SUBJECT: GS-2: Health & Biotechnology (Autoimmune Disorders, Gut Microbiome) GS-3: Science & Technology (Medical Research, Microbiome Therapy) Key Highlights Understanding Vitiligo Autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks melanocytes, leading to skin depigmentation. Results in white patches, often causing social stigma and psychological distress. Affects 0.5% to 2% …
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QUANTUM COMPUTING AND NATIONAL SECURITY
SUBJECT: GS-3: Science & Technology (Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity) GS-2: National Security (Defense Applications, Strategic Technology) Key Highlights NITI Aayog’s Quantum Push NITI Aayog launched the NITI Frontier Tech Hub to advance India’s capabilities in quantum computing. A strategic paper highlights how quantum technology will reshape national security and other sectors. …
Read More »TO ACHIEVE $10-BN EXPORT TARGET BY 2030: WSO
GS-3: Economy (Agricultural Exports, Value Addition in Agriculture) GS-3: Science & Tech (Agri-based Pharmaceuticals, Food Processing) Key Highlights India’s Position in the Global Spice Market: India is the largest producer and exporter of spices, yet its share in the $4 billion global seasoning market is only 0.7%. Current spice exports: …
Read More »India Focus on US
GS-2: International Relations (India-U.S. Trade Relations, WTO & Tariff Issues) GS-3: Economy (Trade Barriers, Intellectual Property Rights) Key Highlights India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Talks Progress: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met U.S. officials in Washington to advance a bilateral trade agreement (BTA). India aims to reduce tariffs, enhance market access, and deepen …
Read More »DUPLICATE VOTER ID NUMBERS
GS-2: Governance (Electoral Reforms, Election Commission’s Role) GS-3: Technology in Governance (Voter ID Digitization, Data Management) Key Highlights Election Commission’s Plan to Resolve Duplicate Voter IDs: Election Commission (EC) acknowledged the issue of duplicate EPIC (Voter ID) numbers. EC committed to resolving the issue within 3 months by ensuring a …
Read More »HIMALAYAN TRAGEDY – Impact and Control
GS-1: Geography (Avalanches, Himalayan Terrain) GS-3: Disaster Management (Rescue Operations, Preparedness Strategies) Key Highlights Avalanche Disaster in Uttarakhand: Avalanche at Mana village (Uttarakhand) buried 54 workers at a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) site. 23 workers were rescued, but 8 died due to extreme snowfall at 10,500 feet altitude. Indian Army, …
Read More »INDIA NEEDS TO EXPAND ITS TRADING BASE
GS-3: Economy (Trade & Growth, Services Sector, AI Disruption) GS-2: International Relations (Tariff Policies, Global Trade) Key Highlights India’s Economic Momentum: Services PMI rose to 59 in February (from 56.5 in January), indicating strong sectoral growth. Manufacturing PMI fell to a 14-month low (56.3 in February), reflecting global slowdown concerns. …
Read More »AN EQUITABLE FUTURE FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE IN INDIA
GS-1: Society (Gender Disparities, Women Empowerment) GS-2: Governance (Education & Research Policies, Gender Inclusion) GS-3: Science & Tech (STEM Workforce, Gender Bias in Research) Key Highlights Challenges for Women in STEM: Gendered social norms, limited access to quality education, and non-inclusive workplaces hinder women’s participation in STEM. Harassment, discrimination, and …
Read More »INCLUSION IN PUBLIC SPACES — FROM FEAR TO FREEDOM
GS-1: Society (Gender Issues, Social Empowerment) GS-2: Governance (Public Infrastructure & Safety Policies) GS-3: Urban Development (Inclusive Public Spaces, Sustainable Cities) Key Highlights Gendered Spatial Control & Women’s Mobility: India ranked 128/177 countries in the Women, Peace & Security Index 2023, indicating gender disparity. NFHS-4 (2015-16): 54% of Indian …
Read More »INDIA, CHINA MADE POSITIVE STRIDES
GS-2: International Relations (India-China Bilateral Ties, Border Disputes, Global South Cooperation) Key Highlights Improved Bilateral Ties Post-Standoff: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that India and China have made positive strides in their relationship post the eastern Ladakh military standoff. The Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan (October 2023) provided strategic direction …
Read More »ZELENSKYY RENEWS CALL FOR AIR TRUCE
GS-2: International Relations (Russia-Ukraine War, Diplomacy, Geopolitical Developments) GS-3: Security Issues (Drone & Missile Strikes, Energy Security) Key Highlights Escalation of Conflict: Russia launched 58 missiles and nearly 200 drones targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a mutual halt to aerial attacks as a first step …
Read More »Arrest Powers Under GST and Customs Acts
GS 2- POLITY Context The Supreme Court has ruled that officers under the CGST and Customs Acts have powers similar to the police and must comply with procedural safeguards outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to prevent arbitrary arrests. Comparison: Police vs. GST/Customs Officers Criteria Police Officers (CrPC …
Read More »Mount Vesuvius: Brain Vitrification
PRELIMS BITS – MAPS Context Researchers have confirmed that a man’s brain underwent vitrification during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, making it the only recorded instance of human brain tissue transforming into glass. What is Vitrification? Vitrification refers to the process in which a material turns into …
Read More »Vitamin B12: Importance, Sources, and Absorption
PRELIMS BITS – HEALTH Context: Doctors suggest that Vitamin B12 strips are more effective than tablets due to direct absorption into the bloodstream. What is Vitamin B12? Also Known As: Cobalamin, due to the presence of cobalt. Nature: Water-soluble vitamin, part of the B-complex group. Storage in Body: Unlike most …
Read More »Majuli River Island
PRELIMS BITS – RIVER Context: Rising human-wildlife conflicts in Assam’s Majuli River Island have drawn attention to its ecological challenges. About Majuli: Geographical Significance: The world’s largest river island, formed by the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. Administrative Status: Became India’s first island district in 2016. Demographics: Inhabited by indigenous …
Read More »Gandhi’s Role in the Bhagat Singh Case
GS 1 – HISTORY Context: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact’s inability to secure a reduction in Bhagat Singh’s death sentence remains a significant point of criticism. Bhagat Singh’s Trial Lahore Conspiracy Case: Bhagat Singh, along with Shivram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, was found guilty in the Lahore Conspiracy Case for the assassination …
Read More »Civet Cat
PRELIMS BITS Context: A rare Small Indian Civet was spotted near Tadepalli in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, a region where it is not commonly seen. About Civet Cats: Classification: Not true cats; belong to the family Viverridae, closely related to mongooses. Diversity: 15–20 species worldwide. Distribution: Found in Asia, Africa, …
Read More »Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: Punjab has successfully utilized its allocation under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme. Overview of the AIF Scheme Launch & Duration: Approved in 2020 as a Central Sector Scheme, running until FY2032. Objective: Provides medium to long-term financing for post-harvest management and community farming assets. …
Read More »NEW SPECIES DISCOVERIES IN INDIA AND SRI LANKA
GS3 ENVIRONMENT: Introduction Recent discoveries of two new jumping spider species in India and a new leaf-nosed bat species in Sri Lanka highlight the rich biodiversity of the region. These findings emphasize the need for further research and conservation efforts. New Spider Species in India Discovered by: University of Kerala …
Read More »HOTTEST AND DRIEST MONTH IN INDIA – FEBRUARY 2025
GS1 GEOGRAPHY: Record-Breaking Temperatures February 2025 was the hottest February in 125 years. Average temperature: 22.04°C (1.49°C above normal). Maximum temperature: 29.07°C (second highest since 1901). Central India experienced the worst heat, with a 1.94°C temperature rise above normal. Rainfall Deficiency Overall rainfall deficit: 59% below normal. Central India saw …
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