India, UK Sign Social Security Agreement for Temporary Employees

Source:  News on Air Subject:  Economy Context: India and the United Kingdom have signed a Social Security Agreement (SSA) to prevent double social security contributions for employees on short-term assignments. About India, UK Sign Social Security Agreement for Temporary Employees: What is the Agreement? India and the United Kingdom have signed a reciprocal Social Security …

UPSC Editorial Analysis: Assisted Dying and the ‘Right to Die’

General Studies-1; Topic: Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.   Introduction The global discourse on assisted dying, often referred to as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), has evolved into one of the most complex ethical, legal, and social challenges of the 21st century. As several nations move toward legalization, the debate has shifted …

Bangladesh Join UN Water Convention

Source:  DTE Context: Bangladesh became the first South Asian country to accede to the UN Water Convention (2025), aiming to strengthen transboundary water governance. About Bangladesh Join UN Water Convention: What it is? The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) is a legally binding international framework promoting …

Ethiopia to adopt Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)

Source:  NDTV Context: Ethiopia has announced plans to adopt India’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) model to tackle rural poverty and promote women’s empowerment. About Ethiopia to adopt Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM): What it is? DAY-NRLM is India’s flagship poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment programme under …

Discuss the role of Buddhist art, symbols, and philosophy as instruments of India’s cultural diplomacy in the 21st century.

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Q1. Discuss the role of Buddhist art, symbols, and philosophy as instruments of India’s cultural diplomacy in the 21st century. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question: Shows India’s strategic use of Buddhist …

“Access to strategic minerals is becoming a key determinant of geopolitical power”. Evaluate this statement with reference to the Indian subcontinent.

Topic: Geography Q1. “Access to strategic minerals is becoming a key determinant of geopolitical power”. Evaluate this statement with reference to the Indian subcontinent. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question: The increasing strategic value of minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths in shaping industrial competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and geopolitical influence …

Animal husbandry and fisheries have emerged as key drivers of rural transformation in India. Discuss their contribution to the rural economy. Explain their role in promoting sustainable farming systems. Suggest policy measures for their effective integration.

Topic: Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Aquaculture Q2. Animal husbandry and fisheries have emerged as key drivers of rural transformation in India. Discuss their contribution to the rural economy. Explain their role in promoting sustainable farming systems. Suggest policy measures for their effective integration. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Relevant as …

India, rising power demand and the ‘hydrogen factor’

Syllabus: Energy Source:  TH Context: India’s energy experts have stressed the importance of integrating hydrogen production and nuclear power to meet rising energy demand. India’s Energy Goals: Net Zero Target by 2070: India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, requiring massive shifts in energy systems. 500 GW from Non-Fossil Sources by 2030: India plans …

Mapping India’s Geospatial Intelligence

Syllabus: Space Sector Source:  DH Context:  China recently launched two high-resolution satellites under its Siwei Commercial Remote Sensing Satellite System, enhancing its geospatial capabilities. This development raises concerns for India, given its border disputes and economic tensions with China, highlighting the need for robust indigenous geospatial intelligence. India and Its Geospatial Intelligence: Strategic Importance: Geospatial …

International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)

Source:  PIB Context: India has been elected Vice President of the International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) during its first General Assembly in Singapore. India is hosting the IALA Council meeting in December 2025 and the IALA Conference & General Assembly in September 2027 in Mumbai. About International Association of Aids to Marine …

UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics

 Source:  TOI  Context: In a significant milestone, India has joined the prestigious UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics. About UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics: What it is: A specialized UN body established to explore the use of big data and …

No-Detention Policy

Source:  IE  Context: The Central Government has recently amended the Right to Education Act, 2009, scrapping the no-detention policy in schools governed by it. It includs Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other institutions under the Ministry of Defence and Tribal Affairs. About No Detention Policy (NDP): What is the No-Detention Policy? Introduced under Section …

Desert Knight Exercise

Source:  TOI Context: India, France, and the UAE have initiated the Desert Knight air combat exercise over the Arabian Sea. About Desert Knight Exercise: What It Is: A trilateral air combat exercise designed to enhance military interoperability and combat readiness among the participating nations. Nations Involved: India, France, and the UAE. Location: Conducted over the …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

Gamma Rays

Source:  TH Context: The MACE telescope, the world’s highest imaging Cherenkov telescope, was inaugurated in Hanle, Ladakh, on October 4 to study cosmic gamma rays and advance high-energy astrophysics research. About Gamma Rays: Definition: Gamma rays are the shortest wavelength and highest energy form of electromagnetic radiation. Sources: Produced by pulsars, supernovae, black holes, gamma-ray …

Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, 2023

Source:  TH Context: The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2023 was awarded to classical pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad. About Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development: Established: 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust in honour of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Objective: …

Land Port Darranga

Source: ANI News Context: The Immigration Check Post (ICP) at Land Port Darranga in Assam’s Tamulpur district, located just 700 meters from the Indo-Bhutan border, is set to be inaugurated. About Darranga Check Post: Location: Positioned near the Indo-Bhutan border, only 700 meters from Bhutan, in Assam’s Tamulpur district. Facilities: Spans 14.5 acres with advanced …