GS1

INDO-MYANMAR BORDER REGULATIONS

GS1 GEOGRAPHY Overview: India has recently strengthened its border regulations for foreigners entering Northeastern states bordering Myanmar, reversing a period of relative openness. This move has implications for local communities and cross-border relationships. Protected Area Regime (PAR): The Indian government has reinstated the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Mizoram, …

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MUSI RIVER HERITAGE SITES RECOGNITION

GS1 INDIAN HERITAGE Overview: The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has added the Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad to its World Monuments Watch list, highlighting the need for urgent preservation efforts. This recognition coincides with local government plans to revitalize the river and its heritage structures, aiming to boost tourism …

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SVAMITVA Property Card Distribution

GS2 POLITY Event Summary: On January 18, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the e-Distribution of SVAMITVA Property Cards, marking a significant milestone in rural governance and empowerment. Around 65 lakh property cards were distributed to over 50,000 villages across 10 states and 2 Union Territories, aiming to enhance …

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RAKHIGARHI

GS 1 – ANCIENT INDIA Recent Discovery Archaeologists uncovered a mud-brick stadium and a marketplace from the Mature Harappan Phase at Rakhigarhi. Stadium Features: Precisely engineered seating arena with an inclined design for optimal viewing, indicating a sporting culture during the Harappan era. About Rakhigarhi Significance: Recognized as one of …

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ART IN A BOX

GS 1 – ART AND CULTURE President Droupadi Murmu’s special guests will receive a unique gift box showcasing some of South India’s finest GI-tagged crafts. Here are the notable items featured in the hamper: Pochampally Ikat Pencil Pouch: Hailing from Telangana, the Pochampally Ikat is renowned for its distinct geometric …

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EVOLUTION OF THE TABLA

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 …

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KHOONI BHANDARA

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 …

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ARTESIAN WELL

GS 1 – GEOGRAPHY Why in News? Recently, significant amounts of water have been gushing out from underground in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, attributed to the presence of an Artesian Well. Experts have rejected the idea that the water is linked to the ancient Saraswati River, suggesting instead that the water may …

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DECLINE IN RURAL-TO-URBAN MIGRATION IN INDIA

GS1- SOCIETY Recent findings from the report ‘400 Million Dreams!’ by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) reveal a significant decline in rural-to-urban migration in India, with 5.4 million fewer migrants in 2023 compared to 2011—a drop of 11.8%. Key Trends in Migration Migration Rate Decline: From …

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Indus Valley Script

GS 1 – ANCIENT INDIA The Indus Valley Script, associated with the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC), remains one of the most intriguing and undeciphered scripts in human history. The script is an essential topic for UPSC as it combines aspects of history, culture, and linguistics, highlighting the intellectual and technological …

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Gomti River and Its Protection Efforts

GS 1 – Geography The Territorial Army has recently set up a dedicated task force to focus on the rejuvenation and protection of the Gomti River, a vital water source in Uttar Pradesh. This initiative highlights the growing need for river conservation and the role of the armed forces in …

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India Meteorological Department (IMD)

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 …

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ALL INDIA MUSLIM LEAGUE (AIML)

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 …

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National Maritime Heritage Complex: Lothal

GS 1 – Ancient India  The Union Cabinet has recently sanctioned the establishment of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), aims to highlight India’s 4,500-year-old maritime legacy. A Lighthouse Museum, planned to be the tallest …

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SCRAPPING THE NO-DETENTION POLICY

GS 1 – SOCIETY  Context: The policy under the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009, which allowed automatic promotion of students up to Class 8, has been abolished for Classes 5 and 8 to enhance accountability and learning outcomes. Initially, this policy aimed to reduce dropouts and eliminate the …

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BOLSHEVISM

GS1 – WORLD HISTORY   Bolshevism refers to the radical communist ideology led by the Bolshevik faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP), under Vladimir Lenin, which was pivotal in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the establishment of the Soviet Union. 1. Origin: Meaning: “Bolshevik” comes from …

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