(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1.  EC tells Telangana govt to stop disbursal of Rythu Bandhu, cites model code READ MORE

2.  Webb space telescope spies precocious ‘teenage’ galaxies READ MORE

3.  Lightning strikes kills 24 persons in Gujarat, as sudden rains and thunderstorms batter the State READ MORE

4.  As deaths due to work-related factors increase, ILO report calls for countries to strengthen safety net READ MORE

5.  SC rejects undertrial’s plea to use its powers to club 30 FIRs arraigned against him across seven States READ MORE

6.  Fibre optic cables: its origins, working and different functions READ MORE

7.  COP, carbon market, loss and damage: A glossary of climate terms READ MORE

8.  How Napoleon’s failed Egypt expedition gave birth to Egyptology READ MORE

9.  What is rat-hole mining, being done to rescue trapped Uttarkashi tunnel workers READ MORE

10. North India can tackle smog using eco-friendly farm practices from the South, say experts READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Why do Nepal, Bangladesh beat India in social indicators? Starts with caste READ MORE

2. Tropical cyclones cause more damage than we think — and India among countries facing high social cost of carbon READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. It’s time to revamp the structure of the Supreme Court READ MORE

2. In international law, government cannot override Parliament READ MORE

3. Judicial service: President’s pitch can help build consensus READ MORE

4. Governor-govt discord and the power of the unwritten word READ MORE

5. Governors must now fall in line with definition of role READ MORE

6. Governing the Governors READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. For government schemes, a path to dignity for the poor READ MORE

2. Bihar’s quixotic battle against alcohol READ MORE

 INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The many grave risks confronting the world today READ MORE   

2. Delhi must be firm with Maldives’ new leader READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Can dollarisation save an economy? | Explained READ MORE

2. Producing more from less: How Indian agriculture has grown with limited ‘factors of production’ READ MORE

3. The revenue record READ MORE

4. Onionomics: Peeling back the layers READ MORE

5. ‘Jobs for locals only’ laws are unjust READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Winter blues READ MORE

2. Can the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund make a difference? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Is AI an ally in fight for gender equality? READ MORE  

2. Deepfake crackdown: Need to create robust regulatory framework READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. 15 years after 26/11: A tragedy that could have been averted READ MORE

2. Review internal security challenges READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. A touchstone of risk: On the rescue efforts in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi READ MORE

2. Mining tragedy: Joint task force a must to curb illegal quarrying READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. A padlocked gate in the middle of an open field READ MORE

2. Formless divinity READ MORE

3. Towards A Harmonious Milieu READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. DBT ended the poverty parade with the government reaching the poor rather than the other way around. Discuss how, apart from the effective delivering of subsidies, DBT has become an effective tool to preserve the dignity of the poor?

2. How far do you agree with this view that the Governor enjoys a unique position In India as he is neither answerable to the legislature nor Parliament? Justify your view with some cases.

3. Critically examine the discretionary power of the Governor. How far do you agree with this view that the state executive’s concept of ‘aid and advice’ to the Governor has lost its relevance, and discretionary power has become a significant guide for the Governor?

4. The role of the governor is not clearly defined in Indian Constitution and the time has come to strengthen the Constitution and bring more clarity to the roles and responsibilities of the governor. Critically comment on the statement in the light of recent state governments governor tussle.

5. Deepfake technology not only poses a threat to the privacy of individuals but can be a challenge to national security. In the light of the statement do you think that a robust regulatory framework should be implemented?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• If the freedom of speech is taken away, dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
• The work of the Supreme Court could be split so that there is a Final Court of Appeal and a permanent Constitution Bench. This would ensure greater judicial stability and consistency by explicitly distinguishing cases filed under constitutional authority from those filed under appellate and review jurisdiction.
• Despite several instances of roads being washed away and dams breached, there is still the lack of an awareness that infrastructure development in fragile terrain requires much greater scrutiny, expertise and project-monitoring skills.
• In a civil and humane society, it is essential to recognise that all individuals, irrespective of their economic and social circumstances, have equal rights to dignity.
• DBT ended the poverty parade with the government reaching the poor rather than the other way around.
• Tax-to-GDP ratio, a critical economic metric, has increased over the last few years. That’s very good news. Govt’s next goals should be a simple tax code & a system to tax self-employed professionals.
• Better regulation, adequate de-addiction centres, health and safety checks, and more government attention on policing could curb ill-effects of prohibition.
• The Governor also enjoys a unique position as he is neither answerable to the legislature nor Parliament. The President of India can be impeached, but there is no such provision in respect of a Governor. He serves only at the pleasure of the President, which actually means the Central Government.
• Ironically, our forebears could not have foreseen that this humble, tear-inducing vegetable would influence politics and economics alike to the surprise of economists and policymakers, drawing worldwide attention.

50-WORD TALK

• Election Commission’s ground for withdrawal of permission to Telangana government to make disbursals under Rythu Bandhu is flimsy. Calling minister’s announcement of disbursal time MCC violation but keeping silent on PM Modi declaring free foodgrain scheme’s extension is blatant partisanship. Poll watchdog losing credibility is bad news for Indian democracy.
• It must be remembered that it is the right of the citizens to benefit from the laws passed by the legislatures. It is hence incumbent upon the apex court, armed under Article 142 with the discretionary power to “pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it” to remove every impediment that stands between the citizen and legislative actions. Fixing a time limit for the governors to decide on giving assent to bills will remove one such impediment.
• The rescue mission to take out the 41 labourers stuck inside the collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand is benefitting from the accumulated knowledge of six different government agencies. The first breakthrough has been made with food and essential medicines sent inside. India is rooting their valiant efforts to bring them home.

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 announces phased introduction of biogas blending for domestic use READ MORE

2.  India’s agri imports from South Australia grew 200% under zero-tariff regime READ MORE

3.  Antarctica’s ozone hole expands mid-spring since 2001 READ MORE

4.  Rejection by Governor does not mean death of Bill, says Supreme Court READ MORE

5.  Pulses, oil seeds, fruit output to lag demand till at least 2030-31: report READ MORE

6. SC Constitution Day celebrations: Murmu calls for an all-India judicial service to recruit judges, says will boost representation READ MORE

7.  What is Thanksgiving, and why some Native Americans see it as a day of remembrance READ MORE

8. How gene therapy will revolutionise treatment of sickle cell disease READ MORE

9. Time for version 2.0: IUCN Red List outdated and unreliable, claim scientists in new paper READ MORE

10.  East Africa ‘super El Nino’: Death toll rises as flooding crisis worsens in Kenya, Somali READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Why do Nepal, Bangladesh beat India in social indicators? Starts with caste READ MORE

2. Tropical cyclones cause more damage than we think — and India among countries facing high social cost of carbon READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Why is Bihar demanding the Special Category Status? | Explained READ MORE

2. Court draws the red line for governors READ MORE

3. Govt vs Court – the problem is structural READ MORE

4. Need to bring more constitutional clarity to governors’ powers READ MORE

5. Electoral bonds go against political equality READ MORE

6. Aadhaar can help India gamify healthcare. Give citizens points for positive behaviour READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Significance of creativity in the curriculum READ MORE

 INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. A deep, stable partnership READ MORE  

2. India-Australia ties: 2+2 dialogue gives strategic boost READ MORE

3. Calling names will not help READ MORE

4. Geopolitical implications of energy transition READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. On fiscal consolidation, so far, so good READ MORE

2. Sovereign gold bonds should be phased out READ MORE

3. Not easy to replace paddy with millets READ MORE

4. Address the disquiet among the states READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Fleet electrification to tackle urban pollution READ MORE

2. Can the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund make a difference? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Is AI an ally in fight for gender equality? READ MORE  

2. Deepfake crackdown: Need to create robust regulatory framework READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. 15 years after 26/11: A tragedy that could have been averted READ MORE

2. Review internal security challenges READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Moulding the Himalayas needs caution READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. The two imposters: Triumph and disaster READ MORE

2. Good and Evil READ MORE

3. Formless divinity READ MORE

4. Success in failure READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Governors must stick to their Constitutional role and holding of bills by the Governor is a brazen interference in the elected government’s functioning. Critically examine.

2. Recent developments in India’s neighbourhood shows Neighbourhood First policy, introduced in 2014, needs an upgrade. Comment.

3. Electoral bonds pose not merely legal questions about informational rights and parliamentary procedures, but the fundamental question of political equality. Argue.

4. The role of the governor is not clearly defined in Indian Constitution and the time has come to strengthen the Constitution and bring more clarity to the roles and responsibilities of the governor. Critically comment on the statement in the light of recent state governments governor tussle.

5. Deepfake technology not only poses a threat to the privacy of individuals but can be a challenge to national security. In the light of the statement do you think that a robust regulatory framework should be implemented?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• You cannot have a great powerful country if you cannot manage its internal security.
• Creativity in education is the catalyst for transforming knowledge into innovation, encouraging learners to think, explore, and connect.
• It’s time leaders of the US and China stopped wincing or winking away from the real issues related to sustainable development goals.
• Aadhaar data can be used to nudge public behaviour through a points-based incentive system, with additive benefits the more health-positive actions one takes.
• The Centre claimed electoral bonds would bring in transparency. But they are tools for the wealthy to hijack democracy. Public funding could be a way out.
• Electoral bonds pose not merely the legal questions about informational rights and parliamentary procedures, but also the fundamental question of political equality.
• Though successive governments have done everything to discredit the idea of socialism in the preamble to the Constitution, it remains a formidable and effective tool to assert political equality, a basic feature of the Constitution.
• Legitimising electoral bonds, which enable corporations to hijack the country’s democracy, is antithetical to the constitutional value of socialism.
• Socialism, as a notion, is manifest in different ways in the equality clauses under Part III and the directive principles under Part IV of the Constitution.
• The framers of the Constitution had perhaps not foreseen how the governor’s role would evolve. The time has come to strengthen the Constitution and bring more clarity to the roles and responsibilities of the governor.
• Deepfake technology not only poses a threat to the privacy of public figures but can also be used to foment trouble, spread disinformation and fake news, and jeopardise national security.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Power is no blessing in itself, except when it is used to protect the innocent.

50-WORD TALK

• India’s troubles in the neighbourhood are growing. After Bhutan and Nepal, it’s Maldives now. The new Maldivian President has asked Kiren Rijiju to pull out Indian troops. This indicates the direction in which the ties between the two countries is headed. PM Modi’s 2014 Neighbourhood First policy needs an upgrade.
• Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi’s return of 10 bills to Assembly, withholding assent was a brazen interference in elected government’s functioning. Now that assembly has re-adopted them, he mustn’t delay assent anymore. Governors must stick to their Constitutional role. Their involvement in politics is eroding public trust in Raj Bhawans.
• The rescue mission to take out the 41 labourers stuck inside the collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand is benefitting from the accumulated knowledge of six different government agencies. The first breakthrough has been made with food and essential medicines sent inside. India is rooting their valiant efforts to bring them home.

Things to Remember:

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

1. The ethics of war: Proportionality and nationalism READ MORE
2. Do we really have any free will? READ MORE
3. The original sin in conflicts READ MORE

1. Why water reserves in southern India are fast depleting in 2023 READ MORE
2. What Determines Groundwater Exploitation in India? READ MORE 

1. What can a domestic violence survivor do when the justice system lets her down? READ MORE
2. A predator & conspiracy of silence READ MORE  

1. Regulating content READ MORE
2. EC should be above partisanship, suspicion READ MORE
3. Governors sitting on Bills is a dangerous scribbling of the ‘grammar of anarchy’ READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. HC quashes Haryana law for 75% quota in pvt sector jobs READ MORE
2. Indian market for technical textiles targeted to touch $40 billion by 2030:Saxena READ MORE
3. What is the BDS movement, led by Palestinian groups against Israel? READ MORE
4. Windfall profit tax on crude oil, diesel exports cut READ MORE
5. How fractals offer a new way to see the quantum realm | Explained READ MORE
6. Extreme weather events may be driving replacement of native species with exotic ones READ MORE
7. In India, 191 billion potential labour hours were lost due to heat exposure in 2022: Lancet READ MORE
8. World needs to limit global warming to 1.5°C to protect cryosphere, 2°C too high: Report READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. What can a domestic violence survivor do when the justice system lets her down? READ MORE
2. A predator & conspiracy of silence READ MORE  
3. Why water reserves in southern India are fast depleting in 2023 READ MORE
4. What Determines Groundwater Exploitation in India? READ MORE 

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Regulating content READ MORE
2. EC should be above partisanship, suspicion READ MORE
3. Governors sitting on Bills is a dangerous scribbling of the ‘grammar of anarchy’ READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Skills intelligence and workforce optimisation READ MORE

 INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The geopolitical fallout of the Israel-Hamas war READ MORE  
2. Building the floor: On the U.S.-China summit meeting, lessons for India READ MORE
3. Why peace in West Asia matters to India READ MORE
4. India-Bangladesh connectivity blessing for both READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. State of the economy — temper the euphoria READ MORE
2. Supply chain pact: Opportunity for India to maximise economic gains READ MORE
3. NPAs: Setting the record straight READ MORE
4. Inflation fall hiding slump? READ MORE
5. Unpacking Inequality READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Climate change: Are we close to collective action? READ MORE
2. Empowering women to be harbinger of climate change READ MORE
3. Act fast to clean air, or economy will take a hit READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Is AI the future of human relationships? READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Widening divide: Peace in Manipur cannot be restored by half-measures READ MORE
2. Do it via UIDAI: States shouldn’t create separate biometric databases. Multiple datasets increase security risk READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Nature can kill READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. The ethics of war: Proportionality and nationalism READ MORE
2. Do we really have any free will? READ MORE
3. The original sin in conflicts READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Public funding of elections will certainly bring transparency in the poll process. Critically examine.
2. State governments’ committed expenditure under OPS would shrink their commitment to the FRBM Act. Critically comment.
3. Increasing debt is not only creating fiscal imbalance but affects the ability of state governments to run welfare schemes and blocks the path for the development of the country. In the light of the statement anslyse why freebies schemes are a recipe for fiscal disaster.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.
• India’s position on Israel–Palestine conflict reflects its priority to work towards a political solution and durable peace in West Asia.
• The ‘skills-first’ model of talent acquisition and management is the key to thrive in the evolving landscape for tech-driven enterprises.
• The priority for now is the safety of the trapped workers, but broader implications underscore the importance of balancing development with environmental preservation.
• The delicate ecosystem of lower Himalayas requires a well-considered approach to ensure the wellbeing of both the locals and the region.
• With the constitutionality of electoral bonds being contested more strongly, the citizen must push for a more level-playing field in the next round of elections.
• The recourse to a money bill to amend the relevant laws subverted the legislative scheme envisaged in the Constitution.
• Training of rural women as entrepreneurs and imparting them with the knowledge to adapt to a changing environment is crucial for climate action.
• Empowering women, and placing them at the centre of clean energy transitions is not only improving people’s lives but also garnering increased attention as effective agents towards more inclusive systems.
• The concern for nature in Indian scriptures is not just a cultural or religious tenet but a profound philosophy that underscores the intrinsic connection between humans and the environment.
• The EC is a constitutional body charged with and empowered to conduct free and fair elections. If it appears to be partisan and loses credibility, India’s elections and democracy, too, will lose credibility.
• While the growth in exports augurs well for the economy, boosting domestic demand is imperative for continued economic growth of the country.
• There are many strong arguments for keeping air quality better, even from an economic growth perspective. The poor quality and related health conditions results in increased worker absenteeism and reduced workforce output, and thus adversely impacting economic growth.
• It does not bode well for federalism and democracy in India that the Supreme Court has to intervene in the routine procedure of governors clearing the Bills passed by state assemblies.
• The principle of equal sovereignty of the States as the basis of all international relations is inconsistent with the status quo, where the international tribunals should have the right to prosecute the defeated countries and their leadership for war crimes.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Power is no blessing in itself, except when it is used to protect the innocent.

50-WORD TALK

• RBI has finally decided to curb rapidly growing unsecured lending, and not a moment too soon. Societal damage inflicted by banks and NBFCs through unscrupulous recovery practices needs an immediate stop. Finance Minister has spoken in Parliament about this. RBI must introspect on why it took so long to act.
• Modi government is right in expressing concern about the rise of AI and deepfakes in public sphere. Regulation is needed to ensure this doesn’t poison social relations. But there needs to be abundant caution on how much control and authority citizens end up ceding to the government in this process.

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. Master The Art Of Designing Your Destiny READ MORE
2. Living in a compartment READ MORE

1. What a US-China climate deal means for COP28 READ MORE
2. High road to Dubai COP28: Scientists join group in saying 1.5°C warming limit too high READ MORE

1. What can a domestic violence survivor do when the justice system lets her down? READ MORE
2. Challenges to curbing community-based prostitution READ MORE  

1. On the sub-categorisation within castes READ MORE
2. Should elections be state funded? READ MORE
3. Challenging the Electoral Bond Scheme READ MORE
4. Branded, generic and the missing ingredient of quality READ MORE
5. Freebies, a surefire recipe for disaster READ MORE
6. Don’t revert to old pension system READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Biden, Xi restore military ties but remain apart on wider flashpoint of Taiwan READ MORE
2. T.N. House special session to readopt Bills returned by Governor READ MORE
3. Food prices pose risk to aligning inflation to 4% target: RBI officials READ MORE
4. Trade Deficit to narrow from October peak, but will still be over H1 average of $20 billion READ MORE
5. How was the first vaccine for chikungunya approved? | Explained READ MORE
6. Nearly a billion children globally exposed to extremely high water stress: UNICEF report READ MORE
7. Climate hazard: Heat-related deaths in elderly population to increase by 370% midcentury in a warming world READ MORE
8. Sand and dust storms are increasing, human activities contribute 25% emissions: UNCCD READ MORE
9. New species of small life forms recorded from northeast READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. What can a domestic violence survivor do when the justice system lets her down? READ MORE
2. Challenges to curbing community-based prostitution READ MORE  

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. On the sub-categorisation within castes READ MORE
2. Should elections be state funded? READ MORE
3. Challenging the Electoral Bond Scheme READ MORE
4. Branded, generic and the missing ingredient of quality READ MORE
5. Freebies, a surefire recipe for disaster READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Toilets in schools: SC pushes for well-being of students READ MORE

 INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Biden-Xi summit: Thaw in bilateral ties is welcome READ MORE  
2. Peace pipe READ MORE
3. India-US dialogue focuses on conflicts READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India’s economic rise: How to capitalise on the moment READ MORE
2. State vs state fights, on taxes READ MORE
3. Don’t revert to old pension system READ MORE
4. Gentrification of consumer demand, global capitalism READ MORE
5. Roadmap for spurring agriculture towards sustainability READ MORE
6. Circular economy: A win-win for all READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. What a US-China climate deal means for COP28 READ MORE
2. High road to Dubai COP28: Scientists join group in saying 1.5°C warming limit too high READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The first chikungunya vaccine could be a game changer in global health READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Widening divide: Peace in Manipur cannot be restored by half-measures READ MORE
2. Do it via UIDAI: States shouldn’t create separate biometric databases. Multiple datasets increase security risk READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Expert Explains: What led to the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse — and how it could have been avoided READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Master The Art Of Designing Your Destiny READ MORE
2. Living in a compartment READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Public funding of elections will certainly bring transparency to the poll process. Critically examine.
2. State governments’ committed expenditure under OPS would shrink their commitment to the FRBM Act. Critically comment.
3. Increasing debt is not only creating fiscal imbalance but also affecting the ability of state governments to run welfare schemes and blocking the path for the development of the country. In light of the statement, analyse why freebie schemes are a recipe for fiscal disaster.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Power is no blessing in itself, except when it is used to protect the innocent.
• Public funding of elections can certainly bring transparency in the poll process, but it depends on how it is done.
• If there is to be any public funding of elections would insist on complete transparency about the money spent by the party or the candidate in the election.
• With the constitutionality of electoral bonds being contested more strongly, the citizen must push for a more level-playing field in the next round of elections.
• The recourse to a money bill to amend the relevant laws subverted the legislative scheme envisaged in the Constitution.
• To ensure affordable medicines for all under Universal Health Care, free medicines and free diagnostics are acceptable policy, but implementation needs to be monitored.
• State governments’ committed expenditure under OPS would surge, discretionary expenditures, particularly capital expenditure, would shrink given their commitment to the FRBM Act.
• The investment risk of the pension fund shall be borne by the employees. These concerns need to be addressed through market-driven solutions.
• The FDA’s approval of a chikungunya vaccine brings hope to regions facing the highest risk of the mosquito-borne virus that has affected over 110 countries.
• INDIA needs to radically re-examine its agricultural policy so that it serves current national imperatives and also looks after its farmers.
• While the country needs to remain self-sufficient in food, it needs to be examined if it should remain a food exporter.
• A water-scarce country exporting water-guzzling crops amounts to exporting water.
• In a world grappling with environmental challenges and resource scarcity, the concept of a circular economy has emerged as a beacon of hope.
• India, like the US, faces a tough challenge, being in a democratic set-up, where they have to carefully articulate their foreign policy goals, while not hurting domestic influence groups. Both countries also face a tough electorate next year, as the incumbent federal governments seek re-election.
• Only through unity within and among Arab countries can Palestinians achieve a life of dignity. Palestinians need life, like those in prosperous Arab countries.
• Increasing debt is not only creating fiscal imbalance but is affecting the ability of state governments to run welfare schemes and is also blocking the path for the development of the country and industry in particular.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Power is no blessing in itself, except when it is used to protect the innocent.

50-WORD TALK

• Joe Biden-Xi Jinping meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific summit is no cause for anxiety. It’s a good thing that the two big powers aren’t at odds with each other and are talking. Superpower contestations have and will always be there. Even during the Cold War, there was engagement.
• Strong protests by southern states have forced National Medical Commission to defer the plan of linking approval of new medical colleges and increasing the number of MBBS seats to a state’s population. It punishes performing states and is another way of introducing the Centre’s delimitation exercise. Backlash was only natural.

Things to Remember:

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

1. In the age of Kalyug, it is time to leverage the power of the collective READ MORE
2. Does Philosophical Reflection Still Hold Value? READ MORE
3. Tolerance is the key to achieving peace READ MORE

1. Climate pledges lacking: 87% of remaining global carbon budget to limit warming may be depleted by 2030, finds UN READ MORE
2. Global emissions: UN report exposes inadequacy of efforts READ MORE
3. Climate concerns or trade barriers? READ MORE

1. Let society evolve; resist return of regressive laws READ MORE
2. Improve teacher quality to raise school standards READ MORE
3. Extend political discourse on poverty to redistributive justice READ MORE

1. The growing wave of decentralisation: Comparative evidence from developing countries READ MORE
2. The price of persistent federal frictions READ MORE
3. Life over death: On death penalty abolition and parliamentary panel report READ MORE
4. Regulating OTT: Draft Broadcasting Regulation Bill may be an attempt to control digital infrastructure READ MORE
5. A grave error in the law READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. India sees 6.2% rise in goods exports in October READ MORE
2. PM launches Rs 24,000-cr scheme for vulnerable tribal groups’ welfare READ MORE
3. NASA, ISRO gearing up to launch joint space mission to map globe every 12 days READ MORE
4. Gold pushed trade deficit to new high of $31.46 billion in October READ MORE
5. Greenhouse gases hit record high in 2022: UN READ MORE
6. FATF team in India to hold on-site review meetings READ MORE
7. Tribal body declares ‘self-rule’ in a few districts of Manipur READ MORE
8. India to host 2nd Voice of Global South Summit on November 17 READ MORE
9. WHO roadmap to end TB in children focuses for 1st time on pregnant, post-partum women affected by disease READ MORE
10. CBD’s Geneva meetings: Benefit sharing on traditional knowledge & digital sequence information on agenda READ MORE  
11. Why adultery was struck off IPC, and why a House panel wants to make it a crime again READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Let society evolve; resist return of regressive laws READ MORE
2. Challenges to curbing community-based prostitution READ MORE  
3. Does It Work To Pay People Not To Cut the Forest? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The growing wave of decentralisation: Comparative evidence from developing countries READ MORE
2. The price of persistent federal frictions READ MORE
3. Life over death: On death penalty abolition and parliamentary panel report READ MORE
4. Regulating OTT: Draft Broadcasting Regulation Bill may be an attempt to control digital infrastructure READ MORE
5. A grave error in the law READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Improve teacher quality to raise school standards READ MORE
2. Extend political discourse on poverty to redistributive justice READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. India Once Was a Strong Ally of Palestine. What Changed? READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Food flux: On food costs and the October tidings READ MORE
2. IPEF supply chain pact is unfair READ MORE
3. Is there more room for competitive populism? READ MORE
4. Electrification of last-mile mobility and logistics READ MORE
5. RBI, Narendra Modi and the Subtle Art of Ignoring Concerns READ MORE
6. How a gendered digital divide, low quality of jobs keeps Indian women out of the workforce READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Climate pledges lacking: 87% of remaining global carbon budget to limit warming may be depleted by 2030, finds UN READ MORE
2. Global emissions: UN report exposes inadequacy of efforts READ MORE
3. Climate concerns or trade barriers? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI can play the sleuth to expose scientific fraud READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. MHA extends UAPA ban against eight Meitei extremist organisations READ MORE
2. Realism, not machismo, to counter terror READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Another warning in the Himalayas READ MORE
2. Tunnel tragedy is another eco-warning we need to heed READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. In the age of Kalyug, it is time to leverage the power of the collective READ MORE
2. Does Philosophical Reflection Still Hold Value? READ MORE
3. Tolerance is the key to achieving peace READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. AI is one of the most significant technical advancements in recent times, but it is posing a great danger to humanity by unleashing misinformation and deepfakes. Justify with recent examples.
2. The cause of poverty in the country is not only economic but the issue of caste plays a substantial role. Argue and justify.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator.
• Improving teacher quality and pedagogical innovation to enhance the overall rigour of education in the country, must be an immediate and urgent priority.
• Higher than expected tax revenues provide a cushion for the government. However, concerns remain about the medium-term fiscal deficit
• For an economy whose resilience relies on its domestic demand buffer against global shocks, reluctant or budget-cramped consumers are the biggest headwind for policymakers to strive to address.
• Any interest rate hike over and above the 2.5 percentage points already administered in this rate hike cycle would have hurt growth significantly.
• The agreement on Supply Chain Resilience will enhance the resilience of the US, while deepening the vulnerability of India and other developing countries.
• AI is one of the biggest technical advancements in recent times but it can pose a great danger to humanity by unleashing misinformation and deepfakes.
• Ensuring AI safety would require the convergence of multiple branches of activity, including skills, talent, and physical infrastructure.
• Transitioning to low-carbon cities can significantly reduce CO2 levels.
• The future will either be green or not at all.
• Energy justice and social equity issues can have severe implications for the economic well-being of people, livelihoods, and economic development.
• A beginning can be made by providing gig workers with EVs. The Govt must support them and acknowledge their contribution to the economy.
• As the demand for reservation reaches a crescendo, the original justification for this departure from formal equality has become more difficult.
• The cause of poverty in the country is not only economic. A substantial number of the poor belong to the Scheduled and Backward Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• If background inequalities force certain people to live below the poverty line, this should be seen as a serious infringement of the right to equality granted by our Constitution.
• The idea of caste is the greatest dividing factor… all caste either on the principle of birth or of merit is bondage.
• India this time around has taken a much stronger pro-Israel stand than is typical during Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.
• The state and central governments also need to acknowledge the contributions and the critical nature of these gig workers.
• COP28 presents an opportunity to India and other nations to hold the West accountable and liable for the environmental crisis.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The future will either be green or not at all.

50-WORD TALK

• Irrational and unscientific fixed-dose combination drugs ruling the Indian pharma market is a menace that has gone on unchecked for too long. A study shows 70% of antibiotic FDC drugs in the market are banned or unapproved. This is a public health hazard; convoluted and inefficient regulations are bad medicine.
• The ordeal of 40 men trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand is a reminder of the tightrope walk infrastructure development is in Garhwal Himalayas. Aggressive construction without mountain-appropriate plans is a slippery slope. We hope they are rescued soon, but disregarding the region’s vulnerability will only endanger more lives.

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. Prophet’s lessons on peace in promised land READ MORE ]
2. No condition applies READ MORE

1. Many Indian cities record peak pollution during Deepavali day READ MORE
2. Cities with worse air than Delhi fixed the problem: Nine things India needs to do to follow suit READ MORE

1. Tackling violence against women in rural India READ MORE
2. TB burden remains a matter of concern READ MORE

1. Limiting search and seizure: On digital devices and media professionals READ MORE
2. Has free ration become a political compulsion? READ MORE
3. States vs Governors needs clarity from Supreme Court READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Wholesale prices remain in deflation zone in October READ MORE
2. Govt. to invite bids for 20 critical mineral blocks in next two weeks: Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao READ MORE
3. World severely off track to limit planet-heating emissions: UN READ MORE
4. Hope to find ‘landing point’ that works for both in India-UK FTA: Jaishankar READ MORE
5. Parliamentary panel on criminal law Bill leaves decision on death penalty to Centre READ MORE
6. How does an electric battery work and what are the different types? | Explained  READ MORE
7. Offshore Leaks to Cyprus Confidential, a decade of offshore investigations READ MORE
8. Secrecy and no tax — reason why Indians look at Cyprus READ MORE
9. Mount Etna erupts: Why some volcanoes just keep spewing lava READ MORE
10. Easing wheat prices, rising rice prices: What’s behind them? READ MORE  

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Tackling violence against women in rural India READ MORE
2. Challenges to curbing community-based prostitution READ MORE  

 GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Limiting search and seizure: On digital devices and media professionals READ MORE
2. Has free ration become a political compulsion? READ MORE
3. States vs Governors needs clarity from Supreme Court READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. TB burden remains a matter of concern READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The Qatar death row and India’s options READ MORE
2. A layered relationship READ MORE
3. Xi-Biden meeting holds profound significance for India READ MORE
4. India’s challenges amidst shifting global equations READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The economy of a world without work READ MORE
2. Enable flexible work to bridge the gender gap READ MORE
3. Then and now READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Many Indian cities record peak pollution during Deepavali day READ MORE
2. Cities with worse air than Delhi fixed the problem: Nine things India needs to do to follow suit READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Powerful metaphors that caution us to be alert READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. MHA extends UAPA ban against eight Meitei extremist organisations READ MORE
2. Realism, not machismo, to counter terror READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Uttarkashi tunnel collapse: Experts raise questions on geological and geotechnical surveys for project READ MORE
2. No light at the end of Himalayan tunnels READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Prophet’s lessons on peace in promised land READ MORE ]
2. No condition applies READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is an important institution in India to ensure public accountability of the executive. Examine.
2. Continuous mishaps in the Himalayan region teach us that before any development, a detailed geological investigation and local ecological sensitivity of the region must be considered. Discuss how a balance between development and environmental conservation can be created in this region.
3. Neither economic growth is the indicator of people’s well-being nor per-head income gives a perfect indication of the people’s well-being. Discuss why, compensating public investment in infrastructure projects, poorer states will continue to lag behind and the disparities will only widen?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Communism is not love. Communism is a hammer which we use to crush the enemy.
• The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is one of the most important institutions of the country to ensure public accountability of the executive.
• As the CAG’s work necessarily involves pointing out the irregularities, inefficiencies, leakages and corruption in our public financial management system, relations between the governments and the CAG are generally adversarial.
• CAG reports are known for their political neutrality, robustness of examination and objectivity of conclusions.
• Unless the CAG comes out with cogent explanations, doubts about the credibility and impartiality of the institution will continue to linger in public minds.
• Balance between development and environmental conservation is crucial in the Himalayan region.
• Construction operations related to initiatives such as the Chardham Project frequently necessitate substantial disruptions to the hilly landscape. Deforestation, tunnel construction, and excavation can upset its fragile equilibrium, increasing the risk of geological instability, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion.
• Piecemeal approaches will only lead to the annual cycle of panic and shutdowns.
• With coordinated and sustained actions, we can address not only air pollution but also our urban climate and health goals together.
• Flexible working boosts productivity, gives access to a wider talent pool, and increases employee retention rates, especially for women.
• Under ‘open-ended’ procurement, Govt buys from farmers unlimited quantities at MSP. Apart from high stocks, this adds to the food subsidy bill substantially.
• The Govt is using state agencies not just to meet food requirements under NFSA but also to extend price support to farmers.
• Society needs to understand that everyone has equal rights according to the constitution. It’s time for patriarchal societies to change their thinking.
• A bill brought by the government before a legislature has some urgency. If a governor, actuated by some extraneous considerations, sits on it for two or three years he would be, in effect, violating the Constitution.
• It is strange that governors should keep the bills pending for years without taking any decision thereon for no ostensible reason. Constitutional authorities are required to act in a reasonable manner and within a reasonable time.
• Unless there is compensating public investment in infrastructure projects, poorer states will continue to lag behind and the disparities will only widen.
• Economic growth does not follow simple mathematical models. Nor is it the only indicator of people’s well-being. Per-head income only gives a rough indication of the state of well-being of the people as compared to some other similar distribution patterns of income.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Many worlds: Multipolarity in the new world order

50-WORD TALK

• Governments are perfectly within their rights to improves the condition of vulnerable sections through well-delivered social welfare schemes. But there are schemes on which huge expenditure has been made over the years while there is a strong perception of sub-optimality in the attainment of their objectives.
• Blatant violation of the Supreme Court’s ban on firecrackers shows it is one thing to deliver orders, but completely another to implement them. It serves as a reminder that judgments must be enforceable, with strict punishments for failures and disregard. The apex court’s word must not go up in smoke.

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. Whether machines could become conscious READ MORE
2. Self-realisation is easy as well as tough READ MORE
3. Point of no return READ MORE