INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
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Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (RER) and Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) , Air Quality Index (AQI) , Model Code of Conduct (MCC) important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for November 01, 2025 |
What are the various electoral forms?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance like special intensive revision (SIR)
For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Polity
Context:
The Election Commission (EC) has just concluded the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. It proposes to roll it out in other States in a phased manner.
Read about:
Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act)
Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (RER)
Key takeaways:
- Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act) outlines the procedure for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls in India. Under this provision, a summary revision of electoral rolls is conducted before every general or by-election to update voter information. Additionally, the Act empowers the Election Commission (EC) to undertake a special revision of electoral rolls whenever necessary.
- By its order dated June 24, the EC decided to implement a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the country. Since Bihar’s Assembly elections are scheduled for November, the Commission began the process there first, designating July 1 as the qualifying date for voter eligibility.
- The SIR process in Bihar included several steps: submission of enumeration forms by all registered voters; submission of citizenship proof (for those registered after 2003); publication of draft electoral rolls; a period for claims and objections; verification and disposal of these claims by the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs); and finally, the publication of the final roll.
- The process was later challenged before the Supreme Court, which, through interim orders, directed the EC to accept Aadhaar as one of the valid documents to establish identity along with the enumeration forms.
- The final electoral roll for Bihar was published on September 30. The EC now plans to expand the SIR exercise to other States in phases, in line with their respective Assembly election schedules.
- In this context, it is crucial for citizens to understand the various forms related to electoral rolls, which are provided under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (RER). These rules include detailed instructions for filling out each form, and a summary of these is generally made available for public reference.
- While there are differing political opinions on the SIR exercise in Bihar, maintaining accurate and updated electoral rolls remains fundamental to ensuring free and fair elections — the cornerstone of Indian democracy.
- Going forward, the EC is expected to adopt a more spaced-out schedule for similar exercises, allowing sufficient time for voter participation and minimizing procedural hurdles.
- Following the Supreme Court’s direction, Aadhaar will likely continue to be accepted as a valid identity proof in future revisions.
- Meanwhile, citizens are encouraged to check the draft electoral rolls, submit the required forms, and ensure their details are accurate. New voters and those who have moved to different constituencies should complete the necessary applications.
- Active involvement by political parties and civil society organizations in assisting voters—particularly from marginalized groups—will help create a more inclusive and error-free voter list, thereby strengthening the integrity of the electoral process
Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act)
The Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act) is one of the foundational laws that governs elections and voter registration in India. Enacted on May 12, 1950, it lays down the legal framework for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls, the allocation of seats in the legislature, and the delimitation of constituencies. It ensures that every citizen who meets the eligibility criteria can be properly registered as a voter and exercise their right to vote.
Key Features and Provisions
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Electoral Rolls (Section 15–23):
The Act mandates the preparation and revision of electoral rolls for every constituency under the supervision of the Election Commission of India (ECI).-
Section 21 specifically deals with the preparation and periodic revision of electoral rolls.
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The rolls are revised before every general election and can also be specially revised if required.
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The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 provide detailed procedures for these revisions.
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Eligibility for Registration (Section 19):
Every person who is a citizen of India, at least 18 years old, and ordinarily resident in a constituency is eligible to be registered as a voter. -
Disqualifications (Section 16):
A person may be disqualified from registration if they are:-
Not a citizen of India,
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Of unsound mind, declared so by a competent court, or
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Disqualified for voting under any law relating to corrupt practices or offences in connection with elections.
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Delimitation and Allocation of Seats:
The Act provides for the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies and the delimitation of constituencies based on population data from the latest Census. -
Role of the Election Commission:
The Election Commission of India is entrusted with the supervision, direction, and control of the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. It ensures that the rolls are free from duplication, errors, and ineligible entries. -
Forms and Procedures:
The process for inclusion, deletion, or correction of names in electoral rolls is governed by rules under this Act. Citizens can apply using prescribed forms (Form 6, 7, 8, etc.) as defined in the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
Follow Up Question
Mains
1.Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (UPSC 2022)
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Note: This is a refrence approach to the Question and Model Answer Only
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Prelims
1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
- The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
- Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
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Answer (d)
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- A solar storm, also known as a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), refers to the release of highly magnetized plasma and charged particles from the Sun’s outer layers. These energetic particles can travel at speeds of several million kilometers per hour and typically take anywhere from 13 hours to five days to reach Earth.
- Although Earth’s atmosphere shields humans from the direct impact of these particles, they can still interact with the planet’s magnetic field, producing strong electric currents on the surface that may disrupt satellite operations, power grids, and communication systems.
- The first documented solar storm occurred in 1859, reaching Earth in about 17 hours. Known as the Carrington Event, it severely disrupted telegraph systems and even caused electric shocks to operators.
- Recently, the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) aboard India’s Aditya-L1 mission successfully captured a solar flare “kernel” from the lower layers of the Sun’s atmosphere — the photosphere and chromosphere — offering valuable insights into solar activity.
- On the Moon, the exosphere — a very thin outer layer — consists of molecules released through solar radiation, solar wind, and meteorite impacts. During a CME, when the Sun ejects a burst of plasma, more molecules are knocked off the lunar surface, increasing the density of its exosphere. Because the Moon lacks a protective magnetic field, it is far more vulnerable to such solar activity.
- This phenomenon was recorded by Chandrayaan-2’s CHACE-2 instrument during a series of intense CMEs in May 2024, which caused a noticeable rise in total pressure within the Moon’s sunlit exosphere.
- The discovery is crucial for advancing knowledge of the Moon’s exosphere and space weather, supporting India’s long-term goal of sending humans to the Moon by 2040, and aiding in the design of lunar habitats capable of withstanding extreme solar conditions that can damage satellites and other space assets
Chandrayaan-1 (2008) – India’s First Lunar Mission
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Launch date: October 22, 2008
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Objective: To conduct a detailed chemical, mineralogical, and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon.
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Key Achievements:
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Discovered water molecules on the lunar surface — one of the most significant findings in modern lunar science.
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Helped create a 3D atlas of the Moon’s surface.
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Demonstrated India’s ability to place a spacecraft in lunar orbit.
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Outcome: The mission was officially declared over in August 2009, after losing communication with the orbiter, but it had already achieved 95% of its objectives.
Chandrayaan-2 (2019) – India’s Second Lunar Mission
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Launch date: July 22, 2019
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Components:
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Orbiter – continues to operate successfully around the Moon.
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Vikram Lander – attempted a soft landing near the Moon’s south pole but lost communication during descent.
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Pragyan Rover – housed within the lander.
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Objectives:
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To explore the south polar region, search for water ice, and study lunar topography, exosphere, and elemental composition.
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Key Achievements:
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The orbiter remains active, sending valuable data on the Moon’s exosphere, minerals, and solar interactions.
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Instruments like CHACE-2 have provided insights into lunar atmosphere changes during solar events such as CMEs (Coronal Mass Ejections)
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Chandrayaan-3 (2023) – India’s Successful Soft Landing
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Launch date: July 14, 2023
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Landing date: August 23, 2023
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Objective: To demonstrate India’s ability to achieve a soft landing and deploy a rover on the lunar surface.
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Components:
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Vikram Lander (Chandrayaan-3 version)
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Pragyan Rover
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Key Achievements:
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India became the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole.
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The lander and rover conducted experiments on soil composition, thermal properties, and seismic activity.
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The mission established India as the fourth nation (after the USA, USSR, and China) to achieve a successful lunar landing
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1.“The Chandrayaan missions mark India’s progressive journey from lunar observation to surface exploration and scientific innovation. Discuss the scientific and strategic significance of India’s Chandrayaan programme in the context of future space exploration goals.”
(Answer in 250 words)
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Note: This is a reference answer structure and a model answer
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Prelims
1.If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?( UPSC CSE 2022)
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
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Answer (c)
A major solar storm (solar flare or coronal mass ejection) releases huge amounts of charged particles and magnetic energy from the Sun. When these reach Earth, they can interact with the magnetosphere and ionosphere, causing several technological and atmospheric effects. Let’s examine each statement carefully:
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Indian iron and steel exporters face the highest CBAM levy
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment and Ecology
Context:
Indian exporters of iron and steel to EU may have to pay about €301 million (approximately ₹3,000 crore) in Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) fees, the highest among all countries exporting similar products to the EU, an analysis by European non-profit think-tank Sandberg has found
Read about:
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Key takeaways
- The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a policy tool introduced by the European Union (EU) to address the issue of “carbon leakage” — a situation where industries shift production to countries with weaker climate regulations to avoid the costs of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Essentially, CBAM ensures that imported goods into the EU face a carbon price equivalent to what EU producers pay under the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS).
- Under the EU’s climate policies, industries within the region are required to purchase carbon credits for every tonne of carbon dioxide they emit. This system creates a financial incentive to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce emissions.
- However, if foreign producers exporting to the EU are not subject to similar carbon pricing in their home countries, they gain a cost advantage. The CBAM aims to neutralize this imbalance by imposing a carbon tariff on such imports.
- The mechanism initially covers carbon-intensive sectors such as iron and steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen—areas that are both energy-intensive and highly traded globally. Importers in the EU will need to report the embedded emissions of their products and purchase corresponding CBAM certificates to cover these emissions. The price of these certificates will mirror the price of carbon within the EU’s ETS.
- For developing countries, including India, CBAM raises significant concerns. It could act as a trade barrier by making exports to the EU more expensive if domestic producers cannot demonstrate low carbon footprints. This may also pressure developing economies to adopt stricter climate measures and carbon accounting mechanisms to maintain export competitiveness.
- In essence, the CBAM represents a major step in linking global trade with climate policy. While it supports the EU’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, it also introduces new dynamics in international trade, prompting debates on climate justice, fairness, and the responsibilities of developed versus developing nations in combating global warming
Additional Information
- According to a recent analysis by the European think tank Sandberg, Indian exporters of iron and steel to the European Union (EU) may incur approximately €301 million (about ₹3,000 crore) in charges under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)—the highest liability among all nations exporting similar products to the bloc.
- The CBAM functions as a carbon levy imposed on European importers who purchase goods from countries where production generates higher carbon emissions per tonne than comparable goods produced within the EU.
- Sandberg’s newly released online calculator estimates that Russia will face the second-highest CBAM costs at €240 million, followed by Ukraine (€198 million) and China (€194 million).
- The study further reveals that when India’s exports of aluminium and cement are included alongside iron and steel, its total CBAM liability amounts to around €330 million, equivalent to roughly 1.05% of the value of all traded goods.
- However, it also highlights a potential opportunity — Indian industries could increase revenues by about €510 million if they adopt cleaner and more energy-efficient technologies, thereby offsetting nearly €180 million in net costs.
- India has, however, consistently voiced opposition to the CBAM, with several industry associations labelling it a form of “non-tariff barrier” that could adversely affect the competitiveness of Indian exports in European markets
Follow Up Question
Mains
1.“The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) represents a new intersection between climate policy and international trade.”
Critically examine the implications of CBAM for India’s exports and its alignment with the principles of climate justice and the WTO framework. Suggest measures India can adopt to mitigate its economic and environmental impact.
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Note: This is just a model answer and a Model Structure model
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1.Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as ‘General Data Protection Regulation’ in April, 2016 and started implementation of it from 25th May, 2018? (UPSC CSE 2019)
(a) Australia
(b) Canada
(c) The European Union
(d) The United States of America
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Answer (c)
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law adopted by the European Union (EU) in April 2016, and it came into effect on 25th May 2018. It establishes strict rules on how personal data of EU citizens can be collected, processed, stored, and transferred — both within the EU and by entities outside it that handle EU residents’ data. The GDPR gives individuals greater control over their personal information through rights such as:
It also mandates organizations to obtain explicit consent for data processing and to report data breaches promptly. The regulation has become a global benchmark for privacy and data protection laws, influencing similar frameworks in several countries, including India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 |
- Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 296, placing it in the ‘Poor’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). However, by 6 PM, the city’s hourly AQI climbed to 300, and further to 302 by 7 PM, entering the ‘Very Poor’ range.
- This rapid deterioration prompted the Sub-Committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to convene an urgent meeting to assess the prevailing air quality conditions and meteorological forecasts.
- After reviewing air quality trends, weather conditions, and forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM, the committee decided to activate Stage-II of the GRAP across the National Capital Region (NCR). This stage introduces a 12-point action plan to curb further worsening of pollution levels.
- All agencies concerned—such as the Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR States and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)—have been instructed to implement Stage-II measures immediately, along with ongoing Stage-I actions. These measures fall under the ‘Very Poor’ category (AQI between 301 and 400) and aim to strengthen on-ground enforcement.
- The Sub-Committee has also urged citizens to support the initiative by following steps outlined in the Citizen Charter under Stage-I and II of GRAP. These include: using public transport over private vehicles, choosing less congested routes, ensuring regular maintenance of vehicle air filters, avoiding construction dust activities during winter months, and refraining from open burning of waste or biomass.
The 12-point Stage-II action plan involves measures such as:
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Intensifying mechanical road sweeping and daily water sprinkling with dust suppressants, particularly on high-traffic corridors.
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Conducting frequent inspections to ensure strict dust control compliance at construction and demolition sites.
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Taking targeted actions to mitigate pollution in identified hotspots based on sector-specific contributions.
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Ensuring continuous power supply to discourage the use of diesel generators and other alternate power sources.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) is a statutory body set up by the Government of India to coordinate, monitor, and regulate measures aimed at improving the air quality in Delhi and its surrounding regions.
- It was established through the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, following years of severe air pollution in northern India, particularly during the winter months when stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution combine to create hazardous smog conditions.
- The creation of the CAQM marked a significant shift from ad-hoc or fragmented mechanisms to a centralized, permanent authority for tackling air pollution. It replaced the earlier Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), which had limited powers and was often unable to enforce its directions effectively.
- The CAQM’s jurisdiction extends not only over Delhi, but also across neighboring states — Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh — areas that together contribute to the region’s air quality challenges.
- The Commission consists of a Chairperson, members from the central and state governments, experts in environmental and scientific fields, and representatives from statutory bodies like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- It functions as a coordinating body that brings together multiple stakeholders, ensuring that policies and actions taken by different agencies are harmonized and effective.
- Its primary mandate includes formulating and implementing plans to prevent, control, and abate air pollution, monitoring enforcement of laws, and ensuring inter-state cooperation.
- The CAQM has the power to issue binding directions to central or state authorities, and its orders override those of any other state body in matters relating to air quality management in the region.
- It also has the authority to identify pollution hotspots, regulate industrial activities, and control emissions from vehicles, construction, and agricultural residue burning.
- The Commission regularly works in coordination with institutions such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) to assess meteorological conditions and forecast pollution levels.
- Based on these assessments, it activates the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a framework that specifies a series of emergency measures to be enforced depending on the severity of air pollution — such as restrictions on construction activities, vehicular usage, or power generation through diesel generators
Follow Up Question
Mains
1.The establishment of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) marks a shift from reactive to regulatory and coordinated air pollution governance in India. Discuss its significance, powers, and challenges in ensuring sustainable air quality management in the National Capital Region.”
(Answer in 250 words)
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Note: This is Only a reference model answer Structure and Model Answer
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- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 4 and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
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Answer (B)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India is calculated based on eight pollutants identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). These are:
Hence, the gases among the options that are part of AQI calculation are: |
Subject Wise Topics
| Topic | Description |
| 1. Fundamental Rights (Polity) | https://upscexamnotes.com/topic-wise-articles/article.php?subtopic=3 |
| 2. Doctrine of Lapse (Modern Indian History) | https://upscexamnotes.com/topic-wise-articles/article.php?subtopic=386 |
| 3. Monetary Policy (Economy) | https://upscexamnotes.com/topic-wise-articles/article.php?subtopic=182 |
| 4. Environment Pollution (Environmnet and Ecology) | https://upscexamnotes.com/topic-wise-articles/article.php?subtopic=158 |
| 5. Physical features of India | https://upscexamnotes.com/topic-wise-articles/article.php?subtopic=572 |