UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) General Studies (Prelims): Current Affairs and Core GS Syllabus

General Studies (Prelims): Current Affairs and Core GS syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for General Studies (Prelims): Current Affairs and Core GS in UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Current Events of National and International Importance

   4 topics

   • Government Schemes, Reports and Indices
   • Important Summits, Conferences and Agreements
   • Awards, Personalities and Recent Developments
   • Sports, Books and Miscellaneous Current Affairs
2. 2

   Indian Polity and Governance for Prelims

   3 topics

   • Constitution, Political System and Rights Issues
   • Panchayati Raj and Public Policy
   • Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies
3. 3

   Economic and Social Development for Prelims

   3 topics

   • Sustainable Development and Poverty
   • Inclusion, Demographics and Social Sector Initiatives
   • Key Economic Indicators and Schemes
4. 4

   General Science

   3 topics

   • Physics, Chemistry and Biology Fundamentals
   • Science and Technology in News
   • Health, Diseases and Nutrition
5. 5

   Environment and Ecology for Prelims

   3 topics

   • Biodiversity, Conservation and Climate Change
   • Species in News and Protected Areas
   • Environmental Conventions and Organisations

General Studies (Prelims): Current Affairs and Core GS flashcards for UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE)

24 of 50 cards from the General Studies (Prelims): Current Affairs and Core GS deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. Which ministry launched the PM Vishwakarma scheme, and who are its intended beneficiaries?

   It was launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). It supports traditional artisans and craftspeople (18 trades such as carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters) with collateral-free credit, skill training, a stipend, and toolkit incentives.

2. What does the Human Development Index (HDI) measure, and which three dimensions does it combine?

   HDI, published by UNDP in the Human Development Report, measures average achievement in human development. Its three dimensions are: a long and healthy life (life expectancy at birth), knowledge (mean and expected years of schooling), and a decent standard of living (GNI per capita, PPP).

3. Which index is published by NITI Aayog to measure multidimensional poverty in India, and what three dimensions does it track?

   The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Its three equally weighted dimensions are Health, Education, and Standard of Living, captured through 12 indicators.

4. What is the difference between the Global Hunger Index (GHI) and the Global Gender Gap Index in terms of publishing bodies?

   The Global Hunger Index is published jointly by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. The Global Gender Gap Index is published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

5. In which year was the United Nations established, and how many founding member states signed its Charter?

   The UN was established on 24 October 1945, when the Charter (signed earlier in June 1945 at San Francisco) came into force. It had 51 founding member states.

6. What is the G20, and what was the theme/motto of India's G20 Presidency in 2023?

   The G20 is an intergovernmental forum of 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union, addressing major global economic issues. India's 2023 Presidency theme was 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' / 'One Earth, One Family, One Future.'

7. What is the Paris Agreement's central long-term temperature goal?

   To hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

8. What is the difference between COP, CMP, and CMA under the UNFCCC climate negotiations?

   COP is the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC. CMP is the meeting of parties to the Kyoto Protocol. CMA is the meeting of parties to the Paris Agreement.

9. Who is awarded the Bharat Ratna, and what is the maximum number that can be conferred in a single year?

   The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award, given for exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. A maximum of three Bharat Ratnas can be awarded in a year (though the original cap can be relaxed, three per year is the conventional limit).

10. In which categories is the Nobel Prize awarded, and which prize is technically not one of Alfred Nobel's original five?

    Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace are the original five. The Economic Sciences prize (Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel), established in 1968, is not an original Nobel Prize.

11. Which trophy is associated with which sport: Ranji Trophy, Santosh Trophy, and Subroto Cup?

    Ranji Trophy is associated with domestic first-class cricket; Santosh Trophy with football (state teams); and the Subroto Cup with school-level football.

12. How often are the Summer Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup held, and in which years are the next ones after 2024?

    Both are held every four years. The Summer Olympics 2024 were in Paris; the next is Los Angeles 2028. The FIFA World Cup 2022 was in Qatar; the next is 2026 (USA, Canada, Mexico jointly).

13. How many Schedules and Parts did the original Constitution of India have, and how many Schedules does it have now?

    The original Constitution had 8 Schedules and 22 Parts. It currently has 12 Schedules (the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th were added by later amendments).

14. Which Articles of the Indian Constitution guarantee the Right to Equality?

    Articles 14 to 18. Article 14 (equality before law), 15 (prohibition of discrimination), 16 (equality of opportunity in public employment), 17 (abolition of untouchability), and 18 (abolition of titles).

15. What is the difference between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy in terms of enforceability?

    Fundamental Rights (Part III) are justiciable and enforceable by courts. Directive Principles (Part IV) are non-justiciable—they are not legally enforceable but are fundamental in the governance of the country.

16. Which constitutional amendment added the Fundamental Duties, and where are they listed?

    The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 added Fundamental Duties. They are listed in Part IVA under Article 51A. Originally 10 duties; an 11th was added by the 86th Amendment (2002).

17. What is the writ of Habeas Corpus, and under which Articles can writs be issued by the Supreme Court and High Courts?

    Habeas Corpus ('to have the body') is a writ directing that a detained person be produced before the court to examine the legality of detention. The Supreme Court issues writs under Article 32 and High Courts under Article 226.

18. Which constitutional amendments gave statutory/constitutional status to Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies, and in which Schedules are their subjects listed?

    The 73rd Amendment (1992) gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (subjects in the 11th Schedule). The 74th Amendment (1992) covered Urban Local Bodies/Municipalities (subjects in the 12th Schedule).

19. What is the three-tier structure of the Panchayati Raj system as envisaged by the 73rd Amendment?

    Village level (Gram Panchayat), Intermediate/Block level (Panchayat Samiti/Mandal), and District level (Zila Parishad). States with population not exceeding 20 lakh may not constitute the intermediate level.

20. What fraction of seats in Panchayats are reserved for women under the 73rd Amendment, and what is the term of a Panchayat?

    Not less than one-third (1/3) of total seats are reserved for women (many states have raised this to 50%). The term of every Panchayat is five years from its first meeting.

21. Distinguish between a Constitutional body and a Statutory body, giving one example of each.

    A Constitutional body is established directly by the Constitution (e.g., Election Commission of India, UPSC, CAG, Finance Commission). A Statutory body is created by an Act of Parliament/legislature (e.g., NHRC, CBI, SEBI, NITI Aayog is actually an executive body).

22. Is the Election Commission of India a constitutional body, and under which Article is it established?

    Yes, it is a constitutional body established under Article 324. It is responsible for superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.

23. Which body is constitutional and which is statutory among: NITI Aayog, Finance Commission, and National Commission for Scheduled Castes?

    NITI Aayog is an executive (non-statutory, non-constitutional) body created by a Cabinet resolution (2015). The Finance Commission is a constitutional body (Article 280). The National Commission for Scheduled Castes is a constitutional body (Article 338).

24. How many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are there, by when are they to be achieved, and what is SDG 1?

    There are 17 SDGs adopted in 2015, to be achieved by 2030 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SDG 1 is 'No Poverty' (end poverty in all its forms everywhere).

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