GS 3 – Economy The GST Council has introduced a new system called the Track and Trace Mechanism to improve tax compliance and reduce tax evasion. Here’s a simpler breakdown: 1. Track and Trace Mechanism What It Is: A system where products will have unique identification marks on their packaging, …
Read More »Editorials
RABANINDRANATH TAGORE
GS-4-History Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1951) was a prominent Indian artist and writer, widely regarded as the founder of the Bengal School of Art, which played a pivotal role in the Indian nationalist movement in art. Key Highlights of Abanindranath Tagore: Early Life: Born on August 7, 1871, in Jorasanko, Kolkata, into …
Read More »SILIGURI CORRIDOR: THE CHICKEN’S NECK OF INDIA
GS3: INTERNAL SECURITY: The Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck,” is a strategically vital strip of land in the northeastern part of India. It connects mainland India to the northeastern states and is flanked by Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Geographical Significance Location: Situated in the Darjeeling district …
Read More »“JATRA: A TRADITIONAL FOLK THEATRE OF INDIA”
GS1 ART & CULTURE Jatra is a vibrant form of folk theatre that originated in Bengal and has spread to parts of Odisha, Bihar, Assam, and Eastern India. Known for its dramatic storytelling, music, and exaggerated performances, Jatra serves as an important cultural and social medium for entertainment and education …
Read More »CRUISE MISSILE VS BALLISTIC MISSILE
GS3: TECHNOLOGY Feature Cruise Missile Ballistic Missile Trajectory Follows a low-altitude, almost horizontal flight path. Follows a parabolic trajectory, exiting and re-entering the atmosphere. Propulsion Powered throughout the flight. Powered during the initial boost phase only. Speed Generally subsonic or supersonic. Hypersonic during re-entry. Maneuverability High maneuverability; can adjust course …
Read More »URBAN POVERTY IN INDIA
GS1: INDIAN SOCIETY Context: The India Employment Report (IER) 2024, recently published, has highlighted the paradox of higher unemployment rates and wages in urban areas. This calls for a deeper understanding of the implications for urban poverty. About the Report Published by: International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Institute for …
Read More »Active Hydrothermal Vents
GS 3 – Geography Seafloor Hot Springs: These are openings on the ocean floor where geothermally heated water escapes. Tectonic Activity: Hydrothermal vents are commonly found in volcanically active regions, particularly near mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates are diverging. Formation Process: Seawater seeps into cracks in the oceanic crust. The …
Read More »International Solar Alliance (ISA)
GS 2 – International organisation Context: Recently, Moldova Signs the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement, furthering its commitment to promoting renewable energy. The ISA was launched in 2015 at COP21 in Paris as a joint initiative by India and France. Its headquarters is in Gurugram, India, and the Framework …
Read More »Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
GS 2 – International organisation The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent intergovernmental body established in 1960 during the Baghdad Conference. It was formed to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among member countries. Founding Members: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. Current Members: …
Read More »Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991
GS 2 – Governance The Places of Worship Act was introduced to preserve the religious character of all places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. It prohibits any alterations to their status and aims to uphold their original identity. Aimed at promoting secularism, communal harmony, and upholding …
Read More »Vaishno Devi Temple
GS 1 ART & CULTURE The Vaishno Devi Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi, a form of the Goddess Durga. Key Points: Religious Significance: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, believed to be …
Read More »ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVS) ADOPTION
GS 3 S&T Steps Taken by the Government to Promote Electric Vehicles (EVs) Adoption The Government of India has implemented several schemes and initiatives to address challenges related to the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), including high upfront costs, range anxiety, and the lack of adequate charging infrastructure. Key Schemes …
Read More »India’s Defense Export Growth
GS 3 – Defence India’s defense exports have reached a record high, with significant contributions from the private sector. The government aims to further boost exports by streamlining policies and encouraging indigenous production under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Make in India is a flagship initiative launched by the Government …
Read More »Mineral Security Partnership (MSP)
GS 3 – Economy The Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) is an initiative launched to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and reduce dependency on a single source or country for essential minerals. It addresses the increasing demand for critical minerals used in clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, electronics, and defense industries. …
Read More »OLIVE RIDLEY SEA TURTLES (Lepidochelys olivacea)
GS 3 – Environment General Overview Olive Ridley sea turtles are the second-smallest and one of the most abundant sea turtle species worldwide. They are renowned for their arribadas—synchronized mass nesting events where thousands of females converge on the same beach to lay eggs. Physical Characteristics Males and females grow …
Read More »JALVAHAK SCHEME: BOOSTING INLAND WATERWAYS
GS 3 – Water resource Key Highlights: Policy Unveiled: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) introduced the Jalvahak scheme to promote long-haul cargo transport via National Waterways 1 (Ganga), National Waterways 2 (Brahmaputra), and National Waterways 16 (Barak). Incentive Structure: Direct reimbursement of up to 35% of operational …
Read More »Maha Kumbh Mela 2025:
GS-1-Culture The Maha Kumbh Mela is scheduled to take place in Prayagraj from 13th January to 26th February 2025. What is the Kumbh Mela? The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held at four sacred locations in India: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj. Each …
Read More »CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION
GS-2-International organisation The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an international body established in May 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its primary objective is to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in food trade. Key Functions and Recognition: Codex Standards: The …
Read More »World Malaria Report 2024
GS-2-Disease Why in News? The 2024 World Malaria Report has been published by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting India’s “significant progress” in reducing both malaria incidence and mortality. What is Malaria? About Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through bites …
Read More »INDO-PAK WAR 1971
GS-1- history Factors Leading to the Indo-Pak War of 1971 The roots of the conflict can be traced back to 1905 when Viceroy Curzon divided Bengal along religious lines. This partition created East Bengal, which had a Muslim majority, and West Bengal, where Hindus were the majority. Following the partition …
Read More »