GS

BATECHOMON: INDIA’S FIRST AUTOMATED BAT MONITORING SYSTEM

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity Monitoring GS-3: Science & Tech – AI in Ecological Research GS-2: Governance – Science in Conservation Policy Key Highlights System Overview Name: BatEchoMon (Bat Echolocation Monitoring) Developers: Kadambari Deshpande and Vedant Barje Institution: Long-Term Urban Ecological Observatory, IIHS, Bengaluru Tech: Raspberry Pi, …

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DRDO TESTS LASER WEAPON

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Defence & Security – Indigenous Weaponry, Counter-Drone Tech, Directed Energy Weapons GS-3: Science & Tech – Laser Technology in Defence Key Highlights Tested System Name: Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Developer: DRDO Test Site: National Open Air Range, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh Capabilities Engages long-range targets, including missiles, …

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INDIA-AFRICA MARITIME ENGAGEMENT

UPSC Relevance GS-2: International Relations – India-Africa Cooperation, Regional Diplomacy GS-3: Security – Maritime Security, Naval Collaboration, SAGAR Vision Key Highlights AI-KEYME Overview Name: Africa India Key Maritime Engagement Location: Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania First Edition: 2025 Goal: Foster collaborative maritime solutions for regional challenges. Indian Naval Involvement Ships: INS Chennai (destroyer), …

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PRESERVING INDIA’S TRADITIONAL SEED VARIETIES

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Agriculture – Indigenous Knowledge, Seed Diversity, MSP Frameworks GS-3: Food Security – Crop Diversification, Sustainable Practices GS-3: Environment – Climate Adaptation, Soil Conservation Key Highlights Decline of Traditional Seeds India’s traditional seed varieties, once vital for food security and biodiversity, are disappearing. Causes include: Market preference for …

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BUDDHIST MONKS PROTEST

UPSC Relevance GS-1: Indian Culture – Buddhist Heritage GS-2: Governance – Religious Freedom, Minority Rights, State’s Role in Temple Management GS-4: Ethics – Balancing Rights and Duties, Religious Coexistence Key Highlights Context The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, marks the site of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment. A UNESCO World Heritage …

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LONG-RANGE GLIDE BOMB ‘GAURAV’

GS 3 – Defense India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted release trials for the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav.’ These trials, held from April 8 to 10, 2025, utilized the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet, representing a significant milestone in strengthening India’s aerial precision and defence strategy. Overview …

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ENSO-NEUTRAL CONDITIONS ANNOUNCED

GS 1: Geography The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently confirmed a shift to ENSO-neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific, marking the conclusion of a mild La Niña phase. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) significantly shapes global climate patterns, making an understanding of its phases essential for forecasting …

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CHINA AND EU MUST RESIST ‘UNILATERAL BULLYING,’ SAYS XI JINPING

UPSC Relevance GS-2: International Relations – EU-China Relations, Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism GS-3: International Trade – Tariffs, Protectionism, Global Trade Wars Essay: Global Power Dynamics, Diplomacy, and Economic Cooperation Key Points Xi’s Critique of U.S. Tariffs Xi condemned U.S. President Trump’s “unilateral bullying” through steep tariffs on Chinese goods. He urged …

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‘TRADE WARS BENEFIT NO ONE’ – ANTONIO TAJANI

UPSC Relevance GS-2: International Relations – India-EU Relations, Trade Diplomacy GS-3: Economy – Bilateral Trade Agreements, Tariffs, and Protectionism Essay: Globalization, Geopolitics, and Trade Cooperation Key Points Position on U.S. Tariff Pause Tajani praised President Trump’s 90-day tariff suspension, advocating for similar EU-U.S. negotiations. He emphasized that zero tariffs would …

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SHAPING THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FUTURE

UPSC Relevance GS-2: Education – NEP 2020 Execution, Higher Education Reforms GS-3: Innovation and Skill Development – Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration Key Points NEP’s Vision for Multidisciplinary Education The National Education Policy (NEP) seeks to transform Indian universities by fostering cross-disciplinary learning, research, and critical thinking. It promotes the establishment …

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BEIJING INDIA REPORT: A MILESTONE AND OPPORTUNITY

UPSC Relevance GS-1: Society – Women’s Issues, Gender Equity GS-2: Governance and Policies – Gender Budgeting, Policy Execution GS-3: Climate Change – Adaptation Strategies, Policy Integration Key Points Neglect of Gender-Climate Nexus The 2024 Beijing India Report reveals that India’s climate policies lack gender sensitivity. Despite laws like the POSH …

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CHINA IMPOSES 125% TARIFF ON U.S. GOODS

UPSC Relevance GS-2: International Relations – India-China Relations, China-U.S. Strategic Competition GS-3: Economy – Global Trade Conflicts, World Trade Organization (WTO), Tariff Disputes Key Points Intensifying Trade Conflict In retaliation to the Trump administration’s increase of tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, China has imposed a 125% tariff on U.S. …

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RANA EXTRADITED

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Internal Security – Terrorism, Extradition Processes, Role of National Investigation Agency (NIA) GS-2: International Relations – India-U.S. Ties, India-Pakistan Dynamics, Legal Collaboration Key Points: Extradition Tied to 26/11 Mumbai Attacks Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian-American of Pakistani descent, was extradited from the United States and detained by …

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SUPREME COURT RULING ON T.N. GOVERNOR

UPSC Relevance GS-2: Polity & Governance – Governor’s Role, Separation of Powers, Constitutional Interpretation GS-2: Federalism – Centre-State Dynamics, Legislative Processes Key Points: Addressing Constitutional Silence The Supreme Court ruled that Governors must decide on Bills within 3 months, ending the practice of indefinite delays. This addresses a Constitutional gap …

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DHARAVI REDEVELOPMENT

UPSC Relevance GS-2: Governance – Urban Planning, Centre-State Relations GS-3: Infrastructure & Environment – Land Use, Slum Redevelopment Key Points: Land for Redevelopment The Maharashtra government approved 256 acres of salt pan land in Mulund, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). The initiative aims to rehabilitate residents …

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