GS2

GS2 – INTERNATIONAL RELATION Context: India has increased its efforts to have Pakistan re-listed on the FATF grey list following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, aiming to combat cross-border terrorism financing. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Formation: Established in 1989 by the G7 to address anti-money laundering (AML), …

GS-2: International Institutions Key Points: The U.S. questioned India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for speciality steel at the WTO, citing trade rule concerns. India defends the scheme as essential for reducing imports and boosting self-reliance. India remained a net steel importer in FY25. The ₹6,322 crore scheme is modest …

GS2 – Social Sector Context: A recent analysis by the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) has brought to light serious gaps in access to suitable antibiotics for treating drug-resistant infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India. Study Findings Scope of the Study: The research focused on …

GS2 – Polity Context: India has not appointed a Deputy Speaker for both the 17th and 18th Lok Sabha sessions, despite constitutional provisions requiring it. Constitutional Provision Article 93 of the Constitution mandates the election of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha “as soon as …

GS-2: Polity and Governance Key Points: India’s parliamentary oversight has weakened due to limited scrutiny by committees and the executive evading accountability. Standing Committees meet infrequently, lack follow-through, and their recommendations rarely influence policy. The article calls for “Maximum Accountability” alongside “Maximum Governance.” Proposes reforms like mandatory discussions of committee …

GS-2: International Relations Key Points: On April 30, Ukraine and the U.S. signed an agreement granting U.S. access to Ukraine’s untapped critical mineral reserves. The U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund will fund extraction, with Ukraine receiving 50% of revenues. The deal lacks explicit U.S. security commitments, increasing Ukraine’s vulnerability in its …

GS-2: Centre-State Dynamics Key Points: The Centre has ordered Punjab to release 4,500 cusecs of water from Bhakra Dam to Haryana for eight days to address urgent water demands. Decision made under the Union Home Secretary’s leadership, involving officials from Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Punjab’s government has resisted, labeling the …

Context: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has recently introduced a corporate governance charter designed specifically for startups. This charter includes a self-evaluation scorecard to monitor governance progress. What is Corporate Governance? Corporate governance encompasses a set of principles and practices that steer an organization’s development. It focuses on values …

UPSC Relevance GS-2: International Relations (BRICS cooperation, global governance) GS-3: Economy (labour policies, climate change impacts) Key Points The 2025 BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia, under Brazil’s presidency, adopted a declaration on “AI and the Future of Work” and “Climate Change Impacts on Work and Just Transition.” …

UPSC Relevance GS-2: International Relations (India-Pakistan maritime boundary, UNCLOS) GS-3: Geography (continental shelf, maritime zones) Key Points India expanded its continental shelf claim in the Central Arabian Sea by nearly 10,000 sq km, modifying an earlier claim to avoid conflict with Pakistan over Sir Creek. Coastal nations have Exclusive Economic …

GS2 – International Relations Context: India has withdrawn the transhipment privilege it had extended to Bangladesh in 2020, which enabled the latter to send export consignments to third countries via the Petrapole Land Port. This move follows recent remarks by a Bangladeshi official suggesting that Northeast India’s landlocked geography makes …

GS2 – Governance Context: In a landmark antitrust ruling in 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) found Google guilty of illegally monopolizing the digital advertising technology (AdTech) ecosystem. Understanding the AdTech Ecosystem AdTech refers to the infrastructure that facilitates digital advertising across websites, mobile applications, and social networks. Its …

GS II-Schemes Why in News? The Central Government extended the PM CARES for Children Scheme until 28th February 2022, providing vital support to children orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic. About the Scheme Launched on: 29th May 2021 Aim: To provide comprehensive care, protection, and long-term support to children who lost …

GS2 – Vulnerable Groups Context: In the landmark Pinki vs. State of Uttar Pradesh case, the Supreme Court delivered extensive instructions aimed at curbing the issue of child trafficking in India. Understanding Child Trafficking: According to the United Nations, child trafficking involves the recruitment, transfer, or sheltering of minors for …

GS2 – Polity Context: Tata Trusts, in collaboration with a network of civil society organizations, has released the 2025 edition of the India Justice Report. The report evaluates the performance of states and union territories across 24 indicators, covering the four core pillars of the justice system—police, judiciary, prisons, and …

GS2 – Polity Tamil Nadu Forms Committee on State Autonomy Context: The Tamil Nadu government has set up a high-powered panel led by former Supreme Court judge, Justice Kurian Joseph. This committee’s primary role is to analyze Centre-State relations and recommend ways to reinforce the constitutional rights of states. Previously, …

GS2 – Polity Context : Telangana has taken a pioneering step by becoming the first state in India to implement sub-categorisation among Scheduled Castes (SCs), also known as “reservation within reservation.” As per the recent government notification, SCs in the state will be divided into three distinct groups – Group …

GS2 – Governance Context: The Registrar General of India (RGI) has issued a warning to both public and private healthcare institutions, urging them to report all birth and death occurrences within 21 days. Concerns Highlighted by RGI: Incomplete Registration: The RGI has pointed out that nearly 10% of birth and …

GS2 – Governance Context: Kerala has become the first state in India to achieve total digital literacy, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital empowerment journey. What is Digital Literacy? Digital Literacy refers to the ability of individuals and communities to effectively understand, access, and use digital technologies in …

GS II-Vulnerable section Overview Child trafficking is a form of human trafficking that involves the illegal transportation, recruitment, or harboring of minors using coercion, force, fraud, or deception. This exploitative practice aims to subject children to inhumane conditions such as forced labor, prostitution, slavery, organ trade, and servitude. While child …