GS3

GS3 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS India recently extended humanitarian assistance to the residents of the Kurdistan region in Iraq. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to supporting global peace and stability through aid to regions in crisis. About the Kurdistan Region Geographical Scope: Kurdistan is a mountainous region that spans parts of eastern …

GS3 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS UN Peacekeeping Overview Established in 1948 to maintain or restore international peace. Operates on principles of consent, impartiality, and limited force for self-defense. Involves about 100,000 personnel from 125 countries in active missions today. India’s Contributions Largest cumulative contributor, with over 253,000 troops deployed across 49 missions. …

GS3 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Overview The Africa Energy Summit was recently held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where 12 African nations presented their National Energy Compacts. The event was part of “Mission 300,” an initiative by the World Bank and African Development Bank to electrify 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa …

GS3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The revised administered ex-mill price of ethanol derived from C Heavy Molasses (CHM) for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25 (spanning November 2024 to October 2025) has been set at Rs. 57.97 per litre, up from Rs. 56.58. This adjustment is part of the Ethanol Blended Petrol …

GS 3 – DEFENCE Context : The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will feature Pralay, India’s first short-range quasi-ballistic missile for conventional strikes, in the 2025 Republic Day parade. Overview of Pralay Missile Inception: Conceptualized in 2015. Type: An indigenous, short-range quasi-ballistic missile developed by DRDO, comparable to Russia’s …

GS 3 – INTERNAL SECURITY PNB has become the first Indian bank to implement Clari5’s National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) Integration Solution, enhancing its capabilities to manage cybercrime complaints and fraud prevention. This system integrates with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) for real-time complaint management. Key Features: Real-Time Lien …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Location: Baddal village, Jammu and Kashmir Casualties: 17 deaths reported Incident Overview Residents exhibited symptoms like fever, respiratory distress, and sweating. Rapid onset of symptoms raised concerns about environmental contamination. Health experts suspect organophosphate poisoning as the probable cause. About Organophosphates Synthetic chemicals developed in the …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT The endangered Olive Ridley turtles are renowned for their mass nesting phenomenon called “arribada.” In 2024, they skipped nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth, but experts anticipate a significant nesting event in 2025. Mass Nesting Behaviour Olive Ridley turtles follow a cyclical nesting pattern, typically every …

GS 3 – international relation Background: The United States withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2021, marking its third departure from a major climate accord. US Engagement with Climate Treaties: First Exit (2001): The US, under President George W. Bush, withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol, citing economic concerns and the …

GS 3 – Environment Context: Indore and Udaipur have become the first Indian cities to receive the prestigious Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention on W etlands. What is Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)? Definition: A voluntary recognition under the Ramsar Convention that honors cities for their efforts in …

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Researchers at IIT Madras have made significant progress in developing technologies for constructing habitats on the Moon by successfully extracting silicon carbide (SiC) from simulated lunar soil. This breakthrough holds potential for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) during lunar missions. About Lunar Regolith Definition: Lunar …

GS 3 – GEOGRAPHY Recent studies by IIT-Bombay and ETH Zurich highlight the increasing occurrence of oppressive heatwaves in India. These events, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, pose severe health risks and are expected to worsen with global warming. Definition of Heatwaves General Definition: Periods of excessively high temperatures. …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Blue carbon ecosystems, encompassing mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses, are vital carbon sinks that significantly outperform traditional forests in carbon sequestration. What Are Blue Carbon Ecosystems? Coastal and marine habitats that capture and store carbon. Crucial for biodiversity, marine life habitats, and coastal protection from erosion …

GS 3 – ECONOMY The effectiveness of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), a key mechanism for resolving distressed debts in India, is waning. Case admissions to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) hit a six-year low in 2023-24, and recovery rates for banks have sharply declined, raising concerns about …

GS 3 – ECONOMY The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), officially notified on January 24, 2025, introduces a revamped retirement benefits framework for government employees. Designed to replace the National Pension System (NPS) for post-2004 entrants, the UPS guarantees assured retirement payouts, addressing long-standing concerns about the lack of pension security. …

GS 3 – ECONOMY India’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves fell by $1.88 billion to $623.983 billion as of January 17, 2025, following a sharper decline of $8.714 billion the previous week. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cites market interventions and asset valuation changes as reasons for the drop. About …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH Recent studies have raised concerns about the effects of microplastics on brain function. Research published in Science Advances reveals that microplastics may obstruct blood circulation, leading to impaired cognitive abilities. These findings, derived from experiments on mice, underscore the need to explore their implications for human …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT  Overview: Water storage levels in major reservoirs across India have been declining for the twelfth consecutive week, as reported by the Central Water Commission (CWC). This decline is largely due to deficient post-monsoon and winter rainfall, raising concerns about future water availability for various sectors. Current Water Storage: …

GS3 – DISASATER MANAGEMENT Overview: Forest fires in India have reached alarming levels, with over 1.1 million incidents recorded across five fire seasons. The peak fire season, from November to June, severely affects ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities, yet often receives less global attention compared to wildfires in other regions …

GS3- AGRICULTURE  The Vishwamitri River in Vadodara, Gujarat, is undergoing an extensive flood mitigation project due to recurring severe flooding. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has launched a three-phase plan to manage floods, enhance water-carrying capacity, and address environmental concerns, particularly the coexistence of human development and local wildlife. Key …