Archive

News Trigger The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation has approved the Centre’s proposal for a two-rate GST structure. The recommendation now awaits GST Council approval. Concept Corner Keyword Explanation GST (Goods and Services Tax) Indirect tax introduced in 2017 replacing multiple indirect taxes; a destination-based tax. GST Council Apex body (Union Finance Minister […]

Why in News? Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai questioned whether the Supreme Court should remain powerless as Governors sit on State Bills for years, thereby stalling the democratic will of elected legislatures. The issue arose after reports that the Tamil Nadu Governor had kept Bills pending for almost four years. Concept Corner Keyword Explanation […]

-Standing Committee on Finance Report Why in News? Concept Corner – Basics for UPSC Concept Explanation in Points Industry as a State Subject – As per Seventh Schedule, List II, industries mainly fall under State jurisdiction.– However, certain industries of national importance fall under Union List (e.g., defense, atomic energy).– Hence, both Centre & States […]

Context 1. Why U.S. Tariffs Hurt India 2. China Factor 3. Why India Cannot Rely Only on Low Wages 4. From Export Dependence → Domestic Demand 5. India’s Youth Advantage 6. Policy Options for India Prelims Practice Q. Consider the following statements about India’s youth and trade challenges: Which of the above are correct? One-line […]

How can India’s new Climate Finance Taxonomy become a “living framework”? Why in News? The Ministry of Finance (May 2025) released India’s draft Climate Finance Taxonomy for public consultation. It aims to guide climate-aligned investments, reduce greenwashing, and ensure clarity for investors. Concept Corner Keyword/Concept Simple Explanation Climate Finance Taxonomy A classification system that defines […]

Why are hatchling sightings a game-changer for Sundarbans’ ecosystem? Why in News? A new survey by the West Bengal Forest Department (2025) shows a substantial rise in the saltwater crocodile population in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR), especially in the hatchling category. Concept Corner Keyword Explanation (in Points) Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) • World’s largest […]

Will the SCO Summit mark a turning point in the India–China equation after Galwan? India–China Relations: 1. Historical Background 2. Core Areas of Cooperation 3. Key Issues & Challenges 4. Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) 5. Recent Developments (2024–25) 6. UPSC / Constitutional Stand 7. Way Forward (Analytical Points for Mains) Practice Questions Prelims: Mains:“India–China relations are […]

Why did the Supreme Court intervene in the Tamil Nadu Governor case? Know Before You Read Core Highlights Recent Developments Basics Practice Question With reference to the Tamil Nadu Governor case (2024–25), consider the following: Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 onlyB) 2 and 3 onlyC) 1 and 3 onlyD) […]

Understanding the powers, procedures, and judicial interpretation Why in News? The Union Home Ministry informed the J&K and Ladakh High Court that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu & Kashmir can nominate five members to the J&K Legislative Assembly without consulting the Council of Ministers. This has raised questions about democratic accountability and the role […]

How does ethanol blending work and what are the challenges? Why in News? The Indian government plans to blend 20% ethanol (E20) with petrol by 2025. The goal is to cut carbon emissions and reduce dependence on imported oil. While modern vehicles can run on E20, there are concerns about older cars, fuel efficiency, engine […]