GS3

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 …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT Recent Discovery: Otters spotted in Gurez Valley after 25 years. Location: Kishangana River, Gurez Valley, Kashmir. Historical Context Common in 1990s: Eurasian otters were abundant in Kashmir rivers. Decline Post-1997: Due to habitat loss, poaching, and pesticide use. Scientific Classification Species Name: Lutra lutra Common Names: Eurasian Otter, …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH Overview: SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) is set to launch on February 27, 2025, with a mission to survey the cosmos and decode mysteries of the Big Bang. Key Features: Entire sky survey with data collection in …

GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT Recent Activity: Nine minor quakes hit Uttarkashi between January 24 and February 3, 2025, sparking local concern. What is an Earthquake Swarm? A series of similar-magnitude tremors in a short period, without a distinct mainshock. Geological Context: Located in India’s high-risk seismic Zone IV, Uttarkashi is prone …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH Overview: Innovative HEAs offer a promising alternative to precious metals in hydrogen production. New Catalyst: CeNS researchers in Bengaluru developed the PtPdCoNiMn catalyst, significantly improving water electrolysis efficiency. HEA Characteristics: Composed of five or more elements in equal proportions. Enhanced stability and versatility due to entropy-driven …

GS3 ECOLOGY& ENVIRONMENT The IBCA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization focused on big cat conservation worldwide. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, to mark 50 years of Project Tiger, its creation was endorsed by the Indian Union Cabinet on February 29, 2024, with headquarters in India. …

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: A recent study has confirmed that the Bennu asteroid samples brought to Earth contain organic compounds essential for life, along with remnants of an ancient water-rich environment. Major Highlights The material was collected in 2020 by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft and returned to Earth …

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY The National Geospatial Mission is an initiative aimed at modernizing land records and enhancing urban planning across India. It will leverage the PM Gati Shakti framework to build a strong geospatial infrastructure and database, enabling better planning and execution of infrastructure projects. Key Objectives: …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE   Context: India envisions a modernized and self-sufficient agricultural sector by 2047, positioning itself as a global leader in agribusiness. Present Scenario of Indian Agriculture Workforce Engagement: Agriculture remains a primary livelihood source, employing nearly 45% of the nation’s workforce. Economic Share: Contributing approximately 15% to …

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently strengthened regulations regarding monetary penalties and compounding of offences under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) to enhance compliance. What is the PSS Act? The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) is …

GS3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted a $5 billion dollar-rupee swap to inject liquidity into the Indian financial system amidst ongoing liquidity deficits and global market concerns. The operation attracted $25.6 billion in bids, showing strong demand for dollars. The transaction will be reversed on August …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH Historic Achievement: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). This milestone underscores India’s growing participation in human space exploration. …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT  Historic Recognition: New Zealand has officially granted Mount Taranaki, also called Taranaki Maunga, the status of a legal person, affirming its cultural and spiritual significance to the Indigenous Māori community. This decision is part of efforts to address historical injustices resulting from colonisation. Key Highlights Historical Context Taranaki …

GS3 INTERNAL SECURITY  The Defence Ministry recently conducted a pilot study on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) in collaboration with the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses. This study highlights the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern warfare while raising concerns about control, accountability, and ethics. …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology announced that an indigenous AI model could be ready within six months. The Minister also launched a call for proposals under the India AI Mission, inviting startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop foundational AI models using Indian datasets. Features …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH  China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as China’s Artificial Sun, maintained a steady-state high-confinement plasma operation for over 1,000 seconds, reaching a temperature of 100 million °C. Tokamak: A machine that confines plasma using magnetic fields in a donut shape to harness fusion energy. Significance of …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT  A recent study analyzed data spanning three decades and examined over 600 species of animals, plants, and fungi across terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Genetic Diversity: Refers to the range of inherited traits within a species, crucial for population adaptation to changing environments. It is vital for the long-term survival …

GS3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network 2023-2024 Impact Report, which highlights significant initiatives like the use of drones for healthcare delivery in India and how innovation can address global challenges. Key Highlights of the Report Seven Core Thematic …

GS3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) is gaining momentum with recent initiatives from RITES to improve trade and connectivity between India, the Middle East, and Europe. RITES is focusing on creating a digital interface for cargo clearance between Indian and Middle Eastern ports, marking the first phase …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH:  About K-Salts K-salts are potassium-based alternatives to regular table salt, replacing sodium chloride with potassium chloride. This switch reduces sodium intake while increasing potassium, which is crucial for heart health and helps lower blood pressure. WHO Guidelines on Sodium and Potassium Intake WHO recommends reducing sodium …