GS2

GS II – Governance What is a PHH Card? PHH stands for Priority Households. A PHH card is a type of ration card issued under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. It is given to economically vulnerable households to ensure access to subsidized foodgrains and related welfare schemes. Legal …

GS II – Governance What is DGCA? The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is India’s civil aviation regulator. Established: 1927 (as a government directorate), restructured over time. Headquarters: New Delhi Parent Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation It is an executive body functioning under the Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft …

GS II – International Relations   Israel’s Bordering Countries: Lebanon (North) Syria (Northeast) Jordan (East) Egypt (Southwest) Palestinian territories: West Bank (landlocked, disputed with Jordan/Palestinians) Gaza Strip (on southwestern coast, controlled by Hamas) 🧭 Geostrategic Relevance: Israel lies at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with access to the …

GS Paper II – Health Context: India has officially launched its national HPV vaccination drive for adolescent girls aged 9–14 years as part of its Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). The move aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040, aligning with WHO’s global strategy. What is …

GS Paper II – Polity Context: Recently, the Madras High Court raised concerns over the frequent and arbitrary use of the Goondas Act in Tamil Nadu, highlighting its misuse against individuals involved in minor or non-heinous offences. This has reignited the debate on preventive detention laws and their alignment with …

GS Paper II – Governance Context  The Ministry of Jal Shakti has accelerated the implementation of GIS-based mapping of water supply systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). This initiative aims to ensure real-time monitoring, transparency, and efficiency in the delivery of functional household tap connections (FHTCs) across rural India. …

GS2 – International Relations Context: The 2025 G7 Summit, held in Canada to commemorate its 50th year, revealed significant internal fractures rather than the intended message of unity. The outcomes have triggered debates over the relevance of India’s continued participation in such platforms. Major Outcomes and Key Challenges Failure to …

GS2 – Polity Context: The upcoming 16th Finance Commission, whose recommendations will apply from April 2026, is facing increasing pressure from States to enhance their share in centrally collected taxes from the current 41% to 50%. What Is the Divisible Pool of Taxes? This refers to the shareable portion of …

GS2 – Social Sector Context India has achieved a milestone with a record-breaking 54 institutions making it to the QS World University Rankings 2026. About the Rankings: The QS World University Rankings are released annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based organization that focuses on global higher education and international …

GS2 – International Relations Context: Amid evolving U.S. policies and geopolitical priorities, India–U.S. relations have encountered fresh challenges. A strategic reassessment is essential to safeguard mutual trust and ensure sustained alignment in the long term. Reasons for Tensions in Bilateral Relations Transactional vs. Strategic Mindsets: The U.S. often engages in …

GS2 – International Relations Context: The Golden ‘Trump Card’ is a new immigration initiative proposed by  U.S. President Donald Trump, designed to offer residency and citizenship to affluent foreign nationals in exchange for a $5 million payment, effectively replacing the EB-5 visa program. Key Features of the Trump Gold Card: …

GS 2 – International Relations Context: The ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel are intensifying, though the immediate economic impact on India remains moderate. However, short-term fluctuations in oil prices and trade dynamics are possible. Military Operations Involved: Israel – Operation Rising Lion: Conducted aerial and drone-based strikes targeting Iranian …

GS2 – International Relations Context Recent maritime incidents, such as the fire on MV Wan Hai 503 and the sinking of MSC ELSA 3 near Kerala, have spotlighted safety issues and environmental concerns linked to international shipping. International Governance of Maritime Transport Role of IMO: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) …

GS2 – IR Context: India and African nations are strengthening digital collaboration using open-source Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) aligned with Africa’s 2020–2030 digital roadmap. Africa Day, celebrated on May 25, commemorates the creation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, symbolizing a unified vision for African progress. The African …

GS2 – Social Sector Context: CBSE, with support from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), is set to mandate ‘Sugar Boards’ in schools to raise awareness about sugar consumption and related health risks. About Sugar Boards Visual learning aids installed in schools to: Highlight sugar content in …

GS2 – Social Sector Context: India collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote AYUSH globally through a significant agreement on traditional medicine practices. This agreement initiates the development of a dedicated Traditional Medicine section within the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). The inclusion of this module will …

GS 2 – IR India and the Maldives are actively reviewing their Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors. This partnership, formalized in October 2024 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, underscores the commitment of …

GS-2: Indian Constitution Key Highlights The STREET Court struck down a Delhi High Court order that had directed Wikimedia to remove a Wikipedia page citing defamation. The case involved a single judge’s ruling in October 2024 over adverse comments on Wikipedia about a defamation case involving the judiciary. SC Justices …

GS II – International Relations Key Highlights U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his offer to mediate on Kashmir, claiming the U.S. had helped India and Pakistan arrive at a ceasefire. Trump posted on social media that he would work with both nations “even if after a thousand years” to resolve …

GS 3 – ECONOMY Context: The PM recently inaugurated WAVES 2025 (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit), highlighting the importance of the creative economy. About the Creative Economy: The “orange economy” refers to industries that leverage creativity, knowledge, and intellectual property (IP) to generate value. This includes sectors such as …