ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 19 April. Click Here for more information.
ForumIAS Answer Writing Focus Group (AWFG) for Mains 2024 commencing from 24th June 2024. The Entrance Test for the program will be held on 28th April 2024 at 9 AM. To know more about the program visit: https://forumias.com/blog/awfg2024
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GS paper 2
Gaza, a new pointer to India’s changed world view : India’s foreign policy is evolving, particularly regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Historically, India’s foreign policy was shaped by its anti-colonial stand and non-alignment during the Cold War. However, recent developments, including increased cooperation with Israel in defense and intelligence, indicate a shift. India’s response to the Israel-Gaza conflict, balancing support for Israel with traditional support for Palestine, reflects this change. India has also made strategic reorientation in response to China’s rise, which has led to its participation in international initiatives like the I2U2 and IMEC.
Syllabus Topic – India’s foreign policy
End the uncertainty – Madras High Court intervened in granting Indian citizenship to Sri Lankan repatriates. T. Ganesan, a 69-year-old Sri Lankan Tamil, struggled for over 40 years to be recognized as an Indian citizen despite holding an Indian passport. The court’s decision reflects on the broader issue of around 5,130 similar applicants and 91,000 Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu. The article emphasizes the need for the Indian government to proactively address these citizenship issues, respecting non-refoulement principles while facilitating voluntary repatriation and structured assistance for refugees.
Syllabus Topic – India and its neighbourhood- relations
Road fatalities rise in India, despite global drop: WHO : WHO reported a 15% increase in road traffic deaths in India from 2010 to 2021, contrasting with a 5% global decline. India’s fatalities rose to 1.54 lakh in 2021, while worldwide, road deaths decreased to 1.19 million annually. The WHO report highlights road crashes as the leading death cause among 5-29 year-olds and notes significant reductions in road deaths in ten countries. Despite global population growth, the road fatality rate dropped, but low- and middle-income countries, with fewer vehicles, disproportionately suffer higher fatalities.
Syllabus Topic – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors
‘New Delhi Declaration’ on artificial intelligence adopted : New Delhi Declaration was adopted at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) summit. The declaration emphasizes responsible, trustworthy, sustainable, and human-centered AI use, rooted in democratic values and human rights. The declaration also aims to foster collaboration among countries, particularly in the Global South, to harness AI for the common good.
Syllabus Topic – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India
GS paper 3
COP28 summit calls for ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels : At COP28, Nations agreed to transition from fossil fuels to achieve net-zero by 2050, aligning with IPCC recommendations to limit global temperature rise. The agreement reflects a compromise between developed and developing countries, balancing emission reduction with equitable contributions. Despite dilution from “phase-out” to “transitioning,” the consensus marks a significant step towards a fossil-free future. The summit also saw funding commitments for climate disaster aid and decarbonization.
Syllabus Topic – Climate change – initiatives
Indians vulnerable to climate change-induced health issues : Health vulnerability of over half of India’s population is increasing due to climate change. These risks are high for people with less access to green spaces, poor living conditions, and inadequate healthcare. The article emphasizes the need for robust primary healthcare and multi-sectoral policy responses to mitigate these vulnerabilities, particularly in high-risk areas like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Syllabus Topic – Climate change – initiatives
RoDTEP: U.S., EU slap countervailing duties on four Indian goods
Syllabus Topic – Indian Economy – International Trade
