GS

GS 2: Governance Context: The Delhi High Court is currently reviewing a petition challenging the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, specifically questioning whether the denial of furlough—despite an inmate’s good conduct—conflicts with the reformative principles of the criminal justice system. Understanding Parole: Definition: Parole is a temporary, conditional release of a …

GS Paper I History Adi Shankaracharya was a great Indian philosopher, theologian, and spiritual reformer who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta. He played a crucial role in reviving Hinduism during a time when Buddhism and Jainism were dominant in India. Key Contributions of Adi Shankaracharya Doctrine of Advaita Vedanta …

GS 2 Schemes The Restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Government of India under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). It was revamped in 2018-19 to boost bamboo sector development by promoting sustainable farming, processing, and product diversification. Objectives of Restructured NBM …

GS 2 Schemes Overview – Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a centrally sponsored maternity benefit scheme launched by the Government of India in 2017 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It aims to provide financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women for their first child to …

GS Paper 3 Agriculture Context – The Union Budget of 2025 introduced the Pulse Mission, allocating ₹1,000 crore to enhance pulse production and address Punjab’s agricultural concerns. Decline in Pulse Cultivation in Punjab Punjab has witnessed a sharp decline in pulse cultivation, shrinking from 9.17 lakh hectares in the 1960s …

GS 2 Schemes Objective: The scheme aims to offer internships to 1 crore youth over a span of five years in 500 leading companies. Skill Development & Employability: Designed to enhance employability by providing practical work experience across various industries, the initiative emphasizes skill development. Contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat: It …

GS Paper II – Governance Introduction The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is a statutory body established to protect and promote human rights in India. It was set up on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. Composition of NHRC The NHRC consists of: Chairperson …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: Researchers are exploring bacterial and microbial approaches to break down plastic waste, offering a potential solution to environmental pollution. Plastic-Degrading Bacteria and Enzymes Certain microbes can biodegrade plastics within months by enzymatically breaking them down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. For instance, PET plastic …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Background: The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced a five-year initiative aimed at enhancing cotton productivity and promoting the cultivation of Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton in India. Understanding ELS Cotton Origin: Derived from Gossypium barbadense, commonly known as Egyptian or Pima cotton, ELS is a high-quality cotton variety …

GS 2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION Background: USAID, a key agency under the U.S. government, is currently undergoing scrutiny and structural changes under the Trump administration, along with reforms led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Overview and Functions of USAID Formation: Established in 1961 through an executive order …

GS 2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION Context: The United States, under the leadership of then-President Donald Trump, issued an executive order to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing inefficiencies in handling the COVID-19 crisis and the need for structural reforms. About WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) is a …

GS3 INTERNAL SECURITY Overview: Bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Commenced recently, aiming to strengthen defence ties and interoperability between the two forces. Background: “Ekuverin” means “friends” in Dhivehi. Launched in 2009 and hosted alternately by India and Maldives. Reflects long-standing friendly relations …

GS2 GOVERNANCE  The SWAMIH Fund 2.0 is a government initiative aimed at completing stalled housing projects, particularly affordable and mid-income ones. It helps developers get the financial support they need to finish these projects and deliver homes to buyers who’ve already invested. Key Objectives: Complete Stalled Projects: Helps developers finish …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT Recent Discovery: Otters spotted in Gurez Valley after 25 years. Location: Kishangana River, Gurez Valley, Kashmir. Historical Context Common in 1990s: Eurasian otters were abundant in Kashmir rivers. Decline Post-1997: Due to habitat loss, poaching, and pesticide use. Scientific Classification Species Name: Lutra lutra Common Names: Eurasian Otter, …

GS2 POLITY  Key Provisions: Unlawful conversion classified as a cognisable and non-bailable offence. Imprisonment up to 10 years and a ₹50,000 fine for offenders. Criminalises conversions via misrepresentation, coercion, or fraudulent means. Declaration to the District Magistrate required 60 days before any conversion. Penalties: General offences: 1 to 5 years …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH Overview: SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) is set to launch on February 27, 2025, with a mission to survey the cosmos and decode mysteries of the Big Bang. Key Features: Entire sky survey with data collection in …

GS3 DISASTER MANAGEMENT Recent Activity: Nine minor quakes hit Uttarkashi between January 24 and February 3, 2025, sparking local concern. What is an Earthquake Swarm? A series of similar-magnitude tremors in a short period, without a distinct mainshock. Geological Context: Located in India’s high-risk seismic Zone IV, Uttarkashi is prone …

GS2 GOVERNANCE Survey Scope: Conducted over 50 days, covering 35+ million individuals and 96.9% of households. Utilized 94,863 enumerators, 9,628 supervisors, and 76,000 data operators. Population Breakdown: Implications: Aims to improve welfare schemes and job opportunities for underrepresented groups. Supports data-driven governance and policy-making under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH Overview: Innovative HEAs offer a promising alternative to precious metals in hydrogen production. New Catalyst: CeNS researchers in Bengaluru developed the PtPdCoNiMn catalyst, significantly improving water electrolysis efficiency. HEA Characteristics: Composed of five or more elements in equal proportions. Enhanced stability and versatility due to entropy-driven …

GS3 ECOLOGY& ENVIRONMENT The IBCA is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization focused on big cat conservation worldwide. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, to mark 50 years of Project Tiger, its creation was endorsed by the Indian Union Cabinet on February 29, 2024, with headquarters in India. …