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Haryana defines ‘Forest’: Controversy and Implications

Why in the News? Haryana has notified the dictionary meaning of “forest” as per Supreme Court directions. Haryana’s definition of Forest: Definition: A patch of land is deemed a forest if: Minimum area: 5 hectares (isolated) or 2 hectares (contiguous with notified forest). Minimum canopy density: 0.4 (40%) or more. Exclusions: Linear/compact/agro-forestry plantations and orchards… Continue reading

Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project

Why in the News? The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) conducted a public hearing for the proposed 1,200 MW Kalai-II hydroelectric project in Anjaw district. About Kalai-II Hydroelectric Project: Location: Anjaw District, Arunachal Pradesh, on the Lohit River (tributary of the Brahmaputra). Capacity: 1,200 MW (six turbines of 190 MW each + one… Continue reading

NTCA limits definition of Tiger Corridors

Why in the News? The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recently issued a clarification limiting tiger corridors primarily to 32 “least cost pathways” identified in 2014. About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Statutory body: Under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Establishment: Created in 2006 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Functions: Provides… Continue reading

[21st August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: India’s democracy is failing the migrant citizen

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: Just as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) evolved as a tool by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure free and fair elections in a changing political… Continue reading

Why India needs a national space law

India is entering a new era of space exploration with lunar success, Gaganyaan, and the proposed Bharat Antariksh Station. Yet, one critical element is missing, a national space law. While India has ratified global treaties like the Outer Space Treaty (1967), it lacks a domestic legal framework to regulate private participation, ensure liability, and attract… Continue reading

African Union (AU) and the Mercator Map Debate

Why in the News? The African Union (AU) has endorsed the Correct the Map campaign to replace the 16th-century Mercator projection with more accurate maps. About the African Union (AU): Establishment: Formed in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (1963). Membership: 55 African countries. Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Vision: “An Integrated, Prosperous, and Peaceful… Continue reading

Xinjiang-Xizang Railway Line

Why in the News? China has launched the Xinjiang–Xizang Railway Line, a strategic, economic, and engineering milestone, connecting Xinjiang with Tibet. About the Xinjiang–Xizang Railway Line: Overview: A major high-altitude railway project connecting Hotan in Xinjiang to Shigatse and Lhasa in Tibet (Xizang). Total length planned: ~2,000 km, part of China’s larger 5,000 km rail… Continue reading

Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile

Why in the News? India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha). What are Ballistic Missiles? Powered by: Solid propellant rocket motors; thrust generated by exhaust gases forces missile upward. Three phases: Boost Phase – missile consumes propellant; trajectory fixed. Midcourse Phase – missile coasts in… Continue reading

Bistability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the glpD Gene

Why in the News? German researchers found that P. aeruginosa bacteria can switch a key gene (glpD) on or off, even though the bacteria are genetically identical — a survival trick called epigenetic bistability. About Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Nature: Rod-shaped bacterium found in soil, water, and hospital environments. Pathogen Type: Opportunistic; infects mainly those with weakened… Continue reading

In news: International Criminal Court (ICC)

Why in the News? The Trump administration sanctioned judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over arrest cases involving Israeli leaders and past probes into U.S. officials. About the International Criminal Court (ICC): Established: 2002 under the Rome Statute (1998); headquartered at The Hague, Netherlands. Nature: First permanent international court to try individuals… Continue reading

[20th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Making India’s climate taxonomy framework work

PYQ Relevance [UPSC 2022] Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. Linkage: If such a theme on international climate governance and mechanisms can be asked, then India’s… Continue reading

Sedition Redux: On trampling on press freedom

Why in the News? On August 12, 2025, The Wire’s editors Siddharth Varadarajan and Karan Thapar were summoned by the Assam Police under Section 152 of the BNS, even as the Supreme Court had that very day issued protection while examining the constitutional validity of the new sedition law. This open defiance of judicial authority… Continue reading

‘Creamy Layer’ condition in OBC Quota

Why in the News? The government is considering measures to ensure uniform application of the ‘creamy layer’ condition in OBC reservations across central and state government jobs, public sector enterprises, universities, and autonomous bodies. About the Concept of Creamy Layer: Origin: Emerged from Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992); excluded affluent Other Backward Class… Continue reading

Office of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

Why in the News? The Opposition (INDI Alliance bloc) is considering moving a motion of removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in Parliament. About Election Commission of India (ECI): Establishment: Permanent constitutional body set up on 25 January 1950 (National Voters Day). Constitutional Basis: Articles 324–329, Part XV of the Constitution. Mandate: Conducts elections… Continue reading

Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)

Why in the News? SEBI has released a consultation paper proposing changes in Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) and Minimum Public Offer (MPO) norms for listed companies. What is Minimum Public Offer (MPO)? Meaning: When a company launches an Initial Public Offer (IPO), it must sell a minimum number of shares to the public. Analogy: Like… Continue reading

Young Bengal Movement and Henry Derozio

Why in the News? This newscard is an excerpt from the article originally published in The Hindu. Who was Henry Vivian Louis Derozio? Birth–Death: Born 1809, died- 22 in 1831; Indo-Portuguese origin. Identity: Radical thinker, poet, and educator in British India. Recognition: Called the first national poet of modern India; pioneer of Anglo-Indian poetry. Influences:… Continue reading

Saltwater Crocodile Population Survey in Sundarbans

Why in the News? A 2025 survey by the West Bengal Forest Department shows an increase in saltwater crocodile population in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR). About Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus): Largest living reptile and the largest of all crocodilians. Males grow much larger than females; females usually 2.5–3 m in length. Habitat: mangrove forests,… Continue reading

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