UPSC

GENERAL STUDIES
SYLLABUS
DECODED

Komal Punia Srushti Deshmukh Animesh Pradhan Medha Anand Ria Kaur Sethi
Rank 6 Rank 5 Rank 2 Rank 13 Rank 89
CSE 2024 CSE 2018 CSE 2023 CSE 2023 CSE 2024

INDIA’S MOST TRUSTED ONLINE USPC PREPARATION PLATFORM

General Studies Syllabus For UPSC
Mains

PAPER I: INDIAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE, HISTORY

AND GEOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD AND SOCIETY
A. INDIAN CULTURE

1. Art Forms

Ancient Period (3000 BCE - 600 CE)

●​ Indus Valley Art: Seals, pottery, bronze figurines, town planning

●​ Mauryan Art: Ashokan pillars, stupas, rock-cut caves
●​ Post-Mauryan Art: Sunga, Satavahana, Kushan sculptures
●​ Gupta Art: Cave paintings (Ajanta), temple architecture, sculpture

Medieval Period (600-1700 CE)

●​ Temple Architecture:
○​ Nagara Style: Khajuraho, Konark, Lingaraja
○​ Dravidian Style: Brihadeeswarar, Meenakshi, Hoysala temples
○​ Vesara Style: Chalukyan temples
●​ Islamic Architecture:
○​ Delhi Sultanate: Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza
○​ Mughal: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Humayun's Tomb
●​ Regional Styles: Rajasthani, Bengali, Deccani architecture

Modern Period (1700 CE onwards)

●​ Colonial Architecture: Indo-Saracenic, Gothic Revival

●​ Post-Independence: Le Corbusier's Chandigarh, contemporary architecture
●​ Folk Arts: Madhubani, Warli, Pattachitra, Kalamkari
●​ Performing Arts: Classical dances (8 forms), folk dances, classical music traditions

2. Literature

Ancient Literature
 ●​ Vedic Literature: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda
●​ Upanishads, Brahmanas, Aranyakas
●​ Epics: Ramayana, Mahabharata
●​ Sanskrit Drama: Kalidasa, Bhasa, Bhartrhari
●​ Tamil Literature: Sangam literature, Tolkappiyam

Medieval Literature

●​ Bhakti Literature: Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas, Mirabai

●​ Sufi Literature: Amir Khusro, Bulleh Shah
●​ Regional Languages: Bengali (Chaitanya), Marathi (Tukaram), Gujarati

Modern Literature

●​ Bengal Renaissance: Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra

●​ Hindi Literature: Bharatendu Harishchandra, Premchand
●​ Regional Literature: Tamil (Bharathi), Telugu (Viresalingam)
●​ Contemporary Literature: R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand

B. MODERN INDIAN HISTORY (1750-1947)

1. Colonial Expansion and Consolidation

East India Company Rule (1750-1857)

●​ Battle of Plassey (1757), Battle of Buxar (1764)

●​ Subsidiary Alliance System, Doctrine of Lapse
●​ Administrative Policies: Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari, Mahalwari
●​ Judicial Reforms: Regulating Act 1773, Pitt's India Act 1784
●​ Social Reforms: Sati abolition, Thuggee suppression

Crown Rule (1858-1947)

●​ Government of India Act 1858, 1909, 1919, 1935

●​ Administrative Structure: Viceroy, Secretary of State, ICS
●​ Economic Policies: Free trade, deindustrialization, drain of wealth
●​ Railway development, telegraph, irrigation projects

2. Socio-Religious Reform Movements

19th Century Reforms

●​ Brahmo Samaj: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Debendranath Tagore

●​ Arya Samaj: Dayananda Saraswati
●​ Prarthana Samaj: M.G. Ranade
●​ Theosophical Society: Annie Besant
 ●​ Aligarh Movement: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan
●​ Regional Movements: Satyashodhak Samaj, Self-Respect Movement

3. Freedom Struggle - Detailed Phases

Early Phase (1885-1905)

●​ Formation of INC: A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji

●​ Moderate Leaders: Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjee
●​ Methods: Petitions, prayers, protests
●​ Economic Critique: Dadabhai's Drain Theory

Extremist Phase (1905-1919)

●​ Partition of Bengal (1905) and Swadeshi Movement

●​ Extremist Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal
●​ Revolutionary Activities: Anushilan Samiti, Hindustan Republican Association
●​ Home Rule Movement: Annie Besant, Tilak

Gandhian Era (1919-1947)

●​ Champaran Satyagraha (1917), Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

●​ Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22): Causes, course, withdrawal
●​ Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34): Salt March, Round Table Conferences
●​ Quit India Movement (1942): Do or Die, August Kranti
●​ Gandhi's Philosophy: Satyagraha, Ahimsa, Sarvodaya

Revolutionary Movement

●​ Bengal: Jugantar, Anushilan Samiti

●​ Punjab: Ghadar Party, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad
●​ Outside India: India House London, Berlin Committee

Other Streams

●​ Subhas Chandra Bose and INA

●​ Peasant Movements: Champaran, Kheda, Bardoli, Tebhaga
●​ Tribal Movements: Santhal, Munda, Khond uprisings
●​ Working Class Movement: AITUC formation

C. POST-INDEPENDENCE CONSOLIDATION

1. Integration of Princely States

●​ Instrument of Accession process

●​ Role of Sardar Patel and V.P. Menon
 ●​ Specific cases: Hyderabad (Operation Polo), Kashmir, Junagadh
●​ Administrative integration: creation of Part A, B, C states

2. Reorganization of States

●​ Linguistic reorganization: Andhra Pradesh formation (1953)

●​ States Reorganization Act (1956)
●​ Further reorganizations: Gujarat-Maharashtra (1960), Punjab-Haryana (1966)
●​ Creation of new states: Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh (2000)
●​ Telangana formation (2014)

D. INDIAN SOCIETY

1. Social Structure and Diversity

Caste System

●​ Varna system: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra

●​ Jati system: Endogamous groups, occupational specialization
●​ Untouchability: Historical practice, constitutional prohibition
●​ Scheduled Castes and Tribes: Constitutional provisions, reservation policy
●​ Other Backward Classes: Mandal Commission, creamy layer concept

Religious Diversity

●​ Hinduism: Major sects, regional variations, reform movements

●​ Islam: Sunni-Shia divisions, Sufi traditions, Islamic law
●​ Christianity: Various denominations, social service
●​ Sikhism: Guru tradition, community service
●​ Buddhism, Jainism: Revival movements, global spread
●​ Tribal Religions: Animism, nature worship, syncretism

Linguistic Diversity

●​ Indo-Aryan languages: Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati

●​ Dravidian languages: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam
●​ Sino-Tibetan languages: Northeastern states
●​ Austroasiatic languages: Tribal languages
●​ Language policy: Three-language formula, official language controversy

2. Social Issues and Challenges

Women's Issues

●​ Gender discrimination: Son preference, female foeticide

●​ Violence against Women: Domestic violence, dowry deaths, rape
 ●​ Women's participation: Education, workforce, political representation
●​ Legal framework: Hindu Code Bills, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act
●​ Women's movements: Chipko, Narmada Bachao, Self-help groups

Population Issues

●​ Demographic transition: Birth rate, death rate, population growth

●​ Age structure: Demographic dividend, aging population
●​ Migration: Rural-urban, inter-state, international
●​ Family planning: National Population Policy, two-child norm debate

Poverty and Development

●​ Poverty measurement: BPL criteria, multidimensional poverty

●​ Rural poverty: Agricultural distress, landlessness
●​ Urban poverty: Slums, informal sector, homelessness
●​ Government programs: MGNREGA, PDS, JAM trinity
●​ Inclusive growth: Benefits not reaching marginalized sections

Urbanization

●​ Urban growth patterns: Metropolitanization, suburbanization

●​ Urban problems: Housing shortage, traffic congestion, pollution
●​ Slum development: Jhuggi-jhopri clusters, rehabilitation
●​ Smart cities mission: Technology-enabled urban development
●​ Urban governance: Municipal corporations, city planning

3. Effects of Globalization

Economic Impact

●​ Liberalization: Removal of license raj, foreign investment

●​ Service sector growth: IT, financial services, healthcare
●​ Agricultural impact: Contract farming, food processing
●​ Employment: Job creation in services, job losses in traditional sectors

Social Impact

●​ Cultural homogenization: Western lifestyle, consumerism

●​ Language impact: English dominance, local language decline
●​ Family structure: Nuclear families, changing gender roles
●​ Youth culture: Aspirations, lifestyle changes, social media influence

Political Impact

●​ Democratic deepening: Regional parties, coalition politics

 ●​ Decentralization: Panchayati Raj, urban local bodies
●​ Civil society: NGOs, social movements, public interest litigation
●​ Identity politics: Caste, religion, region-based politics

E. WORLD HISTORY (18th Century Onwards)

1. Industrial Revolution and Its Impact

First Industrial Revolution (1760-1840)

●​ Technological innovations: Steam engine, textile machinery, iron production

●​ Transportation revolution: Railways, canals, roads
●​ Social changes: Factory system, urbanization, working class formation
●​ Spread: Britain to Europe and North America

Second Industrial Revolution (1870-1914)

●​ New technologies: Electricity, steel, chemicals, automobile

●​ Communication: Telegraph, telephone, radio
●​ Corporate capitalism: Monopolies, cartels, stock exchanges
●​ Global impact: Colonialism, trade expansion

2. Political Revolutions and Ideologies

American Revolution (1776)

●​ Causes: Taxation without representation, Boston Tea Party

●​ Course: Declaration of Independence, War of Independence
●​ Impact: Republican government, federal constitution, bill of rights

French Revolution (1789-1799)

●​ Causes: Financial crisis, social inequality, Enlightenment ideas

●​ Phases: Liberal (1789-92), Radical (1792-94), Thermidorian Reaction
●​ Impact: Declaration of Rights, abolition of feudalism, nationalism

Russian Revolution (1917)

●​ February Revolution: Abdication of Tsar Nicholas II

●​ October Revolution: Bolshevik takeover under Lenin
●​ Civil War (1918-21): Reds vs Whites
●​ Impact: Establishment of Soviet Union, communist ideology

3. World Wars and Their Consequences

World War I (1914-1918)

 ●​ Causes: Imperialism, alliance system, nationalism, assassination of Archduke Franz
Ferdinand
●​ Course: Trench warfare, new weapons, multiple fronts
●​ Peace settlement: Treaty of Versailles, League of Nations
●​ Impact: End of empires, redrawing of boundaries, economic depression

World War II (1939-1945)

●​ Causes: Rise of fascism, failure of League of Nations, appeasement policy

●​ Course: Blitzkrieg, Holocaust, Pacific War, atomic bombs
●​ Allied victory: Defeat of Axis powers
●​ Impact: United Nations, Cold War, decolonization, human rights

4. Decolonization Process

Asian Decolonization

●​ India and Pakistan (1947): Partition, refugee crisis

●​ Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines
●​ Middle East: End of mandates, creation of Israel
●​ Methods: Negotiated independence, armed struggle, international pressure

African Decolonization

●​ North Africa: Egypt, Algeria, Libya

●​ Sub-Saharan Africa: Ghana model, Belgian Congo crisis
●​ Southern Africa: Apartheid in South Africa, liberation struggles
●​ Challenges: Artificial boundaries, ethnic conflicts, economic dependence

F. GEOGRAPHY

1. Physical Geography

Geomorphology

●​ Landform evolution: Weathering, erosion, deposition processes

●​ Mountain systems: Himalayas, Rockies, Andes, Alps formation
●​ Plains: Alluvial plains, structural plains, coastal plains
●​ Plateaus: Deccan Plateau, Brazilian Plateau, Colorado Plateau
●​ Coastal features: Beaches, cliffs, estuaries, deltas

Climatology

●​ Climate controls: Latitude, altitude, continentality, ocean currents

●​ Climatic classifications: Koppen, Thornthwaite systems
●​ Monsoon mechanism: Indian monsoon, seasonal reversal
 ●​ Climate change: Global warming, greenhouse effect, ozone depletion
●​ Weather phenomena: Cyclones, anticyclones, jet streams

Hydrology

●​ Water cycle: Evaporation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration

●​ River systems: Drainage patterns, river profiles, floods
●​ Groundwater: Aquifers, water table, groundwater depletion
●​ Glaciers: Formation, movement, glacial landforms
●​ Oceans: Ocean currents, tides, marine resources

2. Human Geography

Population Geography

●​ Population distribution: Ecumene, population density patterns

●​ Population growth: Demographic transition model, population explosion
●​ Migration: Types, causes, consequences of migration
●​ Settlement patterns: Rural settlements, urban hierarchy
●​ Population policies: China's one-child policy, India's family planning

Economic Geography

●​ Agricultural systems: Subsistence, commercial, plantation agriculture

●​ Industrial location: Weber's theory, agglomeration economies
●​ Service sector: Tertiary activities, quaternary sector growth
●​ Transportation: Modes, networks, transportation revolution
●​ Trade patterns: International trade, regional trade blocs

3. Regional Geography

Asia

●​ Monsoon Asia: Climate, agriculture, population concentration

●​ Central Asia: Landlocked countries, oil and gas resources
●​ Southwest Asia: Oil wealth, political instability, water scarcity
●​ Southeast Asia: ASEAN, economic tigers, cultural diversity

Europe

●​ Western Europe: European Union, industrial development

●​ Eastern Europe: Post-communist transition, EU expansion
●​ Mediterranean Europe: Tourism, agriculture, debt crisis
●​ Nordic countries: Welfare state model, environmental leadership

Africa
 ●​ North Africa: Sahara Desert, Nile Valley civilization
●​ Sub-Saharan Africa: Tropical diseases, mineral wealth, conflicts
●​ East Africa: Rift Valley, wildlife tourism, pastoralism
●​ West Africa: Colonial legacy, ethnic diversity, oil resources

Americas

●​ North America: NAFTA, technological leadership, cultural influence

●​ Latin America: Dependency theory, liberation theology, drug wars
●​ Brazil: Amazon rainforest, emerging economy, social inequality
●​ Caribbean: Tourism dependence, hurricane vulnerability

Australia and Oceania

●​ Australia: Mining boom, immigration, aboriginal rights

●​ New Zealand: Agriculture, tourism, Maori culture
●​ Pacific Islands: Climate change vulnerability, tourism potential

4. Environmental Geography

Natural Hazards

●​ Earthquakes: Tectonic activity, seismic zones, tsunami generation

●​ Volcanic activity: Types of volcanoes, volcanic hazards, Ring of Fire
●​ Cyclones: Formation, classification, disaster management
●​ Floods: River floods, flash floods, coastal flooding
●​ Droughts: Meteorological, agricultural, hydrological droughts

Environmental Issues

●​ Air pollution: Urban smog, acid rain, indoor air pollution

●​ Water pollution: Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, sewage
●​ Soil degradation: Erosion, salinization, desertification
●​ Deforestation: Causes, consequences, conservation efforts
●​ Biodiversity loss: Habitat destruction, species extinction, conservation

PAPER II: GOVERNANCE, CONSTITUTION, POLITY,

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
A. INDIAN CONSTITUTION

1. Historical Foundation
Pre-Independence Foundations

●​ Government of India Act 1935: Federal structure, provincial autonomy

●​ Cabinet Mission Plan (1946): Constitutional framework, grouping of provinces
●​ Indian Independence Act 1947: Partition, Constituent Assembly powers
●​ Objective Resolution (December 13, 1946): Nehru's vision, guiding principles

Constituent Assembly

●​ Composition: 389 members, representation from provinces and princely states

●​ Key Personalities: Dr. Rajendra Prasad (President), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Chairman
Drafting Committee)
●​ Working: 11 major committees, 2 years 11 months 18 days
●​ Debates: Detailed discussions on fundamental rights, directive principles, federalism

2. Philosophical Foundations

Preamble Analysis

●​ Sovereignty: Political and economic independence

●​ Socialism: Economic justice, welfare state
●​ Secularism: Religious neutrality, equal treatment of all religions
●​ Democracy: Representative government, adult franchise
●​ Republic: Elected head of state, no hereditary positions

Borrowed Features

●​ Britain: Parliamentary system, rule of law, single citizenship

●​ USA: Fundamental rights, judicial review, independence of judiciary
●​ Canada: Federation with strong center, appointment of governors
●​ Australia: Concurrent list, trade and commerce provisions
●​ Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy, emergency provisions
●​ Germany: Suspension of fundamental rights during emergency

3. Salient Features

Federal Structure with Unitary Bias

●​ Division of powers: Union List (97 subjects), State List (66 subjects), Concurrent List (47
subjects)
●​ Residuary powers with Union government
●​ Strong center: Single citizenship, integrated judiciary, All-India services
●​ Emergency provisions: National, State, Financial emergencies

Fundamental Rights (Articles 12-35)

 ●​ Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Equality before law, non-discrimination
●​ Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Six freedoms, protection against arrest
●​ Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibition of trafficking, child labor
●​ Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Religious freedom, secular education
●​ Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Minorities' rights
●​ Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Dr. Ambedkar's "heart and soul"

Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51)

●​ Gandhian Principles: Village panchayats, cottage industries, prohibition

●​ Socialist Principles: Workers' participation, equal pay, social security
●​ Liberal Principles: Uniform civil code, separation of judiciary from executive

4. Constitutional Amendments

Major Amendments

●​ 1st Amendment (1951): Right to property restrictions, sedition law

●​ 24th Amendment (1971): Parliament's power to amend fundamental rights
●​ 25th Amendment (1971): Right to property not absolute
●​ 42nd Amendment (1976): "Mini-Constitution", preamble changes
●​ 44th Amendment (1978): Restoration of civil liberties, property right removal
●​ 73rd Amendment (1992): Panchayati Raj constitutional status
●​ 74th Amendment (1992): Urban local bodies constitutional recognition
●​ 86th Amendment (2002): Right to Education as fundamental right
●​ 101st Amendment (2016): Goods and Services Tax implementation

B. INDIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM

1. Executive Branch

President of India

●​ Election: Electoral college system, proportional representation

●​ Powers: Executive, legislative, judicial, emergency, diplomatic
●​ Constitutional position: Nominal head, works on aid and advice
●​ Important Articles: Article 52-62, Article 123 (Ordinance power)
●​ Impeachment process: Article 61, charges of violation of constitution

Vice-President

●​ Election: Electoral college of Parliament members

●​ Functions: Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Acting President
●​ Removal: Resolution of Rajya Sabha, concurred by Lok Sabha

Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

 ●​ Appointment: Leader of majority party/coalition in Lok Sabha
●​ Powers: Head of government, policy formulation, administrative head
●​ Collective responsibility: Article 75, collective and individual responsibility
●​ Vote of confidence/no confidence: Parliamentary control mechanism

Governor

●​ Appointment: President's pleasure, 5-year term

●​ Powers: Executive head of state, assent to bills, report to President
●​ Discretionary powers: Chief Minister appointment, Article 356 recommendation
●​ Constitutional crisis: Role in hung assemblies, defection cases

2. Legislative Branch

Lok Sabha (House of People)

●​ Composition: Maximum 552 members, currently 543 + 2 Anglo-Indians

●​ Election: Direct election, first-past-the-post system
●​ Tenure: 5 years, subject to dissolution
●​ Presiding Officers: Speaker and Deputy Speaker, election and powers
●​ Special powers: Money bills, vote of no confidence, impeachment

Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

●​ Composition: Maximum 250 members, currently 245 (233 elected + 12 nominated)

●​ Election: Indirect by state legislatures, proportional representation
●​ Tenure: 6 years, 1/3rd retirement every 2 years
●​ Special powers: Removal of Vice-President, creation of All-India services
●​ Distinguished members: Article 80, President's nominees in arts, science, social service

Parliamentary Procedures

●​ Sessions: Budget, monsoon, winter sessions

●​ Question Hour: Starred, unstarred, short notice questions
●​ Legislative process: Introduction, committee stage, discussion, voting
●​ Financial procedures: Budget presentation, discussion, appropriation bills
●​ Parliamentary committees: Standing, ad-hoc, joint committees

3. Judicial Branch

Supreme Court of India

●​ Composition: Chief Justice + 33 judges (increased from 30 in 2019)

●​ Appointment: Collegium system, Chief Justice and 4 senior judges
●​ Tenure: Till age 65, removal by impeachment
●​ Jurisdiction: Original, appellate, advisory, writ jurisdiction
 ●​ Powers: Judicial review, constitutional interpretation, guardian of fundamental rights

High Courts

●​ Establishment: 25 High Courts, territorial jurisdiction

●​ Appointment: President in consultation with CJI, Governor, CJ of HC
●​ Powers: Supervisory jurisdiction over subordinate courts, writ powers
●​ Administrative control: Over district and subordinate courts

Subordinate Courts

●​ District Courts: Civil and criminal jurisdiction

●​ Specialized courts: Family courts, consumer courts, labor courts
●​ Alternate Dispute Resolution: Lok Adalats, mediation, arbitration

4. Federal Relations

Centre-State Relations

●​ Administrative relations: Article 256-263, All-India services

●​ Financial relations: Finance Commission, grants-in-aid, GST Council
●​ Legislative relations: Concurrent List, central laws prevail
●​ Inter-state relations: River water disputes, boundary disputes

Local Government

●​ Panchayati Raj: Three-tier system, 73rd Amendment provisions

●​ Urban Local Bodies: Municipalities, corporations, 74th Amendment
●​ Devolution: Functions, functionaries, finances (3 Fs)
●​ Challenges: Capacity building, financial resources, political will

C. SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Constitutional Provisions for Social Justice

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

●​ Constitutional provisions: Articles 330, 332, 335, 338, 338A

●​ Reservation policy: 15% for SCs, 7.5% for STs in jobs and education
●​ Special laws: SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
●​ Development programs: Tribal Sub-Plan, Special Component Plan

Other Backward Classes

●​ Constitutional recognition: Articles 15(4), 16(4), 340

●​ Mandal Commission: 27% reservation recommendation, implementation
 ●​ Creamy layer: Supreme Court directive, economic criteria
●​ State-wise variations: Different OBC lists, state-specific reservations

Minorities

●​ Religious minorities: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Jains

●​ Constitutional provisions: Articles 29-30, cultural and educational rights
●​ National Commission for Minorities: 1993, safeguarding minority interests
●​ Educational development: Modernization of madrasas, minority institutions

2. Women's Empowerment

Legal Framework

●​ Constitutional provisions: Articles 14, 15, 16, equality and non-discrimination

●​ Special laws: Dowry Prohibition Act, Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Harassment Act
●​ Criminal law amendments: 2013 amendments post-Nirbhaya case
●​ Personal laws: Hindu Code Bills, Muslim Personal Law Board

Political Participation

●​ 73rd and 74th Amendments: 33% reservation in local bodies

●​ Women's Reservation Bill: 33% reservation in Parliament and Assemblies (pending)
●​ Electoral participation: Voter turnout, candidature patterns
●​ Leadership roles: Women Chief Ministers, Speakers, judges

Economic Empowerment

●​ Workforce participation: Declining trends, informal sector dominance

●​ Self-help groups: Microfinance, entrepreneurship development
●​ Skill development: Women-specific programs, vocational training
●​ Property rights: Hindu Succession Amendment Act 2005, equal inheritance

3. Child Welfare and Development

Constitutional and Legal Framework

●​ Fundamental right: Article 21A, Right to Education Act 2009

●​ Directive principles: Article 39(e) and (f), protection from exploitation
●​ Child labor prohibition: Article 24, Child Labour Act 1986
●​ Juvenile justice: Juvenile Justice Act 2015, child-friendly procedures

Child Development Programs

●​ Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Anganwadi system, malnutrition combat

●​ Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Nutritional support, school enrollment
●​ Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: Universal elementary education
 ●​ National Child Protection Scheme: Child welfare committees, specialized adoption
agencies

D. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. India's Foreign Policy Evolution

Foundational Principles

●​ Non-alignment: Equidistance from power blocs, strategic autonomy

●​ Panchsheel: Five principles of peaceful coexistence with China (1954)
●​ Anti-colonialism: Support for decolonization movements
●​ South-South cooperation: Solidarity with developing countries

Cold War Period (1947-1991)

●​ Non-Aligned Movement: Leadership role, Belgrade Conference 1961

●​ Relations with superpowers: Balancing act, tilting towards USSR
●​ Regional challenges: Wars with Pakistan (1947, 1965, 1971), China (1962)
●​ Nuclear policy: Peaceful nuclear explosion 1974, nuclear ambiguity

Post-Cold War Adjustments (1991 onwards)

●​ Economic liberalization: Integration with global economy

●​ Nuclear tests 1998: Declared nuclear weapon state, international sanctions
●​ Strategic partnerships: Multi-alignment replacing non-alignment
●​ Terrorism challenge: Cross-border terrorism, international cooperation

2. Bilateral Relations

Neighborhood Relations

●​ Pakistan: Partition legacy, Kashmir dispute, terrorism, trade potential

●​ China: Border dispute, trade partnership, strategic competition, Doklam standoff
●​ Bangladesh: Liberation war legacy, water sharing, refugee issues, connectivity
●​ Sri Lanka: Tamil issue, Rajapaksa regime, strategic concerns, economic cooperation
●​ Nepal: Open border, hydropower cooperation, constitutional monarchy to republic
●​ Bhutan: Special relationship, hydropower, carbon negative country
●​ Myanmar: Look East policy, democratic transition, Rohingya crisis
●​ Afghanistan: Development partnership, Taliban challenge, strategic interests

Major Powers

●​ United States: From estrangement to strategic partnership, defense cooperation, trade

●​ Russia: Soviet legacy, defense partnership, energy cooperation, BRICS
●​ Japan: Historical ties, technology transfer, economic partnership, Quad
 ●​ European Union: Trade relations, climate cooperation, strategic partnership
●​ United Kingdom: Colonial legacy, diaspora links, post-Brexit opportunities

Regional Groupings

●​ South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC): Limited progress, Pakistan
obstruction
●​ Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): Look East/Act East policy, strategic
partnership
●​ Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): Full membership 2017, regional security
●​ Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC): Alternative to SAARC

3. Multilateral Engagement

United Nations System

●​ Security Council: Permanent membership aspiration, G4 nations, reform efforts

●​ Peacekeeping: Major contributor, women peacekeepers, peacekeeping funding
●​ Sustainable Development Goals: Implementation, South-South cooperation
●​ Climate change: Paris Agreement, International Solar Alliance, renewable energy

Economic Multilateralism

●​ World Trade Organization: Services liberalization, TRIPS, dispute settlement

●​ International Monetary Fund: Quota reform, Special Drawing Rights
●​ World Bank: Infrastructure development, social sector lending
●​ Regional development banks: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, New Development
Bank

Emerging Multilateralism

●​ BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa cooperation

●​ G20: Major economies forum, global economic governance
●​ International Solar Alliance: Renewable energy cooperation, climate action
●​ Indo-Pacific concept: Maritime security, rule-based order, Quad partnership

PAPER III: TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,

BIO-DIVERSITY, ENVIRONMENT, SECURITY AND
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
A. INDIAN ECONOMY
1. Economic Planning and Development

Planning Era (1951-2017)

●​ Five-Year Plans: Soviet model adaptation, sectoral priorities

●​ Plan objectives: Growth, employment, self-reliance, social justice
●​ Plan performance: Industrial growth, green revolution, IT revolution
●​ Planning Commission: Role, composition, criticism, abolition

NITI Aayog Era (2015 onwards)

●​ Cooperative federalism: State-centric approach, competitive federalism

●​ Development agenda: Sustainable Development Goals, aspirational districts
●​ Policy initiatives: Make in India, Digital India, Skill India
●​ Think tank role: Policy research, monitoring, evaluation

2. Agriculture and Rural Development

Agricultural Transformation

●​ Green Revolution: High-yielding varieties, irrigation, fertilizers

●​ White Revolution: Operation Flood, dairy cooperatives, milk production
●​ Blue Revolution: Fisheries development, aquaculture promotion
●​ Gene Revolution: Biotechnology, genetically modified crops

Current Agricultural Challenges

●​ Productivity: Yield stagnation, soil degradation, climate change

●​ Sustainability: Overuse of chemicals, groundwater depletion
●​ Market access: Fragmented markets, price volatility, post-harvest losses
●​ Farm size: Declining average holding size, marginal farmers

Agricultural Policies and Programs

●​ Minimum Support Price: Price support, procurement operations, Food Corporation of

India
●​ Input subsidies: Fertilizer, power, water subsidies, targeting issues
●​ Credit policy: Kisan Credit Cards, interest subvention, crop insurance
●​ Agricultural marketing: e-NAM, APMC reforms, contract farming

Rural Development Programs

●​ Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act: Employment guarantee,

asset creation
●​ Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: Rural connectivity, all-weather roads
●​ National Rural Livelihoods Mission: Self-help groups, microfinance, skill development
 ●​ Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana: Model village development by parliamentarians

3. Industry and Manufacturing

Industrial Policy Evolution

●​ Import substitution (1950s-80s): Protection, licensing, public sector dominance

●​ Liberalization (1991 onwards): Deregulation, foreign investment, competition
●​ Make in India (2014): Manufacturing hub, ease of doing business, job creation
●​ Atmanirbhar Bharat (2020): Self-reliance, supply chain resilience, domestic
manufacturing

Manufacturing Sectors

●​ Textiles: Cotton textiles, readymade garments, technical textiles

●​ Automobiles: Passenger cars, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers, electric vehicles
●​ Pharmaceuticals: Generic drugs, API manufacturing, global supply chain
●​ Information Technology: Software services, digital transformation, startup ecosystem
●​ Steel: Integrated steel plants, mini steel plants, raw material challenges
●​ Chemicals and petrochemicals: Refineries, downstream industries, environmental
concerns

Industrial Development Challenges

●​ Infrastructure: Power, transportation, logistics, industrial parks

●​ Technology: R&D investment, innovation ecosystem, technology transfer
●​ Skills: Technical education, vocational training, industry-academia linkage
●​ Environment: Pollution control, sustainable manufacturing, circular economy

4. Services Sector

Information Technology and Business Process Management

●​ Growth trajectory: Y2K opportunity, global delivery model, talent advantage

●​ Current status: Revenue, employment, export earnings, government revenues
●​ Emerging areas: Artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things, cybersecurity
●​ Challenges: Automation threat, skill upgradation, visa restrictions, data localization

Financial Services

●​ Banking system: Public sector banks, private banks, foreign banks, cooperative banks
●​ Capital markets: Stock exchanges, mutual funds, insurance, pension funds
●​ Financial inclusion: Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar-enabled payments, digital payments
●​ Regulatory framework: RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA supervision

Healthcare Services
 ●​ Public healthcare: Primary health centers, community health centers, district hospitals
●​ Private healthcare: Corporate hospitals, medical tourism, telemedicine
●​ Health insurance: Ayushman Bharat, ESI, private health insurance
●​ Traditional medicine: AYUSH systems, integration with modern medicine

Education Services

●​ School education: Right to Education Act, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, quality concerns
●​ Higher education: Universities, technical education, research infrastructure
●​ Skill development: Industrial Training Institutes, Skill India Mission
●​ Online education: MOOCs, digital learning platforms, pandemic impact

5. Infrastructure Development

Transportation Infrastructure

●​ Railways: Gauge conversion, electrification, high-speed rail, freight corridors

●​ Roads: National highways, rural roads, expressways, logistics parks
●​ Civil aviation: Airport privatization, regional connectivity, drone policy
●​ Shipping: Port modernization, inland waterways, coastal shipping
●​ Urban transport: Metro rail, bus rapid transit, electric vehicles

Energy Infrastructure

●​ Power generation: Coal-based, renewable energy, nuclear power, grid integration

●​ Transmission: National grid, smart grid, electricity markets
●​ Distribution: State electricity boards, privatization, loss reduction
●​ Rural electrification: Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, off-grid solutions

Digital Infrastructure

●​ Telecommunications: 4G rollout, 5G preparation, broadband penetration

●​ Digital governance: e-governance, digital identity, online service delivery
●​ Data infrastructure: Data centers, cloud computing, data protection
●​ Cybersecurity: National cyber security strategy, CERT-In, capacity building

B. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Space Technology

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Achievements

●​ Launch vehicles: PSLV, GSLV, GSLV Mk III, reusable launch vehicle

●​ Satellite programs: Communication, earth observation, navigation, scientific
●​ Mars Orbiter Mission: Cost-effective interplanetary mission, technological demonstration
●​ Chandrayaan missions: Lunar exploration, water discovery, soft landing attempts
 ●​ Commercial space: Antrix Corporation, international satellite launches

Space Applications

●​ Remote sensing: Natural resource management, disaster monitoring, urban planning

●​ Communication: Satellite communication, telemedicine, tele-education
●​ Navigation: Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NavIC), precision applications
●​ Weather forecasting: Meteorological satellites, cyclone tracking, climate monitoring

2. Nuclear Technology

Nuclear Power Program

●​ Three-stage program: Natural uranium, fast breeder reactors, thorium utilization

●​ Current status: Operating reactors, under construction, planned capacity
●​ Nuclear fuel cycle: Mining, enrichment, fuel fabrication, reprocessing, waste
management
●​ Safety and security: Regulatory framework, international cooperation, public acceptance

Nuclear Applications

●​ Medical applications: Radioisotopes, cancer treatment, diagnostic imaging

●​ Agricultural applications: Crop improvement, food preservation, pest control
●​ Industrial applications: Non-destructive testing, radiography, process optimization
●​ Research reactors: Material science, neutron activation analysis, isotope production

3. Biotechnology

Healthcare Biotechnology

●​ Pharmaceuticals: Biosimilars, personalized medicine, gene therapy

●​ Diagnostics: Molecular diagnostics, point-of-care testing, biomarkers
●​ Vaccines: Traditional vaccines, recombinant vaccines, mRNA technology
●​ Regenerative medicine: Stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, organ transplantation

Agricultural Biotechnology

●​ Genetically modified crops: Bt cotton, herbicide-resistant crops, nutrition enhancement

●​ Crop improvement: Marker-assisted selection, gene editing, tissue culture
●​ Biopesticides: Microbial pesticides, pheromones, biological control agents
●​ Animal biotechnology: Transgenic animals, animal vaccines, reproductive technologies

Industrial Biotechnology

●​ Biofuels: Ethanol, biodiesel, advanced biofuels, algae-based fuels

●​ Enzymes: Industrial enzymes, detergent enzymes, food processing enzymes
●​ Bioplastics: Biodegradable plastics, sustainable packaging, circular economy
 ●​ Environmental applications: Bioremediation, waste treatment, pollution control

4. Information and Communication Technology

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

●​ National AI strategy: AI for all, responsible AI, skill development

●​ Applications: Healthcare, agriculture, education, governance, defense
●​ Research initiatives: AI research institutes, industry-academia collaboration
●​ Ethical considerations: Algorithmic bias, privacy, job displacement, regulation

Emerging Technologies

●​ Internet of Things: Smart cities, industrial IoT, agricultural sensors

●​ Blockchain: Cryptocurrency, supply chain management, digital identity
●​ Quantum computing: Research initiatives, quantum communication, cryptography
●​ Augmented/Virtual Reality: Gaming, training, healthcare, industrial applications

C. ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Environmental Challenges

Air Pollution

●​ Sources: Vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, crop burning, construction dust

●​ Health impacts: Respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, premature deaths
●​ Urban air quality: PM2.5, PM10, ozone, nitrogen oxides monitoring
●​ Control measures: BS-VI fuel standards, electric vehicles, industrial emission norms

Water Pollution

●​ Sources: Industrial discharge, sewage, agricultural runoff, solid waste

●​ Surface water pollution: River pollution, lake eutrophication, groundwater contamination
●​ Marine pollution: Oil spills, plastic waste, chemical pollutants
●​ Control measures: Effluent treatment, sewage treatment, river cleaning programs

Soil Degradation

●​ Causes: Erosion, salinization, waterlogging, chemical contamination, desertification

●​ Impact: Agricultural productivity, food security, ecosystem services
●​ Assessment: Soil health cards, digital soil mapping, nutrient management
●​ Conservation: Soil conservation practices, watershed management, organic farming

Solid Waste Management

●​ Municipal solid waste: Generation, collection, treatment, disposal

 ●​ Hazardous waste: Industrial waste, biomedical waste, e-waste management
●​ Plastic waste: Single-use plastics, recycling, biodegradable alternatives
●​ Circular economy: Waste to energy, resource recovery, extended producer responsibility

2. Climate Change

Global Climate Change

●​ Greenhouse effect: Natural vs enhanced greenhouse effect, radiative forcing

●​ Climate system: Atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere interactions
●​ Climate indicators: Temperature records, sea level rise, ice sheet melting, extreme
events
●​ Climate models: Global circulation models, regional downscaling, uncertainty
assessment

India's Climate Vulnerability

●​ Temperature changes: Warming trends, heat waves, changing seasonal patterns

●​ Precipitation changes: Monsoon variability, extreme precipitation events, droughts
●​ Sea level rise: Coastal vulnerability, island nations, saltwater intrusion
●​ Ecosystem impacts: Forest degradation, species migration, coral bleaching

Climate Change Mitigation

●​ Renewable energy: Solar, wind, hydro, biomass energy deployment

●​ Energy efficiency: Building codes, appliance standards, industrial efficiency
●​ Transportation: Electric vehicles, public transport, fuel efficiency standards
●​ Carbon sequestration: Afforestation, soil carbon, carbon capture technologies

Climate Change Adaptation

●​ Agriculture: Climate-resilient crops, water-efficient irrigation, crop diversification

●​ Water resources: Rainwater harvesting, drought management, flood control
●​ Coastal management: Sea wall construction, mangrove restoration, relocation planning
●​ Urban planning: Heat island mitigation, green buildings, disaster-resilient infrastructure

3. Biodiversity Conservation

India's Biodiversity

●​ Biodiversity hotspots: Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma region

●​ Endemic species: Flora and fauna unique to India, endemism patterns
●​ Ecosystem diversity: Forests, wetlands, grasslands, marine ecosystems
●​ Genetic diversity: Crop varieties, livestock breeds, wild relatives

Conservation Strategies
 ●​ Protected areas: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves
●​ Ex-situ conservation: Botanical gardens, zoos, seed banks, gene banks
●​ Community conservation: Joint forest management, community reserves
●​ International cooperation: CITES, Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar
Convention

Threats to Biodiversity

●​ Habitat loss: Deforestation, urbanization, infrastructure development

●​ Overexploitation: Hunting, fishing, collection of medicinal plants
●​ Invasive species: Introduction pathways, ecological impacts, management
●​ Pollution: Chemical pollution, plastic pollution, noise pollution effects

D. INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Security Challenges

Terrorism and Extremism

●​ International terrorism: Cross-border terrorism, Pakistan-based groups, funding sources

●​ Domestic terrorism: Left-wing extremism, right-wing extremism, lone wolf attacks
●​ Cyber terrorism: Critical infrastructure attacks, data breaches, information warfare
●​ Counter-terrorism: Multi-agency coordination, intelligence sharing, legal framework

Left-Wing Extremism (Naxalism)

●​ Geographical spread: Red corridor states, tribal areas, forest regions

●​ Causes: Socio-economic deprivation, governance deficit, historical injustices
●​ Modus operandi: Guerrilla warfare, IED attacks, recruitment strategies
●​ Counter-strategies: Security operations, development programs, surrender policies

Northeast Insurgency

●​ Historical background: Identity issues, immigration, resource conflicts

●​ Active groups: ULFA, NSCN factions, other ethnic organizations
●​ Government approach: Peace talks, ceasefire agreements, development packages
●​ Challenges: Inter-state coordination, refugee problems, drug trafficking

2. Border Security

Land Borders

●​ Pakistan border: Line of Control, International Border, infiltration attempts

●​ China border: Line of Actual Control, boundary dispute, infrastructure development
●​ Bangladesh border: Illegal migration, smuggling, border fencing
●​ Myanmar border: Insurgent activities, drug trafficking, refugee influx
 ●​ Nepal border: Open border, security challenges, trade facilitation

Coastal Security

●​ Maritime boundaries: Exclusive Economic Zone, territorial waters, continental shelf

●​ Threats: Sea-borne terrorism, smuggling, illegal fishing, piracy
●​ Security apparatus: Coast Guard, Navy, coastal police, fishing communities
●​ Technology: Coastal radar systems, satellite monitoring, vessel tracking

3. Internal Security Architecture

Central Armed Police Forces

●​ Central Reserve Police Force: Internal security, counter-insurgency, crowd control

●​ Border Security Force: Border guarding, counter-infiltration, anti-smuggling
●​ Central Industrial Security Force: Industrial security, airport security, VIP protection
●​ Indo-Tibetan Border Police: China border, high-altitude operations, disaster response
●​ Sashastra Seema Bal: Nepal-Bhutan borders, anti-insurgency operations

Intelligence Agencies

●​ Research and Analysis Wing: External intelligence, strategic assessment

●​ Intelligence Bureau: Internal intelligence, counter-intelligence, VIP security
●​ National Technical Research Organisation: Technical intelligence, communication
interception
●​ Defence Intelligence Agency: Military intelligence coordination, threat assessment

Legal Framework

●​ Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act: Anti-terrorism legislation, organization ban

●​ National Investigation Agency Act: Federal investigation agency, terror cases
●​ Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act: Military operations in disturbed areas
●​ National Security Act: Preventive detention, public order maintenance

E. DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Natural Disasters

Earthquakes

●​ Seismic zones: Zone V (highest risk), Zone IV, Zone III, Zone II classification
●​ Major earthquakes: Bhuj 2001, Kashmir 2005, Nepal 2015 impact on India
●​ Vulnerability: Building codes, urban planning, retrofitting requirements
●​ Preparedness: Early warning systems, community preparedness, search and rescue

Floods
 ●​ River floods: Monsoon floods, glacial lake outburst floods, dam failures
●​ Urban floods: Cloudbursts, drainage congestion, encroachment issues
●​ Coastal floods: Storm surges, tsunami, sea level rise impacts
●​ Management: Flood forecasting, reservoir operations, floodplain zoning

Cyclones

●​ Formation: Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea cyclone characteristics

●​ Classification: Depression, cyclonic storm, severe cyclonic storm categories
●​ Impacts: Wind damage, storm surge, rainfall, agricultural losses
●​ Preparedness: Early warning systems, evacuation planning, shelter management

Droughts

●​ Types: Meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, socio-economic droughts

●​ Monitoring: Rainfall departure, reservoir levels, groundwater, crop conditions
●​ Impact assessment: Agricultural losses, livestock mortality, migration patterns
●​ Management: Drought-proofing, water conservation, employment programs

2. Human-Made Disasters

Industrial Accidents

●​ Chemical accidents: Bhopal gas tragedy lessons, chemical safety protocols

●​ Nuclear accidents: Radiation safety, emergency response, public evacuation
●​ Fire accidents: Industrial fires, building fires, forest fires management
●​ Transportation accidents: Rail accidents, road accidents, aviation safety

Environmental Disasters

●​ Oil spills: Marine pollution, cleanup operations, environmental damage

●​ Chemical contamination: Groundwater pollution, soil contamination, health impacts
●​ Deforestation: Ecological disasters, biodiversity loss, climate impacts
●​ Urban disasters: Building collapses, infrastructure failures, crowd disasters

3. Disaster Management Framework

Institutional Framework

●​ National Disaster Management Authority: Policy formulation, coordination, guidelines

●​ State Disaster Management Authorities: State-level planning, resource allocation
●​ District Disaster Management Authorities: Local preparedness, response coordination
●​ National Disaster Response Force: Specialized response, rescue operations, training

Disaster Management Cycle

●​ Prevention: Risk assessment, vulnerability mapping, building codes enforcement

 ●​ Mitigation: Structural measures, non-structural measures, insurance schemes
●​ Preparedness: Early warning systems, evacuation planning, capacity building
●​ Response: Search and rescue, medical aid, relief distribution, coordination
●​ Recovery: Reconstruction, rehabilitation, livelihood restoration, lessons learned

Technology in Disaster Management

●​ Remote sensing: Satellite imagery, damage assessment, vulnerability mapping

●​ Geographic Information Systems: Hazard mapping, resource planning, coordination
●​ Communication technology: Emergency communication, public warning systems
●​ Early warning systems: Weather forecasting, flood forecasting, earthquake monitoring

PAPER IV: ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE

A. ETHICS AND MORAL PHILOSOPHY

1. Foundations of Ethics

Nature of Ethics

●​ Definition: Moral principles governing behavior, right and wrong conduct

●​ Branches: Meta-ethics, normative ethics, applied ethics, descriptive ethics
●​ Sources: Reason, intuition, emotion, culture, religion, consequences
●​ Relationship: Ethics vs morality, ethics vs law, universal vs relative

Ethical Theories

●​ Consequentialism: Utilitarianism (Bentham, Mill), act vs rule utilitarianism

●​ Deontological ethics: Kant's categorical imperative, duty-based ethics, rights theory
●​ Virtue ethics: Aristotelian virtues, character development, practical wisdom
●​ Care ethics: Feminist ethics, relationships, empathy, contextual reasoning

Indian Ethical Traditions

●​ Vedantic ethics: Dharma, karma, moksha, four purusharthas

●​ Buddhist ethics: Noble Eightfold Path, compassion, non-violence, middle way
●​ Jain ethics: Ahimsa, truthfulness, non-attachment, five vows
●​ Gandhi's ethics: Satyagraha, ahimsa, sarvodaya, means and ends relationship

2. Applied Ethics

Professional Ethics

●​ Medical ethics: Doctor-patient relationship, informed consent, confidentiality, euthanasia

 ●​ Legal ethics: Advocate-client privilege, conflict of interest, access to justice
●​ Business ethics: Corporate social responsibility, fair trade, environmental responsibility
●​ Research ethics: Scientific integrity, plagiarism, human subjects protection

Environmental Ethics

●​ Anthropocentric vs ecocentric approaches, intrinsic value of nature

●​ Intergenerational justice: Sustainable development, climate change responsibility
●​ Animal rights: Ethical treatment, experimentation, conservation vs development
●​ Environmental justice: Distribution of environmental benefits and burdens

Bioethics

●​ Beginning of life: Abortion, embryonic research, genetic engineering

●​ End of life: Euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, advance directives
●​ Genetic technologies: Gene therapy, genetic testing, designer babies
●​ Public health ethics: Vaccination policies, pandemic response, health equity

B. CIVIL SERVICE VALUES

1. Constitutional Values

Fundamental Values

●​ Justice: Social, economic, political justice as constitutional goals

●​ Liberty: Individual freedom, freedom of expression, religious freedom
●​ Equality: Equality before law, equal opportunity, non-discrimination
●​ Fraternity: Unity in diversity, dignity of individual, secular values

Democratic Values

●​ Popular sovereignty: Government by consent, electoral democracy

●​ Rule of law: Constitutional supremacy, legal equality, independent judiciary
●​ Separation of powers: Checks and balances, institutional autonomy
●​ Federalism: Unity with diversity, cooperative federalism, local governance

2. Administrative Values

Core Values for Civil Servants

●​ Integrity: Honesty, truthfulness, moral uprightness, ethical behavior

●​ Impartiality: Neutral administration, merit-based decisions, equal treatment
●​ Objectivity: Evidence-based decisions, rational analysis, professional judgment
●​ Dedication: Commitment to public service, national interest, citizen welfare

Service Values
 ●​ Empathy: Understanding citizen needs, compassionate administration
●​ Tolerance: Respect for diversity, patient hearing, inclusive approach
●​ Compassion: Special care for vulnerable sections, social justice orientation
●​ Responsiveness: Timely service delivery, grievance redressal, feedback incorporation

3. Ethical Dilemmas in Public Administration

Common Dilemmas

●​ Individual vs organizational loyalty: Whistleblowing, following illegal orders

●​ Efficiency vs equity: Resource allocation, service delivery priorities
●​ Rule vs discretion: Rigid application vs contextual interpretation
●​ Short-term vs long-term: Political pressure vs sustainable policies

Resolution Mechanisms

●​ Ethical decision-making frameworks: Stakeholder analysis, consequence evaluation

●​ Consultation processes: Peer consultation, expert advice, public participation
●​ Legal compliance: Following rules, seeking legal opinion, documentation
●​ Value-based reasoning: Constitutional principles, service values, public interest

C. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

1. Components of Emotional Intelligence

Self-Awareness

●​ Emotional awareness: Recognizing own emotions, triggers, patterns

●​ Accurate self-assessment: Strengths, limitations, learning needs
●​ Self-confidence: Belief in abilities, assertiveness, presence

Self-Management

●​ Emotional self-control: Managing disruptive emotions, staying calm under pressure

●​ Adaptability: Flexibility in changing situations, openness to new ideas
●​ Achievement orientation: Setting challenging goals, continuous improvement
●​ Positive outlook: Seeing good in people and situations, optimism

Social Awareness

●​ Empathy: Understanding others' emotions, perspectives, concerns

●​ Organizational awareness: Reading politics, networks, power dynamics
●​ Service orientation: Recognizing and meeting customer/citizen needs

Relationship Management
 ●​ Influence: Persuasive communication, inspiring others, gaining support
●​ Coach and mentor: Helping others develop, giving feedback, guidance
●​ Conflict management: Resolving disagreements, finding common ground
●​ Team leadership: Inspiring teamwork, shared vision, group cooperation

2. Applications in Governance

Leadership Effectiveness

●​ Inspirational leadership: Vision communication, motivating others, change management

●​ Team building: Creating cohesive teams, managing diversity, conflict resolution
●​ Decision making: Considering emotional factors, stakeholder feelings, communication
●​ Change management: Managing resistance, building support, gradual implementation

Public Service Delivery

●​ Citizen interaction: Empathetic listening, respectful communication, problem-solving

●​ Grievance handling: Emotional support, patient hearing, fair resolution
●​ Crisis management: Calm leadership, reassuring communication, coordinated response
●​ Community engagement: Building trust, cultural sensitivity, inclusive participation

D. CASE STUDIES AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

1. Administrative Case Studies

Resource Allocation Dilemmas

●​ Healthcare: ICU bed allocation during pandemic, expensive treatment decisions

●​ Education: School infrastructure vs teacher training, urban vs rural priorities
●​ Disaster relief: Immediate relief vs long-term rehabilitation, equal vs need-based
distribution

Transparency vs Confidentiality

●​ RTI applications: National security exemptions, third-party information, privacy rights

●​ Public procurement: Bidder confidentiality vs public scrutiny, corruption prevention
●​ Policy formulation: Consultative process vs premature disclosure, decision-making
freedom

Development vs Environment

●​ Industrial projects: Employment generation vs environmental protection, tribal rights

●​ Infrastructure development: Displacement issues, environmental clearances, cost-benefit
analysis
●​ Mining policies: Revenue generation vs ecological damage, local community rights
2. Professional Ethics Scenarios

Conflict of Interest

●​ Government officials: Business interests, family connections, post-retirement

employment
●​ Procurement decisions: Vendor relationships, gift acceptance, bid evaluation
●​ Policy making: Industry influence, lobbying, regulatory capture

Corruption and Integrity

●​ Speed money: Service delivery, citizen harassment, system reform

●​ Political pressure: Illegal transfers, favorable postings, policy compliance
●​ Whistleblowing: Protecting honest officers, institutional mechanisms, personal safety

E. MORAL THINKERS AND PHILOSOPHERS

1. Western Moral Philosophers

Ancient Philosophers

●​ Aristotle: Virtue ethics, golden mean, practical wisdom, eudaimonia

●​ Plato: Justice theory, philosopher-king concept, moral education
●​ Socrates: Examined life, moral questioning, virtue as knowledge

Modern Philosophers

●​ Immanuel Kant: Categorical imperative, duty ethics, moral autonomy, good will
●​ John Stuart Mill: Utilitarianism, liberty principle, harm principle, individual rights
●​ John Rawls: Theory of justice, original position, veil of ignorance, distributive justice

2. Indian Moral Thinkers

Ancient Thinkers

●​ Kautilya: Arthashastra, state ethics, ruler's duties, pragmatic morality

●​ Buddha: Compassion, non-violence, middle path, ethical conduct
●​ Mahavira: Ahimsa, truthfulness, non-attachment, spiritual purification

Modern Reformers

●​ Mahatma Gandhi: Satyagraha, ahimsa, sarvodaya, means-ends relationship

●​ Swami Vivekananda: Universal religion, service to humanity, strength through spirituality
●​ Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Scientific temper, youth inspiration, simple living

3. Contemporary Ethical Issues

Global Ethics

●​ Climate change: Intergenerational justice, common but differentiated responsibilities

●​ Global poverty: Duty to assist, effective altruism, development ethics
●​ Human rights: Universal vs cultural relativism, intervention vs sovereignty

Technology Ethics

●​ Artificial intelligence: Algorithm bias, job displacement, privacy concerns

●​ Biotechnology: Genetic modification, human enhancement, research ethics
●​ Digital ethics: Data privacy, surveillance, digital divide, fake news

EXAMINATION STRATEGY AND PREPARATION

GUIDELINES
Paper-wise Approach

Paper I Strategy

●​ Ancient and medieval history: Chronological understanding, cause-effect relationships

●​ Modern history: Freedom struggle phases, personality contributions, constitutional
development
●​ Geography: Map-based questions, current events linkage, environmental issues
●​ Society: Contemporary issues, government schemes, social movements

Paper II Strategy

●​ Constitution: Amendment analysis, judicial pronouncements, comparative study

●​ Governance: Current affairs integration, policy analysis, implementation challenges
●​ International relations: Foreign policy evolution, bilateral relationships, multilateral
engagement
●​ Social justice: Scheme evaluation, vulnerable sections, inclusive development

Paper III Strategy

●​ Economy: Budget analysis, survey understanding, policy implications, data interpretation

●​ Science and technology: Current developments, applications, ethical implications
●​ Environment: Climate change, biodiversity, pollution control, sustainable development
●​ Security: Internal challenges, border management, cybersecurity, disaster preparedness

Paper IV Strategy

●​ Ethics: Theoretical understanding, practical applications, case study analysis

 ●​ Integrity: Real-life scenarios, administrative challenges, value-based solutions
●​ Aptitude: Emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, leadership qualities
●​ Thinkers: Philosophy understanding, contemporary relevance, practical wisdom

Answer Writing Techniques

Structure and Presentation

●​ Introduction: Context setting, definition, significance

●​ Body: Multiple dimensions, analysis, examples, data
●​ Conclusion: Way forward, balanced view, recommendations
●​ Diagrams: Maps, flowcharts, figures for better explanation

Content Enhancement

●​ Current affairs integration: Recent developments, government initiatives

●​ Examples: Indian and international, historical and contemporary
●​ Data usage: Statistics, reports, survey findings, comparative analysis
●​ Multi-dimensional analysis: Social, economic, political, environmental aspects

Revision Strategy

Short-term Revision

●​ Current affairs: Monthly compilations, important events, policy developments

●​ Static portions: Quick revision notes, mind maps, factual information
●​ Previous year questions: Pattern analysis, important topics, answer practice
●​ Mock tests: Time management, answer quality, knowledge gaps identification

Long-term Preparation

●​ Conceptual clarity: Understanding over cramming, application ability

●​ Analytical skills: Critical thinking, multi-perspective analysis, solution-oriented approach
●​ Writing practice: Regular essay writing, case study analysis, time-bound practice
●​ Knowledge integration: Inter-disciplinary connections, holistic understanding

DISCLAIMER: This syllabus breakdown is comprehensive and based on the official UPSC
syllabus. Candidates should refer to the latest UPSC notification and previous year question
papers for the most current requirements. The syllabus is dynamic and may be updated by
UPSC from time to time.