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On June 2025, Mount Etna in Italy erupted, producing an enormous ash and gas column visible several kilometres into the sky. While visually dramatic, the eruption caused no injuries or significant disruption, prompting global scientific interest in its eruptive behaviour and geological implications.
VolcanoesAbout Volcanoes
Magma vs Lava
Types of Volcanoes (Based on Frequency)
Types of Volcanoes (Based on Nature of Eruption)
Global Distribution of Volcanoes
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PYQ:Mains
Prelims 1. Consider the following: (2024)
How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?
2. Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms? (2011)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
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Context
The Union Cabinet has recently approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the forthcoming Census exercise, scheduled after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will mark the first comprehensive caste count since the 1931 Census, providing critical data for policy-making and social justice initiatives.
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At a conference hosted by the Chintan Research Foundation, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Dammu Ravi, highlighted that the ongoing crisis in West Asia could hinder progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a strategic connectivity initiative announced during the G20 Summit 2023 hosted by India.
Way Forward:
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U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to increase tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from 25% to 50%, effective from June 2025. The move is driven by dissatisfaction over the slow pace of trade negotiations with the European Union and is intended to protect American manufacturing jobs.
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The Chhattisgarh Cabinet recently approved the Chhattisgarh Homestay Policy 2025–30, aimed at boosting rural and tribal tourism, particularly in Naxal-affected areas like Bastar. It also announced youth welfare schemes, land allotment for sports and culture, and the promotion of affordable housing—initiatives aimed at inclusive development and local empowerment.
PYQ:
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Context
India, for the first time in the 100-year history of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), has been elected as its President. The election was held on 3 June 2025, where India’s candidate Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), secured 87 out of 141 votes (61.7%), defeating Austria. This marks the first-ever ballot-based presidential election in IIAS history.
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Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore, in collaboration with The Hindu, is organizing a webinar on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). The session aims to raise awareness about this silent yet rising liver disorder linked to lifestyle-related metabolic conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes. The webinar will be held on Sunday at 11:30 a.m., featuring leading hepatology experts.
Context
Punjab Police’s Special Operation Cell has arrested Jasbir Singh alias Jaan Mahal, a YouTuber from Rupnagar district, for alleged espionage on behalf of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into a terror-backed espionage network operating through digital platforms.
Context
In June 2025, the Central Government issued key notifications addressing several long-standing demands of the Union Territory of Ladakh, including domicile-based reservation in government jobs, recognition of local languages, and cultural protections. However, demands for political autonomy — such as inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and strengthening the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) — remain unresolved.
Q. “While recent central notifications have addressed socio-cultural and employment concerns in Ladakh, the deeper issues of democratic devolution and constitutional autonomy remain unresolved.” Critically examine this statement in the context of post-2019 governance challenges in Ladakh.
Context
India operationalised a concessional 15% import duty for electric vehicles (EVs) under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI). The policy aims to attract global EV manufacturers, but concerns remain over the lack of provisions for technology transfer, crucial for building a competitive domestic EV ecosystem.
Q. “India’s electric vehicle (EV) policy is evolving but remains structurally deficient in addressing core technology access.” Critically examine this statement in light of global best practices and recent domestic policy interventions like the SPMEPCI.
Context
On World Environment Day 2025, the global spotlight is on eliminating plastic pollution amid growing concerns over microplastic toxicity and environmental health risks. With India bearing 25% of the global environmental disease burden, there is a pressing need to adopt integrated, data-driven approaches like exposomics for sustainable public health.
Q. "India faces a disproportionately high burden of environmental diseases, yet its environmental risk assessment frameworks remain fragmented. In this context, critically examine the relevance and feasibility of adopting the exposome framework for holistic public health planning in India."
Verifying, please be patient.