(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Supreme Court Collegium recommends names of three new judges for the apex court READ MORE
2. Governors should do a ‘little bit of soul-searching’, SC says on them holding back crucial Bills READ MORE
3. Chief Information Commissioner & two new Information Commissioners assume office READ MORE
4. GRAP Stage 4 implemented in Delhi-NCR amid severe air pollution: What does it mean? READ MORE
5. The double-whammy from India’s falling farm exports READ MORE
6. Pursuing Fusion Power READ MORE
7. Ultra-processed foods lead to $7 trillion in hidden health, environment costs globally: Report READ MORE
8. Soil degradation in India could spell disaster for food security and livelihoods READ MORE
9. Giraffes could go extinct — the 5 biggest threats they face READ MORE  
10. PM 2.5, Sulphur Dioxide, and more: Where the pollutants in our air come from, and how they impact health READ MORE

Main

1. Big Tech will always be bad for mental health READ MORE
2. Giving the urban Indian a better life READ MORE
3. Bad Kharif, Worse Monsoon: Inside India’s Food Security Doubts READ MORE
4. Apex Body Flags Deep Concern Over Land Allotment in new Industrial Policy READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. States in Court against their Governors READ MORE
2. It’s time to end the anonymous funding of all Indian elections READ MORE
3. A telco double dip attempt that threatens Net neutrality READ MORE
4. Can net neutrality survive market forces? READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Caution over caste census READ MORE
2. Meritorious students deserve subsidies READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. India-Canada impasse: Ottawa must ensure fair probe in Nijjar case READ MORE
2. Multipolarity in the new world order READ MORE
3. China charms Bhutan with an eye on India: Xi is hell-bent on a Bhutan-China bilateral, bypassing India’s role as Thimphu’s ‘diplomatic navigator’. READ MORE
4. Muizzu as the Eighth President of the Maldives: Implications for India-Maldives Relations READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Extension of PMGKAY: Reinforcement of revdis, not welfare READ MORE
2. India works, look at the numbers: IMF executive director argues employment, in quantity & quality, has kept pace with growth READ MORE
3. Auditing the Blue Economy: An oceanic responsibility READ MORE
4. India’s job growth — rising numbers, falling wages READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Tiding over: On north India and its annual air quality inflection point in November READ MORE
2. Air Pollution: Why Delhi is country’s burning sensation READ MORE
3. The duplicity of developed nations READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Misuse of technology: An unrelenting threat READ MORE
2. Antimicrobial puzzle: Action and awareness is the key READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. The cult of operational superiority, from Israel to India READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In the Sikkim flood’s wake, a trail of hazards lie in wait READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. A public servant or his master’s voice? READ MORE
2. Simplicity: the essence of life READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. A well-informed social dialogue on the caste census can help challenge stereotypes, prejudices, and biases associated with caste. Critically examine.
2. In the current geopolitical and geostrategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, Maldives’ unbalanced relations with India will make the region more vulnerable to power competition. Discuss.
3. In light of the recent developments, discuss the emerging challenges in enforcing and regulating net neutrality.
4. Discuss the concept of a Blue Economy. How is Blue Economy emerging as a captivating notion in an environmentally concerned world?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• A well-informed social dialogue on the caste census can help challenge stereotypes, prejudices, and biases associated with caste.
• The renewed focus on the caste census is a pivotal step that advocates for proportionate representation and a shift toward social justice and progress.
• The need for socio-economic caste surveys has been established and reinforced time and again by political parties and civil society. A substantial body of data and analysis suggests that affirmative action may require refinement in light of the progress made in recent decades.
• At its core, simplicity isn’t just about minimalism or reducing material possessions; it’s a comprehensive approach to life that encompasses various aspects, including thoughts, actions, and lifestyle choices.
• In a world where environmental concerns and sustainability have taken centre stage, the concept of the Blue Economy emerges as a captivating notion.
• Enforcing and regulating net neutrality is not a straightforward task. Varying capacities to understand and adapt to technological changes make net neutrality a complex ecosystem to enforce.
• The introduction of OTT platforms has fundamentally transformed the way people experience Internet usage, further shaping the ongoing conversation around net neutrality and revenue sharing.
• A stronger and more competitive market might have obviated the necessity for specific net neutrality regulation.
• Unpaid female workers in rural areas are not only shouldering the responsibility of all the household work but are increasingly showing up as unpaid helpers in the PLFS, thereby boosting India’s workforce participation growth.
• Donations received by political parties through electoral bonds would have serious repercussions on the transparency aspect of political funding of political parties.
• The fluctuations seen in oil prices make it an interesting example of an economic variable—even if we understand it, we would be completely unable to predict.
• President Mohamed Muizzu will continue security and defence cooperation with India and unlikely to cancel ongoing infrastructure projects.
• In the current geopolitical and geostrategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, Maldives’ unbalanced relations with the competing stakeholders will make it vulnerable to emerge as a potential theatre of power competition.
• If the Age of Enlightenment marked the inception of philosophical insights, our current era of artificial intelligence is seemingly proceeding in an inverse direction.
• A profound transformation of the global order necessitates a significant global upheaval, and even then, the outcome remains uncertain.
• Extending free food for another 5 years rings the final death knell of farm laws and rules out entry of private sector.
• Sovereign Bhutan must remember that being located in a fragile ecological zone of the Himalayas, it cannot afford to open the floodgates to foreigners.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Many worlds: Multipolarity in the new world order

50-WORD TALK

• In a transforming India, where education and technology act as levelling forces, caste-based affirmative action, refined through caste numbers, can drive more extensive dialogues on aspiration, ambition, freedom, opportunity, and the necessity for a system where citizens are not unfairly privileged or confined by their identities. If a robust methodology were to be used, this effort would be vital in identifying and addressing fault lines to promote gender justice.
• Extending free food for another 5 years is an acknowledgement that the poor continue to need ample support for years ahead. The move also rings the final death knell of farm laws. If government grain procurement is going to be so high, then that rules out entry of private sector.
• Indian envoy in Ottawa describing Canadian police probe into Nijjar killing as tainted and wiretapping of diplomats as illegal shows Delhi is doubling down. But Canada is being duplicitous in citing Vienna Convention on parity even as it illegally tapped diplomats. G7 and Five Eyes can’t play by different rules.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

1. To move ahead, Be like hourglass READ MORE
2. Humanity, not identity, defines morality READ MORE
3. All it takes: 1% god’s grace READ MORE
4. Entrepreneurship mirrors essence of dharma READ MORE

1. Tiding over: On north India and its annual air quality inflection point in November READ MORE
2. Air Pollution: Why Delhi is country’s burning sensation READ MORE
3. El Nino may be drying out the southern hemisphere — here’s how that affects the whole planet READ MORE

1. Exploring India’s mathematical legacy in ancient civilisations READ MORE
2. Giving the urban Indian a better life READ MORE
3. The colonial-missionary roots of ‘caste’ and ‘tribe’ READ MORE
4. Saving the young is a collective responsibility READ MORE

1. Who gets to rewrite the Constitution? READ MORE
2. Choked courts: CJI calls lawyers out on ‘adjournment culture’ READ MORE
3. Electoral bonds and the menace of money power READ MORE
4. Governors cannot have a veto in a democracy READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool to fight poverty, deliver goods and services to remote areas, and reskill workforce for the future: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal READ MORE
2. Free ration scheme to be extended for five more years: PM READ MORE
3. ‘Oligopolies’ control over rare earths is key green transition snag’ READ MORE
4. NICED makes quick detection of drug-resistant H. pylori possible READ MORE
5. ‘Enemy property’ Butler Palace to turn into a tourist haven READ MORE
6. The Zika genome and insights into the era of emerging outbreaks READ MORE
7. Saudi Arabia, Russia to continue oil cuts READ MORE
8. On AI regulation, how the US steals a march over Europe amid the UK’s showpiece Summit READ MORE
9. What is the Advocate-on-Record system in the Supreme Court? READ MORE
10. UNESCO declares Gwalior the ‘city of music’: a look at its illustrious musical tradition READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Exploring India’s mathematical legacy in ancient civilisations READ MORE
2. Giving the urban Indian a better life READ MORE
3. The colonial-missionary roots of ‘caste’ and ‘tribe’ READ MORE
4. Saving the young is a collective responsibility READ MORE
5. Rescuing children from the clutches of mobile phones READ MORE
6. El Nino may be drying out the southern hemisphere — here’s how that affects the whole planet READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Who gets to rewrite the Constitution? READ MORE
2. Choked courts: CJI calls lawyers out on ‘adjournment culture’ READ MORE
3. Electoral bonds and the menace of money power READ MORE
4. Governors cannot have a veto in a democracy READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Widening welfare READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Why did India abstain from the call for truce? | Explained READ MORE
2. India works on free trade deal with Gulf countries READ MORE
3. Challenges in India’s neighbourhood READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Revenue rebound: October’s GST collections mark a significant shift from some recent trends READ MORE
2. India’s energy security at risk: How geopolitical conflicts could impact oil imports and renewable energy transition READ MORE
3. Food as a right READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Tiding over: On north India and its annual air quality inflection point in November READ MORE
2. Air Pollution: Why Delhi is country’s burning sensation READ MORE
3. The duplicity of developed nations READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI and the issue of human-centricity in copyright law READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. India to bring in a National Security Strategy: what is it, why is it important? READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Poor worst-hit in Nepal quake READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. To move ahead, Be like hourglass READ MORE
2. Humanity, not identity, defines morality READ MORE
3. All it takes: 1% god’s grace READ MORE
4. Entrepreneurship mirrors essence of dharma READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Only virtues and standards of universal morality are applicable to clashing groups of inimical belief systems in times of distrust. And all-encompassing humanity is the sole criterion for drafting such standards of universal morality. Comment.
2. It is humanity, not identity, that defines morality. Comment.
3. Though Article 200 does not lay down a specific timeframe to give assent to the bill, but a constitutional authority should not circumvent a provision of the Constitution by taking advantage of an omission. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments.
4. Dharma encompasses not only moral and ethical duties but also one’s responsibility towards society and the greater good. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Internal peace depends on external peace. Friends can be changed but not neighbours.
• An important message for India and others is that they should not be deterred from strengthening their relations with Iran, given its importance in the emerging geopolitics of the region, since the US itself is not hesitant about deal-making with Iran.
• As India’s economic clout grows, we can expect more attacks from foreign powers, that specifically target companies engaged in nation building.
• Both India and Israel have hostile neighbors. India can take a cue from Israel in defending its borders and sovereignty.
• Let humanity of the present times collectively consider these important aspects and spend economic resources on national defence more prudently. Wars are destructive overall and economically regressive.
• Human rights discourse is being used for rainbow washing to create a façade of democracy which hides majoritarian bias and apartheid laws which allow for political representatives to publicly dehumanise Palestinians as animals to be set for slaughter.
• A major issue is how social security can be effectively financed. There are three models to finance SS: contributory scheme, non-contributory scheme and a combination of both.
• Governments must urgently push greater awareness about the Good Samaritan Law.
• It is important to know which model of financing is more appropriate. International evidence suggests that SS coverage can be extended to all by increasing contributory coverage and non-contributory schemes by increasing tax revenue.
• Dharma encompasses not only moral and ethical duties but also one’s responsibility towards society and the greater good.
• Despite surging demand and larger carbon emissions, India can reduce its dependence on energy imports.
• A dignified life for the elderly population needs an urgent cultural, political and policy reimagination.
• The stance of the Western Left vis-à-vis Western imperialism is causing a shift of the entire political centre of gravity to the Right.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The wise win before the fight, while the ignorant fight to win.

50-WORD TALK

• CJI Chandrachud’s ‘tareekh pe tareekh’ anguish over adjournment requests in the Supreme Court is valid. But as masters of their own court, judges should put an end to the growing trend and impose costs if such appeals are made on flimsy grounds. Lawyers must contribute to vitality of the judiciary.
• Xi Jinping wants Chinese women to focus on marriage and having babies. This desperate move to address a shrinking population is nothing but regressive. When India is making efforts to bring more women into the workforce, China’s slide back toward the middle ages is a knockout punch to gender equality.
• Governments of Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Kerala having to move Supreme Court to get governors to clear bills is another sign of politicisation of Raj Bhawans. Governors in many non-BJP-ruled states are making a mockery of democracy by obstructing elected governments’ functioning. SC must step in to check gubernatorial hyperdrive.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

1. Ukraine, Gaza are our Kurukshetra now READ MORE
2. Humanity, not identity, defines morality READ MORE
3. All it takes: 1% god’s grace READ MORE
4. Entrepreneurship mirrors essence of dharma READ MORE

1. El Nino may be drying out the southern hemisphere — here’s how that affects the whole planet READ MORE
2. Late to action, lots to do READ MORE
3. Climate Change: Is White Hydrogen the New Saviour? READ MORE

1. The world is getting older. Can India cope? READ MORE
2. Rescuing children from the clutches of mobile phones READ MORE

1. Action and authority: On Governors and implementation of decisions by elected regimes READ MORE
2. On government fact-checking units: A government panel to check facts is liable to be misused against critics READ MORE
3. On electoral bonds, Supreme Court must uphold Right to Information READ MORE
4. State regulation of film reviews is a risky business READ MORE
5. Governors need to rise above politics READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Atal Innovation Mission Opens Application for School Innovation Challenge ATL Marathon 2023-24 READ MORE
2. Delhi’s air quality worsens to ‘severe plus’ category; Centre defers stricter curbs, says AQI in region showing declining trend READ MORE
3. Seven years after it was first announced, India to open new consulate in Seattle READ MORE
4. Operation Cactus: When India prevented a coup in Maldives READ MORE
5. Farm fires and weather behind choke; respite likely in 4 days READ MORE
6. UN sounds warning on climate change health threat READ MORE
7. Work starts on shaping first national security strategy, long wait ends READ MORE
8. Asteroid Dinkinesh is actually two space rocks, finds NASA’s Lucy mission READ MORE
9. New Report Calls for GST Slab Rationalisation Amid High State Revenue Deficits, Subsidy Expenditures READ MORE
10. No legal identity for a billion people globally, says UN body READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. The world is getting older. Can India cope? READ MORE
2. Rescuing children from the clutches of mobile phones READ MORE
3. El Nino may be drying out the southern hemisphere — here’s how that affects the whole planet READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Action and authority: On Governors and implementation of decisions by elected regimes READ MORE
2. On government fact-checking units: A government panel to check facts is liable to be misused against critics READ MORE
3. On electoral bonds, Supreme Court must uphold Right to Information READ MORE
4. State regulation of film reviews is a risky business READ MORE
5. Governors need to rise above politics READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Widening welfare READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. India-US dialogue: No irritant should be allowed to affect ties READ MORE
2. US-China Dichotomy: Quietude of the Western Left READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India’s labour scene is changing READ MORE
2. Create an ecosystem where all can participate in economic growth READ MORE
3. Traditional vs digital bank: Survival of the fittest READ MORE
4. The Evolving Energy Scenario READ MORE
5. Youth Employment in India: Dimensions and Challenges READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Late to action, lots to do READ MORE
2. Climate Change: Is White Hydrogen the New Saviour? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI and the issue of human-centricity in copyright law READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Malware malice: On the Apple cyberattack alert READ MORE
2. India’s Need for a National Security Strategy Cannot Be Ignored READ MORE
3. Is it Time to Call India a Digital Dystopia? READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Farm fires rage on: Stakeholders not doing enough to curb menace READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Ukraine, Gaza are our Kurukshetra now READ MORE
2. Humanity, not identity, defines morality READ MORE
3. All it takes: 1% god’s grace READ MORE
4. Entrepreneurship mirrors essence of dharma READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Only virtues and standards of universal morality are applicable to clashing groups of inimical belief systems in times of distrust. And all-encompassing humanity is the sole criterion for drafting such standards of universal morality. Comment.
2. It is humanity, not identity, that defines morality. Comment.
3. Though Article 200 does not lay down a specific timeframe to give assent to the bill, but a constitutional authority should not circumvent a provision of the Constitution by taking advantage of an omission. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments.
4. Dharma encompasses not only moral and ethical duties but also one’s responsibility towards society and the greater good. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.
• By investing in cutting-edge technology and streamlining their operations, traditional banks can upgrade conventional banking to bring it at par with the digital banking.
• While the digital age offers learning and entertainment opportunities, it’s vital to safeguard our children from over indulging in it.
• Entrepreneurs who prioritise ethics, honesty, and integrity in their business dealings create a foundation of trust with customers, partners, and employees.
• A major issue is how social security can be effectively financed. There are three models to finance SS: contributory scheme, non-contributory scheme and a combination of both.
• Governments must urgently push greater awareness about the Good Samaritan Law.
• It is important to know which model of financing is more appropriate. International evidence suggests that SS coverage can be extended to all by increasing contributory coverage and non-contributory schemes by increasing tax revenue.
• Dharma encompasses not only moral and ethical duties but also one’s responsibility towards society and the greater good.
• Despite surging demand and larger carbon emissions, India can reduce its dependence on energy imports.
• A dignified life for the elderly population needs an urgent cultural, political and policy reimagination.
• The stance of the Western Left vis-à-vis Western imperialism is causing a shift of the entire political centre of gravity to the Right.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The wise win before the fight, while the ignorant fight to win.

50-WORD TALK

• CJI Chandrachud’s ‘tareekh pe tareekh’ anguish over adjournment requests in the Supreme Court is valid. But as masters of their own court, judges should put an end to the growing trend and impose costs if such appeals are made on flimsy grounds. Lawyers must contribute to vitality of the judiciary.
• Xi Jinping wants Chinese women to focus on marriage and having babies. This desperate move to address a shrinking population is nothing but regressive. When India is making efforts to bring more women into the workforce, China’s slide back toward the middle ages is a knockout punch to gender equality.
• Governments of Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Kerala having to move Supreme Court to get governors to clear bills is another sign of politicisation of Raj Bhawans. Governors in many non-BJP-ruled states are making a mockery of democracy by obstructing elected governments’ functioning. SC must step in to check gubernatorial hyperdrive.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

1. Bridging the gap, from pickle to perfection READ MORE
2. Power of patience READ MORE

1. ‘Modest’ 2023 Antarctic ozone hole ranks 12th overall but still sign of recovery READ MORE  
2. Biosphere reserves are evolving as pockets of hope READ MORE

1. Child marriages: Haryana girls continue to be victimised READ MORE
2. Challenges in equipping job seekers with skills READ MORE\

1. Testing the south’s patience READ MORE
2. Electoral bonds: ‘Selective anonymity’ undermining scheme READ MORE
3. Bond of secrecy READ MORE
4. Aadhaar data bust raises fresh safety and privacy concerns READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. 8-point action plan as per Stage-III of GRAP in the entire NCR invoked with immediate effect READ MORE
2. Kerala Government moves Supreme Court against Governor Arif Mohammed Khan over pending Bills READ MORE
3. CBAM will kill EU manufacturing, India will have its own carbon taxes: Goyal READ MORE
4. NCERT to add content on electoral literacy in school textbooks; EC, Education Ministry sign MoU READ MORE
5. Antony Blinken, Lloyd Austin to visit New Delhi next week for ‘2+2’ dialogue READ MORE
6. Cooperatives are the solution for hunger, farmers’ woes: Brazil Agriculture Minister READ MORE
7. 7 takeaways from GoI’s report on road accidents READ MORE
8. A ‘land bridge’ across Thailand’s Kra Isthmus: What is this centuries-old idea, resurrected again? READ MORE
9. Food production accounts for 15% fossil fuel use, as big oil locks in dependence on petroleum-based pesticides READ MORE
10. No legal identity for a billion people globally, says UN body READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Child marriages: Haryana girls continue to be victimised READ MORE
2. WWF: 32 million acres of grasslands across US & Canadian Great Plains ploughed up since 2012 READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Testing the south’s patience READ MORE
2. Electoral bonds: ‘Selective anonymity’ undermining scheme READ MORE
3. Bond of secrecy READ MORE
4. Aadhaar data bust raises fresh safety and privacy concerns READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Challenges in equipping job seekers with skills READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Is the United Nations toothless in ending wars? READ MORE
2. US can help India become battery manufacturing powerhouse. And decouple from China READ MORE
3. The need to reimagine global order READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Understanding worker productivity and how it relates to economic growth READ MORE
2. Slowing momentum: On palpable softening in economic momentum READ MORE
3. Lessons in how to build an innovation ecosystem READ MORE
4. Looking for soft targets READ MORE
5. Food sector’s recipe for rural prosperity READ MORE
6. Could job creation be a driver of poverty reduction in India? READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. ‘Modest’ 2023 Antarctic ozone hole ranks 12th overall but still sign of recovery READ MORE  
2. Biosphere reserves are evolving as pockets of hope READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI and the issue of human-centricity in copyright law READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Malware malice: On the Apple cyberattack alert READ MORE
2. India’s Need for a National Security Strategy Cannot Be Ignored READ MORE
3. Is it Time to Call India a Digital Dystopia? READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Farm fires rage on: Stakeholders not doing enough to curb menace READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Bridging the gap, from pickle to perfection READ MORE
2. Power of patience READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Biosphere reserves are vital for the future of our planet, and they have become crucial in our fight against climate change. Comment.
2. India’s Food Processing Industry is a catalyst for economic growth and rural prosperity. Justify the statement with appropriate examples.
3. Caste censuses are essential for addressing socioeconomic inequalities and informing policymaking. How far do you agree with this view? Justify your view.
4. India is deploying smart fencing, but there should be a balance between manned security and technologies. Comment on the statement the light of recent developments.
5. Recent data breach shows that digital India, in reality, too far from the claiming and India needs to renew its efforts to de-mystify technology with the aim of surveillance reforms. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.
• Biosphere reserves are vital for the future of our planet.
• In recent years, biosphere reserves have become crucial in our fight against climate change, as these areas are home to many of the world’s carbon sinks helping to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme enhances the human-environment relationship through combining natural and social sciences to improve livelihoods, safeguard ecosystems, and promote sustainable economic development.
• Productivity of an activity is usually measured as the quantum of output value per unit of labour (time) cost at a micro level. At a macro level, it is measured in terms of the labour-output ratio or change in Net Domestic Product (NDP) per worker in each sector (where working hours are assumed to be 8 hours per day).
• Post the Cold War, we saw a gradual decline in the ability of the UN to undertake any kind of meaningful roles (in resolving conflicts). The Israel crisis is just one of them.
• Such cross-subsidisation of poorer states by richer ones is inevitable in a large and diverse country like ours, and has, in fact, been an accepted principle.
• Over the last two-three decades, the UN has been like a bystander. With the major powers developing severe differences, they have made it impossible for the UN with its frozen membership of decision-making bodies, such as the UNSC, to be able to undertake any meaningful action.
• Lazy workers aren’t holding back economy; the blame lies with policies that encourage small firms with no ecosystem of innovation.
• While the Indian economy continues to grow, there is a consensus that creating more jobs is vital to reduce poverty.
• Cryptocurrency scams are not just about losing money; they are also about erosion of trust in the digital economy that holds immense potential for India’s economic growth.
• Diplomacy, backed by the principles of justice and compassion, should be the cornerstone of international engagement.
• Recent developments in the Middle East have the potential to reshape the landscape for peace in the Middle East and must not be allowed to be derailed.

50-WORD TALK

• India’s major IT companies have laid off 21,000 people between June and September, largely citing operational efficiency. This data is important. While there is the social cost of such a move, this is how markets function. It’s important for IT giants to think long and hire responsibly, not on impulse.
• India is testing smart fencing in Kashmir using sensors by Magal, which developed systems in Gaza and US. But the Israel episode shows that there needs to be a balance between manned security and technologies that enable unmanned defence at borders. Reliance on such technologies can only go so far.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

1. The blueprint to develop India by 2047 must factor in critical governance reforms READ MORE
2. Impacting a woman’s freedom to reproductive choices READ MORE
3. Law doesn’t bar states from counting castes READ MORE
4. Small projects, big impact READ MORE

1. WWF: 32 million acres of grasslands across US & Canadian Great Plains ploughed up since 2012 READ MORE
2. View from the Himalayas | The ‘Third Pole’ is drying up READ MORE
3. With El Nino around, the heat is on READ MORE

1. Divorce: Changing attitudes and social mores READ MORE
2. Impacting a woman’s freedom to reproductive choices READ MORE
3. Law doesn’t bar states from counting castes READ MORE

1. The birth and death of Ego READ MORE
2. Essence of the Upanishads READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. India and Sri Lanka re-launch negotiations of the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) READ MORE
2. UPSC tightens guidelines for appointment of State DGPs READ MORE
3. Haemoglobin isn’t used only in blood, scientists find in major discovery READ MORE
4. Manufacturing PMI falls to an eight-month low READ MORE
5. Gwalior, Kozhikode now on Unesco list of creative cities READ MORE
6. Bangladesh PM Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazed voted as new WHO regional director READ MORE
7. India-born author Nandini Das wins 2023 British Academy Book Prize READ MORE
8. Rajya Sabha panel to hold meeting, take up pending cases of privilege breach READ MORE
9. India’s cotton yield may be lowest in 15 years, to drop by 20% READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Divorce: Changing attitudes and social mores READ MORE
2. WWF: 32 million acres of grasslands across US & Canadian Great Plains ploughed up since 2012 READ MORE
3. View from the Himalayas | The ‘Third Pole’ is drying up READ MORE
4. With El Nino around, the heat is on READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The blueprint to develop India by 2047 must factor in critical governance reforms READ MORE
2. Impacting a woman’s freedom to reproductive choices READ MORE
3. Law doesn’t bar states from counting castes READ MORE
4. Small projects, big impact READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Challenges in equipping job seekers with skills READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Hope floats for a thaw in China-US relations READ MORE
2. US can help India become battery manufacturing powerhouse. And decouple from China READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India is proud to be the biggest development partner of Bangladesh: PM READ MORE
2. Why GST collections surged sharply in October READ MORE
3. Supreme Court’s decision on tax treaties clarifies India’s Most Favoured Nation approach READ MORE
4. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation: India and global supply chains READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. India’s race to a green hydrogen future READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI and the issue of human-centricity in copyright law READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Malware malice: On the Apple cyberattack alert READ MORE
2. India’s Need for a National Security Strategy Cannot Be Ignored READ MORE
3. Is it Time to Call India a Digital Dystopia? READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Farm fires rage on: Stakeholders not doing enough to curb menace READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. The birth and death of Ego READ MORE
2. Essence of the Upanishads READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. One of the strengths of an effective administrator is the ability to retain equanimity and restraint in any situation and those in power do not act as the instruments of nemesis due to their inflamed egos. With the help of some real-life examples, justify this statement.
2. To address the challenges posed by rapid and mass urbanisation, policymakers must shift their focus to organic rural development that involves farmers and local communities. Do you think, in this regard, a bottom-up infrastructure development approach over a top-down approach would be an effective strategy?
3. Policymakers in India need to assume a more cautious approach against diluting the human-centricity in copyright law. Discuss why there is a need to have a cautious approach in extending existing IP protections to work generated by Artificial Intelligence?
4. Caste censuses are essential for addressing socioeconomic inequalities and informing policymaking. How far do you agree with this view? Justify your view.
5. India is deploying smart fencing, but there should be a balance between manned security and technologies. Comment on the statement in light of recent developments.
6. Recent data breach shows that digital India, in reality, is too far from the claim and India needs to renew its efforts to de-mystify technology with the aim of surveillance reforms. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.
• One of the strengths of an effective administrator is the ability to retain equanimity and restraint in any situation and those in power do not act as the instruments of nemesis due to their inflamed egos.
• Policymakers and courts in India also need to assume a more cautious approach against diluting the human-centricity in copyright law.
• The popularity and importance of the right to a piece of information has been used to hold local governments accountable for lapses in the delivery of services and secure access to basic rights and entitlements.
• Aiming for a high 9% growth rate between 2030 and 2047 is laudable but factoring in alternative scenarios and changing course when warranted, is advisable.
• There needs to be cautious approach in extending existing IP protections to work generated by Artificial Intelligence.
• There is no place within our constitutional structure to see a foetus as anything but dependent on the mother. To see it as a separate, distinct personality would be tantamount to conferring a set of rights on it that the Constitution grants to no other class of person.
• As economic realities change, negotiated relations among countries must also adapt. There is a need for periodic review of tax treaties, especially with respect to their economic benefits.
• The Hamas attack on Israel and this colossal human crisis that is unfolding before our eyes has key lessons for India and the world.
• Engaging with research organisations and academic institutions that focus on education, skills, and labour markets is critical to building capability.
• India needs infrastructure, but the issue is that policymakers often prioritise large and impressive projects that often benefit only those directly connected to the larger economy.
• To address the challenges posed by rapid and mass urbanisation, policymakers must shift their focus to organic rural development that involves farmers and local communities.
• India is deploying smart fencing but the recent developments show that there needs to be a balance between manned security and technologies.
• It is time to renew efforts to de-mystify technology with the aim of surveillance reforms, before this Digital Dystopia becomes a permanent future.
• Digital India isn’t what it is being claimed, the reality is different on the ground. It is time to renew efforts to de-mystify technology with the aim of surveillance reforms, before this Digital Dystopia becomes a permanent future.

50-WORD TALK

• India’s major IT companies have laid off 21,000 people between June and September, largely citing operational efficiency. This data is important. While there is the social cost of such a move, this is how markets function. It’s important for IT giants to think long and hire responsibly, not on impulse.
• India is testing smart fencing in Kashmir using sensors by Magal, which developed systems in Gaza and US. But the Israel episode shows that there needs to be a balance between manned security and technologies that enable unmanned defence at borders. Reliance on such technologies can only go so far.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

1. Elevate life, not just your lifestyle READ MORE
2. Myths are metaphors READ MORE
3. Work-Life Balance: Happiness will be a casualty of 70-hour work week READ MORE

1. What a ‘normal’ monsoon hides READ MORE
2. Monsoon and Climate Change Threat in the Indian Ocean Region READ MORE