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[29th October 2025] The Hindu OpED: Relief, Rehabilitation: India’s east coast and cyclones
PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2014] Tropical cyclones are largely confined to the South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? Linkage: Cyclones are a recurring topic in GS Paper 1 (Geography) and GS Paper 3 (Disaster Management) due to their climatic, socio-economic, and governance relevance. The PYQ links directly to this theme as… Continue reading [29th October 2025] The Hindu OpED: Relief, Rehabilitation: India’s east coast and cyclones
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 Setting up an early warning system for the Himalayas poses unique challenges
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 India’s diaspora diplomacy and the limits of cultural nationalism
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 Cyclone Montha makes landfall in AP
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 3I/ATLAS: A Possible 7-Billion-Year-Old Interstellar Comet Discovered
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 Centre approves terms of 8th Central Pay Commission
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 Various Initiatives under International Solar Alliance (ISA)
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 Water Pollution in Manipur’s Loktak Lake
Cabinet approved the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Rates for Rabi 2025- 26
Why in the News? The Union Cabinet has approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi 2025–26 (October 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026) on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers. About the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme: Overview: Introduced on April 1, 2010, by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.… Continue reading Cabinet approved the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Rates for Rabi 2025- 26
[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 [28th October 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A start for North-South carbon market cooperation
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 Big Tech’s contempt for Indian Public Health
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 The complicated history of U.S-Pakistan relations
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 CJI Gavai recommends J. Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India
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 What is Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR)?
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 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
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 Who was Vidyapati Thakur (1352-1448)?
[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 [2025 GS1 UPSC MAINS] The ethos of civil service in India stands for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. (10 Marks)
[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 [27th October 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The contours of constitutional morality
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 Winding up the clock of India-Nepal Ties
