Prelims Bits Date: January 28 to February 4, 2025 Location: Keslapur village, Telangana Community: Mesram clan of Adivasi Gonds Significance Dedicated to the serpent deity, Nagoba. Symbolizes the deep connection between Adivasis and nature. Strengthens traditional customs and collective identity among the Gonds. Rituals and Ceremonies Begins with Varooli Prathishta: …

Prelims Bits Context The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has approved the reconstruction of the Teesta-III hydroelectric project’s dam in Sikkim, following its destruction due to a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in October 2023. Despite environmental concerns, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) sanctioned the project without …

GS 2 – GOVERNANCE Context : The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 highlights significant progress in early childhood education across rural India, showing increased preschool enrollment and improvements in foundational literacy and numeracy skills. About ASER Conducted by Pratham Education Foundation, ASER is a large-scale, citizen-led household survey …

GS 3 – DEFENCE Context : The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will feature Pralay, India’s first short-range quasi-ballistic missile for conventional strikes, in the 2025 Republic Day parade. Overview of Pralay Missile Inception: Conceptualized in 2015. Type: An indigenous, short-range quasi-ballistic missile developed by DRDO, comparable to Russia’s …

GS 3 – INTERNAL SECURITY PNB has become the first Indian bank to implement Clari5’s National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) Integration Solution, enhancing its capabilities to manage cybercrime complaints and fraud prevention. This system integrates with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) for real-time complaint management. Key Features: Real-Time Lien …

GS 2 – POLITY On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which standardizes personal laws across communities, ensuring equality in matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. Key Features: Unified Legal Standards: Establishes uniform laws for marriage, divorce, …

GS 2 – POLITY The Waqf Amendment Bill (2024) seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995 to improve the management of Waqf properties. Key amendments include: Retaining the “Waqf by User” concept, recognizing properties used for religious purposes as Waqf. Allowing two non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board. Mandating …

Prelims Bits Discovery: Identified by researchers at Banaras Hindu University Target Host: Found affecting Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver/Khus) Identification Process Morpho-cultural analysis: Key traits observed Molecular phylogenetic studies: Confirmed the species as distinct The fungus formed a separate clade from related Epicoccum species Significance of Vetiver (Khus) Valued for medicinal properties: …

Prelims Bits Location: Greater Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh Area: 325 hectares Environmental Threats Pollution from untreated wastewater discharge into wetland channels. Degradation of habitat affecting biodiversity. Significance Critical for biodiversity, hosting migratory birds during winter. Supports species like Spot-billed Duck, Bar-headed Goose, and Red-crested Pochard. Features tropical …

GS 1 – HISTORY Origin: Etikoppaka village, Andhra Pradesh Significance: Showcased during the 76th Republic Day parade Historical Background The craft dates back over 400 years, with roots linked to ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley. Passed down through generations, it embodies the cultural legacy of Andhra Pradesh. Artisans have …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Location: Baddal village, Jammu and Kashmir Casualties: 17 deaths reported Incident Overview Residents exhibited symptoms like fever, respiratory distress, and sweating. Rapid onset of symptoms raised concerns about environmental contamination. Health experts suspect organophosphate poisoning as the probable cause. About Organophosphates Synthetic chemicals developed in the …

GS 2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION Libia Lobo Sardesai, a prominent freedom fighter, played a crucial role in Goa’s struggle for independence from Portuguese rule. Her recent recognition with the Padma Shri award highlights her enduring legacy in India’s freedom narrative. Early Life and Inspiration Born in 1924 in Portuguese-ruled Goa, …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT The endangered Olive Ridley turtles are renowned for their mass nesting phenomenon called “arribada.” In 2024, they skipped nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth, but experts anticipate a significant nesting event in 2025. Mass Nesting Behaviour Olive Ridley turtles follow a cyclical nesting pattern, typically every …