Editorials

GS2 – Polity Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute over 58 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme, aimed at empowering rural property owners by providing legal documentation of ownership. This initiative strengthens ownership rights in villages and improves access to credit and financial services. Purpose of the SVAMITVA Scheme …

GS2 – Governance  The Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi initiative was launched on Good Governance Day to mark the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It aims to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through better tools and training. Key Objectives As part of the Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur …

GS 3 – Economy   Small Finance Banks (SFBs) are special banks approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to offer banking services to low-income individuals and underserved communities. They provide services like microfinance, small loans, savings, and insurance. After starting operations, SFBs are recognized as scheduled banks under the …

GS 3 – Science and technology  Dark Patterns are design tricks used by websites and apps to manipulate users into doing things they didn’t intend, often for the company’s benefit. These designs take advantage of human psychology to get users to make choices that are not in their best interest. …

GS 3 – Geography   Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemical elements that play a crucial role in modern technology, energy, and defense industries. Despite the name, they are not necessarily “rare,” but they are often difficult to find in concentrated forms suitable for extraction. REEs are …

GS 3 – Economy  The RBI (Reserve Bank of India) Monetary Policy is a key tool used by the RBI to control inflation, maintain price stability, and promote economic growth in India. It helps manage money supply, interest rates, and overall economic stability. Understanding its basics is crucial for the …

GS 3 – Disaster Management   The Disaster Management Act, 2005 was introduced to create a system for managing disasters in India. It outlines policies for effective disaster management, risk reduction, and rehabilitation. Objectives Disaster Management Policies: The Act focuses on creating and implementing policies for disaster management. Disaster Prevention and …

GS2 – GOVERNANCE  Context Good Governance Day, observed annually on 25th December, aims to foster awareness about the importance of accountability and efficient administration in governance. This day honors Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India’s former Prime Minister, on his birth anniversary. It also coincides with the birth anniversary of Pt. Madan …

GS 3 – Environment – Infrastructure  The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is a major river interlinking initiative that aims to transfer excess water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh (MP) to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh (UP). The goal is to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, which includes …

GS2 – POLITY The Central Government has abolished the ‘no-detention policy’ for students in Classes 5 and 8 in schools under its jurisdiction, such as Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Sainik Schools. Key Aspects of the Policy Change: Assessment and Remediation: Students who do not meet the promotion criteria after …

GS3 – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants individuals and their families the right to reside in a foreign country in exchange for a substantial investment in that nation’s economy. Typically, this involves investments in real estate, government bonds, or other approved assets. Key Features …

GS 2 – International Relation The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional intergovernmental organization formed to promote economic, political, and security cooperation among its member states. It plays a key role in Middle Eastern geopolitics and global energy markets. Founded: 25 May 1981 Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Member Countries …

PRELIMS  Google DeepMind has launched the GenCast AI model for weather forecasting. GenCast AI claims better accuracy and extended forecasting range than existing models. It uses ensemble forecasting, similar to traditional numerical weather prediction (NWP). Unlike NWP, GenCast AI is powered by AI rather than simulations. Ensemble forecasting employs an …

PRELIMS – TRIBES  The government allocated Rs 900 crore to resettle the Bru inhabitants across various districts of Tripura. About the Bru (or Reang) Tribe: The Bru tribe is indigenous to Northeast India, mainly residing in Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam. In Tripura, they are recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal …

PRELIMS  Theme: “Swarnim Bharat – Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India – Heritage and Development). Focus: Showcasing India’s cultural heritage and developmental journey. Participants: States and Union Territories: Total: 15 Participating Regions: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka. Ministries and Departments: …

PRELIMS  Date Observed: December 24, 2024 Purpose: Commemorates the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which safeguards consumers against exploitation and unfair trade practices. Theme: “Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice” Key Initiatives Launched Jago Grahak Jago App: Educates consumers about their rights. Promotes informed decision-making in …

PRELIMS  Indore Airport is set to become India’s first zero-waste airport as of December 22, 2024. It is recognized for its comprehensive waste management system focusing on sustainability. Waste Management System: Includes recycling waste from planes, shops, gardens, and toilets. Wet waste is converted into fertilizer to support a circular …

PRELIMS  A speed gun is a device used to measure the speed of moving objects without direct contact. Mechanism: It emits electromagnetic waves that reflect off the moving object and return to the device, using the Doppler effect to calculate speed. Applications: Commonly used in traffic enforcement and sports to …

PRELIMS – SPACE TECHNOLOGY  Launch Details Launch Date and Time: December 30, 2024, at 9:58 PM IST. Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C60. Orbit: 470 km circular orbit. Mission Objectives Demonstrate in-space docking and undocking technology using two spacecraft: SDX01 (Chaser) SDX02 (Target) Test power transfer …

GS 2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION  Context: The visit of India’s Prime Minister to Kuwait marks the first visit by an Indian PM in 43 years, with the goal of enhancing bilateral cooperation and addressing gaps in India’s engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Strategic Importance of Kuwait Geopolitical Position: …