GS3 IR: The Netzarim Corridor was a military-controlled zone in northern Gaza from 2023 to 2025 during the Gaza War. It ran from the Gaza-Israel border to the Mediterranean Sea, south of Gaza City, and was named after a former Israeli settlement. Ceasefire and Withdrawal Ceasefire initiated on January 19, …
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MARKET INTERVENTION SCHEME (MIS)
GS3 ECONOMICS: The Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is part of the PM-AASHA initiative, designed to support farmers by stabilizing prices for perishable agricultural commodities during price fluctuations. Key Features Protects farmers from distress sales, especially during bumper crop seasons. Focuses on perishable commodities like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. Activated when …
Read More »Pandora Mission: NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Endeavour
GS3 SCIENCE & TECH: Overview Scheduled for launch in 2025, Pandora aims to study exoplanet atmospheres. The mission addresses the high demand for observation time on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Focus areas include clouds, hazes, and the presence of water in distant worlds. About Exoplanets Exoplanets orbit stars …
Read More »ISRO Successfully Tests CE20 Cryogenic Engine Ignition
GS3 SCIENCE & TECH: On February 7, 2025, ISRO conducted a successful ignition trial of the CE20 cryogenic engine at the High Altitude Test Facility in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This engine powers the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) and is crucial for the Gaganyaan mission. Significance of …
Read More »India-Russia Deal on Klub-S Missile System
GS3 INTERNAL SECURITY: Overview India recently finalized a defense agreement with Russia to acquire advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, strengthening the Indian Navy’s submarine operational capabilities. Although specific details such as cost and quantity remain undisclosed, sources confirm the deal involves the Klub-S missile system, part of the Kalibr missile family. …
Read More »Challenges in Ladakh’s Renewable Energy Transmission Project
GS3 ENVIRONMENT: Project Overview Rs 21,000 crore project to link a 13 GW renewable energy park in Ladakh to the national grid in Haryana. Utilizes HVDC technology for electricity transmission over 480 km from solar and wind sources. Key Challenges Security Concerns Proximity to the China border poses security threats. …
Read More »Shiv Shakti Point: Age and Exploration Highlights
GS3 SCIENCE & TECH: Chandrayaan-3 Mission India’s third lunar exploration mission by ISRO achieved a historic soft landing on the moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023. Key components included the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover, which collected critical data on lunar geology. Age Estimation The Shiv Shakti point is …
Read More »Technology and the Challenge of Equitable Education
GS3 SCIENCE & TECH: Context The evolution of digital technology in India has greatly impacted the education sector, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the digital transformation in rural India. While access to technology has increased, significant challenges remain in ensuring equitable educational outcomes for all, especially the underprivileged. …
Read More »India’s Voice Must Resonate in Global AI Conversations Context
GS3 SCIENCE & TECH: AI is transforming industries and geopolitics, highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks to protect vulnerable individuals. India must play a pivotal role in shaping global AI safety while ensuring its competitive edge. AI and Geopolitics AI transcends national borders, requiring international governance. India, with 30% AI …
Read More »India’s AI Revolution: Seizing the Future
GS3 SCIENCE & TECH: Context The global AI race is intensifying, with the US heavily investing in semiconductors and new open-source models challenging proprietary AI. India has the potential to lead in AI, supported by strong digital infrastructure and a skilled workforce. India’s Strengths in AI Ecosystem: India supports both …
Read More »QUANTUM TELEPORTATION: A BREAKTHROUGH IN DISTRIBUTED QUANTUM COMPUTING
GS III: Science & Technology Recent Development Scientists at the University of Oxford have successfully linked quantum computers using quantum teleportation, advancing large-scale quantum networking. What is Quantum Teleportation? Quantum teleportation transfers the state of a quantum particle to another distant particle using quantum entanglement, without physical movement. It is …
Read More »REPO RATE AND ITS IMPACT
GS III: Economy The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25%, the first cut in nearly five years, to boost economic growth by making borrowing cheaper. What is the Repo Rate? The repo rate is the interest rate at which RBI …
Read More »INDIA’S ETHANOL PRODUCTION: PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES
GSIII: Science & Technology Recent Development India is set to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol ahead of schedule, enhancing energy security and cutting crude oil imports. What is Ethanol Fuel? Ethanol is a renewable biofuel made from sugarcane, grains, and molasses. Blending it with petrol reduces emissions, improves fuel …
Read More »FEMINISATION OF AGRICULTURE: EMPOWERMENT OR GENDER DISPARITY
GS III: Agriculture What is Feminisation of Agriculture? The feminisation of agriculture refers to the increasing role of women in farming due to male migration for better job opportunities. While this trend expands women’s participation, it also raises concerns about gender inequality in agriculture. Women’s Role in Agriculture 63% of …
Read More »SARAT Version 2 Tool
GS3: Science & Technology Context – The Union Minister for Science and Technology has announced the launch of SARAT Version 2, an upgraded tool designed to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness of India’s search-and-rescue (SAR) agencies. The tool offers faster response times and improved visualization capabilities for better decision-making. …
Read More »Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
GS 3: Environment Location: Tinsukia district, Assam Established: Declared as a National Park in 1999 Total Area: 340 sq km Biosphere Reserve: Part of the Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve (765 sq km) River Systems: Surrounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers Geographic and Ecological Importance Eco-region: Located in the eastern Himalayan …
Read More »Pulse Mission: A Solution to Punjab’s Agricultural Crisis
GS Paper 3 Agriculture Context – The Union Budget of 2025 introduced the Pulse Mission, allocating ₹1,000 crore to enhance pulse production and address Punjab’s agricultural concerns. Decline in Pulse Cultivation in Punjab Punjab has witnessed a sharp decline in pulse cultivation, shrinking from 9.17 lakh hectares in the 1960s …
Read More »Bacteria-Based Solutions for Plastic Waste Management
GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: Researchers are exploring bacterial and microbial approaches to break down plastic waste, offering a potential solution to environmental pollution. Plastic-Degrading Bacteria and Enzymes Certain microbes can biodegrade plastics within months by enzymatically breaking them down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. For instance, PET plastic …
Read More »Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton in India
GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Background: The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing cotton productivity and promoting the cultivation of Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton in India. Understanding ELS Cotton Origin: Derived from Gossypium barbadense, commonly known as Egyptian or Pima cotton, ELS is a high-quality cotton variety …
Read More »13TH EDITION OF EKUVERIN MILITARY EXERCISE
GS3 INTERNAL SECURITY Overview: Bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Commenced recently, aiming to strengthen defence ties and interoperability between the two forces. Background: “Ekuverin” means “friends” in Dhivehi. Launched in 2009 and hosted alternately by India and Maldives. Reflects long-standing friendly relations …
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