UPSC GS Paper 2

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Nile River

A scientific report flags instability at Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, citing seepage, deformation, and rising seismic activity near its saddle dam. The risk of catastrophic failure shifts Nile tensions from water sharing to dam safety, demanding urgent transparency, joint monitoring, and international cooperation to protect downstream nations.

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STRAIT OF HORMUZ: HOW A BLOCKADE COULD CRIPPLE THE INDIAN ECONOMY

The Strait of Hormuz is vital for India’s energy security. Any conflict disrupting supplies would spike oil prices, widen the current account deficit, raise inflation, and hurt key sectors. India responds by diversifying imports, boosting reserves, securing sea lanes, and advancing INSTC and Chabahar connectivity.

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RICE FORTIFICATION SCHEME SUSPENDED: KEY ISSUES AND WAY FORWARD EXPLAINED

The government has paused the rice fortification scheme after an IIT Kharagpur study found nutrient loss during storage. Critics say universal fortification ignores anemia’s complex causes, risks groups like Thalassemia patients, and sidelines dietary diversity. The pause enables targeted, evidence-based, and nutrition-focused interventions.

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SUPREME COURT SEEKS STRUCTURAL REFORMS IN TRIBUNAL FRAMEWORK

The Supreme Court termed tribunals a “mess,” citing executive control, vacancies, and weak accountability. Created under Articles 323A and 323B for speedy justice, they face backlogs and compromised independence. Establishing an independent National Tribunals Commission is crucial for credibility and efficiency.

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INDIA-BRAZIL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

Brazil’s President’s February 2026 visit strengthened the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, advancing Global South leadership. Outcomes include a digital AI partnership, a USD 30 billion trade target by 2030, and cooperation on critical minerals and Scorpene submarines. Overcoming distance and Chinese influence requires diversified trade and deeper defence collaboration.

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NALSA SAMVAD 2025: Features, Challenges, Way Forward

The NALSA SAMVAD Scheme 2025 strengthens access to justice for STs, PVTGs, and DNTs under Article 39A by using local para legal volunteers, Tele Law 2.0, and doorstep outreach to address land alienation and incarceration, though funding gaps and legal aid quality remain key challenges.

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GEOPOLITICS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIA

The AI surge offers the Global South a chance to shift from data suppliers to agenda setters, avoiding digital colonization. India’s IndiaAI Mission and Digital Public Infrastructure model inclusive innovation. Despite compute gaps and talent drain, regional coalitions, sovereign AI, and ethical governance can drive equitable growth.

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New START Treaty Expiry: Impact on India & World

The expiry of the New START Treaty between United States and Russia risks ending nuclear restraint, eroding transparency and weakening the NPT. China’s refusal to join talks adds complexity, while India may face pressure to reassess credible minimum deterrence, highlighting the need for multilateral risk-reduction frameworks.

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India-Bhutan Hydropower Cooperation: Challenges and Way Forward

The February 2026 energy dialogue between India and Bhutan focused on operationalising Punatsangchhu and Sankosh hydropower projects. It marked a shift toward integrated grid partnership, addressing energy deficits, debt risks, and geopolitics, with a 2040 roadmap stressing solar diversification.

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INDIA-U.S. TRADE DEAL 2026: ECONOMIC BOOM OR STRATEGIC TRAP?

The February 2026 trade deal between India and the United States cut tariffs to boost textiles and pharmaceuticals, benefiting hubs like Tiruppur. In return, India pledged reduced Russia energy imports, raising concerns over strategic autonomy and persistent steel tariff barriers.

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Village Commons: Significance, Challenges, and Way Forward

The proposal to classify village commons as a distinct land-use category aims to protect vital shared resources covering 15% of India’s land. These commons support livelihoods and biodiversity but face degradation. Legal recognition, stronger local governance, and community participation are crucial for sustainable management and long-term rural resilience.

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