💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship (Dec Batch) + Access To XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Distribution: yearly

What is Hydroclimate Whiplash?

Why in the News? Since earlier this month Los Angeles has been gripped by devastating wildfires fueled by a rare and alarming meteorological phenomenon known as hydroclimate whiplash. What is Hydroclimate Whiplash? Hydroclimate whiplash refers to rapid and extreme shifts between periods of intensely wet weather and dangerously dry conditions. Characteristics: Alternates between heavy rainfall… Continue reading What is Hydroclimate Whiplash?

India successfully tests Indian Army’s first ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-drone micro missiles

Why in the News? India has achieved a significant milestone in defense technology by successfully testing its first domestically developed Bhargavastra micro-missile system, designed to counter swarm drone threats. What is Bhargavastra? Bhargavastra is India’s first micro-missile-based counter-drone system, developed to address the increasing threat posed by swarm drones. It is capable of detecting and… Continue reading India successfully tests Indian Army’s first ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-drone micro missiles

Commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer

Why in the News? Three frontline combatants—INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer—were commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. About the Ships/Vessels Details INS Nilgiri Type: First Ship of Project 17A (Nilgiri-class stealth frigates) Role: Multi-mission operations in deep-sea environments Builders: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and GRSE, Kolkata… Continue reading Commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer

African leaders adopt new Kampala Declaration

Why in the News? The Extraordinary African Union Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) concluded in Kampala, Uganda, with the adoption of the transformative Kampala Declaration. What is the Kampala Declaration? Details About Successor to the Malabo Declaration (2014–2025). Focuses on transforming agriculture into a modern, climate-smart sector. Aligns with CAADP’s vision… Continue reading African leaders adopt new Kampala Declaration

[pib] 9 Years of Startup India

Why in the News? On January 16 (National Startup Day), 2025, India marks 9 successful years of Startup India, a flagship initiative that has revolutionized the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. About the Startup India Initiative Startup India is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India on January 16, 2016, to create a… Continue reading [pib] 9 Years of Startup India

McKinsey released Report on Demographic Transition and Depopulation

Why in the News? The report, ‘Dependency and Depopulation? Confronting the Consequences of a New Demographic Reality’, released by McKinsey Global Institute, provides a detailed comparative analysis of demographic dynamics in developed (first wave) and developing (later wave) countries. IMPORTANT: What is Demographic Transition Theory? Demographic transition describes changes in birth and death rates and… Continue reading McKinsey released Report on Demographic Transition and Depopulation

[16th January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Social justice and a lost chance by a Prime Minister

PYQ Relevance: Q) Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2019) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have previously focused on topics like ‘Concept of Social Justice’ (2016) and ‘Implementation of… Continue reading [16th January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Social justice and a lost chance by a Prime Minister

Why have we normalised hate speech against women in politics?

Why in the News? The 267th Law Commission Report that was recently released, recommended including “hate speech” within the Indian Penal Code, indicating a governmental acknowledgment of the need to address this pervasive issue. This has reignited conversations about the legal framework surrounding hate speech, particularly against women in politics. Key Highlights made by the… Continue reading Why have we normalised hate speech against women in politics?

Makaravilakku Festival

Why in the News? The Makaravilakku festival was celebrated at the hill shrine of Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. About the Makaravilakku Festival Makaravilakku is a significant annual Hindu festival celebrated at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. It marks the celestial event of the Sun entering the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makaram Rashi)… Continue reading Makaravilakku Festival

Need quake warning systems: PM; working to better accuracy by 10-15%, says IMD DG

Why in the News? Recently, PM released the IMD’s Vision Document 2047, outlining a plan to achieve nearly perfect weather forecasts for up to three days and 90% accuracy for forecasts made five days ahead by 2047. What is IMD’s Vision Document 2047?  The Vision Document aims for zero-error forecast accuracy for up to three… Continue reading Need quake warning systems: PM; working to better accuracy by 10-15%, says IMD DG

India summons envoy: Why Bangladesh has objected to fencing along the border

Why in the News? Recently, New Delhi called Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner to India to discuss border security and issues related to fencing. What are the India-Bangladesh border guidelines? 1975 Joint Guidelines: According to the 1975 Joint India-Bangladesh Guidelines for Border Authorities, no defense structures can be constructed within 150 yards of the international boundary… Continue reading India summons envoy: Why Bangladesh has objected to fencing along the border

[pib] Release of National Livestock Mission Operational Guidelines 2.0

Why in the News? The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has released operational guidelines 2.0 for National Livestock Mission (NLM). What are the new operational guidelines 2.0 for NLM? It focuses on promoting entrepreneurship, cluster-based development, and sustainable practices in the livestock sector. They emphasize financial assistance through schemes like the Animal Husbandry… Continue reading [pib] Release of National Livestock Mission Operational Guidelines 2.0

Places in news: Kerch Strait

Why in the News? Two Russian ships spilled 3,350 tonnes of low-grade fuel into the Kerch Strait in Crimea, posing an environmental threat to the biodiversity hotspot. About the Kerch Strait The Kerch Strait is a narrow, strategically crucial waterway connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. It serves as a natural maritime… Continue reading Places in news: Kerch Strait

What is Pink Fire Retardant?

Why in the News? Air tankers have dropped thousands of litres of pink fire retardant (PFR) to slow the spread of wildfires in Los Angeles. Pink Fire Retardant (PFR) and its properties The PFR is a chemical mixture designed to slow or suppress wildfires by reducing the flammability of vegetation and other materials. The most… Continue reading What is Pink Fire Retardant?

[14th January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Transforming ‘men’-talities, redefining masculinity

PYQ Relevance: Q) “Though women in post-independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (UPSC CSE 2021) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on topics like ‘social attitude… Continue reading [14th January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Transforming ‘men’-talities, redefining masculinity

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.