PAC flags Failure of Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Why in the News? The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has criticized the Ministry of Tourism for the poor execution of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and highlighted lapses in planning, approvals, and project execution. About Public Accounts Committee (PAC): The PAC was established in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919. It consists of 22… Continue reading

India and the Arctic

Why in the News? The Russian Ambassador to India recently stated that Russia views India’s interest in the Arctic as a “stabilizing factor.” India-Russia Collaboration in the Arctic India and Russia have strengthened their cooperation in the Arctic, focusing on scientific research, energy resources, and shipping routes: Energy Resources: Joint ventures in Arctic oil and… Continue reading

India ranked 118th on the World Happiness Index

Why in the News? India has improved its position in the World Happiness Report 2025, climbing to 118th place among 147 countries, up from 126th last year. About the World Happiness Index (WHI) The WHI is part of the World Happiness Report, a global survey conducted by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), an initiative… Continue reading

Bihar makes fresh demand for Special Category Status

Why in the News? The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar renewed its demand for Special Category Status (SCS) before the 16th Finance Commission, which is currently touring the state. About Special Category Status (SCS) Special Category Status (SCS) is a classification granted to specific states in India facing geographical, socio-economic, and infrastructural challenges. It provides… Continue reading

[21st March 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: How do habitual offender laws discriminate?

PYQ Relevance: Q Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment. (UPSC 2024) Reason: This question relates to the broader issue of systemic barriers preventing marginalized groups from accessing their rights and benefits, which is relevant to the… Continue reading

The assault on multilateralism and international law

Why in the News? The US’s independent actions could lead to global pushback, but they also create an opportunity for non-Western nations to step up as leaders. What are the key multilateral institutions and agreements from which the U.S. has signalled withdrawal under the Trump administration? World Health Organization (WHO): The U.S. announced withdrawal in… Continue reading

The challenge of policing digital giants

Why in the News? On November 18, 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a fine of ₹213.14 crore on Meta Platforms, Inc., for abusing its dominant position through WhatsApp’s 2021 Privacy Policy. This landmark decision underscores the growing intersection of competition law and data privacy, marking a significant step in regulating digital markets… Continue reading

Spring Equinox, 2025

Why in the News? March 20 marks the arrival of the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, signaling the beginning of the spring season. What are Equinoxes? An equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis is not tilted toward or away from the Sun, resulting in equal length of day and night across the planet. Equinoxes… Continue reading

Why Pots are integral to understanding Culture?

Why in the News? This newscard is an excerpt and extension of the original article published in the Indian Express. Types of Potteries in Ancient India: Neolithic Age (10000 BCE): Pottery in this period was handmade, with rough, unglazed surfaces. Later, the footwheel was introduced, making pottery shaping more refined. Materials like clay, mica, and… Continue reading

Telecom tribunal reforms to handle data protection pleas

Why in the News? In early January this year, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) published the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. What are the key criticisms of the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025? Lack of Independence in the Data Protection… Continue reading

A regional divide in blue-collar worker migration from India

Why in the News? Recent data show a decline in remittances from Gulf countries to India, while contributions from advanced economies have grown. Why has the share of remittances from Gulf countries to India declined while contributions from advanced economies have increased? Wage Stagnation and Cost of Living in the Gulf: Wages in Gulf countries… Continue reading

India ranked 24th out of 33 countries in Free Speech Index

Why in the News? A global survey by The Future of Free Speech, a US -based think tank, has ranked India 24th out of 33 countries in terms of support for free speech. The right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, allowing citizens to express their… Continue reading

Anniversary of the Muzhara Movement

Why in the News? On March 19, the anniversary of the Muzhara movement is observed, marking a significant chapter in Punjab’s agrarian struggles. About Muzhara Movement Muzharas were farmers who worked the land but had no ownership rights. They were part of a larger class of landless peasants in Punjab, facing oppressive feudal systems. The… Continue reading

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

Why in the News? New Zealand has expressed its willingness to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). About Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) India launched the IPOI at the East Asia Summit in November 2019 to promote cooperation for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The initiative aims to strengthen maritime security, stability, and development in… Continue reading

[19th March 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: What is happening in Balochistan?

PYQ Relevance: Q How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar?” (2013) Reason: The movement of non-state actors, the potential for cross-border terrorism, and the involvement of external actors in Balochistan could link to India’s internal… Continue reading

The dystopian side of Insta-commerce

Why in the News? Startup founders publicly claimed to support gig workers’ rights but secretly resist laws that would actually protect them. What is the nature of employment in urban labour chowks and mazdoor mandis? Daily Wage and Informal Work: Workers gather at labour chowks every morning, hoping to be hired for the day. Example:… Continue reading

Appointment of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

Why in the News? The Supreme Court has decided to examine a plea challenging the current process of appointing the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). About Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG): Details Role and Importance Established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution. Ensures efficient and lawful use of public… Continue reading

30th Session of International Seabed Authority (ISA)

Why in the News? The 30th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has officially commenced in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 17, 2025. About the International Seabed Authority (ISA) ISA is an autonomous international organization created under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to… Continue reading

Miller-Urey Hypothesis

Why in the News? A recent study led by Stanford University chemist Richard Zare has introduced a novel perspective on the origins of life on Earth, providing an alternative to the well-known Miller-Urey hypothesis. About the Miller-Urey Hypothesis The Miller-Urey hypothesis emerged from an experiment conducted in 1952 by chemists Stanley Miller and Harold Urey.… Continue reading

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