1. Poverty in India is on the rise again: In the absence of CES data, the Periodic Labour Force Survey shows a rise in the absolute number of the poor READ MORE
2. The power of school feeding programmes to improve nutrition READ MORE
3. By failing to prioritise education, Modi government and the states are harming India’s future READ MORE

1. Get a dose of emotional vaccination too READ MORE
2. Humanity: Sporting events show us the way to lead a full, meaningful life outside of the playing arena, too READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelims and Mains

1. Creating awareness among farmers for Nutri Cereals (Millets) READ MORE
2. Use of Modern Technology for Crop Production Forecasting READ MORE
3. Explained: Why Gilgit-Baltistan matters to India and Pakistan READ MORE
4. Rajya Sabha passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill amid protest by opposition READ MORE
5. Governors can pardon prisoners, including death row ones: Supreme Court READ MORE

Main exam  

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. An agenda for the ministry of cooperation READ MORE
2. Drone policing during Covid exposes India’s need for data protection law READ MORE

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Poverty in India is on the rise again: In the absence of CES data, the Periodic Labour Force Survey shows a rise in the absolute number of the poor READ MORE
2. The power of school feeding programmes to improve nutrition READ MORE
3. By failing to prioritise education, Modi government and the states are harming India’s future READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Getting back in business in the Indo-Pacific: The choreographed visits of three senior U.S. officials are a part of the Biden administration’s deliberate strategic refocus READ MORE
2. US waking up to ground reality in Afghanistan READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Count the distress: Unemployment numbers strike cautionary note — growth alone is not enough for recovery. READ MORE
2. Services sector in need of revival package READ MORE
3. Inflation risks: RBI should give a near-term road map for policy normalization READ MORE
4. While trying to revive India’s sluggish economy, has the RBI forgotten about inflation? READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Explained: Why ‘net zero’ carbon targets may not be enough to tackle climate change READ MORE
2. Writing on the wall: Himachal govt report warned of rise in cloudbursts, landslides in 2021 READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Cybersecurity breaches are on the rise. What can we do to become more resilient? READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Get a dose of emotional vaccination too READ MORE
2. Humanity: Sporting events show us the way to lead a full, meaningful life outside of the playing arena, too READ MORE

Questions for MAIN exam

1. The new leadership in U.S. is looking for strategic re-focus away from Afghanistan towards maritime Asia. Analyse the statement with reference to recent diplomatic reach out of U.S. to Asian countries.
2. In India, services have outpaced manufacturing and become the main force, driving both jobs and growth. The government needs to take cognisance of this new reality by providing a supportive revival package to the badly affected services sector. Discuss the statement.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.
• In the absence of Consumption Expenditure Survey (CES) data, the Periodic Labour Force Survey shows a rise in the absolute number of the poor.
• The U.S. is willing to resist and counter China firmly, but with the full engagement of and contribution by the like-minded states of the region.
• Policymakers in India, too, need to be watchful. Growth alone is not enough if it comes without wellbeing (employment). If not addressed, high levels of unemployment will create both economic and social hurdles for growth.
• As growth strengthens and the RBI’s inflation-targeting credibility comes under greater scrutiny, a policy pivot would become increasingly likely.
• At the local level, cooperative societies should continue to cater to the needs of their members across segments of the primary sector. At the national level, they must emerge as organisations capable of competing with the behemoths of the private sector.
• India has the world’s highest number of undernourished children and the largest school-feeding programme – the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme – but limited evidence is available on the intergenerational impact of the programme.
• Effective collaboration between private and public sector leaders is key to ensuring a nation is cyber resilient. They must take a proactive stance.
• Union government must not reduce subsidy expenditure from renewable energy; it should re-structure it towards decentralised renewable energy.

50-WORD TALK

• Like Maharashtra ban on dance bars, Delhi government’s guidelines to check sexual abuse and trafficking at spas are well-intentioned but not well-thought through. A blanket ban on ‘cross-gender massage’ is regressive, will hurt employment prospects of women and push seedy operators underground. Tougher, non-corrupt regulation will protect women, not bans.
• The most important understanding between the United States and the Taliban, which facilitated the pullout of American forces, was that the Taliban would ensure no militant attacks on the US emanate from the Afghan soil. It is evident from the terms of the US-Taliban agreement that the survival of the Taliban has become far more important to the US interests than anything else.

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.

[WpProQuiz 13]

1. Open the door, the key is in your pocket READ MORE
2. The Good In Us READ MORE

1. Education is next calamity in making READ MORE
2. Burning wood, coal for cooking can cause blindness: Study READ MORE
3. Why Higher Education Is Still a Distant Dream for the Tribal Communities of Kerala READ MORE

1. What the Ramagundam Verdict Portends for Environmental Protection in India READ MORE
2. Is net-zero concept zeroing in on climate change? A sustainable consumption critique READ MORE

1. The hacking of Indian democracy: National security is important, but it can have an impact on human rights and civil liberties READ MORE
2. The cusp: on disconcerting note of coronavirus story READ MORE
3. Why India should make access to healthcare a fundamental right READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelims and Mains:

1. Parliament passes landmark ‘Inland Vessels Bill, 2021’ to repeal and replace the existing Inland Vessels Act, 1917 READ MORE
2. SC asks States to respond to plea that says citizens are still being booked under Section 66A of IT Act READ MORE
3. Suicides due to unemployment went up by 24% from 2016 to 2019: NCRB data READ MORE
4. Cloudbursts in Himachal, Uttarakhand evidence of climate change: Experts READ MORE
5. Is COVID-19 Wave 3 here? What the ‘R’ value indicates READ MORE
6. Covaxin works against Delta Plus: reading the findings of new study READ MORE

Main exam:  

GS Paper: 1

GEOGRAPHY

1. India: The country of all seasons READ MORE

GS Paper: 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The hacking of Indian democracy: National security is important, but it can have an impact on human rights and civil liberties READ MORE
2. The cusp: on disconcerting note of coronavirus story READ MORE
3. Why India should make access to healthcare a fundamental right READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Education is next calamity in making READ MORE
2. Burning wood, coal for cooking can cause blindness: Study READ MORE
3. Why Higher Education Is Still a Distant Dream for the Tribal Communities of Kerala READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Explained: Why Gilgit-Baltistan matters to India and Pakistan READ MORE
2. Making a case for Indo-Abrahamic accord READ MORE
3. Limited Afghanistan role: India should not see itself as a major actor in the unfolding events READ MORE

GS Paper: 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The ripple effect of gender inclusivity on India’s economy READ MORE
2. Bright future awaits Indian diaspora READ MORE
3. Post-Covid growth strategy: For economic revival, public investment and exports will have to do the heavy lifting READ MORE
4. Thirty years later, ‘reform’ yet to happen READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. What the Ramagundam Verdict Portends for Environmental Protection in India READ MORE
2. Is net-zero concept zeroing in on climate change? A sustainable consumption critique READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The draw of space and nuclear technologies: It remains to be seen whether the new ventures of Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates will strike a chord and benefit mankind READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Landslide-prone areas need tech support READ MORE

GS Paper: 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Open the door, the key is in your pocket READ MORE
2. The Good In Us READ MORE

Questions for MAIN exam

1. “The right to privacy is not absolute and its curtailment can take place only under a law which is just, reasonable and fair and subject to constitutional safeguards.” Analyse with reference to concerns raised by recent Pegasus spyware issue.
2. ‘National security is important, but it can have an impact on human rights and civil liberties’. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments.
3. ‘The current learning gap and reduced social skills can lead to a widening knowledge gap’. In the light of the statement discuss the way forward to address this challenge.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Increasing demand for resources and energy-intensive lifestyles make it nearly impossible for technological fixes to reduce carbon emissions.
• India must press ahead with vaccination to avoid repeat of troubles of the second wave.
• National security is important, but it can have an impact on human rights and civil liberties.
• Turkish president Erdogan’s overweening ambitions, alienation of Israel and moderate Arabs, growing conflict with Greece and alignment with Pakistan presents India with opportunity to widen outreach to west of the Subcontinent.
• Archaic gender norms which advocate gender segregation at a young age make the entry barriers for women into the workplace even tougher.
• The current learning gap and reduced social skills can lead to a widening knowledge gap.
• Liberalisation was not voluntary but was egged on by global lenders who would not lend without a firm Indian commitment on ‘reforms’.
• Despite the state’s achievements in the education sector, the poor socio-political condition of marginalised groups keeps them out of the mainstream, with the pandemic making the situation worse.

50-WORD TALK

• Withdrawal of FIRs by Assam and Mizoram and Assamese ministers’ planned visit to Aizawl for talks comes as a relief. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma must also help end Mizoram’s undeclared economic blockade as a confidence-building measure. Delhi should be more pro-active in finding solutions to border disputes between northeastern states.

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.

THE CONTEXT: On August 2nd, 2021, Parliament passed the Inland Vessels Bill, 2021. It replaces the Inland Vessels Act, 1917.   The Bill seeks to introduce a uniform regulatory framework for inland vessel navigation across the country.

KEY FEATURES OF THE BILL

• Mechanically propelled inland vessels: The Bill defines such vessels to include ships, boats, sailing vessels, container vessels, and ferries.  The central government will prescribe the: (i) classification, (ii) standards of design, construction, and crew accommodation, and (iii) type and periodicity of surveys, for these vessels.  Construction or modification of such vessels will require prior approval of a designated authority, as prescribed by the central government.
• Operation: To operate in inland waters, all such vessels must have a certificate of survey and a certificate of registration.  Vessels with Indian ownership must be registered with the Registrar of Inland Vessels (appointed by the state government).  The registration certificate will be valid across the country.  The certificate of the survey will be granted by state governments, in a form as prescribed by the central government.  This certificate will indicate the inland water zones (areas of operation to be demarcated by states) for such vessels.  The vessels must also have an insurance policy to cover liability for death, injury, or damage caused due to the usage of the vessel (including accidental pollution).
• Navigation safety: Such vessels will be required to follow certain specifications for signals and equipment to ensure navigation safety, as specified by the central government.  In case of a navigation hazard, the master of a vessel must immediately send a danger or distress signal to other such vessels in proximity and to the concerned state government.  If a vessel master abstains from rendering assistance after answering a distress call, he will be penalized with a fine of up to Rs 10,000, unless he is unable to render such assistance on certain specified grounds.
• Inquiry into accidents: All accidents aboard such vessels must be reported to the head office of the nearest police station, as well as to a state government-appointed authority.  The state may require the District Magistrate to inquire into these matters and submit a report recommending actions to be taken.
• Manning requirements: The central government will prescribe the minimum number of people that vessels must have, for various roles.  Violating these requirements will attract a penalty of up to Rs 10,000 for the first offense, and Rs 25,000 for subsequent offenses.  The central government will prescribe the standards for qualification, training, examination, and grant of certificate of competency, which indicate the fitness of the recipients to serve in the specified roles.  State governments will grant these certificates.
• Prevention of pollution: Vessels will discharge or dispose of sewage, as per the standards specified by the central government.  The central government will notify the list of pollutants which will be prohibited for discharge or disposal.  State governments will grant vessels a certificate of prevention of pollution, in a form as prescribed by the central government.
• Database on inland vessels: The central government will maintain an electronic centralised record of data on inland vessels.  These records will include information on (i) registration of vessels, (ii) crew and manning, and (iii) certificates issued.
• Development fund: The Bill provides for a development fund that will be utilized for various purposes including (i) emergency preparedness, (ii) containment of pollution, and (iii) boosting inland water navigation.  Each state will constitute such a development fund.  Sources of contribution to the fund include (i) schemes of state governments, (ii) stakeholders, and (iii) collections from the sale of wreck or cargo.
• Non-mechanically propelled inland vessels:  The Bill empowers state governments to delegate certain functions related to non-mechanically propelled inland vessels to their local governments.  These include collating data and conducting advisory programmes for owners, operators, and users of such vessels.  State governments will prescribe the criteria (such as size, purpose, age, and design) for the identification and categorization of such vessels.

BENEFITS:

• Uniform applicability of rules and regulations to ensure seamless, safe, and economical trade and transportation by using inland waterways.
• Prescribing of standards for classification and categorization of mechanically propelled vessels, standards and processes involved in registration of vessel; standards for identification and categorization of special category vessels, etc. by the Central Government and implementation of the provisions in compliance with the prescribed standards by State Governments.
• Preserving the statuses of authorities established by the respective State Governments and thereby ensures the effective administration of the provisions of the proposed legislation.
• Provides for a Central Data Base /E-Portal for registration/crew database thereby imbibing the spirit of Digital India Campaign.
• Stipulating higher standards to ensure the safety of navigation, protection of life and cargo, prevention of environmental pollution, providing for healthier trade practices, the constitution of the welfare fund, transparency and accountability of administrative mechanism, training and development of the efficient and skilled workforce.
• Covers the future developments and technological advancements in vessel construction and usage. Regulating the technologically advanced vessels of the present and future identified as ‘Special Category Vessels’.
• Provisions regarding Wreck and Salvage were introduced. The receiver of Wreck to be appointed by the State Government.
• Provisions regarding principles of liability and limitation of liability were introduced. To ensure secure trade and trade practices, the concept of insurance was improvised and expanded.
• Provisions relating to casualties and investigation improvised.
• Ease of compliance for service providers and service users.
• Provides a platform for the State Governments to regulate the unregulated sector of non-mechanically propelled vessels.

Reference Link: PRS  and PIB

THE CONTEXT: The latest data on the reproduction numbers (R value) for India showed that over the last week of July 2021, the overall R was greater than 1 again. An R value above 1 indicates that there can be a spike in novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the coming days.

ANALYSIS:

• The R value provides information on the average number of people who will contract a contagious disease from one person having that disease. Analysis showed that there was a rising trend of active cases in Kerala, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh which are among the top 20 states in terms of active cases.
• In the Northeast, R was greater than 1 in Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Nagaland. R value was very close to 1 in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Major metros such as Delhi, Pune, and Chennai, too had R which was higher than 1.
• This nationwide coordination suggests that it may be the precursor of a new wave, but we will have to wait for some more days to see if this trend is sustained. The R values go up and down as the pandemic progresses and the last time the R value for India had gone over 1 was during February 21-23, 2021.
• As of August 2, 2021, only 7.8 percent of India’s population was fully vaccinated and 27.6 percent had received at least one dose. This is of concern as unvaccinated people are more at risk of contracting the disease.

Reference Link : Down To Earth

THE CONTEXT: An Evaluation study of PMJVK has been conducted by NITI Aayog.

ABOUT PMJVK

• The Ministry of Minority Affairs implements the Pradhan Mantri Jan VikasKaryakaram (PMJVK), in the identified Minority Concentration Areas (MCAs) of the country, with the objective to develop socio-economic assets and basic amenities in the MCAs.
• The scheme was restructured in May 2018 and areas identified for implementation of the scheme was increased from a coverage of  196 districts to  308 districts which includes 870 Minority Concentration Blocks, 321 Minority Concentration Towns and 109 Minority Concentration District Headquarters. Priority sectors under the scheme are education, health, skill development, and women-centric projects.
• Projects under PMJVK are implemented by States/UTs/Central Government Organizations as per the need of the identified MCAs.
• In the last 7 years under the “Pradhan Mantri Jan VikasKaryakram” (PMJVK) more than 43,000 basic infrastructure projects including education, health, skill development, women-related projects, sports, and sadbhav mandaps, etc. have been sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 10955.75 crore, and Rs. 8115.67 crore has been released to the States/UTs for implementation of the projects.
• In addition to the above, the Ministry has also utilized social media platforms to spread awareness on vaccination through various renowned personalities from the field of social, cultural, and religion as influencers.
• The Ministry has started an awareness campaign “Jaan Hai To Jahan Hai” on Covid-19 Vaccination to prevent apprehensions and rumors, under which various organizations associated with the Ministry like State Waqf Boards, State Haj committees, State Channelizing agencies, and Programme Implementing Agencies(PIAs) of various schemes were urged to reach out to the people and work towards spreading awareness and getting rid of the vaccine hesitancy amongst the local communities.

Reference Link: Press Information Bureau

[WpProQuiz 12]

THE CONTEXT: India took over from France to assume the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of August.

Analysis:

• This is the first presidency for India during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC.
• India is organising three high-level meetings focusing on its priority areas–maritime security, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism.
• India will work as a voice of moderation, an advocate of dialogue and a proponent of international law.

ABOUT UNSC

• Established in 1945, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations.
• It is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security as well as accepting new members to the United Nations and approving any changes to UN Charter.
• Its powers include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action through Security Council resolutions;
• It is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member state
• A total of 15 members are there in the Council, out of which 5 are permanent and 10 are not permanent.
• The five permanent members include China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States
• The non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
• In June 2020, India was elected to the UNSC as a non-permanent member, winning 184 out of the 193 votes at the UNGA.
• This membership is for 2021-22. India was the only candidate from the Asia-Pacific category for the year 2021-22.
•  This is India’s eighth stint at the UNSC. Previously, India had been a member in the years 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and 2011-12

THE CONTEXT: The government will launch e-RUPI, a person and purpose specific digital payment solution on 2nd August 2021.

Analysis:

ABOUT e-RUPI

• e-RUPI is a cashless and contactless instrument for digital payment.
• It is a QR code or SMS string-based e-Voucher, which is delivered to the mobile of the beneficiaries.
• The users of this seamless one-time payment mechanism will be able to redeem the voucher without a card, digital payments app or internet banking access, at the service provider.
• It has been developed by National Payments Corporation of India on its UPI platform, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and National Health Authority.
• e-RUPI connects the sponsors of the services with the beneficiaries and service providers in a digital manner without any physical interface.
• It also ensures that the payment to the service provider is made only after the transaction is completed.

IMPACT OF e-RUPI

• It is expected to be a revolutionary initiative in the direction of ensuring a leak-proof delivery of welfare services.
• Being pre-paid in nature, it assures timely payment to the service provider without involvement of any intermediary.
• It can also be used for delivering services under schemes meant for providing drugs and nutritional support under Mother and Child welfare schemes, TB eradication programmes, drugs & diagnostics under schemes like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, fertilizer subsidies etc.
• Even the private sector can leverage these digital vouchers as part of their employee welfare and corporate social responsibility programmes.
• It will promote further the objective of digital economy and financial inclusion.

THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of Ayush has collaborated with the U.K.’s London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) to conduct a study on ‘Ashwagandha’ for promoting recovery from COVID-19.

 Analysis:

• All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush, and the LSHTM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
• They will conduct clinical trials of ‘Ashwagandha’ on 2,000 participants in three U.K. cities — Leicester, Birmingham and London (Southall and Wembley).
• It is an easily accessible, over-the-counter nutritional supplement in the U.K. and has a proven safety profile.
• The successful completion of the trial could be a major breakthrough and give scientific validity to India’s traditional medicinal system.

ABOUT ASHWAGANDHA(AG)

• Ashwagandha’ (Withania somnifera), commonly known as ‘Indian winter cherry’, is a traditional Indian herb that boosts energy, reduces stress and makes the immune system stronger.
• The positive effects of ‘Ashwagandha’ have been observed in Long COVID, which is a multi-system disease with no evidence of its effective treatment or management.
• Recently, a number of randomised trials of AG in humans in India have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing anxiety and stress, improving muscle strength and reducing symptoms of fatigue in patients treated for chronic conditions.
• It has also been indicated for treating non-restorative sleep, a hallmark of chronic fatigue.

THE CONTEXT: The Indian Army said that a military hotline has been established with the Chinese side in north Sikkim.

Analysis:

• A hotline is a direct telephone line connection between two parties.
• It will boost the spirit of trust and cordial relations between the two countries along the Line of Actual Control in the region.
• The inauguration was attended by ground commanders of the respective Armies and a message of friendship and harmony was exchanged through the Hotline.
• The hotline is between the Indian Army in Kongra La, North Sikkim, and China’s People’s Liberation Army at Khamba Dzong in the Tibetan Autonomous Region,
• These hotlines in various sectors go a long way in enhancing the same and maintaining peace and tranquility at the borders.
• India and China already have two military hotlines in eastern Ladakh – at Chushul and Daulat Beg Oldi in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
• In February, the foreign ministers of India and China had agreed to establish a new hotline to ensure a “timely communication” in the backdrop of the Ladakh stand-off.

BACKGROUND OF THE ISSUE

• India and China have been locked in a border standoff since their troops clashed in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in June last year.
• Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the clash. China put the number of casualties on its side at four.
• The setting up of the hotline came amid a continued standoff between the two armies at various friction points in eastern Ladakh such as Hot Springs, Gogra Post, Demchok and Depsang Plains.
• India and China had held the 12th round of Corps Commander talks on July 31 in Moldo on the Chinese side,
• In the previous meeting on April 9, the two sides discussed the withdrawal of troops from other friction points, after the completion of the disengagement process in Pangong Tso
•  However, days after the talks, reports suggested that China has refused to withdraw its troops from Hot Springs and Gogra Post

1. Diversity and inclusion are sources of strength READ MORE
2. Let go of all that is causing negative emotions READ MORE

1. Election quotas: Reducing public policy on social inequalities to reservations is an exercise in political cynicism READ MORE
2. Parliament must discuss people’s concerns READ MORE
3. New ministry to spur cooperative reforms READ MORE
4. In authoritarian regimes, political institutions may look democratic even when they are not READ MORE
5. Justice Delayed is Still Justice Denied READ MORE
6. Constitutional Challenges to Sedition Law Amid Rising Cases READ MORE

1. India: The country of all seasons READ MORE
2. Nauru: Seabed Setback READ MORE
3. Rewilding: Mass restoration or wishful thinking? READ MORE

1. What India@75 needs: Education and skills, rather than freebies READ MORE
2. World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: The Tipping Point In Rehabilitation READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelims and Mains

1. PM to launch digital payment solution e-RUPI on 2nd August READ MORE
2. New Polyhouse Technology for Horticulture CROPS READ MORE
3. Pakistan finalises Bill to grant new status to Gilgit-Baltistan: report READ MORE
4. Indian Army, Chinese PLA set up hotline in North Sikkim region READ MORE
5. India Assumes Presidency Of UN Security Council For A Month READ MORE
6. Moving away from traditional practice, more paddy farmers in Punjab taking to DSR technique READ MORE

Main exam  

GS PAPER – 1

GEOGRAPHY

1. India: The country of all seasons READ MORE

GS PAPER – 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Election quotas: Reducing public policy on social inequalities to reservations is an exercise in political cynicism READ MORE
2. Parliament must discuss people’s concerns READ MORE
3. New ministry to spur cooperative reforms READ MORE
4. In authoritarian regimes, political institutions may look democratic even when they are not READ MORE
5. Justice Delayed is Still Justice Denied READ MORE
6. Constitutional Challenges to Sedition Law Amid Rising Cases READ MORE

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL ISSUES

1. What India@75 needs: Education and skills, rather than freebies READ MORE
2. World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: The Tipping Point In Rehabilitation READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. India is losing out in Afghanistan READ MORE
2. JCPOA: A Bridge too far? READ MORE

GS PAPER – 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. A cycle of low growth, higher inflation: Unless policy action ensures higher demand and growth, India will continue on the path of a K-shaped recovery READ MORE
2. ExplainSpeaking: How IMF cutting India’s growth forecast will impact RBI’s monetary policy READ MORE
3. Explained: How India’s aviation market is changing with new players READ MORE
4. Securing India’s fiscal health: Govt should prepare for medium-term challenges READ MORE
5. Cryptocurrencies need new rules and tools. We need to design more forward-thinking laws READ MORE
6. 30 Years of Economic Reforms – A Saga of Growing Inequalities READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Nauru: Seabed Setback READ MORE
2. Rewilding: Mass restoration or wishful thinking? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The draw of space and nuclear technologies: It remains to be seen whether the new ventures of Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates will strike a chord and benefit mankind READ MORE

GS PAPER – 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Diversity and inclusion are sources of strength READ MORE
2. Let go of all that is causing negative emotions READ MORE

Questions for MAIN exam

1. The Indian economy is in a vicious cycle of low growth and higher inflation unless policy action ensures higher demand and growth. Analyse.
2. What are the advantages of nuclear energy? Discuss the challenges associated with use of nuclear energy.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.
• Unless policy action ensures higher demand and growth, India will continue on the path of a K-shaped recovery.
• Reducing public policy on social inequalities to reservations is an exercise in political cynicism.
• The impact of climate change on financial stability is debilitating. RBI’s steps, though a little late are welcome.
• Second-generation reforms require careful deliberation, effective implementation, and accommodative politics.
• India should seek a stable Afghanistan that is not hostile to it and let Afghans decide the nature of their polity.
• China’s relations with Central Asian states are becoming close, despite the influence of Russia. In this geographic sweep, China is bound to make a play for Afghanistan which is the missing piece as yet. That is where Indian eyes should be focused above all else.
• The growth of the cooperative movement in the country has not been free from turbulence. Apart from disagreements within, financial irregularities and undue control and interference of the governments are identified as inhibitive factors.
• India has a complicated legal system. Cases get transferred from inferior to superior courts, fresh arguments and evidence must get presented, and dates are assigned after long gaps, sometimes of a year.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Diversity and inclusion are sources of strength.

50-WORD TALK

• The growth of the cooperative movement in the country has not been free from turbulence. Apart from disagreements within, financial irregularities and undue control and interference of the governments are identified as inhibitive factors. Though largely funded and managed as private members’ enterprises, the cooperatives are required to obtain too many approvals from the government for their business.
• The new order by the Jammu and Kashmir CID to deny travel documents and government jobs to people with adverse police reports isn’t the way to win the hearts and minds of an already troubled population. Police reports don’t confirm guilt. Rule of law can’t be overlooked for national security.

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.

[WpProQuiz 11]