Turning Brain Drain into Brain Gain: India’s “Star Faculty” Strategy

Posted inCurrent Affairs, Essay, Governance, Society, Technology
UPSC Syllabus Link GS Paper I (Society & Geography): Effects of Globalization; Migration (Brain Drain vs. Reverse Migration); Indian Diaspora. GS Paper II (Governance): Government Policies for development in various sectors; Indian Diaspora (Role in Soft Power). GS Paper III (Science & Economy): Achievements of Indians in S&T; Indigenization of technology; Mobilization of resources (R&D Funding). Essay Topics: "Innovation is the key to Viksit Bharat," "Brain Drain: Crisis or Opportunity?" Context: The Government of India is reportedly finalizing a new "Star Faculty" scheme to attract high-achieving Indian-origin researchers from the US and other advanced economies. This move comes at a…

In-depth Analysis: E-Waste Surge & Microplastic Contamination – A Dual Threat

Posted inCurrent Affairs, Economy, Environment, Essay
Syllabus Link GS Paper III (Environment): Directly links to Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Conservation, and Disaster Management (Hazardous waste).GS Paper III (Economy): Critical for the Blue Economy (fisheries, marine resources) and Circular Economy (resource recovery).Prelims: High probability of questions on E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, EPR framework, Microplastics types (primary vs. secondary), and specific pollution indices.Essay: Sustainable Development vs. Consumerism; "The hidden cost of the Digital Revolution." The News Context and Data Analysis E-Waste Explosion: India has solidified its position as the third-largest e-waste generator globally (after China and the US), generating an estimated 2.2 million tonnes in 2025. This surge…