PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2022] Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. Linkage: It explores how the Election Commissionâs authority evolved through the MCC. It assesses the effectiveness in upholding electoral fairness amid growing political violations. Mentorâs Comment The Model Code of… Continue reading [6th November 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The malleable Code of Conduct
Introduction Artificial Intelligence has evolved from an assistive tool to an autonomous decision-maker, influencing governance, economy, security, and social life. Recognizing both its potential and perils, the Government of India, through MeitYâs drafting committee (July 2025), released the India AI Governance Guidelines.It is rooted in the vision of âAI for Allâ. The framework aims to… Continue reading India AI: Governance Guidelines
Introduction Recent remarks made against the Chief Justice of India and the Supreme Court have sparked nationwide debate on whether such statements amount to contempt of court. This incident is significant as it goes beyond personal criticism, it questions the authority of Indiaâs top court and raises issues regarding the balance between free speech and… Continue reading What constitutes Contempt of Court in India
Why in the News? Zohran Mamdani of Indian-origin has been elected as the mayor of New York City. Mayor in India: Overview: The Mayor serves as the head of a Municipal Corporation, responsible for urban governance, civic infrastructure, and local service delivery in large cities. Basis: Institutionalised under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which… Continue reading Mayor in India
Why in the News? The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Ikshak, the third Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) and the first to be based at the Southern Naval Command, at Naval Base Kochi. About INS Ikshak: Overview: It is the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class and the first to be based at… Continue reading [pib] Indian Navy commissions INS Ikshak
Why in the News? Researchers have detected the clearest gravitational wave signal, GW250114, from merging black holes, confirming Stephen Hawkingâs 1971 Black Hole Area Theorem. About GW250114: Overview: GW250114 is the clearest gravitational wave signal ever detected, observed on January 14, 2025, by LIGO (US), Virgo (Italy), and KAGRA (Japan). What Happened: It came from… Continue reading Clearest Black Hole Merger signal allows probe of Hawkingâs Law
Why in the News? A government panel comprising officials from the Commerce and Industry Ministry, NITI Aayog, and exporters is drafting new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) norms to revive manufacturing and support exporters hit by steep U.S. tariffs in 2025. Back2Basics: Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India Overview: Duty-free enclaves treated as foreign territory for… Continue reading Govt panel working on New SEZ Norms for Exporters to Access Domestic Market
Why in the News? Gogabeel Lake, located in Katihar district, Bihar, has been officially designated as Indiaâs 94th Ramsar Site and sixth from Bihar. About Gogabeel Lake: Overview: An oxbow lake situated in Katihar district, Bihar, within the Trans-Gangetic Plains, formed between the Ganga and Mahananda rivers. Hydrological Nature: Connects to both rivers during monsoon… Continue reading Biharâs Gogabeel Lake declared Indiaâs 94th Ramsar Site
PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2024] Environmental pollution is a major environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the governmentâs initiatives in this regard. Linkage: Even though no direct linking PYQ is found. But here forest restoration and carbon sink creation are key mitigation measures in controlling pollution… Continue reading [5th November 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: India’s forests hold the future
Introduction Indiaâs Election Commission (ECI) has launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR 2.0) of electoral rolls to address a persistent issue, duplicate and multiple voter entries across constituencies and states. As the electoral roll forms the foundation of Indian democracy, its accuracy directly determines the legitimacy of elections. The initiative represents a nationwide, paperless, tech-driven… Continue reading A nationwide SIR
Introduction The Supreme Court of Indiaâs recent directive for a comprehensive probe into proliferating digital scams underscores the scale and sophistication of cyber fraud plaguing Indian citizens. The Courtâs focus on âdigital arrestâ scams, where criminals impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money highlights a disturbing transformation in global cybercrime: industrial-scale scam operations embedded in… Continue reading Compound effect: On digital arrest scams
Why in the News? The upcoming Bollywood film revisits the historic Shah Bano case (1985), one of Indiaâs most politically charged legal battles. Background of the Case: Origin: In 1978, Shah Bano Begum, a 62-year-old Muslim woman from Indore, was divorced by her husband, Mohammad Ahmad Khan, a lawyer, via triple talaq after 43 years… Continue reading Recalling the landmark Shah Bano Case
Why in the News? Since 2014, BRICS nations have worked to cut dependence on the U.S. dollar, launching the New Development Bank (NDB), Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), and now BRICS Pay to promote local currency trade and rival the SWIFT system. About BRICS Pay Initiative: Overview: BRICS Pay is a proposed cross-border digital payment and… Continue reading BRICS Pay and the Push to De-dollarize Global Finance
Why in the News? A recent theoretical study (accepted in Nuclear Physics B, August 2025) introduces the idea of âblack hole morselsâ, tiny, asteroid-mass micro-black holes possibly formed during black hole mergers. What are Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs)? Overview: They are extremely energetic cosmic explosions that emit intense bursts of gamma radiation, the highest-energy form of… Continue reading Gamma-Ray Bursts from Black Hole âMorselsâ could expose Quantum Gravity
Why in the News? The Umngot River, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and tourist appeal at Dawki and Shnongpdeng, has turned murky and opaque. About Umngot River: Location: Flows through West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya, close to the IndiaâBangladesh border. Origin: Arises from the Jaintia Hills, traversing limestone-rich terrain that naturally filters impurities and maintains… Continue reading Meghalayaâs Umngot River turns Muddy
Why in the News? For the first time since its 1962 revival (except during COVID-19), Delhiâs interfaith festival Phool Walon Ki Sair will not be held this year. About âPhool Walon Ki Sairâ Festival: Timing: Held annually post-monsoon (SeptemberâNovember), attracting large participation from artisans, locals, and cultural groups. Meaning: Literally translates to âProcession of the… Continue reading âPhool Walon Ki Sairâ Festival
PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2022] Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain. Linkage: The question relates to Indiaâs renewable energy transition and the feasibility of meeting… Continue reading [4th November 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The case for energy efficiency