PRELIMS

Context (PIB): The ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ initiative was launched in 2023 under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 scheme to enhance the focus of the Anganwadi system on early childhood care and education (ECCE). Objective: Transform Anganwadi centres into learning hubs with high-quality infrastructure and well-trained Anganwadi workers. Focus: …

Context (TP): India must take responsibility for its growing emissions, despite having lower per capita emissions compared to Western nations. India’s Emission Statistics Global Position: India is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), contributing 7% of the global total (Global Carbon Project). Per Capita Emissions: India’s per capita emissions …

Context (PIB): The Budget proposes that long-term gains on all financial and non-financial assets will attract a 12.5% tax rate, while short-term gains on certain financial assets will be taxed at 20%. Amendments Proposed in Budget Classification of Assets: Holding Periods: There will be only two holding periods: For listed …

As the only country that is a founding member of both QUAD and BRICS, India faces the challenge of balancing its commitments to both groups without prioritizing one over the other. Each organization provides distinct strategic advantages that are essential for India’s national interests. Domain Comparison Domain BRICS QUAD Global …

Constitutional Provision regarding the Right to Propagate Article 25 guarantees every individual the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, health, and other fundamental rights provisions. Freedom of Conscience: The inner freedom of an individual to shape their relationship with God or other entities …

Context (PIB) The Governor of Goa recently launched the ‘Triput,’ an advanced frigate for the Indian Navy at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa. Here are some key points: Introduction: Triput is the first of two advanced frigates being constructed by GSL. Design Purpose: The ship is designed for combat operations …

Context (IE) A recent fire has caused significant damage to the naval frigate INS Brahmaputra. Key Points Significance: INS Brahmaputra is India’s first indigenous Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate. Construction and Commissioning: Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited in Kolkata and commissioned in 2000. Armament: Missiles: Equipped with surface-to-surface …

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem as illegal, urging an end “as soon as possible.” This opinion, issued in response to a 2022 request from the UN General Assembly, predates the Israel-Hamas conflict but is likely to increase pressure …

Context Parliamentary reforms are crucial for improving the functioning and effectiveness of the legislative process in India. Issues with Parliament Functioning Bulldozing Legislations: The Government of India has passed significant legislation with minimal or no discussion. Often, bills that do not qualify as Money Bills are classified as such, bypassing …

The Assam state government is hesitant to present its case to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the Baghjan blowout that occurred nearly four years ago in Tinsukia. Baghjan Blowout in Assam Incident Overview: In May 2020, an uncontrolled release of natural gas led to a massive fire that lasted …

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on sub-caste reservations for SC/STs. Problems with Sub-Caste Reservations Weak Focus on Asset Creation: Without enhancing capital ownership and educational participation, sub-caste reservations result in a low share of jobs and educational opportunities. Example: Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up 18% of the population …

Context The melting of polar ice caps due to climate change is causing the Earth to spin more slowly, resulting in longer days at an unprecedented rate. Polar Shifts: A 2021 study found that melting glaciers worldwide have redistributed enough water to cause the North and South Poles to move …

Context (IE): The construction of embankments in the Brahmaputra basin to manage changing flood patterns has led to disastrous consequences. Historical Background: Initial Requests: Assam’s request for embankments dates back to 1950, inspired by American and Chinese dykes. Garg Committee: Established in 1951 and headed by G.R. Garg of the …

Context: The Supreme Court declared Md Rahim Ali, an Assam resident, to be a citizen of India, overturning a Foreigners’ Tribunal (FT) decision that had previously declared him a foreigner due to minor discrepancies in his documents (Source: IE). Judgment Significance: Alleviating Anxieties: This judgment is expected to alleviate concerns …

Context: The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 highlights the significant impact of the Public Distribution System (PDS) on household expenditure. Key Points: Food Security Coverage: The PDS covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population under the National Food Security Act, 2013. Resource …

Context: A new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug, Lenacapavir (Len LA), has been found to be 100% effective against HIV infection. Mechanism of Action: Type of Drug: Lenacapavir is a fusion capsid inhibitor, targeting the HIV capsid, a crucial protein shell for the virus’s survival and replication. Functionality: Blocking Viral Entry: …

Context: The Hubble Space Telescope has revealed an intermediate-mass black hole within the Omega Centauri star cluster in the Milky Way galaxy Omega Centauri: Largest and Most Luminous: Omega Centauri (NGC 5139 or Caldwell 80) is the Milky Way’s largest and brightest globular cluster, containing millions of stars within a …

Context: On its 43rd foundation day, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) announced the ‘Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE) fund AgriSURE Fund: Objective: The initiative aims to establish a Rs 750 crore Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) to support start-ups and rural enterprises. Funding: …

Context: As the summer tourism rush peaks, the unique animals and environment of Ladakh, particularly the Hanle Valley, are under threat from rapid development and irresponsible tourism Hanle Valley: Location: Eastern Ladakh, near the Indo-China border, at an altitude of around 4,500 meters above sea level. It is part of …

Context: India’s deep-drilling mission in Koyna, Maharashtra, is dedicated to investigating reservoir-triggered earthquakes and broadening our geological understanding. Scientific Deep Drilling: Scientific deep drilling involves strategically drilling boreholes to observe and analyze deeper parts of the Earth’s crust, offering insights into earthquakes, geological history, rock types, energy resources, and more. …