GS

SUBJECT: GS-3: Security (Defence Modernisation, Indigenisation of Defence Production) GS-2: International Relations (India-Russia Defence Ties) Key Highlights Overview of the Deal India’s Ministry of Defence signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for 1,000 HP engines for T-72 tanks. Includes transfer of technology (ToT) to Indian manufacturers. Aligned with …

SUBJECT: GS-2: Governance (Urban Development, Public-Private Partnerships) GS-3: Economy (Infrastructure Projects, Legal and Financial Implications) Key Highlights Overview of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Aims to transform Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums, into a modern urban area. Maharashtra government awarded the project to Adani Properties in 2022 after cancelling Seclink …

SUBJECT: GS-3: Economy (Taxation, Disaster Management) GS-2: Governance (Federalism, Fiscal Policy) Key Highlights Formation of the GoM The GST Council constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) to devise revenue mobilisation strategies for natural calamities. The decision was made in a meeting on December 21, 2024, to ensure a structured fiscal …

SUBJECT: GS-3: Economy (Biofuels, Agricultural Productivity) GS-2: Government Policies (Energy Security, Cooperative Sector Reforms) Key Highlights Overview of the Scheme The Government of India introduced the Modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme to improve the financial viability of Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs). Allows CSMs to upgrade their ethanol plants to use …

SUBJECT: GS-2: Governance (Food Security, Welfare Schemes) GS-3: Economy (Financial Inclusion, Infrastructure Development) Key Highlights Launch of the Campaign Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign in Limbayat, Surat. Aims to distribute benefits under the National Food Security Act to 2.3 lakh beneficiaries. Represents Surat’s collective …

  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% …

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. …

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: …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …