GS3

IMPACT OF MARINE HEAT WAVES ON ARCTIC MAMMALS

GS3 ENVIRONMENT: Recent studies highlight the severe impact of marine heat waves (MHWs) on marine mammals in Arctic and Subarctic regions. Rising ocean temperatures are increasing mortality rates, reducing reproductive success, and making these animals more vulnerable to diseases. The Arctic Ocean is expected to become a major hotspot for …

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Killer Whales (Orcas)

GS 3-SPECIES  Australian authorities are euthanizing approximately 90 false killer whales that survived a mass stranding on a remote Tasmanian beach.   Overview of Killer Whales (Orcas) Scientific Name: Orcinus orca Type: Marine Mammals Family: Largest member of the oceanic dolphin family Weight: Up to 6 tons Appearance: Distinctive black-and-white …

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Laws of Demand and Supply

GS-3-ECONOMY  The fundamental principles of market economics, the Laws of Demand and Supply, provide the core framework for price determination within an economy. These laws clarify the interactions between consumers and producers, influencing the availability of goods and services. This article by NEXT IAS aims to elucidate these laws and …

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ISRO DEVELOPS WORLD’S LARGEST VERTICAL PROPELLANT MIXER

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH:  On February 13, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced the successful development of the world’s largest 10-tonne Vertical Planetary Mixer for solid propellants. This breakthrough, achieved in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru, is a significant step toward self-reliance in space …

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NEW INDIA CO-OPERATIVE BANK CRISIS AND DICGC’S ROLE

GS3 ECONOMICS:  The New India Co-operative Bank in Mumbai is facing a crisis following allegations of a Rs 122 crore fraud. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed severe restrictions, including barring the bank from granting new loans, renewing advances, and accepting new deposits. Depositors are also restricted from …

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INDIA-US UNDERWATER DOMAIN AWARENESS COOPERATION

GS2 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS India and the US have strengthened their collaboration in Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA), a key focus during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington. The Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) was announced to enhance industry partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. Importance of UDA Essential for national security and maritime …

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DELHI’S EARTHQUAKE RISKS

GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT:  A recent 4.0-magnitude earthquake in Delhi has highlighted the region’s seismic vulnerability, with tremors also felt in Bihar, Odisha, and Sikkim. This has reignited concerns about the possibility of a “Great Himalayan Earthquake.” Delhi’s Seismic Risk Seismic Zone: Delhi falls in Zone 4, making it highly prone …

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SUCCESSFUL TEST OF MATSYA-6000

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH: India’s Deep Ocean Mission has achieved a milestone with the successful testing of Matsya-6000, a deep-sea submersible developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology. Designed for ocean exploration, it can operate at depths of up to 6,000 metres, aiding in marine research and resource discovery. …

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PM-AASHA Scheme

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Context: The Government of India has extended the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme until 2025-26, aligning with the 15th Finance Commission period. About PM-AASHA Scheme: Objective: PM-AASHA is a comprehensive initiative designed to guarantee fair prices for farmers by strengthening procurement operations and …

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Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs)

GS 3 – ECONOMY A Sovereign Green Bond (SGrB) is a debt instrument issued by the government to raise capital for projects that promote environmental sustainability. These bonds are part of India’s commitment to green finance and climate action. Features Sovereign Green Bonds are government-issued bonds where the proceeds are …

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INDIA’S CARBON SEQUESTRATION

GS3 ENVIRONMENT: Key Points: Over the last decade, India’s vegetation has absorbed more carbon than it emits, with an annual absorption of 380-530 million tonnes. Carbon sequestration, the process of capturing atmospheric CO2 by plants, is vital for climate mitigation. Negative Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) signifies effective carbon storage. Challenges: …

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PROJECT WATERWORTH – SUBSEA INTERNET CABLE INITIATIVE

GS3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:  Context: Meta has launched Project Waterworth, a groundbreaking subsea internet cable initiative that will span 50,000 km, making it the world’s longest subsea cable system. About Project Waterworth: Objective: To enhance global internet infrastructure, improving connectivity across regions like the United States, India, Brazil, and South Africa. …

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NEUTRINOS

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH:  Context: Recently, researchers have detected High-energy cosmic neutrinos under Mediterranean Sea. What are Neutrinos? Neutrinos are tiny particles with no electric charge and very little mass. They are incredibly difficult to detect because they rarely interact with matter. Where Do They Come From? The Sun: Produced …

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LOGGERHEAD TURTLE

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  Habitat Found in warm oceans around the world, including India’s coasts (Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat). Diet They eat crustaceans, jellyfish, mollusks, and hard-shelled animals like crabs. Nesting and Reproduction They nest on sandy beaches and return to the same place where they were born. A female …

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