PRELIMS BITS:  About Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) AFA is a security measure requiring more than one method of verification to authenticate a transaction. Initially, it was mandated only for domestic transactions to reduce fraud and increase consumer trust. It typically involves One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or biometric verification. The move …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  Context of the Dispute The Supreme Court is examining Governor’s powers in the legislative process due to delays in granting assent to Bills by the Tamil Nadu government. The case arose from petitions questioning the delayed assent by Governor RN Ravi since his appointment in 2021. Tamil Nadu …

PRELIMS BITS:  Purpose and Overview The Disturbed Areas Act regulates property transactions in areas marked by communal tensions in Gujarat. It aims to maintain communal harmony and prevent demographic imbalances in sensitive regions. What Is the Disturbed Areas Act? Enacted to control property transactions in areas affected by communal strife. …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH:  Overview Scheduled for launch in 2025, Pandora aims to study exoplanet atmospheres. The mission addresses the high demand for observation time on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Focus areas include clouds, hazes, and the presence of water in distant worlds. About Exoplanets Exoplanets orbit stars …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH: On February 7, 2025, ISRO conducted a successful ignition trial of the CE20 cryogenic engine at the High Altitude Test Facility in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This engine powers the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) and is crucial for the Gaganyaan mission. Significance of …

GS3 INTERNAL SECURITY:  Overview India recently finalized a defense agreement with Russia to acquire advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, strengthening the Indian Navy’s submarine operational capabilities. Although specific details such as cost and quantity remain undisclosed, sources confirm the deal involves the Klub-S missile system, part of the Kalibr missile family. …

GS2 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS:  Event Details Held from 7th to 11th February 2025 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Organized by the Department of Youth Affairs, Government of India. Inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 8th February 2025. Background of BIMSTEC Regional organization with seven member states: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  Project Overview Rs 21,000 crore project to link a 13 GW renewable energy park in Ladakh to the national grid in Haryana. Utilizes HVDC technology for electricity transmission over 480 km from solar and wind sources. Key Challenges Security Concerns Proximity to the China border poses security threats. …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH:  Chandrayaan-3 Mission India’s third lunar exploration mission by ISRO achieved a historic soft landing on the moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023. Key components included the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover, which collected critical data on lunar geology. Age Estimation The Shiv Shakti point is …

GS2 POLITY:  Objective PM-AJAY aims to uplift Scheduled Caste (SC) communities by combating poverty, enhancing education, and promoting employment opportunities. Core Components Adarsh Gram Development: Transforms SC-majority villages into model villages with improved infrastructure, health, education, and financial inclusion. Grants-in-Aid: Funds district and state-level livelihood projects for socio-economic development. Hostel …

GS1 ART & CULTURE:  Recent Incident: In February 2025, the Pune rural police presented a report to the NCST regarding Bhil families’ complaint against Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) for alleged attempts to displace them from a 200-acre land leased by the Maharashtra government. VSI’s Director General denied these claims. Court …