Context
Recent studies and seismic data have highlighted the increasing frequency of human-induced earthquakes in India, with significant linkages to groundwater extraction, reservoir loading, and infrastructural activities in seismically vulnerable regions.
Rising Anthropogenic Activities and Seismic Vulnerability: A Case Study of Human-Induced Earthquakes in India
Context
The renewed threat of conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran underlines the risks of instability in West Asia, posing direct strategic and economic challenges for India.
India’s Foreign Policy, Multipolarity, and Regional Security Interests
Way Forward:
PYQ:
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Context
Three significant U.S. court rulings in 2025 — Thomson Reuters vs Ross Intelligence, Bartz vs Anthropic, and Kadrey vs Meta — have offered legal clarity on the applicability of copyright laws to generative AI models and their training datasets.
Challenges in Legal Harmonisation
Context
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned before completing his term, creating a rare mid-term vacancy in the second-highest constitutional office in India.
Constitutional Provisions:
Function of Vice-President:
Election Procedure:
Term of Office:x
Timeline for Election:
Eligibility Criteria:
PYQ: Who among the following can preside over the proceedings of the Lok Sabha in the absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha? (2017) (a) A member appointed by the President (b) A member nominated by the members of the Parliament present in the House (c) A member of the Panel of Chairpersons of the Lok Sabha (d) A senior most member of the House |
Context
The Supreme Court is currently hearing challenges to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, prompting a renewed legal and constitutional debate on the status of the ‘right to vote’ in India.
Nature and Classification of Rights:
Constitutional Provision on Voting:
Judicial Interpretation of Right to Vote:
PYQ: Right to vote and to be elected in India is a: (2017) (a) Fundamental Right (b) Natural Right (c) Constitutional Right (d) Legal Right |
Context
The Union Government has initiated consultations with key ministries and state governments regarding the formation of the Eighth Central Pay Commission (CPC) to revise pay and pension structures for central government employees and pensioners.
Central Pay Commission (CPC):
Eighth Central Pay Commission
Context
According to data provided in the Lok Sabha, only around 6% of the internship offer recipients under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) have joined work, highlighting poor conversion rates in the flagship youth programme.
PM Internship Scheme
About the Scheme:
Implementation Details:
Current Concerns:
Institutional Stakeholders:
Significance for Prelims:
Context
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Rural Development to promote the Bima Sakhi Yojana, aimed at empowering women in rural areas through a career in insurance agency services.
Bima Sakhi Yojana
Institutional Collaboration:
Context
Despite headline inflation remaining below RBI's medium-term target of 4%, core inflation has increased from 3.6% to 4.5% between January and June 2025, raising concerns over future monetary policy decisions.
Core Inflation:
Current Trends:
RBI’s Role & Policy Implications:
International Comparison:
Analytical Framework:
Context
As per recent financial data, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) increased their share in personal loan originations to 36.4% in FY25, overtaking both public and private sector banks.
Personal Loan Originations
NBFCs' Rise:
Banks' Declining Share:
Structural Economic Shift:
Unsecured Lending Surge:
Regulatory Action by RBI:
Context
Startups like Rupeeflo, in collaboration with stockbrokers such as Zerodha and Angel One, are attempting to digitize and simplify the cumbersome account opening process for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) investing in Indian markets.
Demat Account for NRIs:
Current Procedure:
Key Challenges:
GIFT City Exception:
DEMAT ACCOUNT Definition & Purpose
Key Functions
Assets Held
Regulatory Oversight
Key Concepts
Transactions & Charges
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Context
Over 200 children in China’s Hunan Province suffered lead poisoning, allegedly due to food coloring used in school snacks. A rare government acknowledgment revealed that local health officials concealed the case.
Lead Poisoning
Nature of Lead Poisoning
Vulnerability of Children
Sources of Exposure
Health Effects
Global Burden
WHO estimates that nearly 1 million deaths annually are attributable to lead exposure, making it one of the top environmental health risks globally. Lead exposure is also associated with economic losses, particularly in low- and middle-income countries due to cognitive damage in children.Context
The growing curtailment of academic and intellectual freedom worldwide—particularly in democratic nations—has sparked critical discourse on the erosion of democratic values and the suppression of dissent in universities and public institutions.
The Foundations of Freedom
Consequences of Suppressing Dissent
Reclaiming Democratic Integrity
Practice Question:
"Academic and intellectual freedom is an essential precondition for a functioning democracy." Critically examine this statement in the light of recent developments in educational institutions and freedom of speech. (250 words)
Context
The acquittal of all accused in the 2006 Mumbai train bombings, nearly 19 years after the incident, highlights serious flaws in the Indian criminal justice and investigation systems, raising deep concerns about justice delivery and institutional accountability.
Institutional Gaps in Terror Prosecution
Challenges in Anti-Terror Operations
The Need for Reform and Accountability
Practice Question:
“The acquittal of accused in terror-related cases highlights deep structural flaws in India’s investigative and criminal justice system.” Critically examine this statement in the context of the 2006 Mumbai train blast verdict. Suggest robust institutional reforms. (250 words)
Context
As India and the United Kingdom near the finalisation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), significant emphasis is being placed on the role of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as a key driver of bilateral digital and services sector cooperation.
Strategic Importance of GCCs in the FTA Framework
Policy Push and Subnational Initiatives
Geopolitical Implications and Future Pathways
Practice Question:
“The India–U.K. Free Trade Agreement represents a strategic convergence of digital, services, and talent-driven economies.” In light of this statement, critically evaluate the potential of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) as instruments of bilateral cooperation. (250 words)
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