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GS3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP) Standardises port operations across India. Reduces container documentation by 33% and bulk cargo documentation by 29%. Enhances trade efficiency and global competitiveness. Sagar Ankalan Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) Benchmarks port efficiency in cargo handling and turnaround time. Promotes transparency and operational …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  Overview Launched by MeitY, the Aadhaar Good Governance Portal streamlines authentication approvals. Aims to enhance ease of living and improve public service accessibility. Purpose and Function Facilitates submission and approval of Aadhaar authentication requests. Improves efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in service delivery. Legislative Background Follows January 2025 amendment …

GS2 POLITY: Overview of the DPDP Act The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 regulates digital data processing while balancing individual rights and lawful processing needs. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) is consulting on its draft rules. Disability rights activists oppose Section 9(1), which mandates guardian consent …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  India’s SDG Performance India, as the world’s most populous nation, struggles with nine out of 16 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report evaluates the progress of all 36 states and Union Territories (UTs). Key Achievements Only four SDGs have reached at least halfway completion across all states and …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  Key Updates CDSCO has upgraded the Sugam Portal to streamline clinical trial site additions and changes in principal investigators for biological products. This move aligns with ongoing efforts to digitize regulatory processes and improve efficiency in drug approvals. About the Sugam Portal A digital platform for manufacturers to …

GS3 ECONOMICS: Key Proposal The central government plans to lower states’ share of federal tax revenue from 41% to 40%, potentially increasing central funds by ₹35,000 crore ($4.03 billion). The Finance Commission will review the proposal, with binding recommendations expected by October 31, 2025. Fiscal Impact & Revenue Constraints India’s …

GS 2 – POLITY Context: The Telangana government is set to propose legislation increasing reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) from 25% to 42%, raising the total reservation quota to 62%. This move challenges the Supreme Court’s 50% reservation limit. Constitutional Basis for Reservation Limits Article 16(1): Ensures equal opportunity in …

GS 3 ECONOMY Context: The Union Ministry of Rural Development has introduced the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) initiative. What is NAKSHA? NAKSHA is a pilot city survey initiative under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). It combines aerial and field surveys with GIS …

GS 2 – POLITY Context The Union Home Minister has assured that the proposed delimitation exercise will not result in a reduction of parliamentary seats in South Indian states, addressing concerns raised by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. What is Delimitation? Delimitation is the process of determining the number of …

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context: NASA is set to launch the PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission, a Small Explorer initiative aimed at capturing global, three-dimensional observations of the young solar wind, extending from the outermost solar atmosphere (Corona) to the inner heliosphere. Key Features: …

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH:  Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, including Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Predictive Analytics, are being harnessed to modernize judicial processes, legal research, and law enforcement in India. AI’s Role in Judiciary and Law Enforcement Judicial Modernization: Phase III of the …

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH:  India’s debut indigenous semiconductor chip is slated for production by 2025, a milestone in reducing reliance on imports and bolstering its global semiconductor standing. Currently, India depends heavily on nations like Taiwan and China for chips. Benefits of Indigenous Chips Developing local chips will strengthen national …

GS3 INTERNAL SECURITY:  The UN Secretary-General has cautioned that nuclear weapons lead to a “one-way road to annihilation,” a statement made as the Doomsday Clock moved one second closer to midnight last month. Introduced in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, the Doomsday Clock symbolizes humanity’s proximity to …

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH:  India’s space sector is poised for a fivefold increase, playing a vital role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Overview of India’s Space Economy Current Value: Valued at $8.4 billion, India holds a 2% share of the global space market. Economic Contribution: Over the …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  According to a Crisil Report, India’s yearly wind power capacity additions are projected to double, rising from approximately 3.4 GW in FY 24-25 to around 7.1 GW by FY 26-27. Wind Energy in India Total Installed Capacity: As of January 2025, India’s wind energy capacity has more than …

GS3 ECONOMICS:  The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has published a report titled Tariffs and India, which evaluates the potential effects of the U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Plan and suggests strategies for the Indian government and industry to minimize losses. The U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Plan seeks to address trade imbalances by …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT:  A recent study raised concerns about black plastic kitchen utensils containing harmful flame retardants. However, a later correction found the risks were overstated. What Is Black Plastic? Made from recycled electronic waste like old computers and appliances. Contains toxic substances such as bromine, antimony, lead, cadmium, and mercury. …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  Launched on February 18, 2025, by Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, NAKSHA aims to modernize urban land records under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). The pilot project covers 152 urban local bodies across 26 states. What Is NAKSHA? A geospatial survey initiative improving …

GS1 CULTURE:  Herath is the Kashmiri Pandit community’s unique celebration of Mahashivratri, starting on the 13th day of Phalgun (February/March) and lasting until the new moon. The term “Herath” comes from “Har-Ratri,” meaning “night of Hara” (Lord Shiva), symbolizing the divine union of Shiva and Parvati. Historical & Cultural Significance …

G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Health Concerns: Black plastic products contain a flame-retardant chemical called decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), which has been linked to human health risks. Source & Composition: Black plastic is often made from recycled electronic waste (such as computers, TVs, and appliances). Electronics contain harmful substances, including: Flame retardants …