Novel Microscope observes Molecular Motion

Why in the News? Over a century after Einstein explained Brownian motion, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) scientists have created a powerful microscope that shows molecules moving in real time at an extremely tiny scale. What is Brownian Motion? Definition: Random movement of tiny particles in a fluid due to constant collisions with surrounding molecules.… Continue reading

The scientist who made ‘mangroves’ a buzzword

Why in the News? World Mangrove Day was observed on July 26. The occasion also recalled the pioneering role of M.S. Swaminathan in promoting mangrove conservation through initiatives like the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), GLOMIS, and the fishbone canal method of restoration. Role of M.S. Swaminathan in mangrove conservation As early as 1989,… Continue reading

[pib] Lokpal of India

Why in the News? The Lokpal of India, India’s central anti-corruption ombudsman, is moving forward to fill 81 approved posts on a deputation basis. Historical Context of the Lokpal: Initial Proposal (1966): First proposed by the First Administrative Reforms Commission to tackle high-level corruption. Legislative Failures (1971–2008): Multiple Lokpal Bills introduced in Parliament but none… Continue reading

[pib] PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY)

Why in the News? The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme has been officially launched as the PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), effective from 1st August 2025. About PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY): Objective: Promote formal employment and inclusive job creation. Outlay: ₹99,446 crore (Aug 2025 – July 2027). Aim: 3.5 crore new jobs,… Continue reading

Ramsar COP15 opens in Zimbabwe

Why in the News? Delegates from 172 countries convened in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, for the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Highlights of Ramsar COP15 Theme: Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future Host Nation: Zimbabwe (holds presidency of the Ramsar Convention for 3 years) Expected… Continue reading

UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

Why in the News? DRDO has successfully test-fired the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3. About ULPGM-V3: Overview: It is a fire-and-forget air-to-surface missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Variants: It is an upgraded version of V1 and V2, with improved range, autonomy, and targeting precision. Development: Collaboration by Adani Defence, Bharat Dynamics,… Continue reading

AdFalciVax Vaccine for Malaria

Why in the News? The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has introduced AdFalciVax, a new malaria vaccine candidate targeting Plasmodium falciparum. About AdFalciVax Developer: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); private partners will handle trials and manufacturing. Vaccine Type: Chimeric recombinant vaccine targeting Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite. Technology: Circumsporozoite Protein (CSP): Offers… Continue reading

Financial Inclusion Index, 2025

Why in the News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that the Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) for Financial Year (FY) 2025 has risen to 67.0, up from 64.2 in FY 2024. About Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index): Developer: Created by the Reserve Bank of India to assess the extent of financial inclusion in India.… Continue reading

India ranks 77th in Henley Passport Index, 2025

Why in the News? India has improved its global mobility ranking, moving up eight places to 77th in the Henley Passport Index 2025, up from 85th in 2024. About Henley Passport Index, 2025 Overview: A global ranking of passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa. Compiled by: Published by Henley… Continue reading

Tribes in news: Khasi

Why in the News? The Meghalaya High Court heard a PIL against the Khasi Lineage Act (preserves Khasi matrilineal traditions) for allegedly denying ST certificates to those with paternal surnames. About Khasi Tribe: Region: Indigenous to Meghalaya, Northeast India. Linguistic Family: Belong to the Austroasiatic language group. Language: Speak Khasi language, written in the Roman… Continue reading

Coral Loss in Lakshadweep

Why in the News? A 24-year-long study conducted by the Nature Conservation Foundation reveals that coral cover in Lakshadweep has declined by 50% since 1998. Coral Decline in Lakshadweep: Key Highlights Study Duration: Based on a 24-year study (1998–2022). Findings: 50% decline in live coral cover—from 37.2% to 19.6%. Main Cause: Repeated marine heatwaves linked… Continue reading

[24th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Can Presidential Reference change a judgment?

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary? Linkage: This question is about the power and role of the Supreme Court of India. It helps us understand how the Court… Continue reading

The reality of the changing dimensions of warfare

Why in the News? India needs to urgently revamp its defence modernisation plans in the face of emerging challenges from China and Pakistan, especially after the India-Pakistan conflict of May 2025, which revealed gaps in India’s preparedness. How has warfare changed since the Cold War? Shift from Large-Scale Wars to Regional Conflicts: After the Cold… Continue reading

Spare live animals, move to biological models

Why in the News? There is growing ethical and scientific concern over the continued use of animal testing in laboratories, as evidence mounts that such methods are often ineffective in predicting human responses. The legal and moral shift in India specifically, an amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to promote the… Continue reading

Paika Rebellion references omitted from NCERT books

Why in the News? Former Odisha CM expressed concern over the omission of the Paika Rebellion from NCERT’s latest Class VIII history textbook, calling it a “huge dishonour” to the brave Paikas. Localized Revolts in Odisha Region: The Paika Rebellion was part of a broader pattern of regional uprisings triggered by colonial encroachments: Paralakhemundi Rebellion… Continue reading

US withdraws from UNESCO

Why in the News? The United States has withdrawn from the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for the third time citing its “anti-Israel bias”. About UNESCO: Established: 1945, after World War II Headquarters: Paris, France Parent Body: United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Membership: 194 member states and 12 associate members;… Continue reading

Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India: World Bank Report (2024)

Why in the News? The World Bank’s report, “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India”, warns that climate risks like extreme heat and floods threaten India’s cities, despite their role as economic growth engines. About the ‘Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India’ Report Prepared By: World Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing… Continue reading

China commences construction of Mega Dam over Brahmaputra

Why in the News? China has commenced the construction of a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river (Brahmaputra in India) in southeastern Tibet. About the Mega Dam Project on Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo): Location: Nyingchi, southeastern Tibet, on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra in India). Project Size: Estimated investment of 1.2 trillion yuan (USD… Continue reading

Places in news: Bitra Island

Why in the News? The Lakshadweep administration has proposed the acquisition of Bitra Island, the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, for national defence purposes. About Bitra Island: Location: Situated in the Arabian Sea; part of the Amindivi subgroup of the Lakshadweep archipelago Distance from Mainland: ~483 km west of Kochi Land Area: 0.10–0.18… Continue reading

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