GS3 – Science & Technology Context: Russia has officially recognized Ukraine’s indigenously developed Sapsan ballistic missile—also known as Grom-2—as a credible threat, highlighting its growing strategic significance. Key Specifications and Features Alternate Name: Grom-2 (Domestic), Hrim-2 (Export version developed with Saudi support). Range Compliance: Its export version has a range …
Read More »Tag Archives: UPSC Current Affairs
Rising Nitrogen Threat
GS3 – Environment Context: The United Nations’ Global Nitrous Oxide Assessment highlights a concerning spike in nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, calling for immediate global action to mitigate this potent greenhouse gas. Nitrogen: Its Ecological and Biological Relevance Atmospheric Abundance: Nitrogen forms nearly 78% of Earth’s atmosphere, playing a crucial role …
Read More »India Discontinues Transhipment Facility for Bangladesh
GS2 – International Relations Context: India has withdrawn the transhipment privilege it had extended to Bangladesh in 2020, which enabled the latter to send export consignments to third countries via the Petrapole Land Port. This move follows recent remarks by a Bangladeshi official suggesting that Northeast India’s landlocked geography makes …
Read More »Terror Attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir
GS3 – Internal Security Context: A recent terrorist assault occurred in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed militant group, has claimed responsibility. TRF emerged in 2019 as a front for the banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which is proscribed under India’s Unlawful …
Read More »Europe’s Rapid Climate Warming
GS3 – Environment Context: The 2024 European State of the Climate Report, jointly released by the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization, warns that Europe is heating nearly twice as fast as the global average, with notable regional differences. Key Findings from the Report Record-Breaking Temperatures: …
Read More »Google’s AdTech Monopoly: A Governance Challenge
GS2 – Governance Context: In a landmark antitrust ruling in 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) found Google guilty of illegally monopolizing the digital advertising technology (AdTech) ecosystem. Understanding the AdTech Ecosystem AdTech refers to the infrastructure that facilitates digital advertising across websites, mobile applications, and social networks. Its …
Read More »Sunrise Industry
GS 3 Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently announced that India aims to boost the contribution of its manufacturing sector from 12% to 23% over the next two decades, with significant growth driven by sunrise sectors. About Sunrise Industries A sunrise industry refers to a sector that is emerging and positioned …
Read More »National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)
GS 3 The Supreme Court has recently directed the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to assess the impact of nearby glass industries on the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. About the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) The CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) is a research body …
Read More »Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)
GS 3 The Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has been recognized as the world’s first market-driven system specifically designed to address particulate air pollution. What is an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)? An Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a regulatory mechanism that uses economic incentives to reduce air pollution. The system …
Read More »Poás Volcano
GS 3 Poás Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most visited tourist destinations, recently erupted, drawing significant attention. About Poás Volcano Poás is known as one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes and is situated within the Poás Volcano National Park. It is a composite stratovolcano with a complex, irregular shape, …
Read More »Khadi and Village Industries Commission
GS 3 The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) recently announced that the turnover of Khadi and Village Industries (KVI) exceeded Rs 1.7 lakh crore in the financial year 2025 (FY24-25). About the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a …
Read More »Bamiyan Buddhas
GS 1 The Taliban’s evolving stance on cultural heritage sites in Afghanistan has attracted international attention, especially concerning the Bamiyan Buddhas. About the Bamiyan Buddhas Carved into the sandstone cliffs of Bamiyan Valley in central Afghanistan during the 6th century CE, the Bamiyan Buddhas were two monumental statues of standing …
Read More »Arctic Amplification: 2024
GS 3 According to the latest European State of the Climate Report for 2024, Europe is experiencing warming at nearly twice the pace of the global average. This accelerated heating trend is triggering widespread environmental and climatic shifts. What Is Arctic Amplification? Arctic amplification refers to the intensified warming seen …
Read More »Quantum Gravity Gradiometer (QGG)
GS 3 NASA researchers have introduced a groundbreaking concept involving quantum gravity gradiometers (QGGs), aiming to track how Earth’s mass distribution evolves over time—particularly in response to climate change. Their proposal involves deploying these advanced instruments aboard satellites to enhance our understanding of global mass shifts. What Is a Quantum …
Read More »Cloudburst in Ramban District
GS 1 The Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir recently experienced severe weather, including heavy rainfall and hailstorms, leading to significant destruction in the area. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the region recorded 16.9 mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period—an astonishing 575% increase compared to the average …
Read More »Jwaneng Diamond Mine
GS 3 – Renowned as the most valuable diamond mine on the planet, the Jwaneng Diamond Mine is currently estimated to be worth approximately 1 billion euros. Overview of Jwaneng Diamond Mine Often referred to as the “Prince of Mines,” the Jwaneng Diamond Mine is located in Botswana, near the …
Read More »PM CARES for Children Scheme
GS II-Schemes Why in News? The Central Government extended the PM CARES for Children Scheme until 28th February 2022, providing vital support to children orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic. About the Scheme Launched on: 29th May 2021 Aim: To provide comprehensive care, protection, and long-term support to children who lost …
Read More »Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000
GS III-IT The IT Act, 2000 is India’s primary legal framework for digital governance, cyber law, and regulation of electronic communication. Key Objectives: Combat cybercrime and protect digital infrastructure. Provide legal recognition for digital signatures and electronic records. Define responsibilities of intermediaries like social media platforms and search engines. Updated …
Read More »Gallantry Awards 2024
GS III-Defence Context: Ahead of the 75th Republic Day celebrations, the President of India sanctioned gallantry awards to 80 personnel from the Armed Forces, of which 12 were awarded posthumously. Key Highlights of Gallantry Awards 2024: Kirti Chakras: 6 awarded (3 posthumous) Shaurya Chakras: 16 awarded (2 posthumous) Sena Medals …
Read More »K2-18b
In 2025, scientists detected the presence of either dimethyl sulphide (DMS) or dimethyl disulphide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of K2-18b. What is K2-18b? K2-18b is an exoplanet, meaning it is a planet located outside of our solar system. It is situated 124 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Leo …
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