Overview Article 137 empowers the Supreme Court of India to review its own judgments or orders, subject to provisions made by law or rules framed under the Constitution. It provides a constitutional basis for correcting errors in Supreme Court decisions. The provision exists to ensure justice, fairness, and correction of mistakes. It recognises that even the highest court may commit errors and must have a limited mechanism to rectify them without undermining finality of judgments. Scope of Review Power The review power under Article 137 is not an appeal in disguise. It is exercised only on limited grounds such as: Procedural Framework Review vs Curative Petition Limitations Constitutional Significance Article 137 balances two competing principles: Article 137 ensures that the Supreme Court remains a court of justice, not merely a court of finality, by allowing limited self-correction while preserving institutional stability.
Ajanta Paintings
The house some of the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian mural art. These paintings date from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE and are closely associated with Buddhist religious themes, monastic life, and courtly culture. Time Period and Phases Themes Depicted Technique and Style Artistic Features Important Caves and Paintings Cave 1 Cave 4 Caves 9 and 10 Cave 16 Cave 26 Cultural and Artistic Significance Ajanta paintings are a visual chronicle of ancient India, blending Buddhist philosophy, royal patronage, and exceptional artistic skill into a timeless heritage of world art.
Non Performing Assets (NPAs)
Meaning of Non-Performing Assets A Non-Performing Asset (NPA) is a loan or advance where interest or principal remains overdue for more than 90 days. Loans are assets for banks because they generate income through interest. When repayments stop, the asset ceases to earn income and becomes non-performing. Banks are required to regularly disclose NPA data to the regulator. Classification of NPAs As per regulatory norms, NPAs are classified into the following categories: Provisioning for NPAs Provisioning refers to the portion of a loan amount that banks set aside to cover potential losses. GNPA and NNPA Two indicators are used to assess the health of banks: NPAs are also expressed as ratios to total advances to assess asset quality. Key Highlights of the NPA Crisis in India Trend Overview Concentration of Bad Loans Major Corporate Defaulters Sector-Wise Distribution of Large Defaulters These sectors are capital-intensive and vulnerable to economic cycles and policy delays. Impact on the Banking Sector Institutional Responses Conclusion The NPA crisis reflects weak credit appraisal, poor governance, and concentrated corporate exposure. While recent reforms have improved recovery and reduced headline NPAs, long-term stability depends on stronger risk management, transparent disclosures, and accountability in large-ticket lending.
92nd Constitutional Amendment Act 2003
Background India’s Constitution recognises linguistic diversity and provides constitutional protection to certain languages through the Eighth Schedule. Over time, demands emerged to include more languages to preserve cultural identity and promote linguistic equality. The 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 was enacted to address these demands. The 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act 2003 added four new languages to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, increasing the total number of scheduled languages from 18 to 22. Languages Added The four languages included by this amendment are: Constitutional Provision Affected Significance of Inclusion in the Eighth Schedule Inclusion in the Eighth Schedule provides: Cultural and Political Importance Broader Impact The 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 reflects India’s evolving linguistic landscape and its constitutional commitment to unity through diversity, by formally recognising four significant regional and tribal languages within the constitutional framework.
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a central government scheme aimed at promoting rooftop solar power across Indian households. The scheme focuses on reducing electricity bills, enhancing energy self-reliance, and accelerating India’s transition towards clean and renewable energy. Launch Core Objective Key Features Subsidy Structure Coverage and Target Implementation Mechanism Expected Benefits Broader Significance PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a transformative rooftop solar initiative that combines economic relief for households with long-term environmental sustainability, making clean energy accessible at the grassroots level.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Overview The is India’s apex body for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research. It plays a central role in shaping the country’s public health research priorities and evidence-based policymaking. Establishment and Status Mandate and Objectives Core Functions Research Network Role in Public Health Emergencies Ethical and Regulatory Role Capacity Building Significance ICMR is the cornerstone of India’s biomedical research framework, ensuring that scientific evidence drives public health decisions, disease control strategies, and long-term healthcare planning.
International Space Station (ISS)
Introduction The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest human-made structure in low Earth orbit and serves as a permanent, crewed space laboratory. It represents one of the most complex international scientific and engineering collaborations in history. Basic Overview Participating Countries The ISS is a joint project involving five space agencies: Together, these represent more than 15 countries contributing modules, technology, astronauts, and scientific experiments. Orbit and Speed Structure and Modules The ISS is made up of multiple interconnected modules launched and assembled in space. Major laboratory modules include those built by the US, Russia, Europe, and Japan. Crew and Living Conditions Scientific Research Research on the ISS focuses on areas that cannot be effectively studied on Earth: Importance and Significance Future of the ISS The International Space Station is a symbol of global scientific cooperation, enabling continuous human presence in space and advancing research that supports future exploration beyond Earth.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the study and manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, typically 1 to 100 nanometers, where materials show new physical, chemical, and biological properties due to size and surface effects. It enables lighter, stronger, smarter materials, advanced nanoelectronics, and expanding applications in medicine, energy, environment, agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing. What are nanomaterials? A material is classified as a nanomaterial if it has at least one dimension below 100 nm. At this scale, surface area-to-volume ratio increases sharply, and quantum/size effects can change conductivity, reactivity, strength, colour, and toxicity. Types of nanomaterials Inorganic-based nanomaterials Organic-based nanomaterials Carbon-based nanomaterials Composite-based nanomaterials Applications of nanotechnology Materials and processes IT and electronics Biomedicine and healthcare Energy Environmental remediation Agriculture and food processing Transportation and infrastructure Nanotechnology in India Institutional and research base Industry ecosystem and linkages International collaboration Key achievements and examples from India Advanced nanomaterials and devices Healthcare innovations Water and purification Defence applications Challenges and concerns Toxicology and health risks Long-term safety uncertainty Environmental impact Regulatory gaps Commercialisation barriers Measures needed
Anopheles stephensi
Overview Anopheles stephensi is a species of mosquito that acts as a primary vector of malaria, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. It is distinct from many other malaria vectors because of its strong adaptation to human-made water storage systems. Classification Geographic Distribution Habitat and Breeding Behaviour Disease Transmission Public Health Significance Challenges in Control l Control and Prevention Measures Anopheles stephensi is a highly adaptable urban malaria vector whose spread poses a serious challenge to malaria elimination efforts, especially in cities. Effective control requires urban-specific, community-driven, and integrated vector management strategies.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
Overview The National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body responsible for strengthening tiger conservation in India. It provides legal backing, policy direction, and institutional oversight to Project Tiger and the management of tiger reserves across the country. Objectives Composition Project Tiger and NTCA Powers and Functions Significance The National Tiger Conservation Authority is the institutional backbone of tiger conservation in India, ensuring that protection of tigers and their habitats is legally enforceable, scientifically guided, and socially inclusive.
