GS PAPER 1
Enviroment and Ecology
Traditional fishing communities in Navi Mumbai allege severe industrial pollution in water bodies like Diwale and Nhava Sheva creeks.
- Despite visible ecological damage and high levels of pollutants found in independent lab tests, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) denies that the water bodies are “dying.”
Key Environmental Concerns:
- High Levels of Pollutants Found:
Independent tests conducted by the Maharashtra Small Scale Traditional Fish Workers Union reveal:
| Parameter | Standard Limit | Actual (March 2025 Report) |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | ≤ 2100 mg/l | 20998 mg/l |
| Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) | ≤ 250 mg/l | 6361 mg/l |
| Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) | ≤ 20 mg/l | 2140 mg/l |
| Fecal Coliform | ≤ 1000 MPN/100ml | 2675 MPN/100ml |
These extremely high pollutant levels indicate industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and biological contamination, posing serious threats to marine life and public health.
- Ecological and Livelihood Impact:
- Water bodies have turned black; marine life is dying.
- These creeks are critical habitats for migratory birds, fish, and support traditional fishermen who rely solely on these ecosystems.
Governance and Institutional Issues:
Lack of Acknowledgment by MPCB:
- MPCB denies evidence of pollution despite lab results.
- No official response to discrepancies between its report and that of the fishers’ independent tests.
- Reflects weak accountability and environmental governance.
Ignored Local Voices:
- Repeated representations by the Fish Workers’ Union to the State government and environmental agencies have gone unanswered.
- Highlights lack of participatory governance and marginalization of traditional communities.
Constitutional and Legal Dimensions:
- Article 21: Right to life includes the right to clean environment.
- Water Pollution (Prevention & Control) Act, 1974: Empowers Pollution Control Boards to monitor and act against water pollution.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms exist to prevent such degradation, but seem poorly enforced.
Broader Issues Highlighted for UPSC:
- Environmental Injustice: Marginal communities like traditional fishers are disproportionately affected.
- Breakdown of Environmental Monitoring: Inconsistencies in state reporting question the integrity of regulatory institutions.
- Lack of Inter-Departmental Coordination: Fisheries, environment, and local administration appear disconnected.
- Citizen Science vs. State Data: Increasing reliance on community-based environmental monitoring due to loss of faith in government institutions.
Way Forward:
- Third-Party Environmental Audits should be mandated in ecologically sensitive zones.
- Strengthening Pollution Control Boards with transparency and accountability measures (like public access to reports).
- Community Involvement in Monitoring and grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Judicial Oversight through environmental courts or NGT in pollution cases.
- Protecting Traditional Livelihoods through compensation, ecosystem restoration, and strict enforcement of CRZ rules.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Ques : The denial of ecological degradation by environmental regulators reflects deeper governance failures.” In light of recent incidents in Maharashtra’s coastal areas, critically examine the role of pollution control bodies and suggest reforms.
GS PAPER 2
International Relations
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and China, leaders of both nations exchanged formal messages.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed an “elephant-dragon duet” symbolizing cooperative coexistence.
- Indian President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the need for stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral ties.
Key Highlights of the Event:
“Elephant-Dragon Duet”:
- A metaphor used by Xi Jinping, calling for peaceful cooperation between two civilizational powers – India (elephant) and China (dragon).
- Advocates mutual trust, peaceful coexistence, and developmental partnership.
India’s Diplomatic Standpoint (Vikram Misri):
- Expressed willingness to rebuild the relationship, while recognizing current complexities.
- Proposed a three-point framework for stable relations:
- Mutual Respect
- Mutual Sensitivity
- Mutual Interests
China’s Messaging:
- Stressed on strategic and long-term vision.
- Invited India to deepen coordination in international affairs, especially as members of the Global South.
- Mentioned readiness to safeguard border peace and tranquillity.
Strategic and Diplomatic Significance:
- 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations:
- Diplomatic relations were established in 1950, making India one of the first non-communist nations to recognize the PRC.
- Despite major setbacks (e.g., 1962 war, border standoffs), dialogue channels have persisted.
- Border Tensions Remain the Elephant in the Room:
- The 2020 Galwan Valley clash marked a turning point, severely straining bilateral ties.
- Disengagement in certain sectors has occurred, but LAC tensions and trust deficit remain.
- Economic Interdependence:
- Despite political differences, China is one of India’s largest trading partners.
- However, the trade imbalance heavily favors China, prompting concerns on economic sovereignty.
- Global South Leadership:
- Both nations present themselves as voices of the developing world, but often compete for leadership in platforms like BRICS and SCO.
- Geopolitical Divergence:
- India’s growing closeness to QUAD, and China’s “no limits” partnership with Russia, add to the complexities.
- Divergence in Indo-Pacific strategies, technological decoupling, and multilateral alignments persist.
Challenges in Rebuilding Relations:
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Opportunities Ahead:
- Climate Cooperation: Both are major carbon emitters and can collaborate on sustainable development.
- Multilateral Forums: BRICS, SCO, and G20 platforms offer avenues for dialogue.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Ancient civilizations with shared historical ties – potential for people-to-people contact.
- Economic Diversification: Scope to redefine trade ties in areas like pharma, green energy, and AI.
Way Forward:
- Border peace is a prerequisite to normalized ties – trust-building at the LAC is essential.
- Need for structured dialogue mechanisms to avoid crises escalation.
- Pursue a balanced China policy: engagement on global issues, firm on sovereignty and security.
- Encourage Track II diplomacy and cultural exchange to reduce hostility at the societal level.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Ques : India–China relations are marked by both cooperation and conflict. In light of the 75th anniversary of bilateral ties, critically examine the opportunities and challenges in rebuilding a stable relationship.(250 words)
GS PAPER 3
Enviroment
India faces a chronic air pollution crisis that goes beyond seasonal smog episodes. Despite initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), PMUY, and vehicle emission controls, the progress remains slow, fragmented, and disconnected from ground realities.
Key Issues Highlighted:
1. Misdiagnosis of the Problem:
- Air pollution is seen as a technical problem, when in fact it is a structural issue driven by:
- Weak local governance capacity
- Socio-economic inequalities
- Outdated infrastructure
- Behavioral norms (e.g., biomass burning, old vehicles)
- Fragmented institutional mandates
2. Limitations of NCAP and Current Frameworks:
- Target: Reduce 5 levels by 40% by 2026 (from 2017 levels).
- Challenge: Over-reliance on air quality monitors, which fluctuate with weather and geography.
- Only ~60% of funds under NCAP were utilized (2019–2023), reflecting institutional and coordination gaps.
3. Lack of High-Resolution, Local Data:
- Local authorities lack data on:
- Solid fuel usage at household level
- Waste-burning hotspots
- Construction sites
- Traffic congestion zones
- Without activity-based metrics, emissions remain abstract and untraceable.
Structural Reforms Needed:
A Three-Phase Approach:
- Phase I: Create local emissions profiles (e.g., source-level mapping of pollution)
- Phase II: Link funding to targeted actions (e.g., replacing stoves, regulating construction)
- Phase III: Measure emission reduction, not just pollutant concentration
Metrics Must Shift:
- From ambient pollution levels to activity-based outcomes (e.g., buses electrified, solid fuel households reduced)
Avoid the ‘Western Trap’:
- High-tech tools (like smog towers, AI dashboards) without addressing basic pollution sources (e.g., biomass burning, unregulated industry) is ineffective.
- Urban elite capture must be avoided – rural areas contribute majorly to emissions and need focused solutions.
Funding Structure Reforms:
- Separate funds for:
- Long-term research (innovation, technology)
- Short-term implementation (stove replacement, road dust management)
Way Forward:
- Empower local governance: Air quality must become a core municipal function, not a parallel add-on.
- Invest in structural changes: Phasing out dirty fuels, supporting electric mobility, enforcing construction regulation.
- Build people-first solutions: Work with communities, not just tech dashboards.
- Data democratization: Ensure open-access, real-time data sharing for accountability and transparency.
- Shift from monitoring to management: Focus on emissions reduction, not just air quality measurements.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Ques : “India’s air pollution crisis is more of a governance failure than a technical problem.” Examine in light of recent policy efforts and suggest a robust framework to combat air pollution.
GS PAPER 4
History : Personalities
On the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s death anniversary (April 3, 1680), the article re-examines his legacy, governance, and socio-political vision.
- It emphasizes that Shivaji was not just a warrior king but a radical reformer, liberator, and inclusive nation-builder, whose contributions defied feudal orthodoxy and laid the foundation of a Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule).
Key Dimensions of Shivaji’s Legacy
1. Military Genius and Guerrilla Warfare Pioneer
- Ganimi Kawa (guerrilla tactics): Agile, terrain-savvy, low-cost warfare against numerically superior Mughals.
- Built a decentralized but highly mobile and loyal army.
- Foreign observers like Francois Martin and Jean de Thévenot admired his modesty, leadership style, and connection with soldiers.
2. Inclusive and Meritocratic Leadership
- Shivaji’s army included people from all castes and communities:
- Tanhaji (Koli), Hambirrao Mohite (Maratha), Siddi Hilal (African Muslim), Baji Prabhu Deshpande (CKP), and many others.
- No hereditary nobility was appointed to command forts — showing a break from feudal hierarchy.
- Orthodox Brahmins opposed his coronation due to “caste ambiguity,” but Shivaji went ahead anyway, symbolizing social defiance.
3. Linguistic and Legal Reforms
- Promoted Sanskrit and Marathi in administration; replaced Persian terms via the Rajavyavaharakosha.
- Made administration accessible to common people, empowering them linguistically.
4. Abolition of Slavery and Social Reforms
- Banned slave trade in the Coromandel region through charters to Dutch traders (1677).
- Rejected Sati practice on his deathbed, issuing instructions that wives should not be compelled to immolate themselves.
5. Economic and Revenue Reforms
- Abolished Vatandari system (landlordism) → implemented Ryotwari model, empowering cultivators.
- As per Sabhasad Bakhar and Adnyapatra, Shivaji aimed to protect peasants from exploitative intermediaries.
- Rationalized taxation and improved state revenue collection.
Why Shivaji Was a Radical for His Time:
| Aspect | Traditional Feudal Norm | Shivaji’s Approach |
| Military | Hereditary nobility, large static armies | Mobile, inclusive, merit-based, guerrilla warfare |
| Social Structure | Caste-based roles, orthodoxy | Meritocracy, caste-inclusivity |
| Language & Culture | Persian elitism | Vernacular empowerment (Marathi & Sanskrit) |
| Slavery & Women’s Rights | Common slavery & Sati | Banned slave trade, progressive stand against Sati |
| Revenue System | Landlord-dominated (Vatandari) | Ryotwari: Direct engagement with peasants |
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Ques : “Chhatrapati Shivaji was not just a military strategist but a radical reformer who challenged the orthodoxy of his time.” Discuss with reference to his socio-political and economic policies.
GS PAPER 5
Science and Technology
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has unveiled its official blueprint for the Future Circular Collider (FCC) — a proposed successor to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s largest particle accelerator.
This proposal outlines:
- A 91-km-long tunnel
- A multi-decade, two-phase research plan
- Estimated cost of 14 billion Swiss francs
- Final decision expected by 2028, construction targeted to start in the mid-2040s
What is the Future Circular Collider (FCC)?
- A proposed next-generation particle collider, aiming to vastly exceed the energy and precision capabilities of the current LHC.
- To be built along the French-Swiss border, beneath Lake Geneva.
- Envisioned in two phases:
- First Phase (~2045): High-precision study of known particles like the Higgs boson.
- Second Phase (~2070): High-energy proton-proton and heavy ion collisions, exploring new physics beyond the Standard Model.
Why is FCC important?
- Beyond the Standard Model:
- The Standard Model of particle physics, while successful, leaves many mysteries:
- Dark matter and dark energy
- Matter-antimatter asymmetry
- Quantum gravity
- FCC can help probe deeper into these unknowns by generating higher collision energies and more data.
- Understanding the Higgs Boson Further:
- Although discovered in 2012 via LHC, the Higgs boson’s full properties are yet to be fully understood.
- FCC aims for precise measurements of Higgs interactions and rare decay processes.
- Technological and Global Collaboration Impact:
- Such mega-projects often lead to spin-off technologies in:
- Superconducting magnets
- Cryogenics
- Data processing (e.g., the WWW was invented at CERN)
- Encourages international scientific cooperation, including potential future participation from India.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations:
- The blueprint includes:
- Environmental impact assessment
- Land usage under populated and ecologically sensitive zones (e.g., under Lake Geneva)
- Raises questions about cost vs. benefit, especially amid global climate and development priorities.
India and Global Scientific Engagement:
- India is an associate member of CERN and has contributed significantly to:
- LHC construction
- Design of detectors like CMS and ALICE
- Supply of superconducting magnets
- FCC opens new opportunities for Indian scientists and institutions to engage in cutting-edge science, tech transfer, and capacity building.
Way Forward for India:
- Increase scientific funding in basic research and international collaborations.
- Establish a national roadmap for big science missions.
- Expand human resource development in physics, data science, and engineering to contribute meaningfully.
- Promote public awareness about scientific progress and its long-term societal impact.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Ques : Why are large-scale particle physics experiments like the Future Circular Collider (FCC) important for humanity? What role can India play in such international scientific ventures?
GS PAPER 6
Editorial Analysis
Context :
- Over the years, India’s education system has undergone significant transformations, with the most profound changes occurring in the last decade.
- Critics argue that the system has deviated from its intended course under the Narendra Modi government, but evidence suggests otherwise.
- The reforms initiated through the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 mark a decisive break from past inefficiencies, redefining the sector to align with contemporary global trends.
- Therefore, it is important to examine the previous challenges in India’s education system, the transformative impact of the NEP 2020, and the broader implications for the country’s future.
Previous Challenges in India’s Education System
- Outdated Curriculum and Colonial Legacy
- One of the primary issues plaguing India’s education system was its outdated curriculum, which failed to keep pace with the rapidly changing global landscape.
- For decades, the curriculum remained rooted in rote learning, prioritising memorization over critical thinking and problem-solving.
- This approach did little to prepare students for the modern workforce, which increasingly values creativity, analytical skills, and adaptability.
- Corruption and Governance Deficit
- Corruption was a defining characteristic of India’s education system for many years.
- Public universities were systematically starved of funds, while private institutions flourished without regulation.
- The unchecked proliferation of private colleges led to the rise of degree mills, institutions that prioritised profits over education quality.
- Many of these institutions operated without proper accreditation, handing out degrees that held little real value.
- One of the most infamous examples of corruption was the Deemed University scandal of 2009, where 44 private institutions were granted university status without adequate evaluation.
- Many of these institutions were later found guilty of financial irregularities, raising serious concerns about the credibility of the higher education system.
- Political Interference in Education
- Political interference played a significant role in distorting India’s education system.
- Leadership positions in universities were often awarded based on political loyalty rather than academic merit, compromising the integrity of higher education institutions.
- Vice-chancellors and faculty appointments were frequently influenced by ruling parties, turning universities into ideological battlegrounds rather than centres of learning.
- This interference extended to curriculum design, where historical narratives were selectively altered to serve political interests.
- Key figures in India’s independence movement, such as Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and Veer Savarkar, were downplayed in textbooks, while uncomfortable truths about foreign invasions were either omitted or diluted.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: A Transformative Vision
- Recognising these challenges, the Modi government introduced the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, marking the first major overhaul of India’s education system in over three decades.
- Unlike past policies, which were designed with limited consultation, NEP 2020 emerged from the most extensive democratic discussions in India’s policy history.
- It is built on five key pillars: access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability.
- These principles guide the policy’s objective of making education more inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive.
Transformative Impact of the NEP 2020
- Correcting Structural Inequities
- A significant focus of NEP 2020 is correcting structural inequities.
- The policy has led to a substantial increase in higher education enrolment among marginalised communities: Scheduled Castes (SC) enrolment rose by 50%, Scheduled Tribes (ST) by 75%, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) by 54% since 2014-15.
- Women’s education has also seen remarkable progress, with female enrolment growing by 38.8% across all categories and PhD enrolment among women increasing by an astonishing 135%.
- Substantial Investments
- The government has made substantial financial investments in education, with per-child government expenditure increasing by 130%, from ₹10,780 in 2013-14 to ₹25,043 in 2021-22.
- This increase has enabled the upgrading of government schools with modern infrastructure, improved pedagogy, and better teacher-student ratios.
- The emphasis on foundational learning, numeracy, and cognitive development aims to equip students with skills essential for the future.
- Technological Integration and Research Advancements
- The NEP 2020 has also reimagined education through the integration of technology and skill-based learning.
- It has introduced futuristic elements such as coding from middle school, multidisciplinary learning, and rural innovation hubs.
- Over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) have been established to nurture grassroots innovation, with plans to expand this initiative further.
- These efforts ensure that students are not only academically competent but also equipped to tackle real-world challenges through innovation and creativity.
Broader Implications of NEP 2020
- Sustainable Revenue Models for Institutions
- Higher education institutions are also benefiting from sustainable revenue models, reducing dependence on government resources.
- As a result, India now has 11 universities ranked among the QS World Rankings top 500, a significant improvement from previous years.
- Research publications have surged by 88% since 2015, propelling India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index from 76 in 2014 to 39 in 2023.
- The establishment of the Anusandhan-National Research Foundation fosters collaboration between academia and industry, further strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
- Reviving Indian Languages and Cultural Heritage
- One of the most groundbreaking aspects of NEP 2020 is the emphasis on Indian languages and knowledge traditions.
- For decades, an ‘English-first’ policy dominated Indian education, sidelining regional languages and indigenous knowledge systems.
- The Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) initiative has been integrated into over 8,000 higher education institutions, promoting indigenous wisdom alongside modern disciplines.
- The Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Yojana aims to publish 15,000 original and translated textbooks in 22 Indian languages, ensuring that students can learn and express themselves in their mother tongues.
- Commitment to Social Justice
- The government’s commitment to social justice is reflected in the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act of 2019.
- This legislation ensures fair representation of SC, ST, and OBC candidates in university faculty positions, rectifying past injustices where reservations were often bypassed through bureaucratic loopholes.
- The abolition of the practice of rejecting marginalised candidates under the guise of “None Found Suitable” has made reservation policies more meaningful.
Conclusion
- The NEP 2020 has redefined education through inclusivity, technological integration, and the revival of India’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
- With increasing enrolment, enhanced research output, and improved infrastructure, India’s academic ecosystem is experiencing an unprecedented renaissance.
- These reforms go beyond mere policy adjustments, they represent intellectual decolonization, positioning India on the global stage as a knowledge powerhouse.
- As the nation continues to build on these foundations, it stands poised to realise its vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), where education serves as the true force of empowerment and progress.