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13 topicsGS-1: 4GS-2: 3GS-3: 6
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GS-2Editorial

1.Judicial Dissent Significance (Judiciary)

The Hindu

What & Where

Judicial dissent – separate opinion disagreeing with majority, offering alternate constitutional reading.

Key forms – Intellectual, Political, Social dissents reflecting logic, anti-political stance, or socio-cultural divergence.

Main arenas – Supreme Court of India & U.S. Supreme Court as apex constitutional forums.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Rights safeguard: Dissents defend liberty, equality, constitutional morality from transient majorities.
  • Reform trigger: Highlight statutory or constitutional gaps prompting legislative correction.
  • Independence marker: Regular dissent signals judiciary free from executive-legislative pressure.

Comparative Aspect

  • Ideology divide: U.S. dissents often echo liberal-conservative alignment of appointing President.
  • India focus: Dissents lean on text, societal context rather than party labels.
  • Philosophy clash: U.S. originalist vs progressive; India embraces living-constitution morality.

Recent Cases

  • SitaSoren 2023: Struck parliamentary privilege shield, strengthening anti-corruption regime.
  • LaltaVaish 2024: Asserted industrial alcohol outside State tax ambit unless potable.
  • Hijab 2022: Emphasised personal choice and pluralism within State schools.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
India: appointment modeCollegium; minimal overt political role
USA: appointment modePresident nominates, Senate confirms
ADM Jabalpur 1976 dissentJustice H.R. Khanna upheld Article 21 during Emergency
Shayara Bano 2017 dissentJustices Khehar & Nazeer backed triple talaq validity
Lalta Prasad Vaish 2024 dissentJustice B.V. Nagarathna on States lacking power to tax industrial alcohol
Hijab split-verdict 2022Justice Dhulia stressed diversity over uniform secularism
Sita Soren 2023 rulingBribe-for-vote immunity (1998) overruled; corruption no longer privileged
Core impact of dissentsCatalyse amendments, enrich jurisprudence, display judicial independence

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2019PYQ 1

निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-2Polity

2.Private Member’s Bills in Parliament (Legislative Process)

The Hindu

What & Where

Definition: Bill introduced by an MP not in the Council of Ministers

House Venue: Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha; discussion slot restricted to Fridays

Scope: Expresses individual or public issues outside official government agenda

Quick Facts for MCQs

Parliamentary Procedure

  • Drafting: Member prepares text, submits one-month advance notice to Secretariat
  • Stages: Introduction → optional committee reference → second reading debate → vote or withdrawal
  • Ministerial request: Member may withdraw if minister promises action

Historical Record

  • Legislative success rarity: 14 laws since Independence, none after 1970
  • Notable outcome: Supreme Court enlargement (1967) among rare PMB enactments

Political Significance

  • Independence: Allows MPs, incl. ruling party backbenchers, to flag neglected issues
  • Accountability: Rejection or passage does not threaten government confidence

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
17th Lok Sabha debate time9.08 hours
17th Rajya Sabha debate time27.01 hours
Total PMBs turned law14
Last PMB enacted1970
Weekly discussion dayFriday
Notice period before introduction1 month
Government stability impactNone (non-binding)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2017PYQ 1

With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements :

GS1 2017PYQ 2

भारत की संसद के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए :

GS-3Economy

3.World Bank Business Ready Report 2024 (Ease of Doing)

Business Standard
Illustration for World Bank Business Ready Report 2024 (Ease of Doing)

What & Where

Business Ready (B-READY): World Bank tool replacing Ease of Doing Business

Evaluates 10 firm-lifecycle topics through 3 pillars and produces topic & pillar scores

2024 pilot spans 50 economies worldwide; target 180 economies by 2026

Quick Facts for MCQs

Methodology

  • Coverage Business entry location utilities labor finance trade taxation disputes competition insolvency
  • Approach Combines de jure regulations and de facto firm surveys for balanced insight
  • Output Disaggregated scores aid targeted reforms not headline ranking

Global Findings

  • Gap Strong rules often unmet by weak public services creating delivery deficit
  • Inclusivity Lower income achievers Rwanda Georgia Colombia match high performers
  • Drivers Digital tools and green practices align with higher overall scores

India Angle

  • Registration Time consuming and partly offline vis-à-vis Singapore one-day model
  • Labor Codes uneven implementation across states hinders flexibility
  • Trade Customs delays inconsistent enforcement raise logistics costs

Recommendations

  • Streamlining Full digitisation of registration approvals and customs to cut cost and time
  • Services Invest in tax portals utilities and e-dispute platforms to close service gap
  • Sustainability Embed green mandates and gender sensitive rules while emulating peer best practices

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Launch year2024
Predecessor indexEase of Doing Business
Core topics count10
Three pillarsRegulatory Framework; Public Services; Operational Efficiency
Indicators analysed~1,200
Cross-cutting themesDigital adoption; Environmental sustainability; Gender
Score scale0–100 per pillar
Data sourcesExpert questionnaires + Enterprise Surveys
Expert data updateAnnually
Firm-level data updateEvery 3 years
Economies in 2024 edition50
Planned coverage 2026180 economies
India in 2024 reportNot participated

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2020PYQ 1

As per the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Ranking, India's rank has improved from 142 in 2014 to 63 in 2019. During this period, in which of the following parameters has India's rank deteriorated?

CDS_GK, GS1 2016PYQ 2

India's ranking in the 'Ease of Doing Business Index' is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?

GS-1History

4.All-India Muslim League Origins (Muslim League)

Indian Express

What & Where

AIML: political party set up 30 Dec 1906, Dhaka, to protect Muslim political-religious rights.

Key processes: Aligarh Movement → Simla Deputation 1906 → separate electorates 1909 → mass politics under Jinnah.

Core geography: Bengal (Dhaka, Calcutta), Punjab, Sindh, NWFP; landmark sessions Lucknow 1916, Lahore 1940.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Major Agreements

  • Lucknow Pact 1916: Congress accepts separate electorates, joint demand for larger Indian legislatures.
  • Lahore Resolution 1940: AIML seeks independent Muslim-majority “states”, ideological base for Pakistan.
  • Communal Award 1932: British extend separate electorates, boosting AIML leverage.

Jinnah’s Constitutional Demands

  • Fourteen Points 1929: federal system; provincial autonomy; one-third Muslim seats centre.
  • Minority safeguard: ¾ minority veto on bills; continuation of separate electorates.
  • Territorial clauses: Sindh separation; reforms for NWFP, Balochistan to protect Muslim majorities.

Communal Politics Drivers

  • Colonial policies: divide-and-rule via 1909 Act, 1932 Award institutionalised identity politics.
  • Socio-economic factors: poverty, unemployment, resource competition enable polarising mobilisation.
  • Modern catalysts: identity parties, orchestrated riots, social-media hate speech sustain divisions.

Legal & Policy Remedies

  • Prevention of Communal & Targeted Violence Bill 2011 proposed; yet to be enacted.
  • Representation of People Act 1951: calls for stricter disqualification, empower ECI against hate propaganda.
  • Constitutional ethos: reinforce secularism, fraternity, inclusive growth to undercut communal narratives.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Founding date30 Dec 1906
Founding placeDhaka, Bengal Presidency
Prominent foundersNawab Salimullah, Aga Khan, Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk
Viceroy met (Simla Deputation)Lord Minto II
Early objectiveSeparate Muslim representation
Mass leader joinsJinnah, 1913
Lucknow Pact signed1916
Jinnah’s Fourteen Points1929
Lahore/Pakistan Resolution23-24 Mar 1940
Direct Action Day16 Aug 1946
Separate electorates introducedIndian Councils Act 1909
Communal Award year1932

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2002PYQ 1

With reference to the Indian freedom struggle, which one of the following statements is correct?

GS1 2001PYQ 2

A London branch of the All-India Muslim League was established in 1908 under the presidency of

GS-1Mapping

5.Trinidad and Tobago Physical Geography (Caribbean Islands)

DH

What & Where

Nation: Twin-island Trinidad & Tobago, southernmost Caribbean, Atlantic-facing.

Coordinates: 11 km NE of Venezuela, 130 km S of Grenada on South American shelf.

Status: Nationwide State of Emergency declared to curb gang violence.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Measure: Emergency powers enable curfews, expanded police-military operations against gangs.
  • Trigger: Surge in deadly shootings and violence across urban centers.

Physical Geography

  • Topography: Northern Range runs east-west; El Cerro del Aripo crowns at 940 m.
  • Hydrology: Ortoire, Caroni, Nariva rivers drain Trinidad’s plains to Atlantic.

Regional Setting

  • Location: Sits on continental shelf bridging Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
  • Proximity: Key maritime route near Orinoco delta and Lesser Antilles chain.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
CapitalPort of Spain
Oceanic settingAtlantic Ocean, Caribbean region
Nearest mainlandVenezuela, 11 km southwest
Northern neighborGrenada, 130 km north
Highest peakEl Cerro del Aripo – 940 m
Main mountain rangeNorthern Range (Trinidad)
Major riversOrtoire, Caroni, Nariva
Recent actionState of Emergency over gang shootings
GS-1Mapping

6.Shivaji Statue at Pangong Tso (Pangong Tso)

Hindustan Times
Illustration for Shivaji Statue at Pangong Tso (Pangong Tso)

What & Where

Pangong Tso endorheic brackish tectonic lake in eastern Ladakh Himalayas altitude ~4,350 m

Basin created by Indian–Eurasian plate collision occupying remnant Tethys Ocean trough

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue installed on its bank at ~14,300 ft after border disengagement

Quick Facts for MCQs

Historical Personalities

  • Shivaji Maharaj revered Maratha ruler statue signals national pride in border zone
  • Zorawar Singh Dogra general 1834-40 Ladakh conquest under Maharaja Ranjit Singh basis for alternate statue push
  • Veterans and locals divided over which historical figure better represents Ladakhi history

Geophysical Aspects

  • Pangong Tso endorheic brackish tectonic lake occupying former Tethys Ocean trough
  • Indian-Eurasian plate collision uplifted Himalayas and created lake basin
  • Lake spans India–China border heightens ecological and strategic value

Security Dimension

  • Disengagement at Demchok and Depsang ended 4.5 year India-China standoff since 2020
  • Statue unveiling followed pullback signalling restored calm along Line of Actual Control
  • Area remains high altitude 14,000 ft challenging for logistics and surveillance

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Lake altitude~4,350 m / 14,270 ft
Lake natureEndorheic ; tectonic ; brackish
Statue inauguratedChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Statue altitude~14,300 ft
Disengagement sitesDemchok & Depsang
Standoff duration~4.5 years (2020-24)
Alternate statue demandGen Zorawar Singh
Zorawar Singh campaign1834-1840 Ladakh annexation

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK 2020PYQ 1

Which one of the following lakes in India has a large quantity of a substance found in the Moon?

GS-3Environment

7.IPBES Transformative Change Report (Biodiversity Governance)

IPBES

What & Where

Transformative Change Assessment: 2024 IPBES global study outlining system-wide shifts to curb biodiversity loss

IPBES: independent intergovernmental body (2012), ~150 members incl India; secretariat Bonn, Germany

Biocultural hotspots: example Nepal community forests; warns on coral reefs, rainforests worldwide

Quick Facts for MCQs

Governance & Policy

  • Adaptive governance: mixes state, private, Indigenous actors; centres biodiversity in all policies
  • Precautionary approach: urges inclusive cross-sector action even without complete scientific certainty
  • Legal strengthening: recommends tougher environmental laws with consistent enforcement mechanisms

Economic Angle

  • Nature-positive economies: call for subsidy reform eliminating harmful incentives, promoting sustainable models
  • Business potential: USD 10 trillion market and 395 million jobs projected from immediate pro-nature action
  • Carbon-neutrality: positions zero-carbon practices as default for individuals, firms and governments

Drivers & Sectors

  • Root causes: disconnection from nature, domination mind-set, power-wealth concentration, short-termism
  • High-impact sectors: agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure identified for urgent sustainable transitions
  • View shift: education and experiential learning promoted to highlight human-nature interconnectedness

Indian Initiatives

  • Policy tools: NBAP, NAPCC, Mission LiFE supporting transformative biodiversity actions
  • Clean-energy push: target 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 via ISA leadership
  • Social schemes: Swachh Bharat, PM-Ujjwala, AMRUT align with SDGs on climate, water, consumption

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Report titleTransformative Change Assessment
Releasing bodyIPBES
Potential business gainsUSD 10 trillion by 2030
Potential jobs created395 million by 2030
Listed key strategies5
Core sectors flaggedAgriculture, fisheries, infrastructure
IPBES founded2012
Secretariat locationBonn, Germany
UN affiliationNot a UN body; UNEP hosts secretariat

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2016PYQ 1

With reference to an initiative called 'The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)', which of the following statements is/are correct?

GS-3S&T

8.Belly Landing Emergency Technique (Aviation Safety)

Indian Express

What & Where

Belly landing = aircraft touches runway/water on fuselage with landing gear unreleased

Executed mainly during landing-gear failure or to limit further structural harm

Latest highlight: Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, South Korea, 179 fatalities

Quick Facts for MCQs

Technique & Procedure

  • Level alignment distributes load evenly, prevents cartwheel
  • Flap management maintains lift at slow approach to avert stall
  • Braking uses aerodynamic drag, thrust reversers, any functional wheel brakes

Risk Profile

  • Fire risk from fuel tank rupture and metal-runway sparks
  • Structural damage concentrated on lower fuselage and avionics bays
  • High deceleration can cause severe passenger injuries despite restraints

Trigger Causes

  • Landing gear hydraulic or mechanical failure most common initiator
  • Pilots select belly landing when gear-down may aggravate wing or wheel-well damage
  • Ditching on water or rough runways can necessitate belly technique

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Core definitionGear-up touchdown on aircraft belly
Risk factorsFire, structural breakup, passenger injury
Primary triggersLanding gear non-deployment; pre-existing airframe damage
Crucial techniqueWings kept absolutely level to runway
Recent caseJeju Air 7C2216; 179 deaths; South Korea
Speed managementControlled low-speed descent minimizes impact G-forces
GS-3S&T

9.Google Willow Quantum Processor (Quantum Computing)

The Hindu
Illustration for Google Willow Quantum Processor (Quantum Computing)

What & Where

Willow: Google Quantum AI’s 105-qubit superconducting processor for scalable, error-corrected computing

Housed at Google facility, Santa Barbara, operating near absolute zero via dilution refrigerators

Implements surface-code architecture pairing data and measurement qubits for non-destructive error detection

Quick Facts for MCQs

Tech Specifications

  • Surface-code grid separates data vs measurement qubits enabling continuous syndrome extraction
  • Additional measurement qubits handle leakage errors preserving logical state fidelity
  • Coherence doubled over Sycamore enabling deeper gate cycles

Performance Highlights

  • Error rate declines with qubit count crossing fault-tolerant threshold
  • Random Circuit Sampling completed millions-fold faster than top classical supercomputer
  • Demonstrated logical lifetimes indicate viability toward million-qubit architectures

Potential Applications

  • Drug-molecule simulation accelerates lead discovery
  • Climate modelling gains higher-resolution scenario forecasting
  • Combinatorial optimisation transforms logistics, finance, materials design

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Physical qubits105
Qubit platformSuperconducting transmon
Error-correction codeSurface code
Coherence time~100 µs
Operating temperature≈10 mK (-273.15 °C)
Leakage managementExtra measurement qubits
RCS task durationFew minutes
Classical equivalence~10 septillion years

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

GS1 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

GS-3S&T

10.Global Polio Resurgence Factors (Poliovirus Outbreak)

The Hindu
Illustration for Global Polio Resurgence Factors (Poliovirus Outbreak)

What & Where

Polio: highly contagious enterovirus disease of <5 yrs causing irreversible paralysis in ~1/200 infections.

2024 resurgence: wild & vaccine-derived strains seen in Pakistan, Cameroon; virus sampled in Barcelona, Warsaw, Cologne.

WHO evidence: respiratory droplets may now be chief transmission route, challenging faecal-oral premise.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Transmission Shift

  • WHO-study; respiratory droplets now flagged dominant polio transmission route.
  • Sewage-findings; Barcelona, Warsaw, Cologne indicate silent spread among partly-immunised groups.

Immunisation Gaps

  • Conflict-zones; Sudan coverage collapse enables virus circulation.
  • Urban-poor clusters; missed doses leave reservoirs, detected via environmental surveillance.

Vaccine Strategy & Types

  • OPV; oral, low-cost, gut immunity, cVDPV risk, unsafe immunocompromised.
  • IPV; killed virus, no reversion, higher price, multiple boosters, weak mucosal block.
  • 2016 OPV-switch; global move from tOPV to bOPV to limit type-2 VDPV.

Global & Indian Initiatives

  • GPEI & Endgame Plan 2013-18 drive surveillance, IPV roll-out, rapid outbreak response.
  • Pulse Polio & Intensified Mission Indradhanush sustain India’s polio-free status since 2014.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Wild polio cases, Pakistan 202462 (WPV-1)
Sudan conflict zonesCoverage fell 85 % → 30 %
OPV cost vs IPVCheaper manufacturing & delivery
IPV schedule2–4 intramuscular shots
OPV mucosal immunityStrong intestinal, curbs shedding
IPV mucosal immunityLimited, allows transmission
OPV major riskcVDPV reversion in rare cases
World Polio Day24 Oct (WHO)
2016 “OPV Switch”tOPV replaced by bOPV globally
GS-2Polity

11.US H-1B Visa Overview (US H-1B Visa)

Indian Express
Illustration for US H-1B Visa Overview (US H-1B Visa)

What & Where

H-1B; non-immigrant, specialty-occupation work visa under US Immigration Act 1990

Enables US firms to employ foreign STEM professionals holding minimum bachelor’s degree

Core geography USA; Indians form largest beneficiary cohort since 2015

Quick Facts for MCQs

Legal & Policy

  • Cap-exempt petitions include higher-education employers, affiliated nonprofits, government research entities
  • Green-card path possible; otherwise 12-month exit after six-year limit
  • USCIS runs electronic lottery when filings surpass cap

Indian Dominance

  • Indians secure > 70 % approved petitions every fiscal year since 2015
  • Indian IT services firms among top H-1B sponsors addressing US STEM shortages
  • Indian share dwarfs China’s steady 12-13 % approvals

Other US Visas

  • O-visa for extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, athletics
  • H-2A covers temporary agricultural labour; H-2B handles other seasonal work
  • B-2 for tourism; V visa for spouses/children of permanent residents

Global STEM Output

  • 2020 graduates: China 3.57 mn, India 2.55 mn, USA 0.82 mn
  • China-India lead highlights US dependence on imported STEM talent
  • Figures fuel bipartisan debate on retaining high-skill immigrants

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Visa categoryNon-immigrant, specialty occupation
Regular annual cap65,000 petitions
US Master+ extra quota20,000 petitions
Maximum stay6 years (3 + 3)
Cooling-off to reapply12 months outside USA
First issue year1990
Indian share (since 2015)> 70 % approvals
Second-largest nationalityChina 12-13 %
Cap-exempt employersHigher-ed, affiliated nonprofits, gov research
GS-3Security

12.Exercise Surya Kiran Joint Drill (India-Nepal Exercise)

Business Standard
Illustration for Exercise Surya Kiran Joint Drill (India-Nepal Exercise)

What & Where

Definition : annual India–Nepal joint military drill “Exercise Surya Kiran”

Locale : Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi, Shivalik ranges, Western Nepal

Focus : counter-terrorism, jungle warfare, disaster response in mountainous terrain

Quick Facts for MCQs

Security Dimension

  • Interoperability : joint platoon-level drills refine command, control, communication in real-time combat scenarios
  • Counter-terror playbooks : urban room clearing, cordon-and-search, IED neutralisation modules included

Disaster Management

  • HADR emphasis : mock earthquake relief, heli-borne casualty evacuation, relief-material air-drop rehearsed
  • Civil–military synergy : coordination frameworks with Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority demonstrated

Bilateral Relations

  • Defence diplomacy : Surya Kiran complements other forums like BIMSTEC Field Training Exercise, boosting trust
  • Soft-power layer : cultural exchanges, sports meets, medical camps for locals foster people-to-people connect

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
Participating nationsIndia and Nepal
Current edition18th
Host this roundNepal Army
Terrain typeMountainous jungle
Core trainingCounter-terror ops; humanitarian assistance
FrequencyAnnual, alternates venue between countries
Indian contingentBattalion-strength from Kumaon Regiment (typical)
Inception year2011 (1st edition)

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2023PYQ 1

The 16th edition of Indo-Nepal annual joint training exercise in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations was held in December 2022 at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi. What is the name of this exercise?

CDS_GK, GEO_GS 2020PYQ 2

‘Surya kiran’ is a joint military exercise between the militaries of India and:

GS-1MiscQuick Bite

13.Koneru Humpy Rapid Title (Indian Sports)

The Hindu

What & Where

FIDE World Rapid Championship – annual fast-time-control chess event; 2024 edition held in New York, USA.

“Rapid” time control: 15 minutes base for each player plus 10-second increment per move.

Separate open and women’s titles; Koneru Humpy clinched 2024 women’s crown.

Quick Facts for MCQs

Sports Achievements

  • Humpy becomes 1st Indian to win women’s Rapid title more than once.
  • India swept 2024 Chess Olympiad, signalling surge in global standings.

Indian Players

  • Koneru Humpy: Padma Shri awardee, continues post-2010 comeback with 2nd world rapid gold.
  • D. Gukesh: 17-year-old breaks Kasparov’s age record for classical world title.

Tournament Format

  • Swiss system preliminary rounds lead to knockout finals in women’s section.
  • FIDE rates rapid games separately from classical and blitz categories.

Key Data Points

FeatureData-Point
2024 Women’s Rapid ChampionGM Koneru Humpy (India)
Host city 2024New York, USA
Times Humpy won Rapid world title2 (2019, 2024)
Other multi-time women’s winnerWenjun Ju (China)
Humpy’s earlier Rapid medalsGold 2019 (Georgia); Bronze 2012; Silver 2023 (Uzbekistan)
Youngest Classical World Champion 2024D. Gukesh (defeated Ding Liren, Singapore)
India at 2024 Chess OlympiadWon both Open & Women’s sections (Budapest)
Rapid game clock15 min + 10 sec increment

Related UPSC Prelims PYQs

CDS_GK, GS1 2025PYQ 1

Consider the following statements:

CDS_GK, GS1 2022PYQ 2

Who among the following won the FIDE World Chess Championship, 2021?

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