WSDP Bulletin (09-08-2021)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelims and Mains

1. Virendra Kumar launches ‘PM-DAKSH’ Portal and ‘PM-DAKSH’ Mobile App READ MORE
2. 1,000 years before the Greeks, ancient Babylonians had developed a unique form of trigonometry READ MORE
3. Ladakh administration’s decision on inner line permit draws mixed reaction from local taxi operators READ MORE
4. Over 5 cr beneficiaries enrolled under PM Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan so far READ MORE
5. Hundreds flee, homes destroyed, as fires ravage island in Greece READ MORE
6. Covishield-Covaxin mix gives better protection, says ICMR READ MORE

Main Exam 

GS Paper- 1

1. Explained: Why the Atlantic Ocean current system is slowing down, and its implications READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Restoring governance and normalcy in J&K READ MORE
2. The protectors? The threat to human rights and bodily integrity is the highest in police stations, says the CJI READ MORE
3. The GST Council Is a Constitutional Crisis in the Making READ MORE

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Addressing the quality deficit in India’s technical education READ MORE
2. Did inequality really increase during the pandemic? READ MORE
3. Haryana’s child pregnancies: Shift in societal mindset, swift action imperative READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Act East policy’s success rests on peace and trust between neighbours READ MORE
2. At UNSC, India’s values and interests converge READ MORE
3. Regional security brings India, Iran closer READ MORE
4. Chance for India to make its mark on UN stage READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Revisit the idea of ‘aging out’ India’s coal plants: A more nuanced analysis considering the various characteristics of individual plants would be appropriate READ MORE
2. Tightrope walk: The RBI should not undermine its own credibility by delaying steps to rein in inflation READ MORE
3. Finally, an end to the draconian retro tax READ MORE
4. Google, Amazon, Flipkart have all protested. India needs a new trade secrets law READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. There will be more floods. Be prepared READ MORE
2. IPCC: Overwhelming Evidence of ‘Irreversible’ Human Footprint on Climate READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Meditate to log on to your soul for answers READ MORE
2. DEALING WITH OTHERS READ MORE

Questions for MAIN exam

1. Old coal power plants, which are major contributors to emissions, should be shut down. Examine.

2. The UNSC presidency offers India an opportunity to underscore its credentials as the world’s largest democracy. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Peace is not made at the council table or by treaties, but in the hearts of men.
• A more nuanced analysis considering the various characteristics of individual plants would be appropriate.
• The RBI should not undermine its own credibility by delaying steps to rein in inflation.
• Climate models have long predicted that global warming can cause a weakening of the major ocean systems of the world.
• There is a need for a truly autonomous quality assurance body at an arms-length from the government, manned by eminent persons both from industry as well as academia.
• Despite all these efforts, it will take some time to win the trust of the masses in the Valley. There are many wounds on the hearts and minds of this land and its descendants, which need to be healed with the efforts of the government.
• The world is changing, and the pursuit of the interests of nations depends on understanding of the new world and strategic interaction with emerging powers and a successful foreign policy is a balanced foreign policy.
• “Every step towards the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle, the tireless exertion and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
• The absence of trade secret legislation in India leads to unnecessary litigation and non-cooperation in ongoing antitrust investigations.

50-WORD TALK

• The UNSC meeting today under PM Modi’s presidentship would be the right occasion to walk the talk and showcase the Indian ‘commitment to international law’ so as to be taken seriously as a global solution provider. As it is said, res ipsa loquitur — things speak for themselves. Hence, the right content in the PM’s presidential address would do so. The UNSC monthly presidency provides a unique opportunity to showcase India as a ‘different’ power.
• The diplomatic signalling coincides with a radical shift in the situation around Iran as well as in India’s political economy. Washington and Tehran are inching toward an agreement and a lifting of US sanctions against Iran. In anticipation, as many as 73 countries, including the EU, sent delegations to attend the ceremony in Tehran. Iran’s integration into the world community has become unstoppable.
• A first track and field gold, best medals haul, rediscovery of hockey glory, several near misses – a pandemic ravaged ​India couldn’t have asked for a better Olympics. But this is just the beginning. It must inspire scores more athletes across more disciplines to raise the tally at Paris 2024.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do a map work (marking those areas in maps and also exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers etc. same applies for the national places.)
• For economy related news (banking, agriculture etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related with various economic aspects, for examples if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing prices rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates etc.
• For main exam related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occurs frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment in your writing.