PRELIMS BITS:  Concept: Technological improvements that make resources more efficient often lead to an increase in their overall consumption. Origin: Introduced by economist William Stanley Jevons in 1865. Examples: Fuel efficiency and digital technology leading to greater consumption.  

PRELIMS BITS:  Location: In Assam, bordered by the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers. Ecology: Known for its diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species. Conservation: Focus on conserving the white-winged wood duck. FAQs: Answers about the park’s significance, river, and famous tree.

PRELIMS BITS:  Location: Found in Nagaland and Manipur, especially in Dzukou Valley. Conservation Issue: Low natural regeneration due to human activity and wildfires. Key Facts: The tree has pink flowers, pollinated by fire-tailed sunbirds. FAQs: Explains the tree type and its habitat

PRELIMS BITS:  Launch: Part of National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) launched in August 2023. Purpose: Supports innovators in technical textiles, offering grants up to ₹50 lakh for startups and research. Focus Areas: Agro-textiles, building textiles, medical textiles, etc. FAQs: Covers the outlay and definition of technical textiles.

PRELIMS BITS:  Establishment: Founded in 2002, it prosecutes individuals for serious crimes such as genocide and war crimes. Jurisdiction: Can only act if the nation where the crime occurred or the accused is a signatory to the Rome Statute. Members: 125 countries, excluding China, India, Israel, Russia, and the U.S. …

PRELIMS BITS:  Objective: To formalize self-help group (SHG) transactions within India’s credit system, allowing better financial assessment. Benefits: Financial Inclusion: Improves access to financial services for rural women entrepreneurs. Credit Cards for Micro-enterprises: Customized credit products, with limits up to ₹5 lakh. Improved Credit Assessment: Digital framework for assessing creditworthiness. …

PRELIMS BITS:  Overview: NavIC is India’s regional satellite navigation system, providing accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing services over India and up to 1500 km beyond its borders. Development: It was developed by ISRO, with the first satellite launched in 2013. It currently consists of eight satellites, with plans for expansion …

PRELIMS BITS:  Development: The Pinaka MRLS, developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment, was first used in the Kargil War. Features: It has a range of 60-75 km and can carry 12 rockets per launcher. The guided version uses INS/GPS navigation for precision strikes. Recent Development: The Union Defence …

PRELIMS BITS:  Location: The Kanjar tribe is a nomadic group found in North India, Kashmir, and Pakistan. History: Labeled a “criminal tribe” during colonial rule, they were decriminalized after Independence. Demographics: Around 5,000 Kanjar live in Pakistan, with larger populations in India. They typically do not own land and travel …

PRELIMS BITS:  Location: Pong Dam Lake, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar, is located in Himachal Pradesh, India. Significance: It is one of the largest man-made wetlands in Northern India, covering 307 sq km. It was designated a Ramsar site in 2002. Flora: The sanctuary contains submerged vegetation, grasslands, and …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH:  Context The evolution of digital technology in India has greatly impacted the education sector, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the digital transformation in rural India. While access to technology has increased, significant challenges remain in ensuring equitable educational outcomes for all, especially the underprivileged. …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH: AI is transforming industries and geopolitics, highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks to protect vulnerable individuals. India must play a pivotal role in shaping global AI safety while ensuring its competitive edge. AI and Geopolitics AI transcends national borders, requiring international governance. India, with 30% AI …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH:  Context The global AI race is intensifying, with the US heavily investing in semiconductors and new open-source models challenging proprietary AI. India has the potential to lead in AI, supported by strong digital infrastructure and a skilled workforce. India’s Strengths in AI Ecosystem: India supports both …

PRELIMS BITS:  Context: Scientists achieved the first kangaroo embryos through IVF. Significance: Conservation Impact: Potential preservation of endangered marsupial species. Examples: Kangaroos, koalas, and opossums. Biodiversity: Supports conservation and biodiversity protection efforts.

PRELIMS BITS:  Context: The Theatre Level Operational Exercise 2025 (TROPEX-25) is underway. Key Details: Participants: Involves 65 ships, 9 submarines, and 80 aircraft, alongside Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard units. Objective: Validate warfighting skills and safeguard maritime security interests.

PRELIMS BITS:  Context: The Ministry of Ayush launched a campaign promoting Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari). Key Features: Therapeutic Benefits: Recognized in Ayurveda, particularly for women’s health. Habitat: Grows in tropical regions across Asia, Australia, and Africa.

PRELIMS BITS:  Context: Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured Goma in the eastern DRC. Key Details: Background: M23 formed after a 2009 accord between the Congolese government and CNDP. Leadership: Dominated by ethnic Tutsis. Accusation: Government failure to implement the peace agreement prompted rebellion.

PRELIMS BITS:  Context: Environmentalists criticized Karnataka’s decision to open Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary for safaris. Key Facts: Establishment: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in December 2011. Location: Western Ghats, Belgaum district. Biodiversity: Only known breeding ground for the Wroughton’s free-tailed bat. Concerns: Threat to ecological balance due to human intervention.

PRELIMS BITS:  Context: The Ministry of Skill Development, in partnership with NITI Aayog, launched the Swavalambini Programme. Key Features: Target Areas: Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Components: Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) and Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP). Mentorship: Six months of mentorship for sustainable venture development.

PRELIMS BITS:  Context: The Daya River in Odisha is historically linked to Emperor Ashoka’s transformation. Key Points: Location: Flows through Khurda and Puri districts, emptying into Chilika Lake. Kalinga War: Associated with the 261 BCE war; believed to have run red with soldiers’ blood, prompting Ashoka’s adoption of Buddhism.