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Bistability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the glpD Gene

Why in the News? German researchers found that P. aeruginosa bacteria can switch a key gene (glpD) on or off, even though the bacteria are genetically identical — a survival trick called epigenetic bistability. About Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Nature: Rod-shaped bacterium found in soil, water, and hospital environments. Pathogen Type: Opportunistic; infects mainly those with weakened… Continue reading

In news: International Criminal Court (ICC)

Why in the News? The Trump administration sanctioned judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over arrest cases involving Israeli leaders and past probes into U.S. officials. About the International Criminal Court (ICC): Established: 2002 under the Rome Statute (1998); headquartered at The Hague, Netherlands. Nature: First permanent international court to try individuals… Continue reading

[20th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Making India’s climate taxonomy framework work

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2022] Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. Linkage: If such a theme on international climate governance and mechanisms can be asked, then India’s… Continue reading

Sedition Redux: On trampling on press freedom

Why in the News? On August 12, 2025, The Wire’s editors Siddharth Varadarajan and Karan Thapar were summoned by the Assam Police under Section 152 of the BNS, even as the Supreme Court had that very day issued protection while examining the constitutional validity of the new sedition law. This open defiance of judicial authority… Continue reading

‘Creamy Layer’ condition in OBC Quota

Why in the News? The government is considering measures to ensure uniform application of the ‘creamy layer’ condition in OBC reservations across central and state government jobs, public sector enterprises, universities, and autonomous bodies. About the Concept of Creamy Layer: Origin: Emerged from Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992); excluded affluent Other Backward Class… Continue reading

Office of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

Why in the News? The Opposition (INDI Alliance bloc) is considering moving a motion of removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in Parliament. About Election Commission of India (ECI): Establishment: Permanent constitutional body set up on 25 January 1950 (National Voters Day). Constitutional Basis: Articles 324–329, Part XV of the Constitution. Mandate: Conducts elections… Continue reading

Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)

Why in the News? SEBI has released a consultation paper proposing changes in Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) and Minimum Public Offer (MPO) norms for listed companies. What is Minimum Public Offer (MPO)? Meaning: When a company launches an Initial Public Offer (IPO), it must sell a minimum number of shares to the public. Analogy: Like… Continue reading

Young Bengal Movement and Henry Derozio

Why in the News? This newscard is an excerpt from the article originally published in The Hindu. Who was Henry Vivian Louis Derozio? Birth–Death: Born 1809, died- 22 in 1831; Indo-Portuguese origin. Identity: Radical thinker, poet, and educator in British India. Recognition: Called the first national poet of modern India; pioneer of Anglo-Indian poetry. Influences:… Continue reading

Saltwater Crocodile Population Survey in Sundarbans

Why in the News? A 2025 survey by the West Bengal Forest Department shows an increase in saltwater crocodile population in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR). About Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus): Largest living reptile and the largest of all crocodilians. Males grow much larger than females; females usually 2.5–3 m in length. Habitat: mangrove forests,… Continue reading

The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025

Why in the News? The Union Home Minister is set to introduce three bills in the Lok Sabha to provide legal framework for removal of the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Ministers in States and UTs who are “arrested and detained in custody on account of serious criminal charges.” Which are the three… Continue reading

Presidential References under Article 143: Clarifying Law or Confusing Constitutional Boundaries?

N4S: India’s Constitution has a tool to avoid fights between its main institutions: Article 143.This article explains how the President can ask the Supreme Court for advice before disputes grow. In UPSC, the question is not “What is Article 143?” but “How does it help checks and balances?” (2023 GS 2). Many aspirants just list cases without showing… Continue reading

How does plastic pollution affect health?

Introduction Plastic pollution represents one of the gravest environmental crises of our times. Despite decades of regulation and bans, plastics remain ubiquitous, cheap, and nearly indestructible. Talks in Geneva involving 180 countries failed to secure an internationally binding legal agreement to limit plastic pollution, reflecting deep divisions over whether the treaty should target waste alone… Continue reading

Is the new Income Tax law more accessible?

Introduction In August 2025, Parliament passed the Income Tax Bill, 2025, a shorter and simplified legislation with 23 chapters (down from 47) and 536 sections (down from 819). The Bill aims to reduce discretion with clearer provisions, introduce taxpayer-friendly reforms like longer timelines for return updation, and curb harassment. However, it has also expanded the… Continue reading

When can Courts order a Recount of Votes?

Why in the News? The Supreme Court for the very first time has recounted EVM votes on its premises and overturned a Haryana sarpanch election result. Legal Framework for Challenging Election Results: Parliamentary, Assembly, State Council elections: Validity can be challenged by filing an election petition in the High Court of the state where the… Continue reading

23% of PM Jan Dhan accounts inoperative

Why in the news? The Government informed Parliament that 23% of the 56.04 crore PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts are inoperative. About Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Launch: Introduced in 2014 as the world’s largest financial inclusion mission. Objective: To provide banking to the unbanked, insurance to the unsecured, and credit to the unfunded.… Continue reading

How are Soaps and Detergents manufactured?

Why in the News? This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in ‘The Hindu’. About Soap: Composition: Soap is sodium (Na) or potassium (K) salt of fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. Formula: Solid soaps are RCOONa, liquid soaps are RCOOK. Function: Cleansing agent due to dual hydrophilic (water-attracting)… Continue reading

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)

Why in the News? Kerala’s health department has issued an alert in Kozhikode district after three consecutive cases of the rare and highly fatal disease Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) were reported. About Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM): Cause: Rare and usually fatal infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” Habitat: Thrives in warm… Continue reading

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