THE SPECTRE OF NUCLEAR CONFLICT, ONCE AGAIN TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU In the aftermath of major wars and conflicts, it is common to question whether ruling elites had the foresight and preparedness to prevent these crises. As some nations today engage in sabre-rattling and threaten the use of nuclear weapons, these
WHY CAN ACCUSED PERSONS IN PRISON CONTEST POLLS BUT NOT VOTE? TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS In India, the right to vote and the right to be elected are governed by specific sections of the Representation of People Act, 1951 (RP Act). While the Supreme Court has recognized free and fair
EXPERT PANEL FAVOURS REOPENING ELEPHANT CORRIDOR, SHIFTING CHINNAKANAL COLONIES TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU The expert panel appointed by the Kerala High Court has submitted a report outlining recommendations to address the human-wildlife conflict in Chinnakanal, Idukki district. The report highlights the case of Arikomban, a wild elephant relocated due to
BLAMING COURT VACATION FOR PENDENCY MISSES THE REAL PROBLEM TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system are fundamental to upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all. However, recent discussions surrounding the working hours of judges have reignited debates on the
RBI’S INCOME RISES 17% TO ₹2.75 LAKH CR., SPENDING FALLS 56% TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU RBI income went up by 17%, reaching ₹2,75,572.32 crore, which shows we're making more money. At the same time, spending dropped by a big 56.3% to ₹64,694.33 crore, meaning we're being careful with how we spend. These
RAILWAYS TO CONSTRUCT CANOPY BRIDGES ACROSS TRACK IN ASSAM GIBBON HABITAT TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Jorhat district, Assam, is home to the Hoolock gibbon, India’s only ape. A railway track divides the sanctuary, disrupting the gibbons' natural movement and habitat. Canopy Bridges Purpose: Facilitate gibbons' safe movement
JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE SPOTS EARLIEST-KNOWN GALAXY: WHAT A NEW STUDY SAYS TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), revealing the most distant galaxy ever observed. This ancient galaxy, named JADES-GS-z14-0, existed a mere 400 million years after the Big
PROPERTY IS REAL, AND SO SHOULD THE ‘COMPENSATION’ TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The right to property has been a contentious and evolving issue in the constitutional history of post-colonial India. Once envisioned as a fundamental right akin to liberty, property rights have witnessed a tumultuous journey characterized by a persistent
THE SITE OF A MAJOR POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The 2024 general election marks a significant turning point in Indian politics, especially within the Hindi heartland. Echoing the historical shifts of 1977 and 1989, the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has experienced a notable decline, signalling the
THE ROADS TO INDIA’S REDEMOCRATISATION, THE CHALLENGES TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The 18th Indian general election marks a significant turning point in the country's political landscape. Despite the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) maintaining power, their loss of a parliamentary majority signals a shift. For the first time, Prime Minister must
WHAT IS THE AGNIPATH SCHEME AND THE OPPOSITION TO IT? TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The Agni path scheme, introduced by the BJP-led government in June 2022, has faced opposition from political parties and Armed Forces veterans. This scheme aims to recruit personnel below officer ranks for a short-term tenure, significantly
SPECIAL CATEGORY STATUS FOR ANDHRA TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The demand for Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh has resurfaced in the political landscape following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This issue, rooted in the state's bifurcation in 2014, involves complex financial and political dimensions. Background of SCS Demand
IISC DEVELOPS METHOD TO REMOVE HEAVY METAL CONTAMINANTS FROM GROUNDWATER TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed an innovative method to remove heavy metal contaminants, including arsenic, from groundwater. This process is designed to ensure environmental safety and sustainability. Three-Step Method: The method involves a
STUDY RANKS INDIA SECOND IN NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU Recent observations in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, show the Taj Mahal visibly clearer after rain washed away pollution. This phenomenon underscores the significant issue of air pollution and highlights the urgent need to address greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O).
HIGH COURT’S TAKE ON MARRIAGE ACT, AN EROSION OF RIGHTS TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Special Marriage Act, 1954, was enacted to provide a legal framework for inter-faith marriages in India, promoting the values of individual autonomy, liberty, and equality. However, a recent order by the Madhya Pradesh High Court
DSR CULTIVATION NEEDS LESS WATER, LABOUR, WHY IS IT STILL NOT POPULAR TOPIC: (GS3) AGRICULTURE – SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS The Punjab government is promoting the Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) technique to reduce water usage and labour in paddy cultivation. Despite incentives and benefits, DSR adoption remains low. Benefits of DSR Water Conservation: Reduces
TIME FOR A CENSUS, COME WHAT MAY TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE –SOURCE: THE HINDU The delay of the 2021 Census in India is speculated to be influenced by political strategies, particularly by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Understanding these reasons is crucial for grasping the potential impacts on electoral processes and public welfare.
INDIA EYES BREAKTHROUGH AGAINST SICKLE CELL TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY –SOURCE: THE HINDU India is advancing towards developing a gene therapy for sickle cell disease, particularly affecting Scheduled Tribes. Key officials and researchers are optimistic about the progress. High Prevalence in Tribes: Sickle cell disease is common among Scheduled Tribes. Research and Development: The
11 CANDIDATES APPLY TO VERIFY EVM BURNT MEMORY: WHAT IS THIS PROCESS? TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS In 2024, for the first time, candidates in the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections applied to verify the burnt memory of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A SPEAKER? TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS The Speaker of the Lok Sabha plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Indian Parliament. The Speaker pro tem is a temporary appointment to ensure the smooth transition of power until the full-time Speaker is elected.
THE COURT SPELLS THE WAY IN HIMALAYA’S DEVELOPMENT TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is crucial for India's water supply and ecosystem services. However, the current development model in the IHR is unsustainable, threatening both the environment and economy. Recent Supreme Court judgments indicate a shift towards sustainable development
WILL THE AGNIPATH SCHEME BE REVAMPED? TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The Agnipath scheme, announced on June 14, 2022, replaced the permanent recruitment process for soldiers, sailors, and airmen in the Indian Armed Forces. Recruits called Agniveers serve for four years, after which up to 25% may be retained permanently. Key