GS3

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 …

GS-3: Environment and Climate Change Key Highlights Climate-driven food shortages and nutrient losses impact gut microbiota, increasing disease risks. Elevated CO₂ levels reduce micronutrients (e.g., phosphorus, zinc, iron) in crops like wheat and maize. Malnutrition and reduced microbial diversity are linked to diseases like eczema, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. …

GS-3: Indian Economy Key Highlights India-U.K. total trade reached $19.3 billion in 2024-25, a 60% increase from $12.2 billion in 2016-17. Exports grew 41% to $12 billion, while imports nearly doubled to $7.3 billion. Top export categories: Electrical machinery (15.3%), Nuclear reactors/boilers (11.6%), Mineral fuels (9.1%), Pearls/stones (7%), Pharma (5.4%). …

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: The DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight trials of the Stratospheric Airship Platform from the Sheopur Trial site in Madhya Pradesh. Developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment in Agra, the airship carried an instrumental payload to an altitude of approximately …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Context: World Solar Day on 3rd May highlighted India’s efforts to promote agrivoltaics, aiming to harness solar energy while boosting agricultural productivity. Agrivoltaics (APV) Agrivoltaics refers to the co-location of solar photovoltaic panels and crops on the same land, enabling dual land use for both clean …

GS-3: Infrastructure Key Points: A blackout in Spain and Portugal highlights grid stability issues with solar and wind energy. Grid frequency (50 Hz in Europe) must be balanced to avoid disruptions. Renewables lack the inertia of traditional power plants, increasing grid vulnerability. Energy storage and backup systems are critical for …

GS-3: Environment, Energy, Infrastructure Key Points: PM2.5 pollution caused ~30,000 annual deaths in Indian cities (2008-2019). Global EV adoption is rising, led by Europe and China. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) are 20-30% costlier than battery EVs, but costs may align by 2030. Per km costs: HFC buses ($0.84/km) vs. …