GS 1 – HISTORY Context The Battle of Karnal, fought on February 24, 1739, was a decisive conflict between Nadir Shah, the Persian ruler, and Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah, also known as Rangila. This battle marked a significant turning point in the decline of the Mughal Empire. Background By the …
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Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Munda tribals of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Odisha, have protested against restrictions on accessing their sacred groves, which have been converted into a tiger enclosure for the translocated tigress Zeenat. About Similipal Tiger Reserve Location: Mayurbhanj district, Odisha Declared a Tiger Reserve under Project …
Read More »Project Farm Vibes
GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Context: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella showcased Project Farm Vibes in Baramati, highlighting its success in improving crop yield by 40% and reducing fertilizer use by 25%. The initiative, in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, is now expanding from 1,000 to 50,000 farmers. What is …
Read More »Tea Horse Road
G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT – SPECIES Context: China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, highlighted the historical significance of the Tea Horse Road, emphasizing its role in India-China trade via Tibet. What is the Tea Horse Road? Also known as Chamadao, it was an ancient trade route linking China, Tibet, and …
Read More »India’s First Wildlife Biobank
G3 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo) has established India’s first wildlife biobank in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). What is a Biobank? A biobank is a specialized repository that collects, preserves, and manages biological samples such as blood, …
Read More »Maharashtra-Karnataka Border Dispute
GS 2 – POLITY Context: The border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka has resurfaced due to linguistic tensions in Belagavi, leading to renewed legal and political confrontations over territorial claims. Origins of the Dispute State Reorganisation Act, 1956: This Act reorganized Indian states based on linguistic lines, sparking disputes over …
Read More »Ratnagiri Buddhist Heritage Site
GS 1 – HISTORY Context: In December, archaeologists uncovered a colossal 1.4-meter-tall Buddha head, along with tablets and stupas over 1,500 years old, at Ratnagiri, Odisha. This discovery reaffirms Ratnagiri’s role as a prominent hub for Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhism, drawing scholars from across the world. Overview of Ratnagiri Buddhist Heritage …
Read More »Reclassification of Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz as Major Minerals
GS 3 – GEOGRAPHY Context: The Ministry of Mines has reclassified Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz from minor minerals to major minerals. What is a Mineral? A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic material that has a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure. Distinction Between Major and Minor Minerals …
Read More »Dollar-Rupee Buy-Sell Swap Arrangement
GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to inject rupee liquidity for an extended period through another $10 billion dollar-rupee buy-sell swap. It’s a tool used by the RBI to manage liquidity and support the rupee’s value. How does it work? The RBI buys …
Read More »Zonal Councils in India
GS 2 – POLITY Context: The Union Home Minister recently led the 27th meeting of the Western Zonal Council in Pune. Introduction to Zonal Councils Zonal Councils were proposed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956 to ease linguistic tensions and encourage inter-state cooperation. Legal Framework: These councils were created …
Read More »Article 101(4) of the Indian Constitution
GS 2 – POLITY Context: MP Amritpal Singh, detained under the National Security Act, risks losing his parliamentary seat due to extended absence from the House. Understanding Article 101(4): An MP’s seat can be declared vacant if they are absent for 60 consecutive sittings without obtaining permission. This 60-day count …
Read More »Northern White Rhino
GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The northern white rhino is on the verge of extinction, with only two individuals left. However, advancements in in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) have sparked hope for the subspecies, as 36 embryos are now ready for implantation. About Northern White Rhino: What is a White Rhino? The …
Read More »National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
GS 2 – POLITY The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. It serves as the apex institution in India for the protection and promotion of human rights, defined as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality, and …
Read More »Ajit Singh & the Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement
GS 1 – HISTORY Why in News? Farmers protesting at the Punjab-Haryana borders have declared February 23 as Pagri Sambhal Diwas to honor Ajit Singh, the uncle of Bhagat Singh and a key figure in India’s freedom struggle. Ajit Singh – The Revolutionary Leader Born: February 23, 1881, in Khatkar …
Read More »PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme
GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Launched: February 24, 2019 Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Objective: To provide direct income support to all landholding farmers to help them meet agricultural and allied needs. Key Features: Financial Assistance: Income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families. Paid in three …
Read More »India’s Strategic Interests in the Indian Ocean
GS 3 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION Context: India, in collaboration with Singapore and Oman, is hosting the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat to deliberate on regional security and economic integration. Historical Importance of the Indian Ocean Naming & Cultural Impact: The Indian Ocean derives its name from India, highlighting …
Read More »Rupee & Dollar Swap Auctions
GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a USD/INR buy/sell swap auction worth $10 billion, aiming to inject ₹86,000 crore into the banking system. Understanding Rupee & Dollar Swap Auctions Rupee-Dollar swap auctions are monetary tools employed by the RBI to manage liquidity in …
Read More »Federalism and Education: The Tamil Nadu-Centre Standoff
GS 2 – GOVERNANCE Context: The withholding of Tamil Nadu’s share of Samagra Shiksha funds due to its refusal to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has spotlighted tensions in India’s federal structure regarding education governance. Tamil Nadu’s Fund Dispute Tamil Nadu has raised concerns over the non-release of …
Read More »Rupee Depreciation and the Risk of a Currency Crisis
GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: India’s economic framework exposes the rupee to long-term depreciation and the possibility of currency crises. Rupee Depreciation Rupee depreciation refers to the decline in the rupee’s value relative to the US dollar, meaning the rupee weakens and holds less purchasing power against the dollar. …
Read More »Lokpal
GS 2 – POLITY Context: The Supreme Court has stayed a Lokpal order that aimed to bring High Court judges under its purview, calling the interpretation “very disturbing.” What is Lokpal? The Lokpal is India’s apex anti-corruption ombudsman, created to investigate complaints of corruption against public officials, including the Prime …
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