GS

India-New Zealand Relations

GS2 – International Relations Context: During New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon’s first official visit to India for the Raisina Dialogue, both leaders discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation. Historical Linkages Between India and New Zealand Early Indian Settlers: The first wave of Indian migration to New Zealand began in the …

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Patharughat Uprising (1894)

GS1 – Medieval Indian History Context: The Patharughat Uprising of 1894 has recently been highlighted in the news for its historical significance. Overview of the Patharughat Uprising Also Known As: The Patharughat Peasant Revolt, this event remains one of the lesser-known struggles in India’s freedom movement. Date & Location: Took …

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PEPSU Muzhara Movement

GS1 – Medieval Indian History Context: Observed annually on March 19, the Muzhara Movement was a significant agrarian struggle in Punjab, where tenant farmers fought for land rights, a movement that traces back to the 1930s. Background of the Muzhara Movement Biswedari System (1870s): The Maharaja of Patiala established a …

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple

GS1 – Modern History Context: Maharashtra’s first temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was officially inaugurated in Bhiwandi. Significance and Architectural Highlights This temple is the first of its kind in Maharashtra and the second in India, with the first being in Srisailam, Telangana. Main Statue: A 6.5-foot idol of …

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Vernal (Spring) Equinox

GS1 – Geography Context: The Vernal Equinox, occurring on March 20, signifies the official beginning of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere and astronomical autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. The term “vernal” translates to “spring,” indicating the transition from winter to longer, warmer days in the north, while the southern …

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Five Eyes Alliance

GS III-Security Context: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval recently hosted a high-level intelligence meeting with representatives from the Five Eyes alliance. Origins & Formation World War II Beginnings: Originated with the BRUSA Agreement (1943), a secret pact between the U.S. War Department and the UK Government Code & Cypher …

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10th Raisina Dialogue

GS II-International Relations Context: The Prime Minister inaugurated the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, a premier conference on geopolitics and global affairs. The 2025 theme, ‘Kalachakra – People, Peace, and Planet’, emphasizes sustainability, global stability, and human development. About the Raisina Dialogue Global Policy Forum: Launched in 2016, this …

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‘Shishtachar’ Squads to Tackle Harassment

GS II-Initiatives Context: The Delhi Police has introduced ‘Shishtachar’ squads to combat sexual harassment in public spaces, drawing inspiration from Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Anti-Romeo Squads.’ Key Features of the Initiative Team Structure: Each squad is headed by an Inspector and consists of a Sub-Inspector, five male constables, four female constables, and …

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Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar

GS II-History Context: Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar has been in the news recently. Early Life & Education Born on July 6, 1837, in Malvan, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Among the first graduates of Bombay University in 1862. Political & Academic Contributions Served as a non-official member of the Imperial Legislative Council in …

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Indian Heritage Sites in the News

GS I-Culture Context: Several Indian heritage sites, including Santiniketan, Khajuraho Temples, and Rani-ki-Vav, have recently gained attention. Santiniketan Overview: Santiniketan is a residential educational institution and cultural hub rooted in ancient Indian traditions. It embodies a vision of global unity, transcending religious and cultural divides. Significance: Represents an exceptional Indian …

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US-India Farm Trade Negotiations

GS II-International Relations Context Ongoing trade discussions between the US and India highlight disparities in agricultural support policies, with Washington pushing for greater market access while Indian farmers contend with lower direct financial aid compared to their US counterparts. Comparison of Farm Support Systems: US vs. India US Agricultural Support …

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Reassessing Tribal Classification in India

GS II-Vulnerable section Context Recent anthropological research challenges the outdated Lokur Committee criteria (1965) for identifying Scheduled Tribes (STs), advocating for a spectrum-based classification that better reflects India’s diverse tribal identities. Existing Tribal Classification System Lokur Committee (1965) defined STs based on five criteria: Primitive Traits Distinctive Culture Geographical Isolation …

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ASHA Workers & National Health Mission (NHM)

GS II-Health Context In Kerala, ASHA workers have gone on strike, demanding better honorariums and retirement benefits, bringing attention to their pivotal role in India’s healthcare system. Despite India progressing towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in health before 2030, the Union Cabinet has extended the NHM for an additional …

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Linguistic Secularism

GS I-Society Context In the 2014 case of UP Hindi Sahittya Sammelan vs State of UP, the Supreme Court upheld the principle of linguistic secularism, emphasizing its role in fostering inclusivity in language policies. The ruling gains significance in the ongoing discourse over language in India. What is Linguistic Secularism? …

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Ancient Megalithic Structures

GS I-History Context The Mudumal megalithic menhirs in Telangana have been included in UNESCO’s tentative list for World Heritage Sites in 2025. If approved, this will be the second site from the state to receive this recognition. Understanding Megaliths Megaliths are large stone structures constructed in ancient times, primarily for …

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Relocation of Assam Rifles in Mizoram

GS3 – Internal Security A ceremonial land transfer between Assam Rifles and the Mizoram government marked the relocation of the paramilitary force from central Aizawl to Zokhawsang. Background: Demand for Relocation Historical Presence: Assam Rifles has been stationed in Mizoram since the 1890s. Call for Relocation: The demand to shift …

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Pratibimb Module

GS3 – Internal Security The Pratibimb module, launched by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), is enhancing cybercrime investigations through advanced tracking and monitoring mechanisms. Key Features of Pratibimb Module GIS-Based Tracking System: Utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to monitor cybercriminals in real time. Crime Infrastructure Mapping: Offers …

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India’s Youth Crisis

GS3 – Indian Economy   Despite having the world’s largest youth population, India struggles with inadequate policies that limit their potential, impacting economic growth and global competitiveness. Youth Demographic Advantage India’s vast young population presents a unique opportunity to strengthen its workforce and drive economic progress—if effectively utilized. Challenges Faced …

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Melioidosis

GS2 – Social Sector – Health Recent environmental mapping in Odisha has detected a significant presence of melioidosis, particularly during the monsoon season. About Melioidosis Also Known As: Whitmore’s disease Endemic Regions: Southeast Asia and Northern Australia India’s Burden: Accounts for 44% of global melioidosis cases Causative Agent & Transmission …

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India’s New Additions to UNESCO’s Tentative List

GS I-Culture Context: Recently, six cultural and natural heritage sites from India have been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List, bringing the total number of Indian sites on this list to 62. Understanding UNESCO’s Tentative List: What is it? The Tentative List serves as a preliminary inventory of sites that a …

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