UPSC

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) has taken step in promoting research integrity by introducing negative scores for higher education institutions with retracted papers and their citations. This new policy, effective from 2025, aims to discourage unethical research practices and enhance the quality of academic output across India. Introduction of Negative Scoring in NIRF Rankings: For the first time, NIRF will deduct points from institutions that have research papers retracted in the last three calendar years. The penalties will apply both to the number of retractions and citations stemming from these papers. The negative scoring will be mild initially but will become stricter in subsequent years, signalling a zero-tolerance stance towards research misconduct. About Retractions and Their Significance: Retractions occur when published papers are withdrawn due to errors or unethical practices like data fabrication, image manipulation, or undisclosed use of...

India is observing AI Appreciation Day on July 16 to celebrate its dynamic advancements in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across multiple sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, and industry. This observance reflects India’s commitment to leveraging AI not just for technological progress but for inclusive development, economic resilience, and social transformation. Background: India’s journey with AI dates back to the 1960s, rooted in early computer science research. A pivotal milestone was the Knowledge-Based Computer Systems (KBCS) project launched in 1986. In the 1990s, institutions like C-DAC played a critical role in supercomputing and AI applications. By the early 2000s, private IT giants such as TCS, Infosys, and Wipro began investing heavily in AI R&D. The Digital India mission (2015) and NITI Aayog’s National AI Strategy (2018) provided strong policy frameworks that accelerated AI adoption across the country. Significance: AI Ap...

More than 200 climate campaign groups have issued a joint call for reforms to the way United Nations (UN) climate talks are conducted, saying that the negotiations have “reached breaking point”. Consensus not voting: Unlike with many other UN conventions, decisions at the annual   conference of the parties (COPs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) require consensus. While that is not clearly defined, it is interpreted to mean at least the vast majority of governments. End fossil fuel influence: The statement also calls for measures to “end undue influence” on COP delegates from fossil fuel companies and other big emitters of planet-warming gases. Research from the Kick Big Polluters Out campaign estimated that 1,800 fossil fuel lobbyists attended COP29 last year, mainly as part of trade associations but also   as members of government delegations. COP host integrity: The joint call points out that “climate talks have been hosted i...

  The International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2025 is more than a celebration—it is a call to dismantle the structures that hold women back and to foster a world where foreign policy reflects the diversity, wisdom, and leadership of all genders. The International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWD) is observed annually on June 24 to honour and recognize the essential role that women play in the field of diplomacy—historically male-dominated but now slowly transforming with the rise of capable and dynamic women leaders. Designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during its 76th session in 2022 (Resolution A/RES/76/269), this day is a call to action for greater gender equality in foreign policy, peace processes, and global governance. 2025 Theme: Explained: Gender-balanced foreign ministries Anti-harassment and mentoring programs Quotas for women in ambassadorial roles Reform of patriarchal norms within diplomatic institutions History a...

  A 90-member Indian Army contingent, led by troops from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, has departed for France to take part in the eighth edition of the India-France joint military exercise ‘Shakti’, scheduled from June 18 to July 1, 2025, at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie. This biennial engagement between the two nations focuses on enhancing counter-terror cooperation, sub-conventional operations, and military interoperability in semi-urban terrain, under the UN Charter’s Chapter VII mandate. Why in News: The eighth edition of the bilateral Indo-French military exercise ‘Shakti’ begins on June 18, 2025, in France. Indian Army contingent has left for the 15-day-long operation hosted at Camp Larzac. The exercise aims to simulate UN Chapter VII peacekeeping operations in semi-urban environments. What is Exercise Shakti: Exercise Shakti is a biennial Indo-French military drill aimed at fostering joint training, tactical coordination, and mutual trust. Conducted a...

Every year in Puri, Odisha, a very special festival takes place to honor Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. In 2025, this event started on June 11 with the Snana Purnima ritual and will continue until July 5 with the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra. What is Snana Purnima? Snana Purnima is the day when the three deities are brought out for a public bath. This happens once a year at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. They are bathed with  108 pots of sacred water from a golden well inside the temple.  This special event is held on a large platform called the Snana Mandap, and it marks the beginning of the Rath Yatra celebrations. Anavasara: After the Snana Yatra, the deities are believed to fall sick due to the cold water. They are taken inside the temple and kept away from public view for about 15 days. This rest period is called Anavasara. Devotees believe the gods are healing during this time and getting for the Rath Yatra. About the Chariots: During the...