CIVIL SERVICE INFO

New Delhi Declaration on Equitable AI: Key Highlights At the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi, 85 nations and three international organizations signed the New Delhi Declaration, aiming to ensure the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are shared globally. This development is significant for the UPSC GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Science & Technology). Core Objectives & Philosophy  * Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya: The declaration is rooted in the Indian philosophy of "Welfare for all, Happiness for all," emphasizing that AI benefits must be shared equitably across humanity.  * Democratizing AI: It introduces a "Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI," a non-binding framework to provide global access to foundational AI resources and support local innovation. Key Pillars of the Declaration  * Knowledge Sharing: Unlike previous summits that focused heavily on safety risks, this declaration prioritizes the exchange of tech...

From Ideology to Identity: The Changing Face of Democratic Engagement. The rise of Generation Z (Gen Z)—those born between 1997 and 2012—marks a paradigm shift in global democratic engagement. Unlike previous generations characterized by structured ideological movements, Gen Z’s political subjectivity is rooted in a unique blend of radical individualism and episodic activism. Key Characteristics of Gen Z Engagement  * The Personal is Political: For Gen Z, political expression is deeply tied to personal conduct and identity. They prioritize lived experiences over abstract ideologies, resisting traditional hierarchies and "moral preaching."  * Episodic and Leaderless Protests: Movements in Bangladesh (2024) and Nepal (2025) demonstrate a preference for sporadic, decentralized, and virtual-first mobilizations. Unlike the sustained leadership of the 2020-24 farmers’ protests, Gen Z movements often "fizzle out" quickly but leave a profound impact on instituti...

Tehran’s Nuclear Seesaw: Balancing Military Escalation and Diplomatic Realpolitik The Iranian nuclear issue has resurfaced as a primary friction point in global forensics, shifting from the diplomacy of the JCPOA (2015) to recent military escalations. Under the current U.S. administration in 2026, the strategy has pivoted from precision strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to a renewed, albeit complex, diplomatic pursuit in Muscat. Key Geopolitical Dynamics  * The U.S. Shift: After military strikes in 2025, the U.S. is now exploring a "new JCPOA." This highlights a paradoxical approach of "maximum pressure" coupled with an openness to bilateral deal-making.  * Regional Stance: Despite deep-seated rivalries, Arab Gulf powers—having invested heavily in U.S. stability—are prioritizing de-escalation. They fear regional contagion and the kinetic capacity of Iran to retaliate against U.S. assets on their soil.  * Internal Iranian Shifts: Domestic pressure and external strikes...

The Hollowed Order: Multilateralism in an Era of Coercion The post-1945 international order, anchored by the United Nations and the conviction that rule of law could restrain raw power, is currently facing an existential crisis. As Shashi Tharoor argues, we are transitioning from a world of "rules" back to a world of "might," where global norms are increasingly treated as optional suggestions rather than binding commitments. The Erosion of Multilateralism For decades, the liberal international order relied on a "patchwork of norms"—sovereign equality, collective security, and open trade. Today, this foundation is crumbling due to:  * Great Power Exceptionalism: Major powers now openly embrace a "might is right" sensibility, bypassing international law when it suits their interests.  * Institutional Paralysis: Bodies like the UN are starved of legitimacy and resources, frequently paralyzed by vetoes and a lack of political will from ...

tobacco control in India  tobacco control in India, based on the provided report. This is particularly relevant for UPSC General Studies Paper II (Health & Governance) and Paper III (Economy). Tobacco Control in India: The Taxation and Regulation Challenge Despite being the world’s second-largest consumer and producer of tobacco, India’s fiscal measures to curb consumption are currently falling short of international benchmarks. While taxes have risen, the "affordability" of tobacco products remains a significant hurdle in public health efforts. 1. The Current Taxation Gap The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that taxes should constitute at least 75% of the retail price of tobacco products to effectively deter consumption. In India:  * Cigarettes: Recent tax hikes account for only 53% of the retail price.  * Beedis: The GST rate on beedis—which are more prevalent than cigarettes—has been reduced to 18%.  * The Problem: Because tax increases ...

  the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, a crown jewel of Pallava architecture a structured article tailored for UPSC Civil Services Examination (Art & Culture) preparation. Headline: Shore Temple: This 8th-Century Pallava Dynasty Shiva Temple is in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu  * Introduction : Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), the Shore Temple is one of India’s oldest and most historical temples. It is significant not just religiously, but as a priceless example of Indian architecture, maritime history, and cultural heritage. A breakwater has been built around it to protect it from sea waves.  * Historical Background: Construction took place in the 8th century (approx. 700–728 AD) during the reign of Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha). During this era, Pallava rulers were taking Dravidian architecture to new heights. Mahabali was a major port city at the time, serving maritime trade.  * Religious Signifi...