GS 3 – Environment The Intertidal Bioblitz, a citizen science initiative, was jointly conducted by the Coastal Conservation Foundation and the East Coast Conservation Team to document biodiversity in India’s intertidal zones. A flatworm, Pseudoceros bifascia, was recorded for the first time from mainland India (Andhra Pradesh coast). About the …
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INDIA-US TRUST (TRANSFORMING THE RELATIONSHIP UTILIZING STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY) INITIATIVE
GS 2 – International relation Announced during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Washington, this initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, and more. Significance of the TRUST Initiative Encourage investments in both public and private sectors to enhance manufacturing capacities and create jobs in both …
Read More »LAUNCH OF RURAL TECHNOLOGY ACTION GROUP (RUTAGE) SMART VILLAGE CENTER (RSVC) IN MANDAURA, HARYANA
GS 3 – Science and technology The RSVC was developed under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA). The center aims to integrate state-of-the-art technologies with rural requirements, improving the quality of life and empowering rural communities through sustainable solutions. The concept of RuTAGe was proposed …
Read More »Indirect Prompt Injection
GS 3 – Science and technology Context: Cybersecurity researchers have raised concerns about a new vulnerability in AI chatbots known as Indirect Prompt Injection attacks. Understanding Indirect Prompt Injection This attack method involves manipulating AI chatbots into executing unintended or harmful commands. It exploits the fundamental ability of large language …
Read More »US-India COMPACT Initiative
GS 2 – International relation Recent Developments The leaders of the United States and India have jointly introduced the U.S.-India COMPACT initiative, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. Overview of the US-India COMPACT Initiative The Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology (COMPACT) initiative is designed to enhance collaboration …
Read More »India in the Indian Ocean Region
GS3 – International relation Context: India, alongside Singapore and Oman, is co-hosting the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, where foreign ministers from 30 nations are deliberating on regional security and economic cooperation. Understanding the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) The third-largest ocean globally, spanning 70.56 million sq km, linking …
Read More »Matsya 6000
GS 3 – Science and technology Context: India is on track to become the sixth nation to develop its own Deep Sea Mission. During the initial phase of harbour trials, the submersible is expected to reach depths between 40 and 50 meters. The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has …
Read More »NODI BANDHAN SCHEME: A RIVER INTERLINKING INITIATIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
GS 3 – GEOGRAPHY The West Bengal government has introduced the “Nodi Bandhan” scheme as part of its 2025-26 budget. This initiative aims to address natural disasters, river erosion, and unemployment by promoting river interlinking and wetland conservation. The Ghatal Masterplan, a key component of this scheme, will focus on …
Read More »HARYANA GOVERNMENT PERMITS NILGAI SHOOTING: CONTROVERSY AND ECOLOGICAL CONCERNS
GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT – SPECIES The Haryana government has recently introduced new Wildlife (Protection) Rules, allowing the shooting of male Nilgais (blue bulls) to control their population and minimize crop damage. This decision has sparked opposition from environmentalists, local communities, and the Bishnoi community, who argue that such measures …
Read More »INTERNATIONAL THERMONUCLEAR EXPERIMENTAL REACTOR (ITER): ADVANCING FUSION ENERGY
GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron, recently visited the ITER facility in France, highlighting the project’s progress, particularly the assembly of the world’s largest tokamak. ITER aims to demonstrate fusion as a viable, carbon-free energy source. What Is ITER? International …
Read More »GS 3 – AGRICULTURE NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN FOR NATIONAL FISHERIES DIGITAL PLATFORM REGISTRATION The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying has launched a nationwide campaign from February 14–22, 2025, to boost registrations on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP). This initiative, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), …
Read More »KM3NET COLLABORATION ADVANCES IN NEUTRINO RESEARCH
GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY The KM3NeT (Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope) Collaboration is making significant strides in neutrino research through deep-sea observatories in the Mediterranean Sea. These detectors aim to study neutrinos—subatomic particles that can provide crucial insights into cosmic events. A recent breakthrough involved detecting a record-breaking ultra-high-energy …
Read More »TRIBAL HOUSING NEAR BRAHMAGIRI SANCTUARY: WEIGHING CONSERVATION AGAINST REHABILITATION
GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT The Karnataka government’s plan to establish a tribal village within the buffer zone of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary has ignited debate. While it seeks to rehabilitate over 570 displaced tribal families, concerns about human-wildlife conflict remain a significant issue. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: An Overview Location: Western Ghats, …
Read More »SEBI Unveils MITRA Platform to Track Inactive Mutual Fund Investments
GS 3 – ECONOMY The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched the Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and Retrieval Assistant (MITRA) platform to help investors locate and recover inactive or unclaimed mutual fund folios. Objectives of MITRA Enables investors to search for forgotten mutual fund holdings. Assists in …
Read More »CHALLENGES OF FOREST RIGHTS ACT
GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA), aimed to empower forest communities, yet significant challenges persist. A recent study highlights limited recognition of Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights across most states, undermining the Act’s objectives. Current Status of …
Read More »NIIF TO RAISE $2 BILLION PRIVATE CREDIT FUND
GS 3 – ECONOMY The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), a government-backed initiative, plans to raise a $2 billion private credit fund—the largest of its kind in India. Discussions are ongoing with sovereign investors to secure participation. NIIF Overview Established in 2015, NIIF mobilizes long-term capital for infrastructure projects. …
Read More »GREEN CREDIT PROGRAMME AND ECOMARK SCHEME
GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Launched in October 2023, the Green Credit Programme (GCP) and the Ecomark Scheme promote environmental sustainability. GCP incentivizes voluntary eco-actions, while Ecomark certifies eco-friendly products. Green Credit Programme (GCP) A market-based initiative rewarding afforestation and eco-restoration efforts. 17 states allocated 57,700 hectares for tree plantations, with …
Read More »MISSION AMRIT SAROVAR PROGRESS
GS – 3 – ENVIRONMENT Launched in April 2022, Mission Amrit Sarovar aims to combat water scarcity by constructing and rejuvenating 75 ponds per district, totaling 50,000 nationwide. As of January 2025, over 68,000 ponds have been completed, surpassing targets. Key Objectives & Implementation The mission focuses on sustainable water …
Read More »Shakti Semiconductor Chips – India’s First Indigenous Aerospace-Grade Chip
GS3 – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: India has developed its first indigenous aerospace-grade semiconductor chip, Shakti, through a collaboration between IIT Madras and ISRO under the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) initiative. This marks a significant step towards semiconductor self-reliance and strengthening India’s strategic autonomy. About Shakti Semiconductor Chips What is …
Read More »India’s Role in Advancing South-South Climate Cooperation
GS3 –ENVIRONMENT Context: India has the potential to play a significant role in strengthening climate collaboration among developing countries under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, facilitating global climate solutions. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement Carbon Markets: This provision enables the exchange of carbon credits to fulfill emission reduction …
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