UPSC GS Paper 2

REMOVAL OF THE CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER EXPLAINED

A motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner over alleged partisan conduct in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has raised concerns about the independence of the Election Commission of India. The issue revives debates on electoral reforms and the 2023 change in the appointment process.

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WHAT IS US SECTION 301 PROBE ON INDIA? EXPLAINED

The US launched a Section 301 investigation against India, claiming schemes like PLI create excess capacity harming US industries. Bypassing the WTO, it threatens Make in India through possible tariffs. India must respond via diplomacy, WTO action, trade diversification, and stronger domestic manufacturing.

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BALIRAJGARH FORT: REMAINS OF ANCIENT FORT OF GARH

The Archaeological Survey of India has approved fresh excavations at Balirajgarh fort in Bihar, believed to be ancient Mithila’s capital. The move highlights decades of neglect, exposing systemic issues in heritage management such as resource shortages, procedural delays, centralization, and lost socio-economic potential from poor conservation.

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WOMEN IN POLITICS: GLOBAL CHALLENGE

Global data from UN Women and IPU shows stagnation in women’s political representation due to structural barriers and weak political will. India has strong local participation via panchayat reservations, but low national representation. Effective implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and global quota lessons is vital.

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SUPREME COURT REDEFINED THE OBC 'CREAMY LAYER' RULE

The Supreme Court ruled that parental income alone cannot decide OBC ‘creamy layer’ status. The exclusion must be status-based, not purely income-based, and salary or agricultural income should not be counted. The judgment corrects discrimination and aligns reservation rules with the original 1993 DoPT guidelines.

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INDIA'S WEST ASIA STRATEGY: BALANCING US, IRAN, AND NATIONAL INTERESTS

India’s West Asia policy follows issue-based alignment, not full U.S. alignment. It cooperates with Washington on initiatives like IMEC and I2U2, while maintaining ties with Iran (Chabahar) and supporting a two-state Palestine solution, prioritizing energy security, diaspora welfare, trade, and strategic autonomy.

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INDIA-NEPAL RELATIONS: SIGNIFICANCE, CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

Nepal’s March 2026 elections brought a major political shift as the youth-led Rastriya Swatantra Party won decisively amid anti-corruption protests. For India, this opens scope to revive its Neighborhood First policy through deeper connectivity, democratic cooperation, and cultural ties despite border issues and China’s influence.

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INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA) EXPLAINED

Escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil chokepoint, have disrupted energy and commodity supply chains, hitting Asia hardest. India faces risks to LPG supply and economic stability, prompting diversification and domestic output, while the IEA considers releasing strategic reserves.

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EUTHANASIA AND THE RIGHT TO DIE WITH DIGNITY IN INDIA

The Supreme Court's Harish Rana judgment confirmed the legality of passive euthanasia and the constitutional Right to Die with Dignity (Article 21). The ruling simplified the procedure for implementing a living will and emphasized the urgent need for Parliament to enact comprehensive end-of-life legislation to ensure ethical clarity, and balance individual autonomy.

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LOK SABHA SPEAKER: POWER, REMOVAL, AND CHALLENGES

The Lok Sabha Speaker, as presiding officer, maintains decorum, regulates proceedings, and interprets parliamentary rules. Elected by MPs, the Speaker holds constitutional authority, including certifying money bills, presiding over joint sittings, and ruling on member disqualifications. They act as the impartial guardian of parliamentary privileges.

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JAL JEEVAN MISSION EXTENDED TO 2028: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 extends the Har Ghar Jal goal to 2028 with ₹8.7 lakh crore, shifting focus to sustainable water service delivery. It introduces the Sujalam Bharat digital system for transparency but faces challenges like corruption, data gaps, and weak local maintenance capacity.

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SOCIAL MEDIA REGULATION FOR CHILDREN IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD

Proposals to ban social media for minors are impractical and may push children to unsafe online spaces. Instead, stronger enforcement of existing laws, platform accountability, digital literacy, and a duty-of-care approach by companies offer a more effective way to protect children online.

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