GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  Introduction Recent discoveries of two new jumping spider species in India and a new leaf-nosed bat species in Sri Lanka highlight the rich biodiversity of the region. These findings emphasize the need for further research and conservation efforts. New Spider Species in India Discovered by: University of Kerala …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  Global Language Barriers in Education 40% of the world’s population lacks access to education in a language they understand. This rises to 90% in some low- and middle-income countries. The UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report titled “Languages Matter – Global Guidance on Multilingual Education” was released on …

GS1 GEOGRAPHY:  Record-Breaking Temperatures February 2025 was the hottest February in 125 years. Average temperature: 22.04°C (1.49°C above normal). Maximum temperature: 29.07°C (second highest since 1901). Central India experienced the worst heat, with a 1.94°C temperature rise above normal. Rainfall Deficiency Overall rainfall deficit: 59% below normal. Central India saw …

GS2 POLITY: Introduction The Dramatic Performances Act of 1876 was a colonial-era law used by the British government to censor theatrical performances deemed seditious or scandalous. The Modi government repealed it as part of broader efforts to modernize India’s legal framework by removing outdated colonial laws. Background & Purpose Enacted …

GS1 ART AND CULTURE:  Introduction Amir Khusrau was a pioneer of Indo-Persian literature, music, and Sufi poetry. His legacy continues to be celebrated at the Jahan-e-Khusrau festival, reflecting the fusion of Hindu and Muslim traditions. Early Life & Background Born in 1253 to a Turkic father and Indian mother. His …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH:  Overview Nepal’s five-yearly rhino census faces uncertainty due to the suspension of USAID funding. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) lacks financial resources, threatening the planned 2025 census. The last census in 2021 recorded 752 one-horned rhinos. Importance of the Census Essential for …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  Overview The Government of India has allocated funds under the Special Assistance Scheme, offering 50-year interest-free loans to states. The scheme promotes capital investment and supports state-led reforms. Scheme Details Launched: FY 2021 with an initial allocation of ₹12,000 crore. Current Allocation: ₹1.3 trillion (FY24), with ₹30,000 crore …

GS1 SOCIETY:  Overview Obesity in India has gained attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat remarks. He highlighted that one in eight Indians is obese, especially children, and urged reduced oil consumption. The rising obesity rates demand urgent intervention. Obesity Trends in India Defined by WHO as excessive …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  Overview Northern India, especially the Indo-Gangetic Plain, faces severe air quality issues. A study in Nature Communications analyzes PM2.5 sources and their health impacts, stressing the need for localized mitigation efforts. PM2.5 Composition Samples from five urban and rural locations were analyzed. Delhi: Dominated by vehicular emissions and …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH: Mission Overview Date: March 2, 2025 Operator: Firefly Aerospace Significance: Second-ever private lunar landing. First to land upright. Part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. Landing and Location Landed at: Mons Latreille, Mare Crisium on the Moon. Preceded by: Intuitive Machines’ first commercial lunar …

PRELIMS BITS:  PubMed data shows a 376.5% rise in Giloy research over the past decade, reflecting its growing global interest in medicine. About Giloy Botanical features: It is a climbing shrub that belongs to the Menispermaceae family. Habitat: Native to tropical India, Giloy thrives at 25-45°C and up to 500 …

PRELIMS BITS:  Recently Lok Sabha speaker highlighted Banjara community’s role in protecting nature and tradition of the country. About Banjara (Bepari, Mukeai, Laban) Community Origins: Historically multireligious, multilinguistic nomadic trading caste who may have origins in Mewar region (Rajasthan). Role as Trader Nomads: They traded between villages, towns, and even …

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH:  Supreme Court recently ordered States to address transparency issues in tendering and procuring ART drugs for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) /AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) patients. About ART ART is a combination of medicines that help control HIV by reducing the virus in the body. HIV …

GS2 POLITY:  The regulation, formulated by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) aim to attract private investment in inland waterways. IWAI under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is the nodal agency for development of waterways Key Provisions of the Regulations Scope: Covers existing and new terminals, both …

GS3 ECONOMICS:  EU-India TTC establishment was announced in 2022 as a key bilateral platform to address challenges at the confluence of trade, trusted technology and security. It has 3 working groups, one each on: Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity Clean and Green Technologies Trade, Investment and Resilient Value …

GS3 ECONOMICS: The report recognizes that India needs to grow by 7.8% on average over the next 22 years to become High-Income Country (HIC) by 2047. India became a Low Middle-Income Country (LMIC) in 2007-08 and is currently on track to become an Upper Middle-Income Country (UMIC) by 2032. Key …

GS2 SOCIETY:  UGC Caste Discrimination Rules: Latest Updates The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that the new UGC regulations will grant it the authority to de-recognize higher education institutions (HEIs) that fail to prevent caste and religion-based discrimination.   Caste-Based Discrimination in Indian Universities Caste discrimination in Indian …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  World Wildlife Day is observed annually on March 3 to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. This global event highlights the need for wildlife conservation amid increasing threats like climate change, biodiversity loss, and …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  The Income Tax Bill 2025 introduces key amendments to the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR), expanding the powers of tax authorities to issue reassessment notices beyond the current time limits. This move aims to combat tax avoidance more effectively. What is GAAR? GAAR is a framework to prevent tax …

GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT:  A new study titled “Flood Complexity and Rising Exposure Risk in High Mountain Asia under Climate Change” warns of increasing flood frequency and unpredictability in the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountain ranges. Since 2000, floods have been occurring outside traditional monsoon periods, posing significant threats to communities …