenure policies and high rents on tenant farmers. Lack of tenure… Continue reading In news: Malabar Revolt (1921)

Ant Queens giving birth to different species

Why in the News? A groundbreaking study published in Nature (2025) has revealed that Messor ibericus, a Mediterranean harvester ant species, can produce male offspring of a completely different species, Messor structor. About the Specie Messor ibericus: Overview: A Mediterranean harvester ant, widely distributed across Southern Europe, known for its grain-harvesting behaviour and large colonies.… Continue reading Ant Queens giving birth to different species

[17th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Judicial Experimentalism versus the Right to Justice

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2024] Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy. Linkage: The recent “cooling period” ruling in Shivangi Bansal… Continue reading [17th September 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Judicial Experimentalism versus the Right to Justice

Unseen labour, exploitation: the hidden human cost of Artificial Intelligence

Introduction The promise of AI as an automated, error-free technology often masks the unseen human labour that makes it possible. From labelling raw data to moderating harmful content, “ghost workers” form the backbone of AI ecosystems. Yet, their contributions remain invisible, underpaid, and unprotected. The debate on AI is incomplete without recognising the human cost… Continue reading Unseen labour, exploitation: the hidden human cost of Artificial Intelligence

What are Stablecoins?

Why in the News? Globally, stablecoins face regulatory scrutiny; the Bank of England has proposed ownership limits (ÂŁ10k–£20k for individuals, ÂŁ10m for businesses) to reduce banking system risks. About Stablecoins: Definition: Cryptocurrencies designed to maintain stable value, usually pegged to fiat currency, commodities, or other crypto. Role: Provide price stability, often used to park profits… Continue reading What are Stablecoins?

What is Portable Ion Chromatography?

Why in the News? Australian scientists have developed a simpler, portable version of ion chromatography called Aquamonitrix, enabling field-based analysis of nitrate and nitrite ions. About Ion Chromatography: Overview: A laboratory technique used to separate and measure ions (charged particles) in a sample. Process: A liquid sample is passed through a long column that separates… Continue reading What is Portable Ion Chromatography?

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.