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Digital Diplomacy: Are digital alliances redefining traditional notions of sovereignty ?

N4S This article uses subsea cables as the entry point to discuss India’s evolving digital diplomacy and tech collaboration with the U.S. UPSC rarely names niche themes like “subsea cables” directly. Instead, it wraps them under bigger umbrellas like: Climate change in geopolitics (2022 PYQ), Emerging tech and India’s global standing or Digital infrastructure as… Continue reading

[18th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A case for judicial introspection

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2017] To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? Linkage: The 2016 ECI reforms sought to strengthen electoral transparency and fairness, while the current debate on… 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

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

New Palm Species ‘Phoenix roxburghii’ discovered

Why in the News? A palm specie ‘Phoenix roxburghii’ first described in the 17th-century botanical treatise Hortus Malabaricus has been recently confirmed. About Phoenix roxburghii: Origin: Named after William Roxburgh, regarded as the father of Indian Botany. Distribution: Found along India’s eastern coast, Bangladesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Pakistan. Height: Grows up to 12–16 metres, taller… Continue reading

Scientists turn E. Coli Bacteria into a Bio-Sensor

Why in the News? Researchers from UK and China have developed a bioelectronic device where genetically engineered E. Coli bacteria act as self-powered chemical bio-sensor. About Escherichia coli (E. coli) Bacteria: Overview: Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that inhabits the lower intestine of warm-blooded animals. Family: Belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Harmless vs Pathogenic: Most strains are… Continue reading

In news: Gugga Naumi Festival

Why in the News? The Gugga Naumi festival was widely celebrated across northern states of India on 17th August. About Gugga Naumi Festival: Festival: Folk religious celebration in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and northern states. Timing: Observed on the ninth day of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad month, usually after Janmashtami. Deity:… Continue reading

Chalkiness in Rice and the Genetic Breakthrough

Why in the News? Recently, Chinese scientists identified a key gene, Chalk9, that controls chalkiness in rice, offering a breakthrough for crop improvement. About Chalk9 Gene in Rice: Overview: Chalk9 is a gene found on chromosome 9 of rice. Function: Encodes the enzyme E3 ubiquitin ligase, which regulates protein degradation. Target Protein: Acts on OsEBP89,… Continue reading

MIT Research of Ionic Liquids (ILs)

Why in the News? MIT-led research suggests life may not need liquid water; ionic liquids (salts that stay liquid below 100°C) could support life on rocky super-Earths with volcanic activity and little water. About Ionic Liquids (ILs): Overview: Salts in liquid form below 100°C, composed entirely of ions. Properties: Non-volatile, non-flammable, thermally stable, and tunable… Continue reading

The Waning of Insurgency: Decline of Naxalism in India

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2013] Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the socio-economic issues that contribute to LWE, and the measures taken by the government to address them. Linkage: The question resonates with the article’s focus on the downward curve of Naxalism while… Continue reading

How inclusive is EC’s special revision exercise?

The Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has become a focal point of debate, extending beyond a routine update. The ECI’s insistence on specific identity and citizenship proofs, most notably the birth certificate, has sparked a critical discussion. The core issue is the potential for widespread voter exclusion, which… Continue reading

Balancing code and commerce in U.K. trade compact

India–U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), especially its Chapter 12 on Digital Trade, marks a shift from cautious digital policy to strategic global engagement. It brings major trade gains, but also sparks debate on data sovereignty and oversight. Chapter 12 of India–U.K. CETA exchanges some regulatory control for greater digital market access. Gains include… Continue reading

Supreme Court interventions in Civil–Criminal overlap Cases

Why in the News? In August 2025, the Supreme Court intervened twice to prevent the misuse of criminal proceedings in essentially civil disputes. About Civil and Criminal Cases: Civil cases involve disputes between individuals or organisations and are mostly governed by Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC). The aim is to resolve rights and duties,… Continue reading

In news: British Conquest of Sindh

Why in the News? The British conquest of Sindh in the 1840s was a key step in colonial expansion, reminding us that regions like Sindh, Punjab, and Bengal came under British rule long before the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan. British Conquest of Sindh: Sindh was annexed by the British in 1843 after the… Continue reading

IBC Amendment Bill, 2025

Why in the News? The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Finance Minister to streamline insolvency, cut tribunal delays, and add new tools like creditor-led resolution and cross-border insolvency. About the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016: IBC is India’s bankruptcy law, covering corporate persons, partnership firms,… Continue reading

Red Fort as the Venue for Independence Day

Why in the News? On August 15, 2025, Prime Minister delivered the longest Independence Day speech (103 minutes) from the Red Fort, continuing a tradition started by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947. The fort’s choice as the venue reflects its historic role as Delhi’s seat of power and symbol of sovereignty. About the Red Fort: Construction:… Continue reading

Russia’s Sale of Alaska to US

Why in the News? United States President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Anchorage, Alaska to discuss how to end the war in Ukraine. About Alaska: Acquisition: Largest U.S. state; Purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million. Mountains: Includes Alaska Range with Mount Denali (20,310 ft), the… Continue reading

Contempt of Court : Should it be retained ?

N4S This article helps you clearly understand the power boundaries between the legislature and the judiciary, especially in the context of contempt of court and judicial review. UPSC often picks such complex, ongoing debates and frames open-ended, analytical questions around them. For instance, a question like “The Supreme Court checks arbitrary parliamentary power” demands that… Continue reading

[14th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The Ceding of Academic Freedom in Universities

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2014] Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students? Discuss in light of the growing challenges. Linkage: This PYQ directly links to the article’s core theme of academic autonomy by addressing whether premier… Continue reading

Aid and advice: On Jammu and Kashmir and the Lieutenant-Governor’s Assembly member nominations

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has told the J&K High Court that the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) can nominate five Assembly members without the “aid and advice” of the elected government. This position has sparked a constitutional debate over democratic accountability in a politically sensitive Union Territory where such nominations could alter the balance of… Continue reading

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