UPSC notes

Contents

Topics grouped by GS paper. Open any entry for background, facts, how Prelims asks it, and recent news.

9chapters
70topics
0updated today

Index

Chapter I

Art & Culture

1 topics
  1. § Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Heritage Management p.1

    Focuses on the Archaeological Survey of India's role in conducting surveys, excavations, conserva...

Chapter II

Environment & Ecology

2 topics
  1. § ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) & Sustainable Finance p.5

    The MoU between SEBI, NISM, and IICA focuses on advancing ESG principles and sustainable finance ...

  2. § International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) p.14

    The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a global initiative launched by India to conserve se...

Chapter III

General

1 topics
  1. § Global Indices and their Limitations p.10

    Global indices, such as the World Press Freedom Index, aim to quantify various aspects of nationa...

Chapter IV

Geography

2 topics
  1. § Heatwaves in India p.10

    Persistent periods of abnormally high temperatures, often exceeding normal maximums, affecting la...

  2. § India Meteorological Department (IMD) p.12

    The principal agency of the Government of India under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, responsible...

Chapter V

Indian Economy

14 topics
  1. § Accountability of Private Entities Receiving State Patronage p.1

    The principle that private entities, especially those receiving significant state patronage (such...

  2. § Corporate Governance p.3

    The MoU between SEBI, NISM, and IICA aims to advance corporate governance through capacity buildi...

  3. § Energy Security in India p.5

    Energy security refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price...

  4. § Exchange Rate Management and its Economic Implications p.6

    The article discusses the ongoing debate regarding the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) intervention...

  5. § External Sector & Capital Flows p.6

    India's merchandise exports showed commendable growth in April 2026, driven by diversification of...

  6. § Fuel Price Mechanism in India p.8

    The mechanism by which petrol and diesel prices are determined in India, including the role of Oi...

  7. § Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) p.11

    The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) measures the combined performance of eight crucial infra...

  8. § India's Macroeconomic Stability and Growth Drivers p.13

    The RBI's report highlights domestic demand as a key growth driver, but notes that supply-side pr...

  9. § Inflation and its Drivers p.14

    The sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy, often driv...

  10. § International Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreements p.15

    India actively pursues international economic cooperation through bilateral and multilateral trad...

  11. § Oil Price Volatility and its Economic Impact p.18

    Fluctuations in global crude oil prices significantly impact India's economy, leading to retail p...

  12. § Strategic Petroleum Reserves p.22

    India's strategic petroleum and gas reserves are critical for mitigating the impact of global oil...

  13. § Trade Policy: Protectionism vs. Liberalization p.22

    The article implicitly discusses the trade-offs between protectionist measures (like supporting d...

  14. § U.S. Immigration Policy and its Impact on Indian Diaspora p.23

    The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new policy requiring immigrants...

Chapter VI

Indian Polity & Governance

20 topics
  1. § Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) p.1

    Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to methods of resolving disputes outside of tradition...

  2. § Border Management and Internal Security p.2

    India's strategy to secure its land borders, particularly with Pakistan and Bangladesh, through t...

  3. § Creamy Layer Concept in Reservations p.3

    The Supreme Court's observations underscore the 'creamy layer' principle, which aims to exclude e...

  4. § Delimitation of Constituencies p.4

    Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constitue...

  5. § Federalism and Electoral Representation p.6

    The allocation of parliamentary seats based on population, and the historical freeze on this allo...

  6. § Federalism and Regional Autonomy in India p.7

    Indian federalism, while unitary in spirit, incorporates asymmetric features to accommodate regio...

  7. § Finance Commission (India) p.7

    The 16th Finance Commission's report for 2026-31 recommends the share of states in the divisible ...

  8. § Fiscal Federalism in India p.7

    Fiscal federalism in India is primarily guided by the recommendations of the Finance Commission, ...

  9. § Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) p.8

    The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) is an Indian law that regulates the acceptance a...

  10. § Freedom of the Press in India p.8

    Freedom of the press, derived from Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, is crucial for a ...

  11. § Impact of Delimitation on Federal Representation p.11

    The consequences of redrawing electoral boundaries, particularly the unfreezing of Lok Sabha seat...

  12. § Judicial Resolution of Historical and Religious Site Disputes p.15

    Focuses on how Indian courts (High Courts, Supreme Court) adjudicate disputes over sites claimed ...

  13. § Judicial Review in Religious and Cultural Heritage Disputes p.16

    This concept explores how the Indian judiciary, including High Courts and the Supreme Court, adju...

  14. § Judicial Review of Executive/Policy Decisions p.16

    The power of the Supreme Court and High Courts to examine the constitutionality and legality of l...

  15. § National Examination System Reforms and Governance p.17

    The article critically examines the challenges and proposed reforms for India's national examinat...

  16. § Right to Information Act (RTI Act) - Scope and Public Authority Definition p.20

    The Right to Information Act, 2005, aims to promote transparency and accountability in the functi...

  17. § Right to Speedy Trial and Personal Liberty p.21

    The right to speedy trial is a fundamental right derived from Article 21 of the Constitution. Pro...

  18. § Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution p.21

    The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, ...

  19. § Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Bail Provisions p.23

    The UAPA is India's primary anti-terror law. Its stringent bail conditions, which often reverse t...

  20. § Women's Reservation in Legislative Bodies p.24

    Proposal for reserving a fixed percentage of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislati...

Chapter VII

International Relations

16 topics
  1. § Cyber Warfare and International Legal Frameworks p.3

    The increasing use of cyber operations in modern conflicts poses significant challenges to existi...

  2. § Geopolitical Impact on Indian Economy p.9

    Geopolitical events, specifically the West Asia crisis, are identified as significant sources of ...

  3. § Geopolitical Significance of Maritime Chokepoints p.9

    Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels of sea that are strategically important for global trade...

  4. § Human Rights Violations in Conflict Zones p.10

    The article details alleged severe human rights abuses by Israeli forces against activists attemp...

  5. § India's Cybersecurity Strategy and Global Cyber Governance p.12

    India, with its increasing reliance on digital infrastructure across critical sectors, faces heig...

  6. § India's Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Engagements p.13

    India's proactive foreign policy involves strengthening bilateral ties with key regions like Euro...

  7. § India-Cyprus Bilateral Relations p.11

    The bilateral relationship between India and Cyprus, marked by high-level visits, shared values, ...

  8. § India-European Union Relations p.12

    The comprehensive relationship between India and the European Union, encompassing trade, investme...

  9. § India-U.S. Bilateral Relations p.13

    The India-U.S. bilateral relationship is a multifaceted strategic partnership encompassing cooper...

  10. § International Mediation and Conflict Resolution p.15

    International mediation involves a third party facilitating negotiations between conflicting part...

  11. § Legality and Humanitarian Impact of Naval Blockades p.16

    The article centers on a humanitarian flotilla's attempt to breach Israel's naval blockade of Gaz...

  12. § Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) p.18

    The NPT is a multilateral treaty established in 1970 with three pillars: preventing the spread of...

  13. § Nuclear Proliferation p.18

    Encompasses the spread of nuclear weapons, fissionable material, and weapons-applicable nuclear t...

  14. § Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) p.19

    The Quad is an informal strategic forum comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia...

  15. § Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) p.21

    The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security allia...

  16. § US-Iran Relations p.23

    Examines the complex historical, political, and economic dynamics between the United States and I...

Chapter VIII

Science & Technology

7 topics
  1. § Digital Democracy and Political Mobilisation p.4

    Explores how digital platforms and social media facilitate new forms of political engagement, oft...

  2. § Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) p.4

    Ebola is a severe, often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever. The article highlights an outbreak in Afr...

  3. § Global Health Governance and International Health Regulations (IHR) p.9

    The article highlights WHO's declaration of an "emergency of international concern," a key mechan...

  4. § Lunar Exploration and the Artemis Program p.17

    The Artemis program is NASA's ambitious initiative to return humans to the Moon, including the fi...

  5. § Private Sector's Role in Space Exploration p.19

    This concept examines the growing influence and capabilities of private companies in space activi...

  6. § Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) p.19

    A formal declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) under the International Health Regula...

  7. § Regulation of Online Gaming and Digital Platforms p.20

    The article highlights the ineffectiveness of outright bans on online gaming, leading to a shift ...

Chapter IX

Social Justice & Development

7 topics
  1. § Caste Census p.2

    A proposed enumeration of caste identities beyond Scheduled Castes and Tribes as part of the dece...

  2. § Census of India p.2

    India's decennial population enumeration, mandated by statute, which collects comprehensive data ...

  3. § Erosion of Social Capital and Public Sphere p.5

    Examines the weakening of traditional collective social life, public spaces, and community instit...

  4. § Integration of Traditional Indian Wellness Systems (AYUSH) into Public Health p.14

    This concept covers the Indian government's policy and efforts to promote and integrate tradition...

  5. § National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 p.17

    A comprehensive framework for education in India, launched in 2020, replacing the 1986 policy. It...

  6. § Reservation Policy and Social Justice in India p.20

    The Supreme Court's observations on reservation benefits for advanced sections within backward cl...

  7. § Three-Language Formula p.22

    An educational policy adopted in India to promote multilingualism and national integration, typic...