GS3

GS III – Security What is INS Tamal? INS Tamal is a Talwar-class (Krivak‑III-type) guided-missile stealth frigate acquired from Russia. Built at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, it is the eighth Talwar-class vessel and the last warship India has procured from abroad  Project Background & Acquisition Under a 2016 Indo-Russian agreement, India agreed to …

GS III – Science & Technology What is Quantum Computing? Quantum computing is a new computing paradigm based on the principles of quantum mechanics, such as: Superposition: A quantum bit (qubit) can exist in multiple states simultaneously. Entanglement: Two qubits can be connected in such a way that the state …

GS III – Health What Is e‑Rakt Kosh? e‑Rakt Kosh is India’s centralized blood-bank management system, launched on 7 April 2016 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare It operates under the Drug & Cosmetic Act and the National Blood Policy, aiming to ensure safe, timely, and adequate blood supply nationwide …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: The Indian Coast Guard has launched ‘Achal’, the fifth vessel in the series of Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), marking a step forward in coastal defence capabilities. About ‘Achal’ FPV: Class & Builder: Fifth in the Adamya-class of FPVs, constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: In a significant advancement, IIT-Delhi and DRDO jointly demonstrated Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in free-space communication across a distance exceeding 1 km. The system achieved a secure key rate of 240 bits per second with a Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) of less than …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context Recently, the Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in the USA used SPArc therapy to treat a patient suffering from Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC), a rare cancer affecting the salivary glands or head and neck regions. What is SPArc Therapy? SPArc (Step-and-Shoot Spot-Scanning Proton …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context India is strategically positioned to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing biotechnology, guided by forward-looking initiatives such as the BioE3 Policy and the India AI Mission. BioE3 Policy – 2024 The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The first half of 2025 has seen a series of weather anomalies across India, highlighting the deepening impacts of climate change on urban environments, marked by abnormal temperatures, erratic rainfall, elevated humidity, and increasing urban fragility. Rising Humidity: Key Drivers Warming Oceans: Elevated sea surface …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Context: Despite sustained efforts by the Punjab government to shift away from paddy, the state continues to witness high acreage under paddy cultivation during the kharif season. Current Scenario: Dominance of Paddy in Punjab In the ongoing kharif season, around 35–36 lakh hectares have been allocated …

GS3 – Environment  Context: India faces a dual challenge: balancing energy security and climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. This necessitates a gradual but firm shift from coal to renewables, ensuring a just transition for affected communities and sectors. India’s Coal Consumption & Energy Mix Coal Dependency: Contributes ~55% of …

GS3 – Environment Context The government has proposed new guidelines to regulate the operational temperature range of air conditioners (ACs) across the country, aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption. Key Proposal Newly manufactured ACs will be required to operate within a preset temperature range of 20°C to …

GS3 – S&T Context: The “Fund Kaveri Engine” campaign has gained attention post-Operation Sindoor, spotlighting this indigenous turbojet project. What is Kaveri Engine? An indigenous turbofan engine developed by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru. Designed originally in the 1980s to power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and …

GS3 – S&T Context: A recent study has found that an ancient mutation on the X chromosome activates the Arhgap36 gene, causing the orange coat color in domestic cats. Key Details: Location: Arhgap36 gene is on the X chromosome in mammals (cats and humans). Function: Regulates cellular processes related to …

GS3 – S&T Context The U.S. Air Force successfully test-launched its LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile), designed for long-range nuclear strike capabilities. Minuteman III ICBM Overview: Originally deployed in the 1970s, the Minuteman III is set to be phased out and replaced by the LGM-35A Sentinel system. It …

GS3 – Infrastructure Context: The CBI filed a chargesheet against a former J&K Governor over alleged procedural violations in the Kiru Hydroelectric Project. The project is situated at the confluence of the Chenab River with the Singad and Bela streams, close to Kiru and Patharnakki villages in Kishtwar district, J&K. …

GS 3 – Environment & Ecology Geographic Range Native to South and Southeast Asia Found in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Sumatra) India hosts over 60% of the global population of Asian elephants. Conservation Status Agency Status IUCN Red List Endangered …

GS-3: Environment and Biodiversity Key Highlights A 4.2-metre-long inflorescence (cluster of flowers) was discovered in a wild banana species (Musa indandamanensis) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This is the longest banana inflorescence ever recorded worldwide. The species is endemic to the Andaman region and was first recorded in 2012 …

GS-3: Environment and Biodiversity Conservation Key Highlights The Kadbanwadi grassland in Maharashtra’s Pune district, home to the Indian grey wolf, is witnessing an alarming decline in the wolf population. From 70 wolves (2016) to just 6 (2024), the fall is attributed largely to threats from feral dogs, which hunt in …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kiltan is set to participate in the upcoming IMDEX Asia 2025. About IMDEX Asia: First held in 1997, IMDEX Asia (International Maritime Defence Exhibition) is one of the leading maritime defence events in the Asia-Pacific region. It is held …

Context: India recently activated its integrated air defence systems in response to aerial threats from Pakistan, showcasing its multi-layered capability to neutralize diverse aerial attacks. Raksha Kavach Developer: DRDO Type: Indigenous multi-layered air defence platform Features: Combines ballistic, electronic, and blast protection Integrated with satellite surveillance, drones, laser weapons Uses …