Editorials

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale recently struck Istanbul, with its epicenter located in the Sea of Marmara. Overview of the Sea of Marmara The Sea of Marmara is a relatively small inland body of water entirely surrounded by Turkey, acting as a natural divider between the …

A previously unknown landmass, the Davis Strait proto-microcontinent, has been discovered beneath the icy waters of the Davis Strait, which separates Canada’s Baffin Island from Greenland. About the Davis Strait Proto-Microcontinent The Davis Strait proto-microcontinent is a newly identified submerged microcontinent situated near the Davis Strait, the large body of …

The Union Home Minister recently launched the HEALD Initiative to address liver diseases across India. Overview of the HEALD Initiative The HEALD (Healthy Liver Education and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Prevention) initiative is a groundbreaking nationwide program aimed at combating liver disease in India. Initiated by the Institute of Liver and …

The National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) has raised concerns regarding potential downstream effects in Assam as it prepares to begin electricity generation from the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project (LSHP). Overview of the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project The project is a 2000 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric facility located on the …

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Internal Security – Drug Trafficking, Narcotics Control Measures, Border Protection GS-2: Governance – Role of Agencies, Coordination Between Centre and States Key Points: Significant Drug Bust in Assam The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets (commonly called Yaba), valued at ₹24.32 crore, in …

GS3 – S&T – AI CAPTCHA systems are increasingly being integrated into AI-based cybersecurity mechanisms to counter evolving online threats. What is CAPTCHA? CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart. Primary Function: Its main objective is to differentiate human users from automated bots, …

GS II-Polity The post-Article 370 scenario in Kashmir remains a subject of intense debate, with concerns regarding governance, democracy, security, and development. Key Concerns Democratic Deficit: Critics argue that the decision sidelined the democratic voice of Kashmiris, as the revocation was carried out based on the Governor’s approval rather than …

Prelims The Panama Canal, a critical global trade route, is under threat due to declining water levels in Lake Gatun, an artificial reservoir essential for its functioning. About Lake Gatun Formation: Created by damming the Chagres River and its tributaries at Gatun. Function: Stores water for the Gaillard Cut, enabling …

GS II-Governance Introduction Food Loss and Waste (FLW) is a critical issue impacting food security, the environment, and economic sustainability. Globally, 30% of food production is lost or wasted, contributing to 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions. In India, post-harvest losses amount to ₹1.53 trillion ($18.5 billion) annually, affecting both farmers’ …

GS II-Regulatory The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 governs organ and tissue transplantation in India, outlining legal provisions for donation, procurement, and penalties for violations. Key Provisions of THOTA, 1994 Regulates organ donation and transplantation after death. Establishes guidelines for healthcare providers and hospitals involved in …

GS III-Science and Technology   Context: Scientists have developed a gene-edited banana that remains fresh and yellow for 12 hours after peeling, reducing food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Why Do Bananas Brown? Ethylene Hormone: Triggers ripening even after harvest. Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO): Reacts with oxygen, causing browning. Bruising Effect: …

Subject: GS-3: Economy & Digital Markets – E-commerce Growth, Business Strategies, Market Dynamics GS-2: Governance & Regulation – Consumer Safeguards, Competition Policy   Key Points Understanding Quick Commerce A fast-delivery e-commerce model promising 10-20 minute turnarounds. Relies on dark stores (warehouses for online orders only). Leverages customer data for demand …

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 …

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: NASA is set to launch the PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission, a Small Explorer initiative aimed at capturing global, three-dimensional observations of the young solar wind, extending from the outermost solar atmosphere (Corona) to the inner heliosphere.   Key …

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 …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Launched: February 24, 2019 Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Objective: To provide direct income support to all landholding farmers to help them meet agricultural and allied needs. Key Features: Financial Assistance: Income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families. Paid in three …

GS1 ART AND CULTURE:  Introduction Context: Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister recently claimed that the Iron Age in India originated in Tamil Nadu around 5,300 years ago (3300 BCE), supported by new archaeological evidence from sites like Mayiladumparai. Debate: This challenges the traditional view that the Iron Age began later in …

GS 2 – POLITY The Government of India has proposed major amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, aiming to modernize the legal profession, strengthen disciplinary mechanisms, and align legal education with global standards. Background of the Advocates Act, 1961 Enacted in 1961, the Act regulates the legal profession in India. …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT The Karnataka government’s plan to establish a tribal village within the buffer zone of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary has ignited debate. While it seeks to rehabilitate over 570 displaced tribal families, concerns about human-wildlife conflict remain a significant issue. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: An Overview Location: Western Ghats, …

GS2 – GOVERNANCE , REPORTS & INDICES  About CPI: The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Published by Transparency International. CPI 2024 highlights how corruption hampers global climate …