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P-Wave

Definition: Primary seismic waves, fastest in nature.• UPSC Pointers: Travel through solids, liquids, gases.

P.C. Ray

Definition: Chemist and nationalist.Prelims facts: Founder of Bengal Chemicals; supporter of Swadeshi industries.

Paika

Definition: Landed militia serving local kings in Odisha.Time period: Medieval to early colonial period.Key facts:...

Paika Rebellion

Definition: Armed rebellion by Paikas (landed militia) against British rule.Time period: 1817.Region: Odisha.PYQ Tag: UPSC...

Paleomagnetism

Definition: Study of the record of Earth’s magnetic field preserved in rocks.UPSC Pointers: Evidence for...

Pampas

Definition: Fertile grasslands of South America.Prelims Pointers: Argentina; Wheat, cattle.PYQ: UPSC Prelims 2015Current Affairs: Climate...

Pangaea

Definition: A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, comprising almost...

Panna

Definition: Diamond mining region in Madhya Pradesh.Key Facts: Only active diamond mine in India.

Panthalassa

Definition: The vast global ocean that surrounded the supercontinent Pangaea.UPSC Pointers: Covered most of Earth's...

Parakram Diwas

Definition: Day commemorating birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose.Date: 23 JanuaryPrelims facts: Celebrates courage and...

Paramitas

Definition: The perfections or virtues such as generosity, morality, patience, and wisdom cultivated by Bodhisattvas...

Parivrajaka

Definition: A term referring to a renunciant and wanderer in ancient India. Parivrajakas renounced household...

Pashupati Seal

A famous steatite seal found at Mohenjodaro depicting a figure seated in a yogic posture. Prelims...

Passive Euthanasia

The ethical act of withdrawing or withholding life-support treatment when a terminally ill patient has...

Patta

Legal document granting land rights to cultivators.UPSC Traps: Important in Ryotwari settlements.

Payment Banks

Definition: A differentiated banking model aimed at financial inclusion with limited banking functions.Key Points for...

Peneplain

Definition: Almost flat landform produced by prolonged erosion.Prelims Pointers: End stage of geomorphic cycle; Few...

Per Capita Income

Definition: Average income per person, calculated as National Income divided by population.Key Pointers:• Indicator of...

Perihelion

Definition: Point in a planet’s orbit closest to the Sun.• UPSC Pointers: Earth reaches perihelion...

Permanent Settlement

Land revenue system introduced in 1793 fixing revenue permanently with zamindars.UPSC Traps: Introduced by Cornwallis;...

Petroleum

Definition: Liquid fossil fuel.Key Facts: Mumbai High offshore field.Prelims Angle: ONGC, sedimentary basins.

Pherozeshah Mehta

Moderate nationalist leader and jurist from Bombay.UPSC Pointers: Called ‘Lion of Bombay’; associated with Bombay...

Phosphine

Definition: Toxic gas (PH₃).UPSC Traps: Presence does not confirm life.Current Affairs: Debate over detection in...

Pitt’s India Act

Definition: An act passed in 1784 to control the affairs of the British East India...

Placer Deposits

Definition: Mineral deposits formed by gravity separation during sedimentary processes.UPSC Pointers: Common minerals—gold, tin, platinum;...

Plan Holiday

Definition: A break from Five-Year Plans between 1966 and 1969 when annual plans were implemented.Key...

Planetesimal Hypothesis

Definition: A hypothesis proposed by Chamberlin and Moulton explaining solar system formation through aggregation of...

Plug and Play Industrial Infrastructure

Definition: An industrial model where land, approvals, and infrastructure are pre-arranged to enable immediate business...

Plunge Pool

Definition: Deep basin formed at the base of a waterfall due to erosion.Prelims Pointers: Common...

Plutonic Rocks

Definition: Igneous rocks formed deep inside Earth.Examples: Granite, Gabbro.

PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

A comprehensive agricultural mission launched to modernize farming and increase productivity in 100 underperforming Aspirational...

PM Gati Shakti

Definition: A national master plan for multi-modal connectivity integrating infrastructure ministries on a digital platform.Key...

PM Surya Ghar

Definition: Scheme to promote rooftop solar for households. Launched: 2024. UPSC Trap: Focus on residential consumers.

PM-KUSUM

Definition: Central Sector Scheme to promote solar pumps and decentralized solar power in agriculture. It is...

PMGSY

Definition: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana for rural road connectivity.Key Prelims Traps:Fully funded by central...

Polar Fleeing

Definition: Tectonic force causing plates to move away from poles due to Earth’s rotation.UPSC Pointers:...

Poligars

Definition: Local military chiefs and revenue collectors in South India.• Time Period: Medieval–Early Modern• UPSC...

Polymetallic Sulphides

Hydrothermal mineral deposits found on the ocean floor (mid-ocean ridges and hydrothermal vents) rich in...

Polyps

Definition: Tiny organisms forming coral reefs.Key Facts: Sensitive to temperature rise.

Pongal

A four-day-long harvest festival celebrated predominantly in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to the Sun God (Surya)...

Poona Pact

Definition: Agreement on representation of Depressed Classes.Year: 1932Prelims facts: Replaced separate electorates with reserved seats.

Portfolio System

Definition: A system in which members of the Governor-General’s Executive Council were assigned specific administrative...

Potash

Definition: Potassium-bearing salts.Key Facts: Fertilizer; India imports largely.

Potential GDP

Potential GDP refers to the maximum level of output an economy can produce sustainably when...

Prafulla Chaki

Definition: Revolutionary associated with Anushilan Samiti.Prelims facts: Co-accused with Khudiram Bose; committed suicide in 1908.

Prarthana Samaj

Reform movement in Bombay.UPSC: Influenced by Brahmo Samaj.

Prati Sarkars

Definition: Parallel governments during Quit India Movement.Prelims facts: Notable in Satara (Maharashtra).

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Definition: Day to commemorate contribution of Indian diaspora.Date: 9 JanuaryPrelims facts: Marks return of Mahatma...

Pre Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process

Definition: A faster insolvency resolution mechanism for MSMEs allowing promoters to retain control.Important Prelims Pointers:120-day...

Precision Farming

Definition: Precision Farming uses technology such as GPS, sensors, and data analytics to optimize agricultural...

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