What are Arihant-class SSBNs? Arihant-class submarines are India’s indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs)—the most survivable leg of India’s nuclear triad. They ensure a credible second-strike capability, central to India’s nuclear deterrence posture. Strategic Role Key Platforms Technical Highlights Missile Capability Indigenous Development Significance for India
India’s No First Use (NFU) Doctrine
Meaning India’s No First Use (NFU) doctrine commits that India will not initiate a nuclear strike and will use nuclear weapons only in retaliation to a nuclear attack on Indian territory or Indian forces. Origin and Status Core Principles of NFU NFU and Retaliatory Use Relationship with Credible Minimum Deterrence Command and Control Strategic Significance Debates and Challenges India’s Official Position India’s No First Use doctrine reflects a balance between strength and restraint, ensuring national security through deterrence while avoiding nuclear escalation and reinforcing global strategic stability.
China Naval Modernisation: New Missile Destroyer | UPSC
ContextChina is rapidly expanding its navy to enhance blue-water capability and narrow the gap with the U.S. Navy. Loudi What is Fujian?
Western Ghats Biodiversity: Galaxy Frogs Near Extinction | UPSC
Context A scientific study has warned that 7 of the world’s rarest “galaxy frog” species, found only in the Western Ghats of Kerala, are now presumed dead. The study links their disappearance to the rise in photo-tourism, where frequent human intrusion disturbed their fragile micro-habitats. Galaxy Frog
US-Iran Relations: Trump on Iran Protest Crackdown | UPSC
Context Iran is facing its worst protests in years, triggered by economic distress and inflation, leading to a violent state crackdown. The situation has escalated internationally after the U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran over the handling of protests, raising fears of external intervention and regional instability in an already volatile West Asia. Countries sharing land borders with Iran Turkey | Iraq | Armenia | Azerbaijan | Turkmenistan | Afghanistan | Pakistan
Methane Emissions in Rice Farming: Mitigation Methods | UPSC
Context India’s rice cultivation is a major source of methane emissions due to traditional continuous flooding of paddy fields. As methane is a high-impact greenhouse gas, reducing emissions from agriculture has become essential for India’s climate commitments, water conservation, and sustainable farming, without hurting farmer incomes. What is AWD? Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) is a water-management practice in rice farming where fields are not kept continuously flooded, but are allowed to dry intermittently before re-irrigation. Why AWD is proposed How AWD works Outcomes
Yemen Conflict: Saudi Strikes on UAE-Backed Groups | UPSC
ContextThe Yemen conflict, ongoing since 2014, has seen shifting alliances within the Saudi Arabia–led coalition. While Saudi Arabia backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government, the UAE supports the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a southern separatist group. Summary:
EU Carbon Border Tax: Impact on India’s Metal Exports
EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Context What is CBAM? How it works Covered Sectors India’s Concerns India’s Response
National Pension System Reform: Banks Allowed to Sponsor Pension Funds
National Pension System (NPS) – Structural Reforms (2026) Context PFRDA Major Indian Pension Schemes Institutional Participation – Entry of Banks
Technical Textile Exports: Reasons Behind 1.2% Decline
Technical Textiles Context Definition Materials Policy & Trade Snapshot (2026 Update)
