Editorials

GDP Base Year Revision

Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has initiated the process to revise the base year for India’s GDP calculations from 2011–12 to 2022–23. Key economic indicators like the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Index of Industrial Production (IIP) will also be rebased accordingly. What is a Base …

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Dugesia punensis

 Context A new species of regenerative freshwater flatworm, Dugesia punensis, has been discovered in Pashan Lake, Pune, Maharashtra. This marks the first such identification in India since 1983. About Dugesia punensis Taxonomic Group: Belongs to the genus Dugesia under the phylum Platyhelminthes (flatworms). Type: A free-living, non-parasitic flatworm, known for …

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Heeng (Ferula assa-foetida)

 Context: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has reported the first flowering and seed development of Heeng at Palampur, confirming the crop’s successful adaptability to Indian conditions. About Heeng Botanical Name: Ferula assa-foetida Common Name: Asafoetida Nature: Pungent-smelling spice used extensively in Indian culinary traditions and Ayurvedic medicine. …

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NT Emperor Penguin

Context: A recent study indicates a 22% decline in the population of Emperor Penguin colonies, highlighting the species’ vulnerability to climate change.  Taxonomy & Status Scientific Name: Aptenodytes forsteri IUCN Status: Near Threatened (NT) CITES: Not listed Schedule in WPA, 1972 (India): Not applicable (non-native species) Distribution & Habitat Exclusive …

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Space Axiom-4 Mission

Context: India marks its return to human spaceflight after four decades with the Axiom Mission 4, operated by Axiom Space (USA), in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. About Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Mission Feature Details Type 4th private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) Operator Axiom Space (private US firm), …

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Climate Change Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025

Context: The CCPI 2025 was released, assessing the climate action performance of 63 countries and the EU, covering over 90% of global GHG emissions. About CCPI Published by: Germanwatch, Climate Action Network (CAN) International, and NewClimate Institute Started: 2005 Frequency: Annual Purpose: To track and enhance transparency in climate action …

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Agroforestry

Context: Agroforestry presents a transformative opportunity for rural India by enhancing biodiversity, boosting farmer incomes, promoting carbon capture, and supporting ecological restoration. Agroforestry Agroforestry is a holistic land-use approach that combines agricultural practices with forestry techniques to create diversified, sustainable, and economically viable landscapes. Key Goals: Improve land productivity and …

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India’s Food Safety Standards

Context: India has transitioned toward a science-driven food safety system, yet significant challenges persist in areas such as indigenous research, public risk awareness, and outdated regulations. Evolution of Food Safety Regulations in India Initial Framework: India’s food safety efforts began with the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, supported by …

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Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

Context: PMSMA has completed nine years of service since its inception. Launched in: 2016 Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) Strategic Alignment: Aligned with the RMNCAH+N (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health + Nutrition) strategy under the National Health Mission. Objective: To ensure universal access to …

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Ayush Nivesh Saarthi Portal

Context: The Ayush Nivesh Saarthi Portal has been launched to accelerate investments in India’s traditional medicine systems. About the Portal: The Ayush Nivesh Saarthi is a comprehensive digital platform tailored to facilitate investment in the Ayush sector—covering Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. Developed by: Ministry of Ayush, in …

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India’s Remarkable Decline in Extreme Poverty

India has made significant strides in reducing extreme poverty, with the rate plummeting from 27.1% in 2011-12 to a mere 5.3% in 2022-23, according to data based on the World Bank’s updated global poverty line of $3 per day (2021 Purchasing Power Parity – PPP). This achievement comes amidst a …

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Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages, often referred to as “good viruses,” are viruses that specifically infect and destroy bacteria. Structure: They consist of a nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA, which can be single- or double-stranded) encased within a protein shell. Ubiquity: They are found extensively in nature, including in soil, water, and the …

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Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI)

SAI is a proposed solar geoengineering technique aimed at artificially cooling the Earth’s surface to counter global warming.1 Mechanism: It involves deliberately injecting reflective aerosols, such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), into the stratosphere.2 These aerosols then reflect a portion of incoming solar radiation back into space, mimicking the natural cooling …

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UMEED Portal

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched the UMEED Central Portal, which stands for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency & Development. Purpose: It is a centralized digital platform designed for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties. Legal Basis: Launched under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, giving it a …

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Global Energy Investment Report 2025

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released the 10th edition of its Global Energy Investment Report 2025, providing crucial insights into global energy investment trends. The report indicates a notable shift towards clean energy technologies, though significant challenges remain, particularly in developing economies. Key Global Investment Trends Overall Investment Growth: …

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The Aravalli Green Wall Project

The Aravalli Green Wall Project, an ambitious initiative by the Indian government, was recently highlighted on World Environment Day by the Prime Minister. This project aims to establish a vast green belt across the Aravalli Range, primarily to combat desertification and enhance ecological stability. Project Overview Inspired by Africa’s Great …

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Free Trade Agreements

India’s recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK, which eliminates tariffs on garments, presents a significant opportunity for the nation’s textile and apparel industry. Similar FTAs with major markets like the EU and USA could further propel exports, generate employment, and enhance India’s global competitiveness in this crucial sector. …

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Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) offers a revolutionary approach to renewable energy by seamlessly blending solar technology directly into a building’s structure. Unlike traditional rooftop solar (RTS) systems, BIPV elements become an integral part of the building’s architectural design, effectively turning entire structures into electricity generators. What is BIPV? BIPV systems are …

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International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)

Context:  ICRISAT, in collaboration with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), has launched the ICRISAT Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA) to enhance agricultural collaboration among developing nations. Overview of ICRISAT A non-profit, apolitical international research organization dedicated to improving agriculture in dryland regions of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, benefiting over 2 …

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Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW)

Clean Plant Programme (CPP) Context (HT): The government has introduced the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) to promote disease-free, high-quality cultivation of grapes, oranges, and pomegranates. Key Details: Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) Implementing Agencies: National Horticulture Board (NHB) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Launched Under: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture …

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