Stay ahead in your UPSC preparation with the top editorials and issue-based analysis from The Hindu, Indian Express, and relevant reports. All topics below are linked to GS1 , GS2 & GS3, with a focus on exam-relevant insights, keywords, and actionable conclusions.
1.
India’s Next Census to Conclude by March 2027
🔸 Why in News?
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced that India’s next population census will be conducted in two phases, with the final enumeration concluding on March 1, 2027.
🔸 Key Details
- First Census in 17 Years – The last census was conducted in 2011, and the 2021 exercise was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Digital Census – This will be India’s first fully digital census, using mobile apps and online self-enumeration.
- Caste Enumeration Included – The government has decided to count caste data alongside the census, marking the first caste enumeration since 1931.
- Reference Dates –
- March 1, 2027 for most of India.
- October 1, 2026 for snow-bound areas like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
🔸 Significance
- Policy & Governance – Census data will be used for electoral delimitation, welfare schemes, and economic planning.
- Women’s Reservation – The 33% women’s reservation law depends on updated census data.
- Electoral Boundaries – The 84th Constitutional Amendment (2001) mandates that delimitation of constituencies be based on the first census after 2026.
🔸 Way Forward
- Notification Expected by June 16, 2025 – The government will officially publish census dates in the gazette.
- Public Awareness Campaigns – Authorities will educate citizens on digital self-enumeration.
- Data Security Measures – Steps will be taken to protect personal information during the digital census process.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of census data in policymaking.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Impact of caste enumeration on affirmative action.
Economy (GS-III) – Census-driven resource allocation and economic planning.
2.
Exposomics: A New Frontier for Environmental Health
🔸 Why in News?
Exposomics, the study of cumulative environmental exposures and their impact on human health, is gaining traction as a critical tool for understanding disease origins and crafting holistic prevention strategies.
🔸 Key Insights
- Beyond Genetics – While genetics play a role in disease susceptibility, exposomics examines environmental factors like air pollution, chemicals, diet, and stress over a lifetime.
- India’s Growing Role – With 25% of the global environmental disease burden, India is emerging as a leader in exposomics research, integrating biomonitoring, digital health, and AI-driven analysis.
- Major Risk Factors – Studies show that ambient PM2.5 air pollution and household air pollution from solid fuels contribute to millions of deaths annually.
🔸 Significance
- Improved Disease Prevention – Helps identify hidden environmental triggers for heart disease, lung disorders, diabetes, and kidney disease.
- Advanced Monitoring Tools – Uses High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to track chemical exposures.
- Global Collaboration – India is working with international exposomics consortia to map environmental risks and develop policy solutions.
🔸 Way Forward
- Expand Environmental Health Surveillance – Integrate exposomics into public health frameworks.
- Strengthen AI & Data Science Applications – Use deep learning to analyze complex exposure patterns.
- Promote Public Awareness – Educate citizens on lifestyle changes to reduce environmental health risks.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
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- Science & Technology (GS-III) – Role of biotechnology in disease prevention.
- Environment & Health (GS-II) – Impact of pollution and climate change on public health.
Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Need for integrated health risk assessments.
3.
Aiming for an Era of Biohappiness in India
🔸 Why in News?
India is embracing the concept of biohappiness, which focuses on sustainable biodiversity use to enhance human well-being. The idea promotes reviving forgotten foods, preserving traditional agricultural knowledge, and ensuring nutritional security through climate-resilient crops.
🔸 Key Insights
- India’s Biodiversity Strength – Despite covering only 2% of global land, India harbors 8% of global biodiversity, making it a megadiverse nation.
- Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) – Traditional crops like millets, buckwheat, amaranth, jackfruit, yams, and tubers are being rebranded as “opportunity crops” due to their nutritional density and climate resilience.
- Threats to Agrobiodiversity – The shift toward cash crops like cassava, coffee, and pepper has led to a decline in local food diversity, particularly in regions like Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu.
🔸 Significance
- Health Benefits – Reviving forgotten foods can combat nutritional deficiencies and non-communicable diseases like diabetes and obesity.
- Climate Resilience – Indigenous crops are naturally adapted to local environments, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and irrigation.
- Economic Potential – Promoting local biodiversity can create new market opportunities and boost farmer incomes.
🔸 Way Forward
- Expand State Missions – Include minor millets in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Empower Farmers – Encourage community-led conservation of traditional crops.
- Strengthen Policy Support – Integrate biodiversity conservation into national food security strategies.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
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- Environment & Agriculture (GS-III) – Role of biodiversity in sustainable farming.
- Health & Nutrition (GS-II) – Impact of traditional foods on public health.
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Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Need for agricultural diversification in food security planning.
4.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in India’s Clean Energy Transition
🔸 Why in News?
India is accelerating the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to enhance grid stability and support renewable energy integration. The government has committed to installing 47 GW of BESS by 2032, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security.
🔸 Key Features of BESS
- Grid Stability – Helps balance demand-supply fluctuations and enables peak load management.
- Renewable Energy Integration – Supports solar and wind power, ensuring consistent electricity supply.
- Decentralized Energy Solutions – Facilitates microgrids, making clean energy accessible in remote areas.
- Declining Costs – Battery prices have fallen by nearly 90% over the past 15 years, making BESS more affordable.
🔸 Government Initiatives
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF) – Financial support for BESS projects.
- Interstate Transmission Charge Waiver – Applies to BESS projects commissioned by June 2025.
- Public-Private Partnerships – Encouraging investment and innovation in battery storage.
🔸 Challenges & Way Forward
- Regulatory Barriers – Need for clear policies to accelerate adoption.
- Critical Mineral Constraints – Limited access to lithium and cobalt for battery production.
- Grid Infrastructure Upgrades – Investment required to modernize transmission networks.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
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- Environment & Energy (GS-III) – Role of BESS in India’s clean energy transition.
- Science & Technology (GS-III) – Advances in battery storage and renewable integration.
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Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Government strategies for sustainable energy development.
5.
Empowering Women in Green Business
🔸 Why in News?
India is focusing on women-led green businesses to drive sustainable economic growth. Despite the $23 billion market potential in Odisha’s green economy alone, women lead only 18% of start-ups in 2024.
🔸 Key Challenges
- Access to Finance – Women entrepreneurs face higher barriers in securing loans and investments.
- Limited Mentorship – Few structured programs cater to women-led green enterprises.
- Systemic Bias – Banks often prefer male co-founders, despite evidence that women make better borrowers.
🔸 Government & Private Initiatives
- Budget 2025 – Offers ₹2 crore term loans to SC/ST women entrepreneurs.
- Women Entrepreneurship Platform (NITI Aayog) – Provides mentorship and networking.
- Private Sector Support – Banks and investors urged to allocate funds for women-led green businesses.
🔸 Way Forward
- Expand Financial Access – Simplify loan application processes for women entrepreneurs.
- Strengthen Mentorship Programs – Create sector-specific training for green business models.
- Policy Reforms – Ensure gender-inclusive funding in climate tech and sustainability sectors.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of women entrepreneurs in economic development.
- Environment & Economy (GS-III) – Impact of green businesses on sustainability.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Gender disparities in business and finance.
6.
The Seeds of Sustainability for India’s Textile Leadership
🔸 Why in News?
India’s textile industry, projected to grow to $350 billion by 2030, is undergoing a sustainability transformation to strengthen its global leadership. The focus is on regenerative farming, traceability solutions, and circular economy practices to enhance competitiveness and environmental responsibility.
🔸 Key Sustainability Strategies
- Regenerative Farming – Over 6,000 farmers in Maharashtra have adopted regenerative cotton farming, leading to higher yields, improved climate resilience, and reduced chemical fertilizer dependence.
- Traceability Solutions – AI-driven supply chain tracking ensures authenticity and brand accountability, with 37% of consumers prioritizing traceability in purchases.
- Circular Economy Practices – Textile firms are shifting to recyclable materials and waste reduction, aligning with global sustainability benchmarks.
🔸 Significance
- Reducing Dependence on China – India is positioning itself as a key player in the China Plus One strategy, diversifying global trade partnerships.
- Boosting Rural Engagement – Sustainable farming models empower local communities, improving livelihoods and gender inclusivity in agriculture.
- Enhancing Global Competitiveness – Compliance with EU and U.S. sustainability standards strengthens India’s export potential.
🔸 Way Forward
- Expand Regenerative Farming Initiatives – Increase government support for sustainable agriculture.
- Strengthen AI-Based Traceability – Improve supply chain transparency to meet global consumer demands.
- Promote Circular Economy Policies – Encourage eco-friendly textile production through policy incentives.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Economy & Industry (GS-III) – Role of sustainability in India’s textile sector.
- Environment & Agriculture (GS-III) – Impact of regenerative farming on climate resilience.
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – India’s trade strategies and sustainability regulations.
7.
Is Global Warming Becoming a Distraction?
🔸 Why in News?
A growing debate suggests that focusing too much on global mean temperature thresholds—like the 1.5°C and 2°C limits—may distract from urgent climate adaptation measures. Scientists argue that climate disasters such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts demand immediate action, rather than just tracking long-term warming trends.
🔸 Key Concerns
- Uncertainty in Climate Models – Future warming projections depend on speculative scenarios about energy sources, population growth, and climate policies.
- Disaster Preparedness Over Global Metrics – The exact warming level (1.5°C, 1.75°C, or 2°C) matters less than real-time disaster management.
- Short-Term Warming Spikes – While 2023 and 2024 were record warm years, past trends suggest warming rates may stabilize in the coming years.
🔸 What Needs More Focus?
- Hyperlocal Climate Data – Instead of broad global averages, localized early-warning systems can enhance disaster response.
- Resilience & Adaptation – Governments must prioritize infrastructure planning to mitigate climate risks.
- Equitable Climate Action – Vulnerable regions, including tropical zones, need stronger adaptation strategies.
🔸 Way Forward
- Improve Forecast Accuracy – Ensure timely dissemination of climate warnings.
- Strengthen Disaster Management – Invest in adaptive infrastructure rather than just tracking warming trends.
- Balance Mitigation & Adaptation – While reducing emissions remains crucial, operational disaster management deserves equal attention.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Environment & Ecology (GS-III) – Role of climate adaptation in disaster management.
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Need for localized climate action strategies.
- Science & Technology (GS-III) – Advances in climate modeling and forecasting.
8.
India’s Environmental Crisis: Has It Worsened?
🔸 Why in News?
India’s environmental crisis has intensified over the past decade, with rising carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Despite global awareness and policy efforts, deforestation, unchecked urbanization, and fossil fuel dependency continue to drive ecological degradation.
🔸 Key Factors Behind the Crisis
- Surging Carbon Emissions – India’s CO₂ emissions rose from 2.33 billion metric tonnes in 2015 to 3.12 billion metric tonnes in 2024, largely due to coal dependency.
- Biodiversity Loss – Mass extinctions and habitat destruction are increasing, with forest clearances for infrastructure projects affecting Western Ghats and Northeast India.
- Severe Air Pollution – India remains one of the most polluted countries, with Delhi consistently ranking among the worst globally.
- Waste Mismanagement – India generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually, but only 20% is scientifically processed, leading to river pollution and urban landfill crises.
🔸 Role of Global Factors
- Industrialized Nations’ Impact – The Global North’s high consumption externalizes pollution to developing nations like India.
- Corporate Influence – Just 30 transnational corporations contribute to over 35% of global carbon emissions.
🔸 Way Forward
- Strengthen Renewable Energy Policies – Reduce coal dependency and accelerate solar and wind adoption.
- Improve Waste Management Systems – Enhance recycling infrastructure and urban planning.
- Expand Biodiversity Conservation Efforts – Implement stronger forest protection laws.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
- Environment & Ecology (GS-III) – Impact of climate change on India’s ecosystems.
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of environmental regulations in sustainable development.
Science & Technology (GS-III) – Advances in clean energy and pollution control.
9.
India to Introduce a New National Policy on Senior Citizens
🔸 Why in News?
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is drafting a new National Policy on Senior Citizens, aiming to address demographic shifts, elder welfare, and digital inclusion. The policy discussions took place at the Fourth Meeting of the National Council for Senior Citizens, chaired by Minister Virendra Kumar.
🔸 Key Features of the Draft Policy
- Demographic Considerations – India’s senior citizen population is projected to reach 20% by 2047, up from 8.23% in 2011.
- Digital Inclusion – Plans to integrate senior citizens into digital platforms for healthcare, financial services, and social engagement.
- Grievance Redressal Mechanism – Establishing dedicated channels to address elder abuse and neglect.
- Minimum Standards for Old Age Homes – Implementing quality benchmarks for senior care institutions.
- Community Engagement – Encouraging intergenerational bonding and active participation of senior citizens in society.
🔸 Existing Welfare Programs Under Review
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) – Over 5 lakh senior citizens have received free assistive living devices.
- Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) – Supports 708 NGOs running old age homes, physiotherapy centers, and mobile medicare units.
- Senior Citizen Portal – A one-stop digital platform for legal aid, healthcare, and welfare schemes.
🔸 Way Forward
- Policy Finalization – Stakeholder consultations will refine the draft policy before implementation.
- Inter-Ministerial Coordination – Ensuring cross-sector collaboration for elder welfare.
- Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating citizens on elder rights and digital accessibility.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
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- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of social justice in elder care.
- Social Issues (GS-I) – Impact of aging population on welfare planning.
Economy (GS-III) – Financial security and pension reforms for senior citizens.
10.
India Vehemently Opposes ADB’s Funding to Pakistan
🔸 Why in News?
India has strongly objected to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) approval of an $800 million funding package for Pakistan, citing concerns over misuse of funds, rising defense expenditures, and weak economic reforms.
🔸 Key Concerns Raised by India
- Cross-Border Terrorism – India flagged Pakistan’s failure to act on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) mandates, including freezing assets of UN-designated terrorist groups.
- Repeated Bailouts – India argued that Pakistan’s reliance on IMF bailouts reflects failed economic policies, questioning the effectiveness of ADB’s financial assistance.
- Defense Spending vs. Economic Stability – Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio fell from 13% (2018) to 9.2% (2023), while its defense spending increased, raising concerns about fund diversion.
- Military Influence in Economic Affairs – India highlighted the Pakistan Army’s strong role in economic decision-making, particularly through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
🔸 ADB’s Funding Breakdown
- $300 million policy-based loan
- $500 million policy-based guarantee, expected to mobilize up to $1 billion from commercial banks.
- Focus Areas – Tax policy, public expenditure, digitalization, investment facilitation, and private sector development.
🔸 India’s Demands
- Strict Monitoring – India urged ADB to ring-fence financing to prevent misuse.
- Reassessment of Pakistan’s Economic Stability – India questioned whether previous IMF and ADB programs had achieved meaningful reforms.
- Push for FATF Grey Listing – India is advocating for Pakistan’s re-inclusion in FATF’s grey list due to unsatisfactory progress on terror financing investigations.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
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- International Relations (GS-II) – India’s stance on global financial institutions.
- Security & Governance (GS-II) – Impact of economic aid on regional stability.
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Economy (GS-III) – Role of multilateral funding in economic reforms.
11.
IRCTC Deactivates 2.5 Crore Suspicious User IDs in Major Crackdown
🔸 Why in News?
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has deactivated 2.5 crore suspect user IDs as part of a digital overhaul to curb fraudulent ticket bookings. This move follows investigations into Tatkal ticket scams, where agents and bots exploited the system to hoard tickets.
🔸 Key Findings
- Tatkal Ticket Abuse – IRCTC detected 2.9 lakh suspicious Passenger Name Records (PNRs) generated within five minutes of booking windows opening.
- Bot Traffic Reduction – Anti-bot systems were deployed to curb automated bookings, which accounted for 50% of login attempts during peak hours.
- Disposable Email Blocking – Over 6,800 disposable email domains used to create fake accounts were blocked.
- Cybercrime Complaints – 134 complaints were filed with the National Cyber Crime Portal to tackle fraudulent activities.
🔸 IRCTC’s New Measures
- Aadhaar-Based Verification – Users must link Aadhaar/PAN for priority booking.
- Restricted Agent Access – Agents cannot book Tatkal tickets in the first 10 minutes of the window opening.
- Session Limits – Users exceeding 25 inquiries per session during Tatkal hours will be logged out.
- Overseas IP Blocking – Foreign IP addresses are blocked during Tatkal booking hours.
🔸 Impact & Way Forward
- Improved Booking Success Ratio – The attempt-to-booking ratio increased from 43.1% to 62.2% between October 2024 and May 2025.
- Enhanced User Experience – Genuine passengers now have better access to Tatkal tickets.
- Continued Monitoring – IRCTC plans to revalidate 20 lakh more accounts flagged as suspicious.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
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- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of digital security in public services.
- Economy & Infrastructure (GS-III) – Impact of fraud prevention on railway operations.
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Science & Technology (GS-III) – Use of AI and cybersecurity in ticketing systems.
12.
India Wins Presidency of IIAS: A Historic Milestone
🔸 Why in News?
India has been elected President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for the 2025-2028 term, marking a historic first in the organization’s 100-year history.
🔸 Election Details
- India secured 87 votes out of 141, defeating Austria, which received 54 votes.
- First-ever ballot election for the presidency in IIAS history.
- India’s candidate: V. Srinivas, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
🔸 What is IIAS?
- A global federation of 31 member countries, 20 national sections, and 15 academic research centers.
- Works closely with the United Nations, participating in CEPA (Committee of Experts on Public Administration) and UNPAN (UN Public Administration Network).
🔸 India’s Vision for IIAS Presidency
- “Maximum Governance – Minimum Government” – Focus on next-generation administrative reforms.
- Digital Empowerment – Strengthening citizen-centric governance through technology-driven solutions.
- Bridging the North-South Divide – Promoting unity and inclusivity in global public administration.
🔸 Significance
- Boosts India’s global leadership in public administration and governance.
- Strengthens India’s role in UN-backed administrative reforms.
- Enhances India’s influence in shaping international governance policies.
🔸 Way Forward
- Policy Framework Development – India will lead research and policy discussions on administrative efficiency.
Global Collaboration – Strengthening partnerships with academic institutions and governments. - Digital Transformation Initiatives – Expanding e-governance models for efficient public service delivery.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
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- International Relations (GS-II) – India’s role in global governance institutions.
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Impact of administrative reforms on public service delivery.
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Science & Technology (GS-III) – Role of digital governance in administrative efficiency
13.
India’s Next-Gen HNWIs to Increase Offshore Assets by Over 10%
🔸 Why in News?
According to Capgemini’s World Wealth Report 2025, 98% of next-generation High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in India plan to increase their offshore assets by more than 10% by 2030.
🔸 Key Drivers Behind Offshore Investments
- Better Investment Options – 55% of HNWIs cite higher returns abroad.
- Advanced Wealth Management Services – 65% prefer global financial institutions over domestic ones.
- Improved Market Connectivity – 54% believe international markets offer better diversification.
- Tax Efficiency & Stability – 49% seek favorable tax regulations and economic security.
🔸 India’s HNWI Growth Trends
- India added 20,000 new millionaires in 2024, marking a 5.6% increase in HNWIs.
- The country now has 378,810 millionaires, with a total wealth of $1.5 trillion.
- Alternative Investments – Private equity and cryptocurrencies now make up 15% of HNWI portfolios globally.
🔸 Concerns & Implications
- Capital Flight Risks – Increased offshore investments may impact India’s forex reserves.
- Regulatory Oversight – Need for stronger domestic wealth management reforms.
- Global Tax Compliance – Rising offshore assets could trigger stricter international tax regulations.
🔸 Way Forward
- Strengthen Domestic Investment Ecosystem – Improve wealth management services to retain capital.
- Enhance Tax Policies – Ensure competitive tax structures to discourage capital outflow.
- Encourage Local Market Growth – Promote alternative investments within India.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
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- Economy & Finance (GS-III) – Impact of offshore investments on India’s financial stability.
- Governance & Policy (GS-II) – Role of tax regulations in wealth management.
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- International Relations (GS-II) – India’s stance on global financial flows and tax treaties.
14.
Milky Way vs. Andromeda: Collision Uncertainty Grows
🔸 Why in News?
Astronomers have revised predictions about the long-expected collision between the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies, suggesting that the event may not be inevitable. New simulations indicate a 50-50 chance of a merger within the next 10 billion years, challenging earlier forecasts of a certain collision in 4-5 billion years.
🔸 Key Findings
- Updated Galaxy Motion Data – Observations from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and ESA’s Gaia mission reveal that gravitational influences from nearby galaxies alter Andromeda’s trajectory.
- Influence of Neighboring Galaxies – The Triangulum Galaxy (M33) increases the likelihood of a merger, while the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) decreases it.
- Head-On Collision Less Likely – The probability of a direct impact is now estimated at less than 2%, meaning the galaxies may pass each other without merging.
🔸 What This Means for the Milky Way
- If a collision does occur, the Milky Way and Andromeda would merge into a new elliptical galaxy, often referred to as “Milkomeda”.
- If the galaxies only pass close to each other, the Milky Way’s structure may remain intact, avoiding a dramatic transformation.
🔸 Way Forward
- Further Observations Needed – Scientists will continue refining galactic motion models to improve predictions.
- Dark Matter Influence – The role of dark matter and dark energy in shaping galaxy interactions remains uncertain.
- Cosmic Perspective – Regardless of the outcome, the Sun will likely die before any collision occurs, making the event irrelevant to humanity’s fate.
🔸 Importance for UPSC
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- Science & Technology (GS-III) – Advances in astronomical simulations and galaxy evolution.
- Space & Cosmology (GS-III) – Role of gravitational interactions in shaping the universe.
- Global Scientific Collaboration (GS-II) – Contributions of NASA, ESA, and international research teams.
DEEPIKA PARASHAR
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