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India is focusing on PM10 but PM 2.5 is the real threat

Introduction Air pollution in India is no longer episodic or seasonal; it is a structural public health emergency. While global best practices increasingly rely on health-based air quality standards, India’s regulatory architecture continues to emphasise coarser particulate matter (PM10) due to administrative convenience and visible enforcement outcomes. This regulatory bias weakens India’s ability to reduce… Continue reading

FTAs for a start: On India and trade pacts

Introduction India has entered into 20 regional or free trade agreements, excluding the recently concluded pacts with the United Kingdom and European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Negotiations are ongoing with major economies including the United States, European Union, Canada, and the Southern African Customs Union. This renewed urgency is driven by U.S. tariffs of up… Continue reading

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Why in the News? The National Steering Committee for the PM Vishwakarma scheme has approved several proposals and policy measures to improve loan sanctioning and disbursement under the scheme. About PM Vishwakarma Scheme • Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises • Launched to support artisans and craftspeople engaged in… Continue reading

Agentic AI

Why in the News? Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella recently noted that India is witnessing strong momentum in the adoption and deployment of artificial intelligence, particularly agentic AI applications. About Agentic AI Agentic AI is an advanced form of artificial intelligence that emphasises autonomous decision-making and action. It is designed to act independently in… Continue reading

Diving Support Craft A20

Why in the news? The Indian Navy is set to commission Diving Support Craft (DSC) A20 at Kochi under the Southern Naval Command, marking a key milestone in indigenous naval capability. About Diving Support Craft A20 • First vessel of the indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Craft class • Lead ship in a series… Continue reading

Pallas’s Gull

Why in the News? The rare migratory Pallas’s Gull was recently sighted at Udhwa Bird Sanctuary in Jharkhand, marking its return after nearly a decade. About Pallas’s Gull • Also known as the Great Black headed Gull • One of the largest gull species in the world • World’s largest black headed gull and third… Continue reading

Boreendo

Why in the News? Boreendo, an ancient traditional musical instrument from Pakistan, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. About Boreendo • Also known as Bhorindo • Traditional wind instrument from the Sindh region of Pakistan • Believed to be around 5,000 years old • Origins traced… Continue reading

[12th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: The stark reality of educational costs in India

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2020] National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goals-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and re-orient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. Linkage: The article shows how rising education costs hinder NEP 2020’s and SDG-4’s aims of equitable, inclusive, affordable learning. It lets you critique… Continue reading

Savings shift reshapes India’s markets

Introduction India’s markets are being reshaped by a decisive movement from volatile foreign capital to sticky domestic savings. Mutual funds, SIPs, and household equity ownership are expanding rapidly, providing stability. But they also reveal problems linked to market asymmetry, inexperienced investors, uneven access, promoter dominance, and structural vulnerabilities. The issue is now central to India’s… Continue reading

China’s $1-trillion trade surplus: What’s behind it, what it means for India, world

Introduction China has crossed a historic milestone by recording a trade surplus exceeding $1 trillion in the first 11 months of 2025. This achievement reflects China’s export dominance, cost efficiencies, and deep manufacturing networks. Yet, behind the success lie persistent weaknesses, stagnant consumption, weak imports, currency effects, and overcapacity in key sectors. These trends shape… Continue reading

Charaichung Festival at Majuli

Why in the News? Assam’s Majuli island hosted the second edition of the Charaichung Festival, aimed at reviving Asia’s first protected Royal Bird Sanctuary, Charaichung, established in 1633 AD. About Charaichung Sanctuary Established in 1633 AD by Ahom King Swargadeu Pratap Singha (Burha Roja). Considered Asia’s first protected royal bird sanctuary. Holds a 392-year-old legacy.… Continue reading

Mass Mortality of Goniopora Corals at One Tree Reef

Why in the News? A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B (December 10, 2025) reports unprecedented coral bleaching and mortality at One Tree Reef (OTR) in the southern Great Barrier Reef, driven by extreme heat and rapid spread of black band disease (BBD). Background Coral reefs have shaped Earth’s climate for… Continue reading

Onboarding of MTNL Pensioners onto SAMPANN

Why in the News? The Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA) has inaugurated the onboarding of all Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) pensioners onto the SAMPANN portal, marking a major step in modernizing pension administration under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). About the MTNL Pensioners The onboarding covers 45,939 MTNL pensioners from Delhi and Mumbai.… Continue reading

‘Your Money, Your Right’ Movement

Why in the News? The Prime Minister recently urged citizens to actively participate in the ‘Your Money, Your Right’ movement, a national initiative to help people reclaim their unclaimed financial assets. About the Movement Launched by the Central Government in October 2025. Objective: Enable citizens to locate and recover unclaimed deposits, insurance proceeds, dividends, mutual… Continue reading

NSIL and ISRO Technology Transfer

Why in the News? NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has so far signed 70 Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) to license technologies developed by ISRO to Indian industries. About NSIL Commercial arm of the Department of Space (DoS), incorporated under the Companies Act 2013. Mandated to: Commercialise ISRO technologies. Enable industry participation in space missions. Act as… Continue reading

[11th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: AI must pay: On the DPIIT working paper on AI and Copyright Issues

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 topic is relevant because it highlights India’s weak IPR monetisation… Continue reading

Is India’s 8.2% growth rate sustainable?

Introduction India’s growth figures highlight strong quarterly momentum driven by manufacturing revival, domestic demand, and fiscal support. However, the sustainability of this growth depends on addressing long-standing structural bottlenecks, improving capital productivity, widening the export base, and navigating global volatility. Why in the News? India’s GDP surged 8.2% to ₹84.8 lakh crore, placing the economy… Continue reading

UNICEF

Why in the News? UNICEF, created on December 11, 1946, originally provided emergency relief to children and mothers in war-affected regions after World War II. A recent quiz on UNICEF’s history highlights several facts important for UPSC Prelims. UNICEF’s First Greeting Card (1949) A thank-you drawing from a young girl became UNICEF’s first fundraising greeting… Continue reading

India Hosts 3rd Global IALA Council Session in Mumbai

Why in the News? The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the 3rd Global IALA Council Session in Mumbai and launched a Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism. Over 30 countries are participating in the high-level global event, held from 8–12 December 2025. About IALA (International Association of Marine Aids to… Continue reading

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