PRELIMS BITS:  Overview: The Government of India has launched an upgraded Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) Version 2, designed to improve search and rescue (SAR) operations in the Indian Ocean region. Key Improvements: Enhanced Computation: SARAT now anchors search areas to the Last Known Position (LKP) for more accurate …

PRELIMS BITS:  Sources and Formation: Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) forms during the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Key sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and coal-fired power plants. Health Effects: NO₂ exposure causes airway inflammation, worsens respiratory conditions, and reduces lung function. Children and individuals with …

PRELIMS BITS Overview: The Government of India has restructured its Skill India Programme by integrating three major schemes — Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme. An allocation of ₹8,800 crore has been made for its …

PRELIMS BITS:  Overview: Launched in 2025, this initiative aims to foster women entrepreneurship in Northeast India. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and NITI Aayog, it focuses on empowering women in higher education institutions across Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Key Features: Promotes entrepreneurial awareness and business …

PRELIMS BITS:  Overview: Announced in the 2025 budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Grameen Credit Score Scheme aims to boost financial inclusion for Self Help Groups (SHGs) and rural women entrepreneurs by assessing their creditworthiness. Key Features: Tailored for rural women entrepreneurs in SHGs. Helps formalize SHG transactions and …

PRELIMS BITS Key Issue: The debate has intensified over Oil India Limited’s (OIL) proposal for oil exploration using Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) technology in Assam’s Dibru Saikhowa National Park. Despite environmental concerns, the Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) recommended the R&D proposal with strict conditions. ERD Technology Overview: Enables …

GS III: Science & Technology   Recent Development Scientists at the University of Oxford have successfully linked quantum computers using quantum teleportation, advancing large-scale quantum networking. What is Quantum Teleportation? Quantum teleportation transfers the state of a quantum particle to another distant particle using quantum entanglement, without physical movement. It is …

GS III: Economy  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%, the first cut in nearly five years, to boost economic growth by making borrowing cheaper. What is the Repo Rate? The repo rate is the interest rate at which RBI …

GSIII: Science & Technology Recent Development India is set to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol ahead of schedule, enhancing energy security and cutting crude oil imports. What is Ethanol Fuel? Ethanol is a renewable biofuel made from sugarcane, grains, and molasses. Blending it with petrol reduces emissions, improves fuel …

GS III: Agriculture What is Feminisation of Agriculture? The feminisation of agriculture refers to the increasing role of women in farming due to male migration for better job opportunities. While this trend expands women’s participation, it also raises concerns about gender inequality in agriculture. Women’s Role in Agriculture 63% of …