CIVIL SERVICE INFO

               AI GENRATED IMAGE  the India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, a major milestone for Indian foreign policy and economic strategy. India-EU Free Trade Agreement: The " Mother of All Deals" After 19 years of negotiations (started in 2007), India and the EU have finalized a landmark FTA aimed at doubling bilateral trade and reducing strategic dependencies. Key Pillars of the Agreement  * Tariff Liberalization: The EU will drop tariffs on 99.5% of Indian exports. Conversely, India has provided concessions on 97.5% of EU imports, notably reducing duties on luxury cars (from 110% to 10%) and wines/spirits.  * Services & Labor Mobility: India gains improved access for skilled professionals to work in the 27-nation bloc. India has reciprocated by opening 102 sub-sectors, including professional and telecommunication services.  * Exclusions & Sensitivities: To protect domestic...

  Greenland’s Importance Lies in Its Location Subheading: There are solid strategic reasons for Trump’s interest in Greenland. Byline: Geopolitics | Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain, Former Commander, Kashmir Corps. Key Sections of the Article: 1.from Geography to Strategy The author admits that geography was his least favorite subject in school. Back then, Greenland was just a vast, pale shape on the map near the Arctic Circle. The idea that a remote, ice-covered land could one day hold global strategic importance seemed unbelievable. However, Greenland has recently re-emerged in international discourse, primarily due to Donald Trump. 2. Why the Initial Skepticism? When the idea of the U.S. "buying" Greenland first surfaced, the global reaction was one of disbelief. Why would the U.S. want an island with only 57,000 people, mostly covered in ice? Initial analysis focused on rare earth minerals and future commercial potential. While these are important, the author argues they are no...

This article from Dainik Bhaskar (dated Jan 20, 2026) discusses the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence on democratic discourse, individual autonomy, and global power dynamics. It serves as a critical piece for UPSC topics like Governance, Ethics (GS4), and Science & Technology (GS3). Translation & Summary The article, titled "AI is an Expert at Crafting Narratives; We Must Be Cautious," by Richard K. Sherwin, argues that AI has moved beyond a tool to a "narrative builder." Key Points:  * Geopolitical Stakes: Citing Putin, the author notes that whoever masters AI will rule the world. Tech giants (Microsoft, Google, etc.) invested over $320 billion in 2025 alone.  * Algorithmic Manipulation: Algorithms act as "silent influencers," steering users toward corporate or political agendas by mimicking their preferences while actually narrowing their perspectives.  * The Democracy Dilemma: In autocratic regimes (Russia/China), AI is used...

India’s Critical Minerals Diplomacy: Strategy and Challenges India’s transition to a green economy is inextricably linked to the procurement of critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, copper) and rare earths. With China tightening export controls, New Delhi has adopted a "two-pronged strategy": bolstering domestic exploration while aggressively securing international supply chains through bilateral and multilateral partnerships. The Global Landscape of Partnerships India has engaged with diverse regions, each offering unique strategic advantages :  * Australia & Japan: Australia serves as a stable supplier of lithium and cobalt. Japan provides a "template for resilience," emphasizing stockpiling, recycling, and joint extraction in third countries.  * Africa & Latin America: Africa remains vital for copper and cobalt, while the "Lithium Triangle" (Argentina, Chile, Bolivia) is a primary focus for KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited).  * The W...

This article provides a critical legal analysis of hypothetical U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, focusing on the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Below is a concise summary tailored for UPSC (International Relations/GS Paper II) and a mind map of the core legal arguments. Analysis: U.S. Intervention in Venezuela & International Law The recent U.S. military action in Venezuela and the apprehension of Nicolás Maduro represent a significant challenge to the established norms of state sovereignty and international legality. The Legal Framework of Force The core of the argument rests on Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force in international relations. There are only two recognized exceptions:  * Self-defence (Article 51).  * UN Security Council authorization.    The article argues that neither applies here. While the U.S. justifies the action as a "law enforcement measure" against drug trafficking, international law does not re...

IMPORTANCE OF GRASSLAND   This article argues that grasslands and savannahs are critical yet neglected components of global climate strategy, which currently focuses too heavily on forests. key themes: 1. Ecological and Climate Significance  * Carbon Sequestration: Grasslands are vital carbon sinks. Unlike forests, they store much of their carbon underground, making it more secure during wildfires.  * Interdependence: Biomes are linked; for example, the destruction of the Brazilian Cerrado (savannah) directly threatens the water systems that sustain the Amazon rainforest. 2. The "Wasteland" Perception & Threats  * Policy Neglect: Many governments incorrectly categorize grasslands as "wastelands." This leads to them being diverted for industrial use or "misguided" afforestation (planting trees where they don't belong), which can actually destroy the existing ecosystem.  * Key Threats: These include agricultural expansion, invasive speci...