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125 Years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO)

Why in the News? The Department of Posts has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark 125 years of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO)—one of India’s oldest and most significant astronomical research centres dedicated to studying the Sun. About the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO): Founding: Established in the late 19th century, KoSO was established in… Continue reading

50 years of Sikkim’s integration with India

Why in the News? May 16 is observed annually as Sikkim Day, marking the historic occasion in 1975 when the Kingdom of Sikkim formally became a state of India. About the Kingdom of Sikkim Foundation: The Kingdom of Sikkim was established in 1642, when three Tibetan lamas crowned Phuntsong Namgyal as the first Chogyal (monarch).… Continue reading

Drinking to death: On illicit liquor cases

Why in the News? Recently, in Majitha, Amritsar district of Punjab, 21 people aged between 26 and 80 died and 10 others were critically hospitalised after allegedly drinking spurious liquor. Note: Hooch tragedies refer to incidents where people die or fall seriously ill after consuming illicit or spurious liquor. What systemic issues contribute to recurring… Continue reading

Terror, treaties, and civilisations: Indus through the centuries

Why in the News? On April 22, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killed 26 civilians. In response, the Indian government took several diplomatic steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Why is the Indus Waters Treaty crucial for India-Pakistan ties? Framework for Water Sharing: The IWT provides a clear, legally binding agreement on… Continue reading

[16th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Does Article 21 include right to digital access?

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2022] The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. Linkage: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for… Continue reading

Article 143 of the Indian Constitution

Why in the News? The Tamil Nadu CM has criticised the Presidential Reference under Article 143 as a “desperate attempt” to weaken State powers, following a Supreme Court ruling that set timelines for Governors and the President to act on State Bills. Recent Invocation: The Presidential Reference asked whether the Supreme Court could impose timelines… Continue reading

India assembles First Chromosome-Level Genome of the Yak

Why in the News? Specialists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have successfully assembled the first-ever chromosome-level genome of the Indian yak (Bos grunniens). About the Indian Yak (Bos grunniens): The Indian yak, often referred to as the ‘ship of the Himalayas’, plays a crucial role in the high-altitude economies of India. Features:… Continue reading

Scientists create 2D Metal Sheets using High-Pressure Technique

Why in the News? A team of researchers from top Chinese scientific institutions has reported a major breakthrough in the creation of atomically thin 2D metal sheets using a novel high-pressure sandwich method. About the 2D Metal Created: Definition: 2D metals are only one or two atoms thick, so electrons can move in just two… Continue reading

Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX Mission) enters Preliminary Design Phase

Why in the News? India and Japan have begun the preliminary design phase of the Chandrayaan-5 mission, also known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration). Back2Basics: Legacy of Chandrayaan Missions Chandrayaan-1 (2008): First mission, focused on mineral and chemical mapping. Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Orbiter mission with 98% success. Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Achieved a historic soft landing on the… Continue reading

🔴[UPSC Webinar] By Hemant Mishra, AIR 13, (UPSC 2024) On How I Topped UPSC Mains 2024? Decoding the Strategy of AIR 13 | Join on 18th May At 6 PM

UPSC AIR 13 Hemant

Why UK is tightening immigration rules, how Indians will be affected

Why in the News? Recently, the United Kingdom (UK) has announced new plans to change its immigration rules to reduce the number of people moving to the country. What are the key immigration reforms proposed to control net migration? Raising Skilled Worker Visa Threshold: The requirement for the ‘skilled worker’ visa will be raised from… Continue reading

Under control: On the latest inflation data

Why in the News? Retail inflation dropped to 3.16% in April, marking its lowest level in nearly six years. This shows that prices are rising more slowly, bringing relief to consumers and policymakers. What caused the recent fall in retail and wholesale inflation in April? Sharp Drop in Vegetable Prices: Retail inflation was driven down… Continue reading

[15th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Operation Sindoor — a reshaping of confrontation

PYQ Relevance: [UPSC 2021] How is S-400 air defence missile system different from any other system presently available in the world? Linkage: Air defence systems are vital in modern warfare like Operation Sindoor for controlling the skies and protecting against enemy air strikes, including missiles. Mentor’s Comment: Operation Sindoor is no longer just a… Continue reading

Principled Criminalization and the Police as Pivot

Why in the News? Recently, the Supreme Court of India gave an important decision in the case of Imran Pratapgarhi v. State of Gujarat (2025 INSC 410). The judgment focused on balancing the fundamental right to freedom of speech with the police’s duty to register a First Information Report (FIR). What is the significance of… Continue reading

How did India develop genome edited rice?

Why in the News? Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently said that India is the first country in the world to create rice varieties using genome editing technology. What are the new varieties? A team of researchers from different institutions, led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), developed two new rice varieties… Continue reading

India eases Solar Panel Efficiency Norms for Off-Grid Rural Projects

Why in the News? The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has lowered the efficiency requirement for off-grid solar panels to make rural electrification easier and more affordable. About India’s Off-Grid Solar Programme: About: The programme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to provide solar energy access in regions without… Continue reading

[pib] Changes in Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) from 2025

Why in the News? The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced major changes to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). About Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): Purpose: To measure employment and unemployment nationwide. Conducted by: National Statistical Office (NSO) under the MoSPI, it has been active since 2017. Estimate 3 core indicators:… Continue reading

Scientists at CERN Create Gold from Lead

Why in the News? In a recent breakthrough at CERN’s ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment), scientists observed that near-collisions of lead ions in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) can result in the formation of gold atoms and other novel nuclei. How was Lead converted into Gold? In ultra-peripheral collisions at the Large Hadron Collider,… Continue reading

Justice B.R. Gavai takes charge as 52nd CJI

Why in the News? Justice B.R. Gavai has been sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI). About the Chief Justice of India: The CJI is the head of the Supreme Court and the highest-ranking judicial officer in the country. As the “Master of the Roster,” the CJI has the exclusive authority to:… Continue reading

Weaponized Trade: A Strategic Tool or an Economic Time Bomb?

NOTE4STUDENTS: China weaponizes supply chains to exert geopolitical pressure and economic dominance. UPSC may explore questions on trade policies, WTO reforms, and global supply chain vulnerabilities in this respect. It may test conceptual clarity and real-world application. You may struggle linking static knowledge of International Relations since there is no single source for it. This… Continue reading

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