PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2024] Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects Indiaâs maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition? Linkage: This PYQ is directly linked to Indiaâs strategic engagement with the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC),… Continue reading [3rd December 2025] The Hindu OpED: A template for security cooperation in the Indian Ocean
Introduction Since Russiaâs full-scale invasion in February 2022, several attempts at negotiations, from Belarus to Turkey, have collapsed. With Russia consolidating control over Ukrainian territories and Ukraine facing military constraints, the conflict shows signs of becoming a prolonged war. The Trump plan, recent Russian advances, and fatigue in Western capitals have complicated the strategic landscape,… Continue reading Why is there no peace in Ukraine
Introduction The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed smartphone manufacturers and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application on all new mobile devices. The app is designed to combat digital fraud, trace stolen devices, and prevent misuse of SIMs. But its mandatory installation has raised widespread concerns about privacy, surveillance, user consent, and constitutional rights.… Continue reading Understanding concerns around Sanchar Saathi
Why in the news? The 26th edition of Nagalandâs iconic Hornbill Festival has begun with great enthusiasm, reaffirming its status as one of Indiaâs most vibrant cultural events. The festival has grown into a major platform for showcasing the cultural diversity of Nagaland’s tribes and promoting tourism in the Northeast. What is the Hornbill Festival?  … Continue reading Hornbill Festival 2025
Why in the news? The Enforcement Directorateâs (ED) notice to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and senior officials in the KIIFB masala bond case has revived debates on FEMA compliance, off-budget borrowings, and CentreâState fiscal relations. As local body polls approach, the issue has also acquired political significance. What is KIIFB?  Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund… Continue reading ED Notice to Kerala CM: KIIFB Masala Bonds CaseÂ
Why in the news? At the Conference on 50 Years of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) held in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that global biological threatsânatural, accidental, or deliberate are growing due to rapid scientific advances. He emphasised the rising risks of bioterrorism and highlighted structural weaknesses in the BWC. About… Continue reading India calls for Stronger Global Biosecurity at 50 Years of the BWC
Why in the news? In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy have initiated emergency procurement of satellite-linked Heron Mk II Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from Israel. This marks the first induction of Heron Mk II by the Indian Navy. What is Emergency Procurement? Covered under Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP).… Continue reading India Expands Heron Mk II UAV Fleet
Why in the news? Guinea-Bissau, one of the worldâs most coup-prone nations, witnessed yet another military takeover on 26 November 2025, overthrowing President Umaro Sissoco EmbalĂł. The coup was led by members of the Presidential Guard, marking the latest in a long line of disruptions to democratic governance in West Africa. Geography & Country Profile… Continue reading Coup in Guinea-Bissau (2025)
PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctorâs prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. Linkage: This PYQ directly mirrors the articleâs focus on antibiotic misuse, OTC access, and weak regulatory… Continue reading [2nd December 2025] The Hindu OpED: The new action plan on AMR needs a shot in the arm
Introduction Over 2015-2025, no northern Indian city recorded âsafeâ air quality even once, with Delhi emerging as the most polluted city. In contrast, cities in the south and west maintained comparatively better AQI levels. This consistent divergence reflects entrenched geographical, meteorological, and structural constraints that trap pollutants in the Indo-Gangetic Plain while aiding dispersion along… Continue reading Why pollution affects north Indian cities more than south and west
Introduction Bioremediation uses microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants to break down toxic pollutants like pesticides, plastics, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals into harmless by-products. With India experiencing severe air, water, and soil contamination, bioremediation provides a scalable and sustainable pathway to clean ecosystems. At the same time it will generate opportunities in… Continue reading Why does India need bioremidiation
 Why in the News? Scientists recently observed an unexpected large gathering of walruses on the remote shores of Svalbard, indicating shifting wildlife behaviour in the Arctic due to changing climatic conditions. About Svalbard Location A Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. Lies between mainland Norway and the North Pole (about halfway). Northernmost permanent human settlement… Continue reading Svalbard
Why in the News? The Prime Minister of India recently mentioned the Khiamniungan tribe of Nagaland in his Mann Ki Baat episode, highlighting their traditional practice of cliff-honey hunting and rich cultural heritage. About the Khiamniungan Tribe One of the major Naga tribes inhabiting both: Eastern Nagaland (India) North-Western Myanmar Their homeland lies along the… Continue reading Khiamniungan Tribe
Why in the News? In the 128th episode of âMann Ki Baatâ, the Prime Minister highlighted Ramban Sulai Honey from Jammu & Kashmir, noting that the product has gained national recognition after receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2021. Origin Produced in Ramban District, Jammu & Kashmir. Derived from Sulai (wild basil) plants growing… Continue reading Ramban Sulai Honey Gets National SpotlightÂ
Why in the News? A new damselfly species, Protosticta sooryaprakashi, commonly called the Kodagu Shadowdamsel, has been discovered in the Western Ghats, Karnataka. The finding underscores the rich but still understudied biodiversity of the region. Species Details Common Name: Kodagu Shadowdamsel Scientific Name: Protosticta sooryaprakashi Family: Platystictidae (Shadowdamsels) Discovery Location Found along the Sampaje River… Continue reading New Species of âShadowâ Damselfly Discovered in Kodaguâs Western GhatsÂ
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 commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization. Linkage: Indiaâs weak research pipelines, unpredictable R&D funding, and poor industry-university linkages… Continue reading [1st December 2025] The Hindu OpED: India needs research pipelines
Introduction Indiaâs energy policy historically prioritised universal access, affordability, and supply security, achieved through government-led institutions, public sector enterprises, and diversified import sources. However, climate change, AI-driven electricity demand, and the greening of global supply chains have disrupted this stable model. The new policy imperative is to navigate complex trade-offs between economic growth, technological innovation,… Continue reading In the era of AI and climate change, energy policy must navigate the trade-offs
Introduction The rupeeâs depreciation in late 2024 and 2025 has raised concerns not merely because of its nominal slide but because the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) also shows a downward trend. Unlike previous years, when inflation differentials kept the rupee âovervalued,â the REER for 2024-25 has fallen below 100, indicating undervaluation and revealing deeper… Continue reading How the rupee’s fall is ‘real’ this time