PRELIMS BITS About IBCA: The IBCA was officially launched in 2023 and is headquartered in India. It is a coalition of 95 countries dedicated to conserving seven major big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. It aims to promote collaboration and synergy in global big cat …

PRELIMS BITS  Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing: Initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and Make in India aim to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. Diversification of Trade Partners: India is forging new trade agreements with countries like the UAE, Australia, and the EU. Reducing Dependence on China: India is adopting a China+1 …

GS3 INTERNAL SECURITY Overview: Bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Commenced recently, aiming to strengthen defence ties and interoperability between the two forces. Background: “Ekuverin” means “friends” in Dhivehi. Launched in 2009 and hosted alternately by India and Maldives. Reflects long-standing friendly relations …

PRELIMS BITS Definition: SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit, around one-third of the size of traditional reactors. Key Features: Modular Construction: SMRs are designed for factory fabrication and transport, allowing easier and quicker deployment. Incremental Deployment: They can be deployed …

GS2 GOVERNANCE  The SWAMIH Fund 2.0 is a government initiative aimed at completing stalled housing projects, particularly affordable and mid-income ones. It helps developers get the financial support they need to finish these projects and deliver homes to buyers who’ve already invested. Key Objectives: Complete Stalled Projects: Helps developers finish …

PRELIMS BITS Genesis and Approach: The EU AI Act is the first-ever legal framework for regulating artificial intelligence, which came into force in 2024 and will be fully implemented by 2026. It follows a risk-based approach, applying different rules depending on the AI system’s potential risks. Prohibitions: The act includes …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT Recent Discovery: Otters spotted in Gurez Valley after 25 years. Location: Kishangana River, Gurez Valley, Kashmir. Historical Context Common in 1990s: Eurasian otters were abundant in Kashmir rivers. Decline Post-1997: Due to habitat loss, poaching, and pesticide use. Scientific Classification Species Name: Lutra lutra Common Names: Eurasian Otter, …

PRELIMS BITS Key Objective: The goal is to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, up from the current capacity of around 8 GW. Focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): The government has allocated ₹20,000 crore for R&D to develop indigenous SMRs, with plans to operationalize five of …

GS2 POLITY  Key Provisions: Unlawful conversion classified as a cognisable and non-bailable offence. Imprisonment up to 10 years and a ₹50,000 fine for offenders. Criminalises conversions via misrepresentation, coercion, or fraudulent means. Declaration to the District Magistrate required 60 days before any conversion. Penalties: General offences: 1 to 5 years …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH Overview: SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) is set to launch on February 27, 2025, with a mission to survey the cosmos and decode mysteries of the Big Bang. Key Features: Entire sky survey with data collection in …

GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT Recent Activity: Nine minor quakes hit Uttarkashi between January 24 and February 3, 2025, sparking local concern. What is an Earthquake Swarm? A series of similar-magnitude tremors in a short period, without a distinct mainshock. Geological Context: Located in India’s high-risk seismic Zone IV, Uttarkashi is prone …

GS2 GOVERNANCE Survey Scope: Conducted over 50 days, covering 35+ million individuals and 96.9% of households. Utilized 94,863 enumerators, 9,628 supervisors, and 76,000 data operators. Population Breakdown: Implications: Aims to improve welfare schemes and job opportunities for underrepresented groups. Supports data-driven governance and policy-making under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH Overview: Innovative HEAs offer a promising alternative to precious metals in hydrogen production. New Catalyst: CeNS researchers in Bengaluru developed the PtPdCoNiMn catalyst, significantly improving water electrolysis efficiency. HEA Characteristics: Composed of five or more elements in equal proportions. Enhanced stability and versatility due to entropy-driven …

PRELIMS BITS Objective: To install rooftop solar (RTS) systems for 1 crore households, providing free electricity for up to 300 units per month. Components: The scheme includes a Model Solar Village initiative and other innovative projects across districts in India. Subsidy and Loans: The government offers a subsidy of up …

GS3 ECOLOGY& ENVIRONMENT The IBCA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization focused on big cat conservation worldwide. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, to mark 50 years of Project Tiger, its creation was endorsed by the Indian Union Cabinet on February 29, 2024, with headquarters in India. …

PRELIMS BITS Location: Situated in Jorhat district, Assam, it is known for its rich biodiversity, especially its Hoolock Gibbons, the only gibbons in India. Threats: There are concerns about proposed oil exploration activities within its eco-sensitive zone that may harm local wildlife. Legal Issues: The Supreme Court of India recently …

PRELIMS BITS Objective: This mission aims to promote small, medium, and large industries under the Make in India initiative, focusing on improving domestic manufacturing. Key Focus Areas: Ease of doing business, MSMEs, technology availability, and quality products. It also emphasizes Clean Tech Manufacturing, such as solar PV cells, EV batteries, …