GS3

GS-3: Infrastructure Key Points: A blackout in Spain and Portugal highlights grid stability issues with solar and wind energy. Grid frequency (50 Hz in Europe) must be balanced to avoid disruptions. Renewables lack the inertia of traditional power plants, increasing grid vulnerability. Energy storage and backup systems are critical for …

GS-3: Environment, Energy, Infrastructure Key Points: PM2.5 pollution caused ~30,000 annual deaths in Indian cities (2008-2019). Global EV adoption is rising, led by Europe and China. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) are 20-30% costlier than battery EVs, but costs may align by 2030. Per km costs: HFC buses ($0.84/km) vs. …

GS-3: Science and Technology Key Points: The article addresses the environmental impact of AI, particularly generative AI like ChatGPT, due to its high energy consumption. Growing computational demands for AI training and operations raise sustainability concerns. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are proposed as a cleaner energy solution for AI infrastructure. …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context : New research using the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) on the Subaru Telescope (Hawaii) has offered insights into the distribution of matter in the universe. The researchers arrived at a Sigma 8 (S8) value of 0.747, which is consistent with earlier astronomical surveys. What is …

GS3 – S&T Context: Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. About the Ax-4 Mission Organizer: Axiom Space (U.S.-based private space company), in collaboration with NASA. Launch Vehicle: SpaceX …

GS-3: Indian Economy Key Points: SEBI accuses Pranav Adani, a director in multiple Adani Group companies and Gautam Adani’s nephew, of insider trading linked to the 2021 SB Energy Holdings acquisition by Adani Green Energy. Allegations state Pranav traded using unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) before the deal’s announcement, violating insider …

GS-3: Science and Technology Key Points: Indian-origin scientist Nikhilesh Natraj and the UCSF team developed a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) enabling a paralyzed individual to control a robotic arm through imagined movements. The system operated reliably for months with minimal recalibration, a significant advancement in assistive technology. Sensors detect neural signals …

GS-3: Infrastructure  Key Points: PM Modi inaugurated the ₹8,800-crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport in Kerala, marking India’s first specialized container transshipment facility. Developed through a PPP model by Adani Ports in collaboration with the Kerala government. Modi stressed that port-driven development will be pivotal for India’s maritime and economic advancement …

GS 3 – DEFENCE Context: Fifty years after the Vietnam War (1955-1975), millions of Vietnamese continue to suffer from the devastating effects of Agent Orange. This toxic herbicide was sprayed by U.S. forces to destroy forests and food crops that provided cover and sustenance to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong …

GS3 – Environment Context: A recent study has linked daily exposure to phthalates, particularly di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), to approximately 350,000 deaths worldwide due to heart disease in 2018. India accounted for the highest number of these deaths (103,587), followed by China and Indonesia. What Are Phthalates? Phthalates are chemicals commonly …

GS3 – Environment Context: UNESCO has included 16 new sites from 11 countries in its Global Geoparks Network. Notably, North Korea has joined for the first time, and Saudi Arabia introduced two new geoparks. In 2025, UNESCO celebrated the 10th anniversary of its International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, a key …

 GS 3 – INTERNAL SECURITY   Context (UNODC): The 2025 UNODC report titled “Inflection Point: Global Implications of Scam Centres, Underground Banking, and Illicit Online Marketplaces in Southeast Asia” highlights the escalating threat posed by transnational organised crime (TOC) in East and Southeast Asia. The United Nations Office on Drugs …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) introduced the Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (GEI): GEI measures the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted per unit of product, such as per tonne of cement or …

Context: The RBI has unveiled a draft Master Direction for Electronic Trading Platforms (ETPs) and is inviting feedback from stakeholders until May 31. What are ETPs? Electronic Trading Platforms (ETPs) are digital systems that enable the buying and selling of various financial instruments, including securities, money market instruments, foreign exchange …

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Environment (biodiversity conservation, species protection) GS-2: Governance (wildlife conservation policies) Key Points Twenty red-crowned roofed turtles were reintroduced into the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh to bolster conservation efforts. Detailed Insights Native to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, the turtle is found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins. …

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Environment (biodiversity restoration, global frameworks) GS-2: International Relations (FAO initiatives) Key Points Launched by the FAO on Earth Day 2025, AIM4NatuRe aims to enhance monitoring of ecosystem restoration using advanced technology and standardized data frameworks. Detailed Insights Supports the Global Biodiversity Framework’s Target 2 to restore 30% …

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Environment (biodiversity conservation, protected areas) GS-2: Governance (Wildlife Protection Act, state policies) Key Points Odisha designated 845.70 sq km of the 2,750 sq km Similipal Tiger Reserve as a National Park, making it the state’s largest, surpassing Bhitarkanika. It is India’s 107th National Park and Odisha’s second, …

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Security (cybercrime, financial crimes) GS-2: Governance (PMLA, institutional frameworks) Key Points The Union Ministry of Finance included I4C under Section 66 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, enabling information sharing with the Enforcement Directorate and other agencies. Detailed Insights Established in 2020 under the …

GS3 – Indian Economy Context: The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest World Economic Outlook, has downgraded growth projections for many countries, including India. Key Insights: Global Growth Forecast: The IMF has lowered its global growth estimate, reducing it by 0.5 percentage points to 2.8% for 2025, and by …

GS3 – Science & Technology Operations of the Dhruv helicopter have resumed in Anantnag. Key Details: The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv is a domestically developed multi-purpose utility aircraft, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is specifically engineered for a variety of missions and operational roles. Development started in …