GS I-Geography Context: The Fuego volcano in Guatemala recently erupted, prompting emergency response measures, as reported by The Guardian (TG). About Fuego Volcano Name & Location: Also known as Volcán de Fuego (Spanish for “Volcano of Fire”), it is situated near Antigua, Guatemala. Volcanic Activity: One of Central America’s most …
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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple Incident
GS-I-History Background: Recently, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Chino Hills, California, was subjected to vandalism. About BAPS: Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a sect within Hinduism that follows Vaishnavism. It belongs to the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Establishment: BAPS was founded in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865–1951), who propagated …
Read More »Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
GS I – Geography Geographical Location & Size: Situated in Central Africa, the DRC is Africa’s second-largest nation and ranks 11th globally in terms of land area. Has a narrow 40-km coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Shares borders with nine nations: Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, …
Read More »Atacama Trench (Peru–Chile Trench)
GS I-Geography Geographical Location: Situated in the eastern South Pacific Ocean, along the northern Chilean coastline. Environmental Conditions: Depth: Extends beyond 8,000 meters, ranking among the deepest oceanic trenches. Extreme Factors: Crushing pressure due to immense depth. Near-freezing temperatures persist year-round. High sediment deposits influence the trench’s ecology. Perpetual darkness …
Read More »Discovery of Dulcibella Camanchaca Research
Prelims-Species (GS I – Environment) Context: A recent discovery in the Atacama Trench has reshaped existing knowledge about deep-sea ecosystems, with the identification of Dulcibella camanchaca—a newly classified predatory amphipod. About Dulcibella Camanchaca New Species Identified: A previously unknown amphipod species was found at a depth of 7,902 meters in …
Read More »North Sea
Prelims-Places in news (GS I – Geography) Context: A collision between a cargo ship and a U.S. military fuel tanker recently occurred in the North Sea. Geographical The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by: West: England and Scotland South: The Netherlands, Belgium, and France …
Read More »Kavaru in Kochi’s Backwaters
GS III- Environment, Geography Context: The phenomenon known as Kavaru has been observed in the undrained Pokkali rice fields and the Vembanad backwaters of Kerala. Understanding Kavaru Definition: Kavaru refers to bioluminescence, a natural process where microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi emit light in water. Trigger Factors: Increased …
Read More »Restoration of Jalanatheswarar Temple
GS-1-History and Culture Context: The Jalanatheswarar Temple, an architectural and religious landmark from the Chola era, is facing serious structural damage. The temple has not undergone Kumbhabhishekam (a vital Hindu temple consecration ritual) for over 15 years, raising concerns about its preservation. Significance of Kumbhabhishekam Kumbhabhishekam is a ritual performed …
Read More »Dalai Lama Reincarnation
GS 1-History and Culture Context: Recent debates have intensified regarding the selection of the next Dalai Lama. The primary issue revolves around whether the Dalai Lama has the sole authority to choose his successor or if China has a role in this process. Reincarnation in Buddhism Concept of Reincarnation: In …
Read More »LANGUAGE PROVISIONS IN NEP 2020
Subjects: GS-2: Education & Governance: Language Policy, NEP Implementation GS-1: Society: Linguistic Variety, Mother Tongue’s Role Key Points Instruction Medium NEP 2020 requires teaching in the mother tongue or regional language until Grade 5, ideally Grade 8, to boost learning outcomes. Multilingualism, including bilingual methods, is promoted from early education. …
Read More »Addressing Gender Disparity in the Higher Judiciary
Subjects: GS-1: Society: Gender Equity, Women’s Empowerment GS-2: Governance & Judiciary: Judicial Selection, Representation Issues Key Points Gender Disparity in Courts Women constitute just 14.27% of High Court judges (109 out of 765). High Courts in Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, and Tripura have no female judges. Allahabad HC, India’s largest with 79 …
Read More »EMPOWERING INDIAN WOMEN THROUGH PROGRESSIVE POLICIES
Subjects: GS-1: Society: Women’s Advancement, Social Challenges GS-2: Governance & Welfare: Gender Initiatives, Economic Inclusion GS-3: Economy & Technology: Startups, Digital Empowerment Key Points Sanitation & Water Access Programs Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM) enhanced cleanliness, dignity, and well-being for 116 million households. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) boosted tap water coverage …
Read More »HIMALAYAN TRAGEDY – Impact and Control
GS-1: Geography (Avalanches, Himalayan Terrain) GS-3: Disaster Management (Rescue Operations, Preparedness Strategies) Key Highlights Avalanche Disaster in Uttarakhand: Avalanche at Mana village (Uttarakhand) buried 54 workers at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) site. 23 workers were rescued, but 8 died due to extreme snowfall at 10,500 feet altitude. Indian Army, …
Read More »AN EQUITABLE FUTURE FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE IN INDIA
GS-1: Society (Gender Disparities, Women Empowerment) GS-2: Governance (Education & Research Policies, Gender Inclusion) GS-3: Science & Tech (STEM Workforce, Gender Bias in Research) Key Highlights Challenges for Women in STEM: Gendered social norms, limited access to quality education, and non-inclusive workplaces hinder women’s participation in STEM. Harassment, discrimination, and …
Read More »INCLUSION IN PUBLIC SPACES — FROM FEAR TO FREEDOM
GS-1: Society (Gender Issues, Social Empowerment) GS-2: Governance (Public Infrastructure & Safety Policies) GS-3: Urban Development (Inclusive Public Spaces, Sustainable Cities) Key Highlights Gendered Spatial Control & Women’s Mobility: India ranked 128/177 countries in the Women, Peace & Security Index 2023, indicating gender disparity. NFHS-4 (2015-16): 54% of Indian …
Read More »Arrest Powers Under GST and Customs Acts
GS 2- POLITY Context The Supreme Court has ruled that officers under the CGST and Customs Acts have powers similar to the police and must comply with procedural safeguards outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to prevent arbitrary arrests. Comparison: Police vs. GST/Customs Officers Criteria Police Officers (CrPC …
Read More »Mount Vesuvius: Brain Vitrification
PRELIMS BITS – MAPS Context Researchers have confirmed that a man’s brain underwent vitrification during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, making it the only recorded instance of human brain tissue transforming into glass. What is Vitrification? Vitrification refers to the process in which a material turns into …
Read More »Gandhi’s Role in the Bhagat Singh Case
GS 1 – HISTORY Context: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact’s inability to secure a reduction in Bhagat Singh’s death sentence remains a significant point of criticism. Bhagat Singh’s Trial Lahore Conspiracy Case: Bhagat Singh, along with Shivram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, was found guilty in the Lahore Conspiracy Case for the assassination …
Read More »HOTTEST AND DRIEST MONTH IN INDIA – FEBRUARY 2025
GS1 GEOGRAPHY: Record-Breaking Temperatures February 2025 was the hottest February in 125 years. Average temperature: 22.04°C (1.49°C above normal). Maximum temperature: 29.07°C (second highest since 1901). Central India experienced the worst heat, with a 1.94°C temperature rise above normal. Rainfall Deficiency Overall rainfall deficit: 59% below normal. Central India saw …
Read More »AMIR KHUSRAU: THE PARROT OF INDIA
GS1 ART AND CULTURE: Introduction Amir Khusrau was a pioneer of Indo-Persian literature, music, and Sufi poetry. His legacy continues to be celebrated at the Jahan-e-Khusrau festival, reflecting the fusion of Hindu and Muslim traditions. Early Life & Background Born in 1253 to a Turkic father and Indian mother. His …
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