[pib] Indian researchers introduce ‘Toxicity Standard’ of PM2.5 Pollution

Why in the News? A recent study conducted in Kolkata shows that the toxicity value of PM2.5 experiences a sudden jump when the pollution level reaches around 70 µg/m³. About PM2.5 PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. It is a major air pollutant linked to respiratory and… Continue reading

When Parliament stayed awake through the night

Why in the News? The recently held Budget session of Parliament became historic, as both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha continued working all night and ended only around sunrise. What made the recently concluded Budget session of Parliament historically significant? All-night Sitting: Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha continued debates through the night until… Continue reading

India’s 16-year wait ends: 26/11 conspirator Tahawwur Rana flown to Delhi, will face trial

Why in the News? Over 16 years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Tahawwur Rana, a key planner, was finally brought back to India from the US to face trial. Who is Tahawwur Rana? Tahawwur Hussain Rana is a Pakistani-Canadian terrorist, businessman and former military doctor, who is known for his involvement in terrorism-related activities.… Continue reading

150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Why in the News? On April 8, 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered the keynote address at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. About the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU): The IPU is the global organization that connects national parliaments, promoting democracy and cooperation among countries. Moto: “For democracy. For everyone.”… Continue reading

INS Varsha Naval Base

Why in the News? India is set to operationalise INS Varsha, a highly strategic naval base designed specifically to house nuclear-powered submarines, on the eastern coast near Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh by 2026. About INS Varsha INS Varsha is being developed as a specialized base to house India’s growing fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, including both… Continue reading

CPCB revises Classification of Industries

Why in the News? The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recently updated its classification of industries, introducing a new category known as the ‘Blue Category.’ Classification of Industries by CPCB: The CPCB classifies industries based on their environmental impact, focusing on air pollution, water pollution, and hazardous waste generation. Industries are classified using the… Continue reading

Three Gorges Antarctic Eye Telescope

Why in the news? China has unveiled the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye telescope in Antarctica. About the Three Gorges Antarctic Eye Telescope The Three Gorges Antarctic Eye is a 3.2m wide radio/millimetre-wave telescope located at China’s Zhongshan Station in Antarctica. It was developed by China Three Gorges University (CTGU) and Shanghai Normal University (SHNU). This… Continue reading

[10th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Will Aviation Disputes be easier to Resolve?

PYQ Relevance: Question: “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. [UPSC 2021] Linkage: The broader context of competition for influence in the continent. Mentor’s Comment: The aviation sector is… Continue reading

[pib] Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme

Why in the News? The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to expand the manufacturing capabilities of passive electronic components in India. About Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme: The scheme is designed to promote the manufacturing of select electronic components in India, such as resistors, capacitors, relays, switches,… Continue reading

Preliminary Findings of the Genome India Project

Why in the News? The preliminary findings of Genome India Project, based on the whole genome sequencing of 10,074 healthy and unrelated Indians from 85 populations across the country, were published recently. About Genome India Project The Genome India Project was launched in January 2020 to map the genetic diversity of India’s population. It is… Continue reading

[pib] Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), 2024

Why in the News? The latest Annual Report of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for the year 2024, covering the period from January to December, was released on April 8, 2025. About the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): Launched by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in April 2017, the PLFS provides frequent data on… Continue reading

Navkar Mahamantra Divas

Why in the News? Prime Minister has inaugurated and participated in Navkar Mahamantra Divas at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. What is Vishwa Navkar Mahamantra Divas? The event is observed annually on April 9 to promote peace, non-violence, and spiritual harmony globally by chanting the Navkar Mantra collectively. The mantra venerates the 5 supreme beings: Arihants:… Continue reading

Extinct Dire Wolf species returns after 12,500 years

Why in the News? Colossal Biosciences, a biotech firm based in US, has successfully bred the extinct Dire Wolf pups using gene-editing technologies. About Dire Wolf (Aenocyon dirus) The dire wolf lived during the Pleistocene Epoch, approximately 6 million to 11,700 years ago, and went extinct around 13,000 years ago. Physical Characteristics and Behaviour: It… Continue reading

[9th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Why is active mobility necessary in India?

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. Linkage: Increasing urbanisation and the consequent challenges in large cities, such as traffic congestion and strain on infrastructure, which active mobility can help alleviate by providing alternative modes of transport.… Continue reading

SC slams TN Governor, Fixes Time for Assent

Why in the News? The Supreme Court criticised Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, calling his actions “unconstitutional.” The court said he did nothing for months about 10 important Bills, and then suddenly sent them to the President only after the State Assembly passed them again and the matter reached the court. What did the SC… Continue reading

A regional revival: On the BIMSTEC summit

Why in the news? The sixth BIMSTEC summit was held last week in Bangkok, where leaders from seven neighbouring countries came together. At a time when the world is facing many challenges, the summit gave a chance to restart and strengthen the BIMSTEC group, which had been inactive for a long time. What is the… Continue reading

Iron inside the Sun is more opaque than expected

Why in the News? Recent findings have revealed that iron’s opacity inside the Sun may be much higher than previously predicted, challenging current solar models. Iron Inside the Sun: Iron makes up approximately 0.14% of the Sun’s mass, which is significantly less than hydrogen (~74%) and helium (~24%). Despite its small percentage, iron plays a… Continue reading

Trends in Maternal Mortality (2000-2023), Report

Why in the News? In 2023, India had the second-highest maternal deaths globally, with 19,000 deaths, tied with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and second only to Nigeria. This equated to 52 fatalities daily according to the UN Report. About the UN Report The report, titled ‘Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000-2023’, was prepared by the… Continue reading

ESA’s Biomass Mission

Why in the News? The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing to launch Biomass Mission to map the world’s forests and enhance our understanding of their crucial role in the global carbon cycle. About the Biomass Mission by ESA The ESA will launch the Biomass mission on April 29, 2025, aboard the Vega C rocket… Continue reading

[pib] Cu-Phen Metallo-Nanozymes and its Applications

Why in the News? Researchers from the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai has developed a new nanozyme, Cu-Phen, using a catalyst-by-design strategy. A nanozyme is a type of synthetic enzyme made from nanomaterials (extremely tiny particles) that can mimic the function of natural enzymes in biological systems. About the Metallo-Nanozymes Cu-Phen (Copper-Phenylalanine) is a… Continue reading

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