How coal gasification can ensure energy security
• Surface coal gasification converts coal into synthetic gas (Syngas) using heat, steam and limited oxygen instead of directly burning coal.
• Syngas can produce hydrogen, fertilisers, fuels and chemicals, helping India reduce import dependence.
• India aims to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030 and has approved a ₹37,500-crore promotion scheme.
• Coal gasification can lower energy costs and reduce vulnerability to global fuel supply disruptions.
• Major players include Coal India Limited, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and GAIL (India) Limited.
• The technology is seen as a transitional bridge for cleaner energy because syngas produces lower emissions than conventional coal burning.
• However, high water usage and wastewater management remain key environmental concerns.

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This session covers the last 15 years International Relations PYQs with detailed analysis of geopolitics, India’s foreign policy, global organizations, and current international developments 🌍
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Reimagine Brics for present times
• Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are expected to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi, increasing its global significance.
• At a time when the Western-led liberal world order is weakening, BRICS has the potential to emerge as an important platform for shaping a multipolar global order.
• BRICS members differ on several issues such as: Ukraine conflict, West Asia tensions, Iran-related disputes, India-China differences over Pakistan.
• Despite differences, BRICS members broadly agree on: Reforming global governance institutions, Expanding representation of Global South countries, Reducing dominance of a single power bloc.
• The grouping provides a platform for dialogue and functional cooperation even when consensus on geopolitical conflicts is difficult.
• India’s balanced relations with Russia, Ukraine, the U.S. and West Asian countries give it potential diplomatic space to mediate and promote peace.
• The article argues that India, as BRICS chair, faces the challenge of managing internal divisions while building cooperation on common issues such as: Energy security, Climate change, Global governance reforms,

📰 The Hindu Analysis | 22nd May 2026 🔥
Start your day with the most important Current Affairs for UPSC & State PCS. Get exam-focused analysis of key national, international, economy, polity, environment, and science & tech developments.
⏰ Join us LIVE at 9:30 AM
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TODAY’S IMPORTANT NEWS:
1-Caste away People must have the option to state they are casteless in the Census:
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/caste-away-on-the-court-and-caste-count/article71007136.ece
2- Should the rupee be left to depreciate?:
https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/should-the-rupee-be-left-to-depreciate/article71007759.ece
3-How does the Gaganyaan’s life-support system operate?:
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/how-does-the-gaganyaans-life-support-system-operate/article71007835.ece
4-Immediate and deeper factors behind Re fall:
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/immediate-and-deeper-factors-behind-re-fall/article71007298.ece
5-Lessons from the new Ebola outbreak:
https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/lessons-from-the-new-ebola-outbreak-101779376675370-amp.html

How does the Gaganyaan’s life-support system operate?
• Indian Space Research Organisation’s Gaganyaan uses the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) to maintain earth-like conditions in space.
• The system manages breathable air, oxygen supply, temperature, humidity, water and waste disposal inside the spacecraft.
• Carbon dioxide is removed using lithium hydroxide canisters, while oxygen is supplied from storage systems.
• Cooling systems regulate cabin temperature and humidity for astronaut safety and equipment protection.
• Water is stored in special pouches for use in microgravity, where liquids float instead of pouring normally.
• Waste is collected through suction-based systems and stored safely after chemical treatment.
• Fire safety is ensured through smoke detectors and water-mist fire extinguishers.

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TODAY’S IMPORTANT NEWS:
1-The U.S. ends Russia oil waiver, implications for India:
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-us-ends-russia-oil-waiver-implications-for-india/article71018329.ece
2-India’s green transition still runs on coal:
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/indias-green-transition-still-runs-on-coal/article71018368.ece#:.
3-What is China’s Hainan FTP initiative?:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/what-is-chinas-hainan-ftp-initiative-explained/article71017676.ece
4-Long-awaited anti-COVID drug is also a milestone against future viruses:
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/long-awaited-anti-covid-drug-ensitrelvir-milestone-against-future-viruses/article71014404.ece
5-Creating semicon dependency?:
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/creating-semicon-dependency/article71018454.ece

Why Ebola is turning into a public health emergency
• The World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
• Ebola is a severe viral disease with a high fatality rate and spreads through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids and contaminated surfaces.
• The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus strain and is spreading due to weak healthcare systems and conflict in affected regions.
• Symptoms include fever, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding.
• The WHO said the outbreak is not yet a global pandemic but requires coordinated international response.
• India has issued travel advisories and screening measures for passengers arriving from affected countries.

TODAY’S IMPORTANT NEWS:
1-Finance Commission transfers and equity issue:
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/finance-commission-transfers-and-equity-issue/article71022107.
2-From black to grey India needs to prepare for a future with an ageing population:
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/from-black-to-grey-on-the-sample-registration-system-statistical-report-2024/article71021273.ece
3-India and Australia – bridging the trade and trust barrier:
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/india-and-australia-bridging-the-trade-and-trust-barrier/article71022165.ece
4-Physicists are finding new ways to make electrons act strangely:
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/how-physicists-are-finding-new-ways-to-make-electrons-act-strangely/article71014479.ece
5-Time to stop slipping on oil:
https://www.business-standard.com/opinion/columns/time-to-stop-slipping-on-oil-renewable-energy-can-shield-india-from-shocks-126052501820_1.html

Why is the Indian rupee falling?
• The Indian rupee is falling mainly due to high oil imports, trade deficits and foreign investor outflows.
• When imports exceed exports, demand for dollars rises and the rupee weakens.
• Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) selling Indian assets and shifting money to safer markets further reduce demand for the rupee.
• Rising U.S. interest rates and global geopolitical tensions have accelerated capital outflows from India.
• A weaker rupee increases the cost of imports like crude oil and fuel, adding inflationary pressure.
• The Reserve Bank of India intervenes using forex reserves to stabilise the rupee and control excessive depreciation.

Suggested changes in Index of Industrial Production (IIP) a leap forward
•proposed reforms in the Index of Industrial Production to better reflect India’s changing industrial structure.
• India last revised the IIP base year to 2011-12, but rapid technological and industrial changes have made the current index outdated.
• A Technical Advisory Committee recommended a new base year along with methodological improvements to make the index more accurate and representative.
• Key proposed changes include: Introduction of chain-linked IIP, Updated factory and product basket, New weighting pattern based on current production structure, Better coverage of renewable energy, Inclusion of gas, water supply and waste management sectors.
• The reforms also aim to improve State-level IIP methodology and eventually include data from the unorganised sector.
• The committee recommended using GST data and business registries to improve industrial activity measurement.
• The revised IIP series is expected to start from the April 2026 release.