PRELIMS BITS – TRIBES Habitat: They are a nomadic tribal community living in the Biligiriranga Hills region of Southern Karnataka and parts of Tamil Nadu. Forest Rights: In 2011, they became the first tribal community to secure legal rights to the forest while living inside a tiger reserve. Livelihood: Depend …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Health Concerns: Black plastic products contain a flame-retardant chemical called decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), which has been linked to human health risks. Source & Composition: Black plastic is often made from recycled electronic waste (such as computers, TVs, and appliances). Electronics contain harmful substances, including: Flame retardants …

PRELIMS BITS – SPECIES Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater Context The first recorded breeding site of the Blue-Cheeked Bee-Eater in Peninsular India was discovered in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu. This finding extends its breeding range further south, changing its status from a seasonal migrant to a year-round resident in Tamil Nadu. Habitat This species …

GS 1 – HISTORY Context The Battle of Karnal, fought on February 24, 1739, was a decisive conflict between Nadir Shah, the Persian ruler, and Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah, also known as Rangila. This battle marked a significant turning point in the decline of the Mughal Empire. Background By the …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Munda tribals of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Odisha, have protested against restrictions on accessing their sacred groves, which have been converted into a tiger enclosure for the translocated tigress Zeenat. About Similipal Tiger Reserve Location: Mayurbhanj district, Odisha Declared a Tiger Reserve under Project …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Context: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella showcased Project Farm Vibes in Baramati, highlighting its success in improving crop yield by 40% and reducing fertilizer use by 25%. The initiative, in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, is now expanding from 1,000 to 50,000 farmers. What is …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT  – SPECIES Context: China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, highlighted the historical significance of the Tea Horse Road, emphasizing its role in India-China trade via Tibet. What is the Tea Horse Road? Also known as Chamadao, it was an ancient trade route linking China, Tibet, and …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo) has established India’s first wildlife biobank in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). What is a Biobank? A biobank is a specialized repository that collects, preserves, and manages biological samples such as blood, …

GS 2 – POLITY Context: The border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka has resurfaced due to linguistic tensions in Belagavi, leading to renewed legal and political confrontations over territorial claims. Origins of the Dispute State Reorganisation Act, 1956: This Act reorganized Indian states based on linguistic lines, sparking disputes over …