PRELIMS BITS A recent 40-year study highlights the growing frequency and severity of multi-year droughts (MYDs), with significant impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, and water supplies. The study, covering data from 1980 to 2018, links the rise in MYDs to climate change, which intensifies drought conditions. Key Points: What Are Multi-Year …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH Recent studies have raised concerns about the effects of microplastics on brain function. Research published in Science Advances reveals that microplastics may obstruct blood circulation, leading to impaired cognitive abilities. These findings, derived from experiments on mice, underscore the need to explore their implications for human …

PRELIMS BITS Punjab, vulnerable due to its proximity to Pakistan and the Golden Crescent, is grappling with a severe drug crisis. To address this, the Punjab government has requested Rs 600 crore from the Centre for special Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) courts to expedite drug-related case hearings. Key …

PRELIMS BITS  The Sinhtoo dance, a traditional folk dance of the Hatti community from the Giri region of Sirmaur district, will debut at the 76th Republic Day Parade in Delhi. This marks the first time the Sinhtoo will be showcased at such a prestigious event. The performance will feature 200 …

PRELIMS BITS Recent research on cyanobacteria in the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya, has focused on harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs), which are becoming a significant environmental concern. This study, published in January 2025, aims to better understand these blooms and provide insights that can be applied to other regions …

GS2 GOVERNANCE The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025 is an annual report that evaluates the fiscal health of Indian states. It is designed to improve fiscal governance and economic resilience through data-driven insights. The FHI uses five key sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Prudence Debt Index Debt Sustainability …

PRELIMS BITS  The Kiswah is the embroidered cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca, making it one of the most significant symbols of Islamic art. Made from silk and adorned with gold and silver threads, it showcases intricate craftsmanship, considered the pinnacle of Islamic artistry. Key Facts: Annual Replacement: The …

GS1 SOCIETY Recent archaeological studies in Tamil Nadu have pushed the timeline of iron technology back to the early 4th millennium BCE, significantly earlier than the previously accepted period of 1500-2000 BCE. Key Findings: Over 85 iron objects, including tools and weapons, were found, indicating advanced metallurgical techniques. Sites like …

PRELIMS BITS China’s EAST reactor set a new record by sustaining plasma for 1,000 seconds, surpassing the previous 403-second record in 2023. This milestone brings nuclear fusion closer to continuous power generation, offering a promising alternative to fossil fuels. About Nuclear Fusion: Fusion, the process powering the sun, merges atomic …

PRELIMS BITS Milestone Launch: ISRO is set to mark its 100th launch on January 29, 2025, with the GSLV-F15 mission, which will deploy the NVS-02 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This mission strengthens India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), an independent regional navigation system. NavIC Overview: Regional Navigation …

PRELIMS BITS  Overview: Launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 24, 2025, the SANJAY Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) enhances the operational capabilities of the Indian Army by integrating ground and aerial sensors for a comprehensive battlefield picture. Key Features: Automated System: Processes data from various sensors, ensuring accuracy and …

GS2 POLITY Overview: The Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) was made mandatory for wage payments under MGNREGA from January 1, 2024, aiming to improve efficiency and transparency. However, recent studies have raised concerns about its effectiveness compared to traditional bank account payment methods. Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS): ABPS links wage payments …

GS2 GOVERNANCE Overview: Launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in August 2023, the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) has facilitated ₹38,000 crore in loans across 7.5 lakh transactions. ULI aims to streamline credit delivery by connecting lenders to diverse data sources via a single interface. What is ULI? ULI …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT  Overview: Water storage levels in major reservoirs across India have been declining for the twelfth consecutive week, as reported by the Central Water Commission (CWC). This decline is largely due to deficient post-monsoon and winter rainfall, raising concerns about future water availability for various sectors. Current Water Storage: …

GS3 – DISASATER MANAGEMENT Overview: Forest fires in India have reached alarming levels, with over 1.1 million incidents recorded across five fire seasons. The peak fire season, from November to June, severely affects ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities, yet often receives less global attention compared to wildfires in other regions …

PRELIMS BITS Key Issue: An RTI response from the Union Labour Ministry revealed that ₹70,744.16 crore in cess funds for construction workers remain unutilised. This raises concerns about the welfare of millions of workers in India. Background: The Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996, aims to regulate employment …

PRELIMS BITS  Overview: INS Sarvekshak of the Indian Navy completed a hydrographic survey covering over 25,000 square nautical miles in Mauritius. The findings were handed over on January 23, 2025, by India’s High Commissioner to Mauritius, Anurag Srivastava, to President Dharambeer Gokhool. This marks a key development in India-Mauritius maritime …