GS1 – HISTORY Early Life and Background Guru Ravidas (1377–1527 C.E.) was a revered saint and spiritual leader whose contributions significantly influenced the Bhakti Movement. Also known by names such as Raidas, Rohidas, and Ruhidas, he was born in Seer Govardhanpur, a small village in present-day Uttar Pradesh. His birthplace, …
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Baltic Sea
GS1-GEOGRAPHY Context: Security experts have raised alarms about the heightened risk of an oil spill in the Baltic Sea due to Russia’s use of an aging and poorly maintained “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, which operate without Western insurance coverage. Geographical Significance of the Baltic Sea The Baltic Sea is …
Read More »Bhil Tribal Group Conflict
GS1 ART & CULTURE: Recent Incident: In February 2025, the Pune rural police presented a report to the NCST regarding Bhil families’ complaint against Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) for alleged attempts to displace them from a 200-acre land leased by the Maharashtra government. VSI’s Director General denied these claims. Court …
Read More »Fort William Renamed as Vijay Durg
GS1: History Context – The Indian Army’s Eastern Command Headquarters in Kolkata, formerly known as Fort William, has been renamed Vijay Durg as part of ongoing efforts to remove colonial-era influences from the military. Historical Background Construction and Naming: Built by the British in 1781, the fort was named after …
Read More »Extreme Arctic Warming
GS1: Geography Context – In February 2025, the Arctic witnessed an unprecedented temperature rise, exceeding the average by more than 20°C. This extreme warming event has raised serious concerns about its consequences for global climate stability. Rapid Arctic Warming Unprecedented Temperature Surge: The North Pole recorded a temperature spike of …
Read More »Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 CE)
GS Paper I History Adi Shankaracharya was a great Indian philosopher, theologian, and spiritual reformer who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He played a crucial role in reviving Hinduism during a time when Buddhism and Jainism were dominant in India. Key Contributions of Adi Shankaracharya Doctrine of Advaita Vedanta …
Read More »INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF GLACIERS
GS1: Geography The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation to highlight the importance of glaciers and the need for climate action. Glaciers hold 70% of the world’s freshwater, and their rapid melting threatens water supplies, raises sea levels, and risks coastal areas. What Are …
Read More »ANNUAL STATUS OF EDUCATION REPORT (ASER) 2024
GS1 SOCIETY Overview The ASER 2024, conducted by NGO Pratham, surveyed over 649,000 children across 605 rural districts, offering insights into rural education trends in India. Key Findings on Enrolment Government school enrolment declined to 66.8%, similar to 2018 levels, after peaking at 72.9% during COVID-19. Private school enrolment has …
Read More »ETIKOPPAKA BOMMALU: A HERITAGE CRAFT
GS 1 – HISTORY Origin: Etikoppaka village, Andhra Pradesh Significance: Showcased during the 76th Republic Day parade Historical Background The craft dates back over 400 years, with roots linked to ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley. Passed down through generations, it embodies the cultural legacy of Andhra Pradesh. Artisans have …
Read More »Storm Eowyn: A Devastating Bomb Cyclone
GS 1 – Geography Storm Eowyn, a powerful bomb cyclone, has caused severe destruction across the British Isles, particularly affecting Ireland and Scotland. What is Storm Eowyn? Definition: A rapidly intensifying storm that experienced an extreme air pressure drop of 50 millibars within 24 hours, surpassing the threshold for “explosive …
Read More »CENTRE DRAFTS RULES FOR UNIFORM IST ADOPTION
GS 1 – GEOGRAPHY Time Zone: IST (UTC+05:30) was adopted in 1906 and standardized post-independence at 82°30’E near Mirzapur. Key Provisions: Exclusive Use of IST: Mandates IST for all official and commercial activities. Time-Synchronisation Systems: Establish mechanisms to ensure precise and secure timekeeping. Importance of Standard Timekeeping: Sectors Benefited: Banking, …
Read More »DECLINING POPULATION OF THE KORAGA TRIBE IN INDIA
GS1 – SOCIETY The Koraga tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), is witnessing a population decline from 20,000 two decades ago to approximately 16,000 today, with projections indicating further drops to around 12,000. Challenges Faced Health and Demographics: Falling birth rates and high infant mortality. Widespread malnutrition and limited …
Read More »TAMIL NADU’S IRON AGE DISCOVERY CHALLENGES GLOBAL METALLURGICAL HISTORY
GS1 SOCIETY Recent archaeological studies in Tamil Nadu have pushed the timeline of iron technology back to the early 4th millennium BCE, significantly earlier than the previously accepted period of 1500-2000 BCE. Key Findings: Over 85 iron objects, including tools and weapons, were found, indicating advanced metallurgical techniques. Sites like …
Read More »Ratnagiri Excavations in Odisha
GS 1 – HISTORY Context: The ASI has resumed excavations at Ratnagiri, an important Buddhist center from Emperor Ashoka’s reign, crucial in spreading Buddhism. Key Discoveries: Colossal Buddha sculptures and a monolithic elephant statue. Votive stupas, inscribed stones, pottery, and brick wall remnants from a Buddhist monastery. Artifacts revealing trade …
Read More »NATIONAL TRIBAL HEALTH CONCLAVE 2025
GS1 INDIAN HERITAGE The National Tribal Health Conclave 2025, organized under the Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), aims to address the unique health challenges faced by tribal communities. Key healthcare issues for tribes …
Read More »Siachen Glacier
GS 1 – GEOGRAPHY Recent Development: India’s Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battleground, now has 4G and 5G services, enhancing communication for soldiers in extreme conditions and showcasing India’s focus on technology in strategic areas. About Siachen Glacier: Geographical Location: Located in the Karakoram Range in the Himalayan region, known …
Read More »Konark Sun Temple
GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE Context: The recent visit by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to the Sun Temple has spotlighted its global significance and Odisha’s exceptional craftsmanship. Location: Situated in the town of Konark, Odisha, close to the Bay of Bengal. Historical Background: Period of Construction: Built during the …
Read More »Kalaripayattu
GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE Context: The 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand has drawn criticism due to the decision to place Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art, in the demonstration category rather than the main events. What is it? Kalaripayattu is among the world’s oldest martial art forms, known …
Read More »Kuka Rebellion
GS 1 – MODERN INDIA Context: On January 17, Punjab Chief Minister paid tribute at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla to honor the martyrs of the Kuka Rebellion, a significant anti-British movement in Punjab’s history. What is the Kuka Rebellion? The Kuka Rebellion was an anti-British uprising initiated by …
Read More »INDIA PHASES OUT HCFCS
GS3 – ENVIRONMENT: Overview: In 2024, India successfully phased out the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in manufacturing, aligning with its commitments under the Montreal Protocol. This action is critical for ozone layer protection and addressing climate change, marking a significant step toward sustainable environmental practices. Montreal Protocol Overview: The Montreal …
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