1. Parenthood and surrogacy: Ethical and societal issues READ MORE
2. How credible is the Global Hunger Report? READ MORE  

1. Staff shortage, financial dependency plague local governance READ MORE
2. Ethics, parliamentary conduct and the Indian MP READ MORE
3. On the defection issue and the Supreme Court’s deadline for the Maharashtra Speaker READ MORE
4. India can take the lead in advancing global AI governance READ MORE
5. Rescue RTI READ MORE
6. The A-G’s contention that poll bonds are not for public purview is anathema to democracy READ MORE
7. The Three Criminal Law Bills: Using Criminal Law to Establish Permanent Extra-Constitutional Emergency Powers READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Combined Index of Eight Core Industries increases by 8.1% (provisional) in September 2023 over September 2022 READ MORE
2. Tamil Nadu government moves Supreme Court against Governor over delay in clearing bills READ MORE
3. Modi, Hasina to jointly inaugurate Akhaura-Agartala rail link on November 1  READ MORE
4. A Gaganyaan for the seas: inside India’s ‘Deep Ocean Mission’ READ MORE
5. Govt’s fiscal deficit rises to 39.3% of annual target in first half of FY24 READ MORE
6. India to choose between Bangladesh and Nepal candidates for WHO regional chief READ MORE
7. Recalling Pegasus, the last time phones of Oppn leaders were allegedly targeted by spyware READ MORE
8. Wildlife trafficking, organised crime linked: Nonprofit’s report sheds new light READ MORE
9. Brazzaville Summit of the Three Basins ends with a declaration READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Parenthood and surrogacy: Ethical and societal issues READ MORE
2. What a ‘normal’ monsoon hides READ MORE
3. Monsoon and Climate Change Threat in the Indian Ocean Region READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Staff shortage, financial dependency plague local governance READ MORE
2. Ethics, parliamentary conduct and the Indian MP READ MORE
3. On the defection issue and the Supreme Court’s deadline for the Maharashtra Speaker READ MORE
4. India can take the lead in advancing global AI governance READ MORE
5. Rescue RTI READ MORE
6. The A-G’s contention that poll bonds are not for public purview is anathema to democracy READ MORE
7. The Three Criminal Law Bills: Using Criminal Law to Establish Permanent Extra-Constitutional Emergency Powers READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. How credible is the Global Hunger Report? READ MORE  

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The stance of the Maldives President-elect on India READ MORE
2. London Summit and how to make AI responsible READ MORE
3. India to France: Solar solutions for the planet READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Prioritise job creation READ MORE
2. Behind the global economic uncertainty READ MORE
3. For India’s low female labour force rate, what lessons does Claudia Goldin’s work hold? READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Stocktaking climate finance — a case of circles in red ink READ MORE
2. Who Is Accountable for the Disease and Death India’s Deadly Air Pollution Triggers? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. US steps up to rein in Big Tech READ MORE
2. New research has clues about why Covid vaccine led to blood clots in some people READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Massive ‘data breach’: India needs to step up security measures READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Railways must upgrade its signalling and telecommunications network READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

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

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Surrogacy encompasses a wide range of perspectives, including ethical, legal, emotional, and cultural considerations. Discuss.
2. An increase in the country’s wealth will not improve the number of working women, but more paid work opportunities will. Comment on the statement in light of India’s low female labour force rate.
3. Transparency is a must for the survival of democracy, and practice like non-disclosing source of electoral bond funding is anathema to democracy. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.
• The politicisation of armed forces would erode its core competence of being a professional defence force and reduce it to a crass unit obeying political masters.
• The societal impact of surrogacy is very complex and needs to be addressed seriously. It encompasses a wide range of perspectives, including ethical, legal, emotional, and cultural considerations.
• While there are arguments in favour of privacy in certain contexts, political funding is not one of them. The argument often made in favour of non-disclosure is the protection of free speech and preventing donor harassment.
• Developed and developing economies are facing a shortage of quality workers in a variety of sectors including nursing, electrical, plumbing and agriculture and India is an engine for global economic growth through manpower exports.
• Keeping the inflation rate low and stable is the job of the RBI. But the RBI is overwhelmed by the fiscal overhang caused by the spendthrift tendency of government.
• India must build a safety net that not only supports those in need but also strengthens economic resilience. This is particularly critical at a time when the world is reeling in uncertainty, and India’s insulation from global trends is gradually wearing thin.
• An increase in the country’s wealth will not improve the number of working women but more paid work opportunities will.
• The Indian Ocean, the world’s third largest, is warming at a faster rate than the other oceans, due to increased anthropogenic activities.
• While law and the courts cannot change society by themselves, congruent judgments can at least provide a scaffolding for the thinking to begin.
• The developed world needs to mirror the moves seen in 2009-10 to save the global financial system — by displaying strong political will and urgency, once again, to safeguard the atmosphere.
• On solar energy just like on other global issues, the focus of the Indo-French strategic partnership is on scaling up solutions.

50-WORD TALK

• The fresh allegations of snooping on Opposition leaders after Apple’s “state-sponsored” notifications raise another stink. Such incidents hurt the health of a democracy and the government has done the right thing by quickly promising a detailed probe. It is now important to answer all questions, however uncomfortable they may be.
• Modi government has done a 180-degree turn on the contentious 360-degree appraisal system for civil servants due for empanelment. DoPT has informed CAT’s Nainital Bench that it isn’t operational anymore. Going back and forth on institutionalised mechanisms is disruptive, arbitrary. These evaluation processes need to be less opaque and unpredictable.
• The arbitration award of Rs 766 cr for Tata for being driven out of Singur is a lesson on the price of populism. It was a prestigious job-generating project for Bengal and an opportunity for Indian Communists to reinvent themselves. It was history-in-the-making—stopped in its tracks by myopic intellectual Left.

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. In Search of Heaven READ MORE
2. Conquer condescension READ MORE

1. What the rapid ice melt in West Antarctica means READ MORE
2. India’s, and the world’s, rivers are drying up READ MORE

1. Service learning is a catalyst for social change READ MORE
2. AWWs have a role to play in mitigating NDDs READ MORE  
3. Crucial concerns READ MORE

1. Money, money, money: As SC begins poll bonds hearing, note that political funding is a challenge no democracy has solved READ MORE
2. Steel frame faces threat of irreparable damage READ MORE
3. State legislatures can do what the SC could not READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. IITM Pune demonstrates cloud seeding can produce rainfall READ MORE
2. Centre silent on ‘data leak’ from ICMR portal READ MORE
3. Tiny carbon ‘flowers’ turn light to heat at unrivalled efficiency, IIT team finds  READ MORE
4. RTI Act Will Become ‘Dead Letter’ : Supreme Court Directs States, Union To Fill Vacancies In Information Commissions READ MORE
5. COP28 Presidency: Triple renewable energy capacity, double energy efficiency by 2030 to limit global warming READ MORE
6. Forest Dept, Wildlife Trust to set up centralised mgt system to monitor crimes READ MORE
7. Akhaura-Agartala international rail link: First trial run of goods train between Bangladesh and Tripura completed successfully READ MORE
8. IEA World Energy Outlook 2023: Fossil fuel demand to peak by 2030, urgent investment shift needed READ MORE
9. India bans exports of some rice varieties: How this has impacted prices globally, in the country READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Service learning is a catalyst for social change READ MORE
2. What the rapid ice melt in West Antarctica means READ MORE
3. India’s, and the world’s, rivers are drying up READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Money, money, money: As SC begins poll bonds hearing, note that political funding is a challenge no democracy has solved READ MORE
2. Steel frame faces threat of irreparable damage READ MORE
3. State legislatures can do what the SC could not READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. AWWs have a role to play in mitigating NDDs READ MORE  
2. Crucial concerns READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Towards stabilisation of U.S.-China ties READ MORE
2. India should have made efforts for a consensus on the Gaza vote at the UN READ MORE
3. India, China war of positions in Maldives READ MORE
4. UN resolution lays bare global divide READ MORE
5. Shaping up India-South Korea relationship READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Third party trade can push Re settlement system READ MORE
2. By 2047, a $30 trillion economy READ MORE
3. Aim at a tax-to-GDP ratio of 20 per cent READ MORE
4. Navigating the unemployment conundrum in rural India READ MORE
5. RBI must see crypto as assets, not currencies. No one’s using it to buy grocery READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Indians are choking on pollution. How can it be stopped? READ MORE
2. Noxious breath READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. India’s space industry needs more private players READ MORE
2. Not humans, India should send less risky, cheaper AI-powered robots to space READ MORE
3. ISRO: Propelling India’s space industry READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cyber attack: Preparation is the key READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. The expansion of settlements into flood-prone areas READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. In Search of Heaven READ MORE
2. Conquer condescension READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. According to a new study, the rapid melting of ice sheet in West Antarctica is now unavoidable. What is an ice sheet? Why does its melting matter?
2. India has always presented itself as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) but now, the intrusion of China in the IOR seems to be straining the arrangement. Examine the statement in the light of recent developments in IOR.
3. Critically analyse the recent developments in India-South Korea relations and discuss how with its pertinent pioneering streak it can play an active partake in India’s ambitious port modernisation, blue-economy and decarbonised green-shipping initiatives?
4. Discuss, how India’s Palestine policy evolved over the years and how in recent times India’ is seeking a ‘safe’ position, rather than taking a stand?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Any attempt to solve a conflict has to touch upon its very core; the core, more often than not, lies in its history.
• India has frequently demonstrated its commitment to being the first responder in the neighbourhood during any crisis.
• India has always presented itself as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). So far, both the Maldives and Sri Lanka have been happy with the arrangement. But now, the intrusion of China in the IOR seems to be straining the arrangement.
• Service learning, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is essential for ushering in social change and development.
• Deep reflection empowers students to create positive social change with a clear understanding of community needs and systemic issues, shaping their future actions.
• Buoyant tax collections hold the key to keeping up the tempo of investment in building infrastructure and funding welfare schemes.
• South Korea with its pertinent pioneering streak can partake in India’s ambitious port modernisation, blue-economy and decarbonised green-shipping initiatives
• India’s abstention indicates a shift in the Modi government’s stand, seeking a ‘safe’ position, rather than taking a stand on the violence in Israel and Palestine.
• There is a glaring urgency to modernise transport and transit agreements between India and Nepal as per the changing fundamentals, aspirations and needs.
• The beauty and power of a parliamentary democracy is its capability for self renewal through periodic elections.
• Governments will come and go in a democracy. But once the permanent bureaucracy and institutions are sapped of their vigour of fair judgement, it will be almost impossible to repair these and the administration will forfeit people’s trust.

50-WORD TALK

• Indian Army should allow women Agniveers into non-combat arms to truly make itself a gender agnostic force. Armed forces in the 21st century cannot fall back on the centuries-old mindset that women cannot fight. There is no justification, including physical aspects, to deny entry to women in services, support arms.
• Supreme Court is justified in setting deadlines for Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar to dispose of disqualification petitions against Sena-NCP MLAs. He has been dilly-dallying it for too long. Speakers being non-partisan is a mistaken notion. It’s time to consider SC’s suggestion for an independent tribunal to decide disqualification cases.

 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. Seeking soul solutions to world woes READ MORE
2. Do more by doing less READ MORE
3. Now is the time for harmony READ MORE

1. Climate crisis is already affecting the Brazilian Amazon READ MORE
2. Moral anchoring for a global climate policy is a must READ MORE
3. Air quality remains a concern READ MORE

1. Was partition really a mistake? READ MORE
2. Women, marriage and labour market participation READ MORE
3. Marriage equality order is not just about LGBTQ+ READ MORE
4. Do not tinker with national pension scheme READ MORE

1. Granting marriage equality is beyond Supreme Court’s power READ MORE
2. Status quo: EC needs a year to prepare for simultaneous polls, effectively ruling out such an exercise in 2024 READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. RCS- UDAN Completes 6 Successful Years READ MORE
2. What does Supreme Court’s abortion verdict mean for reproductive justice in India? READ MORE
3. Indian Oil launches country’s first reference fuel; to fully meet domestic demand READ MORE
4. Supreme Court allows surrogacy, strikes down rule banning use of donor gametes READ MORE  
5. India’s green hydrogen move may worsen pollution if steps are not in place, says study READ MORE
6. Panel assesses progress of tiger rewilding project READ MORE
7. What is the ‘One nation, One Student ID’ initiative of the Union govt? READ MORE
8.  World on brink of 6 interconnected risk tipping points: UN report READ MORE
9. Only the Gir indigenous cow breed is being promoted under Rashtriya Gokul Mission; here is why READ MORE
10. Cotton Curse: How pink bollworm developed resistance to Bt Cotton READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Was partition really a mistake? READ MORE
2. Women, marriage and labour market participation READ MORE
3. Marriage equality order is not just about LGBTQ+ READ MORE
4. Do not tinker with national pension scheme READ MORE
5. Climate crisis is already affecting the Brazilian Amazon READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Granting marriage equality is beyond Supreme Court’s power READ MORE
2. Status quo: EC needs a year to prepare for simultaneous polls, effectively ruling out such an exercise in 2024 READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Beyond compliance for disability inclusion READ MORE
2. Right to work: A far cry for women READ MORE
3. Beyond compliance for disability inclusion READ MORE
4. Rev up Anganwadi workers to fight NDDs READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Warming ties: On Bhutan-China relations and India’s concerns READ MORE
2. China-Bhutan amity: India needs to be wary of the developments READ MORE
3. Signs of thaw READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Renewed risks: On the RBI and how global uncertainties have compounded READ MORE
2. What’s the ideal repo rate for India? READ MORE
3. Ports hold the key to growth, employment READ MORE
4. Status and rights of platform and gig workers READ MORE
5. Crypto surge: Global regulatory framework imperative READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Moral anchoring for a global climate policy is a must READ MORE
2. Air quality remains a concern READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. India’s space industry needs more private players READ MORE
2. Not humans, India should send less risky, cheaper AI-powered robots to space READ MORE
3. ISRO: Propelling India’s space industry READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Synergising International Cooperation and National Strategies to Combat Ransomware READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Seeking soul solutions to world woes READ MORE
2. Do more by doing less READ MORE
3. Now is the time for harmony READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The concept of “One Nation, One Election” holds great promise in streamlining the electoral process and improving governance efficiency though there would be a lot of issues to be settled before it can be effectively implemented without bruising the Indian democratic system itself. Critically examine.
2. He who lives in harmony with himself, lives in harmony with the world. Justify with some real life examples.
3. The present status of people with disabilities in India’s employment ecosystem is a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities. How far do you agree that 2016 is able to these challenges?
4. Success in agriculture is linked to increased use of pesticides but pesticide must be used in a safe manner. Discuss how pesticides affect the health of consumers of farm produce and the farmers?
5. The bureaucracy has the duty to implement the policies and programmes of a government but should not be seen as supportive of or aligned to any particular government. Discuss how the neutrality of the bureaucracy can be ensured?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Never believe anything in politics until it has been officially denied.
• The same-sex marriage judgment could influence the upcoming anti-conversion hearings. It holds clues for the State to assert its legal and moral compass.
• The methods of war in Gaza have been shameful as many innocent lives have been lost. Humanity must survive the madness of war.
• Capacity-building programs for Anganwadi workers is important to lessen the burden of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
• Partition was accompanied by rivers of blood and the displacement of millions of people. But turns out, it has helped India in many ways.
• With the planet facing the climate crisis, it’s time we re-evaluate our motivations towards development and shun anything detrimental to the environment.
• There is need to develop mechanisms to ensure access to affordable and safe menstrual hygiene products, especially for those from low-income groups.
• The road to equality for disabled individuals in the workplace has been paved with both promise and pitfalls. Differently abled must be given their dignity to work.
• The increase in life expectancy and rise in the cost of living further reinforces the need for assured monthly income for a decent life in old age.
• The pesticides not only affect the health of those who consume these farm produce, but also the farmers who use them.
• While the concept of simultaneous elections has garnered support for its potential to save public funds and reduce administrative burden, it faces constitutional complexities.
• As India’s democracy further evolves, the feasibility of simultaneous elections remains an important talking point.
• The concept of “One Nation, One Election” holds great promise in streamlining the electoral process and improving governance efficiency though there would be a lot of issues to be settled before it can be effectively implemented without bruising the Indian democratic system itself.
• One of its main objectives is to foster innovative practices with social entrepreneurs and the private sector to address issues of access and affordability, equity and inclusivity by leveraging research and expertise.
• Expanding ISRO’s collaborations with start-up products to more remote institutes and research labs is necessary. Additionally, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and customs exemptions can cost-effectively encourage indigenous manufacturing capacity.
• The present status of people with disabilities in India’s employment ecosystem is a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities.
• Awareness campaigns and strategies based on incentives and disincentives and even penalties have been tried but they have touched only a fringe of the problem.
• The bureaucracy has the duty to implement the policies and programmes of a government but should not be seen as supportive of or aligned to any particular government.

50-WORD TALK

• The present status of people with disabilities in India’s employment ecosystem is a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities. We have a long way to go to create a truly inclusive workforce, but the path is illuminated by promising initiatives and the potential of disabled individuals to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy. By embracing reasonable accommodation and promoting an inclusive culture, organizations can unlock the untapped potential of persons with disabilities and build a more inclusive India.
• The visa services resumption is a positive step towards easing tensions and fostering diplomatic relations between the nations. Both India and Canada need to engage in diplomatic dialogue and cooperation to address the concerns surrounding the Nijjar case and work towards a resolution that respects international law and diplomatic norms; otherwise, common people would suffer, especially students and old people who are waiting eagerly for this issue to be resolved.

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. Without spiritual aim no education is perfect READ MORE
2. One cannot count on waking up early to achieve success in life READ MORE
3. Chaos to cosmos READ MORE

1. Tej turns into extremely severe cyclone; IMD issues yellow alert in eight districts on Oct. 23 READ MORE
2. Restoring the ecological health of the Himalayas READ MORE

1. Legalising gay marriage: Societal shift takes time READ MORE
2. The struggle for social representation in education and employment READ MORE

1. The Court’s ‘no fundamental right to marry’ is wrong READ MORE
2. No Indian has the right to marry READ MORE
3. Women’s Reservation Bill: After passing, challenge now to ensure promise translates to equality READ MORE
4. What ails the biggest health cover READ MORE
5. Restore RTI Act to its former glory READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. As per GRAP, Stage-II is to be imposed in the entire NCR READ MORE
2. Gaganyaan test flight mission successful, crew escape module splashes down READ MORE
3. Does India need to relook the Dam Safety Act? | Explained READ MORE
4. Paintbrush swift butterfly is photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh READ MORE  
5. EU and U.S. envoys urge Kosovo and Serbia to resume dialogue to ease soaring tension READ MORE
6. How bat genomes provide insights into immunity and cancer READ MORE
7.  To curb evasion, EU report calls for 2% global wealth tax on billionaires READ MORE
8. Canada recalls 41 diplomats from India: What is the 1961 Vienna Convention, why it was invoked READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Legalising gay marriage: Societal shift takes time READ MORE
2. Tej turns into extremely severe cyclone; IMD issues yellow alert in eight districts on Oct. 23 READ MORE
3. Riding El Nino, this may be one of India’s five hottest Octobers READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The Court’s ‘no fundamental right to marry’ is wrong READ MORE
2. No Indian has the right to marry READ MORE
3. Women’s Reservation Bill: After passing, challenge now to ensure promise translates to equality READ MORE
4. What ails the biggest health cover READ MORE
5. Restore RTI Act to its former glory READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Manual scavenging: Complete eradication has to be the goal READ MORE
2. LPG subsidies, free bus rides give women what they want. That precious thing called leisure READ MORE
3. The struggle for social representation in education and employment READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Institutions & laws must be re-examined READ MORE
2. It’s high time to rethink our strategy in Maldives READ MORE
3. A free Palestine is inevitable READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Have earnings grown post-pandemic? READ MORE
2. Need to stop chasing the growth chimera READ MORE
3. The glaring gender gap in SMEs must be bridged READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Restoring the ecological health of the Himalayas READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The ascent begins: On the progress of India’s human spaceflight mission READ MORE
2. Benefits of an intelligent automation approach READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Synergising International Cooperation and National Strategies to Combat Ransomware READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Without spiritual aim no education is perfect READ MORE
2. One cannot count on waking up early to achieve success in life READ MORE
3. Chaos to cosmos READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. How far do you think that international institutions like the UN can only be as effective as its members allow it to be? Justify your view with suitable examples.
2. Without addressing structural inequities and ensuring secure employment opportunities, increasing quotas alone won’t bridge the gap. Critically analyse the statement.
3. The idea of fixed tenure for the Lok Sabha or the State Assemblies, which is advocated by the proponents of One Nation, One Election, goes against the very essence of parliamentary democracy. Critically examine.
4. Information and transparency are antidote to corruption, inefficiency, lack of public spirit and arrogance that go hand in hand with power and authority. It is basic to democracy. In this context, discuss how RTI law has empowered citizens over the years and why there is need to further strengthen it?

 QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The reality is that international institutions like the UN can only be as effective as its members allow it to be.
• Our nation’s transformation as a developed country is inextricably linked, apart from strides in other fronts, with the robustness of its higher education system.
• India-Maldives relations are expected to face challenging times, and India can anticipate both an increased Chinese presence in its strategic backyard as well a greater proliferation of radicalism in its neighbourhood.
• The “India First” policy prioritised India for economic and defence partnerships and was sensitive to India’s concerns regarding the growing presence of China in the Indian Ocean.
• Without addressing structural inequities and ensuring secure employment opportunities, increasing quotas alone won’t bridge the gap.
• Increasing quotas without redress of structural inequities is a zero-sum game.
• The idea of fixed tenure for the Lok Sabha or the State Assemblies, which is advocated by the proponents of One Nation, One Election, goes against the very essence of parliamentary democracy, where the Government ceases to be in power once it loses the confidence of the House.
• Welfare programmes like Ujjwala or Shakti offer women precious moments of social time away from monotonous unpaid work, catering to the needs of the average woman voter.
• Our nation’s transformation as a developed country is inextricably linked, apart from strides in other fronts, with the robustness of its higher education system.
• Information and transparency are antidotes to corruption, inefficiency, lack of public spirit and arrogance that go hand in hand with power and authority. It is basic to democracy.
• The purpose of a genuine social enterprise must be to serve society, not to produce returns for investors. The creation of a new legal form for business enterprises has become imperative to save humanity and the planet.
• Involve the local population and grassroots bodies in determining the carrying capacity of the Indian Himalayan Region.

50-WORD TALK

• Reservation for SC, ST, and OBC communities in education and public employment has made a modicum of social and economic mobility possible. However, these prospects are now being increasingly thwarted by the secular decrease in the creation of new government jobs and the increasing trend of contractual work.
• It is well-known that women bear a disproportionate burden of unpaid work within households, leaving them with limited time for leisure. Gender norms hold them responsible for unpaid and care work. The unequal burden is compounded by a lack of infrastructure and social programmes that could alleviate it. In this context, programmes like Ujjwala or Shakti may aim to offer slices of leisure or social time away from monotonous unpaid work, catering to the needs of the average woman voter.

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. Humility & humanity READ MORE
2. Can We Teach Someone to Be Ethical? READ MORE

1. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in Alaska and the Himalayas Show Evolving Hazards in a Warming World READ MORE
2. Riding El Nino, this may be one of India’s five hottest Octobers READ MORE

1. Mental health in a changing tech landscape READ MORE
2. Development and dignity are central to social justice READ MORE
3. India Needs a National Policy To Strengthen the Health Response for Gender-Based Violence READ MORE

1. Not just a case about improving investigation READ MORE
2. A task for the House to finish? READ MORE
3. What could India learn from Pakistan diluting the chief justice’s master of roster powers? READ MORE
4. Delimitation and Reservation READ MORE
5. Caste census: A controversy since 1910 READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. India working towards development of Silicon Photonic Processor Chips READ MORE
2. PM flags off country’s first Regional Rapid Transit System ‘Namo Bharat’ READ MORE
3. MGNREGS not facing any fund crunch, says Union Minister READ MORE
4.  Simultaneous polls: Law Commission to meet panel READ MORE  
5.  Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation Undertakes Special Campaign 3.0 to Enhance Cleanliness and Efficiency READ MORE
6. PM Modi flags off RRTS: What is this mass transport system, how it can benefit NCR READ MORE
7. Supreme Court Passes Directions on Eradication of Manual Scavenging READ MORE
8. Supreme Court Bolsters Workplace Sexual Harassment Protections Across India READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Mental health in a changing tech landscape READ MORE
2. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in Alaska and the Himalayas Show Evolving Hazards in a Warming World READ MORE
3. Riding El Nino, this may be one of India’s five hottest Octobers READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Not just a case about improving investigation READ MORE
2. A task for the House to finish? READ MORE
3. What could India learn from Pakistan diluting the chief justice’s master of roster powers? READ MORE
4. Delimitation and Reservation READ MORE
5. Caste census: A controversy since 1910 READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Development and dignity are central to social justice READ MORE
2. India Needs a National Policy To Strengthen the Health Response for Gender-Based Violence READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. On the worsening India-Canada ties: Ordinary people will suffer as India and Canada cut down visa services READ MORE
2. If the Gaza crisis explodes, India too will lose READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Time to restore fairplay at WTO READ MORE
2. Import climbdown: Dire need to boost production of IT hardware READ MORE
3. Rethink rationale for food subsidy READ MORE
4. Farmers’ distress needs structural solutions READ MORE
5. ‘One District, One Product’ needs a sharper focus to boost exports READ MORE
6. Internationalisation of the Rupee READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Develop informed infra environment: Moving away from the old ‘development vs environmental protection’ binary READ MORE
2. The shape of climate justice in a warming India READ MORE
3. COP28: Why India’s role is pivotal in climate justice and finance READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Trust in technology can be belied in war and peace READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Humility & humanity READ MORE
2. Can We Teach Someone to Be Ethical? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. In the absence of immediate delimitation, the under-represented communities and sections of society will only continue to remain unrepresented. Critically analyse the statement in the light of recent developments.
2. In the absence of immediate delimitation, the constitutional amendment guaranteeing reservation for women in Parliament is only an on-paper tiger. Critically examine the statement.
3. For human civilisation to sustain, flourish, coexist and be progressively empowered, food security and equal access to nutrition should be the top agenda of modern politics and policymaking. In light of the statement, discuss the challenges and required reforms in PDS system.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.
• India, along with other developing countries, is pushing for a new global climate finance target, acknowledging the growing costs of addressing and adapting to climate change.
• In the absence of immediate delimitation, the under-represented communities and sections of society will only continue to remain unrepresented.
• In the absence of immediate delimitation, the constitutional amendment guaranteeing reservation for women in Parliament is only an on-paper tiger.
• The compounding effect of food security and nutrition enables an empowered society.
• For the human civilisation to sustain, flourish, coexist and be progressively empowered, food security and equal access to nutrition should be the top agenda of modern politics and policymaking.
• The bypassing of the dollar will certainly help boost India’s trade with countries facing a dollar crunch. But so far the progress has been slow as the various stakeholders are still testing the waters before taking a deeper plunge.
• The government needs to guard farmers against the vagaries of climate and price through longer-term policy interventions.
• Most of its actions in implementing the food subsidy scheme are out of sync with the changing times and lead to leakages and corruption.
• The triumph of violent religious extremism and the weakening of moderate regimes will have security and political consequences for India.
• The Supreme Court needs to step forward and ask every State and Union Territory to report compliance of its directives on investigation and other issues in letter and spirit.

50-WORD TALK

• Companies importing laptops and electronics now have to apply for ‘authorisation’ instead of ‘licence’. This is largely just a nomenclature change, since these imports are still restricted. The system continues to empower government to impose any further curbs. A license by any name stinks just the same, and should be avoided.

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.