Daily Notes

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

17 notes

GS2 — Polity & Governance

BRICS Huddle in Delhi: Iran, Russia Officials Attend

Officials from Iran and Russia are in Delhi for a BRICS huddle. This meeting follows the recent expansion of the BRICS bloc, highlighting its growing geopolitical significance.

GS2 — Polity & Governance

Calcutta HC to Hear PILs on Great Nicobar Project

The Calcutta High Court's Port Blair bench will hear PILs challenging the Great Nicobar megaproject clearance. The petitions allege violations of Forest Rights Act and impact on tribal communities, despite prior NGT clearance.

GS2 — Polity & Governance

Iran Nuclear Program, JCPOA, and IAEA Oversight

Discussions around Iran's nuclear program and a "peace plan" highlight ongoing geopolitical tensions and the international community's concerns regarding nuclear proliferation. Former US President Trump's statement underscores the strategic importance of the issue.

GS2 — Polity & Governance

Online Censorship Threatens Free Expression: Editorial

An editorial highlights online censorship as a threat to fundamental right to free expression. This raises concerns about government powers to regulate digital content and its impact on civil liberties.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

Ex-ISRO Chief Panel Recommended Space Reforms

A panel led by a former ISRO chairman had proposed reforms following a past leak incident, but these recommendations have not been fully implemented. The news highlights governance challenges in public sector S&T organizations.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

Four Cheetah Cubs Die at Kuno National Park

Four cheetah cubs, born in the open forest as part of India's Project Cheetah, have died at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, reportedly due to a suspected leopard attack. This marks the largest single instance of cheetah casualties at the park.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

HSBC Slashes India's FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 6%

HSBC revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6%, citing energy crisis and deficient rainfall as key factors. The financial institution also anticipates two RBI rate hikes.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

India Spearheads International Big Cat Alliance Summit

India is spearheading the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), holding its first summit with 95 countries. This initiative aims to conserve seven major big cat species globally, showcasing India's leadership in wildlife protection.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

India's Solar Energy Growth Needs Battery Storage

India's rapid expansion in solar energy generation necessitates a parallel increase in battery storage capacity to ensure grid stability and optimize renewable energy utilization. This is crucial for achieving national energy transition goals.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

India's Updated NDCs for 2035 Amidst Global Climate Challenges

India faces record electricity demand and heatwaves, straining power systems. This coincides with the unveiling of India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035, emphasizing climate ambition linked to energy security and strategic autonomy.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

India-Oman CEPA on track for December 2025 signing

India and Oman are progressing towards signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by December 2025. This agreement aims to boost bilateral trade and investment between the two nations.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

Indian conservationists win Whitley Award for species protection

Indian conservationists Barkha Subba and Parveen Shaikh have been awarded the prestigious Whitley Award, often called the 'Green Oscars', for their dedicated work in conserving the Himalayan salamander and Indian skimmer.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

Kerala's Sacred Groves Face Decline Amid Urbanization, Changing Traditions

Kerala's traditional sacred groves (sarpa kaavus), once protected by belief and associated with serpent worship, are now diminishing due to urbanization, land-use changes, and rituals losing their ecological context.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

Noise Pollution Control: Legal Framework and Enforcement

The article discusses efforts to address noise pollution, referencing a public figure and the state of Tamil Nadu. It underscores the importance of public sound management for environmental quality and public health.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

Pollution, Poor Infrastructure Hinder Cycling in Indian Cities

A study in 'Nature Cities' highlighted lack of infrastructure, policy, and gender gaps as barriers to cycling in Indian cities, despite its potential as a climate solution. India ranks 6th globally in air pollution (IQAIR 2025).

GS3 — Economy & Environment

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Increased Heart Disease Risk

A recent research report highlights a concerning link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of heart diseases. The study indicates a significant rise in cardiovascular health risks, prompting public health concerns.

GS3 — Economy & Environment

Urban Springs: Strengthening Water Security in Himalayan Cities

Himalayan cities like Gangtok face severe water crises due to climate change impacts (reduced rainfall, landslides) and increasing demand from population growth and tourism. Overlooked urban springs offer a potential decentralized solution to enhance water security.