WSDP Bulletin (14-11-2022)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Former CJI Lalit defends Collegium system: ‘Perfect the way it stands today’ READ MORE
2. S. President Joe Biden to seek red lines in talks with Xi Jinping READ MORE
3. Jharkhand wants new quota Bill placed in Ninth Schedule: What this section of Constitution is READ MORE
4. A satellite data system will help detect, act on methane emissions READ MORE
5. Cameroon can set path to climate-resilient economy with prompt reforms: World Bank READ MORE
6. Reliance to build India’s first multimodal logistics park in Chennai READ MORE
7. Vikram-S: India’s first private rocket all set for launch tomorrow READ MORE
8. Everyday Explained: What is ASEAN, the 10-member grouping of Southeast Asian nations? READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. Identifying SCs among Dalit Muslims, Christians challenging. Lack of data biggest roadblock READ MORE
2. Equality in marriage: Legal age for both men, women should be 18 years READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. In EWS verdict, a discrimination antithetical to equality READ MORE
2. The curious case of EWS READ MORE
3. Welcome move for transparency READ MORE
4. Need for Electoral Reforms (Part I) READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Education sans employability READ MORE  
2. GHI oversimplifies, magnifies hunger; is misguided READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. India-Russia bonhomie: Delhi prioritising national interests amid US pressure READ MORE
2. The US-led global order is tottering. It is India’s time to shine as a balancing ‘third pole’ READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Importance of agri exports — and what Govt can do to boost India’s farm trade surplus READ MORE
2. Why India cannot afford to ignore the GM crop revolution READ MORE
3. Grey areas. GM mustard, not a great idea READ MORE
4. Inland waterways will reshape transportation READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Preserving the precious: On ground water use READ MORE
2. Mangrove Alliance READ MORE
3. Explainer: Reducing pollution in North India will require more than a curb on farm stubble burning READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Is freedom from karma possible? READ MORE
2. Education that helps uncover hidden potential READ MORE
3. Why is it so difficult to forgive? READ MORE
4. THE ART OF PROBLEM SOLVING AND ITS USES READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. ‘The EWS quota is unfair because it twists the idea of social justice by bequeathing further privilege to communities who are historically situated to benefit from the caste system’. How far do you agree with this view? Analyse your views.
2. ‘The agriculture of tomorrow is going to be science-based, and the winners will be those who adopt it and develop it further today’. In the light of this statement, discuss whether India should start genetically modified cropping?
3. ‘The US is welcome to cement its partnership with India in various sectors, but it is well advised not to dictate terms to the latter with regard to Russia’. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments in International politics.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Don’t confuse visibility with credibility.
• The Supreme Court’s judgment upholding the 103rd Amendment which introduced 10% reservation for EWS to the Constitution seeks to undo the existing logic of affirmative action.
• The EWS quota is unfair because it twists the idea of social justice by bequeathing further privilege to communities who are historically situated to benefit from the caste system.
• While water remains a politically contentious subject in India, the climate crisis should inspire consensus across the political spectrum on disincentivising wasteful consumption of this precious resource.
• The agriculture of tomorrow is going to be science-based, and the winners will be those who adopt it and develop it further today.
• With India’s burgeoning population and increasing traffic, the development of inland waterways will not only reduce travel time but ensure a seamless journey for people and goods.
• India has rightly gone all out to safeguard its interests rather than toeing the line of western powers during the ongoing energy crisis.
• The US is welcome to cement its partnership with India in various sectors, but it is well advised not to dictate terms to the latter with regard to Russia.
• In order to keep the high office of the Governor insulated from unnecessary public controversies, both Punchhi and Sarkaria Commissions had recommended that the Governors should not be burdened with the positions and powers which were beyond their constitutional domain.
• ‘We have fought for social justice. We have fought for economic justice… Now we must  fight for electoral justice’- Barbara Boxer

50-WORD TALK

• The Supreme Court’s acquittal of three men sentenced to death for the rape and murder of a Delhi woman puts India’s criminal justice system in the dock. Ever-tougher laws won’t compensate for incompetent police and dysfunctional courts. Political leaders must acknowledge responsibility, and rebuild these slothful pillars of our republic.
• Most political parties can’t afford to criticise the Supreme Court’s 3:2 verdict upholding EWS quota. Therein lies the problem with this hot-button issue. The minority view by two judges, including the outgoing CJI UU Lalit, gives much fodder and can become the subject of another round of litigation in review.

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 map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price 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 occur 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 to your writing.

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