GS3 – Science & Technology Context: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has signed an MoU with Synergy Quantum India Pvt. Ltd. to collaboratively develop drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology. C-DOT: A government R&D institution focused on telecom innovations to strengthen India’s digital infrastructure. Synergy Quantum India …
Read More »Editorials
Antibiotic Pollution
GS2 – Social Sector Context: Rising detection of antibiotics in rivers, lakes, and soil has heightened concerns about antibiotic pollution and its link to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A recent global study assessed river contamination levels resulting from human antibiotic use. What is Antibiotic Pollution? It refers to the release of …
Read More »Right to Know in the Digital Age
GS2 – Polity Context: The Supreme Court (SC) overturned a Delhi High Court order that had directed Wikimedia to delete a Wikipedia page, thereby affirming citizens’ right to know and the freedom of expression. Wikimedia’s Role as an Intermediary Infrastructure Provider, Not Content Creator: Wikimedia hosts Wikipedia but does not …
Read More »India’s Space Journey: Advancing Empowerment through Science and Collaboration
GS3 – Science & Technology Context: The Prime Minister highlighted that India’s space exploration is not just about scientific milestones, but also about empowering people, enhancing governance, and promoting global cooperation. Space as a Tool for Empowerment Beyond Exploration: Space technology in India is viewed as a driver of social …
Read More »Presidential Reference on Assent Timelines
GS2 – Polity Context: The President has invoked Article 143 to seek the Supreme Court’s opinion on the constitutional validity of judicially imposed timelines for granting assent to Bills, following the Court’s April 8 judgment. The Reference raises concerns over the interpretation of Articles 200, 201, and 142 in the …
Read More »Revised Solar Norms for Rural Electrification
GS2 Initiatives Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has revised its efficiency norms for off-grid solar projects to make them more cost-effective. Key Changes in Solar Norms and Regulations Relaxed Efficiency Standards: Solar panels with a capacity below 200W are now required to have a minimum efficiency …
Read More »China–Colombia Belt and Road Cooperation
Prelims – Places in News Context: Colombia has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), marking a notable shift in its foreign policy and infrastructure development goals. Colombia – Key Facts Capital: Bogotá Located in the northwestern region of South America. Geographical …
Read More »Cryptocurrency–Hawala Nexus
GS3 – Internal Security Context: The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns, noting that Bitcoin trading resembles an evolved form of Hawala, highlighting the urgent need for a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in India. Understanding the Nexus: Cryptocurrency and Hawala Cryptocurrency A digital or virtual currency built on blockchain …
Read More »Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary (NWLS)
GS3 – Environment Context: The proposed ecotourism development project in Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary has faced local opposition due to concerns over ecological impact. Key Features of NWLS Establishment: The sanctuary was carved out of the Nongkhyllem Reserve Forest in 1981. Location: Situated in Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya, it lies within …
Read More »Supreme Court Upholds Right to Unobstructed Footpaths
GS2 – Polity Context: The Supreme Court has declared that the right to unobstructed footpaths is a Fundamental Right under Article 21 of the Constitution, viewing it as integral to the right to life and human dignity. Key Highlights of the Judgement Fundamental Right Affirmed: The Court reaffirmed the precedent …
Read More »Weather Balloons
GS1 – Geography Context: Due to budget reductions, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has significantly reduced the number of weather balloon launches across the United States. What Are Weather Balloons? Weather balloons, also called sounding balloons, are large inflatable devices made from materials like latex or synthetic …
Read More »THE ROAD TO SAFETY
GS Paper 2: Governance – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors GS Paper 3: Infrastructure – Roads, Transportation, and Safety Measures Essay Paper: Urbanisation, mobility and public health Key Highlights: India recorded 68 lakh road accident deaths in 2022, translating to 12.2 deaths per 1 lakh people—among …
Read More »PRINCIPLED CRIMINALISATION AND THE POLICE AS PIVOT
GS Paper 2: Governance – Role of civil services, transparency and accountability, judicial activism GS Paper 3: Internal Security – Challenges to internal security through communication networks, Role of law enforcement agencies Key Highlights: Supreme Court’s ruling in Imran Pratapgarhi vs State of Gujarat reasserts that criminalisation must be principled …
Read More »STRATEGIC INDEPENDENCE CRUCIAL IN CRITICAL AREAS, SAYS FORMER DRDO CHIEF
GS Paper 3: Science and Technology – Indigenization of technology and developing new technology GS Paper 2: Governance – Role of NITI Aayog, Government policies to promote innovation and self-reliance Key Highlights: K. Saraswat, former DRDO Chief and NITI Aayog member, emphasized the need for strategic independence in critical sectors …
Read More »International Maritime Organization (IMO)
During its 83rd session, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC-83) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) made a significant decision regarding the regulation of emissions from ships. Overview of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to ensuring the …
Read More »National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)
In a recent development, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) rejected an insolvency plea filed by SNJ Synthetics against PepsiCo India Holdings. The tribunal ruled that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is not intended to serve as a mechanism for recovering dues where only contested interest amounts are …
Read More »Axions and the HAYSTAC Experiment
A recent publication in Physical Review Letters highlighted the progress made by the HAYSTAC experiment. Although axions were not detected, the project achieved a notable technological breakthrough by significantly broadening the search range for axion masses and their potential interactions. Understanding Axions Axions are theoretical particles proposed in the late …
Read More »Ferroelectricity
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have pioneered an advanced method to observe the motion of domain walls in ferroelectric materials with exceptional precision. Understanding Ferroelectricity Ferroelectricity is a characteristic found in certain insulating materials or dielectrics, where there is a natural separation of positive and negative charges. This …
Read More »Buddhavanam
As part of the Buddha Purnima celebrations, contestants of Miss World 2025 from 22 different countries recently visited Buddhavanam, a Buddhist-themed park. Overview of Buddhavanam Buddhavanam is a dedicated Buddhist theme park situated along the northern bank of the Krishna River in Telangana. This initiative was supported by the Government …
Read More »Dongria Kondh Community
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recently requested an Action Taken Report from the Chief Secretary of Odisha regarding the critical living conditions faced by over 10,000 families belonging to the Dongria Kondh community, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). The concerns raised include inadequate access to …
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