Simplifying UPSC Prelims preparation
With recurrent outbreaks in West Bengal, Nipah Virus (NiV) is again in news. Considering the fact that UPSC frequently asks MCQs on viruses in prelims exam, it is essential to understand NiV in terms of its transmission, survivability outside the host, and other key aspects relevant for the examination. WHO…
On January 12, 2026, ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C62) failed to place its payloads the primary EOS-N1 satellite and 15 other small satellites into Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO). As a UPSC aspirants, you must go beyond headlies and understand the core concepts like Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit, which are very…
Venezuelan has been in news due to US – Venezuela conflict and because of its oil reserves. The Orinoco Oil Belt is a vast petroleum-rich region in eastern Venezuela containing some of the world’s largest reserves of extra-heavy crude oil. While Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves (surpassing…
Israel’s move to recognise Somaliland is best understood through the lens of “maritime choke points” specifically the Bab el-Mandeb. This narrow strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, acting as a jugular vein for global trade and energy supplies. Somaliland is not just…
The recent discovery of new frog species in Arunachal Pradesh highlights the immense biological richness of the Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot. For UPSC Prelims, you must look beyond the news item. The exam often tests the criteria and locations of these hotspots rather than specific species names. The most exam-relevant aspect…
Plovaram project has been in news because opposition party BJD has warned of protests if the interests of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha’s Malkangiri district are compromised by the Polavaram irrigation project. The core allegation is that the project’s revised parameters (increasing flood discharge capacity) lack valid environmental…
A groundbreaking study published in People and Nature (a journal by the British Ecological Society) has used ancient Marathi literature to prove that the savannas of Western Maharashtra are ancient natural ecosystems, not “degraded forests” as previously believed. Savannas vs. Degraded Forests The central debate is about Biome Identity: Is…
Recent geopolitical tensions have seen major global powers restricting the export of Rare Earth Elements (REEs). These elements are often called the “vitamins of modern industry” because, like vitamins in the human body, they are needed in tiny quantities but are absolutely essential for the “health” (functioning) of high-tech devices…
Trade agreements with various countires like UK, Oman, EU, USA etc have remained in news in 2025. India and the United States engaged in multiple rounds of talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). However, negotiations for an India–US trade deal continue to be complex and largely stalled due to…
What is Bond ? Suppose Reliance needs ₹1,00,000 to expand its business. Instead of taking a bank loan, it decides to borrow this money from the public. Reliance issues 100 documents, each worth ₹1,000, and tells the public that anyone who buys this document will get ₹1,000 back after 2…
