Editorials

Context: ISRO is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission from Sriharikota using the PSLV rocket. This mission is significant for its focus on the solar corona, the Sun’s outermost and hottest layer, and will demonstrate the world’s first precision formation flying in space. Key Objectives and …

Context: Recent tensions in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, regarding the Shahi Jama Masjid, have drawn attention to the interpretation of the Place of Worship Act, 1991 and its intersection with the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904. The Masjid is classified as a “protected monument” under this Act. Overview of the Ancient …

Context: As India celebrates its 75th Constitution Day, it is imperative to assess the nation’s progress in realizing the Constitution’s vision of an egalitarian society. However, growing inequalities under the influence of neoliberal economic policies have cast a shadow on this vision. Egalitarian Liberalism Inspired by the philosophy of John …

Context (IE): Constitution Day, observed on November 26, emphasizes the pivotal role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in upholding free and fair elections as mandated by Article 324 of the Constitution. Contributions of the Election Commission of India Promoting Gender Equality: The ECI has significantly improved the voter …

Context (IE): Fifty years after its discovery in 1974, the 3.2 million-year-old skeleton Lucy remains a critical link in understanding human evolution. About Lucy Species: Lucy belonged to the species Australopithecus afarensis, an early hominin closely related to humans. Discovery: Lucy was discovered in the Afar region of Ethiopia by …

Context (TH | PIB): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the PAN 2.0 Project, an e-Governance initiative by the Income Tax Department aimed at re-engineering taxpayer registration services. The project seeks to enhance the digital experience for taxpayers by transforming the current PAN/TAN services ecosystem through technology-driven …

Context (DTE): At COP29 in Baku, nations achieved a significant milestone by adopting Article 6 of the Paris Agreement after nearly a decade of negotiations. Article 6 provides a framework for international carbon markets, enabling countries to collaborate in achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and advancing global climate goals. …

Context (IE): Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently surpasses the hazardous level of 400, particularly in November. This persistent pollution crisis has severely impacted public health, reducing the average life expectancy by nearly 11.9 years. Major Sources of Pollution Stubble Burning: Contributes up to 35% of PM 2.5 emissions during …

Context (PIB): The Union Cabinet has approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. Key Components Cluster Approach: NMNF will adopt a cluster-based implementation strategy, targeting Gram Panchayats that are prepared to embrace natural farming practices. …

Context (IE | PIB | TH): The Union Cabinet has approved the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme, aimed at providing seamless, nationwide access to high-impact international research journals and scholarly publications. Vision & Alignment: The ONOS initiative aligns with India’s long-term goals under Viksit Bharat@2047, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the …

Context (IE): Haveli Sangeet recently appeared in the news due to its cultural significance. Overview: Haveli Sangeet is a genre of Hindustani classical music traditionally performed within havelis (mansions). Although it prominently features the Dhrupad style, it encompasses other forms as well. Origin: This musical form originated in Govardhan, Mathura, …

Context (IE): COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, is facing a crisis as nations and blocs have rejected the latest draft negotiating text. The primary areas of disagreement include finance and other climate-related issues, threatening the progress of the summit. Points of Disagreement and Issues Raised Finance Issues: Finance was a …

Context (TH | IE): India plans to shift from using satellite-based live fire detection to monitoring burnt areas for counting farm fires, a major contributor to severe air pollution in northern India. Background Farmers in northern India burn crop stubble after the paddy harvest to quickly clear fields for the …

Context (TH): At COP29, activists and experts called for holding fossil fuel-exporting nations accountable for emissions generated abroad, particularly in developing countries. This issue has gained global attention as the environmental impact of fossil fuel exports is increasingly recognized in climate negotiations. Advantages of Fossil-Fuel Exports Economic Growth: Fossil fuel …

 Context (IE | X): On the martyrdom anniversary of Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur, President Murmu paid homage. Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, was born in Amritsar in 1621 and served as the spiritual leader of the Sikh community from 1665 until his death in 1675. Revered as the …

Context The Sangeet Natak Akademi conferred the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar for the years 2022 and 2023 to 82 young artists in recognition of their contribution to performing arts. About the Award Instituted by: Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2006. Named After: Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, an iconic Shehnai …

Context The annual CCPI 2025 report was released during COP29 in Baku. It evaluates and compares the climate performance of 63 countries and the European Union, collectively responsible for over 90% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. About the CCPI Released by: Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network. …

Context: The India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), signed in 2023 and effective from August 31, 2024, replaces the 2013 treaty. It aligns with India’s Model BIT while addressing emerging challenges in global investment. Key Features of the India-UAE BIT Mandatory Local Remedies: Investors must exhaust domestic legal remedies for three …

Context: The October 2024 meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping aimed to repair strained ties between India and China, heavily impacted by the 2020 border standoff. Challenges in India-China Relations Border Tensions and Military Presence: Despite limited progress in disengagement, the Line of Actual Control (LAC) …

Context: The 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) took place in Lao PDR. About ADMM-Plus Definition and Purpose: The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) serves as a platform for ASEAN nations and their eight Dialogue Partners to enhance security and defence cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. It aims to foster …