General Studies Paper-3 Context PM Modi launched the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited, highlighting that “empowered women are the foundation of Viksit Bharat.” About Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited Jeevika Nidhi is a state-level cooperative financial institution established to support women entrepreneurs in Bihar. Objective: To provide timely credit at lower interest rates, reducing dependence on microfinance institutions (MFIs) that charge 18%–24%. Membership: All registered cluster-level federations of Jeevika SHGs will be part of the Society. Financing: Both the Government of Bihar and the Central government will contribute funds. Technology: The system is entirely digital, enabling....Read More

Current Context : The President of India has appointed Justice Alok Aradhe (Chief Justice of Bombay High Court) and Justice Vipul Pancholi (Chief Justice of Patna High Court) as judges of the Supreme Court. Sanctioned Strength: With these appointments, the Supreme Court reached its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges. CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR APPOINTMENT Article 124(2) Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India. The President acts after consultation with such Supreme Court and High Court judges as deemed necessary. Article 124(3): Qualifications A person is eligible if: He/She is an Indian citizen; and Has served....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context The Supreme Court has decided to examine a petition to introduce a “system”, similar to the creamy layer concept for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) in reservation benefits among the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. Reservation in India As per existing instructions, reservation is provided to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at the rate of 15%, 7.5% and 27%, respectively, in case of direct recruitment on an all-India basis by open competition. In direct recruitment on an all-India basis, other than by open competition, the percentage fixed is 16.66%....Read More

Current Context : New Delhi hosted the inaugural Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance, endorsing India’s Environment Minister as its President.  About International Big Cat Alliance Launched on April 2023 on 50th anniversary of India’s Project Tiger. Membership: 95 big‑cat range and interested countries; founding 16 include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kenya, Nepal, and South American nations. Mandate: Share best practices in conservation of seven big cats (tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, puma). Strengthen habitat protection, anti‑poaching efforts, and community engagement. Governance: Biennial Assembly as decision‑making body; rotating Presidency; Secretariat hosted by India.  Read More

Current Context: India has opposed the inclusion of the hazardous insecticide Chlorpyrifos under the Stockholm Convention for global phase-out in 2021, which would restrict its use globally due to its harmful environmental and health effects. About the Convention: Genesis: Adopted in 2001 and enforced in 2004. Objective: Protect human health and the environment from Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). POPs Definition: Carbon-based chemicals that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in living organisms, and are toxic to humans and wildlife. Key Features: The convention lists chemicals in three annexes: Annex A: Elimination of chemicals. Annex B and C: Restriction of use. India’s....Read More