| Topic | GS Paper(s) | Context | Detailed Summary |
| Kerala Semicircular Classroom | GS2 (Social Sector – Education) | Kerala schools shift to semicircular (U-shaped) layouts, inspired by a regional film. | Encourages democracy in classroom seating; promotes inclusivity, better peer and teacher engagement, and reflects DPEP/SSA recommendations for flexible learning environments. |
| India-Philippines Strategic Partnership | GS2 (International Relations) | Bilateral ties raised to ‘Strategic Partnership’ after 75 years of relations. | Includes joint defence (BrahMos/export), maritime and economic cooperation, digital links; focus on Indo-Pacific, ASEAN, and countering China. |
| US Tariff Imposition on Indian Goods | GS2 (IR), GS3 (Economy) | US invoked emergency powers to slap 50% tariffs on India citing Russia-aligned concerns. | Hits key Indian exports, risks investment and forex, but may spur supply chain shifts, reforms, and market diversification for India. |
| Bangladesh – One Year After Change | GS2 (International Relations) | Interim Bangladesh govt marks one year post-Hasina-ouster, faces extremism & economic stress. | The July Declaration seeks constitutional status for 2024 uprising; instability affects cross-border cooperation and India-Northeast border security. |
| Rail Infrastructure in Northeast India | GS3 (Infrastructure) | Massive investment surge and projects under PM Gati Shakti boost NE rail connectivity. | Improved integration (e.g. Bogibeel Bridge), ongoing surveys/new lines, vital for economic development and Act East policy. |
| District Flood Severity Index | GS3 (Disaster Management) | IIT Delhi launches DFSI to rank flood-prone districts, guiding mitigation/resource planning. | Integrates flood duration, affected area, deaths, injuries, and population data for more accurate vulnerability assessment. |
| Tackling Money Laundering in India | GS2 (Governance), GS3 (Economy) | Parliament flags rising laundering, low conviction rates, and issues with PMLA enforcement. | Issues: broad definitions, burden of proof on accused, low conviction/enforcement gaps, political misuse. India aligns with FATF standards and reforms. |
| Balancing IQ and EQ | GS4 (Ethics) | Societal focus on IQ harming emotional well-being, with rise in mental health issues. | Emotional intelligence (EQ) seen as vital for holistic development; calls for SEL in education, and policy shift toward well-being. |
| Mycelium Bricks | Prelims (Environment) | Bio-based mycelium bricks emerging in sustainable construction. | Lightweight, biodegradable, fire-retardant; greener alternative to clay bricks, but market adoption limited by strength/moisture issues. |
| RBI Projects Strong Economic Growth | GS3 (Economy) | RBI, IMF project robust GDP (6.4%) for India in 2025–26 despite global shocks. | Inflation easing, strong domestic demand; economic policy resilience highlighted. |
| Naangarni – Traditional Farming Sport | Prelims (Culture) | Naangarni, a traditional ploughing race, is held in Maharashtra during the monsoon. | Farmers race oxen-drawn ploughs in mud; celebrates regional agrarian heritage, parallels Jallikattu, Kambala, Maramadi. |
1. Kerala Semicircular Classroom (GS2 – Social Sector – Education)
Context:
The Kerala education department is introducing a significant change in classroom design by shifting from traditional row-based seating arrangements to semicircular or U-shaped layouts. This initiative, inspired by the 2024 Malayalam film “Sthanarthi Sreekuttan,” seeks to eliminate the concept of “backbenchers” which traditionally created hierarchical divisions among students.
Key Facts:
- Students are seated in a semicircle with the teacher at the center, promoting equality in visibility and engagement.
- The layout fosters inclusive participation, increases student confidence, and encourages peer collaboration.
- Pilot projects in Kerala districts like Thrissur, Kannur, and Kollam report better academic outcomes and closer teacher-student interaction.
- This innovation aligns with the recommendations of India’s District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for flexible, child-centered learning environments.
- Challenges include ergonomic concerns for students on the sides, infrastructure constraints in overcrowded classrooms, and the need for ergonomic furniture and teaching aids to support the layout.
- The initiative represents a progressive effort toward democratizing classroom spaces, emphasizing equal opportunity for all students.
2. India-Philippines Strategic Partnership (GS2 – International Relations)
Context:
India and the Philippines have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, coinciding with their 75th year of diplomatic relations.
Key Facts:
- The partnership covers defence cooperation including the export of BrahMos missiles and joint naval collaborations.
- Maritime security cooperation focuses on the South China Sea, emphasizing freedom of navigation and adherence to UNCLOS.
- Economic ties strengthened through preferential trade agreements and digital infrastructure development.
- People-to-people cultural exchange programs support stronger bilateral relations.
- Both countries share a commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, counterbalancing regional challenges including China’s assertiveness.
3. US Imposes 50% Tariff on Indian Goods (GS2 – International Relations, GS3 – Economy)
Context:
The United States invoked trade emergency powers to impose a punitive 50% tariff on select Indian imports, citing security and trade concerns linked to India’s engagement with Russia.
Key Facts:
- The tariffs affect a broad array of Indian exports, with exemptions for key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and electronics.
- The move escalates trade tensions, threatens investor confidence, and could slow export growth.
- India aims to negotiate tariff adjustments while diversifying trade partnerships.
- The situation may accelerate India’s Make in India initiative, strengthening domestic manufacturing and economic resilience amid geopolitical shifts.
4. Bangladesh One Year After Political Change (GS2 – International Relations)
Context:
Bangladesh marked the first anniversary of the 2024 student-led uprising that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Key Facts:
- The interim government faces rising religious extremism, ethnic tension, and economic slowdown with rising public debt.
- Security challenges impact border management and cooperation with India.
- Historical cultural and linguistic ties between India and Bangladesh add complexity to bilateral relations, especially regarding issues such as illegal migration and water-sharing agreements.
5. Rail Infrastructure Push in Northeast India (GS3 – Infrastructure)
Context:
Indian Railways is expanding railway infrastructure in the Northeast as part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Key Facts:
- Rail budget allocation for the Northeast has increased about fivefold compared to the previous decade.
- Key completed projects include the Bogibeel Bridge and Agartala–Sabroom rail line.
- Surveys and new line constructions aim to improve connectivity in remote and strategic areas, including parts of Manipur and Mizoram.
- These projects advance economic development and connectivity with Southeast Asia, supporting India’s Act East Policy.
6. District Flood Severity Index (GS3 – Disaster Management)
Context:
IIT Delhi researchers have developed the District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) to quantitatively assess flood risk and impact across Indian districts.
Key Facts:
- The DFSI integrates flood duration, historically flooded area, casualty and injury data, and district population to rank vulnerability.
- It aids policymakers in prioritizing resource allocation and disaster mitigation efforts more effectively.
- Some districts demonstrate resilience reflected by lower severity despite frequent flood occurrences.
- Due to data limitations, crop damage is not yet included in the index.
7. Tackling Money Laundering (GS2 – Governance, GS3 – Economy)
Context:
Parliamentary reports have highlighted a rise in money laundering cases in India, accompanied by enforcement challenges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Key Facts:
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated thousands of cases, but conviction rates have remained low.
- Legal challenges include broadly defined offenses and the reversal of burden of proof on accused individuals, complicating successful prosecution.
- Concerns about the potential political misuse of anti-money laundering powers and tensions between central and state jurisdictions are noted.
- India is progressively aligning with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and expanding international cooperation to combat money laundering.
8. Balancing Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient (GS4 – Ethics)
Context:
Modern trends show an overemphasis on Intelligence Quotient (IQ) at the expense of Emotional Quotient (EQ), resulting in social and mental health consequences.
Key Facts:
- IQ involves cognitive skills like reasoning and logic, whereas EQ relates to emotional awareness, empathy, and relationship management.
- A balanced human quotient including both IQ and EQ is necessary for leadership, societal harmony, and personal well-being.
- Declining EQ is linked to increases in stress, mental health conditions, and reduced social cohesion.
- Educational and policy reforms are recommended to integrate social-emotional learning and foster holistic development.
9. Mycelium Bricks (Prelims – Environment)
Context:
Mycelium bricks, derived from fungal mycelium, are emerging as an innovative sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.
Key Facts:
- They are lightweight, biodegradable, fire-retardant, and provide effective thermal insulation.
- Challenges include lower structural strength, susceptibility to moisture, pest risks, and absence of focused standardization and regulatory support.
- Wide adoption could significantly reduce the construction sector’s carbon footprint, supporting climate goals.
10. RBI Economic Projections (GS3 – Economy)
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India projects strong economic growth for India in the fiscal year 2025-26, despite global uncertainties and external shocks.
Key Facts:
- GDP growth is projected at approximately 6.4%.
- Inflation is expected to remain moderate and controlled.
- Robust domestic demand, supported by policy reforms, underpins the positive outlook.
- These projections align with IMF forecasts and demonstrate India’s economic resilience.
11. Naangarni – Traditional Ploughing Sport
Context:
Naangarni is a traditional monsoon-season ploughing race held annually in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra.
Key Facts:
- Farmers participate by running alongside oxen pulling wooden ploughs on horseshoe-shaped mud tracks.
- This sport celebrates agrarian heritage and rural culture, fostering community bonding.
- It is comparable to other regional folk sports like Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu and Kambala in Karnataka.