GS3 – Science & Technology Context: Researchers in China have successfully developed rice varieties that naturally produce Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) through advanced genetic modification techniques, including CRISPR-Cas9. This breakthrough positions biofortified crops as potential functional foods, aiming to combat nutritional deficiencies and enhance public health. About Coenzymes Coenzymes are organic, …
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4th Global Coral Bleaching Event
GS3 – Environment Context: The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), along with the International Coral Reef Initiative, has officially confirmed that the world is experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event. Currently, around 84% of the world’s coral reefs have been impacted, with mass bleaching observed across at …
Read More »Sunrise Sector Strategy for Boosting India’s Manufacturing
GS3 – IE Context: The Finance Minister has outlined a vision to expand the manufacturing sector’s contribution to India’s GDP from the current 12% to 23% by 2047, with an emphasis on nurturing sunrise industries. Vision 2047: Transforming India through Manufacturing Goal: Achieve a 23% GDP contribution from manufacturing by …
Read More »Lyrid Meteor Shower
GS3 – Science & Technology Context: The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to reach its peak in the early hours of April 22, with Indian observers potentially witnessing up to 20 meteors per hour between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM under clear, dark skies — no telescopes required. About the …
Read More »Eco-Friendly Recycling of Perovskite Solar Cells
GS3 – Environment Context: A recent study, as reported in The Hindu, has introduced an environmentally friendly, water-based recycling method for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), offering a sustainable alternative to conventional toxic processes. Understanding Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs): Structure: Thin-film solar cells comprising a perovskite crystal layer sandwiched between conductive …
Read More »Sapsan Ballistic Missile
GS3 – Science & Technology Context: Russia has officially recognized Ukraine’s indigenously developed Sapsan ballistic missile—also known as Grom-2—as a credible threat, highlighting its growing strategic significance. Key Specifications and Features Alternate Name: Grom-2 (Domestic), Hrim-2 (Export version developed with Saudi support). Range Compliance: Its export version has a range …
Read More »Rising Nitrogen Threat
GS3 – Environment Context: The United Nations’ Global Nitrous Oxide Assessment highlights a concerning spike in nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, calling for immediate global action to mitigate this potent greenhouse gas. Nitrogen: Its Ecological and Biological Relevance Atmospheric Abundance: Nitrogen forms nearly 78% of Earth’s atmosphere, playing a crucial role …
Read More »Terror Attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir
GS3 – Internal Security Context: A recent terrorist assault occurred in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed militant group, has claimed responsibility. TRF emerged in 2019 as a front for the banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which is proscribed under India’s Unlawful …
Read More »Europe’s Rapid Climate Warming
GS3 – Environment Context: The 2024 European State of the Climate Report, jointly released by the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization, warns that Europe is heating nearly twice as fast as the global average, with notable regional differences. Key Findings from the Report Record-Breaking Temperatures: …
Read More »Sunrise Industry
GS 3 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently announced that India aims to boost the contribution of its manufacturing sector from 12% to 23% over the next two decades, with significant growth driven by sunrise sectors. About Sunrise Industries A sunrise industry refers to a sector that is emerging and positioned …
Read More »National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)
GS 3 The Supreme Court has recently directed the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to assess the impact of nearby glass industries on the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. About the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) The CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) is a research body …
Read More »Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)
GS 3 The Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has been recognized as the world’s first market-driven system specifically designed to address particulate air pollution. What is an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)? An Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a regulatory mechanism that uses economic incentives to reduce air pollution. The system …
Read More »Poás Volcano
GS 3 Poás Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most visited tourist destinations, recently erupted, drawing significant attention. About Poás Volcano Poás is known as one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes and is situated within the Poás Volcano National Park. It is a composite stratovolcano with a complex, irregular shape, …
Read More »Khadi and Village Industries Commission
GS 3 The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) recently announced that the turnover of Khadi and Village Industries (KVI) exceeded Rs 1.7 lakh crore in the financial year 2025 (FY24-25). About the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a …
Read More »Arctic Amplification: 2024
GS 3 According to the latest European State of the Climate Report for 2024, Europe is experiencing warming at nearly twice the pace of the global average. This accelerated heating trend is triggering widespread environmental and climatic shifts. What Is Arctic Amplification? Arctic amplification refers to the intensified warming seen …
Read More »Quantum Gravity Gradiometer (QGG)
GS 3 NASA researchers have introduced a groundbreaking concept involving quantum gravity gradiometers (QGGs), aiming to track how Earth’s mass distribution evolves over time—particularly in response to climate change. Their proposal involves deploying these advanced instruments aboard satellites to enhance our understanding of global mass shifts. What Is a Quantum …
Read More »Jwaneng Diamond Mine
GS 3 – Renowned as the most valuable diamond mine on the planet, the Jwaneng Diamond Mine is currently estimated to be worth approximately 1 billion euros. Overview of Jwaneng Diamond Mine Often referred to as the “Prince of Mines,” the Jwaneng Diamond Mine is located in Botswana, near the …
Read More »Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000
GS III-IT The IT Act, 2000 is India’s primary legal framework for digital governance, cyber law, and regulation of electronic communication. Key Objectives: Combat cybercrime and protect digital infrastructure. Provide legal recognition for digital signatures and electronic records. Define responsibilities of intermediaries like social media platforms and search engines. Updated …
Read More »Gallantry Awards 2024
GS III-Defence Context: Ahead of the 75th Republic Day celebrations, the President of India sanctioned gallantry awards to 80 personnel from the Armed Forces, of which 12 were awarded posthumously. Key Highlights of Gallantry Awards 2024: Kirti Chakras: 6 awarded (3 posthumous) Shaurya Chakras: 16 awarded (2 posthumous) Sena Medals …
Read More »Operation Chakra-V
GS3 – S&T Context: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully carried out a major crackdown on ‘Digital Arrest’ scams as part of its ongoing anti-cybercrime initiative—Operation Chakra-V. Objective of Operation Chakra-V Launched to target and dismantle transnational cybercrime networks, with a special focus on organized financial and digital …
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