PRELIMS BITS:  A recent study warns that conservation in wealthy nations may exacerbate biodiversity loss elsewhere. Definition: Biodiversity leak occurs when policies in one region unintentionally harm biodiversity in another by displacing environmental damage. Effects: Global biodiversity decline, threats to endangered species, and accelerated climate change.

PRELIMS BITS:  NASA will launch the SPHEREx Telescope aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Full Name: Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer. Scope: Will gather data from 450 million galaxies and 100 million Milky Way stars. Objective: Map the sky in optical and …

PRELIMS BITS:  The SWAYATT initiative on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) marked six years of impact. GeM is an online procurement platform for government buyers. Full Form: Startups, Women & Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions. Launch: Introduced in 2019 on GeM. Purpose: Boosts participation of women-led businesses and youth in public procurement. …

PRELIMS BITS:  The Arctic “Doomsday” Seed Vault in Svalbard recently received over 14,000 new seed samples. Location: Norwegian Arctic Island. Ownership: Managed by Norway, NordGen, and the Crop Trust. Purpose: Provides secure, free, long-term seed storage as a safeguard against disasters like war or climate change. Operation: Maintains seeds at …

PRELIMS BITS:  The BEE hosted its first international conference on Carbon Markets, PRAKRITI 2025, to explore India’s carbon market and global trends. Origin: Established under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Aim: Reduce the energy intensity of India’s economy. Vision: Enhance energy efficiency for sustainable development. Mission: Develop self-regulating, market-driven policies …

PRELIMS BITS:  The 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day was marked on February 21. Background: Observed annually since 2000, it originated from a Bangladeshi proposal approved by UNESCO in 1999. Goals: Promotes inclusion, multilingual education, and the preservation of minority and indigenous languages. Global Context: Around 40% of people …

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH:  Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, including Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Predictive Analytics, are being harnessed to modernize judicial processes, legal research, and law enforcement in India. AI’s Role in Judiciary and Law Enforcement Judicial Modernization: Phase III of the …

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH:  India’s debut indigenous semiconductor chip is slated for production by 2025, a milestone in reducing reliance on imports and bolstering its global semiconductor standing. Currently, India depends heavily on nations like Taiwan and China for chips. Benefits of Indigenous Chips Developing local chips will strengthen national …

GS3 INTERNAL SECURITY:  The UN Secretary-General has cautioned that nuclear weapons lead to a “one-way road to annihilation,” a statement made as the Doomsday Clock moved one second closer to midnight last month. Introduced in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, the Doomsday Clock symbolizes humanity’s proximity to …

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH:  India’s space sector is poised for a fivefold increase, playing a vital role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Overview of India’s Space Economy Current Value: Valued at $8.4 billion, India holds a 2% share of the global space market. Economic Contribution: Over the …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  According to a Crisil Report, India’s yearly wind power capacity additions are projected to double, rising from approximately 3.4 GW in FY 24-25 to around 7.1 GW by FY 26-27. Wind Energy in India Total Installed Capacity: As of January 2025, India’s wind energy capacity has more than …

GS3 ECONOMICS:  The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has published a report titled Tariffs and India, which evaluates the potential effects of the U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Plan and suggests strategies for the Indian government and industry to minimize losses. The U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Plan seeks to address trade imbalances by …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  A recent study raised concerns about black plastic kitchen utensils containing harmful flame retardants. However, a later correction found the risks were overstated. What Is Black Plastic? Made from recycled electronic waste like old computers and appliances. Contains toxic substances such as bromine, antimony, lead, cadmium, and mercury. …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  Launched on February 18, 2025, by Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, NAKSHA aims to modernize urban land records under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). The pilot project covers 152 urban local bodies across 26 states. What Is NAKSHA? A geospatial survey initiative improving …

GS1 CULTURE:  Herath is the Kashmiri Pandit community’s unique celebration of Mahashivratri, starting on the 13th day of Phalgun (February/March) and lasting until the new moon. The term “Herath” comes from “Har-Ratri,” meaning “night of Hara” (Lord Shiva), symbolizing the divine union of Shiva and Parvati. Historical & Cultural Significance …