Editorials

GS 3 – Defence Why in news: Exercise Varuna 2025 is the 42nd annual naval exercise between the Indian and French Navies, highlighting their strong strategic partnership and boosting their operational coordination. Key Highlights: Participants: French Navy: Carrier Strike Group (CSG) led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FNS Charles de …

GS 1 – Geography Why in News? The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will celebrate 150 years of service on January 15, 2025. Establishment and Historical Background Formation: IMD was established in 1875, with H.F. Blanford as the first Meteorological Reporter. Early Developments: Science and meteorology in India began with the …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE The Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) is an innovative crop insurance initiative introduced by the Government of India to protect farmers from weather-related risks. It is part of India’s larger strategy for agricultural risk management and complements other insurance schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal …

GS3 – DISASTER MANAGEMENT The recent designation of the Wayanad landslides as a disaster of “severe nature” highlights the gravity of the situation and triggers enhanced governmental response. This decision follows widespread criticism over insufficient financial support for victims. The catastrophic event, which occurred on July 30, resulted in over …

PRELIMS BITS – WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location: Situated in the Godavari estuary, where the Coringa River meets the Bay of Bengal, in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district. Unique Features Mangroves: India’s second-largest mangrove forest. Vital habitat for species like the endangered Fishing Cat. Biodiversity: Home to the Indian smooth-coated otter and Olive …

PRELIMS BITS – SPECIES Habitat – Thrives in wetlands, swamps, mangroves, marshes, oxbow lakes, reed beds, and tidal creeks. Characteristics Expert Swimmer: Known for diving to catch fish, its primary prey. Diet: Feeds on fish, frogs, crustaceans, and small mammals. Behavior: Nocturnal predator, active during the night. Physical Features: Muscular …

GS 2 – POLITY A Private Member Bill is a legislative proposal introduced in Parliament by a member who is not a minister. It reflects individual or opposition viewpoints rather than the official policies of the ruling government. Types of Bills in Parliament Public Bill: Introduced by a minister; reflects …

GS 1 – INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT The All-India Muslim League (AIML), established 118 years ago, was founded in 1906 in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh). Its creation was influenced by the British government’s divide-and-rule strategy, which encouraged aristocratic Muslim leaders to form a political body to protect Muslim interests. Prominent leaders …

MAINS – GS3 – ENVIRONMENT The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the intensifying climate crisis, marked by unprecedented weather extremes and alarming greenhouse gas emissions. Global leaders are being urged to take swift action to mitigate the escalating environmental disaster. Key Highlights of the Report Extreme Weather …

MAINS – GS2 – GOVERNANCE  Recent findings from IIM Bangalore, as part of the SAAR (Sameeksha) initiative, emphasize the significant advancements made under India’s Smart Cities Mission in education, urban safety, and overall urban development. Key Highlights: Enhancements in Education Smart Classrooms: 71 cities implemented 9,433 smart classrooms in 2,398 …

PRELIMS BITS  NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has identified K2-18 b, an exoplanet located in a habitable zone, indicating conditions that might support liquid water and possibly life. Key Features of K2-18 b Distance & Size: Located 124 light-years away, K2-18 b has a radius 2.6 times that of Earth …

PRELIMS BITS  Turkey has successfully tested the UAV-122 supersonic missile from its Bayraktar Akinci drone, showcasing advancements in drone technology and raising strategic concerns in the region. Akinci Drone Features The Bayraktar Akinci is a high-altitude drone capable of reconnaissance and precision strikes. It has an advanced system for automated …

GS 2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION The Carter Doctrine is a significant U.S. foreign policy statement announced by President Jimmy Carter during his State of the Union Address on January 23, 1980. It declared that the United States would use military force if necessary to protect its national interests in the …

PRELIMS BITS  A new plant species, Stellaria bengalensis, has been found in Sangser forest, Kalimpong at altitudes of 2,245–2,450 meters. Key Details Discovery: By researchers Arya S. and Harsh Singh, published in Phytotaxa. Features: Small herb (8–10.5 cm tall) with white flowers. Flowers from May to September. Habitat: Thrives in …

MAINS – GS3 – ENVIRONMENT Pacific Marine Heatwave and its Impact: The 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave wiped out approximately four million seabirds in Alaska, highlighting the severe ecological consequences of climate change on marine life. Intergovernmental Report on Biodiversity Loss: The report, known as the Assessment Report on the Underlying …

PRELIMS  The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended the imposition of an anti-dumping duty on the import of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Paste Resin from China and five other countries. About DGTR: DGTR, formerly known as the Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD), was established in …

PRELIMS  The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) marks two years of significant achievements. Key Developments: Bilateral merchandise trade surged from USD 12.2 billion (2020-21) to USD 26 billion (2022-23). Trade moderated to USD 24 billion in 2023-24, with India’s exports to Australia growing by 14%. About Ind-Aus ECTA: …

PRELIMS  According to RBI data, the REER Index of the Rupee reached a record high of 108.14 in November 2024, reflecting a 4.5% increase during the year. About Effective Exchange Rate (EER): The Effective Exchange Rate (EER) gauges the value of a currency relative to a basket of other currencies. …

PRELIMS – MAPS Type: A 135 km long, saline, landlocked lake. Nature: It is an endorheic lake, meaning it doesn’t drain into other water bodies like rivers or oceans. Name: “Pangong Tso” is Tibetan for “high grassland lake.” Location: Where: Located on the Ladakh-China border at over 14,000 feet. Division: …

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Why in News? ISRO is set to launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts. This mission will demonstrate satellite docking technology, essential for future space missions. SpaDeX is a technology demonstrator mission developed by ISRO to …