What has the Budget offered scientists?

Why in the News? The Union Budget highlights science, technology, and innovation (STI) as important drivers of the country’s progress, supporting CSIR’s goal of making India more self-reliant and globally competitive. How will the 2025 budget impact scientific research funding? Increased Funding for R&D: The Ministry of Science and Technology’s allocation sees a major boost… Continue reading

[pib] TROPEX-25

Why in the News? The 2025 edition of TROPEX is currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region, involving all operational Indian Naval units along with significant participation from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). About Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) TROPEX is the Indian Navy’s flagship biennial operational-level… Continue reading

Renaming of Fort William

Why in the News? In a move to eliminate colonial practices and symbols from the Indian Armed Forces, Fort William in Kolkata, the headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, has been renamed Vijay Durg. About the Vijay Durg (Fort William) It was originally built by the British in 1773, Fort William was named after King… Continue reading

Article 22 of the Indian Constitution

Why in the News? The Supreme Court ruled that informing an arrested person of the grounds of arrest is a mandatory constitutional obligation, not a mere formality. Failure to comply makes the arrest illegal, violating Articles 22(1) and 21, which protect fundamental rights and personal liberty. About Article 22 of the Indian Constitution: Article 22… Continue reading

Economic Capital Framework (ECF) of the RBI

Why in the News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated an internal review of its Economic Capital Framework (ECF) to assess the contingency risk buffer (CRB) and overall capital reserves. What is Economic Capital Framework (ECF)? The ECF is the risk management policy used by the RBI to determine: How much capital and… Continue reading

[pib] SASCI Scheme

Why in the News? The Government of India has sanctioned 40 projects across 23 states, allocating ₹3295.76 crore under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme for the Financial Year 2024-25. What is the SASCI Scheme? The SASCI Scheme was launched in FY 2020-21 to support state capital expenditure and drive economic… Continue reading

How has the Budget allocated funds for urban development?

Why in the News? The 2025 Budget has set up a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund to help cities grow and develop. What was the allocation for urban India? Increased Allocation but Underutilization: The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry received ₹96,777 crore for FY 2025-26, a 17% increase from the previous year. However, the… Continue reading

SEBI proposed Retail Algo Trading Framework

Why in the News? Initially exclusive to institutional investors, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) now has proposed to allow retail participation in Algorithmic trading (algo trading) to ensure market stability and allow retail participation. What is Algo Trading? Algo Trading, or Algorithmic Trading, is the process of using computer programs and pre-defined rules… Continue reading

Article 200 of the Indian Constitution

Why in the News? The Supreme Court has criticized Tamil Nadu Governor for creating an “impasse” by withholding assent to state bills and later referring them to the President, questioning his handling of state bills under Article 200 of the Constitution. The Governor has withheld 12 Bills, primarily concerning higher education and the appointment of… Continue reading

[pib] NITI Aayog launches Swavalambini Initiative

Why in the News? The NITI Aayog has launched Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). About Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme: It is a program to foster entrepreneurial skills among female students in higher education institutions across Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Aims and Objectives: Empowerment: To inspire… Continue reading

Gold Investments in India Surge by 60% in 2024: World Gold Council Report

Why in the News? According to the World Gold Council, Gold investments in India increased by 60% in 2024, reaching $18 billion (around Rs 1.5 lakh crore), compared to the previous year. What are the Key highlights of the Report? The World Gold Council (WGC) was founded in 1987 by leading gold mining companies. Its… Continue reading

Diagnostic sector requires Regulations

Why in the News? India has around 3,00,000 diagnostic labs, and the number is increasing. However, the sector is largely unregulated, scattered, and concentrated in urban areas. What is the significance of India’s Diagnostics Sector? Market Size and Growth: The Indian diagnostics market was valued at approximately US$13 billion in 2023 and is projected to… Continue reading

[8th February 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Technology and the challenge of equitable education

PYQ Relevance: Q) How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer (UPSC CSE 2020) Q) Despite the consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (UPSC… Continue reading

In news: Darien Gap

Why in the News? The illegal journey into the US often involves dangerous crossings through multiple countries, including the treacherous Darien Gap – a vast, roadless jungle that connects Colombia and Panama. What is the Darien Gap? The Darien Gap is a 97-km stretch of dense rainforest, swamps, and mountains that forms the only break… Continue reading

What is Brucellosis?

Why in the News? An 8-year-old girl in Kerala, recently succumbed to brucellosis, a bacterial infection primarily caused by the consumption of unpasteurised milk. About Brucellosis Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella species, primarily affecting cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and dogs. Humans contract it through direct contact with infected animals, consuming contaminated animal… Continue reading

[7th February 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The saga of regulating India’s thermal power emissions

PYQ Relevance: Q) Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC CSE 2020) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Environmental Impact Assessment studies (2015), and conventional energy generation (2020). On December 30,… Continue reading

Bhopal’s new order criminalising begging

Why in the News? Recently, the Bhopal district collector banned begging in the district and imposed strict rules, including filing police cases against both those who beg and those who give alms. What legal basis is Bhopal using to criminalize begging? Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023: The orders by the… Continue reading

Joint Military Exercise ‘Ekuverin’

Why in the News? The 13th edition of Exercise Ekuverin, the bilateral joint military exercise between India and the Maldives, commenced in the Maldives on February 4, 2025. About Exercise Ekuverin The word “Ekuverin” means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language, signifying the close ties between India and the Maldives. The exercise was first conducted in… Continue reading

Asteroid 2024 YR4

Why in the News? NASA has identified a newly discovered near-Earth asteroid, 2024 YR4, which has a slightly more than 1% chance of impacting Earth in 2032. Asteroid 2024 YR4 and its Geographical Features: The asteroid was discovered in December 2024 by an observatory in Chile. It measures between 40 to 100 meters across, making… Continue reading

GREAT Scheme

Why in the News? As of February 4, 2025, 4 startups have been approved under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ Scheme. About GREAT Scheme: The GREAT Scheme is a government initiative under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). Launched by the Ministry of Textiles, it provides financial… Continue reading

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