Editorials

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 …

GS 3 – Defence Context: India and Mauritius conducted a coordination meeting aboard the INS Sarvekshak to begin a Joint Hydrographic Survey. This ship, operated under the Southern Naval Command, plays a crucial role in mapping and surveying marine environments. Features of INS Sarvekshak: Type: Hydrographic Survey Ship Survey Equipment: …

Prelims Context: The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 has been conferred to D Gukesh (Chess), Manu Bhakar (Shooting), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), and Praveen Kumar (Para-athletics). This prestigious award, formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, is the highest sporting honor in India. Awarding Body: The Ministry …

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 …