[14th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Ecology is the world’s permanent economy

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? Linkage: The concept that ecological health (groundwater levels) is fundamental to human survival and security (food security). It highlights how the depletion of a natural resource affects a critical aspect… Continue reading

Big deal: On the U.S.-China trade deal

Why in the News? Recently, the U.S. has agreed to temporarily reduce its tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% for 90 days, while China will lower its tariffs on American products from 125% to 10%. What are the key terms of the U.S.-China trade truce? Tariff Reductions: The U.S. has temporarily lowered tariffs… Continue reading

In India, education without employment

Why in the News? The National Education Policy 2020 does not effectively address the employability issues faced by India’s graduates in the workforce. What are the key flaws in NEP 2020 regarding employability? No Industry Participation in Policy Design: The NEP drafting process excluded industry leaders, leading to poor alignment between education and job market… Continue reading

Highlights of the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 Report

Why in the News? According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 report, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India remains unchanged at 2.0 children per woman, the same as in 2020. Also, the annual crude birth rates for Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Kerala are declining at 2x the rate of the national average. About… Continue reading

What are Digital Banking Units (DBU)?

Why in the News? In October 2022, 75 Digital Banking Units were launched across remote districts to commemorate India’s 75th Independence Day, but their momentum has declined from past 2 years. About Digital Banking Units (DBUs): DBUs are specialized, fixed-location banking hubs designed to deliver a wide range of digital financial services using modern infrastructure.… Continue reading

Dirang Geothermal Project

Why in the News? The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled India’s first geothermal production well in Dirang, located in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district. This could potentially make Dirang the first geothermal-powered town in the country. What is Geothermal Energy? Geothermal energy is derived from heat stored in the… Continue reading

India rolls over $50M Treasury Bill to help Maldives

Why in the News? India extended critical financial assistance to the Maldives by rolling over a $50 million Treasury Bill, continuing its support under a government-to-government arrangement since 2019. About Treasury Bill: A T-Bill is a short-term debt instrument issued by the GoI through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). They are part of Government… Continue reading

Explained: Why farmers prefer growing rice and wheat

Why in the News? The combination of assured government support and scientific advancements in breeding technologies has made rice and wheat the most preferred crops among Indian farmers, while other crops lag due to lack of similar incentives and innovations. Why do farmers prefer rice and wheat? Assured Procurement at MSP: The government provides near-guaranteed… Continue reading

Species in news: Indian Grey Wolf

Why in the News? Indian Grey Wolves in the Kadbanwadi Grasslands in Pune District are exposed to threats from local dog populations, such as Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), rabies, and canine parvovirus. About the Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes): The Indian Grey Wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf, found in India, Southwest… Continue reading

[pib] Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM)

Why in the News? The Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva. About Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM): GFTM is an informal platform launched by India in May 2023 under the WHO to promote cooperation on traditional medicine. It… Continue reading

Asteroid YR4 might miss the Earth

Why in the News? Asteroid YR4, discovered in December 2024 via Chile’s ATLAS telescope, was first thought to threaten Earth but was later ruled out. Scientists now focus on its potential Moon impact in 2032. About Asteroid 2024 YR4: Asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered in December 2024 by the ATLAS telescope located in Chile. It… Continue reading

IAF spokesperson quotes Ramcharitmanas

Why in the News? India’s briefing on Operation Sindoor was opened with lines from poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and concluded with a reference to the Ramcharitmanas (by Tulsidas) by the IAF spokesperson. About Tulsidas: Tulsidas, born as Ram Bola Dubey, was a Brahmin poet-saint believed to have been born in Rajapur (present-day Banda district, Uttar… Continue reading

Self-Defence Clause in Global Law

Why in the News? India and Pakistan agreed to cease all firing and military actions following precision strikes by India under Operation Sindoor as a Self-Defence against the Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 civilians. About Right to Self-Defence under UN Charter: The United Nations Charter generally prohibits the use of force under Article 2(4). Article… Continue reading

Gold’s Cosmic Origins from Magnetar Flares

Why in the News? A new study by Columbia University, suggests that the universe may have an alternate mechanism for producing gold — not just in neutron star collisions, as previously believed, but also in magnetar flares. What are Magnetars? Magnetars are a rare type of neutron star with immensely strong magnetic fields, among the… Continue reading

Scientists create first ‘Pangenome’ of Asian Rice

Why in the News? Chinese researchers has developed a first-of-its-kind rice pangenome by integrating genetic data from 144 wild and cultivated rice varieties from Asia (similar to the Human Genome Project). About the Rice Pangenome: A pangenome includes both the core genes shared by all members of a species and the unique genes found in… Continue reading

Delhi Morphological Ridge

Why in the News? The Supreme Court notified civic officials of allegedly violating its 1996 directive in the M.C. Mehta vs Union of India case (1996) by approving a private housing project in Delhi’s ecologically sensitive Morphological Ridge area. About Delhi Morphological Ridge: The Delhi Ridge is the northern extension of the ancient Aravalli Range,… Continue reading

BrahMos: the ‘Fire and Forget’ Stealthy Cruise Missile

Why in the News? The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has garnered global attention as it was reportedly used for the first time in a combat scenario during Operation Sindoor. About the BrahMos Missile: BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia through BrahMos Aerospace. The name is derived from the Brahmaputra… Continue reading

World’s Longest Banana Infructescence Found in Andaman

Why in the News? A species of wild banana, Musa indandamanensis, endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has set a world record with an infructescence (fruit bunch axis) measuring 4.2 metres — the longest ever recorded among banana species globally. About the Musa indandamanensis: Musa indandamanensis is a wild banana species that is endemic… Continue reading

[10th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Sprouting sustainable, nutrition-sensitive food systems

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India. Linkage: Nutrition-sensitive agriculture and promoting the cultivation of climate-resilient, biofortified crops, and enhancing crop diversity. Millets are a prime example of such crops that contribute to health and nutritional security, making this question highly relevant to the article’s… Continue reading

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