Satavahana Inscriptions found in Telangana

Why in the News? A recent survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered eleven inscriptions in Telangana’s Gundaram Reserve Forest, offering key insights into the region’s ancient history, particularly during the Satavahana period. Key Findings about the Inscriptions: One inscription mentions a person from the Haritiputra lineage, indicating a connection between the Satavahanas… Continue reading

[1st May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The impact of suspending a water treaty

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2016] Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. Linkage: India’s action regarding the IWT due to strained bilateral relations stemming from terrorism and outlines potential economic impacts on Pakistan and political/diplomatic implications for India. Mentor’s… Continue reading

Govt. approves ‘Caste Census’

Why in the News? In a landmark move, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the 2025 population census for the first time since India’s independence. What is Caste Census? A caste census is the process of recording individuals’ caste identities during a national census. It aims… Continue reading

Government revamps National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)

Why in the News? The Union Government has reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing Alok Joshi, former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), as its new chairman. About National Security Advisory Board (NSAB): The NSAB is a high-level advisory body to the National Security Council (NSC). It plays a crucial role… Continue reading

Cosmic Clumpiness and the S8 Tension

Why in the News? New research suggests that understanding the “clumpiness” of matter, measured by Sigma-8 (S8) Tension, could unlock key insights into the universe’s structure and complexity. What is S8? S8 is a measure used by scientists to understand the distribution of matter across the universe, indicating how “clumpy” or evenly spread out the… Continue reading

What is AIM4NatuRe Initiative?

Why in the News? On Earth Day, April 22, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature Restoration (AIM4NatuRe) Initiative aimed at accelerating nature restoration. About the AIM4NatuRe Initiative: AIM4NatuRe is a global initiative launched by the FAO aimed at enhancing countries’ ability to monitor and report ecosystem restoration efforts.… Continue reading

[30th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A powerful judicial remedy for waste management

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2023] The most significant achievement of modern law in India in the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. Linkage: The Supreme Court’s proactive role in integrating environmental concerns into constitutional law, aligns with the source’s assertion that environmental protection is… Continue reading

Growth pangs: On industrial activity

Why in the News? India’s average Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for fiscal year 2025 has dropped to 4%, the lowest level in the past four years, showing a clear slowdown in industrial growth. What are the main factors contributing to the slowdown in India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in FY25? Global Economic Uncertainty:… Continue reading

How Locusts form massive Swarms?

Why in the News? A recent study by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior suggests that locusts do not behave like gas particles but instead make cognitive decisions based on their perception of nearby motion. About Locust Swarms Locusts are large grasshoppers capable of forming massive swarms, consuming up to their body weight in… Continue reading

Hon’ble President confers Padma Awards, 2025

Why in the News? Padma Awards 2025 recognised 139 individuals for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Notable awardees include actor S. Ajith Kumar, singer Pankaj Udhas, and cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin. About Padma Awards: The Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honors, announced annually on Republic Day’s eve. These awards recognize outstanding achievements… Continue reading

Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI) Targets

Why in the News? The Environment Ministry has released the Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025, as part of the government’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from energy-intensive sectors. About Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI): GHGs trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Major GHGs include carbon… Continue reading

CSR Spending in India

Why in the News? In 2023-24, India’s listed companies spent Rs 17,967 crore on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), 16% higher than Rs 15,524 crore in 2022-23. As per the PRIME Database report, this increase was due to an 18% rise in the companies’ net profits. About Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Obligations Under It CSR… Continue reading

The post of Deputy Speaker is not symbolic or optional

Why in the News? The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is not just a symbolic position but an important role required by the Constitution. What is the role of the Deputy Speaker under Article 93? Presiding Over the Lok Sabha in the Speaker’s Absence: The Deputy Speaker steps in to chair the sessions of… Continue reading

Indians fear fake news but are less concerned about press freedom

Why in the News? In India, although many people are worried about fake news and misinformation, they don’t mostly blame the government for it. Instead, many people are okay with the government having more control over the media, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Centre. What does the Pew survey reveal about… Continue reading

[pib] River Cities Alliance (RCA)

Why in the News? The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved an annual master plan for the River Cities Alliance (RCA), aimed at scaling up sustainable urban river rejuvenation. What is the River Cities Alliance (RCA)? The RCA launched in 2021, promotes sustainable urban river management across India. It is a joint initiative… Continue reading

In news: Haji Pir Pass

Why in the News? The recent Pahalgam terror attack has revived debates on India’s 1966 decision to surrender the Haji Pir Pass to Pakistan during Tashkent Agreement of 1966. This move is compared to the Soviet Union’s 1954 transfer of Crimea, which created lasting security challenges. About Haji Pir Pass: The Haji Pir Pass is… Continue reading

Sariska TR’s Critical Tiger Habitat to grow by 4.5k Hectares

Why in the News? The Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) in Rajasthan is set to expand by approximately 4,500 hectares. What is Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH)? CTHs are designated under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972, to conserve tiger populations, keeping areas inviolate for tiger conservation. The core areas of tiger… Continue reading

The history and evolution of monsoon forecasting in India

Why in the News? The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the rainfall during the June-September southwest monsoon season will be higher than usual, around 105% of the average rainfall over a long period. What are the main factors that influence the Indian monsoon, as mentioned by the IMD? El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO): El… Continue reading

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