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GS1 GEOGRAPHY:  Introduction Context: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has filed lawsuits against Apple’s subsidiaries in France and Belgium, alleging the use of conflict minerals sourced from sub-Saharan Africa. Focus: This highlights the global challenge of conflict minerals and their role in fueling violence and exploitation. What Are Conflict …

GS3 ECONOMY:  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) analyzed public spending quality using a Quality of Public Expenditure (QPE) index, factoring in capital outlay, revenue spending, and development expenditure: Six Phases Since 1991: 1991–95 (Post-Liberalization): Fiscal consolidation cut capital and developmental spending. 1996–2003 (Pre-FRBM): Rising debt and stagnant public investment. …

GS1 SOCIETY:  A Lancet study, based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, reveals key insights: Global Context: Worldwide, one person dies by suicide every 43 seconds. India’s Trend: The suicide death rate dropped from 18.9 per lakh population in 1990 to 13 per …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  The Mullaperiyar Dam has remained a contentious issue between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. On February 19, 2025, the Supreme Court directed a supervisory committee to address Tamil Nadu’s concerns regarding the dam’s maintenance. This committee, constituted by the Centre, is led by the National Dam Safety Authority. Mullaperiyar …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  The Teesta River, a crucial waterway for both India and Bangladesh, has once again become a source of diplomatic tensions. Bangladesh’s decision to seek China’s assistance for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) has raised concerns in New Delhi about Beijing’s expanding influence in South …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT: Recent studies highlight the severe impact of marine heat waves (MHWs) on marine mammals in Arctic and Subarctic regions. Rising ocean temperatures are increasing mortality rates, reducing reproductive success, and making these animals more vulnerable to diseases. The Arctic Ocean is expected to become a major hotspot for …

GS 3-SPECIES  Australian authorities are euthanizing approximately 90 false killer whales that survived a mass stranding on a remote Tasmanian beach.   Overview of Killer Whales (Orcas) Scientific Name: Orcinus orca Type: Marine Mammals Family: Largest member of the oceanic dolphin family Weight: Up to 6 tons Appearance: Distinctive black-and-white …

GS2 -IR  Brazil’s government has recently approved joining OPEC+, signaling its rising influence as a major oil producer.   What is OPEC? Overview Full Name: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Type: A permanent, intergovernmental organization of oil-exporting nations. Founded: 1960, in Baghdad, Iraq. Headquarters: Vienna, Austria. Founding Members …

GS 2 -HEALTH  The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) has recently been updated to include traditional medicine practices such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. This marks a significant development in recognizing these systems within global healthcare frameworks.   What is the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)? The International Classification of …

GS 2-IR  About USAID Founded in the 1960s, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is responsible for managing and distributing international humanitarian assistance. Its establishment was formalized under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, granting it a legal foundation through congressional authorization. USAID operates with a workforce of …

GS 2-GOVERNANCE  The Lokpal and Lokayukta are statutory bodies in India, established to investigate and prosecute corruption among public officials. Recommendation of ARC In the 1960s, India’s Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) proposed the establishment of two dedicated bodies, the Lokpal and Lokayukta, to address citizens’ grievances related to corruption. Role …

GS-3-ECONOMY  The fundamental principles of market economics, the Laws of Demand and Supply, provide the core framework for price determination within an economy. These laws clarify the interactions between consumers and producers, influencing the availability of goods and services. This article by NEXT IAS aims to elucidate these laws and …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH:  On February 13, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced the successful development of the world’s largest 10-tonne Vertical Planetary Mixer for solid propellants. This breakthrough, achieved in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru, is a significant step toward self-reliance in space …

GS2 GOVERNANCE:  A recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was held to appoint a successor to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, who is set to retire. The discussion highlighted changes in the CEC appointment process under a new …

GS3 ECONOMICS:  The New India Co-operative Bank in Mumbai is facing a crisis following allegations of a Rs 122 crore fraud. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed severe restrictions, including barring the bank from granting new loans, renewing advances, and accepting new deposits. Depositors are also restricted from …

GS2 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS India and the US have strengthened their collaboration in Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA), a key focus during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington. The Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) was announced to enhance industry partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. Importance of UDA Essential for national security and maritime …

GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT:  A recent 4.0-magnitude earthquake in Delhi has highlighted the region’s seismic vulnerability, with tremors also felt in Bihar, Odisha, and Sikkim. This has reignited concerns about the possibility of a “Great Himalayan Earthquake.” Delhi’s Seismic Risk Seismic Zone: Delhi falls in Zone 4, making it highly prone …

GS3 SCIENCE AND TECH: India’s Deep Ocean Mission has achieved a milestone with the successful testing of Matsya-6000, a deep-sea submersible developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology. Designed for ocean exploration, it can operate at depths of up to 6,000 metres, aiding in marine research and resource discovery. …

GS2 POLITY:  On February 18, 2025, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) completed nine years. Launched in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it safeguards farmers from financial losses due to natural calamities like droughts, floods, and pest attacks. Key Features Affordable Premiums: Farmers pay 2% for Kharif and …

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: The Finance Ministry is considering raising the deposit insurance limit, which is currently ₹5 lakh, under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) Act, 1961. About DICGC: What is it? DICGC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that …