General Studies Paper-2 Context: India’s national security landscape is evolving rapidly, with geopolitical tensions, border conflicts, and emerging cyber threats necessitating a comprehensive security doctrine. India’s National Security Framework National security is often perceived as the exclusive domain of the military and law enforcement agencies, but it encompasses politics, diplomacy, social stability, and economic resilience with military defense, cybersecurity, intelligence coordination, and counterterrorism efforts to ensure a nation’s long-term safety and sovereignty. Chanakya’s Mandala Theory famously states that an immediate neighbor is likely to be an adversary. However, it emphasized that a kingdom is only as secure as its farthest....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam poses challenges to India on multiple fronts by threatening the economic revival and normalisation efforts, and underscores long-standing lapses in intelligence and security measures. About Terrorism It is broadly defined as the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, to achieve political, ideological, or religious objectives. It is a global challenge that undermines peace, security, and human rights. According to the United Nations, there is no universally agreed definition of terrorism, but it is generally understood as acts intended to cause death or serious harm to civilians or....Read More

General Studies Paper -1 Context: The National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. About Tribal communities Tribal communities have rich traditions, cultures, and heritage, with unique lifestyles and customs. Tribes often live in geographical isolation and are more homogeneous and self-contained compared to non-tribal communities. Status In India Tribes in India are considered to be one of the oldest ethnological groups, often referred to as “Adivasis” (original inhabitants). The term “Adivasi” is recognized internationally, with the International Labour Organization classifying them as “indigenous.” India has the second largest tribal population in the world, with nearly....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has notified the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024. This is the first set of rules to be issued under the newly issued Telecommunications Act, 2023. Key Provisions Aim: To safeguard India’s communication networks and services, through measures including specified timelines for telcos to report security incidents and make disclosures. A telecommunication entity will include any person providing telecom services, or establishing, operating, maintaining, or expanding telecom network, including an authorised entity holding an authorisation. Access of Data to Union Government: The rules also empower the central government/ its authorised agency....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the first Foundation Day program of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and launched key initiatives for prevention of cyber crime. About During the event, four platforms of the I4C were launched; Cyber fraud mitigation center (CFMC); Samanvaya Platform, for cybercrime data repository, sharing, mapping, and analytics, as well as a coordination tool for law enforcement agencies. The cyber commandos programme: The government has planned to train and prepare 5,000 cyber commandos over the next five years to enhance cybersecurity. Suspect registry: It is an initiative to strengthen fraud....Read More

General Studies Paper-2 Context: The member states of the United Nations has finalized a new international convention against cybercrime. About The draft convention is expected to be adopted by the General Assembly later this year, thus becoming the first global legally binding instrument on cybercrime. Background: The road to this convention began more than five years ago when the United Nations recognized the new challenges to international security and criminal law. The Ad Hoc Committee was established in 2019 and the draft convention was finally finalized in August 2024. About the Convention Aim: To strengthen international cooperation in the fight....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: Recently, the CEO of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) highlighted that India has witnessed a sharp increase in cybercrime incidents. About the Cyber Crime It is the use of digital technologies such as computers and the internet to commit criminal activities. It includes financial fraud (credit card fraud, online transaction fraud), crime against women and children with regard to sexually explicit material, and deep fake content etc. Reasons for increase in Cybercrime: Rapid Digitalisation, Large Internet User Base, Inadequate Cybersecurity Infrastructure, Insider Threats, Payment Systems Vulnerability, and Vulnerable population because of Low digital literacy....Read More

General Studies Paper-3  Context: According to the 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report by Verizon Business, India is one of the key countries affected by phishing attacks. Key Findings The espionage attacks dominate Asia-Pacific’s (APAC) cyber security landscape, including that of India. Some 25% of APAC cyberattacks are motivated by espionage, significantly greater than the 6% and 4% in Europe and North America, respectively. System intrusion, social engineering, and basic web application attacks represent 95% of breaches in APAC. The most common types of data compromised are credentials (69%), internal (37%), and secrets (24%). What is a Phishing Attack? Phishing is....Read More

General Studies Paper -2 Context: As per the report of the Centre for Research and Planning of the Supreme Court there are severe gaps in accessibility for people with disabilities at courts across India. About The first-of-its-kind report, sheds light on the inadequacies in the infrastructure of District Courts across India, raising serious concerns about the impediments faced by people with disabilities in accessing justice. Major Findings of the Report More than half of the District Court complexes do not have ramps, only 25.2%have availability of wheelchairs. Only 30.4%of District Court complexes have separate disabled-friendly toilets. Only 5.1%of District Courts have tactile paving to assist persons with....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: Around 50% of cyber-crime complaints received on the national cybercrime helpline every day have their origin in China and pockets of Cambodia and Myanmar. What is Cybercrime? Cybercrime refers to criminal activities that involve the use of computers, networks, and digital technologies. It encompasses a wide range of illicit activities conducted in the virtual space, often with the intent to compromise, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, and data. Cybercriminals employ various techniques and tools to exploit vulnerabilities in networks, and they may target individuals, organizations, or even governments. Common types of cybercrime....Read More