Current affairs

Finance Minister Launches National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0 – Key Features and Objectives

Context The Union Finance Minister has launched the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 (NMP 2.0) to accelerate infrastructure financing through asset monetisation. What is it? NMP 2.0 is the second phase of India’s national asset monetisation programme that provides a medium-term...

Green Ammonia and Its Role in Clean Energy Transition

Context At India Energy Week 2026, the government operationalised its clean energy vision through SECI’s large-scale green ammonia auctions under the SIGHT programme, offering 10-year fixed-price contracts. What is Green Ammonia? Green ammonia is a 100% renewable, carbon-free fertilizer and...

Role and Functioning of Parliamentary Friendship Groups (PFGs) in India

Context In a major initiative to strengthen India’s inter-parliamentary outreach, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has constituted Parliamentary Friendship Groups (PFGs) with more than 60 countries. Contemporary relevance Parliamentary diplomacy refers to the international engagement of legislators to build understanding,...

Freedom of Speech and Parliamentary Privileges of MPs in India

Context Recent events in Parliament have once again highlighted the importance of safeguarding the freedom of speech of Members of Parliament, a privilege secured under Article 105 of the Constitution. While procedural rules are designed to structure debate and preserve...

Proteins as Quantum Sensors: New Advances in Quantum Biology

Context For decades, fluorescent proteins have allowed scientists to visualise life at the molecular scale. Now, new research shows that through engineering specific electronic states inside these proteins,  can be transformed into genetically encoded quantum sensors capable of detecting magnetic...

Illegal Use of Satellite Phones: Security Concerns and Regulations in India

Context Security agencies and the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) have raised alarm over undeclared portable satellite communication devices — satellite phones and satellite-messaging units like Zoleo — being carried and used on ships in Indian waters. How Satellite Phones...

Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan: Causes, Impact and India’s Strategic Concerns

Context Pakistan’s recent cross-border strikes into Afghanistan and its expanding diplomatic engagements in Washington, Europe, West Asia and China underline a paradox. For India, this combination of external assertiveness and internal fragility presents complex strategic risks. Global Outreach Engagement with...

Brazil President’s Visit to India 2026: Key Highlights and Strategic Importance

Context Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s February 2026 State visit to India marked a significant deepening of the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership. More About the Visit The 2026 visit comes amid: Heightened U.S. tariff tensions affecting both countries. Growing...

Militarisation of Quantum Research and Global Tech Arms Race

Context A group calling itself “Quantum Scientists for Disarmament” has issued a manifesto opposing the growing militarisation of quantum research, urging academics to reject defence funding and demand transparency in university–military partnerships. Why the Manifesto Now? Global Rearmament Trends: NATO’s...

Central Excise Day 2026: History, Significance and Role of CBIC in India’s Tax System

India observes Central Excise Day 2026 on 24 February 2026 to commemorate the enactment of the historic Central Excise Act, 1944. The day recognizes the contribution of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in tax administration, customs...