Category: Current Affairs
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Presidential Reference Highlights Concerns Over SC Verdict on Bill Assent
Presidential Reference Questions SC Verdict on Governor’s Role in Bill Assent Context: President Droupadi Murmu, in a rare move, sought the opinion of the Supreme Court through a Presidential Reference, on whether the court can “impose” timelines and prescribe the manner of conduct of Governors and the President while dealing with State Bills sent to…
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Operation Sindoor and India Defence Superiority
Operation Sindoor and Made in India defence technology Context: Operation Sindoor not only met its military objectives with resounding success but also provided a powerful demonstration of India’s advanced defence capabilities, solidifying its strategic edge over Pakistan. More on News The four-day operation highlighted India’s technological prowess across air defence, precision weaponry, radar systems, and…
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Weather Balloons
NOAA slashes its weather balloon launches Context: In a significant shift driven by budget cuts, the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is reducing its use of traditional weather balloons. More on News These balloons, crucial for accurate weather forecasting, are being phased out in favor of AI-powered alternatives developed by a Silicon…
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Procedural Law and Criminal Justice in India
Principled criminalisation and the police as pivot Context: In discussions on criminal law, procedural law often takes a backseat to its more dramatic counterpart—substantive law. More on News While the latter deals with what constitutes a crime and its punishment, procedural law addresses how justice is carried out. Yet, as recent legal developments show, criminal…
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Heatwave Conditions in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Why do Andhra Pradesh and Telangana get so hot during the summer? Context: The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) warned of heatwave-like conditions expected to continue, particularly in northern districts: Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Paravathipuram-Manyam, East Godavari, and Kakinada. More on News On May 12, 17 districts in Andhra Pradesh recorded temperatures above 41º C.…
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Quantum Dots and the Rise of 2D Metals
Scientists make strange 2D metals sought for future technologies Context: In the ever-evolving world of materials science, few discoveries have had as profound an impact as the creation of quantum dots — tiny semiconductors only a few nanometres wide. More on News These minuscule particles are used in LED lighting, medical diagnostics, semiconductor manufacturing, and…
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Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)
How India’s air defence shield works Context: At the recent media briefing on Operation Sindoor, Indian military officials unveiled a powerful visual of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) node operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). More on News The image depicted over two dozen IAF personnel monitoring a massive digital screen…
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Civil Nuclear Deal: Why Saudi Arabia Seeks US Cooperation
Civil Nuclear Deal Talks: Saudi Arabia’s Push for US Partnership Context: Saudi Arabia and the United States are negotiating a deal to cooperate on the kingdom’s ambitions to develop a civilian nuclear industry, an area long overshadowed by concerns over weapons proliferation. Why Does Saudi Arabia Want a Nuclear Program? Economic Diversification (Vision 2030): Saudi…
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Potential of Blue Carbon in India’s Voluntary Carbon Market
The Missing Piece: Blue Carbon in India’s Voluntary Carbon Market Context: In the global effort to combat climate change, a crucial natural ally is being overlooked — blue ecosystems. What is Blue Carbon? Definition: Carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems — mangroves, seagrass meadows, and tidal marshes. Carbon Storage: These ecosystems store 33 billion…
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India’s Irrigation Crisis
A death that spotlights irrigation problems Context: On March 13, 2025, Kailash Arjun Nagare, a recipient of the 2020 Young Farmer Award from Maharashtra, died by suicide—citing long-standing irrigation issues as a key factor. More on News His tragic death has spotlighted a growing crisis in India’s agricultural sector: the deep-rooted inequities and unsustainable practices…
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India’s Push for a Repairability Index
The right to repair movement in India Context: The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has submitted a report to the government proposing a “Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in the Mobile and Electronic Sector.” More on News Under this new framework, consumer electronics and electronic appliances will be assigned a score based on how easy…
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Supreme Court Judges’ Asset Disclosure
SC judges declaring assets is welcome. But it is not enough Context: The recent public disclosure of the assets of 21 sitting Supreme Court judges marks a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in India’s judiciary. More on News Spearheaded by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, this move reflects a renewed effort…
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Decline of Academic Freedom
The educational landscape, its disconcerting shift Context: Education has long stood as the foundation of societal progress — a space where free thought, critical inquiry, and intellectual growth were nurtured. At its finest, higher education encouraged independent thinking, dissent, and cross-disciplinary innovation. More on News Universities once served as powerful engines of social…
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Operation Sindoor: Decoding India’s Powerful Airstrike Strategy Against Pakistan
Operation Sindoor: A Bold Shift in India’s National Security Doctrine Context: Operation Sindoor, executed by the Indian Armed Forces, marks a significant shift in India’s military posturing and rules of engagement. About the Operation The operation involved a coordinated aerial assault targeting critical Pakistan Air Force (PAF) infrastructure, effectively neutralising a range of airbases,…
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83rd Session of the International Maritime Organisation: Bold Steps to Cut Shipping Emissions
83rd Session of the International Maritime Organisation: Powerful Push for Greener Shipping Solutions Context: After more than ten years of discussions on decarbonising the maritime sector, the 83rd session of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC-83) marked a turning point. More in News The committee aimed to reach a consensus…
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India’s E-Waste Challenge and the Path to Sustainable Progress
India’s rising e-waste, the need to recast its management Context: India’s digital transformation, pivotal to the vision of Viksit Bharat, is underpinned by widespread adoption of electronic devices — from smartphones to industrial and medical equipment. While this technological surge boosts economic growth and connectivity, it brings with it a growing by-product: electronic waste…
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Asteroid 2024 YR4
Asteroid YR4 might miss the earth. Will it miss the moon, too? Context: A newly discovered asteroid, 2024 YR4, has captured scientists’ attention for its potential collision with the Moon in 2032. Detected by the ATLAS telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, in December 2024, the asteroid initially raised alarms due to its close proximity and…
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The Economics of Crop Choice: Why Indian Farmers Strategically Prefer Rice and Wheat”
Context: In recent times Farmers continue to prefer rice and wheat as evident in the data from From 2015-16 to 2024-25, rice area in Punjab rose from 29.8 to 32.4 lakh hectares, and in Telangana from 10.5 to 47 lakh hectares. In Madhya Pradesh, wheat area increased from 59.1 to 78.1 lh, and rice from…