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Extinct Dire Wolf species returns after 12,500 years

Why in the News? Colossal Biosciences, a biotech firm based in US, has successfully bred the extinct Dire Wolf pups using gene-editing technologies. About Dire Wolf (Aenocyon dirus) The dire wolf lived during the Pleistocene Epoch, approximately 6 million to 11,700 years ago, and went extinct around 13,000 years ago. Physical Characteristics and Behaviour: It… Continue reading

[9th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Why is active mobility necessary in India?

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. Linkage: Increasing urbanisation and the consequent challenges in large cities, such as traffic congestion and strain on infrastructure, which active mobility can help alleviate by providing alternative modes of transport.… Continue reading

SC slams TN Governor, Fixes Time for Assent

Why in the News? The Supreme Court criticised Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, calling his actions “unconstitutional.” The court said he did nothing for months about 10 important Bills, and then suddenly sent them to the President only after the State Assembly passed them again and the matter reached the court. What did the SC… Continue reading

A regional revival: On the BIMSTEC summit

Why in the news? The sixth BIMSTEC summit was held last week in Bangkok, where leaders from seven neighbouring countries came together. At a time when the world is facing many challenges, the summit gave a chance to restart and strengthen the BIMSTEC group, which had been inactive for a long time. What is the… Continue reading

Iron inside the Sun is more opaque than expected

Why in the News? Recent findings have revealed that iron’s opacity inside the Sun may be much higher than previously predicted, challenging current solar models. Iron Inside the Sun: Iron makes up approximately 0.14% of the Sun’s mass, which is significantly less than hydrogen (~74%) and helium (~24%). Despite its small percentage, iron plays a… Continue reading

Trends in Maternal Mortality (2000-2023), Report

Why in the News? In 2023, India had the second-highest maternal deaths globally, with 19,000 deaths, tied with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and second only to Nigeria. This equated to 52 fatalities daily according to the UN Report. About the UN Report The report, titled ‘Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000-2023’, was prepared by the… Continue reading

ESA’s Biomass Mission

Why in the News? The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing to launch Biomass Mission to map the world’s forests and enhance our understanding of their crucial role in the global carbon cycle. About the Biomass Mission by ESA The ESA will launch the Biomass mission on April 29, 2025, aboard the Vega C rocket… Continue reading

[pib] Cu-Phen Metallo-Nanozymes and its Applications

Why in the News? Researchers from the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai has developed a new nanozyme, Cu-Phen, using a catalyst-by-design strategy. A nanozyme is a type of synthetic enzyme made from nanomaterials (extremely tiny particles) that can mimic the function of natural enzymes in biological systems. About the Metallo-Nanozymes Cu-Phen (Copper-Phenylalanine) is a… Continue reading

What are Mesoscale Convective System (MCS)?

Why in the News? A recent study in Nature Geoscience suggests that soil moisture levels could help predict severe thunderstorms, like mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), especially in regions like India. About Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS): MCSs are larger than individual thunderstorms but smaller than larger weather systems like cyclones. They typically cover areas between 100… Continue reading

[8th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A case for a fair seat allocation

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2024] What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. Linkage: The readjustment of Lok Sabha seats, especially if perceived as disproportionately benefiting some states over others, can… Continue reading

The crisis in India’s cotton production, and what can help

Why in the News? India’s cotton production has dropped by 25% over the last 10 years because of the pink bollworm. Some seed companies have created new genetically modified cotton varieties that can resist this pest, but government rules are delaying their approval and use. Why has cotton output fallen despite Bt cotton’s earlier success?… Continue reading

How the police view custodial torture in India

Why in the News? The data shows that many police officers accept using forceful methods like shouting, threatening, slapping, or even harsh physical torture during investigations, even for small crimes. What proportion of police support violence against serious offenders for the greater good? Majority Support Violence: 63% of police personnel believe it’s acceptable to use… Continue reading

India’s Parliament: A Silent Spectator in Budget Decisions

A national budget isn’t just about numbers—it’s a roadmap that reflects a country’s economic goals, governance approach, and policy priorities. In a democracy, the power to oversee public spending should rest with the people’s representatives, ensuring financial discipline, transparency, and accountability. However, in India, Parliament plays a minimal role in shaping the Budget. Instead of… Continue reading

[pib] 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)

Why in the News? April 8, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), launched to fund micro and small enterprises. About the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) The PMMY, launched in 2015 is a Central Sector Scheme designed to provide financial support to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs previously excluded from… Continue reading

Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti

Why in the News? The Ministry of Women and Child Development has informed that 1,761 Anganwadi-cum-Creches are operational across the country under the Palna Scheme. About the Palna Scheme Launched to address childcare needs for working mothers, the Palna Scheme provides day-care facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years. In 2022, the National… Continue reading

Technology and Innovation Report, 2025

Why in the News? The Technology and Innovation Report, 2025 was recently issued by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). About the Technology and Innovation Report The report is released by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It addresses critical issues related to science, technology, and innovation, with a particular focus… Continue reading

Hadean Protocrust

Why in the News? A study from Macquarie University, Australia, suggests that plate tectonics may have started earlier than previously thought, with signs of it possibly existing in the Hadean protocrust even before the plates began to move. What is Hadean Protocrust? The Hadean protocrust is the Earth’s first crust, formed within the first 200… Continue reading

First photographic record of Woolly Flying Squirrel captured in Himachal

Why in the News? The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department’s wildlife wing has captured the first photographic evidence of the elusive Woolly Flying Squirrel in the Miyar Valley, Lahaul and Spiti district. About the Woolly Flying Squirrel: The Woolly Flying Squirrel, scientifically known as Eupetaurus cinereus, is one of the rarest and least known mammals in… Continue reading

[7th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Prescribe preventive medicine for a healthy India

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2021] Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. Linkage: This highlights the importance of a primary health structure, which is crucial for delivering preventive healthcare services, including screening and early detection of diseases. Mentor’s Comment: India is aiming… Continue reading

Only 12% of HC judges disclosed assets, data show

Why in the News? Out of 769 judges serving in 25 High Courts, only 95 (12.35%) have disclosed their assets publicly. Courts like Kerala (93.18%) and Himachal Pradesh (91.66%) lead in transparency, while Madras (5 of 65) and Chhattisgarh (1 of 16) lag significantly. Why is judicial asset disclosure vital for accountability and transparency in… Continue reading

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