📘 Weekly Current Affairs – Page 3

UPSC • IAS • State PSC
Science & Technology • Internal Security • International Affairs

🔬 GS-III | SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

1️⃣ Role of Science & Technology in National Development

Science and Technology (S&T) is no longer confined to laboratories. It has become a core driver of economic growth, national security, and governance efficiency.

India’s focus is on developing indigenous technological capabilities to achieve self-reliance.

Key Areas of Focus:

Space technology and satellite applications
Digital technologies and artificial intelligence
Biotechnology and healthcare innovation
Renewable energy technologies

Why UPSC focuses on S&T:

Application-based questions
Linkage with economy, security, and ethics

Mains Angle:
“Science and technology act as force multipliers for national development.” Examine.

2️⃣ Emerging Technologies & Ethical Concerns

Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and automation bring immense benefits, but also raise serious ethical and governance concerns.

Major Ethical Issues:

Data privacy and surveillance
Algorithmic bias
Job displacement
Accountability in automated decision-making

Balancing innovation with regulation is the key challenge for policymakers.

GS-IV Link: Ethics, accountability, transparency

Mains Angle:
“Emerging technologies require ethical governance frameworks.” Discuss.

🛡️ GS-III | INTERNAL SECURITY

3️⃣ Changing Nature of Internal Security Challenges

Internal security threats are increasingly non-traditional and multidimensional. They go beyond conventional terrorism and insurgency.

Major Contemporary Challenges:

Cyber security threats
Fake news and misinformation
Economic offences and financial frauds
Radicalisation through digital platforms

Internal security now requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

Mains Angle:
“Internal security challenges in India have become more complex and technology-driven.” Analyse.

4️⃣ Cyber Security as a National Security Issue

With increasing digitalisation, cyber security has become a critical component of national security.

Key Concerns:

Critical infrastructure protection
Data breaches
Financial system vulnerabilities
Cyber warfare and espionage

Capacity building, awareness, and international cooperation are essential.

Prelims Focus:
CERT-In, cyber hygiene, critical infrastructure

Mains Angle:
“Cyber security is as important as physical security in the digital age.” Discuss.

🌍 GS-II | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

5️⃣ Global Geopolitical Transitions

The international system is witnessing rapid geopolitical shifts, marked by power realignments and strategic competition.

Major trends include:

Decline of unipolar dominance
Rise of regional powers
Strategic competition among major economies

India adopts a pragmatic foreign policy focused on national interest and strategic autonomy.

Mains Angle:
“India’s foreign policy reflects strategic autonomy in a changing global order.” Examine.

6️⃣ Multilateralism & Global Governance

Multilateral institutions face challenges related to effectiveness, representation, and legitimacy.

India consistently advocates:

Reforms in global institutions
Inclusive global governance
Voice for the Global South

Participation in forums such as G20 enhances India’s global leadership role.

Mains Angle:
“Reforming global governance institutions is essential for addressing contemporary challenges.” Discuss.

GS-IV | ETHICS & INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

7️⃣ Ethics in Science, Security & Diplomacy

Ethical considerations underpin decision-making in science policy, security strategy, and foreign relations.

Core Ethical Values:

Responsibility
Transparency
Accountability
Peaceful coexistence

Ethical diplomacy emphasises dialogue, international law, and humanitarian principles.

GS-IV Application:
Use examples from cyber security, AI governance, and international negotiations in ethics answers.

✍️ ANSWER WRITING PRACTICE

Q1 (GS-III | 150 words):
Discuss the role of emerging technologies in national development and the ethical challenges they pose.

Q2 (GS-III | 150 words):
Explain why cyber security is increasingly being viewed as a national security issue.

Q3 (GS-II | 150 words):
How does India balance strategic autonomy with multilateral engagement in a changing global order?

HOW TO USE PAGE 3

Use S&T topics for GS-III enrichment
Link cyber security with ethics and governance
Integrate IR themes with essay and interview answers

“UPSC rewards analytical depth and ethical clarity.”

— Shaktimatha 369 Learning

📘 Shaktimatha 369 Learning – UPSC Master Library

🗞️ SECTION A: WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS (Pages 1–20)

📌 Conceptual & GS-Wise Analysis

📝 Practice, Tests & Strategy

⚖️ SECTION B: INDIAN CONSTITUTION, GOVERNANCE & ETHICS

🎯 SECTION C: MAINS, ETHICS & REVISION TOOLKIT

Prepared by Shaktimatha 369 Learning
“Depth • Discipline • Democracy”

Tuesday, 6 January 2026