Subject Preference: GS Paper II (Social Justice - Education) | GS Paper I (Society - Child Welfare)
- The News (Dec 2025): The "Pa Pa Pagli" (First Steps) project in the tribal-majority Dahod district has been hailed as a successful model for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). Supported by UNICEF, it uses play-based learning to improve cognitive outcomes for children aged 3–6.
- Apt Topic: "Decentralized Implementation of NEP 2020"
- The 85% Rule: The project is based on the neuroscientific fact that 85% of brain development occurs before age 6. Traditionally, Anganwadis were "nutrition centers"; "Pa Pa Pagli" converts them into "pre-schools."
- Tackling 'Learning Poverty': Dahod is an Aspirational District. High dropout rates in tribal areas often stem from a "school-readiness gap." This project uses local toys, songs, and "Learning Corners" to bridge that gap.
- Institutional Synergy: It demonstrates the convergence of ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) with the NIPUN Bharat mission (Foundational Literacy and Numeracy).
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
