Auroras are luminous phenomena that occur near the North (Aurora Borealis) and South Poles (Aurora Australis). They are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the Sun with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. Aurora Borealis: Often called the Northern Lights, it occurs in the northern hemisphere, predominantly in regions near the Arctic Circle.… Continue reading What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?(GS1 2024 Question)

As per “Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023” of the UN, Some areas in the Indo-Gangetic basin in India have already passed the groundwater depletion tipping point and its entire northwestern region is predicted to experience critically low groundwater availability by 2025. As per CGWA, groundwater storage levels in the Ganga basin have been declining by… Continue reading The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?(GS1 2024 Question)

The Industrial Revolution in Britain, beginning in the 18th century, transformed the country into an economic powerhouse. However, this progress came at the expense of India’s local industries, which faced stagnation due to the influx of cheap British goods and exploitative colonial policies. Industrial revolution in Britain as responsible for decline of handicrafts and cottage… Continue reading How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?(GS1 2024 Question)

The First World War, often referred to as the Great War, was a worldwide conflict that spanned from 1914 to 1918. It involved numerous major powers and resulted in extensive loss of life and widespread destruction. A significant factor contributing to the war’s outbreak was the ambition to preserve the balance of power in Europe.… Continue reading How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power?(GS1 2024 Question)

“The Cholas (9th–13th century CE), under great rulers like Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I, were not just conquerors; they were also great patrons of art, whose temples and sculptures still stand as a testament to their artistic excellence.” Achievements of Cholas in Art and architecture  Temple architecture  Painting Bronze sculptures Achievements of Cholas… Continue reading “Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.” Comment.

Socio-economic issues are complex, multifaceted challenges that require leveraging the complementary strengths and combined efforts of various stakeholders.  “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” – Helen Keller Socio-Economic Issues of Development  Cooperation between the government, NGOs, and private sectors  Issues Way Forward Coordination and Alignment of Objectives Establishing Clear… Continue reading What type of cooperation between the government, NGOs, and private sectors would be most effective in tackling socio-economic issues of development?(GS1 2024 Question)

Inter-caste marriages occur between individuals from different castes of same religion, while interreligious marriages involve individuals from different religions. According to the National Family Health Survey, the overall rate of inter-religious marriage in India is 2.1% and 10% of marriages in India were inter-caste. Increase in Intercaste Marriages with Socio-economic Parity Lower interreligious marriages despite… Continue reading Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss(GS1 2024 Question)

“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”  – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Gender equality Gender equity Women empowerment 1. refers to the equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of all genders  2. Men, women and other genders enjoy the same rights across all sectors of society including economic… Continue reading Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity, and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in program design and implementation?(GS1 2024 Question)

The term “demographic winter” refers to a situation where birth rates fall significantly below the replacement level, leading to an aging population, a shrinking workforce, and economic challenges. By 2022, there were 771 million people aged 65 and older, making up about 10% of the global population. This figure is expected to rise to 16%… Continue reading What is the concept of a ‘demographic Winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate.(GS1 2024 Question)

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 100 mm of rain in one hour is called a cloudburst. Usually, cloudbursts occur over a small geographical region of 20 to 30 square kilometers. Ministry of Earth Science reported(2021) that due to climate change from 1969 there is increased incidence of 5 cloudburst per decade especially on… Continue reading What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain(GS1 2024 Question)

Urban migration refers to the movement of people from rural areas to cities, primarily in search of better employment opportunities and improved living standards. As per Periodic Labour Force Survey, rural-to-urban migration, represents 18.9% of total internal migration in India. World migration report 2024 indicates that urban migration, especially to larger tier 1 and 2… Continue reading Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries(GS1 2024 Question)

Sea surface temperature (SST) rise refers to the increase in the temperature of the uppermost layer of the ocean, primarily caused by global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions. According to Copernicus Climate Change Service, the average global SST for February 2024 was 21.06 degrees Celsius, the highest level since 1979.  Factors leading to rise… Continue reading What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?(GS1 2024 Question)

UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) India released a revised 2025 calendar on August 22, 2024. The first calendar for 2025 was released on April 25, 2024. Now it is an updated calendar. There are no major changes in the revised UPSC calendar 2025 except a proposed new date for the CBI (DSP) LDCE exam. Among… Continue reading UPSC 2025 Exam Date: Check Revised Calendar and Full Schedule here

15th Sept 2024 UPSC 2025 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here) Pillers: Major Rock Edicts Prohibits animal slaughter. Bans festive gatherings and killings of animals. Only two peacocks and one deer were killed in Asoka’s kitchen. He wished to discontinue this practice of killing two peacocks and one deer as… Continue reading Ashoka’s Edicts and Inscriptions