BRICS Currency Initiatives and the U.S. Dollar: Shaping a New Global Financial Order

Relevance to UPSC Syllabus GS Paper 2: International Relations – Role of global groupings like BRICS in influencing global economic order. GS Paper 3: Economic Developments – Monetary systems, trade systems, and their global implications. Introduction Recent Developments: At the 16th BRICS Summit (October 2024), member nations deliberated on increasing local currency trade or creating a…

The 2025 Census and the National Population Register (NPR) Update: Implications for Governance and Security

Introduction 2025 Census introduces updating the National Population Register (NPR), a foundational database for the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC). This initiative has significant implications for governance, national security, and inclusive development in India. Historical and Legislative Evolution Origin of NRIC: Rooted in the1951 Census, which recorded the first list of citizens and residents. Post-Kargil War (1999), theSubrahmanyam Committee emphasized the need…

Manipur Violence: Examining Ethnic Tensions, Historical Grievances, and the Path to Peace

Introduction Manipur, has been witnessing escalating ethnic violence and prolonged unrest. Recent clashes stem from socio-political and historical tensions between the valley-dwelling Meitei community and hill-dwelling tribal groups (Nagas and Kukis). The situation has further deteriorated following the Manipur High Court’s directive to consider granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meiteis, sparking protests and violent confrontations. Current Affairs: Latest Developments Jiribam Clashes: Ten suspected militants…

Digital Arrest Scams: Analyzing India’s Growing Cyber Threats and Mitigation Strategies

Why in News? In 2024, digital arrest scams have emerged as a significant cybercrime trend in India, affecting more than 92,000 victims. These scams involve cybercriminals posing as law enforcement officers and extorting money or personal information by using advanced technological tools like deepfakes and AI-modulated voices. High-profile cases, such as the Vardhman Group director’s case, have drawn attention to the severity…

Israel-Lebanon Conflict and Ceasefire

Why in News? The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, modeled on UNSC Resolution 1701, marks an end to the 13-month-long conflict that escalated in September. The ceasefire comes after Israel’s security cabinet approved a US-backed proposal, signaling an important development in the region’s geopolitics. This follows recent hostilities involving Hezbollah, and broader discussions on the ethical justifications of war amidst global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine…