GS3

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: NASA is set to launch the PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission, a Small Explorer initiative aimed at capturing global, three-dimensional observations of the young solar wind, extending from the outermost solar atmosphere (Corona) to the inner heliosphere. Key Features: …

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH:  Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, including Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Predictive Analytics, are being harnessed to modernize judicial processes, legal research, and law enforcement in India. AI’s Role in Judiciary and Law Enforcement Judicial Modernization: Phase III of the …

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH:  India’s debut indigenous semiconductor chip is slated for production by 2025, a milestone in reducing reliance on imports and bolstering its global semiconductor standing. Currently, India depends heavily on nations like Taiwan and China for chips. Benefits of Indigenous Chips Developing local chips will strengthen national …

GS3 INTERNAL SECURITY:  The UN Secretary-General has cautioned that nuclear weapons lead to a “one-way road to annihilation,” a statement made as the Doomsday Clock moved one second closer to midnight last month. Introduced in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, the Doomsday Clock symbolizes humanity’s proximity to …

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH:  India’s space sector is poised for a fivefold increase, playing a vital role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Overview of India’s Space Economy Current Value: Valued at $8.4 billion, India holds a 2% share of the global space market. Economic Contribution: Over the …

GS3 ECONOMICS:  The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has published a report titled Tariffs and India, which evaluates the potential effects of the U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Plan and suggests strategies for the Indian government and industry to minimize losses. The U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Plan seeks to address trade imbalances by …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  A recent study raised concerns about black plastic kitchen utensils containing harmful flame retardants. However, a later correction found the risks were overstated. What Is Black Plastic? Made from recycled electronic waste like old computers and appliances. Contains toxic substances such as bromine, antimony, lead, cadmium, and mercury. …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Health Concerns: Black plastic products contain a flame-retardant chemical called decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), which has been linked to human health risks. Source & Composition: Black plastic is often made from recycled electronic waste (such as computers, TVs, and appliances). Electronics contain harmful substances, including: Flame retardants …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Munda tribals of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Odisha, have protested against restrictions on accessing their sacred groves, which have been converted into a tiger enclosure for the translocated tigress Zeenat. About Similipal Tiger Reserve Location: Mayurbhanj district, Odisha Declared a Tiger Reserve under Project …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Context: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella showcased Project Farm Vibes in Baramati, highlighting its success in improving crop yield by 40% and reducing fertilizer use by 25%. The initiative, in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, is now expanding from 1,000 to 50,000 farmers. What is …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT  – SPECIES Context: China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, highlighted the historical significance of the Tea Horse Road, emphasizing its role in India-China trade via Tibet. What is the Tea Horse Road? Also known as Chamadao, it was an ancient trade route linking China, Tibet, and …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo) has established India’s first wildlife biobank in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). What is a Biobank? A biobank is a specialized repository that collects, preserves, and manages biological samples such as blood, …

GS 3 – GEOGRAPHY Context: The Ministry of Mines has reclassified Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz from minor minerals to major minerals. What is a Mineral? A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic material that has a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure. Distinction Between Major and Minor Minerals …

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to inject rupee liquidity for an extended period through another $10 billion dollar-rupee buy-sell swap. It’s a tool used by the RBI to manage liquidity and support the rupee’s value. How does it work? The RBI buys …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The northern white rhino is on the verge of extinction, with only two individuals left. However, advancements in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) have sparked hope for the subspecies, as 36 embryos are now ready for implantation. About Northern White Rhino: What is a White Rhino? The …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Launched: February 24, 2019 Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Objective: To provide direct income support to all landholding farmers to help them meet agricultural and allied needs. Key Features: Financial Assistance: Income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families. Paid in three …

GS 3 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION Context: India, in collaboration with Singapore and Oman, is hosting the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat to deliberate on regional security and economic integration. Historical Importance of the Indian Ocean Naming & Cultural Impact: The Indian Ocean derives its name from India, highlighting …

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a USD/INR buy/sell swap auction worth $10 billion, aiming to inject ₹86,000 crore into the banking system. Understanding Rupee & Dollar Swap Auctions Rupee-Dollar swap auctions are monetary tools employed by the RBI to manage liquidity in …

GS 3 – ECONOMY   Context: India’s economic framework exposes the rupee to long-term depreciation and the possibility of currency crises. Rupee Depreciation Rupee depreciation refers to the decline in the rupee’s value relative to the US dollar, meaning the rupee weakens and holds less purchasing power against the dollar. …

GS3 ECONOMY:  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) analyzed public spending quality using a Quality of Public Expenditure (QPE) index, factoring in capital outlay, revenue spending, and development expenditure: Six Phases Since 1991: 1991–95 (Post-Liberalization): Fiscal consolidation cut capital and developmental spending. 1996–2003 (Pre-FRBM): Rising debt and stagnant public investment. …