UPSC Prep Lab

How Common are Cloudbursts in India?: According to the IMD, a cloudburst is 10 cm or more rainfall within one hour over a 20–30 sq. km area, causing sudden flash floods. Cloudbursts are rare but increasing due to global warming. They occur mainly in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, especially during July–August. They develop when warm, moisture-laden air rises rapidly (orographic lifting) over mountains, forming towering cumulonimbus clouds that release intense rainfall in a short time. Cloudbursts are highly localized and short-lived, making them difficult to predict due to limited weather stations, radar blind spots in mountains, and coarse weather models. The term "cloudburst" is often misused, sometimes masking the role of illegal construction, poor drainage, deforestation, and weak infrastructure in disaster impacts. Under Mission Mausam, India is expanding its Doppler radar network, improving automatic weather stations, adopting AI-based hyperlocal forecasting, and strengthening nowcasting systems.

TODAY’S IMPORTANT NEWS: 1-The next DPI — how India can commoditise AI https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-next-dpi-how-india-can-commoditise-ai/article71287139.ece 2-Temporary respite June’s strong industrial performance is not a sign of things to come: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/temporary-respite-on-the-june-2026-data-for-the-index-of-industrial-production/article71286064.ece 3-The fragile base of digital India: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/the-fragile-base-of-digital-india/article71287109.ece#:~:text= 4-It’s a recipe for nuclear proliferation: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/donald-trump-saudi-nuclear-deal-middle-east-arms-race-10811153/ 5-The seas need rules, not just warships: https://dailypioneer.com/news/the-seas-need-rules-not-just-warships

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The IACS and the Making of Modern Indian Science: The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), founded in 1876, completed 150 years, marking the beginning of modern scientific research by Indians. Mahendralal Sircar established IACS to promote scientific self-reliance, believing that scientific education was essential for India's intellectual and national progress. First National Scientific Institution: IACS became India’s first national institution dedicated to scientific research, created to provide opportunities denied under colonial rule. It played a pivotal role in the Bengal Renaissance, nurturing generations of Indian scientists and strengthening the country's scientific ecosystem. Sir C.V. Raman conducted his landmark research at IACS, leading to the discovery of the Raman Effect (1928) and earning the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics, the first for an Asian scientist in science. IACS laid the foundation for scientific excellence, innovation, and indigenous research, inspiring the growth of modern Indian science. The institute symbolizes India’s journey from scientific dependence to scientific leadership, continuing to contribute to national development and global research.

TODAY’S IMPORTANT NEWS: 1-FCRA Bill 2026, a threat to civil society organisations: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/fcra-bill-2026-a-threat-to-civil-society-organisations/article71282647.ece 2-Lingering challenges India’s crisis in education should not be treated as a technical failure: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/unaddressed-challenges-on-indias-crisis-in-education/article71281233.ece 3-‘Virtual magnet’ claims reveal why EVs need their rare-earths: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/virtual-magnet-claims-reveal-electric-vehicles-need-rare-earth-magnets/article71257408.ece 4-Ethanol push can deepen water woes: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/ethanol-push-can-deepen-water-woes/article71282112.ece#:~ 5-US trade pact — a one-way street?: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/us-trade-pact-a-one-way-street/article71282117.ece

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FCNR(B) Scheme: Banks Need to Be Prepared: The RBI’s special FCNR(B) scheme has attracted US$32 billion so far and is expected to exceed the US$50–70 billion target before the September deadline, strengthening India’s foreign exchange reserves. The scheme offers higher interest rates, a zero-cost RBI swap facility for 3–5-year FCNR(B) deposits, and allows banks to provide loans or standby letters of credit against these deposits. Banks with larger overseas networks are likely to attract a greater share of NRI deposits, especially as expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate hike may accelerate inflows before the scheme closes. A key concern is liquidity risk, as high-value depositors may withdraw funds prematurely after the lock-in period or repay loans early if global interest rates rise, creating funding pressure for banks. Banks also face default risk, as while deposits secure the loan principal, borrowers may still default on interest payments or divert borrowed funds for unintended purposes. The scheme may create Asset-Liability Mismatch (ALM) risk, as long-term FCNR(B) deposits combined with premature withdrawals could disrupt banks’ liquidity management.

TODAY’S IMPORTANT NEWS: 1-The urban nightmare — a fire with no escape: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-urban-nightmare-a-fire-with-no-escape/article71277999.ece 2-Iran’s Afghan balancing act amid regional upheaval: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/irans-afghan-balancing-act-amid-regional-upheaval/article71278038.ece 3-How national security shapes business strategy: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/how-national-security-shapes-business-strategy/article71278068.ece 4-From geography to geometry of interests: The evolution of India’s strategic outlook: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-strategic-shift-geography-to-geometry-interests-10806728/ 5-Street protest is resurrection of democratic politics, not insurrection against it: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/street-protests-constitutional-democracy-jantar-mantar-cjp-10808041/