Prelims – maps  It is a constructed waterwaythat connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans across the Isthmus of Panama. It is one of the two most strategic artificial waterways in the world, the other being the Suez Canal.  It is approximately 80 kilometers long. The canal was built by the United States between 1904 and …

Prelims – Environment – Species  The Helmeted Water Toad (Calyptocephallela gayi) is a large frog species that lived alongside dinosaurs and is now called a “living fossil.” It is currently disappearing in its native Chile. Size: It is one of the largest frogs, growing over 1 foot long and weighing …

GS2 – GOVERNANCE  PAN 2.0 Project: Key Highlights Why in the News? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PAN 2.0 Project, proposed by the Income Tax Department. About PAN 2.0 Project: Objective: PAN 2.0 aims to modernize and integrate the …

GS 2 – GOVERNANCE  The article “Indians Need the Right to Disconnect,” published in The Hindu highlights the growing mental health issues and stress faced by Indian employees due to extended working hours and the inability to disconnect from work after office hours. Workplace Stress in India: Studies show that …

GS3 – AGRICULTURE  National Farmers’ Day (Kisan Diwas) was celebrated on 23rd December 2024 to honour farmers and commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh. Key Facts about Chaudhary Charan Singh: Overview: Born in 1902 in Noorpur, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, he was a prominent Indian politician and freedom fighter …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT – Species  The Ethiopian wolf, a rare and critically endangered species, serves as an unconventional pollinator, redefining traditional plant-pollinator interactions. These wolves feed on the nectar of Ethiopian red hot poker flowers, facilitating pollination by transferring pollen on their muzzles. The Ethiopian red-hot poker, a striking …

GS 3 – Internal security  Context: The Maharashtra Special Public Security Act (MSPC) Bill aims to deal with Naxalism in cities by declaring certain groups unlawful and targeting activities that disturb public order. Reasons for the MSPC Bill Urban Naxal Growth: Naxal groups are expanding into cities using front organizations. …

GS 3 – Economy  It’s a trade agreement that aims to reduce trade barriers and promote economic cooperation among 11 countries. It was signed in 2018 after the U.S. withdrew from the earlier TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership). Member Countries The 11 countries are: Australia Brunei Canada Chile Japan Malaysia Mexico New …

GS 3 – Economy  The GST Council has introduced a new system called the Track and Trace Mechanism to improve tax compliance and reduce tax evasion. Here’s a simpler breakdown: 1. Track and Trace Mechanism What It Is: A system where products will have unique identification marks on their packaging, …