(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Maharashtra Assembly unanimously clears 10% Maratha quota; CM Shinde says it will survive test of law READ MORE

2. US vetoes Security Council vote on Gaza cease-fire, pushes alternative READ MORE

3. India, Sri Lanka take trade pact talks ahead READ MORE

4. Inflation expectations may stabilise, edge down going ahead: RBI bulletin READ MORE

5. Rules that edge out women from employment for getting married are ‘coarse’, unconstitutional: Supreme Court READ MORE

6. Global study quantifies rise in blood clots, heart inflammation following COVID-19 vaccination READ MORE

7. Raisina Dialogue begins today: Everything you need to know about the conference READ MORE

8. What is Article 142, invoked by Supreme Court to overturn Chandigarh mayoral poll results? READ MORE

9. The brightest object in the universe is a black hole that eats a star a day READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. A 100-year-old story of British brutality & Sikh sacrifice READ MORE

2. Caste census lessons for new government in Bihar READ MORE

3. Are Dalits homogenous or heterogenous? READ MORE

4. Calm assessment: On the extent of ‘deemed forest’ READ MORE

5. Heed SC’s directive on saving forests READ MORE

6. Definition of forest: SC underscores concerns over land diversion READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Having panchayats as self-governing institutions READ MORE

2. Judicial clarity on free speech READ MORE

3. SC examines divorced Muslim women’s right to maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC READ MORE

4. TN resolution voices South India’s concerns READ MORE

5. SC bonds ruling a reminder how weak India’s key institutions are READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Why are Indians falling ill so frequently? READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Tolerance, coexistence taking root in UAE READ MORE

2. How effective is the UN in conflict mitigation READ MORE

3. India is on the right track in Nepal READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. MSP is the minimum support farmers need to stay in business READ MORE

2. Small farmers’ interests overlooked READ MORE

3. Rate Cut Dilemma READ MORE

4. Green Revolution, 2.0 READ MORE

5. Towards Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): Strategies, obstacles, and visions for a sustainable future READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Warming up to climate change: How does climate change impact extreme weather events? READ MORE

2. Air pollution needs decentralised, micro solutions READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Dark Net Woes READ MORE

2. Keep it wholesome: On shaping a national cervical cancer control programme READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Tech Wars or Old Battlefields: Lessons from the Recent Conflicts READ MORE

2. The future of counterterrorism: Evolving online tools and tactics READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Religion, a precise science of creating clarity READ MORE

2. Well done, Milords: SC did the right thing in overturning Chandigarh mayor’s elections. Poll process integrity defines democracy READ MORE

3. Work and wisdom READ MORE

4. Seeking truth in the world of deception READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Gram sabhas have a significant role in fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable development at the grass-roots level by leveraging local resources for revenue generation. Examine.

2. Reservations alone can’t alleviate economic deprivation; they must be complemented by the increased availability of jobs and strong, inclusive growth. Comment in the light of recent developments.

3. Discuss why the UN is facing myriad obstacles in its quest for global harmony. How structural drawbacks to the intertwined interests of its members are affecting its effectiveness in conflict mitigation?

4. The Green Revolution transformed India from a ship-to-mouth existence to self-reliance, but it also sowed the seeds of its own destruction, leading to a grave farming crisis in the country. Examine.

5. Delimitation of constituencies on the basis of the present population will not only lead to inequitable representation in parliament but it will violate the 84^th Constitutional amendment. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Broad-mindedness is related to tolerance; open-mindedness is the sibling of peace.
• There is a need to educate elected representatives and the public on the significance and the need for panchayats to be able to survive on its own resources.
• Gram sabhas have a significant role in fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable development at the grass-roots level by leveraging local resources for revenue generation.
• There is a need to educate elected representatives and the public on the significance of raising revenue to develop panchayats as self-governing institutions.
• Small farmers lack the means to be part of MSP-driven procurement system. Despite the focus of the farmers’ talks on pulses, this needs to be addressed.
• Withdrawing from regional trading agreements and insulating the farm sector may render it vulnerable to price volatility, with direct implications for domestic food price inflation.
• Reservations alone can’t alleviate economic deprivation. They must be complemented by the increased availability of jobs and strong inclusive growth.
• Reservations alone can’t alleviate economic deprivation; they must be complemented by the increased availability of jobs and strong, inclusive growth.
• From structural drawbacks to the intertwined interests of its members, the UN faces myriad obstacles in its quest for global harmony.
• The Green Revolution transformed India from a ship-to-mouth existence to self-reliance. But the Green Revolution was not an unmixed blessing. Over the decades which followed, it sowed the seeds of its own destruction, leading to a grave farming crisis in the country.
• In the complex tapestry of global economic dynamics, India finds itself at a crossroads as the murmurs of a delayed rate cut gain momentum.
• Delimitation of constituencies on the basis of the present population will lead to inequitable representation in parliament.
• As terrorists and violent extremists adapt their online tactics in the era of AI, counterterrorism efforts should also evolve, employing new tools and approaches.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture holds promise in building a robust agri-food system amidst the intensifying effects of climate change, however, there is a pressing need to enhance current initiatives.

ESSAY TOPIC

• We need to move forward on AI development but we also need to be mindful of its very real dangers.

50-WORD TALK

• The demands of agitating farmers encapsulate broader systemic inequities within India’s farming landscape. While addressing these demands is crucial, sustainable solutions must prioritise the empowerment of small and marginal farmers. Assured support for pulses must be accompanied by marketing and financial reforms.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Bacteria could help turn CO2 to rock under extreme conditions READ MORE

2. A recently formed ocean inside Saturn’s moon Mimas READ MORE

3. Go back to dictionary meaning of ‘forest’: Supreme Court READ MORE

4. Ladakh leaders call off hunger strike as MHA agrees to discuss Statehood, constitutional safeguards READ MORE

5. Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023: States, UTs must act as per definition in TN Godavarman judgement, says SC READ MORE

6. Only 32 Indian cities had clean air this January, Delhi, Bhagalpur most polluted READ MORE

7. Central Asian Flyway recognised to protect over 600 migratory bird species READ MORE

8. ISRO’s latest launch: Why is the GSLV rocket nicknamed ‘naughty boy’? READ MORE

9. Gemini Pro 1.5 with 1 million tokens surpasses GPT-4 Turbo: What does that mean? READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. The tribal communities of central India: Challenges and way forward READ MORE

2. Gender disparity in Indian science READ MORE

3. La Nina impacted air quality in India in the winter of 2022: What a new study says READ MORE

4. Bangladesh experienced 185 extreme weather events between 2000 and 2019: ICCCAD report READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Uttarakhand UCC pits vulnerable young couples against the might of the state READ MORE

2. Transparency in poll funding remains a challenge READ MORE

3. Undermining the right to learn READ MORE

4. The implications of the Supreme Court ruling READ MORE

5. Tamil Nadu: The power struggle intensifies READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Can safe drinking water improve children’s educational outcomes? READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Ties across the sea: On the India-UAE close relationship READ MORE

2. The rise of ‘intelligence diplomacy’ in a time of global security challenges READ MORE

3. India-UAE relations look beyond the diaspora READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Denying MSP legal guarantee threat to India’s food security READ MORE

2. What does a guaranteed MSP mean? READ MORE

3. MSP proposal: Govt’s offer fails to convince farmer leaders READ MORE

4. Farmers’ demands are impractical and unrealistic READ MORE

5. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: A catalyst for India’s agri-future READ MORE

6. Skill development: Key to India’s shifting job market READ MORE

7. Balancing welfare and fiscal responsibility READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Warming up to climate change: How does climate change impact extreme weather events? READ MORE

2. Air pollution needs decentralised, micro solutions READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Hundred years ago, Satyendra Nath Bose changed physics forever READ MORE

2. Recalibrating merit in the age of Artificial Intelligence READ MORE

3. Why big data is becoming small READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Misplaced priorities: On the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime between India and Myanmar READ MORE    

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Chandigarh mayor polls: Presiding officer admitted he tampered ballots, must be prosecuted, orders Supreme Court READ MORE

2. The Role of Discipline in Education READ MORE

3. Basant asks us to shift from wanting to giving READ MORE

4. ‘Triple A’ personality: Anant, Akash, Anand READ MORE

5. The mind and soul READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. As the benefits are more than the cost of the free movement regime between India and Myanmar hence, it should not be scrapped. Critically examine.

2. The Supreme Court is right in striking down electoral bonds for not being transparent, but it does not help bring transparency into electoral funding in any manner. Examine.

3. The larger objectives of enhancing food security, increasing farmers’ income and reducing dependence on imports can be achieved if the glaring anomalies in the MSP regime are removed. Comment.

4. Discuss the importance of skill-based education to bridging the gap between potential and realisation in a job market increasingly favouring specialised technical skills.

5. The distribution of power between the Centre and states as put forth by the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution has created a fiscal gap and led to a vertical fiscal imbalance. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• We need to move forward on AI development but we also need to be mindful of its very real dangers.
• India-UAE ties are also built on a bedrock of history and cultural engagement that includes centuries-old maritime trade and a diaspora that contributes about 18% of India’s global remittances.
• While India’s technological prowess and the UAE’s positioning as a trade and industry hub bring complementarities, the changes in their polity and societies bring possible friction points.
• The free movement regime between India and Myanmar had more benefits than costs.
• The idea of neighbourly relations and borders was tied not just to the interest of national security for the post-colonial nation-state but also to the interests of the people in border areas and their imagined histories.
• The Agreement for an Intergovernmental Framework on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor paves the way for multilateral cooperation between India and the UAE.
• Recalibrating meritocracy in the face of AI advancements demands a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between technology and societal structures.
• The Supreme Court is right in striking down electoral bonds for not being transparent, but it does not help bring transparency into electoral funding in any manner.
• Governments (States and Centre) have to find comprehensive long-term solutions to the problems confronting farmers and their livelihoods, climate change, food inflation and the demands of food and nutrition security.
• The larger objectives of enhancing food security, increasing farmers’ income and reducing dependence on imports can be achieved if the glaring anomalies in the MSP regime are removed.
• India needs to think of alternative initiative(s) to ensure its place in the international domain, as it has come up with the idea of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which seems to be gaining momentum.
• To prevent the influence of money in elections in the future, we need regulations for donations, spending limits, public funding, and disclosure.
• The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund aims to improve India’s agricultural infrastructure by providing incentives and financial support for medium to long-erm debt financing.
• Skill-based education is paramount to bridging the gap between potential and realisation in a job market increasingly favouring specialised technical skills.

ESSAY TOPIC

• We need to move forward on AI development but we also need to be mindful of its very real dangers.

50-WORD TALK

• As India stands on the brink of an era of transformation, it is vital to rethink education, give priority to on-the-job training, and embrace apprenticeships to shape a workforce that not only possesses theoretical knowledge but also has the practical tech-based skills necessary to gain a competitive advantage and thrive in the dynamic landscape of the country’s economy.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. CMS COP14: Expect listing of new species, action plans for conservation at Samarkand summit READ MORE

2. Odisha: Gupteswar forest declared as fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site in state READ MORE

3. Andhra Pradesh: Rise in footfall in eco-sensitive areas poses threat to biodiversity and wildlife READ MORE

4. From turtles to fruit bats, migratory species increasingly under threat, says UN READ MORE

5. 8 convicted Navy veterans set free by Qatar; PM Modi to visit Doha READ MORE

6. Earth-wide telescope confirms black hole shadow is ‘real’ READ MORE

7. SC finds States do not violate Constitution in appointment of Deputy Chief Ministers READ MORE

8. What is a floor test, which Nitish Kumar won in the Bihar Legislative Assembly? READ MORE

9. 2024 peak year for Kyasanur Forest Disease, Karnataka health officials confirm as cases rise READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. How can child safety be ensured online? READ MORE

2. Uttarakhand UCC is an attempt to control young people’s sexuality READ MORE

3. How coaching culture lets children down READ MORE

4. Arctic: The quasi-global common READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The real travesty: On the Governor of Tamil Nadu and the Governor’s address READ MORE

2. Uttarakhand UCC is an attempt to control young people’s sexuality READ MORE

3. 16th Finance Commission: Towards vertical and horizontal balance READ MORE

4. An exhilarating term READ MORE

5. The impact and evolution of IBC 2016 READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Develop skills with experimental learning READ MORE

2. Advancing the maxim of ‘One Earth, One Health’ READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Escape from Doha: GOI’s quiet diplomacy & India’s economic heft in Qatar both contributed to ex-navymen’s release READ MORE  

2. India-US ties: Beyond fleeting expediencies READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. A global alliance to bridge the gender equity gap READ MORE

2. Decoding India’s economic realities: Comparing the state of the economy under the NDA and UPA governments READ MORE

3. Payments banks need new business models READ MORE

4. I-T Act clause triggers a row in MSME sector READ MORE

5. Delink disinvestment from the Budget READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Earth’s Changing Climate READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Neurotech a ray of hope for brain disorder patients READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Why India is fencing its border with Myanmar — and why that could be a problem READ MORE    

2. Tensions escalate in Bab-el-Mandeb Strait READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Confluence of social service with spirituality READ MORE

2. A journey through loss and healing READ MORE

3. Swami Dayananda’s pursuit of ultimate truth READ MORE

4. Choose well: Power of choice is power of God READ MORE

5. Idols and idolatry READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The distribution of power between the Centre and states as put forth by the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution has created a fiscal gap and led to a vertical fiscal imbalance. Examine.

2. In fiscal federalism, the objective should not be only to raise ‘backward’ states to the average level or filling the revenue gap, but also to promote a continuous process whereby states at various levels of development keep progressing constantly, with the disparities among them gradually narrowing down. Comment.

3. India’s abiding commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and its continued efforts towards Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayaas, Sabka Vikaas, Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality is poised to be a force to reckon with on all gender-related issues. Critically comment.

4. Strengthening legal frameworks and multilateral agreements can foster greater cooperation among nations and promote sustainable ocean governance. Comment in the light of recent turmoil in the Red.

5. The IBC of 2016 stands as a testament to India’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and enhancing the ease of doing business in the country. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• It’s the responsibility of the police to maintain the government’s prestige and protect the honour of the citizens.
• A Governor who profoundly disagrees with the State government should not stay in office.
• It is not constitutionally sustainable to claim that the Governor’s address should contain no criticism of the Centre or make no policy pronouncements against the Centre’s policies.
• India’s launch of the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality is a step towards enabling ‘equity’ and ‘equality’.
• India’s abiding commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and its continued efforts towards Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayaas, Sabka Vikaas, Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality is poised to be a force to reckon with on all gender-related issues.
• Mainstreaming gender equality and equity has been a key development area for the Government of India for over a decade now.
• Bilateral ties between India and the US have a standalone and enduring logic of their own. The US bet on India is part of a long-term vision.
• Digital services provided by regular bank accounts have pushed them out. The Paytm fiasco points to need for a coherent regulatory response.
• In fiscal federalism, the objective should not be only to raise ‘backward’ states to the average level or filling the revenue gap, but also to promote a continuous process whereby states at various levels of development keep progressing constantly, with the disparities among them gradually narrowing down.
• Instead of expanding the arbitrary and discretionary transfers under grants-in-aids (such as Revenue Deficit Grant), FC16 should focus on increasing the vertical share for more rational transfers under tax devolution.
• Addressing the complex issues surrounding maritime security and sustainable development requires concerted international efforts and innovative solutions.
• Strengthening legal frameworks and multilateral agreements can foster greater cooperation among nations and promote sustainable ocean governance.
• The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code IBC of 2016 streamlines insolvency resolution processes and bolstering investor confidence.
• In conflict and post-conflict scenarios, a gender perspective must be integrated into the reconstruction and redevelopment plans.
• The lack of essential services such as health care, including sexual and reproductive health services, also makes them more vulnerable to unplanned pregnancy, maternal mortality and morbidity, sexual and reproductive injuries and sexually transmitted infections. While girls face obstacles in accessing education.
• With the continued support and efforts of regulatory authorities like the IBBI, India is well-positioned to further strengthen its insolvency framework and drive economic growth and development in the years to come.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Knowledge has become fundamental to economic development and technological advancement.
• The greatest resource of all economic development is the mind.

50-WORD TALK

• India securing the release of 8 Navy veterans from Qatar is an example of fine diplomacy at work and NSA Doval’s effective backroom parleys. It is an indication of India’s growing diplomatic position in the global order. India also did well to stay away from public rhetoric over the issue.
• Pakistan elections were supposed to be a crowning moment for Nawaz Sharif, but now he will have to cobble up numbers to form a government. While some say independent candidates winning is a setback to the Army, one wonders whether this was the military’s ploy to have a weakened Nawaz.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand READ MORE

2. Scientists discover new fungus species in Thrissur READ MORE

3. What are the changes in the new Water Act? READ MORE

4. Probability of survival decreases with increased duration of CPR READ MORE

5. India set to transition to hyperlocal extreme weather forecasting READ MORE

6. Parliament’s average annual sitting days down to 55 in the 17th Lok Sabha from 135 in the first READ MORE

7. Experts Explain | Darwin Day: How theories of evolution helped our knowledge of life on Earth READ MORE

8. Is La Nina in the offing? How the shift from El Nino may impact monsoon, summer in India this year READ MORE  

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. How can child safety be ensured online? READ MORE

2. Uttarakhand UCC is an attempt to control young people’s sexuality READ MORE

3. How coaching culture lets children down READ MORE

4. Arctic: The quasi-global common READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. What does Uttarakhand’s UCC entail? READ MORE

2. How women can be represented in politics READ MORE

3. Fiscal federalism at a crossroads READ MORE

4. The menace of political defections READ MORE

5. Defamation: Law panel is wrong READ MORE

6. South India is rightly agitated by unfair allocation. Limiting Centre’s power is the answer READ MORE

7. Electoral Bonds ‘Likely to be Sold’ Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls. Will the SC Act? READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. More women taking up higher education READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. A privileged strategic partnership, without a gulf READ MORE

2. India focuses on small blocs amid wait for permanent UNSC seat READ MORE

3. Strategic shift READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Circular economy paves the way for sustainable vehicle lifecycle management READ MORE

2. Boosting the fisheries’ ecosystem in India READ MORE

3. Good reason to keep repo rate unchanged READ MORE

4. India’s WTO Stance on Farmers Will Be a Test of Its Rhetoric of Championing the Global South READ MORE

5. Role of prosumers in renewable energy adoption in India READ MORE

6. Pulses: Sustaining the Earth and nourishing communities READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Earth’s Changing Climate READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Future Warfare and Critical Technologies: Evolving Tactics and Strategies READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cybersecurity concerns amidst rising cyber threats READ MORE 

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Swami Dayananda’s pursuit of ultimate truth READ MORE

2. Choose well: Power of choice is power of God READ MORE

3. Idols and idolatry READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Providing a quota for women in Parliament and State Assemblies only increases women’s political representation, but in actuality, it does not represent women. Critically examine.

2. In recent times, the United Arab Emirates has become most important pillar for India in its look-west policy. Comment.

3. Citizens have the right to their reputation and it may be considered as part of their right to privacy the provision like criminal defamation acts as a curb on free speech, which is more important in a democracy. How can the balance be created the freedom of expression and the right to reputation?

4. NGOs act as catalysts for change, addressing gaps in transformation, supporting marginalised groups, delivering essential services, and persuading better policy decisions. Comment.

5. A UCC is neither desirable nor necessary, and, instead, each body of personal law be reformed to eliminate discrimination or regressive practices. How far do you agree view this view?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• It’s the responsibility of the police to maintain the government’s prestige and protect the honour of the citizens.
• Providing a quota for women in Parliament and State Assemblies seems to be the only way to increase their political representation.
• India has numerous strategic partnership agreements across the globe, but none displays more convergence and mutual respect at all levels than the one with the UAE.
• While India recognises and values the UAE’s role in the region, the UAE too is cognisant of the ‘global leadership’ role that India is set to acquire. Both countries recognise that this privileged strategic partnership is only set to grow stronger in the years ahead.
• Distributing more tickets to women in the first-past-the-post system may not necessarily lead to more representation of women in legislature.
• Centre should engage with southern states’ concern over funds allocations.
• The disproportionate anxiety over interfaith and inter-caste relationships, including live-in relationships, betrays the state’s inherently paternalistic attitude towards adult women citizens.
• The people who cast the votes don’t decide an election, the people who count the votes do.
• The anti-defection law, which was passed in 1985 and amended in 2003, is not effective because the power of proving defection vests with the speaker, who belongs to the ruling party and works partially.
• Citizens have the right to their reputation and it may be considered as part of their right to privacy. That is a basic requirement of civilised life and coexistence.
• Civil defamation will serve the purpose of adequately protecting the right to reputation of individuals and civil remedies are available for aggrieved persons.
• Criminal defamation is the legacy of an era and attitude which considered questioning of anything as a crime. It should have no place in a democracy which thrives on free expression of views and open criticism.
• Citizens have the right to their reputation and it may be considered as part of their right to privacy. That is a basic requirement of civilised life and coexistence. The consequence is that it acts as a curb on free speech, which, too, is a fundamental right, and more important in a democracy.
• South India’s situation is unlike any in large federal unions across the world. US, UK, China, Germany, and Spain correct their fiscal imbalances through tax policy. India is making it worse.
• At the upcoming WTO’s biennial trade ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi, it will become clear whether India fights for its farmers or yields ground to Uncle Sam on one of the most crucial issues for poor farmers in developing countries.
• The current ecological and geopolitical shifts in the Arctic region may warrant a thorough revaluation of the Arctic Council’s functions and authority.
• he World Pulse Day provides an opportunity for various stakeholders to come together and celebrate the significance of pulses in achieving certain SDGs.
• Despite many positive outcomes of globalization, “it has also undeniably led to such deep economic concentrations that much of the world today depends on production of a few geographies.”

ESSAY TOPIC

• Knowledge has become fundamental to economic development and technological advancement.
• The greatest resource of all economic development is the mind.

50-WORD TALK

• Pakistan elections were supposed to be a crowning moment for Nawaz Sharif, but now he will have to cobble up numbers to form a government. While some say independent candidates winning is a setback to the Army, one wonders whether this was the military’s ploy to have a weakened Nawaz.
• EC’s decision to give NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction was unsurprising. Its arguments for relying solely on legislative strength are convoluted. Assembly Speaker, a BJP leader, sits on MLAs’ disqualification petitions and EC uses their strength to rule in favour of BJP’s ally. It’s politics, not justice.
• Karnataka has joined Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana in protesting Centre’s tax devolution policies. The timing works since 16th Finance Commission’s deliberations have just started. But such concerted criticism is another sign of worsening Centre-State relations. If the Centre is serious about fiscal federalism, it needs to rebuild states’ trust.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. India suspends Free Movement Regime with Myanmar READ MORE

2. ‘Bail is rule, jail an exception’ does not apply in terror cases: Supreme Court READ MORE

3. El Niño On the Decline, La Niña On the Horizons! Here’s How the Pacific Twins Could Impact India This Year READ MORE

4. RBI pegs FY25 growth at 7%, inflation at 4.5% READ MORE

5. With CRISPR poised to revolutionise therapy, a pause to consider ethical issues READ MORE

6. Monkey Fever Symptoms: Top 7 Warning Signs That Say You Are Infected With Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus READ MORE

7. Rajya Sabha passes Bill to amend Water Act to decriminalise minor offences READ MORE

8. Cabinet approves new scheme for MSMEs in fisheries sector READ MORE  

9. Clean water crisis: Nitrogen pollution to triple scarcity in river sub-basins worldwide READ MORE

10. Olive Ridley turtles are back on Mangaluru beaches! READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Charting a path for the population committee READ MORE

2. Privilege equality over uniformity READ MORE

3. Pitfalls for tourists: HP must warn visitors of deadly spots READ MORE

4. Deep Seabed Mining in the Arctic READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Towards uniformity: On the UCC adopted by the Uttarakhand Assembly READ MORE

2. Should coaching be restricted to those above 16 years? READ MORE

3. What makes government schemes and missions work READ MORE

4. Good leaders are a credit to the police: Vital to ensure that unsuitable officers are not elevated to high positions by those in power READ MORE

5. NGOs have a major role to improve development indicators READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. The role of caste and gender in determining science education in India READ MORE

2. Establishing meaningful educational priorities READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Ditch the ‘rules-based international order’ READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. What the white paper on economy says — and doesn’t READ MORE

2. MPC keeps it tight, for now READ MORE

3. RBI’s battles with inflation READ MORE

4. Interim Budget shows fiscal discipline and prudence READ MORE

5. Solar scheme offers free electricity and economic empowerment READ MORE

6. International CRAs: Anything but fair READ MORE

7. The rising inequality READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Policies and politics are vital for air pollution mitigation READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Can open new doors READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cybersecurity concerns amidst rising cyber threats READ MORE 

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Need to tread warily: Human trials of a brain-reading chip have elicited hope, but the concerns must be addressed READ MORE

2. To see life as an infinite gamble READ MORE

3. What a pleasure! READ MORE

4. Supreme Court’s ‘murder of democracy’ remarks on Chandigarh mayor polls give ammo to Oppn READ MORE

5. To link or delink neural connections READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. NGOs have significantly influenced participative governance, contributing to the formulation of landmark laws but they are facing significant challenges that hindering their effectiveness. Examine.

2. NGOs act as catalysts for change, addressing gaps in transformation, supporting marginalised groups, delivering essential services, and persuading better policy decisions. Comment.

3. A UCC is neither desirable nor necessary, and, instead, each body of personal law be reformed to eliminate discrimination or regressive practices. How far do you agree view this view?

4. The concept of justice should not be lost in the search for uniformity, and it should be no more than an incidental consequence of equality. Comment.

5. Community connect, respect for the federal principle, civil society partnerships and women-led development are necessary conditions for a more inclusive India. Comment.

6. The ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’ represents a significant step towards sustainable energy adoption, promising not only free electricity but economic empowerment. Discuss.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• It’s the responsibility of the police to maintain the government’s prestige and protect the honour of the citizens.
• When the Constitution makers made the adoption of a UCC one of the directive principles, opinion was divided on whether a UCC will undermine minority rights or promote equal status for women in all religions.
• A UCC is neither desirable nor necessary, and, instead, each body of personal law be reformed to eliminate discrimination or regressive practices.
• The concept of justice should not be lost in the search for uniformity, which should be no more than an incidental consequence of equality.
• The population committee needs to adopt an interdisciplinary approach if it is to tackle issues that affect family planning, maternal and child health, education, employment, and socio-economic development in India.
• Community connect, respect for the federal principle, civil society partnerships and women-led development are necessary conditions for a more inclusive India.
• STEM education is crucial for technological progress, and students with a knack for these subjects should have the opportunity to pursue them. However, there are socio-economic, gender, and racial disparities in pursuing STEM majors and careers.
• The government is mandated by the law and the Constitution to provide a safe, secure environment to the people who have elected it.
• It is not necessary to look down upon technology as inferior to science. As a matter of fact, it is technological breakthroughs like the telescope and microscope that have opened up hidden universes and enabled scientific discoveries.
• The intricate balance between practical demands of commercial relevance and scholarly aspirations within management education reflects the ever-changing nature of academia.
• The Finance Minister has not only demonstrated fiscal restraint and prudence in the election year but also balanced the Interim Budget in favour of common man.
• The ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’ represents a significant step towards sustainable energy adoption, promising not only free electricity but also economic empowerment.
• Collaborative efforts among NGOs, Government bodies and other stakeholders are vital for building a more inclusive, equitable and developed society.
• NGOs act as catalysts for change, addressing gaps in transformation, supporting marginalised groups, delivering essential services, and persuading better policy decisions.
• By embracing community-driven approaches, NGOs can access local resources and gain increased support from the people they serve.
• Despite their significant contributions, NGOs grapple with challenges such as limited funding, operational hurdles, and the need for sustainable models. Overcoming these challenges requires resilience and innovation as NGOs seek creative solutions to address the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
• The absence of data on women workers is a serious omission, as women in India have historically constituted approximately half the male workforce in the cultivation of crops.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Knowledge has become fundamental to economic development and technological advancement.
• The greatest resource of all economic development is the mind.

50-WORD TALK

• EC’s decision to give NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction was unsurprising. Its arguments for relying solely on legislative strength are convoluted. Assembly Speaker, a BJP leader, sits on MLAs’ disqualification petitions and EC uses their strength to rule in favour of BJP’s ally. It’s politics, not justice.
• Karnataka has joined Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana in protesting Centre’s tax devolution policies. The timing works since 16th Finance Commission’s deliberations have just started. But such concerted criticism is another sign of worsening Centre-State relations. If the Centre is serious about fiscal federalism, it needs to rebuild states’ trust.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Amid Red Sea crisis, India gets a specific zone in Duqm Port READ MORE

2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary offers a safe haven for vultures READ MORE

3. Tamil Nadu pioneers a model for saving the sinking islands in the Gulf of Mannar  READ MORE

4. Explained: The new process for picking Election Commissioners, what led to it READ MORE

5. Kerala govt to protest against Centre at Jantar Mantar: What are its grievances over money allocation? READ MORE

6. Microplastics found in Nile River’s tilapia fish: new study READ MORE

7. WWF demands protection for naturally-restored Mahmudia wetland in Romania’s Danube Delta READ MORE

8. In breakthrough, neural network ‘explains’ how it found a new antibiotic READ MORE  

9. 390-year-old lamp post in Nalgonda dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha unravels trade links of Telangana READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Live-in fear: Uniform patriarchal code READ MORE

2. Privilege equality over uniformity READ MORE

3. Vijayanagara was the Indian Renaissance State. It contains memories of older empires READ MORE

4. The Earth’s tectonic plates made the Himalayas — and could rip them apart READ MORE

5. Deep Seabed Mining in the Arctic READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Good/Bad start: U’khand’s UCC ticks some boxes. But it also encourages moral policing & coddles a few social taboos READ MORE

2. Uniform Civil Code: Regulation of live-in relationships regressive READ MORE

3. India’s public recruitment system stuck in ‘state incapacity’ trap. Can new exam bill save it? READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. India’s universities Government school crisis: Critical to win back trust of students READ MORE

2. States have a big role in next-generation social sector reforms READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Takeaways from the great churning: No room for ambiguity on the foreign policy front as India’s credibility is at stake READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Road map for fiscal consolidation READ MORE

2. Equity concerns in banning fossil fuel extraction READ MORE

3. Blue Carbon economy READ MORE

4. RBI confident of containing inflation, maintaining growth READ MORE

5. India is scorning energy bounty that transformed China READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. How cities can factor the climate crisis in budgets READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Innovation needs free and rational minds READ MORE

2. Pioneering progress: Exploring the frontiers of AI-driven growth READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Sparks from Manipur can ignite bigger conflict in region READ MORE    

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. To see life as an infinite gamble READ MORE

2. What a pleasure! READ MORE

3. Supreme Court’s ‘murder of democracy’ remarks on Chandigarh mayor polls give ammo to Oppn READ MORE

4. To link or delink neural connections READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The UCC is a must to ensure pan-India uniformity of civil laws while respecting religious and cultural diversity, but its nationwide implementation is a huge challenge. Comment.

2. AI is undeniably causing disruptions across the board but a shift in narrative is required to view AI as a constructive force, focusing on its potential to bring about positive changes. Discuss.

3. Budget management of the State is the discretion of the State government and it cannot be ceded to the Union executive and Parliament in the name of fiscal management. Examine the statement in the light of recent stand-off between Kerala and Center.

4. The character of India’s federalism is moving rapidly from cooperative to destructive and annihilation, and recent borrowing restrictions are an example of ‘annihilative federalism’ at play. Critically examine.

5. Climate change poses a significant threat to the country in the coming decades and to address these challenges effectively, the Republic’s current structure needs to evolve by encouraging the devolution of powers to local government bodies (LGBs). Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• It is impossible to build a multipolar world without a very relevant role of India.
• The purpose of enacting special Acts such as the POCSO Act and making special provisions in the IT Act is to protect children from sexual exploitation and punish people involved in different forms of exploitation.
• Any fiscal deficit of the Centre and States taken together substantially above 6% of GDP can only lead to inflation.
• A country such as India, which is facing serious unemployment concerns, cannot afford to transit towards cleaner fuel without adequate transition support and creation of suitable economic opportunities and livelihoods for those affected.
• Despite India’s notable progress in renewable energy systems, fossil fuel continues to dominate India’s power sector.
• The UCC is a must to ensure pan-India uniformity of civil laws while respecting religious and cultural diversity, but its nationwide implementation is a huge challenge.
• The Naga government and people unhappy with the fencing and abrogation of the FMR, the risk of militancy and insurgency reigniting in the North-East, either by accident or design, is higher than ever before.
• The govt’s plan to send Indians abroad as labourers is seen as a practical acknowledgment of the constraints in the domestic economy. However, the larger issue here is an ethical one.
• Education is the most effective tool to act as an external suggestion to bring out knowledge stored in the mind. It acts as the friction needed to fire the flint.
• Education is the instrument through which we look at the universe, interpret it and experience the world.
• Education institutions are the most powerful institution of society. Education is compulsory and a fundamental human right in our country.
• Irrational, illogical, biased thinking along with authoritative oppression in the long run will one day culminate in disaster in society in the form of a threat to democracy and halt in the progress of economic growth.
• Fiscally incentivizing blue carbon conservation and restoration programmes and fostering partnerships with stakeholders across sectors will also be crucial.
• Fostering and leveraging international collaborations can facilitate exchange of knowledge, transfer of technology, and enhancement of capacity in conserving and managing blue carbon. Investing in and promoting blue carbon initiatives will be a pragmatic approach to expanding India’s climate action portfolio.
• The shift towards states as accelerators of future reforms stems from a feeling that the Centre has concluded its role in easing the process of doing business.
• AI is undeniably causing disruptions across the board. However, a shift in narrative is required to view AI as a constructive force, focusing on its potential to bring about positive changes.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Knowledge has become fundamental to economic development and technological advancement.
• The greatest resource of all economic development is the mind.

50-WORD TALK

• EC’s decision to give NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction was unsurprising. Its arguments for relying solely on legislative strength are convoluted. Assembly Speaker, a BJP leader, sits on MLAs’ disqualification petitions and EC uses their strength to rule in favour of BJP’s ally. It’s politics, not justice.
• Karnataka has joined Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana in protesting Centre’s tax devolution policies. The timing works since 16th Finance Commission’s deliberations have just started. But such concerted criticism is another sign of worsening Centre-State relations. If the Centre is serious about fiscal federalism, it needs to rebuild states’ trust.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Uttarakhand tables Uniform Civil Code Bill amid Opposition protest READ MORE

2. In zodiacal dust mystery, PRL Ahmedabad study points to a familiar source READ MORE

3. India’s tax-to-GDP ratio to hit a record high of 11.7% of GDP in 2024-25: Revenue Secretary READ MORE

4. EC rules Ajit faction is real NCP, Sharad Pawar faction will go to Supreme Court READ MORE

5. How the Uniform Civil Code came to be included in the Indian Constitution READ MORE

6. Weather disasters behind 95% natural calamities in 2023 that cost over $1 billion, finds report READ MORE

7. A new virus-like entity has just been discovered – ‘obelisks’ explained READ MORE

8. Hindu Kush Himalaya is a ‘biosphere on the brink’: ICIMOD READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Role of diaspora in furthering India’s religious nationalism globally READ MORE

2. Population priorities: On Interim Budget statement and the Census READ MORE

3. The Earth’s tectonic plates made the Himalayas — and could rip them apart READ MORE

4. Deep Seabed Mining in the Arctic READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Travesty in Chandigarh: On mayoral election and the Supreme Court of India’s remarks READ MORE

2. The severe erosion of fiscal federalism READ MORE

3. The Union’s reins on financial transfers to States READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. A failed attempt at denying backward groups their place in India’s universities READ MORE

2. Are Anganwadis ready to provide quality early childhood education? READ MORE

3. Going Beyond the Gap in Foundational Skills, ASER 2023 Report Raises 3 Important Questions READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Active non-alignment in a changing world READ MORE

2. NAM at a crossroads: Analysing India’s diplomatic choices and priorities READ MORE

3. Maldives, China and a challenge to India’s soft power diplomacy READ MORE

4. India–Maldives Ties in Choppy Waters READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Mint Street musings: On the interim Budget and the RBI READ MORE

2. Wages of inequality: The income-growth gap READ MORE

3. Bond route to improving female presence in labour READ MORE

4. High tide of youth unemployment: Joblessness among the youth cannot be addressed through fiat READ MORE

5. Can India overtake the US economy? READ MORE

6. India’s infrastructure sector has a skilled labour problem READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Delhi’s waste needs to be managed better READ MORE

2. Sustaining cities amid climate change READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The perilous age of disinformation READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. China’s ‘Three Warfares’ Strategy in Action: Implications for the Sino-India Boundary, the Arctic, and Antarctica READ MORE    

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Power of silence READ MORE

2. Supreme Court’s ‘murder of democracy’ remarks on Chandigarh mayor polls give ammo to Oppn READ MORE

3. To link or delink neural connections READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The power to make laws on, administer and determine aspects of the public debt of the State falls squarely on the State Legislature, and borrowing restrictions in States is an example of ‘annihilative federalism’. Critically Examine.

2. Budget management of the State is the discretion of the State government and it cannot be ceded to the Union executive and Parliament in the name of fiscal management. Examine the statement in the light of recent stand-off between Kerala and Center.

3. The character of India’s federalism is moving rapidly from cooperative to destructive and annihilation, and recent borrowing restrictions are an example of ‘annihilative federalism’ at play. Critically examine.

4. Climate change poses a significant threat to the country in the coming decades and to address these challenges effectively, the Republic’s current structure needs to evolve by encouraging the devolution of powers to local government bodies (LGBs). Comment.

5. While, in 1993–94, attempts were made to devolve power to local authorities, the onus of decentralisation fell onto state governments, which lacked incentives to do so, and this setup diminished accountability and undermined governance objectives. Examine.

6. For an effective delivery system, the Indian Republic must be re-envisioned in such a way that the Union and states act as facilitators and coordinators of major policy challenges and imagine Local Government Bodies as public service delivery units. Comment.

7. The Indian Constitution has provided a framework for India’s enduring success as a unified nation with a vibrant democracy but it must evolve to grapple with the key challenges of the 21st century and for which a new approach that encourages devolution of power is the need of the hour. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The pre-eminent obstacle to peace is Israel’s colonisation of Palestine.
• Only a verdict invalidating the election and ordering a fresh one, with safeguards against manipulation, will be in the interest of justice.
• Borrowing restrictions in States provide an example of ‘annihilative federalism’.
• With foreign capital inflows into Indian government bonds likely to spike following their inclusion in global bond indices, banks which are the major holders of these securities and are facing elevated credit to deposit ratio growth rates, should get more space to lend.
• All activities related to public accounts fall within the domain of the State Legislature and the Centre has no power to include the withdrawals from public accounts in the Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC).
• Budget management of the State is the discretion of the State government. The territory occupied by the State executive and legislature cannot be ceded to the Union executive and Parliament in the name of fiscal management.
• The State’s responsibility to fund development work cannot come in the way of it delivering justice to pensioners and beneficiaries.
• Not permitting the State to borrow will affect the State’s spending on welfare schemes and it can lead to a catastrophic situation in the revenue-scarce State.
• The character of India’s federalism is moving rapidly from cooperative to destructive and annihilation, and recent borrowing restrictions are an example of ‘annihilative federalism’ at play.
• The Union government’s moves, which reduce the aggregate financial transfers to States, are weakening cooperative federalism.
• Gap between wage and GDP growth indicates a worsening of income distribution as well as weak improvements in welfare.
• Outcome-based financing tools like Development Impact Bonds show promise in addressing skilling challenges for Indian women.
• With local governments bearing the brunt of public service delivery, the Republic must be re-envisioned in such a way that the Union and states act as facilitators and coordinators of major policy challenges and imagine Local Government Bodies as public service delivery units.
• While Indian Republic has fulfilled its intended ambitions of nurturing national unity and democracy, it needs to empower lower levels of government to tackle 21st century challenges.
• Climate change poses a significant threat to the country in the coming decades, with the country being vulnerable to cyclones, heatwaves, flooding, and air pollution.
• While attempts were made in 1993–94 to devolve power to lower authorities, the onus of decentralisation fell onto state governments, which lacked incentives to do so.
• For an effective delivery system, the Indian Republic must be re-envisioned in such a way that the Union and states act as facilitators and coordinators of major policy challenges and imagine Local Government Bodies as public service delivery units as local governments bearing the brunt of service delivery.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

50-WORD TALK

• How consenting adults live and love is nobody’s business; certainly not the state’s. That couples wishing to live together must seek permission in Uttarakhand is a stunning erosion of individual liberties. The state is forcing itself into people’s bedrooms. Moral vigilantes will get a free-for-all, push India back in time.
• Karnataka has joined Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana in protesting Centre’s tax devolution policies. The timing works since 16th Finance Commission’s deliberations have just started. But such concerted criticism is another sign of worsening Centre-State relations. If the Centre is serious about fiscal federalism, it needs to rebuild states’ trust.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Govt says 555 Asiatic lions died in five years, no rise in mortality rate READ MORE

2. New GRI Biodiversity Standard demands reporting of drivers of biodiversity loss, impact on Indigenous Peoples READ MORE

3. Wetland bird census | 146 species recorded in 18 wetlands in Villupuram district, numbers lower than last year READ MORE

4. Cameroon adopts Nagoya Protocol to benefit from its rich biodiversity READ MORE

5. China Bets on Open-Source Chips as US Export Controls Mount READ MORE

6. Explained: What’s in the new Public Examinations Bill, aimed at stopping cheating in exams? READ MORE

7. RBI monetary policy: Why repo rate is likely to remain unchanged for the sixth time READ MORE

8. COVID-19 pandemic may have led to 14% spike in number of underweight children in Bihar, Odisha: Study READ MORE

9. Cape Verde is the third African country to eliminate malaria: here’s how READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Role of diaspora in furthering India’s religious nationalism globally READ MORE

2. Population priorities: On Interim Budget statement and the Census READ MORE

3. The Earth’s tectonic plates made the Himalayas — and could rip them apart READ MORE

4. Deep Seabed Mining in the Arctic READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. EC Appointments~I READ MORE

2. EC Appointments~II READ MORE

3. Overseas funding READ MORE

4. Population growth committee: Move beyond Emergency-era fears READ MORE

5. A panel to confirm biases and prejudice? READ MORE

6. Bridge widening gaps in health outcomes, services READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. A critical view of the ‘sanitation miracle’ in rural India READ MORE

2. Are Anganwadis ready to provide quality early childhood education? READ MORE

3. Going Beyond the Gap in Foundational Skills, ASER 2023 Report Raises 3 Important Questions READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Active non-alignment in a changing world READ MORE

2. NAM at a crossroads: Analysing India’s diplomatic choices and priorities READ MORE

3. Maldives, China and a challenge to India’s soft power diplomacy READ MORE

4. India–Maldives Ties in Choppy Waters READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Rail Budget’s capex should deliver results later READ MORE

2. Why MPC must hold policy rates READ MORE

3. PSE policy is dying a slow death. More than half are non-operational or loss-making READ MORE

4. A second glance at the Interim Budget READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Warming up to climate change: Is the Sun behind the rising global temperatures? READ MORE

2. India an exemplar in fight against global warming READ MORE

3. As crisis grows, time to revisit plastics policy READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Game-changer READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Radicalisation bodes ill for strife-torn Manipur READ MORE    

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Supreme Court’s ‘murder of democracy’ remarks on Chandigarh mayor polls give ammo to Oppn READ MORE

2. To link or delink neural connections READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The FCRA’s role must evolve from a mere surveillance tool to a mechanism that fosters cooperation, ensuring that accountability serves as a catalyst for positive change rather than stifling the crucial work of these organisations. Comment.

2. India, through its Neighbourhood First, Act East and SAGAR policies, has been assiduously reaching out to its land and maritime neighbours but these initiatives have not yielded positive and encouraging results. Critically examine.

3. The right to reputation needed to be adequately protected against defamatory speech and imputation but the misuse of the criminal defamation law to silence political a ‘chilling effect’ on free speech. Comment.

4. India’s adept use of diaspora engagement as a tool for global legitimacy showcases the intricate interplay between domestic religious nationalism and international outreach. Comment.

5. Despite large-scale food safety programmes, improvement in the nutritional status of the population has been sluggish and micro-nutrient deficiencies have increased. Examine how the scaling up biofortification in staple crops on a large scale can effectively address chronic malnutrition in India?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Calling something an election and actually having it be an election are different things.
• The lack of overall planning in India has led to a lack of synergy of programmes despite high levels of expenditure in fulfilling basic needs. Uncoordinated efforts would lead to an inefficient utilisation of precious public finances.
• India’s healthcare sector is at the cusp of transformation, potentially giving rise to a new healthcare model for the world to follow. We have already proven our clinical excellence and prowess with success rates that surpass global benchmarks.
• By re-imagining our healthcare model, we can position ourselves as the global destination for medical value travel, a powerhouse in AI-driven healthcare solutions, and a leader in combating non-communicable diseases.
• The developing world will get help to use new carbon-free energy sources, which are now cheaper, with climate finance and assistance for capacity-building. India’s push for the creation of the International Solar Alliance was a timely act of leadership.
• India has an ambitious and well-designed National Green Hydrogen Mission. It is well placed to acquire the ability to replace fossil fuels in hard-to-abate sectors in the coming decade.
• In a strategic move echoing its growing capability and commitment to global stability, India has deployed an unprecedented naval force east of the Red Sea to counter the resurgence of piracy.
• The promise of AI is not merely about job displacement and creation but as a potential game- changer in public services.
• The Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill and the subsequent Act, 2023 defies the verdict of the Supreme Court, violates the basic structure of the Constitution ~ free and fair election and bulldozes the neutrality of the ECI.
• The overarching preponderance of the ruling executive in both the search and selection committees paves the assured way for the preferred candidate to be the appointee to the ECI.
• As the recent cancellation of the FCRA licence of a well known think tank raises critical questions, it becomes imperative to scrutinise the delicate balance between the government’s need for oversight and the sector’s indispensable role in societal development.
• The love-hate relationship between the government and NGOs persists across regimes, with tightening regulations showing little regard for the essential role these entities play in addressing societal issues.
• The FCRA’s role must evolve from a mere surveillance tool to a mechanism that fosters cooperation, ensuring that accountability serves as a catalyst for positive change rather than stifling the crucial work of these organisations.
• The promise of AI is not merely about job displacement and creation but as a potential game- changer in public services.
• At the present pace of population growth, India does not need any coercive measures to control population.
• India continues to give increasing priority to all its neighbouring countries. It needs to further step up its game and use all the assets at its command of development cooperation, soft power, culture, language, cuisine, music, etc., to significantly deepen and upgrade its ties with its neighbouring countries.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

50-WORD TALK

• The post-Covid-19 world has made it essential to understand the strength of institutional structures of a country while analysing its public health challenges. So, apart from the positive initiative of setting up new medical colleges, it is also important that the Union government strengthen public health services at the grassroot levels, to make India’s overall health delivery system a vibrant one.
• IMF’s upward revision of India’s growth for current and next two years shows our economic fundamentals are strong. Our low base necessitates maintaining this growth rate for many more years. With subdued consumer demand compounding private sector’s unwillingness to invest, pressure’s going to be on Centre to keep spending big.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1.  Aldabra rail: The bird that came back from the dead by evolving twice READ MORE

2. Indian economy set for 6.7% growth till 2031, says CRISIL Report READ MORE

3. Reducing ammonia emissions through targeted fertilizer management READ MORE

4. India-made typhoid vaccine efficacy lasts for four years: study READ MORE

5. Why is fiscal consolidation so important? | Explained READ MORE

6. Seven cheetahs born in Kuno: Challenges, survival chances, and the wild-vs-protected debate READ MORE

7. Why PETA wants to ban two age-old Assamese traditions READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Role of diaspora in furthering India’s religious nationalism globally READ MORE

2. Population priorities: On Interim Budget statement and the Census READ MORE

3. Stree shakti READ MORE

4. Deep Seabed Mining in the Arctic READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Criminal defamation: Misuse of the law remains rampant READ MORE

2. Stop using ED as a political weapon READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. With largest global population of undernourished, Viksit Bharat is a distant reality READ MORE

2. Are Anganwadis ready to provide quality early childhood education? READ MORE

3. The role of reviews and ratings in healthcare READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. How to restore WTO’s authority READ MORE

2. NAM at a crossroads: Analysing India’s diplomatic choices and priorities READ MORE

3. Maldives, China and a challenge to India’s soft power diplomacy READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. A sunshine initiative: On the government’s rooftop solar panel plan READ MORE

2. Micro-credentials, the next chapter in higher education READ MORE

3. Paytm Bank fiasco raises fintech regulation concerns READ MORE

4. How R&D tax credits can drive price competition in Indian industries READ MORE

5. An Interim Budget for the transforming economy READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Collaborative innovation: Reshaping climate technology for a sustainable future READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Artificial Intelligence – A Gift Or A Curse? The finest artificial minds at play, are manipulating choice READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Radicalisation bodes ill for strife-torn Manipur READ MORE    

2. Govt should reconsider India-Myanmar border fence. Costs & benefits don’t justify it READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Tackling corruption: Selective action undermines campaign READ MORE

2. Non-violence the best path for Palestine READ MORE

3. Ahimsa: The Path to Peaceful Existence READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The right to reputation needed to be adequately protected against defamatory speech and imputation but the misuse of the criminal defamation law to silence political a ‘chilling effect’ on free speech. Comment.

2. India’s adept use of diaspora engagement as a tool for global legitimacy showcases the intricate interplay between domestic religious nationalism and international outreach. Comment.

3. Despite large-scale food safety programmes, improvement in the nutritional status of the population has been sluggish and micro-nutrient deficiencies have increased. Examine how the scaling up biofortification in staple crops on a large scale can effectively address chronic malnutrition in India?

4. India’s championing of the Global South at the G20, including the induction of the African Union as a member, brought forth the salience of existing institutions in the Global South. Discuss how the institutions like NAM can be gamechanger for India?

5. Without investing in people, without creating a robust foundation of rights and social infrastructure, and without creating decent jobs, just riding on increased capex on mega infrastructure and corridors will not benefit the people at large. Critically comment.

6. Addressing the complex challenge of climate change requires a nuanced and collaborative approach that considers the diverse socio-economic landscapes of nations and careful balance between environmental responsibility and economic development is crucial to ensure equitable and sustainable solutions. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The need of the hour for the armed forces is to embrace change and adopt cutting-edge technology.
• Higher education institutes in India can be the catalysts in integrating micro-credentials with existing academic programmes.
• To ensure that micro-credentials denote a genuine acquisition of skills, they must be aligned with higher education standards in the areas of delivery, assessment, grading and the awarding of qualifications.
• Indian HEIs must serve as agents of transformation and consider introducing micro-credentials a vital element of their strategic institutional objectives. Regulators and HEIs must work towards harmonising micro-credentials with existing academic programmes by coming up with clear validation metrics.
• The misuse of the criminal defamation law to silence political adversaries, activists and journalists is causing a ‘chilling effect’ on free speech.
• Radicalisation of the kind that Arambai Tenggol symbolises has to be nipped in the bud. The Indian republic cannot afford to stand by and watch such absurd abandonment of authority.
• India’s evolving role in the Non-Aligned Movement and its strategic choices at the recent Kampala Summit underscores the challenges and changing dynamics within the organization.
• Geopolitically, India needs the Maldives in its new symbiotic bonding, also because that makes sense to ensure security to India.
• Apath of non-violent struggle can often be the best forward when the cause is deeply rooted in justice and there is widespread recognition of this being so.
• India’s adept use of diaspora engagement as a tool for global legitimacy showcases the intricate interplay between domestic religious nationalism and international outreach.
• Despite large-scale food safety programmes, improvement in the nutritional status of the population has been sluggish and micro-nutrient deficiencies have increased.
• Scaling up biofortification in staple crops on a large scale can effectively address chronic malnutrition in India by introducing nutrient-rich varieties.
• Border fencing is perhaps justified for Pakistan and Bangladesh. But on the Myanmar border, where the population is sparse and the threat of terrorism low, the proposal should be revisited.
• India’s championing of the Global South at the G20, including the induction of the African Union as a member, brought forth the salience of existing institutions in the Global South.
• Collaborative spirit is now indispensable in the urgent realm of climate technology, where the need to combat global warming races against time

ESSAY TOPIC

• Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

50-WORD TALK

• Interim budget announced a committee to look into challenges emerging from “fast population growth”. A quick reality check here: India’s population growth is slowing and most developing nations are increasingly concerned about their contracting populations. Before analysis can start, India needs facts. The next Census cannot be delayed any longer.
• Jharkhand governor Radhakrishnan’s delay in government formation looks deliberate, unwarranted. This will encourage horse-trading and make ED’s action against ex-CM Hemant Soren look suspect. It flies in the face of PM Modi’s constant refrain about democratic values and constitutionalism. Governor must immediately invite Champai Soren to take oath as CM.
• IMF’s upward revision of India’s growth for current and next two years shows our economic fundamentals are strong. Our low base necessitates maintaining this growth rate for many more years. With subdued consumer demand compounding private sector’s unwillingness to invest, pressure’s going to be on Centre to keep spending big.
• CJI Chandrachud has flagged long vacations among judiciary’s structural problems. Long breaks add to piling pendency, throw off rhythm of work. While judges need breaks like us all, justice must avoid long vacations. We’ve heard pious words before, just that a bold leader to institute this vital change is awaited.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Vandalur Zoo gets endangered bird species from Uttar Pradesh in exchange programme READ MORE

2. Two new mammalian species recorded in Kaziranga National Park READ MORE

3. Astronomers spot unusual object falling in the black hole ‘mass gap’ READ MORE

4. IMF says global ‘soft landing’ in sight, raises 2024 economic growth outlook READ MORE

5. Philippines and Vietnam agree to expand cooperation in South China Sea, which Beijing also claims READ MORE

6. Centre starts survey to assess women participation in workforce READ MORE

7. First ever survey puts India’s snow leopard count at 718 READ MORE

8. India nominates 12 forts of Marathas for UNESCO World Heritage List READ MORE

9. Why Centre plans to replace the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 with a new law READ MORE  

10. First penguin deaths in sub-Antarctic region attributed to bird flu strain READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Bridging the global gender chasm in 2024: Need for more steam? READ MORE

2. Population priorities: On Interim Budget statement and the Census READ MORE

3. Stree shakti READ MORE

4. Deep Seabed Mining in the Arctic READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. India and the whiff of stifling corruption READ MORE

2. Governor Vs Government | Constitutional quandary in Kerala READ MORE

3. Road conditions hinder village development READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Are Anganwadis ready to provide quality early childhood education? READ MORE

2. The role of reviews and ratings in healthcare READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The geopolitics of de-risking from China: Is India in for a win? READ MORE

2. In South Africa Versus Israel on Gaza, ICJ Settles for a Balancing Act READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Agriculture in Interim Budget 2024—oil seed farmers get a boost but FPOs lose steam READ MORE

2. A Social Autopsy: Navigating Rhetoric and Realities in the Interim Budget READ MORE

3. The K is Indian GDP’s Reality: Why Deny? READ MORE

4. Rupee as an international currency READ MORE

5. Employment generation is the elephant in the room READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Balancing climate action with economic equity READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Artificial Intelligence – A Gift Or A Curse? The finest artificial minds at play, are manipulating choice READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Indian Army’s year of technological advancement in 2024 READ MORE    

2. Why this Nero attitude to Manipur? READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Cultivating Moral Resilience READ MORE

2. Coping with Moral Distress READ MORE

3. Ahimsa: The Path to Peaceful Existence READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Without investing in people, without creating a robust foundation of rights and social infrastructure, and without creating decent jobs, just riding on increased capex on mega infrastructure and corridors will not benefit the people at large. Critically comment.

2. Addressing the complex challenge of climate change requires a nuanced and collaborative approach that considers the diverse socio-economic landscapes of nations and careful balance between environmental responsibility and economic development is crucial to ensure equitable and sustainable solutions. Comment.

3. Moral resilience is the antidote for the powerlessness felt from moral distress. Comment.

4. Technology is being increasingly viewed as a way of ensuring effective delivery of government schemes by curbing corruption and bringing in efficiency and transparency in delivery, but viewing technocratic instruments as the default solution is problematic. Comment on the statement in light of the recent order to Link wage payments with Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for work done under the MGNREGA scheme.

5. Increasing public spending on early childhood care and education and empowering India’s Anganwadis is important to ensure that quality early education is accessible to all children. Discuss.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• A party of order or stability, and a party of progress or reform, are necessary elements of a healthy state of political life. — John Stuart Mill
• Due to unprecedented global crises, progress in bridging the gender divide has stagnated.
• While the Indian Army’s emphasis on integrating advanced tools reflects a proactive response to evolving challenges, a broader transformation warrants scrutiny.
• The prevailing geopolitical crises and rivalries are likely to further reduce avenues for global cooperation, motivating states to safeguard their own economic interests and national security.
• Without investing in people, without creating a robust foundation of rights and social infrastructure, and without creating decent jobs, just riding on increased capex on mega infrastructure and corridors will not benefit the people at large.
• The K-shaped pattern of growth within the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) pointed to by critics has riled officialdom and its supporters because it implies not only growing inequality but an overestimation of GDP and its growth.
• The “high-powered” committee will be performing a crucial role if it engages meaningfully in addressing questions related to jobs and social security and the challenges citizens face due to rapid urbanisation and mechanisation of work.
• Artificial General Intelligence is broadly defined as, engaged in developing autonomous systems that are capable of completing most economically valuable tasks, better than humans.
• Balancing global climate efforts requires nuanced policies, considering socio-economic differences for equitable and sustainable solutions
• Addressing the complex challenge of climate change requires a nuanced and collaborative approach that considers the diverse socio-economic landscapes of nations.
• The burden of combating climate change should be shared proportionately, acknowledging the unique circumstances and contributions of each nation.
• A careful balance between environmental responsibility and economic development is crucial to ensure equitable and sustainable solutions.
• To truly establish rupee as a global currency, there is a need to focus on low-tech manufacturing, the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
• The social division between the Meitei in the plains and the Kuki in the hills has turned into a hostile relationship and the militant and extremist elements and organisations on both sides are setting the agenda.
• In a globalised world, the mobility of people will be the new order, especially with the ageing demographics of many countries.
• This clash between the Governor and the state government is not an isolated incident but is part of a series of confrontations jeopardising the foundational principles of federalism.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

50-WORD TALK

• Interim budget announced a committee to look into challenges emerging from “fast population growth”. A quick reality check here: India’s population growth is slowing and most developing nations are increasingly concerned about their contracting populations. Before analysis can start, India needs facts. The next Census cannot be delayed any longer.
• Jharkhand governor Radhakrishnan’s delay in government formation looks deliberate, unwarranted. This will encourage horse-trading and make ED’s action against ex-CM Hemant Soren look suspect. It flies in the face of PM Modi’s constant refrain about democratic values and constitutionalism. Governor must immediately invite Champai Soren to take oath as CM.
• IMF’s upward revision of India’s growth for current and next two years shows our economic fundamentals are strong. Our low base necessitates maintaining this growth rate for many more years. With subdued consumer demand compounding private sector’s unwillingness to invest, pressure’s going to be on Centre to keep spending big.
• CJI Chandrachud has flagged long vacations among judiciary’s structural problems. Long breaks add to piling pendency, throw off rhythm of work. While judges need breaks like us all, justice must avoid long vacations. We’ve heard pious words before, just that a bold leader to institute this vital change is awaited.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Vandalur Zoo gets endangered bird species from Uttar Pradesh in exchange programme READ MORE

2. Two new mammalian species recorded in Kaziranga National Park READ MORE

3. Astronomers spot unusual object falling in the black hole ‘mass gap’ READ MORE

4. IMF says global ‘soft landing’ in sight, raises 2024 economic growth outlook READ MORE

5. Philippines and Vietnam agree to expand cooperation in South China Sea, which Beijing also claims READ MORE

6. Centre starts survey to assess women participation in workforce READ MORE

7. First ever survey puts India’s snow leopard count at 718 READ MORE

8. India nominates 12 forts of Marathas for UNESCO World Heritage List READ MORE

9. Why Centre plans to replace the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 with a new law READ MORE  

10. First penguin deaths in sub-Antarctic region attributed to bird flu strain READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Why younger generations in India seem so stressed READ MORE

2. Student stress: Prioritise a process of continuous engagement READ MORE

3. Stree shakti READ MORE

4. Deep Seabed Mining in the Arctic READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Aadhaar Job Card Linkages: Perils of Recentralising Governance READ MORE

2. Mission federalism: 16th Finance Commission will have to find a fair way through high intensity GOI-states fiscal disputes READ MORE

3. Road conditions hinder village development READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Are Anganwadis ready to provide quality early childhood education? READ MORE

2. The role of reviews and ratings in healthcare READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Wars, Geopolitical Transitions and Paradigm Shifts READ MORE

2. Reforming UN for a rules-based order READ MORE

3. On the brink READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India’s human capital: Quality education vis-à-vis sustainable development READ MORE

2. Decoding AI in emerging economies READ MORE

3. After Interim Budget 2024, hand the baton over to the private sector READ MORE

4. Focus on fiscal discipline READ MORE

5. Need to assess economic implications of artificial intelligence READ MORE

6. Tread the WTO quagmire with caution READ MORE

7. Drones can revolutionise the agriculture sector READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. COP28: Was the COP robbed? READ MORE

2. Governing Urban Wetlands in India: A Pathway to Sustainable Urbanisation READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Strengthening energy-health nexus for health security READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. AI risks for international peace and security READ MORE   

2. Myanmar: India’s strategic dilemma READ MORE

3. Charting a course for India’s maritime security READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. An inspiring saga of selfless service READ MORE

2. A father’s courageous fight against girl’s sexual assault READ MORE

3. Ahimsa: The Path to Peaceful Existence READ MORE

CASE STUDY

1. How Aadhaar is strangling MGNREGA in a Maharashtra district and pushing workers to migrate READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Technology is being increasingly viewed as a way of ensuring effective delivery of government schemes by curbing corruption and bringing in efficiency and transparency in delivery, but viewing technocratic instruments as the default solution is problematic. Comment on the statement in light of the recent order to Link wage payments with Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for work done under the MGNREGA scheme.

2. Increasing public spending on early childhood care and education and empowering India’s Anganwadis is important to ensure that quality early education is accessible to all children. Discuss.

3. The provision of reserved seats for women at the local level of government in India has resulted in the political empowerment of women at the grassroots across the country. Critically comment.

4. India needs to evolve a realistic strategic blueprint in line with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy to save Myanmar from China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments in South-east Asia.

5. Infrastructure development needs in rural areas should be promptly fulfilled through the Panchayati Raj Institutions because it plays a significant role in opening new avenues for development. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. — Mother Teresa
• The geopolitical transition away from unipolarity is hastened by theatres of conflict in West Asia, Russia–Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific and their impact. Significant changes in the international power structures constructed after World War II are discernible and the global South is playing a significant role in this transition.
• Political and bureaucratic capture of the developmental process has been a major problem. The solution then is greater empowerment of the gram panchayat and ward, greater decentralisation, and strengthening of the local-level administrative and decision-making capacity.
• Decentralisation can indeed dramatically reduce costs and enhance welfare delivery by tackling corruption as well as elite capture and clientelism. However, viewing technocratic instruments as the default solution can be very problematic.
• Technology is being increasingly viewed as a way of ensuring effective delivery of government schemes by curbing corruption and bringing in efficiency and transparency in delivery.
• Increasing public spending on early childhood care and education and empowering India’s Anganwadis is important to ensure that quality early education is accessible to all children.
• For a developing nation like India, education emerges as a fundamental tool for creating the human capital necessary to sustain development in the 21st century.
• Despite being embedded in conservative societal environments, women leaders have emerged as instrumental drivers of social change in many villages across India.
• The provision of reserved seats for women at the local level of government in India has resulted in the political empowerment of women at the grassroots across the country.
• The hype on AI’s success in tech-developed countries like the United States (US), China, and India has influenced the discourse around their development organisations guiding AI’s rollout in emerging economies. This discourse should be taken with a grain of salt given the optimism for self-administered AI in emerging markets for both economic and non-economic forms of growth.
• The village’s most crucial need should be promptly fulfilled through the Panchayati Raj Institutions because the road is not just a means of transportation but plays a significant role in opening new avenues for development. It is not only a means of access but is also intricately connected to education, health, and the economy.
• India needs to evolve a realistic strategic blueprint in line with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy to save Myanmar from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

50-WORD TALK

• Nine months into anarchy and violence in Manipur, a central team is sent to do what’s the state government’s first duty—maintaining peace. Centre’s support to Biren government despite grounds for President’s Rule is a political decision whose possible returns are already far outweighed by a swelling constitutional and human crisis.
• Maldives-bound Chinese research vessel is another bad signal for Delhi’s strategic ties with Male. The diplomatic divide between the two creates a gap that Beijing will want to exploit. Maldives must be careful to maintain strategic equilibrium — electoral politics may be a see-saw but regional diplomacy is a constant.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. No food in forests: Bears, langurs throng Uttarkahand apple orchards as native vegetation gets taken over by invasives READ MORE

2. The pandemic treaty can help the world brace for Disease X: WHO Director-General READ MORE

3. The rooftop solar plan: India’s solar power capacity, target, and the way forward READ MORE

4. SC gets new judge; to return to full judicial strength READ MORE

5. Flash Jan. PMI signals rebound in economic momentum READ MORE

6. Turkey ratifies Sweden’s NATO membership after protracted delay READ MORE

7. Carbon benefits of not using cookstoves overestimated: study READ MORE

8. The urgent need for data to make personalised medicine equitable READ MORE

9. How biodiversity management can help in conserving environment READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Women in small towns see a future in business READ MORE

2. How smartphones can make education inclusive READ MORE

3. Unravelling Antarctica’s Shrinking Sea Ice Levels READ MORE

4. Multi-pronged strategy needed to conserve groundwater READ MORE

5. China’s population dip is a global concern READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Combating the deepfake menace necessitates stern legal measures READ MORE

2. One Nation, One Election risks devolving to one voice READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Time to move beyond 1-2-3-4: What the ASER report reveals about Indian education system READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The larger message to New Delhi from the Red Sea READ MORE

2. Choppy waters: On India-Maldives ties READ MORE

3. The issue of genocide and the world court READ MORE

4. Alliance of mutual concerns and interests READ MORE

5. Improving the world for everyone READ MORE

6. Has the Non-Aligned Movement lost its plot? READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The need to overhaul a semiconductor scheme READ MORE  

2. Cooperative route to build rural economy READ MORE

3. How reforming India’s workfare programme raised private sector earnings READ MORE

4. Solar scheme: Need to attract residential power consumers READ MORE

5. Policy reforms needed to boost manufacturing READ MORE

6. Shift in India’s female workforce sees increase in salaried women but gender wage gap persists READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Safeguarding the Himalayan ecosystem READ MORE

2. Bridging business, policy for net-zero READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Combating the deepfake menace necessitates stern legal measures READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Limits and borders: On the territorial jurisdiction of the Border Security Force READ MORE   

2. Dangerous status quo: On continuing hostilities in Manipur READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. AI poses ethical challenges in health sector READ MORE

2. Consciousness: Pran Pratishtha to enlightenment READ MORE

3. Activate your best tool for self-perfection READ MORE

CASE STUDY

1. How Aadhaar is strangling MGNREGA in a Maharashtra district and pushing workers to migrate READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. France, with its search for strategic autonomy and influence in global affairs, can partner with India in its pursuit of a multipolar world. Comment.

2. Institutions of global governance have failed to make growth more inclusive and sustainable. Comment in the light of recent developments.

3. As the old-world order gave way to a new multipolar reality post-Cold War, the NAM, despite its historical significance, finds itself in a state of decline and struggled to adapt to emerging dynamics. Discuss how instead of collectively facing the challenges, many leaders prioritized narrow political goals, that hindered the NAM’s relevance in the changing world.

4. India’s growing economy and Azerbaijan’s strategic location as a gateway to Europe and Asia offer the potential for increased trade and investment. Comment.

5. It is important to focus on technical and vocational education from the school level onwards so that children are equipped with skills that are needed in a growing economy. Comment in the light of ASER’s survey.

6. AI can lead to economic growth, but it also has the potential to destabilise national policies and disrupt financial systems. Critically comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
• While the Union government may have valid reasons for its move, it should not be seen as encroaching into the domain of the State governments, which have the constitutional responsibility to maintain public order and exercise police powers.
• The Red Sea situation will fade away, but India’s new two-front situation, as continental and maritime challenges, cannot be wished away.
• An overhauled Semiconductor Design-Linked Incentive scheme would fortify India’s comparative advantage and augment its forays into other stages of the semiconductor global value chain.
• The Maldives decision to invite the Xiang Yang Hong 03, but not to allow it more than a routine port call is hopefully a sign that quiet diplomacy is working. A rational approach is more likely to shore troubled bilateral ties out of the choppy waters now.
• While the porous border has also enabled drug trafficking and the movement of insurgents, a cessation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) would be a case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
• The case of South Africa instituting proceedings against Israel in the International Court of Justice over the Gaza war is a vital stress test of the ‘rules-based international order’.
• France, with its search for strategic autonomy and influence in global affairs, can partner with India in its pursuit of a multipolar world.
• Better infrastructure, cleaner environs, and improved safety features at such sites can boost lost economies and generate employment.
• Three national cooperatives established last year are becoming the pivot for the rural economy through exports, seed production and procuring of farm produce.
• There is a pressing need to make the grid-connected solar rooftop power system affordable and manageable for residents. This will not only benefit consumers but also help discoms effectively handle peak loads and reduce transmission and distribution losses.
• Institutions of global governance have failed to make growth more inclusive and sustainable.
• By creating an environment conducive to manufacturing, India can attract investments and become key player in the global manufacturing hub.
• By creating an environment conducive to manufacturing, India can attract investments and become key player in the global manufacturing hub.
• A competitive and stable tax regime is essential for attracting investment. India needs to rationalise its tax structure, ensuring that it is transparent and predictable.
• As the old world order gave way to a new multipolar reality post-Cold War, the NAM despite its historical significance, finds itself in a state of decline, and struggled to adapt to emerging dynamics.
• Electoral politics may be a see-saw but regional diplomacy is a constant.
• Public confidence in the judicial system and in the moral authority and integrity of the judiciary was of the utmost importance in a modern democratic society

ESSAY TOPIC

• Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

50-WORD TALK

• Nine months into anarchy and violence in Manipur, a central team is sent to do what’s the state government’s first duty—maintaining peace. Centre’s support to Biren government despite grounds for President’s Rule is a political decision whose possible returns are already far outweighed by a swelling constitutional and human crisis.
• Maldives-bound Chinese research vessel is another bad signal for Delhi’s strategic ties with Male. The diplomatic divide between the two creates a gap that Beijing will want to exploit. Maldives must be careful to maintain strategic equilibrium — electoral politics may be a see-saw but regional diplomacy is a constant.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Jammu CSIR lab finds cannabis plant compound has antibiotic effects | Explained READ MORE

2. Govt expands scope of financial services on offer at IFSC READ MORE

3. PM Modi announces solar roof-top scheme for one crore households READ MORE

4. Odisha government seeks urgent deployment of kumki elephants from Tamil Nadu READ MORE

5. PM Modi launches new rooftop solar power scheme: What it is, why it is needed READ MORE

6. How food inflation in India has been de-globalised, what factors can drive prices now READ MORE

7. Over 17,000 tree species face heightened risk of extinction due to global change READ MORE

8. What ails climate-smart agriculture in South Asia? Limited state resources & incentives, unequal tech dissemination READ MORE

9. Over 3% of all cancer patients in India are under 15; 4.6% under 20: Study READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Women in small towns see a future in business READ MORE

2. How smartphones can make education inclusive READ MORE

3. Unravelling Antarctica’s Shrinking Sea Ice Levels READ MORE

4. Multi-pronged strategy needed to conserve groundwater READ MORE

5. China’s population dip is a global concern READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Why was FCRA registration for several NGOs cancelled? | Explained READ MORE

2. On equal access to benefits for all Scheduled Caste communities | Explained READ MORE

3. The idea of one nation, one election is against federalism READ MORE

4. How the Union Govt Is Slowly but Surely Blurring India’s Federal Structure READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Time to move beyond 1-2-3-4: What the ASER report reveals about Indian education system READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Delving into the Iran-Pak dispute: While tensions may have been defused for now, the underlying causes persist READ MORE   

2. India-Maldives ties: Turbulence in paradise READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Tax contribution by States needs to be revisited READ MORE

2. Fired up and plugged in – Driving India’s energy security and decarbonisation this decade READ MORE

3. Building on financial inclusion’s success READ MORE

4. Cooperative route to build rural economy READ MORE

5. India’s fight for food security at WTO READ MORE

6. What next for India’s fintech revolution? READ MORE

7. WTO | Permanent solution to central pool stocks critical for India READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Warming up to climate change: What is the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold, and what happens when we breach it? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Better use of technology needs free access READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Army needs smartsizing to optimise resource utilisation READ MORE   

2. Will Myanmar fence end problems? READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Ram represents triumph of responsibility READ MORE

2. Education’s role in opening the mind READ MORE

CASE STUDY

1. How Aadhaar is strangling MGNREGA in a Maharashtra district and pushing workers to migrate READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. India’s growing economy and Azerbaijan’s strategic location as a gateway to Europe and Asia offer the potential for increased trade and investment. Comment.

2. It is important to focus on technical and vocational education from the school level onwards so that children are equipped with skills that are needed in a growing economy. Comment in the light of ASER’s survey.

3. AI can lead to economic growth, but it also has the potential to destabilise national policies and disrupt financial systems. Critically comment.

4. The Right to Education Act, 2009 may have ensured universal access to education, but there is many a gap to fill before it touches every child in the true spirit of the law. Comment on the statement in the light of recent ASER’s report.

5. Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions globally and a united Asian front could serve as a counterbalance allowing for a more multipolar world order where India plays a significant role. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Everyone’s worried about stopping terrorism. Well, there’s really an easy way: Stop participating in it.
• The cost of holding free and fair elections to elect a government of the choice of the people is a price that can never be high.
• The Model Code of Conduct and other guidelines issued by the Election Commission are necessary pains to ensure that executive influence over voters is kept to a minimum and the playing field, during the election period, remains level.
• The Indian constitutional architecture is structured differently granting higher courts inherent and broad powers of judicial review when executive actions transgress the fields assigned to them.
• Efficiency is to reward the States that are efficient in collecting revenue and rationalising spending. The trade-off between equity and efficiency is normative and remains dynamic in successive Finance Commission recommendations.
• In the case of Union excise duties, the value of taxable products consumed in a State is essential to decide its contribution. Due to the unavailability of proper consumption statistics, contribution was never a determinant in the distribution formula for Union excise duties.
• In this critical decade, the spotlight will be on how India decarbonises its power sector while ensuring economic development and energy security.
• To effectively advance financial inclusion in India, a comprehensive and multifaceted strategy is essential, addressing the varied needs of its diverse population.
• Overcoming geographical and social barriers, such as inaccessibility, illiteracy and other socio-economic constraints, is imperative to achieve financial inclusion vision.
• In this evolving scenario, maintaining consistency in international relations and diplomatic finesse becomes paramount for India to navigate the stormy waters of the India-Maldives controversy.
• With AI, cyber-risks will pose a significant threat. But the challenges can spur agile and proactive regulatory resposes to safeguard users while fostering innovation.
• Through generative AI India see conversational interfaces that support a range of regional languages and this evolution reflects a more interactive and accessible approach across the country, further bridging the digital and financial divide.
• The fintech landscape in India, as with other digital new-age sectors, will continue to face challenges with cyber risk and data security, especially as we enter the AI-led future.
• Apart from issuing guidelines and directives, the health authorities should ensure that they are strictly followed. It is not known whether there are inspections and checks and those who violate the rules are penalised.
• Responsibilities of the state governments are being slowly overtaken by the Centre, keen as it is to take credit for all welfare programmes. Meanwhile, state coffers are not getting the assistance they need from the Union government.
• In a federal structure it is critical that Union government responds to the needs of states and there is complete transparency and accountability in the functioning of both these organs.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

50-WORD TALK

• Supreme Court’s refusal to extend the deadline for surrender of Bilkis Bano’s rape convicts is a bold iteration of the rule of law. Their reasons for extension were flimsy and an obvious sham to buy more time. It was a travesty that they were even released in the first place.
• Health ministry’s direction to doctors ordering them to specify the reason every time they prescribe antibiotics has come not a day too soon. With high incidence of antibiotics abuse, India’s contribution to the global drug-resistant pathogen is very high. And it is now also India’s burden to fix the problem.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Climate change may cut labour productivity in India to 40% by 2100: Study READ MORE

2. Wetland ‘nature tourism’ gets a fillip READ MORE

3. From Kausalya’s land, Ram Setu sari unfolds rare weave READ MORE

4. What are labour rules for workers abroad? | Explained READ MORE

5. IT Ministry issues draft road maps for critical tech sectors READ MORE

6. World Vision India loses FCRA registration READ MORE

7. Using mosquitofish to fight mosquitoes throws India a tougher puzzle | Explained READ MORE

8. NISAR Mission on track for early 2024 launch, says JPL official READ MORE

9. What we know about multivitamins and memory READ MORE

10.  What is the India-Myanmar border Free Movement Regime, which the Centre is planning to end? READ MORE

11.  How India’s monsoon rain pattern has been changing amid climate change READ MORE

12.  New amendments in wildlife trade rules enable issuing licences for certain Schedule II species READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Women in small towns see a future in business READ MORE

2. How smartphones can make education inclusive READ MORE

3. Multi-pronged strategy needed to conserve groundwater READ MORE

4. China’s population dip is a global concern READ MORE

5. India’s coastal future needs safeguarding. District networks can help build resilience READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Post Office Act, its unbridled powers of interception READ MORE

2. Staying a bail Order, that too in a UAPA matter where getting bail is already difficult, is a travesty of justice READ MORE

3. Theologically Determined Politics Weakens Representative Government READ MORE

4. Courts Asking POCSO Victims Who Turn Hostile to Return Compensation Right or Wrong? READ MORE

5. A disturbing judicial trend to inhibit access to abortion services in India READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Time to move beyond 1-2-3-4: What the ASER report reveals about Indian education system READ MORE

2. Mixed tidings from education report READ MORE

3. Shaky foundations of India’s educational structures READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. A revival of the IMEC idea amid choppy geopolitics READ MORE   

2. A missed opportunity READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. In Viksit Bharat, rural real wages are in decline READ MORE

2. Differentiating welfare schemes from freebies READ MORE

3. Reconfiguration of global trade and FDI READ MORE

4. GST is squeezing states, but RBI’s ‘solution’ of more taxes is unfair READ MORE

5. Why Small Farming is Essential for Creating a Sustainable Future READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Warm winter again signals climate crisis READ MORE

2. Double-edged sword READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Better use of technology needs free access READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Emerging situations in Myanmar require proactive responses from India READ MORE   

2. Will Myanmar fence end problems? READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Ram represents triumph of responsibility READ MORE

2. Education’s role in opening the mind READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. India’s growing economy and Azerbaijan’s strategic location as a gateway to Europe and Asia offer the potential for increased trade and investment. Comment.

2. The changing nature of the administrative system in India has occurred due to the paradigm shift in economic ideas and policies—from a state-centric economy to a neo-liberal market economy. Examine.

3. AI can lead to economic growth, but it also has the potential to destabilise national policies and disrupt financial systems. Critically comment.

4. The Right to Education Act, 2009 may have ensured universal access to education, but there is many a gap to fill before it touches every child in the true spirit of the law. Comment on the statement in the light of recent ASER’s report.

5. Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions globally and a united Asian front could serve as a counterbalance allowing for a more multipolar world order where India plays a significant role. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Everyone’s worried about stopping terrorism. Well, there’s really an easy way: Stop participating in it.
• The newly enacted Act does not make any provision for procedural safeguards to dispel fears of misuse of the substantive provision on interception.
• Data from the recently released Annual Status of Education Report supports the point that once technology is in the hands of motivated users without constraints, they will learn to use it.
• As election pledges of freebies escalate, Modi Government issues a warning to States at the third National Conference of Chief Secretaries.
• The goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge but to create the possibilities for a learner to invent and discover, to create men who are capable of doing new things under any circumstances.
• Education’s ultimate goal is not just knowledge acquisition but the creation of possibilities for learners to invent and discover, enabling them to tackle new challenges under any circumstances.
• For a Scheme to be welfare-oriented, it must address the needs of a person who is desperately in need of a product or service.
• The future of regional peace depends on the ability of global actors to prevail upon the parties involved to resolve issues with dialogue and work towards a comprehensive solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• The only positive and successful endeavour as regards the school education efforts seems to be the fact that the enrolment numbers have gone up. Besides that, there is hardly anything to cheer about in this realm and there are no rainbows on the horizon.
• The declining population has multiple dimensions and it needs a more wholesome approach. The CPC has just tried to achieve its goal by undertaking policy changes which have always come as too little too late.
• After the Ukraine War, India has re-asserted strategic independence in foreign and security policy, first over the Israel-Hamas War and now, Iran’s anti-terror attacks on Pakistani targets.
• India and Azerbaijan share a history of cultural and economic ties, but there remain many untapped opportunities for cooperation between the two nations.
• India’s growing economy and Azerbaijan’s strategic location as a gateway to Europe and Asia offer the potential for increased trade and investment.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Poverty reduction works best when inclusive growth and welfarism go together.

50-WORD TALK

• Supreme Court’s refusal to extend the deadline for surrender of Bilkis Bano’s rape convicts is a bold iteration of the rule of law. Their reasons for extension were flimsy and an obvious sham to buy more time. It was a travesty that they were even released in the first place.
• Health ministry’s direction to doctors ordering them to specify the reason every time they prescribe antibiotics has come not a day too soon. With high incidence of antibiotics abuse, India’s contribution to the global drug-resistant pathogen is very high. And it is now also India’s burden to fix the problem.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Supreme Court Collegium recommends appointment of Justice PS Dinesh Kumar as Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court READ MORE

2. Largest deep-sea coral reef to date is mapped by scientists off the US Atlantic coast READ MORE

3. In pics: Rare Tibetan brown bear spotted in Sikkim; WWF Camera traps unearth folklore READ MORE

4. How do you plan to save the Great Indian Bustard, Supreme Court asks government READ MORE

5. What is the Nagara style, in which Ayodhya’s Ram temple is being built READ MORE

6. The history of Iran’s Chabahar port, and its imperative for India READ MORE

7. Why big animals got smaller, even before climate change READ MORE

8. MNRE launches scheme to incentivise production of green hydrogen READ MORE

9. Gangetic dolphin rescued in Odisha, may be indicator of more freshwater dolphins in river READ MORE

10. Climate impact: Tamil Nadu study links vector-borne scrub typhus cases with high rainfall, humidity READ MORE

11. WHO releases guidelines for multi-modal generative AI in healthcare, resonates with recommendations for other sectors READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Women in small towns see a future in business READ MORE

2. How smartphones can make education inclusive READ MORE

3. Gearing up for change: On IMD and weather analyses having contemporary relevance READ MORE

4. China’s population dip is a global concern READ MORE

5. India’s coastal future needs safeguarding. District networks can help build resilience READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. A Powerful Internal Critique READ MORE

2. The Indian Administration: A Saga of Continuity and Change READ MORE

3. How Important are Social Media Influencers in Indian Elections? READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. The challenges post enrolment READ MORE

2. Affordable healthcare for everyone needs an all out push READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. South Africa Invokes Genocide Convention against Israel READ MORE   

2. Restive neighbourhood READ MORE

3. Crafting a new international relations theory READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Is India’s Agricultural Export Policy Ambiguous? READ MORE

2. Multidimensional Deprivation Index and Spatial Clustering READ MORE

3. Keep a close tab on lending apps READ MORE

4. Skewed impact likely READ MORE

5. Empowering Fintech READ MORE

6. Widening inequality is cause for worry READ MORE

7. Beware of manufactured narratives READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Why pollution control needs localised data, grounded in science READ MORE  

2. Double-edged sword READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The problem with India’s science management READ MORE

2. Aditya-L1 Mission: Another Feat for India’s Space Program READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Emerging situations in Myanmar require proactive responses from India READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Gandhi as an Exemplar? READ MORE

2. Supreme god is Narayan, his ethical aspect, Ram READ MORE

3. Mental Subtraction READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The changing nature of the administrative system in India has occurred due to the paradigm shift in economic ideas and policies—from a state-centric economy to a neo-liberal market economy. Examine.

2. AI can lead to economic growth, but it also has the potential to destabilise national policies and disrupt financial systems. Critically comment.

3. The Right to Education Act, 2009 may have ensured universal access to education, but there is many a gap to fill before it touches every child in the true spirit of the law. Comment on the statement in the light of recent ASER’s report.

4. Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions globally and a united Asian front could serve as a counterbalance allowing for a more multipolar world order where India plays a significant role. Comment.

5. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are critical to unlocking the potential of India envisioned under the ‘Make in India’ campaign. Discuss how the Schemes like Merchant Credit Card can be vital for helpful for enhancing global competitiveness and credit access for MSMEs.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.
• The moral force and churning generated by South African actions should impel global action for peace and justice to the Palestinian people.
• The Supreme Court’s judgment cancelling the remission of the convicts in the gang rape of Bilkis Bano, while being a resounding victory for the rule of law, civil liberties, and basic decency, is also an internal rebuke of the Court itself.
• The changing nature of the administrative system in India has occurred due to the paradigm shift in economic ideas and policies—from a state-centric economy to a neo-liberal market economy.
• The agricultural export policy was announced in 2018 to transform the ecosystem of India’s agricultural exports. However, the country’s agricultural exports have faced several policy-induced restrictions.
• Till then moral criticism is generated when examples are not set and contrasts it with the morality based on universalisable principles, which causes contempt, hostility, and violence when the principles fail to universalise.
• The 15th Finance Commission provided enough funds to states for air quality management. State agencies need to work in tandem with academic and research establishments to develop forecasting systems and operationalise them.
• AI can lead to economic growth, but it also has the potential to destabilise national policies and disrupt financial systems.
• Diplomatic tensions emerge as troll armies in the Maldives take on India, sparking an online clash and hinting at a deeper political crisis.
• New Delhi must carefully navigate its foreign policy to safeguard its strategic interests while promoting stability and cooperation in the region.
• The responsibility lies with nations to uphold the principles of peace, justice, and equality, steering away from the temptations of power politics.
• Indian society has for long been deeply unequal, with social divisions aggravating economic and other kinds of inequality.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Poverty reduction works best when inclusive growth and welfarism go together.

50-WORD TALK

• Supreme Court’s refusal to extend the deadline for surrender of Bilkis Bano’s rape convicts is a bold iteration of the rule of law. Their reasons for extension were flimsy and an obvious sham to buy more time. It was a travesty that they were even released in the first place.
• Health ministry’s direction to doctors ordering them to specify the reason every time they prescribe antibiotics has come not a day too soon. With high incidence of antibiotics abuse, India’s contribution to the global drug-resistant pathogen is very high. And it is now also India’s burden to fix the problem.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. The importance of periodic testing for Human Pappilomavirus READ MORE

2. Economy to log stronger-than expected growth in FY24: RBI officials READ MORE

3. Indigenous GM mustard meant to make edible oil cheaper, reduce import, Centre tells Supreme Court READ MORE

4. Sub-categorisation of SCs | Panel to look into even distribution of benefits READ MORE

5. ISRO develops second generation Distress Alert Transmitter READ MORE

6. What are ecological droughts? READ MORE

7. Greenland has lost more ice than previously thought: study READ MORE

8. Supreme Court Collegium recommends appointment of five Calcutta High Court additional judges as permanent judges READ MORE

9. EU Commission to back 90% emissions cut for 2040 climate target: Report READ MORE

10.  New study shows sea otters helped prevent widespread California kelp forest declines over the past century READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Striving for gender parity in corporate India READ MORE

2. How smartphones can make education inclusive READ MORE

3. 2023 recorded many of the hottest days on land and sea READ MORE

4. China’s population dip is a global concern READ MORE

5. India’s coastal future needs safeguarding. District networks can help build resilience READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Rising Concerns About India’s Judiciary READ MORE

2. Traditional Indian medicine goes global READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Smaller citizens: On the gaps in India’s education system READ MORE

2. The challenges post enrolment READ MORE

3. Basic skills poor: Gaps galore in foundational learning outcomes READ MORE

4. Affordable healthcare for everyone needs an all out push READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Crafting a new phase in India-U.K. defence ties READ MORE  

2. India-Iran ties on a new high READ MORE

3. India-China relations head towards a thaw READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. NITI poverty paper heartening, but raises questions READ MORE

2. Landscaping growth with tech READ MORE

3. Where’s the V-shaped recovery? READ MORE

4. Modern Slavery In The Gig Economy READ MORE

5. Millets for climate resilience and food security in India READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Fog, Frigidity, and Climate Change: Unravelling North India’s Winter Quandary READ MORE

2. The Only Way to Make Climate Progress READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Should AI models be allowed to use copyrighted material for training? READ MORE

2. The success of Indian scientists inspires young girls in rural areas READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Maritime Security Architecture and Western Indian Ocean: India’s Stakes READ MORE  

2. Border management cannot ignore Myanmar situation READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Match the wavelength, flow like a stream READ MORE

2. Bilkis Bano’s fight for justice gets a fillip READ MORE

3. Why does a mother kill her own child? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The Right to Education Act, 2009 may have ensured universal access to education, but there is many a gap to fill before it touches every child in the true spirit of the law. Comment on the statement in the light of recent ASER’s report.

2. Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions globally and a united Asian front could serve as a counterbalance allowing for a more multipolar world order where India plays a significant role. Comment.

3. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are critical to unlocking the potential of India envisioned under the ‘Make in India’ campaign. Discuss how the Schemes like Merchant Credit Card can be vital for helpful for enhancing global competitiveness and credit access for MSMEs.

4. India’s pre-eminence in the global arena will rest on the strength of its democratic edifice sustained and nurtured by an abiding deference to human rights and accountability of state power. Discuss how custodial torture challenges democracy and dignity?

5. Deepfakes use AI algorithms blur the line between reality and fabrication by creating highly convincing fake content and pose a threat to privacy. Discuss how a stringent regulatory and accountable framework can be implemented to address the issues involved effectively.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The only stable state is the one in which all men are equal before the law.
• School enrolments are rising and becoming more equal in terms of gender, caste gaps. But skill sets of students leave a lot to be desired.
• The Right to Education Act, 2009 may have ensured universal access to education, but there is many a gap to fill before it touches every child in the true spirit of the law.
• Poverty reduction works best when inclusive growth and welfarism go together.
• At present, the conversation around Morbi is opaque and the ignored questions about the bridge collapse stand as evidence of a politics of neglect.
• If India has to realise its economic potential and, more importantly, prevent an explosion of discontent in its labour markets, this crisis has to be solved at the earliest.
• A skilled workforce or lack of it also has a significant impact on a country’s position within the global economy. This is where India’s biggest challenge vis-à-vis exploiting its demographic dividend lies.
• There’s a need to cap as many medical charges as possible. We should also ensure that the cost of medical facilities is close to the CGHS rates, if not the same.
• Through data-driven insights and advocacy, gender parity can be given a boost. Government support is vital for an inclusive workforce.
• A pivotal shift is underway as the Ministry of Ayush spearheads a global medical revolution, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern healthcare.
• Iran has a crucial voice in matters related to West Asia and ensuring the safety of Indian sailors and goods on ships.
• Economically, Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions globally and stronger ties could open new markets for trade and investment. Politically, a united Asian front could serve as a counterbalance allowing for a more multipolar world order where India plays a significant role.
• To realise the potential of our higher education system, policy must do less to achieve more, and reflect its diversity.
• Given the current trends of climate action, millets provide an efficient solution for circumventing the food and water trade-off.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Poverty reduction works best when inclusive growth and welfarism go together.

50-WORD TALK

• Each year the ASER report brings the same bad news on learning outcomes of India’s school-going children. It shocks for a few days and is quickly forgotten until next year. All the focus has been on boosting enrolment and the ambitious NEP and not enough on the quality of education.
• Launching missile strikes at each other by Iran and Pakistan is a reminder that the Israel-Hamas war theatre is expanding and coming closer home. This, on top of Houthi rebels playing havoc with maritime trade. Diplomats from West, Israel and Iran need to hunker down and urgently avert a disaster.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. More than 80% of tree species endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest are threatened with extinction, finds study READ MORE

2. Gujarat bans exotic Conocarpus tree amid health and environment hazard READ MORE

3. Four new octopus species discovered in the deep-sea vents off Costa Rica READ MORE

4. Rainfall rising in over half of India’s sub-districts, says four-decade study READ MORE

5. Over half of youth struggling with basic maths: ASER study READ MORE

6. More droughts brought on by climate change could worsen wildfires in US’s southern Appalachian forests READ MORE

7. Conducive climate, beach this year: In February, large number of Olive Ridley turtles expected to lay eggs in Rushikulya READ MORE

8. Over half of global mines and their impacts are undocumented: Paper READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. People working fewer hours due to Long COVID, as sick days increase dramatically: ILO report READ MORE

2. How smartphones can make education inclusive READ MORE

3. Surface irrigation may encourage monocropping: Evidence from Telangana holds lessons for India READ MORE

4. Hot springs served as catalyst for life on Earth billions of years ago, study finds READ MORE

5. Indian tectonic plate is breaking into two. It’s happening beneath Tibet READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Supreme Court wants authorities to act tough on incitement to violence, hate speech READ MORE

2. Custodial torture challenges democracy and dignity READ MORE

3. Centre for Policy Research’s FCRA Registration Cancelled READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Express View on ASER report: Cues for reform READ MORE

2. Holistic national educational outlook READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Hostile shift in Maldives’ relations with India READ MORE  

2. Why India faces a strategic dilemma in the unfolding Myanmar crisis READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. FDI interest has improved, but not across States READ MORE

2. Fiscal deficit, external headwinds on FM’s agenda READ MORE

3. MSMEs need cost institutional credit READ MORE

4. Establishing a robust and resilient tax system READ MORE

5. India’s youth need jobs not freebies. Can govt deliver before demographic dividend fades? READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Haryana: Alarming Levels of Arsenic and Fluoride Contamination Found in Haryana’s Groundwater READ MORE

2. The Only Way to Make Climate Progress READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Deepfake crisis: Hold creators and disseminators accountable READ MORE

2. Science Fiction as the Blueprint: Informing Policy in the Age of AI and Emerging Tech READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Maritime Security Architecture and Western Indian Ocean: India’s Stakes READ MORE  

2. Border management cannot ignore Myanmar situation READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Awareness and deterrence key to reducing fire hazards READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Exploring existence through metaphysics of logic READ MORE

2. Work-life balance READ MORE

3. Why does a mother kill her own child? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are critical to unlocking the potential of India envisioned under the ‘Make in India’ campaign. Discuss how the Schemes like Merchant Credit Card can be vital for helpful for enhancing global competitiveness and credit access for MSMEs.

2. India’s pre-eminence in the global arena will rest on the strength of its democratic edifice sustained and nurtured by an abiding deference to human rights and accountability of state power. Discuss how custodial torture challenges democracy and dignity?

3. Deepfakes use AI algorithms blur the line between reality and fabrication by creating highly convincing fake content and pose a threat to privacy. Discuss how a stringent regulatory and accountable framework can be implemented to address the issues involved effectively.

4. Instead of relying on doles and handouts, India must adopt an inclusive growth path and for that India requires rapidly growing jobs at the bottom, and not just the top, of the wage and skill distribution pyramid. Discuss how jobless growth threatens the demographic dividend.

5. Fostering collaboration between policymakers, creative industries, and international bodies can establish a future that balances technological advancement with contextualised societal norms. Analyse.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• We do not need guns and bombs to bring peace, we need love and compassion.
• While the government’s insistence that academic institutes act as carriers of their political propaganda is becoming more trenchant, the concept of universities being vehicles of free thought would fall by the wayside.
• Placing restrictions on the articulation of one’s opinion or ideas can negatively impact academic work and hurt the research environment.
• The constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech is often hindered by the application of sedition law (Section 124A) or more commonly misused clauses under Section 295A – hurting religious feelings.
• The enactment of an anti-torture legislation is a collective burden of the executive, legislative and judicial wings of the Indian state.
• Government action is needed to enhance global competitiveness and credit access for MSMEs. Schemes like Merchant Credit Card can be helpful.
• The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are critical to unlocking the potential of India envisioned under the ‘Make In India’ campaign.
• Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live.
• A nation inspired by the ideals of a dignitarian Constitution cannot carry the burden of an unconscionable indifference to the inadequacy of legal structures to prevent brazen infractions of individual dignity by torture in custody of the state’s agencies.
• India’s pre-eminence in the global arena will rest on the strength of its democratic edifice sustained and nurtured by an abiding deference to human rights and accountability of state power.
• Deepfakes use AI algorithms to generate videos, audio recordings or images that look and sound real. They blur the line between reality and fabrication by creating highly convincing fake content. Deepfakes also pose a threat to privacy.
• Notwithstanding the developments that surround Myanmar’s future, India should anvil a strategy that is not only in line with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
• India’s boycott of the Maldives might have a big impact on both nations’ economies and relations. Tense relations might develop diplomatically and harm stability and cooperation in the region.
• Instead of relying on doles and handouts, India must adopt an inclusive growth path, where jobs grow commensurately with GDP numbers.
• Inclusive growth requires rapidly growing jobs at the bottom, and not just the top, of the wage and skill distribution pyramid. In the absence of such a comprehensive strategy, the demographic dividend is indeed threatened.
• Fostering collaboration between policymakers, creative industries, and international bodies can establish a future that balances technological advancement with contextualised societal norms.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The truly happy ones, understand life.

50-WORD TALK

• Government has imposed 50% duty on molasses exports to increase ethanol production. This, just a month after it banned using sugar for ethanol production. It later relented but imposed strict limits. If India is serious about its ethanol blending programme, it needs a systematic plan rather than stop-gap, contradictory measures.
• Niti Aayog’s findings that 44% of Indians are deprived of cooking fuel, 31% of sanitation and 41% of housing show multidimensional poverty remains widespread in India. All these fall under Modi government’s flagship schemes, for which it has claimed resounding success. It’s time rhetoric met reality, and accomplishments meet requirements.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. New butterfly species endemic to Western Ghats discovered in Karnataka READ MORE
2. India Signs Agreement for Lithium Exploration & Mining Project in Argentina READ MORE
3. Over 24.8 crore people moved out of poverty in India in nine years: NITI report READ MORE
4. Exports marginally up at $38.45 billion in December; trade deficit narrows READ MORE
5. AI will impact 40% of jobs globally, says IMF chief READ MORE
6. Why Kashmir and Ladakh are without snow this winter, its implications READ MORE
7. Warming up to climate change: As greenhouse gases occur naturally, why do emissions from human activities matter? READ MORE
8. Who are the shankaracharyas — and who was Adi Shankara? READ MORE
9. What is the World Economic Forum meeting, held annually in Davos? READ MORE
10. Changes in precipitation in moderate or very high emissions scenario to impact 3-5 billion people: Study READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Second class: Autonomy in decision-making for Indian women is a rare privilege. Blame our social structure READ MORE
2. Indian women: Climbing the U curve READ MORE
3. Rising tide of atrocities against Dalits READ MORE
4. Bose’s winning goal for Independence READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. A Speaker’s flawed move to determine the real faction READ MORE
2. Regulating India’s online gaming industry READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. On the Swachh Survekshan awards: Factors that hinder general improvement in sanitation must be overcome READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Iran, also ran: Jaishankar’s visit is useful. But New Delhi’s key interests in West Asia don’t now include Tehran READ MORE  
2. Doing diplomacy with patience in Maldives READ MORE
3. A new milestone in India-West Asia relations READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Empowering rural India through digital access READ MORE
2. WTO legitimacy at stake in Abu Dhabi meeting READ MORE
3. The geography of unequal growth READ MORE
4. The Middle Corridor and opportunities for India READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. For India, the easiest way to decarbonise is to scale up renewable capacity READ MORE
2. Conservation strategies to protect big cat stripes READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Are antibiotics over-prescribed in India? READ MORE
2. Direct mobile broadcasting is a gamechanger READ MORE
3. The pragmatic approach to counter international terrorism READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. The delusion of eliminating ‘the last terrorist’ READ MORE  
2. Border management cannot ignore Myanmar situation READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Awareness and deterrence key to reducing fire hazards READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Of Sun, science and sacred flames READ MORE
2. Spiritual compass READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The Middle Corridor initiative presents great opportunities for countries to create economic diversification, encourage regional integration, and foster stronger diplomatic relations. Comment.
2. The country requires a fiscal blueprint that harmonises economic growth with environmental imperatives and the 16th FC is the best-placed institutional mechanism to fulfil this critical need. Comment.
3. Indian diplomacy in the neighbourhood lacked both the economic and the military resources to deliver on its policy objectives that it inherited as the successor state to British India. Examine.
4. As long as defection disputes are in the hands of Speakers, and not any independent authority, political considerations will undoubtedly cast a shadow on the power to disqualify. Argue in the light of recent developments.
5. The lack of access to timely and accurate information always remained a hurdle for farmers in India. Discuss how the agri-tech startups are bridging this information gap through mobile applications and digital platforms?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• We do not need guns and bombs to bring peace, we need love and compassion.
• Neutralising terrorists is a crucial objective of the security operations, but it ought not to become the overriding factor in the context of there being lower terror indices.
• It must be made clear here that the question as to which faction is the real party cannot be decided by the Speaker as the Tenth Schedule does not require him to decide this. This question is decided only by the Election Commission of India under paragraph 15 of the symbols order.
• Establishing a strict regulatory framework is an urgent need, not just for protecting our digital nagriks and national interests, but also to ensure responsible growth of the online gaming sector.
• Reduction in the use of fossil fuels can be easily done in the case of power generation where one needs to substitute coal and gas with solar, wind, hydro and also nuclear.
• India is caught between Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ on one hand and the US-Israel-Arab partnership on the other hand.
• Women’s participation rate in labour has risen, thanks to improvements in convenience and safety of working, and changes in social norms and preferences.
• Strained Delhi-Malé relations will boost Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean.
• Democracy is when the people keep a government in check.
• The situation in Myanmar, the diverse ethnic ecosystem in India’s North-East and the overall regional economic potential, a sound border management requires multi-stakeholder consultations.
• The complexities of geopolitics and geoeconomics in West Asia, India’s engagement with Iran, to a great extent, opened the doors for New Delhi in Riyadh, Kuwait, Baghdad and other regional capitals.
• Common Service Centres are transforming lives in rural India by offering employment opportunities and delivering digital services.
• Addressing the roots of terrorism and creating general awareness, along with public support against terrorist acts, are essential steps. However, the government’s attempt to delegate judgment to police and armed forces must be balanced to avoid diluting benefits and impeding peace and negotiation.
• The feudal equations across India are intertwined with caste and gender hierarchies, which create a power structure based on land possession and creates a congenial environment for violence against Dalits, especially in rural areas.
• The Middle Corridor initiative presents great opportunities for countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Central Asian Republics. It has the potential to create economic diversification, encourage regional integration, and foster stronger diplomatic relations.
• To address challenges in global security, climate change, emerging technology and trade, the international community must prioritize diverse voices and involve actors that have previously been on the margins of multilateral fora.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The truly happy ones, understand life.

50-WORD TALK

• Maharashtra assembly speaker Narwekar ruling in favour of Shinde faction in MLAs’ disqualification case was on expected lines. His interpretation of Sena’s leadership structure and SC’s observation on legislative majority was ingenious and convenient. Anti-defection law has become ineffective. SC’s suggestion for independent tribunal for disqualification petitions must be implemented.
• The islands remain largely inaccessible, tourist connectivity cumbersome and facilities limited. It’s time to unlock Lakshadweep’s potential. This round has gone to India; Maldives is busy controlling the damage after its ministers’ remarks on PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit. But what comes next is an inconvenient truth: we haven’t leveraged the tourism potential of our archipelago.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. 100 million Indians to be affluent by 2027: Report READ MORE

2. Indo-US satellite NISAR to study Earth’s cryospheric changes, will help in natural resource, hazard management READ MORE

3. Jharkhand declares drought in 17 districts READ MORE

4. WHO certifies Cabo Verde malaria-free; third African country to do so READ MORE

5. In 2023, global ocean heat content doubled or tripled since the late 1980s, shows study READ MORE

6. Prepare Coastal Zone Management Plans without delay, NGT tells coastal States and Union Territories READ MORE

7. Assam’s Kaziranga National Park records 27% increase in waterbirds READ MORE

8. SC refuses to stay new law excluding CJI from panel picking CEC, ECs READ MORE

9. PM Modi to inaugurate India’s longest sea bridge ‘Mumbai Trans Harbour Link’ tomorrow | See Pics READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Ustad Rashid Khan’s legacy of perfection READ MORE

2. Revisit Tagore to revive higher ed READ MORE

3. Why is child marriage still high in West Bengal? READ MORE

4. Snow cover across Northern Hemisphere has declined in last 4 decades due to changing climate: Study READ MORE

5. Global warming, sea level rise, ageing flood defence systems: Why European countries have been flooded READ MORE

6. A looming crisis: How India can balance its water demand and supply across sectors? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Respecting SEBI’s mandate, expertise, functional freedom READ MORE

2. Maharashtra Speaker’s verdict in Shiv Sena MLA disqualification case stirs up political controversy READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. On the Swachh Survekshan awards: Factors that hinder general improvement in sanitation must be overcome READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Halfway to 2030:Unravelling Global food security challenges READ MORE  

2. Muizzu’s Maldives is missing the ‘Geo’ in geopolitics READ MORE

3. India in the South Asian neighbourhood: Friendship or friction? READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Robust revenues: On direct tax collection target and fiscal consolidation READ MORE

2. Watering the seeds of the rural economy: Evidence from groundwater irrigation in India READ MORE

3. India needs a new automobile policy READ MORE

4. Effect of FDI Inflows on the Export Performance of India READ MORE

5. Shoots of change: India’s agritech revolution READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. To combat climate challenges, the Finance Commission needs to step up READ MORE

2. India’s climate goals: Navigating a complex dilemma READ MORE

3. Environmental Impact Assessments: Ex post facto clearances of violations will only serve to weaken the regulatory regime. READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Are antibiotics over-prescribed in India? READ MORE

2. Direct mobile broadcasting is a gamechanger READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cybersecurity Threats in Online Gaming: Learnings for India READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Awareness and deterrence key to reducing fire hazards READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Divine acts in us when we act in the divine READ MORE

2. Arise, Awake, Vivekananda Has A Message For You READ MORE

3. Viksit Bharat: Youth to play a pivotal role READ MORE

4. Is there a hidden purpose to our existence? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The country requires a fiscal blueprint that harmonises economic growth with environmental imperatives and the 16th FC is the best-placed institutional mechanism to fulfil this critical need. Comment.

2. Indian diplomacy in the neighbourhood lacked both the economic and the military resources to deliver on its policy objectives that it inherited as the successor state to British India. Examine.

3. As long as defection disputes are in the hands of Speakers, and not any independent authority, political considerations will undoubtedly cast a shadow on the power to disqualify. Argue in the light of recent developments.

4. The lack of access to timely and accurate information always remained a hurdle for farmers in India. Discuss how the agri-tech startups are bridging this information gap through mobile applications and digital platforms?

5. In the global effort to feed a growing population sustainably, technological advancements and innovation in agriculture are more critical than ever. Discuss how in recent years, the Indian agricultural landscape has witnessed a transformative wave driven by the Agri-Tech startup ecosystem to increases the yield in Agriculture?

6. In a world where almost every economic asset of a nation, including scenic natural tourist spots is being weaponised, a strategic balance is required with neighbours. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments in India’s neighbourhood.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• We do not need guns and bombs to bring peace, we need love and compassion.
• Strong direct tax receipts create a fiscal cushion and room for more reforms.
• For civic sanitation to remain a sustainable movement, it is high time that the government intervenes and prevents it from being a numbers game.
• The Finance Commission needs to metamorphose from a conventional fiscal arbitrator to an orchestrator of India’s climate readiness. The country requires a fiscal blueprint that harmonises economic growth with environmental imperatives.
• Conservation of standing forests and increasing forest cover density helps lock carbon underground contributing to mitigation of global warming.
• The Finance Commission (FC), responsible for fiscal federalism in the country, has in the past provided incentives to states to maintain and improve their forest cover.
• The country requires a fiscal blueprint that harmonises economic growth with environmental imperatives. The 16th FC is the best-placed institutional mechanism to fulfil this critical need.
• Innovations to tackle the seemingly intractable problem of crop burning will require funds. So will mangrove restoration, a key necessity given the weather vagary-induced floods in recent times.
• India needs a new urban imagination that will facilitate not just augmenting infrastructure in old cities but also building new urban spaces.
• The Maldives Government should realise that their economy is dependent on tourism and in the business of hospitality, one needs to be humble and not arrogant.
• A significant improvement in agricultural production accompanied with modest consumption gains, as well as a substantial increase in population density.
• The impact of foreign direct investments on the expansion of export-based foreign trade in emerging economies is explored.
• Indian agritech is making impressive strides and expanding its global footprint, but it is still at a nascent stage and has penetrated only 1 percent of its potential market value.
• To end the intergenerational cycle of poverty and eradicate all types of malnutrition, policymakers must intensify their efforts.
• Indian diplomacy in the neighbourhood lacked both the economic and the military resources to deliver on its policy objectives that it inherited as the successor state to British India.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The truly happy ones, understand life.

50-WORD TALK

• Maharashtra assembly speaker Narwekar ruling in favour of Shinde faction in MLAs’ disqualification case was on expected lines. His interpretation of Sena’s leadership structure and SC’s observation on legislative majority was ingenious and convenient. Anti-defection law has become ineffective. SC’s suggestion for independent tribunal for disqualification petitions must be implemented.
• The islands remain largely inaccessible, tourist connectivity cumbersome and facilities limited. It’s time to unlock Lakshadweep’s potential. This round has gone to India; Maldives is busy controlling the damage after its ministers’ remarks on PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit. But what comes next is an inconvenient truth: we haven’t leveraged the tourism potential of our archipelago.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Scientists name the most common tropical tree species for the first time READ MORE

2. Tamil Nadu may get four new Biodiversity Heritage Sites this year READ MORE

3. A 22-million-year-old petrified mangrove forest found in the Panama Canal READ MORE

4. Innovative entrepreneurship: turning the tide against antimicrobial resistance READ MORE

5. Ministry issues revised rules to ensure quality in pharma sector READ MORE

6. Indore, Surat named cleanest cities, Maharashtra cleanest state READ MORE

7. Minorities’ right to open institutions not for ghettoisation: Supreme Court READ MORE

8. Genocide case against Israel: Who were the Amalek, whose mention by Netanyahu came up at the ICJ READ MORE

9. To protect endangered sharks and rays, scientists are mapping these species’ most important locations READ MORE

10.  Over 77 countries saw highest average temperature in 2023 in close to 5 decades: Report READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Ustad Rashid Khan’s legacy of perfection READ MORE

2. Revisit Tagore to revive higher ed READ MORE

3. Why is child marriage still high in West Bengal? READ MORE

4. India has entered a new era of reservation devoid of social justice READ MORE

5. Global warming, sea level rise, ageing flood defence systems: Why European countries have been flooded READ MORE

6. A looming crisis: How India can balance its water demand and supply across sectors? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The Speaker’s court: On the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker’s ruling READ MORE

2. What next for Indian federalism? READ MORE

3. Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/what-next-for-indian-federalism-2845426

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Structured negotiation as a boost for disability rights READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. A Bangladesh ‘one-party state’ and India’s options READ MORE  

2. The Maldives-India ties: Drifting apart READ MORE

3. India, Maldives need to work together for peace in Indian ocean READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Express View on EU carbon tax: Costs of a levy READ MORE

2. IBC has been unfairly criticized READ MORE

3. Startups in the agriculture sector are pioneering innovations READ MORE

4. Don’t ignore warning signals on growth READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. A Heatwave in Antarctica Totally Blew the Minds of Scientists. What They Deciphered is Alarming READ MORE

2. Global heating may breach 1.5°C in 2024 – here’s what that could look like READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Are antibiotics over-prescribed in India? READ MORE

2. Direct mobile broadcasting is a gamechanger READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cybersecurity Threats in Online Gaming: Learnings for India READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Awareness and deterrence key to reducing fire hazards READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Arise, Awake, Vivekananda Has A Message For You READ MORE

2. Viksit Bharat: Youth to play a pivotal role READ MORE

3. Is there a hidden purpose to our existence? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. As long as defection disputes are in the hands of Speakers, and not any independent authority, political considerations will undoubtedly cast a shadow on the power to disqualify. Argue in the light of recent developments.

2. The lack of access to timely and accurate information always remained a hurdle for farmers in India. Discuss how the agri-tech startups are bridging this information gap through mobile applications and digital platforms?

3. In the global effort to feed a growing population sustainably, technological advancements and innovation in agriculture are more critical than ever. Discuss how in recent years, the Indian agricultural landscape has witnessed a transformative wave driven by the Agri-Tech startup ecosystem to increases the yield in Agriculture?

4. In a world where almost every economic asset of a nation, including scenic natural tourist spots is being weaponised, a strategic balance is required with neighbours. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments in India’s neighbourhood.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• We do not need guns and bombs to bring peace, we need love and compassion.
• As long as defection disputes are in the hands of Speakers, and not any independent authority, political considerations will undoubtedly cast a shadow on the power to disqualify.
• Even as India stands assured of continuity in its good bilateral ties with Bangladesh, it cannot ignore its loss of influence in the Awami League and western criticism of the controversial elections.
• Direct to mobile (D2M) technology removes the necessity for the internet, delivers TV and radio broadcasts directly to mobile.
• Agri-tech start-ups empower farmers to make data-driven decisions, adopt modern practices, and access real-time information through their innovative digital solutions.
• Agri-tech startups have been successful in addressing the various critical challenges plaguing the Indian agricultural industry.
• The digitalisation of agriculture attracts tech-savvy individuals, revitalising the sector for a more vibrant and dynamic landscape, ensuring a brighter future for India.
• The lack of access to timely and accurate information has long been a hurdle for farmers in India. Agri-tech startups are bridging this information gap through mobile applications and digital platforms.
• In the global effort to feed a growing population sustainably, technological advancements and innovation in agriculture are more critical than ever. In recent years, the Indian agricultural landscape has witnessed a transformative wave driven by the Agri-Tech startup ecosystem.
• In a world where almost every economic asset of a nation, including scenic natural tourist spots is being weaponised, a strategic balance is required with neighbours.
• Following the Article 370 ruling, it appears that the court has inevitably acknowledged that despite its vast constitutional powers, its role has shrunk in the face of a powerful parliamentary majority.
• the ruling party legislators splitting or defecting and the partisan behaviour of legislative functionaries which may be inevitable but leads to complications, that the judiciary may be tempted to get to the heart of it in the hope of establishing the importance of the fundamentals governing the people’s mandate in an electoral democracy.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The truly happy ones, understand life.

50-WORD TALK

• Maharashtra assembly speaker Narwekar ruling in favour of Shinde faction in MLAs’ disqualification case was on expected lines. His interpretation of Sena’s leadership structure and SC’s observation on legislative majority was ingenious and convenient. Anti-defection law has become ineffective. SC’s suggestion for independent tribunal for disqualification petitions must be implemented.
• The islands remain largely inaccessible, tourist connectivity cumbersome and facilities limited. It’s time to unlock Lakshadweep’s potential. This round has gone to India; Maldives is busy controlling the damage after its ministers’ remarks on PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit. But what comes next is an inconvenient truth: we haven’t leveraged the tourism potential of our archipelago.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Green hydrogen can enable energy transition in India’s net-zero journey: WEF-Bain report READ MORE

2. How a super-energetic particle from outer space could help physics | Explained READ MORE

3. ILO sees structural imbalances in global labour market READ MORE

4. Tea Association of India warns of return to ‘dark phase’ for industry READ MORE

5. SC report exposes severe gaps in accessibility for people with disabilities at courts across India READ MORE

6. After a record 1,111 NGOs got FCRA nod in 2023, 30 get clearance in January READ MORE

7. IISc Bengaluru comes up with warm vaccine against current strains of SARS-CoV-2 READ MORE

8. Why has South Africa taken Israel to the International Court of Justice? READ MORE

9. Why we need national standards for using fine-soil-like material recovered from legacy waste dumpsites in India READ MORE

10. A heatwave in Antarctica totally blew the minds of scientists. They set out to decipher it — and here are the results READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Ustad Rashid Khan’s legacy of perfection READ MORE

2. Revisit Tagore to revive higher ed READ MORE

3. Why is child marriage still high in West Bengal? READ MORE

4. India has entered a new era of reservation devoid of social justice READ MORE

5. Global warming, sea level rise, ageing flood defence systems: Why European countries have been flooded READ MORE

6. A looming crisis: How India can balance its water demand and supply across sectors? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The laws around remission policy | Explained READ MORE

2. Simultaneous elections are a rarity around the world READ MORE

3. The ‘Illegal’ Ways of Law-Making by India’s Parliament READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Structured negotiation as a boost for disability rights READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. A change for the worse: On the rapid decline in India-Maldives ties READ MORE  

2. Apparatchiks don’t speak for south block READ MORE

3. India’s Russia Defense Gambit READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. A more focused RBI: Creating capacity to tackle ‘true’ market failure READ MORE

2. GenAI has the potential to propel economic growth READ MORE

3. China’s rare earth strategy and India’s future READ MORE

4. How India could leapfrog economically with general AI READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Preparing for a warmer world READ MORE

2. Plastic hazard: US study has key lessons for India READ MORE

3. The final hour READ MORE

4. Carbon trading in India: Local actions for the global commons READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI OR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A BOON OR CURSE READ MORE

2. The AI Potential READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cybersecurity Threats in Online Gaming: Learnings for India READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Let us Learn from Disasters READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. An ambitious push for values, ethics in higher education READ MORE

2. Ethics and morality READ MORE

3. Is there a hidden purpose to our existence? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. India, with its substantial reserves and growing technological sector, is an ideal destination to become a new hub for rare earth processing, potentially altering the global landscape of rare earth production. Comment.

2. Despite being home to one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, India has yet to make a material impact in the rapidly advancing AI arena. Discuss how India could leapfrog economically with general AI?

3. If the Central government wants to improve the financial transparency and efficiency, the number of Central Sector schemes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes must come down drastically. Comment.

4. The merger of a public account with the cash balance leads to the problem of over-borrowing. Examine.

5. India’s success in ensuring food security by 2030 is depend on its approach to managing water and understanding water as a part of a nexus while drafting and amending policies is key to a food-secure future. Comment.

6. Multi-dimensional poverty Index is largely based on the social-sector indicators but it is crucial to address income poverty and policy needs to focus on spurring employment-intensive growth. Discuss.

7. Human values, professional ethics, and legal framework are the three main constituents that give direction to the appropriate human behaviour and decision-making guidelines in an organization. Comment.

8. India requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort from the Government and industry players to become global manufacturing hub. Discuss the role of Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to promote domestic manufacturing and increase India’s share of global exports.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The solution of present-day problems lies in re-establishing a harmonious relationship between man & nature.
• For India, in South Asia region that sees several elections in 2024, it is paramount to ensure that domestic political changes in the neighbourhood do not change the basic structure of bilateral ties, or affect regional stability.
• Row with Maldives shows we India needs to flesh out SAGAR as a tool for regional diplomacy.
• The Telecom Act can be both a shiny new phone with the same old software or a revolutionary rocket that can turbocharge India’s digital economy.
• The government’s intervention is crucial in providing public funding to address the skill shortage that businesses will face as they increasingly adopt GenAI on a larger scale.
• A separation of federal and provincial elections ensures that voters are not cross-influenced by leaders or issues of the national election with the one in their state or province or vice-versa.
• The biggest drawback with the current system of food subsidy is making it available at throwaway prices. It allures dubious players who buy it cheap and sell it at higher prices.
• Addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities will be crucial for India to fully harness the power of GenAI technology.
• With government tightly controlling agenda setting, parliament is virtually powerless to enforce rules of procedures. Internal checks having failed, it is either the court of people or the court of law which can deter the government from making laws in ‘illegal’ ways.
• Debates in Parliament suggest that much of the House was still under an impression that the PMLA would remain a tool primarily to tackle terrorist financing and drug money. Instead, what had been done was something much more transformative.
• India, with its substantial reserves and growing technological sector, is an ideal candidate to become a new hub for rare earth processing, potentially altering the global landscape of rare earth production.
• It’s important to keep in mind that despite being home to one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, India has yet to make a material impact in the rapidly advancing AI arena.
• Without setting binding targets, the Paris Agreement acknowledged the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities based on the capabilities and bandwidth of the nations to reduce their emissions.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The truly happy ones, understand life.

50-WORD TALK

• Maharashtra assembly speaker Narwekar ruling in favour of Shinde faction in MLAs’ disqualification case was on expected lines. His interpretation of Sena’s leadership structure and SC’s observation on legislative majority was ingenious and convenient. Anti-defection law has become ineffective. SC’s suggestion for independent tribunal for disqualification petitions must be implemented.
• The islands remain largely inaccessible, tourist connectivity cumbersome and facilities limited. It’s time to unlock Lakshadweep’s potential. This round has gone to India; Maldives is busy controlling the damage after its ministers’ remarks on PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit. But what comes next is an inconvenient truth: we haven’t leveraged the tourism potential of our archipelago.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Global economy’s weakest half-decade performance in 30 years likely by end of 2024, warns World Bank READ MORE

2. Scramble for the Sahel — why France, Russia, China and the United States are interested in the region READ MORE

3. Over 100 active permafrost structures identified in Jhelum basin, can cause catastrophic disasters in future: Study READ MORE

4. US study finds hundreds of thousands of nanoplastic particles in bottled drinking water READ MORE

5. Supreme Court Collegium recommends appointment of three new judges to Madhya Pradesh High Court READ MORE

6. Majority of cities far from clean air target, says study READ MORE

7. Indian companies took on larger forex risk in 2023 counting on RBI support READ MORE

8. 2023 was hottest year on record; critical 1.5C limit nearly breached: EU climate monitors READ MORE

9. Privileges panel to seek responses from 11 suspended Rajya Sabha MPs READ MORE

10. What is the Square Kilometer Array project, significance of India joining it READ MORE

11. Regulation by statute does not rob a varsity of minority status, says SC READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Why is child marriage still high in West Bengal? READ MORE

2. India has entered a new era of reservation devoid of social justice READ MORE

3. Global warming, sea level rise, ageing flood defence systems: Why European countries have been flooded READ MORE

4. A looming crisis: How India can balance its water demand and supply across sectors? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. After ECI guidelines, charting a path to disability inclusion in politics READ MORE

2. Justice for Bilkis Bano, questions on remission READ MORE

3. In Bilkis Bano order, the rule of law is upheld READ MORE

4. Ensuring proper utilisation of funds READ MORE

5. Third-party litigators and fight for justice READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Structured negotiation as a boost for disability rights READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Why international law matters READ MORE  

2. Is India refusing to lead active non-alignment? READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Good growth, low demand: On the NSO projection READ MORE   

2. The factory of the future will be data-driven and AI-optimised READ MORE

3. India’s poverty riddle: Despite impressive growth, poverty fell just 0.3% per annum READ MORE

4. India stands out as an outlier worldwide on the positive side READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Why 2023 was the warmest year ever, and what happens now READ MORE

2. Carbon Farming: Sustainable Farming Technique That Keeps Soil Healthy, Combats Climate Change READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Trust in the digital world during the time of deepfakes READ MORE

2. Confronting cancer: Are we winning the war against it? READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cybersecurity Threats in Online Gaming: Learnings for India READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Let us Learn from Disasters READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. An ambitious push for values, ethics in higher education READ MORE

2. Ethics and morality READ MORE

3. Is there a hidden purpose to our existence? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. If the Central government wants to improve the financial transparency and efficiency, the number of Central Sector schemes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes must come down drastically. Comment.

2. The merger of a public account with the cash balance leads to the problem of over-borrowing. Examine.

3. India’s success in ensuring food security by 2030 is depend on its approach to managing water and understanding water as a part of a nexus while drafting and amending policies is key to a food-secure future. Comment.

4. Multi-dimensional poverty Index is largely based on the social-sector indicators but it is crucial to address income poverty and policy needs to focus on spurring employment-intensive growth. Discuss.

5. Human values, professional ethics, and legal framework are the three main constituents that give direction to the appropriate human behaviour and decision-making guidelines in an organization. Comment.

6. India requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort from the Government and industry players to become global manufacturing hub. Discuss the role of Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to promote domestic manufacturing and increase India’s share of global exports.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The solution of present-day problems lies in re-establishing a harmonious relationship between man & nature.
• In the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, a chapter on political inclusion should be incorporated. This will align with the principles of Article 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of PwD.
• With the rural economy struggling under the impact of the monsoon vagaries and the resultant weakness in farm output, demand for producers of a range of goods from soaps and detergents to packaged foods and two-wheelers is yet to regain any kind of vigour in the hinterland.
• The SC has resisted the temptation to issue a sweeping moral condemnation or to undermine the law on remission while addressing the plea for justice in the case.
• Legislative action and judicial activism had raised the guardrails protecting India’s remaining forest cover, which is around 23 per cent of its total area.
• Moving AI to the manufacturing edge promises a lot of tantalizing benefits, but it also poses some unique challenges that need to be overcome for manufacturing-edge AI deployments to be successful.
• By drawing on the power of AI at the edge, smart manufacturers are realizing the very tangible and measurable business benefits that come with better, faster insights at the point of need.
• The merger of a public account with the cash balance leads to the problem of over-borrowing.
• If the Centre is serious about improving financial transparency and efficiency, the number of such schemes must come down drastically.
• While the borrowing under a Consolidated Fund can be adjusted according to needs, the surplus in the Public Account is totally beyond the Government’s control, and this is what leads to over-borrowing.
• A foreign policy in constant search of opportunities in a changing world, evaluating each of them on their merits.
• The exercise of discretion by the state of Gujarat is nothing but an instance of usurpation of jurisdiction and an instance of abuse of discretion.
• The food, land, water and energy sectors are critically interlinked, and action on one of these sectors without careful consideration of the trade-offs in the other sectors could lead to detrimental impacts.
• India’s success in ensuring food security by 2030 will largely depend on its approach to managing water. Understanding water as a part of a nexus while drafting and amending policies will be key to a water and food-secure future.
• Multi-dimensional poverty Index is largely a result of improved access to sanitation, schooling, cooking fuel, etc. While this is very welcome, it is crucial to address income poverty, which is still very high and has remained defiant over the last five years.
• Policy needs to focus on spurring employment-intensive growth. Skill formation in rural areas to enable people move out of agriculture to jobs in urban areas, coupled with direct income transfers to the most vulnerable (antyodaya), can help.
• As the climate gets warmer and the frequency and severity of flooding increases, permeable soil is more important than ever to absorb the heavier rainfall.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The truly happy ones, understand life.

50-WORD TALK

• The release of 11 men sentenced for Bilkis Bano’s gang rape was egregious and indefensible. The Supreme Court has rightly struck down their release and criticised the Gujarat government for abuse of its discretionary power. It didn’t even spare its own 2022 order. The travesty never really stood a chance.
• The India-Maldives snafu, which began on social media over Modi, is a reminder of the strategic complexities at hand. This episode may die a quick death as diplomacy kicks in but Maldives must remember elections are over and hard realities of Chinese debt and India’s long-standing friendship come into play.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1.  Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s China visit deepens diplomatic shift as India, Maldives ties strain READ MORE

2.  Rule Of Law Must Be Enforced Unmindful Of Consequences : Supreme Court Observes In Bilkis Bano Case READ MORE

3.  Study revives South Korea superconductivity claim with new data | Explained READ MORE

4.  Brace for slower growth in 2024-25: Crisil READ MORE

5.  First US lunar lander since 1972 launched: The mission, significance READ MORE

6.  Ocean surface waves — and their hazards — due to tropical cyclones are growing bigger, warns study READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Why is child marriage still high in West Bengal? READ MORE

2. India has entered a new era of reservation devoid of social justice READ MORE

3. Global warming, sea level rise, ageing flood defence systems: Why European countries have been flooded READ MORE

4. Why India needs to revise its forest cover targets READ MORE

5. New Research Raises Fresh Doubts About India’s River Linking Plans READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Curb the disillusionment with the traditional rule of law READ MORE

2. Unlawful remission: On the Bilkis Bano case READ MORE

3. Sedition And Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Structured negotiation as a boost for disability rights READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Understanding the EU’s carbon border tax READ MORE  

2. Maldives row: Normalisation of ties has to be the larger goal READ MORE

3. India must use dialogue to solve border conflict with China. Military solution not viable READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The question of MSP: Is income support for farmers better than pricing that is delinked from market demand? READ MORE 

2. India’s great grain mystery READ MORE

3. India can’t risk oil price volatility READ MORE

4. Policy reforms crucial to make India a manufacturing hub READ MORE

5. Mind underlying worries in GDP growth estimate READ MORE

6. Break free from GDP fixation READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Trust in the digital world during the time of deepfakes READ MORE

2. Confronting cancer: Are we winning the war against it? READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1.  Good fences and good neighbours READ MORE  

2. The fight against the next cycle of global terror READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Let us Learn from Disasters READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. An ambitious push for values, ethics in higher education READ MORE

2. Ethics and morality READ MORE

3. Is there a hidden purpose to our existence? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Education is the most important pillar of a civilized and dignified society. Comment.

2. How the guidelines of Mulya Pravah 2.0 are effective tools to develop a deep sense of respect towards the Fundamental Duties and Constitutional values develop among the students and eventually among citizens?

3. Human values, professional ethics, and legal framework are the three main constituents that give direction to the appropriate human behaviour and decision-making guidelines in an organization. Comment.

4. India requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort from the Government and industry players to become global manufacturing hub. Discuss the role of Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to promote domestic manufacturing and increase India’s share of global exports.

5. Discuss the impacts of financial globalisation on labour activities in India. Do you think that initiatives like Universal Basic Income should be promoted to achieve the goal of social democracy?

6. Discuss how along with addressing food-security concerns, increased production of pulses can help India address environmental challenges?

7. India’s rapid GDP growth has lifted millions out of poverty but it neglects the environmental costs of growth, the social value of natural resources, and the widening chasms of socio-economic inequalities. Examine.

8. The BRICS grouping has strived to democratise the global financial system by reforming the functioning of the Bretton Woods institutions; moreover, against the trends towards an increasingly unequal world order, reforming multilateral institutions remains the primary focus of the group. Discuss in the light of recent developments.

9. Indian Constitution is a binding legal document not a statement of political intent to be enforced at the discretion of the government of the day. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Morality is more subjective than ethics.
• Any rational remission policy should encompass humanitarian considerations and the convicts’ scope for reform without violating the rule of law or societal interests.
• Education is undoubtedly the most important pillar of a civilized and dignified society.
• The guidelines of Mulya Pravah 2.0 are able to develop among the students a deep sense of respect towards the Fundamental Duties and Constitutional values.
• Human values, professional ethics, and legal framework are the three main constituents that give direction to the appropriate human behaviour and decision-making guidelines in an organization.
• To a plea that the court should exercise its extraordinary power under Article 142, the court holds that it is the power to do justice and justice is the rule of law, hence there is no question of allowing the convicts to remain out of prison anymore.
• Changing dynamics in the global oil market have put added pressure. India must continue to focus on diversification of energy sources.
• India is aware of the challenges it faces, and the growing pressure, direct or indirect, from the allies to take sides during geopolitical tensions.
• India’s strong objection to Male is not without reason, but normalisation of ties has to be the larger goal.
• India requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort from the Government and industry players to become global manufacturing hub.
• India’s trade policies and foreign investment regulations play a significant role in attracting global manufacturers.
• As India enters this transformative phase in hiring practices, both employers and job seekers need to embrace the opportunities presented by skills-based hiring.
• Ecological damages from biodiversity loss and habitat conversion are irreversible, emphasising the urgency of preventive measures.
• India has been a good neighbour, who stood by the small country in the past, having helped it with a financial package during and after the Covid pandemic.
• The demand for a quota by the comparatively socially and economically privileged Maratha community prompts a reevaluation of the very bedrock of reservation policies—social justice.
• The rapid urban transformation, and the rise of a manufacturing and service sector-focused economy accelerated cultural transformations.
• Reclaiming reservation as a policy aimed at social justice is an essential step and politically motivated narratives on reservations for economic gains should be dismantled.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The truly happy ones, understand life.

50-WORD TALK

• The release of 11 men sentenced for Bilkis Bano’s gang rape was egregious and indefensible. The Supreme Court has rightly struck down their release and criticised the Gujarat government for abuse of its discretionary power. It didn’t even spare its own 2022 order. The travesty never really stood a chance.
• The India-Maldives snafu, which began on social media over Modi, is a reminder of the strategic complexities at hand. This episode may die a quick death as diplomacy kicks in but Maldives must remember elections are over and hard realities of Chinese debt and India’s long-standing friendship come into play.

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.