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[29th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: A grand vision and the great Indian research deficit

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2024] What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialised. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization. Linkage: This question links global debates on patenting of life forms (biotech,… Continue reading

What are rare-earth elements and why is everyone looking for them?

Introduction Rare-earth elements comprise a group of 17 metallic elements, 15 lanthanides along with scandium and yttrium, used extensively in modern high-performance technologies. Their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties make them indispensable for permanent magnets, phosphors, catalysts, optics, and electronic components. The strategic importance of REEs arises not from their rarity in the Earth’s… Continue reading

Linked civilizations, a modern strategic partnership

Introduction India and Iran represent two ancient civilisations whose interaction predates modern statecraft. Their relationship, rooted in linguistic, cultural, and philosophical exchanges, has endured political upheavals and geographic separation. In the contemporary era, shared economic needs, energy complementarities, and regional security concerns are transforming this civilisational bond into a strategic partnership. This has implications for… Continue reading

Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme and Shipbuilding Development Scheme

Why in the News? The Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways notified operational guidelines for the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS). Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) Objective Strengthen domestic shipbuilding and global competitiveness • Valid till 31 March 2036 • Financial assistance 15 to 25 percent per vessel based… Continue reading

Somaliland

Why in the News? Recently, Israel formally recognised the self declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. About Somaliland Located in the Horn of Africa • Borders Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Puntland region • Has a strategic coastline along the Gulf of Aden • Capital city Hargeisa Economy and Infrastructure Economy… Continue reading

Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)

Why in the News? Installation of rooftop solar power plants is being expedited in Rajasthan under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to reduce transmission and distribution losses and improve power supply quality. About Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme Launched in July 2021 • Implemented by the Ministry of Power • A reforms based and results… Continue reading

Dhasan River

Why in the News? The National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi, dismissed an appeal challenging the cancellation of environmental clearance for sand mining in the Dhasan River in Jhansi district. About Dhasan River A right bank tributary of the Betwa River • Betwa River is a tributary of the Yamuna • Flows through the… Continue reading

Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS)

Why in the News? The Northeast Frontier Railway achieved its highest-ever single-day mechanised track renewal of 1,033 track metres using Plasser’s Quick Relaying System. About Plasser’s Quick Relaying System A modern semi-mechanised track relaying system used for rapid replacement of railway tracks • Developed by Plasser & Theurer • Designed to speed up track renewal… Continue reading

India weathers tariff storm for now

Introduction India ends 2025 with relatively strong macroeconomic fundamentals despite a turbulent global environment marked by tariff wars, slowing global growth, and technological disruptions. While fears of a tariff-led slowdown, especially following renewed US trade protectionism, have not fully materialised, structural weaknesses in domestic consumption pose a critical challenge. The central policy question is whether… Continue reading

On petrol pricing in India

Introduction Ethanol-blended petrol and pure petrol are treated as identical for pricing and taxation purposes, despite being distinct products from a production and tax standpoint. Ethanol is taxed under the GST regime, while petrol remains outside GST and is subject to central excise duty and state VAT. This dual structure has created inconsistencies in price… Continue reading

Rashtriya Prerna Sthal

Why in the News? The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, to commemorate the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. About Rashtriya Prerna Sthal Developed as a national memorial and inspirational complex • Dedicated to the life, ideals, and values of Atal Bihari Vajpayee •… Continue reading

Quality Council of India

Why in the News? The Quality Council of India recently announced a comprehensive set of next generation quality reforms aimed at strengthening India’s quality ecosystem across healthcare, laboratories, MSMEs, and manufacturing sectors. About Quality Council of India (QCI) Non profit autonomous organisation Registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 Established in 1997 Set… Continue reading

Titan

Why in the News? Scientists have re examined data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft and suggested that Saturn’s largest moon Titan may not have a global subsurface ocean, contrary to earlier studies. About Titan Titan is the largest moon of Saturn • Second largest moon in the solar system, after Ganymede • Discovered in 1655 by… Continue reading

[26th December 2025] Thze Hindu OpED: A year of dissipating promises for Indian foreign policy

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2019] ‘‘The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order”. Elaborate. Linkage: This PYQ examines the transformation of India’s normative foreign policy identity amid power politics and global realignments. The article highlights India’s… Continue reading

The urban future with cities as dynamic ecosystems

Why in the News The article gains significance amid India’s rapid urban transition, where cities are absorbing unprecedented internal migration while urban planning frameworks continue to rely on static, infrastructure-centric models. There is a sharp contrast between how cities are officially designed and how they are actually inhabited, particularly by migrants and linguistic minorities. The… Continue reading

GCGs keep India’ technology job market alive as IT lags

Introduction Global Capability Centres are offshore subsidiaries of multinational corporations established to handle technology, engineering, analytics, and innovation functions. In India, GCCs are increasingly replacing traditional IT services firms as the primary creators of high-value technology jobs. Their rapid expansion signals a structural transformation in the nature of work, skill demand, and geographic dispersion of… Continue reading

Kimberley Process

Why in the News? The Kimberley Process Plenary has selected India to assume the Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026. This will be the third time India will chair the process. About the Kimberley Process It is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry, and civil society. Aim is to… Continue reading

Minamitori Island

Why in the News? Japan has decided to conduct test mining of rare earth rich mud from the deep seabed near Minamitori Island to reduce dependence on imported critical minerals. About Minamitori Island Minamitori Island is also known as Marcus Island. It is an isolated Japanese coral atoll located in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. It… Continue reading

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