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Setting up an early warning system for the Himalayas poses unique challenges

Introduction The recent rise in Himalayan disasters highlights the urgent need for early warning systems. The 2024 Down To Earth report shows that between 1900 and 2022, India recorded 687 disasters, with 240 in the Himalayan region alone. Disasters include glacial lake outbursts, flash floods, landslides, wildfires, and earthquakes. What was once a region of… Continue reading

India’s diaspora diplomacy and the limits of cultural nationalism

Introduction The Indian diaspora, among the world’s largest, has long been celebrated for fostering goodwill, investment, and soft power. Recently, however, incidents involving public religious celebrations such as Ganapati immersions and Deepavali fireworks in Western nations have drawn scrutiny. These events have ignited debate over “the limits of acceptable public behaviour” and whether expressions of… Continue reading

Cyclone Montha makes landfall in AP

Why in the News? Cyclone Montha, classified as a severe cyclonic storm, has made landfall near Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) on October 28. Back2Basics: Tropical Cyclones What is it: Large low-pressure systems over warm oceans, marked by rotating winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. Conditions: Form when ocean temps >27°C, with moist rising air releasing latent… Continue reading

3I/ATLAS: A Possible 7-Billion-Year-Old Interstellar Comet Discovered

Why in the News? Astronomers discovered 3I/ATLAS, a 7-billion-year-old interstellar comet, using the NASA-funded ATLAS telescope in Chile. It is now nearing its closest approach to the Sun. About 3I/ATLAS: Discovery: It was detected on July 1, 2025, by the ATLAS telescope in Río Hurtado, Chile; confirmed interstellar due to its hyperbolic orbit and high… Continue reading

Centre approves terms of 8th Central Pay Commission

Why in the News? The Govt. of India has officially constituted the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) to review and recommend revisions in the salaries, pensions, and service conditions of Central Government employees and pensioners. About the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC): Objective: To assess fiscal sustainability, pay parity with the private sector, cost of… Continue reading

Various Initiatives under International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Why in the News? At the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly, India has launched four global initiatives viz. Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement (SUNRISE), One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG), Global Capability Centre, and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Procurement Platform. [1] SUNRISE: Overview: Launched by the International… Continue reading

Water Pollution in Manipur’s Loktak Lake

Why in the News? A recent Nagaland University study has raised alarms over the deteriorating ecological health of Loktak Lake, India’s largest freshwater lake and a designated Ramsar Site (since 1990) in Manipur. Key Findings of the Study: Core Issue: Land-use changes such as agriculture expansion, human settlements, and shifting cultivation (jhum) are deteriorating the… Continue reading

[28th October 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A start for North-South carbon market cooperation

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2014] Should the pursuit of carbon credit and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth. Linkage: The CBAM-ICM linkage revives the same carbon market logic… Continue reading

Big Tech’s contempt for Indian Public Health

Introduction India’s Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 (DMRA) prohibits advertisements claiming to cure 54 specific medical conditions without proven efficacy. However, the advent of Big Tech advertising has bypassed this framework. Platforms such as Meta, Google, and others are now running sponsored ads for unapproved ayurvedic and homeopathic treatments, violating DMRA provisions.… Continue reading

The complicated history of U.S-Pakistan relations

Introduction The U.S.-Pakistan relationship has oscillated between strategic intimacy and mutual distrust. Built on Cold War exigencies, it evolved through shared military interests, geopolitical bargains, and recurring disappointments. As new global alignments emerge, Pakistan’s dual engagement with China and the U.S. once again tests the durability and intent of its foreign policy choices. Evolution of… Continue reading

CJI Gavai recommends J. Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India

Why in the News? Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai formally recommended Justice Surya Kant, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court of India, as his successor and 53rd CJI. About the Chief Justice of India (CJI): Position and Authority: She/He is the head of the Supreme Court and the highest-ranking judicial officer in… Continue reading

What is Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR)?

Why in the News? The Supreme Court has allowed the Union Government to reconsider its additional Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues from Vodafone-Idea for FY 2016–17, giving relief to the debt-ridden telecom firm. About Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR): Overview: AGR is the revenue base used by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to calculate license fees… Continue reading

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

Why in the News? The 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Summit (2025) is being held in Gyeongju City, South Korea About Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): Establishment: Created in 1989 as a regional economic forum to enhance the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific region. Objective: Promote balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and secure growth, and accelerate regional economic… Continue reading

Who was Vidyapati Thakur (1352-1448)?

Why in the News? This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in Down To Earth. About Vidyapati Thakur (1352 – 1448): Identity and Origin: Celebrated Maithili poet, philosopher, and scholar from Mithila (northern Bihar), active under the Oiniwar dynasty during the 14th–15th centuries. Languages Used: Composed in Maithili, Sanskrit, and Avahatta, blending… Continue reading

[2025 GS1 UPSC MAINS] The ethos of civil service in India stands for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. (10 Marks)

Civil services in India are often called the “steel frame” of governance (Sardar Patel). Their ethos is not only about professional efficiency but also about nationalistic commitment to India’s unity, integrity, and development. Professionalism in Civil Services Nationalistic Consciousness in Civil Services Fusion of Professionalism with Nationalism The Indian civil servants are “efficient nation-builders”. They… Continue reading

[27th October 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The contours of constitutional morality

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2021] Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. Linkage: This topic is highly significant for UPSC Mains, especially in GS Paper II (Polity & Governance) and GS Paper IV (Ethics), as… Continue reading

Winding up the clock of India-Nepal Ties

Introduction On October 1, 2025, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das unveiled steps to deepen INR–NPR linkages. This move signals India’s intent to make the rupee a regional trade and investment currency. These include: Allowing Authorised Dealer (AD) banks to lend INR to non-residents from Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Permitting Special Rupee Vostro Accounts for foreign… Continue reading

Governance, cybersecurity move to centrestage in AI conversations

Introduction and Why in the News Artificial Intelligence, once hailed purely as an efficiency enhancer, is now at the centre of ethical, cybersecurity, and accountability debates. The AI@Work roundtable in Mumbai, moderated by industry and data leaders, highlighted that as organisations adopt AI to accelerate operations, they are simultaneously confronting unprecedented risks. These risks arise… Continue reading

🔴[UPSC Webinar for 2026] By Soumya Ranjan Dash, AIR 136 (CSE 2022), IRS | Be Mains Ready with PYQ Based Notes for UPSC 2026 | Join on 28th October at 6PM

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