GS 1 – GEOGRAPHY Time Zone: IST (UTC+05:30) was adopted in 1906 and standardized post-independence at 82°30’E near Mirzapur. Key Provisions: Exclusive Use of IST: Mandates IST for all official and commercial activities. Time-Synchronisation Systems: Establish mechanisms to ensure precise and secure timekeeping. Importance of Standard Timekeeping: Sectors Benefited: Banking, …

Prelims bits Announcement: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Dibrugarh will be developed as Assam’s second capital to enhance connectivity, regional development, and ease of living. Historical Context of Dibrugarh: Militant Past: Dibrugarh was once a hub for militancy, particularly involving ULFA(I). Resilience: Despite past unrest, the city …

PRELIMS BITS The Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled two major tourism projects aimed at enhancing the state’s tourism infrastructure. These projects have received significant funding under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, approved by the Ministry of Tourism. Key Projects and Funding Akhanda Godavari Project Funding: ₹98 …

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Researchers at IIT Madras have made significant progress in developing technologies for constructing habitats on the Moon by successfully extracting silicon carbide (SiC) from simulated lunar soil. This breakthrough holds potential for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) during lunar missions. About Lunar Regolith Definition: Lunar …

GS 3 – GEOGRAPHY Recent studies by IIT-Bombay and ETH Zurich highlight the increasing occurrence of oppressive heatwaves in India. These events, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, pose severe health risks and are expected to worsen with global warming. Definition of Heatwaves General Definition: Periods of excessively high temperatures. …

PRELIMS BITS The Shompens, an indigenous tribe of the Great Nicobar Islands, face existential threats due to government-led infrastructure projects, notably the Great Nicobar Project. About the Shompens A Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in India. Population: 229 (2011 Census). Dependent on tropical forests for sustenance, with a diet primarily …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Blue carbon ecosystems, encompassing mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses, are vital carbon sinks that significantly outperform traditional forests in carbon sequestration. What Are Blue Carbon Ecosystems? Coastal and marine habitats that capture and store carbon. Crucial for biodiversity, marine life habitats, and coastal protection from erosion …

GS1 – SOCIETY The Koraga tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), is witnessing a population decline from 20,000 two decades ago to approximately 16,000 today, with projections indicating further drops to around 12,000. Challenges Faced Health and Demographics: Falling birth rates and high infant mortality. Widespread malnutrition and limited …

GS 3 – ECONOMY The effectiveness of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), a key mechanism for resolving distressed debts in India, is waning. Case admissions to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) hit a six-year low in 2023-24, and recovery rates for banks have sharply declined, raising concerns about …

GS 3 – ECONOMY The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), officially notified on January 24, 2025, introduces a revamped retirement benefits framework for government employees. Designed to replace the National Pension System (NPS) for post-2004 entrants, the UPS guarantees assured retirement payouts, addressing long-standing concerns about the lack of pension security. …

GS 3 – ECONOMY India’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves fell by $1.88 billion to $623.983 billion as of January 17, 2025, following a sharper decline of $8.714 billion the previous week. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cites market interventions and asset valuation changes as reasons for the drop. About …