GS

GS 3 – ECONOMY The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), officially notified on January 24, 2025, introduces a revamped retirement benefits framework for government employees. Designed to replace the National Pension System (NPS) for post-2004 entrants, the UPS guarantees assured retirement payouts, addressing long-standing concerns about the lack of pension security. …

GS 3 – ECONOMY India’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves fell by $1.88 billion to $623.983 billion as of January 17, 2025, following a sharper decline of $8.714 billion the previous week. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cites market interventions and asset valuation changes as reasons for the drop. About …

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH Recent studies have raised concerns about the effects of microplastics on brain function. Research published in Science Advances reveals that microplastics may obstruct blood circulation, leading to impaired cognitive abilities. These findings, derived from experiments on mice, underscore the need to explore their implications for human …

GS2 GOVERNANCE The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025 is an annual report that evaluates the fiscal health of Indian states. It is designed to improve fiscal governance and economic resilience through data-driven insights. The FHI uses five key sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Prudence Debt Index Debt Sustainability …

GS1 SOCIETY Recent archaeological studies in Tamil Nadu have pushed the timeline of iron technology back to the early 4th millennium BCE, significantly earlier than the previously accepted period of 1500-2000 BCE. Key Findings: Over 85 iron objects, including tools and weapons, were found, indicating advanced metallurgical techniques. Sites like …

GS2 POLITY Overview: The Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) was made mandatory for wage payments under MGNREGA from January 1, 2024, aiming to improve efficiency and transparency. However, recent studies have raised concerns about its effectiveness compared to traditional bank account payment methods. Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS): ABPS links wage payments …

GS2 GOVERNANCE Overview: Launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in August 2023, the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) has facilitated ₹38,000 crore in loans across 7.5 lakh transactions. ULI aims to streamline credit delivery by connecting lenders to diverse data sources via a single interface. What is ULI? ULI …

GS3 ENVIRONMENT  Overview: Water storage levels in major reservoirs across India have been declining for the twelfth consecutive week, as reported by the Central Water Commission (CWC). This decline is largely due to deficient post-monsoon and winter rainfall, raising concerns about future water availability for various sectors. Current Water Storage: …

GS3 – DISASATER MANAGEMENT Overview: Forest fires in India have reached alarming levels, with over 1.1 million incidents recorded across five fire seasons. The peak fire season, from November to June, severely affects ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities, yet often receives less global attention compared to wildfires in other regions …

GS3- AGRICULTURE  The Vishwamitri River in Vadodara, Gujarat, is undergoing an extensive flood mitigation project due to recurring severe flooding. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has launched a three-phase plan to manage floods, enhance water-carrying capacity, and address environmental concerns, particularly the coexistence of human development and local wildlife. Key …

GS2 – GOVERNANCE  India has made significant progress in the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sectors, with the Union Budget 2025-26 expected to further bolster these initiatives. The Union Finance Ministry has highlighted the success of various government policies aimed at attracting investments and creating jobs in these industries. Semiconductor Programme …

GS2 – GOVERNANCE  In a landmark decision, the Karnataka High Court invalidated the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 (GEOA Rules), along with associated Karnataka Regulatory Commission Regulations, 2022. Key Facts of the Case Petitioners’ Arguments Hydropower companies argued that the GEOA Rules infringed upon …

GS2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS  Overview India has officially joined the Eurodrone program as an observer nation, becoming the second Asia-Pacific country, after Japan, to achieve this status. About the Eurodrone Program Participants: France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, managed by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation). Leadership: Led by Airbus Defence …

GS2 – POLITY Overview On January 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of India proposed the temporary appointment of retired judges to address the backlog of criminal cases in High Courts. This suggestion invokes Article 224A of the Constitution, a rarely used provision allowing ad hoc judicial appointments. About Article 224A …

GS3 – SCIENCE & TECH  Overview Stargardt disease, a rare genetic eye condition causing progressive vision loss in children and young adults, may soon see effective treatments. Researchers from the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology in Basel, Switzerland, and Beam Therapeutics have developed a promising gene therapy approach. About …

GS2 – GOVERNANCE Overview The European Commission has proposed banning PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in consumer products due to environmental and health risks. These substances persist in the environment and human body, prompting calls for strict regulations. What Are PFAS? Definition: Synthetic chemicals resistant to heat, water, and oil. Applications: …

GS3 – SCIENCE & TECH Discovery of LID-568 Using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Chandra X-ray Observatory, researchers identified a unique black hole, LID-568, consuming matter at 40 times the predicted rate. Understanding Supermassive Black Holes Found in most galaxies, often at their centers, with masses ranging from …

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Mission SCOT, developed by Digantara, is a commercial satellite launched to enhance Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Goals: Monitor space objects (satellites, debris). Strengthen national security and space defense. Reduce space debris risks. Features: Launched by SpaceX. Operates in a sun-synchronous orbit. Tracks objects as …

GS 2 – GOVERNANCE Launched in 2015, SSY is a savings scheme under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative to provide financial security for the girl child. Parents or guardians can open an account in her name at authorized banks or India Post branches. Eligibility: The applicant must be an …

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: Launched by the Ministry of Commerce, the DIA Scheme aims to enhance India’s diamond exports, mitigate job losses, and improve global competitiveness. Key Features: Duty-Free Import: For diamonds under ¼ carat. Export Obligation: Requires 10% value addition on exported diamonds. Eligibility: Exporters with Two Star …