GS II-Governance A series of deadly plane crashes in December 2024, including the Jeju Air disaster, have raised concerns about aviation safety, claiming numerous lives. Overview of Civil Aviation in India India’s civil aviation sector has seen rapid expansion over the past three years. It can be categorized into: Scheduled …
Read More »Tag Archives: UPSC Current Affairs
Ana Sagar Lake
GS3 – Environment Context: Supreme Court (SC) Order: Directed the removal of ‘Seven Wonders’ replicas from Ana Sagar Lake to balance tourism with environmental conservation. Why? Part of Ana Sagar Lake is a designated wetland, requiring protection under environmental laws. About Ana Sagar Lake Type: Artificial Lake Location: Ajmer, Rajasthan …
Read More »India-New Zealand Relations
GS2 – International Relations Context: During New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon’s first official visit to India for the Raisina Dialogue, both leaders discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation. Historical Linkages Between India and New Zealand Early Indian Settlers: The first wave of Indian migration to New Zealand began in the …
Read More »Patharughat Uprising (1894)
GS1 – Medieval Indian History Context: The Patharughat Uprising of 1894 has recently been highlighted in the news for its historical significance. Overview of the Patharughat Uprising Also Known As: The Patharughat Peasant Revolt, this event remains one of the lesser-known struggles in India’s freedom movement. Date & Location: Took …
Read More »PEPSU Muzhara Movement
GS1 – Medieval Indian History Context: Observed annually on March 19, the Muzhara Movement was a significant agrarian struggle in Punjab, where tenant farmers fought for land rights, a movement that traces back to the 1930s. Background of the Muzhara Movement Biswedari System (1870s): The Maharaja of Patiala established a …
Read More »Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Temple
GS1 – Modern History Context: Maharashtra’s first temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was officially inaugurated in Bhiwandi. Significance and Architectural Highlights This temple is the first of its kind in Maharashtra and the second in India, with the first being in Srisailam, Telangana. Main Statue: A 6.5-foot idol of …
Read More »Vernal (Spring) Equinox
GS1 – Geography Context: The Vernal Equinox, occurring on March 20, signifies the official beginning of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere and astronomical autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. The term “vernal” translates to “spring,” indicating the transition from winter to longer, warmer days in the north, while the southern …
Read More »Port Louis
Prelims Bits Context: The Indian Navy’s INS Imphal made a goodwill visit to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. About Port Louis Geographical Location: Situated on the Indian Ocean, Port Louis serves as the capital and largest city of Mauritius. Economic Importance: Functions as a key port and financial center, …
Read More »Five Eyes Alliance
GS III-Security Context: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval recently hosted a high-level intelligence meeting with representatives from the Five Eyes alliance. Origins & Formation World War II Beginnings: Originated with the BRUSA Agreement (1943), a secret pact between the U.S. War Department and the UK Government Code & Cypher …
Read More »10th Raisina Dialogue
GS II-International Relations Context: The Prime Minister inaugurated the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, a premier conference on geopolitics and global affairs. The 2025 theme, ‘Kalachakra – People, Peace, and Planet’, emphasizes sustainability, global stability, and human development. About the Raisina Dialogue Global Policy Forum: Launched in 2016, this …
Read More »‘Shishtachar’ Squads to Tackle Harassment
GS II-Initiatives Context: The Delhi Police has introduced ‘Shishtachar’ squads to combat sexual harassment in public spaces, drawing inspiration from Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Anti-Romeo Squads.’ Key Features of the Initiative Team Structure: Each squad is headed by an Inspector and consists of a Sub-Inspector, five male constables, four female constables, and …
Read More »Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar
GS II-History Context: Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar has been in the news recently. Early Life & Education Born on July 6, 1837, in Malvan, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Among the first graduates of Bombay University in 1862. Political & Academic Contributions Served as a non-official member of the Imperial Legislative Council in …
Read More »Indian Heritage Sites in the News
GS I-Culture Context: Several Indian heritage sites, including Santiniketan, Khajuraho Temples, and Rani-ki-Vav, have recently gained attention. Santiniketan Overview: Santiniketan is a residential educational institution and cultural hub rooted in ancient Indian traditions. It embodies a vision of global unity, transcending religious and cultural divides. Significance: Represents an exceptional Indian …
Read More »US-India Farm Trade Negotiations
GS II-International Relations Context Ongoing trade discussions between the US and India highlight disparities in agricultural support policies, with Washington pushing for greater market access while Indian farmers contend with lower direct financial aid compared to their US counterparts. Comparison of Farm Support Systems: US vs. India US Agricultural Support …
Read More »Reassessing Tribal Classification in India
GS II-Vulnerable section Context Recent anthropological research challenges the outdated Lokur Committee criteria (1965) for identifying Scheduled Tribes (STs), advocating for a spectrum-based classification that better reflects India’s diverse tribal identities. Existing Tribal Classification System Lokur Committee (1965) defined STs based on five criteria: Primitive Traits Distinctive Culture Geographical Isolation …
Read More »ASHA Workers & National Health Mission (NHM)
GS II-Health Context In Kerala, ASHA workers have gone on strike, demanding better honorariums and retirement benefits, bringing attention to their pivotal role in India’s healthcare system. Despite India progressing towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in health before 2030, the Union Cabinet has extended the NHM for an additional …
Read More »Linguistic Secularism
GS I-Society Context In the 2014 case of UP Hindi Sahittya Sammelan vs State of UP, the Supreme Court upheld the principle of linguistic secularism, emphasizing its role in fostering inclusivity in language policies. The ruling gains significance in the ongoing discourse over language in India. What is Linguistic Secularism? …
Read More »Ancient Megalithic Structures
GS I-History Context The Mudumal megalithic menhirs in Telangana have been included in UNESCO’s tentative list for World Heritage Sites in 2025. If approved, this will be the second site from the state to receive this recognition. Understanding Megaliths Megaliths are large stone structures constructed in ancient times, primarily for …
Read More »Relocation of Assam Rifles in Mizoram
GS3 – Internal Security A ceremonial land transfer between Assam Rifles and the Mizoram government marked the relocation of the paramilitary force from central Aizawl to Zokhawsang. Background: Demand for Relocation Historical Presence: Assam Rifles has been stationed in Mizoram since the 1890s. Call for Relocation: The demand to shift …
Read More »Pratibimb Module
GS3 – Internal Security The Pratibimb module, launched by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), is enhancing cybercrime investigations through advanced tracking and monitoring mechanisms. Key Features of Pratibimb Module GIS-Based Tracking System: Utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to monitor cybercriminals in real time. Crime Infrastructure Mapping: Offers …
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