1. Bridging the gap: On India and Gender Gap Report READ MORE
2. Learning to qualify: NEP frameworks overemphasise outcome-based learning while ignoring subjective factors of education READ MORE

1. Judicial restraint READ MORE
2. CoWIN Data Leak Is a Sign India Needs to Rethink its Digital Public Infrastructure Strategy READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. How prokaryotes led to eukaryotes READ MORE  
2. The role of the Y chromosome in cancer outcomes studied READ MORE
3. Indian-made mRNA vaccine priced at ₹2,292, will be available as a booster dose READ MORE
4. New ART regulations push up cost of treatment, limit conception opportunities READ MORE
5. Tamil Nadu idol wing steps up efforts to retrieve 16 idols from the U.S. READ MORE
6. Did climate change really make U.P.’s deadly heatwave twice as likely? READ MORE
7. Vikram, Pragyan to return for another tryst with the moon READ MORE
8. Pricing, terms of MQ-9B drone deal with U.S. yet to be finalised, says govt. READ MORE
9. Vande Bharat train to be introduced from Saharanpur to Prayagraj, says Vaishnaw READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. How can technology help in recycling and replenishing water sources? READ MORE
2. Extreme weather events led to 12 million displacements of children in 2022, estimates UNICEF READ MORE
3. Bridging the gap: On India and Gender Gap Report READ MORE
4. Kuki-Meitei conflict is more than just an ethnic clash READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Judicial restraint READ MORE
2. CoWIN Data Leak Is a Sign India Needs to Rethink its Digital Public Infrastructure Strategy READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Learning to qualify: NEP frameworks overemphasise outcome-based learning while ignoring subjective factors of education READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Outreach to diaspora and statesmanship READ MORE
2. The united States of India READ MORE
3. Ashok Gulati writes on the US and India: Old friends in a changing world READ MORE
4. Win-win for US-India trade READ MORE
5. India-US bonhomie: Talks go beyond military concerns READ MORE
6. Focus on neighbourhood at the core of India’s foreign policy READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Startups must iron out governance issues READ MORE
2. Saving Banks~I READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Sustainable fishing to offset climate change impacts READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Jailbreaking generative AI READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Need to understand data both as a strength and vulnerability READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Social connectedness vital to survive climate disasters READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Ethical issuesSynthetic embryo science needs guidelines READ MORE
2. Inspirational experienceA life altering message can be delivered to one person has stayed with me all these years READ MORE
3. Discovering your self in a looking glass READ MORE
4. Piloting the psyche READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The technological aspects India and the USA is a new era of India-US relationship but both countries will have to travel together given changing geopolitics surrounding China and Russia. Critically comment.
2. Sustainable tourism cannot be seen only through the prism of tourism-specific policies; it requires a holistic understanding of the ecology and the people who are dependent upon this ecosystem. In the light of the statement discuss the pros and cons of the Blue Flag certification.
3. A NATO overreach to the Asia-Pacific poses a major challenge to India’s much-touted “strategic autonomy”. Evaluate.
4. What do you understand by the concept “ethical legalism? In what situation, an legal action can be considered an ethical action?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Violence, even well-intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself.
• While the flexibility to accelerate should always be present, India must specify a streamlined regulatory process that weeds out non-essential steps but is hawk-eyed on safety and adverse reactions from new drugs and vaccines.
• The underperformance of India- Egypt bilateral ties is not due to a lack of bilateral institutional mechanisms, but their efficacy and sense of purpose.
• The Law Commission of India should aim to eliminate only those practices that do not meet the benchmarks set by the Constitution of India.
• When it comes to the Global South, it is India that nations look up to; it is this nation that millions would like to see as a proponent of their demands.
• Sedition laws need to be viewed in light of their political, and not merely legal, uses and abuses.
• Personal laws are mixed up with religions and their varying practices and cover a range of issues like divorce, succession, inheritance, adoption and guardianship.
• Mere existence of difference does not imply discrimination, but is indicative of a robust democracy.
• A NATO overreach to the Asia-Pacific will pose a major challenge to New Delhi’s much-touted “strategic autonomy”. The push to transform Quad into a security alliance focusing on China will also have the same effect.
• Although an Asian NATO remains a pie in the sky for now, an extended war over Ukraine will force India and the Asia-Pacific nations to bear the brunt of increasing big-power rivalry in the region.

Essay topic

• Take the diplomacy out of war and the thing would fall flat in a week.

50-WORD TALK

• Failure of authorities to arrest men hired by a British teacher to make violent pornographic clips using Indian children demonstrates the low priority police give to crimes involving powerless victims. Matthew Smith was arrested in November and convicted this week—but police in India have not even filed an FIR.
• Our epidemiological history has taught us that respiratory viruses (the ones which spread through coughing, sneezing, and talking) emerging from reservoirs in the wild, jumping over the species barrier to infect humans, and then sweeping the globe before settling into an endemic behaviour can cause outbreaks that can result in significant mortality and morbidity. Examples include the 1957 flu pandemic caused by an A/H2N2 influenza virus, the 1968 flu pandemic from an A/H3N2 influenza virus, and the 2009 “swine flu” pandemic, from an A/H1N1 influenza virus.

Things to Remember:

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

1. Reduce not negative thinking, but thinking itself READ MORE
2. From ego to anand READ MORE

1. How can technology help in recycling and replenishing water sources? READ MORE
2. Extreme weather events led to 12 million displacements of children in 2022, estimates UNICEF READ MORE

1. Bridging the gap: On India and Gender Gap Report READ MORE
2. Kuki-Meitei conflict is more than just an ethnic clash READ MORE

1. Strike a fine balance, have a just civil code: The Law Commission of India should aim to eliminate only those practices that do not meet the benchmarks set by the Constitution of India READ MORE  
2. View: Law Commission’s Notice on UCC is Antithetical to a Secular State READ MORE
3. Science, Nation State, and Democracy: Reimagining Concepts READ MORE
4. The Politics of Sedition: Sedition laws need to be viewed in light of their political, and not merely legal, uses and abuses. READ MORE
5. Gutting the Powers of an Elected Government READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. ‘Price stability is a must for growth’ READ MORE  
2. ‘Decision by U.S., India to end trade row, a big victory’ READ MORE
3. NATO winds up its largest air exercise in Europe READ MORE
4. G-20 trade unions meet emphasises global social security READ MORE
5. FCI not to consider request by States for more foodgrains under open market scheme READ MORE
6. Centre defends National Family Health Survey-6 questionnaire, says disability data won’t change fast READ MORE
7. PM Modi in Egypt: What is the Heliopolis Memorial for Indian soldiers who fought in World War 1? READ MORE
8. PM Modi’s US visit: What is the Micron proposal and why is it a boost to India’s chip manufacturing plan READ MORE
9. Rising antimicrobial resistance among newborns calls for novel antibiotic regimens READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. How can technology help in recycling and replenishing water sources? READ MORE
2. Extreme weather events led to 12 million displacements of children in 2022, estimates UNICEF READ MORE
3. Bridging the gap: On India and Gender Gap Report READ MORE
4. Kuki-Meitei conflict is more than just an ethnic clash READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Strike a fine balance, have a just civil code: The Law Commission of India should aim to eliminate only those practices that do not meet the benchmarks set by the Constitution of India READ MORE  
2. View: Law Commission’s Notice on UCC is Antithetical to a Secular State READ MORE
3. Science, Nation State, and Democracy: Reimagining Concepts READ MORE
4. The Politics of Sedition: Sedition laws need to be viewed in light of their political, and not merely legal, uses and abuses. READ MORE
5. Gutting the Powers of an Elected Government READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Opinion: Endemic Does Not Mean End of Disease READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Squaring the circle at the India-Egypt summit READ MORE
2. Warm welcome: On the Narendra Modi U.S. state visit and bilateral ties READ MORE
3. C Raja Mohan writes: Credit for India-US bonhomie goes to Xi Jinping READ MORE
4. Into the spotlight: Why India deserves a permanent seat in UN Security Council READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Job creation: A big challenge for the government READ MORE
2. Are We Living Through De-Dollarisation? READ MORE
3. GDP Growth? Slump in the manufacturing sector and slack consumption demand remain major concerns. READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. The good and bad of Blue Flag certification READ MORE
2. Closing the Gap Between Rhetoric and Action at COP28 READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Jailbreaking generative AI READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Need to understand data both as a strength and vulnerability READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Social connectedness vital to survive climate disasters READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Reduce not negative thinking, but thinking itself READ MORE
2. From ego to anand READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The technological aspects India and the USA is a new era of India-US relationship but both countries will have to travel together given changing geopolitics surrounding China and Russia. Critically comment.
2. Sustainable tourism cannot be seen only through the prism of tourism-specific policies; it requires a holistic understanding of the ecology and the people who are dependent upon this ecosystem. In the light of the statement discuss the pros and cons of the Blue Flag certification.
3. A NATO overreach to the Asia-Pacific poses a major challenge to India’s much-touted “strategic autonomy”. Evaluate.
4. What do you understand by the concept “ethical legalism? In what situation, an legal action can be considered an ethical action?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.
• The India-US defence compact is an attempt to build a multipolar Asia with sufficient deterrent capabilities and ensure respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region.
• The underperformance of India- Egypt bilateral ties is not due to a lack of bilateral institutional mechanisms, but their efficacy and sense of purpose.
• The Law Commission of India should aim to eliminate only those practices that do not meet the benchmarks set by the Constitution of India.
• When it comes to the Global South, it is India that nations look up to; it is this nation that millions would like to see as a proponent of their demands.
• Sedition laws need to be viewed in light of their political, and not merely legal, uses and abuses.
• Personal laws are mixed up with religions and their varying practices and cover a range of issues like divorce, succession, inheritance, adoption and guardianship.
• Mere existence of difference does not imply discrimination, but is indicative of a robust democracy.
• A NATO overreach to the Asia-Pacific will pose a major challenge to New Delhi’s much-touted “strategic autonomy”. The push to transform Quad into a security alliance focusing on China will also have the same effect.
• Although an Asian NATO remains a pie in the sky for now, an extended war over Ukraine will force India and the Asia-Pacific nations to bear the brunt of increasing big-power rivalry in the region.

Essay topic

• Take the diplomacy out of war and the thing would fall flat in a week.

50-WORD TALK

• Failure of authorities to arrest men hired by a British teacher to make violent pornographic clips using Indian children demonstrates the low priority police give to crimes involving powerless victims. Matthew Smith was arrested in November and convicted this week—but police in India have not even filed an FIR.
• Our epidemiological history has taught us that respiratory viruses (the ones which spread through coughing, sneezing, and talking) emerging from reservoirs in the wild, jumping over the species barrier to infect humans, and then sweeping the globe before settling into an endemic behaviour can cause outbreaks that can result in significant mortality and morbidity. Examples include the 1957 flu pandemic caused by an A/H2N2 influenza virus, the 1968 flu pandemic from an A/H3N2 influenza virus, and the 2009 “swine flu” pandemic, from an A/H1N1 influenza virus.

Things to Remember:

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

1. Don’t blame yourself READ MORE

1. Cyclone Biparjoy Is ‘Stealing’ the Monsoon and Bringing Heat Waves READ MORE
2. Extreme weather events led to 12 million displacements of children in 2022, estimates UNICEF READ MORE

1. In Africa, climate change has exacerbated modern slavery & government response is poor READ MORE
2. Kuki-Meitei conflict is more than just an ethnic clash READ MORE

1. Unedifying row: On panchayat polls in West Bengal and security- Shadow of poll violence justifies court orders for using central forces in West Bengal READ MORE
2. Law Commission’s report on Uniform Civil Code — undesirable and unnecessary READ MORE
3. Why UCC is Indian Muslim women’s only shot at justice READ MORE
4. Social media needs stronger regulation READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Rethinking importance of cord blood in regenerative medicine READ MORE  
2. MPC stresses need for inflation vigil READ MORE
3. Eviden bags $100 mn supercomputer order from NCMRWF READ MORE
4. Nasheed quits ruling MDP months ahead of election READ MORE
5. Medicines Patent Pool deal to make cancer drug cheaper READ MORE
6. PM gifts U.S. First Lady a lab-grown diamond READ MORE
7. Manipur invokes RBI’s riot provisions to aid borrowers READ MORE
8. What is summer solstice and what causes it? READ MORE
9. Why inflation and WPI is down, but not (all) prices READ MORE
10. Kamakhya Temple is one way Assam shaped Sanskritic mainstream in medieval India READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. Cyclone Biparjoy Is ‘Stealing’ the Monsoon and Bringing Heat Waves READ MORE
2. Extreme weather events led to 12 million displacements of children in 2022, estimates UNICEF READ MORE
3. In Africa, climate change has exacerbated modern slavery & government response is poor READ MORE
4. Kuki-Meitei conflict is more than just an ethnic clash READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Unedifying row: On panchayat polls in West Bengal and security- Shadow of poll violence justifies court orders for using central forces in West Bengal READ MORE
2. Law Commission’s report on Uniform Civil Code — undesirable and unnecessary READ MORE
3. Why UCC is Indian Muslim women’s only shot at justice READ MORE
4. Social media needs stronger regulation READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Opinion: Endemic Does Not Mean End of Disease READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Spiralling violence: On the West Bank- Without a freeze on Israeli settlements, violence in West Bank will continue READ MORE
2. NATO’s growing shadow over the Asia-Pacific READ MORE
3. The role of technology in India-US alliance READ MORE
4. Better relations with neighbours READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Job creation: A big challenge for the government READ MORE
2. A time for options READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. The good and bad of Blue Flag certification READ MORE
2. Closing the Gap Between Rhetoric and Action at COP28 READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Jailbreaking generative AI READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Need to understand data both as a strength and vulnerability READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Social connectedness vital to survive climate disasters READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Don’t blame yourself READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The technological aspects of India and the USA are a new era of the India-US relationship, but both countries will have to travel together given changing geopolitics surrounding China and Russia. Critically comment.
2. Sustainable tourism cannot be seen only through the prism of tourism-specific policies; it requires a holistic understanding of the ecology and the people who are dependent upon this ecosystem. In light of the statement, discuss the pros and cons of the Blue Flag certification.
3. A NATO overreach to the Asia-Pacific poses a major challenge to India’s much-touted “strategic autonomy”. Evaluate.
4. What do you understand by the concept “ethical legalism? In what situation an legal action can be considered an ethical action?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.
• The efficiency with which a single set of commands can flummox these models is genuinely surprising and gives us an abject lesson in the vulnerability of these systems.
• When considering options, it is important to recognise that as the options market is not as liquid as spot USD-INR and option prices are not readily available to most corporates, banks often build in unconscionable charges onto the spreads they charge for options.
• Apart from keeping the promises it makes to its neighbours, India must realise that domestic peace and progress are essential to achieve the geopolitical aim of countering China in South Asia.
• Sustainable tourism cannot be seen only through the prism of tourism-specific policies; it requires a holistic understanding of the ecology and the people who are dependent upon this ecosystem.
• Personal laws are mixed up with religions and their varying practices and cover a range of issues like divorce, succession, inheritance, adoption and guardianship.
• Mere existence of difference does not imply discrimination, but is indicative of a robust democracy.
• A NATO overreach to the Asia-Pacific will pose a major challenge to New Delhi’s much-touted “strategic autonomy”. The push to transform Quad into a security alliance focusing on China will also have the same effect.
• Although an Asian NATO remains a pie in the sky for now, an extended war over Ukraine will force India and the Asia-Pacific nations to bear the brunt of increasing big-power rivalry in the region.

Essay topic

• Take the diplomacy out of war and the thing would fall flat in a week.

50-WORD TALK

• The MoU on jet engine manufacturing between GE and HAL ushers in a new era of India-US relationship. While the path ahead may have speed breakers, residues of history, it will be a road that both countries will have to travel together given changing geopolitics surrounding China and Russia.
• Our epidemiological history has taught us that respiratory viruses (the ones which spread through coughing, sneezing, and talking) emerging from reservoirs in the wild, jumping over the species barrier to infect humans, and then sweeping the globe before settling into an endemic behaviour can cause outbreaks that can result in significant mortality and morbidity. Examples include the 1957 flu pandemic caused by an A/H2N2 influenza virus, the 1968 flu pandemic from an A/H3N2 influenza virus, and the 2009 “swine flu” pandemic, from an A/H1N1 influenza virus.

Things to Remember:

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

1. Attitude of selflessness READ MORE
2. Comfortable life and a little progress READ MORE
3. Be conscious of your conscience READ MORE

1. Heat and state: On a heatwave being only one half of the issue READ MORE
2. Extreme weather events led to 12 million displacements of children in 2022, estimates UNICEF READ MORE

1. Caste census needed, but with a plan READ MORE
2. Integration of minds still a challenge READ MORE

1. Rethink the retention of sedition READ MORE
2. Opposition is wrong in resisting UCC. It’s poor politics, runs against Constitution spirit READ MORE
3. The Case for Restorative Justice: A Compassionate Approach to Eradicating Crime READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Assam Rifles plans to secure lifelines of Manipur hills READ MORE  
2. Climate breakdown: the Arctic Ocean could beice-freeby the 2030s READ MORE
3. NaBFID eyes ₹60,000 crore loan book by March 2024 READ MORE
4. Telecom regulator suggests norms for undersea cables READ MORE
5. Childline 1098 to be merged with 112 line in 9 States READ MORE
6. Nearly 2,300 babies adopted in nine months READ MORE
7. Tribal mat art woven into Yoga Day this time READ MORE
8. Hard to restore Internet while blocking social media websites, Manipur tells HC READ MORE
9. Heatwave deaths: Why a heat stroke kills, and how to stay safe READ MORE
10. More robust measures needed to minimise disaster impact in Lake Victoria Basin: Study READ MORE
11. Scientists find link between surges of cosmic radiation from space and earthquakes READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. Heat and state: On a heatwave being only one half of the issue READ MORE
2. Extreme weather events led to 12 million displacements of children in 2022, estimates UNICEF READ MORE
3. Caste census needed, but with a plan READ MORE
4. Integration of minds still a challenge READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Rethink the retention of sedition READ MORE
2. Opposition is wrong in resisting UCC. It’s poor politics, runs against Constitution spirit READ MORE
3. The Case for Restorative Justice: A Compassionate Approach to Eradicating Crime READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Finding the indiscernible poor: Community knowledge as a targeting approach READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. More HIT than miss in India-Nepal ties READ MORE
2. PM Modi’s US visit: Why America needs India READ MORE
3. A new chapter in India-US relations READ MORE
4. Holding sway READ MORE
5. US and India need to deal with their trust issues READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India must recalibrate its chips strategy: For strategic autonomy, the country must acquire indigenous capacity in chip manufacturing READ MORE
2. How India’s telecom sector fares in a 5G world READ MORE
3. Decoding decarbonization READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Strive to achieve Net Zero emission READ MORE
2. Closing the Gap Between Rhetoric and Action at COP28 READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Phonons on the chopping block: Are ‘sound particles’ quantum too? READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Need to understand data both as a strength and vulnerability READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Shimla in danger: Construction in green belts would be disastrous READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Attitude of selflessness READ MORE
2. Comfortable life and a little progress READ MORE
3. Be conscious of your conscience READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do. Justify.
2. We face many challenges in life and the way we handle them speaks volumes about our character. In the end, our character embodies our values and is the sum of our behaviors. Comment.
3. ‘Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions’. Argue.
4. Ethics is about creating an environment that supports the expression of ethical values while keeping in check non-ethical values. Discuss.
5. Ethics is not relative to an individual’s desires and beliefs. It is not what one thinks or feels is right or wrong. Justify with suitable example.
6. What do you understand by the concept “ethical legalism? In what situation, an legal action can be considered an ethical action?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The cost of a semiconductor chip fabrication plant doubles every four years.
• The national integration of minds depends on the emergence of strong national leaders with the political-intellectual-spiritual capacity to unite people while keeping their rich diversity intact.
• Indian intellectuals, the media, religious ideologues, and the youth should create a conducive environment for the integration of minds with rich diversity.
• A comprehensive analysis incorporating the social costs of environmental damage and climate change disasters reveals that fossil fuel-based energy is costlier than renewable alternatives.
• Tensions over values impose hard constraints on the Indo-US relationship. Unfortunately, the very things we expected would bring us together are now driving us apart.
• Directly or indirectly, the issue of human rights is sure to come up again during Modi’s visit. It is what PM Modi conveys in his address to the US Congress that will indicate what his government’s priorities are.
• Strategic dissonance has been at the core of US-India engagement especially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the open strategic embrace between Russia and China.
• The global community is urgently required to operate within the environmental limits to keep humanity safe.
• Forest Conservation Amendment Bill 2023 (FCAB) reiterates India’s commitment towards realising ‘Net Zero Emission’ by 2070.
• The desire of the political leadership of the USA-India to build a strong relationship is based on regional, domestic, and strategic factors.
• Repairing the relationship of India and Nepal has been a slow process but the results are now quite visible with a rebuilding of trust

Essay topic

• Take the diplomacy out of war and the thing would fall flat in a week.

50-WORD TALK

• China’s decision to stall United Nations blacklisting of Lashkar-e-Taiba leader Sajid Mir insults the victims of 26/11, and undermines the global effort against terrorism. After years spent claiming he was dead, Pakistan jailed Mir last year to avert international sanctions. There is no explanation for Beijing’s action, bar pure malice.
• Punjab government’s decision to change the rules of appointment of the police chief and the university vice-chancellors is another example of a non-BJP ruled state defying the central government. It also underlines how the fragile federal structure between the centre and the states is breaking down amid growing political mistrust.

Things to Remember:

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

1. Causes of the Decline in Moral Values READ MORE
2. Organizational Implications of Whistleblowing READ MORE
3. Ethical Issues to Consider When Using ChatGPT READ MORE

1. What made Cyclone Biparjoy unique, why its path was difficult to predict READ MORE
2. Extreme weather events led to 12 million displacements of children in 2022, estimates UNICEF READ MORE

1. Caste census needed, but with a plan READ MORE
2. Why Muslim backward groups are not ‘wrong’ OBCs READ MORE
3. Finding the indiscernible poor: Community knowledge as a targeting approach READ MORE

1. Competition law must apply to PSUs. Coal India case is a good start READ MORE
2. Safety first: on Indian pharma products and drug safety READ MORE
3. Curb frivolous PILs in national interest READ MORE
4. Democracy’s balance between certainty and uncertainty READ MORE
5. The perils of plea bargaining READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Assam Rifles plans to secure lifelines of Manipur hills READ MORE  
2. Climate breakdown: the Arctic Ocean could beice-freeby the 2030s READ MORE
3. NaBFID eyes ₹60,000 crore loan book by March 2024 READ MORE
4. Telecom regulator suggests norms for undersea cables READ MORE
5. Childline 1098 to be merged with 112 line in 9 States READ MORE
6. Nearly 2,300 babies adopted in nine months READ MORE
7. Tribal mat art woven into Yoga Day this time READ MORE
8. Hard to restore Internet while blocking social media websites, Manipur tells HC READ MORE
9. Heatwave deaths: Why a heat stroke kills, and how to stay safe READ MORE
10. More robust measures needed to minimise disaster impact in Lake Victoria Basin: Study READ MORE
11. Scientists find link between surges of cosmic radiation from space and earthquakes READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. What made Cyclone Biparjoy unique, why its path was difficult to predict READ MORE
2. Extreme weather events led to 12 million displacements of children in 2022, estimates UNICEF READ MORE
3. Caste census needed, but with a plan READ MORE
4. Why Muslim backward groups are not ‘wrong’ OBCs READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Competition law must apply to PSUs. Coal India case is a good start READ MORE
2. Safety first: on Indian pharma products and drug safety READ MORE
3. Curb frivolous PILs in national interest READ MORE
4. Democracy’s balance between certainty and uncertainty READ MORE
5. The perils of plea bargaining READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Finding the indiscernible poor: Community knowledge as a targeting approach READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Pratap Bhanu Mehta on Modi’s US visit: Making of a high point READ MORE
2. US, China are trying to defuse tensions READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Semiconductor fab: the unfinished agenda READ MORE
2. India’s trade dilemma with China READ MORE
3. India, US aiming for cooperation on economic issues READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Heatwave needs a swift response READ MORE
2. Decoding decarbonization READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Phonons on the chopping block: Are ‘sound particles’ quantum too? READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Need to understand data both as a strength and vulnerability READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Preparedness pays off: On Cyclone Biparjoy READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Causes of the Decline in Moral Values READ MORE
2. Organizational Implications of Whistleblowing READ MORE
3. Ethical Issues to Consider When Using ChatGPT READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do. Justify.
2. We face many challenges in life and the way we handle them speaks volumes about our character. In the end, our character embodies our values and is the sum of our behaviors. Comment.
3. ‘Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions’. Argue.
4. Ethics is about creating an environment that supports the expression of ethical values while keeping in check non-ethical values. Discuss.
5. Ethics is not relative to an individual’s desires and beliefs. It is not what one thinks or feels is right or wrong. Justify with suitable example.
6. What do you understand by the concept “ethical legalism? In what situation, an legal action can be considered an ethical action?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Science and technology revolutionise our lives, but memory, tradition and myth frame our response.
• Today space technologies are essential for power and prestige in the international system.
• The high dependence on fossil fuels for revenue and GDP growth is impeding the transition to a low-carbon economy.
• While a caste-based census would aid better understanding of the present dynamics and policy-making of caste, there are challenges that must be addressed before executing an exercise as elaborate as census​.
• A caste-based census literally means the collection of primary data about people’s castes, the employment and educational level, etc., everything associated with one’s caste.
• The core ideals of the criminal justice system in a welfare democracy such as India is laid on the bedrock that the State shall have the primary duty of justice dispensation.
• The founding principle of criminal justice is deeply rooted in the idea of providing a fair opportunity to the accused prior to passing a verdict.
• The criminal justice system is flawed with several drawbacks, and increased judicial efficiency requires transparent and accountable systems.
• India may claim strategic autonomy and remain in global forums alongside Russia and China, however it is moving deeper into the US camp. It may not become a military ally but will be a strategic partner. The US has succeeded in wooing India and drawing it strategically away from Russia.
• The misuse of public interest litigations adversely affects the democratic process and undermines the credibility of the judicial system.
• The Republicans and Democrats see India as a valued civilisational ally and a strategic partner as there are powerful mutual interests with the U.S.

Essay topic

• Take the diplomacy out of war and the thing would fall flat in a week.

50-WORD TALK

• Supreme Court’s approval of central forces for West Bengal panchayat polls sets a bad precedent. It is the state election body that’s legally authorised to seek security from the State, which then can ask for Centre’s assistance. Elections should be free and fair. So should the sanctity of legal procedure.
• Reserve Bank of India’s terse statement refuting allegations that Rs 88,032.5 crore of currency notes have “gone missing” is inadequate. If the allegation merited a same-day reply, it also then deserved a more detailed one. Saying the RTI-based allegation was erroneous, without showing how, raises more questions than were answered.

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.