The nature of dissent in the Indian judiciary

Why in the News? In the U.S. Supreme Court, dissenting opinions often reflect the political views of judges, as they are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. In contrast, dissenting opinions in the Indian judiciary cover a wider range, including political, social, and purely intellectual disagreements What is the significance of dissenting… Continue reading

Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

Why in the News? Google has unveiled its latest quantum processor, ‘Willow’, which has sparked excitement about the potential of quantum computers to solve practical problems. About Willow Quantum Processor: Google’s team of researchers developed Willow and shared their results in the scientific journal Nature. Willow has 105 qubits, which are the basic units of… Continue reading

In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

Why in the News? Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts. About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) Details Geographical Features Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills. Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to… Continue reading

What is Coastal Security Scheme (CSS)?

Why in the News? Non-operational patrolling boats, insufficient funds for training, and manpower shortages are among the challenges highlighted by 13 coastal states and Union Territories during a review of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) phases I and II. What is the Coastal Security Scheme? CSS was launched to strengthen security across India’s 7,516.6 km… Continue reading

[pib] CPGRAMS 3 Years, 70 Lakh Grievances Solved

Why in the News? According to the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) resolved over 70 lakh grievances from 2022 to 2024. About Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) CPGRAMS is an online platform that allows citizens to register grievances related to… Continue reading

On India’s obligations towards the Rohingya

Why in the News? A recent study by The Azadi Project and Refugees International has found that Rohingya refugees detained in India face serious violations of their basic rights. It also criticizes India for not meeting its responsibilities under international human rights agreements. What has a recent report said about India’s refugee policy for the… Continue reading

Why ISRO’s ‘docking’ mission today is critical for India’s space ambitions?

Why in the News? Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) in space with a PSLV rocket. What is SpaDeX mission? The SpaDeX mission, or Space Docking Experiment, is a significant initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at demonstrating advanced in-space docking technology. Docking technology involves… Continue reading

Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, 2023-24

Why in the News? The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 highlights key trends in consumption patterns across India. It is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) every 5 years. Important Highlights of HCES, 2023-24: Rural Spending: Monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) increased by 9.3% to ₹4,122 in 2023-24 (from ₹3,773 in 2022-23);… Continue reading

In news: Pangong Lake

Why in the News? The Indian Army has installed a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the bank of Pangong lake at an altitude of 14,300 feet, a region that is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the eastern Ladakh sector. About Pangong Lake (Pangong Tso) Its name is derived… Continue reading

[pib] Exercise SURYA KIRAN

Why in the News? The Indian Army contingent has departed for Nepal to participate in the 18th edition of the Battalion-Level Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN. About the Exercise Surya Kiran Exercise Surya Kiran is a bilateral joint military exercise conducted annually between India and Nepal since 2011. The 18th edition is being held in… Continue reading

[30th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Incidents on loop, but it’s escape for regulator, airlines

PYQ Relevance: Q. What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government’s UDAN Scheme and its achievements. (CSE 2024) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the development of Airports (2017), and ‘application in aviation ’ (2013). The December 5, 2024, incident involving an Air… Continue reading

Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER)

Why in the News? The rupee has been hitting record lows against the US dollar but has simultaneously reached an all-time high in real effective terms. In November 2024, the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) index of the rupee touched 108.14, strengthening by 4.5% during the year, according to the RBI. What is Effective Exchange… Continue reading

In news: Parker Solar Probe

Why in the News? The Parker Solar Probe has reached 6.1 million km from the Sun’s surface — the closest any human-made object has ever been. At this distance, if the Earth and Sun were 1 meter apart, the probe would be 4 cm from the Sun. What is the Parker Solar Probe? Details About … Continue reading

What is the H-1B Visa Program?

Why in the News? The US President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for H-1B Visas but emphasized balancing immigration policies with protecting American jobs. About H-1B Visa Program Details What is it? Allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialty occupations requiring: High expertise. A bachelor’s degree or higher. Administered by the U.S. Department… Continue reading

Should the wealth tax be reinstated in India?

Why in the News? At a New Delhi panel, economist Thomas Piketty proposed taxing India’s super-rich to fund health and education, while Chief Economic Advisor Anantha Nageswaran cautioned against potential fund outflows from higher taxes. What are the potential benefits of reinstating a wealth tax? Funding Public Services: A wealth tax could provide significant revenue… Continue reading

Rules that still manacle the captive elephant

Why in the News? The Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules contain ambiguities that could enable the illegal trade of elephants. What are the current welfare standards for captive elephants? Legal Framework: Elephants are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, but enforcement is weak. The Kerala High Court has issued directions to ensure… Continue reading

China approves dam over Brahmaputra

Why in the News? China has announced the construction of world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River (known as Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet), sparking concerns in India and Bangladesh, the lower riparian states. About the Dam This project is part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and its long-term development strategy through 2035. The dam… Continue reading

UNGA adopts 10-Year Action Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)

Why in the News? The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a 10-Year Action Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), aiming to address their unique challenges. Key Targets of the 10-Year Action Plan for LLDCs (2024–2034): The Programme of Action for LLDCs aims to address their unique challenges through targeted actions across 5 priority areas:… Continue reading

UNGA adopts milestone Cybercrime Treaty

Why in the News? The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a legally binding treaty on cybercrime, marking the culmination of a five-year effort by Member States. This is the first international criminal justice treaty negotiated in over 20 years. About UN Convention against Cybercrime: Important Facts The UN Convention against Cybercrime is a… Continue reading

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