GS2

  GS2 – Governance Context The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has released details of the 2025 awards scheme. Background: Introduced in 2006, with restructuring in 2014 and 2020. The scheme was further revamped in 2021 to promote innovation, best practice replication, and institutionalization. Aim & Objective: …

GS2 – International Relations Context India, along with the United States, Japan, and Australia, launched the first-ever ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’ to enhance coast guard coordination across the Indo-Pacific region. Background & Objectives Wilmington Declaration: This initiative was introduced as part of the Wilmington Declaration adopted during the …

GS2 – Polity Context The Union Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy 2025, officially named Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, which revamps India’s sports governance and development framework. Highlights of NSP 2025 Global Sporting Excellence: Structured talent pathways Enhanced sports infrastructure Training driven by sports science Strengthening of National Sports …

GS2 – Initiatives Context The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has signed an MoU with the Digital India Corporation for the development of MY Bharat 2.0, a platform for youth engagement and empowerment. About the MY Bharat 2.0 Platform A single-window digital ecosystem to align youth with opportunities in …

GS2 – Schemes Context The Union Cabinet has approved the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme to enhance private sector investment in R&D, particularly in strategic and sunrise sectors. What Are Sunrise Sectors? Sunrise sectors refer to high-growth, emerging industries with strategic relevance, including: Clean mobility Green hydrogen Drones Robotics …

GS2 – Polity Context The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a fresh revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar, aiming to remove discrepancies and ensure accuracy. About the Electoral Roll Definition: An Electoral Roll, commonly known as the Voters’ List, includes names of all eligible electors in a …

GS2 – Social Sector Context The release of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24 by NSO in January 2025 has sparked debate about the adequacy of current poverty measures. The Thali Index offers an alternative rooted in real food accessibility. Limitations of Calorie-Based Poverty Metrics Cultural Disconnect: National calorie …

GS2 – Polity Context Recent debates question the inclusion of “Socialist” and “Secular” in the Preamble via the 42nd Amendment (1976). However, constitutional jurisprudence affirms these as inherent values of India’s constitutional order. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) Introduced under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Emergency (1975–77). Key additions: …

 GS2 – Governance    Context India is set to conduct its first-ever standalone Household Income Survey in February 2026, addressing long-standing gaps in income data crucial for targeted policy formulation. About the Household Income Survey Implementing Agency: The survey will be conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under …

GS2 – Governance Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently launched its flagship Adi Karmyogi Initiative during the Adi Anveshan National Conference. Key Highlights: Purpose: To create a dynamic cadre of motivated officers and changemakers committed to grassroots transformation through citizen-centric service delivery. Primary Objective: To conduct large-scale capacity-building initiatives …

GS2 – International Relations Context The U.S. has withdrawn its controversial AI Diffusion Framework, which imposed strict export controls to regulate the global spread of advanced AI technologies. What Was the AI Diffusion Framework? Introduced in early 2025, the framework: Treated AI on par with nuclear technology. Restricted AI chips …

GS2 – Governance Context The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) to enhance Panchayats’ capacity to generate Own Source Revenue (OSR). Purpose: Train state-nominated Master Trainers in OSR generation and project implementation. Focus on local revenue mobilisation and …

GS2 – International Relations Context: At the 2025 NATO Summit, member nations agreed to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, citing rising security threats from Russia and pressure from the U.S. Key Drivers of Change: Russia’s aggression post-2022 Ukraine invasion. Persistent terrorism threats in unstable global regions. …

GS2 – International Relations Context India’s Defence Minister opted not to sign the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) joint statement during the defence ministers’ meeting in China. The statement omitted reference to the Pahalgam terror attack but highlighted a train hijacking in Pakistan’s Balochistan, leading India to withhold endorsement. About SCO: …

GS2 – Governance Context: The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has released the Draft Registration Bill, 2025 for public feedback. It aims to replace the century-old Registration Act of 1908, introducing a modernized legal framework to enhance land registration, improve transparency, and promote digital record-keeping. Why the Bill is Needed …

GS3 – Indian Economy   Context The Union Finance Minister released the 5th edition of the National Time Release Study (NTRS), a key trade facilitation performance report. What is NTRS? NTRS is a quantitative tool used to measure the average time taken for cargo clearance, providing insights into the efficiency …

GS2 – International Relations Context Following U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities under Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran’s Parliament has approved a plan to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit chokepoint. Strait of Hormuz: Strategic Significance Location: Lies between Iran and Oman, linking the Persian Gulf with …

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 …