1. The Second Hanle Dark Sky Reserve Star Party observed in Ladakh (Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2063296®=3&lang=1 ) Context ● The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve recently hosted its second Star Party, bringing together expert astrophotographers and amateur astronomers for a week of stargazing. ● This event highlights Hanle’s unique conditions for astronomy and its growing significance in…
1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Caste-Based Rules in Prison Manuals, Citing Violation of Fundamental Rights (Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 19) Topic: GS2 – Polity Context: The Supreme Court ruled against discriminatory prison manual provisions that reinforced caste-based labor divisions, declaring them unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental rights. Analysis of News: Petition and…
1. Sunset for the U.K.’s coal-fired power, lessons for India (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Energy Context The closure of Britain’s last coal-fired power plant highlights its long energy transition, driven by economic, geopolitical, and environmental factors. India, heavily reliant on…
1. What does USCIRF report say about India? (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a report highlighting deteriorating religious freedom in India, citing violence against minorities and government repression. India’s Ministry of External Affairs…
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS2 – Governance Context On October 3, the Supreme Court declared caste-based division of labour in prisons as unconstitutional, violating prisoners’ fundamental rights. Provisions in State prison manuals, which reinforced caste inequalities, were struck down. The court directed States and Union Territories to…
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure Context As India’s urban population grows, adopting high-performance buildings (HPBs) can address sustainability challenges and meet climate goals. HPBs optimise energy efficiency and enhance occupant well-being, positioning them as vital for future urban development. Importance of Sustainability…
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 14) Topic: GS3– Agriculture Context: India’s agriculture sector has shown improved growth over the past two decades, particularly under the Narendra Modi government. The NITI Aayog paper highlights that agriculture’s Gross Value Added (GVA) growth averaged 2.9% annually from 1984-2004, but increased to 3.5% during the UPA government (2004-2014)…
(Source: Indian Express; Section: The World) Topic: GS3 – Environment Context: The Amazon River, the world’s largest river, is experiencing unprecedented low water levels due to climate change-induced droughts. In some areas, water levels have fallen to historic lows, with sections of the river shrinking to mere pools only a few feet deep. Key tributaries…
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7) Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology Context Genetic editing, particularly through techniques like CRISPR, allows precise modifications in DNA, holding immense promise in treating cancer. This technology can correct mutations, personalise treatments, and overcome drug resistance. What Is Genetic Editing? Genetic editing is a…