The ’80s throwback and the invisible cost of AI-generated nostalgia
The article title suggests an analysis of Artificial Intelligence's role in generating nostalgia, exploring its hidden or unacknowledged costs and implications.
Read analysisCurrent Affairs
Editorials
Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.
12 September 2026
A BRICS primer for the ‘naraz fufas’
This article, titled 'A BRICS primer for the ‘naraz fufas’', is an introductory piece designed to explain the BRICS grouping. It likely covers its formation, member countries, objectives, and its significance in the context of global geopolitics and economy, aiming to clarify its importance to a skeptical or uninformed audience.
Read analysisMore heft: On India and the 18th BRICS Summit
The article discusses India's challenging role as host of the 18th BRICS Summit, navigating global conflicts involving member states and pressure from the United States. It highlights the grouping's evolution and expansion since 2024, its growing economic and demographic heft, and its significance as a counter to Western-led blocs. The summit presents a crucial diplomatic opportunity for India to reconcile diverse interests and advance its global ambitions.
Read analysisThe BRICS bank — an alternative that wasn’t
The article critically examines the BRICS bloc's long-standing promise to establish an alternative to the Western-dominated global financial order, specifically through institutions like a new bank (New Development Bank) and a reserve fund (Contingent Reserve Arrangement) to rival the World Bank and IMF, and to reduce the dominance of the U.S. dollar. It concludes that, despite the rhetoric, these ambitions have largely not materialized due to the BRICS countries' deep integration into the existing global financial system.
Read analysisA bigger BRICS, shaped by India’s vision
The article discusses the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi (2026), highlighting its significance amidst global geopolitical shifts and the expansion of BRICS to 11 members, whose collective economic output now surpasses the G-7. It emphasizes India's leadership in shaping the BRICS agenda, focusing on 'building resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability' (RICS). India's approach involves extensive preparatory meetings and initiatives across political-security, finance-economy, and culture-people-to-people pillars. Key initiatives include a Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids, Logistics Supply Chain Framework, Centres of Excellence on Agro-Ecology, proposals for a start-up innovation fund, digital public infrastructure repository, and cooperation in areas like mental wellness, urbanisation, women's digital capacity, education, and sustainable aviation fuels. The article concludes that BRICS is crucial for enhancing members' strategic options and driving a multipolar world, aligning with India's foreign policy.
Read analysis11 September 2026
25 years on, America’s response to 9/11 is its biggest self-inflicted hurt
The article, titled '25 years on, America’s response to 9/11 is its biggest self-inflicted hurt,' likely analyzes the long-term negative consequences and unintended outcomes of the United States' foreign policy and security decisions in the two and a half decades following the September 11, 2001 attacks. It suggests a critical perspective on how these responses have ultimately harmed American interests.
Read analysisNew research on endometriosis is a step towards managing a long-neglected disease
The article discusses new research efforts aimed at better managing endometriosis, a disease that has historically been neglected.
Read analysisFrom Jantar Mantar to Noida workers protest, Court protects space for protest. It needs to
Based solely on the title, this article likely discusses the Indian judiciary's role in safeguarding the fundamental right to protest, citing instances like protests at Jantar Mantar and by Noida workers. It would emphasize the constitutional protection afforded to democratic dissent and the balance between this right and public order.
Read analysisShould the use of Gen AI be banned among younger students in schools?
The article discusses the ongoing debate regarding the use of Generative AI (Gen AI) among younger students in schools, prompted by New York City's moratorium on such tools. Educationists Lavina Jaswani and Deepa Jacob explore the benefits, such as personalized learning, resource creation for teachers, and gamified experiences, alongside the significant risks, including over-reliance, hindering critical thinking, potential for misinformation (AI hallucination), and the lack of human connection. They advocate for a balanced approach where AI serves as an assistant to teachers, emphasizing the importance of teaching critical thinking and responsible AI use rather than outright bans, especially given AI's increasing integration into daily life.
Read analysisRude lessons: On the U.S.-Canada trade dispute, lessons for India
The article analyzes the U.S.-Canada trade dispute, highlighting key lessons for India regarding its own international trade policy. It details the long history of economic integration between the U.S. and Canada, including NAFTA, and how their relationship has deteriorated due to tariff disputes. The first lesson for India is not to take favorable treatment from the U.S. for granted. The second is to carefully weigh the pros and cons of trade deals, as benefits might not outweigh costs, and tariff pressures can persist even after a deal. The third lesson emphasizes that any perceived advantage from a trade deal can quickly vanish. The article advises India to maintain its cautious approach to trade agreements, ensuring clear advantages before committing.
Read analysisA unilateral America in a post-unipolar world
The article analyzes how the U.S. 'global war on terrorism' post-9/11, marked by military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, paradoxically eroded American unipolarity. It details the rise of new terrorist groups like ISIS, the strengthening of regional rivals such as Iran, and the destabilization of West Asia and North Africa. The article argues that despite its unilateral actions, the U.S. is increasingly at odds with an emerging multipolar world order, with China and Russia challenging its influence, and highlights the long-term geopolitical consequences of these interventions up to 2026.
Read analysisGrowth spurt: On data by Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Associations
The article analyzes data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Associations (FADA) showing a 17.5% year-on-year increase in vehicle registrations in August, marking an all-time high for the month. Key trends include alternative powertrains (CNG, electric, hybrids) leading passenger vehicle sales for the first time, and stronger growth in rural areas (19.7%) compared to urban areas (15.1%), possibly driven by non-farm rural incomes and state capital expenditure. However, caution is advised due to factors like a strong previous month (July), a decline in tractor sales, high dealer inventories, and the fact that many 'alternative' powertrains still rely on fossil fuels (CNG, most hybrids). The article notes the impact of a previous GST reduction and the shift towards cheaper-to-run alternatives due to fuel price concerns.
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