Editorials

GS Paper III (Science and Technology): Focus on Developments in Biotechnology: FLiRT variant of Covid : Briefly mention the FLiRT variant as an example of a recent mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. You can explain its key characteristics, such as increased transmissibility and immune evasion. GS Paper II (International Relations): …

Introduction A joint mission between NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) to co-develop and launch a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR) on an Earth observation satellite. First radar imaging satellite to use two different radar frequencies (L-band and S-band) to measure changes of our …

Introduction “Asymmetric federalism in India” emphasizes unequal power-sharing arrangements within a federation, has become a prominent topic in Indian politics. Understanding Asymmetric Federalism Definition: Asymmetric federalism describes a federal system where the central government and constituent units (states/UTs) possess unequal powers and relationships across political, administrative, and fiscal domains. Dimensions …

Introduction: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), also known as “Housing for All” mission, is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India in 2015. It aims to achieve the ambitious goal of “Housing for All by 2022” by providing affordable housing solutions to all eligible urban and rural …

GS Paper II (Governance): It highlights the importance of international cooperation in criminal justice matters. Interpol serves as a vital platform for such collaboration. GS Paper III (Internal Security): Interpol plays a role in combating transnational crimes like terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, which are relevant to India’s internal security. …

Concept : The Government of India launched the Green Credit program as part of its broader “Lifestyle for Environment” (LiFE) mission. It’s a market-based instrument designed to incentivize individuals, industries, and local bodies for undertaking voluntary environmental actions across various sectors. Key Features: Unit of Incentive: A “Green Credit” serves …

Concept : Inhabiting the Niyamgiri Hills of Odisha resides the Dongria Kondh tribe, also known as Dangaria Kandha. This hilly region, characterized by dense forests, cascading streams, and deep canyons, provides sustenance for the Dongria Kondh through hunting, gathering, and practicing a unique form of agriculture. Their name itself reflects …

West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can infect humans, birds, horses, and other mammals. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Transmission The main way West Nile virus is transmitted is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Culex mosquitoes are the main …

    Concept : The G7 summits are annual meetings between the leaders of the members of the G7 countires. Member Countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union also participates in the discussions. Presidency: The presidency rotates annually among the member countries. Italy …

Concept : The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to regulate the conduct of political parties and their candidates in the run-up to elections. These guidelines range from issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, the content …

GS Paper III (Environment & Ecology): The syllabus emphasizes climate change mitigation strategies, and carbon farming is a prominent concept in this domain. GS Paper III (Agriculture): You can link carbon farming practices to sustainable agriculture and improved soil health. Essay Paper: Carbon farming can be a compelling point for …

About the Index: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) annually publishes the World Press Freedom Index. It ranks 180 countries and territories based on the level of press freedom enjoyed by journalists and media outlets. The ranking is based on five key factors: Pluralism Media Independence Economic Environment Legal Environment Safety and …

Introduction The Indian Constitution grants certain immunities to the Governor of a state to ensure the smooth functioning of the government and to protect them from frivolous legal challenges while performing their official duties. Here’s a breakdown of these immunities: Scope of Immunity: Article 361 of the Constitution outlines the …

Introduction: The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974 marks a significant milestone in global public health. It aimed to ensure universal access to life-saving vaccines for children, initially focusing on six childhood diseases: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, and tuberculosis. EPI: A …

Concept : Phishing is a cybercrime where attackers attempt to gain access to sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, or personal data, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. This is typically done through emails, phone calls, SMS, or social media messages. Key Terms: Techniques: Phishing emails often …

Concept : Chandrayaan-1 (2008): First Mission & Water Discovery: Launched in 2008, Chandrayaan-1 was India’s first mission to the Moon. It successfully orbited the Moon for nearly 10 months, conducting various scientific experiments. Key Finding: Most significantly, Chandrayaan-1 provided the first evidence of water ice on the lunar surface. This …

Concept : In the realm of particle physics, quarks are fundamental particles that constitute protons and neutrons, the building blocks of atomic nuclei. These subatomic particles are essential for comprehending the structure of matter and the fundamental forces that govern the universe. Key Points about Quarks: Types of Quarks: There …

Concept : Lunar Occultation : A lunar occultation occurs when the Moon passes in front of a star or planet, temporarily blocking it from view. Antares: Antares is a bright red supergiant star in the constellation Scorpius. It’s about 15 times the mass of our Sun and one of the …

Introduction The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is a strategic economic initiative launched by the United States in May 2022. It aims to strengthen economic ties among member countries in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity. This framework holds significance for regional economies, including India, offering …

Concept : USSR (Soviet Union) Luna Program:Pioneering series of unmanned missions with milestones like: * Luna 2: First object to impact the Moon (1959) * Luna 3: First images of the Moon’s far side (1959) * Luna 9: First soft landing on the Moon (1966) * Luna 16, 20, 24: …