Albania

Mapping   Source: FE  Context: Albania and India are bolstering diplomatic relations, with plans unveiled for the opening of new embassies in each other’s capitals. Albania’s representation in India is currently led by an Honorary Consul General.   About Albania Albania is situated in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with Montenegro, …

Cantor’s giant softshell turtle

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: BBC  Context: Conservationists, including those from the University of Portsmouth, have uncovered the first breeding population of the critically endangered and elusive Cantor’s giant softshell turtle along the Chandragiri River in Kerala.   About Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle: It is also known as the Asian giant softshell turtle and …

Interview Guidance Program for UPSC CSE 2023 with Dr. D.V. Guruprasad, Retd. IPS Officer | One-on-One Mocks in the Online Mode & Offline Mode(Bengaluru)

    Dear Student, We are excited to announce that Dr. D. V. Guruprasad , retd IPS Officer will be joining us for our Interview Guidance Program for UPSC CSE 2023 . Register now to book your slots and benefit from personalized one-on-one mock interviews.   CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ONE-ON-ONE MOCKS WITH Dr. D. …

Pigeonpea

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: DTE  Context: A new fast-breeding protocol has been developed by scientists at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to accelerate the development of improved varieties of pigeonpea, an essential legume crop for nutritional security in drylands. Traditionally, developing a new pigeonpea variety takes around 13 …

Venom-neutralising antibody

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH  Context: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) in Bengaluru have developed a synthetic human antibody capable of neutralizing a potent neurotoxin produced by highly toxic snakes from the Elapidae family, including cobras, king cobras, kraits, and black mambas. This breakthrough marks the first time a specific …

Positronium

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE  Context: In a significant breakthrough, scientists at CERN have achieved laser cooling of Positronium for the first time, during Anti-hydrogen Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy (AEgIS)   What is Positronium? Positronium is a unique atomic system consisting of an electron and a positron, the antimatter counterpart of an electron. …

Venture Debt Financing

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: The Business Line  Context: In 2023, Indian start-ups experienced a significant surge in venture debt financing, raising a total of over $1 billion, marking a notable 50% increase from the previous year.   What is Venture Debt Financing? Venture debt is a financing option commonly utilized by early-stage startups …

Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context: The Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, inaugurated the Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana.    Features of the scheme: This initiative, tailored for PM SVANidhi scheme beneficiaries, aims to provide comprehensive entrepreneurship training over 22 weeks, combining theoretical knowledge with practical exposure. The training will …

Capitalism and its types

Content For Mains Enrichment (CME)   Source: LM  Context: Capitalism exhibits diverse variations both between and within countries, with the classic division between liberal market economies (LMEs) and coordinated market economies (CMEs).   What is Capitalism? Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit. …

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Addressing Sustainability Concerns

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Government policies and intervention/ Science and technology   Source: TH Context: The Interim Budget 2024 announced the construction of two crore additional houses under PMAY-G and a new housing scheme for the middle class, advancing the ‘Housing for All’ initiative. While commendable, there’s a pressing need to address environmental concerns amidst …

UPSC EDITORIAL ANALYSIS : The NB8 visit to India focuses on cooperation and trust

  Source: The Hindu Prelims: Current events of international importance, Nordic-Baltic countries(mapping), EU, G20, G10, FTA, mapping(European countries)etc Mains GS Paper II: Bilateral, regional and global grouping involving India or affecting India’s interests etc   ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS The eight Nordic-Baltic countries, are participating in Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi Together as representatives of the Nordic-Baltic …

UPSC Sansad TV: Biofuels in India’s Energy security

    Introduction: Biofuels could have a significant impact in five key areas – lowering GHG emissions as they could result in up to 80% reduction in well-to-wheel emissions as compared to their fossil fuel counterparts; reducing import dependency and thereby boosting energy security; enabling circularity by employing waste for wealth creation and delivering wider …

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE : 24 February 2024

  How to Follow Secure Initiative? How to Self-evaluate your answer?  MISSION – 2022: YEARLONG TIMETABLE   Answer the following questions in 150 words: General Studies – 1   1. Buddhism and Buddhist culture serve as integral components of India’s soft power projection, offering historical, cultural, and spiritual ties that connect with nations worldwide. Reference: …

India has shown remarkable commitment to becoming a major player in the global space arena. Continued investments in research, technology development, and governmental support are needed to reinforce India’s position as a growing space power. Analyse. (250 words)

10. India has shown remarkable commitment to becoming a major player in the global space arena. Continued investments in research, technology development, and governmental support are needed to reinforce India’s position as a growing space power. Analyse. (250 words) Reference: The Hindu