Editorials

PRELIMS BITS:  The Doctrine of Merger is a principle in administrative and constitutional law that ensures judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative orders made by subordinate authorities are merged with the decision of a higher authority when the latter adjudicates an appeal or review. Meaning and Application Definition: When a higher authority …

GS 1 – GEOGRAPHY Recent Development: India’s Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battleground, now has 4G and 5G services, enhancing communication for soldiers in extreme conditions and showcasing India’s focus on technology in strategic areas. About Siachen Glacier: Geographical Location: Located in the Karakoram Range in the Himalayan region, known …

PRELIMS BITS Recent astrophysical advancements have unveiled 44 previously unknown stars in a distant galaxy cluster using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the phenomenon of gravitational lensing. This research, led by Chiba University, Japan, and 45 international partners, sheds light on star formation during the Universe’s “cosmic noon”, …

PRELIMS BITS  India has intensified its diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, navigating a complex geopolitical landscape to safeguard its national and regional interests. Since the Taliban’s rise to power in August 2021, these interactions reflect India’s effort to address security concerns and maintain influence in Afghanistan. Key Drivers of Engagement …

PRELIMS BITS The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights transformative trends shaping the global labour market over the next five years. Key Trends: Job Growth: AI, big data, and security management specialists will lead the surge in job creation, with 170 million new jobs expected by 2030. …

PRELIMS BITS  The Bima Sakhi Yojana, launched in Goa, aims to empower women and expand life insurance coverage. Key Highlights: Eligibility: Women aged 18-70 years with Class X education. Training & Stipend: ₹7,000/month (Year 1), ₹6,000/month (Year 2), ₹5,000/month (Year 3). Total earnings: ₹2.16 lakh over three years, plus commissions. …

PRELIMS BITS  Sudan is located in northeastern Africa and shares borders with the following countries: Egypt – To the north. Libya – To the northwest. Chad – To the west. Central African Republic – To the southwest. South Sudan – To the south. Ethiopia – To the southeast. Eritrea – …

GS3- TECHNOLOGY As 2025 unfolds, quantum computing stands poised to redefine innovation across industries. The United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, reflecting the global recognition of quantum computing’s potential to revolutionize areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced materials research. This paradigm …

GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE President Droupadi Murmu’s special guests will receive a unique gift box showcasing some of South India’s finest GI-tagged crafts. Here are the notable items featured in the hamper: Pochampally Ikat Pencil Pouch: Hailing from Telangana, the Pochampally Ikat is renowned for its distinct geometric …

GS 3 – INFRASTRUCTURE   Why in the News? The Prime Minister is set to inaugurate the Z-Morh Tunnel on January 13, 2025, a project that began in 2018. Overview: The Z-Morh Tunnel, named after the Z-shaped stretch it replaces, is located between Gagangir and Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir. It …

GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE Why in the News? The recent passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain has reignited discussions on the origins and development of the tabla. Etymology – The term “tabla” is derived from the Arabic word tabl, which means drum. Origins The origin of the tabla is …

PRELIMS BITS The Toda tribe, an ancient Dravidian ethnic group residing in the Nilgiris Hills of Tamil Nadu, recently celebrated their annual Modhweth Festival at Muthanad Mund, their community headquarters. This vibrant event, observed in December 2025, marked the tribe’s New Year and highlighted their rich cultural heritage and spiritual …

PRELIMS BITS In an extraordinary display of tiger mobility, a male tiger from Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra traveled 500 kilometers to Solapur district. The Pune Forest Department has proposed relocating the tiger to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, situated 300 kilometers away, for its safety and better habitat conditions. Tipeshwar …

GS 3 ECONOMY Definition Meme coins are digital currencies created as a humorous or satirical tribute to internet culture. They are also referred to as memetic tokens or community coins. Features Inspiration and Branding: Named and branded based on internet memes, jokes, or cultural phenomena. Designed for virality with quirky …

GS 1-ART AND CULTURE Ingenious system consisting of 103 well-like structures called Kundis (aqueducts). Operates based on the law of gravity, ensuring smooth water flow from the first to the last Kundi. Water recharge mechanism: Intercepts subsoil groundwater through underground channels. Stores water in structures known as Bhandaras, partially underground …

PRELIMS BITS   From 2019 to 2024, Indian cities made progress in reducing PM2.5 pollution, with an average 27% reduction. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities saw a 24% drop, with Varanasi leading the way with a 76% reduction. Despite these advances, cities like Delhi, Gurugram, and Faridabad continue to struggle …

PRELIMS BITS The Anji Khad Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, part of the Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project. It connects Katra and Reasi, enhancing connectivity and promoting economic development in the region. Key Features: Length: 725.5 meters Main Pylon: 193 meters tall Deck …

PRELIMS BITS The US is experiencing severe winter storms, affecting over 60 million people, with temperatures potentially dropping as low as -50°C (-60°F). The cause is the polar vortex, a mass of extremely cold air that has expanded southward from the Arctic, impacting the Northern Hemisphere. What is the Polar …

PRELIMS BITS A recent analysis from PRICE highlights income inequality trends in India, with a focus on post-Covid recovery and wealth concentration. Gini Index: The Gini index improved from 0.506 (2020-21) to 0.410 (2022-23), indicating a slight improvement in income distribution, but still higher than 0.367 (2015-16), reflecting persistent inequality. …

GS 3 – DEFENCE Ahead of PM’s Paris trip, Rafale, Scorpene deals reach final leg The Rafale fighter jet is a 4.5-generation, twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft designed and manufactured by the French company Dassault Aviation. Its acquisition by India has strategic, technological, and geopolitical implications. Below is a detailed analysis …