GS1

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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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INDIA’S GROWING OBESITY CRISIS AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

GS1 SOCIETY:  Overview Obesity in India has gained attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat remarks. He highlighted that one in eight Indians is obese, especially children, and urged reduced oil consumption. The rising obesity rates demand urgent intervention. Obesity Trends in India Defined by WHO as excessive …

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Telangana’s Backward Classes Quota

GS 2 – POLITY Context: The Telangana government is set to propose legislation increasing reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) from 25% to 42%, raising the total reservation quota to 62%. This move challenges the Supreme Court’s 50% reservation limit. Constitutional Basis for Reservation Limits Article 16(1): Ensures equal opportunity in …

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HERATH FESTIVAL

GS1 CULTURE:  Herath is the Kashmiri Pandit community’s unique celebration of Mahashivratri, starting on the 13th day of Phalgun (February/March) and lasting until the new moon. The term “Herath” comes from “Har-Ratri,” meaning “night of Hara” (Lord Shiva), symbolizing the divine union of Shiva and Parvati. Historical & Cultural Significance …

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Battle of Karnal (1739)

GS 1 – HISTORY Context The Battle of Karnal, fought on February 24, 1739, was a decisive conflict between Nadir Shah, the Persian ruler, and Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah, also known as Rangila. This battle marked a significant turning point in the decline of the Mughal Empire. Background By the …

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Ratnagiri Buddhist Heritage Site

GS 1 – HISTORY Context: In December, archaeologists uncovered a colossal 1.4-meter-tall Buddha head, along with tablets and stupas over 1,500 years old, at Ratnagiri, Odisha. This discovery reaffirms Ratnagiri’s role as a prominent hub for Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhism, drawing scholars from across the world. Overview of Ratnagiri Buddhist Heritage …

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Ajit Singh & the Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement

GS 1 – HISTORY Why in News? Farmers protesting at the Punjab-Haryana borders have declared February 23 as Pagri Sambhal Diwas to honor Ajit Singh, the uncle of Bhagat Singh and a key figure in India’s freedom struggle. Ajit Singh – The Revolutionary Leader Born: February 23, 1881, in Khatkar …

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CONFLICT MINERALS: ISSUES AND IMPLICATIONS

GS1 GEOGRAPHY:  Introduction Context: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed lawsuits against Apple’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium, alleging the use of conflict minerals sourced from sub-Saharan Africa. Focus: This highlights the global challenge of conflict minerals and their role in fueling violence and exploitation. What Are Conflict …

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IMMIGRATION AND FOREIGNERS BILL 2025

GS2 POLITY:  Overview: Scheduled for introduction in India’s Budget session from March 10, 2025, by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Aims to modernize and consolidate immigration laws by replacing four old laws from the early 20th century, enacted during unique historical periods like the World Wars. Objectives: Create a …

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TIBETAN BUDDHISM

GS1 CULTURE:  New regulations implemented by China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs in late 2024 aim to control Tibetan Buddhist practices. Effective from January 1, 2025, these rules integrate Tibetan Buddhism into Han Chinese culture, enforcing political loyalty in religious institutions. About Tibetan Buddhism: Spread to Tibet by the 9th …

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Tamil Civilization

GS 1 – Ancient India Context: The report Antiquity of Iron: Recent Radiometric Dates from Tamil Nadu states that iron usage in Tamil Nadu dates back to the first quarter of the 4th millennium BCE, marking the beginning of the Iron Age in the region. About Tamil Civilization: What is …

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PM MODI VISITS MAZARGUES WAR CEMETERY

GS 1- HISTORY Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille to honor 900 Indian soldiers who served in World War I. This visit highlights India’s often-overlooked contributions to both World Wars. About Mazargues War Cemetery Established to honor soldiers from …

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