GS

GS III-Conservation Context: The discovery of Plastic Ice VII provides valuable insights into extreme planetary environments, as reported by The Times of India (ToI). What is Plastic Ice VII? A newly confirmed fourth phase of water, distinct from its conventional solid, liquid, and gaseous states. Forms under extreme conditions—requiring pressures …

GS III-Agriculture Context: A novel electrochemical method has been developed to extract urea from urine, facilitating wastewater treatment while converting it into a sustainable resource, as reported by The Hindu (TH). Urine as a Valuable Resource “Liquid Gold” Concept: Urine is rich in essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, …

GS I-Geography Context: The Fuego volcano in Guatemala recently erupted, prompting emergency response measures, as reported by The Guardian (TG). About Fuego Volcano Name & Location: Also known as Volcán de Fuego (Spanish for “Volcano of Fire”), it is situated near Antigua, Guatemala. Volcanic Activity: One of Central America’s most …

GS III-Conservation Context: A large wildfire has recently broken out in the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, as reported by The Free Press Journal (FPJ). About Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary Location: Situated on the outskirts of Udaipur, Rajasthan, within the Aravalli hills. Historical Significance: Encloses the Sajjangarh Fort, constructed in 1874 by Maharana …

GS III-Infrastructure Context: Excessive regulatory compliance and corruption have emerged as significant barriers to business growth in India, as highlighted in a recent The Hindu report. Economic Consequences of Corruption Increased Operational Costs: Frequent demands for bribes raise the cost of doing business. Deterrence to Foreign Investment: Nearly 80% of …

GS II-Health Context: A recent study by CSIR-CCMB highlights that endogamy plays a significant role in population-specific genetic disorders and influences drug metabolism across India. Understanding Endogamy: Endogamy refers to the practice of marrying within a defined social, caste, ethnic, religious, or tribal group, often reinforced by cultural or legal …

GS-I-History Background: Recently, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Chino Hills, California, was subjected to vandalism. About BAPS: Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a sect within Hinduism that follows Vaishnavism. It belongs to the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Establishment: BAPS was founded in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865–1951), who propagated …

GS III-Security Context: Indian scientists have developed a nanoparticle-based security ink to enhance anti-counterfeiting measures. What is Security Printing? Used to prevent forgery in critical documents like banknotes, passports, and cheques. Features: Human-Detectable: Watermarks, holograms, optically variable ink. Machine-Detectable: RFID chips, digital watermarks, security threads. Role of Nanoparticles in Security …

GS II-Defense Context: India signed a deal with Russia to procure 1,000 HP engines for T-72 tanks, including Transfer of Technology (ToT). About T-72 Tanks Main Battle Tank (MBT): Developed by the Soviet Union (1970s), widely used globally. Firepower: 125mm smoothbore gun (main weapon). Coaxial machine gun & anti-aircraft gun. …

GS II-International Relations Context: Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire, conditional on Russia’s acceptance. The deal could lead to a resumption of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing. Strategic Motivations: Ukraine’s Objectives: Secure U.S. military aid & diplomatic leverage. Finalize mineral deals with the U.S. for economic stability. …

GS II-International Relations Context: The recent killing of ~300 Alawite civilians in Syria has raised concerns over sectarian violence against this minority group. Who are the Alawites? Religious Origins: A Shia Islam offshoot, emerging in the 9th-10th centuries through the teachings of Mohammad ibn Nusayr in Iraq. Beliefs & Practices: …

GS II-International Agreement Context: Lithuania withdrew from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), citing security concerns, drawing global criticism. About the CCM: Adopted: 2008 | Came into force: 2010 Prohibits: Use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster bombs. Membership: 112 state parties + 12 signatories. Non-signatories: Russia, Ukraine, India. About …

GS-II-International Relations Context: PM’s visit to Mauritius highlights India’s commitment to its historical and strategic partnership with the island nation. Indo-Mauritius Bilateral Relations Historical & Cultural Ties: Indian Diaspora: Nearly 70% of Mauritius’ population has Indian ancestry, tracing back to indentured laborers from colonial times. Stable Relations: Strong political and …

GS III-Infrastructure Context: Karnataka’s Sharavati Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project (PSHP), a ₹8,000 crore initiative, faces environmental concerns and corruption allegations. About the Project: Capacity: 2,000 MW pumped storage system. Reservoirs Used: Talakalale (upper) & Gerusoppa (lower). Function: Water is pumped uphill during off-peak hours and released to generate electricity. Infrastructure: …

GS I – Geography Geographical Location & Size: Situated in Central Africa, the DRC is Africa’s second-largest nation and ranks 11th globally in terms of land area. Has a narrow 40-km coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Shares borders with nine nations: Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, …

GS I-Geography Geographical Location: Situated in the eastern South Pacific Ocean, along the northern Chilean coastline. Environmental Conditions: Depth: Extends beyond 8,000 meters, ranking among the deepest oceanic trenches. Extreme Factors: Crushing pressure due to immense depth. Near-freezing temperatures persist year-round. High sediment deposits influence the trench’s ecology. Perpetual darkness …

Prelims-Species (GS I – Environment) Context: A recent discovery in the Atacama Trench has reshaped existing knowledge about deep-sea ecosystems, with the identification of Dulcibella camanchaca—a newly classified predatory amphipod. About Dulcibella Camanchaca New Species Identified: A previously unknown amphipod species was found at a depth of 7,902 meters in …

Prelims-Places in news (GS I – Geography) Context: A collision between a cargo ship and a U.S. military fuel tanker recently occurred in the North Sea. Geographical The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by: West: England and Scotland South: The Netherlands, Belgium, and France …

GS III – Agriculture Characteristics: A traditional rice variety of Kerala, known for its high salt tolerance in waterlogged coastal regions. Recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for its distinct farming method and heritage. Cultivation Cycle: June to November: Rice is cultivated during low salinity periods. November to April: …

GS III- Environment, Geography Context: The phenomenon known as Kavaru has been observed in the undrained Pokkali rice fields and the Vembanad backwaters of Kerala. Understanding Kavaru Definition: Kavaru refers to bioluminescence, a natural process where microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi emit light in water. Trigger Factors: Increased …