Archive

CONTEXT OF THE NEWS India is likely to witness a below-normal Southwest Monsoon in 2026 amid the emergence of El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Meteorologists have drawn comparisons with the Great Famine of 1876–78, which was linked to a strong El Niño event and widespread monsoon failure. BACKGROUND What is El Niño? […]

CONTEXT OF THE NEWS India is increasingly using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tax administration through Project Insight, improving compliance but raising concerns about privacy, bias, and accountability. BACKGROUND NEWS BREAKDOWN What is Project Insight (PI)? Key Components of Project Insight 1. INTRAC (Income Tax Transaction Analysis Centre) 2. CMCPC (Compliance Management Centralized Processing Centre) 3. […]

CONTEXT OF THE NEWS The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released its Summer Forecast (April–June 2026), predicting a rise in heatwave days and higher night temperatures across India. BACKGROUND NEWS BREAKDOWN A heatwave is a period of abnormally high temperatures compared to normal climatic conditions. Key Highlights of IMD Forecast 2026 WHAT ARE HEAT WAVES? […]

Context of the News Iran is reviewing a possible exit from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) after alleging that: A withdrawal could: Background Exception countries: News Breakdown 1. What is the NPT? Definition:The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is an international treaty to: 2. Core Pillars of NPT (A) Non-Proliferation Definition:Preventing spread of nuclear weapons to […]

Context of the News The President of India extended greetings on Mahavir Jayanti (Mahaveer Janma Kalyanak), celebrating the birth of Lord Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Background News Breakdown 1. Who was Lord Mahavira? Early Life Spiritual Journey Definition:Kevala Jnana = Supreme infinite knowledge (omniscience) Titles and Meaning Nirvana (Liberation) Definition:Nirvana/Moksha = Liberation […]

Context of the News A Los Angeles court (USA) held Meta (Instagram) and YouTube negligent for: They were ordered to pay USD 6 million in damages. Background News Breakdown This ruling marks a major shift in global digital regulation. 1. End of “Neutral Pipe” Defence Definition:Neutral Pipe Theory means platforms act only as intermediaries, not […]

Context of the News The 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) held in Yaoundé, Cameroon ended without consensus. Background News Breakdown The MC14 outcome reflects a deep divide between developed and developing countries. 1. Lapse of E-Commerce Moratorium Definition:E-Commerce Moratorium means no customs duties on electronic transmissions (like software, movies, e-books). […]

CONTEXT OF THE NEWS India has approved its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) for 2031–2035, to be submitted under the Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). BACKGROUND India’s NDC Evolution Stage Key Targets 2015 (First NDC) 33–35% emissions intensity reduction, ~40% non-fossil capacity 2022 (Updated NDC) 45% reduction, […]

CONTEXT OF THE NEWS The “Bhavasagara” Referral Centre at CMLRE, Kochi has been designated as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. BACKGROUND NEWS BREAKDOWN WHAT IS A NATIONAL REPOSITORY? National Repository: An officially designated facility for collection, preservation, and […]

CONTEXT OF THE NEWS India actively participated in Earth Hour 2026 (28th March, 8:30–9:30 PM), with iconic landmarks like India Gate, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort switching off lights to support global climate action. BACKGROUND NEWS BREAKDOWN WHAT IS EARTH HOUR? Earth Hour: A global campaign encouraging individuals and institutions to switch off non-essential lights […]