GS2

GS II-International Relations Context: Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire, conditional on Russia’s acceptance. The deal could lead to a resumption of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing. Strategic Motivations: Ukraine’s Objectives: Secure U.S. military aid & diplomatic leverage. Finalize mineral deals with the U.S. for economic stability. …

GS II-International Relations Context: The recent killing of ~300 Alawite civilians in Syria has raised concerns over sectarian violence against this minority group. Who are the Alawites? Religious Origins: A Shia Islam offshoot, emerging in the 9th-10th centuries through the teachings of Mohammad ibn Nusayr in Iraq. Beliefs & Practices: …

GS II-International Agreement Context: Lithuania withdrew from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), citing security concerns, drawing global criticism. About the CCM: Adopted: 2008 | Came into force: 2010 Prohibits: Use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster bombs. Membership: 112 state parties + 12 signatories. Non-signatories: Russia, Ukraine, India. About …

GS-II-International Relations Context: PM’s visit to Mauritius highlights India’s commitment to its historical and strategic partnership with the island nation. Indo-Mauritius Bilateral Relations Historical & Cultural Ties: Indian Diaspora: Nearly 70% of Mauritius’ population has Indian ancestry, tracing back to indentured laborers from colonial times. Stable Relations: Strong political and …

GS-2-Health Context: A recent case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) has gained attention following the death of the wife of an Oscar-winning actor. About Hantavirus Hantaviruses belong to a family of viruses primarily carried by rodents, which can lead to severe illness and fatalities in humans. Endemic Region: HPS is …

Subject: GS-2: International Relations & Defense Ties – India’s Arms Imports, Global Defense Collaborations GS-3: Security & Defense Tech – Domestic Arms Production, Self-Reliance Goals Key Points India’s Global Arms Import Ranking India ranked as the second-largest arms importer from 2020-24, behind Ukraine, which saw imports soar 100-fold due to …

Subject: GS-2: Governance & Policy – Census Operations, National Population Register (NPR), Demographic Insights GS-3: Technology & Data Systems – Digital Governance, Aadhaar in Policy Implementation Key Points Census Postponement & Panel’s Call The 2021 Census was deferred indefinitely due to COVID-19 disruptions. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs …

Subject: GS-2: International Relations – India-Canada Diplomacy, Foreign Policy Dynamics GS-3: Economic & Trade Ties – Bilateral Commerce, Diversification Efforts Key Points Context of India-Canada Rift Ties soured in 2023 over the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Canada’s Trudeau government implicated India, labeling diplomats “persons of …

Subject: GS-2: Governance & Policy – Food Safety Standards, Consumer Rights, Health Policies GS-3: Health & Nutrition – Obesity Trends, Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs), Regulatory Effectiveness Key Points Obesity Surge & Policy Gaps National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5): One in four Indian adults is obese or pre-diabetic. Economic Survey 2025 suggests …

Subject: GS-2: Governance & Federalism – President’s Rule, Law Enforcement, Centre-State Roles GS-3: Internal Security & Conflict Management – Ethnic Disputes, Insurgency, Militant Groups Key Points President’s Rule and Actions The BJP-led Manipur government was dissolved, with President’s Rule enacted to stabilize the region. Replacing N. Biren Singh has proven …

Subject: GS-2: International Relations & Trade – WTO Compliance, India-U.S. Trade Ties GS-3: Economy & Global Commerce – Bilateral Trade Deals, Most Favored Nation (MFN) Clause Key Points India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) India and the U.S. plan to negotiate a multi-sector BTA by late 2025. Though not termed a …

Subject: GS-2: Governance & Educational Reforms – University Independence, UGC’s Role, Centre-State Dynamics in Education GS-4: Ethics in Administration – Meritocracy, Institutional Accountability Key Points UGC’s Draft Regulations & Issues The University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations 2025 suggest revisions to the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) selection process and criteria. States oppose diminished …

Subject: GS-2: Governance & Policy Measures – Urban Mobility Strategies, Sustainable Transport GS-3: Environment & Economy – Electric Vehicles, Emission Reduction, Renewable Energy Key Points Draft EV 2.0 Policy & Goals The Delhi government has finalized its Electric Vehicle (EV) 2.0 Policy, awaiting Cabinet approval. Targets 95% of newly registered …

Subjects: GS-2: International Relations: Middle East Tensions, Syrian Instability GS-3: Internal Security: Ethnic Conflicts, Civil Unrest Key Points Sectarian Clashes Over 1,000 deaths occurred in two days along Syria’s Mediterranean coast. Violence pitted new Islamist leaders against fighters loyal to ousted President Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite sect. Interim President Muhammad al-Jolani …

Subjects: GS-2: Governance & Tech: AI Strategy, Local Innovation GS-3: Science & Tech: AI Development, Quantum Advances Key Points Case for Homegrown AI Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser, stresses India’s need for custom AI models tailored to its diverse population and languages. India’s AI Mission prioritizes computing power and data …

Subjects: GS-2: Education & Governance: Language Policy, NEP Implementation GS-1: Society: Linguistic Variety, Mother Tongue’s Role Key Points Instruction Medium NEP 2020 requires teaching in the mother tongue or regional language until Grade 5, ideally Grade 8, to boost learning outcomes. Multilingualism, including bilingual methods, is promoted from early education. …

Subjects: GS-1: Society: Gender Equity, Women’s Empowerment GS-2: Governance & Judiciary: Judicial Selection, Representation Issues Key Points Gender Disparity in Courts Women constitute just 14.27% of High Court judges (109 out of 765). High Courts in Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, and Tripura have no female judges. Allahabad HC, India’s largest with 79 …

Subjects: GS-2: International Relations: India-Mauritius Ties, Strategic Collaboration GS-3: Security & Economy: Maritime Safety, Trade Growth Key Points Deepening Diplomatic Ties PM Narendra Modi’s visit (March 11-12, 2025) underscores the enduring political and cultural connection with Mauritius. He will attend Mauritius’ Independence Day as the guest of honor. Political Context …

Subjects: GS-2: International Relations: India-UK, India-EU Partnerships GS-3: Economy & Trade: Trade Deals, Bilateral Economic Ties Key Points India-UK & India-EU Trade Efforts External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s trip to the UK and Ireland aimed to bolster trade links amid security tensions. Talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy focused …

Subjects: GS-1: Society: Women’s Advancement, Social Challenges GS-2: Governance & Welfare: Gender Initiatives, Economic Inclusion GS-3: Economy & Technology: Startups, Digital Empowerment Key Points Sanitation & Water Access Programs Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM) enhanced cleanliness, dignity, and well-being for 116 million households. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) boosted tap water coverage …