GS-3: Science and Technology Key Points: The article addresses the environmental impact of AI, particularly generative AI like ChatGPT, due to its high energy consumption. Growing computational demands for AI training and operations raise sustainability concerns. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are proposed as a cleaner energy solution for AI infrastructure. …
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Sigma 8 (S8): Measuring the Clumpiness of the Universe
GS3 – Science & Technology Context : New research using the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) on the Subaru Telescope (Hawaii) has offered insights into the distribution of matter in the universe. The researchers arrived at a Sigma 8 (S8) value of 0.747, which is consistent with earlier astronomical surveys. What is …
Read More »Antibiotic Access Disparities in LMICs
GS2 – Social Sector Context: A recent analysis by the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) has brought to light serious gaps in access to suitable antibiotics for treating drug-resistant infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India. Study Findings Scope of the Study: The research focused on …
Read More »Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha
GS2 – Polity Context: India has not appointed a Deputy Speaker for both the 17th and 18th Lok Sabha sessions, despite constitutional provisions requiring it. Constitutional Provision Article 93 of the Constitution mandates the election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha “as soon as …
Read More »Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Space Mission
GS3 – S&T Context: Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. About the Ax-4 Mission Organizer: Axiom Space (U.S.-based private space company), in collaboration with NASA. Launch Vehicle: SpaceX …
Read More »SEBI ALLEGES INSIDER TRADING BY ADANI RELATIVE, SETTLEMENT SOUGHT
GS-3: Indian Economy Key Points: SEBI accuses Pranav Adani, a director in multiple Adani Group companies and Gautam Adani’s nephew, of insider trading linked to the 2021 SB Energy Holdings acquisition by Adani Green Energy. Allegations state Pranav traded using unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) before the deal’s announcement, violating insider …
Read More »INDIAN SCIENTISTS ADVANCE BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR PARALYSIS PATIENTS
GS-3: Science and Technology Key Points: Indian-origin scientist Nikhilesh Natraj and the UCSF team developed a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) enabling a paralyzed individual to control a robotic arm through imagined movements. The system operated reliably for months with minimal recalibration, a significant advancement in assistive technology. Sensors detect neural signals …
Read More »ENHANCING PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT IN INDIA
GS-2: Polity and Governance Key Points: India’s parliamentary oversight has weakened due to limited scrutiny by committees and the executive evading accountability. Standing Committees meet infrequently, lack follow-through, and their recommendations rarely influence policy. The article calls for “Maximum Accountability” alongside “Maximum Governance.” Proposes reforms like mandatory discussions of committee …
Read More »MINERALS DEAL: U.S.-UKRAINE PACT OFFERS LITTLE SECURITY
GS-2: International Relations Key Points: On April 30, Ukraine and the U.S. signed an agreement granting U.S. access to Ukraine’s untapped critical mineral reserves. The U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund will fund extraction, with Ukraine receiving 50% of revenues. The deal lacks explicit U.S. security commitments, increasing Ukraine’s vulnerability in its …
Read More »URBAN FIRE SAFETY: CONGESTED CITIES NEED COMPLIANT STRUCTURES
GS-1: Urbanization – Urban Safety Infrastructure Key Points: A tragic fire in a Kolkata hotel in the crowded Burrabazar area claimed 14 lives and injured 13, revealing deficiencies in urban fire safety and response. The six-storey building had only one staircase and no alternative exits, breaching fire safety regulations. A …
Read More »CASTE LISTING POSES MAJOR CENSUS CHALLENGE, EXPERTS WARN
GS-1: Indian Society Key Points: Experts highlight that compiling a definitive list of castes and communities will be the primary hurdle for caste enumeration in the upcoming Census. India lacks a current, comprehensive caste database beyond constitutional SC, ST, and OBC lists. The 1931 Census, the last to fully enumerate …
Read More »TENSIONS RISE AS CENTRE DIRECTS PUNJAB TO SUPPLY 4,500 CUSECS OF WATER TO HARYANA
GS-2: Centre-State Dynamics Key Points: The Centre has ordered Punjab to release 4,500 cusecs of water from Bhakra Dam to Haryana for eight days to address urgent water demands. Decision made under the Union Home Secretary’s leadership, involving officials from Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Punjab’s government has resisted, labeling the …
Read More »PORT INFRASTRUCTURE TO FUEL INDIA’S PROGRESS, SAYS PM
GS-3: Infrastructure Key Points: PM Modi inaugurated the ₹8,800-crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport in Kerala, marking India’s first specialized container transshipment facility. Developed through a PPP model by Adani Ports in collaboration with the Kerala government. Modi stressed that port-driven development will be pivotal for India’s maritime and economic advancement …
Read More »Basaveshwara
GS 1 – HISTORY Context: The Vachana Mantapa project was launched in Kalaburagi during Basava Jayanti in 2025. Biography: Basaveshwara, also referred to as Bhakti Bhandari (treasurer of devotion), was an Indian philosopher, poet, and social reformer. Birth and Early Life: He was born in 1131 AD in Bagevadi, now …
Read More »Agent Orange and Its Lasting Impact
GS 3 – DEFENCE Context: Fifty years after the Vietnam War (1955-1975), millions of Vietnamese continue to suffer from the devastating effects of Agent Orange. This toxic herbicide was sprayed by U.S. forces to destroy forests and food crops that provided cover and sustenance to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong …
Read More »Phthalates and Their Impact on Health
GS3 – Environment Context: A recent study has linked daily exposure to phthalates, particularly di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), to approximately 350,000 deaths worldwide due to heart disease in 2018. India accounted for the highest number of these deaths (103,587), followed by China and Indonesia. What Are Phthalates? Phthalates are chemicals commonly …
Read More »Global Geoparks Network
GS3 – Environment Context: UNESCO has included 16 new sites from 11 countries in its Global Geoparks Network. Notably, North Korea has joined for the first time, and Saudi Arabia introduced two new geoparks. In 2025, UNESCO celebrated the 10th anniversary of its International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, a key …
Read More »UNODC Report on Transnational Organised Crime
GS 3 – INTERNAL SECURITY Context (UNODC): The 2025 UNODC report titled “Inflection Point: Global Implications of Scam Centres, Underground Banking, and Illicit Online Marketplaces in Southeast Asia” highlights the escalating threat posed by transnational organised crime (TOC) in East and Southeast Asia. The United Nations Office on Drugs …
Read More »Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (GEI)
GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) introduced the Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (GEI): GEI measures the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted per unit of product, such as per tonne of cement or …
Read More »Application of the “Eggshell Skull” Principle
The Supreme Court pointed out that both the state and national consumer commissions misinterpreted the legal doctrine known as the “eggshell skull” rule. What is the ‘Eggshell Skull’ Rule? The doctrine gets its name from the metaphor that a person who causes harm is fully liable even if the victim …
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